Editor's note: This installment of Letters Home begins an occasional series in the Nevada Appeal featuring letters from local men and women who have been deployed.
The following letter is from 20-year-old sailor Dan Jones of Carson City. He has been in the Navy for two years.
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Dan Jones, a sailor in the U. S. Navy e-mailed the following letter to his aunt Emmy Sisco who lives in Incline. His mother, Carson City resident Kathy Jones, communicates with her son through her sister's e-mail. Dan Jones also sent his letter to other family members and friends. "He asked us to send it out to everyone and anyone we could. When they hear stuff about the anti-war protesters it breaks their hearts," Kathy Jones said.
I am a United States Navy Sailor. My name is Dan Jones and I am from Carson City. I have been in the Navy for almost two years. My job here is an aviation ordnance man. ... I have been to five different countries, seen three different oceans and have sailed three-quarters of the way around the world with 5,000 men. I have been away from the people that I love for at least six months. When I want to call home it costs $1 a minute. Sounds great huh? You should try the food. Could you handle it? Yet, I am still proud that I'm here doing this for my family and friends. The people that love to have rights, love to be educated and love to have freedom. Did I mention that I am only 20 years old?
How many people in America can sit there and say that they have done anything like that and still serve and protect the country? How about only the people that signed on that little dotted line to risk there lives for the things that they truly believe in. Are they scared? What do you think? Of course they are. They have no idea what is going on and how the outcome will be. They have no idea what is going to happen to them or what is going on with their families at home. We are here to keep you safe and help protect all the things that you love so much. Do you (anti-war protester) think that the military is a joke? Are we here just to look good?
What are the people in America doing? We are the ones here so that you the people do not have to be. I am not talking about everyone. I am talking about the people that have no idea what it is like to be in our shoes and have no respect for us. What if the war was there. What would you do? Would you pick up a gun and protect your families? If we were not the police of the globe the world would be taken over by a man that rapes and de-virginizes little, innocent 15 year olds. I really do not care what you are all protesting against. Where do you all get your freedom? The Constitution, but we are the ones here that enforce it. I guess you do not like to be free.
Do you people really understand what you have? You have no clue. You all have it so good. I think that you all should see some of what goes on in other places. Kids in other countries running around with guns, people burning our National Ensign. What kind of barbaric B.S. is that? What would you do if you lost all your rights? I bet you are glad that we would die for our country and you so that you do not have to live in fear.
I would love to see someone go up to one of the men or women in the Marines sitting five miles from the border of Iraq & tell them they are doing wrong. If you all hate America and what is happening, leave, who would really care? That is your "right." If our nation had a draft I bet all you all would tuck tail and run. We sign up so you do not have to.
Do you even remember what happened to the people of 9-11? Do you even care? Is that just the past and a memory now? Innocent Americans died trying to make a living. What if you were one of them. I guess we should just stop and let go. Yeah right!
Anti-war protesters are all followers. You should believe in life, liberty and justice for all. Not some rich fancy celebrity just because you like his/her show. I saw a 16-year-old female on the news. She said that sixth period was not as important as protesting. How would she even know? Has she been to other countries? She should see what we have. Children all starving & buildings in ruins. Yes we have it in the U. S. but not nearly as bad. You are all lucky. We all are. At least you can go out and get a job if you need to. Hello, welcome to McDonald's may I help you?
So here I say: No one really wants to go to war. Sometimes it is the action that we must take. Should we just come home and let the world take us over? Uhhh. NO! Protesters like yourselves are the people that get mad if someone cuts a tree down or if we eat a cow. I bet a good number of you drive. STOP! You are polluting the airways. I will still drive if I need to be someplace and I like my steak medium-well. Do I Care? Yes I do.
Our President will make the decision. What he says goes. I respect that and I am ready to do whatever he says and so are all the men and women in the Armed Forces. This is why we are here. When he says "Go" we are on our way. That is why we are getting a raise and we deserve it. Who cares if you do not like it.
As an Army man said, "We are the ones here fighting, so really you do not have a say so!" I am with him.
I would like to thank all the people that support us. I know that my mom is very worried about me, but I know she loves and misses me. I love you all so much and I miss you more than anything.
To all those who oppose and protest. Go ahead and do it, whatever! We know who the real men and women are in the USA!!!
I bleed red, white and blue!
You are right "God blesses everyone" America is No. 1 on my list.
Signed, A disappointed Navy Sailor.