Storytime Tapestry Newsletter

The newsletter devoted to spreading love and cultural awareness throughout the world.

Special Treat – Sharlett Hunt

July 7, 2006

War Stinks 

Sharlett F. Hunt

  Yesterday a group of returning wounded soldiers from Iraq passed me as I waited in the hallway at the James Haley VA Hospital in Tampa, Fl. where I am a patient.  Memories of Viet Nam flooded my mind as I help back the tears and tried to smile. 

  I saw limbs missing and faces blown off, even in this small group.  There was one girl with a leg missing, no smiles on these faces.  Theirs was a hollow look of frightening despair. A look normally seen on much older people.  These were just kids.  They could have been, but thank God were not, mine. 

  These young men and women had enlisted in the military with an eye on their future.  Many thought that joining would mean being a weekend warrior and it would benefit them to do so.  Some felt they might go to Iraq but had no idea of the horror that awaited them there.  I applaud each and every one of them.

  They were given orders by Uncle Sam to go to this foreign land and fight a war they did not start and didn't know much about but many felt it was the American thing to do and were proud to be a part.  Defending our flag is such an honor to a soldier.  He will go to his grave for it as many have in wars past and present. 

  I really am proud of our young men and women.  My heart goes out to the families.  I am not proud of this war.  Some will call me a traitor because I have the guts to say I disagree with this conflict in every way.  I believe we have no business there whatsoever and plans should be made to send our guys and gals home before more and more don't make it.

  That doesn't make me one bit less proud of the ones who must go over there to do a job.  I never agreed with the Viet Nam War either and I am a Viet Nam Era veteran and proud of it.  Turns out I was right about that one and of this one I am even more certain that our government has made a mistake in becoming involved in this Iracie matter.  I noticed more and more veterans speaking against it.

  Thing is, it makes no difference how I feel about this war.  I am against war, all wars.  I wish we could find a sensible solution to just doing away with it.  The frightening thing about that is we will probably all die when a nuclear bomb is dropped and that will end it. 

  I know that I must seek peace within my own circle of family and friends.  This is really all I can do.  World peace and tranquility does not have to be imaginary.  It can be made a reality and we can start at home.  If fighting accomplished anything maybe I could agree with it.  All that happens is another war and then another, each one making less sense than the last. 

  If you find yourself agreeing with this thing in Irac, I suggest you visit a VA Hospital and see some of these young heroes and ask yourself if you want your child to go through what they have.  I am so thankful for the medical technology we have today that has saved the lives of many who would otherwise be dead over there.  From watching the news I have learned that several of those roadside bombs explode daily and they never know where.  These deadly missiles take lives and limbs from these soldiers in a terrifying way.  I can't stand to really think about it.

  Welcome home to all those who have come back!  I just hope we have many more in the future who return safely, alive and in one piece.  I want to do my part and I believe that just might include making others more aware.  This is not the romantic war that is shown in the movies.  This is real.  The VA predicts that more of these returning will suffer from PTSD and other war related illnesses than did in Viet Nam.  This is something that affects all our lives. 

  War stinks and can be devastating.  How can something with no redeeming value be allowed to continue?  I guess God is the only one who knows the answer to that question.