RCA Dome packed for Ind. Guard unit send-off

[unhappycamper]

RCA Dome packed for Ind. Guard unit send-off
By Deanna Martin - The Associated Press
Posted : Wednesday Jan 2, 2008 18:38:45 EST

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana National Guard Sgt. Donald Nelson said he was less worried about his own safety as he headed for Iraq than he was about leaving behind his wife and their daughter, whom the couple adopted in May.

“I know I’ve got a lot of family and friends that will take care of them,” he said, “but still, it’s not me that’s there for them.”

Nelson, of Bloomfield, said goodbye Wednesday to his wife, 7-month-old daughter and several other family members who traveled to Indianapolis for a departure ceremony for more than 3,400 soldiers headed to Iraq. His 8-year-old niece from Chicago wiped away tears as she held up a sign saying “Sgt. Nelson, We Love You,” with a heart in place of the word love.

They were among more than 20,000 people who packed parts of the RCA Dome, some holding signs supporting the troops and others waving U.S. flags. Many soldiers spent time in the stands with their families before the start of the ceremony, which marked the largest single deployment of Indiana National Guard troops since World War II.

Nelson, 40, was also sad that he’ll miss some of the milestones his daughter will reach while he’s away.


Rest of article at: http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/01/ap_indianaguard_080102/

[orleans]

1. will someone please explain to me how these troops still support this

fucking war?

[unhappycamper]

2. I can't.

:shrug:

[bigscott]

3. if they come out and say they don't

it sort of invalidates what they are (IMHO). I have a cousin that has been in the army for 20+ years - his family is rabidly pro-* and pro-GWOT, buying into the whole administration line.

I guess if he came out and said he was against the war it would make him look the fool for staying in the army when he could get out??

I don't know the answer - those are just my thoughts

peace

[orleans]

4. yes, but the military has been changed and taken over by kb&r and

halliburton and this freak in the white house.

to stand up and say NO takes courage. i'd rather see some of these troops displaying their courage over here rather than behaving like zombies without a fucking brain: "must do whatever i'm told...must do whatever i'm told..."