A common question among those who hear that I'm going to Iraq is 'Why?' A lot of Americans consider Iraq already a lost cause, and wonder what might drive me to willingly go there when I could get myself hurt or killed. As I noted in my first post, I'm not here to get into politics, but I think it is a reasonable question that deserves an answer.

The pat answer would be that I'm going because I've been told to do so, I'm a soldier, and soldiers obey lawful orders. It would be an accurate answer, too; I have been a soldier my entire adult life, and I am in the habit of going where the Army tells me to go, although this is by far the least pleasant deployment I'll have in my career to date. But that doesn't really get to the heart of the matter.

I am not a constitutional scholar by any stretch of the imagination. I understand that there are arguments to be made that the Iraq war is in some way unconstitutional, but since I have seen no arguments to that extent argued before an appellate court, I will work on the assumption that the Iraq war was approved in accordance with the U.S. Constitution. That being the case, then legally my oath to support and defend the Constitution holds regarding the Iraq war.

That is not just a fallback to my first answer. Even people like me, who believe that government should be relatively small, don't generally dispute the need for military and police forces to protect the rights of all citizens. In the case of the Army, we exist to protect the citizens from external threats. And it is the responsibility of the government to decide the nature of these threats and how it will utilize the Armed Forces to deal with them.

It is not for individual soldiers to refuse such orders. A soldier has a duty to refuse unlawful orders, but individual soldiers simply cannot reasonably argue that a war itself is unlawful; that is a question that must be decided at the highest levels. If individual soldiers may decline to participate in a war, that is an invitation for mob rule: we agree to serve our country, not to serve when we agree with the decisions our leaders make. The system would not work otherwise.

Do I think that my participation in this war will prevent the American system of government from collapsing? I have no such illusions. But the principle matters to me.

Finally, and most importantly, someone is going to take this MiTT into combat. If I were to somehow escape this duty, the requirement would not vanish, it would merely devolve on another officer. It would be beyond inappropriate for me to push off that burden onto another person after having enjoyed the benefits of my rank for so long. My service has been remarkably cost-free; I have never before deployed to combat, the deployments I have had have generally been not-too-unpleasant, and I have had a great deal of time (if never enough) to spend with Amanda. At a time when so many of my friends and fellow officers have spent two or even three years in theater, it's well past the time I take a turn and give someone else a little time at home.

None of which is to suggest I'm some kind of saint. If someone offered me the chance to not go to Iraq, I cannot say with any certainty that I would be strong enough to turn them down. I hope that I would be, but who can say what I would do in such circumstances? I'm a human being, like any other, and I am certainly capable of faltering in the face of my principles when they might be too costly. Fortunately, it's unlikely that such an out will be offered, so I needn't fear letting myself down in this case.

Having said all that, I now wonder if anyone will even care, but the question has come up enough I thought it deserved to be answered to the best of my ability. (Insert joke about my lack thereof here.) And since comments are enabled, if anyone else has questions, I can try to elaborate and clarify my explanation where necessary.

READER COMMENTS

Thanks for defending our country. I will keep watch of your words as I find them fresh and honest. I attended KSU found near Fort Riley and helped move a number of military families in my early days with my parents being agents for Bekins.

Andrew I wish you well and all your men as also. My best friend in the world is from Iraq, having escaped the throws of Saddam in the late 70's. They, in large part as a nation desire freedom for themselves.

Lorin

Hi Andy,
It's you brother in law Ian, your sister in law Gina and your niece Elisha in New Hampshire. We just want to let you know that we are all proud to have you in our family and you are in our prayers. Take care of yourself, stay safe.

Thank you for your service. You're a man to be proud of and I believe you've given on of the most lucid arguments on why our armed services fight in Iraq.

Thanks for giving such an honest assessment and dividing up the duty from the politics. Everyone here wishes you and all soldiers safety at all times. We pray daily we can live in a world without war and strife. We are thankful we have people like you who are willing to fight for our freedoms and willing to sacrifice for the cause. God Bless all of you.

Thank you for your service. I appreciate your integrity, sense of honor, and your honesty.
I only wish I was young enough to go along.

well said, good luck and, most of all, thanks!

Thanks for your service to the country, I always support our troops but not an adminstration who lied us into an unnessary war.
I wish they would send you to Afghanistan where bin laden and al queda is and you could wipe those terrorists off the planet.
Im sorry you have to be cannon fodder in Iraq for an adminstration who doesn't really care about you. They are only interested in war profiteering and making the military industrial complex bigger. http://www.democracyrising.us/content/view/57/81/
http://www.commondreams.org/view05/1117-22htm.
Good luck and take care and may God Bless you, the troops, America and all the world. And may God give us all the wisdom to see how corrupt this current adminstration is and the means to remove them from power.

Sorry that 2nd post I typed in wrong, its
http://www.commondreams.org/views05/1117-22htm.

Thank you for your service to our country, for the honesty that you write and the honor you are displaying in serving. May you enjoy knowing God's blessing as you walk this journey. Always remember whether at home or abroad we are all called on to defend the oppressed, the widow and the orphan. To listen to the news of our day, I think that this calling is a lost art. Thanking you for answering the call. Be alert. You will be in my prayers.

God bless you, sir, and Godspeed. And thanks for sharing this; at this point in the war I think it's important to hear sentiments like this!

I wish you all the best on your deployment. Stay safe. We need all of you principled men and women, having fulfilled your duty, to return safely home.

Your statement above, and others like it from our servicemen and women make me proud.

Major, thanks for defending the life, liberty and security of others, at great cost to yourself and family. You are appreciated and honored.

jim/am 760, thanks so much for "supporting the troops" by calling this man of honor "cannon fodder". Shame obviously has no meaning for such as you.

Hey, found this site via Malkin. I imagine you are going to get alot more hits.

Anyhow, good luck sir. I was a MiTT about 2 yrs ago. (O-3 here). It's an experience!

To "jim/am 760":

Do you not see the conflict in on one hand saying, "I always support our troops" and then on the other, calling us "cannon fodder"?

The baffling logic you use to rectify that glaring hypocrisy is mind-boggling to me.

Major, Thank you for your service to our Country. Please always remember that you are not cannon fodder, but rather you are a strong, intelligent, decent American who is serving his Country. I appreciate you. I have a son in Baghdad right now, and I am glad that our young men have such fine examples to follow. God speed to you! You will be in our prayers.

Hooah!

God bless and safe home, Major.

And "jim/am 760" ???? Nice job of pushing your own agenda and hi-jacking the comments !!!!!

Thanks for playing !!!!! Now move along

Stay safe, Major.

And thank you.

Dear Major Olmsted,

Thank you so much for your attention to duty. All we have with which to repay you is that we ask God to protect you and your family and give you success in your mission.

Godspeed,
jb

Dear Major Olmsted,

Thank you so much for your attention to duty. All we have with which to repay you is that we ask God to protect you and your family and give you success in your mission.

Godspeed,
jb

Hi Major, Thank you for your honest thoughts. I will be praying for you and all our brave men and women who are trying so hard to help this infant democracy to get strong. I really think many Americans have no idea how long it took us to figure it all out.
Be strong and God Speed' Thank You.

Andrew, it's great to see you back in the saddle, writing-wise. Your voice has been much appreciated and your contribution to the culture's level of discourse is needed. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

God bless you for your service, sir! Thank you for protecting me, my family, my wife, and the blog which I write for her.

Major, thank you so much for your service and to all our soldiers for keeping us safe. Your duty is beyond repayment.

Jim/Am-nice try at hijacking the comments. Your hypocrisy is mindboggling.

A Big, Big thank you from your fellow Americans in New Hampshire.

We are rooting for your success and safe return home.

Spread that message to every soldier you meet in Iraq!

God bless you Major. You and the other American hero's who have served or are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are on the right side of history. Many thanks to you and to your family for the sacrifices that you are making in order to keep keep America free. Be strong and stay safe.

Thank you for your courage in advancing freedom. I and my family are truly grateful to you and other brave men and women who are willing to defend our country and our liberties. My children and grandchildren are blessed.

Great answer, Major. A military member can't decide NOT to go to war on their own any more than they can decide to actually go to war on their own.

Support the troops, oppose the war. I thank you for your service to this nation.

Best this to watch in the morning is the news that some American terrorist died in Iraq! coffee tastes better those days!

For me, I think you are fighting to keep people free. When others are free, it makes our own freedom more secure. Dictators and despots start the trouble but men and women like you fight the trouble makers.

People will say that the war isn't right. I think it is. And I'm profoundly grateful for our military in these crazy times.

Thank you sir.

"Best this to watch in the morning is the news that some American terrorist died in Iraq! coffee tastes better those days!

Posted by Jimmy on June 27, 2007 02:53 PM "

Sounds like some illiterate raghead. Perhaps you'll end up in the crosshairs of a U.S. Sniper.

Thank you and God Bless you.

I'm always amazed at the folks who say that "logic" is twisted for folks when they say that they support the troops but don't support the war or say that folks are "cannon fodder". Take war out....I support and love my sister but don't want her to date a jerk....If I think she is dating a jerk....and say it...I somehow don't support my sister??? If my friend is a heroin addict, should I support him in his habit because he is my friend? If I say I love my country but don't support x, y, and z law, does that mean I don't support my country (think flag burning and the love it or leave it argument)? I do support the troops...they are human beings, friends, and country men/women...and if I want them home or if I think the military or government is doing wrong to them...you will bet that I will stand for them. To say, that I must support a president in sending troops to whatever conflict be it democrat or republican is B.S. And if you are republican, ya'll screamed about it during Clinton's era. And I'm not a republican or democrat....I'm an American. In my personal opinion, folks need to start doing some more thinkin on their own rather then taking talking points from rich folks who have no interest in the common man in this country....if you think that rich politicians serve your interests(either side), then I have some kool-aid you can drink.

Thank you, sir, and may God bless you and your family and keep you safe. And thank you to all the noble men and women who put themselves in harm's way while I sleep peacefully in my bed at night.

God bless you, friend!

I fail to understand why the left hates men like this.

Before you leave for Iraq, I would like you to know that I do not take my liberties and freedom for granted. I grew up a military brat, with my father serving in the Air Force for over 23 years. My son served 9 years in the Army, 1 year in Bosnia, and another year in Iraq during 2003 - 2004. Please know that many
people will be holding you up in prayer and giving thanks for you. God Bless and God speed.....

@Jeff

You see the difference is, your wouldn't call your sister dating the jerk a "slut." Likewise, you wouldn't call your friend the heroin addict a "filthy AIDS infested junky."

For reasons that should be obvious, some of us military types take objection to the phrase "cannon fodder" and many of us aren't awfully fond of calling our commander (like him or not) a war profiteer either.

I really don't have a problem with sensible people that come up with reasonable and articulate arguements about why we should consider a change of course.

What a do have a problem with is rhetoric like jim's.

" To say, that I must support a president in sending troops to whatever conflict be it democrat or republican is B.S. "

That's all well and good for a civilian, soldiers don't have that luxury.

Major Olmstead, I want to extend to you my support and well-wishes for all your efforts. As just your average freedom and liberty-loving American, I can't begin to say how proud I am of your dedication and devotion to duty. I urge you and everyone else to not let the media reports and political backbiting get you down. I am also a veteran of the US Army though I never served in combat. However, I do know that the most important factors in your military lives are to take care of your buddies and families and to complete your missions successfully. I truly believe that the majority of Americans, contrary to what the media presents, are behind you and wish you all the success imaginable.

Keep the faith, drive on, and come home safely. Hooah!

Best regards,
Random-American

"No arsenal, no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women"-- Ronald Reagan

Major Olmsted,
Whoops, my apologies for mis-typing your name in the other post, sir.

I applaud your sense of duty.

For our commenters here, I think it's important that we be honest with ourselves and the Major in that by going to Iraq, he isn't "defending our freedom" or keeping America safe. It's clear from his post that he understands this - he says that he's under no illusion that failure in Iraq will lead to the US government collapsing. Of course it won't - and bravo to him for recognizing that and saying so.

We do our men and women in uniform a great disservice by pretending that their collective sacrifice in Iraq is somehow going to keep hordes of Arabs with guns and suicide bombers off the streets of America. By buying into that sort of bullshit we put these brave men and women in harms way for tangible benefits.

The best thing anyone can do to "support the troops" is to call for the immediate deescalation of the war in Iraq and the immediate redeployment of our troops away from the day to day violence in Iraq.

Sir,

I preface this by stating that I am, overall, happy with my life and myself.
That said, men like you make me strive to be better, always better. You are a credit to America, and it is people like you (so many, many) who will continue to ensure that we remain a free, democratic country.

Stay well

@Good Guy

"he says that he's under no illusion that failure in Iraq will lead to the US government collapsing. "

I believe you misunderstood what he was trying to say.

The paragraph preceding the part you referenced explained that soldiers cannot decide whether or not they will follow orders. By saying,

"Do I think that my participation in this war will prevent the American system of government from collapsing? I have no such illusions. But the principle matters to me."

he wasn't trying to say whether or not he thought failure in Iraq would lead to the US system of government collasping. He was saying that he thinks that if he personally decided he didn't want to serve the US government wouldn't collaspe.

There is nothing in his post that tells us his thoughts on the politics of the war. He made it clear from the begining hew wasn't getting into it.

As far as "defending our freedoms."

He says:

"In the case of the Army, we exist to protect the citizens from external threats. And it is the responsibility of the government to decide the nature of these threats and how it will utilize the Armed Forces to deal with them."

Basically, what he is saying is that its up to our elected leaders to decide what the threats are and when and where to protect our freedoms.

Hello, you handsome American:

Found this page via the wonderful Michelle Malkin, and wanted to say Hi from Texas. There are more supporters in the US than the idiots you get to defend (like the jim/jam joker.)

I don't know all the politics and mechanics, but I hope that everyone can come home safe and in one piece. Unfortunately, the insurgents don't see it that way. And the papers all report how bad we are to be over there. Somehow, I just don't believe it's all bad.

Don't get me started on those slithering ilberals who bash the US. GRRRRrrrr. . . .

Recently I attended a lecture given by Suzanne Somers; she was introducing the Menopause Clinics of America. There were over 1300 people in that ballroom. She gave a great lecture, and at one point said, "If I could bring a group of PO'd menopausal women to Iraq, it would be over in no time. Bring on the insurgents!" That got a big laugh--and yes, she appreciates the troops, too. No America-bashing from her.

And hey--nobody else called you "handsome," so I thought I'd step up to the plate.

Thanks again. Please bring yourself and everyone else home safely. We want to give you a real hero's welcome.

Tyger in Texas

Thank you for providing we Americans back home the protection and security your service and sacrifice provide. What amazes me is that men like you, don't even realize how exceptional you are, what a shining example of heroism and selflessness you provide to those of us back home. In an age of preoccupation with self, it is renews my faith in my fellow Americans to know that there are people like you and others in our military that exemplify the best and brightest examples of the people of the United States. You and your fellow soldiers are making a difference. There are Iraqis who are no longer under the evil regime of Sadam Hussein, who so many forget was guilty of terrible crimes against thousands of his own people. The Iraqis are learning self governance and regardless of when the US leaves, you have made a huge difference to the people of Iraq and to our national security. You ARE winning the hearts and minds of these people. Thank you for all that you do for people like me and my family.

Hey sir, I just volunteered to go for reasons pretty much in line with yours. It's good to see that even Soldiers have a sense of duty.

Oorah and Semper Fi.

Thank you for your service and for your very eloquent post. It is nice to know that our service men and women have such a strong sense of duty and honor. I wish that we could spread those honorable traits throughout our entire country. You and your comrades represent the BEST that America has to offer and I am proud of all of you. I was a teen-ager during the Vietnam war and I am so sorry that those who are most vocal represent my generation and that they are stuck in the 60's forever. The pull-out (surrender) in Vietnam was wrong and our troops knew it. To surrender in Iraq would be equally devastating to the Iraqis and to America's believability around the world.

Thank you for your service and thank you to your wife and family for their sacrifices as well. God bless and keep you in His loving arms.

Major,
Our best and brightest have always been the ones that put themselves in harm's way for the benefit of all. You Sir, once again, prove this rule. I hope your tour goes well and you return to us safely . Semper Fi

Good luck - stay safe, and thank you.

"I wonder if anyone will even care"?

Sir, please get this idea out of your head. Honor dictates that we do care, and you are living proof that Honor is not dead. We get to experience the wonders of Freedom, without ever having to earn it.

Indeed, you EARN it for us, as you said, by going where the elected government tells you to go. It is your and your fellow soldiers willingness to bleed and die for us that keeps us Free. The Army of a nation that does not follow the leaders elected by the people is one of the surest paths to tyranny.

So you are partly wrong. Our way of life DOES depend upon your service, and your willingness to fight, no matter which way the war goes. Just as you would be willing, G-d forbid, if a Surrendercrat is elected President, to "withdraw".

I care very much sir. Thank you for your service to our Great Nation. The Founders would be proud of you.

Major Olmsted,
Thank you for your service and your wonderful words. What is a shame is that too many in the past 6 years have turned this particular issue into nasty, personal attacks.

6 members of my family have served during this GWOT period (4 are OIF Vets) - we fully understand all of the sacrifice you, your wife and your family are making at this time. And we understand the reasons you are a soldier and are deploying. What gets to me, is the deminishing of the values, beliefs and ideals that we hold by the 'other' side that hurts so deeply.

We are not idiots, we are not killers, we are not without options - we are people who want simply to serve our country - whether it is by putting our lives on the line or by holding the home together while waiting alone.

Take care, watch your back and stay safe.

Thank you for your service. You're efforts will help us meet the second national goal in Iraq.

The first (to eliminate the then-current support of terrorism) has been accomplished.

The second --- to transition Iraq to a successful liberal (classical usage) democracy --- is long-term, both in its accomplishment and in its effects. Simply put, democracies don't attack each other, so accomplishing this is best for the long-term security of the country.

Your part is in this second, more difficult task, which serves humanity as much as it serves the United States.

As a retired naval officer, I wish you well. Serve with honor, and God bless.

God bless you, sir! Stay safe and hurry home!

Thank you for explaining why you are willing to step into the front ranks. I especially appreciated your elaboration on how if you don't, then someone else will still be needed to fill in the gap and I compared it to a past presidential aspirant's willingness to leave his posting at the first opportunity.
You are worthy of our respect.
Oran Woody

Thanks.

Please win this critical battle in the war before Congress figures out how to lose it.

Thank you Major Olmsted for your service and candid nature of your blog.
I wish to speak about peoples confusion about supporting the troops and not the war. I support the troops and not this war. I am not a democrat or republican and use my God given and American right of freedoms to come to my beliefs. I support the troops in the sense that they are humans and there is sanctity in life. I cringe everytime I here the loss of life especially American life. I pray for the safe return of the men and women who are fighting in this war.
I do not support the war as it was based on paper thin reasoning and false intelligence. The war is in disfavor with most Americans because of the fact that there is no end in sight. The American and Allied soldiers are fighting an extremist Islamic cult that does not value life as the true teachings of Islam proclaim. This war quite possible will never end. When you throw in Al-Queda and terrorists groups it is even worse and more dangerous. I am disturbed how fellow Americans call Americans who are against the war non-Americans. Please open your God given mind and American freedoms and let Americans be Americans.
Major Olmsted, please take this as support for you and whom you command, I pray for safe return of all. God speed.
A Patriotic Catholic American Open Minded Thinker.

Thank you so much for your service to our country. DUTY. HONOR. COUNTRY. Those words mean a lot to selfless individuals who are willing to risk grave injury or even death to fight for the principles of "everyone matters" and freedom for all. God Bless You and may He watch over you and your family and keep you from harm and provide you and yours, comfort.

Thank you so much for your service to our country. DUTY. HONOR. COUNTRY. Those words mean a lot to selfless individuals who are willing to risk grave injury or even death to fight for the principles of "everyone matters" and freedom for all. God Bless You and may He watch over you and your family and keep you from harm and provide you and yours, comfort.

Dear Major Olmsted
I too care. I served as an Officer in the USAF during the Viet Nam period, my brother served as an Officer in the Army during the same period. Our Father and Uncle were Officers in the US Army in Europe and the Pacific, respectively during WW II, our Aunt served in the Army during the Korean War period, our Grandfather served in Europe during WW I and our Great Grandfather served our country during the Civil War. On behalf of all of us, living and dead, we thank you for your service to our country. Duty, Honor, Country. Godspeed our prayers are with you and your family.

Lots of Americans do care about the troops. Keep yourself safe Major. America needs you to come safely back to us real soon.

Thank you!
diggerd

Major - your comments are well thought out, and on-target. FIRE FOR EFFECT!

CW2, OD (Ret)

Major,
While what you and your soldiers will face in Iraq will undoubtedly be difficult at times, it is - I believe - well worth fighting for. History will one day look back at the success (or failure) of our helping to stabalize Iraq, and it very well may be the single most important event this generation faces.

God speed, good luck, and wishing for a succesful & safe tour for you and your unit.

- Rich W.
Waukesha, WI

Best wishes, and may God keep you safe.

I join with Erick above in noting that support for the troops has nothing to do with whether a given conflict or engagement is right, or the right thing to do for America. It's sad that people fall back on the same sad "If you oppose the war in Iraq you hate America," routine, but regardless of whether or not the war was a good idea in the first place, as days go by, the American people realize more and more how badly the war was managed once we got there. Hopefully, those civilian leaders who wasted Americans' precious lives will not escape at least history's judgment for their negligence.

As an Iraqi, I beg you NOT to come to our country. Yes, the Americans got rid of Saddam but you have dragged our country into the middle ages of despair in the last three years, with Sunni killing Shia and worse acts of blood. What remains of my family now lives in Syria and Egypt. Assalamu alaykum, Iqbal.

Thank you, sir, for your willingness to fight for America. It is surprising to me that I have had lots of reports of our troops doing a lot of good in Iraq but "the media" never seems to pick up on this. We all need to forget the disagreements with OUR PRESIDENT and realize that WE ARE AT WAR and we need to back our brave military 100%. It is too late to go back and disagree with "why" we are fighting - let's move ahead and pray that this war will soon be over with America being the "victor". May God bless you and the U.S.A. MOST OF AMERICA is praying for you.

They only become cannon fodder when they are sent to an unnecesarry war. I love our troops and wish them all the best. Its the politicians who use them that bother me. Do not question my patriotism or love of country or soldiers. I love them obviously more than you because I care more about their safety than you do.
If you are so behind the war in Iraq, sign up and go, send your children.
BTW, where are those WMD's, where is osama bin laden. I just want are soldiers used in the right way, is that so horrible.
CBR, if you haven't figured out GW is a war profiteer, Im sorry. Its public knowledge, Google bush and war profiteering and see for yourself.
Tyger turn of Rush, being a liberal is a good thing and we don't blame america we point out problems to make it better, instead of ignoring problems
Again Major thanks for your service and stay safe.

They only become cannon fodder when they are sent to an unnecesarry war. I love our troops and wish them all the best. Its the politicians who use them that bother me. Do not question my patriotism or love of country or soldiers. I love them obviously more than you because I care more about their safety than you do.
If you are so behind the war in Iraq, sign up and go, send your children.
BTW, where are those WMD's, where is osama bin laden. I just want are soldiers used in the right way, is that so horrible.
CBR, if you haven't figured out GW is a war profiteer, Im sorry. Its public knowledge, Google bush and war profiteering and see for yourself.
Tyger turn of Rush, being a liberal is a good thing and we don't blame america we point out problems to make it better, instead of ignoring problems
Again Major thanks for your service and stay safe.

I'd be curious to know why all you flag-waving "patriots" who support this illegal, wrongheaded war aren't volunteering to go to Iraq and fight it, instead of sitting back in your bedrooms and typing good wishes to the soldiers who are legally compelled to do so. Cowards.

If you love this land of the free, bring 'em home, bring 'em home.

Jim, et al.:

You fellas obviously don't understand the point I was trying to make ref. service and respect for our elected leaders, so I won't bother. Perhaps if you guys have served you might get it.

Concerning going to Iraq, I've already been. Ref.: my children, if I had any (which I don't) it would be THIER choice to join (since we have an all volunteer military) not my choice to "send them."

As far as the politics of the war, you do realize that there are many people that think you got it completely backwards? Notably, a rather large portion of vets and military fall in that camp.

Google LIbEralS are cowards and see what you come up with. Does goggling something and finding sources make it true?

Sophistry + Google != informed citizen.

Finally, do you really think the comments section of the blog of a man who is about to go to war and leave his family for a year is a good place to use as a soap box for your political agenda? Personally, when I was getting rdy to leave my new wife (I had my first wedding anniversary in Iraq) the last "patriots" I wanted to hear from were liberals that think I am going to fight an illegal war for a war profiteer (FU very much).

By the way, my wife later commented to me after returning home, that if I tried getting out of my obligation in some way, she would have had our marriage annulled because she would have seen that I was not a principled man. THAT’S INTEGRITY.

http://blacktygrrrr.wordpress.com/2007/03/31/the-iraq-war-legally-morally-right-then-now/

The link above is a full throttled defense of the Iraq War. You defend our country, and I will defend you.

I will go to my grave knowing the Iraq War was the right thing to do. I not only support you and the rest of the troops, but I support your missions as well. In fact, a new slogan for the troops should be "The troops should support congress by sending them home."

God Bless,

eric

Rest in Peace, Major.

Thank you sir. You will be remembered.

Major Olmsted was killed in Iraq on January 3rd, 2008. He left a message behind for his on-line friends, here:

http://obsidianwings.blogs.com/obsidian_wings/2008/01/andy-olmsted.html

Rest in peace.

God be with you, sir. Rest in peace.

Spoken like a true Uh-merr-kin, Peter, you thoughtless boob.

If we must continue to send our sons and daughters into this utterly useless hundred-year war, perhaps we could somehow send more senseless Peters, and less sentient, principled Andrews.

May God rest the souls of all who lose their lives in this huge, sorrowful misadventure.

Major Olmsted,

I saw that you checked out my blog. I want you to know that I think you are an outstanding individual. I thank God that people like you exist.

I am going to link to this article in the next few days, because I want people to see your positive contribution to society, and contrast it with the hatred of those commenters that disagree with you.

Thank you for your service, and when the time comes...welcome home sir.

I would consider it an honor to one day shake your hand.

Respectfully,

eric aka the Tygrrrr Express
www.blacktygrrrr.wordpress.com

I just read another column, and was unaware he was recently killed.

He died a hero, and I will link to his columns so everybody can learn about him.

eric aka the Tygrrrr Express

Dear Amanda,
The Major sounds like a very special person. The world will miss his contributions to it greatly. There are no words to comfort you in your sorrow except to know your husband will never be forgotten. I am sorry for all the thoughtless people who have posted their trash; this is not the time or place. He is a true patriot, and an American Hero.
If any of the misguided who hide behind the true protectors of our freedoms choose to call me a coward; I served my time and lost a son in the line of duty in the Army.

God bless you and your loved ones in this time of sorrow.

Mark W. Evans, Sr.

"Integrity. Doing the right thing even if nobody is watching!"

Evans Memorial and Home Page
http://home.bellsouth.net/p/PWP-MEvansSrPage

"Remember the men and women who stand in the gap between the free world and those who wish to destroy it.
Bless those who serve, those who have served, and most especially those who never return."

What an honor to have a man like this to serve our country. I never met him but i have a lot of friends that serve in the military. I am in law enforcement and deal with life and death on a daily basis. I truly believe that he was a great man, solider, husband and father (never heard if he has kids). This letter made me a stronger man and I hope that everyone who reads this will become a better person. GODSPEED!!! The world is a better place with you involved in so many lives. I am so sorry for your loss Amanda.

The words of Mr Lincolin are as appropriate today as they were the day he wrote them.

"I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom."

Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,

A. Lincoln