11/18/2005
STOP THE PRESS!
American Soldier says,
So I wanted to let you all know what is going on with me. The soldier, whom you have gotten to know for the last 16 months or to the ones who have just stumbled across this site today. Here is a very big change of pace.
I have always been honest about what I do, how I feel and my intentions. So I will not sugar coat what I am about to tell you.
Before I say anything I want you to know that I have busted my ass with recuperating my injury. I have gotten to a point where I am about 90% recovered. The rest will require surgery at another time.
So enough talk right? Well here you go. I have found a mission in Iraq. With the support of my family, I have chosen to take that journey to Iraq.
Holy cow….what did you say?
I don’t need a thousand questions as to whom, where and why. This is a decision that was made with a lot of things factored in. My last adventure ended way too premature. Call it getting bad advice from people you trust or someone else’s lack of incompetence. I have over-come certain things that I ‘thought’ might not be possible. My injury was one of them. Yes there is room for improvement but I am going to be ok! My heart left earlier this year and I haven’t seen it since. A day does not go by that I don’t think about what could have been. All I ask is to have your support in this.
So God willing, this trip will give me the satisfaction that I feel is needed to be able to come full circle with my military career. I am confident enough in my ability to say that I am a good leader. Leaders are needed desperately in Iraq if we are to ever find a means to an end over there. May I assist in that success during this journey.
So that is it folks. I cannot tell you where I am going exactly but it will be where business is good right now. I will say that I am leaving soon and you will know when that occurs. So for now, let us partake in the normal daily mundane conversations we enjoy having. Cause in a little while, it will be me reporting on the happenings of American Soldier in and out of the wire. The good, the bad and the ugly.
Filed under: General, Mobilized
63 Responses to “STOP THE PRESS!”
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I am proud of you and even though we have never met and I read the things you have written at your blog for the last several months.
I am sure you have made the right decision and have thought it through carefully. You will make a difference in your life as you have already.
I agree they need leaders, good ones and you most certainly fit that description.
Stay safe and God be with you. Thank you also for all you do.
God go with you, war-fighter… May He grant you fortitude, resolve, courage and strength…
Semper Fi.
You’re the man, AS. I wish I could go out there with you. Keep your sights on the badguys, and put that big ol’ NRA sticker on yer HMMWV.
Wow! AS!
You are truly a brave soldier! I’m sure that you have thought about this very much, you know you always have our support here. I know that they do need good leaders over in Iraq and I’m sure you are the Best!!
Take care over there and like so many others here, I wish you God Speed!! We will be praying for your safety and for your mission!
Please keep us updated in the future on how you’re doing and thank you so much for your service to our country! It is dedicated soldiers like you who make me proud to be an American!!
“A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do”. Just wanted to say I support you 110% for such a responsible, much-needed decision, and I hope it accomplishs much, both for you and for the War on terrorism in general. Somehow, AS, I don’t doubt that it will. You are a strong individual; and your family deserves credit as well, for helping you to do such a fine, brave thing. God bless you and keep you S.A.F.E. And let me add, THANK YOU, AS, for your selfless service to our country, and to your fellow troops.
if there is a way to support you let us know, so we can be there for you!
{{{{HUGS}}} God bless you, A.S.! We are so proud of you!!!!!! You can count on unconditional support and prayer from our family, always.
A billion thanks for your service.
And, please know that we will be keeping your family in our hearts and prayers also.
Hey AS,
God bless you and all who do what you do. The rest of us will be back home, enjoying the life that you secure for us. Here’s a picture that I’m sure you’ll enjoy…
Here’s the picture…
http://www.rromano.com/images/DSCF0002.JPG
Nice picture Ralph. I didn’t get a chance to do any hunting this year. I will be home just in time for hunting next year.
Were you the one taking the picture cause I didn’t see you?
You ask for our support and yet we would give it without your asking. Good Luck brother and God Bless you!
Ya know… I remember way back when you first got that shoulder injury, and you were on your way home… and you were saying something about wanting to go to the sandbox to do your part, and wondering if, because of the injury, you would ever be able to. And I also remember telling you that if that was what you wanted, to hold on to that goal and work towards it, because nothing is impossible if you don’t give up…. I just had a feeling you’d be “back” one day!!! (one of those too-eerily-accurate “momma Kat” intuition feelings!) I knew ya could do it.
You & Family are in our prayers!
“Eyes on the prize”
No surprise to hear it soldier. It is clear in all you write where your heart is. My prayers are with you, and to those at home awaiting your return.
Hug my son for me when you get there.
HOOAH!
This does not surprise me in the least! YOU make us Proud, AS.
God Speed and thank your family for me too ~
holy shit!
you sound SOOOOO excited, AS! I’m glad you found a mission, and have the full support of your family. The injury and missing out on the mission earlier this year was so disheartening. I really hope this works out for you.
Get some, Soldier!
Godspeed and thank you.
“War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. ”
Semper Fi AS
Kudos for following your heart and making it happen.
Thank you. Stay strong. Stay Safe.
I don’t know what to say about men like you…a combination of feeling punched in the stomach, and still tearing up in pride. Go with God, and our prayers. Know that we are behind you always, and will be anxiously watching for your postings. God bless you.
The best of luck to you and your family on this hard trip. Thank you for being you and willing to go to war… God bless you
Margaret
THANK YOU!
Thank you for doing the things that many can’t do or won’t do. When you get back home there will be cold beverage and a hearty “Welcome home soldier” waiting for you. All the best.
AS you are a Beautiful Soul. Thank you for all you have and continue to give. God Bless and many prayers for you and yours.
Good leaders know what they have to do and then do. Explains why you are so good at what you do. To be a part of this extraordinary chapter in history must really make the heart grow bigger than life.
You requested support. You’ve got it. Thank you for all you have done and for what you’re about to do.
May God be with you on your journey. May His angels shield you with their wings. I understand your decision, as I am sure that so many others do as well. Good journey, my friend. Come home soon.
An Angel shall watch over you and yours,,,,,
Your honor and love of country are commendable………….
Hugs go with you…….and prayers as well…
AS–I’m not surprised. Its not in your heart to be a civilian. Thank you for loving your country and your brothers so much! You have my positive support, of course. You make me very Proud. Just please be careful, Soldier!!! You mean so much to us! God keep and watch over you. Keep us updated!!!
Keep your head down, sir.
You just want to come over here and meet me, and drink my scotch.
HA HA.
-but seriously, good luck.
kilabe
I can’t add a thing new except, “Ditto to all of the above commenters”.
My eyes are slightly blurred with tears at this moment.
God bless and be vigilant.
YOUR AWESOME!!! And yes the military needs more leaders like you.
Thank you so much for serving this great country of ours.
Wishing you all the best at your quest for coming full circle. You are an example for every American to see.
Honor is yours!
You know that your “web family” will be behind you 10,000%. Don’t forget about us, keep your head down, and get the bad guys before they have a chance at the good guys.
hay man people like u make me proud 2 b in america and if i could i would go with u and fight 4 my one life but i cant not old enuff lol yah well i c it as some one has 2 get there hands durty cus freedom dont come free u r not only supporting your self but every thing america and the people that have died b4 u in a nother war u owe it 2 your self and 2 the fallen 2 b able 2 say i am a american american soldier! and i fight 4 my freedom so go out there and kick some ass
check out my site u mite like it http://www.myspace.com/usmrean
The unseen force that guides us all, will always put us in the places we need to be and lead us to the people we need to meet, if we but listen.
Safe journey and God bless.
Bobbie Cogswell
I was close, wasn’t I?
I hope you find what you are looking for.
Hey man, I have several friends who also made that choice, none of them regret it. Good luck to you!!
You’re following your heart AS, support and prayers are yours now and always. Godspeed and hopefully you’ll let us know how you are doing when you have the time. May you continue to stay healthy and injury free.
God Speed AS - our prayers will be with you. Julie
Hi AS,
It was obvious from the time you left that your heart was with your unit and the service. Congratulations for getting your shoulder fixed and finding your heart again.
I hope you and your family find joy amongst the travail of being a military family again, and that you find fulfillment and satisfaction. That is all that really matters in this life. Live it well and leave this Earth better off for having passed this way.
Thanks, AS, for being the man that you are.
God bless you. You and your family are, and will continue to be in my prayers every day. Thank you.
It is a privilege to know that there are people like youwho are willing to step forward and strap on your armor every day to face the tremendous dangers overseas. I will sleep better tonight knowing that you and your fellow soldiers are on the front line of freedom protecting our Nation.
Do you know why America is at the top? It’s because of people like you.
Dear AS,
Godspeed, dear soldier! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers!
THANK YOU! Be careful over there soldier, and kick some ass!!! i’ll be praying for you and your family.
Totally aside from my own excitement for reading your reports from the sandbox, I am just happy for you! I could read the disappointment in your postings after you knew you would not deploy with the team. This doesn’t surprise me, and I am glad you will be able to take your training and use it as you intended.
Excellent news!!!
I’m not a religious man, so I cannot offer prayers. However, I can offer words of hope that you’ll find what you were sent for.
Hoorah, Semper Fi.
*salutes*
A.S.
Thank you for your Service and may God keep you in the palms of his hands.
Stay safe and God Bless
Sincerely
Cathy
a forever greatful American
Thank you so much AS- Thanks for being YOU, Thanks for protecting our beautiful country. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I will pray for your safe return home. Enjoy that trip and please, be careful.
Chosen? What you want a pat on the back? You sound like your doing something that none of us other soldiers haven’t done yet. This website is nothing more than glory seeking.
Solider,
I don’t see this site as glory seeking what so ever!! It’s about time that people who continuosly badmouth all of you being there, hear what’s going on from a solider’s mouth. This should put perspective on what’s really going on. THOSE PEOPLE NEED TO HEAR IT and what better way to get it out there than to put it on a site. It’s common knowledge that the media just reports on the journalists personal political views. If you see this as glory seeking then I would almost assume you would be one of those soliders I spoke with online who whinned and cried like little school girls about having to go fight for their country….am I right? You can correct me if I’m wrong.
Ok PFC (Soldier),
Care to be an ass-hat? Let me give you some advice, read from the beginning and you tell me. If not, go fuck yourself.
Perhaps I was too hasty. Unlike you I didn’t get to CHOOSE to go. I do what I’m told.So how is it that you do?If I’m in error then I apoligize.If not,Then go fuck yourself.
And to Brandee,I have no prob and I don’t whine about my chosen profession.
PFC (Soldier),
Considering you are a PFC, I can’t imagine you being deployed to Iraq yet, so please, explain your meaning? You didn’t choose?
I have VOLUNTEERED you twit. I have also been volunteered by the Army for the GWOT in the past. I don’t see your logic in your argument. It’s almost like you are envious?
I will pawn it off that you are a young soldier with very little military experience. I expect atleast a logical explanation or you can join my ban list. Don’t be an ass-hat. I’ve done alot for us soldiers in the past, and still do to this day.
AS:
1) PFC Soldier signed that contract and knew if it came down to it he would have to fight. It is hard to see such a trooper among your ranks that has lost the HONOR of the uniform that represents the United States of America.
2) That trooper would not last a day in the USMC, tell him he can kiss this Marines Ass.
LEAD, FOLLOW, OR GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WARRIORS WAY!
DOG OF DEVILS HAS GOT YOU ON HIS LIST, STOP POSTING PFC!
SEMPER FI AS!!!!!
I will be going on my second deployment in Aug of 2006.So your inference is incorrect. My rank is a product of me speaking my mind.So there are no privates in the GWOT?
I love the Army.I see myself as a fine soldier who is trying to be better yet..I am trying to better myself through the ALMS courses as we speak.
As for my first post,I must I have misunderstood your meaning. But your latest response “Chalking me up as a Pvt.” seems to go with the whole NCO thinking privates have no sense at all ideal.
Again,I am sorry for the misunderstanding,So if you ban me,Big deal.As far as my career,I’ve done one in the sandbox awaiting orders for my next. So accept the apology or ban me.
Apology accepted.
You said one thing that unfortunately makes you seem like a smart-ass private. One, ‘your (my) rank being a product of you (me) speaking your (my) mind.’ You have to maintain some bearing Soldier. I am an NCO and yes I would dig into you if you were a smartass whether it is here or in your presence.
So now that the slate is clean. Sit back, read some posts or maybe even start a blog yourself.
I envy your courage.
This is my first time with PFC Bosley who recently deployed. I am s proud of you Bosley Hileman and Nichols. God Bless All Soldiers. And All of ft hood. My heart and prayers are always with you. and you are always with me.
Come home soon so we can get engaged
I am a soldier’s heart and im gonna get thru .
Im an american soldier and american.
I’m just trying to be a father
Raise a daughter and a son
Be a lover to their mother
Everything to everyone
Up and at ‘em, bright and early
I’m all business in my suit
Yeah, I’m dressed up for success
From my head down to my boots
I don’t do it for the money
There’s bills that I can’t pay
I don’t do it for the glory
I just do it anyway
Providing for our future’s my responsibility
Yeah I’m real good under pressure
Being all that I can be
And I can’t call in sick on Mondays
when the weekends been too strong
I just work straight through the holidays
And sometimes all night long
You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door
Hey, I’m solid, hey I’m steady, hey, I’m true down to the core
And I will always do my duty no matter what the price
I’ve counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice
Oh, and I don’t want to die for you
but if dyin’s asked of me
I’ll bear that cross with honor
’cause freedom don’t come free
I’m an American soldier, an American
beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand
When Liberty’s in jeopardy, I will always do what’s right
I’m out here on the front line
Sleep’in in peace at night
American soldier, I’m an American soldier
Yeah, an American soldier, an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand
When Liberty’s in jeopardy I will always do what’s right
I’m out here on the front line
So Sleep in peace tonight
American soldier, I’m an American
An American, an American soldier
March on, my soul; be strong. -Judges 5:21
I have never met you, but I pray God protects you in your decision.