A beautiful memory moi...and it spoke to me and said we are all different and all offer support to our military in whatever way we can. And that support should not be judged even though it may not be equal to what or how others may offer.

I've watched this thread and just wanted to say I support our military sons and daughters in my own way which I choose to keep private. I am not going to pass judgement on who joined, why they joined, why someone left or those that recruit, or the management of any wars or conflicts. Tough decisions and choices are made everyday in every corner of the world and I do not have the full picture of any situation to pass judgement on who is right and who is wrong.

And remember there are always three sides to every story...my side, your side and the truth which often lies somewhere in between but our upbringing and experiences often results in differing opinions.

But the beauty of these opinions is that we can have them and not be persecuted the way others in this world are tortured for even having an opinion let alone speaking it.

So what I will end with is that these wonderful men and women fight for our freedoms, the very freedoms that allow us to share our thoughts and opinions on this very forum. So God Bless them.

And for that I am forever proud and grateful no matter my own situation in this life.

And I pray that Kathy's son returns home soon as does every son and daughter that is out defending our freedoms and ways of life. And I pray that those that have suffered get the help in this country to feel safe and regain their lives and health. And if I can help make that happen that is support worth offering.

shell shell, you said it a lot better than I could've have...thank you!

(((BIG HUGS)))

Kathy, I dont' know what to tell you about that except that if I could help him I would. These people here, and they are ALL over my town which is actually fairly liberal, have these Support the Troops signs in their yards along with Stop The War. I think people like them (and me) get REALLY tired of others saying..."Well, you don't love your country then." Give me a frippin break.

I DON'T love this war one bit, I think it's a huge mistake and never should have begun.

And I don't know, if there were any way I could help your son when he comes home, I would.

I guess I could just as well say..."Where the hell WAS everybody when my sister was dying from breast cancer!? Why didn't anyone step forward to help? Didn't anybody give a dam? WHY isn't there a cure yet? Doesn't anybody give a ***** about my needs? Has anyone here contributed or done anything for breast cancer research? Doesn't anybody care? What are YOU doing about it? Nobody gives a frip about me or what I care about!

Okay, that's a little far stretched.

I just hope we haven't lost sight of the original intent of this thread (which I have brought to attention before and apparently it's not getting any better) which was to bring our attention to the horrible fact that we have A LOT of troops committing suicide. Now we could all argue as to WHY these troops are committing suicide and needing help. Some would say, oh they already had problems. (To which I say...bull)

My neighbor is on his 2nd or 3rd tour, I can't remember now, and leaves behind his wife and 3 little kids. He's lost TWO friends to suicide so far and when I saw his wife the other day, she said she is very afraid because her husband is starting to lose it.

I don't know what the answer is, but I think more people are becoming aware of it.

How am I supposed to help with this?

(((Doody)))

I think your comparison to breast cancer is still on topic. I feel the same way about amyloidosis. When it becomes personal, all you begin to see is the focus on "parties" and raising money. It's great and absolutely needed for research funding, but it really does nothing to lift the burden you carry every day. I began to feel like a poster child - maybe even their puppet - i.e., using my story to raise money for research, awareness and fun retreats for the leaders of the organization. It sucked because my stomach wouldn't even allow me to eat from their beautiful buffet, lol. It REALLY sucked because I had to keep repeating my story to everyone, reliving my nightmares - just so people would drop a coin in the bucket.

What can you (and others) do? I would say continue to care in your own way. Speak up when you can - at an appropriate time, preferably when your emotions are in check. If you allow yourself to get into a frenzy, people stop listening and blow it off as your own personal problem.

I wish more people had the time to take a closer look at "all three sides" of the story and get involved. This country belongs to ALL of us. We have a bumper sticker too - it says "America - Love It or Give It Back."

I truly appreciate all the prayers for my son.

I agree with you on this war Doody, and as long as this country is in this war i will support the troops and continue to do so as long as I am an American.

I help buy food baskets for veterans here in town during several holidays. It is tough for us on our budget but I feel it is important.

I just wanted to share that my 2 neices walked in the Susan G Komen walk here and were supported financially by all in our extended family.

I am not saying this to brag, rather to let you know that people do care. Hugs to you my friend...Sue

(((Sue))) Oh, I know everyone cares about me and everyone else here, I'm just saying...

It's so frustrating to not be able to actually do something about this war and its ramifications. I feel lost at helping my neighbor. All I can do is be there for his lovely young wife. This war has taken its toll on so many people...we can't ignore it. It's right there in our faces every day.

I could go on an extended soap box about it, but then...I know we all have differing points of view and that's the way it is and always has been, and we all have our soapboxes to stand on.

I just really really get tired of hearing people accuse others of not being an American when they don't believe in the war and want out of it. I DO care about our military, and yes, there have been times I think a war was justifiable, if it had to happen at all.

I'm too old to do what I used to do and I was very active in the Viet Nam protests including laying down physically in front of buses at the draft station. Marching, protesting in any way that I could. And I do believe the strong voices of Americans can make a change, it's just so not easy to do. Politics, politics, politics, ad nauseum.

If I could make the severe depression of these soldiers go away, I certainly would give it my best go. If they weren't in this war, then we'd have at least one less suicide to worry about.

but I am only concerned with one thing and that is: Did you wear any bras? And if not, do you have an pics?? And if so, can I get a few PMs and, can you NOT tell da wife?? OK, that's all...

BRAS!? HECK no!!!! We burned 'em back then. (not really, lol)

(Watch for a brown paper bag to come in your mail. )

ummmm... can you make sure you mail me some gum also? Ya know, the special kind? I'll need a whole case...thank you...

IN 1982 there were approx 270 British service men deaths in the Falklads War.
By 1992 it was suggested via medical records over 700 surviving service men had committed suicide.....over 1000 vetrans of that war are homeless, living rough in major cities in the uk..most heave addiction and or / mental health problems.[2007 records]

I was 16 when i joined the Royal Navy in 1980 and 18 in 1982..........cant forget it and never will.........
David