http://www.dailycardinal.com/news/2004/10/22/News/Iraq-Veterans.Open.Up.On.Mishandling.Of.War-777333.shtml-snip-
Boetcher presented the audience with statistics showing how veterans are losing service benefits at a rapid rate. With lowered funding for support programs and the rising trend of soldiers being reactivated for a second tour of duty, there is little incentive to remain in the service.
Rather than being reassured, however, soldiers have begun to receive rude awakenings through a "Fed Ex letter" strategy. "You get a package, and you have to show up
two days later," Boetcher said. "The military has a plan for action and it's not getting told."
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While the unit suffered no fatalities in Iraq, they were plagued the entire time by supply chain glitches. The unit never received body armor, and had to resort to stealing scrap metal for vehicle armor. Bottled water had to be rationed due to shortages, but Giese later filled a swimming pool for a general's use.
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According to Brenda Bickel-Bonds, whose husband Michael is serving in Iraq, soldiers also suffer from detachment due to the stretched manpower. She said her husband was taken away from his unit and stationed in Puerto Rico despite the fact he spoke no Spanish. Adding insult to injury, time served there did not count toward his total.
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an interesting statement: "This was a complete, chaotic mess," Giese said. "In my opinion there was no plan ... no one knew where we were going."
will the troop's votes be counted? I wouldn't bet money on it.