About those WNG viral photos - Page 3

TacOfficer · 02-20-2014, 16:50

Well done and thank you.

PSM · 02-20-2014, 17:13

Thank you, Denise, for stepping up and being a face and voice as an example of the pain and sorrow these thoughtless Guardsmen inflicted.

Pat

cbtengr · 02-20-2014, 17:56

Very well done thank you.

ProudGSMom · 02-20-2014, 20:25

Late last night, I was feeling pretty low after that interview. I had been so excited to get the message out. In over one hour of conversation, I was feeling pretty pleased with myself that I had indeed said all I had wanted to. I'm not completely naïve and knew it would be edited, probably down to a minute or two, but felt there were several good sound bytes from which to choose.

When I finally saw the interview, I was furious. And feeling pretty stupid. And I was very concerned how my GS's would feel, as what aired was all about me.

This was never about me, only in so far as I am a GS and I and the women I quoted belong to the very small subset of those who also lost their only child. I literally went to bed thinking I'm going to get crucified, or at the very least, will need to apologize. A lot. To my GS's. To all the veterans and AD on whose behalf I had dared to speak.

And, I was very embarrassed and concerned about the reaction here.

I am a newcomer, and you all have been so very gracious to allow me the privilege of being here. To read, to learn and even occasionally throw my two cents in. I even dared to come here, seeking advice from a group I hold in the highest esteem. Then I felt I was portrayed as just as another weeping idiot. No, I didn't cry. I don't. At least not in public and never, ever in front of a camera. To me, there are few things more obscene than sticking a camera in the face of a grieving mother. I at least had that one small victory, not crying when the reporter tried to elicit a few tears by asking pointed questions about how I feel, losing my only child, etc. Ask any who know me, I do not, will not share my grief for ratings, for publicity, for the ghoulishly curious.

I cannot begin to describe how humbled I have been, reading all of your responses, your words and messages of support. And once again, I've learned something from all of you.

I now see if not the point, then at least the value of last night's broadcast. While this is about so much more than the feelings of one, or even a couple, GS moms, putting it out that way shows the human toll of this entire situation. I have to admit that the response I have received from the GS community and just about everywhere else has been overwhelming positive as well, and much in the same vein as you all have expressed here.

Tomorrow, I am hoping to have the opportunity to do a live radio interview. I am still working out the details, but I can be sure I will be able to control the message and put the focus where I intended. In other words, not on me. Once it is confirmed, I will post the details.

For me, the focus was and needs to be on the 99.9% of those who wore or wear the uniform with honor. Those who would rather cut out their own tongue rather than dishonor a fallen brother or a veteran who served honorably. The focus also is about the failure in the chain of command, that allows and even nurtures the kinds of behavior displayed by this one soldier and her NCO. The focus also needs to be on the PEC, on what is going on there, their failures in command that allow soldiers in training for one of the most sacred duties a soldier can perform to disrespect their uniform, their service, all who have gone before them and their flag.

That is in essence what I said last night, and what I hope to have the opportunity to say tomorrow on the radio. But tonight, I will sleep comfortably. Because by your kindness and support, you have shown me that sometimes, it is okay for something to be about the pain of a GS mom.

Warmest regards,
Denise

PS - I can nearly literally hear my son telling me, "You know, you're not superman and you don't have to be. Besides, you don't look so good anymore in a skin suit. No offense". When he was about 7 years old after I had gained some weight, he actually said to me "Mom, what happened? You used to be buff?". There after, it became a running joke. As in, he'd say it and then run. Yeah, I loved the brat.

**Joker** · 02-20-2014, 20:47

ProudGSMom,
You did great and your son would be very proud. I am for you.
DOL,
Joker

mike-munich · 02-21-2014, 01:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joker

ProudGSMom,
You did great and your son would be very proud. I am for you.

I concur.

cbtengr · 02-21-2014, 06:21

Not for a single minute did I think your interview was about you. I thought that you did all Gold Star Mothers proud.

ProudGSMom · 02-21-2014, 09:37

About 3:15pm cst, on WJZM with Joe Padula. His show runs from 3:00pm-6:00pm. This is the link - http://www.wjzm.com/localprograms/fo...ellfridays.php
Upper left corner for the "Listen Live" button.

Susa · 02-21-2014, 11:05

Well done, Mom! You did great! Your efforts made me think of this quote by Daniel J. Boorstin:
"To those who have the misfortune to die young, history assigns the role of inspirer." Thank you for speaking up!

Pericles · 02-21-2014, 13:11

You did great. While we tend to be perfectionists, the reality is that you could not have done any better.

While we may speak of making the ultimate sacrifice, the parents have done so as well. You raised a son to be an honorable soldier, inculcated with character. It really is the most important job there is, because the future of our country depends upon it.

I would have been proud to have served with your son.

Stobey · 02-21-2014, 20:57

Proud GS Mom: Thank you for sharing your letter, and the article in Stars and Stripes. Both were excellent, as was your interview. I have never served in our armed forces, nor have I ever been a mother. I can only imagine your pain and grief; and I am so sorry that some, stupidly and callously, thought to make light of what should only be handled with the utmost respect and professional decorum.

May Almighty God give peace to your son and His peace and comfort to you, your family, and the men who knew your son as a friend and fellow warrior. Please take comfort that you will see your son again - in His kingdom. I thank you for your son's honorable service and his sacrifice - and your sacrifice as well.

SPEC4 · 02-22-2014, 09:24

You stood up for the righteous cause and in doing so willing exposed yourself as a target. Your voice has rallied others, that's a leader in my book, good job. God Bless.

doctom54 · 02-22-2014, 10:14

The AR ANG has taken action against one of the persons in the photo
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2...phot/?f=latest

TrapperFrank · 02-22-2014, 11:40

GS Mom, you did a fantastic job in the interview and I for one did not think it was about you in the least. This whole incident made my blood boil. It brings the concept of disrespect to a new level. All of the pain and hurt I felt losing two of my men in Afghanistan in 2004 surfaced again. Ma'am you spoke so eloquently for all of us here.

ProudGSMom · 02-22-2014, 23:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by doctom54

The AR ANG has taken action against one of the persons in the photo
http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2...phot/?f=latest

I'm not looking to see all those in that group photo discharged, but I do want every single one of them to at least answer for themselves. Then, I want answers from the PEC CoC.

The podcast of the radio interview is now up. Joe and company said everything I wanted to, everything all of you and so many others have been saying.

http://joepadula.podomatic.com/entry...13_42_43-08_00

The interview starts at just after the 13 minute mark.

Keep talking about it, until the stain is scrubbed to a mere shadow more visible in memory than in reality.

And thank you all, sincerely, for your support and kind words. I meant it when I said it is more about all you veterans and AD than it is about us GS's.