We Languish on in Iraq

The word has been handed down that United States military Iraq tours of duty will be lengthened from 12 months to 15 months.  I was never shot at in my three years in the U.S. Army stationed up around the Czechoslovakian border.  I do however know what it is like to spend two Thanksgivings; two Christmases; and, three Forth of Julys in a foreign country that I never trusted really had my best interest at the top of their list. 

Having been in the Army in 1975 when Saigon and South Vietnam collapsed, I got a balcony seat in watching a war effort by the United States totally and finally implode.  The failure manifested itself in a united, communist Vietnam, (just the opposite of what we wanted) and the exodus of thousands and thousands of Vietnamese and Hmong to the four corners of the World.  Most notable to us, is Little Saigon in Los Angles, California.  Lets not even dwell on Cambodia in today's blog.

The point being here that prior to the implosion of our "project" in Vietnam, the Army played with tours of duty, deferment eligibilities, and enlistment eligibility requirements.  Now, like then, they are juggling logistics with soldiers lives.  And,  each election year since the Vietnam War ended we argue about who did what and if we won the war or not.  I have been to Vietnam three times since the war and Iraq once during this war.  Let me assure everyone Vietnam is still communist and Iraq is still splintered. 

What is today's blog about?  One isolated policy change with the Army, or....perhaps it is something about noticing things that seem all too familiar that as I remember - from a balcony seat - did not turn out so well. 

Each day no matter what big-media idiot has foisted themselves into the news with some alleged compelling deed, or what dead rich entertainer we are instructed by the big-media to feel compassion for, Cool Dadio Media will note the number of American soldiers killed in Iraq.  As well, once a week,  Cool Dadio Media will take a second of time and a line or two and mention one of Wisconsin's soldiers who has given the ultimate price to society.

This week's Wisconsin soldier to remember is Kirk Straseskie of Beaver Dam, and a sergeant with the B Company Marines.  He died while participating in the rescue of the crew of a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter that crashed in a canal near Hilla, Iraq, on May 19, 2003.  Kirk was 23 years old.  

   3,294 Americans have been killed in Iraq since Spring 2003.

   71 Wisconsin Soldiers have been killed in Iraq since Spring 2003. 

   Parting thoughts - Sorry to see Kurt Vonnegut passed away.  Here's to Player Piano and Dr. Proteus.