Signing out
This site is under construction and will be shut down indefinitely. I think that’s what I’m supposed to tell you, but the truth of the matter is that the army has been tipped off to my site and they disapprove. Uncle Sam has some security concerns and has asked me to delete a large portion of my entries and required me to submit new posts for review and approval. I am closing down this site because I will not leave this blog functioning as a hollow shell. There won’t be any new entries because I won’t write with someone looking over my shoulder.
Writing on this site over the last ten months has been wonderful. This has been a great outlet for me. I’ve been able to express myself and paint a picture of my time here that I could not have done any other way. I hope that some of you have enjoyed the perspective and gained a better understanding of this war and the men and women who fight in it. I appreciate your support and words of encouragement over the months. Being away from loved ones for so long can be difficult and I took much comfort in many of your comments. I’ve had a good run and have no regrets. I’ll continue writing and hope to reactivate this site when my time in Iraq is over with. My father may create his own site (www.gozarunplugged.blogspot.com) where he will let you know how we are doing from time to time . Sharing this experience with you has been a pleasure. Take care.
16 Comments:
I'm going to miss reading your posts Joey. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and reading of the real time events, situations, and activities in Iraq.
Take care and stay safe.
As always Uncle Sam just had to step in and ruin a good thing.
Leann
Joe, we will miss your blogs, but, then, we hve missed you all year and will continue to do so until you come home. Gran and I have loved reading about your experiences and your thoughts rearding them, and we do resent your being silenced. However, as we stop to think about, what else can we expect from a bureaucracy as big as the defense department? Keep writing your thoughts so that they ca be ppublished at the appropriate time. I'm sure that many will still want to read them. Keep sfe and know that we love you--Gran and Gramps
Oops!! The typing was pretty poor, but you get the idea.Gramps
Good luck Joey. Sad to see that you have to stop blogging.
Way to go Uncle Sam... it was only a matter of time. Damn you are great Joe... too bad the "Army" doesn't understand honest reporting, peaceful reporting, and LEGIT reporting. I love you with all my heart Joe- Thank you for being so peaceful over there in a world of intense hate. People look up to you- Lori xoxo
Way to go Uncle Sam... it was only a matter of time. Damn you are great Joe... too bad the "Army" doesn't understand honest reporting, peaceful reporting, and LEGIT reporting. I love you with all my heart Joe- Thank you for being so peaceful over there in a world of intense hate. People look up to you- Lori xoxo
Joe,
I understand your point of view and reasons for shutting down. On the other hand, you have provided great insight and PR for the good the US military can do besides the war. Your old auntie feels you should continue. Nothing you tell us is top secret. To the contrary, you give us hope that this war is not in vain. Do they have the right to shut you down? No! I hope you will reconsider. Are they worried that their soldier is more focused on giving shoes to children than killing people? We'll miss you.
Please keep writing your thoughts. Love you lots. Auntie Memmer
Sorry you're signing off, but everyone is looking forward to having you back in the US. Your blog was certainly a service and I'm sure that it posed no security threat, but it's hard for the bureaucracy of any large organization to make fine distinctions. My nephew and a young friend will be off to college in your hometown this fall, so I hope that you'll be able to show them around a bit. Your service has been honorable and your humanitarian work inspiring.
Joe,
Sorry that it's come to this. I guess I'm a minority of one who was surprised, pleasantly I will add, that it didn't happen much earlier.
I'm sure we'll make an extra effort to keep you and your fighting brothers in the forefront of our minds and hearts - just like the family and friends of our other heroes typically must. Letters &/or e-mails will be more important now, but it only requires a little extra effort now to keep in touch.
Anyway, it's been fascinating to follow along and see the great work you've been doing; especially all the children that you're helping. I think we're just lucky to have had your blog 'live' this long, and I'm thankful. Gozar may be temporarily gone, but certainly never forgotten!
You'll be hearing from me.
Love, Uncle Petee.
Am so sorry to see you having to stop writing. I have printed off what is left. Sorry I didn't do it sooner. Lost all the pictures from what was deleted. Keep writing though and someday I want to read the rest.
You are doing such great work. So enjoyed visiting Iraq through your writings. My nephew is in TN Natl Guard and it helped us know what he is experiencing.
Stay safe and you are in my prayers.
joey-- i just want to let you know that i have read everything that you have been writing and am really going to miss hearing about the amazing things that you are doing over there. i truely admire your courage and how much you have done to make the best out of a really crappy situation. i love you and i can't wait to see you when you get home.
love randee
Damn Joey, I am sad the powers that be have lost perspective. Keep up the good work, don't worry we still have freedom of speech in the USA. I say keep writing till they kick you out ;)
Can't wait to see you, Andrew G.
here is some older content preserved:
http://gozarthetraveler.blogspot.com
oops, here:
http://gozarthetraveler.blogspot.com
Happy Birthday, Joey. You are a gifted writer. Please continue to write what is going on. Your political commentary does not need to surface. It is so important that Elmo still has a face. Your pictures about the children give a reason for helping these people. If you shut down, Elmo loses and all the Iraqi kids do as well. Re-establish yourself in a different way. A suggestion would be: "These are the positive things that are happening in ..."
Sweetie, whatever you need, we are here for you.
Love you, Joey and Happy Birthday! Auntie Memmer
Joemama--
Your writing is beautiful and heartfelt by everyone who has had the privilege of loving you. I'm sorry to see the postings go. I look to them as a constant reminder to the luxuries that we all have here at home. I hope that you have saved all writings because they will make Hemmingway bow in honor. I love you Joe. Please keep some sort of update now and then. See you in August.
tydbowl.
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