One Hand Clapping points to an article posted on live journal from a soldier who's seen enough combat to last a lifetime,
We faced a force of four to five hundred rebels, with mortars, RPGs and various handheld weapons. There were four US soldiers---myself and the other people in my team----about twenty coalition soldiers, and thirty or so scared British and Aussie expats, including the British governor. The coalition soldiers had a couple tank/hybrid vehicles, but they didn’t have much ammo for them. By midnight, everyone was running out. We kept impressing this on Higher, and they just couldn’t get that through their heads. What the fuck good are they? We are running out of ammo. We will be over-run if light hits this place in the morning and finds us still here. [source]
I could feel my heart pounding and my frustration escalating as I read the entire journal entry. Oh, yes, and then there was the moment when my heart skipped a beat or two ... that was when I learned this journal's author is an American woman who knows she will likely never get credit for her effort.
My pounding heart is from fear and the frustration is maturing into anger as I type this comment. If we have to be over in Iraq risking our nation's youngest and brightest, then why in the hell can't we at least give them our best effort?! Get them home ... in one piece and with at least an ounce of their sanity left ... and NOT in a bloody body bag!
My prayers are with these brave soldiers, their families, and our nation's leaders. Lord knows we need all the help He can give us now.
Posted by: Sarah at April 9, 2004 12:33 AM