I Am and Always Will Be a Warrior

I was on the front line during the invasion of Fallujah,Iraq in 2004. I got out with a Purple Heart and a lot of other medals, and when I got back to the States I tried to become a bank teller -- it was not happening.  I then joined Blackwater for more than a year and decided to start my own company.

I became addicted to drugs and became an alcoholic. I ran my life into the ground for two years.

Then, I woke up and went for a run on the beach in California. I became a Marine again by raising my lifestyle standards to what they were in they were in the service.

I am now on top of my game and no one can stop me just like those bad guys in Iraq. I am and always will be a warrior.

(Submitted by Mr. Wolfgang Ward)

Comments

[Kenny Alley]

I am a Desert Storm Veteran who took the same turns you have, alcohol was my out for a long period of time, I am now ready to serve our mission in a positive way. I was a Hospital Corpsman and have been a fire fighter, Police Officer and currently work as a Dialysis Technician. I have experience in combat, but am looking for a better way to help in our cause for freedom. If I sound like someone you would like on your team then please notify me.

[Mike Dee]

There are many former Marines who once they got out...fell off the wagon of fitness and doing whats right. I am one who fell in the fitness part. My life has not been the same and I cant seem to get back into shape. No motovation anymore. I do force protection as well as life support and flight/ground safety. I wish I could get that Marine steam boiler lit again. Im glad to see your back! Ooh Rah!

[H R SPIVEY]

11-B and 00F40 mos. I feel that I have alot to give but at 56 I am told that I am to old. With age comes experance. Also Time as a police officer. Avid hunter, and re-loader. With my experance and age come wisdom. I feel that I could bring more of these young men home, with honor.
Rick Spivey

HRS

[Kahuna]

What some haven't, and probably never will, figure out, is that military behavior belongs in the military and not as a sales item in the civilian world.
There is no room for "mercenary minded" individuals in a free country. It's the same thing as "war profiteering" and its wrong, no matter how loud you shout OO-Rah. We've had enough of Blackwater aka XE outfits cropping up everywhere. These are simply people who can't make a living without guns and its a pretty sorry statement on our society that they're allowed to proliferate.
30+ plus years in service and glad to hang up my guns.

[Jonathan]

I don't think you get it. It is not that all former service men/women want to duplicate a military environment in the civilian world. What they miss the most are the standards they learned to hold themselves to, the sense of mission accomplishment, and the pride of serving something greater than oneself. It's not the barking of orders or the yearning for combat. I for one am glad to carry my Esprit de Corps to my life and encourage all former service members to hold themselves to the standards of integrity, honor, and commitment that most service members learned from day one in the military.
I think it is obvious that you have a hidden agenda. And for those that want to profit from their experiences in the military are only exercising their hard earned American rights.
In 30 years you should have learned a lot more than what your comment suggested.

[MacQuarrie]

You are on target Jonathan. I don't believe Kahuna has a clue but as you say just an agenda. I find it hard to believe that an individual with 30 years service in ANY department could be so far off target. Quite frankly I don't believe "Kahuna" has the service or the experience... maybe just wishes. I for one am glad to see these young guys "wake up" and get their lives together. God bless you all.

[Sluggo]

Jonathan, I couldn't have said it better myself. Well done.

[LB Armstrong]

Is Mr. Negatory, Kahuna, legitimate? I doubt it. Go to the left wing blogs, sir, and try if you can to stop perpetrating the myths that "military behavior" is somehow detrimental to a civilian outfit. Your very premise, that "military behavior" means guns and mercenaries, is all the proof I need to be able to say there's NO WAY you served this country for 30.

[LB Armstrong]

Is Mr. Negatory, Kahuna, legitimate? I doubt it. Go to the left wing blogs, sir, and try if you can to stop perpetrating the myths that "military behavior" is somehow detrimental to a civilian outfit. Your very premise, that "military behavior" means guns and mercenaries, is all the proof I need to be able to say there's NO WAY you served this country for 30.

[F Bolden]

I too want to continual making this wonderful country of ours safe and free from Terrorist. I am a Vietnam and Desert Storm Veteran after retiring from the Army of 24 years I got an associate’s and a Bachelors of Science in Occupational Safety and Health and currently working on my Masters in the same field which I know can be useful in many ways that can help our country. And if you agree Please E-mail me I’m more than willing to help and I’ll be at your service. Thank-You!
Frank..

[Aaron]

Glad you got back into the saddle and back in the fight Mr Ward and others! I am glad I do not know the likes of Kahuna. I'd like to put some ultimate fighter exercises to work on his grape. Keep steaming ahead all! The lifestyle and attitude FITS, and is SORELY needed on the outside. I wish more could get out to help us press that attitude and outlook into civilian life.

By your side in any clime or place, and God bless the Corps.

Aaron
Semper Fi
1987-1998

[Kahuna]

You gung ho clowns, especially former members of the Corps, need to take time out and read Gen. Smedley Butler's book, "War is a racket" on the phony glory of war. You'll doubtless question his credentials also, although it might prove a harder chore when you consider his decorations for bravery.
Esprit de corps is fine within the military and I've experienced it, both as an enlisted and as an officer, but it belongs in the military and not in the civilian world. The military was never intended as a training ground for continuing the same life style in civilian life.
My "agenda" was aimed at W. Ward who specifically referred to joining Blackwater and then leaving to form his own company.
Yes, the military means "guns" and that is the main distinction between outfits like Blackwater aka XE and the rest of the civilian world. These types have a need for guns in order to face the world. Take their guns away and they're insecure.
For the rest of you, I have no problem with "finding yourself" or whatever you want to call it when you manage to get your head out of the bottle; my beef is with the mercenary groups that are springing up all over the country as these gun-happy pukes seek to make some fast money out of the misery and chaos around the world.

[Nancy]

Ibeleive Jonathan is right, I was in the military, it gave me a sense of pride and belonging. Also a sense of family an commitment. But don't take it so hard on Kahuna, I see his point of view also. There are people out there that are like that and he may have thought of that before he thought a little harder. My biggest regret was leaving the military. I was in the First Womens Combat Division, Fort Jackson,S.C. under Lt. Co. Osborne. I'm very proud to have served. While I was in AIT, I saw some dirty shinagins that made me think less of the military; but all in all to love America is to serve. God Bless All our Service men and women. God Help us as a Nation to be the shining light to the world again, as we once were.

[Damon]

Kahuna, 30+ years of service doing what? The chip you have on your shoulder about "guns" and devaluation of esprit de corps suggest that you could not possibly have served in a branch of the US Armed Forces. Maybe it was the peace corps or the sierra club or for another country but your negative attitude would certainly have washed you out of a military unit with any real esprit de corps.
Good luck in future endeavors but please save the wet blanket posturing for a different web community. Stay positive.

[Damon]

Kahuna, 30+ years of service doing what? The chip you have on your shoulder about "guns" and devaluation of esprit de corps suggest that you could not possibly have served in a branch of the US Armed Forces. Maybe it was the peace corps or the sierra club or for another country but your negative attitude would certainly have washed you out of a military unit with any real esprit de corps.
Good luck in future endeavors but please save the wet blanket posturing for a different web community. Stay positive.

[Damon]

Kahuna, 30+ years of service doing what? The chip you have on your shoulder about "guns" and devaluation of esprit de corps suggest that you could not possibly have served in a branch of the US Armed Forces. Maybe it was the peace corps or the sierra club or for another country but your negative attitude would certainly have washed you out of a military unit with any real esprit de corps.
Good luck in future endeavors but please save the wet blanket posturing for a different web community. Stay positive.

[Robert]

When I separted from the service I had difficulties adjusting to civilian life for many of the same reasons that are being expressed here. It seemed no matter where I went or what job I had I was surrounded by incompetence. There is a big difference, as you all know, on how things are accomplished out here but with that being said, I have to agree with the point that Kahuna is making, the military is about discipline and many of these units, all though made up of ex-military personnel, are coming off as roque warriors or adrenline junkies. We have to remember what makes our military so succesful in battles is that we have been taught the discipline to know when to shoot and when to wait. As far as transistioning from the military life style to the civilian world I have learned that the "all balls no brains mentallity" just will not work. You are not going to be successful out here if you take that approach. I know how many of you feel, it frustrates the hell out of me too but the hard truth is that civilian life will not accept living with aggressively natured people. Most situations do not require aggression, although I wouldn't mind mixing it up every now and then. I apologize if I have pissed anyone off.

[snufe]

Hi, I was a reservist Medic . I completed my term and I have been trying to get back in now for almost 2 yrs. All of my application was completed ,physical and all. I have a family to support. My husband was a Crime Scene detective for 20yrs and I now I wanted to the opportunity to let him relax and let me get my career back. I have been B.S'd and neglected. No one has put me in. I went to USAREC, I wrote the Pres. Last yr and all the runners up, No one has helped me.
What would one suggest or could someone please help me before all of our funds run out and we become just a number under Obamas big govt!
i am deseperate!

[snufe]

someone please Help me!! I am currently living in TN. I am extremely fit! I am 33 and trying to get back in as combat medic. I have been trying for 2yrs no one has helped me. Evry bit of my paperwork is in the system and updated as of Oct 2008. Please someone please!!!!

[Wolfgang Ward]

I appreciate all the words from all the other veterans (even the dipsutes). I have decided to write an eBook to help out other Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans transitioning back into civilian life. Go to www.iraq-afghanistan-veteran-handbook.com

Semper Fidelis

[Charles Barton]

I need help,vet from 1987 to 1992 US Army do to life, I never got to use my GI bill,and have lost it,I have never been laid off till now,and finding it hard to make it.I have 4 kids at home from 13 to 21 all full time students and recently lost one due to a drunk driver finding it hard to paybills and feed family and find job. Does the vet programs help me pay bills ? get food? i know they have transportation to va hospital,and i can use for me.How do i get loans for school now, Loan for Business these web sites are a pain due to they want u to pay or send u to dead end site,I have been trying my self but maybe its come to I need a hand.TY Frustrated Vet pls email me at bigdaddyten@yahoo.com