Wishing Our Soldiers A Safe Return--and a Letter From the Frontlines

KG Erwin · Post by **KG Erwin** » Wed Mar 19, 2003 3:40 am

Putting personal feelings about the impending war aside, I want to wish all our soldiers/sailors/marines/air personnel involved a safe and speedy return home to their loved ones. I only know one, a co-worker's son who is in the 2nd Marines, and he will surely be in the thick of it. Godspeed to him and all of his comrades-in-arms.

Lucullus · Post by **Lucullus** » Wed Mar 19, 2003 3:54 am

Although I'm against this war, I also hope they all come back safe. Best of Luck!

CCB · Post by **CCB** » Wed Mar 19, 2003 7:40 am

I support the troops!

Les_the_Sarge_9_1 · Post by **Les_the_Sarge_9_1** » Wed Mar 19, 2003 10:13 am

It's a given we all are worried for the men in uniform.

They are basically in some cases "us".

I know some names that have not been posting because they are not currently capable of it due to "current location".

I hope this mess is resolved ASAP, and I hope Bush jr is better at resolving the conclusion than his dad was.

Right or wrong, lets hope whatever it is they do, is done fast and efficiently and with little loss.

Raverdave · Post by **Raverdave** » Wed Mar 19, 2003 12:50 pm

My thoughts are with the brave men and women in not only the Australian defence forces in Iraq, but those too of our allied friends.
God Speed and don't forget to duck.

davewolf · Post by **davewolf** » Wed Mar 19, 2003 4:09 pm

Seconded.

KG Erwin · Post by **KG Erwin** » Thu May 01, 2003 3:22 am

...from Jason Gillespie, a Marine in the 1/2. He is safe, and considers himself to have led a charmed life in the Gulf War II. Many of his comrades, both within and without his company, suffered wounds & death at the hands of Iraqi resistance and their own "friendly fire". With his mother's permission, I will print excerpts from this letter, an uncensored view from the frontlines. Stay tuned....

KG Erwin · Post by **KG Erwin** » Sat May 03, 2003 9:50 am

This was written by 20-yr old LCpl Jason Gillispie, of the 1st Bn/2 nd Marines. His mother, Lisa, gave me permission to quote from his letter. I've taken the liberty of partially correcting his grammar & spelling , and much personal material is edited out (it was an 8-page letter) , but here are excerpts: " April 2, 2003. Dear Mom & Dad, What's going on? Not much here, just chillin in Iraq. We hear something different every day about what we're doing. Yesterday they tell us that we're heading back to Kuwait in 10 days. Today they tell us that we're heading up north to another city. We are at Al Najari (sp?) right now, and we're supposed to go to Al Kut and clear it out or something. We were told today that the city is very fortified...It means that they are holding a good defensive position with machine gun bunkers and things of that sort. The city that we just went through had 3 battalions of Iraqis and our battalion totally slaughtered them. I'm glad that I'm not with Charlie (Company) any more, because I probably would not be writing this letter. They got hit hard...there's about 25 dead, and about 30 medivaced for being severely wounded. I lost a lot of my friends in this one city...my roomate that I always complained about, "Fribley", he's dead. ...We've had one one casualty, that's my team leader, he got run over by a tank, right now he's in some hospital in Germany...I realized that everything happens for a reason....I got transferred to Bravo (Company) and my platoon in Charlie lost 11 people. I dug a little hole to lay down in and go to sleep... it was me and my team leader in the hole. Well I was sick that night and freezing to death. Cpl Ike sends me on radio watch for the night so I can sit in the (?) and stay warm. About 2 hours later a tank runs runs over our hole and takes Cpl Ike out. I don't know what it is....it could be the love from all the people back home, or it could be my kindness and me having a big heart, but some one or something is watching over me, and keeping me safe. I don't want any of this stuff that I'm saying to get to you guys, or bring you down. I will come home, just the way I am right now with my big heart & open arms to share many stories and spread lots of love. I want you guys to just carry on with everyday life as if I was there. Let every one back home know that I appreciate their support and the fact that there are people who take time out of their lives to write a little note or two...Man, there is just is so much that I want to do when I get back, bowling, golfing, fishing, watch TV, spend time with the family, eat real food, etc. ....don't take anything for granted, that's a couple good words of advice. You never really know how good you have (it) until its taken away from you. ...let everyone know that I said happy birthdays, happy Easter, Valentines Day , St. Patrick's...I won't be there for any of it. ... We're heading north tomorrow. ...I love you all more than anything, and I hope I've made you proud ....your son, LCpl Jason E. Gillispie USMC"

Raverdave · Post by **Raverdave** » Sat May 03, 2003 11:24 am

You know, as I was reading that letter, I was struck by how it could have been coming from a soldier in Vietnam, Korea or even WW2....the more things change the more they stay the same.

Thanks to Lcpl Jason Gillispie and his family for letting us share the letter, and thanks to you KG Erwin for the post.

KG Erwin · Post by **KG Erwin** » Sat May 10, 2003 9:26 am

I'm bumping this so more of you guys can read this letter. As of this writing, Jason's unit is in the Med, heading back to base in th e US, and he has been promoted to full Corporal.

Wishing Our Soldiers A Safe Return--and a Letter From the Frontlines

Wishing Our Soldiers A Safe Return--and a Letter From the Frontlines

I read a letter today...

A letter from the frontline....