I think you should all wait and see what he will actually be doing over there before slinging around accusations that he will be living the highlife in Iraq. Do you know what his regiment is scheduled to do? do you know what his regiments mission is? or are you just assuming? I'm pretty sure if his regiment was being sent there and they knew he was just going for a free ride they would have something to say about it. Most platoons I have ever known would not tolerate anyone half a$$ing it no matter who they are.

There really is nothing to get worked up about. he doesn't have to go over there... but he is. that is something all on it's own. Not many of us are willing to go, so I don't think we should be getting worked up about what he will and will not be doing. Many of us have loved ones over there. it doesn't mean that I care less about the lives of those I don't know. Yes I am worried about my loved ones, but I feel just a passionate about the others who's famillies and friends are over there as I know they are ALL going through the same things we are.

There is no amount of protection that will keep him safe and alive if the enemy decides to bomb his regiment. it's nice to think that his body guards will throw themselves on him or that he will be holed up in some bullet proof bunker but he is at just as much risk. it is a WAR ZONE. Everyone is at risk. No one can be fully protected. the only protection they can truly rely on is good training.

I don't think anyone is asking you to feel any special affinity towards him, nor are they implying that you shouldn't feel more for your family. But he has done something that MANY would not. He does not have to go, he is living the highlife right now, but he still wants to go. No it doesn't make his life more meaningful than others, nor does it mean that he deserves special treatment but he certainly doesn't deserve to be seen as some little rich kid that is going to observe.