What will be our legacy?

2016-05-15T14:39:11-04:00

The public makes opinions on how they viewed the war we're in.The last war that was seen in a good light was Desert Storm.We all know the bad blood with Nam and the love of WW I, II and the forgotten war in Korea. What are we as SM's leaving behind as each one of us move on into the later stages of life. What are we giving the new Soldiers we didn't get before? How will we be remembered?

Response by CPT Jack Durish made May 15 at 2016 2:44 PM

2016-05-15T14:44:53-04:00

Because it was my turn.

I don't believe that any war will end all wars.

Response by MAJ Andrew Ready made May 15 at 2016 2:45 PM

2016-05-15T14:45:39-04:00

great post.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2016 2:48 PM

2016-05-15T14:48:57-04:00

SSG Swann, the most difficult thing for me to understand is that our war isn't over. As much as our civilian leaders want it to be, Afghanistan, Iraq and other places with Islamist extremists are still pulling American blood and treasure.

My kids are young, so they don't understand what I did/will do. That's good for me because it gives me a few years to frame an answer when they do ask.

I do believe what we did ("boots on the ground" people) was justified and good. Just not clear what policy we supported and if we got to our leaders' endstates.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2016 2:57 PM

2016-05-15T14:57:05-04:00

it was my job and duty

Response by SPC Matthew Morris made May 15 at 2016 3:17 PM

2016-05-15T15:17:08-04:00

It's hard to say. Were we the vengeance of an enraged nation (OEF), or the instrument of mass national distraction (OIF)? After we lost some soldiers on my final deployment (OND), a senior told us that we were there as a shield for the American people, so the enemy would attack us instead of American citizens back home. A good perspective, but a bit superficial considering the complexity and differences between the two fronts. I personally believe our purpose was to bring democratic change to the Middle-East; Iran is wedged right between Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Arab Spring occurred right before we pulled out of Iraq. Peace is good for more businesses than war; nobody wants to buy Starbucks or Big Macs when they are afraid to leave their homes. It just seems to fit together better in my head, especially when you consider our duty to protect and defend "American interests". Keep in mind, that is just my opinion. It is still too soon for us to know everything, and we may not ever be told.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made May 15 at 2016 3:27 PM

2016-05-15T15:27:24-04:00

SSG Warren Swan My war was a long time ago. I went to Vietnam because I thought aiding South Vietnam was a just cause. Our government stopped the war. I still feel that it was a just cause and that I did the right thing. I live my life doing what is right. I mentor and try to help out where I can. I would hope that my personal legacy is one of living my life with integrity.

Response by SGT Jonathon Caldwell made May 15 at 2016 4:30 PM

2016-05-15T16:30:27-04:00

It's a couple years old but a pretty interesting article.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/national/2014/03/29/a-legacy-of-pride-and-pain/

After the Wars: A legacy of pain and pride

2.6 million Americans fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. This is what life is like for the ones who came home.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 15 at 2016 4:34 PM

2016-05-15T16:34:49-04:00

Pretty Cool Romantic Notion. More like I'm an Electronic Mischief Maker and the Navy let me do my thing.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 15 at 2016 7:02 PM

2016-05-15T19:02:15-04:00

Saw this on Facebook, and it says so much for all of us that were and are in the military.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 7:50 AM

2016-05-17T07:50:39-04:00

We will be remembered as the fighters of an un-winnable war.

Response by SGM Frederic Smith made May 17 at 2016 11:57 AM

2016-05-17T11:57:39-04:00

Son, because it was my job to"! And then, "Both" of my Sons followed me into Service!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 17 at 2016 12:02 PM

2016-05-17T12:02:02-04:00

I think that a generation is remembered in the light that reflects how it performed on the battlefield. So we will be remembered for OIF and OEF. Forgotten wars.