Erik Botta

So I'm reading this article about Army Sgt. Erik Botta. He's a reservist. He recently received orders that would place him in Iraq for the 4th time. So he's protesting that he has already served his time over there so he doesn't want to go back.

When I first read this article I was beginning to believe that he has a valid point in staying here in the U.S. After all, most tours of Iraq have been a year or longer. So why should he have to go back? He's probably served more time over there than a lot of people have in their first enlistment. At least that's what I was thinking first of all. As I continued to read the article, I realized that he hadn't even served 5 months in Iraq in 3 trips over there. Mr. Botta served a 3 month tour, a 1 month tour, and a 15 day tour and that's it. These 3 tours of duty also spanned over a period of 2 years. If that's what you call serving your time then I just don't understand your way of thinking!

Mr. Botta, there are hundreds upon hundreds of Marine, Navy, Army and Air Force personnel that have served 3 or more tours of duty in Iraq in which each tour of duty was 16 months or more. Now, why don't you go up to them and tell them that you shouldn't have to go back because you have done your time and served your country. I would be interested in hearing what they have to say to you!

Now don't get me wrong, 5 months in Iraq is fine. Mr. Botta has served his country. But to protest in the way that he is protesting is outright stupid. You can't serve 3 tours in Iraq that only totals less than 5 months over a 2 year period and then protest about going back saying that you have already served your time. If I was the judge residing over this case then I would throw it out! It wouldn't be worth my time. I would send you packing for Iraq. Plain and simple.