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Samantha Hayes ReportingThe White House is standing behind Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld after calls for his resignation by former military generals. However, many of those serving in the military have a different opinion about the mission in Iraq after three years.
Members of the 115th Maintenance Company just returned this morning. They have been serving in Iraq for the last year and say their feelings about the war are shaped by events that may not always be reported.
Within the military there are opposing views on the mission itself. Six retired generals who served under Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld say he botched the Iraq operation
Major General John Batiste, US Army Retired: "A leadership style that was intimidating, abusive, there was not a two-way street of respect."
But those on the ground generally support they war.
120 Utah members of the 115th Maintenance Company just returned after being away for a year. Sgt. David McNeely says it's easy to get caught up in the emotion of missing your family, but he believes it was and is important to stick to the mission at hand.
David McNeely, 115th Maintenance Company: "That's a difficult one, the family side. Yeah, but being over there, they are not ready for us to leave yet."
The 115th fixed trucks, provided security and trained Iraqi troops.
Sgt. David McNeely: "A bunch of us in this unit trained Iraqi soldiers and they are doing okay, but still are not ready to take over by themselves." 115th Maintenance Company
Sgt. Bryan Busk , 115th Maintenance Company: "In my opinion, being over there and seeing everything going on, I support it 100%. That's why I wear the uniform."
Sgt. David Bawden, 115th Maintenance Company: "Being there personally you see a lot more than what everyone here sees. A lot more good that goes on, so I think it is good we are there. We should be there until everyone is stable."
And after a year away from their loved ones, many soldiers feel leaving Iraq now would undermine all the time and effort they put in.
Sgt. Eric Hill, 115th Maintenance Company: "A lot of people want us to pull out, but if we pull out now, the mission we've done would collapse."
Many of the soldiers in the 115th are very young; one just 20-years old. Their plans now include going to college, raising a family or starting one.
