off topic- An Iraq vet

[Bruno]

I thought this was pretty cool. The guys who did this for this guy are pretty damn cool.

http://homefires.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/11/driving-blind/index.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyzMsGZ5DF8&NR=1

 

[Fishidiot]

Bruno,
I agree - great story. Whatever one feels about the politics surrounding the war over here - the almost universal appreciation for servicemen and veterans has been wonderful (compared to the way my father and uncles were treated when they returned from Vietnam). It is sincerely appreciated.
There (almost certainly) won't be a victory parade for the troops when we come home due to the nature of this conflict. Each veteran will deal with his or her experience in their own way. For me, it will be the solace of the rivers and streams of central PA as it has been since my childhood. These waters, in addition to providing recreation in the form of fly fishing - our passion - but they also heal our souls during those rough periods in our lives.
I was fishing with a friend on Letort on Sept 11th. We watched the towers fall on the TV in Yellow Breeches Outfitters. This friend is serving with me here today - when we get back we will finish the Letort trip that was rudely interrupted.
Fishing and painting will bring me home.

Tight Lines,
David Weaver
Captain, Infantry
Mosul, Iraq

 

[Fredrick]

Dave send me your Ap address I will try to send you a care pack or some fly fishing mags and remember your troops are people too not just someone to charge a bunker :-D Watch your six and remember troop welfair :lol:

 

[afishinado]

David,

I would like to thank you, and all the men and women who have served our country in this war. I wish you all a safe and speedy return. We will all do our best to be good caretakers of the rivers and streams we are blessed with in this State, so when you return, you will be able to enjoy them as we do.

Let us know if we can do something or send something to make your tour a little more tolerable. Our prayers are with you.

Tom

 

[Phillyfisher]

Bruno, thanks for the post. I am so glad to see people supporting the vets that put their lives on the line for all of us. David, thank you for you and everyone over there for your service. Please do let us all know if you need something over there, or if you need something over here done for you guys. Please know that all of you are in our prayers.

Ken

 

[Fishidiot]

All,
Thanks for the kind words, prayers, and support. It does make a difference. My address is:

CPT Weaver
C/1-175 IN
FOB Diamondback
APO, AE 09334

Care packages are always appreciated - I've got plenty of guys to share with including some fishermen who would enjoy the magazines. Keep in mind, in accordance with General Order #1, we can't receive alcoholic beverages or porn. Also, don't send batteries, they'll get conviscated too.
Not sayin I agree with these regs but "it is what it is."
Of course I miss fishing. I'll be home on leave soon and hope to get out for a few casts. I'll have my partner, Benny - The Incredible Fly Fishing Weiner Dog along (see photos section).
Fredrick: You bet I'll watch out for the boys and myself too - let's hit the Juniata in the summer - if you bring your friend the squirrel though, Ill be stone drunk under the table :-D

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Padraic]

One of the things that bothers me about this war, is the lack of sacrafise asked of the public. I watched the recent documentary on NPR of WWII. Everyone had something to do to support the war.

One day I was going to fish one of Fort Indiantown Gap's lakes. I stopped at a convienience store and ran into some guys reporting for duty. It was a thrill for me to buy their coffee and wish them well.

Writing to the troops and sending them care packages doesn't feel like a real contribution to me. I wish we could have some kind of parade. I know we'll never feel great about the war, but I am always impressed by the troops.

 

[JackM]

I am loathe to think of this war as comparable in any way to our activities in helping to defeat the unprovoked aggression of the WWII-era German Reich, but you bring up a good point that the sacrifice of our troops is indeed the equivalent, if not even more admirable. Thanks to all for your service and know our prayers are with you for a safe and speedy return.

 

[Raven456]

Check out www.projecthealingwaters.org, it's a great non-profit organization that is doing some great things for brave injured veterans by using fly fishing and tying as a theraputic tool. Please send them a donation if you can.

 

[FarmerDave]

Ditto what has already been said.