My son will be home from Iraq on the 15th.

[madmunchie]

I cannot wait until he is safely out of Iraq. He has been there one year. He volunteered as an Independent Contractor. He wanted to really know what was going on out there. He also was drawn to the lure of the money. The funny thing is that he works 7 days a week, 12 hours a day, when you break it down hourly, he isn't making good money at all. He is former military. Even though he is in the "safe" area, Kurdish area, there are daily bombings and attacks. He has been under a steel table while the base he works at was being attacked.

I was so opposed to him going, I couldn't believe that he would actually volunteer to go. Well, God Bless, he survived and I survived. The funny thing is that he said that they were bringing more troops onto the base a couple of months ago. He has told me about the Catholic Iraqi's, and the Kurdish Iraqi's that like Saddam, it is not so clear cut as the news would have you believe. He has learned a lot and his basic opinion hasn't really changed either. He knows Bush is a meaningless asshole that should be in jail, he also believes that most of Government isn't too much different.

He signed a one year contract and considered not going back in November, but he wanted to complete his contract and leave on a good note. I do admire him and his stick to it attitude, the military gave him some of that.

I hope and pray that something happens to bring Bush to his knees and get us out of this horrible war, I hope that the Democrats prove my son wrong and that they actually start an all out battle over Bush's plans. I hope that people take to the streets in protest of this war and of the WH's policies. Considering what we all have been thru, is that really too much to ask?

[Jack Rabbit]

1. Hopefully, he won;t have to go back

I hope he makes it home safe.

[madmunchie]

8. He signed a 1 year contract, he will be through. Thank you, I'm sure

that he will make it home safely.

[oasis]

2. Have a great new year with your son.(eom)

:thumbsup:

[madmunchie]

7. Thank you very much and you to!

[Joe for Clark]

3. God speed to you and your family!!!!

Joe

[madmunchie]

6. Thank you very much

[don954]

4. I was a contractor over there too

We put up a cell tower. a week later, it was dead, we came and inspected it, the antennas were shot up. We fixed it, a week later, same thing. I think we fixed that tower a dozen times before i came home, and I am very glad it was only a 6 month contract. It was at the very beginning of the war and I would definitely not do it now, or recomend it to anyone else...

[madmunchie]

5. I don't believe that he would recommend it either, I know I wouldn't

He accomplished much of what he want to accomplish. I sense a heavier attitude in him now. His light heartedness isn't there. I know that he doesn't share everything that happened with me. He took pictures of areas on base where they were shelled and also some blown up hummers, as well as other vehicles that had been attacked.

He also mentioned that a lot of new "independent contractors" were hired and sent to where he works. He said that there is no work for them to do, now because they have 30+ people to do jobs that only require less than 10 people, they are all looking for something to keep them busy. I asked him "why would they do that?", he said "why not? As long as the companies could get money for the contractors they will hire them and collect on their contracts." He told me and his supervisor that "I went there to work, not to look for work to do." He's done, his year is up. I'm grateful. He is a great guy. I know I am prejudiced afterall, I'm his mother, but he really is, and soon he will be safely home.....and we could argue about politics and religion.

[brer cat]

9. I'm so glad he's coming home!

But grrrr to taxpayers paying for busy work. I think this has been the biggest ripoff of all times. Mega $$$ for bush cronies; death and mutilation to American military.

Happiest new year to you and your son.

[kstewart33]

10. God bless your son and you for what you've both been through.

I can't imagine the worry you've endured and the stress that he's dealt with.

[bdamomma]

11. I am happy for you and your son, no one should be fighting or

working in this endless and senseless war.

[lyonn]

12. Hooray, this has got to be a better year than last for you!

I too hope the Dems prove your son wrong and cause a ruckus on the Hill when it comes to this war. Someone today on this site mentioned ways that those in Congress could put the pressure on bush to get us out of Iraq, something like demanding proof of military purchases and contracts, what bush's Iraq plan, etc.. Tried to find that post later and couldn't find it.

Thanks for the Iraq info also.

[madmunchie]

13. What about doing a vote of "No Confidence"?

[applegrove]

14. That is great news.

[dogday]

15. Glad to hear your Son will be returning home to

you after one year... My Son just returned in November and I had literally held my breath since he left....

[bamacrat]

16. Good for you, your son and your family.

Hopefully he will never have to set foot in Iraq or any war zone again.

[AikidoSoul]

17. Good that he's coming home and will be safe

If I was in your shoes I'd be a nervous wreck until he's standing in front of me.

[madmunchie]

19. I am I am!

[Cant_wait_for_2008]

18. Great news, but dont let him go back. Have him get a PTSD diagnosis from an MD

Screw Bush and his nasty war.

[madmunchie]

20. What is a PTSD diagnosis?