The Iraq war is now over, one million of us have served, 32,000 were wounded-in-action and over 4,400 gave their lives. Now is the time to remember those we’ve lost, respect those who’ve served and respond to the issues we’re facing on the homefront.
Sign our petition calling on the President, New York Mayor Bloomberg and Boston Mayor Menino, and Mayors and government officials nationwide to organize a National Day of Action to celebrate our nation’s new vets and connect them with resources. Instead of scattered local efforts throughout the year, we should all work together to honor our fellow vets on a coordinated day of action.
Some disagree that now is the time to celebrate our community. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently said he doesn’t “think a parade is appropriate now.” If so, then he needs to tell us when. If a city can have a parade for its football team, it can have one for its Iraq Vets. And if our nation can afford two wars, it can afford two parades or more for vets of both wars.
Related Reading:
KA-BAR Operation Iraqi Freedom, ArmyCelebrate a milestone, honor retired or active military personnel, showcase your pride in the USA or simply add to your collection
OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM 2003-2011 "A Short History of the War in IraqSUBJECTHistory of Iraq War 2003-2011
STORY DESCRIPTION
This short e-book highlights the events and particularly the time line of the second US involvement in Iraq called “Operation Iraqi Freedom” This conflict spans the time frame of the years 2003 through the end of US commitment in 2011. Operation Iraqi Freedom can be separated into two time periods. This e-book covers both the “Invasion Period” which was from March2003 until May1st 2003 and the “Post-Invasion Period” which was from May 2003 to 2011. This e-book covers the various events that made up America’s commitment to that troubled nation. The e-book shows how American strategy and policies evolved over the eight year operation. From the initial UN invasion to the withdrawal of US forces in December of 2011 this book shows how predicting the end of a war is nearly impossible to do. While many stories are to be told of the great effort by our brave military members, this e-book provides the reader with a general overview of the US role in Iraq. This e-book tries to show both sides of the war and is neither pro-war or anti-war in design. This e-book will be valuable for students who need to grasp key ideas, dates of the operation and some of the major figures from America who played pivotal roles in the conflict. This e-book ultimately gives you a viewpoint of what happened to US troops as they entered uncharted territory in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Service and Sacrifice: Memories of Operation Iraqi Freedom with a Veterans Mental Health and Resource GuideThis is a gripping story of men in combat… Army National Guard Lieutenant Sam Console, a platoon leader in Charlie Company, 103rd Engineers and his men were mobilized in 2004 by the 28th Infantry Division. This intrepid and brave group of combat engineers discovered, defused (and) destroyed IEDs, saving countless lives of the US Armed Forces, Iraqi military and civilians… 1st Lt. Console graphically explains the effects of Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (TBI and PTSD)… This story will explain the great inner strength among the men of this company that developed in the crucible of combat. MAJOR GENERAL WESLEY E. CRAIG JR. (Retired) My research leverages narrative approaches to foster healing and reconnection for Veterans. I met Sam through a presentation of my work titled “Wounded Warriors and the Healing Power of Stories.” “Service and Sacrifice” continues the tradition of healing through writing. This book will help Veteran’s families understand what they faced overseas and how it affects them now. I believe it is important for all civilians to read works such as Sam’s to better understand the experiences of combat. Veterans are our co-workers, family, friends, and neighbors. Sam’s resource guide will help our Veterans, their families, and caregivers begin the process of their own healing journey. Simply put, there is something in this fine book for everyone. Gala True, PhD, Core Investigator, Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), Philadelphia VA Medical Center
Service and sacrifice defines the willingness of a people to volunteer during a time of need. Thousands have made the ultimate sacrifice. Many more were injured or changed forever. Writing about Iraq has been healing for me. I’m positive it will be healing for others. Samuel J. Console, 1st Lt., Combat Engineers, Pennsylvania Army National Guard
