Phayes_1: It seems you’re really concerned about the college students who are selflessly going to school so that they can land that great job that will pay well. You’re right we need to give them the money, and not to the family of a soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice for your freedoms. Funny I remember supporting the universities by being forced to pay state taxes while I was living in Europe for 6 years (Ohio is one of the few states that requires this). So how about I just consider this a small return on my investment; does that make you happy. I won’t even go into the whole philosophy of ‘if I wasn’t in Iraq, the insurgents would be here’. I won’t even mention that some of that red on the flag came from me. How much is it worth to you to be able to wake up and have your caffe mocha nonfat with nutmeg? 500/month? 100/month? I pray that my children will have the same liberties as you and I. I hope that they grow up in a country where they don’t have to fear riding the bus, or going to the mall because a mad man plans to blow them up. I hope they grow up just as spoiled as you and I, and have the freedom to pursue happiness without a second thought. I would gladly pay anything for that security, for that peace of mind. I would pay with my life; how about you?
“The price of freedom is everlasting vigilance” ~ Thomas Jefferson
DD: What huge bonuses are you referring too? I received a $3000 sign on bonus, and was allowed to make my money tax free while I was inhaling desert fumes. In return I was shot at, blown up, and had to deal with some of my friends dying. Oh I forgot to mention my free rent. While in Iraq, I shared a small room with a platoon of 27 men. The daily mortar rounds landing 100 feet from my cot were my daily/nightly alarm (no snooze button). My sweat soaked through my DCUs/ACUs (I went twice) while I performed my 16hour + patrols; they turned white from all the salt. Many back in the states complain about being away from their loved ones for a few days; I was gone from my loved ones for a whole year. Yes I volunteered for this. I did not know the pain, and the long term effects that war has on a man that I would have to deal with. When I hear taps in a movie, I cannot help but cry. Imagine me, a 6’ 220lb man crying to a little song. I know what that song means; I heard it played at 6 of my friend’s funerals. The gunshots from the salute really do send shock waves straight to your bones; just like the movies. Try to imagine this if you can DD. I have had many jobs in my life, and none was so under compensated as the military. Why did I serve if it wasn’t for the millionaire lifestyle that the Army gave me? Because my country needed people like me to pick up a weapon, and defend our homes with great violence. I had to fight, and kill so you didn’t have to. I put my family through pain, and many worried nights, so you didn’t have to. For you to say I was well compensated for that is an insult to me, and every Veteran who served (alive, and dead).
Vote yes on Issue 1 to give Ohio veterans a bonus
Looks like Issue 1 Passed! Over 74% majority with 94% of the precincts reporting. Thank you Ohio!
November 4, 2009 at 1:10 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Vote yes on Issue 1 to give Ohio veterans a bonus
Phayes_1:
It seems you’re really concerned about the college students who are selflessly going to school so that they can land that great job that will pay well. You’re right we need to give them the money, and not to the family of a soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice for your freedoms. Funny I remember supporting the universities by being forced to pay state taxes while I was living in Europe for 6 years (Ohio is one of the few states that requires this). So how about I just consider this a small return on my investment; does that make you happy. I won’t even go into the whole philosophy of ‘if I wasn’t in Iraq, the insurgents would be here’. I won’t even mention that some of that red on the flag came from me. How much is it worth to you to be able to wake up and have your caffe mocha nonfat with nutmeg? 500/month? 100/month? I pray that my children will have the same liberties as you and I. I hope that they grow up in a country where they don’t have to fear riding the bus, or going to the mall because a mad man plans to blow them up. I hope they grow up just as spoiled as you and I, and have the freedom to pursue happiness without a second thought. I would gladly pay anything for that security, for that peace of mind. I would pay with my life; how about you?
“The price of freedom is everlasting vigilance” ~ Thomas Jefferson
November 4, 2009 at 1:01 a.m. permalink suggest removal
Vote yes on Issue 1 to give Ohio veterans a bonus
DD, and Phayes_1
DD:
What huge bonuses are you referring too? I received a $3000 sign on bonus, and was allowed to make my money tax free while I was inhaling desert fumes. In return I was shot at, blown up, and had to deal with some of my friends dying. Oh I forgot to mention my free rent. While in Iraq, I shared a small room with a platoon of 27 men. The daily mortar rounds landing 100 feet from my cot were my daily/nightly alarm (no snooze button). My sweat soaked through my DCUs/ACUs (I went twice) while I performed my 16hour + patrols; they turned white from all the salt. Many back in the states complain about being away from their loved ones for a few days; I was gone from my loved ones for a whole year. Yes I volunteered for this. I did not know the pain, and the long term effects that war has on a man that I would have to deal with. When I hear taps in a movie, I cannot help but cry. Imagine me, a 6’ 220lb man crying to a little song. I know what that song means; I heard it played at 6 of my friend’s funerals. The gunshots from the salute really do send shock waves straight to your bones; just like the movies. Try to imagine this if you can DD. I have had many jobs in my life, and none was so under compensated as the military. Why did I serve if it wasn’t for the millionaire lifestyle that the Army gave me? Because my country needed people like me to pick up a weapon, and defend our homes with great violence. I had to fight, and kill so you didn’t have to. I put my family through pain, and many worried nights, so you didn’t have to. For you to say I was well compensated for that is an insult to me, and every Veteran who served (alive, and dead).
November 4, 2009 at 12:58 a.m. permalink suggest removal