Need for RESOLVE TO WIN
Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 04:19 PM
by BlogMasters
As a soldier leaving Iraq after a one year tour of duty I have very mixed emotions about leaving here. I think all of us who volunteered to come here had hoped to see this situation in the Middle East resolved satisfactorily during our period of service. Now there is such a turbulent political climate in the US, the future is totally uncertain. What can we do now?Out of desperation and an intense desire for the American people to understand the perspective of those who have served here, I have an idea, perhaps as drastic as volunteering to come out of retirement to do a tour in a combat zone. So, maybe if you are a Patriot, this idea will appeal to you as well.
Along with several cohorts here in Iraq, LTC Marc Breslow and MAJ Carl Heerup, we are planning to march from South Carolina to Washington DC during the month of March 2008. The reason is to show support for the Troops and the Mission of the Troops. The purpose is to demonstrate resolve to do a difficult task and to create a dialogue about our National "Will to Win". We firmly believe that you can not support the Troops without supporting the Mission which the Troops are asked to give their lives for. The Troops are resolved to win and over 3900 brave men and women have sacrificed their lives for America and for victory. Sacrificing your life demonstrates the greatest possible sacrifice and resolve. The march will cover over 400 miles, but if it were not incredibly challenging, it would mean nothing.
To honor the resolve and sacrifice of those who have died here, we must “Resolve to Win” in Iraq. To protect our way of life and insure that our children do not have to re-engage this enemy in 5 or 10 years, we must "Resolve to Win", here and now.
Of course all of America wants the troops to come home. Every Troop in Iraq and Afganistan wants to come home, but NOT before victory is achieved.
Please do not misunderstand, this is NOT a political or partisan position. Our level of "National Will" has the potential for far reaching consequences more significant than partisan politics. This issue transcends political issues and is far more important than who is elected as the next President of the United States.
Not since WWII has America demonstrated the resolve to do whatever it takes to defeat the enemies of our nation.
At Iwo Jima, we lost 6,891 young men in three weeks. The Mothers of America did not loose their courage and determination; they kissed their younger sons and sent them to replace their lost brothers. That is why they were the Great Generation. That was Resolve! America’s continued greatness depends on it. The young American men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan can be America’s Next Great Generation and America needs to know it.
I would like you to consider marching with us and helping to demonstrate, by your presence, that the silent majority supports our Troops, the mission of our Troops and has the "Resolve to Win" against our enemies.
A “Core Group” is being identified, who are committed to walking the entire distance. “Regional Group” participation along the way, we hope, will be provided by civic groups who support this effort. If you have the “Resolve to Win”, I invite your participation in the Core Group, Regional Groups or individually anywhere along the way. Please see the March Route and Schedule for details.
With a good turnout we can generate a fair amount of public awareness to this effort before the fact and increasing support / awareness during the 18+ days that it will takes to reach Washington, DC from the South Carolina Stateline. Target date for this march is starting on the 1st of March, which will coincide with the next Congressional Testimony by Gen Petraeus in mid March 2008.
I believe we could have quite a number of people out marching with us, for a few miles, all along the route and providing local media coverage of their participation and support to this effort. Marc, Carl and myself are all career military retirees who volunteered for recall to active duty for service in Iraq. Specifically, we are representing the active duty military, retired military members, over 25 million military veterans, AARP senior citizens and million of other Americans who want to WIN in Iraq. I believe that if we ask them to join us along the way, they will. Will you?
Dennis McCool
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Tuesday, March 4, 2008 - Resolve to Win
I think what you are doing is Awesome!!!Thank you for your service and for supporting your fellow Soldiers.
Teresa
Soldiers' Angels
Posted by Anonymous
