Something that's been on my absolute nerves...

[The NY Gecko]

I enlisted for the Marines and I leave August 25th. Great, right? Well, as it so happens, everyone I come into contact is so ignorant that all they do is shoot me down. All I hear is "You're going to die." "You're going to get shot."

Not for nothing, but that's what the military is for, fighting. I joined for every reason except education and money. Most people love their rights ever so much, and most people will never work for them. It's cool to have freedom of speech, I'm and advocate, but don't attack someone who's going to defend that freedom you so enjoy. If everybody shared the hated idea of military service, we would be speaking German right now, Korrigieren Sie? Support someone entering the service, they'll do much better with help than with the nay sayers.

In closing, speak out against the government itself, never to the young men and women who are only following orders.

 

[Zbiz]

I dont think they intentionally try to put you down, honestly they are probibly worried about you and say those things to attempt to change your mind. Its an amazing commitment and I thank and pray for every soldier out there protecting us. Kudos to you bro.

 

[wilomn]

tom, you probably will get shot. You may well die. It's not a game. You're smart enough to know that.

But do as you will, as you have already done, but don't disparrage those who speak out. It's what you're fighting for, isn't it?

Smart as you are, you make some awfully dumb posts.

But, I can say this, you are EXACTLY the type of kid the marines want.

EXACTLY.

I hope you're ok over there, but I think you'll make yourself a target just to prove you can. Maybe your next go round will be better for you than this one has been. I hope so.

 

[Zbiz]

!!! geeez a little harsh? much!

 

[The NY Gecko]

!!! geeez a little harsh? much!

Ignore him, he's ignorant and would never have it in him to make that kind of commitment. He's bitter at the world because somewhere along the lines he failed to make his goal a reality, unlike I have. I've wanted to be a Marine since I was 8 years old. As for your remarks about me getting shot. Since you seem to be so smart, lets see you do some numbers. 1.415 million people in the armed forces to date, under 4000 have died. What's that percentage? Right.



I swear, everytime he sees my name he comes running, just to prove himself more ignorant than before.

 

[GeckoRing]

That's absolutely great Tom! My nephew is in the Marines, and I grew up an Air force brat. I think it is a commitment that takes courage and selflessness. Our family is in constant prayers for our forces. I think it is a career many do not understand at this moment in time, but people also opposed every war we have been in. Please understand that most that you know are probably torn between their love for you and respect for your decision. Most likely they will err on the side of caring too much. God speed to ya!

 

[moosassah]

Be safe & do Good. Yes, I mean Good not well. Make wise choices, protect your buddies out there & come home safely.

As for those who say the wrong thing to you--Figure out the percentage & find one that will prove how a civilian is more likely to die (ex. in a car crash). Give them the numbers & remind them to be safe too while you are away protecting their freedom.

 

[SteveB]

I'm proud of you.

 

[OSUgecko]

Tom, I'm so thankful that there are people like you who are willing to stand up for this country and for our freedoms!

I think every truly patriotic American is grateful for our armed forces and if they are not, it is only due to sheer, overwhelming ignorance and stupidity. As soon as our military failed these same people would be screaming bloody murder about their rights being taken away by another nation... hmmm...

I'll be praying for you!

 

[PrototypeGeckos]

Ignore him, he's ignorant and would never have it in him to make that kind of commitment. He's bitter at the world because somewhere along the lines he failed to make his goal a reality, unlike I have. I've wanted to be a Marine since I was 8 years old. As for your remarks about me getting shot. Since you seem to be so smart, lets see you do some numbers. 1.415 million people in the armed forces to date, under 4000 have died. What's that percentage? Right.



I swear, everytime he sees my name he comes running, just to prove himself more ignorant than before.

Way to handle that situation Tom, take care bro, and thanks for the commitment.

 

[paulnj]

Great for you! I say be proud of your choice and make the best of your enlistment.

Here's to a safe return!!!!

 

[CSgecko]

good luck man. I would never have the guts to join the army. Ill pray for you and hope to see you posting again whenever you come back.:main_thumbsup:

 

[T&KBrouse]

We got hit with alot of crap, also, when our boys went into the service. Just remember, theres alot of us civilians that will gladly step up to anyone that speaks poorly about our troops.
You know exactly what you're getting into, you know the risk, and you're still willing to step up to the plate. That takes guts.

Be safe.

K
Proud Army & Navy Mom

 

[wilomn]

Just remember folks, those of you casting aspersions in particular, that some of us have NOT said one negative word about our troops, that some of us have gone out of our way to say we support the guys doing the fighting even if they don't agree with the reasons for the fight.

tom just wants to go shoot people and most likely get himself shot in the process. I can see it. Some of you can see it. I merely spoke up about it.

And anyone who thinks the marines, in particular, do NOT recruit cannon fodder like tom on purpose are not as smart as you think you are.

Personally, I hope he learns a lot and comes home whole. The fact that I don't think he will do either is mere honesty on my part.

In case you've forgotten, this is the kid who was intentionally picking fights, broke his neck, I think got kicked out of one shcool, and I don't even recall what else, just a year or so ago.

I'm all for fighting for our rights, one of which is to speak honestly, but I'm also all for saying if all you're joining for is to shoot and be shot, maybe you're not the defender I'd choose were the choice given to me.

I prefer someone who can actually THINK of a good reason for going and killing and possibly being killed. I don't think tom can do that. Not yet anyway.

 

[Val]

That's enough.

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

That's enough.

I couldn't agree more! :main_yes:

 

[The NY Gecko]

Just remember folks, those of you casting aspersions in particular, that some of us have NOT said one negative word about our troops, that some of us have gone out of our way to say we support the guys doing the fighting even if they don't agree with the reasons for the fight.

tom just wants to go shoot people and most likely get himself shot in the process. I can see it. Some of you can see it. I merely spoke up about it.

And anyone who thinks the marines, in particular, do NOT recruit cannon fodder like tom on purpose are not as smart as you think you are.

Personally, I hope he learns a lot and comes home whole. The fact that I don't think he will do either is mere honesty on my part.

In case you've forgotten, this is the kid who was intentionally picking fights, broke his neck, I think got kicked out of one shcool, and I don't even recall what else, just a year or so ago.

I'm all for fighting for our rights, one of which is to speak honestly, but I'm also all for saying if all you're joining for is to shoot and be shot, maybe you're not the defender I'd choose were the choice given to me.

I prefer someone who can actually THINK of a good reason for going and killing and possibly being killed. I don't think tom can do that. Not yet anyway.

You hold to the opinion that the same person I am now is exactly the same person I was a year ago. You have it in your head that you think I'm out to get shot and that I was recruited for cannon fodder. Please, if I wanted to die that badly I'd kill myself. I suppose the fact that I picked Avionics and Data Systems as my MOS doesn't mean much to you either right? After all, I can shoot someone with the CPU in a computer.


For the record, I wasn't kicked out of school last year. 2 years ago my lad. Keep up with the times. Also, not that I did break my neck, but, what does that have anything to do with my behavior. Oh wait, it doesn't, my mistake.


P.S. I went to the station and told them I wanted to join and simply asked them what I had to do to go. They never once came to me.



One last parting shot. Thanks to all of you who support our troops. Even I personally don't support the war over seas, but the men and women in uniform don't pick our battles. Leave that to the beaurocrats in office.

 

[paulnj]

Tom,

Everyone has a past, but not everyone has a future WINK WINK!!!!! You have a future and don't let anyone tell you otherwise!!!

 

[The NY Gecko]

AY SIR!!!

 

[JGoslee]

Great choice. I just got out of the Marines about 18 months ago. You'll meet some of the best people you could ever know in the service. Semper Fidelis