US Army: Over 3,000 Soldiers Have Deserted in 2006

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A total of 3,196 active-duty soldiers deserted the Army last year, or 853 more than previously reported, according to revised figures from the Army.
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In 2005, for example, the Army now says 2,543 soldiers deserted, not the 2,011 it had reported. For some earlier years, the desertion numbers were revised downward.
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Some Army officers link the recent uptick in annual desertion rates to the toll of wartime deployments and point to the increasing percentage of troops who are on their second or third tours in Iraq or Afghanistan.
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The new figures also show a faster acceleration in the rate of desertions over the previous two fiscal years than announced. In 2006, for instance, desertions rose by 27 percent, not 17 percent, as the Army had previously reported, a spokesman said.

I think dying for your country is the purpose. That has honor, regardless who the enemy is at the moment or whether the national leaders are right or wrong.

FOR WHAT NOBLE PURPOSE DID MY SON DIE??
Cindy Sheehan

Casey Sheehan grew up in a devout Catholic home. He served as an altar boy and then as a key member of his church's youth group for years.

When he was old enough, Casey joined the Boy Scouts, becoming the very second Eagle Scout out of his troop.

He enlisted in the Army when he was twenty years old. He decided to be a mechanic. He would undergo Combat Lifesaver training - a class on how to give IVs and treat trauma only second in intense learning to combat medic training. He was also certified to assist with giving communion to soldiers while in the field.

Specialist Sheehan re-enlisted in the Army in 2004 knowing full well that he could be sent into a combat zone.

Casey Sheehan was a Humvee mechanic with the 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment.

On April 3rd, 2004, forces loyal to Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al'Sadr stormed police stations and government offices in Sadr City (a city of over 2 million). They knew the Americans would come, and they wanted a fight. Muqtada Sadr was working them up into a religious frenzy. And he had his thugs murder anyone who he thought might stand in his way - even other Shi'ite clerics. His forces were known as the Mahdi Army.

American forces quickly surrounded Muqtada al'Sadr's quarters.

On April 4th, 2004, al'Sadr's Mahdi forces blocked roadways and bridges with burning tires, vehicles and trash. Visibility was less than 300 meters anywhere in the city. They began to attack American vehicles on patrol throughout Sadr City - some were protecting Shia worshipers (Holy Arbayeen) while others were escorting city government vehicles.

A battle raged across Sadr City. Insurgents assaulted American troops while looters and mobs formed and stormed through the streets. Word spread quickly across the American FOBs that there was trouble.

Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment were ambushed with RPGs and pinned down and dying. While fighting off an attack himself, the Commander of the 2/5th, LTC Volesky, called for help. A Quick Reaction Force (QRF) was formed of volunteers - their mission was to go out and rescue the American troops.

Casey Sheehan's Sergeant asked for volunteers. Sheehan had just returned from Mass. After Sheehan volunteered once, the Sergeant asked Sheehan again if he wanted to go on the mission. According to many reports (and according to his own mother), Casey responded, "Where my Chief goes, I go."

The QRF was launched. Not long after entering the Mahdi area, the QRF was channeled onto a dead-end street where the roofs were lined with snipers, RPGs, and even some militia throwing burning tires onto the vehicles. The Mahdi blocked the exit and let loose with everything they had.

Sheehan's vehicle was hit with multiple RPGs and automatic-weapons fire.

Specialist Casey Sheehan and Corporal Forest J. Jostes were killed.

A second QRF was formed - all volunteers - to go rescue the first. Specialist Ahmed Cason was hit in the second QRF - but kept fighting until he bled to death.

Seven men died with Casey Sheehan on Sunday, April 4th, 2004.

They were Spc. Robert R. Arsiaga, Spc. Ahmed Cason, Sgt. Yihjyh L. "Eddie" Chen, Spc. Stephen D. Hiller, Spc. Israel Garza, Cpl. Forest J. Jostes, and Sgt. Michael W. Mitchell.

It was Palm Sunday.

Palm Sunday commemorates the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem. Back then, the palm frond was a symbol of victory - laid beneath the feet of those of the highest honor and triumph. Some believe it was this honor fit for a king that forced Jesus's enemies to act and crucify him.

In recognition of Casey, the Catholic Chapel at Fort Hood, Texas (where Sheehan was stationed) named the Knights of Columbus chapter the "Casey Austin Sheehan Council".

Casey also received the Bronze Star for his Valor that day.

Palm fronds for the most honored.

The Bush billions.

Please present evidence that George W. Bush is personally profiting from the war effort. You incorrectly implied that George W. Bush is a billionaire. By running for public office it is likely that Governor and then President Bush, at least for a time, has limited his ability to involve himself in corporate affairs. In addition, the President's net worth is less the both of candidates that he faced for election, and (not surprisingly) financially successful presidents are far from unusual in the country's history, although this is admittedly skewed more so in recent times.

Was it a cave or another planet that you've been living in or on for the last six very odd and very dreary years? Bush's known connections with the billions of dollars that this war is making for someone, and who that someone is, are common knowledge for any sentient being who speaks English who didn't just drop in again after having been abducted by aliens or being buried alive.

I think that the misdirection is on your part and that it is deliberate.

I won't be speaking to you again.

I think that the misdirection is on your part and that it is deliberate.

I won't be speaking to you again.

Please present evidence that George W. Bush is personally profiting from the war effort. You incorrectly implied that George W. Bush is a billionaire.

By running for public office it is likely that Governor and then President Bush, at least for a time, has limited his ability to involve himself in corporate affairs. In addition, the President's net worth is less the both of candidates that he faced for election, and (not surprisingly) financially successful presidents are far from unusual in the country's history, although this is admittedly skewed more so in recent times.

Was it a cave or another planet that you've been living in or on for the last six very odd and very dreary years?

Bush's known connections with the billions of dollars that this war is making for someone, and who that someone is, are common knowledge for any sentient being who speaks English who didn't just drop in again after having been abducted by aliens or being buried alive.

Okay, look. If you feel that I have done something deliberate to wrong you, point it out, publicly for all to see. If I make some mistake, either that I was too harsh, or that my facts or just wrong I will correct my mistake and apologize.

Please present evidence that George W. Bush is personally profiting from the war effort. You incorrectly implied that George W. Bush is a billionaire. By running for public office it is likely that Governor and then President Bush, at least for a time, has limited his ability to involve himself in corporate affairs. In addition, the President's net worth is less the both of candidates that he faced for election, and (not surprisingly) financially successful presidents are far from unusual in the country's history, although this is admittedly skewed more so in recent times.

I have to wonder what is going on in my head with all of this. I personally expect the known information, the very commonly publicly available information about all this, to convince people that our so-called President of the United States is using the war to make billions of dollars for Halliburton. Look up Dick Cheney and Halliburton. Look up "George Bush" and "oil." Look up Condaleeza Rice's connections to big oil.

So there are laws that make some gesture at limiting what Bush and his cabinet can do in regards to their investments. Did you happen to notice that during the last 6 years Bush has considered himself to BE the law and that there is little meaningful opposition to this?