Yahoo! News asked service members and their families for their perspective on Obama's decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq . Below is a story from a reader.
FIRST PERSON | In August 2009, I was issued orders to mobilize for duty in Iraq. In preparation for this deployment, I read up on the situation on the ground in the country, spoke with my friends who had deployed prior to me, and prepared for my next overseas deployment. I was both anxious and excited about the prospect of going to war.
That was then, this is now. I was on my lunch break from school this afternoon in Virginia Beach, Va., when the news broke. President Barack Obama's news conference this afternoon did not come as a surprise to me, but it did come as a welcome relief. I'm not one to question the reasoning behind this choice, but I do understand the diplomatic implications for our military when we don't have the right protections in place.
In the past, I had deployed to support overseas operations via submarine, never setting a boot on the ground in combat. With just under 20 years of time in service as a sailor in the Navy, Coast Guard Reserve, and Navy Reserve, I understood the risks involved with going to sea, but not as a "sand sailor." I suspected that it would be different, but not much different from what I had experienced working in an Army centric, joint command over the prior two years.
I knew the Army was the lead service for operations in Iraq, so I boned up on the lingo I would be expected to know. As a junior non-commissioned officer (NCO), Petty Officer Second Class to be exact, I understood that I would be expected to lead and manage people rather than function as a technical expert. Wow, what a change this deployment would be for me!
At 39 years old, I realize that much of my adult life has been spent witnessing in the current wars. I have also the participated in the stability mission in the former Yugoslavia and the humanitarian relief mission in Haiti. I'm proud of my service and I know my family is proud as well.
My wife insisted that I display my medals, ribbons, and warfare pins in a case near the front door at home! Both my Mom and Dad continue to thank me for my service. I also get the occasional thanks from complete strangers and close friends when they see me in uniform out in town.
The bottom line is all the troops will leave Iraq by the end of the year. Some of my friends will be coming home. I'm glad to know that know that nearly 40,000 of my brothers and sisters in arms will be returning from the frontlines. I hope and pray that we don't have to return in my lifetime.
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