Hello All,
I know that in my previous message I promised to tell you all about our wonderful "helpers." However, I have received some good news that I would like to share with you all.
About a year ago, I applied for a direct commission in the Army Reserve. What does that mean (for all you lucky civilians)? Well, in the Army there are two major classes of soldier, enlisted and officer. Right now, I'm an enlisted soldier (sergeant to be exact) and the enlisted side of the house usually (see Always) does the grunt work. The officers in the Army range from Lieutenant to General and are the people actually in command of units (Lieutenants take care of Platoons, Captains run companies, Majors run Battalions, ETC.). Well, after months of toil, paperwork and boards (that's where I got to stand tall in front of officers and get quizzed about my personality, intelligence and ability to think on my feet), I received the news that I am being recommended for appointment as a Second Lieutenant (OH-HELL-YEAH).
But here's the catch (you just knew there was a catch, didn't you?). I cannot be commissioned while on a mobilized status. If I am, I am no longer qualified to do my job. You see, in the Army, until you've attended the qualifying course (see US Army Chemical School, HOOAH!), you're not qualified for any job. And the officer course is different than the enlisted course I attended 13 (yep, I've been in since I was 17, and I still love the work) years ago. You might think that this is unwise (see Dumb) considering that I have 13 years of experience in my job field, but I do not. Firstly, I haven't been through the Chemical School in 13 years, and there have been many developments in the equipment and operations since then. I'm up to speed, but nobody can know everything. Secondly, and most importantly, I want to go through this operation as a Sergeant. It will be good for me to learn the bottom level of the operations, on a real life level, before I go on to run them from the top. Also, this job is tough enough as a Sergeant; I can only imagine how tough it is as a Platoon Leader (see Lieutenant).
Oh, and one more thing. After this is all over, I go on to five months of training to become a Chemical Officer. Wow! Another five months, yep. But I think I might have just found my motivation to quit smoking during the upcoming operation (see War). That training will be a bit more intensive and difficult than the enlisted side, and I can't wait to get there.
It's too bad you're not all here, I'm buying the beer.
Love,
Will
PS I've had LOTS of comments and letters and jokes on the website, and I would like to thank everyone that posts a message. I appreciate your thanks, concern and general positive attitude. If you've asked me a question, please be patient as I'll try to address them in due course.
Will, I wanted to let you know that all of us reading this site wish you a speedy and safe return home. Best wishes to you, and all of the men and women serving with you. God Speed.
Teresa Whetsel
Posted by: Teresa on March 20, 2003 12:37 PMDitto to Teresa! We're all with you Will!
Mary (Rooba's sister)
Posted by: Mary on March 20, 2003 01:18 PMGOOD ON YA WILL!!! WOOOORAH!!! Congratulations & CHEERS!!
God Speed Will ... praying for ya!
BIG HUGS!
Posted by: Diz on March 20, 2003 01:51 PMHi Will,
Well, you have me hooked..I read the updates on a daily basis now and look forward to them..you are a very gifted writer! Congrats on your commission....just think, you won't have to do any of the 'real' work anymore (I was an E-5 as well, so I can say that!!)...
Take care, God Bless you and all our brave troops and keep us updtaed as well as you can...remember, our prayers are with you all!!
Much love and respect for our United States soldiers!!
Posted by: Sharon on March 20, 2003 02:13 PMhey i would like to now if there is any trouble i will be a sheild for anyone willing to safe our country GO ON US YOU ROCK and so do all the men and women serveing our country and i have 5 family memebers in iraqi/ kuwait also so i know how you must feel love and hope justin
Posted by: justin on March 20, 2003 07:09 PMabout damn time!
Congrats - I think :)
Hi Will,
The first thing that caught my attention was your clever wit, you're a funny guy. The second thing that caught my attention is that you're a USD grad! My husband and I moved to Vermillion in Aug, it's been good to us so far. I go to USDSM, so when I saw your USD post I suddenly felt like the world was that much smaller and more comfortable. The news is terrifying, but your letters are encouraging. Thanks, and watch your ass (I'll even pray for it).
Regards,
Kelly Belle
Will - thanks so much for your candor, your humor and your very human portrayal of what must be scaring the shit out of you on a daily basis. I wish I could crack a beer with you, man.
Take good care of yourself, and thank you.
~Gabrielle
Posted by: Gabrielle on March 21, 2003 12:38 PMWill,
Hooah! Congrats on your promotion (See lobotomy)!!
Best of luck and a safe journey! Hope your skills are not required.
Enjoy the blog very much! Great read (see been there, done that).
Cheers,
Posted by: Lee on March 21, 2003 06:18 PMProud to be an American & God Bless you & every single US Military soldier that we have!! We are behind you 100%!!! Most of all, I thank everyone of you for doing everything that you can to protect the futures of my 6 grandchildren and the futures of all of our children & grandchildren in the US & for giving the children over there a chance to live a life not ruled by that insane bastard Saddam!!
Posted by: Linda on March 23, 2003 10:38 AMWill,
I'm a disabled, retired Navy nurse, (OR). Just heard that 1 of my old General Surgeons, doc Schinider is in your midst. Hope you won't find it necessary to meet him! I was with the 3rd FSSG before retirement--"now, I wish I was with you guys". "Keep your head down & your ASS covered!" (That is an old command post addage that my dad was fond of repeating.)
You make us proud--I just drove through Chesapeak, VA today & saw school children in the medians with American Flags--a great sight. "LETS ROLL"!!!!! suZZZzzz
Will:
Congratulations on your promotion.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and all the soldiers fighting for our country. you all make us proud. Take good care of yourself. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!
I just stumbled upon this website and truly enjoy it. I have a military boyfriend serving in Afghanistan now and the positive vibes of this site are very uplifting. God speed, Will, and everyone serving in the armed forces everywhere around the world. Thanks for fighting for us!
Cat
Posted by: Cat on March 24, 2003 09:48 AMhey Will...i juss hope u all come back home safe....
"GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN"
-may peace be with all of us...
NIRALI
Posted by: Nirali on March 24, 2003 09:49 AMHi Will,
Well it has been to see that you are such a jolly mood over there, i wish you all the best and i hope that you all will be home soon you are all in my prayers.
Patty..xx
Posted by: patty on March 24, 2003 10:05 AMWill, I just want to say that I am proud to be an American and have soldiers like you fighting for us. God Bless you and your family, you will be in my prayers! By the way, 'If God is for us, Who can be against us' was written in the Bible (see Romans 8:31) HOOAH!
Como estas Will?
Just to say that, you are all that you can be!
I am a retired MSG, but I still can kick some "Ass" if I has to go there!
Will, I am proud of you, and dust-off all the sand before you come to America.
God bless you! Hasta la vista baby!
God bless all of the soldiers that are giving thier lives to make this world a better place to live, hope every one gets back home safe, and thanks for your braveness, God be with every one of you on every step you take out their. take care.,
Posted by: mary on March 25, 2003 01:18 AMCongrats on your selection sir.
I'm a US Marine stationed in Iwakuni I stumbled across your posts last week and now i've been reading them every couple of days. I have several friends and a lot of fellow Marines over there that I hope won't need your services but if they do I know your and your crew will clean them up right. Keep your head down.
v/r
Cpl Pearson USMC
hi Will. I just wanted to say that you, as well as all the other dedicated troops defending the freedom of this county,are in our prayers.I am going into Basic Training in July and I am proud already to become a part of such a solid military.You guys are the best...so go kick some ass,and come home...(dragging that dirty motherfucker behind u)! Good luck boys!
Posted by: Amanda on March 25, 2003 07:35 AMJust found your page its incredible. You are incredible. May the Lord continue Blessing you.
Posted by: Debora on March 25, 2003 09:38 AMWill;
I am extreamly proud of you and all our Men and Women that are serving. You guys are what our country is all about, Freedom! Take care of what you need to do and come home safe.
I wear two Flag pins, one for my brother who is over there, MP unit and one for a co-worker who is also over there, National Guard. I will now wear (3), one for you.
Take care and know you have all our support and prayers.
Melody, Bartow Florida
Hey Will!
Your gift for writing has brought laughter to a teary eye (see: bawling). I sat and read each one of your postings and found humor after getting off of the msnbc site and reading goodbye letters from fam and friends. War makes my heartache. You gave me warmth and humor enough to buy you a truckload of beer and have it waiting for you when you come home. Congrats on your new appointment-I guess the Army loves you as much as we do!!!
God Bless You for protecting our hearts and minds. Hope you can keep in touch. I'd love to write a soldier...
Just to let you know that there is another whose thoughts are with you.
Love your sense of humor. Send me your address and I will help share some of my family (me and two children) with you. Maybe something in our lives will help you in yours.
Michele
Hello! YOU ARE DOING A WONDERFUL JOB AND DON'T LET ANYBODY TELL YOU YOU AREN'T PASS IT ALONG THAT YA'LL ARE THE BRAVEST GREATEST MEN AND WOMEN AROUND. SADAM HAS KILL SOME OF OUR AMERICAN SOILDERS WHO I AM SURE HAVE FAMILIES WHO WILL MISS THEM TREMENDOUSLY. NOW ITS HIS TURN FOR SOMEBADY TO MISS HIM! THE GUY WHO WAS IN OUR SERVICES AND HE TRIED TO HURT OUR OWN PEOPLE NEEDS TO BE SHOT RIGHT BESIDE SADAM.... KEEP DOING THE GREAT JOB YOU ARE DOING.. AND REMEBER YOU ARE HEROS NO MATTER WHAT! WHETHER YOU GET HURT THE FIRST DAY OR YOU SHOT EVERY IRAQ SOILDER AROUND YOU ARE THE GREATEST. TELL THE OTHERS MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THEM AS WELL AS WITH YOU.
Posted by: Heather on March 25, 2003 01:37 PMJust found this site. I had to say THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU all. I work at a middle school in Kansas and we are in the process of collecting "junk food" from our students to send to our angels in Iraq. Wish we could send something stronger for you. Just know it is sent with love, prayers, respect and appreciation. I also am a Religious Education Teacher for 6th graders. We end each class with a prayer for you all. Thank you again.
Posted by: Teri on March 25, 2003 02:00 PMMay God be with you Will. I stumbled on your site by accident. You are an interesting fellow. I will check your site every day for your progress.
Posted by: Carol on March 25, 2003 02:43 PMTake Care! Your guys are not alone you are all in our thoughts & prayers. We will be waiting for you safe return. Head down & cover ass!
MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND BECAREFULL OUT THEIR I PRAY FOR YOUR SAFE RETURN HOME EACH NIGHT. WE LOVE YOU THANK YOU SO VERRY MUCH FOR YOUR HELP. TAKE CARE.
Posted by: BECKY on March 25, 2003 05:01 PMWill,
Your postings warm my heart. This war has had me in tears since day one. Each night I light a candle and say a prayer for you and all the men and women serving our country. You are the American Heros!!!!! Stay strong, stay focused and come home soon....by the way....what and where can I send supplies to reach you and the troops? What do you need ? God bless you Will.
Love and gratitiude beyond words...
Rana
I'v been reading your "good news" letters and have enjoyed them all. I really don't know you at all, but i wish you and all the others over there the best. I have a relative in Kuwait...(Brandon Mitchel) So i constantly am watching the news and reading all the letters i can. It's good to see that somebody is in good spirits. I'm praying for everyone and again, wish you the very best.
~Jenn~
greetings from South Africa man !
Hope you are safe and sound.
Get these irquis to smoke their Hashish and the you guys will win quick.
Keep safe
Mike
Posted by: Mike on March 26, 2003 09:41 AMGod Bless...
Keeping you guys and gals in my prayers.
COME HOME SAFELY AND SOON!!!!
HUGGS!!
Posted by: JuLynda on March 26, 2003 10:29 AMHowdy Will~
You don't me as I don't know you, but I wanted to wish you and the troops all the best. We are proud of each and every one of you and hope ALL or at least most of you make it our of their alive. I'd love to send a care-package, but don't know where in the heck to send it? Any suggestions? Should you run into Mike Burt - Marine Pilot - please tell him Lisa says hello.
Take care,
Lisa
You might at least post a photo of George Patton with your quote, not an actor. :-D
Posted by: me on March 26, 2003 10:44 AMWill:
The war is constantly on the minds of us in the NYC area. The losses on 9/11 hit us all emotionally; some of us lost friends. The local CT firefighter company in which I'm a volunteer FF continues to improve its HazMat and building collapse rescue skills, just in case. We are taking risks nowhere close to yours, but you guys should remember that most of us support the current military actions. Dictators must be stopped from killing their people and neighbors and attacking the US. Rock on. Good luck with the promotion!
Posted by: Jim on March 26, 2003 11:05 AMI don't come from any strong military background. I have no idea what it's like to give of yourself in that way. I want to thank you for giving me some realistic view of what it's like to be there.
Since this "conflict" swelled up, I have been so unbearably sad. I know it has to happen, but I didn't think it would affect me so deeply. I don't even know anyone over there, yet I feel this deep sense of pride, mixed with concern.
If there is one thing that we civilians can do for you out there, please tell us. There are so many of us who want very badly to support our troops, but don't know how. I wish I could write a letter every day, thanking each soldier for their bravery. And I know I am not alone...
Your writing has truly touched me and I appreciate all that you and every soldier is doing for our country. I hope and pray for your safe return. God bless you.
With love and respect,
Elisabeth
Posted by: Elisabeth on March 26, 2003 11:29 AM"LETS ROLL" that stumbling block that was put in front of part of gods children we all are part of gods children .God bless you and all the soldiers out there making it possible for all HUMANS to enjoy birth given rights .HOOAH from omaha,nebraska
I hope u are doing fine. We are all proud of u. Come home safe
Greetings From Canada,
On behalf of many Canadians I would like to extend my thanks for your service and sacrifices.
I also want to share my deepest apologies that our current cowardly government has decided to live in luxury under the umberlla of protection that the USA privides us but refuses to contribute when called upon. At times I feel that when you are finished your mission in Bagdad, your next stop should be for a regieme change in Ottawa.
Good luck, out prayers are with each of you and your families.
Thank you.
Posted by: Bones on March 26, 2003 11:57 AMI just had 3 more friends sent over. I sell boats let me know if you need one when you guys come home. Have a safe journey and watch eachothers asses. You guys rule! Keep up the good work.
Posted by: Jacob Sporer on March 26, 2003 12:00 PMHi Will,
I´m from Brasil and not speak english very well... Good luck! Fique com o amor de Deus em seu coração (Stay with the God`s love in your heart)
With love,
Elaine
Dear Will,
Yeah, I think God said that in the Bible. You know if God be for you who can be against you...There's a ton of other good stuff in there too!
Praying for your safe return and the accuracy of your shot,
Janet
Woodstock, GA
Greetings from SOUTH AFRICA
Hi Will our government might not be behind you guys but I can assure you millions of South Africans are rooting that you fuck them RAGHEADS up real Good
God Bless
Fergie
Greetings from Maryland!
Will, I enjoy reading your posts. This site, along with several others, were highlighted on CNN.com today :-)
My heartfelt thanks to you and all the service men and women who defend this country every day. You have my upmost respect and admiration.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
God Speed,
Anela
P.S. Kudos on the promotion!!!!
Posted by: Anela on March 26, 2003 12:54 PMYou got a mention on cnn.com today. Way to go. (See http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/03/26/sprj.irq.soldier.blogs.reut/index.html).
Posted by: Joe on March 26, 2003 01:25 PMHi Will
Rest assured that I admire your strength (mental). You are a classic example of patriotism and leadership. I myself have two kids in the U.S. services. No doubt your parents are proud of yu, so am I.
By the way, how do I go about sending e-mails, candies and cookies to you guys.
God bless!
Will,
In listening to the news everyday in the car and watching TV - I am compelled to reach out to someone, anyone in the military. I stumbled across your web sight by accident and I am glad I did - it is now saved in my favorites folder. I have read your letters and everyone's comments and just felt that I needed to write to you and tell you THANKS!! You are risking so much for our safety and the safety of others. I don't know anyone in the military at this time - however my husband served in the Navy in the 80's. He was released right before the Gulf War. The ship he was on The USS Tripoli was hit by a mine in that war. As selfish as it sounds I was thankful he was home with me.
Now this war is in full swing and I am so greatful to you and all the others who have stepped up, however, I am so saddened about it all. To see our men and women over there in poor conditions, in pain and some dying my thoughts and prayers are with you and the 1000's of others serving, your friends and families as well.
My children - mostly my 10 year old (the other is 5) sees me upset at times after listening to the news and she asks a lot of questions. I try to shelter her from most of it - but I feel she also needs to know what is going on. She told me that she says prayers for our troops during the Pledge of Allegence at school. That makes me very proud of her to know that she feels compelled to reach out to our troops as I do, especially not knowing anybody involved. I am sure that there are many of other people out there feeling the same way.
So with that said - May God Bless you all and watch over you now and always. Thank you for allowing people like me to express our sincere feelings and thanks.
I will check back everyday until we hear of your safe arrival home.
Trish Moody & Family
Lawrenceville, GA
Greetings from Brazil
You got a mention on Folha.com.br today. It´s a top brazilian´s newspaper:
http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/reuters/ult112u30292.shtml
Good Luck for you!!!
Leandro
São Paulo-Brazil
Hi Will-
I learned about your web site while reading an article on CNN.com. It's refreshing to read your thoughts & comments, as you're clever with words.
My younger brother is an Army man stationed at Fort Hood. Fortunately, he has yet to be deployed to Iraq. He fought for the good ole' USA in the first war to oust Saddam.
Be safe & cover your butt & may you also return home soon.
~Konnie
Posted by: Konnie on March 26, 2003 02:48 PMAbout the only thing we can do from here is watch tv to find out what is going on. Thanks for writing. It gives me a more personal feeling of what you guys must feel. I pray for you guys and girls every night. I hope you come home soon. Thank you for defending our country.
Posted by: RHONDA on March 26, 2003 03:11 PMGood luck for you , to your friends.
Marcos
São Paulo - Brasil
I forgot :
To bring you luck, that's a prayer a young second Lieutenant
of Free French wrote in '42 : you will have no problem to translate, as we, at that time, were " allies ";
Donnez-moi, mon Dieu, ce qui vous reste
Donnez-moi ce qu'on ne vous demande jamais.
Je ne vous demande pas le repos
Ni la tranquillité
Ni celle de l'âme, ni celle du corps.
Je ne vous demande pas la richesse
Ni le succès, ni même la santé.
Tout ça, mon Dieu, on vous le demande tellement
Que vous ne devez plus en avoir.
Donnez-moi, mon Dieu, ce qui vous reste.
Donnez-moi ce que l'on vous refuse.
Je veux l'insécurité et l'inquiétude.
Je veux la tourmente et la bagarre
Et que vous me les donniez, mon Dieu, définitivement.
Que je sois sûr de les avoir toujours,
Car je n'aurai pas toujours le courage
De vous les demander.
Donnez-moi, mon Dieu, ce qui vous reste.
Donnez-moi ce dont les autres ne veulent pas.
Mais donnez-moi aussi le courage
Et la force et la Foi.
André ZIRNHELD
Parachutiste de la France Libre,
Mort au Champ d'Honneur en 1942.
(en médaillon)
Will,
Just know that everyone I know is praying for you and all the troops to get home soon and safe. We are all so proud of our boys! I can't get away from the news on T.V. You are all doing a fantastic and brave job. Thank you.
HOLA WILL,
AQUI ESTOY DE NUEVO, CADA VEZ MAS SORPRENDIDA DE VER LAS MUESTRAS DE CARIÑO Y APOYO PARA TODOS USTEDES QUE SE ENCUENTRAN EN EL FRENTE DE BATALLA....
UNA VEZ MAS, DIOS TE BENDIGA Y TE REGRESE A TI Y A TUS COMPAÑEROS A SALVO A SUS HOGARES....
TODOS USTEDES ESTAN EN MIS ORACIONES....
RECIBE UN ABRAZO
Posted by: LUCY on March 26, 2003 04:49 PMWill,
im proud to have soldiers like you fighting for our country ! God bless you and our troops and god bless america
God Bless you,
Joy
The flags & yellow ribbons are flying for you here at home! We are proud of your courage as you liberate a beautiful, oppressed people from a barbaric regime.
Our prayers are with you for a safe & victorious return.
May the great challenge you face today, become tomorrow's Peace.
GOD BLESS AMERICA! Joshua 1:9
Will...
I am doing all a divorced, working mother can do to assist all you on the lines.
I am a newly joined coordinator for Yellow Ribbon Campaign, working with Books For Soldiers (do you 'guys' need books and calling cards still?) and have put up the above webpage on my homesite.
I have also written online letters to servicepeople of all branches of the military through online organizations like Operation Enduring Response.
I have adopted my own two friends there as well as a Captain in the Army through Adopt A Troop (Presidential Prayer Team) and though I pray for all of you there, give a special prayer for my adopted people.
What else can I do to help?
My flag has waved for years, my car wears a yellow ribbon, as well as myself and my 7 year old son, on his own desire.
Just know my prayers are with all of you, for your safe and speedy return to your respective countries.
God Bless, and Godspeed, Will
Please tell all in your company of my prayers as well.
Uhmm, in my eagerness to say all I wanted to say, I forgot the "i" on my first name!
*looks embarrassed*
It's Judi
Judi Eckes
Will, I have enjoyed reading your updates, this is a war report that actually makes me smile. I am in full support of all of the coalition troops, and send my prayers and love to them all.
Posted by: Erin in Boston on March 26, 2003 08:41 PMExcellent writing. Great read and real as real gets. Keep it up. Your fans in NJ.
Posted by: J From T-Fly on March 26, 2003 08:49 PMHey Will!
I read about your site on CNN.com. I think its great what your doing. My best friend is a marine an I dont get to talk to him much so hearing your stories are great. Take care. Be careful. I wish you luck!
Hi Friend:
I hope everything's all right over there.
You've gotta fantastic site boy and I hope you and all your friends go back home very,very soon!!! Good luck! Take Care. God Bless you all.
Hugo
Santos,Sao Paulo
Brazil
Good Luck, Good Hunting and God Speed my friend.
An Old (litterally) Vet.
Posted by: Texas Bill on March 26, 2003 10:00 PMHi Will,
What a great site. Nothing like hearing it straight up from the front lines.
I commend each and everyone of our troops and the rest of the coalition for the job you are doing. My only regret is I am to old to fight by your side.
Be safe and God speed!
Ronnie Bussey
A damn proud American!
THE BRAVE...THE STRONG...THAT'S YOU !!
FREEDOM !!
THE RED, WHITE, AND BLUE !!
OUR THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU, AND EVERYTHING YOU DO. WE THINK OF YOU AND PRAY FOR YOU.
BILLIE MICHELE IN TEXAS
Greetings from Oregon!
Great site and my prayers are with you. Keep up the good work and thanks for keeping me safe.
Keep strong and keep the ol red white and blue flying high!!
Posted by: shannon on March 26, 2003 11:07 PMDear soldier
I am impressed with your sense of humour,keep it up.I wish for your safe return home and realise the tension free work when not on front .I am a +40 mother of an Indian indian --understood?--working in UAE --away from my country to earn a little more compared to India --and did so for past six years --sent my only son to USA to study Engineering --so you can understand my love for Americans --but now this war may affect his chances of work there and my old age will be affected as back home in India we donot have social security and pensions.So please tell me the good news when you are ending this war .Also do catch a few scuds for my safety in UAE and say CATCH OUT SADDAM.
your well wisher
Will,
Your awesome, me and my friends from Ohio would like to thank you and your comrades for keeping America Free and the soon to be death of the SADDAM REGIME
Will I have some very Important Info.
For the War but don't know how to get it to them so if you could have someone contact me. you have my web-site.
GOD BLESS AMERICA.
Gerald
Posted by: Gerald on March 27, 2003 01:31 AMWill, I am a major of the italian army, intelligence branch, in bocca la lupo !!! which means good luck and be safe, we wish we could be there right next to u guys, and we appreciate what u are doing.
Posted by: alfredo ramponi on March 27, 2003 02:15 AMI got this in an email a few days ago and I think it would look real nice here. Being a vet myself, I can attest to the validity of this message.
Good job Will, and keep your damn head down.
======================
The average age of the military man is 19 years.
He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country.
He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father's; but he has never collected unemployment either.
He's a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student, pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away.
He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and 155mm Howitzers.
He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk.
He has trouble spelling, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark.
He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.
He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional.
He can march until he is told to stop or stop until he is told to march.
He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity.
He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of fatigues: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.
He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle.
He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you're thirsty, he'll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food.
He'll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.
He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life - or take it, because that is his job.
He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death then he should have in his short lifetime.
He has stood atop mountains of dead bodies, and helped to create them.
He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed.
He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to 'square-away' those around him who haven't bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.
Just as did his Father, Grandfather, and Great-grandfather, he is paying the price for our freedom.
Beardless or not, he is not a boy.
He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.
He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding.
Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration.
Posted by: Dave on March 27, 2003 02:26 AMDear Will: I've just found your site, and I commend you. I pray for your safe return, and am so proud of you. My son is 11th En Bn, attached to the 3rd Inf. I guess that means he's somewhere near Baghdad. I love you all for your service, and pray daily for your safety. Special prayers for the POWs, MIAs and those we've lost to the disgusting actions of the SH regime. All of you are constantly in my thoughts. Thank you.
Posted by: Phyllis Gibson on March 27, 2003 04:22 AMGood luck to you.
Coraggio, ce la farete !!!
A friend from Italy
I,m glad that a soldier while going to war had such wits to keep others posted of wwhat goes through the mind of a soldier. However, you had gone to shoot that paper Despot-- or what bla bla that you said while leaving Us. Whwew are u now and what do u think of him now-- if ur in Iraq
Posted by: khan m Gulzar on March 27, 2003 04:46 AMI,m glad that a soldier while going to war had such wits to keep others posted of wwhat goes through the mind of a soldier. However, you had gone to shoot that paper Despot-- or what bla bla that you said while leaving Us. Whwew are u now and what do u think of him now-- if ur in Iraq
Posted by: khan m Gulzar on March 27, 2003 04:46 AMIf any of you want to post your own messages, I would be more than happy to post them as you email them to me, on my web page. I am in Alaska and I am proud to know that our troops are keeping the world safe. I will set up a page, with whatever emails from our soldiers, are sent to me. The link to my email address is listed on my web page. The web page is "http://www.alaskathegreatland.net".
Posted by: Jim McDonald on March 27, 2003 04:51 AMThank you for being in that sand for my family. Every time this week I catch myself thinking of what I want , like bigger house, new car or what comfort I can next purchase I stop and thank God for what I do have and berate myself for being concerned with my own wants when people are risking thier lives to ensure mine stays the same. God , please forgive Americans for thier selfishness and bless this man who is working so hard for us.
Posted by: alison gill on March 27, 2003 05:22 AMHi Guy found your site on CNN and I want you to know that most Canadians are with you in spite of our stupid Prime minister. He says he is against a regime change anywhere, and I think it's because the stupid bastard thinks he would be the next one to be ousted.
Anyhoo keep up the good work my heart is with you and the troops in iraq. CYA and come home safe. Zed
Will, hope all is going well wherever you are. All our prayers are with you. Can't wait to hear from you. Thanks for all that you are doing for this great country. God Bless and God Speed!!!
Posted by: Deb on March 27, 2003 07:59 AMWAR oil ... murder...
É VERGONHOSO O QUE OS USA ESTÃO FAZENDO COM O POVO IRAQUIANO ... E O MUNDO SABE QUE A RAZÃO É O PETROLEO...
UM POVO SENDO ASSASSINADO COVARDEMENTE... O QUE RESTARÁ NA CONSCIENCIA E NA HISTÓRIA DO POVO NORTE AMERICANO... CREIO QUE APENAS A VERGONHA DE TEREM MANCHADO A HISTÓRIA DA HUMANIDADE COM ASSASSINATOS HORRENDOS... UM POVO RIQUISSIMO E QUE PODERIA ESTAR DESTINANDO ESTES RECURSOS PARA FAZER ESTE PLANETA UM POUCO MELHOR...
REPITO ... É VERGONHOSO... ESTÃO MORRENDO PELAS MÃOS DE UM GOVERNO ILEGITIMO ... PELO OLÉO... PELA GANANCIA...
REZO DIARIAMENTE PARA QUE HAJA JUSTIÇA... POBRE POVO IRAQUIANO...
É O RETRATO DA HISTÓRIA SE REPETINDO COMO NO IMPÉRIO ROMANO E SUAS ATROCIDADES...
VOCE NÃO TEM RAZÕES PARA HONRAR E RESPEITAR SEU PAÍS...
WILL,
SEI QUE VOCE NÃO PASSA DE UM INSTRUMENTO DESTES POLITICOS
NÃO SEI DIZER QUEM ESTÁ COM A RAZÃO,
MAS SABEMOS QUE NÃO DEVEMOS UTILIZAR DE VIOLENCIA DE FORMA ALGUMA
OS AMERICANOS FIZERAM AS BOMBAS INTELIGENTES, E OS HOMENS, SÃO INTELIGENTES?
fuck you bastards!! Go your fuckin home
Posted by: the mentor on March 27, 2003 11:09 AMWill,
espero sinceramente que vcs possam voltar em paz dessa gurra insana , sem sentido , mas se ja que estao ai , acabem logo com o medo a\que assola nossa humanidade , destruam esse son of a bitch do saddam , .
p.s
innocent people must be alive....
your president is insane...
Gos speed will, go back home alive ok? perhaps we can continue keep in touch , but you must come back ....
god speed american soldiers!!!!!
Congratulations on the selection for promotion.
I wish you the best.
Doug Barker
Sergeant Major, U.S. Army (Ret)
What is it like over there
Posted by: Ashley on October 19, 2003 04:00 PMJoin the Linux community.
Posted by: Thomas on July 6, 2004 02:11 PM
Will is a pretty good writer and this is the collection of his writings. It'll be interesting to hear updates from a soldier's point of view, so I'll be posting them for all to read.
Take care Will