A Father releases a fallen soldier's e-mails

[sabra]

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ericzorn/chi-0703220120mar22,1,7167578.column?coll=chi-news-col

Frustration can be felt in fallen soldier's e-mails

<snip>

Tuesday in this space we heard from his father, Richard Landeck, 56, of Wheaton. I published passages from the pained, angry letter he mailed to President Bush on Feb. 4, two days after learning that Kevin, 26, had been killed when shrapnel from a roadside bomb tore into the military vehicle he was riding in just south of Baghdad. Today we hear directly from Kevin Landeck, who was posthumously promoted to captain:

...

Dec. 24: "Dad, I'm fine. Just when you asked (on the phone) what me and the guys think about all that is going on, you opened up a can of worms. It's easier for me to vent, and you got the venting. I just keep on keeping on, and taking care of the guys. Don't worry about me, Dad. Like I said, I'm all right I'm just great at bitching. I'll call you guys on Christmas. Love, Kevin."

Dec. 31: "I'm frustrated. The military wants us to be policemen and not soldiers. I don't feel like we're fighting terrorists or terrorism here. I guess (the commanders) feel like we are replaceable. Keep Mom busy because I know she is worried about me but I'm fine and as long as I stay focused, things should be OK. Happy New Year and hoist a glass for me. Love, Kevin."

Jan. 19: "Dad, you asked what I thought about Bush's plan to send more troops to Baghdad ...well, he can send as many as he wants but it won't make a difference until the Iraqis step up to the plate. It also means more of us guys are going to get cut to shreds by the bad guys. I don't understand the thinking of Bush and Cheney and the other geniuses running this war. It is senseless. Take care and thanks for everything. Love, Kevin."

[babylonsister]

1. Thanks, sabra. This stinks so bad, and I'm sure Kevin wasn't the only

soldier with these feelings. :cry:

[Monkeyman]

3. The Anger grows

[merh]

2. .

:cry: :grr: :cry:

Not.In.My.Name. :cry:

[Frances]

4. It's because of Kevin and his parents

that I support Pelosi's bill. It has a chance of passing. The holier-than-thou people who oppose this bill have NO chance of passing anything stronger. We should start with what we can get and then proceed from there. If Pelosi's bill fails, then Bush wins and wins big time. When Bush wins, Kevin's fellow soldiers lose.

[Rydz777]

5. "It is senseless."

These three words by Capt. Landeck sum up the history of Bush's Iraq adventure. Thank you for posting these e-mails. Our troops have become victims of one perverse decision after another. It simply must end NOW.