[JamesHamm]

I don't know about how many people REALLY support why we are here. What I can honestly say that I have and most of my Soldiers have experienced is this: Americans have been able to seperate their feelings for the war itself from how they feel about their Soldiers / Marines / Airman / and Sailors. Vietmam Vets were treated so badly for years and many Americans never gave them the respect that they earned regardless of why they were TOLD to go to Vietnam and WHAT they were TOLD to do while they were there. If anyone deserves respect and admiration it is them. Trust me. It sucks here but I would have had second thoughts about many of the missions those guys had to do and I'll never compare myself to them. They are better and stronger than I'll ever be. Desert Shield and Desert Storm changed a lot about the way Americans feel about us and after 9/11 it has pretty much been here to stay. I can count the number of people who have had something bad to say on exactly ..... no I can't. Nobody I have ever had direct contact with has ever said anything against me and my service to country. That is why I have stayed in so long. All of you make it worthwhile (in addition to the pay raises Pres. Bush has given me).

James...