I have noticed that there are very few people posting here, recently:cry:. I also see that there are not that many comments 
. I know that Phoenix has computer problems, and there is not much that can be done about that. I am guessing that Gidget has a full schedule with her teenaged daughter and her young son. So, that leaves me. Unfortunately, I currently have neither the desire nor the motivation to come up with the deep philosophical postings that I happen to normally post. So, I think I will give everyone a peek into the darkness that is my mind.
Over the last few weeks, I have become very fatalistic. When I say that, I mean that I simply do not believe that my unit will ever return to the US. I have lost total faith in the US Army and the ability of my commanders at any level to make a decision. I was on my R&R leave in April, and that was when the Department of the Army decided to change our tours from 12 months to 15 months. Since that time, we have been in limbo trying to find out if that change applies to us. Please note, this has been approximately ninety (90) days for someone to make a decision. I assume that we will either find out 3 days before we are supposed to leave that we ARE leaving OR that we will be forgoten about until the middle of 2010.
What I do not understand is that higher ups pride themselves on being able to make decisions, yet it has taken 3 months for them to even consider this.
I have lost faith in the entire chain of command, from the top down, and I am simply tired of the Army’s beauracratic bull%^it. I believe that we have too many glory-hounds and too many people doing their jobs in such a way as to promote their careers, and I can no longer stomach that.
I need to retire.
Carlo
Not having been in your shoes, I can’t say I understand or don’t; but I do buy that the US Army has some of the same bureaucratic problems that the government that sent it forth has. Career vs doing the right thing, with career more often than not winning out, particularly further up the chain.
Hang in there and keep your head down!
I have never wanted to hug you more than I do right at this moment. I stole a few minutes to see if anyone had posted and I saw that you did… but then I read your post and it tore at my heart strings. If I had a magic wand I would wave it and ALL of the troops would be home and Bin Laden and his followers would all be behind bars.
Babe, it is not a dark mind… just a normal one full of frustration. I feel helpless – wanting to put a permanent smile on your face and I can’t. All I can say is that I love you as do many others. We all want you to stay safe. We all want you home safely and I know many that would almost give a right arm to hug you at the airport WHEN (not if) you get home.
:^*
Although these are entirely different circumstances, I understand the frustration of waiting while your life is in someone else’s hands. I know where it can take you thoughts and what it can do to your spirits. It eats at you constantly, but you try to not let it show. If you let up on your battle with it, it will consume you. It is utterly impossible to not dwell on something that is in your face 24/7. Yes, life is going on all around me, and I don’t want to dampen the spirits of those I am in contact with. I don’t want to let on that I may be scared of the outcome, or that the wait is driving me absolutely insane. On the other hand, it is hard for me to not feel guilty when I read stories like yours. I don’t know you, but I feel your anguish. I hope that it helps you to know that there are a lot of people that are on your side. I hope that you don’t give up; that you continue to fight for hope, even though it may seem futile. There ARE people who care about you; that hate to see you beaten down. At times like this, I know that I have to buckle down and be strong for those around me, even though I really don’t believe that I can deal with any more myself. I cannot tell you how much this site helped me to cope when I got the news about Raven. I hold on to that now. You just never really know how many lives that you have impacted or touched, but you have to hold on to that. It gives you the strength to go on when you can’t seem to find it anywhere else…
Oh Carlo,
I feel for you from the top of my head to the toes on my feet….knowing that if the government that we are stuck with cannot make a decision nor pass good legislation…then how can the military even make up its mind. I only know that our forces over there are fighting the good fight for all of the USA to be the free country that we are.
We can only all keep HOPE that all is as it should be and that our forces (including you)will be home on a timely basis.
Keep the faith, my friend..and daily prayers are sent. I stand and salute you and all your comrades.
Carlo,
I know this letter. I received one from my son. I wish I could hug you and tell you to just come home, child. I wish I could tell you the war is over. I know it isn’t. My son went thru two extensions.
I will pray especially for you over the next couple of days. You are all my children to me, even those my age and older that are over there.
I recognize this and I can tell you from my son and from others who wrote these same letters, this is your turning point. I kept my faith in Him instead of the White House…keep faith in HIM.
We love all of you. We are proud of all of you.
Carlo, As I read this post it brought memories back of one of my best friends on his most recent tour in Iraq. Frustration even to the point of viewing all things as futile.
You feel this way now but please hold tight to the things that are important—your kids. Also know there are many people that you do not realize that cares, that are concerned for not just you but all that are there with you.
You have chosen the military and made it your career, it is people like you that assures our country remains free. Some may not realize what you have given but most do and appreciate you and care more than you know.
I realize at this time things seem dark but light follows darkness and you will see it again.
You are very much in my thoughts and prayers. You are never alone even when you feel it. So many of us are just a note away from you. If you ever need someone to listen, I have an ear and it will be yours.
What government beaurocracy isn’t full of crap with so much red tape they are so constapated their ears turn red from trying to push it out of their ass.
I have always wondered, can the military go on strike?
It’s a job like everyone else.
Send them a message to get it right or you’re all paying your own way home and they could come and fill in for everyone and find out WTF it’s all about being in the dark looking at the flashes winking at you in the night.
Everyone needs to know when their shift is over and time to go home.
My cousin’s husband is stationed in Iraq right now and he was pulled off a desk to be sent over for 12 months to train the troops stationed there so I guess he is looking at the same problem while my cousin is at home wondering when he will be sent home.
All politicians should be lined up against the wall and shot as far as I’m concerned.
Take care
I’m so sorry you’re feeling down like this. As the others have said, there are a lot of us who think about you and your comrades all the time. I pray somehow you can feel uplifted.
May God bless you, and keep you safe, Carlo. I wish there was some way to convey my own feelings about this entire situation. We’re in sad times, but God is good.
Talk when you feel like it, and we’ll be listening. (HUGS)
I’m not sure what more I can add to what all those above have said. At least you’re realizing what your feeling right now, even as sucky as it is. Carlo, babe, just know that there is a light out there. And I for one, am going to keep screaming, October in my head, over and over again.
My heart breaks for you, Carlo – you and everyone who is over there. We need to bring you all home, safe and sound to your families and those who love you. It’s such a helpless feeling not being able to smack some “leaders” up the side of the head to end this “war.” Enough is enough. Lives are on the line and so many have been lost already.
I’m sending prayers your way not only for you all to come home but also for strength to get through this horrible time.
Bless your heart sweety.
I can’t even begin to imagine the feelings that you go through on a day to day basis,except what I have the opportunity to read here.
I can’t see where I can add anything different than what has been said above,except that you are in MY prayers along w/ all the other soldiers that are there w/ you.
Hang in there…you got a multitude of people behind you waiting on your safe trip back home,hun.
Lotsa hugs!!
Carlos,
I feel the despair in your writing and I could only begin to understand the bureacratic bunglers you must have to deal with each day.
You WILL come home my friend and I hope it is soon. In the meantime, you are my thoughts and prayers. As my family celebrates Independence Day today, I fully understand it is only because of men like you that we are able to do so.
On the 4th of July, I will add one more comment here, Carlo: thank you. So few of you carrying the torch for so many of us. Winston Churchill had a memorable peroration during the heat of battle in the fall of 1940; it is even more applicable today, regarding you and your fellows.
What this nation owes you is beyond measure.
(((Carlo))) We are all pulling for you.
Monica asked for prayers for Carlo, the link she provided brought me here and I’ll add my prayers for you and your comrades to the many prayers being said for you. Just as Monica wrote, keep your faith in God, man is fallible. I would just alter Walkers idea for politicians a bit, they should be sent to the front.
I hope your spirits will be lifted with all the people letting you know they care. May the time until you return home be as in the blink of an eye, quick.
Carlos, I don’t know you but I’ve read your writings. The best advice I can give is what I got in Nursing School…”There will be times you want to throw in the towel…but don’t yield to the temptation. be string and know that tomorrow will bring another way for you.” War is not clearly defined and especially this war. I do know, that as soon as we give up, we are dead meat,. It’s what that unclear enemy is waiting for…they KNOW Americans do not have the stomach for this…that we will give up and give in and rebel against our Govt. Most of them attended schools here at our generosity…they KNOW first hand. SO…when the going gets tough…that’s when the tough get going. Be of good faith and know that you are important doing whatever you are doing right now, even if it seems you are sitting there twiddling your thumbs. Start doing Sudoko…anything to occupy your time…just don’t give “them: what they want…ultimately the USA turning against our own Military and our own Government. They are determined to finish us off at the right time.
Judy
You don’t know me but I’ve read some of your writings.
I can’t add too much really, just to tell you to hang in there, I’m so sorry you are having to deal with this.
And to express my debt of gratitude to you and your comrades for defending our freedom and our way of life, it is a debt I will never be able to repay.
Wishing you the best, Carlo, and also thanks for serving. I hope you’ll get home soon. (Visiting from Under the Bridge.)
Hello Carlo,
My friend Monica,sent me here and asked for prayers for you.
I read some of your writing and your most recent post touched my heart.
I am a Canadian and as your neighbour, I too see the pain this war is causing many folks.
My thought are with you and your troup.
we wish you home soon, and that you make a good choice on retiring, or not. you would be an asset to any private firm.