Army Specialist Casey Sheehan - Someone You Should (Have) Know(n)

Posted By Blackfive

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.

[Click here for the Someone You Should Know index.]

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BlackFive has just posted an accounting of the events that occured in Sadr City on the day Casey Sheehan died. So much attention has been paid to his mother and her political agenda that her son's life and death has [Read More]

Comments

[BloodSpite]

It's about time someone told his side.

Thanks B5. Very well done.

[jordan]

The perfect tribute to a dedicated soldier.
Thanks for telling the most relevant, and untold, part of the story.

[Jack]

I can only echo the above comments. Thanks for posting this.

[David]

Thank you for posting this. I am glad to see someone tell his side of the story.

[Chuck]

Thanks for sharing the facts behind Casey's heroism. First I've heard in depth on his sacrafice. This is another example of the MSM's selective editing of the whole story.
Casey was is an American Hero and we should feel honored that brave men and women with such courage and character wear the uniform of this great Nation.

[File Closer]

This Sheehan flappery up in Crawford is hitting a nerve with my co-workers and I. We're all in 2-5 Cav. Thanks for posting this story, B5. More people should know what happened that day, and a little perspective is good for even those that were there. Most of us have a very narrow memory of that day (understandably, what with all the RPG and rifle fire coming at us).

Thanks again.

FC

[kelly]

Thank you Blackfive for this. I would have been so proud to have a son like Casey and the others who were with him, both survivors and fallen, all Heors. I only wish some here in America, could understand the "stuff" these folks are made of. Thank for letting me "know" Casey Sheehan. I will always think of him on Palm Sunday as I celebrate the life, death and rising of Jesus and know that Casey is surly at HIS side.

[Chip S]

No doubt about Casey. Cindy's a different story.

In a year she went from a grieving mother morphing into an anti-war activist, and more recently a Left extremest camping out at "Camp Crawford" calling Pres Bush the worlds worst terrorist who killed Casey. A year ago she called him compassionate and understanding.

Previously she called the killing of Iraqi women and children needless, while at the same time proclaiming herself as pro-choice [pro-death].

She has become Irrational, incoherent, and dellusional. It's not about Casey anymore, but her own [and Michael Moore'a] personal agenda.

cs

[Patti Bader]

Thank you Matt,
I will remeber this hero always,
patti

[JohnG]

It will chap my ass for the rest of my days. State put Sadr on a do not Capture, do not Kill list a while ago and I believe its still in effect. Meaning we can't get him, despite lining him up at least three times.

That bastard killed US soldier and is still organizing. He serves no purpose, no government experience, no real leadership duties - a kid that rides on the back of his fathers name. No reason not to put a 500lb bomb on his head.

[Dan S.]

B5, Thanks for filling us in on Casey's story. Too bad the MSM will never mention any of this....

File Closer, THANK YOU for your service. I went to your site and and very happy to see that you are back to blogging after your tour. I will visit your site in the future.

Dan S.

[Jim]

John G posted:

"State put Sadr on a do not Capture, do not Kill list a while ago and I believe its still in effect."

Though an interesting tidbit, would you mind posting some substantiation for that claim? Enquiring minds wanna know!

Jim
Sloop New Dawn
Galveston, TX

[Lucy Stern]

Thanks for the post. I needed to read this. I am proud of Casey for going over there to help protect our country. We need more men like him. Thanks again.

[BRUISER]

CHIMPEACHMENT 2006 CHIMPEACHMENT 2006 CHIMPEACHMENT 2006 CHIMPEACHMENT 2006 CHIMPEACHMENT 2006 CHIMPEACHMENT 2006 CHIMPEACHMENT 2006 CHIMPEACHMENT 2006 CHIMPEACHMENT 2006 CHIMPEACHMENT 2006 CHIMPEACHMENT 2006 CHIMPEACHMENT 2006 CHIMPEACHMENT 2006 CHIMPEACHMENT 2006 CHIMPEACHMENT 2006 CHIMPEACHMENT 2006

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LIKE RELIGION IN YOUR GOVERMENT? MOVE TO IRAN

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[MissBirdlegs in AL]

Thanks for this story, B5. Isn't it odd that with all we've heard about this family, we hadn't heard this?

I had admired Casey before, but this just made him more real to me. I appreciate it. God bless him & those with the same courage!

[TC]

YOU SAID THAT SO WELL. AMEN.

[TGC]

Less Cindy, More Casey!

[CDT Adams]

Thanks you Sir for that awesome snapshot into the life of a great American Soldier. Keep up the goodwork.....one more year till commisioning. Any tips for this newwly appointed BN S3?

[Barbara]

Now I know who Casey Sheehan was - thanks to you. Cindy Sheehan can't tell his story because it would show her to be the fraud she is.

I'll remember Casey and those who served with him. How proud I would be if he had been my son!

[Annette]

Thank you B5!! What a great soldier. He is someone I should have known and fortunately I now know the rest of the story. Unfortunately, all of this seems to have been lost in the current hoopla at the crawford ranch. I wish that she would focus more on the who her son was...very sad.

[Marvin]

B5
Thank you,

Cindy should be proud of her son. I am.

Casey re-enlisted during wartime, he knew he could be sent into a hot area. Casey and the others named above, went down trying to assist other soldiers.

B5 - thank you for properly honoring Casey.

[dave]

"where my chief goes, I go"

That kind of loyalty and courage is what sets American military folk apart from every other military on earth, now and forever. Casey Sheehan is one of many, many heroes who line up for work every day over there in hell... God bless and reward him forever, and I'll not forget his name.

Cindy-- I think I can forget THAT name... I just have to stop reading the papers and watching TV... heh heh..

My wife and I are considering a trip to Crawford this Saturday, to join that anti-protest protest convoy that's headed here to Texas from California... If we go, I'll take Canon + long lens, and maybe even video, and maybe I'll have something fun to post somewhere.

Dave
Houston

[ZUMWALTSNAVY]

Lucy Stern, so typical of the left to trample the grave of a hero. What a truly shallow person you are.

Thanks B5 for the thread, it clearly shows what our fighting men and women must endure for the likes of Lucy to spew the tripe they do.

[Dee]

He's not even my son, and damn, I'm proud of him. His Mom should get it in her head that he did not die in vain ! He's a hero, and I'm grateful for his service to our country.

He lives on in my heart and prayers.

Dee

[Monica]

Thank you for sharing his story. I know exactly where Sadr City is...my son was there for thirteen months.
I know we all grieve differently and my heart does break for Cindy Sheehan. I do wonder if she may be depressed and in need of medical attention.
I couldn't do that because my son told me that WMDs or not, he believed it was right to be over there and if he had sacrificed his life, I couldn't protest against his Commander in Chief no matter what my personal feelings were.
SPC. Sheehan and many others lost their lives and I will be forever humbled by their sacrifices.

[ArmyWifeToddlerMom]

Glad you put this up, it is a good reminder of the courage of good men, and the faith that carries these men. To trust one another enough to go into battle with one another.....

takes a good friend, and a good spirit.....

always need the reminder.

[jtb-in-texas]

Casey's mom is mentally ill, only partly because of Casey's death. She's been used up and thrown away by the Left (who claim to be more compassionate). We should pray for Casy's family that they receive God's comfort and healing.

Casey died defending American ideals. I grieve that he died and Michael Moore still uses air.

"Mahdi" means Messiah, just so you know...

[tommy]

a heroic and brave young man.he'll be missed by all.maybe that's why his mom is doing what she's doing to prevent other mothers from being in the type of grief she's suffering but she's not doing it the right way.maybe bush 43 should've met with her when she got there but you know he can't meet every one of his fallen soldiers family members.

[ILL?]

Casey’s mom must be ill. I mean how could she use a personal tragedy to further a political agenda (Bush and 911 ring a bell anyone?) Do you think she might be upset that that her son died because he trusted our leader who said we must find WMDs, no wait it’s that we must remove Sadam, no, no, that’s not it, it’s that we have to bring democracy to Iraq. I wonder what the reason will be next week.

[More Concerned]

Casey was a good man. "Where my chief goes ... I go." Unfortunately, Casey's chief has thousands of young people left at his disposal; to use as cannon fodder for his bait-and-switch, corporate profiteering, military maneuvers. A shame that people of Casey's caliber are being bled — literally — for malignant reasons. God-fearing Conservatives don't understand the value of a human life. They merely don't. But, acording to the polls, 67% of Americans do ... and Chief's days in power are coming to a rapid close. Good riddance Dear President Bush; may history unveil your worst lies and may those you have decieved receive some peace.

[Patrick Chester]

Thanks for posting this, Blackfive.

[Candace]

Thanks for posting this and giving this story some balance. Casey Sheehan truly was a hero and deserves to be remembered as such. It's a shame that his mother can't see that.

[rick]

More Concerned,

Casey was refering to his NCO, not the President. Soldiers don't give a flying F$%k about politics, just about their fellow soldiers.
Casey, as well as nearly every soldier I served with, are simply some naturally heroic sons of bitches.

Too bad you missed the point of this entire discussion. Bottom line, Casey was a good soldier doing his job, and he doesn't deserve to have his honorable death used as a podium for politics of either side.

Casey, God speed brother, and I'll see you on the high ground...

[Karen]

B5, thank you so much for posting this. I did not know the story of this brave soldier. And to think there are so many just like him over there putting their lives on the line for us - for strangers - and even for those who would make a mockery of their service.

[Twelve of Night]

Yes, Sheehan and his mates were killed by al-Sadr's forces. The same forces who now have a legitamate voice in shaping the new Iraq constitution, complete with having Islam the highest law.

So, in effect, Sheehan was killed by the same gang that is now helping Iraq turn into a theocratic state to have allied ties with Iraq.

Way to go, America. You sent your kids to die to help turn Iraq into a fundamentalist state.

[rick]

Twelve of Night,

Or you could look at the flip side of that coin. America sent it's "kids" to fight the thugs. They effectively wiped out the "army" as an effective fighting force, and forced the leaders and their followers to follow a different doctrine.

They since have organized several PEACEFUL demonstrations and realized that the only way to have a say in their country is through politics. (Although they still HATE Americans).

Yup, that's called democracy....
I thought that was what America stood for.

[Subsunk]

Well spoken, B5. Casey Sheehan certainly has earned the respect, admiration, and gratitude of the greatest among us for his truly noble and heroic conduct. Just because his story is now known, I feel much better about commenting on his sacrifice.

Where do we get these Men? From a way of life that values compassion and respect and the pursuit of justice for his fellow man. His heroism is manifested in the form of his friends who desperately needed and received his help; the good Iraqi people, who needed his service and his pursuit of justice for them; and in his willingness to put our lives above his own. What a Man!

He certainly and completely followed the most liberal of moral values in the world today. He gave his life willingly for his comrades, so that they might live a better and longer life. He did not die willingly, but he chose the hard and dangerous path because he knew it was his duty, and his honor to do so. Those who protest the war used to stand for exactly these values.

The protests against the war and the mission which our soldiers are executing, our failure to answer those protests, and our allowance of them to impact on our soldiers' morale, makes us unworthy of his and his comrades' sacrifice. But it sure makes him a Hero, nonetheless. We have a lot to answer for if we give up on this mission. It must be done. Or the pints of blood we have shed to date will be followed by hundreds of gallons if we fail. Our Men and Women in uniform understand that. And they are suffering to prevent our future slaughter. But they are suffering willingly and knowingly because they know if they do not perform their duty -- No One else will.

Strike the Tent. God Bless Casey Sheehan. Press on. To Victory.

Subsunk

[pamela5313]

Thank you Blackfive for the truth of Casey's story and thank you Casey for being of service. Now I don't have to imagine that the only reason he signed up was to get away from his mother!

[Martin Wesson]

Cindy Crawford should be proud of Casey, instead of blaming Bush. Casey VOLUNTEERED. I am proud of him for doing what he did. Maybe when the Muslims are in our streets killing us because of our religion she will wish Bush, and the world, had done more. And let me tell you, Cindy Sheehan, it is coming, thanks to people like you.

[Martin Wesson]

Sorry, Cindy Crawford, lol, I was thinking of Crawford, TX when I was commenting. I meant to say Sheehan. Maybe Cindy Sheehan is an atheist and does not give a hoot if Christians and Jews are killed. Just goes to show where this country is headed. I would rather die with a rifle in my hand than die with my hands in the air. Maybe she is French.........who knows? Coward America

[JoeS]

Just got back from the "Cindy Sheehan does NOT speak for me" rally in Buena Park. MoveAmericaForward is going to start an orphanage in Iraq and name it for Casey. To give his name back the honor he so richly deserves. His mother is trampling it.

Has anyone noticed that zero Democrats want to be seen with Cindy?

Cindy says, "America is not worth dying for" Does that sum up the difference between the two parties?

[Annette]

ZUMWALTSNAVY,

I may be wrong but I think you might be confusing another poster for Lucy Stern (perhaps the one below her).

[John]

Very powerful entry BlackFive. I linked to your block from my site http://conservative-thoughts.blog-city.com/, I refer to your site often because I think you and the other milbloggers provide a perspective the people need to see. Keep up the good work. John

[Jared]

Casey was a great man. Cindy is a great woman. She is asking questions that need to be answered to by this administration for every man and woman that die in the line of dutry. How can we feel that this war is justified when there are presentations of prisoner abuse, corporate greed, and factual inaccuracies that brought us immmediately into war? We have to question the bad. Sure, Cindy's a nutjob, but it's nutjobs that end up changing things and I don't think for a second that Cindy is going to make things worse doing what she's doing. She has principles and pride. You think of the average woman who loses their child in a war like that and there are some with the cajones to ask an administration, "What's up?" It's undeniable and I don't fault them for it. It's an act that tries to cut through the clouds and demand responsibility and accountability from our government. And what mother of a lost soldier is not worth that? I think there a quite a few people that would do the same thing, and obviously there are. President Bush could've swept this whole thing under the rug by just spending a few private moments with her. Instead, he perpetuated the problem by having statements made to the media and still not meeting the woman. He couldv'e ignored her completely or met her to take care of this circus. Right now, the second option is the most viable and honorable. God bless, Jared

[DC]

Jared -

The President DID meet with Cindy Sheehan after her son's death. What would a second meeting serve, especially when it is so politically motivated?

Parents like Sheehan have every right to their opinion, but it is the President's responsibility to send soldiers into harm's way.

He doesn't do this on a whim, and Congress has to approve combat deployments. Both the Bush and Clinton administrations felt there was more than enough justification to go after Hussein and Iraq and both administrations did so.

So - before you come in talking about corporate greed, factual inaccuracies, and prisoner abuse, why don't you get YOUR facts straight. We're here to honor Casey Sheehan and his sacrifice as a soldier, not to give any more time to his mother who obviously is interested in using her son's death to further her political agenda. Her 15 minutes of fame are up.

DC

[SSG_K]

If I am not mistaken a stroke can be caused by undue stress. This stress could be brought on perhaps by a family member causing a media frenzy in direct opposition to what the rest of the family believes. Mother Sheehan wants to blame TERRORISTBUSHITLERCHIMPMONKEY for the death of her son but is she willing to take the same responsibility for the misfortune of her mother?

[bloggerbill]

Why don't all you wingnuts go down to the local recruitment office and signup and please take MM with you. Since you are so damn hard on for this war maybe its time a little chickenhawk blood was spilled. Also your absence from the US will raise the average IQ by a point or two.
Blogger Bill

[Jim O'Sullivan]

Thanks from me too, Blackfive. He was a hell of a man. To hear Cindy Sheehan, you would think he was ripped from her arms by a military tyrant while she was nursing him. He was an adult who knew what he wanted to do with his life, and went out and did it. We should all be so determined.

Cindy Sheehan knows more about him than I do, but I do know one thing: Casey thought that the things Cindy is saying about the reasons we are at war in Iraq are BS.

[BloggerBill]

Jim O'Sullivan,
Shamefull comments from you. I have no doubt that if he could Casey would come back and kick your ass for all the nasty things you chickenhawks are saying about his mom. Not satisfied with smearing two war heros, McCain and Kerry, not satisfied with outing a CIA agent and smearing her husband, now you sink even lower and smear a Gold Star Mom. Look at the Polls America now sees you for what you are. America has had enough of you and your Chickenhawk President and Chickenshit VP.

[Blackfive]

Bloggerbill (funny name for a guy without a blog) - about Specialist Casey Sheehan.

You either believe that he was a moron and duped into joining the military or you believe that he knew what he was doing all along.

As for polls, the president, the vp, whatever, Casey served his country and he joined in combat even though he did not have to...

No matter who Casey's mom is, he was a hero in every sense of the word.

You can't choose your parents.

[DC]

Um, BloggerBill...

I call bullshit. Two elections say otherwise. Millions of Iraqi and Afghan voters say otherwise about Dubya.

Besides, we're here to honor Casey Sheehan and what he stood for in life. You know, stick to the point? Want to spill your bile, go do it on Kos, Atrios, DU, or someplace else where someone gives a shit about what you think.

I know you can't see past the nose on your face for your hatred of Dubya - if it helps, we hated Bubba Clinton too.

I know also you couldn't give two shits about Iraq, only that we "lose" and that the President and his administration are blamed. Casey Sheehan might want to kick some of your asses for that attitude by the way, but from B5's post he seemed to be a pretty forgiving individual.

Still, if you are mildly interested, why don't you trundle on over to Chrenkoff and read the "Good News about Iraq". I'll even help you with a link - just go away.

http://www.opinionjournal.com/extra/?id=110005801

Cheers - DC

[olga]

Wish Casey's side of the story was in the MSM, but this is wishful thinking...
BloggerBill, pursuant to your line of logic:
- since you are not writing your comments while being deployed to a sandbox or Afghanistan, you cannot voice your opinion about this war;
- since you have never been dead, you cannot voice your opinion about Casey;
- and since you never lost a son in this war, you cannot voice your opinion about Cindy either.
So, who is lowering the country's IQ here???
In case you did not notice, several of the commenters here are military veterans with combat experience, who, according to your logic, have all the rights to comment on this situation.
Looks to me like you better keep your mouth shut.
Sorry, B5, but this guy and the rest of them really get to me lately...

[bloggerbill]

Sorry if I stepped on your toes guys. You do get testy when confronted with a contrary opinion. As for people who sign up in the military, they do so to defend the US not to enrich Haliburton. They deserve better than to be sent to the Iraq meatgrinder to satisfy the wet dreams of the NeoCons. No let me just say this. If you think President Kookoo Bannanas is such a great guy why not take the time to look up the "Downing Street Memos". Facts are clear, he knew there were no WMD's. He lied to the American people and he "fixed the facts". He hid in Texas during the Viet War, Cheney had "other priorites". Now they send these kids to die in a War which anybody with a modicum of historical knowledge knows cannot be won. Yes folks it can not be won. Bring the kids home now before anymore mom and pops have to grieve. If you want to keep fighting send over the Young Republicans, let them go fight their own war. And by the way Gore won in 2000. Now I have to go take a six week vacation at a Texas Ranch.

[DC]

Jeebus, BloggerBill

The second time I have to correct you? The US Supreme Court and Electoral College say that Dubya won in 2000, despite the best efforts of the Florida Supremes and Al "Count Every Vote - except the military ones" Gore. The really funny part was the Democrats stepped on their crank by designing a ballot that their bluehair constituents couldn't figure out how to use...Gotta love irony, no?

Though you also gotta love how "AlGore" recovered from the shock of not only NOT inventing the internet, but NOT being sworn in on Inauguration Day. He grew a beard and got fat - kind of like Michael Moore, although he's trying to shed some blubber down in Florida. Perhaps while I agree that beards are "tres chic" Al, like Kerry, like the "Madonna of the Ditch" have had their 15 minutes of fame and failed to gracefully fade away.

Hope your ranch isn't anywhere near ME down here in Texas. There's enough bullshit on the range without you adding any more of your own.

Cheers - DC

[Dave]

How do you think Casey became such a brave, heroic young soldier. Surely, you must give his upbringing some credit. And the majority of this credit I would dare say should go to his Mother. Cindy Sheenan has every right to be angry and bitter about the loss of her precious son. "Give em hell Cindy."

[Blackfive]

Keep in mind that we are supposed to be honoring Casey.

"Sorry if I stepped on your toes guys. You do get testy when confronted with a contrary opinion."

I think that you're the one having apoplexy here.

"As for people who sign up in the military, they do so to defend the US not to enrich Haliburton. They deserve better than to be sent to the Iraq meatgrinder to satisfy the wet dreams of the NeoCons."

That's neither sound nor logical. Thanks for using your DU talking points with no substance.

"No let me just say this. If you think President Kookoo Bannanas is such a great guy why not take the time to look up the "Downing Street Memos". Facts are clear, he knew there were no WMD's. He lied to the American people and he "fixed the facts"."

Have you? How about the fact that everyone thought that there was WMD? Your beloved Al Gore and John Forbes Kerry and Hilary among them.

"He hid in Texas during the Viet War, Cheney had "other priorites". Now they send these kids to die in a War which anybody with a modicum of historical knowledge knows cannot be won."

Based on that theory, there are only a few Presidents with the moral authority to take us to war...one being John F. Kennedy who got us into?...

Vietnam.

"Yes folks it can not be won. Bring the kids home now before anymore mom and pops have to grieve. If you want to keep fighting send over the Young Republicans, let them go fight their own war."

So just the Democrats are fighting this war? That's an ignorant comment.

"And by the way Gore won in 2000. Now I have to go take a six week vacation at a Texas Ranch."

I don't really care for your vacation plans. But you'll take a vacation from here.

I usually don't ban people for being stupid, but I'll make an exception in your case.

Banned for off-topic stupidity.

[Amy]

I find it sad that if you disagree with the war in Iraq - the conservatives make fun of you , ridicule you and call you a traitor. When did it become illegal to question your government? And is it not scary that this is what they were saying about the people in the late thirties/early forties who questioned Hitler's motives for invading other countries? Please , don't post any comments that say I'm a traitor because I love my country and while I do not agree with what you may say or what position you may take , the first amendment says that you have the right to free speech without the government interfering - I believe you have that right too.

[DC]

Amy -

By all means, voice your freedom of expression. It's been paid for over the years by those who served and defended our country.

There's a fine difference - you have the right to express yourself any which way you choose, but the responsibility to conduct yourself with grace and civility in a public forum.

This is Blackfive's blog - it's like visiting someone's home - he invites you in by putting a blog up and we as guests take care not to offend by staying on topic and not shitting on our fellow visitors with snarky or nasty comments.

In this case, we're here to honor and discuss Casey Sheehan, not give his mother airtime. She has her opinions and you do as well - if you don't like the discussion, there's always Kos, DU, Atrios, etc. where other share your view of the war, Dubya, Cheney, Halliburton, and what not. Here we do not.

Cheers - DC

[Dwight in IL]

DC - Well said.

And, Amy, I'll make a further prediction, based upon my knowledge of this blog and its commentators: I don't think you'll be called a traitor or attacked or abused for your opposition to the war. If you had advanced an argument about the need to change tactics in Iraq, or why we should pull out immediately, I think you'd find that your argument would be engaged, maybe attacked, but without personal malice.

Unless, of course, the malice began with you (thankfully not the case with your post). If you want to know why several of the earlier posters were attacked, it's because they began the attacks. Calling those who aren't in the military "chickenhawks" or claiming that those who support OIF are moral cowards, corporate stooges, or unconcerned with the terrible ongoing cost of the war are examples of personal attacks. They drip with malice and the politics of hate.

And, all too often, they elicit responses in kind. The malice measured out, measured back to you, so to speak.

Your other remarks about the need to allow criticism and critical examination of the government are spot on, and I think everyone here pretty much agrees. But as DC points out, there's a right way, and it's with civility and manners. Ironically, your post is actually a great example of how to do this, since it states your concerns with civility and reason and without invective or needless attacks.

To Blackfive, DC and all, I beg pardon for taking up some space in this way, but I think one way to honor Casey is to honor the society and principles he gave his life for. Civil discourse and disagreement are one of the bedrocks of our Republic and one which has taken a beating in the last few years. Perhaps I presume, but I think anything which helps increase that civility honors Casey and his sacrifice.

[DC]

Amen to that. Well said yourself.

DC

[holdfast]

Hey Amy - while I'm certainly not going to call you nasty names, you and people like Cindy Sheehan also have to be aware that in this world of global and instant news coverage, words can have far-reaching consequences (just ask Newsweek). It's a fact that the insurgents in Iraq and their backers in other countries receive CNN International and other news broadcasts from the USA. If they see widespread and growing American protest against the war, they are going to take heart, and they will think victory more likely - it will cause them to try harder and more young men will be killed. That's not an attack on you - it's a fact, and the more uncivil the "dissent" the more of an impact it has overseas. Additionally, that same coverage is likely to make everyday Iraqis scared and less likely to support the new government - why put your neck on the block if the USA is just getting ready to run anyway? And let's face it, Cindy Sheehan doesn't just object to the Iraq war - she objects to Afghanistan and pretty much every other positive step taken in the war on terror. If we take the advice of Saint Cindy of Perpetual Publicity, America should abandon the world, cower behind its borders and beg for mercy for the Dar al Islam. If that's your view too, then by all means say so - if it's not, then I suggest you think twice before beatifying this woman.

Now the US has pretty strong free speech protection - possibly the strongest in the world (certainly stronger than the UK or Canada, bot of which have significant "hate speech" laws). That's something that Americans treasure - and like to exercise, which is fine, but just because the gov't can't lock you up for saying things likely to encourage the killers of young Americans, it does not vitiate your MORAL responsibility for saying such things. And if someone here points that out, well thems the breaks.

Something else to remember - one day the president will be a Democrat. With the current state of the party, I hope that doesn't happen for a long while, but it is bound to happen sooner or later. Right now the Dems are out of power, and are frankly acting like spoiled kids - tearing down any convention or tradition, no matter how old or useful in order to get at the Pres, whow they loathe with a depth of fury that is frankly unnerving. Well, when that Democrat finally gets into the White House, don't think that those traditions and conventions will suddenly reappear, 'cause they won't.

And before you talk about Clinton and the "politics of personal destruction" just remember that most of that was payback for what the Dems did to Bork and Thomas. What goes around comes around, and the Dems are building up one hellacious store of bad karma.

[armybrat]

Being proud of one's loved one who has/is serving has nothing to do with questioning the administration's already discredited reasons for sending the troops into harms way and/or their motives. We all believed the rhetoric and hype - but, it was not true and, now, there is ample evidence to investigate just what went on 'behind the scenes' that allowed such inaccurate information to be used to convince us to send our brothers, sisters, sons and daughters into harms way.

[tommy]

this post is supposed to be about thanking casey sheehan for his sacrifice.people on the right and left can argue till' the cows come home bout' the war,the reasons it started,etc,etc,etc.give cash to soldiers angels and keep this discussion bout the war in another post.

[Dan S.]

Bloggerbill--you seem to like to throw out the "chickenhawk" argument a lot.

File Closer, who served in Iraq, has some comments for a poster (Patton) that was making the "chickenhawk" argument over at Protein Wisdom.... You could learn something about the way our service men and women think!
http://filecloser.blogspot.com/
-----------------------------
Patton:
Casey Sheehan was a man. You are pussies.

Put up or shut up.

1-800-GO-ARMY
------------------------------
File Closer:
Actually, “Patton,” I decided to simply walk into the recruiter’s office, rather than call the number. This was back in 2003, after having served previously and gotten out in 2000. I was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, and later deployed to Iraq. Irony of ironies, Casey Sheehan’s battery (C 1/82) was attached to my battalion. The day he died fighting (4 April 2004), I and my men were in the same boat he was, rolling into the city, surrounded by hostiles. We watched a lot of our guys get hit, but we killed a lot more of them (on the order of 100-200 for every one they got of ours). We were outnumbered, in a strange place (we’d only been there a week), and tasting battle for the first time...yet we still prevailed. Sadly, Casey and six other great Americans didn’t make it back that day.

The other six were: SGT Eddie Chen, SPC Israel Garza, CPL Forest Jostes, SPC Stephen Hiller, SPC Robert Arsiaga, and SPC Ahmed Cason.

One of the hardest hit units was C Battery, 1/82 Field Artilley, Casey’s unit. They were ill-equipped and relatively undertrained for close fighting. No one ordered them to go out into Sadr City. They did anyway, including Casey, because they had comrades that needed help.

His mother’s antics are regrettable and unproductive. That’s all I’ll say about her, but I’m not quite done yet.

“Patton,” you call the other commenters in here “cowards” for not joining. Hmm, how civilian of you. I’ve never met any currently serving military man who feels that way. We soldiers do our jobs, do them damn well, and do them willingly. We appreciate when someone supports our efforts, even if it’s just a blog comment here and there. Who in hell are you to come in here and fling your “chickenhawk” bullshit around?

Unless you are the re-animated corpse of General Patton himself, you can take your accusations of cowardice and shove them deeply into your own ass. I’ve killed better men than you. Literally. Now go f.u.

THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR SERVICE FILE CLOSER!

[Tom in Denver]

Hi Blackfive,

Great information about young Casey. What an amazing story - thanks for posting it.

There are SO many things that I could say to our liberal friends who have disgorged their usual litany of hate, negativity, and ignorance on this website, but I wouldn't be changing any minds if I did and this site isn't the right venue anyway. Besides, I've been banging my head against that particular wall for four years and I'm just tired of it. History will definitively prove who was right and who was wrong.

[Jim]

The email is from Cherie Quarterolo, who is speaking for the family and is Casey Sheehan's godmother...

Our family has been so distressed by the recent activities of Cindy Sheehan, we breaking our silence and we have collectively written a statement for release. Feel free to distribute it as you wish. Thanks – Cherie

In response to questions regarding the Cindy Sheehan/Crawford Texas issue:

Sheehan Family Statement:

The Sheehan Family lost our beloved Casey in the Iraq War and we have been silently, respectfully grieving. We do not agree with the political motivations and publicity tactics of Cindy Sheehan. She now appears to be promoting her own personal agenda and notoriety at the expense of her son's good name and reputation. The rest of the Sheehan Family supports the troops, our country, and our President, silently, with prayer and respect.

Sincerely,

Casey Sheehan's grandparents, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins.

[CD]

DC--Are you saying that no war should EVER be protested? No matter how ill-conceived or immoral it is? No matter how many fine young men and women are sacrificed? Dissent is patriotic.

[Laura M. Wandrie]

Big news today, Cindy Sheehan was arrested...along with pictures of a smiling Cindy being carried off by the police after being warned 3 times to move on as they did not have a permit to do what they were doing. One protestor jumped the fence onto the White house lawn...he's damned lucky he was not shot. They had every right to, but no I feel the police did their best and showed a great deal of restraint in the entire incident. Of course, I"m sure that did not please Cindy as she would have loved a riot..that's, in my opinion, what she went there for. Other pictures show Cindy walking through the crowd blowing kisses to her fans...how arrogant...but she certainly is getting the attention she wanted.

Sadly the entire reason for the March on Washington, in my opinion, has been lost to the Cindy Circus. Just what was the reason...can anybody remember what that was? Well it started out by groups of people who were against the reasons we went to war in Iraq. Here are what the orginal beefs were..and questions myself would like answers to:

Why Did we invade Iraq
Where are the Weapons of Mass Destruction
Do we have a FIRM EXIT STRATEGY and if not WHEN will we have one
WHERE IS BIN LAUDIN the one who did attack the US and how did Iraq get blamed?
But mainly WHEN WILL WE BRING OUR TROOPS HOME?

These are the legitimate questions that were being asked before the Cindy Circus came to town. These are the questions and the arguments we had wanted to bring forth. Instead we get a poor grieving mom who camped out on his vacation door step wanting yet another meeting with Bush as to why her son died. Again the entire march on Washington turned into that same thing. Did we get our point across intelligently based on facts and meaningful dialog? No instead the circus came to town and Cindy once again is plastered all over the news...and what did we accomplish? Cindy got arrested...well well now we really made our point didn't we.

Now before this march took place, our nation has witnessed the most devestating occurance in the history of the US. First Hurricane Katrina and then Rita. I was planning on going to the March on Washington, but when this began, I canceled cause I felt it was more important to see what I could do to help with the Hurricane relief and the people I saw suffering and literally dying before my eyes on the tv. What I was looking at looked like a third world country not the USA...so I decided that took priority. And yes, I will be leading the charge asking for a full investigation as to why the relief effort for Katrina was so badly handled. A non biased, non political investigation and I hope heads roll when we find out the truth about this latest major goof by our administration..but I digress...more on that later.

Now to add insult to injury, I read a statement made by Cindy that the Military has occupied New Orleans..where the HELL does this woman get off...has she no sense at all, no sense of honor or respect? Then upon further research I find the following article on Cindy...she was upset the hurrican took away her spotlight...well that was too much. Reading further even the extream leftist friends of hers could not handle that. So...in the interest of time here I have included that post regarding her remarks and my reply. I think that will say it all and will fully explain my thoughts on this latest showing of the Cindy Circus:

The Article:

Leftists Turn on Cindy Sheehan

Posted by Rocco DiPippo @ Monday 26 September 2005, 7:37 pm
It seems that Cindy "Look-at- Me!-Look-at Me!" Sheehan is now rubbing even far-leftists at the Daily Kos the wrong way.

In Saturday’s comments section of the flagship leftwing blog Sheehan laments that Hurricane Katrina is diverting attention from what should have been her big day. "i am watching cnn and it is 100 percent rita…even though it is a little wind and a little rain…it is bad, but there are other things going on in this country today…and in the world!!!!," the adolescent Cindy cries to Kos readers.

Sappy Cindy’s thoughtless comment ignites a backlash of anti-Sheehan remarks from the Kos community: "I’d like you to tell us it’s just a little wind and rain. They’ve lost their homes, jobs and businesses and gone through fear and panic while you bask in your fan’s adulation, party with your celebrity friends and play the star.

Shame on you, you’re jealous of media coverage of other’s suffering. You’ve become a caricature and I no longer support you. I’m ashamed I ever did," says commenter "Hibsnet."

Kos commenter "Rationality," jumps into the exchange and rips into Sheehan:

"Sorry Cindy, but I must say that the suffering in Texas right now is quite pertinent. In fact, at a time when we have people suffering, left homeless and devastated from "a little wind and a little rain," I think you can take a break from the camera just for a moment."

Commenter "Abuali" throws Sheehan to the mat by saying,

"That is damn stupid. The death toll from these hurricanes is still rising, and you really think the Iraq war doesn’t get covered? What a selfish woman! I’d be downright ashamed to read anything else you have to say from here on in."

Other commenters dive into the mix and trash Sheehan for all she’s worth. It gets so brutal that one can imagine the terrorist-loving Sheehan being reduced to tears as she realizes that people who once saw her as a potent weapon in their Bush-hate arsenals now view her with a combination of loathing and derision.

It is good to see that even among some leftists, Sheehan’s self-aggrandizing game of "Hate the U.S." is finally up.

Who will be the next "Great Left Hope?"

courtesy of : Moonbat Central » Blog Archive » Leftists Turn on Cindy Sheehan


If in fact this is true (I’d like to see some verification…just for my information) it does not surprise me. Cindy Sheehan has made this entire movement about her and her grief. When faced by others in the same boat and those of us who are proud of our soldiers standing by the oaths they took, we are put down. I have a fiance in Iraq, and while neither one of us agree with what led up to this war he is there because he took an oath like many others and they are simply trying to get home in one piece. Cindy on the other hand would have you think they are murderers, and spread lies about them using illegal ammunition and such. She also made the statement that New Orleans is being occupied by the Military. She’s gone too far and what at one time was a legitimate cause has turned into Cindy Circus. We DO NEED A FIRM EXIT STRATEGY from Iraq. There are questions that need to be addressed about why we went into Iraq. I WANT TO KNOW WHERE BIN LAUDIN is? Why is he still running free. These are questions I feel need to be addressed and actions that need to be taken. But when you slam our troops who are simply doing what they signed up to do she goes too far. Casey Sheehan not only enlisted the first time but REENLISTED AND THEN VOLUNTEERED FOR THE MISSION HE WAS KILLED ON. Casey was a Soldier and obviously believed in his duty…by Cindy’s own statements. She should honor that in her son and stop the “all about me and my grief” crap.

In appalled and furious that she would spew her poisen about the military helping out in the Gulf States. Seems to me that the military was the first to start rescuing people, the first to bring in supplies, the first to bring back law and order to a lawless town, and the first to get the evacuees out of the convention center and the dome. Now tell me…if we pulled all of our military out of all the Gulf states hit by Katrina and Rita…who do you think would be the first to complain? Right….Cindy…saying the troops left their job undone. They are there helping and making one hell of a difference…where was FEMA, the Administrations help agency? Some places still have not seen a FEMA or REDCROSS person/people. They have seen the military troops and other civilians putting themselves at risk to help with rescues, food, water, and clean up.

Go after the Administration…demand a firm exit strategy, demand answers to why we went into Iraq. Fine…get an investigation going on that. But when you start slamming the troops you’d better start ducking, cause let me tell you there isn’t one damn troop there that would not rather be at home with their families…and they are not there to murder…it’s shoot or be shot in most cases…no troop wants to kill.

Cindy, you have completely ruined any credibility you may have had as a spokesperson for the Military Families I know. No one will take you seriously due to your circus act and your bad mouthing of our hardworking honor bound troops. Go home and let us that know how to have an intelligent debate based on facts and figures take the lead. NO MORE CINDY CIRCUS.

Oh and Cindy, sorry to dissappoint you…but death and the complete devestation of almost the entire Gulf coast does take priority over your “poor grieving me” antics.

So nuff said…I’ll step off my box.

Just my thoughts
AF Veteran and the proud Fiance of a ARMY SOLDIER

I think this says it all....

[Mr. Snitch!]

I appreciate the furor in here about "using" Casey to make a point. It's distasteful, and besides, it's his mother's gig.

[gunjam]

May these brave men rest in peace. But, why the HELL has the Bush Administration allowed this accursed Shi'ite cleric Muqtada al'Sadr not only to live, but to prosper. I remember General Sanchez(sp?) who was booted over the Abu Ghraib (non-)scandal, saying that American forces would kill or capture al-Sadr. Well, the US forces (under the Bush/Rummy team's lead) have -- since the Abu Ghraib (non-)scandal and Sanchez' rotation out of Baghdad -- obviously opted for a "kinder, gentler" kind of war that does not avenge the blood of our fallen troops as it should -- and continues to have our men fight hand-to-hand while F-16s go largely unused.

[Cathy]

I just returned from a visit to my son who is going to Iraq with the 101st Airborne this Fall. We talked about this war and I told him about the protest groups his father had run into upon his return from Viet Nam. He told me if anything happened to him I was not to get involved with the anti-war groups. He said, "I believe we are doing the right thing. Please don't insult my memory or my decisions by letting yourself be used like Cindy Shehan has."

[Ginger Winchester]

This article didn't mention that Sheehan had only been in Iraq FIVE DAYS before being killed. If you're going to write beautiful story about what you should know, then this is something that was unforgivably left out.

[Dustin Ballard]

Casey Sheehan was one awesome soldier and I feel horrible that his mother of all people would not want to honor his memory by showing Pride in the fact that her son died serving in something he loved! We all should envy such a sacrifice, how many of us will have the chance to die doing something that we love? I say Rest in Peace to Casey and Rot in Hell to Cindy HOOAH!

[J. Morgan]

Powerful. I feel sorry for her loss, but if I was killed while I was in Iraq last year and my mother chose to act this way...I would have a bone to pick with her right after she gets past St Peter...

[Jalopy]

I have to say that I didn't know that Robert Arsiaga was killed on the same day. I went to school with Robert and it was a tragic loss for our tighnit community.

[GoCav]

I never really realized who this soldier was until tonight. I am a Mortuary Affairs Specialist in the Army. My team processed the ramains of this fine soldier that day. Now I put a life to a face...thanks for honoring him. As for his mother....the more she continues to ramble on the more she disgaces him as well as all of the others that CHOOSE to serve and fight and even lay down their lives for our country. I am proud to be in this Army and will continue to go where service is needed. That is MY choice. She needs to remember that no one hates to be there more than the ones who have to be there. It, however is a CHOICE that we all made knowing the possibilities of going....and yet we STILL CHOSE to do so! Honor your son Cindy. Disgace him no longer. I just have one more wuestion....has she even taken the time to present a proper grave marker for her son? Last I heard and saw, it was still just a plot. And oh yeah....how was that vacation taken with that SGLI settlement?

[jo]

God Bless Casey and all the others who made the ultimate sacrifice for us. Too bad his mom is been given such a raw deal by those who just don't understand her pain. We all grieve differently and given all she has a right to grieve and use her loss to make some changes. Too bad our nation isn't seeing the full picture just what they want to see. Every military officer who lost his/her life deserves respect and their parents do too regardless of their beliefs. I think this world is better because of Casey and others like him. He just wasn't born strong and brave. Someone raised him well. Now that he's gone, her pain is just too great. There is no need to judge the ultimate judge is GOD.

[Jeffrey]

I'll add my voice to the chorus, B5. It was a moving recitation of a brave soldier's nobility, honor, and courage. And I'm sure that such commitment is shared by all of our men and women serving today, and in years past.

Speaking as someone who is a veteran (USCG, 1976-1980), I think it's important to remember that part of honoring our men and women who have served, as well as those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, also means respecting them enough to only send them into harm's way when there is no other choice; that every other recourse must be tried and exhausted before we ask them to do their duty.

[Valerie]

It is good and right to honor those who have died for us, to tell their stories, and say what they have done. Thank you very much, B5.