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Bad Voodoo's War

DVDs + Transcript

Running missions

April 11, 2008 8:28 AM | Comments (19)

We are grateful for all your support and comments. Right now our access to the internet is limited, and like the film stated, we're still running Convoy Security missions throughout Iraq. We will continue to check this site for comments and hopefully have more updates for you soon.

Cheers!
 -- Sgt. JP Borda

19 Comments

By Bobbie on April 11, 2008 11:00 AM

Toby,

So, lets talk bravery. I agree with you that bravery is confronting that which we fear within ourselves. That is your own, my own bravery. However, what others might see as your bravery is simply you being you, but it inspires bravery in others.

Some have called me brave because I'm outspoken, but for me I just don't know when to shut up. You are a story teller, so it might be impossible for you not to share your story, but for those who don't have the words or the way to express their story, you are brave for simply the sharing your experience. However, to take it to another level. You didn't just tell your story to people who you know, you told it to everybody (and by everybody, I mean every-effing-body). Including your bosses who might not appreciate it so much.

I, myself, find all of you brave for doing your jobs and for being willing to leave your families to protect mine. And for giving what most of America is, I believe, craving, which is some honesty in this thing.

Keep telling your story. You are very eloquent and I want to know about what is happening in this war from a place of experience and eloquence, rather than political gain or whatever other reasons color what is reported to us.

Simply telling the truth can be an act of bravery.

Take care.

Bobbie

By Anne Marie Deyoung on April 11, 2008 11:17 AM

I watched the show and it has stayed with me and broke my heart, that there are men like you there leaving your families taking your lives in your hands everyday. I am so proud of the military and so unhappy with the politicians. I don't know much about the internet and it took me a long time time to even find this site but every day I kept thing of you guys and wanted to tell you GOd Bless and Come HOME SAFE

By Nick Clifford on April 11, 2008 3:33 PM

To the men of Bad Voodoo, you are the courage and the fire that inspires us all. Thank you for sharing with us every inch that you give takes us miles. Your honor and love carries us. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Too often we find our American values being defined by the politicians on the Hill through the voice of the Media, but the truth is, you are our greatest Americans. You are our heroes. You make the ultimate sacrifice; of life, of family, of friends, so that we may live and enjoy another day of freedom. How can we voice the immense debt of gratitude that is owed to each and every one of you? I wish for just one moment I could stand in your presence and show you, face to face, what power of inspiration you hold and what joy of hope you have bestowed on me.

It is thought by some that the glory of the human spirit within our warriors has been replaced by a blind dogma dictated by the suited politicians with manicured hands and clouded minds. But you make us believe that our heroes are still out there. You show us that we do not need to fear the crumbling of our human dignity; for you are still out there, standing tall in the mud, awaiting the danger with a fierce resolve, and in doing so, most eloquently displaying our true values. You are our heroes. I can only speak for myself here, but for this college graduate, your names and actions shall never be overlooked, marginalized, or forgotten.

--Nick

By SSG Chris Kasper on April 11, 2008 3:40 PM

Bad Voodoo,

Thanks for telling (y)our story! My unit just got back from Iraq a couple of months ago. We ran convoy security missions along the same roads shown in the documentary. Thanks for showing the world what is sometimes very difficult to put into words.

Have a quick and safe journey home!

SSG Chris Kasper

By Mike Callahan on April 11, 2008 6:02 PM

Hi Guys,
I wrote an email after the FRONTLINE show, but I think it disappeared as I sent it.
Any way, you guys are great. I check your site several times a week. I love you and all the troops. We don't deserve you.
Come home safe and fast.
Mike Callahan

By vanne wacaser on April 11, 2008 6:47 PM

Thank you so much for putting your lives on the line for me and everyone else. I could feel the tension on your run and praying that each a everyone of you will be safely at home soon.

I am a grandmother. My grandson is a Marine and will probably deploy to Iraq the first of the year. I try to learn all I can about what is going on over there and this keeps me personally interested.

You all are so brave and I appreciate you so much. Also thank your families for their sacrifice as well. I keep you all in my prayers and look forward to hearing from you again.

Love, Granny

P.S. I think this video should win many awards.

By Kyle Wingfield on April 11, 2008 7:41 PM

Bad Voodoo,

I saw your show on tv twice and it really incouraged me. I am 16 and I am planning on going into the Marines, once I get out of high school. I know you hear this alot but thanks for what you are doing. If you have any advice please, send me a email.

thanks and God bless,
Kyle

By Tessie Williams on April 12, 2008 10:50 AM

Morning Black Voodoo Platoon,
Just wanted to let you know there are 2 packages coming your way next week. We sent them priority mail. Some of us gals who work for The City of Roseville, CA bought items off your Website listed under care package. We were told it took up to 7 days and I realize if you are out on the road you won't get your package until you get back. I also sent you some cd's to listen to. Just our way of saying Thank You. Our prayers are with you. Tessie, Stephanie, Linda, Gail and Sandy.

By Tina on April 12, 2008 1:41 PM

To all the men of Bad Voodoo,

I am the mother of a son who is serving in the U.S. Army. This is his second hitch. While I am extremely proud of him for enlisting during his senior year of high school as a result of 9/11, I am scared to death! He is now training for combat as he will be going to Iraq in June.

My heart goes out to all of our soldiers. We love you and pray for your safe, swift return home.

With greatest respect to all of you,

Tina

By Becky White on April 13, 2008 5:14 AM

Hello, Sgt. JP Borda,

Thank you for the update! I check this site every single day to see if there are new blogs, videos, or just anything... I like to know how you guys are doing... I guess I have sort of adopted you all in my thoughts and heart :)

Sincerely,

B. White
FL.

By Anonymous on April 13, 2008 6:17 PM

Thank You for telling your story so that Mom's like me can better understand what's really going on in Iraq, I appreciate you all and pray for your safety. Thank You for all you do.

Pope County Arkansas

By Sue Roman on April 13, 2008 10:07 PM

Sgt Borda: Thanks for checking in and know that we're thinking about you all. I look forward to more posts from you when you can.

By Barbara on April 16, 2008 12:47 PM

Thank you so much for the great service you did by being in the Frontline film. The program was the best look at what our troops actually go through daily. It was what was missing from the coverage we have had and needed so badly.

Your sacrifice is great. I cannot imagine going through what you have to deal with on a day-to-day basis because I do not have that kind of courage. I appreciate all of you doing what you do in the service of our country. I hope and pray that you will all be coming home safely and soon because I believe we should begin withdrawing our troops now, but at a safe pace.

I read stories on Iraq daily and blog on the dailykos where I've have written many "diaries" on Iraq. I can assure you that many many Americans care very deeply about your safety, and appreciate your sacrifices and service. We pay attention to what is going on in Iraq and we want the best for our military and their families.

You guys are incredible, and I'm thinking of you as you are working now. Please be careful and know you are not forgotten.

Is it warming up there now? I mean the temp. I live in Florida and it's only 60 degress today.

By Sgt B. on April 16, 2008 3:37 PM

Hey Sgt B,

We're getting spun up to take over Convoy Security in your neck of the woods come next fall. The material that you're sending back is a welcome addition to the training material we're collecting. Knowing that I'll have to defend against all of the factors found during long road marches lets me and the other NCOs of the company get our own Joes in the right mindset, with the right expectations.
You're doing good over there, and you don't have much time left. Be careful, be safe, and we'll see you when you get home.

(the other) Sgt B.

By Maria Ybanez on April 16, 2008 10:05 PM

Hello all,
I promised my brothers (both Air Force) that I would not take the yellow ribbon down the tree with Desert Storm and it's still there. I have to replace it every couple of months but it will stay up until the last one of our boys is back home. I am keeping up with you guys and I pray that you stay safe. You all are awesome, thank you for bringing the reality home. It is different from the news, it is you guys that are there sacrificing time away from your precious families, and we are so grateful and thankful. I hope your tour is up soon, and that you all come home safe. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Maria

By Minta Caine on April 18, 2008 8:56 AM

SGT Borda:

I just noticed that there is a posting from a sergeant in what appears to be the unit that will be replacing Bad Voodoo, when you all jump the pond back to the Land of the Big PX (do you have any dates on that, yet???). Perhaps those of us who have been following you all during this short time since your story aired could continue our suppport with the new platoon...? We could have a change of command ceremony, so to speak, and we could continue our OCONUS support with that unit, and our CONUS support with Bad Voodoo.

Just an idea. :)

Have you received any strange packages from Kathleen, Georgia, yet? :)

By Amanda Oldenhoff on April 18, 2008 2:21 PM

Hello Hope you guys are doing okay over there. i'm a senior at hartford union high school in wisconsin. We just watched your video in our class because we are talking about war. Sad thing to talk about. I know someone who is over there. My cousin is over there right now doing something. Will just wanted to stop by and say hope your okay, and stay safe.

love,
amanda

:)

By Matt Parmelee on June 9, 2008 1:42 PM

Thank you for having the courage that not all of us have. All of you have done a great job. Good luck and God Bless. Matt.

By SGT Hendry on June 23, 2008 5:49 AM

Hello Bad VooDoo! Wow, the shots from Shelby and Camp VA bring back the memories! Our guard unit (from Wisconsin) spent over a year of our lives living in those very tents. We were the SECFOR for the camp and ran smaller convoy missions, nothing like you guys are doing though, usually just a few hours up to a day at most. You truely are a great bunch of guys, hope all is well and your homecoming is a good one!

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