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yeah I'm gonna take your other post about barely being rational these days and kinda blend it in with this one so I can ignore it.

my argument with gypsy was about the "crap in the soil" comment she made..

Have I been to Iraq? No.
Have I claimed to have been there? No.
Was I stationed in Somalia from March to August 1993 and left after being shot in the arm? Yes.
Was my job basically to blow shit up? Yes.
Do you need to re-read this thread? What difference does it make anyway.

Thanks for your post skybow. I think the list is a great idea. Your .02 is always welcome. I've noticied your posts on the latest Obama threads, you always seem very well grounded and have an open & fair mind.

Sparky Whether I would go or not is besides the point.

It's really what you feel is right for you.

Thank you Sparky I want the best for you and will help whenever I can. I think you're pretty cool too!

Apparently you still think it is your job to blow shit up.

You're right. I'm just seeking other's thoughts on the matter. Thanks...

if you wanna die go die then americans are targets there and it is natural because bloody bush invaded iraq as a means of bringing democracy out to iraq how funny if you go there you are just the target even if you are not a typical mtv foxtv based american person it wouldnt matter for people in iraq they will shoot you down

Wow, an unbiased opinion. How refreshing.

I appreciate your input and respect your point of view. I will assure you I have no desire to be shot or die. At the same time I fully recognize the risk as I have already visited both of those places.

Well, I did ask for everyone's opinion.

Do it , you know where you are going and what is there. If you work in construction you never know for sure if you'r coming home in the evening anyway, may as well get the best money for your efforts.



Dennis

and the winter will be a lot more pleasant there than here.

Thanks Dennis. It's been awhile since I started this thread and I have decided. My decision goes against the advice of the poll but I appreciate everyone's comments none the less. It's just something I feel I must do.

Good for you,,,,,,, hell I may just follow you.


Dennis

Hey Dennis, I'll let you know how it goes. How are things in Richmond? It's been awhile since I was up that direction. Used to live in Hampton and would get to Richmond once in awhile. Great city..

Hi Sparkie,

Back the year prior to Iraqi election, I had a opportunity to work in Iraq on a civilian contractor contract. It had approval here in the
states from the right parties, just needed Iraqi gov't approval, which did not come. Hence I did not make the trip. But would have.

Here is my thoughts. I don't know your field of expretise. But contact others in your field...that have and are there....in the two countries...
ask them if they think they are effective and if they are having troubles.

Effective NGO work often depends on the host government. If they are letting the work occur. If not? Why get caught in the middle of it? It is just a rock and hard place. On the other hand, if the host government
supports your work.

What better places in the world to do NGO work than in Iraq and
Afghanistan?

Also check the gov't contract of your NGO prior to agreement. Some might be on thier last year or two of a NGO contract. Then another will take thier place. Also our politics...is going to play a role here. With a Obama win....a US force withdrawal in 16 months. Not sure, I would want to be there the month after they leave, Sparkie. By the way that has become "conditional" at this point. So? Still anyone guess on that.

Bottom line Sparkie. There are lot of good paying jobs all over the world. You did your time in the service. Got a retirement. Unless you
think that your being there is a difference? Don't just do it for the money, is what I am trying to say. Job fullfillment in other words.

A great job in Tahiti has some merits as well, yes?

That is my two cents. Holler if any of the gum balls that you buy it don't taste good (does not makes sense)......I'll rehash it with you.

My !!!Ain't you a Concept Of Love.
Holy Fark!!!!!

Quite a LOOOOONG Sentence!!!!!!!!!!!All in one Breath?

Hey Tom, Thanks for your comments. I have been in touch with several people in the provinces of Afghanistan. Some of the working conditions are limited by the situation on the ground and access is extreemly limited. These are the areas I am interested in as there is a high degree of security and safety awareness. Other places are much more permissive, these seem to be tragedy in the making and I will avoid these.

Yes, I have 28 years in and retire really soon. I was really lucky in that I had a grizzly old Sergeant advise me to start saving early in my career so money really isn't an issue. I could effectively retire for good but mentally speaking, I can't.

I believe there's a lot of good going on there now and they definately need the help over there.

I don't really buy a big change in the political situation. Obama may say one thing but in reality, I don't see much of a change for the next 5 - 10 years. I like Powells stance on this "If we break it we buy it" and regardless of political affiliation, we did break it and we owe it to them to make it livable. The democracy thing is entirely different. Nonetheless, if security goes away this young man will be going away as well. I have no interest in becoming a statistic.

Anyway, thanks for your thoughts on this.

I can always count on your humor... Nice to see you Conrad