Sunday, March 25, 2007
FALLUJAH, Iraq — The huge, jagged crater from the previous day's IED blowout could have swallowed up our Humvee. My U.S. Marine driver, however, did what U.S. Marines do so well. He improvised, adapted and overcame the cavernous obstacle as we motored vigorously into this city.
My Kevlar helmet banged back and forth against the bulletproof interior of my military ride. My heavy flak vest cushioned the body slams against the door and frame.
With a mind-jolting bang, the door violently swung open. I frantically grabbed and pulled it back, but it would not latch shut.
I bounced like a rag doll on a Baja 1000 off-road race, I yanked my belt tool from its pouch and set to jimmying the broken door latch, hanging on for dear life.
I felt a bit cocky, an old guitar player from Detroit having just jury-rigged a busted military vehicle on the fly. The USMC hero warriors winked and smiled, humoring me, I'm sure.
I never served in the U.S. military. My Army drill sergeant father's gung ho discipline was as close to boot camp as I would can get, indeed as close as any civilian could get — legally.
Yet here I was in Iraq, with the Marines, rockin', and I instinctively knew what to do. It felt good.
Proudly yet humbly representing the great USO charity, I spent two wild weeks on the frontlines of the war on terror with American BloodBrother Toby Keith, hanging with and learning from the bravest souls who ever lived.
In the un-named mountain passes of Afghanistan, the sand pit deserts of Iraq, and the third world hellzones of Baghdad, Tikrit, Taji, Kandahar and U.S. military camps too numerous and remote to identify, I was honored and privileged to share campfires and tented mess-hall meals with the best of the best.
There is no question that these young American men and women are the finest, most dedicated, most intelligent, most well-trained warriors the world has ever known. And that's really saying something, for the Greatest Generation from WWII would be hard to beat.
But I most certainly can attest to such an upgrade, one wholly essential for fighting the war on terror.
Thank God we have a commander-in-chief who understands the self-evident truth that America's only hope is to confront evil over there in its face instead of waiting for the terrorists to call the game elsewhere and otherwise.
Ignorance
It is shameful how so many fail to grasp this proven truism. That there exists an American alive today so entrenched in ignorance and denial that the putrid and soulless words "war is not the answer" could possibly be spoken is beyond comprehension.
I feel like an idiot that I have to ask them: What could possibly have been the answer when the Japanese and Nazi monsters attempted to enslave the world?
Could anyone be so conveniently disconnected as to not understand the essentiality of waging war against evil?
Could the very concept of good over evil not register with some human beings in the inescapable historical evidence of genocide, tyranny, kings, emperors? Of Hitler, Mugabe, Amin and Saddam Hussein? Meanwhile, the U.S. military warriors sacrifice on. God bless them all.
Being an honorary member of the 101st Airborne, and having the amazing experience of training with various elite commando units of the U.S. military and law enforcement, I can truly say I have been to the mountaintop of freedom.
To be in the presence of such absolute greatness reminds me to dedicate myself to be the best that I can be every day, allowable only for the ultimate sacrifices and blood of these heroes.
On the official military firing range in the secured Green Zone of Baghdad., Toby Keith and I settled in for an afternoon of machine-gun fun with the professionals. The lovely M60 belt-fed .308 is a piece of mystical ballistic artwork — its black finish and skeletal framework begging for a solid grip and down-range hosing of hot lead.
The mighty M16 .223 is a thing of beauty.
Firing the behemoth .50 caliber sniper rifle was truly amazing, registering consistent headshots on the 200-yard bad-guy target to rounds of cheers and celebration.
As is the case every time civilian families gather back home in the good old U.S.A., the joys of shooting provided even these frontline warriors a gratifying relief from their volunteered life-and-death workloads.
Much laughter, high-fives and shared stories of hunting and fishing back home took us all to an escape zone of better places, better times.
For a moment there, evil did not exist just outside the fort walls. Remember the Alamo, indeed.
At the military hospital, Toby and I wrapped up our incredible journey in a place where smiles and laughter would turn a hard and somber corner.
Saying good-bye to a dying hero is a gut- wrenching, heart-slamming lesson in the cost of freedom.
Ward after ward we visited severely wounded, mutilated and burned men and women. To a person, they expressed unwavering commitment to fighting and stopping the voodoo monsters of extremist Islam who live to destroy America and freedom wherever and however they can.
Young soldiers, Marines, airmen and seamen simply wanted to get well so they could return shoulder to shoulder with their American BloodBrothers to keep fighting and crush evil.
My soul is deeply fortified to stand with them in any way I possibly can.
We saluted too many flag draped coffins to ever forget. God bless and Godspeed the warriors.
Ted Nugent is a Waco-based musician and television show host.
Comments
By Attempting to Follow the Way
March 25, 2007 2:03 AM | Link to this
“Meanwhile, the U.S. military warriors sacrifice on. God bless them all.”
My views on war are not necessary for this comment. My political views are not necessary either. But what is necessary is for people to know is that I support every single service man and woman in all of their endeavors. I want to leave this thought to the highly patriotic group here (not a bad thing.) God loves the Iraqi suicide bomber who kills 25 Marines and 100 more innocent civilians just as much as He (cont. below)
By Attempting to Follow the Way
March 25, 2007 2:07 AM | Link to this
(Cont. from below) loves American heroes like Pat Tillman and countless others who unselfishly lay down their lives for the cause of freedom. This is a hard concept to grasp but when we say “God Bless America” are we saying God Bless Just America and America Alone? That is not right or will it happen. I firmly believe God is not on either side in this war. I do believe that it breaks His heart to see His children fighting, no matter what reason.
By James Hargis
March 25, 2007 4:58 AM | Link to this
Love the Nuge’s column. Keep it coming!
By Woody Cofield
March 25, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this
Thank you for sharing another uplifting & upgraded work of journalism with us, Waco Tribune. I look forward to Mr. Nugent’s articles every week for a much needed dose of reality.
By Tamara Bailey
March 25, 2007 11:42 AM | Link to this
Many thanks to Mr. Nugent for keeping the truth in focus, to the Waco Tribune for allowing him the space to do this, and most certainly to our wonderful military personnel. Their sacrifice should have us all down-on-our-knees grateful for everything we are able to enjoy here.
By james hix
March 25, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this
i look forward to reading the nuge column everyweek. our country needs more like ted nugent
By Rusty Kimbrell
March 25, 2007 12:17 PM | Link to this
Thanks again for letting Ted’s wisdom about the validity of our efforts against evil be published.
It is not normal for newspapers, even in Texas, to show the courage to print the truth when it runs counter to political correctness.
Still a shame we have to keep reminding folks of war’s place in peace, and to remember our warrior’s sacrifice.
By Fred
March 25, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this
Appears Mr. Nugent is putting the Liberals in a Stranglehold. Keep up the good work Ted.
By brad
March 25, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
When we say “God Bless America”, how are we saying only bless America?
Never once was that the purpose.
When the english say “God save the queen” they’re not saying “save the queen, but let me die”, they’re simply showing support.
Keep on truckin’ ted!
By michael
March 25, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this
Ted Nugent for President. Michael Savage for Vice President.
Turn this country around before it’s to late.
By Attempting to Follow the Way
March 26, 2007 3:20 AM | Link to this
Dear “brad,”
I did not say that what was what was meant when we say God Bless America. I was simply asking a question. It just seems like a lot of people say this and the purpose behind it is that we want God on our side and to support our cause. I am merely trying to present a challenging, Christian view on a tough subject such as war. For Christians, war goes directly against the teaching of Jesus Christ. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” - Matthew 5:9
By Spc R Rodriguez
March 26, 2007 3:45 AM | Link to this
Ted knows the reality of the sacrifice our brothers and sisters are making over here. As a Central Texan from Hubbard Texas, I attained an appreciation for for many things one takes for granted. Donuts from the Victoria’s donut’s, going to Cefco to buy a scratch off. To the big things, like friends and family. Fellow soldiers going outside the wire to do their job lose their lives almost daily, trying to make this part off the world a better place. Remember those who gave all.
By Jan Christopherson
March 26, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this
Spc.R.Rodriguez…..I know Hubbard well…I’ll buy a scratch off in your honor next time I’m thru there or Coolidge. You guys do a tremendous job and we love you in Texas. I read Ted’s column every week and appreciate the reality of confronting evil at it’s roots. Take care and come home safe. God bless the Warriors!
By CavMom
March 26, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
You nailed it again Ted!
Spc. Rodriguez ~ Stay safe. We look forward to your return to Texas!
Attempting to Follow the Way ~ Just as we continue to love our children when they make mistakes, God continues to love the terrorists who blow up children in his name.
However, I also believe their punishment will be swift come judgement day.
By James L Taylor
March 26, 2007 11:31 AM | Link to this
I am a native Texan from Waco. I kive in Georgia right now. I always look forward to going home. It breaks my heart that alot of the solders will not be coming home. I truely am proud of our fighting men and women, to put your life on the line everyday is truely amazing. I do wish all of these cry baby Senater, and representitves would stop crying,( that includes everybody that put Pres. Bush down) The fact that hre had the balls to stand up and say no more, is grteat. Taht takes a real man!
By Duce
March 26, 2007 8:10 PM | Link to this
Thank God for people like you Ted. There’s way to many that would like to think that the war over there- is “JUST THE WAR OVER THERE”.As we sat here all comfie and snugg in our own little world, little do they know about fighting a war abroad. To stamp out evil, you must confront evil at it’s door steps. There’s way to many people here that would rather flash a peace sign-tuck tail and run to hide under there bed,till evil comes knocking on their steps. Support our Troops- don’t whimp out!
By I hate Ted
March 27, 2007 1:03 AM | Link to this
Your an a***** Ted! You racist f*!
By Just Kidding
March 27, 2007 1:11 AM | Link to this
Just kidding Ted your awesome!
By Attempting to Follow the Way
March 27, 2007 1:25 AM | Link to this
I honestly am so confused about this war from a Christian standpoint. I have no idea which way is the best way to vote and please God with my decision. On the one hand, I am obviously leaning more towards pacifism as Christ did. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.” - Matthew 5: 9. But if we establish an American gov’t in Iraq, these people’s problems will not go away. The majority of Iraq is ruled by an extremely low percentage group of radical Islam extremists.
By Attempting to Follow the Way
March 27, 2007 1:28 AM | Link to this
These extremists make up approxiamately 2 % of the Islamic peoples in Iraq. The evil we are fighting is 2 %. These people take the command of “Lesser Jihad” to extremes on a daily basis. This “Lesser Jihad” calls for the spread and promotion of Islam to all peoples in an effort to unite the world under the authority of the Qur’an. This establishes an extremely gray area as to how far one goes to fulfill this Islamic principle. The big question in this issue is…
By Attempting to Follow the Way
March 27, 2007 1:32 AM | Link to this
Is violence (“holy war”) an aspect of fulfilling this Lesser Jihad. Only 2 % say “yes.” These people are the ones who are trying to stamp out the American culture full of sin and gluttony because of the damage it does to the Muslim faith. So if we try and establish a democratic gov’t, these people are so devoted to the Qur’an, which calls for all leaders of the people to be religious ones, that there is no end to what they will do to keep their gov’t they way they think Allah (God) commands
By Attempting to Follow the Way
March 27, 2007 1:37 AM | Link to this
it to be. From their perspective, this goes beyond terrorism. We are now threatening their religious freedom to follow Allah, which is the Muslim’s one and only purpose in life. So, I cannot vote for a president who wants to continue this pointless war, due to the future damage it will inflict for many generations on the country I love so dearly. But the Christ in me also says that we cannot just leave this country because we have already done so much damage there to people whom 98% are innocent
By Attempting to Follow the Way
March 27, 2007 2:17 AM | Link to this
Totally off subject but did anyone see the article directed at Ted from the Waco Trib Outdoors columnist in the March 26 paper??? I think it will be met with much opposition. Ted is referred to as a “madman.”
By Attempting to Follow the Way
March 27, 2007 2:18 AM | Link to this
Totally off subject but did anyone see the article directed at Ted from the Waco Trib Outdoors columnist in the March 26 paper??? I think it will be met with much opposition. Ted is referred to as a “madman.”
By jim
March 27, 2007 2:51 PM | Link to this
Nonsupporters of Ted are weiners.
By bonzai
March 27, 2007 7:53 PM | Link to this
We’ve got the enemy on the run and almost whooped, don’t let the democrats in DC force us to pull out (surrender). To do so would send the message to all evil-doers that we’re fair game AND mean that all the blood we’ve shed was for naught.
There were also those who whined we shouldn’t get involved in WW1 & WW2, like the holocost would end on it’s own. Many years earlier more like them wouldn’t stand with our ancestors at Concord bridge.
By Attempting to Follow the Way
March 27, 2007 11:26 PM | Link to this
First off bonzai, we got involved in WWI mainly because we were supplying arms to Great Britain even though President Woodrow Wilson declared our country neutral because he knew it was unnecessary that we get involved in a war over the assassination of archduke Franz Ferdinand. Bonzai, if you do not know who this is that you cannot call those who did not support WWI “whiners.” If you do not know the motives of the actions of Serbian nationalists groups like the “Black Hand” then you cant talk.
By Bob
March 28, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this
Give’em hell Teddy!!!!
By mike h
March 28, 2007 11:52 PM | Link to this
Having a son in the Marines gives me a little differant perspective of the war in the Middle East. Do I wish the war had never happened- sure I do. Do I support our soldier- YOU BET I DO!!! The fact is that we should be in this to win. It would be self defeating to pull out now when the job is only partly done. I sure hope my son does not have to go into battle, but if he does I WILL SUPPORT HIM and all the other soldiers. GOD BLESS TOBY & TED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Gunny
March 29, 2007 8:27 PM | Link to this
Ted is spot on, fire for effect. I’m a police officer and we know we’re America’s last line of defense while our warrior brothers are fighting to keep terrorism off Amercian soil. It’s amazing how many people are SHEEP. They despise the sheepdog and complain about his presence but are oblivious to the wolf. Another great Warrior is Dr. Grossman(Lt.Col USA ret) - Ted and Dr. Grossman compliment each other well. You both epitomize the SHEEPDOG. I salute you. Semper Fi
By Daryl Smith
March 29, 2007 11:44 PM | Link to this
You tell them Ted! It is about time people start standing up to these liberal idiots.
By steve f.
March 30, 2007 1:33 PM | Link to this
HMMM, someone that talks like ol’ Ted is probably a veteran. I think that Ted should tell us all about how he served during Vietnam. That’s the one story that loudmouth will never tell.
By Donnell McLennan
March 30, 2007 2:41 PM | Link to this
Hey Ted,
I enjoy watching your show. I am a big fan of yours. I work for the City of Waco Parks and Recreation Department. I would really like for you to do some programs this summer with our kids registered in summer camp. Thanks!!
By Philip
March 31, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this
Ted, you are the idiot. War is not the answer! It is clear that you have issues with your childhood and your relationship with your parents -you obsess with inadequacies in your rearing in each of your columns. You slam Ozzie want-a-be’s, but you are just as extreme and bizarre and brain fried, perhaps from second-hand exposure, or maybe you were dropped on your head as an infant. It is also clear that you have absolutely no regard for great leaders of influence and hope like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Thich Nhat Hanh, and even Jesus. There is a progressive and moderate voice in the Muslim world. There is a movement for reform. The US had the empathy and support of the world after 9/11. If we had used our influence to support reform from within Islam, if we had improved living conditions in our neighboring nations, if we had sought to be leaders for justice (economic justice, ecological justice, social justice) and peace and compassion and mercy, proving to the world that we can transcend evil in the world with love and understanding, we would not be building walls between countries, but tearing down religious, ethnic and racial barriers. You Ted posses the ignorance that is destroying this nation. You Ted are the idiot.
By Lefty Thompson
April 1, 2007 12:37 AM | Link to this
GO Ted, great job !!! Our troops cannot be “politically correct” so enough of that BS, for all the whiners out there. GO Vote if you do not like whats going on, ok??? Thats what those brave Soldiers are doing, keeping our USA strong. Clinton is MORE at fault than Bush! He let other Nations get away with no consequences, attacking U.S. ships and buildings, thus enabled them to build stength and confidence. Vietnam Vets, as well as ALL others, my hat is off to you. Great job and thanks!
By Carolyn
April 1, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
I agree with Philip. Ted is just another ex-celeb who loves the lime light> He is a self-promoting idiot.
By Carolyn
April 1, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
I agree with Philip. Ted is just another ex-celeb who loves the lime light> He is a self-promoting idiot.
By Philip
April 1, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this
God Bless All Nations of the World!