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They are with the Army Reserves now
stationed in Kuwait. I had previously written about how these
men and women served their time in Tikrit, Iraq. And, should
have been able to go home on their scheduled departure date of
April 10th. However, they are now stationed back in Kuwait,
because they never got to leave. They served Iraqi Freedom 1,
and now 2.
MSG Meyer is a 36-year Veteran. He served in the Viet Nam War,
Desert Storm, and consequentially now the Iraq War. I've never
know a man who's understood his call to protect and serve this
great Nation any better than he does. He is very proud to be
one of The 846th Transportation Company. They have been in
Iraq together since April 12, 2003 for a total of 428 days,
and counting.
The day they were supposed to leave for home they were told
their time in Iraq had been "extended" and for reasons they
didn't understand, they would have to stay.
TOP
I really should reiterate some of the things that were
discussed in the first letter. Like the fact that some of the
Soldiers in The 846th TC, feel like they are in "jail", or on
"lock down". That they don't have regular jobs to do, or that
they aren't allowed to carry weapons. Since The 846th TC
arrived in Kuwait, they have only been given "meaningless
missions". They aren't allowed to leave the camp. Not for
emergencies or otherwise. Not even with a call from the Red
Cross. One would think that goes against all kinds of human
and personal rights. Anyway, I jokingly call them hostages.
What's sad is that's how they feel. Worst of all, their
replacements have been there for over Four months now.
I don't think anyone realizes how many of the members of The
846th TC is dealing with some very deep, very strong, and in
some cases very foreign feelings. They are on emotional roller
coasters right now. They are feeling pain, sadness,
loneliness, depression, anger, frustration and in some cases
straight up hostility. They miss the comforts of home, they
miss their friends and families, and most of all they miss
their Freedom. Their morale is as low I'm told here, as it
ever was in Viet Nam. However, when you're forced to deal with
lies, manipulation, humiliation and deceit.... and that's from
your own people, the people above you. Then you just learn to
exist. To survive. You know you can't win.
On May 31st, 2004, MSG Meyer's driving privileges (which were
pretty much his only privileges) were taken away from him for
30 days. They said he committed a "breach of security" when he
didn't stop so his vehicle could be inspected. It was
inspected a very short time later however. At that time, he
was given Seven days of "extra duty". That being, emptying
sand out of bags, tearing down a tent and putting it right
back up, doing "police call" (picking up trash), and writing
letters of apology to the Battalion Commander and to the Group
Commander. MSG Meyer did his Seven days of punishment and
humiliation (which was to be whatever work they gave him, and
a Company letter of reprimand). At that point, he was told the
Battalion Commander didn't think it was sufficient enough
punishment for that particular crime (remember, he didn't stop
his vehicle at an inspection point right away). He was also
going to receive a field grade letter of reprimand that would
go in his permanent file. He was also informed around that
time by his CSM not to put in a packet containing paperwork
for his promotion to SGM, as he was going to be forced to
retire when they got back anyway. Whether that's the truth or
just unnecessary harassment. Nobody knows.
TOP
The next day, there was a mandatory Stress Management class.
The group was asked to fill out Q & A forms pertaining to the
Unit (re: morale of the Troops, how the unit was being run,
rate leadership and command, etc.). As he was filling his form
out, MSG Meyer started getting angry and overly stressed out.
Even to the point where he was having feelings of rage
(accompanied by trouble breathing, tightening in the chest,
shaking, pain in head and neck, etc.). He was advised by the
Stress Management team leader to go to the Troop Medical
Center at Camp Arifjan, for evaluation. He had been to the
hospital on Three other separate occasions, with those same or
like symptoms. Within a Four month period of time, and all of
his own accord. The Doctor that attended MSG Meyer recommended
that due to his stress, he should be evaluated more by the
head doctor at Camp Doha. That night he was ordered to leave
and go to Doha.
The next morning we was seen and told to come back in Two days
for a follow-up visit. He also, at that time, informed MSG
Meyer that he was not welcomed to return to Camden Yard, his
regular Camp. He was given several medications, and a room at
Camp Doha, and told to get rest.
I have a couple of problems with
this whole situation. Why was MSG. Meyer not allowed to go
back to his own Camp? Was he being quarantined? Punished for
something? Or just another attempt at humiliating him? Why was
he given anti-depressants, and sleeping pills, and mood
altering drugs, if all he had was stress? We like our Soldiers
drugged up? Or just when we want them to comply? Why in God's
name did that Command Sergeant Major feel the need to badger,
and intimidate someone so badly, about something so serious as
their career, and being forced to give it up? Especially at a
point in time when a Medical Doctor had just been so worried
about MSG. Meyers stress levels? That's just unacceptable and
cruel. When in this place (The Military) does the punishment
ever fit the crime? I personally think it's ironic that so
much commotion is being made about a man who should have been
gone a long time ago. The best part though, is that its being
brought on by the ones who so very deceitfully didn't allow
him to go home in the first place. Poetic Justice, but at
who's expense. MSG Meyer's I'm thinking.
TOP
This is not a young man. He is not a first time soldier
needing to be taught a "lesson". This is a man whose whole
life has been about the Military. As MSG. Meyer's wife to be,
I'd like to say a few things. Thanks to all of his brothers
and sisters in the 846th TC for helping him, and looking out
for him. I know he'd do that for anyone of you at anytime. I
still don't understand how some people, important people, can
act like everything is just ok, after the terrible things they
do to people. I wonder how some of them sleep at night. I
would also like to know why MSG. Meyer had to go to such
extremes to get someone to tell the truth, care, or even pay
attention to the 846th TC Unit? Also, if MSG. Meyer is so
sick, requiring meds, separation from his troop, and bed rest,
Why isn't he being sent home? Please remember, before these
people are soldiers, they are human beings. Respect them, Pray
for them, and Help them. They put their lives on the line for
us. They deserve it.
Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. It means a
lot to me personally, to the Soldiers of the 846th
Transportation Company, and to all of the people who are
victims of "Operation Stop Loss" and of commanders who are
constantly deceiving their Troops. All my Thanks, Love,
Appreciation, Support and Prayers to the 846th TC, and to all
of the brave people who are fighting this war. May you come
home safely, and quickly?
Sincerely,
KL (F) 37
Las Vegas, NV
Fiancée, Army MSG
The information and opinions in this letter
have not been substantiated, confirmed or researched by
Couples Company. We've published the letter as is and
how we received it with the author's permission.
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