A Family Restored As Father Returns -- Family, Bradley Internat...

CTParent wrote:

How sad when you miss that much of your child's life and can't get it back all for a choice of being in the military. Hopefully this time he is home to stay with his family where he should be not leaving his wife to hold the fort down. Parenthood is a TEAM effort

You sound like a very bitter person.

The U.S. military is strictly volunteer. Nobody forced Officer Hoekman to join the Navy.

Be glad he did. He sacrificed for our country so that you could enjoy freedom.

Isn't it amazing how even the sweetest story can turn into a political tug-of-war! I for one am proud of how my brother's job has opened up the door for the men, women, and children of Afghanistan to receive medical care for the first time in their lives.

Instead of attempting to justify (or not depending on your views) the importance of the US military, let's focus instead on what we can do as friends, neighbors, and family to help ease the burden of separation that this war has placed on families all around each of us.

I for one have been against the Iraq war from the beginning, in part because it did not allow the job to be finished in Afghanistan. And don't get me started on Bush. But the work that Cmd Hoekman did in Afghanistan was truly needed and made a huge difference to the innocent civilians there. There are many brave, caring people serving in the military right now who are doing all they can to help people, regardless of politics. I admire them all greatly, and I appreciate the sacrifices that they and their families make.

CTParent wrote:

How sad when you miss that much of your child's life and can't get it back all for a choice of being in the military. Hopefully this time he is home to stay with his family where he should be not leaving his wife to hold the fort down. Parenthood is a TEAM effort

How dare you judge this family and bring negativity into this positive story. If anything you should be thanking this man and his family for making sacrafices for you. It is easy to forget that freedom comes with a price when you don't know what it is like to live without it. I am sure these children will benifit from having a father who is not only of great character but who is also a hero.

CTParent wrote:

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I am simply stating facts. Too bad if you don't like my comments. My children have parents with admirable qualities too that will serve them well in life as well. I don't owe anyone a thank you and no, I am not bitter, just anti military. It's my choice isn't it?

Not sure what admirable qualities your children's parent's have. They are possibly all on the father's side. I pity your children.
You are certainly entitled to your anti-military stance, but perhaps you should rethink living in a democracy.
At any rate, this was not the forum to express your bitter, jealous views.

CTParent wrote:

And letters and videos of daddy at war is not something my kids really care about being able to show their grandkids.........nor do I for that matter. There are many other memories to share.

Look, do you really think that those in the military wouldn't prefer to be snuggling their children rather than making them videos? They made the best of a tough situation, and I say good for them. No one is more against this stupid Iraq war than I am but criticizing someone for seeing the silver lining in a stressful situation is uncalled for. Grow up.

Hi There wrote:

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Not sure what admirable qualities your children's parent's have. They are possibly all on the father's side. I pity your children.
You are certainly entitled to your anti-military stance, but perhaps you should rethink living in a democracy.
At any rate, this was not the forum to express your bitter, jealous views.

Jealous? Of WHAT????? I pity your wife and children. You can kiss my arse and so can the entire U. S. Military

God Bless this Family wrote:

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How dare you judge this family and bring negativity into this positive story. If anything you should be thanking this man and his family for making sacrafices for you. It is easy to forget that freedom comes with a price when you don't know what it is like to live without it. I am sure these children will benifit from having a father who is not only of great character but who is also a hero.

I don't have to thank anyone. The military in this case has not made a sacrifice for me....it's a senseless war that's doing nothing for me...it's all about $$$$$ and oil

CTParent wrote:

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I am simply stating facts. Too bad if you don't like my comments. My children have parents with admirable qualities too that will serve them well in life as well. I don't owe anyone a thank you and no, I am not bitter, just anti military. It's my choice isn't it?

Yes, it is your choice and you have the US Military to thank for it!

CTParent wrote:

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I don't have to thank anyone. The military in this case has not made a sacrifice for me....it's a senseless war that's doing nothing for me...it's all about $$$$$ and oil

Ummm, would that be the oil you use to heat your home? transport your kids to school? shop for groceries? fly to that vacation spot?

CTParent wrote:

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Jealous? Of WHAT????? I pity your wife and children. You can kiss my arse and so can the entire U. S. Military

Wow= you are a sad and sorry excuse for .....anything.

Yay! Welcome home!!!:)

Welcome home Keith!!! Hope you get to stay home.
Your mom, passed this story along to me. Have read many of your updates.. So glad your home safe. Good story on the Hoekman family. What a beautiful family you have. Warms my heart the little one remembers you. Know it tickles your heart too.

CTParent wrote:

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I don't have to thank anyone. The military in this case has not made a sacrifice for me....it's a senseless war that's doing nothing for me...it's all about $$$$$ and oil

I tell you what.

If you oppose the war so much, surely you would want to disassemble the U.N. as Saddam Hussein ignore 17 U.N. resolutions demanding that he allow weapons inspections.

If U.N. resolutions can not be enforced, what is the point of having the U.N.?

CTParent wrote:

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I don't have to thank anyone. The military in this case has not made a sacrifice for me....it's a senseless war that's doing nothing for me...it's all about $$$$$ and oil

Not only are you a bitter person, but I think that 'stupid' would apply too.

Welcome home!

Jeanne wrote:

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Ummm, would that be the oil you use to heat your home? transport your kids to school? shop for groceries? fly to that vacation spot?

You are just too stupid to even deserve a response.

shoreliner wrote:

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I tell you what.
If you oppose the war so much, surely you would want to disassemble the U.N. as Saddam Hussein ignore 17 U.N. resolutions demanding that he allow weapons inspections.
If U.N. resolutions can not be enforced, what is the point of having the U.N.?

Ummmm and tell me, did they find any WMD's??? Yea that's exactly what I thought. SAdam wasn't even a threat to us.