Comments for In Time of War at http://www.michaelyon-online.com , comment 1 to 20 out of 20 comments http://www.michaelyon-online.com Sat, 21 Nov 2009 09:31:15 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16436 Dear Michael, It's been awhile sense I've posted,Just wanted to say there is not a day that goes bye that you and all of our Service Members are not in my heartfelt thoughts and prayers. My Blessings to each one of you as the Holidays fast approch us... Keep up the great reporting I always look forward to reading your posts. Sincerely Cathy Mass Soldiers Angel - Cathy Renaud Tue, 25 Nov 2008 21:57:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16429 I know that many of the NATO units in Afganistan are not pulling their weight, but from everyting i read and hear from danish units in Helmand, they are fighting pretty hard, and are taking casualties as well, but hurting the Taliban more than they are getting hurt themself. The Danish troops serving there want to make a difference, and they are woeking quite well with the british units., Cheers and thanks for a good Blog! - Witmann Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:04:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16427 Having just returned from a stint leading a team in charge of "mentoring" the Afghan National Police (9 districts in 10 months), I can only say that you hit the nail right on the head. NATO countries send a lot of dead weight from my experience. There are just not enough trigger pullers and air support to cover the day-to-day mission on the ground of building at the district level. Make no mistake, this is not rebuilding at all, it is building from the ground up. The last combat outpost I was on was featured in the 60 minutes special that airred in October. A little flowery, but at least the main stream media who mostly do nothing but make the trigger-pullers job harder did pick up on the fact that the boys in theater need more resources. Good Speed My Friend. - CPT D Sun, 23 Nov 2008 17:52:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16399 Michael, Thank you for another great article that gives us readers a real look into whats going on over there. Keep up the great work - Nomadic Kirk Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:48:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16394 Dear Michael First of all thank you for your brilliant work and devotion. I have a question about the NATO-Forces. From a purely economic point of view, I see a force of non-fighting troops in a region like Afghanistan as beneficial. Can they not do the jobs that usually divert resources from the actual fighting troops? Would this not be called specialization? The US Forces and their fighting allies specializing on what they do best just like the NATO troops specializing on the humanitarian tasks at hand. Keep up the work, take care and all the best. - JB Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:06:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16393 Michael, Thank you for your continued dedication to bringing those interested your perspective. It's truly important to hear more of the first hand accounts than depending on traditional media who seem to have lost their way when it comes to providing both the facts and unbiased reporting. I wish you safe travels and pleasent adventures. Until then... Happy trails, Randall - Randall W. Hannaway Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:26:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16392 Just wanted to thank you for your honest updates, I look forward to them. My 61 year old father leaves for Afghanistan tomorrow. He's a doctor that recently joined the Army to make a difference. It's comforting to know that there are other good men and women over there fighting for what matters. My prayers go out to all of you. - Gillian Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:53:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16391 Taken with a grain of salt Mr. Yon. Appreciate all you do, even bought your book, but there is no declared war in Iraq, and so there will be no 'end'. Not really sure what the US defines as the 'end' anyway. Is it when we have finally force fed all of our ways down the throat of another country to the point they have no choice but swallow? Or will it be when the international community is finally fed up with our campaigns of foreign conquest? We have no business in Iraq. Take a look at the foreign policy set out by America's founding fathers. It becomes quite clear this was to be a non-interventionalist nation of commerce, not war. Hunting out the terrorist networks deemed to exist in foreign countries should be restricted to special operators /cia agents / and the like. Our conventional force of occupation has outstayed its welcome. Want to know the reason so many foreigners hate us? Because we bomb the sh!t out of them! What a novel idea! And if you won't bend to our will we will bomb you some more! And there is nothing you can do about it. "Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations ƒ?? entangling alliances with none." -Thomas Jefferson - Jack Smith Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:35:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16389 If one attempts the thankless task of fitting together the comments, promises, policies, edicts-in-waiting, musings and other bumphograms issued by the previous Office-of-the-Presumptive-President-Elect and the current Office of the President-Elect, both sprung fully formed from the sharply tapered brow of their Principal, a dire picture emerges. That 25% cut will go 1/3 of the way towards matching expenditures on the military by spending on the new Civilian Obot Army of 18-25 (or is it 42?) -yr-olds making their Obligatory Volunteer contribution to The Program. And being Programmed. The other 50% will be a massive hit to the economy, which seems, not to put too fine a point on it, ill-prepared for the cost of this or any other of his unfulfillable hand-waving promises. As for A-stan and P-stan, one can anticipate horrific botched all-out efforts to obtain Magic Solutions, assuming that the nonsense issuing from the Office of the CIC is actually followed and swallowed by the military. I suspect O'Hubris may find that rather tougher to pull off than he thinks, unless he starts massive purges of the officer corps and Pentagon and can deal with a sudden massive cessation of re-enlistments. O'Hubris has painted himself and the US into a corner, or rather surrounded himself with a minefield he won't be able to cross. I hope he doesn't take too many good people down with him; as for those nearest and most supportive, good riddance to them, too. - Brian H Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:50:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16388 You are all in my prayers everyday. May God grant you all swift merciful charitable honorable obvious victory in every battle in which you engage - victory which will bring justice and peace founded on His Law - Mary Jo Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:29:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16387 Micheal, Would like to first say Happy veterans day to all our veterans! I have enjoyed your website for several years now. This is some of the most honest and accurate reporting I have seen. Plus trips to Mosul have always been very informative. I was in Mosul from 2004-2005 as a security contractor as the situation worsened. We provided long range convoy security and route "recce" from Mosul to Tal Afar to Dihok to Zakho to Arbil. Our project lost 5 KIA and 44 WIA as we rolled in light skinned vehicles so I am glad to see the accurate reports from the Mosul province which really has some beautiful areas and friendly people as weather from 120 degrees down to snow and ice. Keep uyp the good work. Thank you. - A. Vernon Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:15:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16386 That last line stuck with me all day and whenever it came to mine (often) i prayed for you all...and our soldiers. Thank you for personalizing that sentence. Yes, 'they' are OURS...MINE and i take great pride in what my soldiers are doing and how they are doing it. my heart also aches for the trials and hard times you all are going through and hope that the bigger picture keeps you going and keeps morale high. i hope whatever struggle my soldiers were in - whatever battle faced them - that the Lord God kept them safe, honorable and will continue to allow them to bring peace and freedom to a very troubled part of the world. Stay safe- please, please tell our soldiers that they are loved, appreciated, prayed for and that i, as an American-born citizen am very, very, very proud of them. - laura Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:55:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16385 To be sure, the new president has his work cut out for him. Hopefully he is exposed to news like yours which includes good, relevent information about one of his biggest challenges. Thanks for your time in uniform and know that you truly are one of the guys that I feels has it right about our mission in Afghanistan. I just hope we don't let it drop. Happy Veteran's Day to you and those you have contact with in your travels. - Sarmajor Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:30:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16384 I tend to doubt that obama will actually add anything of value to the war effort, I imagine he will be looking for the first opportunity to bail. Probably do a Vietnam style retreat, cut off all funding as the did the South Vietnamese in 78. obama and the left have said they want to cut the military 25%, that will be a severe blow no matter the branch or branches. I wish all that are in theater a safe return and a successful campaign. I have seen the left and their war prowess, it is nothing to brag about, think the Mog or Bosnia. Our troops did an excellent job in Mogadishu, they went in with out the support the General requested, they completed the mission with minimal support outside of their force and returned to base so bjklinton could cut and run at the earliest opportunity. I hope better for Iraq and Afganistan, but I am not holding my breath. We have the finest military in the world and in two years I tend to think it will be trashed as bjk did in the 90's. - Evan Cowart Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:42:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16383 Thanks to all our veterans! Especially to all those risking life and limb on distant shores, serving a nation at war. Thanks to all those doing the monotonous, under-appreciated support work that is all too necessary, though not considered glorious by many. Finally, thank you Michael Yon, for the dispatches that give us some truth and background instead of what the one-sided media usually gives us. - Michael B. Johnson Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:43:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16382 Michael, Ms. Finn's powerfully eloquent words say it all. America's warriors honor us all with their service. As you have expressed, they are America's elite. Paul S. - Paul S. Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:28:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16381 Michael, Please during you unusual day take time to Honor yourself! This is Veterans' Day here in the States. We are so very grateful for your dutiful allegiance to the Missions there, where this Nation's sons and daughters carry themselves with such dignity and grace! We are so very Proud of your exemplary balanced wise perspective to report what you SEE and Experience before you. Having worn the boots of a Military Man, whom better to tell there story. Thank You for tried and True coverage and for keeping so many Parents and other interested Americans within the "Loop!" I personally treasure your dispatches, and will today contribute towards your Mission to keep our Brave Warriors on America's Radar! Please, be cautious, your are Valued and Respected by so very many! Keep your eyes wide open; Go with your Gut, never second guess your instincts. You are a seasoned Soldier and Voracious Veteran! All Our Support & Prayers.... "The Pillow Lady!" / Chicago Our son is in Afghanistan God Speed - Christina Finn Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:03:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16380 Michael, Please during you unusual day take time to Honor yourself! This is Veterans' Day here in the States. We are so very grateful for your dutiful allegiance to the Missions there, where this Nation's sons and daughters carry themselves with such dignity and grace! We are so very Proud of your exemplary balanced wise perspective to report what you SEE and Experience before you. Having worn the boots of a Military Man, whom better to tell there story. Thank You for tried and True coverage and for keeping so many Parents and other interested Americans within the "Loop!" I personally treasure your dispatches, and will today contribute towards your Mission to keep our Brave Warriors on America's Radar! Please, be cautious, your are Valued and Respected by so very many! Keep your eyes wide open; Go with your Gut, never second guess your instincts. You are a seasoned Soldier and Voracious Veteran! All Our Support & Prayers.... "The Pillow Lady!" / Chicago Our son is in Afghanistan God Speed - Christina Finn Tue, 11 Nov 2008 14:02:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16379 My son is in tarmiyah with the 25th ID SBCT so God speed to you and all your reporting. It is a breath of fresh air to hear the truth from someone regardless of how saddening it is. My prayers will be with you as they are with my son and his brothers in combat. - Debbi Norris Tue, 11 Nov 2008 05:51:00 +0100 http://www.michaelyon-online.com/in-time-of-war.htm#comment-16378 The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 11/10/2008 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front. http://thunderrun.blogspot.com/2008/11/from-front-11102008.html - The Thunder Run Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:25:00 +0100