Emotionally stunning. Thank you!

I appreciate your taking the time to write. I sent an email yesterday. Mentioned my admiration for Jason Shaw. What that guy has been through, then helping his buddy's widow, not to mention a Silver Star. Says he has been through PTS,doesn't feel, has a hot temper but smiles through the interviews, and is so open about his problem. I would like to hear from a guy like that- what a soldier!
Please pass this along to SFC Shaw.
Thanks.
Mike

I just wanted to make a quick comment, I really think the world of you guys! I am moved to tears as I'm typing, keep small, be safe, & God Bless each & every one of you!

I can't tell you how proud I am to share the label American with you and all the troops. Stay focused and get home safe. You and your brave families are in my prayers.

BTW. I am so-called Blue State Liberal. Don't buy the bullshit. By far, we will always support the men and women in uniform. JHB.

Keep up the great job guys. Despite what you all hear, you inspire us everyday. It's men like you all that inspired me to head off to West Point next year. Thanks for all you do, stay safe in the box.

Hooah

Just wanted to let you know that I am very proud of all of you. My son is 17 and will be signing up for the army in a few weeks. He will finish his Senior year in High School and leave that summer. I must be honest and say I am scared. I love him so much. He wants to go infintry. Watching your program and speaking with the recruiter has helped me to understand that there is something inside my son like you all, that drives him to want to do this. I have to let him go. Thanks for sharing I am proud to be an american and I am forever in debt to you and fellow soldiers. You are awsome! Stay safe.
Tammy Thorson
Kendall, Wis.

Dear Voodoos,

I just finished watching Frontline and am so excited to have the opportunity to send you this message. I don't think I'm the only U.S. citizen that's, for the past...ah...three years, wondered what your lives are like while on tour. I don't know about you gentlemen, but lately I feel like our country has forgotten about you and your brothers at home who are coping with the repercussions of this war, because for some reason (I cannot fathom) we keep sending you and sending you and sending you until you are broken (physically and/or mentally) and don't even recogize your reflection.

Last night I was at the grocery store and there was a man who walked in shortly after me. He couldn't have been much older than me (mid 20s) and right away I noticed his prosthesis. I diverted my eyes so as not to embarrass him (and I suck for doing just that, instead of having some balls and asking him if he was in the Navy like his oversized NAVY sweatshirt so clearly pointed out).

I just kept shopping and running into him over and over again in the store - the entire time wanting to ask him if he was a veteran but too embarrassed to. When I went to check out, there he was in a conversation, with the more courageous checker, about his leg injury. I was right all along, he was in the service and was injured at war. And then I just let him walk away without saying a word to him.

The truth is, I didn't know what to say. A simple thank you didn't quite seem to make amends for the serious injury he had incurred. The only thing I can think of saying is, "I'm sorry." I'm so sorry that we keep sending you back, I'm sorry you can't be with your friends and family, I'm sorry you've lost all of your friends, I'm sorry this nightmare doesn't end for you, I'm sorry most people here don't understand what you are going through or are too proud/afraid to ask.

Bad Voodoo, thank you for documenting what will probably be the worst time of your life. I hope lot's of citizens watch your videos and are moved to make sure you never have to go back there again. I understand you want to spare family and friends from additional pain(by talking about your feelings and making these videos), but it is so important that you are not forgotten as this war drags on and on. We need to remind America that we are endangering our future (your young lives).

I hope you somewhat enjoyed reading this and don't hate me for being such a coward. You truly inspire me to try harder to educate myself and my friends about this war and your minute by minute struggles. Please hang in there, because you are very loved and respected back here at home.

Sincerely,

Kristin

I must be one of the thousands that hesitated to comment. I can't hold back anymore. I have watched the video, oh, let's see, 4 times now! I have such admiration for all of you, even the camera shy...nothing wrong with that! As a mother of two (grown) children, Jason Shaw has touched my heart. You haven't stopped believing kiddo...I can see it!!
Be Safe....

enjoyed watching the show and wish it was something every american would take the time to view. (also,recently watched a national geo report on a group of green berets in Afghanistan and the challenges they face.)

as a vietnam vet i know what it is like to be away from your family fighting in a war that most people at home aren't that interested in or able to relate to the tension, stress, and real challenges you deal with daily.

my hat is off to each of you for your efforts on our behalf.

stay alert and stay safe.

Thanks. If you see my son, say hey. "Keep up the Fire" Stay safe.

I just wanted to give a word of appreciation to everyone in Bad Voo Doo. Thank you all for what you have done by opening the eyes to everyone on how pointless the war has become. We have a very dear friend in Iraq and a collegue of mine just left monday for Kosovo and our prayers are with you all. Be safe, serve a purpose, and only 1 more month!! YEAH!!

What an amazing idea this little film. THANK YOU first for being brave enough to put your feelings out there, (I think that can be pretty scary.) Second, THANKS for being warriors and being warriors at a time when you don't seem to get any real back up from the very government that sent you there to begin with (OK I promisee not to get into that) This project doesn't have to end does it? The exchange can continue through cyber space. Just know that you've let the cat out of the bag, we know now and we want to help. The best of luck to you all.

I was stunned as I watched Frontline the other night! I was safe in my home, but I could feel the awful tension that you must feel every day on the road. I don't know how you do it! Please stay safe and rest assured that you have our highest respect and admiration! We are praying for you.

I feel like I know you guy's stay safe!

In one word "Hero's" and that's what you guys are!!!

Stay safe and thank you from Minnesota!!

Kevin

Thank you so much for such an honest portrayal of what our service men and women go through over there. My nephew is a Sgt. in the Wisconsin Army National Guard and spent a year at FOB Speicher at a desk job (he said). Turns out he was escorting convoys moving supplies, so this was very person for me. He's currently in college in Wisconsin, and I emailed him to say happy birthday today. He let me know his unit is due to go back for another tour next year. God, I hope this thing is finished or a lot further along by then. Thanks to all of you guys and stay safe.

I was awestruck by the program. God bless you and stay safe.

We'll be thinking about you whether your online or not. Know you're busy - just tell us what you can when you can.

I wanted to let you know how much we appreciate the show. The incredible honesty, bravery, humor and heart you all allowed us to see left a deep impression. I was left wanting for something I could do to help, but the least is to just let you know that I will continue to think of you guys and your families. Keep taking care of each other and come home safe - you've gone above and beyond doing your job and fighting the war, to helping us at home to better understand at least a part of it. Thank you for that, Laura

JP and Voodoo:

I was against the war from the start. Marched and everything. People on the left always say we support the troops but not the war. Sometimes it becomes a platitude. Speaking for myself, after watching this I know I really mean it in a way I didn't before. You guys are doing a great service. The war still stinks. But I hope you all get home safe very soon.

Thank you for your honesty. We are all proud of you and pray for you and your families continuously. Even though we cannot thank you in person, please accept our gratitude for a job well done.

Psalm 91 is befitting for your platoon:
"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.

Psalm 91 continues on...too long to put here. Maybe Rev could read it out loud. God bless each and everyone of you.

I feel so small right now,this film and these brave,brave SOLDIERS make me want to be a better person.A better FATHER,HUSBAND,SON,FRIEND,AMERICAN but most of all a better MAN.We owe our FREEDOM and GRATITUDE to these COURAGEOUS MEN and WOMEN.The government needs to WAKE UP! GOOD JOB SHOWING EVERYONE THE TRUTH.I THANK YOU AND I SUPPORT YOU ALL.

I don't think my feedback made it the other day but I'll try again.
Thank you so much. The documentary was amazing in its honesty and tact. The respect you guys have and the editing choices were so fantastic. You were genuine, patriotic, exhausted, frazzled, and willing to give show yourselves.
In my message that didn't make it, I said I'm angered by the war. There were very poor choices and I worry about the men and women who are there. I have a great deal of respect for the military representing our country. But I question my respect for the people who send them there.
I can be angry all I want and I can hate the war.
BUT THIS DOCUMENTARY MADE ME FEEL FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE THERE, regardless of IF I believe in the war.
That is very important.

I'm really looking forward to the rest of this.

Thank you, fellas.
Best of luck.
We're thinking about you.

Susan

I don't even know what to say. Nothing I think of seems to have any bearing or relevance to what you may experience or understand. I have the urge to commend you, thank you, cite your honor, and express all else along those lines, but I feel like such a hollow candidate to tell you must already know about yourself. Watching the show has certainly handed me some perspective. Not primarily about the "right" or "wrong" of the situation, but more perspective of myself and who or what I am. I don't mean to equate myself or struggles to those of yours, but I can't help it to some degree. This may be of no consolation to you, but you have caused me to stand outside myself and see me from your eyes. I feel grate shame seeing myself they way I expect you would. I feel like a lost little boy trying to make sense of existence and the world from my comfy, trivial, spoiled life in Fort Worth. I know I'm not like you. Its not in my constitution as a human. I'm sure if I got caught in flood waters I would try to swim, but I'm not so sure I could willingly take to those waters to stand for an ideal or principle. This has been an extremely humbling experience for me. I believe any feeling of pride I may accomplish in life will forever have less significance in comparison to the pride I attribute to you. You are the example. You deserve peace and safety.

You Boys just need to come home.
You should have never have gone over there in the first place!
We support you here back home..But we dont support the man who sent you there!

God Bless!

Thank you all so very much for letting us know whats really going on over there... I don't see the need for you to be there risking your lives so some trucks can get threw!your talents are needed else where! Be safe come home soon!

Men of the Bad Voodoo Platoon,
First, Thank you all for your service to our country. You are all true American Patriots. As an Army Veteran who was deployed to both Iraq and Guantanamo Bay I know what its like to be away from home.

When I watched the show I saw how you all personified the Army's core values (Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and last but not least Personal Courage). Stay positive and stay vigilant. Take care and be safe.

Former SSG.
EZ

Not having any family or friends who are in the military, it's hard not to be affected by stereotypes of what soldiers are (supposed to be) like. I think this program, particularly your video logs, effectively counters the stereotypes. The stereotypes I'm talking about are both the negative ones and the "positive" ones. As the program shows, you guys are pretty much like most of us: just trying to do your jobs as best you can. You're ordinary human beings. I mean that in the best way.... If we could all see each other like this, we'd all be better off.

It's just too bad our bosses sometimes make us do stupid things and sometimes give us a bad name, knowing that we'll toe the line simply because we need to keep our jobs and feed our families.

Thanks for your honesty and openness.

All the best,
Scott

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for your service!
You all have our prayers,thoughts and graditude forever...
You guys make me so proud to be an American..I will always remember this show!

Hey Sergeant Nunn and the Voodoo Troops,

I watched the show. It was very well done. I and my family appreciate your service to this country.

I am an exofficer and Desert Storm vet from the 101st. I gotta ask. How come I never saw your platoon leader or CO in any of the video? I hope to god they are leading the way and taking the hits with the rest of you.

Please be safe and our prayers are with all of you.

Hooah!
Mike

I just watched the episode tonight. So I just want to say what's up.
Looks like you guys are getting close to May. Which is great. This show was very real and honest to me. I'll be thinking about all of you. Tonight this show made me think beyond my opinions of this war. Seattle Blessings to all of Bad Voodoo.
Peace

I just want you to stay safe and get home soon. Thank you for trying to show us what it's like there. I am grateful and humbled after watching this program.
You are my heroes.

Thank you. My son is there too, doing what you guys do. He doesn't say much about what goes on, so letting us see what your lives are like helps me understand a little better what he is experiencing. God bless you and keep you safe.

Thank you for bringing it home to us.
You are LOVED and APPRECIATED!
I believe in you and I want success in Iraq...

You guys really rock! Bless you for using you meager spare time to show us what is happening!
We are all 100% behind you guys and will be praying for you constantly, even after you come home safely.

I am soon to start an accelerated one year nursing degree and then I will be joining the Army. Seeing the program the other evening and the devotion you have to each other and to your country and families, further helps to motivate me through what will certainly be a grueling academic year. And at 44, I will be an "old" 2nd Lt., LOL, but serving with, and providing medical care for men and women that are willing to leave their families and put their lives on the line every day is something I look eagerly forward too. God Bless you all and stay safe.

You are all amazing! Thank you for sharing your story with all of us. Keep your head up!

Love Megan

Guys - As a former 1st Cav & 10th Mtn Officer I can relate to you more than you can imagine. Your video's have really hit home, and bring the 'real' war to people's living room. Seeing you over there --- stuck in those boring, long convoy's & just waiting... hoping nothing happens is painful to watch. Stay safe & keep your eyes on the road. I would rather have you watching for IED's than filming for PBS!!! We love you back home. Don't ever forget that. All of you have great lives ahead. It will be over & you'll be back home soon. Gavin

Just needed to let you guys know that you are making B co. 1/184 Inf. proud over there and we all look forward to seeing you home safe soon. We will be following your lead starting in July as the whole company has been attached to 1/185 armor for deployment to Iraq. I don't think we will come home celebrities like you, but that's not why we do what we do is it? God bless, be safe, and the first round is on me when you get home. Oh, sock SSG. Thomson in the chest for me. What business does he have being a squad leader?..... LOL

I could never thank you guys enough for what you do for us! I know that I could never handle it, I'm too much of a Sally! But seriously I think you guys for all that you do :) Be safe and God Bless :) Hope you guys can come home soon!

Bad Voodoo ~

Powerful episode which exemplifies your bravery and honesty with humbling candor. The perspective portrayed in this video provides a much needed consciousness for those of us who have become detached from your experience. Thank you for sharing with us. Return home safely and keep us posted.

I've watched the show twice now in one week and all I can say is you really showed me the reality of what's happening over there. I really related to the fact that marriage, family and dating relationships are adversely affected by these many deployments. I think we've all gotten a sense of some of what you all are going through. I appreciate the many sacrifices you're making! Be safe.

I hope you feel the out pouring of love and respect we have for you. My image of the way in which your working left me awe struck. I connected with events of your lives and the situation all through the film and it made me feel relief. Relief, that our troops go above and beyond and are strong physically, mentally and spiritually.

"May the Holy Ghost bring you home, May you stay mentally sharp and alert and May you have the physical strength and keep Love in your hearts"

One of the parts that really touched me was seeing the landscape. Being a Massachusetts girl I visited California and could identify with the tone in which the film showed. I felt the roads and the energy it took to get to my destination. On one road I took I remember comparing the length to traveling Several Mass states. I understand the strength and the feelings and the courage, from the bottom of my heart I pray and think of all your safe arrival home.

I'm right there with Rev praying for you guys. I couldn't sleep for 2 hours after seeing the program. I felt like I was right there with you and I was straining to look for IEDs in the spot lights. From a greatful America. thank you. JR

I can't tell you how proud I am to have you fine gentlemen representing and fighting for our country. It's sad more of the news media and more people in our country do not begin to understood what a tremendous sacrifice you and your families are going through on our behalf. Thank you for these films, thank you for your service to all Americans, we are all very proud of you. Stay focused and get home safe. You and your brave families are in my prayers.

BV: fight off the fatigue, don't let your mind wander; don't take shortcuts; take care of each other. Respect from Big Blue, and when it gets hot, call for air. We do urban skylights, renovation, and demolition-we eliminate problems. Godspeed. VA

JP,
Your Frontline documentary was absolutely incredible. While watching it, my husband and I were riveted in place. When it was over, we were speechless.

Our sincerest thanks to you, Deborah, SFC Nunn and the men of Bad Voodoo.

I come from a blue state. f*** the war, god speed to all of you.

dont buy the bulls*** that if we are against the war we are against you

The documentary was wonderful, sad, infuriating, upsetting and so many more things. I think EVERY AMERICAN should watch this show and see just a glimpse of what OUR soldiers are going through EVERY day over there. Thanks SO much for sharing your lives with us. I hope and pray you stay safe and come home for good in May. I will continue to follow your story online. May God Bless You and Keep You.

I am so proud to be American! I love you guys. Thank you for sharing your story. Your dedication and commitment shows deep love for our nation. Your compassion to defend it, and your desire to volunteer and help others in need is deeply appreciated many. Since day one, I've never forgotten your efforts and sacrafices. With deepest appreciation, thank you for all that you do. Stay safe and god bless you.
-Tom

You and the troops are the epitome of what American heroes and patriots are all about. How blessed our country is to have the treasure of your idealism. May you have peace at last and soon return home to your loved ones.

Howdy All:

I watched the Show the other night and found it captivating. After listening to hundreds of hours of "talking heads" analyzing the war, I was fortunate to see this episode of Frontline.

I will be most interested in your updates of how you all are doing and will be thrilled to hear that you are all home safe next month.

Thanks for being willing to share your experience in Iraq and your "other lives" back hear in the States. It really helps to understand and appreciate the job you all are doing.

You are in my thoughts.

Bob

Thank you for your service to our country. And thank you for letting a set of cameras into your life out there. Those of us that sit here in the US have a tough time trying to understand what exactly is going on out there. Thank you for providing us a slice. The thing that struck me is that you guys are an amazingly capable unit doing one specific task for months. Isn't in the best interest of our military to rotate people into different tasks and keep them fresh? This just seems like management 101 to me.

That piece was very moving. Come home safe.

Dan, San Francisco

hoooha stay safe and come home

Della and I wish you all a safe return.

Gentlemen, first of all thank you for your extraordinarily professional service and decent behavior in the face of Iraqi hostility. Regardless of how the Iraqi military and police behave (that checkpoint IED ambush was disgraceful), you keep your cool; I don't think many of us back home have that kind of self control. Secondly, thank you for being willing to film your experiences and open up your minds and hearts to us so that America can really understand what its like there. So many people here seem to have forgotten that we've got a lot of good people like you in harm's way. Lastly, I've been a blue-stater my entire life and yet I've always had enormous respect for the military, so does everyone I know. So please, please, please don't believe the buttheads in the media who say that liberals don't care about you. We want you home; we want us out of Iraq; never should have gone in the first place. I'll tell you - the country seems to be finally waking up to that reality. Lastly, its obviously extremely hard for you all to be vigilant 24/7 but please keep doing it. I feel like I know you now, don't want anything to happen to you. Hang in there, stay focused, stay safe. Respectfully, G. Ward

Excellent documentary, I could feel the stress and relief 1/2 a world away. I've felt that exhaustion before; I've seen that look before on my men and it brought back memories both good and bad. Never forget that this too will pass and soon you will be back in the States. Never lose your humanityand never doubt America will take care of you when you come home.

You may wonder why you're there, you may doubt the cause. That's OK, is a natural reaction but you shouldn't discount the danger losing Iraq would be to our way of life. You guys are defending our economy, our future, and freedom. These are dangerous times and we need Bad Voodoo protecting us. Eyes open and stay frosty.

Thank you for creating such an excellent documentary. I'm extremely proud of all you and wish I could give you all big hug. As so many have already said, you are amazing and in my thoughts and prayers. Do what you have to do, and come home safe.

You remind me why I send cards and care packages every week to service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's a great way to personally support the men and women doing such hard, exhausting and stressful work. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to do something to lift the spirits of our troops a bit. Adopt a service member and send cards, letters, or boxes of goodies to remind them of home and bring a smile. There are lots of great organizations, including www.anysoldier.com.

SFC. Toby Nunn,

From one Canadian to another, I was deeply moved to see your obvious dedication, commitment, and authentic love for your men under your leadership. It's clear that you carry a great burden, but do it with integrity, honor, self-sacrifice, and brotherly love.

Here in Canada I've met many refugees from Iraq and Afghanistan who tell amazing stories of the heroism of occupying soldiers protecting, healing, sacrificing, saving, and caring for Afghani and Iraqi innocents - people caught in the cross fire.

My friend "Sarah" is a 17 year old with 5 younger brothers and sisters - her mom and dad were brutally murdered by Taliban in Afghanistan for aiding Canadian soldiers. As an unprotected woman with children, it was easy for the Taliban to take over her home. Her place of sanctuary became a hub for planning attacks on occupying soldiers.

She tells stories of her and her family being prisoners in their own home. Her and her sisters were repeatedly raped and beaten. One of her brothers tried to stop the rape of one of his sisters and was beaten so badly that he is now crippled. "Sarah" spent many hours praying for death to come quickly for her and her family.

American soldiers tracked down the Taliban men to her home and attacked. The soldiers were able to save her and her family. They killed everyone of those evil men.

The soldiers connected "Sarah" with someone who got her and her family out of the country. She now lives in Canada and is extremely grateful to the American soldiers who saved her life and the lives of her family. She is grateful to be in a land where she and her family can, not only be safe, but experience freedoms that the Taliban had taken away when they came into power. She dreams of a time when the Americans win the war and enable her people to rebuild - she looks forward to going back and being a part of that. In the mean time, she waits and prays for all the occupying soldiers there.

I'm telling you "Sarah's" story because I want to encourage you and your men while you are there. You are making a difference for those fighting for freedom in these countries - freedoms that we tend to take for granted in America. Beyond the distorted political reasonings for being in the war, there are people who are no longer under the thumb of the Taliban and Suddam Hussein and they are singing your praises - I've heard some of those praises first hand.

Please be encouraged by this and know that their are Afghani and Iraqi people who are grateful that you and your men are there and sacrificing so much. "Sarah's" little brother often says "American heroes mine" - he's in grade one in a Canadian public school and have sent letters to Canadian soldiers, thanking them for what they have done and are doing. It's incredible to see the Pure joy in his eyes when I pick him up from school! You've been a part of the great gifts that have brought so much joy and healing and HOPE. You've been a part of restoring hope that seemed lost forever.

God bless you and keep you safe "American heroes mine".

Maryanne

Just finished watching the video online...
As a 22-year-old watching this footage from the comfort of a university library, I was incredibly moved by your honesty and courage. Thank you all for bearing the burden of this war and sharing your story.
You will be in my thoughts...hang in there and stay safe!

Please be extra careful and come home safe. You are the future leaders of this country and we need men like you to run this country as it should be, not like the embarrassing administration the past 8 years. Bad Voodoo, you guys are my heroes.
Jeff N.

Hey boys of Bad Voodoo,
I just watched your clip of the nasal passages recertification and I was in tears laughing. It's good to see you all smiling and laughing despite what looked to be a very uncomfortable procedure. I hope you never need such a device and come home safe.
Jeff N.

Well, days have passed since your last message. We're waiting for the next. Understand you're busy.

Thank you for your difficult and valiant service. May boredom and fear be the worst that happens to you on this tour, and all fingers and toes return safely home.

I understand your loyalties are to each other. Please understand that out in the electronic void beyond the lens, there are those loyal to you as well.

Best to your families.

Outstanding documentary! Helps me better understand what our troops are going through over there. Keep up the great work, and thank you for sharing your lives with us.

If I were a soldier I could only hope to be under your command, Toby. Thank you for showing the world the best of our Western qualities, while Bush and his admin shamefully showed the world the worst. You and your men are a perfect example of why war is supposed to be a last resort! Supporting the troops means bringing you home from this concocted war!

From the start I've been mad as heck you were ever sent to Iraq, I never voted for Bush, and will support any politician that will work to bring you home! I will also vote for legislation that supports vets in the long term.

I know we are a world away, but we are with you in heart and spirit. I will continue to follow your stories... wishing you all safe tours followed by safe journeys HOME!

Hello,
My husband, Sgt McLellan, with the 1-160th D Co. currently serving, sent me the link to the show the other day. I cried thru most the entire show. My husband tells me how it is, but seeing it on tape, makes it even more real and scary. I can't wait for him and you guys to come home in a few weeks (I can't believe it is actually a few weeks...) - Good luck & Continue to be safe!
Lorena McLellan (Proud wife of Sgt. McLellan)

Thank you for showing me all the scrafices you have made. Bad Voodoo is in my thoughts and in my prayers.

Its a tough thing to know the right thing from the wrong, especially sitting here in my home with my family safely asleep. But I do know that I want you and your "boys" back home safely as soon as possible. Saying thank you doesn't seem like nearly enough.

Gods speed.

Just caught the last half of the documentary on PBS. Really am amazed by the courage it takes to do that work and also to share it with this chronicle of American history. Impressed by Sgt. Nunn's composure and professionalism. I find myself pausing between sentences, smoking a cigarette, and carefully choosing my words. It's kind of hard to find words to say after seeing the documentary. It is that feeling that I wanted to share with you all. I am proud of you all. Often I feel like everyone is a stranger. After seeing this, I am beginning to understand and feel a connection with everyone. AMERICANS.

former Air Force dude saluting Bad Voodoo and wishing I could have been more like you all. I AM IMPRESSED. God bless you all.

james

just sent you guys an email, but wanted to comment here, too, after reading these. like a number of previous posters, i'm also a dyed-in-the-wool liberal (from california), and i also respect what you do so, so, so much. soldiers don't get to choose which wars they participate in, the government does. everything you do is in service of your country and that is an incredible and nobel sacrifice. i can't wait until i read that you've come home safely. we are with you.

bethany

Thank You so much for your service and devotion to our country. This video has really brought home the day to day struggles that the Iraq War brings to our service men.Since viewing the video I have made a decision to pray for all of you daily,as well as all in service. Stay safe. God bless you.

Toby Nunn for President 2020-2028. My children (and America's children) need a leader like you to put this country back on track and once again be admired by countries around the world. My father was part of 'the greatest generation' and WW II. I'm sad to say that the baby boomer generation (Bush et al) has taken the great U.S. of A. and run it into the ground through arrogance and greed. My generation (1960- ) hasn't done much either. It's 4-6-08. All of Bad Voodoo will be home hopefully in May. Come home safe and stay home. Bush has the gall to announce today that he wants to significantly increase the U.S. troop presence in Afganistan in 2009. Good call, Bush-- only 7 years too late.
Jeff

I'm in awe of you guys, as is anyone who has watched this program. i sometimes wonder if this country -- let alone Iraq -- deserves the service you guys provide. I'm sure in your darker moments you wonder the same thing. : ) I just hope we do deserve it and that you all arrive home safely, and get some rest for those tired eyes.

While I thought the show was incredibly effective at portraying the point of view of the soldiers in Iraq and the ongoing level of tension they live with, I would like to see a show giving the point of view of the Iraqi civilians who have lost family, and who have been injured, because they far outnumber the American soldiers wounded and killed in this war. What is it like when soldiers speaking a language you don't understand bust your door down and act like they have every right to be there? What makes soldiers assume if they yell really loudly, the terrified people in this house will somehow understand the meaning of the words, as if they had a Star Trek "universal translator" implanted in their brains that became active at high decibel levels?

So many of the viewers said that while they don't support the war, they support the troops. Do they realize how illogical that is? These are not Vietnam vets who were drafted against their will. It's a volunteer army. How can you be opposed to the war, and not be opposed to the actions of those who are engaging in the war? These soldiers didn't have to join up. As far as I can see, a lot of the frustration Bad Voodoo feels is due to the fact that this tour of duty doesn't involve taking the fight to the enemy, and they are obliged to follow Rules of Engagement that prevent them from killing everyone who seems suspicious.

Can you imagine what it's like to be an Iraqi civilian who has to travel to see a sick relative and you are on the road at the same time as a military convoy? If you stay on the road, the paranoid soldiers think you are an insurgent, if you pull over to the side of the road to let them pass, they think it's a car bomb. Whatever you do is open to be misunderstood by a trigger-happy soldier. They must be thinking "BUT THESE ARE OUR ROADS!!! We aren't in America occupying your country and establishing checkpoints everywhere, and busting down your doors."

The one good thing about this film and movies like "Stop-Loss" is that they do seem to succeed in increasing sentiment against the war for those who actually watch them. Americans may not care about the Iraqi people, but they don't want their soldiers in harm's way. So it does look like the Democrats will win the next election, and may very well have a long run in power. The soldiers will leave and the people who hate America (which is most of the world) will celebrate the defeat of Goliath by the underdog David.

The other positive consequence of America's impending defeat, is that regardless of how many other 9/11s there may be in the future, it is unlikely that any U.S. President will want to take his country to war again when it is inevitable that they will lose it, and with a very high financial cost, not to say the cost in American lives. We have become like a muscle-bound warrior whose muscles can't actually be used. All the nuclear weapons and high-tech weaponry won't do us any good when every war we fight will be a guerilla war where the enemy are concealed as civilians, and their objective is to make the occupied country ungovernable, bankrupt the occupier, and keep a steady stream of soldiers flying back to America in body bags. How could dimwit Bush not have known that this is the way it would end?

When the IRA was fighting its 30 year guerrilla campaign against the British, they knew they could never defeat the British Army with its superior Army and weaponry. But they also knew the British would never be able to defeat them and that was a victory in itself. It was only as the IRA men who had been teenagers when the conflict began were reaching middle-age and realizing that this was a stalemate, and they didn't want their kids spending years of their life in jail or on the run as they had, and that the fact that the Irish Nationalists were becoming a larger proportion of the Northern Ireland population and this meant the possibility that they would one day gain political power, that they considered laying down their arms. What's amazing is that the British were actually willing to stay there for 30 years. While I believe they had no right to occupy and govern a part of Ireland and disagreed with many of their despicable tactics, I have to admire their staying power. Of course the number of British soldiers being killed wasn't particularly high compared to American losses in Iraq, and the expense of staying there and compensating businesses destroyed by bombs was evidently something they were willing to live with.

A democracy can't keep a war going for long without the support of the public, since the government can just be replaced. And in a democracy with a free media, it's hard to sustain popular support for a war with the technology that we have now that allows us to see what war is really like. While I'm glad that this technology has been instrumental in building opposition to the Iraq war, I'm glad it wasn't available in WWII. Hitler did have to be stopped. But how would things have been different if we had had this technology back then? As the public were able to vicariously experience the hardship and suffering of their soldiers in Europe, how long would it have taken before the calls to bring our boys back home became deafening? "What are we doing over there in Europe anyway? France isn?t our country! More American soldiers have died in Europe than at Pearl Harbor!"

But I'm glad this war will end in our defeat. As the character in the movie Platoon said, "we've been kickin' ass for so long it's about time we got ours kicked". The anti-American hatred may ease up a little when our soldiers leave Iraq looking like a humiliated army with their tails between their legs. But there will be plenty of reasons for the third world to hate us still, and contrary to what our dimwit President says it has nothing to do with the fact that we are a free country. They can hate us just as much for our wealth compared to their poverty; our ignorance of any other country than our own; our rapacious consumption of the world's resources; the fact that we aren't Muslim, and for our "decadent" culture which they believe is a corrupting influence on their traditional conservative sexual morality. The world is a small place now and no matter how remote the country, if they have electricity, then they also have VCRs and American videos, not to mention hip-hop music. American culture is ubiquitous and it can destroy an indigenous culture as surely as weapons can.

So until America is finally replaced at the top of the heap by another Superbully, we will be hated for quite some time to come. Barack Obama's pastor was criticized for his denunciation of America, but he got it right.

I just finished watching the show on PBS and couldn't get enough of you guys. The amount of strength and courage you all have shown to us is amazing. It almost makes me want to join...!!

Much respect. And much support to you and your men.

People like "TrueBlueStateAmerican" have no idea what they are saying. And like many others these days are an embarrassment to our country.

I am a liberal. I don't support the war. I do support the troops. True Blue Dope Head is too dense to figure out that this is an option and a legitimate one. Comments like his/hers to people like you bring an anger out that is deep and severe. Attitudes like his/hers got us into this situation. The men and women you serve with are doing your part to get us out. I could not let that inane comment/drivel go without responding in your defense.

I just finished watching the documentary. Information like this is what needs to be sent out to all of the US. People need to see the real story. People need to learn. You are helping. I only wish we had a way of repaying your service and class.

This isn't the last you have heard from me. And I would like to point out I am not afraid to include my name at the end of my comments (unlike the coward before me).

Much love and much respect from a citizen.

Tim McWilliams

Hi,

This is Jason Shaw's father. I could say that I have never been prouder of Jason than when I watched the show but that would not be true. I have been proud of him for a long time.

My son had a very hard time growing up. As stated in his bio his mother committed suicide when he was a child. Then he came to live with me and my current wife, Heidimarie. Jason had a rough time of it and was very rebellious groing up. The military was probably the best for him and gave him structure and purpose

When Jason went to Iraq the first time it was hard on us all. Very hard. We had little to no communication with him. Packages often did not make it to him. He was in Kuwait till the invasion. We did not know what to expect, we were told that over 10,000 could die going in to Iraq.

Jason's mom (stepmom) cried every day. She finally had to see a therapist as a result and started to develop stomach ulcers. Every time we heard the news that another boy was lost, we tried to not talk about it. Tried to ignore it so both of us would not end up crying. Quite often I would take a drive alone so I could choke up.

Then Jason's brother, Kevin Shaw, a Marine went over to Iraq. We had two boys in Iraq a the same time. It now became twice as hard. Both of our boys came back heroes with awards. We were so proud. Then the shock again as both boys went back.

The second time it became easierin some ways. We kind of just lived our lives. This war had become part of it. And igonring the danger became a defense mechanism. Yes we had pangs of depression and anxiety, but in a way avoiding the reality of our boys being over there kind of allowed us to be sort of normal.

During this time my wife helped to start the Marine Moms in Houston, doing a big drive in Houston for care packages. It was not just for the Marines, it covered all services including the Army but was mostly run by moms who had kids in the Marines. It allowed us to send both our boys and all the others we considered ours packages and help grieving moms who lost kids (that was very hard but inspiring).

When both boys came home we felt that was it. It was a huge release. Then came the news, Jason was going back. He did not tell us he volunteered, he knew we would try to talk him out of it.

Yes we have not been as involved this time. Again I guess we kind of avoid it or we find it hurts too much. We still have major anxiety moments and that will last till Jason comes home. Mom still goes outside to cry once in a while. As she puts it, as parents we have done 5 tours.

Luckily we have three grandkids (Jason has two sisters and a brother) here in the U.S., one with special needs (he has pfeiffer syndrome) and needs 24 hr care which takes up a lot of our time and attention and keeps us busy.

I was scared to watch the show, I know Jason does not tell his mom most of what happens over there, he is protecting her. Jason kind of leads her to think of it as a normal job. He tells me different because I ask.

I am glad this show came towards the end of their tour (these last few months will now seem and do seem to take as long as the entire war) as it would have made us nervous wrecks again however I do think it was important for the world to see the reality of the war. One they rarely if ever get to see.

Look as some of the blogs and you will see so many reporters reporting incorrect stories just to get in the news first and often stories against our boys that just are not true. This in my mind should be considered a crime and reporters doing so should have to answer in a court of law.

I can't thank Sergeant Nunn enough for all he has done for Jason and for all he has done and continues to do to bring our boys home safe. You are all in our minds and hearts every day. Come home safe and come home soon.

I have three sons and I cannot imagine what your mums are going through. You have moved me to tears- stay alert, stay safe and keep carrying each other- I am very against this war but I am so filled with admiration and pride for you all- You are the best that America has to offer . I just wish all Americans could watch this program and see the realities of this war-every night. Thanks guys and please come home safe to yor lovely families.

I surfed onto this program last night and couldn't stop watching. I laid there with tears in my eyes, feeling helpless, like there was something I need to do to help, but what?

I can't imagine the long, tedious road trips that are disrupted by the sound and light of an IED. I can't imagine being away from my family that I love here in the U.S. I can't imagine losing someone who would die for me.

I hate the politics, the stereotyping and the ridiculous political antics that currently make the 6:00 o'clock news ... that's why I don't even waste my time watching!

The positive I see out of all this is the support for YOU. I see signs on cars and in people's yards that say "Support Our Troops". It's good to know how many people realize your gift to us and that's where we send our love, our thoughts, our respect and our prayers.

"Thank you" isn't enough, but I don't know other words to convey how I feel. God bless you all.

Thanks guys for all you do each day. Be safe. I am a liberal in a red state and oppose the war but certainly support and pray for you guys! I pray you can come home to your families that love you really soon. Keep the faith!

I watched the show last night and I've just got to say from the bottom of my heart, Thank you for all you do. My 12 year old son and I watched it together and it gave him a new perspective on what is going on over there. He now understands why I get upset when I here about someone getting hurt. As prior service I understand what needs to be done and I hope this show let's other people know the same.

Stay safe and come home soon. My prayers and thoughts are with all of Bad VooDoo.

Watching and appreciating this documentary is an understatement. It puts me right back on the road there. When the guys from my unit and I saw War Tapes...We thought...wow, that is the closest thing to describing and depicting what we were doing over there. Now, after being home since July and seeing this...it really helps to paint the picture to people back at home that we would always try to explain our mission to. I pray that you guys stay safe over there and that Virginia treats you guys well when you are back at home base. I honestly preferred Navistar better than Virginia but oh well. We only had to be there a few months.

Kick butt over there and drink that Rip It. I sure as hell remember some of those days on the road and having to drink 5 or more just to be alert. I still think about over there nearly ever day. I hope you guys the best and that you all get to come home safe. Just remember though that just because you get home...when you do...Taking care of your buddy and having each other's back doesn't end. I hope that anything that we were able to pass on to you guys as we left in some way was of benefit. Whether its your first mission, or your last the mission isn't over till you guys get home. I just pray that none of your guys get complacent. I remember how easy it can be to do that after so many mundane hours and miles of driving. Take care and God Bless!

SPC. Jonathan Donnan
C-Co 1-121 FA (SECFOR)
OIF 06-07

P.S. Hopefully they don't clean those generators at Virginia in the morning heat like they used too. I hated that after a long mission and trying to sleep and the dang power going out lol. The memories.

I watched your documentary and was awed, and frankly, put to shame by your courage and love of country. But even more, I was struck by the intense sense of brotherhood within Bad Voodoo. As I watched, I tried to imagine a venue here in the States that would call upon you to display those same martial virtues--honor, duty, loyalty, and discipline--that are your daily currency in Iraq. I couldn't think of a single one, and it made me cry for my country.

God speed to each and every one of you. I have set aside a bit of time daily to pray for you and your families.

Sophie

I was hoping to see some updated news about Bad Voodoo today. Everyone and everything ok over there?

We know you are very busy! Don't worry about us, just take very good care of yourselves! You are doing an amazing "job"..if one can just call it a job. It is so much more than that. As we wrote to Sgt. Nunn (please be sure to catch his blog) you are all heroes and richly deserve such accolades. We are so incredibly in awe of what you go through and how you handle yourselves. Please continue to be safe! We only wish there was more we could do. God bless you and keep you and thank you for what you are doing for all of us.

I recorded the show and finally watched it last nite..you guys are awesome. i was tense just watching it so for you it must be unimaginable. i honor you with every being of my soul....my father was 30+ years airforce, come home safe.
trish in tacoma, wa

This is "TrueBlueDopeHead" here responding to Tim McWilliams. You say "Attitudes like his/hers got us into this situation". I didn't vote for George Bush and I didn't support this war. How on earth could my attitude possibly be responsible for getting us into this situation? That's just not a rational statement.

As for your defense of the "I don't support the war, but I support the troops" claim - if I were to say "I support the war, but I hope we lose it" you would recognize that that doesn't make any sense. The first part of the statement was contradicted by the last part. Wanting the war to be lost, is not "supporting the war".

Similarly if I say "I don't support the war", surely that is equivalent of saying "I don't think we should be fighting this war, I don't think we should be in Iraq, and I don't want our country to win." Now you might argue that what you are really saying is "I don't support the war, I don't agree with it, but now that we are in it, I want us to win". In which case, whether you admit it or not, you now support the war.

If you think it was an immoral war, you can't want your country to win, right? So you must want it to lose. The war can't be lost without the missions of the soldiers failing, so you have to want their missions to fail. If they succeed, the war might be won, and this is a war you don't agree with. So they must fail. That failure will likely result in their lives being lost. Now it would be nice if somehow the war could be lost without any American soldiers being killed or injured, but how likely is that? In order for George Bush's asinine war to be lost, the soldiers' missions must fail.

You can't have your cake and eat it. For you to say you want the war to end in defeat, but you also want the soldiers to succeed in their individual missions, doesn't make sense, although it might allow you to feel better when they get killed.

Don't get me wrong, I do want the soldiers of Bad Voodoo to come home safely. Anyone watching the show would end up feeling sympathy for the soldiers, especially when we are watching the show in comfort at home with our families and they have neither comfort nor family. We are a nation of drivers, and we can imagine how horrible it must be to wonder if luck will be against you on this trip, and you'll be blown up before you get to your destination. But how much sympathy would you have for the soldiers if this show had shown an earlier deployment of Bad Voodoo where they were kicking in doors and acting like an army at war rather than victims passively waiting to be killed?

However I am not kidding myself that my being against the war, (which means that I can't want it to succeed, which means the soldiers' missions cannot succeed) can be described as "supporting the troops". I may be conflicted but I am not a hypocrite as you are.

Thanks Voodoo for all that you do.

I am a proud vet who is against the war in Iraq and is FOR the troops. Don't listen to "TrueBlue State American" he has no idea. It is possible to be against the war and be for the troops. I am against "Trueblue's" ideas, but I am for his right to think them. He should be happy that he has the right to think and say what he does BECAUSE of soldiers like you. If he doesn't like it, he can go live somewhere else. He can also stay here, because the United States lets people with all kinds of ideas live here.

Come home safe and enjoy the care package I sent to you guys.

John
A proud supporter of the troops!

I'm left of left politically and a pacifist. I was deeply moved by your documentary. I want to join the chorus of voices offering my respect and support for you all. The war was, is, and always will be wrong but you guys (and gals) are all right. It's only those people who wish to "divide and conquer" that would suggest that we Americans don't honor your service. We don't mistake the warrior for the war. Thank you, truly.

Thanks for connecting me with real people doing their jobs. Everybody knew somebody who was in, or had been to Vietnam. But this war is different. I don't thnk most of us personnally know any of you. And the reporting just doesn't focus on what you've shown us. You've helped bridge that gap.

Now, during the day, I've got some real people with real stories and real lives that I can bring to mind, pray for, and be proud of.

I hope it helps just to know that 'stragers' care and remember you and your families many times thorughout the day.

I watched your story on Frontline and have thought about you all ever since. I wish you all the best as well as a safe return. It's really nice to have an opportunity to keep up with you here too.

Coverage of this war has been very slim on the regular networks. PBS's Frontline and The News Hour hasn't stop telling me what's going on with our troops and I appreciate their efforts.

Ive watched this show twice now. I've never watch anything twice. After watching bushs war in the weeks before and now this it really frustrates me at how the bush administration has lied and twisted the facts to all of us. Frontline deserves some sort of award for being the only media source out there to trust. Always great shows, even when I think I wont really enjoy a topic I always get something out of it.
Stay safe guys! Hopefully in 200+ days we will elect a leader with a brain and a soul.
P.S. A follow up story on these guys in a year or 2 would be very cool.

Dear True Blue...

Still waiting for you to attach your name to your writings.

You are a bright person. Although I think you may have a few faults in your logic. You have done a fantastic job of taking my humanitarian position to an illogical extreme. You simplify the situation when you say there will be a winner and a loser in this war.

Focus on the macro issues. In fighting the concept of this war we the opposition to it must use every tool in our arsenal to bring this war to an end. George Bush's administration certainly has used every tool in their arsenal to get us into it. Lying about the reasons for going to war.....limiting our access to the realities of the war....denying the American public an opinion when it comes to discussion about the war. One of the strongest weapons we have in opposition is compassion. Making people realize that there are real men and women out there is not a crime. These men and women are not inherently bad people. I bet you agree with me that the intervention in Kosovo to help try and stop the ethnic cleansing was a good cause. I bet you would agree with me that we should have intervened in Rawanda. We should be intervening in the Sudan.

You are correct. These soldiers are in a volunteer army. Skip focusing on the individuals and their names (I mean no disrespect by saying that)...focus on the fact that George Bush and his government would have sent soldiers....any soldiers volunteers or not.....and those soldiers would have to live through this situation. Think of the humanizing factor. Respect these individuals for who they are and what they are doing. It is irrational and unacceptable to the foundation of our society to expect our soldiers to not serve as a method of protest. Sadly one day we may have a need for soldiers to serve in a war that does have meaning.

One of the faults of the American Government and public in the past is to dehumanize these situations....to take the humanity out of these situations....remember "Shock and Awe"...thousands of faceless and nameless Iraqi's died as a result....but the true humanity of theirs deaths was never comprehended by the US society as a whole because we never saw the raw footage.....likewise when it comes to the over 4,000 servicemen and women that have died in the course of this conflict. The current administration as done a great job of trying to keep the US public from getting a real understanding of what this war is about. Mass media (the friend of this administration) perpetuates this glossing over....why hasn't this or any of the other PBS/Frontline documentaries been on ABC/CBS/NBC ?

I am not confused or hypocritical. I can say with great confidence that there will be no winner and there will be no loser in this war. We are all losing as this is a disingenuous war from the start. I can be a decent human being and show respect and support to those that are suffering on both sides of the conflict.

Some of the problems the opposition to the war is guilty of are not being vocal enough...not being organized enough...and not being smart enough to out think our opponents. There is no need to alienate the victims.

Focus on the real enemy. The Bush Administration. Save your hostility for them.

I do.

Tim McWilliams

I am concerned about a negative comment about Bad Voodoo that was posted by active duty soldier in Iraq. My hope is s/he is part of a very small, ignorant minority who don't believe men should show emotion or express their feelings. In fact, I am concerned for that soldier as it seems likely they will have PSTD issues. Taking out their anger on fellow soldiers - calling the men of Bad Voodoo "laughing stock" of the Army is not helping anyone or any cause.

I've just watched this having seen a post from one of the Bad Voodoo team on Sandbox - I really hope they all make it home, but I fear for their mental health and personal relationships.
I thought viewers might like to take a look at this:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/7071859.stm
for a contrasting film, made in Afghanistan which, unless I am much mistaken, is where Al Qaeda were definitely based, OBL is probably still hiding, and we are struggling to hang on because of the vast waste of resources in Iraq.

The documentary is brilliant. I just passed the link onto some friends, & will continue to do so.

I feel guilty and ashamed that I am paying with my taxes for my country to put my fellow countrymen & women through this terrible mess. I can't wait till you come home. But nonetheless I am very proud of how hard you are working at trying to make the very best of extremely trying circumstances. Your courage and diligence is inspiring.

I will stay with your story. For it's mine, too.

Be careful out there.
Mike

I had just arrived home after a long night of work and couldn't go to sleep so as I flipped channels I saw this documentary was going on.

I'm so glad I watched it. I've learned so much about what's going on out there. I'm also sad and a bit angry about the entire situation. I hope more people watch this and open their eyes to the reality of this catastrophe.

Thank you to everyone living their lives there. Stay strong. I'll be thinking about y'all everyday.

Sandra

Being an old over the hill Marine, I find your out look pretty much the same as mine when I was a yonger man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I thank you for your service to our country, God Bless and Semper Fi.