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September 2, 2010

Locals react to troop withdrawal in Iraq

By Melanie Patterson The North Jefferson News

NORTH JEFFERSON — Local reactions are mixed regarding the American troop withdrawal in Iraq.

Tuesday was President Barack Obama’s deadline for reducing American forces in that country to below 50,000. When he took office in January 2009, 144,000 American troops were on the ground there.

Ending the war and getting Americans back home was one of Obama’s promises when he was on the campaign trail in 2008.

Troops are scheduled to pull out completely by the end of 2011.

“We’ve got to pull out sometime,” said Jim Whittle, commander of VFW Post 10250 in Fultondale. “I just hope it works. I hope it’s the right time. We’ve just got to wait and see how it pans out.”

Whittle, a retired U.S. Army sergeant major who served in Vietnam, said his post would do its best to support veterans when they get back home.

Bill Steber, commander of the Hawkins B. Carter American Legion Post 255 in Fultondale, had stronger words about the troop withdrawal.

“If there was a purpose (in the war), it got lost somewhere,” Steber said. “Maybe our intent was initially good, but our follow-up wasn’t worth a flip.”

Steber, a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967, said Iraq is not ready for a sudden pullout.

“We didn’t go in there and secure the area. We created a vacuum that’s not going to be filled,” Steber said. “It’s going to be the same old, same old. It won’t change one iota... We’ve spent millions of dollars on nothing.”

He said this is the result of letting “a bunch of politicians dictate what our troops do. You’ve got someone 6,000 miles away and they’re dictating the rules of engagement.”

One hometown politician, Sen. Scott Beason, R-17th, who lives in Gardendale, said he is simply hoping those in power do what is right regarding the troop withdrawal.

“Like a lot of Americans, I’m hoping the people who have a job to do the right thing for the United States are doing the right thing,” he said. “I’m hoping for the best.”

A veteran who lives in Gardendale said whether the troop withdrawal was the right thing depends upon the outcome.

“If after we withdraw the troops there are major problems, everyone will blame the government for doing it too quickly,” said Jerry Anger, who retired in 1994 from the U.S. Navy. “I think they are doing the best they can do with the information they have at this time.”

According to Steber, one positive outcome would be to see more younger veterans joining organizations like the American Legion and VFW.

“The legionaires are getting older and older. When they die, we don’t have replacements coming in like we used to,” he said.

Anger said the new veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars should join groups that can help themselves as well as other veterans.

“All veterans’ organizations are getting older,” said Anger. “They need the younger people to join and learn the organization so as soon as they are ready, they can start becoming leaders.”

Anger said the entire community, and not just veterans’ groups, should appreciate veterans for their service.

“Anytime you see a veteran, stop them and tell them you are proud of them,” he said. “If it were not for the veterans, we would live in a complete different country. ... The moral of the troops will depend on the reception they receive back in the U.S.A. If everyone greets them with respect and thanks them for their service, a great job, glad you’re home, etc., this will build their morale to the highest point possible.”

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