SSJunkie68-69
12-14-2007, 02:39 AM
Folks, it's Christmas Time and we have a lot of loved ones serving overseas and through out the world in various fashions. A lot of them are separated from their loved ones and families. In time and God willing they will be rejoined with those people. Some won't. Some will pay the ultimate sacrifice. SGT. Eddie Jeffers is one that paid. Listed below are his last words that he was able to thoughtfully and poignantly put down on paper. I received a copy of those today. Some of you may have already seen them. Some of you may agree or disagree with what he writes but please keep in mind that this young man died doing what he believed.
Many of us have a lot of things to be grateful for that mean more than cars and stories we swap here. As we get closer to the Christmas, take a moment to remember and say a prayer for the people who are serving in the Armed Forces, laying it on the line each day. We will be lucky because we'll be spending time with our families while those serving wont get that chance this time. We are also lucky to have young people like SGT. Eddie Jeffers doing what they believe.
I know this is long so if your looking for something short, better move on.
SGT. Eddie Jeffers's last few words were some of the most touching, inspiring and most truthful words spoken since the tragedy of 9/11 - and since our nation went to war. SGT. Jeffers was a strong soldier and talented writer. He died in Iraq on September 19, 2007. He was a loving
husband, brother and son. His service was more than this country could ever grasp - but the least you can do for the man who sacrificed his life for you...... is to please read what he had to say.
Hope Rides Alone.
******************************
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif
****************************************
Hope Rides Alone
By Eddie Jeffers
I stare out into the darkness from my post, and I watch the city
burn to the ground. I smell the familiar smells, I walk through the
familiar rubble, and I look at the frightened faces that watch me pass down the
streets of their neighborhoods. My nerves hardly rest; my hands are steady
on a device that has been given to me from my government for the purpose
of taking the lives of others. I sweat, and I am tired. My back aches from
the loads I carry. Young American boys look to me to direct them in a
manner that will someday allow them to see their families again...and yet, I
too, am just a boy....my age not but a few years more than that of the
ones I lead. I am stressed, I am scared, and I am paranoid...because death is
everywhere. It waits for me, it calls to me from around street corners and
windows, and it is always there.There are the demons that follow me, and
tempt me into thoughts and actions that are not my own...but that are necessary for survival.
I've made compromises with my humanity. And I am not alone in this. Miles from
me are my brethren in this world, who walk in the same streets...who feel
the same things, whether they admit to it or not. And to think, I volunteered
for this... And I am ignorant to the rest of the world...or so I thought.
But even thousands of miles away, in Ramadi , Iraq , the cries and
screams and complaints of the ungrateful reach me. In a year, I will be
thrust back into society from a life and mentality that doesn't fit your
average man. And then, I will be alone. And then, I will walk down the
streets of America , and see the yellow ribbon stickers on the cars of
the same people who compare our President to Hitler.
I will watch the television and watch the Cindy Sheehans, and the Al
Frankens, and the rest of the ignorant sheep of America spout off their
mouths about a subject they know nothing about. It is their right,
however and it is a right that is defended by hundreds of thousands of
boys and girls scattered across the world, far from home. I use the word boys and
girls, because that's what they are. In the Army, the average age of
the infantryman is nineteen years old. The average rank of soldiers killed
in action is Private First Class.
People like Cindy Sheehan are ignorant. Not just to this war, but to
the results of their idiotic ramblings, or at least I hope they are.
They don't realize its effects on this war. In this war, there are no
Geneva Conventions, no cease fires. Medics and Chaplains are not spared from
the enemy's brutality because it's against the rules. I can only imagine
the horrors a military Chaplan would experience at the hands of the enemy.
The enemy slinks in the shadows and fights a coward's war against us. It
is effective though, as many men and women have died since the start of
this war. And the memory of their service to America is tainted by the
inconsiderate remarks on our nation's news outlets. And every day, the
enemy changes...only now, the enemy is becoming something new The enemy is
transitioning from the Muslim extremists to Americans. The enemy is
becoming the very people whom we defend with our lives. And they do not
realize it. But in denouncing our actions, denouncing our leaders, denouncing
the war we live and fight, they are isolating the military from
society...and they are becoming our enemy.
Democrats and peace activists like to toss the word "quagmire"
around and compare this war to Vietnam . In a way they are right, this
war is becoming like Vietnam Not the actual war, but in the isolation of
country and military. America is not a nation at war; they are a nation
with its military at war. Like it or not, we are here, some of us for our
second, or third times; some even for their fourth and so on. Americans
are so concerned now with politics, that it is interfering with our war.
Terrorists cut the heads off of American citizens on the
Internet...and there is no outrage, but an American soldier kills an
Iraqi in the midst of battle, and there are investigations, and sometimes
soldiers are even jailed...for doing their job.
It is absolutely sickening to me to think our country has come to
this. Why are we so obsessed with the bad news? Why will people stop at
nothing to be against this war, no matter how much evidence of the good
we've done is thrown in their face? When is the last time CNN or MSNBC
or CBS reported the opening of schools and hospitals in Iraq ? Or the
leaders of terror cells being detained or killed? It's all happening, but
people will not let up their hatred of Bush. They will ignore the good news,
because it just might show people that Bush was right.
America has lost its will to fight. It has lost its will to defend
what is right and just in the world. The crazy thing of it all is that
the American people have not even been asked to sacrifice a single thing.
It's not like World War Two, where people rationed food, and turned in
cars to be made into metal for tanks. The American people have not been asked to sacrifice anything.
Unless you are in the military or the family member
of a service member, its life as usual...the war doesn't affect you. But
it affects us. And when it is over, and the troops come home, and they try
to piece together what's left of them after their service...where will the
detractors be then? Where will the Cindy Sheehans be to comfort and talk
to soldiers and help them sort out the last couple years of their lives,
most of which have been spent dodging death and wading through the deaths
of their friends? They will be where they always are, somewhere far away,
where the horrors of the world can't touch them. Somewhere where they can
complain about things they will never experience in their lifetime; things
that the young men and women of America have willingly taken upon their
shoulders.
We are the hope of the Iraqi people. They want what everyone else
wants in life: safety, security, somewhere to call home. They want a
country that is safe to raise their children in. Not a place where their
children will be abducted, raped, and murdered if they do not comply with
the terrorists demands. They want to live on, rebuild and prosper. And
America has given them the opportunity, but only if we stay true to the
cause, and see it to its end. But the country must unite in this endeavor...we
cannot place the burden on our military alone. We must all stand up and
fight, whether in uniform or not. And supporting us is more than sticking
yellow ribbon stickers on your cars. It's supporting our President, our
troops and our cause.
Right now, the burden is all on the American soldiers. Right now,
hope rides alone. But it can change, it must change. Because there is
only failure and darkness ahead for us as a country, as a people, if it
doesn't. Let's stop all the political nonsense, let's stop all the
bickering,
let's stop all the bad news, and let's stand and fight!
************************************************** **********************
Eddie's father, David Jeffers, writes:
"I'm not sure how many letters or articles you've ever read from the
genre of "News from the Front," but this is one of the best I've ever
read, including all of America's wars. As I was reading this, I forgot that
it was my son who had written it. My emotions range from great pride to great
sorrow, knowing that my little boy (22 years old) has become this man.
He is my hero. Thank all of you for your prayers for him; he needs them
now
more than ever. God bless."
Though Eddie is no longer with us, you can help to let his voice be
heard.
SGT Eddie Jeffers & his family as well as the rest of those who are serving right now, we wish you all a Merry Christmas. Thanks you very much for what you all have done.
Many of us have a lot of things to be grateful for that mean more than cars and stories we swap here. As we get closer to the Christmas, take a moment to remember and say a prayer for the people who are serving in the Armed Forces, laying it on the line each day. We will be lucky because we'll be spending time with our families while those serving wont get that chance this time. We are also lucky to have young people like SGT. Eddie Jeffers doing what they believe.
I know this is long so if your looking for something short, better move on.
SGT. Eddie Jeffers's last few words were some of the most touching, inspiring and most truthful words spoken since the tragedy of 9/11 - and since our nation went to war. SGT. Jeffers was a strong soldier and talented writer. He died in Iraq on September 19, 2007. He was a loving
husband, brother and son. His service was more than this country could ever grasp - but the least you can do for the man who sacrificed his life for you...... is to please read what he had to say.
Hope Rides Alone.
******************************
http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif http://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/flag.gif
****************************************
Hope Rides Alone
By Eddie Jeffers
I stare out into the darkness from my post, and I watch the city
burn to the ground. I smell the familiar smells, I walk through the
familiar rubble, and I look at the frightened faces that watch me pass down the
streets of their neighborhoods. My nerves hardly rest; my hands are steady
on a device that has been given to me from my government for the purpose
of taking the lives of others. I sweat, and I am tired. My back aches from
the loads I carry. Young American boys look to me to direct them in a
manner that will someday allow them to see their families again...and yet, I
too, am just a boy....my age not but a few years more than that of the
ones I lead. I am stressed, I am scared, and I am paranoid...because death is
everywhere. It waits for me, it calls to me from around street corners and
windows, and it is always there.There are the demons that follow me, and
tempt me into thoughts and actions that are not my own...but that are necessary for survival.
I've made compromises with my humanity. And I am not alone in this. Miles from
me are my brethren in this world, who walk in the same streets...who feel
the same things, whether they admit to it or not. And to think, I volunteered
for this... And I am ignorant to the rest of the world...or so I thought.
But even thousands of miles away, in Ramadi , Iraq , the cries and
screams and complaints of the ungrateful reach me. In a year, I will be
thrust back into society from a life and mentality that doesn't fit your
average man. And then, I will be alone. And then, I will walk down the
streets of America , and see the yellow ribbon stickers on the cars of
the same people who compare our President to Hitler.
I will watch the television and watch the Cindy Sheehans, and the Al
Frankens, and the rest of the ignorant sheep of America spout off their
mouths about a subject they know nothing about. It is their right,
however and it is a right that is defended by hundreds of thousands of
boys and girls scattered across the world, far from home. I use the word boys and
girls, because that's what they are. In the Army, the average age of
the infantryman is nineteen years old. The average rank of soldiers killed
in action is Private First Class.
People like Cindy Sheehan are ignorant. Not just to this war, but to
the results of their idiotic ramblings, or at least I hope they are.
They don't realize its effects on this war. In this war, there are no
Geneva Conventions, no cease fires. Medics and Chaplains are not spared from
the enemy's brutality because it's against the rules. I can only imagine
the horrors a military Chaplan would experience at the hands of the enemy.
The enemy slinks in the shadows and fights a coward's war against us. It
is effective though, as many men and women have died since the start of
this war. And the memory of their service to America is tainted by the
inconsiderate remarks on our nation's news outlets. And every day, the
enemy changes...only now, the enemy is becoming something new The enemy is
transitioning from the Muslim extremists to Americans. The enemy is
becoming the very people whom we defend with our lives. And they do not
realize it. But in denouncing our actions, denouncing our leaders, denouncing
the war we live and fight, they are isolating the military from
society...and they are becoming our enemy.
Democrats and peace activists like to toss the word "quagmire"
around and compare this war to Vietnam . In a way they are right, this
war is becoming like Vietnam Not the actual war, but in the isolation of
country and military. America is not a nation at war; they are a nation
with its military at war. Like it or not, we are here, some of us for our
second, or third times; some even for their fourth and so on. Americans
are so concerned now with politics, that it is interfering with our war.
Terrorists cut the heads off of American citizens on the
Internet...and there is no outrage, but an American soldier kills an
Iraqi in the midst of battle, and there are investigations, and sometimes
soldiers are even jailed...for doing their job.
It is absolutely sickening to me to think our country has come to
this. Why are we so obsessed with the bad news? Why will people stop at
nothing to be against this war, no matter how much evidence of the good
we've done is thrown in their face? When is the last time CNN or MSNBC
or CBS reported the opening of schools and hospitals in Iraq ? Or the
leaders of terror cells being detained or killed? It's all happening, but
people will not let up their hatred of Bush. They will ignore the good news,
because it just might show people that Bush was right.
America has lost its will to fight. It has lost its will to defend
what is right and just in the world. The crazy thing of it all is that
the American people have not even been asked to sacrifice a single thing.
It's not like World War Two, where people rationed food, and turned in
cars to be made into metal for tanks. The American people have not been asked to sacrifice anything.
Unless you are in the military or the family member
of a service member, its life as usual...the war doesn't affect you. But
it affects us. And when it is over, and the troops come home, and they try
to piece together what's left of them after their service...where will the
detractors be then? Where will the Cindy Sheehans be to comfort and talk
to soldiers and help them sort out the last couple years of their lives,
most of which have been spent dodging death and wading through the deaths
of their friends? They will be where they always are, somewhere far away,
where the horrors of the world can't touch them. Somewhere where they can
complain about things they will never experience in their lifetime; things
that the young men and women of America have willingly taken upon their
shoulders.
We are the hope of the Iraqi people. They want what everyone else
wants in life: safety, security, somewhere to call home. They want a
country that is safe to raise their children in. Not a place where their
children will be abducted, raped, and murdered if they do not comply with
the terrorists demands. They want to live on, rebuild and prosper. And
America has given them the opportunity, but only if we stay true to the
cause, and see it to its end. But the country must unite in this endeavor...we
cannot place the burden on our military alone. We must all stand up and
fight, whether in uniform or not. And supporting us is more than sticking
yellow ribbon stickers on your cars. It's supporting our President, our
troops and our cause.
Right now, the burden is all on the American soldiers. Right now,
hope rides alone. But it can change, it must change. Because there is
only failure and darkness ahead for us as a country, as a people, if it
doesn't. Let's stop all the political nonsense, let's stop all the
bickering,
let's stop all the bad news, and let's stand and fight!
************************************************** **********************
Eddie's father, David Jeffers, writes:
"I'm not sure how many letters or articles you've ever read from the
genre of "News from the Front," but this is one of the best I've ever
read, including all of America's wars. As I was reading this, I forgot that
it was my son who had written it. My emotions range from great pride to great
sorrow, knowing that my little boy (22 years old) has become this man.
He is my hero. Thank all of you for your prayers for him; he needs them
now
more than ever. God bless."
Though Eddie is no longer with us, you can help to let his voice be
heard.
SGT Eddie Jeffers & his family as well as the rest of those who are serving right now, we wish you all a Merry Christmas. Thanks you very much for what you all have done.