2008.08.07
Useless War? (Response to Patsy Porterfield)
Mrs. Patsy Porterfield recently wrote to me sending me her prayers. She also used my blog to pass along her support for the troops but simultaneous unsupportive feelings of the war itself, saying: “This war is so needless.” The following is my response:
Mrs. Porterfield, I am sitting in a tent in the middle of the desert. The temperature peaked at 118 today, and I spent the day wearing body armor and helmet at a range, zeroing my rifle and at classes on tactics that insurgents use to kill American Soldiers with IEDs. Before I got your email, I was looking at pictures of my son and daughter and tearing up thinking how much I will miss in the next 12 months.
So let me ask you a question. Was sharing with me your view on the war, how “This war is so needless,” was it fulfilling for you?
My column and blog is not a place where I intend to convince readers to vote any kind of way or see Iraq positively or negatively. Neither is it yours.
I am not your elected official. I am an officer, appointed to uphold the constitution of the United States of America, executing the lawful orders of the commander-in-chief.
However, thank you for your prayers, Ma'am.
Rich Connaroe
Captain, U.S. Army
RICHARD.CONNAROE@US.ARMY.MIL
The thoughts and opinions in this article are that of the author alone and are not meant to represent the U.S. military. Any errors contained therein are that of the author.
We will continue to uphold our troops in prayer no matter the cause. If obedience is better than sacrifice then may you receive a star in your crown for both your obedience and sacrifice.
Comment by Katherine Douglas — August 7, 2008 @ 4:22 pm
Good for you, Rich! This is not the time or place for political views. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for all that you are doing...by doing your JOB. Many blessings to you and your family as you are apart.
Comment by Right On — August 7, 2008 @ 4:55 pm
I think a lot of people take for granted the country we live in, the United States, and forget about someplace like Iraq and that the war there is helping that country and in turn the Entire World. My boyfriend is in the US Amry and will be, like Cptn Rich Connaroe, in Iraq in November for a 12 month deployment. I personally do not feel like I could trade places with him, or any other military personel, and do the job our soldiers are doing. I have such respect and admiration for all that they do! God Bless the USA and all our troops!
Comment by Michelle Sobieski — August 7, 2008 @ 5:14 pm
Dear US Army Captain Connaroe,
I am grateful and thankful for soldiers like you who sacrifice for us, Americans,here at home and fighting for our freedom. I haven't forgotten 911 nor should any other American forget what happened on that day. I have been to Ground Zero and every American should visit that sight and then they wouldn't debate about fighting for our freedom. Freedom isn't free, it comes at a price and that price is laying down the life of our soldiers and veterans throughout history who fought for our freedoms that we so often take for granted. We are able to live our lives here at home and do what we want to do and when we want to do it thanks to you and every soldier and veteran. I am able to go to and enjoy writing as a freelance journalist and in reference and enjoy every day life thanks to all of our veterans and soldiers who are fighting the war for our freedom. My heartfelt thanks and gratitude.
I will keep you and all your comrades in my thoughts and prayers and your family.
God Bless,
Doretta Winter
Comment by Doretta Winter — August 7, 2008 @ 7:16 pm
Dear Rich Connaroe,
Just want to give my thanks and prayers to you and all military that are in harm's way, fighting for us so that we may live in a safe environment here at home. My Sincere prayers go with you and your family. Sincerely, Sandra Winter
Comment by Sandra Winter — August 7, 2008 @ 8:30 pm
Good for you Richard! Thank you for what you do. Our thoughts and prayers are with you everyday.
Comment by Trey — August 8, 2008 @ 8:44 am
Captain
If I may say so, you've just proved to all of us who follow your writing that you are a gentleman, as well as a soldier. You are giving us a rare opportunity to get an unvarnished view of this war. Thank you for taking the time and making the extra effort. I can only imagine the intensity and demands of your days and nights.
Comment by Jim D — August 8, 2008 @ 11:56 am
You have terribly missed understood me. By no means am I saying this war is our service people fault. I am a mother of a ex marine soldier and I have nothing but high regards for our military personnel. By my statement I meant the President should have thought this out better before we went into Iraq. I know you are serving our country and for that I am very grateful but I want everyone one in the service home safe so you can hold your children instead of looking at their pictures. Please forgive me if you thought otherwise of my views on this war. God be with you.
Comment by Patsy Porterfield — August 8, 2008 @ 1:52 pm
Mrs. Porterfield,
Actually, I understood you perfectly well. However, you must not have understood me. I'll try to be more blunt: If you could truly imagine where I am, then you could see how completely unwanted it is to share with me your opinion about the war and President's judgment.
Not to sound arrogant, but there is no need for you to send your apologies. I understand: You simply do not realize that you are being inconsiderate.
Rich
Comment by Rich Connaroe — August 8, 2008 @ 1:53 pm
Once the engineer has been handed documented requirements for the hydro dam, please do not go to the engineer's office to complain about how solar would be much better. The project manager's office (or in this case, the RoundTable) is a few doors down. That would be the appropriate place for that discussion.
I'm more interested in hearing about CAPT Connaroe's relations with the Iraqis, how they work same or differently from us, and if the Coke/Pepsi there really does taste as bad as I'm told.
Comment by Ed S. — August 8, 2008 @ 3:34 pm
Ms. Porterfiled,
I have the correct place for you to express your opinion. Please email the President at:
comments@whitehouse.gov
Captain Connaroe, you are doing a fantastic job!
Proud Army Mom!
Comment by Wendy Jones — August 8, 2008 @ 3:52 pm
Dear Rich: I hope this note finds you and your soldiers doing well. We are all grateful for your service and courage. My family and I spent some time with your mom this evening at the Roanoke Republican Shrimp Fest. We had a wonderful time and your mom is very proud of you. May God bless you and all your troops. Best regards, John Brownlee
Comment by John Brownlee — August 9, 2008 @ 12:17 am
Take care of yourself! We are praying for you and your sweet family.
Comment by Michelle Sammons — August 11, 2008 @ 4:05 pm
Captain Connaroe,
I want you and your fellow soldiers to know that my thoughts and prayers are always with you. I am ex-military and I know what it is like to be seperated from your family for long periods of time. I pray that God protects each and everyone of you. I am grateful to all the service men and women who put their lives on the line everyday! God Bless!!
Comment by Lori Roop — August 11, 2008 @ 4:37 pm
How anyone could consider Mr. Connaroe's response gentlemanly is beyond me.
I certainly appreciate his service and I appreciate this rare opportunity to be a fly on the wall. However, one cannot separate this war from it's political implications.
Mr. Brownlee's acknowledgment of the Connaroe ties to the Republican party are proof enough of that.
Moreover, Captain Connaroe's expectations are misled if he thinks he will blog this controversial war and receive unfettered support for it.
One cannot say they are defending our freedoms abroad while seeking to silence dissent at home.
My thoughts and deep respect continue to lie with Captain Connaroe and his family. Everyone who reads and participates in this online exercise-including myself-await the safe return of Captain Connaroe and his fellow soldiers.
Comment by Joe Stanley — August 12, 2008 @ 11:05 am
Ohh, good comments. The power of the written words- you can still stick your foot in your mouth. I know- I do it often! Keep up the posts.
Comment by Linda C — August 12, 2008 @ 12:49 pm
Mr. Stanely,
The US Army is something around 300,000 strong. Other services include the Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. One can only assume that they do not associate with the same political party or agree with the war. It is our job to separate duty and politics. My mother's political affiliation has no relevance.
In writing my columns and blogs, my goal is not to drum up support for the war. I want to convey a perspective, which is outside the political system, that the Roanoke Valley might not get to see otherwise.
Bluntly, I cannot have this be a political blog, if I want to be able to continue doing it.
Thank you all for your comments.
Rich
Comment by Rich Connaroe — August 12, 2008 @ 2:54 pm
Rich, I am very pround of you and you and your family are in my prayers everyday.Keep doing a good job.
Comment by beth — August 13, 2008 @ 11:55 pm
well, this was kind of fun! Rich, glad you can write better than you can ride a wake board!LOL
Comment by Melanie — August 14, 2008 @ 8:53 pm
Hi Richard
I enjoy reading your blogs from Iraq. They have been informative thus far and I am sure we will come to know more about Iraq and its people, thanks to you.
My Grandson returned stateside on May 28 right about the time you were getting ready to go over. Thanks again for your blog.
I am still wearing the "Red Shirt" each Friday as a tribute to the men and women who so faithfully serve our Country so that we may be free!
God bless you and all our troops as you continue to serve. You are in our thoughts and prayers each and every day!
Thanks so much!
Jean
Comment by Jean Schneider — August 21, 2008 @ 7:52 pm
Jean,
I am so glad to here of your grandson's return. I know that you are so very proud of him.
I hope that that red shirt never wears out.
Thank you for your thoughts.
Rich
Comment by Rich Connaroe — August 22, 2008 @ 3:46 am
Joe,
Regarding this war, I’m 52 years old and have been involved with the Army for almost 33 years. Hey, by the way I’m here in Iraq with Rich hanging with the Iraqi’s, and my son served here in 2004 in Fallujah. We are not here as politicians we are trained professionals and the Iraqi’s and their government appreciate us. So let’s look at you. Have you served? Less than 1% of our total population has served in the Military. So how about you? If you want change, bring change. Be part of the solution not the problem.
I love this quote from a few good men.
Son, we live in a world that has walls and those walls need to be guarded by men with guns. Who's gonna do it? You? You? I have a greater responsibility than you can possibly fathom. You weep for Santiago and curse the Marines; you have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know: that Santiago's death, while tragic, probably saved lives and that my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saves lives. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties you want me on that wall, you need me on that wall. We use words like honor, code, loyalty. We use then as the backbone of a life trying to defend something. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises and sleeps under the blanket of the very freedom I provide and then questions the manner in which I provide it. I would rather you just said "thank you," and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest that you pick up a weapon and stand a post. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to. So join us Joe, We ROCK!
Comment by LTC Dale Fair — August 30, 2008 @ 7:59 am
Sir,
Well played!
You're conveying the irritation that I felt at first. I had to take time off before I responded in this scenario.
The audacity. Forget suggesting that he join. Just come ride in your truck on one mounted convoy patrol. You can give one of your guys a day off, and he can have his seat, eh?
Comment by Rich Connaroe — August 30, 2008 @ 4:03 pm