General addresses Iraq war, Strykers
Published Friday, June 6, 2008
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Stumble It!The commanding general of the U.S. Army in the Pacific said Thursday that he sees the lack of media attention for the Iraq War as a sign progress is being made in the country.
“It’s interesting the amount of media attention there was while we were, quite frankly, struggling with the insurgency,” Lt. Gen Benjamin Mixon said at a Fairbanks meeting of the Association of the United States Army, a civilian support organization. “But all of a sudden there’s not a lot of coverage, and I attribute that to the current success in Iraq.”
Mixon, who assumed command in February, was in Fairbanks to review the progress of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The brigade is in the process of shipping equipment and vehicles to California for training. It is scheduled to deploy to Iraq in the fall.
“They’re very confident,” he said. “Their equipment is in good shape. They’re looking very good.”
He said he was pleased with the support the Fairbanks community was showing for the brigade, and hoped to see the same level of support the community gave to the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team when it was deployed in 2005. The 172nd has since been reflagged as the 1-25th.
The general acknowledged that the mission of the Army has changed since the invasion of Iraq in March 2003 to one now of rebuilding the country. But as the war has gone on, the mental health needs of soldiers have also changed, with more and more veterans of Iraq, and Afghanistan as well, returning with post traumatic stress disorder.
Mixon noted that cases of PTSD vary widely, with some veterans having mild cases, and others showing serious symptoms. However, he said, more services have become available to soldiers than before the war.
Despite receiving positive reports from commanders on the ground in Iraq, Mixon warned that the war is far from over, and the Army still needs the support of the American people to complete their mission.
“Whether you agree or disagree with the reasons for going to war, I think we as Americans all agree we have to leave the country stable,” Mixon said, noting that large portions of the country’s security have been turned over to the Iraqi military and police. “But it’s going to remain a tough fight, and we’re going to have to remain in Iraq for a while.”
Community Discussion
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We should always always support our troops, they go through so much for US. Their care should be the Above and Beyond treatment they give us @ 110%, each and every one of the soldiers should be ascessed and treated as needed without question, I know my door, my ears and my heart will always be there for any soldier no matter when where or why,I love them all and respect them with all my heart. We have to realize we cant just " up and pull out" I have a son in there and I dont want him to go to war but he is ready_ they all will tell you they are ready. Their care and their mission should be supported and in the front lines of each and every American at any and all cost.
Thank You Military _ I love You and God Bless and keep each one of you!! Come home safe to us.
Right or wrong - we support our country and our military. Those who don't, go to Iran for support and see were that will get you!!
Right or wrong? Can you support the country if you disagree with the uses our forces are put to? Ruby Ridge was not military but was still federal forces in action. Waco was also. A better question is which is more important supporting the "country" or supporting the Constitution. There is a good reason we send people to war with a flag and not a copy of the Constitution in their pockets.
the tv media is definitely biased especially msnbc
I'm an Alaska native and a Fairbanks resident. I'm also currently serving a 15 month tour with the 2nd Strykers in Iraq. We appreciate the support of our fellow American citizens. Alaskans in particular are great at showing love to the soldier. The care packages and letters we receive are a welcome connection to home and real boost to our morale.
To the soldiers of the 1-25th that will be joining us in the fall, I wish you a safe journey and a successful mission. My thoughts are with you and your families.
Love and change.
HuuuuRaH
MAQUANA
I support many troops and would be honored to add you to my list. Please sign up with anysoldier.com and I will be looking for you.
Thanks for all you have done.
Mike
I lived in Montana close to the Idaho border and knew Randy Weaver personally. I agree that the government did not act appropiately, but the story of him wanting to "move to the remote mountaintop to escape what they viewed as a sinful world." is not true. I operated a small Bar, Restaraunt and Cabin facility which Mr. Weaver frequented quite often. Many times with his daughter into the wee hours. (of course after the settlement). I am positive there is nothing left of this settlement for any surviving family. I do not agree with what the Government did in this situation nor do I agree with the danger Mr.Weaver put his family in.
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