Peace out!,,,,I hope you find that 100K IT job that you always talk about and I hope you work it as long as possible before they outsource it to India.....Your blog was great, gonna miss it.,.....Now go home and go get yourself some Nookie!
Fri 12-Sep-2003 18:53 Posted by:Rob
Dear Friend -
This is the first time I have read your blog. Raw and from the heart. I think somehow the macro is in the micro or vica versa... as above so below, they say. I don't know what you were like befor, but I do know that the meaning in what you have done is IN YOU. It is in that open heart, in your words, in the changes this experience has wrought in you. When you get home, I know it will be hard, hard to adjust to the reality or lack thereof you will find. You will be tempted to put it behind you like some bad dream, but don't. This experience will guide your whole life, what you have seen, felt, learned, is a solemn debt to all who have died, on all sides of this conflict... I have the deepest respect for you, and I feel priviledged to have a window on your thoughts for a moment.
Job well done. Time to come home at last. I'll miss your insite and I'm greatful that you took the time all these months. God bless and stay safe on your way back. Remember the offer if you ever get out west.
'...turningtables...' given the world with a different view of an American and an American Soldier. From the first keystroke you captured the attention of your readers and never let them down or off the edge of their seats. I am grateful you allowed me to the opportunity to see things from your perspective, I couldn't wait for each entry.
You will be sorely missed - but I think your girlfriend and family will be happy this is ending.
Come home, be happy and healthy and begin the next chapter in what I am sure will be a remarkable life.
Regards
Fri 12-Sep-2003 20:05 Posted by:Heather in CT haw09@hotmail.com
Moja thanks for the parting shot & the candid picture. Your blog has been an important source of inspiration for me over the last few months & I've enjoyed every minute of it. Wishing you all the best with your future ventures and a safe trip home.
Dear Sean:
I have often been moved to tears by some of your entries and entertained and educated by others, but today's (your last?) was really profound. We readers are SO going to miss your insight, your empathy, your intelligence, your talent (you really do have writing talent-let an editor correct your spelling!) - I think you should collect all your entries and send them to a publisher because I know they would make them into a book and it would be very successful and open the eyes of the world to the life of a soldier living in a harsh reality.
You have given us such a gift...we will treasure it forever.
By the way, just because you leave the army doesn't mean you have to stop posting...keep giving us updates..
moja/Sean - Much gratitude.
Shedding a tear here after reading your farewell & seeing
your pic & i don't think i'm alone in this. So happy you're going Home & will so miss your insights.
We continue to pray for the people of Iraq & the soldiers,
that good will indeed come.
Peace to the Middle East & to you, moja.
We are glad to here that you''re finally going home.
Remember our offer *) see our earlier e-mail, to stop by and stay with us at our little Hotel in The Hague (30 miles from Amsterdam), near The Beach and a big Sauna to get the dust out.
For all others, we are praying for a safe stay and healthy coming home to your families and beloved.
Have a safe trip and best regards from Kate and Jan
So glad you are going home. Be safe and hold your head up high. You did the right thing, you did the best you could, and you did so with thoughtfulness and caring.
Thanks for the picture. No matter what happens: You are not responsible for the mistakes of the administration.
You shared more than I would have had strength to witness. Thanks for your words. Walk in Peace and keep representing the thoughtful American. Left Coast!
Thanks, Moja. I've been reading your posts nearly every day for months. You should consider moonlighting as a journalist/editorialist (with a spell-checker, of course ) You have kept me better informed of what its like, boots on the ground, than CNN.
bout time they got you out of there, I wish you a safe trip and I wonder what the next generation of bloggers out of there is going to look like. Semper Fi and Peace out brother
Thanks for the candid photo of The Author! It should go on the back of the book jacket when you publish the blog.
Several others have suggested the same thing. PUBLISH! You know the book "Jarhead'? that started our as a journal. And yours is 1000% better.
My last plea now: give us one more entry, from home. Tell us how the departure went, and that you arrived safely.
I'll miss my daily check-in to TurningTables.
<sniff>
Sat 13-Sep-2003 00:22 Posted by:Mimi
I've been reading you for quite some time, and I am very happy you are coming home soon.... reading your blog today made me cry at work! I wish you peace and a safe journey home, thanks for sharing your candid thoughts about your life in the "micro"... your life in the war....
btw: riverbend mentioned you in her blog, I was hoping you and her and salam could all get together sometime, but thanks to the internet... you did. And I was there, too.
Elizabeth
Sat 13-Sep-2003 01:13 Posted by:EB
Loved the blog dude. Git your ass outta there.
Bush is a mad man.
Peace.
Sat 13-Sep-2003 01:17 Posted by:Jay
Be well Friend. Peace, db
Sat 13-Sep-2003 02:13 Posted by:db
Great blog! Will await the book!
How about one last blog entry once you get settled back in civilian life? Call it "returning tables" maybe?
Ever consider a career in Journalism?
Peace and good fortune on your future endeavours.
Sat 13-Sep-2003 02:14 Posted by:LK (A Canadian Reader)
Good to hear that you're on your way home. Will miss your entries into your blog...your insights have certainly put a whole new perspective on things.....
Sat 13-Sep-2003 02:29 Posted by:Rosey
Godspeed and good wishes on returning to 'the world'.
Thank you so much for your candid thoughts and observations.
This V/N vet thanks you!
Sat 13-Sep-2003 03:00 Posted by:Rick in LA
Moja,
Thank you for the awesome ride. I shall remember you, and your honest thoughts forever.
Now I am able to put a picture to your name. I am able to see the excitement in your eyes. You are almost home.
I'm eternally grateful for your writings, and I'll miss you.
Peace.
Michele in Montana
Sat 13-Sep-2003 03:00 Posted by:Michele michele38mt@hotmail.com
Moja,
Thanks for sharing your picture with us. I feel I know you. I too shall remember your honest thoughts forever. Be glad you found the courage to take the blinders off.....to really see more of what is going on "out there". You are truly a "real man". Reading your blog has been most refreshing....very hopeful....very proud to know that there is a soldier (hopefully more like you) who is doing his job the very best he can, and at the same time....he can see the big picture and feel disturbed... feel confused...he can feel.
Never give up feeling Moja....don't be afraid to feel uncomfortable feelings....to carry them ... be with them for a while. To have the courage to feel is the first step that can open the door to all kinds of possibilities of solving problems with respect, compassion and peaceful solutions for all. I honor you...I respect you....I will miss your blog. Have a safe trip home. I send you blessings...and joy... and peace...and love....and light!
Sat 13-Sep-2003 04:41 Posted by:June in Dover, Delaware
Hey Man, thanks for your insights, honesty, and thoughts about what you're doing. Back in the states, people can forget about the humans involved in the war - it can be an abstraction when you're so far away, but reading your blog gave it a human face. In a way, blogging makes people closer, creates a cool community. You rock, man. Good luck, I'll miss your insights as this develops, but I think I'll have this extra voice in my head that makes me think just a little differently. Take care! See ya to moja vera community, too.
Sat 13-Sep-2003 05:48 Posted by:Chris spif27@yahoo.com
hey man...i got a suggestion for you, to add to the 100K IT job and the journalism/ author encouragements:
think about radio. you would make a dynamite talkradio host for the Thinking Man. You could invite vets of this war and others to call in and tell their stories they witnessed-both the horrific ones and the tender, touching ones--and you could DJ the tables as the mood of the call in themes struck you. Jim Ladd in LA has done this for decades; why not you also.
Every chapter in our shared experience becomes part of what makes us, us, and gets dyed permanently into the national fabric as we weave it.
stay uniquely yourself. keep your voice. keep asking and keep us lstening.don't get swept away in the ratrace, lost in some cubucle farm, forgotten as a wage slave in the back someplace. there's ten thousand IT techs out there who can do that. they don't have your soul, your heart, your mind, your audience.
hey-what was the maximum number of hits you got in one day on your blog?
don't forget- there's internet and satellite radio, too.
there are 'jobs' and there are 'careers', and then there are 'Callings".
I think you have one of the latter.
Who's gonna talk to us when you leave? Where will we turn for our daily soul searching and self examination?
Nurture that seed that's begun growing within you. I sense it could become a mighty oak, if tended and watered and fed regularly.
whatever else happens in your life, take the time to keep journaling, whether you put it up for us to read, or not.
you're much too valuable to the human race to sacrifice.
swords to plowshares.
the pen IS mightier than the sword.
or in this case, the keystroke is mightier than the WMD.
you're so real, man.
so real.
I'll print out your complet bloq...I will remember you.....Thank you....
Sat 13-Sep-2003 07:29 Posted by:Well
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us Moja...I've been reading for months, and can't even count how many times I've been moved to tears as well as burst out laughing...thank you for introducing us back here to what is going over there on a "micro" level...I'm so happy that you are finally able to come home to your girl and your family, please let us know that you are safe and home...
And thank you for the picture, you will always have a place in my mind and in my heart:)
Tonya
You're a good guy and we wish you all the best. Thanks.
Sat 13-Sep-2003 09:22 Posted by:Tilli in Joshua Tree
I was so lucky to happen across your blog and although I am extremely happy that you are heading home, a part of me is sad that you are leaving, that's how much I enjoyed reading your daily posts. I hope one day you'll come back and continue your blog or start another, you express yourself wonderfully. Lastly, thank you so much for being our eyes and for your honesty. It is so calming hearing the compassion coming from someone instead the constant hate that so many are growing to feel. Thank you! Wishing you all the best in all that you do. Stay safe.
Dear sgt Sean,
thank you for all. You made a great job! I hope we'll remain in contact.
Alberto (your friend in Tübingen/Germany)
Sat 13-Sep-2003 11:10 Posted by:Alberto
Well, you don't know me, But I came across your journal from a girl who lives in Iraq.
And I don't know if this even matters to you.
But I have been praying for everyone there.
And I hope you all make it home safely.!
I know it's an amazingly hard thing to go through, but you have my Respect, I know so many people who were so scared to go, But even if you and the others were scared, you still went, and I appreciate everything you all have done.
Thank you.
Jessika.
Sat 13-Sep-2003 13:20 Posted by:Jessika xjessika@hotmail.com
Wow, man. I've been reading your blog for months. I'm glad to hear that you're getting out of there, altough I'll miss your daily updates, live from Baghdad. It's been a hell of a ride...go home, kiss your girl, and chill out...you deserve it.
Sat 13-Sep-2003 15:56 Posted by:Jim doolittl@speakeasy.net
I've just come here following a recommendation from Riverbend.
Moja, thank you so much for having the courage to express your feelings with such honesty. I hope you can sense the love and support for you in the comments people are making here.
I echo the view that this MUST be published.
Take care!
Sat 13-Sep-2003 16:25 Posted by:Paul paul.j.grant@btinternet.com
Sean, I feel as though I know you, like you're a friend. I've been reading your blog every day for months and I've thoroughly enjoyed it, I'm grateful for it. There were many times I worried for your safe return, I'm so happy you're finally going home.
You are so very intelligent and insightful. Don't give up on the writing, you moved me to tears many times, truly. Thank you for your photograph. I wasn't ever expecting to see your face, what a nice thing for us, your readers.
Thank you for everything.
All the best to you
anastasia
Sun 14-Sep-2003 00:07 Posted by:Anastasia
Thanks for your picture, Moja. You're a prime example of the splendid American men and women serving in the armed forces around the world. We wish you all the best in your new life, and we enjoyed meeting you through your blog and photopages.
Sean - you lead by example and you are a fine example of what this country depends on for honest soldiers and guardians of whatever and wherever peace can be found. May the Good Lord look after you and yours. You're one hell of a good man.
Sun 14-Sep-2003 01:31 Posted by:Bill
Sean Thanks for letting me see through your eye's. you give us hope. Wish you was the commander in chief
Every ending is a new beginning as is each new day.
Made you a blog equivalent of macaroni, glue and construction paper welcome home card on me blog for you.
You know I wish you all the best.
One love,
Szaffie
Sun 14-Sep-2003 05:10 Posted by:Szaffire Blue - [Link]
I know the story of the lyrics are wrong for the occassion but a couple of lines may be appropriate. "Leaving on a jet plane" and "Gotta get out of this place." I had always associated them with getting out of Nam and going home.
Keep writting even if it is for your own personal journal. The words on paper will gain value with the passage of time.
Fare thee well.
Sun 14-Sep-2003 10:27 Posted by:Jerry lonefalcon@yahoo.com
The best I can find online is that "moja vera" means something akin to "my beliefs"
moja = mine
vera = trust, devotion, belief, religion, creed, faith (n)
See link below for a Serbian-English dictionary.
Sun 14-Sep-2003 19:48 Posted by:Jim jntrea@hotmail.com - [Link]
Thank you for everything you saw, felt, endured -- and relayed -- to us.
No-one can properly thank you for what you and your colleagues have tried to do -- and hopefully will succeed in doing -- for Iraqis. Even as a fellow American, it's clearly the ultimate net effect on them that matters by far the most.
The most stunning part to me is that some how you have maintained -- no increased -- your perspective, empathy and humanity despite all the madness you've seen and been through. Thisso very, very hard to do in war.
Far more than most, you have earned the right to say, think and express any damned views you want!!! Please keep doing exactly that. God bless, and safe passage.
Sun 14-Sep-2003 22:40 Posted by:Richard richard@richardburkholder.com
Good-bye,good luck,man are you going to be missed!
My most important read of the day has been your blog,Salam Pax and Baghdad burning,your point of view was a good balance for all three,and I agree with all the rest of your readers,you have talent,keep writing,regardless if you share or not.
I expect to see you on the talk shows
Peace
Nana
Mon 15-Sep-2003 01:16 Posted by:unnamed
Much luck in the future.
Mon 15-Sep-2003 04:29 Posted by:Matt C.
Hey Sean,
Thank you for sharing so much of you with the us. I have been hooked to your blog for so many months .....Going to miss my daily fix ( the first thing I do everyday at work ! ) ...but am soo glad your are going home .
Just one small request...please post a note to let us know you have reached home safe .
All the very best in your life
Take care.
Suv
Mon 15-Sep-2003 04:57 Posted by:Suv in India
Hear Moja/Sean,
I, as well, have been reading your blog for months. I will miss my daily read - but I'm so happy for you that you'll finally make it home.
Have a safe trip. And my best wishes for your future.
Mon 15-Sep-2003 09:15 Posted by:Britt
Ok, so that was supposed to say: Dear Moja/Sean
My spelling doesn't seem to be too good either
Mon 15-Sep-2003 09:18 Posted by:Britt
hey
i'm glad that you are going home,it gives me a bitter feeling i can't help it,i think with myself (why is he going home ,while i can't go home to see my family in baghdad,-my mother begged me to come back-,actually they(my family) are leaving the country soon,it'sjust they got stuck with my niece who hasn't got a passport,and basically there is nothing called passport office in baghdad at the moment,the other thing ,it's been nice reading your words,it makes me feel the same thing as you mentioned,you are human beings too, yopu hurt,you worry ,you sweat,you work,not like the way my mother beleive as she faints whenever she sees an american soldiers ,thinking they are here robbots for mass killing,anyway i told her about your website & the way you feel,& that you're coming back home soon,after a short pause she said (may god -inshallah-send him home safe),
I'm glad you are going home soon,let us know when you arrive home,salam
muthana-uk
I'm going to miss your daily updates, you've become like a friend almost. apart from echoing the sentiments above, most of them expressed more eloquently than I can do, I would like to support the motion that you get this blog published. You deserve a little reward for the service you have performed on the internet. And yes, *that* picture has to be the author photo.
One final request - please give us a final post when you get home. Just so we know you're back safely.
Mon 15-Sep-2003 14:06 Posted by:Tim
Great job Moja....I don't think you could have signed off any better than that. Over the last couple of months I have turned many people on to your blog. People with a wide range of opinions and attitudes. Many debates over things that you have written. Many of us still don't agree as to the "why and how" of this deplorable situation we helped make. We do, however, agree with one, all important truth. Every life is precious. You, along with Salam and Riverbend, have given us an idea of the proud and talented people of Iraq. A look into their hearts. I wish you all happiness and safety.
I agree with what many have said before. One more post when you get home......you've become family, of sorts, to many of us. It would be nice KNOWING you made it home ok.
Vaya con Dios,
Kev
"...to make good on bad decisions..." says it all and speaks for all of us. Regardless of the who or why we are in Iraq, leaving Iraq in any shape other than in good shape to form its own successful destiny would be a crime against humanity. Your honesty and insight adds to the millions of voices speaking the way for peace in the Middle East 2003 (or whenever). Good luck. We all wish you much happiness, good health and good humor.
so wait, how is it supposed to help the future of the world to invade countries that have a long tradition of rejecting imperlalist forces?
Tue 16-Sep-2003 08:22 Posted by:unnamed
Thanks for the words and bringing your heart and honor to all you did there. Have good life, you and the missus, and raise happy kids. Remember despite the thousand petty attention-grabbing details of life in general., and try to pass along the memories, or better yet their meaning. Peace.
"so wait, how is it supposed to help the future of the world to invade countries that have a long tradition of rejecting imperlalist forces?"
Which "imperialist forces" does Iraq have a history of "rejecting?"
Let's see.
It was ruled by the Islamic Caliphate seated in Arabia for centuries.
It was ruled by the Ottoman Turks for centuries.
It was ruled by the UK after the Ottoman empire collapsed as a result of WWI.
Iraq finally became independent - only to be taken over by a hillbilly assassin from the backwoods of Tikrit, who killed more Iraqis than the "imperialists" all added together in a shorter amount of time.
Tue 16-Sep-2003 15:21 Posted by:Crabby A
"It was ruled by the UK after the Ottoman empire collapsed as a result of WWI"
yup - those guys.. the same who were the first to use gas on the population..
keep on believing that the US is doing good, that we took out a bully and peace/democracy will flourish now.
keep on buying that bullshit, while our boys and girls are dying for a neo-con wet dream.
when will you wake up?
when the terrorists we are currently creating by being there exact revenge?
that's the problem with Americans - they think they're doing good. they have to make up illusions to feel good.. taking out saddam was a good thing, but the illusion is that order can/will be achieved and all will be good.
Wed 17-Sep-2003 03:51 Posted by:unnamed
Blankety-blank,
How about an answer?
Again... Which "imperialist forces" does Iraq have a history of "rejecting?" You said that Iraq rejects "imperial" forces, yet Iraq has, in history, hardly been governed by Iraqis.
Which "imperialist forces" does Iraq have a history of "rejecting?"
Also, Jihadi terrorists in Iraq are not being "created," they are migrating there from Syria, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Egypt, wherever. It seems that the indiginous Iraqi population has little to do with the recent violence, discounting former Ba'athists.
Wed 17-Sep-2003 04:20 Posted by:Crabby A
Hush up you two, this isn't a discussion board. 0)
Moja, I hope you have blog withdrawal, cuz I sure do! I am grateful you shared your thoughts these past months.
Be well, do good works and keep in touch just once more.......I feel a bit like I did after the ending of the John Sayles film Limbo.....
b
Wed 17-Sep-2003 10:32 Posted by:b
um.. ok.. once again - the british forces who "liberated" Iraq back in the early century.. you trying to get technical with my words.. as if i meant a long string of imperial forces?
now, why would you honestly believe that ordinary Iraqis are not taking action against the US? seriously.
you buy that bit that it's just former Ba'athists and outside "terrorists"? you could'nt see your own reaction if outside forces came in, removed the dictator over control of you (well, that's good, huh?) but in doing so, invaded your home and accidently shot your 14 year old sun because he ran? you wouldn't be upset? you wouldn't seek revenge?
60% of Americans are obese. the same amount are insanely gung-ho.
Iraqi's have lost approximately 3X's the same amount of people that were tragically lost on 9/11.
these people are just numbers though, because Americans can change the channel. They don't have to see it or to live it.
the fact is - we destroyed the base of their society, failed to adequately replace it and are disillusioned into thinking it even will happen.
Wed 17-Sep-2003 18:04 Posted by:unnamed
"you buy that bit that it's just former Ba'athists and outside "terrorists"? you could'nt see your own reaction if outside forces came in, removed the dictator over control of you (well, that's good, huh?) but in doing so, invaded your home and accidently shot your 14 year old sun because he ran? you wouldn't be upset? you wouldn't seek revenge?"
I would certainly be unhappy, but the *PRODUCTIVE* approach would be to try to move on, look to the future with optimism, and rebuild my country... not blow up water mains out of infantile rage.
That's why the west has plenty, and why *every* Arab country is poor, uneducated, illiterate, generally shitholes full of angry, shiftless bums who think they deserve to rule the world because gosh darn it, their prophet the pedophile told them so.
It's amazing how much optimism and constructive as opposed to destructive thought can lead to action that directly improves your life. You should try it some time.
Thu 18-Sep-2003 06:06 Posted by:Tilli in Joshua Tree - [Link]
and you "Crabby A" just prooved yourself to be prejudiced - " and why *every* Arab country is poor, uneducated, illiterate, generally shitholes full of angry, shiftless bums who think they deserve to rule the world because gosh darn it, their prophet the pedophile told them so."
(damn - you prolly said "nuke the whole middle east" when 9/11 happened.. didn't you?)
you don't understand them to be people just like American people. you have become diseased with racism, ethnocentricity and illusions of good will of the grand ole U S of A.. when in fact, every soldier who fights and dies is doing so for the oil/military industrial complexes that Eisenhower warned of.
They lied for profit.
They lied and our boys and girls died.
They should be held accountable for their crimes, just as those who were held accountable in Nerumberg.
I am sorry to vent like this on this blog. I have much much respect for moja_vera and his services for our, very great country.
BUT, i wanted to comment on his statement that overall, this is good what's going on - because in all regards, it is not good. not in any humane sense, nor in any strategic sense (well, unless you're with one of the corporations that profit from war).
all that has been done is more death and misery.. and although the tyrant has been removed - there will be no solid foundation for peace in that country for another generation and now the US (as well as the rest of the world) is much less safer.
Thu 18-Sep-2003 07:38 Posted by:unnamed
I didn't prove myself to be prejudiced, I made an observation. A damn accurate one at that. Many Arab countries have a literacy rate of 50% or so, while others have a higher male literacy rate but far lower female literacy rate. Islam has been in something of a dark ages since the fall of the Ottoman Turks. Angry doesn't get you anywhere but miserable. The Islamic world is in badly in need of an equivalent to the enlightenment and reformation age in Europe, or else they will continue to be angry, poor, seething, revengeful, nonproductive people. If they weren't so hateful, they might learn a thing or two from the most successful economy in their region, Israel.
The fact that you don't see whay "revenge" is not the correct response when your son is accidentally killed is exactly the problem. Revenge is immature. It feels good, but accomplishes nothing, and wastes a lot of otherwise productively used time and energy.
If you don't think Muhammad was a pedophile, read. How old was he when he married Aisha? How old was she when they consummated the marriage? Mmm hmm. I guess you are in favor of men near 50 fucking NINE YEAR OLDS?
The Nuremburg comment cheapens Nuremburg BTW. The Nazis were prosecuted for the crime of GENOCIDE.
BTW death and misery are good, if it's the bad guys who are more dead and miserable. I would say on this day, they are. Saddam is history, his tyrant sons are dead.
Thu 18-Sep-2003 14:25 Posted by:Crabby A
crabby for god's sake won't u stop it,
i feel sick just to read what u've been writing,
at least show some respect,it's not a message board 1st,
then why don't u scroll ur screen a bit up, look at moja-vera's picture,with the peace sign & wishes,
poople with mentality like yours & bin laden in this world shows that we won't be going anywhere,just hatred
yeah, Crabby, you have a very twisted view of the world.. your points are lame and easily shot down.. but i don't want to mess this board up with a continued argument.
muthana is right, it's your type of mentality that continues this shit.. you have this complete illusion of what the situation is (ie. you see "bad" and "good", where as it's more a situation of power).
some see bin laden as a hero, standing up against the invaders. it's all perspective. (or lack there of, as is your case)
in either case, the invasion of Iraq was in the works well before 9/11 even happened. there's absolutely no evidence that saddam was involved. yes, saddam was terrible, but now Iraq is without the basic necessesities for life - they're afraid to let their daughters out, because yes, people do rape.(oh, btw, that also happens in the "more advanced" culture of the USA.. i guess they must've moved here from the middle east?) now Iraqis fear for their lives just because of the crime, not if they were to speak against the establishment.. they had it better under a tyrant than under the US corporate-tyrants.. come on man, wake up! 90% of the world is awake, too many Americans are not!!
Thu 18-Sep-2003 18:38 Posted by:unnamed
A Plea to Moja
Faithfully on his Web Site
Whether it was day or night
good and bad for all to see
Moja posted regularly
Salam; River; not so much
frequently were out of touch
waiting for some special cue
posted oft out of the blue
But not so Moja, bless his heart
Who daily did his Blogging part
To bring us news both bad and good
Of his Iraqi neighborhood
And how our soldiers all were faring
With special hardships they were bearing
All little insights facts and clues
Not often seen in local news
Now that he's gone, we are bereft
What a vacuum since he left
Moja's vanished like a ghost
We now especially need a post
Moja, man, we are cliff hanging
Nerves all clattering and clanging
Let us know that you have landed
Please don't leave your webbies stranded
Till then your picture site is cursed
With Moja greetings, poised to burst
Over stuffed with nervous fans
who want to know when Moja lands
Thu 18-Sep-2003 23:43 Posted by:Joan H. Ryan
Amen Joan!! Come back Sean, let us know you're alive out there, how am I supposed to buy you beer if you disappear?
Joan H. Ryan does not seem to realize that Riverbend and Salam Pax have to deal with intermittent power supplies!
Sat 20-Sep-2003 16:19 Posted by:Shahryar
everybody check it out
he's back
thank goodness
m.
Sun 21-Sep-2003 02:28 Posted by:myrella moses atelier@adelphia.net
Welcome home, troop. Thank you for your service, and thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. It's been an education for us all.
Sun 21-Sep-2003 03:55 Posted by:Steve
In Re: "Plea to Moja" poem, Shahryar says:
Joan H. Ryan does not seem to realize that Riverbend and Salam Pax have to deal with intermittent power supplies!
Plea To Shahryar
Point well taken 'bout the plight
of talent stifled without light
or energy to feed the posts
of Salam; River, gracious hosts
Enlightened, touched and always learning
from Salam Pax and Baghdad Burning
I'm Moja-spoiled with frequent feed
on information we all need
Moja all your fans are hurting
feelings frayed, opinions blurting
We need to see at least one post
to then relax and hoist a toast
And fans, to echo Rodney's song
"Why can't we all just get along?"
So when Moj does access his site
He does not face a brand new fight
Sun 21-Sep-2003 16:07 Posted by:Joan H. Ryan
Welcome home!!!
Sun 21-Sep-2003 16:30 Posted by:meg
VERY glad that you are home!
Can now stop writing endless poem
Yay! We all can hoist a toast
Moja's finally made his post!
(Readers heave a relieved groan
No longer have to hear from Joan)
Sun 21-Sep-2003 20:11 Posted by:Joan H. Ryan
Welcome home! I hope that all is well for you. Glad that you've had a safe return. I'd like to see a close-up shot of the tat on your muscled arm! Call it a fettish, if you want, but please show it off for us!
Your life need not be boring, as you've claimed, after you shift from war-time soldier, to civilian. Your mind is open and expansive, just as you've shown it and your heart to be. You are wise beyond your years, as I've said in my own blog. You are a beautiful soul. Many blessings. May you make your life as interesting as you want it to be.
Mon 22-Sep-2003 12:31 Posted by:Treva L. Van Fossen - [Link]
Damn! I forgot... If ever you're in Pensacola, Florida, look me up some time. I'll get you and your lady drunk off your asses... Unless you don't drink. In that case, I'll show you a good time where you can kick back and have some fun while feasting and maybe hanging out on the beach.
Mon 22-Sep-2003 12:37 Posted by:Treva L. Van Fossen
Welcome home, Moja. Embedded reporters, my ass! 0) I have relied on blogs such as yours, Salam's and Riverbend's to tell me what's really going on in Iraq. Do those of us who follow blogs a favor and have yours published, with pictures. Self-publish if you have to. I've already ordered Salam's. I would like to be able to do the same with yours.
Thanks for the view . Peace!
Sat 27-Sep-2003 00:21 Posted by:Ann S ahs@copper.net
I hope you will continue to blog frm home and that will not be so bad that you cannot tell us about it. Sending our love,Dorothy
Dear Mojo,
Thanks for sharing your journing with us. For very many people it´s the only way of seeing things though another prospective. This is the first time I visit your blog, but I sure will miss it. Will you be posting from home?
My best regards - peace
Sat 11-Oct-2003 19:04 Posted by:Clara clarafagundes@yahoo.com.br
Having been in the service during Nam, I am praying for you and your buds. Make the best of your time home. Keep a good attitude. As a 53 year old Vet, with terminal cancer, I know how fast time goes by. Keep your eyes open and head down. Peace, Mickey
Mon 13-Oct-2003 20:53 Posted by:mickey
Great photoblog. I got out of the military 10 years ago, But my best bud is still in. He came home on 2 week leave recently and brought me some great pics of the war fom the eyes of the Air Cav. Heres the link:
i am a 50 yr old Nam vet, one of the first 250 sattelite techs in the army, so i really ID with your position. I really felt as a 19 yr old kid/soldier that although i did not agree with our reasons for going to war it was important to support my country and defend the constitution and that in the long run viet nam would be better off for our having been there. HMMMM? still haven't figgered out how true that may be, however, discovering these blogs has changed my mind about the intellectual state of our all volunteer military for the better. Are you guy's getting the news yet about the FUBAR condition of the VA healthcare system back home? It seems the guy who started this misadventure in Iraq doesen't feel we need concern ourselves with our fallen warriors once they return- more walking wounded and $890 million slashed from the VA budget! I hope you will pass the word about this and remember it when it comes time to send in that absentee ballot (altho the way things look at most of the bloggery i see a bunch of those ballots may turn up missing!) any of you that make it back alive can email me and come see me in Baja and i'll take you out sailing/fishing as my way of "Welcome Home" Paz!
) You have kept me better informed of what its like, boots on the ground, than CNN.
