For those who have been following this blog, you are already aware of the fact that OPSEC prevents soldiers from speaking out or sharing their stories while they are serving in the military. For this reason, A Soldier’s Voice is going in a bit of a different direction. Instead of receiving stories from soldiers, we are now going to share OUR stories with soldiers.

Think about this for a moment… Many of our troops serving in Afghanistan have little interaction with their friends and family. I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s worthy of mentioning again. A few weeks ago, I spoke to one soldier who stated he had been serving in Afghanistan for nearly 3 years. During that time he had received TWO letters from home and ONE care package. He’s not alone. Many of our soldiers are being forgotten and I intend to do something about it.

For those of you who would like to share a story, give thanks, or offer words of support to U.S. troops stationed in Afghanistan, this is the place where you can do so.

Simply, click on the Comments button below this post and send your message. I moderate each and every comment, so it may take a short while before your comment appears. The only restriction I enforce is that there will be no negative comments allowed through. This is NOT a political platform to air all the reason we shouldn’t be at war. There are plenty of other places you can do that.

A Soldier’s Voice is a place to lift the spirits of our troops. Let’s join together and send them love, support and comfort. Are you ready to help? Then click on the Comment button below and write your heart out!

Since tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, I’m thinking we should send our soldiers some love. I’ve started my own personal Soldier Love Message Campaign and invite you to join me.

All you need to do is post a comment by clicking on the Comment link below. Wish them a happy Valentine’s Day. Tell them that you care and appreciate all they are risking. Post a Valentine’s Day poem. Share a funny story that will make them laugh. Let them know they are in your thoughts and prayers. Write whatever you want to say, whether it is a short message or a long letter.

Please note all comments are moderated because unfortunately A Soldiers Voice gets a lot of spam. Therefore it will take an hour or two before your comment appears.

Please keep your message upbeat, positive, happy, humorous and appreciative. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, send your Soldier Love Message directly to me via email and I will post it for you. Or, you can post your message in the Comment section and let me know that you want it posted anonymously. I will copy and paste it on your behalf. Whatever is most convenient for you, is fine with me ;-)

Thank you in advance for helping bring some love to the troops. You have no idea how much this simple act can lift their spirits. And, if you could, invite your friends and family to stop by too. Our troops need all the love they can get, so let us shower them with love messages!

May the love you share today be returned to you ten-fold. Happy Valentine’s Day!

Since starting A Soldier’s Voice blog, I’ve met some amazing people who are eager to share their support and eager to help spread the word. We’re attracting visitors from around the globe. People are actively seeking out true stories from soldiers in Afghanistan. They want to hear what our troops have to say, what their daily lives are like, what we can do to further support them.

Unfortunately, OPSEC regulations make it difficult for soldiers to speak about much. It’s understandable, as we are engaged in War. Similar restrictions were placed on soldiers serving in WWI, WWII, Viet Nam and all the other wars we’ve participated in.

I believe that one of the most unfortunate events of this War is the recently released report regarding the amount of suicides occurring with active military; particularly Army. There is debate as to whether the figures reported are true and investigations are underway.

A fellow freelance writer, Rodney Southern, has a featured piece on this very topic. His story, “My First Hand Account of a Military Suicide - Solider Down and Out” is a heart-wrenching account of the pressures placed on our military personnel. This tragedy is happening at an alarming rate and as Rodney states, “We ALL need to pay attention.”

As much as we hate to talk about it, our U.S. Troops are faced with death on a daily basis. Imagine being 18 years old and having an officer suggest you write down anything you want to say to your loved ones “just in case”. Then imagine having to ask someone in your platoon to send those final words to your loved ones if your “just in case” time arrives. It’s hard to think about isn’t it?

Andrew Olmsted is a soldier who went beyond writing his final letter. Instead, he wrote his final blog post. Andrew met his fate on January 4, 2008 and had his buddy post his final words on his blog. You can read Andrew Olmsted’s final post here - http://andrewolmsted.com/archives/2008/01/final_post.html. Be certain to have a box of tissues nearby, you’re going to need them. His words are profound, moving, insightful, provocative and funny.

None of us like to think about death and dying. But, our soldiers are faced with it constantly. They have to think about things those of us living in America never even consider. They have to witness things no one should ever have to see. So why is it that 99% of the people who visit here cannot take 2 minutes to post a comment and offer at least a Thank You to the troops?

While they are over there defending our freedom, we’re getting our nails done and gossiping about our neighbors. Hey, don’t yell at me. I’m guilty of doing the same, at least the getting my nails done part. But, I’m also finding ways that I can better support these men and women who are keeping me safe.

If you feel inspired to drop a note of Gratitude, feel free to do so by leaving a comment at the bottom of any post. You can post without providing your identity and your email address or website URL will not be posted unless you authorize it.

The following editorial was provided to me from an American soldier fighting the “War on Terror” in Afghanistan. This particular piece inspired me to get off my ass and do something. I hope it will do the same for you.

Alright, so here goes another epic journey into the far-reaching expanses of my mind (and by that I mean adding some focus to the string of thoughts I have while sitting on guard for three hours at a time.)

I posted a link to a news story from ABC News previously entitled “The Forgotten War“. After thinking long and hard both about that “nickname” and a quote from a TIME Magazine (”America isn’t at war. The US Army and Marine Corps are at war. America is at the mall.”), I’ve decided that I have alot to say about this.

Firstly, does anybody remember that Afghanistan, not Iraq, was the original country American troops were posted in during this “War on Terror?” Yea, it’s true folks; American Forces found themselves being deployed to Afghanistan in 2001, while the initial Iraqi invasion occurred in the Spring of 2003. Why is it, then, that Iraq is the war? Why is it that the first response many of us deployed to Afghanistan get when mentioning our current assignment to friends and family is “Oh well, at least you aren’t in Iraq?“

Shit is serious here, too. In fact, after corresponding with many friends I have currently deployed to Iraq, it would seem that it is even worse. IED’s aren’t nearly as prevalent a threat (though they have made for many situations in the last month, some devastating), but I have yet to correspond with any of those aforementioned individuals to find out that they have seen even a QUARTER of the small arms and indirect fire, or even direct contact, with the enemy as even the least-attacked individuals in my company, even Battalion.

Americans have, without a doubt, become so dulled by the readily accessible news outlets that they know only that which is reported to them. While that is disgraceful, it is understandable. People have become so busy that they accept what they hear on the radio, see when quickly responding to emails, or hear when changing channels on the television. Fair enough.

Thus, I hold the media outlets responsible. Have even our newscasters become so lazy that the two-syllable location where the sons and daughters of America are being killed in the name of freedom beats out the one with four-syllables?

Yes, the political and governmental changes which we have affected have been more obvious and thus reportable in Iraq, but one has to wonder if that makes them more newsworthy. The fighting here in Afghanistan, specifically in the Northeastern Pech and Korengal valleys, has been the worst to date.

Thus far, the 173d Airborne Brigade and the units attached to it have lost over two dozen men in the country, in under 8 months. Enemy contact has not dissipated much with the vicious onslaught of cold weather and un-navigable terrain that has been encountered with the winter season. At at least 800+ meters above sea level, deep in the Hindu Kush mountains, one would expect this to be the case. It hasn’t been though.

So where is our notoreity? Why is it that we have to live with the label of being those soldiers fighting in the “Forgotten War?” I am disgusted to think of the future I see approaching; our children will read vaguely of this war, and the numbers of those whose lives were changed and those whose lives were lost will be just that: numbers.

There will be no back story on the many heroic men and women whose lives were lost while simply serving their country and trying to help build (not REbuild, but simply build) a more effective government and military in a country known to be a resting and training ground for those with nothing better to do but devise ways to kill Americans.

Nay, we’ll be forced to remember in silence forever the lives of friends, brothers, that we watched fall on a “Forgotten Battlefield.” Jesus, if it’s forgotten now, what will be the case when it comes time to update the history books?

Media outlets: While I understand that titling your works “The Forgotten” anything is a means of grabbing the attention of your readers, listeners, and viewers, I question why you have yet to acknowledge that it is because of your lack of investigative reporting that we are becoming forgotten.

In other news, though, besides the freezing cold onslaught of rain sleet and snow which we here on the Styx have been forced to deal with recently, I have to say that my life is going surprisingly well. I’ve begun to find direction, and a reason to be happy. Knock on wood, all goes well. I’m signing off for now, but I hope that everyone who reads this has come to a few conclusions:

-Until the media realizes their error, You’ll have to investigate yourself to learn anything about what our forces face in this country.

-If you have any sort of connection to any sort of news outlet (from a small local daily, even weekly, publication, to a media mogul), you will make your voice heard, make MY voice heard, and maybe we’ll be given the recognition and coverage we deserve.

-Being deployed to a war zone sucks, plain and simple. The phrase “At least it’s not…” followed by ANYTHING (i.e. Iraq) is not something we wish to hear.

When I created A Soldier’s Voice, I had no idea what I was getting into. Silly me. I thought I could create a blog and share stories from my heroes — the men and women serving in Afghanistan. Was I ever wrong.

According to Wired.com, the United States Army issued Army Regulation 530–1: Operations Security (OPSEC) on April 19, 2007. OPSEC requires Army personnel to “consult with their immediate supervisor” before posting a document “that might contain sensitive and/or critical information in a public forum.” The directive includes web log (blog) postings, comments on internet message boards, and letters home.

Funny thing is, Wired.com includes a link where individuals can download the OPSEC document. The first page of OPSEC contains a Distribution Restriction Statement, informing readers this is for Official Government Use Only. The closing paragraph includes a Destruction Notice, informing recipients to “destroy by any method that will prevent disclosure or reconstruction of the document.”

A quick search on Google turns up multiple places where individuals can download a copy of OPSEC. If someone wants a copy of this official government document, it’s certainly not hard to locate. From what I understand the purpose of the directive is to keep information out of the terrorists hands, so why is it so easy to obtain the OPSEC document that clearly states it is for Official Government Use Only? And, why must our soldiers jump through hoops to express their opinions?

Defend America, an official Defense Department Website offers an OPSEC primer at http://www.defendamerica.mil/articles/a021202b.html. In a nutshell, OPSEC is about protecting information to prevent leaks which could cause harm to the troops. I’m all for that, aren’t you? But, the language of OPSEC is so vague that soldiers are afraid to say anything for fear it will result in a court martial. In essence, OPSEC silences their voices.

As a freelance writer, I too must adhere to OPSEC. I have no desire to have Homeland Security or DOD personnel showing up at my door, dragging me away as I protest I meant no harm. While I may need to adjust the theme of A Soldier’s Voice, my mission is the same — bring attention to the soldiers serving in Afghanistan and ensure they are NOT forgotten.

Keith Olbermann presents: Afghanistan - The Forgotten War

I recently corresponded with an American Soldier stationed in Afghanistan. The following is a brief interview that provides insight to the state of affairs.

Q) How long have you been stationed in Afghanistan?
Deployed to Afghanistan in May 2007 from Vicenza Italy with the 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team.

Q) What are the conditions you face every day?
Contrary to popular belief, the weather is not very different from that of a northeastern state in America (well, the summer is much, much hotter, but the winter is also quite frigid). We conduct patrols and leaders engagements with elders of villages nearby as well as hand out humanitarian aid to their villages, consisting of anything from beans and rice to coats and shoes. Our “off time” consists primarily of improving our personal living spaces and shared areas on the FOB (forward operating base)

Q) What is your biggest frustration in regard to the “War on Terror”?
That Americans are still regarded as bullies. I understand that the common perception is that we stick our noses where they don’t belong, and before being here I would have at least entertained and heard the argument being posed. Now, however, I have to wonder the basis. Yes, we came to these countries toting weapons, but there are many, MANY people here who would like nothing more than to see every last American dead. Being armed is a preventative measure. I’ve spent more time handing out food, clothes, and various other things to locals, or being in a security position protecting a governmental meeting, than I have even firing my weapon.

Q) What is your biggest frustration with American media outlets?
The thorough lack of coverage and dedicated reporting that troops deployed to Afghanistan receive. Aside from an obituary, even the hometown paper of a soldier deployed here has little to no mention of the austere conditions we face daily.

Q) In your opinion, has the presence of American Troops made any difference in the lives of the Afghanistan people?
Yes, in many ways I feel it has. In my opinion, though, many of the differences I see do not coincide with what we are here to do. Yes, the government is (slowly) gaining influence and ability, and the Afghan Army has learned a lot from us, but the general population seems to have fallen into an ethical decline because of us. The people I’ve encountered will beg the shirt off of your back without a seconds hesitation, and are completely shameless in as much.

Q) What do you feel is the most important thing for Americans to know about the war in Afghanistan?
That it still exists. I’ve seen and heard of too many good men losing their lives in this country to sit idly by while our presence here is ignored.

This past summer I met a young man who is serving a second tour of duty in Afghanistan. For sake of confidentiality, I refer him as “J”. He has been instrumental in the creation of A Soldier’s Voice.

I am somewhat ashamed to admit that until I met J, I really didn’t have a clue about the War. Don’t get me wrong, I knew about the War, but not the “behind-the-scenes” type of knowledge.

For instance, J carries gear weighing around 140 pounds as he climbs two miles up the Afghanistan mountains. 140 pounds! My guess is J only weighs about 140 himself. Personally, I can’t imagine having to carry my own body weight up a mountain, can you?

J’s personal space consists of a tiny cubicle with a plywood bed and a sheet for the door. Insects the size of Texas are common visitors to the base, along with lizards that resemble something from a bad 1950s horror movie. It’s scary stuff.

Thanks to the Internet, I’ve been able to stay in touch with J. He recently expressed his views regarding his frustration over the lack of accurate reporting and media attention given to troops stationed in Afghanistan.

As an American freelance writer, I feel it is my duty to help shine light on the fact that American troops in Afghanistan have been forgotten. With so much focus on the war in Iraq, the United States Government and Media Outlets have swept these young men and women who are risking their lives every day, under the rug.

I invite you to help spread the word about A Soldier’s Voice. If you are currently serving, or have served, in Afghanistan and want your Voice to be heard, click this link to submit your story.

If you have lost a loved one who was serving in Afghanistan, you are welcome to submit their story which will be featured on the Memorial Wall of this blog.

All submissions will be retained in the strictest confidence. This is NOT a platform to rant and rave about the injustices of the War. There are plenty of other places to do that. Instead, this is a place of honor where troops can share their stories without fear of reprisal and loved ones can preserve the memory of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice — their life.

It is long past time to acknowledge the incredible adversities American troops are dealing with in the War on Terror. Their voices need to be heard and that is the purpose of A Soldier’s Voice.