A friends step-son is a 28 year old Apache driver stationed in Iraq. He came home to visit and she asked him to come talk to work and tell us how it is over there. It was great to hear what he had to say. It was like getting the truth with no third party media involved. It was amazing to hear is views on what'* being said in the news. He'* heading back for another 6 months to complete his tour. Just listening to him for a half hour makes me proud to be an American...

If you see a serviceman or woman, tell them thank you. No matter what side of the political fence your on.

Not paying attention to the mainstream press and having a family member in the military gives you a whole different view/perspective of the world.

I know that females aren't sent into combat anymore but I really do hope the Air Force sends me there or near there to aid atleast! I just finalized my papers today with my recruiter... I can't wait!!! January 31st I leave!!!

Thanks for the post! It is nice to hear firsthand info. That is how I felt with the Katrina victims. The media doesn't always portray the truth- they like to twist it so it sounds worse for ratings, etc.

PS- I was scared to open this thread cuz I though it meant veterinarian and that someones pet was dying or something. I am quite relieved now.

Yeah my father was in airforce so If I was to join any branch it would be the airforce. I love seeing those planes. If I had better eye sight I would have try to have been pliot in airforce. Think about 60% washout of pliot school it is very tough. But I think nothing could be cooler the fly machine that can do more then mach 2.5..

My Father was in the Air Force, My brother went to VietNam with the Army, I joined the Marines. One of my Nephews joined the Marines as well, and did his tour in Iraq. His perspective to this day is that it needed to be done, and he'* glad he could help.

He came home with his Purple Heart.

Except for me and "the boy", my whole family was Navy (father, both grandfathers, brother, uncle). I was Army, and as you can see in my sig, my Son is going Air Force (leaves in March).

I'm glad we didn't get a lot of news while I was in Saudi. Hearing nothing but the bad stuff would be kind of demoralizing, not to mention just plain pissin' me off.....

That was Kevin'* take on it too. Nobody wants to be there but they need to finish the job.

I was really cool to be able to hear it from one of the troops. Listening to the news makes you feel like it'* a losing battle when actually they're not really a strong threat. They're surviving by running and hiding. It helped put my mind to rest... at least, a little....