Army Suicide Toll

[Iris]

I understand that you get frustrated sometimes with many views posted here in this forum, but I have not seen anyone here pass judgment on the quality or loyalty of anyone's service to this country until your post above. You have no idea how capable Bob was as an officer, nor do we know the details of your service. All I can do is repeat what I heard from our priest this morning (former Marine), who remarked that "everyone who has put on the uniform and served this country deserves our thanks."

So thank you Andy, Jack, Bob and Iris, along with any others I have missed.

As for the term "brother," I understand its origins but think there must be a better way to be more inclusive when speaking of current conflicts, because the face of the military has changed. Perhaps Iris could have more to say on that subject.

Thanks TooFarTampa. I had to get away from this post for a while. I was getting too emotionaly involved for no real reason. As you know I retired from the Army in the early 2000's, went back to work as a sr intelligence operations specialist and recently gave it up after 30 years service. I will answer any questions I feel as though I can. I signed nondisclosure agreements so I must be careful. I want to protect the freedoms and this country as much as anyone, regardless of political beliefs. That is why we are America.

Ask away.

If I feel blasted by either the right or the left I will sign off again.