Getting soldiers out of Iraq overdue

While serving in Baghdad and throughout Iraq, I transported many medical supplies, reserves of blood and other necessities for the wounded. When not preparing for convoys of sustainability, I became familiar with helicopters flying into base, landing, and unloading bodies and pouches of human remains, all to be kept in large refrigerators. This is a glimpse of what I participated in, witnessed and understand as the reality of war. I have a very hard time remaining silent as I listen to Montana's congressional delegation falter over how and when to bring our service men and women home safely from the failed war in Iraq.

I am a voice to many veterans and those about to serve, who like me, are fed up with a war that has never had a clear definition. I, like many, am proud to serve and understand the stress and complications that come with a war. The only problem is that this is a war built on faulty and almost cowardly reasons. It is draining our nation's resources, both our financial wealth and our invaluable minds, which could be used to make this country even richer. While U.S. soldiers and Iraqis both, fight to stay alive, those about to serve are at odds to build a solid scaffolding, or meaning for this war. No honorable person wants to die in this bath of confusion and endless controversy that continues to flow from a set of lies born nearly five years ago.

Over the last several weeks, each member of our delegation has failed to make a clear and urgently necessary distinction between supporting Montana's soldiers and supporting a war that dishonors Montana's soldiers. All three members of our delegation have stated that they want our troops to come home as soon as possible. Yet, what our soldiers deserve is not words and symbolic gestures, but courageous action to end this war.

Recently, Sen. Tester visited Iraq and repeated his support, generally, for the withdrawal of troops. The devil, however, is in the details. When asked about war funding, Tester said that he could not foresee a time when he would vote to stop funding the war. Sen. Baucus' position is very similar. He talks about ending the war, but he refuses to deny President Bush further funding for a war that has killed 21 Montanans. Rep. Rehberg is the furthest afield. Recently, he compared the long-term presence of U.S. military bases in Iraq to the need for long-term bases in Germany following WWII. I find it remarkable that our sole U.S. Congressman could make this type of comparison: between a just and global war fought by the Greatest Generation, and an unjust, largely unilateral war that has alienated our closest allies and deepened the threat of terrorism.

For four years, Montana citizens have reluctantly, but patiently, observed the war in Iraq. Recent security gains are now being used to request of us further patience, more time, and more and more of our taxes - billions more every week. Thankfully, Montanans are saying that our patience is at an end. The Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners has voted 8-4 to end the war. The City Council of Hamilton has voted 4-1 to end the war. The citizens of Helena and Missoula each voted overwhelmingly, by 61 percent in each city, for an immediate, orderly and safe withdrawal from Iraq. Other Montana cities are now moving through similar, and very appropriate, public processes, including the city of Bozeman. But, will Montana's congressional delegation have the courage not only to listen, but to act on what they have heard?

It is time that our senators and our Congressman recognize the essential difference between supporting Montana's soldiers and supporting the war in Iraq. It is time for citizens and soldiers alike to join together and to make the argument that supporting our soldiers actually requires ending a war that compromises their well being at every turn. Congress controls the purse strings of our federal government, and Montanans are calling out for accountability. All manners of supporting the troops — from increased domestic leave to increased mental health services — are merely stop-gap measures. For as long as the war continues, these related problems will only deepen. Supporting the troops means ending the war. Ending the war means telling President Bush that he cannot take any more of Montana's tax dollars to Iraq.

Max, Jon and Denny, you are the only three Montanans who have the power to fully support the troops by ending the war. As a veteran of the Iraqi war, I urge you to stop talking about bringing the troops home safely, and to get it done.

Shane Mundt is a 27-year-old resident of Helena who served in the Army for eight years before being honorably discharged. He was a sergeant for a medical support unit and served in Iraq for a year, during 2003-04.