From an American Soldier, an American citizen to all of all the world's people!!!

I talk to you now because I can, because I must...........There are great minds all over this planet. I cannot describe my experince in Iraq or the war on terror, please, do not ask me too. I will not, mine is a personal battle. One that transcends life or death. I have seen too much, felt too much, both for my fellow soldiers and for the civilians I have seen victimized by this horrible conflict.
I only wish to say this...................................

SINCE 2003 I HAVE FACED AND SEEN DEATH, FROM BOTH SIDES. IT IS NOT WHAT EITHER OF OUR SIDES WISH. I HAVE HELD MUSLIM CHILDREN IN MY ARMS AS THEY DIED WITH TEARS IN MY EYES AND SADNESS IN MY HEART! I HAVE HELD FELLOW AMERICANS AND NATO SOLDIERS IN MY ARMS AS THEY DIED WITH PURE SADNESS IN MY SOUL. THIS CANNOT, AND MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE. I PLEDGE MY SOUL TO THIS CAUSE.

LOVE ALWAYS, AN AMERICAN SOLDIER,
TY

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Permalink Reply by John Fisher on October 9, 2008 at 5:42pm

I want to take a minute as one American vet to another American Vet to say thank you for your service, and dedication to this country.

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Permalink Reply by Ty on October 12, 2008 at 2:35am

Thank you Yasmine, and thank all of you. My heart is sad but like any other aspect of a human being, it is being rebuilt. It will be stronger, faster, better. It takes time. Time...............the very word I did not acknowledge for 5 years. Now.........now I look to the future. Thank you all so much and I hope and pray I didn't put too much on you as I vented my feelings. God Bless You All, gentile and muslim alike.

I love you all and deeply pray for the future

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Permalink Reply by Maria** on October 12, 2008 at 9:38am

Hi
just want to say thanks for your post
it brought tears to my eyes.You sure an amazing person and i thank you for sharing
your spirit
Blessings
Much love and peace to you and to all the ones you love

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Permalink Reply by Neri Bar-On on October 13, 2008 at 12:51pm

Dear Rúach,

I resonate strongly with the vision of a world with no "orgenized force" which will create from the passion of our hearts ...

but I also see the humanity of these solders as they "protect/resist" for their people from something that is important to them. To think of them as brainwashed (and I know the feeling of meeting these young exicted guys) I know they are more complex then someone who his/her ideas are from the outside.

We cannot solve problems by removing the solders, we do know that we need to do it simultaniusly and when there is a conflict and war it is usually not possiable. we still must be brave and serious to recognize that what we wish is not yet applicable.

No, it does not justify Ty experience nor any of the death he seen. but if we want it to be real we need to realize that this magic of change has natural structure and it needs to grew. when we ask it to materilized when it is not ready - all we get is same reality with different victoms.

we need to be wise if we wish to defuse human aggression from this planet. any solder from any side has a mother and human experience we need to respect.

THIS CANNOT, AND MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE
but this is humanity of our time, and I call to love and care for all of it, (the ones that do not agree with us too).

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Permalink Reply by Ty on November 1, 2008 at 12:56am

Renee,
I know how your friends feel. But I must be honest with you, I did not choose this war. I was released from active duty in 1998 and forced back into uniform under the "READY RESERVE" act of 1947. I would have been proud to go and get the men who attacked my nation on 9/11 2001, men like that have no place on this planet. But, one man, Bush had other things in mind. I have not nor have I ever supported the U.S. position in Iraq.
The brutality of some of our own soldiers was appauling. I personally was shot at by another american soldier when I attempted to intervene in his actions with an Iraqi civilian. I returned fire, that soldier lived becuase I wanted him to live. The point is though, I was put in those positions time and time again, either against the enemy and yes, sometimes against my fellow nato and american soldiers.
I have something Renee, I have HONOR, and with HONOR comes the responsibility to treat people with respect whenever possible.
I was one of the good guys, the real good guys over there. But that did not change the fact that I took enemy fire every single day. I was wounded 2x while over there. I was at Fallajua, I was at Haifa, I was there in Mosul the day Saddams sons were killed. I was in many, many different firefights and run and gun battles. All the while, I was trying to maintain my sanity and at the same time guide 29 other kids to stay alive. I am 38 years old now, I served in 90-91 and now this one. My contribution is over. I'm afraid I will never be the same again. But it's not to late for the future generations coming up. They can be told of the horrors of killing people and being shot at and fired upon.
Peace will always be ever elusive to the American people as long as we allow our government to fight over resources.

With sadness in my heart, but hope for the future.
Master Seargant, 101st Airborne
Ty

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Permalink Reply by Stephanie on November 16, 2008 at 4:50pm

Renee
what a beautifully written message you wrote to Ty.
Stephanie

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Permalink Reply by Stephanie on November 16, 2008 at 4:56pm

Donna
this is very important - can we do something to put in on the screens of all here and elsewhere? In its simplicity
it hits us hard with a reality that everyone everywhere should see.
thank you
Stephanie

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Permalink Reply by Christel Meisters on October 13, 2008 at 1:44pm

Dear Ty
Thank you for sharing your story, it brought tears to my eyes too.
I'm so sorry you had to go through all this horror and pain.
Violence and war never is an answer..to nothing.
My prayers are with you and I hope you'll find healing and peace in your heart some day.
Bless you
With love and friendship.....Christel

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Permalink Reply by Johanna on October 13, 2008 at 1:52pm

Thank you for your courageous words...

You're not alone, for we all stand behind you. I'm American, naturalized French and live in France. There's nothing more to say, yet too much to express; our hearts are torn by what we see and hear, by the horror of unnecessary wars. I would like you to know that you are in my thoughts and meditations.

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Permalink Reply by Ty on December 7, 2008 at 7:18am

Je mapple, Ty Guenot (Huguenot)

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Permalink Reply by Cindy Oksoon Shin on October 14, 2008 at 3:55am

hi from Korea,
Thank you for sharing the fact.
I just feel so sorry that you're involved in such a terrible situation but, glad that you are not losing yourself though.
Let me pray for you and the people... I hope you can always be guided to learn about what you're meant for there...

with love,
cindy

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Permalink Reply by Kathy H. on October 14, 2008 at 7:01pm

Ty,
I thank you for your honor, courage and sacrifice. May peace come to the deepest part of you. My own son may be going to Iraq and hearing your story makes me know he will come home a different person. I truly hope this comes to an end soon.

God Bless you and thank you, Ty.

Love from a Navy Mom,

Kathy :-)