Take Me To Post Comment Form As a contractor employed in support of the military in Iraq, I have found a sincerely disgusting fact that many seem to take for granted in society today. Although I have never carried a weapon; I have seen lost lives, I have been exposed to indirect fire attacks (Mortars, rockets, etc...) while working 12 hours a day for 7 days a week months on end. Unfortunately it seems that my lack of presence in my home has allowed my family to be broken and torn apart. My ex-wife divorced me after she became pregnant while I was overseas supporting her livelihood and providing for her children. For 2 years, without her having to work, she was fully supported at the expense of my risk.
I am still overseas asking "why" questions... Why would someone take for granted and advantage of the sacrifices being made for them? I am treated as a predator or a stalker because I continue and insist to search for answers to “Why?”
So as this continues to sour day after day in my mind; I realize how sad it is that I am not the only person who is deployed overseas with spouses who are unable to be faithful or supportive of me or the purpose I and other contractors or soldiers are serving on behalf of the U.S. Military. Soldiers are so mentally fragile that suicide rates amongst those that have served are elevated, homicides (including the shootings of contractors by U.S. Soldiers), the latest incident at Ft Hood… These are all examples of the emotional collateral damage caused not by honorable death in battle or unexpected equipment failure or friendly fire… No, these are examples of people inflicted by the deterioration of the very America in which they are fighting for; the deterioration of the family atmosphere which is the foundation for a better future.
If you are a parent, spouse, sibling, or simply a friend; honor those that serve and be offended by those who do not provide the same honor to those who serve. Obviously my personal experience impacts my opinion the most; but consider the situation and be aware of the repeated incidents that are becoming more re-occurring. If you are a real man, you will leave a married woman alone; if you are a good woman you will leave a married man alone. It is saddest to think that there are hidden enemies to the war fighter and contractors who support them existing in the very country they are fighting to protect.
It cannot be understated that the obvious deterioration of morals and decency will continue until people choose to be less selfish and more selfless. The strength of our society is not based on an individual’s needs as much as it is the actions of each individual in consideration of others apart of that society.
Ironically, when I communicated my feelings of the entire matter with the Gainesville Lawyer who represented my ex-wife, her (the attorney) response was that I was not being “civil”.