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Military moms want job in Afghanistan finished

Staff photo by Nick Daggy Mona Mitchell, a member of the Blue Star Mothers Oxford Chapter, shares her thoughts on the war Tuesday, Dec. 1, in Hamilton.

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By Josh Sweigart, Staff Writer 10:06 PM Tuesday, December 1, 2009

HAMILTON — This is what her sons wanted, Mona Mitchell said. And she only hopes they will stay safe as President Barack Obama’s new Afghanistan war strategy unfolds.

Her son Ben, 20, is an Army infantryman and is scheduled to deploy — the family doesn’t know where yet — in January. Ben’s little brother Alex, 19, finishes his U.S. Marine Corps training in December.

“Then we find out where he goes,” Mitchell said.

After three months of deliberation, Obama announced a strategy Tuesday night, Dec. 1, that relies on a 30,000-soldier surge and an accelerated timetable to turn around the stalemated war.

“I wish he had made his decision sooner, but I (agree with) getting as many people over there as quickly as possible, so they can get done what they need to get done and get out,” Mitchell said.

She said both of her sons signed up while still at Badin High School. She pressured them to be sure that’s what they wanted to do, but they kept saying they wanted to “make a difference,” she said.

“They feel that what they’re doing is very important, and they want to get over there and get it done and get back home,” Mitchell said. “And I think that’s what parents want as well.”

Coleen Pence-Sizelove agreed. She is president of the Oxford chapter of Blue Star Mothers. The only local Blue Star chapter, it’s a support group for people across Butler County whose sons and daughters are at war.

Like Mitchell, she said what she wants more than anything else is having her son home. But not before he finishes what he set out to do, even if that take more time and more troops.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Josh Sizelove has been deployed on the USS Nimitz since July and is due home in the spring. His tour has already been extended once.

Pence-Sizelove said she hopes the president listens to his military commanders and gives them whatever they need. “Let the military do what the military is supposed to do, then get them home,” she said.

In the meantime, both mothers said what the troops need is support.

“People may not agree with what’s being said or how long it’s taking,” Mitchell said, “but we have to be there when our guys are coming back.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2175

or jsweigart@coxohio.com.

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We remember when Ben and Alex were little kids, and all they wanted to do was play army. We support YOUR decision and thank you for wanting to make a difference. Both of you will be in our prayers.

Joe and Sindi
10:47 PM, 12/2/2009

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I first thank the men and women who serve this country.

And for Mona and all the military family, thank you.

God bless your sons and daughters.

mary
10:16 PM, 12/2/2009

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ALL MOTHERS want their kids out of the war. I'm sure George Washington's mother felt the same way but where would we be today if she made George come home? They have to be there to keep US SAFE! They know that. They VOLUNTEERED! Keep your opinions to yourself and let the USA et al. win the war. Obama or Bush... who cares? Obama won't pull us out until it's over. He can't. He'll never be re-elected if he does because if we pill out now the enemy will creep into this country and destroy Wash. DC.

Richie
8:03 PM, 12/2/2009

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obama the socialist call the Afghanistan war a war of NECESSITY can your warped liberal mind grasp that. Odumby needs start treating this war like a war of NECESSITY instead trying to score political points, he is a comptomiser and a capitulater, that is why our military has little to no respect for Odumby.

Dr Who
10:28 AM, 12/2/2009

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George Bush isn't the President. B. Hussein Obama is. Obama can pull all our troops out of Afghanistan today if he so chose to. Nothing is stopping him. He's the most powerful man on Earth. Its Obama's war now. He owns it.

Its amusing that liberals called George Bush everything under the sun for his wars. Now, Obama supporters support the same twisted logic spewn forth to support Obama's Afghan war plans.

How can Obama - a warmonger - win a Nobel PEACE Prize. Its laughable.

Uncle Andy
10:06 AM, 12/2/2009

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