Local Veterans React to End of Iraq War

From WWSB: Local Veterans React to End of Iraq War
Sarasota-Today's end of operations in Iraq marks the largest drawdown of U.S. forces since the end of the Vietnam war more than thirty years ago. The two conflicts have many differences, but they they both deeply divided people in this country.

Some on the Suncoast who served in southeast Asia are glad to see those in Iraq getting to return.

"They fought and we've lost a lot of wonderful troops, this post is named after one of them, so i think it's a wonderful thing that they're coming home," said Charlie Shoudy, who served in Vietnam.

He's now an official at the Christopher Cobb Memorial American Legion Post in Sarasota, and says whether or not you agreed with the war, the soldiers there did what they were trained to do.

"We were doing what every military person, man or woman does because if our commander in chief tells us we have to do it, we have to do what we're told."

Other vets like James Bendowski hope that what troops accomplished during the war leads to a stable Iraq.

"It's great that they are coming back but i hope we can stay out of there, that's the worst part about it," said Bendowski.

He admits while the troops are coming home, there was still a heavy price to pay for the operation.

"Any time you lose lives it's not really worth it, but that's our heritage, no doubt about it."

There will continue to be a U.S. presence in Iraq. About 16,000 people involved in the diplomatic effort will remain behind, about 7,000 of which will be private security contractors.