Freedom2

To Joy: You said you protested the war in Vietnam, which I gather is the same war your husband fought in. Have you ever asked your husband how he felt about the protesters and how they made him feel when he was in Vietnam or moreover when he came home? I wonder how you could support him and not support what he stood for? Or did you meet him after he came home? Then you could have the luxury of stating he served his country, which gives me the right to my opinion, without having to support him at all. If that is the case, you have no idea the sacrifices these soldiers or their families make. I would not boast about your affiliation to an organization that became a distasteful and shameful period in our history. Just talk to any of the Vietnam vets and you will see that for many those wounds still have not healed. You are right that you are not a traitor of this country, but anyone who has a family member in the service and still feels they can protest is definitely a traitor to that family member. You are also entitled to your opinion, as am I. - Sandgruntwife

I too protested the war in Vietnam - it wasn't right for our government to toy with the lives of America's life blood. Boys were ordered to take Hill 506 at a cost of 100 lives - they held it for a few days, retreated and then were ordered back up that same hill at a cost of 200 lives - Westmoreland never realized that the North Vietnamese were more than funny little people in black silk pajamas and pointed hats. But Westmoreland was a politician who became a general. Eisenhower was a general who became a politician - there is a huge difference. That being said, it's like Americans found their voices during the Nam war - we were free to protest - and we've paid the price.

What would you suggest we do about acts of terrorism against Americans here and abroad - cower under the table, do what Clinton did, promise to hunt them down and punish them and then do nothing? What would you suggest? My husband is former United States Army - he fought in Nam, while I was on a college campus - stark contrast to what I saw and what he saw. There was no clear objective during Nam. It was a civil war that had not spread to our shores. However, 9/11 changed all of that. WE were attacked and attacked horrifically and viciously. What should we say to the survivors of those attacks? Well, people just don't agree that the world should be safe from harm so, we're just going to sit back and wait until it happens again? And it will happen again and again and again. This is so very different from Vietnam and I'm sorry that you can't see that.

This is a war that was brought to America's shores. I lost friends on 9/11 - I remember 9/11 - I still cry for that family with four little boys who lost their mother on 9/11 in the field in Pennsylvania. My husband had a friend that had survived the horrific fire-fight at IaDrang, only to lose his life saving others at the WTC - he got out once, twice, even three times leading people to safety. The fourth time the building crashed down around him. Perhaps that fine man didn't learn the lessons of Nam very well, or perhaps he learned them better than you or I who protested our involvement.

For those who protest our involvement in a war on terrorism, all I can say is I hope that you or your family is never hit in the face with a senseless act of terrorism - I hope that you or your family is never in the wrong place at the wrong time when terror strikes again. But should you or your family be among the next victims, remember please that you thought our involvement was unnecessary. Next time you see Iraqi citizens shouting for joy, jumping in the streets, taking any vestige of Saddam down - remember that you think it's unnecessary. We've given those people their voice back - what they do with that voice will be up to them ... but until the world is rid of people like Saddam Hussein and Bin Laden, America needs to stand as one people under one flag. Didn't we learn anything from our protests of Nam? There are a great many things worthy of protest - our involvement in a war on terrorism, isn't one of those things. - Daisi

When I wrote this [Freedom isn't cheap, page one], it was not about war, or my being for or against it. It was about how the protesters were affecting me, my family and many other families of soldiers who were in Iraq fighting. The protesters got together every Friday night, in the city I worked and chanted up and down the streets, forcing me to hear their point of views. Not one caring how anyone in my place might feel about this. They spoke of their rights, but if I wore anything patriotic in support of my husband and son, I was accosted. This left me feeling very unappreciated.

The day my husband and son left our family, to serve their country, there was a 30-second blurb on the news about their leaving, yet right before this newscast they had a story about the protesters that lasted more than five minutes.

I am not trying to change anyone's feelings. They are entitled to them, after all that is what my soldiers are fighting for. I would be a hypocrite to say anything less. I only hoped that maybe these protesters would think about the families and the hurtful words they were using. They should also be thankful for the soldiers and the fact that they can express themselves. I do not have that luxury. I am a military wife and mother and I must serve my country by supporting my soldiers. I cannot allow myself the luxury of considering how I feel about any war. By doing so would be the same as turning my back on my soldiers. So the next time you want to protest, think of the family that is giving up their rights for you, and be more considerate when they show support of their soldiers. - Joyce L.

That is a great poem. I have been getting so teary lately. I know it has to do with the anniversary coming up. I feel such a sadness, you would think I had lost someone close to me, like family. You know like this poem says ... maybe we did all lose family. I wonder if Pearl Harbor survivors felt or feel this way. - Patti in Michigan

You hit the nail on the head, my husband served 20 years of his life in the USAF and we do get a pension and we do deserve it. I would be the first one to put my life on the line for my freedoms. I have sent my husband, I would send my son, and anyone who is not willing to defend the freedoms that millions have died for needs to leave and go live in Germany with the Neo-Nazi's, or maybe in France where hundreds of thousands of our soldiers lay beneath the dirt the ungrateful French walk upon. Maybe they want to go to Poland to live next to the Concentration Camps Memorials or maybe they want to save Milosovich and see concentration camps still in use. They can go live in Serbia or Albania or maybe the Middle East with the people who want them dead. Why are they here hiding behind MY freedoms, the one's they won't defend? Why are they hiding behind MY military, the ones they won't support? Why are they hiding in MY country, the one they won't die for? I say get the hell out and good riddance to you.

Stephanie Evangelos Lambert
Auburn, Maine

Clearly, Joyce and Joy struck many chords. Freedom of communication, giving us all the opportunity to understand, learn and educate is - without a doubt - one of the best and most valuable aspects of the 'net. Stay tuned, adding comments as fast as possible.

I live one day at a time, who knows what time will bring
I hold onto memories and pray the phone will ring

I watch the mail daily, hoping for any news
That’s one less day to worry, my loved one I will lose

I listen to his war stories, when he does finally call
And pray when the fight is over, he won’t be one to fall

I sense the fear in his voice, it is of great concern
But I hold back my feelings, my fears he must not learn

For I must be strong for him, any less would not do
It’s part of being his wife and of the military too

I knew nothing of this life, when I said my vow
But with each new deployment, I love him more than now

I count down each passing day, until he’s home and then
The military changes, his orders they extend

So I start counting over, my nerves begin to fray
The fears inside are growing with each passing day

You wonder if I had known, how my life would be
Would I still be willing or would I still agree

One cannot change the past or start a life anew
This life may not be easy but it is what I do

For who would be here waiting, for the soldier that must fight
If not for his family, to pray for him at night

Yes this is not easy, nor a glamorous life
The life of a soldier and the soldier’s wife.

I wrote this when I found out Brad had been involved in a firefight and the fears were overwhelming.

Update from Joyce, "His platoon is now part of a mission called Operation Feel Good. They go to Iraqi civilian homes to talk and help them if they can. He and his soldiers had lunch at one home. They were served a tomato, chicken broth with rice, and flat bread. They also had fresh cucumbers and bell peppers. Dessert was pomegranates. Brad said it was the best meal he has had in a while and he really liked the pomegranate. It did not sound very good to me, but when you are living on MREs I guess it would be a welcome change. Brad has been placed in a team leader spot. He is really glad about this, because he worries about the younger ones. He tries to protect them and keep them safe. My heart just swells with pride when I think of all he is doing there.

As well it should. Pretty interesting about the mission and lunch. Exactly what we never hear on the news. I have preached on numerous pages not to believe everything you hear, how the media just loves and thrives on negatives.

This Soldier

This soldier that we loved,

Will now live within our hearts,

For he has gone to heaven,

‘Twas God’s time for him to part.

His spirit we’ll remember,

He was devoted to so much,

His country and his family,

His friends, his work and such.

Remember his smiling face,

And the twinkle in his eye,

His heart so full of life,

He was oh so young to die.

He’d want us to remember,

The example that he set,

Caring for others first,

Even if they’ve never met.

He would not want us to grieve,

Instead embrace his life,

Sharing stories of his love,

And jokes to his delight.

So mourn and cry if you must,

Then open up your heart,

Embracing in his love,

Even though we’re now apart.

Joyce Lindsey

Wife of Sgt. Brad Lindsey

September 2006

Sgt. Lindsey paid the ultimate price. He was killed in Afghanistan 9/9/06.

Now, what Joyce is up against is unbelievable and completely unacceptable. Every American's action* is required before situations will change for scores of thousands of military spouses in the same extremely leaky boat: http://www.therealmartha.com/SoldiersWidows/index.htm - published May 2, will be updated frequently.

*Contacting Congress by e-mail is just a matter of entering a ZIP code and clicking on a few links. Prepared text is available and some sites offer space for personal messages.

I pray in peace you’ll rest

I have missed you every day
Since we said our goodbyes
Never to say "Hi" again
Or to look into your eyes

What I would not have given
To have but just one minute
To tell you what it‘s been like
My world without you in it

The empty, lonely feelings
Few will ever understand
The urge to tell you something
Or the need to hold your hand

Your touch, I can never feel
Or your kiss upon my lips
To hear the way you teased me
Are a few of what I miss

As time slowly passes on
It takes a part of my life
I long to have you here and
To be your military wife

I wish my life would start again
And the many tears would go
Or will I forever be known
Only as a soldier's widow

This is a badge of honor
But it comes at such a price
The loss of someone so dear
Is so much to sacrifice

So I say goodbye again
Hopefully it’ll be the last
It is time to look forward
And not to dwell on the past

You’ll always be so special
And forever in my heart
I love you so very much
And wish we were not apart

So God bless you my darling
For you I’m hoping the best
And until we meet again
I will pray in peace you rest

Joyce wrote the above after Brad was honored at his unit's demobilization ceremony. "They presented me with a replica of the plaque that is on the base they named after him in Afghanistan. It was hard to see everyone home but him. He was the only combat casualty from Oregon."

http://www.coolourtroops.com/about/main.htm - Operation: Cool Our Troops started July 2, 2003. "We are raising funds to send personal misters to 50,000 military personnel serving in Iraq. The misters are portable, no batteries or electricity required, and rely on evaporation to cool surrounding temperatures by 20-30 degrees."

Adopt a soldier: http://www.oasamerica.org/ - go to OAS news for contact details. "With several thousand members, OAS is today one of - if not the - biggest private operated non-commercial support organization for service men and woman on the Internet."

I found my adopted K9 unit http://www.therealmartha.com/WARK9/index.htm through OAS. My guys have since gone different directions making it a little difficult to keep track and in touch. However, as far as I know, most of their e-mail addresses are still good. Check out a variety of contact/support site links listed there too.

Send the ones you'd like listed on this page: MarthaJones1@aol.com ~ please use Freedom as your subject line, I delete mystery mail.

The Military Man

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 10-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 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. Day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful.

Just as his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather did, he is paying the price for our freedom. He is the American fighting man who has kept this country free for more than 200 years.

He has asked nothing in return, except our friendship and understanding. Remember him, always, for he has earned our respect and admiration with his blood. And now we have woman over there in danger, doing their part in this tradition of going to war when our nation calls us to do so. Author unknown

still learn 75%.JPG (18517 bytes)

Please help yourself to the above. No doubt most people have seen the line written: If you can read this, thank a teacher. Several other if-you-can-read versions have been around too. They all make me cringe. Think ... who would be reading? The if is useless, therefore, as one of those scum-of-the-earth editors, I had to fix.

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight; nothing he cares about more than his own personal safety; is a miserable creature who has no chance of being free, unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. Author unknown

Pics arrived without credit. Not long after I requested information, a reader sent the following link.

Found this on a search (before I had the other info): These photos are from a quarry pond along Hwy 25, south of I-80 and north of Greenfield, Iowa. The artist, whose name is on one of the photos, captured the true spirit of patriotism. Greenfield is a small town with 2074 people and is by the looks of it, on the map, about one hour or so west and south of Des Moines. From: http://www.usgennet.org/usa/ok/state/artist.htm - includes more pics.

You are a steadfast patriot and I commend you for all your effort in preserving the TRUE American Spirit, BRAVO~!!!!!! Thank you, Helen

Doubt I could put my feelings any better, except to add the hope that Mr. Sorensen receives national recognition, at least. Consider that a request for anyone who has media connections to pass the pics and info along. And of course to send your own words of appreciation.

I'm working on this flag in cross stitch - may it serve as a reminder of our history to those who seem to have forgotten those lessons.

Remembering Their Sacrifice
A place of honor for those who paid with their lives to preserve freedom