Military families grow angry with state of Iraq war

[RamboLiberal]

http://www.centredaily.com/mld/centredaily/news/7126891.htm

They are angry and disillusioned, frustrated and full of doubt. This war is not going the way they hoped it would.

They are wives and husbands of the 129th Army Reserves Combat Transportation Company, stationed in Kansas, and they are terrified for spouses who are conducting missions in Iraq.

A month ago, these family members launched a "bring our soldiers home" petition drive when, with no advance notice, the 129th Company's tour of duty was extended.

Today, after a string of recent suicide bombings in Iraq, they stand with a growing number of military families who are convinced that the war is going awry and who think the American public isn't getting a straight story on the conflict.

Cherie Block, 29, could barely contain herself while watching President Bush's news conference Tuesday from her home in Sac City, Iowa, especially when he insisted the vast majority of Iraqis are with Americans, not against them.

"Look at everything that's going on there this week," Block said, "And (Bush) still has this perfect picture in his head that they want us there. To me, they're already against us."

You can sign petition these families have up at to limit the service of the Guard and Reserve troops at:

http://www.129supportingoursoldiers.com/

And this from NotInOurName.

In Kansas, Amanda Bellew, wife of Army Spec. Jason Bellew, a member of the 129th Transportation Company, said she and other family members are hoping to gather 50,000 signatures on their Web site, www.129bringthemhome.com, to present to Congress in opposition to the extended tours.

Amanda Bellew said the tours seem particularly onerous, since the 129th, made up of troops who drive and maintain heavy-equipment transports for hauling 70-ton M1 Abrams tanks, has recently been short of appropriate missions.

"We have pictures of a golf cart tied down in the middle of this trailer," she said. "They hauled SUVs for high-ranking officers on one mission, and by the time they got where they were going, all the windows were busted out, from things being thrown at them."

The unit was mobilized in January, she said, but did not leave for Iraq until April. "We were all planning for December or January homecomings," she said. "But now they're talking about April 2004, and possibly as late as January 2005. We're not into bad-mouthing the Army or anything like that, but the three months they were away from home should count in that year."

http://www.notinourname.net/troops/protests-grow-20sep03.htm

[Momof1]

1. WOW my local paper again.

That is just soo odd. The only thing this voting block has is Penn State. It is surrounded by republicans. I'm surrounded....lol

[JeebusH]

2. these military families are going to find out what the anti-war people ...

found out ... the President & Congress doesn't give a shit how many signatures or people you have

[0007]

3. The day will come!

When these folks will be heard loud and clear. Trust me!!