A Soldier’s Feedback
This is Chad. I’m making a guest appearance here, due to some recent feedback this site received. I’ll refrain from using the soldier’s name.
1LT wrote:
From your “about page”: “Pat Dollard as told by the Marines he served with.”
In what capacity did you “serve”, Pat? As an 11B? 21B? 18A? Or did you roll into country, cruise around a little bit, get some footage, and head back stateside to wrap it all up into a neat little package for Maxim Magazine and your vanity documentary? To “serve” is to place oneself in a position subservient to a greater thing. In my case and in the respective cases of my fellow soldiers, we’re serving the United States. You serve yourself. This may seem like a nuance or a simple matter of verbiage but to us it is how we define ourselves. I welcome your thoughts on this matter.
This bothered me quite a bit. So I responded, and Pat agreed to let me post it here.
Greetings 1LT,
First off, it wasn’t Pat who used those words. It was I, Chad, his webmaster and firm supporter. And this response is entirely of my own accord.
Pat actually suggested to use the words “patrolled with and filmed”, but I told him to use “served’. Because thats exactly what he did. I don’t need to sign a contract with uncle sam in order to serve my country. No American does.
The guys who took down the terrorists on Flight 94 over Pennsylvania served their country, and they didn’t need to be in the military.
Here’s Pat, gettin blown up by IED’s, while volunteering to travel down the worst parts of Iraq for 7 months just so he can come back and paint you in a good light, unlike the MSM… and all you can do is badmouth him???
I ain’t a soldier. My brothers are. My father and grandfather were. I have plenty of respect for a soldier, and I would have been one if I was able.
But after reading this feedback, I would say that you are the self-serving one, so high up in your tower.
-Chad
02/06/2007
Be respectful of others and their opinions. Inflammatory remarks and inane leftist drivel will be deleted. It ain’t about free speech, remember you’re in a private domain. My website, my prerogative.
If you can't handle using your real email address, don't bother posting a comment.
That was me. I feel that the majority of servicemen and -women that see the term “served” would tend to characterize what Pat did as something else. That’s the only point I was attempting to make, if Chad likes it or not. I’ll invite my peers to weigh in on whether or not a documentarian “serves” in a combat zone while conducting civilian reporting duties. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe I overreacted.
February 6th, 2007 at 6:34 pmA butter bar?!?! A no good lousy, straight out of college momma’s boy has the BALLS to come on here and talk shit to a guy who has done a HELL of a lot more than he ever has or ever will?!?!? This is outstanding.
An officer’s job is pushing papers, I don’t care what you see in Hollywood. And you’re sitting there in your AC office talking shit with all that officer pay you bring in. What are you trying to prove here? That you’re tough? You’re a bad ass officer?
You think Pat hasn’t served??! He’s seen more action than you could ever even dream of seeing! That’s fuckin’ fantastic that you deployed…how many times were you outside the wire getting in the shit like this man was? And don’t even come back with that “I’m infantry” shit. I’ve known 88M’s who’ve fought more than some of you pussies!
And your call to the webmaster’s cell phone…laughable. Merely goes to show what kind of an inferiority complex you have. “Decorated soldier” my ass. Any true decorated soldier would see exactly what Pat is doing and completely support him. Stop your bitching and get down in the mud with the rest of the gang and start fucking working. No Butter Bar LT is gonna start talking shit to Pat, like they’re some kind of fucking war hero. I got PV2’s who’ve seen more shit than you ever will you fucking disgrace!!
Take a hint from the troops there, sir, and go back to your fucking office…sit down…shut the fuck up…and know your fuckin role!!
February 6th, 2007 at 7:16 pmYou need to change the title of this post. This bastard does not deserve the rank he wears.
February 6th, 2007 at 7:17 pmJohn - any other servicemen and women would have hopefully read the first section of the about page, and would KNOW what Pat has done, and not confused it with “military service”.
Overreacted… thats an understatement.
February 6th, 2007 at 10:01 pmPat,
February 6th, 2007 at 10:54 pmDoing time in a combat zone, portraying the American War Fighter in a positive light is commendable. Lord knows nobody else is doing that. To play the devil’s advocate, I like the words patrolled with and filmed. It is entirely more accurate, and NOBODY that I know would think any worse. Yes, I can see where some may misunderstand your usage of “served”. Either way, I have not seen your film. I would like to. If you would like to correspond with me i would appreciate it. Have a good one.
Here’s what I did with the Marines, and will let the consensus preval. Any claims I make tht people would like me to prove, I will do so with the Marines I was with. Here’s what I did, every day, for 7 month.
1. Patrolled Ramadi and average of 6 times a day, to a Marines average one time a day. Not because I’m a bad-ass, but because my disconnect from the chain allowed me the freedom to go out when Marines had to stay back.
2. Was the victime of countelss mortars and rocket attacks, once, by the grace of God avoiding being wounded when a .120 landed 10 meters, yes meters from me. One attack shreeded the hootch near my bed, and another blew up the tent next to time at Camp Iskandariya, and tragically killed two Marines I patrolled with from Charlie Company.
3. Came under several ambushes, and one time had to run to my side of the victor, which was streetside, while it was under fire, and the door took rounds as I ran in.
4. Was blown up several times, and twice was blow up by IEDs so firece they blew me out through my Humvee doors and into the street, leaving me wounded with shrnap, leg and hand damage, concussions. etc. One time I crawled back into the remains and watched one of my best friends, who had been sitting right next to me, bleed out in front of me. I wiped another friends brains off my fingers.
5. I went on several raids, and helped serch for material and intel, one time discovering an IED.
6. I consulted with the command, just looking for a layman’s opinion on conditions and tactics in Ramadi.
7. I spotted targets from OPs, and would lay out all night on shit covered floors for ambushes.
8. I was given weapons, but chose not to use them, because the camera was my weapon in the information war to afffect public opinion and policy, and to demonstrate what is a complete mystery for the average American. In this war, the media war is as an important one for us to win in order to achieve victory, I was too old to literally join the service at the time, so I volunteered to fight the media from the front lines ( not the big fat lazy camps in the rear ) with my camera instead of my rifle. As LCPL Curtis of CAAT RED said, “Pat was one of us, he just fought with a camera instead of a rifle”.
So we can either take a few words from the descriptions of some of the things I did above or we can use the word service. I get it. I took no less risks whatsoever, none, and again the Marines I was with themselves will verify this, than the combat Marines, the 0311’s I was with, on a daily basis. However, I was not subject to the chain of command, I was not in the military, so I absolutely did not serve the mission of winning this war in a true military capacity - just a volunteer civilian one with a unique weapon - so I do not want to insult anyone by appropriating the word “served” if it does not accurately apply in this case. I’m happy to use what the majority thinks I should use. And as stated, the project is far from in profit, it’s all come out of my savings and t-shirt sales, and still in the hole, but still I have already given money to Marine’s families, and as for any else, it will all go to families, more filmining, and a very, very modest roof over my head.
So y’all tell me, what the right word is. If I don’t get an answer, I’m just going to switch to patrollled with and filmed, although that isn’t even the complete answer. But again, out of simple respect, I don’t want to use the word term if it in any way impinges upon or belittles the term as it rightfully belongs to an American Military Warrior.
Semper Fi,
Pat Dollard
February 6th, 2007 at 11:38 pmHey Lt.
February 7th, 2007 at 12:29 amI “Served” as a 11B,yea!!
you said,
“To “serve” is to place oneself in a position subservient to a greater thing In my case and in the respective cases of my fellow soldiers, we’re serving the United States.”
Lt.WTF is your problem?
You need to get your head out of your ass and see that this civilian is doing more for us than anyone in the media,let alone congress,its every citizen’s duty to “Serve”,he’s one thats gone above and beyond most,matter of fact he’s a first and if it was up to me I’d create a
MOS just for him and see how many others would have the balls to fill that slot,go sit back in the truck and on the way drop,beat your face until you can understand whats going on.
Keep Up The Fire!
Troop,
Take it easy, wild man. This is a discussion about one term. If you actually think that “An officer’s job is pushing papers” then you saved me some time, as I’m not sure you have the capacity to understand anything else I’d write. Oh, and I led several hundred “outside the wire” missions in Baghdad as a combat engineer PL. I’ve got all the cool photos and videos. The shack just outside the Stryker gate of BIAP had the words “Hot Carl” spraypainted on it. Have a good one.
February 7th, 2007 at 3:29 amWhat’s the matter, John? Troop’s response doesn’t sound any different than the one you gave me over the phone.
Here’s some feedback from a soldier who served with Pat.
SSgt Tanner wrote:
FOR THE BOOT 1STLT, I WAS WITH PAT IN RAMADI, I CAN SAY WITH 100% ASSURANCE THAT WHAT PAT DID WAS PARTOL AND FILM AS WELL AS SERVE WITH US. EVERY WHERE I LOOKED IN CENTER CITY RAMADI THERE WAS PAT. HE WENT ON AS MANY PATROLS AS MOST OF THE MARINES AND HE DID A BETTER JOB AT REPORTING THE TRUTH THAN THE LIBERAL NEWS MEDIA. SO UNLESS YOU WERE THERE “LT” I’D GET THE FACTS BEFORE I SENT THAT ONE DOWN RANGE.
SEMPER FI
SSGT TANNER
February 7th, 2007 at 8:39 am4TH PLATOON SGT.
KILO 3/7
Pat,
This same person trolled my site as well.
http://www.soldierlife.com/2007/01/25/if-i-die-in-iraq/#comment-42576
You are doing a great thing for those who have served. You ought to be proud of that and don’t let someone try and bring you down.
You served, I am sure each of those Marines you ’served’ with would agree. Who’s opinion matters the most?
February 7th, 2007 at 8:41 amWhy are you guys hammering the LT? The LT has a point. I want to sincerely thank Mr. Dollard for his work, but he did not “serve.” It’s a matter of symantics, Chad. The LT came across a bit heavy handed, but you’re coming across as an arrogant prick. I don’t think the LT was trying to belittle the work that Mr. Dollard performed in getting the story out, but there’s a difference between performing a service for the troops that has the potential for profit, and putting your ass on the line for $1200/mo. Chad, I not only had friends serve, but I have served–and I’m trying to go back and serve again. You’re coming across as some IT geek trying to act tough. Mr. Dollard put his ass on the line, and deserved praise, but you just write HTML, Chad. You can say whatever the hell you want about me, a spec four grunt, but I’ll be damned if you are going to disrespect “my” lieutenant. Thanks again, Mr. Dollard, for looking out for our Jarheads.
February 7th, 2007 at 8:51 amLooks like a good bit of people featured in the “documentary” and a couple of clients of Mr. Coleman have weighed in. I disagree with the term “served” to describe what Mr. Dollard has contributed to the greater good, regardless of how many cocktail party anecdotes he can rattle off. I also disagree with Mr. Coleman’s handling of the situation and his dismissal of what I think is a legitimate concern.
If this is the way that these two gentlemen wish to conduct themselves, I can do nothing to stop them. What I would suggest is that future commenters use a more disciplined approach to arguing their case than a mess of hastily dashed off misspellings and obscenities about why officers are bad and hang out in offices all day(?!?) Perhaps this is a unit SOP I am unaware of, as my company had an LT along for each patrol/route clearance/cordon & search, etc.
Allow me to apologize to Mr. Dollard and Mr. Coleman if the methodology I used was offensive to them in some way. My motivation here is to try and point out what I feel is an inaccuracy; nothing more. I have no interest in comparing war stories or in trivializing the accomplishments of the legitimate servicemembers here.
February 7th, 2007 at 10:20 amPat,
Here’s just a normal guys take on this. I work in an office all day. The closest I get to war is when I forget to put my clothes in the hamper at home. But I think I know what ’served’ means. You served this country by showing all of us what the hell is going on over in Iraq (can’t wait for the movie!). You served with a camera. The troops serve with a gun. That’s the only difference. Either way, you put your life on the line for this country just like our troops do every day. I have so much gratitude for all of you doing this for me and my family. If ever there comes a day when I can repay this in some way, shape or form, I will. Thank you. Now I’m going to go buy a tee shirt.
A Grateful American in the Heartland
February 7th, 2007 at 11:00 amLeethal - It has nothing to do with my acting tough. I don’t need to act tough over “teh innernets”, because there’s nothing tough about arguing online. In fact, this whole thing is gay as hell.
It’s more about how your beloved LT handled the situation like a whiney school girl. Called my cell asking for my client list, and hanging up. So I had to call him back, since he didn’t have the brass to stay on the line.
Only then did he begin to drive home his most-excellent point… how he has friends in the pentagon, and how i need to watch my back, cos he could send people to my house. Pretty much the most pussy queer phone call I have ever received from another man… and a “soldier” no less.
After using all the cliche fag and computer geek insults that he could muster, he began to ramble on about how many times he’s been blown up, and how he is such a great war hero.
He basically threw any credibility and respect out the window. I even have doubts that he’s a service member, possibly just a leftist tryin to stir trouble for Pat. I don’t know.
***** That being said ******
We all have a better understanding of how service members view Pats work.
The marines he
servedhung out with, average joe’s who want to know what’s really going on in iraq, and other random soldiers believe that Pat served.A few soldiers who think very highly of their service and the use of the word, strongly disagree. I can see how they feel it might lessen their sacrifice.
To 1LT John - If you would have just said “I feel strongly about your use of the word ’served’, and would suggest an alternative as I feel ’served’ implies military service.”
I can honestly say that Pat wouldn’t have minded changing it up, to his original suggestion, just out of respect and to prevent offense to another soldier.
Just remember next time, that soft words turn away wrath. If you want something… try asking nicely.
In the very end, this is just a small matter of pride. I’ll switch the wording out on the About Page. And lets end it here.
February 7th, 2007 at 12:05 pmWhat a nitpickin 1stLt. Get a friggin life. Seriously. IF you are a real deal Zero, you need to pull your ears till you hear a pop. The world owes you nothing. Accept what Pat’s done and get on with it. Second of all, You are fucking Army. Stay in your Goddammed lane. Marines have no fucking problem with Pat or his verbage. To serve is to serve. It means to provide a service for others. He’s done that. Quit reading into shit. Just because your name tape has your last name on it, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t spell assclown in the mirror.
BTW I’ve still been promoted two more times than you, so instead of pulling rank on the internet, go pull something else to some of your barnyard porn. If Pat can hang, and earn the respect of Combat Marines in the A/O… THEN DON’T FUCK WITH PAT.
Semper Fi.
February 7th, 2007 at 11:07 pmFuck that LT. I was in Iskandariyah and Pat even went on a patrol with my squad and I seen him around pretty much everywhere that shit was going on, and even after we left Iraq, Pat stayed for quite some time. I say he fucking serverd with us. Way more than any average civillian, and from my point of view more than most of our fucking officers. not to mention that he funded going to Iraq in the first place out of his own pocket. I just really fail to see how he hasn’t served.
February 8th, 2007 at 2:36 amDo you Marines that have weighed in feel like your comments are good representations of your branch and your profession?
“I’ve still been promoted two more times than you” - Who’s to say I wasn’t enlisted prior to commissioning?
“he fucking serverd with us” - Roger. Please describe his chain of command.
“Pretty much the most pussy queer phone call I have ever received from another man” - What?
February 8th, 2007 at 12:36 pmSorry, forgot this one:
“The world owes you nothing” - What? Were you on a cliche freight train and this one just slipped in there?
February 8th, 2007 at 12:38 pmI’m pretty sure the majority is against you John. you can stop trying now.
February 8th, 2007 at 1:56 pmLT, it would appear that according to Mr. Webster Pat did in fact “Serve” with the Marines. But this is just one Sergeant’s opinion.
a: to be of use
b: to be favorable, opportune, or convenient
c: to be worthy of reliance or trust
d: to hold an office : discharge a duty or function
a: to answer the needs of
b: to be enough for : SUFFICE
c: to contribute or conduce to : PROMOTE
a: to treat or act toward in a specified way
February 8th, 2007 at 2:34 pmb: to provide services that benefit or help
“Do you Marines that have weighed in feel like your comments are good representations of your branch and your profession?”
Ummmmmmmmmmmm….. Yes. Now go beat your face with a brick until it sinks in. LOL… We don’t care. Maybe you should just watch the Opening video clip again. PR… you can stick that somewhere personal. The Marines recruiting card is two things. We win battles, and we do it in kickass uniforms.
BTW I meant every word of “The world owes you nothing” One of my fucking biggest peeves is a veteran who walks around with a chip on his shoulder. The world gives two shits about what we’ve done. Pat went lengths above and beyond to tell the story. To compare him to, pretty much any other of the 12 or so current embeds, is a huge insult.
Stay in your lane John. And 1Lt, elevate those feet.
February 8th, 2007 at 2:51 pmTwo things bug me;
1) A 1Lt should know that you never refer to yourself or a fellow Marine as a “soldier”. Marines are Marines, and Soldiers are Soldiers. PERIOD.
2) This whole thing is a fucking troll. “John” is an anonymous troll, and until he wants to post his name rank and unit, he will remain a troll.
Lastly, Pat put his own money on the line, his own ass, his own life, and in doing so he did just a little better than volunteer, he put his money where his mouth is, and his ass on the line. He didnt have to. No one asked him to. He aint getting any college or anything else out of it.
I hope his movie does well, and makes money. In the face of shit like Michael Moore, Pat has 110% of my support.
February 8th, 2007 at 3:14 pmHahaha. I think you mean “the people in the movie”, Chad. I have no doubt that the majority opinion outside of PAT’S WEBSITE feel differently. Although it has been fun riling up some jarheads.
February 8th, 2007 at 3:34 pmIP: 207.59.75.34
IP: 67.191.205.113
You really are a panty waste, john. now you’re done. sit and spin, bitch.
February 8th, 2007 at 5:48 pmHey John,
You fool no one. You arent a Soldier, you never served, you are a troll.
Why dont you try riling up some jarheads out from behind the safety of your keyboard. Hit Camp Pendleton and run your suck.
You are full of shit, a liar, and not a 1Lt.
If you are a 1Lt, you are sorry excuse for a leader, and anyone who is a real soldier will be along anytime now to either back you up, or toss your weak ass under the bus.
My $5 (all the respect you deserve) says you are a poser.
Please, prove me wrong.
February 8th, 2007 at 6:22 pmHey Guys,
February 8th, 2007 at 6:46 pmJohn McRae is a 1Lt. The key word being LIEUTENANT. They are the only people worse than privates(excludes mustangs). Not only are they clueless, but they think they know something. Plus, he’s a soldier - “Army of One.” What else can you expect?
-Joe
Like everyone else, I’ll side with Pat. Service is service.
However, this childish bickering seems kind of out of place as the first thing new visitors read on this [otherwise outstanding] website. It can’t be good for business, and ought to be pulled or placed elsewhere on the site. I’m not coming back until it’s gone!
Let’s put our pride aside and keep our focus on the war effort, gentleman.
February 8th, 2007 at 7:10 pmtouché. moved to the back.
February 8th, 2007 at 7:16 pmCo-producer,
Drop it all.
This clown trolled the site to elicit exactly what he did.
FIDO.
February 8th, 2007 at 8:58 pmThis might piss people off but Pat is a journalist and or a mercenary. Loyalty aside and the loyalty you have is obvious. Facts are facts. I would imagine everyone debating here to ultimately be on the same side. Am I wrong?
February 9th, 2007 at 12:05 amPat is the F’ing MAN!
US baby!
Keep up the great work.
February 9th, 2007 at 1:41 pmJJ here from the glorious website “3G” and creator of, quite possibly one of the most redneck, gunslingin movies on the web, “Mud N’ Guns.”
I have to say, I never saw a lick of combat during my stint in the Army (by the way… no Army bashing!). I did my duty during peacetime, trained as a paratrooper, and gave fours years of my life to Uncle Sam. I feel I served my country by training for something I never had to do: “fight.”
Mr Dollard, who never fought for this country, served in a different capacity. Shining light on evil is serving on the most highest echelon. God bless you sir, and all who served (even butterbar).
February 10th, 2007 at 11:58 am—Pat’s “service” is quite simply to us…the servicemen. I can understand the “LT’s” initial response in that MOST of the media are only parasite’s using the warzone just as they use a hurricane during season to generate rating’s in an attemtpt to boost their own careers. All the while spending the vast majority of their time nowhere near any danger and far from a standpoint which might offer them any real and true perspective from which to report—and find the truth. This LT simply assumed —obviously without spending any time whatsoever looking at the website and Marine’s comments—that he was another Amanpour or Michael Moore who was looking to cash-in by using our men and his poltical agenda.
February 11th, 2007 at 6:59 pmThat said……Pat Dollard obviosuly is NOT a parasite, and his “agenda” is truly noble and in service of us—the serviceman. He tells our story and he is serving us in a way that few do right now, displaying the truth and reality without a paycheck and a editor to censor his results. I am not sure I can think of another media source available that does this currently. (Yes, even FoxNews has a “slant” that I am sometimes skeptcal of. Maybe only www.sftt.org) That this seems to be so clear & evident is a disgustingly sad commentary on our newsmedia sources.
Pat, as we serve you, you also serve us.
Keep up the great work and if you are going “over”
again–please let me know. I will go and ride with
you as a civilian.
Semper Fidelis,
Matt
Capt USMC
Pat has done a great job within the narrow spectrum where he is operating. He has never claimed to be doing anything other than what he has described, filming the war zone in Iraq, nor has he done or said anything to make any reasonable person think he was like John Kerry, popping in and protecting the free world from Islamist fascism.
That said, I think he is doing a job that really NEEDS to be done, and is not really being accomplished by the MSM (obviously) or by the military public affairs folks. Why is it that every morning (just in time for the Today Show, etc.) there is an attack on our troops or on civilians in Iraq? Our enemy knows our news cycles, and the media is presenting it as if they are the publicist for them! They present, without any background information, everything that is bad in Iraq.
The MSM present the US military side of the story with skepticism but they uncritically present the terrorist side as if it is the God’s honest truth. Is it so crazy to think they (the terrorists) might benefit from publicity? A reasonable person might think, “why would I believe somebody who has no problem gunning down a group of children playing soccer?”
The left presents the unchallenged terrorist viewpoint, and it is picked up in the Arab media. It is completely a circular relationship. The terrorists can then point to xyz leftist congressman and say, even he doesn’t doubt the veracity of what al Qaeda says!
February 15th, 2007 at 7:39 amOk, first off, wow alot of guys to comment in here… can a lady add something, too?
As for the dear LT all the way at the top. You described “serving” as placing oneself subservient to a greater thing (which i would have said “picture” or “good” like my old Sgt.) And if I am not mistaking since he is “attached” to these marines, and conducting operations and missions with them I would say that would constitute as “serving”. I do understand your point, but if your definition of “serving” is like you stated then I think by all means did he serve with them.
As for the boys out there that are disrespecting the LT . I would like to see you do that to an officers face. (As I am sure some of you might have) I agree LT’s can be arrogant, but if anybody in this world has been taught and trained in respect, then it is you. Just as you have accused the LT of “not checking the facts” did you not do the same and just assume he was a paper pusher. And I hate to brake it to anyone, but officers are not the only paper pushers in the military.
Now more then ever do we have to stick together. As Soldiers, Marines, Airman and Sailors. I know the jokes and the “necking” through the ranks and different branches. But, don’t forget who your comrads are. They are not only the men and woman in your team, unit, platoon etc. They are the ones that do your paper work (even if they are sooo slow) they are the ones that poke you with a needle, the ones that bring in air-support, and wether you like it or not the ones that say goodbye to you when you leave. What you see and do over there is what YOU see and do. But we all serve in our own way if it’s leading up the front or holding up the rear. If you disagree then I would say that makes you the self-centered one. Not everybody has the “RIGHT” to serve his or her country as they would like to. So they serve the way they can!
I know that I have EARNED my right to drape myself with the american flag! I served and serve my country! And EVERY person that serves our country in any (good and meaningful) way is my comrad! I hope to be yours….
Kisses boys and Happy (belated) Valentine’s Day!
February 16th, 2007 at 3:20 am1LT John McRae
648th Engineer Battalion
Georgia Army National Guard
That you?
John,stop the nitpickin,as a former soldier I can say that you’re doing no good fucking with these Marines,if Pat was there with them and they said he “Served”,fucking-A,he served,my dad was a Marine,when I want to fuck with him I ask what he did with the “Walking Dead” while serving in the Naval Infantry,No matter which branch you happen to serve or to have served in,this man is on OUR side,while the left wingers spin lies this guy has given a voice to the fighting man overseas,no glam,no bullshit,just the truth,and it NEEDS to get out to the people at home,the left talks about a civil war in Iraq,well,theres a Civil War of ideas going on here at home far from its climax,I see it everyday and I’m sick of it like millions of others,this is no Vietnam and if we tuck our tails in this one expect another 911 ten times over.So ruk up John,stand to the door,choose sides and go play word games with Michael Moore,not Pat,he’s OUR ace in the hole.
Besides,any soldier with a brain welcomes Marines in their AO anyday,somebody’s got to serve the chow
1/9inf Manchus
February 18th, 2007 at 10:05 pmKeep Up The Fire!
I am not very impressed that someone would belittle someone else’s contribution, however small or large it is, over something so silly as the perceived meaning of a word. The sad part is that it is coming from someone who supposedly “served” as well. The fact is that Pat served, no matter what you think. Even the Nepalese civilians that served us food in the mess halls downrange “serve”. The fact that someone may see a monetary reward is of little importance. It could and is by some people said that troops are compensated for their sacrifice through the various pay systems, bonuses, etc. offered to military. I have yet to notice any sort of financial compensation for what Pat has done so far. I don’t imagine, although I hope I am wrong, that he will make back the money lost in his endeavor.
Mr. Dollard sees this as his own service to the country, to those marines he filmed, to the soldiers, sailors, and airmen fighting against pure evil. He may not use the word “serve” as some people see it defined. But he sacrificed. He bore the burdens of war. He bears the banner of truth as captured by his film in the face of a hostile media. And I would be willing to bet that almost any marine that worked with him for more than one patrol would agree with the fact that he served.
Mr. Dollard, you would be welcome on any mission I had downrange! You have my respect, and I appreciate your service.
February 21st, 2007 at 5:32 pmJohn is not an LT. I was an 1Lt, In the Army reserve and even I knew you never call a marine a soldier or vice versa. A simple slip of the tongue is an obvious sign. Also his smug, elitist tone focusing on various marines rhetoric and spelling errors, Typical leftist elitist crap. Also if he is currently an officer, he wouldn’t be wasting his time trying to piss of soldiers and marines he might be serving with as a commander some day.
As a gulf vet who did not get deployed I would put pat in the category similar to soldiers serving in stars and stripes. They are soldiers with cameras who get into the S**t like other soldiers. You served even more than I did, and you werent getting paid either. To volunteer for such a mission is completely selfless. Sure you could make alot of money with this project but you could also lose alot including your life.
I was never a marine, but I proudly support all who served as one or served with them. You served with them, pat. No doubt!
February 21st, 2007 at 6:06 pmUnfortunately, the Main Stream Media has abandonded the Military and therefore everyone in this discussion is tainted by how the MSM has not “served” with the Marines and Soldiers. I suggest the LT review dispatches from Ernie Pyle and other reporters that SERVED with the military in WWII. Mr. Dollard was serving with the Marines, unfortunately our distrust of the media has resulted in this waste of time over one word.
March 1st, 2007 at 4:01 pmPat,
I have to say what you are doing takes guts. The ‘old school’ new anchors used to do what you do. But it wasn’t considered left or right wing it was just called ‘the news’. Don’t be too right wingy and preachy otherwise people won’t take you seriously as journalist and you’l wind up making what some used to call in the 1940s “Propoganda” (Hitler’s word btw I’m sure you know that)
Anyways stay alive in Hollywood or Iraq both are tough towns, as I know as I live in one myself.
-Thanks & peace-
Carmelo Valone
March 9th, 2007 at 1:55 pmDon,
March 16th, 2007 at 10:03 amYou were with 1/9INF? If you didn’t know, they were in Ramadi 2BCT 2ID. I was in B 1-506th “Currahee!” in Habbinayah. They did alot of good there and helped the USMC with Fallujah NOV 04.
Pat, I just read your Vanity Fair profile and was impressed. (Especially with the “Roman orgies” on Sunset Strip.) I admire what you have done as a talent agent, and what you are doing with the new flick as well. I am no Conservative or Democrat. If anything, I would like to think that I am a libertine - or at least as much as one can be in modern society. For that, I thank my brothers Richie (E6 US ARMY, currently on 2nd tour in Iraq), and Drew (PFC awaiting his 2nd deployment), and I thank every single man and woman over there. However, in summing up my overall feelings and fears I thought it might be best to quote a participant from your very own footage. I figure this way nobody can call it “inane leftist drivel.”
Q. “Molinari, you lovin’ the firefights?”
A. “It’s not a cool thing to be involved in.”
PS - Here is some liberal shit for you; who the hell cares what word -or words- your webmaster used to describe your actions? Words are man-made and could hardly sum up the things that I am sure you endured over the course of your service, touring, and filming.
March 19th, 2007 at 5:43 pmI can see where the term “serve” can get confusing. But from what I’ve read, it sounds like Mr. Dollard is serving this country the best way he knows how. He had the option to walk out of Iraq any day he wanted but instead he chose to remain on the front lines with the Marines. He may not be in the “service,” but he’s performing a duty greater than most military members aspire to do.
As for the 1LT comments: An officer should think before they speak (write), especially when representing the armed forces and this country. The 1LT screwed up, but should he be crucified? And as far as all officers being paper pushers… anyone who wants to get a good look at a paper pusher should swing by Walter Reed, Bethesda or Arlington. I know a lot of good officers missing limbs, and a couple in the ground who would love to tell you stories about how they pushed paper.
- a paper pushing JO.
March 23rd, 2007 at 8:09 amyou know sum shit.
we all knew what we were doing when we signed the fucking contract. i for one love my MOS. 0331 baby. ive been to iraq and im going back,back,back and back again.because i love my job and im fuckin good at it. and plus.
the USA is being fill’d w/a bunch of liberal pussy’s that they forget why then can be pussy’s. and Mr.Dollard is pretty much slapping them face.
BAM BITCH!!!
“u can speack what you think” “drink what you thurst” and fuck as many people as you can fuck” because there young boys who became men, girls who became women. who r willing to die for it.
I for one am willing to die knowing my freinds and famliy can throw that backyard party. and can say what they want….America stop being liberal pussys.and remember what being an America means…
the world envy’s us. Hell Mexico throws there kind at us(and im hispanic so it aint a race thing) the Asians ride Container’s over the fuckin ocean to come here. Cubans bulid a raft out of trash to float here. Hell i can go on and on. SO WHY do u bash ur LAND.
Semper fuc’n Fi
March 27th, 2007 at 6:53 pmI watched all of the video clips of this ‘documentary’. Our guys (and women) over there are awesome. They are taking the fight to the enemy and for that we owe them our gratitude, support and loyalty. I am bothered by the constant clips of our beloved GI’s being attacked repeatedly by these bastards and very little footage of our return fire. I know that our US military are kicking butt over there (when they are allowed to) and I resent a film that looks like it was produced by Al Jeezera.
March 30th, 2007 at 7:32 pmSomeone needs to snatch that Lt up and tell him to keep his mouth shut and eyes open. Where is the rigger tape when you need it?
Pat, Keep Charging! 
May 5th, 2007 at 3:44 pmhttp://a964.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/01483/36/97/1483157963_l.jpg
Link to picture of my Son and I
www.myspace.com/ssgduke
Hmmm! Maybe the LT. got a raw deal with other so called correspondences! If he had the chance to read Pat Dollard works or personally meet Pat he might change his mind. Personally Pat if I was an embedded journalist I would have carried at lease a 45 cal or 9mm pistol with me. The Islamic Fascists don’t care if you are a journalist or not. All westerners are infidels in their eyes. As for your age, hell, they are going to send this old fart (54 years old) to Iraq. I first had to take a treadmill stress test and I did very well. If I do go it might give me the chance to visit my Son who is in the Army, station not far from Baghdad. Keep up the good work on reporting actual facts. We are going to need it soon because I feel that this Surge mission will decide the outcome of not only Iraq but the United States as well.
May 8th, 2007 at 12:05 pmPat, what you contribute to the big picture in Iraq (and susequently at home and around the world) is in fact a “SERVICE” that should be recognized as such, not only by our American soldiers but also by anyone who considers themself to be a patriotic American. I don’t care what anyone else says or thinks, you “SERVE” our country in a capacity that is apparently unique only to you. I truly appreciate your “SERVICE”, as you provide us the stark Truth. If I were religious, I’d say, “I will pray for your safety and continued “SERVICE.” But, being who I am, I want you to know that you will be in my thoughts and heart, daily, as you continue to “SERVE.”
May 13th, 2007 at 9:56 amThat was me. I feel that the majority of servicemen and -women that see the term “served” would tend to characterize what Pat did as something else. That’s the only point I was attempting to make, if Chad likes it or not. I’ll invite my peers to weigh in on whether or not a documentarian “serves” in a combat zone while conducting civilian reporting duties. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe I overreacted.
John, you are exactly right, when you say it is only your “feeling” how other military personnel might interpret Pat’s “SERVICE.” Maybe you are wrong. Maybe you did overeact. Maybe you should have conducted a census of your peers BEFORE stating your sorry opinion on this site. To bring the Truth to the world, does in fact constitute a great “SERVICE.”
May 13th, 2007 at 10:15 amInteresting…
June 5th, 2007 at 11:33 amSorry
June 8th, 2007 at 3:07 pmCool…
June 10th, 2007 at 4:25 amCool.
June 12th, 2007 at 10:48 amSorry
June 12th, 2007 at 12:28 pmSorry
June 12th, 2007 at 1:26 pminteresting
June 13th, 2007 at 12:13 pmNice!
July 9th, 2007 at 2:10 amCool.
July 9th, 2007 at 5:12 amThe “LT” is a poseur, or just a REMF.
You can’t build yourself up by tearing someone else down, “LT.”
If the people Pat SERVED with are OK with that term, then, as a previous poster said, Stay in your own lane.
Most people I know who’ve actually been in combat are modest about it, and, when asked to comment about an incident they were not part of, are quick to say, “Well, I wasn’t there.”
But YOU, you know all about Pat, and his motives. A brighter bulb would have sensed danger in that line of attack, “LT.”
September 24th, 2007 at 6:03 pm