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 Ty on October 12, 2008 at 3:10am

Ruach,
Thank you for your kind response, I will cherish it. I feel guilty, it was not my intent to bring tears to your eyes. It was my intent to vent and feel comforted by normal human beings. I have been in battle for so long now It gets difficult for me to see the line between the "good" and "evil" in the world. I will strive to make myself a better person, always carrying those horrific images with me to my dismay. But fear not, I will and have begun to overcome them.

Love and friendship always, your protector and the protector of all that is good,
Ty

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Permalink Reply by Jacky on October 6, 2008 at 1:31pm

You are not alone Ty .... as we all stand with you .... and share your pain and your pledge

peace be with you one day.

J

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Permalink Reply by Ty on October 12, 2008 at 2:58am

Ms. Qawasmi,
Please do not feel pain for me, feel the pain of all who suffer, muslim, christian, jew or other. I do not agree with the policies of our current governing body, but, we, unfortunately must be patient. Times are changing. It is not about whether America can keep the strength it has, it is about the world's population and if they can come together to make a better life for all. Thank you for your post, and please, do not feel alone. I am a christian, but does that really matter? I love all, regardless of beliefs.

Love and friendship always to you and your family,
Ty

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Permalink Reply by Edie Moore on October 7, 2008 at 3:26pm

TY...bless you...my heros aren't baseball/football/basketball "stars"...my heros carry their hearts on their sleeves and love without question or concern...please be safe...the world needs more heart heros...those who love and care...thank you for sharing and thank you for caring....Edie

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Permalink Reply by Anne Morrison on October 7, 2008 at 7:41pm

Dear TY,

Coming from a soldier I think your testimony is especially valuable. People sometimes think that soldiers cannot allow themselves to feel, and also that some civilizations hold life in higher regard than others. It is good to recognize that we all suffer, regardless of nationality, profession, or anything else. It is in our hands, and minds, to change this state of affairs. It takes courage to stand up and be honest about this, both to ourselves and in front of others. You are doing this, and by doing so you will influence the whole world towards peace! What a weapon! Be safe, Anne

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Permalink Reply by Ty on October 9, 2008 at 4:21am

Anne, I feel, I feel everyday. Today, I am home in the states. I have served my last tour. After 5 exhuastive years of battle I feel................It feels strange. I have lived on adrenaline for so long, fear, anger, hurt, pain. For the past 5 months I have searched within myself in an attempt to find the answers I seek. My childhood best friend dead and buried, my adopted children in sadr city dead, all of them. I was a leader in my unit, and the men that fought and died or were wounded under my command come to my mind again and again. I have never had down time until I came home to reflect back on what has happened, what I have seen, what I have had to do from day to day to ensure my men and myself continue to draw breathe.
Well, now I have. And it is hitting me hard. My post wasn't a cry out for help, it was a cry out to the world to help each other.
Thank you for your kind words, thank all of you who have responded.

Love always,
Ty

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Permalink Reply by Penne on October 13, 2008 at 3:09pm

And we will and we are, my friend. Let the healing power of the world embrace you as you have embraced us. See my post here at iPeace on The Venus Project: RESOURCE BASED ECONOMY=Eradication of Poverty [and thus, Conflict, Hatred, Fear, et al.] Please add your name if you are interested in networking to expand upon this ideal IRL, then surf over to enjoy some uplifting music and videos (particularly Dorothy Rieke's lecture, "Wonderful Things Are Happening!") on The UNCommon Sense Network.

Godspeed, Amigo, and Welcome Home!!!

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Permalink Reply by mary on October 7, 2008 at 7:48pm

I join with those who wish you peace and love. I wish I could erase your pain and leave you comfort and hope. My prayers and that of my family are with you. Mary Jones and family

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Permalink Reply by Maricel Piercey on October 7, 2008 at 10:47pm

How little we (in this supposed 'free' world), truly know of the atrocities occuring worldwide as we snuggle up in our warm beds at night with our bellies full and little more than thoughts of having to trudge off to another day at the office in the morning. Bravo Ty, for sharing the pain in your heart with all of us at the same time, reminding us of why we're all coming together at this time. Thank you.

Peace & Love,
Maricel

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Permalink Reply by Bluebutterfly on October 8, 2008 at 6:50am

We are living bad times, in every corner in the wolrd
is hard to recognize this reality..speechless
Every day we are involved in terrified acts
By our own governments, opposites governments
But you can not pay for other choices
Don't be so hard with you, Be gentle with you
Love you, feel compassion for you as you do with others
Forgive you, you were an instrument of violence
Not for your own choices ,
Be blessed with peace and comfort,
you are a sweet child of God,
I love you
yanethm

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Permalink Reply by Fern U on October 8, 2008 at 3:43pm

Dear TY,

Thank you very much for sharing your painful experience with us and reminding us that there are people who go through great suffering everyday and that we should not take for grant our secure and safe lives. Your account reminds me to always seek to help others - thank you.

Fern, Thailand

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Permalink Reply by Peace_maker on October 8, 2008 at 11:39pm

love you peace . love keep going with what you know and believe keep fighting for peace ur the eyes of what you had seen what others can never see in there mind

Edward Church