Navy Deaths

Here's a quick one for all those who don't want me to go to Iraq [even though the Navy doesn't actually "go to Iraq", it sails to the gulf region]. People are afraid of their sons and daughters dying over there, getting shot by al-qaeda , but I submit that you are more likely to get shot in Richmond, Virginia. And although I can't say I agree with this war, I don't mind floating over there to see what color their water is. Ours is green.

Point being, 4,039 people have died in the armed forces as a whole so far in this war, 3,296 being in armed combat. Less than 100 of those were in the Navy. In perspective, approximately 5,386 people have died due to drunk driving related incidences so far this year [April 21st, 2008]. In fact, 42,000 people died driving on the highways in 2006; point being, the middle of the water is rather safe. There are a lot more dangerous things I could be doing than sitting in the middle of the water in an engine room -- it's been 8 years since a ship has been attacked.

Another minor note would be that I'll be training for the next 20 months. So we'll see how long this conflict lasts, because it will be 2010 before I get my chance to serve. I can't wait to travel the world.