GI still not getting body armor

[nomatrix]

Despite U.S. promise, soldiers in Iraq still buying their own body armor.
http://www.newstribune.com/articles/2004/04/04/features/0404040051.txt


After all that has happened they still don't give them what they need.

[Gin]

1. the GI's don't but the paid mercinaries do.......something is wrong with

this picture.

[DenverDem]

2. But we are paying $2k a day for thousands of rent a killers

from bushler corporate cronies.

[gottaB]

3. don't forget toiletries

My wife is making some care packages, mostly books that soldiers have requested. But some of them can't get basic supplies delivered by road. The only thing they're getting is what comes via airmail. So they ask for stuff like toothpaste.

[Columbia]

4. Don't go overboard with the toiletries

We had dozens of huge boxes filled with various toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, shaving cream, sunscreen, etc. that ended up just getting tossed. I'm sure they went to good use by Iraqis though.

[gottaB]

5. We have a list with requested items

Is there something more we should know?

[Columbia]

6. Yes

EVERYBODY sends those things on the list and it is usually thrown out because there is just too much of it. Really, the stuff that means the most are things personalized to the individual servicemember.

[DeepModem Mom]

7. If the Jefferson City News Tribune reports this, why not CNN???

Why not other major media outlets? I called CNN months ago when my nephew bought his own protective gear before going to Iraq (he is safely home, thank God). The viewer comment line person who answered asked me if I had called earlier that day. Apparently, someone from another family had just called about the same thing. I guess the story was just not important enough to take up any of CNN's 24 daily hours of "news."

[mmonk]

8. Anyway to have a fund to buy and ship body armor?

[guitar man]

9. Is Halliburton still overcharging?

Have they refunded the millions they overcharged for their services?
How many troops could be outfitted with body armor with that money?