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A Battlefield Tourist

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A Most Real Apology

Feb 26 at 1:01pm by David Tate

In the six years I’ve been doing this, I have received but four negative emails regarding what I do, and all four have come this week.  Obviously I have hit a nerve, where I certainly didn’t expect to. With that said, I have pulled the offending posts in hopes of curbing whatever harm I have seemingly caused; whether real or not. I have not heard from SPMGTF Public Affairs, so as far as I know, I have done nothing wrong and certainly meant no harm if I did.

I worked extremely hard getting posts out in a timely manner thinking that they were positive and something that could help families feel closer to their Marines.  In fact, since I have been posting on this trip, I have received 10x the number of support comments as I have negative, which has been quite gratifying.

I think what bums me out the most is that the guys in Musa Qala seem to be the most offended; guys that I found to be very easy to get along with and accepting.  It bums me out that I have written something that makes them feel betrayed. I have never had this happen to me before and I hope it will never happen again.  

I was open with everyone about what I do and how I do it and heard no objections to this.  Of course I have to believe the “Random Memories” post is the problem (even though I was trying to interject some fun), so I pulled it.

I have also pulled my “Vacation Pictures” post, because the meaning of the post was completely missed.  As explained, I posted the pictures, not out of a need to stroke my ego, but to prove I was actually in Afghanistan, as one naysayer has alluded I wasn’t.  I made fun captions to the pictures, keeping with the “battlefield tourist” theme, just trying to have some fun as I left the country.  Don’t worry, my wife doesn’t think I’m funny, either.

At this point, all I can do is apologize and hope that it is accepted.  It seems the more the situation is discussed, the more it is misunderstood, and that is getting frustrating in its own.

Know this: Regardless of this written issue, the video clips I took are going to an eternal historic archive, which is what I do.  Also know that I am the only person that is adding these clips, from both Iraq and Afghanistan, to this archive.  I do not know why more don’t do it, but I am proud as hell being the one that does. This isn’t about me or Marine families or my family.   For me it’s about preserving history for generations to come, something I am very proud to say I get to do, even if it is part time.  After all, part time is better than no time.

As for the OpSec concern:  As far as I can tell, there is no OpSec concern, regarding me talking about either Golestan or Now Zad.  Information regarding these two places was freely given to me when I started my embed, during and after.  It was never given to me in confidence whatsoever.  Both places are full districts and cover many square miles; which is how we agree to describe an area per embedment rules.

So, if there are OpSec issues, I would appreciate hearing it from the PAO instead of a Marine Parent/Wife who might think they are right, but may not be so.

I have done my best to right this situation (in the eyes of the offended) and all I can say beyond that is that I am truly sorry to have offended anyone.  That is not my intent; never was, never will be.

DT

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17 Responses for "A Most Real Apology"

  1. Morrie

    February 26th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    1

    Just to let you know I truly appreciate and enjoyed your entries. I t gave me a better sense of what my son is going through (a Corpsman,3/8 Weapons Company)

    Thanks again

  2. Wes

    February 26th, 2009 at 3:14 pm

    2

    I don’t think you need to apologize for anything. I recently discovered your writings a week ago and I’ve glued-in ever since. The things you got nailed for in those “questionable entries” just made me chuckle when I read them. You do provide a valuable service; don’t let fussbudgets deter you.

  3. virginia jordan

    February 26th, 2009 at 3:37 pm

    3

    David

    As a Marine parent, I am grateful to be able to read your entries. It seems I experienced this page exactly as you intended and have trouble understanding how one could be offended. Pretty aggravating to me that anyone is up in arms about anything found on this blog for a number of reasons. I am obsessive about history, particularly war history, and know that future generations will treasure this archive as much as I love the historical info I find. I have no illusions about the banter amongst young men in any walk of life and the candid point of view reassures me for one.

    Just wanted to say thanks very much and I hope you are not too discouraged between the lack of funds and the negative feedback.

  4. Dee

    February 26th, 2009 at 4:27 pm

    4

    s a Marine Mom, I greatly enjoy reading Mr. Tate’s blog.

    Some of us have Marines fighting there today while others like me will have Marines fighting there soon. I may not always like what I am reading ~ not because it offends me ~ because Mr. Tate sheds light on the reality of what my son will soon face.

    I find Mr. Tate’s blog so important that I forwarded his link to my son as a means to provide him any knowledge that will assist him when he gets there. And my son has confirmed that he has been reading it.

    If you do not like Mr. Tate’s blog, I politely ask that you not read it. But, I respectfully demand that you do not get in my way of reading what I find very useful and worthwhile information.

    Mr. Tate…Continue as you please.

  5. Lisa

    February 26th, 2009 at 8:38 pm

    5

    I agree you do not have anything to apologize for. I love reading all the stories and it is a shame you decided to change anything in your blog. My son has also shared with me some funny stories. It helps me to know that these marines are able to keep their sense of humor through it all. It proves that they are in good spirits. Keep up the good work. Please don’t edit your blog based on a few bad comments. As always I look forward to hearing and seeing more about our boys from 3/8 India company.

    Proud Marine Mom

  6. Brenda F.

    February 26th, 2009 at 10:27 pm

    6

    I agree with those who’ve already said that although I may not LIKE what I read because of the harsh realities of what our Marines are going through, however; it is just that. Reality. Keep on keepin’ on!

    And, for the 1 or 4 who might not like it, I suggest this solution–there is an OFF button on your computer. (You know..the one you got at Rent-A-Center…haha) Sorry that wasn’t nice. I apologize. Anyway, try using the OFF button or merely hit “alt f4. It all works the same way!

    Thanks Dave for your work. Thank your family for allowing you to go and do what you do!

  7. David Tate

    February 27th, 2009 at 12:49 am

    7

    This is the approach I was using. This was my intent and nothing more. However, I felt since the anger was coming from a group of guys I had been with and not just some guy on the block, the best way to nip the problem was to concede a pinch of myself in the hopes the Marines I had bonded with would be pacified and I would personally feel better, which I do. Understand that the LAST thing I want is for those I embedded with to feel betrayed.

    Thanks to all… even if you disagree.

  8. Jennifer Budde

    February 27th, 2009 at 8:40 am

    8

    David,

    God Bless you for what you do. Thank you for caring about the history of our country. I wish more journalist and reports “called it like they see it”instead of focusing on the same things or in Afgahistan really not much at all. You keep doing what your doing. We live in a different world today. Someone will always be offended. I can’t wait to see the video and pictures of your journey!!

    Thanks you

  9. R

    February 27th, 2009 at 1:18 pm

    9

    I am truely sorry that you have had to edit your blog. I totally disagree with such a thing but i can see where you are coming from. I have my own opinions of what happend and just wanted to ensure you that there are many of us in 3/8 that enjoyed our time with you. Hope this doesn’t stop you from doing what you do. Look forward to hearing from you later and maybe even a drink some day. Take care of yourself.

  10. Bob

    February 28th, 2009 at 8:30 am

    10

    I thought the “cliff episode” was funny. She doesn’t understand that is “MAN” talk. Like burping and farting. She needs to watch “ER” on television to see how doctors joke during very serious operations. If you didn’t, you would get depressed and go nuts. Keep up the good work, Dave. I’ve loved everyone of your blogs.

  11. john smith

    March 6th, 2009 at 5:53 am

    11

    Journalists are allowed in Now Zad.

    I was there.

    You are incorrect.

  12. David Tate

    March 6th, 2009 at 9:12 am

    12

    In the time I was in country, myself and at least one other journalist were denied time there. I was told journalists were not allowed up there. We are both correct.

    PS – A quick search of John Smith, Now Zad produces nadda. Maybe you can share a little? Also, if you were there prior to 3/8 being there, we are talking different eras. As far as I’ve been told, no journos since 3/8 took over.

  13. john smith

    March 6th, 2009 at 12:18 pm

    13

    David,

    I work for a major television news network. I’m not going to use my real name on the web – c’mon – that’s pretty unprofessional I’m not a ‘tourist’. This my career.

    The program has aired – google it and you will see. I am going back in April.

    Getting to Now Zad, or other frontline places depends on connections. The networks trump ‘tourists’.

  14. David Tate

    March 6th, 2009 at 5:00 pm

    14

    Thanks. Will try to find it. Beyond that, I’m referring to the unit that has been there just two months (3/8 Marines), and I can tell you that, major network or not, they are/were not letting anyone in. I myself am with Getty Images and the other journo was SKY News; neither are bush league (while I do appreciate you taking two jabs in two sentences).

    With that said, there were no other journalists vying for the opportunity while I was there, making the “trump” play a non-issue.

    If you are planning to be back in April, I hope you have your ducks in a row considering the the unit to which I refer will be leaving that month or soon after. Fact is, any PAO can “trump” anyone they want, including “major networks”.

    Good Luck.

  15. Ky Woman

    March 7th, 2009 at 12:13 pm

    15

    David,

    I’ve been reading your blog for several years. You have given me a wealth of great information as to the true reality of what is going on in Afghanistan. I can’t express my appreciation for all that information enough.

    Hopefully you will be able to return so as to continue your reports. Please take care.

    just for the record, I’d much rather read a “independent’s” article than those of some “paid” network hack.

  16. Russ

    March 9th, 2009 at 4:39 pm

    16

    David,

    Far rather have you out there than some mainstream media doing a puff-piece for Obama’s propaganda chief, I mean Press Sec.

    I wasn’t certain if I liked you at first, but due to the nature of your enemies, I LIKE.

  17. Another Proud Marine Mom

    March 13th, 2009 at 11:10 am

    17

    David, please keep doing what you’re doing. Our son is in the battalion you’ve been discussing and we are glad for all the info we can get while he’s there. We check your blog daily for new articles on 3/8 or whatever else you’re doing in A’stan.

    Best wishes, thank you, and thanks to your family.


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