Comments on: Appalling! Disrespectful! In-humane! (America’s Hidden War Dead)

By: Tracy

Tracy — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 20:54:04 +0000

that IS appalling!! Serving our country is serving our country no matter the capacity and the bodies should be treated as such. Those poor families

By: Beth A.

Beth A. — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 05:00:58 +0000

You’re absolutely right, White Rose, this IS appalling treatment. You and your fellow contractors are SO FAR beyond useless; indeed we need you all badly, as support for a tightly stretched military and for your expertise in areas that are lacking, either in capability or manpower. No amount of pay could possibly be enough to negate the fact that you all work in a war zone. You deserve our respect for doing a difficult job in at times horrifying circumstances. Heaven knows you earn it.

It must be so tough not to, but don’t be defeated, please, Rose. The world over, stupidity abounds; but as BiB says above, your family and coworkers, friends (and folks on this milblog and others) are there for you.

By: BruceInBaghdad

BruceInBaghdad — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 05:11:20 +0000

White Rose, thanks for putting the word out about us contractors. I’ve been in Iraq and Afghanistan for three years now and have lost upwards of 20 friends and coworkers. Except for the ones that worked for KBR, all were treated with respect and dignity. My current employer sends an escort home with the remains, usually a close friend of the deceased.

There is an esprit de corps over here amongst contractors, particularly security providers, that you would never find in any job back in the States. We all care about each other and will risk what is necessary to ensure our friends get to go on their next leave rotation.

I’m a Viet Nam veteran as well and have lived through being reviled by the “flower children” and ignored by my government. I now understand with too many years of experience, the respect and support of your family and coworkers is all you need. As long as they have my back, I’ll walk through hell.