Military families: Honest question... please no flames

[ogreenlee]

Why do many military families hate when they hear people say "bring our troops home"?

I'm not married to a military man, but my father retired out of the military, and fought in Korea and Vietnam.


I would think that if I were married to a man who kept having to go back for tour after tour to a hellhole that I'd be wanting so badly for people to stand up and fight to bring this war to an end. Granted, I'd probably not do it myself as to be supportive, but I would hope that people would protest like they did for Vietnam.

I just don't understand. I know there are a lot of military families on here, and I'm just looking for insight. I hope that it can remain a civil conversation. Thanks.

 

[mrsklamc]

I don't think this can be answered without getting into topics that are forbidden. But, maybe I will be pleasantly surprised.

 

[ogreenlee]

I certainly don't mean to break the rules. I didn't know this topic was off limits. If it needs to be removed, that's ok.

I just got "told off" nicely on FB b/c I posted that I wanted our troops to come home. It saddens me to see our soldiers marched back into that insanity. I just wanted to be enlightened. I support our troops. I also support the fact that I'd like to see them come home to their families for good. I guess I just don't see why that is such a bad thing.

 

[gottaluvPluto]

I certainly don't mean to break the rules. I didn't know this topic was off limits. If it needs to be removed, that's ok.

I just got "told off" nicely on FB b/c I posted that I wanted our troops to come home. It saddens me to see our soldiers marched back into that insanity. I just wanted to be enlightened. I support our troops. I also support the fact that I'd like to see them come home to their families for good. I guess I just don't see why that is such a bad thing.

My DH signed up for this job and he knew what he would have to do. You don't sign up for the military saying I'm never going to war. Plus, he believes in what he does. I can say more, but it would be against the rules.

 

[taximomfor4]

My DH signed up for this job and he knew what he would have to do. You don't sign up for the military saying I'm never going to war. Plus, he believes in what he does. I can say more, but it would be against the rules.

Same for my brother. His wife and 4 kids miss him dearly, but after 14 yrs, they know he comes and goes as part of his job.

 

[mrsklamc]

Politics are forbidden, and I think that would be wrapped up in a lot of people's answers (on either side.)

That said, I would guess that some of the negativity may be because of Vietnam protesters. In that era, soldiers couldn't come home peacefully; they'd be spat upon, mocked and ridiculed, have to hide their uniforms. So some people may relate 'bring our troops home' to those protestors from another era.

Again without going into politics I think it breaks down to
1)Those who believe that war is the worst of all possible evils
and
2) Those who think there are some things worth fighting for

Probably with some
3) some things are worth fighting for, but this ain't it
mixed in.

 

[Mickeyistheman]

I was watching a new channel yesterday about the shooting in Fort Hood.

They were speaking to a solider and I did forget his ranking and he was asked by the reporter, what can we do as a society to help. The solider replied that coming home is the hardest for all of them and just to support the troops.

You know my brother is a Marine and went to Iraq for 7 months and it was diffcult for our family, most for me because I feel he didn't need to be there. That did not mean that I didn't wear my USMC shirts or my brother is a Marine etc. I love my brother and will support him and our other troops 1000%.

I know the Yankees had a ticker tape parade yesterday.....why can't that be done for when our troops come home? Don't they at least deserver that?

I also think that those that do protest today, are not against the troops like they were in Vietnam, they support them, they just don't support the wars.

 

[MiniGirl]

Like others, I think it is hard to explain w/o getting into politics and breaking the rules in place here. However, it may help, too, to take this current war out of the equation. Would you have been a "Bring Our Troops Home" from Europe before the job was done type of person? I don't know you and maybe you would have been one who felt the European countries should have been left to fight their own battles. If you don't feel that way, why not? And what does that say to the people fighting the war that you don't want to see through to the end?

BTW, I really don't expect an answer because it would be hard to answer w/o violating the rules. I really just threw it out there to think about. This was how a military wife explained it to me once.

 

[lovesmurfs]

I'm a military (National Guard) wife -- DH was in Afghanistan for a year.

I personally hate the statement, because, regardless of the administration, they won't ever "all come home". There are troops all throughout the world, doing things other than fighting as well.

 

[jsmith]

If you support the troops-you support the mission-to dont do so dishonors the lives given, the families seperated, and the bodies broken and wounded. Thats all i can say with out breaking rules.

 

[bunkkinsmom]

If you support the troops-you support the mission-to dont do so dishonors the lives given, the families seperated, and the bodies broken and wounded. Thats all i can say with out breaking rules.

Amen

 

[pat fan]

I have a DS who is thinking of joining the Army and trust me...a LOT of people are saying stuff like I shouldn't let him, I need to change his mind etc...but I have always been a big supporter of our military so what am I supposed to say now? It's ok for someone else's son or daughter but not mine? No. When you join you know it's to serve your country and that part of that is fighting. You just pray like heck that they will come home safe and sound if they are called for that.

BTW, I also hate the phrase "bring our troops home". No one has explained to me how you can say that and still be supportive of them. JMO.

 

[wendypooh]

My Grandfather was at Nuremberg, My Father, Husband, BOTH sons and Brother in Law either were - or are currently in the Military. I ALSO find the phrase INSULTING.

If you support our troops - then support them - they NEED it, they DESERVE it and they've EARNED it.

 

[Pembo]

Our troops are away from home all the time, that is the nature of the military. Read the article in Rolling Stone this month about the soldiers. We need to support our troops when they come home!

 

[Planogirl]

I think that you can use the phrase with the best of intentions.

I can understand thinking that a particular war or other military job is wrong in concept. But I believe it's important to understand that soldiers perform their duty regardless of location or ideology and they deserve the utmost respect for that. I think that some say "bring our troops home" only out of concern for those troops. I realize that others are only wrapped up in the politics.

 

[Longsx3]

My DH is AD AF currently serving a year long tour in Iraq. I would never tell someone off for "Bring home the Troops" and it doesn't really upset me.. Regardless of how much I miss him this is his Career and he loves his job, I rather the job be done to the best of our Military's ability then just to walk away even if that means more deployment for my DH!

 

[Magic Mom]

I'm proud of what my husband does. I don't need or want people protesting for him to stop doing what he does. If you really want to support the troops, instead of protesting their mission, keep informed about and fight against legislation that will dilute or take away benefits from current military, retirees and disable veterans. THAT will show support.

 

[wendypooh]

I'm proud of what my husband does. I don't need or want people protesting for him to stop doing what he does. If you really want to support the troops, instead of protesting their mission, keep informed about and fight against legislation that will dilute or take away benefits from current military, retirees and disable veterans. THAT will show support.

Absolutely!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My DH is AD AF currently serving a year long tour in Iraq. I would never tell someone off for "Bring home the Troops" and it doesn't really upset me.. Regardless of how much I miss him this is his Career and he loves his job, I rather the job be done to the best of our Military's ability then just to walk away even if that means more deployment for my DH!

First - I appreciate your DH!!!!!! Both of my sons are AD AF as well.
Also, I wanted to clarify that the "reason" for me - that I find that quote so insulting is the (in most cases) underlying intent -- which is usually a negative one when it's said.

 

[ogreenlee]

Thanks everyone...


I guess the choice of words is what bothers folks, huh? I can appreciate that.

Personally, I just want the war to end. I don't feel like we have to win to end the war. I'm certain there are many folks who don't feel that way.

I know that when our men and women sign up that they know they are there to serve. I just feel guilty knowing that our country keeps sending them back over and over again. I feel like we are taking advantage of their good service. Ya know?

I hope I didn't break any rules, and feel free to lock this thread. I certainly and especially didn't mean to hurt feelings or bring up sensitive issues.

Thanks again for the clarification. I got more out of the few posts here than I did on my FB page. That's for sure!

 

[diznygirl]

I don't know why the term is considered insulting either. I do absolutely support our troops. I know there are things worth fighting for, but I'm not in favor of war by any means. I wish for a world where soldiers would all be out of work. I know that's not possible, so I support the next best thing - that the mission will be over as soon as possible and they can come home to their families. Don't they wish that as well?