And your yellow ribbons still aren't enough

Ok, my sources say Saddam was VP in 1973 and became President of Iraq in 1979 when Pres. Bakr resigned due to 'health' problems. Something doesnt mix.

Edit: nm. Read the entire story. This was back in 1959 what you are talking about.

Yep, the US history with Saddam goes back a long way, though with that kind of info it's hard to know what the real story is.

Guys, I appreciate the spirit behind what you're saying and I agree - I also wish Uncle Sugar provided better gear. I'm a former Marine - a 3rd gen one in fact, and though "gender issues" prevented me from combat tasks back in the day I can say that having to buy better gear out-of-pocket is not a new thing. Congress provides a generally decent seabag ("kit" to our overseas friends), but if you want something GOOD, you wind up going downtown.

I have my dad's letters from Vietnam wherein he thanks my mother for getting him decent gear, bug-repellent that worked, and undergarments that didn't disintigtate in the damp. Similar stuff from Grandpa, who was in the Pacific at a place called Tarawa (and is sadly still there, despite the marker in the local cemetary).

Its sad... I will always be proud to be able to call myself a Marine; but for generations our military personnal have been forced to go outside the "system" to get stuff they needd to enhance their chances of survival. Its not a Marine Corps thing, its not a military thing; its a "cheap government" thing - and it goes all the way back to 1776 at least.

Thanks for bringing a good issue to light! Pfc. Tod will be in my prayers.

CJ