posted on June 24, 2005 10:17:23 PM new
Yes, Jack.
I feel sorry for the male and female soldiers who are being killed or badly injured in Iraq and think of them as individuals who had hopes and dreams and a life ahead of them, each and every one of them. I fully support the troops.
But when I said that here earlier today it brought outrage from some here.
posted on June 25, 2005 04:24:27 AM new
jack- IMO, there is not difference between male and female soldiers. Women are not the "delicate creatures" men would have us to be. A woman is much stronger.
When I was in the Army, we could be court-martialed for picking up a rock to defend ourselves as we could not be in a "combat" situation.....see how far we've come when we can fight and die, if need be, next to men.
kiara- I, too, feel for the soldiers. The ones who gave all and the ones seperated from loved ones, seeing horrific things no one should have to see.
posted on June 25, 2005 04:27:10 AM new
Not only have women made great sacrifices in this war, they were also instrumental in winning WWII both on the battlefield and here at home. We are definitely not the weaker sex. Thanks for acknowledging them, Jack.
posted on June 25, 2005 11:56:54 AM new
These American fighting women were doing the jobs they chose.
Woman Soldier Receives Silver Star for Valor in Iraq
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, June 16, 2005 – For the first time since World War II, a woman soldier was awarded the Silver Star Medal today in Iraq.
Sgt. Leigh Ann Hester of the 617th Military Police Company, a National Guard unit out of Richmond, Ky., received the Silver Star, along with two other members of her unit, Staff Sgt. Timothy Nein and Spc. Jason Mike, for their actions during an enemy ambush on their convoy. Other members of the unit also received awards.
Hester's squad was shadowing a supply convoy March 20 when anti-Iraqi fighters ambushed the convoy. The squad moved to the side of the road, flanking the insurgents and cutting off their escape route. Hester led her team through the "kill zone" and into a flanking position, where she assaulted a trench line with grenades and M203 grenade-launcher rounds. She and Nein, her squad leader, then cleared two trenches, at which time she killed three insurgents with her rifle.
When the fight was over, 27 insurgents were dead, six were wounded, and one was captured.
Hester, 23, who was born in Bowling Green, Ky., and later moved to Nashville, Tenn., said she was surprised when she heard she was being considered for the Silver Star.
"I'm honored to even be considered, much less awarded, the medal," she said.
Being the first woman soldier since World War II to receive the medal is significant to Hester. But, she said, she doesn't dwell on the fact. "It really doesn't have anything to do with being a female," she said. "It's about the duties I performed that day as a soldier."
Hester, who has been in the National Guard since April 2001, said she didn't have time to be scared when the fight started, and she didn't realize the impact of what had happened until much later.
"Your training kicks in and the soldier kicks in," she said. "It's your life or theirs. ... You've got a job to do -- protecting yourself and your fellow comrades."
Nein, who is on his second deployment to Iraq, praised Hester and his other soldiers for their actions that day. "It's due to their dedication and their ability to stay there and back me up that we were able to do what we did that day," he said.
Hester and her fellow soldiers were awarded their medals at Camp Liberty, Iraq, by Army Lt. Gen. John R. Vines, Multinational Corps Iraq commanding general. In his speech, Vines commended the soldiers for their bravery and their contribution to the international war on terror.
"My heroes don't play in the (National Basketball Association) and don't play in the U.S. Open (golf tournament) at Pinehurst," Vines said. "They're standing in front of me today. These are American heroes."
Three soldiers of the 617th were wounded in the ambush. Hester said she and the other squad members are thinking about them, and she is very thankful to have made it through unscathed. The firefight, along with the entire deployment, has had a lasting effect on her, Hester said.
"I think about it every day, and probably will for the rest of my life," she said.
posted on June 25, 2005 12:07:06 PM new
I think it shows the utmost dedication to your country when a woman chooses to serve, leaving behind her children. I don't know of a greater sacrifice.
posted on June 25, 2005 01:42:13 PM new
kraft- I agree!
bear- Thanks for the story. I always enjoy hearing women being recognized for an outstanding accomplishment. Her dedication is an inspiration to all. The grace with which she accepted her award is almost unknown in most of our young people today. I am most certain her parents are proud.
posted on June 25, 2005 03:21:47 PM new
Yes I agree, but the headlines are very deceiving when the poster said Women. They are Marines. There should be no gender bias like the poster wanted us to do. I have a heavy heart for every soldier in Iraq and I hope they come home soon. To the ones who will never return may they rest in peace.
It is a volunteer army, navy, maries etc and they chose to volunteer next to their fellow soldiers whether they be male or female. They go to the same boot camp, there is no descrimination.
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