Iraqi sacrifice in vain?

CPT Benjamin Faw — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 11:57:16 -0400

I refuse to accept the growing commentary that the sacrifices made in Iraq were in vain. I am working on an opinion piece on the subject, and would love to hear from the community. While "Winning the peace" and "accomplishing the specified missions" are part of why these sacrifices were not in vain (in my opinion). I would enjoy hearing from others on the subject. Those that made the ultimate sacrifice no longer have a voice in the media, and I would like to say why I think their sacrifice was noble, pure, and perhaps as far from in vain as possible.

Response by CPT Dave Shephard made Jul 2 at 2014 12:05 PM

CPT Dave Shephard — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:05:00 -0400

There are probably some good historical parallels to the Korean and Vietnam wars from a strategic standpoint.

I'll talk to some of the guys I served in Iraq with to see if there are any pertinent stories that might help.

Response by SSG Pete Fleming made Jul 31 at 2014 6:21 AM

SSG Pete Fleming — Thu, 31 Jul 2014 06:21:49 -0400

Are you still seeking opinions?

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Aug 2 at 2014 10:41 PM

MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 22:41:25 -0400

I feel they may have been. The questions that I don't have answers to are: Were the goals, based on the circumstances we went into Iraq under, achievable? Is establishing democracy in an Islamic country plausible? Were the resulting effects of disrupting the regional power base what we wanted and expected? Until I can come to terms with the answers to these questions, I don't have positive vibes on what it is we did there.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 2 at 2014 11:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 02 Aug 2014 23:11:53 -0400

The problems with Iraq began when Paul Bremmer replaced Jay Garner as the envoy to Iraq and dismantled the Iraqi military. That made the insurgency in Iraq swell from a rag tag minority to a large number of trained soldiers.

Response by 1SG Jason Smith made May 7 at 2015 3:56 PM

1SG Jason Smith — Thu, 07 May 2015 15:56:19 -0400

The best response to this question that I have heard is "We were winning when I left"

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Nov 8 at 2015 11:14 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 23:14:54 -0500

We have lost only one hometown young man to the conflict in IRAQ, his mother was behind me in church this morning. I will always miss him and I run the marathon named after him every year and buy every shirt to support his posthumous charity. We need to be there. If we had never left, would we have ISIS now?

Response by SSG Kevin McCulley made Nov 8 at 2015 11:25 PM

SSG Kevin McCulley — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 23:25:42 -0500

The sacrifices weren't made in vain... They were they were rendered 'in vain.' It burns me up every morning when I open my eyes and when I go to sleep. Every son wishes he could have one last conversation with his dad after he is dead and mine would be to ask my father how he dealt with the way Vietnam turned out.... another war with similar conclusions due to the same malfeasance from the same people.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 9 at 2015 12:03 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Nov 2015 12:03:45 -0500

I deployed 3 times to Iraq, and every day i say it was wordy. My Mom in her last few days of life told me. "you did what you like and help some one else". That is a wordy cause. I'm in uniform for ones simple reason, To protect, To Help a person in need, that is the American way.

Response by CPO David Sharp made Nov 12 at 2015 6:37 AM

CPO David Sharp — Thu, 12 Nov 2015 06:37:34 -0500

I am an OIF Vet. If those who say these things are judging from the current situation of ISIS, they may feel they are valid as the Country is again in chaos. Let us remember that a myriad of top ranking Officers told Pres. Obama NOT to pull all the Troops out of Iraq. He did so, as with many of his decisions, on his own for political reasons. So be it! My three times there I saw a country growing in hope and coming from a dark place. We had to keep the lid on many aspects, but, I firmly believe that given more time they would have formed a course of action which fit their personalities. No sacrifice is in vain when the fact that a child can sleep in peace without the fear the Secret Police would knock on the door at 0100hrs., take his Mother out in front and put a 9MM round in her head in front of all of the Family. Ask an Iraqi who has come to America what they think. Then stand by for some real education.