Reservist fighting his fifth war call-up

[Craftsman]

PORT ST. LUCIE -- Erik Botta believes he's done right by his country.

Days after 9/11, as a young Army reservist, he volunteered to go to war. He was soon in Afghanistan.

The next year, he was sent out again, this time to Iraq, part of a Special Operations team.

In the next two years, he was sent to Iraq again. And again.

He thought he was done. But now, the Army wants Sgt. Botta one more time.

The 26-year-old Port St. Lucie man has been ordered to report to Fort Jackson, S.C., on July 15 for his fifth deployment. And that has compelled Botta, a first-generation American who counts himself a quiet patriot, to do something he never thought he'd do: sue the Army.

''I'm proud of my service,'' he said. ``I never wanted it to end like this.''

Nearly seven years into his eight-year commitment to the reserves, the personal costs are higher for Botta. He could lose his home. His job at Sikorsky, working on the Black Hawk military helicopter, could be on the line. He's halfway to his electrical engineering degree, planning a career in defense work, but his professors say he'll suffer a significant setback if he is deployed. He doesn't mention the danger another deployment would bring, but his wife and parents do.


http://www.miamiherald.com/569/story/163895.html

[wakeme2008]

1. There is just no reason this should be happening.

:grr:

[Spinzonner]

2. You go to war with the armed forces you have

Over and over and over and over and over again.

:sarcasm:

[BOSSHOG]

3. Would this not be an opportunity for a flag waving patriotic bush supporter

to step forward and take this Soldier's place. Or, would that be asking too much.

[Craftsman]

delete

[Craftsman]

4. I did my time in the USAR.

But this is too much.

[BOSSHOG]

6. I do not believe

anyone should have to serve in the military but if conservatives think its cool to stay in Iraq forever, they should have some skin in the game, they should have a lot of skin in the game. If we had a competent, careful, strong leader as commander in chief, none of this would be necessary. On the other hand, I believe any qualified American who chooses to serve their country in uniform should be allowed to do so regardless of sex life.

And thanks for your service to our country.

[babylonsister]

5. Superb idea, but I'm hearing crickets. nt

[Virginia Dare]

8. They're too busy supporting the war effort here..

attending Repubbie fundraisers and listening to the Rushy show every day.

[Virginia Dare]

7. Complete bullshit...

this guy is already on borrowed time. What a sad state our military is in. I hope this turns the U.S. military personnel against the Repubs once and for all, despite all of the propaganda that's been going on.