Shame on You, Westboro Baptist Church

This image above the posting should be disturbing to you. It makes me sick to my stomach and to many other people. In 2006 members of the Westboro Baptist Church started to protest at funerals of servicemen and women who died in Iraq. They held up signs saying “Thank God for Dead Soldiers.” I could not imagine the family members who had to encounter this. Imagine going to your son’s funeral, and seeing hateful protesters ruining the last honorable moments of your son.

To give some background information, the protestors are from the Westboro Baptist Church based in Topeka Kansas. They have been actively protesting military funerals since 2006 and have traveled to 22 states to reach their goal. Not only do they protest the military, but they protest people who are gay, bisexual, transgender people, Roman Catholics, Muslims and Jews. Their claim for protesting are for religious reasons, and that it is God’s message—that God is punishing the Americans for disobeying. Personally, I think this is why religion sometimes receives a bad reputation, because organizations like this take it to the extreme. They claim they are Baptist and Christian people, but this is not the Christian way. In fact they are considered a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. Below I have included a clipping from Fox News that interviewed a woman who is a member of Westboro Baptist Church that justified her acts and of the church. I really think she is disturbed.



Many families who encountered the Westboro Baptist Church have tried to stop these protests from occurring. However, in defense, the church claims it would violate their First Amendment rights. After searching what justice has occurred, I found an article about a father who won his case in court against the church. His son who was a Marine died in Iraq. When the family had their funeral service, the protesters came shouting their slogans. The father was very disturbed and angry, so he created a lawsuit against the church. Today he won $2.9 million dollars in compensatory damages. Along with that, there are many congress members who are trying to get laws passed so that protesters have to be at least 500 feet away from the funerals.

I am glad to hear that some people are fighting against this church. I am so angry about the church, I can not even find the words that best expresses my anger. But, shame on your Westboro Baptist Church for disturbing the funerals of the honored. How dare you call yourself members of the church.

The Troop’s Advocator

Operation Homecoming

I hate being repetitive with my postings. I found an article about a documentary that captures my blog better than I could ever put in words. I have given book reports and media reports, but I have not done any documentaries. This documentary is based on an anthology of writings by service members who served in the current war. The documentary is titled, “Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience.” The documentary was inspired by the book, “Operation Homecoming: Iraq, Afganistan, and the Home Front, in the Worlds of U.S. Troops and Their Families.” The article can be read here. The article captured exactly what I wanted to say from the start of when I first began to blog.

What makes this documentary different from the other war documentaries is it is produced by The Documentary Group, which is founded by the producer and director of the late ABC News anchor Peter Jennings. Again, I solute ABC for their dedication towards the troops. In addition, the information is collected by actual military members instead of politicians. The director, Richard Robbins, said the goal was “to make a film that focused on the human experience” of war. The film does not take on the politics of the war; it is purely focused on the servicemen. “Robbins and Bridges said they believe all Americans have a responsibility to listen to what the troops have to say, and that they hope their films will serve to enlighten their audiences as to their experiences…Robbins and Bridges both said they believe there is a disconnect between service members and the American public because the majority of Americans are not directly affected by the war in Iraq.”

If we could only take a moment of our time to listen to the servicemen and women, maybe then we would really understand what it meant to support the troops. This message can only come from the source, and that is the troops.

Below I have included the trailer for the documentary. It is one of the most intriguing trailers I have seen in a while.



The Troop’s Advocator

The Role of Media

I have placed a great amount of blame for the lack of support for the troops on the United States government. Though I do find them responsible for the betrayal of our troops, I also find that the media has a significant role as well. Believe it or not the media has a major influence on the American people. Some news channels are biased when reporting, but that is beside the point. The point is, today the news reports are more negative than positive. For some reason Americans have a fascination with watching the down fall of people. Knowing the media has a great influence on their audience, would it hurt to report the positive things in life? Would it hurt the news to spend a few minutes of their program to shed light on the positive things that the troops do.

With war come mixed feelings. However, I find many people confuse the difference between war and the troops. I think the media could do a better job identifying the difference. It is time for a different approach. When the war is over and the men and women who serve look back at the media, majority of it will be negative. I applaud ABC news for occasionally doing stories that personalize the military members. While history is being created here in the States, it is also being created overseas. It appears that the media only does positive stories on the military when there is progress with the war. What I propose to the media is doing more personalized stories about the troops. Trust me, out of all the men and women overseas there are hundreds stories just waiting to be told.

Talking to some of my friends in the military, I discussed the media and what their views were. Some said they felt the media was creating an image to the American people that the troops were worthless. Some soldiers were so discussed with the news they refused watch it overseas because it brought down their morale. As a substitute they created their own video journals for themselves and for family and friends to view. They said if the news won’t do stories, then they’ll create their own. Though the soldiers can not submit their own stories to CNN they created a network online to show their perspective of the war. I researched and found this is huge on Youtube. There are tons of video diaries that are created by soldiers showing their perspective of Iraq, their love for America, the military, and other topics. While the news reports what they think is newsworthy, hundreds of military members are posting their news on Youtube and other sights.

The statement I am making is the news needs to rethink how they position the troops on television. Instead of interviewing political figures about the troops, whom most do not have any military service, how about asking the source—the actual soldiers. Then maybe the news stories would be a bit more credible.

Below I have included a few video journals from Youtube. Let it be noted there is some graphic and disturbing images.






The Troop’s Advocator

A Frustrated Marine Wife

About three days ago while I was on Myspace, I came across a bulletin. The bulletin was written by an actual military wife who is frustrated with the military system about Tricare, the military’s Medicare. Instead of instantly posting about this, I contemplated whether or not to write about it. She fully expresses her frustration, and at the end truly tells how she feels about the military. My first instinct was to edit the posting, but then I thought I would be doing a disservice to my readers. I have to let all truths come out, even if it negative.

Now this is not a scholarly journal written by the government or military, I believe there is truth and meaning to what she has wrote. Realize that everyone does not write formally. This should not question her credibility as a military wife. Remember her role is a military wife. She probably has better insight than any other person. Please read her posting before continuing with mine.

“Ok soooo if you know me and my fabulous family you know we are in the marine corp......Wellllll I have been havin the hardest time gettin an apt. for my youngest. Seriously ya..ll i have been callin almost everyday to get her an apt. since she was six months, so if you have kids then you know about the well baby check ups. Our daughter is now 11 1/2 months old and just seen her doctor.The last time she saw him she was 4 months....So i sat down and had a lil..chat with my girls doc. and asked him what the crap was goin on and that i felt that it was freakin rediculous that i had to even worry about my girls after all the sacrifices we make for the Gov. youd think the least they can do is give us propper health treatment..yeah right...ok so my conversation goes on with this doctor and he tells me that they dont have enough doctors...i said well there needs to be a limit and the rest of us should be able to go to civillian doctors...He tells me that the civilian doctors wont except tricare because tricare(wich is military insurence) actually pays less than the state insurence(medicaide)how sad is that?. I then said Oh really then what can we do to fix this? He said spread the word and get it to congress that our military and there families are being treated this way.....SO HERE I AM!!!! YA KNOW it really ticks me off that i cant even get my babys a doctors apt. or get myself a rootcanal or have to worry about anything at that! The reason they have well baby check ups is for a reason....what if my baby had something wrong with her?????? and we could have caught it sooner, but because the of our shortness of doctors too bad.....I DONT THINK SO! My baby is fine by the way! I just wannna get this out there because there is always a WHAT IF...and behind those what if..s is actually happening to someone.... thats about it! OH AND FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO THINK OF JOINING THE MILITARY WITH FAMILY ITS NOT FREAKIN WORTH IT AT ALL , YOU SACRIFICE TOO MUCH AND MISS OUT TOO MUCH , MY HUSBAND EVEN SAYS ALL THE TIME HOW IT IS NOT WORTH IT! FOR THOSE OF YOU THAT ARE SINGLE HAVE FUN WHILE YOUR IN BUT IF YOU WANT FAMILY GET OUT FIRST! Repost this help us get this out and if you know how to get to congress please get this there.....for all our troops do for ya..ll this is the least you can do for them and there families!!!! THANK YOU! AND ALWAYS SUPPORT THE TROOPS AND THERE FAMILIES IT HELPS! Much love to you all~marine corp wife”

I would like to clarify one thing in her postings that I disagree with. I am sure this one wife’s situation represents others wives as well. However, Tricare, the military healthcare, can be accepted by civilian doctors—many do. I know from personal experience because I have friends that use Tricare in the civilian world, as well as my boyfriend. But it is true that there is a shortage in the military for doctors. I have heard of appointments taking a long time schedule because of the lack of medics. Sometimes it boils down to the wife who is the most demanding that receives the quickest attention. But that should not happen. Everyone deserves medical treatment, including the military families.

Earlier in my blog I mentioned there are a lot of good Marines out there, and because of the lack of support many do not reenlist. I suggested something needed to change in order to prevent situations like the one written by the wife from occuring. Maybe the answer is what the wife is suggesting, to write our congress, and get public awareness so the status quo for military families changes for the better.

The Troop’s Advocator

Trick Or Treat For the Troops

As Halloween gets closer I wonder about the troops who are overseas. I feel my past postings have been depressing, and to lighten up the mood I would like to bring some Halloween spirit to this page.

I began to think about this posting last night when I was walking home and I saw a little boy dressed up in a solider uniform for Halloween. I find it fascinating how many little boys play dress up solider while there are many real soldiers overseas just waiting to go home. Funny the things we wanted to be when we were younger. But, back to the posting. With the territory of serving in the military there is a price to pay, and one of them is missing out on fun holidays. Halloween is creeping up on us. (No pun intended) I started to think about ways I could inform my readers about program supporting the soldiers overseas. I began to search websites, and I found two I absolutely love. Not only do I love them, but one of them is an inspiring woman that has dedicated her life to baking cookies for the military.

The first website I would like to direct your attention to is Treats for the Troops and the specific page is called Halloween Treats Bring Big Smiles. This organization sends care packages called Halloween Grab Bags. The packages are filled with candy and other funs things to make a celebration for at least twelve soldiers. The only objective some people may have is the cost to send the grab bags. However, if money is not an issue this is defiantly an organization to look into—not only Halloween but other holidays as well.

The other organization I would like to shed light to is, Treat the Troops.(I know the two organizations have similar names, even I confused them) This organization was founded by Jeanette Cram. She is well known and has received media attention, in addition to the President’s acknowledgement. This organization is amazing, and the personal stories that follow. Just to view the website and read the many stories, reminds me I am not alone when it comes to supporting the troops. Sometimes all the troops need is a bunch of cookies to munch on to remind them of good home cooking.

Hopefully this posting has inspired you to lending a hand during this Halloween season. If not, at least look at the above websites. Inspiration is contagious.

Happy Halloween to you and the troops
The Troop’s Advocator

Betrayal of Our Troops, Part Two

On the subject of betraying our troops, I would like to recommend a great book called, Betraying Our Troops: The Destructive Results of Privatizing War. This book was written by two authors, Dina Rasor and Robert Bauman. Both are government fraud experts. In addition to their book, Dina Rasor has a blog, that relates to the book. Although I am in the middle of the book, what I have read defiantly relates to my blog. The book reveals how private contractors have jeopardize the lives of American soldiers while damaging the United States strategic inertest and the U.S. image abroad. The book focuses on KBR, a private contracting company whose job is to provide food and water, but instead gave the troops little food and contaminated water. I feel that this book should be read by all people, so that the government and private contractors are exposed about their wrong doings to the military.

In an earlier positing I briefly mentioned about the private contractors that were ripping off the military. I would like discuss this topic in detail so you get a better understanding. Private contractors are hired by the government. The purpose of private contractors is to support the military by providing food, supplies and clean water. During the Gulf War, this job was done by military members. But as the years have progressed the Defense Department has taken this job away from the soldiers and hired contractors instead. The government claimed that hiring private contractors would be cost efficient. However, there has been much debate on this. To break it down, a Lance Corporal gets paid three dollars an hour during war, whereas a contractor can make up to $100,000 for a six month deployment in Iraq. You do the math. Which one is more expensive? Duh!!! The contractor. So why are we paying contractors to do the same job that once belonged to military? Some say that the military wanted to squeeze these jobs out, so more soldiers would be forced to serve in the infantry division. But I view contractors as making more problems; especially when KBR withheld supplies, food, and clean water to the troops. We all know if the soldiers were still in charge they would never do this to fellow servicemen.

For once, the government should admit that they made a mistake and to reinstate the soldiers to take over the private contractor’s jobs. But then again, the government keeps the contractors for personal benefit. In the world of politics it boils down to who can get ahead and how can they benefit—leaving other people screwed, and in this case it is the servicemen.

The Troop’s Advocator

Betrayal of Our Troops

As I began to think about other ways to support our troops, I remembered an event that angered me. About a month ago my boyfriend and I were driving across Camp Pendleton. If you have ever been to Camp Pendleton you know there is a single lane road that connects one side of the base to the other. While driving on the one lane we were stuck behind fifteen military vehicles that were towing other military vehicles that were broken. I asked my boyfriend if this was common and he said unfortunately the military, especially the Marines, have old and unreliable vehicles. He also said while in Iraq a lot of the times the vehicles would break down and other units would have to tow them across the desert. I was alarmed by this. If we are going to be in a war, shouldn’t we support the troops by giving the reliable vehicles? Then I began to think about how unsafe this could be for the troops in a war zone. Imagine being chased or transporting goods in a war zone and “opps,” the truck breaks down in the middle of heavy fire and they get shot.

My boyfriend said the military relies on the government budget, and how much money the military receives depends if they get new vehicles. Then he explained even the supplies they have are old and crappy. The military is suppose to issue out supplies, but because of the war and the thousands of men and women overseas, there is a shortage of materials. As a result of a shortage some servicemen do not receive the necessary supplies such as bullet proof vests and other protection guards. Some Marines use their personal money to buy the materials if they choose. Last time I check, bullet proof vests weren’t cheap, but it is worth the money instead of getting shot.

This is a very frustrating topic for me because not only are the troops getting underpaid, but they are receiving the bare minimum when it comes to supplies and materials that could save their lives. I think about how some congressmen are sitting in their warm, large houses protected from harm, and there is a 20 year old Marine in Iraq with some supplies and wondering whether or not his Humvee will work that day. I feel the government is doing the bare minimum for the troops. I am sure that because of the cheapness of the government, military lives have been lost as a result. Not only the lives being lost, but the frustration the troops must feel knowing that their government is doing the bare minimum for their protection. My boyfriend said he loves being a Marine, but he is sometimes discouraged because of the lack of funds provided to the troops. I think this is an interesting statement because there are tons of good Marines out there that enjoy serving their country, but when their four years are up they will not reenlist because they did not feel supported. As a result, the military is loosing hundreds of good Marines and soldiers; and in this day and age we need all dedicated servicemen we can get.

I found two articles that captured the essences of what I was saying. Although they are old, I still believe they are worth reading.

Not Supporting Our Troops

Betrayal of Our Troops


The Troop's Advocator

In An Instant

With war come consequences. Sadly, some of the people serving overseas become injured. Some injuries are small and some are large. Rarely does the news report about the injured troops. Yet on January 29, 2006, ABC new anchor Bob Woodruff became seriously injured. While in Iraq he was injured from an explosion by an improvised explosive device (IED).

This event changed his life forever. Half of his skull was missing along with other injuries. Because Bob was in US military territory, he received the necessary surgeries that would later save his life. His wife, Lee Woodruff, admitted on Oprah if the injury had occurred in the States he would have died because most surgeons are not exposed to sever traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Thanks to the military, Bob would live. Though this experience was traumatic for the family, Lee expressed to Oprah some of the positive things that came from the experience. “I think something positive has happened" out of the injury, she told Oprah, which was a chance "to meet other soldiers and marines who had gone through this. That's very very important. I think even journalists have not told enough stories about those that have survived this...You've got a new kind of war [and soldiers] coming back have something called traumatic brain injuries. There have been some studies that show that up to ten percent of those who return from the war actually have TBI."

After Bob’s successful recovery, Bob and Lee wrote a book called, In An Instant, and has also set up a foundation for the soldiers affected by TBI. They used this devastating event to help create awareness to America about soldiers who are also affected by TBI. They explained even though they were lucky to receive support from the greater community, many soldiers are not so fortunate.

What amazes me is how generous the Woodruff family is. Bob is a wonderful advocator for creating positive awareness about the military. His story is greatly known, and there are soldiers in his situation that do not receive the same amount of attention. It is nice to see Bob and Lee working for the greater good to benefit people serving in the military. I love how they used their book as a vehicle to share their message, and to reach out to people that wouldn’t normally take time to realize how many soldiers experience TBIs. As a result of their book and foundation, more people have supported the injured soldiers. For once the military is getting the positive recognition they deserve. Thank you Bob and Lee Woodruff.


The Troop's Advocator

Dream When You're Feeling Blue

Usually when I write my postings it comes from a source of inspiration. Sometimes I get my inspiration from news articles or stories I have heard from my friends in the military. But today my source of inspiration comes from a novel. I hardly read for leisure anymore. But when I do, I loose track of time and the next thing I know it is 2am in the morning, and I just finished a book. This is exactly what happened to me yesterday.

Though this book is non-fiction I feel the message of this book is worth reading for those interested in my blog. The book is called Dream When You’re Feeling Blue, by Elizabeth Berg. I will admit it probably will be more appealing to the females than to the males.

The book takes place during World War II in Chicago. Although the novel tells a story about an Irish family during the war, it has an underlying message about supporting the troops. It appears to me, in my opinion, that America has lost tradition. Back then people were more patriotic, not just expressing their love for the country but they supported the troops. People sold war bonds, recycled cans so they could be made into guns for the military. But most of all the support for the troops was much greater than it is today.

Back then the United Service Organization (USO) held Saturday night dances at their centers for the servicemen. In the USO centers they had places where they could write letters, enjoy a cup of coffee, socialized with the people who volunteered from the community, and provided a game room for the men. Today we hardly see any support to that extent. Instead we see people with their yellow ribbons on their cars and houses. Although they are making a statement that they support the troops, could they do more? A ribbon to me is just an easy way supporting a cause. Anyone can buy a ribbon and claim they are supportive. But what actions are they taking? In addition, for the people who do not support the troops, why not?

After reading the book I realized that with time there will always be change. We can never go back to the way things were, when soldiers who arrived back from war were greeted with smiles, handshakes and fresh baked cookies. Today they come back to society and it has completely changed. Some people are supportive and others look down on these men and women. But the underlying message is—the soldiers need our support. They have gone out into the world and seen things we could never imagine. The least we can do is lend a hand to support them. Whether it is baking them cookies, writing letters, or buying a phone card so they can call their loved ones from overseas. It is the simple things that matter.

I’d like to leave with a few quotes from the book that made me realize where the heart is to supporting our troops. “We must support them fully in every way we can, and we must wait patiently for them to come home…When you tell a soldier how proud you are of him, he is prouder of himself, Whenever those boys get a letter, they are for a few precious moments taken far way from the hellish place—sure you know they call letters from ten-minute furloughs! Soldiers need to believe with all his heart in his commander and his mission, and he needs for us to believe in him.”

Maybe if we just gave a little more time and support to the troops their transaction of coming home would be a bit easier into society.

The Troop's Advocator

National Guard Troops Denied Benefits After Longest Deployment Of Iraq War

Please view the Youtube clip before reading this posting. I think it will give you a better insight so you can see the faces of these soldiers that are affected. (On a side note, I know the Youtube clip is messed up half way through, but you’ll get the concept of the story.



Hopefully after viewing the clip you are angered as much as I am. Actually, I’m discussed and pissed! Let me have my rant… This is BULLSHIT! B-U-L-L-S-H-I-T! Bullshit! These are humans we are talking about, actual living people that have educational goals to peruse. And the government won’t pay their GI bill because of one stinkin day?!? Personally, I think the government planned this, so the troops would come up short a day—disqualifying them from receiving the GI bill. The Minnesota National Guard was gone for 22 months, most deployments last six to nine months. 22 long months and the troops come home to a slap in the face by the government. Maybe this is how dirty politicians works, they screw over their workers in order for them to save some cash

I tried to maintain my professionalism, but this topic angers me to the fullest. I have a college education and I could not possibly imagine denying this from anyone, especially the troops. How could the government do this to the Minnesota National Guard? Right now the government seems to be two faced. On one hand they say they support the troops and will do anything to help them, but then when it comes to shelling out money for education they won’t do it. As bold as this statement is, I do not think the government really supports the troops unless it comes at a cheap expense.

I think we all know what needs to be done. These soilders are entitled to the GI bill and benefits. The goverment should give what is owed to the troops.


Below I have also included the written article

Baffled,
The Troop's Advocator.

10/3/07
MINNEAPOLIS, MN (NBC) -- When they came home from Iraq, 2,600 members of the Minnesota National Guard had been deployed longer than any other ground combat unit. The tour lasted 22 months and had been extended as part of President Bush's surge.1st Lt. Jon Anderson said he never expected to come home to this: A government refusing to pay education benefits he says he should have earned under the GI bill."It's pretty much a slap in the face," Anderson said. "I think it was a scheme to save money, personally. I think it was a leadership failure by the senior Washington leadership... once again failing the soldiers."Anderson's orders, and the orders of 1,161 other Minnesota guard members, were written for 729 days.Had they been written for 730 days, just one day more, the soldiers would receive those benefits to pay for school."Which would be allowing the soldiers an extra $500 to $800 a month," Anderson said.That money would help him pay for his master's degree in public administration. It would help Anderson's fellow platoon leader, John Hobot, pay for a degree in law enforcement."I would assume, and I would hope, that when I get back from a deployment of 22 months, my senior leadership in Washington, the leadership that extended us in the first place, would take care of us once we got home," Hobot said.Both Hobot and Anderson believe the Pentagon deliberately wrote orders for 729 days instead of 730. Now, six of Minnesota's members of the House of Representatives have asked the Secretary of the Army to look into it -- So have Senators Amy Klobuchar and Norm Coleman.Klobuchar said the GI money "shouldn't be tied up in red tape," and Coleman said it's "simply irresponsible to deny education benefits to those soldiers who just completed the longest tour of duty of any unit in Iraq."Anderson said the soldiers he oversaw in his platoon expected that money to be here when they come home."I had 23 guys under my command," Anderson said. "I promised to take care of them. And I'm not going to end taking care of them when this deployment is over, and it's not over until this is solved."The Army did not respond questions Tuesday afternoon.Senators Klobuchar and Coleman released a joint statement saying the Army secretary, Pete Geren, is looking into this personally, and they say Geren asked a review board to expedite its review so the matter could be solved by next semester.Minnesota National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Kevin Olson said the soldiers are "victims of a significant injustice."
------------------------- Larry Scott --

No Therapy for You!

Your role—Military parents

Today you receive a letter from your son. It reads:

Dear Mom and Dad,
Sorry I haven’t written much. It has been busy, and I haven’t had time to write anyone. Please forgive me. I do not know where to start other than to be blunt. I know I should not be telling you this, but I do not dare telling my wife. Do not worry too much about me. But lately I’ve been overwhelmed. Being in war has completely changed me. I used to think I could handle any situation; but when I see my friends get blown up within a few yards, I begin to wonder when I will crack. If I was out of military I would see a therapist. Overseas there isn’t time and it is frowned upon. If I seek to get any sort of help or show any sign of weakness they may view me as mentally unstable. So in a way, writing you this letter is my own therapy to keep me sane. I just hope overtime things will improve. I love you very much. Please keep this letter to yourselves and know that I will be returning home safely.

With all my love
Cpl. Smith

This is a topic that never gets discussed openly. I have tried to find articles to prove my point, but the fact of the matter is they don’t exist. However, since I have been around the military I believe I am somewhat credible to discuss about psychological therapy in the military.

Unfortunately, if a serviceman requested to meet with a counselor it could jeopardize their career. For one, they may be viewed as unstable. In the military most men and women become emotionless. Things that would normally disturb civilians wouldn’t bother the troops. The military builds the soldiers to handle great amounts of stress—stress that is inconceivably imaginable to civilians. A solider/Marine is expected to handle the issues that war brings. They are trained to suppress their emotions and as a consequence some crack—hard. A friend once told me while in Iraq one of his friends committed suicide by putting a riffle in his mouth. The solider was not able to handle the pressures of war. Maybe if he wasn’t so ashamed he could have sought out a therapist instead of taking his own life.

Today, the military is seeing an increase of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) cases from Marines returning from war. In some scenarios the military orders therapy, depending on how bad the case is and other times people ignore the signs. I must admit that treatment for PTSD is much better today compared to Vietnam days. However, I know some people still fear telling their Commanding Officer they need help. I think it is interesting that the military does not mind giving physical therapy in order to rehabilitate their soldiers, but mental therapy they shy away from. Sometimes what cannot be seen is more life threatening. Can you really expect a 19 year old to be totally alright later after seeing people being blown up into pieces? This is not natural for the human mind to comprehend.

I know first hand that one of my friends was put on pills for his PTSD symptoms. He took them in secret for a while because he was embarrassed. I do not believe someone who has gone to hell and back should be embarrassed to take pills to help ease symptoms. But then again, as some people may say the military was not founded by women—real men can handle anything.


The Troop's Advocator

A Close Call

Your role—A military wife

Two days have passed, and it time to say goodbye to your husband. The drive down to San Diego’s ship yard seems to have gone by fast, and you try to savor every second with your solider. On the parade deck you see other families in the same situation; there isn’t a dry eye in sight. You come to realization this maybe be the last time you see your husband. You try to hold back tears to show that you are strong. Saying goodbye is never easy to do, and so you say “see you later” to lighten up the mood. It is now 8am and the troops begin to board the ship. You give your last hug and kiss and watch your other half walk away.


It has been two months since your husband has left. Finances have been tight, but you are managing with the help from family. Days drag on as you count down the day until homecoming. You and a friend are at the local park on base when you see a government car drive up to your street. Your heart stops—a government vehicle with two marines in dress blues is never a good sign. The car stops in front of your house. You run to meet the Marines hoping they aren’t for you. The Marines get out and walk up to your neighbor’s door. You’re relieved, and at the same time your heart goes out to your neighbor as you know what is coming next.

This situation is something that all military families dread. When a government vehicle comes to a house between the hours of 6am and 10pm, a spouse will be receiving news that will alter their life forever. This situation is not easy for the spouse or the person telling the news. The job of telling someone’s spouse has died is something that no one wants to do, but unfortunately it is a job that exists.

The issue I want to address is the aftermath of a death. When a serviceman or women dies, regardless of their rank, their spouse receives $450,000 and $12,000 for the funeral service. How can you place a price on a person’s life? $450,000 can barely buy you a house in California. I do not blame the military directly. I blame the government. The US government comes up with a budget, and it just so happens that only 450,000 dollars is allotted to the surviving spouse or family. This is an insult, and I believe the budget needs to be reconsidered. By no means am I saying the people who joined in the military care about how much they get after they die. My concern is for the family who is now left behind, and how they will survive without their loved one. Again, whoever came up with the budget should ask themselves would they accept 450,000 dollars if their spouse died.

Thinking long and hard,
The Troop’s Advocator

Mission One

Tonight as I began to think what I wanted to address next, I had an idea. What would my audience want to know about the military? The military in general is not easy to comprehend. (Trust me I have been around it for two years and I still do not fully understand.) Instead of jumping into all the topics I want to take you on a journey. I am attempting something different. Instead of posting to convey the lack of support for the military, I am going to put you in the front seat. I am going to structure my blog as if you are an actual military family member. I am going to create real situations that the servicemen and family face each day. These situations will be frustrating, but I can not think of a better way for my readers to understand. Anyone can read about these situations in newspapers, and afterwards forget about them. I am willing to create this journey, and although risky I hope you get better insight.

Your role—A military wife

While at home with your husband and newborn baby, you receive a phone call. The phone call is for your husband and it is his Master Sergeant. He receives news in 48 hours he will be deploying to Iraq. Your heart sinks knowing your other half will be leaving in two days. In those two days tons of preparation will need to take place. Bills need to be paid, finances need to be mapped out, and things need to be packed. The top two things on your mind are finances and how you are dreading the moment when you will depart from your husband’s arms. Then you begin to think what if. What if you get the knock on the door to discover your husband has been killed in action (KIA). You try to force those terrible thoughts out of your head. How will you provide without your husband. All of a sudden you’ve become a single mother for six months or more. Financially how will you manage? The military already pays nothing and without the ability to go back to work things will be really tight.

In reality this situation is not unfamiliar to military families. Unfortunately, most families are in debt because they rely on cash advance places in order to keep up with bills. This is the price they pay for serving their country. If any of my readers have been to Oceanside you know exactly what I’m talking about. Oceanside is south of Orange County where Camp Pendleton is located. (Camp Pendleton is one of the largest Marine base.) In the town of Oceanside there are cash advance places on every block. It is the equivalence of a Starbucks on every corner. The sad thing is the cash advance places make tons of money off of the military. The military is forced to go to these places in order to support their families. What is more disturbing is how these places rip the military off. After researching the average fees for borrowing money, I discovered most cash advance stores in Oceanside have an APR rate of 460.08% for the military. This is outrageously high! If you don’t believe me please visit this website, https://www.checkngo.com/stateDisclosures/California/Finance_Charge_Schedule_(English).pdf ) or do a Google search on cash advance stores and look up their APR rate. This is how cash advances make such a large profit, and how the servicemen are trapped into the perpetuating cycle of living pay check to pay check. Supposedly cash advance stores are to be used for short term. However, it appears military families use them on constant bases. This brings up two issues. The military is not paying enough for families to survive on their pay checks, and the cash advance places are taking advantage military families.

Despite the fact cash advance places are ripping the military off, most of these stores claim to support the troops by having decorative windows with yellow ribbons. How is ripping these people off supportive? Again as I said to the Oakland Airport and now to these cash advances places, SHAME ON YOU!


The Troop's Advocator

The Simplest Things in Life

After reading my comments on my first posting I wanted to address an issue. One of my readers asked if I was going to give any information that may help support our troops. Honestly, and as embarrassing as it is, I never thought about directly informing my audience about the numerous programs that assist the troops. As I said earlier, I have been apart of many programs that support the troops. Most people are hesitant because some programs want money or donations, and people question if the donations actually reach the troops. But, there are many other ways to support the troops that do not require money. Before I list a few sites I want to tell a story.

One day I was helping my boyfriend clear out his garage. Most of the stuff was military uniforms and equipment. At the time I did not realize how important the items were to him. However, Chris* warned me to be extremely careful with everything I touched. After organizing the equipment into containers I came across a shoe box filled with letters. I asked Chris who the letters were from and he said “everyone.” He told me to be extremely careful with them and not to rip any of the letters. Being curious and a little nosy I began to open the letters and read them. Some were from family and others were from school children in New York. I asked him why he kept all the old letters. His response was, “because they are memories, and the letters kept me going when times got rough.” He said mail call was one of the most exciting times because he never knew what he would be receiving. Chris explained e-mail became a luxury at times during the deployments and letters were perceived as gold.

That night after reflecting over the letters, I began to understand why Chris still kept them. Letters can be so personal and it is a tangible object that the soldiers can hold and read. I once read an article that a soldier’s wife would spray her perfume on her letters to her husband so it would help him through his deployment. The smallest things can help a person more than imagined. Though letters can be viewed as something little, it can brighten up a serviceman’s day in an instant.

That is why I believe the first step to supporting our troops is writing them. If you wonder how you can help this is it. It does not cost money; it only takes about five minutes. In some programs you can write holiday cards, letters or even find a pen pal. From previous experience I always enjoyed having a pen pal. Even though I have not kept in contact with any of the pen pals, I got to know them for six months during their deployment. I discovered their story of why they joined, who they were, and their goals. One guy told me he looked forward to checking his e-mail and mail because he always knew he would have a letter from me and it kept him going. Below I have included some links to sites that offer writing to the servicemen and women. Remember the simplest things matter to the troops.

With inspiration,
The Troop’s Advocator

*Names have been changed to protect their identity

The following are links to support your troops

http://www.cvn72.navy.mil/
Click on Public Affairs then Pen Pal Program

http://www.uso.org/whatwedo/specialprograms/operationusocarepackage/
The USO is the most trusted organization that works with the military

http://www.thankyoursoldiers.com/http://troopssupport.com/http://troopssupport.com/
This website has many options to supporting the troops

Shame on You, Oakland Airport!

Two days ago while I was checking my Myspace page (yes, unfortunately I got suckered into the trend) I came across one of my friends postings. Usually I do not pay attention to anyone’s bulletins, but this one was alarming. The article was about how Marines and soldiers returning from Iraq were not allowed in the Oakland International Airport terminal.

The servicemen and women were coming home from their lengthy deployment, and were anxiously waiting to reunite with their loved ones. Instead, they were dropped off at the FED EX terminal and not allowed to enter Oakland Airport. For three unnecessary hours they had to wait until released.



I AM DISGUSTED !!! These men and women are NOT the enemy. They did their service overseas for six months without seeing any family members. I am upset that history repeats itself in negative ways. This is exactly what servicemen and women were scared of—to be treated like the Vietnam soldiers when they returned home. Instead of being greeted with flowers, hugs, and kisses the Marines had to wait in an airport hangar. Before the Marines had landed in Oakland they had been to Germany and JFK, and interestingly no other airport had issues with the Marines being in their terminal.

This event created tons of buzz through blogs, major news stations, and newspapers. Oakland airport was under the spotlight. After the incident the Oakland Mayor, Ron Dellums (a former Marine), made a statement to release some of the tension. “I want to be very clear, the city of Oakland does not condone this type of treatment of our troops. I have directed our port to look into these matters and work closely with airport personnel to ensure that this type of situation never happens again."

Though this situation has already happened, I hope this never happens to another Marine or solider. This is a mistake, but as a consequence it leaves a bitter taste in many peoples mouths.

The Troop's Advocator

Below is the article I read for anyone intrested.

Marines and Soldiers Returning from Iraq not allowed into Oakland terminal
On September 27th 204 Marines and soldiers who were returning from Iraq were not allowed into the passenger terminal at Oakland International Airport. Instead they had to deplane about 400 yards away from the terminal where the extra baggage trailers were located.

This was the last scheduled stop for fuel and food prior to flying to Hawaii where both were based. The trip started in Kuwait on September 26th with a rigorous search of checked and carry on baggage by US Customs. All baggage was x-rayed with a "backscatter" machine AND each bag was completely emptied and hand searched. After being searched, checked bags were marked and immediately placed in a secure container. Carry on bags were then x rayed again to ensure no contraband items were taken on the plane. While waiting for the bus to the airport, all personnel were in quarantined in a fenced area and were not allowed to leave.

The first stop for fuel/food and crew change was in Leipzig Germany. Troops exited the aircraft and took a bus to a reception area in the terminal, where there was a convenience store, phones, Internet and restrooms. As we exited the bus we were given a re-boarding pass. Three troops remained on the plane with the rifles and pistols. There was no ammunition on the plane and the bolts of the rifles had been removed. After about 2 hours troops re-boarded the plane and flew to JFK in NY.

At JFK the procedure was similar to Germany, 3 troops stayed on the plane to guard weapons while the rest deplaned. At the gate we were each given a re-boarding pass and spent about 1.5 hours in the terminal, at which time we re-boarded and flew to Oakland.

As we came in for the final approach to Oakland a Lieutenant who served in Afghanistan with the same unit in 2006 mentioned how when they landed in Oakland they were not allowed in the terminal. He said, "they made us get out by the FED EX building and we had to sit out there for 3 hours". He also indicated he was almost arrested by the TSA for getting belligerent about them not letting the Marines into the terminal.

Well, the same thing happened again. This time we did not park by the FED EX building, instead we were offloaded near the grass that separates the active runway from the taxi ramp, about 400 yards from the terminal. When we inquired why they wouldn't allow us in the airport they gave us some lame excuse that we hadn't been screened by TSA. While true, the screening which we did have was much more thorough than any TSA search and was done by US Customs. Additionally, JFK didn't seem to have a problem with our entering their terminal, nor did security in Germany.

It felt like being spit on. Every Marine and soldier felt the message loud and clear, "YOU ARE NOT WELCOME IN OAKLAND!"

The First Step

I have an intriguing story I want to share with all you. It begins with a young girl who at the age of twelve began supporting the military through various activities such as sending care packages overseas to the troops. She has now progressed into a young college woman. Although she no longer sends care packages, she has now decided to try to play a bigger role in supporting the military. Her goal is to inform the public about how dedicated and loyal our troops are to the freedom of this country, as well as the freedom of those who have never gotten the chance to experience it. This young woman is me. I will be sharing the very story of my life, personal experiences, and information about how we can better support our military through this blog. Although you will never get to know my name or who I really am, I sincerely hope that you’ll understand why I write anonymously. It is not because I am ashamed or embarrassed of anything that I will share with you. It’s because I’m dating a man who is Marine and has made a career out of it. I would never want to jeopardize his career because of the controversial postings I will write. With that said, I hope you find some meaning from this blog, and a better understanding of the daily scarifies military personnel and their loved ones make everyday by serving in the United States Armed Forces.

When I realized how passionate I was about the military, especially supporting the troops I knew I could not ignore the opportunity to blog about this tremendously over looked topic. Ever since I was a young girl, I’ve participated in “Operation Dear Abby,” a program that sent care packages overseas to the military members serving around the world and away from home. I became so intrigued that I began to organize programs through my Girl Scout troop to send holiday greetings cards to the troops. Supporting the troops became a passion and an addiction at the same time. I began to read books and news articles so that I could get a better understanding of the military life and what they had to endure. I couldn’t stop reading about these young men and women who were heroes to the world. The more I read the more I wanted to advocate for the servicemen and women. I realized the unimaginable scarifies people serving the military had to deal with, and it angered me on how they were treated and under appreciated. How is it possible that the government pays a Lance Corporal less than three dollars an hour to fight in a war, and at the same time pays a private contractor in Iraq over $100,000 for six months of their time? I do not understand the logic behind that issue. I want this to be publicly known, and hopefully bring understanding and make readers really think about ways that we can make these situations better.

I hope you, the reader, understand that this is not a political statement. In fact it does not matter what your political standing is. The military troops are not a part of politics; they only want to defend the freedom of our country and the world. I will not be ranting or discussing anything to do with President Bush or political leaders in general. The mission of this blog is to inform and possibly provoke action that my audience can take to make the lives of servicemen and women less challenging. I hope each posting will illustrate how much our servicemen and women, as well as their families do for this country; and how important it is to support them in everyway possible. Even the littlest thing matters more than you know.

With great enthusiasm,
The Troop’s Advocator