tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post3090167552386214293..comments2024-02-09T00:13:51.906-06:00Comments on Army of Dude: Coming Home, Part TwoAlex Hortonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13729559701547002624noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-10593503660756802732007-11-13T09:43:00.000-06:002007-11-13T09:43:00.000-06:00"When a warrior fights not for himself, but for hi..."When a warrior fights not for himself, but for his brothers, when his most passionately sought goal is neither glory nor his own life's preservation, but to spend his substance for them, his comrades, not to abandon them, not to prove unworthy of them, then his heart truly has achieved contempt for death, and with that he transcends himself and his actions touch the sublime. This is why a true warrior cannot speak of battle, save to his brothers who have been there with him. This truth is too holy, to sacred, for words. I myself would not presume to give it speech, save here now, with you."<BR/><BR/>From another who has seen the elephant, if you decide to hang up your boots, that will do.<BR/><BR/>Fantastic blog and hang in there, it gets easier...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-52565315200925493312007-11-07T10:08:00.000-06:002007-11-07T10:08:00.000-06:00I am a 70 year old peace time vet.Every day I live...I am a 70 year old peace time vet.<BR/>Every day I live in shame for the war crimes my government is committing against my young comrades in arms. I love what my country was between Vietnam and now, but I apologize that I have not been able to do more to get you guys home unharmed.<BR/>I promise you all that I will not stop raising hell in letters to the editor, letters to Congress, political donations of a good portion of my retirement income, and any other ways to fight back. You guys deserve better!<BR/>If I thought anyone was listening I would resort to prayer for your safety.<BR/>Robert D Eckel<BR/>1775 Meadow Rd.<BR/>Southampton, PA 18966<BR/>(215) 355-5925<BR/>bobeckel@verizon.netAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00685413258649247163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-7503803584346191022007-11-05T13:35:00.000-06:002007-11-05T13:35:00.000-06:00Through time , History shows us that Man's in Huma...Through time , History shows us that Man's in Humanity to Man continue's. It is always pressed by some Govt. Country or some other being that assumes the responsibility and is usually quite proud of that fact.War is an atrocity in the name itslf.It takes real heros like Alex to come home and tell the truth . A Patriot who has found that in the time it takes to become a man , one see's that some dreams that some have always had are truly nightmares. I like all fathers wish only the best for all sons and daughters to come. But I also know that may not be the case. Alex has placed before us his point of view and stands behind it. That's exactly what real heros do. They stand behind what they say, see, and do. I count myself fortunate at my age to know such men and women. For there is hope for us all as long as we have this type of hero.Cutter Brandenburghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05877444199986522749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-65598860012751066342007-11-03T10:17:00.000-05:002007-11-03T10:17:00.000-05:00Very valuable blog you have here. Gives so much i...Very valuable blog you have here. Gives so much insight. I'm so glad to have found it. My son will be home next month. On his 2 wk leave from Baghdad he told me he was having a hard time relating to anyone who wasn't in the military.Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09454344516994289843noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-60799235645443643092007-11-01T13:40:00.000-05:002007-11-01T13:40:00.000-05:00Rest easy, Dude…Victory is just around the corner....Rest easy, Dude…<BR/><BR/>Victory is just around the corner. As we speak, elite units of Iraqi special forces are stepping up so more of our guys can step down. Here’s one <A HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfSwS4OO51w" REL="nofollow">special squad in action</A> near the completion of their training. Stay the course.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-57008523681617896502007-10-31T15:28:00.000-05:002007-10-31T15:28:00.000-05:00Dude,I found your blog late last night and read it...Dude,<BR/><BR/>I found your blog late last night and read it until I was falling asleep in front of the computer and finished it today during my lunchbreak. How easily your expirience could have been mine is scary. I too contemplated the military right out of highschool, several of my close friends actually enlisted. I am a few years older than you and they all had similar experiences to yours... up to going over to Iraq. Every single one of them was fed up and out of the military by 2000.<BR/><BR/>I am selfishly glad that niether me, nor any of my close friends had to expirience war. I mourn every time that I learn of new american casualties. I am saddened my the uncounted number of Iraqis that have had their lives shattered by this war. History will not be kind to the leaders that started this coflict. <BR/><BR/>Keep writing. <BR/><BR/>Keep living.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-18024101891867421532007-10-29T16:51:00.000-05:002007-10-29T16:51:00.000-05:00Keep writing.Please, keep writing.Keep writing.<BR/>Please, keep writing.samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04736656121061014835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-10085682009002975292007-10-29T10:56:00.000-05:002007-10-29T10:56:00.000-05:00A wonderful post to say the least...you are right....A wonderful post to say the least...you are right..most people in america don't know at all what is going on over there as well as myself as i was in viet nam in the late 60s and i don't think that anybody who didn't serve there knew what was really going on over there either...all things aside though, i can relate and i want to thank you for serving there and welcome you home....Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14300791317213582784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-47495376293345998992007-10-29T09:25:00.000-05:002007-10-29T09:25:00.000-05:00HOW MANY ARE THE DEAD?How many are the dead?Spokes...HOW MANY ARE THE DEAD?<BR/><BR/>How many are the dead?<BR/>Spokespeople dance it<BR/>Jiglike when asked, nor read<BR/>Reports from Lancet.<BR/><BR/>"Support the troops" as draped<BR/>Come two or three<BR/>Coffins home as escaped<BR/>Eye of TV,<BR/><BR/>While "over there" (I mean<BR/>To say Iraq)<BR/>Of coverage there´s been<BR/>An awesome lack!<BR/><BR/>Casualties, mayhem, dead<BR/>Blithely ignored<BR/>By each domestic head<BR/>Dreamy and bored.<BR/><BR/>Taxpayers, what a good<BR/>Return on cash,<BR/>Democracy that stood<BR/>Reduced to ash,<BR/><BR/>And enmity stirred up<BR/>Not just among<BR/>"Insurgency" (which group<BR/>Seems growing strong)<BR/><BR/>But common foes--once friends--<BR/>Around the world,<BR/>Nor any credence lends<BR/>Our dreams imperiled.<BR/><BR/>Dreams and schemes we have boasted,<BR/>Tried to chance it<BR/>On one huge gamble; coasted<BR/>Except for Lancet.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-1044624491646761292007-10-27T04:46:00.000-05:002007-10-27T04:46:00.000-05:00Alex. You're an absolutely excellent writer. These...Alex. You're an absolutely excellent writer. These are most difficult times. You're right - <I>that will do</I>. <BR/><BR/>Ask Lauren if she knows <A HREF="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2007/7/11/21933/1515" REL="nofollow">who I am </A>...;) <BR/><BR/>I surely miss her sweet face, and I'd love to hear from her. We all have a date ahead - July 10, 2008 - to celebrate a mutual birthday (and my 50th).<BR/><BR/>Please keep writing.<BR/><BR/>-<A HREF="http://exmearden.dailykos.com/" REL="nofollow">exmearden</A>, a fellow OOIBC blogrollist.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-39805197450154745162007-10-26T21:30:00.000-05:002007-10-26T21:30:00.000-05:00I only recently discovered your Blog. Powerful st...I only recently discovered your Blog. Powerful stuff, brings back some memories.<BR/><BR/>You have friends here, people who understand. Let us know if you're having difficulties. I converted my military experiences into a job working with Veterans, and I have a bit of a clue about these things - since I share them.<BR/><BR/>Dude, you are not alone.<BR/><BR/>Lemme know.<BR/><BR/><I>Hallmarks of PTSD</I><BR/><BR/>Difficulty sleeping.<BR/>Waken abruptly with formless dreams that are disturbing.<BR/>Don't like being touched.<BR/>well-defined sense of personal space.<BR/>Abrupt rage.<BR/>Generalized anger-management issues.<BR/>Startle easily.<BR/>Isolating yourself.<BR/>Difficulty with personal relations.<BR/>Self-medicate.Pragmatic Americanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00131773551219193123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-216611373092586432007-10-23T14:25:00.000-05:002007-10-23T14:25:00.000-05:00Damn you have been posting while you were on activ...Damn you have been posting while you were on active duty? With what you have been writing that takes a lot of courage. Good Luck. <BR/><BR/>Semper Fi,Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-4599812883352561872007-10-23T04:17:00.000-05:002007-10-23T04:17:00.000-05:00Congratulations on making it back in one piece. Wh...Congratulations on making it back in one piece. When I started speaking out against the war, I had all my old battle buddies saying that they agreed with everything I said. Something about being in the military, we all start to think alike after a while (well, those of us who aren't careerists). There are many of us who aren't antiwar so much as we are anti-Iraq war. Hopefully one day Americans will stop using "Support the Troops" as a means of supporting the war.<BR/><BR/>I'm glad your blog stayed while others went down. I'm one of those who monitors soldiers speaking out quite frequently and thoroughly enjoyed your west-coast style of writing.<BR/><BR/>Good luck in life and take care. There's more than a few of us who still have uphill battles to face.<BR/><BR/>SGT Ronn CantuUnknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06972549764159598225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-53011435131778241762007-10-22T23:06:00.000-05:002007-10-22T23:06:00.000-05:00Alex, Your posts always leave me wanting to know m...Alex, Your posts always leave me wanting to know more or what happens next. The Minstrel Boy mentioned Eugene Sledge. He was heavily quoted in Ken Burn's "The War" series on PBS. I think that in reading his book you would find a kindred spirit. I haven't read the particular book he mentioned by Manchester but he is an excellen author as well. I will put that one on my list of books to look for.Erikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16373129904014269922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-60098610310075623912007-10-22T12:46:00.000-05:002007-10-22T12:46:00.000-05:00I served in Vietnam in 64/65, had no where near th...I served in Vietnam in 64/65, had no where near the experiences you encountered, but I still would like to offer a few tips.<BR/><BR/>Time will help ease the awkwardness you are feeling now.<BR/><BR/>When you can, try to speak frankly and often with your father. You hit the jackpot to have a father like that and you should take advantage of your relationship.<BR/><BR/>Post on your blog when you feel up to it. It is a wonderful way to vent.<BR/><BR/>Best of luck to you. You have a spectacular future ahead of you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-44701871277649805582007-10-22T10:16:00.000-05:002007-10-22T10:16:00.000-05:00Alex, I read about you in the DMN this morning. Aw...Alex, I read about you in the DMN this morning. Awesome writing, Dude! You could seriously turn this blog into a book. You have the skill of observation and explaining what it all means. It's a gift that you should use when you consider your post-army career. Don't wait to try to publish it. Go after it while you still feel close to your topic. If you wait, you might never publish and I'm sure your toenails will turn black and all fall off or something like what happens when you don't pass along a chain letter.<BR/>Kim Martin<BR/>Frisco<BR/>p.s. I have a master's in journalism. I know you spent the last four years in the Army, but you've been learning to write as well as any master's level student at a university. What most college kids lack is a story to tell. You have your story. Now go out there and get paid for telling it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-27355655641735634032007-10-22T07:49:00.000-05:002007-10-22T07:49:00.000-05:00Just wanted to give you a name of a book you shoul...Just wanted to give you a name of a book you should read in your spare time-it's so worth it. Every young man should read it,and every parent of a Prodigol son. It is called "<BR/>A REBEL WITH A CAUSE" BY FRANKLIN GRAHAM. YOU WILL LAUGH AND YOU WILL CRY BUT MOST OF ALL U MIGHT APPLY SOME THINGS IN YOUR OWN LIFE.<BR/><BR/>Also, I was injured at work 15 years ago [for a girl who left home and married at the age of 14 and very responsible worked and put self through school and college] this was devastating to me. QUIT WORKING!!!!!! What the hell is this??? You and your buddies will have to find your way and your other talents {if disabled} it wont be easy and to those of them who say it will be better in a year, well; they are WRONG!!!!!!!!!!! Its day by day and u will have to walk with Jesus to get there!!!. I know The 440 electrical component that exploded created me to be the ground. not fun. But slowly, [remember this slowly] you will recover maybe not fully but you sound so very strong I believe u will do good especially in your wirtings. Keep it up there are so many u can help!!!!!!!!!!!! After Sept 11 I bought every book I could on our soldiers in Afghanistan. The 7 Navy Seals who were the first to touch the ground 7 days after Sept 11. These are MUST READS!!! I have drove my family nuts about keeping them posted everyday they get frustrated, oh well too bad its reality I would tell them, do u enjoy your freedoms? then get involved at least listen to the news and try and help a soldier or his/her family in need and quit bitchin!!!. <BR/><BR/>Also wanted to say: read EZEKIEL 38 & 39 this is where the weapons of mass destruction are-in the Syrian desert they are there and will be unburied after Iran strikes Isreal. Hezbolla will get them. watch and see. take care I have a feeling you will go far with your writings and strong shoulders and helping former soldiers. thank u again.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04475805464545373470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-453658661063109442007-10-22T07:21:00.000-05:002007-10-22T07:21:00.000-05:00So glad your home safe. My oldest brother came h...So glad your home safe. My oldest brother came home from vietnam at 18 and the first thing he did was get smart with our mother well she took a cast iron skillet after him. lol He has never been the same alot of alcohol helped him to forget and to forget his homecoming, [if u could call it a homecoming]. Its very hard to get back to civilian life and thinking. I think u will be fine if u apply God in your life Jesus can and will help u> In everything u do. Dont ever forget that. Through the years my mother {since died Jan 05} and her children {11} have sent boxes of supplies to unfortunate soldiers do u know of any I need addresses. thank you for your help. Most of all THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE SO I AND EVERYONE ELSE CAN ENJOY THE FREEDOMS THIS COUNTRY GIVES US. WITHOUT YOU WE COULDNT DO IT. AND I THINK THE ONES WHO PROTEST YOU OR GIVE U S--T DOESNT DESEREVE THE FREEDOMS !THEY WANT THIS COUNTRY DIVIDED THEN DIVIDE IT NO MORE COCKTAILS IN THEIR HOTTUBS AFTER WORK, NO MORE FAST FOOD EAT WHEN U WANT TO , NO MORE WORK AND GO TO SCHOOL WHERE U WANT TO, NO MORE SHOPPING WHEN AND WHERE U WANT TO, NO MORE MEDICAL ATTENTION EVER, ETC THE LIST IS ENDLESS OF WHAT WE TAKE FOR GRANTED. THANK U gisler3@gmail.comAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04475805464545373470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-49549288616312554562007-10-20T21:49:00.000-05:002007-10-20T21:49:00.000-05:00Less than 1%...it can't be said often enough. Hop...Less than 1%...it can't be said often enough. Hope you're getting well rested Dude. <BR/><BR/>The comments are so thoughtfull. You're bringing it out of people.Al Swearengenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00714901316525776975noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-83654920673234405222007-10-20T06:49:00.000-05:002007-10-20T06:49:00.000-05:00Hi Dude - I just don't know what to say. I read yo...Hi Dude - I just don't know what to say. I read your post this morning, and Brian's last night (http://www.broken-skull.com/index.html) I don't understand why more is not done to help all of our vets with PTSD. <BR/><BR/>All these Republicans that say Dems are unsupportive of the troops, but yet this administration used our soldiers for THIS war, and left them with deep emotional scars.<BR/><BR/>You should all have the best therapists, the best lawyers (like in the case of Brian, to help with his daughter) the best alcohol and drug counselors, the best healthcare, counseling on how to return to your life, the best of everything! I just don't get it. <BR/><BR/>You should never feel you have to face your hardships alone. You are not alone. And you should be able to share your feelings. You can be the guy that says, "This one time, in Iraq.." (as long as it doesn't involve a flute. hahah) <BR/><BR/>There will always be someone who will listen, and someone who cares. It may not always feel like it, but there are many, many who care, and who will be there if you need them. You are right, I will never know what you had to endure, and I am sure I wouldn't have survived it. But you did. You came home. So, now you have to figure out how to fit in your home again. But I believe you will.<BR/><BR/>Sorry, I don't know what to say, but I wanted to say something.... After reading yours and Brian's posts, I am just so sad.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for your truly unselfish act of duty. And welcome home.sarainitalyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09840921060840091560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-77830729073772089212007-10-19T23:20:00.000-05:002007-10-19T23:20:00.000-05:00Alex,A couple of days ago I was chatting with my n...Alex,<BR/><BR/>A couple of days ago I was chatting with my neighbor across the street. He's been in the National Guard almost thirty years. At fifty he spent 12 months in the Sunni triangle. He's been back I think for almost a year, and he admitted that the conversation he was having with me (and my 12 and ten year old daughters) about the war was one of the first. I appreciate the writing you do and find it to be of a very high quality. Thank you very much.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-90540304776062009262007-10-19T22:44:00.000-05:002007-10-19T22:44:00.000-05:00hey, man...I only found your site re: the Rush Lim...hey, man...<BR/><BR/>I only found your site re: the Rush Limbaugh craziness of the past couple weeks.<BR/><BR/>The first hand accounts - regardless of politics - are something people are missing. Thank you for writing them, and for writing about coming home.<BR/><BR/>A parade and the 'hearty hand clasp' are not enough. As you said, you (and everyone in uniform) have carried a burden so that others do not have to.<BR/><BR/>Good luck--enjoy some rest; I'll be watching for more updates when they're ready...<BR/><BR/>Thank you, and thank you for sharing...<BR/><BR/>RR<BR/>Philadelphia, PAluttonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04481869231682873573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-18046551193422391542007-10-19T21:49:00.000-05:002007-10-19T21:49:00.000-05:00Hey Alex, I want to say keep writing. You put into...Hey Alex, <BR/><BR/>I want to say keep writing. You put into words what I imagine all my military friends and family wish they could tell me worlds' away. <BR/>It gives me the personal courage to fight for that one day, when our generation can tell you all <I>that will do</I>.Nick Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00568577670173858992noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-71064647406708836542007-10-18T19:52:00.000-05:002007-10-18T19:52:00.000-05:00Hey Alex,It's weird. I don't even really know you,...Hey Alex,<BR/>It's weird. I don't even really know you, and I have never met you. I have a lot of thoughts about your blog going thru my head and I don't know which one to put down first. I know I tell you a lot, but every time I read your blogs I am brimming with enthusiasm and pride. <BR/><BR/>I just know this: that from the moment I started reading your blogs, I knew that people were going to start paying attention all over, like the guy in Silicon Valley, not just people here in north Texas; and that one day these testaments and what you have to say will be in a documentary, or in a memoir, something like that. You will be talked about, for your bravery, talent, wit, charm, and frankness. I am deeply moved by your blogs and everytime I read them I want to run to the hills to tell people about them. You have an incredible talent. Remember that. And also remember, that anytime you find yourself confused, worried, or unsure...that indeed the universe is unfolding like it should... <BR/><BR/>Kudos,<BR/>Marissa H.Marissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01085160820651110011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26907684.post-87618478365011201162007-10-18T13:55:00.000-05:002007-10-18T13:55:00.000-05:00Hey Alex--really appreciate your taking the time t...Hey Alex--really appreciate your taking the time to continue to put down your thoughts/actions as IM sure it is not only therapeutic for you, but also for many others...<BR/><BR/>As a Gulf War vet, Bronze Star awardee (Big Red One) and father of a daughter in 3/2 BCST, I can't tell you how much I respect you for standing up and stating the plain truth, aside all of the crap that everyone else (i.e. Rush) wants to pile on. Keep holding your head high and don't ever, ever give up. <BR/>(Although I might respect you more if you decide NOT ro re-up...)<BR/>Take care and God Bless you all...you're in my prayers every night!Rickusmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05886344869945535928noreply@blogger.com