Why we are there. A Soldiers point of view!!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Some thoughts to guide you as you venture through my blog!
Contrary to popular belief, which unfortunately is heavily influenced by the media, many of the US Soldiers are doing amazing work in the Middle East! Check out some of the things the troops have done to help make Iraq a better, safer place! As you watch the short videos think about how the children gravitate towards the soldiers. Why do you think they crowd around them? Why do you think they want to be by them? Based on what you saw, do you think the children like having the soldiers there? Do you think the troops provide the children with a sense of security or a sense of fear?
Read through the quotes. The quotes I have posted are from Iraqi civilians who have expressed their love and gratitude towards America and the people of the Armed Forces who have helped them. Where you surprised by the feelings the expressed? Why do you suppose they said the things they said?
Upon completion of visiting my blog, I would like you to ask yourself if you were aware of many positive things going on in the Middle East and if you weren't ask yourself why. Was your opinion about the War formed based on media influence? Was your opinion of the War based off of others' bias opinions? Why do you suppose the majority media only shows the negative news? When was the last time you came across positive news about what the troops have done?
Read through the quotes. The quotes I have posted are from Iraqi civilians who have expressed their love and gratitude towards America and the people of the Armed Forces who have helped them. Where you surprised by the feelings the expressed? Why do you suppose they said the things they said?
Upon completion of visiting my blog, I would like you to ask yourself if you were aware of many positive things going on in the Middle East and if you weren't ask yourself why. Was your opinion about the War formed based on media influence? Was your opinion of the War based off of others' bias opinions? Why do you suppose the majority media only shows the negative news? When was the last time you came across positive news about what the troops have done?
Please remember to help those students in your class who have loved ones serving! Show them how much you care!
Iraq's Children of War and America's Children
Student groups on several U.S. college campuses have been spearheading a drive to gather toys for Iraqi children. Such efforts remind us of the active role ACEI has taken in support of children living in war-torn regions-as can be seen in our position statement on War and Children (1973), its Resolution on Child Soldiers (2003), and the ACEI Exchange article "Children and War/Peace Education" (2003), written by ACEI's Executive Director, Jerry Odland. Jerry's article underscored the sad fact that "children continue to grow up in a world filled with violence and armed conflict" (p. 28-B).
Peace educators and activists are deeply concerned about Iraqi children, who are most directly affected by the war in their home country. At the same time, classroom teachers in many areas of the United States may have as their more immediate focus a second group of children, those in families of American military service personnel serving in Iraq and other trouble spots. These children are deeply affected by the absence of a parent. Growing numbers of American women, many of them mothers, have been deployed to Iraq. The Internet and televised newscasts have allowed American children to be keen observers of the war scenes, adding to their fears of their loved ones facing danger and death. These are compelling forces that should motivate teachers to introduce peace education principles within their classroom setting and school community. Several classroom activities emphasize to children that care and concern for each other can create a school environment free of violence.
Iraq's children of war are being assisted by several projects now underway. These children are once again the innocent victims of war, barely surviving the postwar trauma of efforts to rebuild their war-torn nation into a new democracy. A soldier formerly stationed in Iraq ("Chief Wiggles") started a campaign to collect toys, sports equipment, and classroom supplies for the children of Iraq (see Online Resources). In a second project, the Montana National Guard has gathered soccer balls for Iraqi children. To cite a third example, Iraqi artists in postwar Baghdad have created an association, Childhood Voices, to bring creativity and the arts into the lives of children there. Furthermore, an international children's relief organization, Save the Children, has remained in postwar Iraq, engaged in nutrition projects and the rehabilitation of schools and health clinics.
Teachers can help children in the second group, those whose parents are U.S. military personnel, to better cope with the absence of a parent by closely monitoring them, engaging them in conversations, and keeping alert to signs of emotional distress. The children are aware of the potential dangers that threaten their absent parent in a war zone. Pat Brown, family advocacy administrator at the Jacksonville Naval Air Base, shared that many children are handling this stress adequately. Many children become withdrawn, however, and are reluctant to share their fears. Others, says Brown, will be "more vocal, with acting out behaviors." All military personnel have access to extensive counseling and family advocacy services if they are located near a major military facility. Support groups, clubs, and activity programs for children and youth are available. Classroom teachers can be in a key position to recommend assistance for children of service personnel where needed.
Student groups on several U.S. college campuses have been spearheading a drive to gather toys for Iraqi children. Such efforts remind us of the active role ACEI has taken in support of children living in war-torn regions-as can be seen in our position statement on War and Children (1973), its Resolution on Child Soldiers (2003), and the ACEI Exchange article "Children and War/Peace Education" (2003), written by ACEI's Executive Director, Jerry Odland. Jerry's article underscored the sad fact that "children continue to grow up in a world filled with violence and armed conflict" (p. 28-B).
Peace educators and activists are deeply concerned about Iraqi children, who are most directly affected by the war in their home country. At the same time, classroom teachers in many areas of the United States may have as their more immediate focus a second group of children, those in families of American military service personnel serving in Iraq and other trouble spots. These children are deeply affected by the absence of a parent. Growing numbers of American women, many of them mothers, have been deployed to Iraq. The Internet and televised newscasts have allowed American children to be keen observers of the war scenes, adding to their fears of their loved ones facing danger and death. These are compelling forces that should motivate teachers to introduce peace education principles within their classroom setting and school community. Several classroom activities emphasize to children that care and concern for each other can create a school environment free of violence.
Iraq's children of war are being assisted by several projects now underway. These children are once again the innocent victims of war, barely surviving the postwar trauma of efforts to rebuild their war-torn nation into a new democracy. A soldier formerly stationed in Iraq ("Chief Wiggles") started a campaign to collect toys, sports equipment, and classroom supplies for the children of Iraq (see Online Resources). In a second project, the Montana National Guard has gathered soccer balls for Iraqi children. To cite a third example, Iraqi artists in postwar Baghdad have created an association, Childhood Voices, to bring creativity and the arts into the lives of children there. Furthermore, an international children's relief organization, Save the Children, has remained in postwar Iraq, engaged in nutrition projects and the rehabilitation of schools and health clinics.
Teachers can help children in the second group, those whose parents are U.S. military personnel, to better cope with the absence of a parent by closely monitoring them, engaging them in conversations, and keeping alert to signs of emotional distress. The children are aware of the potential dangers that threaten their absent parent in a war zone. Pat Brown, family advocacy administrator at the Jacksonville Naval Air Base, shared that many children are handling this stress adequately. Many children become withdrawn, however, and are reluctant to share their fears. Others, says Brown, will be "more vocal, with acting out behaviors." All military personnel have access to extensive counseling and family advocacy services if they are located near a major military facility. Support groups, clubs, and activity programs for children and youth are available. Classroom teachers can be in a key position to recommend assistance for children of service personnel where needed.
The Soldier's Song- as you read the lyrics think of two emotions you feel
Demon Hunter The Soldier's Song Lyrics:
Through the clouds of fallen ash,
A lonely mother's cry
Among the fields of broken glass
The loyal few will arise
Faith now regained
Finding strength within the void,
A raging fire ignites
A spark of ever-burning power
And conviction to fight
Pride be your name
They will spit upon the honor thatYou guard with your life
And run to hide in selfish fear
When threat of death is in sight
Lay down your shame
[Pre-chorus:]
Armed with resistance andblind to the cost
The say your purpose is mindless and lost
But we don't adhere to the slander they spill
We mourn with your losses and stand by your will
[Chorus:]
These tears we spill
They haunt us still
The cries of the weak lie quiet in sleep
Beneath our feet
We are the sons of holy wrath,
A shining light in the dark
The ones who walk amongst despair,
No sign of fear in our hearts
Stand in death's way
Shut out the voice of mindlessness,
Open your eyes to the truth
Believe the words that stand the test
And not the slurs of the youth
You're not what they say
Turn over the tables and watch them run
You'll be the weapon they can't outgun
Through the clouds of fallen ash,
A lonely mother's cry
Among the fields of broken glass
The loyal few will arise
Faith now regained
Finding strength within the void,
A raging fire ignites
A spark of ever-burning power
And conviction to fight
Pride be your name
They will spit upon the honor thatYou guard with your life
And run to hide in selfish fear
When threat of death is in sight
Lay down your shame
[Pre-chorus:]
Armed with resistance andblind to the cost
The say your purpose is mindless and lost
But we don't adhere to the slander they spill
We mourn with your losses and stand by your will
[Chorus:]
These tears we spill
They haunt us still
The cries of the weak lie quiet in sleep
Beneath our feet
We are the sons of holy wrath,
A shining light in the dark
The ones who walk amongst despair,
No sign of fear in our hearts
Stand in death's way
Shut out the voice of mindlessness,
Open your eyes to the truth
Believe the words that stand the test
And not the slurs of the youth
You're not what they say
Turn over the tables and watch them run
You'll be the weapon they can't outgun
quote from an American Soldier
"I have seen their smiling faces and their attempts to say 'I love you' in broken English...I saw hope in their eyes and gratitude in their hearts for what was done for them."
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