Please allow me to thank every one of you for what you are doing for our nation and the world. It may not seem like it, but my students and I are very grateful for your service. You have chosen to spend a significant part of your lives in conditions most of us could not handle, and your sacrifices are never forgotten by many of us back here at home.

I can understand that you would not care to let your loved ones know all that you are going through. In every martial corps men have found out what you have learned -- that sharing danger creates a bond of brotherhood that is like nothing else on earth.

If you or any of your comrades are interested in an email correspondence with me or my 11th grade U.S. history students, please let me know.

Meanwhile, accept our grateful thanks for your daily heroism.
Sincerely,
Rachel Wasserman
Sarasota, Florida

I watched the show on t.v. in my living room as I was frying chicken for my 2 sons when I got off from work. The show is extremely helpful in shedding light on what our men & women go through on a daily basis of their precious lives in a country that's not worthy to bring about peace, because their lives don't seem to be at all precious to them. I constntly ask myself as well as others "Why are our troops over there?" I don't understand anything behind this war.

I could only imagine what our troops are experiencing over there and I must say I was in my living room crying and praying at the same time on 4/1/08...I was just flicking through the tv channels trying to find something interesting to watch when this show called the "FRONTLINE" grabbed my attention. Anything that I can keep up with in regards to our men and women in that country (war period) it always grab my attention. So whoever idea this was to air this show of our troops did an extraordinary job and we as American people appreciate this show...thank you

God Bless All Of You,
Carolyn

I would like all that is serving to know that our thought and prayers are with you all, each and everyday. As hard as it is being away from your family and friends, you are doing a great job! My husband is also over there, so I know first hand on what your family's are going through. Keep up the good work and be safe.

Sgt. Borda,

Thank you! I just left my first "comment" for Sgt. Nunn and now it's your turn young man. You and your men have helped make us feel connected somehow with you all and what you are going through. I'll make this shorter as it's time to turn in but I just want you to know we are thankful for you. Please tell your team we are thankful for them too?
Keep your head high sir as there are many, many people who care about you and what sacrafices you are making. You are now part of our team, the Schanhals team, and we will be praying specifically for you and your men daily!

Thanks again,
Lee, MI. Proverbs 17:17

I try to watch Frontline on a regular basis. PBS is one of the few media outlets that gives more than one point of view on a subjet. As a proud patriotic US Citizen I feel like "I wish I could do more but I don't know what to do!"
After watching the show, I logged on to get an update. Then I thought I might leave a comment.
Now what? How can someone help? What do we do? Any requests?
vince

Vince, want to help? Spread the word. Email you friends, tell your buddies at work, the larger this grows the more of an impact it can make. In the meantime, Sgt. Borda, keep up the good work. We appreciate your effort and we all wish for you and your crew's safety.

I just watched Bad Voodoo & well your right this was way neater. I think your family will have a good idea now of what you do over there & I'm sure they are very proud. I'd like to thank you and all your brothers who helped with this show. My nephew is over there too & I think I can now understand him a little better.You are all so brave to open up your lives to us all so we can see this first hand.And for that I thank you. May you all be safe and come home soon. Hang in there

Sgt. Borda,
Please accept our humble thanks. By giving us a glimpse into your lives, you've shown what I already knew: there's no braver human being than the American soldier.

My wife Linda and I watched Bad Voodoo on T.V. tonight. We both agree that no one really understands the reality of what our troops are experiencing in Iraq. I had 22 years of military reserves where we trained for deployments every weekend. Our daily prayers are with you and your brave men. We will always remember the sacrifices made for a war that no one really understands. Thank you and may God bless you forever.

Sgt. Borda-

I was very moved by your story. Stay safe and if there is anything I and others can send to you and your buddies (care packages), please let us know.

Sloan
-NYC

How can I give more support, more than just prayers for your safe return? Words and pictures merely attempt to communicate what Yall at Bad Voodoo experience. What as "average joes" can we do to help? We need guidance from someone with experience, not someone with an "agenda".
All my best, I am so proud to be an American! GO BAD VOO DOO! MAKE ME PROUD!
Chris

I can't begin to tell you how frightened I am watching Frontline, knowing full well that this is a REAL LIFE situation and not a madeup fake reality show. I am not religious but I do pray that you all come back in one piece safely to your families and friends. Keep up the good work and be safe.

Anne

I to would like to take this time to thank all of the men and women who have gone so far from home to keep our country free. My son is to deploy in August and I am proud and terrified at the same time. I was just tv surfing when frontline caught my eye and really hit me hard. When will we bring our troops home. and Please God Protect my Son and All of the other Troops over there.GOD BLESS YOU ALL YOU ARE TRUELY MY HERO'S

If you don't share your experiences on your blog because of your family, it is still important that you do on some other sight where it will be seen by others. It's important for those of us back home to understand the realities of having our loved ones sent over there. You guys and gals are americas eyes and ears over there, and WE need to know the realities of what is REALLY happening. The more of us that know the truth, the quicker we make the right decisions as a nation... ESPECIALLY important in an election year.

You, and the rest of our troops over there have the prayers of this entire nation behind you. PLEASE keep telling us what is happening. YOUR viewpoint is not just important, it's ESSENTIAL...

God bless.

Ken, NY, NY

Ya'll are amazing, selfless and brave beyond anything I have seen--all for us your fellow American's truly thankful and look forward to the perspective being shared on Frontline being seen by as many folks as possible.

So important I think for us to see what ya'll are facing we are so insulated from the real day to day of those willing to push so much in their lives aside to serve our country-

What more can be said truly noble and heroic in many ways--the politics of it all stink to me...but you all rock!

Prayers for your safety each day and your safe return home soon!!

dear jason

thank you for the amazing young man you are. all of us over here need to support all of you now and especially when you return home. after what you have been through, what you have seen, we need to provide true support. what can we do in your opinion especially when this war is finally over? how do we all help? for now we need to end this war and bring you home safely.

sk

J.P.

Left a long comment on Sgt. Nunn's entry. Just wanted to say, even though I'm in grad school in San Diego now, I grew up in NoVA (PWC) and my family is still there, so if there's anything I can do to help you guys just let me know. Like I said to Sgt. Nunn, you guys are the new "greatest generation". You are not forgotten! Your devotion to your guys and to duty are manifestations of the best in humanity and America. I'll be thinking of all you guys always.

SGT Borda, I just finished watching the show and let me tell you, it brought tears to my eyes. I was there in 2003 and the show took me back to when I was out there. Just watching you guys, made me remember all of my friends especially the ones I lost. I am really proud I served my country and I am even prouder that you guys are doing the same. I know what you guys are going through, but it will soon be over. Thanks for serving our country. If I had to do it all over again, I would.

Thanks
Kenneth

That was AMAZING. I stumbled across Frontline when Deborah was giving you cameras when it caught my eye because I have a passion for taking pictures and videos. But as I watched, the subject matter was incredible. Some of us have no idea what goes on in your life over there, I appreciated seeing it so much and not only completely support you but feel indebted to you as well as all of our troops. It was interesting to see how you balance all that you're experiencing with the "normal" life you come home to. I empathize with you, and pray for all of you. Be encouraged that a greater power is in control, our Lord Jesus Christ, and he heals hurts, makes good out of bad and restores all that is ever lost. Thank-you. In Him.

I just want to say thank you for everything you guys are doing. you guys are my hero’s and maybe I will see you there because I will be enlisting next Friday so maybe one day I will get you meet you guys and serve with you. Take care keep your eyes open and heads low.

thank again,
Anthony

Greetings Sgt. Borda:

I watched the Frontline Report and was very impressed with your presentation. Your understanding of what you are doing over there amazed me. I would like to shake your hand and give you a hearty slap on the back and and a rousing WELL DONE Sir. I am far removed from your experience. I know for sure that few have put up with the protracted day to day tensions that you have handled in such a fine manner. I cannot say that even if I were a much younger man that I would want to! I wish you Safe Home and soon. Thank you.

WOW!!! Last night is the first time I caught the show. I don't watch much TV for the fact all you hear is the bad in our world. This was so intense,so incredible to watch. I was amazed! I think we as americans only think of our day to day problems, it's only when we actaully know someone who is there or their child is there that we get affected by what you all go through every day. I can't even imagine what it is like for you all, but know this your are my hero's and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifices. Jason Shaw......WOW!! THey showed a picture of you at 18 and now your 22,
you were a boy who is now a man....it was amazing to me to see the difference in your pictures. YOU my man are true and I am totally impressed that you volunteered to help your friend, and fellow comrads. YOU Rock!!!!
I called a friend last night about your show, his 21 yr old daughter is there.....she just left after a short leave home. I can't imagine being a parent, having a child there. I really like this show and I think it helps us AMERICANS see what you all do everyday for our FREEDOM!!!
I will continue to watch this with my two teenagers so they to understand what you men & woman do for us every minute, every day every year....THANK YOU & GOD BLESS EVERYONE OF YOU!!!!!!!
Adrianne Chase

Wow! I just left a comment on SFC Toby Nunn's letter and now I will on yours. Thank you. Words cannot describe how thankful people are for your attitude and your service in Iraq. You guys have truly left a profound impression on people like me. Deborah and your platoon will be special people in my life that I remember being forever indebted to. Americans are in debt to people like you who serve in Iraq. It's not about what we think we should do or how we think we should do it or even why. It's about you protecting people like me and keeping me safe. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

My nephew is a marine due to come home soon from a 7-month deployment in Al Anbar province Iraq. He never wrote or spoke about his combat experiences, but during that time I followed the war news and am smart enough to know that it's bad there. He was in under the threat of danger most of the time, living in the most bleak, extreme desert conditions.

After watching Bad Voodoo on Frontline last evening I could finally see with my own eyes what men and women with real faces and real names are enduring day to day. I felt sick when Sgt. Nunn told the men about applying their tourniquets on their door-side leg prior to leaving on their mission, and why.

I traveled with you in your cramped convoys on those roads and I was there in your truck when an IED exploded near the vehicle in front just as you crossed that one lane bridge. I prayed with the "Rev." I was scared; horrified. And I cried and cried, for you, for my nephew for all the soliers, and for their families... I pray we can find a solution to bring our soldiers home before more lives are lost, more are maimed, or traumatized.

News footage on television and newspaper articles just don't convey the personal view. I commend you for putting together this movie, it's important that we know that it's real and it's deadly. God Bless You All!!!!

Pauline

SGT Borda: Your unit's footage blew me away.
(I spent 8 years in the Army, OCS as Ft. Benning, tactical Signal Corps, been out for 20 yrs.)
Didn't even know there were military blogs I could go to. I'm totally psyched to be able to communicate with you & will follow closely.
Read your bio. Thank you for all your work!

Sgt. Borda.

Chip, I watched the special last night and I was very moved by you and your fellow mates efforts. I think no one can really relate to what you brave men and woman are going through over there. However, thanks to you, millions now know what is really going on. I am eternally thankful to all of you for your selfless sacrifice for others. I fully support you and our other brave soldiers who are fighting so courageously in the name of this country. Please know that I will always keep you and all your fellow Bad Voodoo men in my prayers. I am so proud to know such a remarkable man such as yourself. Thank you; there is no other word for it but Thank you, for your sacrifice. God Bless and come home safe to your wonderful family, who I am sure is anxiously awaiting your safe return.

Cristina

I watched the show yesterday and thank you thank you thank you. Thank you so much for opening up and sharing all the thoughts and feelings that you did. I understand your wanting to protect your friends and family and that is a great and noble thing. I think now you've made more friends and family who care about you, are wishing you well and can't wait for you to get back home where you belong.

Thanks for doing this for all of us.
Kiki

i

was med e vaced out of balad 8 august 2007.
i was in a secfor unit a-115 fa.we did the same missions,it was real watching it again,out

JP,

You media darling you! Had to one-up yourself from last time huh? Have seen the stuff in GX and now PBS Frontline...wow kid. Good job!

It'll be fun to say...I remember him when we were back in Ghazni watching french pornos and laughing at Chavez's antics waiting for the snow to melt.

Later!
SFC DB

You guy always do a very important job. I am so very proud of each of you. May God bless you and keep you safe.

Gary

Did you ever think you'd grow up to be a hero? Thank you for all that you have done. Thank you to your family, also!

That was really moving and I'd like to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! I could never do what you do. So much stress more often than not. I pray you keep well and come home in one piece alive and well! God bless!

While waiting for my 10 pm show, and trying to get away from the so-called reality shows, I happened upon PBS FrontLine's 'Bad Voodhoo War'.
Thank you for such a fantastic program. I must admit I got very emotional, especially when Platoon Sgt. SFC Nunn was holding his baby girl and when they crossed the bridge and encountered the bomb in the pothole. I also prayed along with you when you were getting ready to leave on your new detail. I cannot imagine the anguish each of you go through on a daily basis. I've written a prayer for you: "Divine Master, each day is a step into the unknown, we humbly ask for Your guidance and protection here and at home for ourselves and families, Amen".

I got home from work last night stressed from the economic position we have been put in this country by what I call extremely corrupt and extremely poor leadership.
I turned on the TV and saw the program on PBS, Bad Voodoo platoon. Glued to my seat and discussed with what I saw. I just could not believe my eyes. I completely forgot where I was. I saw the hell the American soldiers were put through from there prospective.
When I watched Sergeant SFC Toby Nunn, I saw a man of great courage and an incredible leader. This is a man who is fighting for our freedom in the US and I feel we are not doing the same here at home for him and his men in return.
I want to keep this as short as possible. It just seems that we are not in control of our country anymore.
Americans needs to do something about George Bush. I just do not understand how he has been the president for 8 years. I think a real man like Toby Nunn should have a chance to Lead this country.
While we are fighting someone else's war. Who is fighting our war? The American public is loosing there jobs to people doing it for ten cents on the dollar in a foreign country. (China, India etc.) We do not buy MADE IN THE USA anymore because it is not available and now these people who are loosing there jobs are loosing there homes too.
So we have the cost of living going straight up and labor going straight down. That's a pretty messed up equation if you ask me.

I want to thank Sergeant SFC Toby Nunn, I was moved by his documentary last night.
I hope George Bush got to see that.
Karnig Avakian

Since watching Frontline last night you and your platoon have been constantly in my thoughts and prayers and you will continue to be until you come safely home in May. The show was enlightening and humbling and it brought a new reality into our home; the reality of life in Iraq for American soldiers. At the beginning of the show when your platoon was assigned convoy duty I felt relieved for you and foolishly thought that it sounded easy and safe. How wrong I was. Thank you for being willing to participate in this project. It is so clearly having a powerful effect on people who watch it and just know that we are all hoping and praying for your safety as you drive down those roads.

God Bless you, Bro.

Take care of your other Voodoo bros and get home safely and soon.

I truly appreciate you and brothers and what you're doing. Thank you.

Dude, your noggin looks HUGE in that picture with Hamlin. And I hate to break it to you, but I think his guns are bigger.

Who loves ya?? Huh? Huh?

Seriously, I watched that last night and this morning. I couldn't watch it all at once cuz it was too hard.

Be safe, come home, build up some tolerance for the Conf. It will be in your best interest to do so!

Hooah!

This is fantastic footage. Great job guys from many different aspects. I wish the Cdn Military had the guts to allow such coverage!!
God Bless and hope you get home ASAP.... Perry

What can I say? There are not enough words to express how I feel. Was so touched by the honesty and humanity that came out in this program. I do not support this war but I support you guys 100%. I hope our next President brings you all home quickly ! God Bless you and know you are part of A Bigger Family that awaits your safe return ! I will be following your story !
Sincerely,
Ken

I would first like to say thank you sir. You and the other soldiers are some of the worlds biggest hero's sir. You and the others will be in my prayers.

Thanks for telling your story. You're a brave man. I just wish that this could be shown on CNN and FOX so that more people could see it. Your reporting is more effective and informative than anything I've seen on the news. I hope that you all get to come back home soon, where you can get on with the job of actually defending the country, a job that you seem very well trained to do.

The closest I have come to participating in this war was being a resident of NYC and watching the towers fall on 911. Having never served in the military, I would not presume to comprehend the incredible sacrifice all of you have offered. The courage and professionalism displayed by you and the rest of our troops is inspirational.

Having befriended a marine who served in the first Gulf War, I have seen first hand how he, like you, feels a strong pull to return to the service until all of his brothers are home safe. Let us hope that day is soon.

In the meantime, I would be very interested to know from your perspective what the best way to directly support the troops would be. What do you guys like to get in care packages? Is there a way to help the families directly? I would really like to raise some funds and do my part. Please keep your head up and know you are never alone and serve a grateful nation.

The program was awesome. I was glued to the tv while watching, and then was shocked to see your face pop up! You were with my son in Afghanistan a few years back. He is in Iraq now doing the same thing you're doing, and like you, he doesn't say anything about his "job" during his phone calls. I too was excited about learning what you all do over there (and maybe now just a little more scared!) I will continue to pray for your safe return. Keep watching out for one another as only soldiers can do.

WOW, I want to thank the soldiers of Bad VooDoo for letting me see how messed up this war really is. I am appalled that your mission has changed to monitoring the trucking of goods. How pathetic is our commander in chief that allows for you to have to put your lifes on the line to baby sit Iraq.

I believe all the soldiers went above and beyond with the invasion and overtaking of Sadam. Everyone should have been on a plane home the next day.

Please be safe, keep the faith that people at home really care about you and the sacrifices being made.

Raymond
Fort Myers, FL

I left a comment on SGT NUNN's comment page and wanted to leave you one as well. My son also serves in the ARMY as an Apache mechanic.. After returning from Korea he volunteered to go to Camp Virginia and ride convoy duty.. He was only there for 3 months and was sent back to Ft Hood to prepare for deployment to Iraq in June or July.. He would not talk much about what it was like over there. Little bits of information here and there but not much else.. I want to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to view what it truly was like over there, and what it was that my son was doing on a daily basis.. Although I do not always agree with some of the decisions our country's leaders make.. I will always support and defend those of you who are charged with carrying them out.. Your sacrifice and dedication to the service of your country is greatly appreciated.. I will pray for your safe and speedy return to your home and family. Stay focused... Be safe... J. Taylor

I caught the program and I have to say it brought back so many memories. I can feel the anxiety, the fustration and the anger all over again. I commend you guys for your hard work, I can feel your pain, and know your fustrations. I remember the long nights on the road, and how mentally tired I was. I can never explain what I went through, now I can tell my family to turn it to PBS.
Keep up the good work-Stay focused to the mission-
SFC J

Dear Toby and J.P. and all the others individuals in Bad Voodoo Platoon,

Just wanted to apologize in advance for my ignorance. I'm used to watching action shows on TV and I thought the footage of the caravan was dull and boring. There were no bullets flying, no pounding air strikes or hand to hand combat. So it took me a while to "get" it.

The monotonous flat scenery and the lack of action was mind numbing. And yet the potential for a sudden attack or a bomb in the road was real. I kept watching and listening to your comments until I started to appreciate how emotionally stressfull and physically dangerous it is to guard a convoy through enemy territory.

Oh, and a sincere thankyou for taking the time to film and report on those days your were so tired. It was worth it. I "get" it.

Thank you for putting somthing worthwhile on televison that gives us a real glimpse of what is going on with the war. Sgt. Nunn and his crew have shown us bravery beyond action. Their true bravery lies in their words and sharing their raw emotion with America. I cannot stop telling people about this program. I am ashamed that these men are absent from their families and fighing to survive in a war we have been in for far too long. Thank you for showing us true "reality t.v". Come home safe Bad Voodoo!

My youngest son is an Infantryman and my oldest Grandson will be leaving for basic this June. Thank you for your film and blogs, even though they have given me mixed emotions about my boys going over there. It has given me an insight that I had not known.

SFC Nunn and SSG Borda are great representatives of the U.S. military. I really appreciate the dedication towards these soldiers publications. Beyond the facts of war, they have exemplified bravery and an aspect of reality that many soldiers even fail to realize exists. Keep up the good work!

JP,
I was watching the show and was so surprised to see you. It seemed like just yesterday I sent you beef jerky during your deployment to Afghanistan. You guys are not forgotten and very much appreciated.

Just returned from a dinner party tonight and everyone was talking about the program. People I never thought would have watched it - had. And they were moved more than I thought possible. Reaching into the hearts & minds of us who live in the comfortable life outside the line of fire. The experience of Bad Voodoo platoon needs to be in our lives, needs to be in our conversations, needs to be top of mind when we consider the question of this war. I won't rest till I know Sgt. Nunn and his platoon come home safe. But more so, all come home safe. Yes, I support the troops - but for the nightly caravan? Can't trust check points that are supposed to be "on our side."? Our brave soldiers deserve more.

All of you soldiers over there in Iraq have not been forgotten by your fellow citizens in the USA.
We think of you often & pray for your return home.

We appreciate the difficult, dangerous missions you do each day in a place so far from home & loved ones.

Many of us here back home are working hard to help change the political leadership which sent you to Iraq. The upcoming 2008 Presidential Election will hopefully elect a new administration which has promised to bring you home asap. I will continue to keep you all in my
thoughts and tell you how proud you make me to be an American with guys like you on the front lines.
Thank you & God Bless you.

To the Men of Bad Voodoo Platoon: several score of us attended a presentation by Deborah Scranton this evening in Newport, Rhode Island about the project you have been involved with together with her. Many went home to watch for the first time the PBS streaming of the Frontline program on "Bad Voodoo's War" that first aired a week ago. So you can add another 100-200 people to those who have gotten to know something about what you face in your current deployment in Iraq.

It may be slow and incremental, but know that through the program, and your and your editor's efforts, your amazing commitment to duty and to each other is coming through loud and clear to an increasing number of your fellow citizens back home, as are the enormous pressures you face and the extreme sacrifices you are making. Your film gives real context to the reports of the growing strains on the US military, and also to the implications of the calls for a pause in the drawdown of the surge voiced on Capitol Hill today.

Through events like tonight's here in the smallest state, more Americans are becoming more aware of your important stories. This itself is important. God bless you all.

Sometimes being the girlfriend of an Infantryman is difficult. Believe me! You want to hear what has happened, what will happen. Sometimes not knowing is the scariest thing of all. But in all reality, not sharing everything is probably the best thing for you to do with your family. My boyfriend is a NY city fireman and even then, he has learned he can't tell me everything. We playfully call it "Denialville"....it is a happy place where I imagine all you guys do all day is sit in the sand and chill out. :) Haa! Sometimes that is what gets us back at home, thru the days and nights.
Please know all of us back home are thinking of you daily! We are ever so thankful for your sacrifices and wish you a safe return home soon!
Love and Gratitude!
~

To all the soldiers in "Bad Voodoo". I don't think I have ever been more proud of a group of people I have never met.I am teaching a class on the literature of war and your stories have made this war so real for the students. Thanks for being willing to pick up a camera and tell YOUR STORY.

Wishing you safe passage in all your journeys

Elizabeth Cleary
Greens Farms, CT