News-Miner Editorial
Ready your support
Equipment train is a close reminder that we are at war
Published Tuesday, June 3, 2008
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Stumble It!Trainloads of U.S. Army Stryker vehicles and equipment rolling through Fairbanks serve as a reminder of things to come.
The 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Stryker Brigade Combat team is in the early stages of deployment. Their equipment is off to the National Training Center in California’s Mojave Desert, soon to be followed by troops in July. A few months later, as winter begins its return to Fairbanks, the troops will be headed to another hot spot — Iraq.
Our community has gone through this before, in August 2005, when the 172nd Stryker Brigade deployed. Many of the soldiers in the re-flagged 1-25th are going for a second time as well.
Before the last deployment, we worried that Fort Wainwright would be a ghost of its former self. We worried about how young military families would cope in a Fairbanks winter with a head-of-household overseas. We worried about how many families would leave for warmer climates. We worried about the impact on local businesses. We wondered what we could do as civilians to help.
The base was, comparatively, an empty place, but many more military families remained in Fairbanks than some had predicted and many soldiers were still here to man the base as well.
As this next deployment nears, a local outpouring of support should be expected and military-community relations must again rise to the occasion. The daily challenges faced on base are challenges faced by us all.
The Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce deployment subcommittee is working on ways to make sure military families know how much our city cares about the armed forces in meaningful ways that go beyond business discounts. The group continues to meet and plan ways for citizens to help make a difference for deployed soldiers and their families.
In an early meeting of the group it was pointed out that one of the things the community could do better this time is to remember those soldiers who still are stationed in Fairbanks.
Indeed we can. And we can remember not only those soldiers, but others in the Reserves, Air Force, National Guard and other services who are perhaps already in Iraq or who are also preparing to leave the state.
Whatever their service or status, to those overseas and to their families at home, the value of support from civilians can not be overstated. We are a nation at war, not a military at war. Trainloads of equipment rolling through our town remind us of that.
Community Discussion
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Was this written by someone from the Chamber of Commerce?
I know a plethora of families from the brigade, the majority of spouses left are leaving to stay with relatives in the lower 48. Why stay when energy prices are sky high, the climate is bitterly cold and they can still receive their benefits within the company of their home towns?
Don't get me wrong, ... I love Alaska, I have grown up here, ... maybe I don't understand the mindset of young military families, ... but I know they aren't staying.
We can, as a community, hoot and holler how much we care for our military, but in the long term, they will leave, and if we care about OUR immediate future, we need to understand this.
Let's be a community who stands behind our soldiers, let's suppor them in every way that is justified, but let's not kid ourselves that a 10% discount at Wendy's is going to keep them here in Fairbanks. Let us ever strive to have an economy that is independent of troop deploymnet, but one that is thankful for their contribution, but also can survive their extended service to our nation.
Peace out, Yo.
Here is a case where I agree with Non-Lemming, it makes me cringe every time I read these kinds of pieces.
I only worry for these peoples incredible sacrifice. My heart goes out to the men, women and children who are a part of this sacrifice.
Thank You
Non_lemming, not only was this piece written by the Chamber of Commerce, but nearly everything else in the News Miner is too.
Take a look at the Editorial Board, it's hard to tell them from the list of advertisers.
A big heartfelt thank you to all the men and women who have chosen to join the military. Your duty and dedication to this country is very much appreciated. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your families during this next deployment.
Fairbanks did just fine the last time the 172nd went out, there wont be anything different this time around. There will still be soldiers from a rear detachment, those who are part of National Guard or Reserve units (yes we're small in number, but we are here), as well as airmen that make up Eilson. Did the last deployment have a major impact on Fairbanks that has left it crippled to date?
You people make it sound as if the military is the economic backbone of Fairbanks. While they do provide the support for Boston's, Walmart, Borders, or whatever else is being built/has been built over on that side of town, are we really sure as a community that we _want_ support for those places?
Regardless, I welcome them to leave.
Here's a direct quote from the back of a truck I saw the other day:
"No targit to small or to precice. Proud military Wife."
10 words.
5 are grammatically incorrect.
So, yes, I welcome them to leave. We'll be just fine without them.
Sure send them all out. It is always easier to ship SOMEONE else’s spouse out to fight for YOUR country, and fights for YOUR freedom of speech to say the things that you do. You will be just fine without them, but what about the families? If you don’t like how Fairbanks is growing, then move. Go to Delta. I hear its nice there. There are a few restaurants though. But maybe they spelled a sign wrong somewhere. You can point out all of their "grammatical errors".
I probably spelled some words wrong somewhere, and I am sure you will point them out. But what do I know. I'm only smart enough to fight for your country.
I've seen a few articles the past week hinting that the community isn't really supporting the troops and the 10% discount isn't really enough. Posting that your thoughts and prayers go out with them or going up to someone and thanking them for their service, is that what's wanted more than the tangible price discount?
What more would you like the community to do?
As this article points out, "the value of support from civilians can not be overstated" so yes the discounts, the hand shaking, the verbal thanking and the general over enthusiasm of civilians is very much welcomed and needed because how would you like knowing you have to go fight in a war you may or may not personally believe in and the town near your base doesn't care whether you're going or if you're coming back. I know many wives who will go home because they are pregnant or have small children and it's easier for them to get support from family instead of paying high gas and child care costs. But many like myself are locals who have married into the military and this si sour home and while we struggle the 12-16 months without our husbands it's nice to know that the community we live in sympathizes with us. If you don't want to stand behind our troops, please, feel free to stand in front of them.
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Wow what nerve you have sdoownek. No, not every army wife gets pregnant you moron. I'm not and I know several other wives who aren't either. People like you make me sick. Wanna know why army wives get pregnant? If your husband was going off to fight a pointless war like you claim and the enemy was using kids as soldiers, trash piles for hiding IED's, a place where he watches his battle buddy die next to him and wonders if he will make it home wouldn't you want to have a part of him with you if god forbid he comes home in a casket. No obviously you would not because obviously you are a man and will never know the sacrifice and trials we army wives go through and obviously you have never served your country because someone who looks at a group of young soldiers trying to reassure themselves that they are dieing for something instead of nothing has never felt the way they do nor been in their shoes, so some hot shot private was being ignorant, big deal, your ignorance shines far more than theirs ever has. I'll say it again, if you don't want to stand behind please do us all a favor and stand in front.
As long as people like sdoownek hate the military and even America in general, we know we are at least doing some things right.
AKArmyWife: I wouldn't pay sdoownek any mind. He's no man; just a troll. And trolls aren't worth replying to. Maybe we could take up a collection though and buy him a one-way ticket to someplace where he would be more more happy........Myannmar comes to mind.
Hope everybody in the 1-25 comes home safe and sound. Good Luck and God-Speed.
Thanks Tundra, I shouldn't have let him ruffle my feathers, please, tell me where I can donate my two cents to the fund?
I don't know yet AKArmyWife, but the airlines will likely insist on a cage as well as hazmat classification. So it's probably gonna be expensive.
Here we go again.
I just wish that all these "caring" people would care a little more for once about some of the locals who aren't military but who could use a little help and "support."
For example, families who are seriously struggling because of lack of enforcement of child support. Some don't have family, discounts, both military and civilian support services;
not to mention a Chamber and government who only appear to "care" about the difficulties of military.
Follow the money. It's not about support; it's about money.
Many families who are civilians don't have enough money to spend at all the discounted businesses, and/or don't have the backing of the military to ensure regular income and debts are paid.
Guess the ol' pedigrees just don't get enough benefit from saying "We support our local families who are losing their homes because of lack of child support.
Corinne, I see your point and actually the military families suffer from the same thing i.e. lack of child care services, if thats what you were reffering too and though you kindly point out that we recieve regular incomes we indeed to but if you think for a second that it's near enough to live on your kindly mistaken. In many military familes both service member and spouse work to make ends meet, I promise you our debts are not paid for automatically and we are ensured no more than anyone else in funds unless you've earned it by rank and service time or if you have an emergency. You too could have regular income if you worked a job (not implying that you don't already), and it's hardly fair to say the city should offer more support to civilian families when there are plenty of support avenues, welfare being the first one that comes to mind. Also being able to live and work in a safe city is hardly comparable to fighting in a foreign country or being the spouse left behind to take care of the house and children (if you have them) while your spouse is doing so. So yes if it sounds liek I'm saying we military families are entitled to it then I am and hey, most people qualify to join the military if you'd like more support yourself.
Look-
I have avoided talking about this stuff except in private company. And I'm not going to argue with you about it now. I know how futile that is in this town, and with military people.
No, I wasn't referring to child care "services" at all.
I did like a comment made on the "acceptance" thread that I read last night wherein Christina Uticone expressed my feelings about some of this stuff.
Reading your post, you obviously have no clue as to my point.
Also, when I say support, I'm not just talking about money.
How many here were born before 1938??? I'm sure there are a couple. For those of us that aren't......the US Government has had a military installation in the vicinity of Ft. Wainwright. So IF everyone wants to play the "if game"....If you or your parents weren't in fairbanks before 1938 then you are the alien and have no ground to stand on. What if the military never showed up back then and grew to what it is today? How many retirees do you know who shoot roots out up here? Know any ex-military doctors, nurses, cops, etc?? Also, many local business owners and patrons once served in the military and moved here from somewhere else. Get over the fact that you "drove up the Alcan when it was still 1400 miles of gravel road" and now you own fairbanks and know what's best for it. Your knowledge of what's best for FBX isn't a product of travel difficulties by time in alaska.
I am one of those who served in the active duty military and decided to sprout roots in fairbanks. For money, no, for the weather, certainly not, I stayed because my wife and I KNOW that this is where we are supposed to be. Walmart is here, Freddy's is here, McDonald's is here and, oh yeah, the internet is here. When military families venture "outside the wire" to purchase groceries or electronics or clothes they are choosing to spend their money in town rather than the BX/Commissary. Be greatful that they're helping put money in the pockets of the cashiers, stockers, janitors, etc.
Keep in mind, if you're in the market for a "thingymajig" which costs $100 at JoE Blow's local store and costs $80 bucks after shipping from Janeblowsnationalstore.com, which one would you buy? Consider the added cost of fuel now a days....
All that being said. Hooray for the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines fighting a war they may or may not agree with in a land they certainly don't want to be. Let them spend their money where they want and be glad we have the extra economical support we do.
Well, I for one, will be happy to see folks like the degenerate that beat a 20 month old toddler nearly to death leave our city... [See May 10th article "Toddler Returns Home"]
Yep, he's in the army. Nope, they're not prosecuting.
Why? Because we need him to go kill Iraqis.
Not trying to say that all military is like this individual, but, if he can get away with this attrocity, then what else is the military covering up so that they can keep their troop counts up?
To the rest of you guys (and gals) be safe, make us proud, and set a good example of how a true American acts - that's the only way I can see any good coming out of this war for oil...
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I know that if anyone of this families that do plan on staying behind I will adopt one and do what I can in my resources and power to help them in any way possible. And I mean that. If it's helping with meals, fuel, rides, a friend, someone to talk too, hang out, anything I would be there .... I support them fully .... and they will survive with us... much love to our TROOPS and heros ....
Congratulations 0sense, in one short post you managed to violate six different parts of the user agreement:
- potentially libelous (slanderous)
- defamatory or abusive
- ethnically objectionable, racist, or otherwise hateful
- baseless personal attacks on any other user
- completely off-topic material
- repeated (or incredibly similar) posts [You've done this before]
BTW - never had a DUI in my life...
Have a nice day! :)
Sdoownek
If your parents would have practiced birth control we would have one less bigot.
You would never fight for your rights because you know other people have and will. Enjoy your free ride.
Leave Fairbanks, no one will miss you.
Feel free to correct my grammar.
(This comment was removed by the Newsminer.com staff. Please see our User Agreement for further information.)
even more love to our TROOPS now .... since we have hate on here now... WE LOVE OUR TROOPS !!!
My parents are from Anchorage i am from Anchorage we are stationed here at fort wainwright and lemme tell everyone it is no picnic Fairbanks i do not like at all. I cannot believe some of the stuff people have commented about or men and women who go to war, you all who posted nasty things have no clue what we go through, WHAT ARE CHILDREN GO THROUGH. The military helps out your stores alot. I cant believe how unsupportive fairbanks is. People that are complaining we get a check every 2 weeks, yes but we have bills to pay, our houses aint free. I support my husband i am Proud of him, my boy's are proud of there daddy maybe if you dont like us bein here yall can go somewhere else because i doubt there gonna be movin the base anytime. Supporting our troops is what we do.
and FOR THE MOST PART HON~ WE DO AND WE LOVE OUR TROOPS... HANG IN THERE... THIS IS NOT EVERYONE PLEASE REMEMBER THAT !!!
It's really good to hear that there are some people out there that appreciate the fact that during a deployment "Us Army Wives" become single parents.
Honestly, if there is anyone out there that has anything bad to say about our guys that are deploying they should sign up and pick up a weapon. Otherwise, just smile and say "Thank you", and pray that they don't reinstate the draft.
I know that there are quite a few people out in fairbanks that believe that our town can self-sustain with out the military presence. All I can say is, try it. Remove all military personel, and incomming monies relating to the military. NO ONE would move here during the winter months!! Houses would remain empty during our frigid winters.. stores would see major drops during the winter months.. and so on. Businesses would pray that they made enough money during the travel season to get them through the winter. Then, after a few years of majorly decreased sales, prices would rise.. sales would decrease again.. stores go out of buisness.. etc.
Get my point?
ok. im an army wife and the only reason im putting my 2 cents in is because not every military person that is stationed at Ft WW is with the Strykers. My husband has been deployed to Iraq since Nov 07 although his unit wasnt as BIG as the Strykers his has been gone nonetheless. The fact that only the Stryker movement causes concerns to the City of Fairbanks is in itself disheartning.
The 10% discount is not what helps military families decide where they are going to shop, being treated like an other parton is what gets us to come back. I cant understand the hatefulness that us as military families get from a community as small as Fairbanks where does this come from? Alot of us dont get to pick where we get sent and overall my experinces with Fairbanks have been pleasant but as with anything the bad experinces always stick with you, and i have had more then my fair share of bad looks, and comments since being moved here last year.
I support All Military for the scarifices that are made and all even the idots at the hot springs deserve our respect for doing a job that not every person was meant to do or could do.
Wow, I will make sure I NO LONGER write home about Fairbanks. To all of those HATERS out there. We as wives did not choose to come to Fairbanks Alaska. Most of us are from the lower 48 (also a term I had never used before sent here). I promise you that I did NOT come to Fairbanks for a 10% discount at Wendy's or even for a thank you. I came to the Fairbanks area to support my husband. The economy is so horrible everywhere, not just in "your" precious Fairbanks. Why do you think these young men and women join the service. You think they want to get shot at or leave their families for 12-16 months? I AM PREGNANT however we started our family BEFORE my husband joined the military. Guess what that's what married people who love each other do.
I am so glad that I have had the privilege to meet "locals" that do support us as a unit. Our husbands may go to Iraq but we stay behind and keep them going. DO NOT DARE blame our men and women for this war, blame the people that have political power. IF YOU DON'T like it (and neither do we, I promise) then try voting!
I support our men and women in all uniforms! I support the wives and families!
remember to trust in God and pray for those that are in most need, meaning not only our AWESOME troops but for those with the negative attitudes also. Much love to all ....
I am a military wife who is preparing to sacrifice as my husband prepares to deploy. It is a sacrifice I make sadly, but willingly, as we went into our situations with open eyes. We will be staying here, in our home of Fairbanks while he is gone.
AKARMYWIFE - Amen.
YMBC (and all who thanked the military for whatever reason)-I'm sure it's gratifying for those who live and work the military life to hear (read) your thanks. Even though it was not directed at me, I thank you too.
corinne - Lack of child support is a problem for many people; not just civilians (I'm owed quite a bit myself). I for one have put forward the idea of forcing non-paying parents into some sort of civil service that gives them the regular paycheck that can pay the support obligations (and are forced to if they won't do it willingly). Perhaps if all of us got together and pressured our legislators for child-support reform as well as the rest of your unspecified support needs, then something spectacular could happen. Until then, it's all about personal choice and responsibility. That being said, what kind of help do you need? If I can help you, I'm willing.
newsreader - I especially appreciated your last paragraph in your 6:52 post (and yes, it wasn't meant for me but I appreciated it anyway). I don't know what ocents said, but your support of yourself stands alone.
sdoownek - Do you believe in evolution...?
Ok wow so after seeing this get passed around on Myspace, oh yes ladies and gentlemen we army wives watch you, and after having many chime in you should now have a better sense of how we feel. And fletch how about a little less cynicism about our "precious" town, I grew up here and I know you aren't from here and didn't have much say in the matter and yes I've been out of state on numerous occasions and take my word for it, they are very few towns who show more support for their military members than Fairbanks does, just look at how North Pole and Fairbanks rallied to keep Eielson open. That goes for you too Armywife, don't go giving us army wives (and therefore your husbands too) a bad reputation.
Sorry fletch that quote is from Armywife, my apologies. I retract my statement in regards to you, I actually agree that it was unfortunate how little your husbands unit was acknowledged when they shipped out.
To people who say the military doesn't fight for your rights, they fight for "insert stupid war comment"- The military is the one who will fight if we are attacked. We have to have a prepared military to prevent us from being invaded (9/11 would have turned America into Iraq if it wasn't for our military). Make no mistake, the military is the only reason you are able to complain about them, and do whatever it is you do. We also gave the president/gov the right to use them for whatever they want-for now it is IRAQ, but that isn't the general purpose for our military.
This is stupid to generalize all military personnel (or natives, troopers, etc.) because of what a few do. It's like anything else, you have your bad apples, but there is a military to protect America, and they could die as a result. I am honored to have piece of mind when I sleep at night because people have decided to put their life on the line.
My brother is in the navy and I am really tired of seeing his letters about people protesting his work because of a war he didn't want. He genuinely joined to fight for America BEFORE 911, and he could die at any moment. Please have some respect for those people that already have.
Every business I have ever worked for (locally owned) has had strategic marketing geared toward military, because they ARE part of the economic backbone here!! Fairbanks is a great community. I have lived in Germany, New York, Oregon, Mt, Anchorage and Bethel, and Fairbanks is where I call "home".
Please keep your criticisms proactive, leave the ignorant ranting for your friends (pregnancy is a general MARRIED people thing not just military).
peace of mind- for whoever is going to correct me. I am up at 4am with a toothache, since I am pregnant I am stuck dealing with the pain (and I am NOT a military wife). We should stop judging peoples thoughts based on spelling and such so I don't have to read what I write 800 times in hopes someone considers my thoughts legitimate.
0sense says "I used your own words that you have posted."
No, you didn't. I said that I was an EX-user. LAST DECADE. What will it take to get that point across to you?
0sense says "I support all aspects of our military. Apparently, you do not."
I'm curious, which is it you support - The serviceman's decision to beat a 20 month old toddler to the point that he had to be medivac'd to the ICU in Anchorage, or the fact that even though CID has a confession they are not prosecuting him?
And, I really, truly think you need to look up the definition of the word racist. I have not, and will never, post a racist comment - it is simply not in my nature.
Have a nice day! :)
And still, after all that, my opinion is still the same.
I just keep hoping that some of them don't come back here when they're done.
and by that, I mean to live here permanently.
Just thought I'd clear that up before FMH had an inrush of coronary patients.
hrm, this thread doesn't make sense without the inclusion of my comment that was deleted.
Synopsis: I observed a group of young military boys suggesting that everyone in the US wanted rhetabooshun(sic) for 9/11. I later realized these kids don't know any better. They've been force fed rhetoric and propoganda since they were 12 or 13 years old.
Their comments was something akin to: "Everybody in the US wanted retribution against '(deleted, degrading comment directed at people of middle eastern decent)', and if they didn't they were just as bad as them."
I then suggested that people from the US are, as is widely known in the rest of the world, stupid. As such, I provided this link so that people could educate themselves against bigotry and racism.
http://dmiessler.com/blog/what-every-ame...
......then then somebody accused me of being a bigot?
Color me confused.
It almost counts as mass hysteria.
And yes, Dana, evolution. Want a fossil record?
(DNM staff: if you delete this post, please email me and let me know why. This is as benign as it could be made, and a little has been lost in the translation)
AKARMYWIFE- I come from a big Air Force community in Southern California. When "our" troops got deployed and years later the base was closed it was heart breaking. The community was built and thrived because of the military. Many of them stayed and bought houses and got civilian jobs. Please DO NOT read too much into my cynicism for Fairbanks. This town will be my home for the next few years if not more. What bothers me is the comments left by non educated people. Say what they will about "us" in general. However I assure them we are not to be grouped up. We are all individuals and NO not all military wives are pregnant, not all step dad's beat their 20 month olds almost to death. (I am truly sorry for that family and the baby)
Non of us get stationed here looking for a discount weather it be 10% or greater. I will be staying in Fairbanks while my husband deploys with the 1/25 SBCT. I will have a two month old baby a three year old daughter and a 9 year old son. I will cry and be sad and miss my husband/soldier. However I will still shop outside of the PX/Commissary. I will still be a patron to all the little shops as well as the mega stores.
Much love to all the military wives and families in this area. 1/25 SBCT and all those who deploy away from that unit. My heart goes out to you and your families. I pray that they will all come home safe and sound.
~Faith
(a very proud wife)
O I am just loving this!!! As a military wife, mother and older sister to two new recruits let me inform you SDOOWNEK on our "economic status". First of all yes I do shop at Wal-Mart, Bostons, and BARNES AND NOBLES (Borders isnt on "that side of town") but I also frequent Pioneer Park(where my FRG just layed down over two hundred dollars to your local economy to reserve a pavillion for a picnic),Gold Dredge #8, Fred Meyers, and even stayed at the AAAA B&B when I first arrived here. Are these not LOCAL BUISNESS'? Furthermore, how dare you say "are we sure we even want support for those places?"(referring to walmart and "that side of town") I am absolutley certain that the LOCALS who work there and receive a paycheck for an honest days work DO!!! You yourself supposibly ran into a group of young soldiers out at Chena Hot Springs where I am pretty sure they were SPENDING MONEY WHICH SUPPORTED THE ECONOMY, would you like to get rid of the Hot Springs as well?!? As far as pregnancy goes, we are not breeding machines, but is it not our right as human beings to extend our families...i mean your parents did and no one has slapped them for their stupidity yet. O and dont worry the rate of welfare recepients for military is considerably lower than civilan so your tax dollars arent feeding our babies in any way other than the paychecks their fathers and mothers so honestly earn on a daily basis be they deployed or not!
Corrine, as far as your child support issue, you say you would like to see the locals get the "support" we do, then add its not about the money to you, yet the only topic you bring up is the lack of child support enforcement and families loosing their homes do to this, correct me if im wrong but is that not a MONEY issue? Frankly I also have no idea what your reffering to when you state that we have the "backing of the military to ensure regular income debts are paid". My husband gets a paycheck every two weeks, I balance the checkbook and send out my payments to my bills all by myself the military is not involved in paying my bills for me, I pay them myself just like civilians. As a matter of fact, as a military member if your debts are not paid the soldier will be counseled by his chain of command, do you get into trouble at your job if you incure unreasonable debt or debts at all?! I think not dear. O and just to let you know, as a military member if you have a child and you and the other parent are no longer together and they have custody of that child then the government takes your child support payment right out of your paycheck and sends it to the parent with custody, no enforcement needed....payment guranteed.
In closing I would like to state that this is supposed to be the "Golden Heart" city, so why the hatred towards the military? Do we not reside right next to Fairbanks, are we not a part of a community that functions wonderfully when we all work together as a team? I greatly appreciate all of the well wishes and kind words that come my way and I definatley dont stay here for ten percent off at wendys or twenty percent off at dennys, I stay here because this is where my husband and my child are and so to me this is home. If you look around this town there are a prominate number of x-military who choose to stay here after retirement or just plain getting out that have become contributing members of Fairbanks "civilian" society and also continue to spend their retirements they earned with their blood, sweat and tears in local economy, and that started way before "that side of town" was ever even built. So Thank You for your verbal support Fairbanks, we can make due financially on our own.
sorry i had to break my comment down to two seperate postings, apparantley i had to much to say haha!!!
sdoownek - We happen to be in agreement about evolution; no fossil record is needed but thanks. I was actually thinking about "survival of the fittest", Darwinism, and how species propagate through breeding. In many cases healthy lines continue while lines that are unhealthy (for whatever reason) don't...
Beyond that, we've had this discussion many times in the past. So in the interest of repeating myself, before "educating" others about bigotry, it's a good idea to analyze one's own behaviors and thought processes and see how they can be construed as hypocritical; and as hypocrisy, any power there may have been in the argument is no longer available.
The military, and by extension their families, may not be a "race" subject to racism, but you certainly are a bigot where the military is concerned. Perhaps you should look up the word and see how it might apply to your beliefs about this particular group of people. I think if you put on your "science" hat and think objectively, your confusion at the label may disappear.
Military wives (spouses?) - Thank you for your service. It takes us being here being strong for them to pay attention to them over there.
Military - Thank you for being willing to sacrifice, even for a cause you may not believe in and for people who don't believe in you.
Once again, as an American I am pleased that folks like sdoownek hate us so much. It’s a compliment really. The more hate-filled rants he writes about "boys" in the military and women having children, the more I believe in the future of America and humanity.
sdoownek- How does your BLOG have anything to do with support in our community. Your previous writing deleted or not are in fact your opinion.
(By the way those you can not stand,(ie. military "boys") educated or not help you keep that right to have an opinion)
Do you welcome people who can not spell associated with the military to leave? Or all military in this area in general?
I promise your little "wish" will be no ones command.
hiswifey- AMEN!!!
Dana- I promise your love for "our boys" is noted and accepted :)
You military wives (except Dana) are the most defensive bunch of overly sensitive I-don't know-whats imaginable.
All the "poor me's" about deployment and being single moms. You signed up for it. There are plenty of non-military single moms who didn't sign up for it.
They are not afforded the benefits of the little city on post, or the respite care, or the numerous services for military (moms or otherwise) I always read about in the paper when Fairbanks is boo-hooing the poor plight of the (voluntarily) temporarily single military wives.
As for the middle part of your rant, you make part of my earlier point.
As for the Golden Heart City remark, I often think the same thing in reverse. It has a golden heart for the military, not necessarily for its own hometown folks experiencing difficulties. And I don't only mean money-wise.
Further, I am not your "dear"; don't patronize me. But whatever on that point.
I never felt threatened by Iraq, although I did/do feel badly for its people. This war seems to have little to do with protecting my/our freedoms, or the U.S.'s constitutional principles.
Especially because of that, I hope that all those deployed, (and I know a number), come home safely; and that includes not maimed.
As far as the "overly sensitive" we are not, but you dont see us judging you for the way you live your life on a daily basis. I would call it more of a pride in the life we live and the need to correct un-informed sincial statements made by others judgements. About "sigining up" to being single wives and mothers no we did not and there is no boo-hooing, yes it is hard and I understand there are civilian women who live the same way, but you could say that they choose to be single moms also by getting pregnant by someone who wasnt responsible enought to stick around and take care of their duties as a father! Think before you speak, because one of the smallest parts on your body can make you look like the biggest idiot ever. You keep speaking of Fairbanks not caring about its "home town" folks and their difficulties, to what difficulties are you referring and also if this place is so awful in your opinion with the way it treats its citizens then why do you live here?
I'm usually pretty good at figuring out peoples' poor spelling, grammar, and punctuation, but 'sincial' is one I just can't get.
That is the most intelligent thing you can come up with? Seriously, I did it as a joke you know hahah funny...since people seem to pay more attention to how words are spelled instead of what is being said....CYNICAL there you go now maybe you can figure out the rest from here ok.
Wow Corinne.... I was a single mother in Southern California I met a nice MARINE. He got out of the service and I SUPPORTED him until he got a civilian job. Then he took care of his family for THREE years. UNTIL the housing market hit rock bottom in Southern California and he lost his job. NOT FIRED, laid off with no work to be found as 1000's were laid off. So he did what he could for his family and joined the military again. We made the decision as a FAMILY, knowing life would be hard. I don't feel sorry for any of my fellow wives and family member like you suggest. How pathetic that you have to criticize spelling!!! Please step off your little soap box because we don't want your sympathy. Non of us are pleading our cases to you or anyone else.
WOW, I usually don't comment but I just had to this time. The military does not get anything FREE trust me been an Air Force wife for many years. This is my third tour to Alaska and we love it. We do not get our bills paid, just paid mine by myself, I might add. Just graduated, paid that myself, as far as child care paid that to at a tune of 126 dollars a week for only six hours!
As for supporting Fairbanks and their establishments they do. Let's not forget the big canned food drive the Army just did for the food bank. Might want to call them and ask them where they get lots of free help from, they call the bases and ask for individuals to come in and work for free, which they do willingly. The women's shelter asks for donations of towels and bathroom supplies for their women, which the military gives. Talk about support, many military familes have visitors all the time and where do we go? Well to Fairbanks to donate our money for tourist attractions.
As far as the military giving to Fairbanks, let's not forget those two Air Force boys who fundraised for 2 1/2 years to collect 5,000 dollars for the local soup kitchen to feed Fairbanks hungry individuals. Please don't forget the people who give all those hours working in different social service places to ensure Fairbanks is a better place. Military do give, do not hate because you do not understand. All walks of life abuse their children, not just the military, I assure you.
Do not think of them as breeding, they have a right to have children, just as you do. So they get 10 or 20 percent off of food purchases, if they closed the bases you would see how fast Fairbanks hurts. I bet those families buy cars and other items to give to Fairbanks!
My best advice is for the military wives and others that have posted to keep your head held high, I assure you for the negative ones, there are so many that support us and will always out number the yuck ones! Believe in yourselves and let the small stuff slide, give willingly for your country and pray for the safety of all the troops, no matter what branch.
My final thought is to tell you all most do not hate because they do not like us (military) they hate us because they want to be us and you can take that to the bank!
proud AF wife! If you ladies need me, I am only a few miles away :) I appreciate you all!
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Corrine you're fighting a losing battle here, the only one that seems to be boo hooing is you, I'm sorry if you got knocked up and the guy left you and now you're on your own, I have 2 friends who are not military wives and are single mothers and they're just doing fine. Your irresponsibility is not our fault and like I said if you want support so bad and are so jealous of all the support we recieve then join yourself or find a nice soldier to marry and then maybe you'd see the grass from our side of the fence.
Well this thread certainly sure has gotten ugly.
*yawn*
To rise above the insults, I will not respond to what is yet another personal, completely off-topic attack.
What I will do, however, is add (to my previous support for the upstanding members of our military) my heart-felt appreciation for the spouses of the military. You all have signed up for something that I never would. For that you deserve respect and support.
I do not agree with this war effort, but that is a purely political stance. On the personal level, I do support our troops.
So, my applause goes out to both the service members and their spouses for the sacrifices that you are and will be making in the coming months and years. Those who are deployed are better for knowing that they have loving families waiting at home for them. I hope for their sake and yours that they are able to return safely.
Laughing my "friggin area where the sun don't shine" off.
Mis spellings shouldn't burst your bubbles.. lol, I still laugh at that.
Military wives... rise above this quarrelling, we have better things to do than dealing with arrogance. Know that support for our men/women and their spouses are larger than a few silly people in here.
Unhealthy situations will always be around and to recognize it and stay out of it has proven to be pretty darn nice. It's actually similar to ignoring a childs tantrum, if it doesn't get a reaction, it dies down. Shouldn't really get down to their level but once in a while is healthy I suppose. I plead the 5th on my quarrels.
Once again, thanks to those of you who support our men and women stationed in the interior. It is greatly appreciated.
Newsreader
I agree with your righteous statement to the military.
I personally would like to thank the men and women in all services of the military. I have sent care packages to the men and women in Iraq and will continue to send them.
I remember my last flight on Alaska Air lines when I was sitting next to two men in the military. I tried to pay for their movie viewer and it was complementary from AAL. When they wanted food I couldn’t pay, complementary again. I would like to thank Alaska Air Lines.
I have befriended members of the Army and also I’m involved with members of the Army.
My living family members that are vets, Four World War two Vets, Viet Nam Vets, and vets not in any wars.
I can only hope for the safe return of all the people that will be deployed.
Off subject a little but needs to be cleared up
newsreader
You said I didn’t use your own words. All I’m showing was how I got those words. You posted all of them.
I’m sure you will have my post removed. If I were you, (and I’m not) I wouldn’t want anybody to know what you said.
Remember you asked to back up my statement.
Have a good day
PS posting during work?
Lets pray for one another !!!
I'm starting to think that you military wives share a brain.
Or at least communicate like roaches. I've gotten 5 voicemails, two death threats, and countless (only because I didn't count) emails.
Funny thing is, they all say the same *exact* thing.
Who _are_ you people and what is wrong with you?
...and to the two of you that told me that you "...will kill me..." Yeah, that's over the line. Copies were sent to the MP's. Have fun with that. Here's hoping that the military husbands show more restraint with their wives than they've showed in the past with their children.
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I'm disabling comments here. Threats of harm to another user, or to anyone, are not accepted.