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Updates from the Front Lines
Some humor from the troops
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September 2008
Sir/Ma'am,
Thought you may like this picture. God
Bless

August 2008
Maxine (volunteer in charge of
custom forms)
Thank you very much for the care packages you sent to our soldiers. One of
the joys of my job is to hand those gifts
to our soldiers adn see their excitement and appreciation. Thank ou again
for your heartfelt support. Chaplain
Keith ______.
Dear Operation Military Support,
Thank you for your recent gracious shipment of care package which me and my
men enjoyed very much. You have been SO supportive for the year I have been
here. I just can't get over how awesome all of you have been. This will be
my last thank you note as I finally re-deploy in just a few days. I have
benefitted from your generosity as the positive effect on my men's morale no
doubt helped me achieve my mission. thanks so much. With generous,
self-less, giving Americans like yourselves, there is just no way good will
not triumph over evil. We will win this war. We have to, failure is NOT an
option. Wayne L. _________ Former Chief, CTEWCC Middle East
January - June 2008
June
Your gifts of love have arrived and are received with excitement. Please
pass along our thanks and appreciation for your dedication and support.
As for our battalion, we are putting the finishing touches on our mission.
When we arrived here in March, we occupied over 25 locations. Now, we are
only in 7. We are successfully turning over control to the elected Iraqi
leaders! Progress is very evident in our corner of Iraq. Thank you for
supporting us and contributing to our high morale!
In Christ,
Chaplain Mike
Dear Operation Military Support,
Once again, I find myself trying to find the right words to describe my
sincere appreciation for OMS’s incredible support and generosity.
The increase in morale when I took your CARE package
out to my men was palpable.
We
all are devotees to the gym and trying to become stronger warriors so the
Teriyaki Beef Sticks are a big hit.
Many times we’ll eat one of those for lunch versus
walking in the heat to the chow hall.
I’m a firm believer that “good will triumph over Evil” We
are fighting extremist insurgents/terrorists who kill women for not wearing
a veil and cut off peoples heads for fun.
How can they not be considered Evil?
On the other hand, OMS generously send CARE package
after CARE package (at considerable expense) to folks you’ve never met.
How can America and her people NOT be considered GOOD?
We will Prevail.
Things are much
better in Iraq and the negative headlines from
Afghanistan come fro a very small percentage of districts.
We are Winning!!
Thanks again Operation Military Support for keeping our
morale high so we can continue “fighting them here so we don’t have to fight
them on American soil.”
Lt. Col. Wayne _______
Chief, Centcom EW Shop
Dear Operation Military Support,
I just received one of your care packages and realized that I hadn’t thanked
you for the preceding one, so here is a big thank you for both
Last year you guys sent me and my Marines many care packages and I want to
let you know how appreciative we have all be for the support you provide.
Keep up the good work!
Thank you, Capt Laura
HMLA-367
AH-1W Pilot
Dear Operation Military
Support,
Once again, thank you for your generous shipment of "goodies" rec'd today.
Several items were "hits" right out of the box with my men and quickly
spoken for. It's amazing how much the spirits of the hardened veterans of
deployments to the Middle East can be raised by small items from a "goodie
box". We have it really good here with two big BX's a pool, nice gyms,
etc. but we're still 1,00's of miles from America, our families, and our
homes so your acts of generosity and kindness are Very Much
appreciated. Although I have experienced the organization I lead over her
shrink and then grow again, one that has remained constant is Operation
Military Support's true-blue patriotism and support of me and the men I am
honored and privileged to lead. You can read more about us in the March '08
issue of the Journal of Electronic Defense if you're interested. Hope it's
a beautiful, colorful spring in San Andreas.
From the land of sand, take care
Warm regards,
Lt. Col. Wayne --------------Chief, CTEWCC
Dear June, Operation
Military Support, Staff and Volunteers!
My name is Sandra ++++++
and my husband is currently serving his second tour in Iraq. Our two children (ages 5
and 2) and I miss him dearly. It will be difficult not having him
around for the next 12+ months. However, thanks to your organization my
husband will not only receive the much needed morale boost from his family
and friends but also from caring people all across the Nation. I
cannot express my gratitude enough. On behalf of the Mortar Platoon the
entire Taskforce 1-35 I Thank you for your unwavering support.
Sincerely, Sandra +++++++ (Spouse)
HHC 1-35 Mortar Platoon
POC
Dear Op Military
Support,
Once Again, Thank you
for your generosity in thinking of those of us deployed so far from home.
Your latest box of goodies was an instant hit as soon as I opened it. My
Australian loved the orange gloves. use them as biking gloves for
biking to/from work, as it can be cold here in the desert during the
winter. The other supplies are also much appreciated and will go fast as
well. Thanks again for helping boost the morale of my men.
Sincerely, Wayne L.
________
Chief, CTEWCC
Hey June, thanks for writing, things have been
very busy I have been visiting soldiers on smaller bases which have no
access to internet let alone water and the normal things we have in the
states. I have been sick for the past two days the weather is changing and
since I am from Florida via Jamaica my body doesn't like the cold weather
anyway I am pressing on. My Soldiers had a wonderful Christmas thanks to you
all. The soldiers really enjoyed the items that were sent and the soldiers
on the small patrol bases appreciated. I am still here so don't worry be
bless and thanks again
----------------Seaborn
Everything is okay. I hardly
hear from him! He is going to be redeploying in early April 2008. He does
recieve your boxes, and is very thankful. When I do talk to him, he does
tell me about what he all recieves like a little kid on Christmas morning!
He is very appreciative and thankful, as well as I am, for everything you
guys have been doing.
Thanks again so much for all you
do,
Alaina Richard ____________ Proud Army Wife!
December 2007-January 2008
Dear Operation Military Support,
Thank you for your recent shipment of Teddy
Bears, Snacks, Personal hygiene items and entertainment articles. We really
do appreciate it. We have very good conditions here at our base. Many of
our comrades in the army in Iraq and Afghanistan have it really rough. WE
have a big BX here. A movie theater, even a pool!! But it is always great
to receive items from organizations such as yours. Than you again for your
very generous gifts and trouble you went through to ship. Hope you have the
best of Holidays back in the good oil's USA.
Sincerely,
Wayne _____________Lt. Col USAF
Thank you very much for the
wonderful Box. When we open these and see what's inside it is always a
great reminder of home and the United States. After being in these
Countries, one does really appreciate what a great County we live in!!!
Thank you again, and New Year.
Matt---------------
Thank you so much for everything
from myself and my fellow soldiers. We appreciate everything you are doing
for us and taking the time to send us these items. It is nice to know that
our efforts are supported back home but fine people like yourselves.
Sincerely,
Josh_________________
Than you soooooooooooooo Much
for the boxes you have sent us, they are awesome and well needed!!!Thank you
again!!!!!!
Meagan_______________
November 2007
Operation Military Support,
Thank you so much for the boxes!! The ingredients are wonderful reminders
of America and home. It truly brightened
my day!!! Happy Holidays and God Bless!!
Matt ______________
September 2007
Ms. June,
Thank you for the great work
that you are doing with other American to support us here in the war on
terrorism.
My name is Captain James _______
and I have been here in Iraq for 18 months since April 2006.
I am respectfully requesting if you can put me on the list for a Care
Package.
I will be returning back to the
United States in April 2008, which will complete my 2 years of service in
Iraq.
Thank you so much for your
support during our time overseas away from our family and our beloved
nation.
Items needed are Nabisco
Triscuits, Sunshine Cheez-it, Debbie snacks different kinds variety,
Devil Dogs, Ding Dongs, Pop Corn, Vienna Sausages, Vienna Finger
cookies, Drake Cupcakes and lotion for skin.
Here is a news story that was
written about the work we Advisors are doing here training, advising and
working with the Iraqi Army.
Story:
http://www.prweb.com/releases/2006/7/prweb408426.htm
You can use my photo with my
supervisor Major ___ for your website and to share with your family.
Again, thank you very much for your support. I appreciate it
very much from my heart.
Respectfully,
James ______
Captain, Infantry United States Army
July 2007
Dear June,
I heard from my pen pal
GySgt. Craig today. He is doing good, though his unit is moving back down
south again. He got to see his brother who is also over there in Iraq. I'm
happy for him, because the last time he was suppose to go and see him he
didn't get a chance. I just wanted to keep you posted. Thank you again so
much for the name and address.
Rebecca
June 2007
Dear OMS:
I just wanted to let you know that I got a e-mail from my pen pal
Kevin. It was his b-day yesterday and he wrote me a thank you note for
remembering. He thought I forgot I guess. I told him that I
wrote it down on my calendar. He also told me that he is half way done
with his deployment, and he is getting bored. I told him, and any time
he wanted to talk about anything he could write me. He sent me two
pictures of the real bad sandstorms that they are having over there. I
would like to send him another small package of things, but I don't know
what else to send him. I know he likes music, but they all share music
over there. I don't know if they are allowed to have magazines.
For his b-day I sent him a camera, wipes, candy, and a b-day card. I
really have no clue what else to send, He said though that if I send stuff
he doesn't have much room if he has to pack up and move somewhere else.
Well, I just wanted to let you know that we are still writing each other, so
please don't him my soldiers name to someone else. Thank you for your
website and God bless.
Sincerely, Rebecca
May 14,
2007
Thank you so much for the snacks. Everyone I work
with really enjoys all the gifts and food that you send to us over here. We
normally sit and eat our snacks as we open letters from home and it really
makes us feel like we are making a difference.
Bethany
May
10, 2007
Hello,
My
name is Randy _____ and I am writing this letter to thank you for the care
packages that you recently sent me. I am a soldier deployed in Afghanistan
with the 82nd Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division
out of For Bragg, NC. I deployed for the states in Dec of 2006 ahead of the
rest of my unit, who arrived at the end of Jan. 07. Due to the changes in
deployment schedules it look like we will not be leaving here until April of
2008.
To
tell you a little about myself, I am married with 4 children, fortunately
all grown and we have 7 grandchildren, My wife and I are raising one of our
grandchildren who just turned 3 the first of may. I have 15 years total in
the military, 12 years with the United States Marine Corps. I got out for a
number of years and joined the AZ National Guard. My Guard unit was
activated for 18 months in Oct. of 2004 and we were sent to Iraq, where we
spent the time doing patrols mostly in the Baghdad area but my mission took
me all over the country. At the end of that deployment I was offered the
opportunity to return to full time active duty with the US Army, which I
accepted to finish out my retirement. I am a resident of Arizona but also
am buying a home in North Carolina where my wife is presently living.
I want
you to know that everything you send is greatly appreciated; someone uses
all the items. If there is something in the care package that I already
have or don’t us it is given to the soldiers here. We have received so many
Girl Scout cookies that we have even given some to the Australian soldiers
who are stationed with us. The support that I have received is just great.
Again,
I wish to than you for all that you are doing and am looking forward to
hearing from you again.
Randy______
May
17, 2007
I am
sorry that it has taken me awhile to respond; it has been really hectic
here. I want to thank all the people that have been sending me packages.
Please
pass the thanks to all the volunteers that are with your organization be
cause I do not know all who have sent packages. I want to make sure I thank
everyone. Well, I need to be going I am at work.
May
God richly Bless You!!
Sincerely, Gloria
M. _______
February 28 2007
June,
Wow they got here very fast! I am doing just great, feel
like a million bucks. I recieved the packages last night when I
got on duty, and of course I shared with everyone. My CPT took a pick
of me and one of my Soldiers digging into the boxes. I am the goofy guy in
the hat.
Thank you so much!!! There isn't really anything we
need. We are all doing fine. Right now I am pretty excited about getting
mail still from last night.
Rob
February
2007
Mrs. June,
Thank you so much for
replying to my email. I think that what you all are doing is something
special. There are lots of people who complain about the war that what
they WOULD do to help if they could. You all are acting! You all are helping
the American soldier take another step forward by supporting him with
kind words from back home and you all allow him to know that people
are at home waiting for our return.
Our return date should be
around the December time frame some time, but who can really know.
Thank you again, Ben
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February
1 2007
Dear Friends,
I want to take this
opportunity to thank you for sending the recent care packages. The quantity
and quality of care we received from the States during the holiday season
was absolutely overwhelming, Not only did we receive an abundance of care
packages for soldiers, but we also were received thousands of item for our
clinic.
At CSC Scania our chapel is
a kind of hub for the FOB. Our R & R room is where soldiers can go and
relax and decompress when they are off duty. In December we had enough
supplies to give the FOB a taste of home. Thank you for helping us to do
so.
Smith Gate Clinic continues
to be an important part of our humanitarian aid in the area. Each day our
medics and doctors see scores of people, especially children. Providing aid
for these children is not only a good thing to do but also it provides
security for our base as well. Thank helping to increase security of our
base.
I cannot begin to tell you
the positive effect your kindness has on soldiers. Especially, as this war
becomes more and more unpopular soldiers are caught in the middle. The
effect of your packages the constant support was just what we needed to get
through the season. (And every day) Thank you for your compassion and
support.
In Christ,
CH Corey ________
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January 28 2007


America soldiers helping Iraqi families" they were passing
out
heaters, blankets and needed items to the refugees
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October 16 2006
To All:
Just wanted to thank you
for the support and boxes that were sent to all of us. Very grateful and
appreciated. Thank you all for taking personal time and money to support
us. It means a whole lot, trust me. Not all about the packages, food and
items, but the love and support we are receiving from fellow Americans is
AWESOME!!!
Thank you all again,
GOD BLESS
SSgt. Francini
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October 2006
Hello
from Q-West, Iraq
I just
wanted to say thank you for the box that I have received and the boxes you
have sent over the last few months. I have placed all items on my desk and
many of the soldiers have come through my office to pick up the items you
have sent. The most recent box had personal fans in it and a box of the
frozen otter pops popsicles. Once I placed them in the freezer we had here,
it didn’t take them long to be gone. The letters from the children are great
and I have my soldiers answering each one. I didn’t have to look far to find
someone to answer them. We don’t have much time but we do want to let
everyone know that we are so grateful to your organization and all our
friends and neighbors back home in the states that are supporting us here.
For you all are our neighbors and friends whether we know you or not.
May God
richly bless you and this organization.
CW3
Richard ________
45th
SUS BDE
SPO CL
V Tech
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September 2006
Dear Operation Military
Support,

Thank you for the
packages you send to us. The contents are very much appreciated by me and
my team members. We give what we don't use to the Iraqi Army and pass out
the candies to the kids....well, when we feel it is safe from snipers. I’ve
attached several photos.
Thank you again.
MAJ H_______
1st Bn, 4th Bde, 1st Div (I.A.)
MiTT Team 141, Fallujah
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September 2006
Dear Operation Military
Support,
Hello, again! Just wanted
to thank you one last time for your kind support! I received your boxes
and am forwarding them to the Regimental Combat Team, to their wounded
troops, recovering
prior to being sent
back outside the wire. You will never know what your kindness has meant
to these young warriors. Thank you for remembering us so far away from
home. I will be redeploying home to Cherry Point in a few weeks and will
take sweet memories of your little boxes with me, of your bountiful
gestures of love and support. I pray that you all will be blessed for
your kindness.
Affectionately,
Christina M.
________________ M.D.
Lt, MC MWSS 274
AL ASAD, IRAQ
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November
12, 2006
Following
is an example of the personal impact OMS and its volunteers have on the men
and women we are supporting. In our initial contact with LT Mack (see below),
we asked her how long her group would be deployed and what they would like
to see in care packages; we received the following response:
Generally CDs and DVDs are well received, as are any electronics. Flashlights
(especially from inova) field gear (like knives, etc) sunglasses (it’s VERY
bright). We do have one troop who is out of running shoes (new balance, asics,
or reebok) and can’t get another pair since he is a size 12.5.
Another thing the troops REALLY love is T-shirts from local fire departments
or police departments, EMTs etc. Sizes go basically small or large. We got a
few of those once from my mom who asked a lot of local groups and they were
fiercely fought over.
Thanks ….. LT Mack
We mailed
out our first two boxes to this group and have received the following
response:
Dear
OMS -
We
received 2 packages yesterday. I try to open packages alone, because I don’t
want to encourage a huge crowd all the time. Well, I couldn’t avoid it this
time. I sat there in my cot and opened the package and let out an audible
“holy…” which brought the masses running. The DVDs and CDs are beyond
perfect. We have a lending library (you have to sign them out, no more than 3
at a time) and people have been pretty bored with what is in there. You have
made a great addition to it, and reinvigorated it.
I wish
I could convey to you the smiles it brought. You have no idea. Such great
support, and relevant support with things we will actually use, and enjoy.
You have made some incredibly happy Soldiers. Please, pass this on to all
your supporters. This is a big deal and by far the BEST care package any of
us has ever received.
We look
forward to your packages now. ..... Thus far you are the only group that has
ever listened .... and has sent us stuff we actually want and use.
The axe
products went over pretty well too, we have a younger crowd here (they get
younger every attack, I am convinced) and so things that are catered to their
generation go a long way. I passed out the snacks too, but I have to admit, I
kept the cookie thing. I let the “god microwave” (ie – the bright blistering
sun during the day) heat it up, and it was gooey and delicious… mmmm….
Thank
you so much… LT Mack
This was
the letter we received which prompted us to post our website request for
first-responder T-shirts. After only one week, volunteers have started
sending these shirts to us, and they are now on their way to Iraq. Please
keep them coming.
Thank you
to all of you, our volunteers, who make this all possible. |
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June 14, 2006
Hi again everyone! Well a great day in many ways! Yesterday
I had the honor to be invited to see
President Bush as he (along with GEN Casey and Ambassador Kalizad) spoke to
us in the former Presidential Palace (now the US Embassy where I work). No
matter what your political view - it was a very uplifting and a great morale
booster to the Iraqis and us service members. Although even after his visit
I have heard a few negative comments from home....that I must say is pretty
pathetic and sad. But I guess when some people don't have anything positive
to say they resort to personal attacks - it is very disheartening to people
here trying to make a difference. Every person who walked out of the palace
last night (after many cheers and "hooahs") was in great spirits and very
motivated. Just watching the face of the Prime Minister should tell people
something. I've enclosed a few pictures.
Also, today is the Army's Birthday - HOOAH! :) The
dining facility had a HUGE birthday cake with the Army Flag and a display
- Today is also Flag Day …PLUS I leave for my journey home one week from
today … I won't return here to Iraq until sometime around the 11th or 12th
of July. Thank-you again to all you wonderful people who send me mail and
packages and goodies for the troops and children here …Gale
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June 2006
Hi all! Well, I think
I've probably sweated off about five pounds in the last couple days.
Yesterday (June 1) I flew via Blackhawk to Camp Victory and it was 115
degrees in the SHADE! Today I flew up north to Taji. It was pretty cool
and nice to take a longer helicopter flight to get to see more of the
"sights". We actually went to the Counter Insurgency Academy (COIN) which
is located on Camp Taji and an Iraqi compound - that was interesting. They
have it a lot worse off than we do in the IZ. It was soooo blasted hot and
I made the mistake of looking at a thermometer and it was 135 DEGREES!!!!!
It is almost unbearable especially when we are running around in body armor,
helmet, and weapons not to mention jumping on and off helicopters - whew! I
drank about 4 bottles of water on today's trip. It was very successful
however and I met up with our class leader from CRC (my 2 week training at
Ft. Bliss, TX before coming here) COL __________ so it was nice to see him
and to be able to help him out. We worked with him on standing up a web
presence on Army Knowledge On Line (AKO) as directed by the Chief of Staff
of the Army and also teaching them about the upcoming Portal we are
launching on the three networks. We also took some pictures of the antenna
towers and TCF to help us in some of the work we are doing in planning the
strategic communications for the Contingency Operating Bases. So, all in
all a great trip but WAY TOO HOT!!!! I don't know how these guys who are
out on patrol constantly deal with it - I salute all of them! It sure would
have felt good to jump in a pool! :)
Gale
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MAY 2, 2006
Hi there!
Well, today I went out to one of the FOBs (Forward
Operating Bases) and went to the top of a building
that had a great view of Baghdad. We heard several gunshots and saw quite a
bit of smoke across the distance so we didn't stay there too long. The main
reason was my FOIA NCO is leaving on Tuesday or Wednesday so we went out
with my British counterpart to go take pictures. I also took another snap
in front of one of the HUMMVs (pic #1).
My boss has finally returned from leave (thank god) and is
getting her feet back on the ground. My fellow Lieutenant Colonels and I
have been re-working the Communications and Information Systems
re-organization for the future drawdown of the force so we have been pretty
busy with that. We have also been continuing our work on building a
national CIO capacity for Iraq which is exciting stuff.
The weather here has been getting hotter by the day with
temps in the 90s to 101 right now.....only toclimb
higher - yuck! Oh well, I've been drinking a lot of water - of course
bottled because the water here is non-potable but at least the bottled stuff
is free! I only have 8 weeks to go until I come home on leave! When MSgt
_____ leaves I will be at my 6 month mark - half way! Whoo hoo!
We also got all the
military together and climbed to the roof of the Embassy and took some
pictures - that was cool. I've attached another pic of MSgt ______, CAPT
_______, and me on the roof of the Embassy behind the bunker (pic #2) and my
favorite group picture of the military in my Division (pic #3).
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June 2006
Hello:
Well yesterday (May 1) was quite
"interesting". We experienced several incoming mortar rounds. We were in
our conference room getting ready to brief our general over VTC when we
heard a huge explosion (most of us can now recognize mortar vs rocket vs IED
- and it is almost normal to see who can ID it and guess the location). It
sounded like something (shrapnel maybe) hit the roof and that a mortar
landed right outside the door. Of course the sirens started going off and
the "take cover" announcements over "Giant Voice". We also heard another
"thud" which normally means "dud".
What actually happened is there was a
round that impacted right behind us in one of the trailer areas by our gym
that did explode. The second round landed in my trailer area! Apparently
it was a "dud" and it came through the roof of one trailer, through some
sandbags and into the side of the next trailer and through the floor hitting
the ground under the trailer. Luckily it didn't explode! EOD (Explosive
Ordinance) had to come and defuse it so we were kept out of our trailers
most the evening since they had to actually lift the trailer to get at the
round. A couple of our troops couldn't go back all night because it was in
their "row" so of course safety prevails. The good thing is there wasn't
anyone in these areas and no one was hurt. During the day most (who aren't
shift workers) are in the palace. So, it was quite an interesting day.
We are still going
through the pain of trying to re-organize the entire Directorate. We (the
0-5s) got together and came up with a great plan only to have the plan
somewhat changed by one of our Colonels which was quite a let down. My job
will be changing and I will be moving from one Division to another (I stay
in the same location though - just will change my office). I'm not too
happy with the move and re-org and most of the 0-5s (Lieutenant Colonels)
are pretty frustrated but we will do what we are told even though we don't
agree. Guess we just do what we have to do.
LTC Gale J. _______
U.S. Embassy, Baghdad |
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June 2006
Our latest newspaper. I was so surprised to see the article/pics about the
girls school - it is the school we visited at Christmastime and it looked
just like the "before" pictures - wow what a difference! It is so wonderful
to see! Also, attached is a chart showing some of the ranks of the different
militaries that serve with us here.
Gale
Baghdad Sandstorm NEWSLETTER , 2 June 06
Military Rank Chart from all over
the world |
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April 2006
Dear Family and Friends -
I often in my emails try to explain the good we have accomplished here in
Iraq that Americans back home do not always hear about. Attached is a letter
that our general (the communications DCS - who I work for) sent to us today.
It is a letter addressed to our Commanding General in Iraq (GEN Casey) from
the Mayor of Tall'Afar, Iraq. I can't imagine anyone reading this and not
understanding the support we have of the Iraqi people and the things we are
accomplishing here in this country. I for one am proud of what we are doing
here and so very proud of those "brothers and sisters" serving here along
side me and those who have given their lives in a noble cause - freedom and
democracy - something we all in America enjoy. Please continue to pray and
support the troops here and see the positive things happening for these
wonderful, proud people of Iraq. Please feel free to pass this on to your
family and friends.
God Bless. Love, Gale
p.s. I also attached another pic of some of my new pals and I! :)

Fellow Comm Warriors, I encourage you to read the attached
letter from the Mayor of Tall' Afar to Gen Casey. It's moving and
inspiring!
Be proud of what you do here....each of us, in our own way
is making a difference in the lives of the Iraqi people. If ever you
feel like you aren't sure why you are here, or you aren't sure what your
efforts mean to the Iraqi people, pull out this letter and read it again.
I encourage you to share it with your friends and family at
home also. They too should feel proud of what America is doing here,
as represented by our troops on the ground and on the front lines in places
like Tall' Afar. It's their support that enables us to accomplish the
mission over here. This letter is directed as much at them as it is to
the troops in Tall' Afar.
Keep charging! VR, GSC
Gary S. Connor, Brig Gen, USAF DCS CIS
Multi-National Force, Iraq
Letter from
Mayor of Tall'Afar, Iraq |
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April 29, 2006
Hello All,
Sorry it has been five months since my last
update, but then, we have been busy. Let me give you the bottom-line up front
(BLUF), and then catch you up on things. Feel free to forward this to
whomever, since we still can't seem to get the press to tell folks what is
going on. This is how the fight is going from my foxhole, and it is much more
than the bombings, US casualties, and rumors of civil war the press seems to
be focused on.
*BLUF: We are not, and have not been, on
the verge of civil war*. We have had an increase in killings by militia
groups in the past five weeks, and that is not helping get the new government
seated, but we (the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Coalition Forces) are far
from losing control.
As you probably noted, Al Qaida and the
other insurgent groups were not able to mount a Tet like offensive this past
fall. Iraqi and US operations prevented them from organizing major attacks,
and the ISF did a superb job of securing the polling sites. Iraq ratified a
constitution and conducted a credible election. Although the Iraqis face some
significant challenges forming the new government, the basics of democracy are
present and taking root.
Saddam's trial is making progress, albeit
painfully slowly. The new judge is ensuring the defendants receive due
process and a fair trial, while eliminating their ability to turn the trial
into a political circus. Saddam's and the others' security continue to be one
of my personal headaches, so I am a big fan of keeping the trial moving.
2006 is the Year of the Police, which means
our focus is to get the Iraqi police forces trained and operational. We
continue to work to rebuild the Iraqi Army, which assumes responsibility for
more battle space each week. It is the ability of the Iraqi Army to take the
fight to the enemy that allowed us to turn off two US replacement brigades at
the end of 2005. The Iraqi Army is having successes and failures, but is
steadily improving.
Recently they have conducted a number of
truly outstanding operations, both in conjunction with us and on their own.
The police are not as far along, hence our focus on them in 2006. What you
don't see in the media is the tremendous courage of most of the Soldiers,
Policemen, and Judges who take significant risk each day to bring stability to
their country. I lost an Iraqi friend last week who was the leader of the
security of the prison where we send our convicted terrorists to serve their
sentences. Another equally brave corrections officer stepped up immediately
to take his place.
The fight against Al Qaida is going well.
They have chosen to make Iraq the battleground against the US, and this has
enabled us to kill or capture significant numbers of their senior leadership,
and put a dent in their funding. They believe they can prevail by killing US
Soldiers, and waiting for the US public to tire of the war and casualties,
and bring us home.
As I talk to Soldiers around Iraq, they
overwhelmingly believe in what they are doing and why they are doing it. They
know they are winning, and are frustrated by what they see and hear in the
news about America questioning why we are here. In my opinion, it is much
better to fight these terrorists in Iraq vice in the US.
Our counterinsurgency strategy continues to
focus on: offensive operations to kill or capture insurgents; train and
reinforce the Iraqi Army and police forces to conduct the counterinsurgency;
establish a strong democratic Iraqi government; and rebuild the
infrastructure and economy. The Interagency process is working fairly well in
Baghdad (Washington could take a lesson), with most of my contacts being with
the Departments of State and Justice.
One of our two largest challenges is to get
the Sunnis, Shia, and Kurds to work together. No one party/sect has a
majority in the newly elected Council of Representatives, so learning to
compromise and put together alliances in the government will be key to
success.
Who is selected to head the Ministries of
Defense and Interior (police) is also key; we really need individuals who are
secular, and are clearly not tied to any of the various militia groups. The
militias are the other major challenge to success here. We will have to
disarm them, weed them out of the government, and neutralize their ability to
terrorize the citizens of Iraq. This will be at least as challenging as
getting the major sects to work together, but not impossible.
On top of these two challenges, we have the
Iranian influence to combat. Our neighbors to the east are intent on
destroying this attempt at democracy, and infiltrate and support terrorists at
every opportunity.
The Judiciary continues to be a success
story, and it remains strongly independent and resistant to executive branch
influence. As a side note, we got our first death sentence in a Coalition
case this week; one of the Al Qaida terrorists who participated in the
beheading of Nick Berg.
I could not have been prouder than to spend
my final Thanksgiving and Christmas in uniform with the outstanding young
Americans who are serving here as Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines.
Thanksgiving morning dawned clear and crisp at 45 degrees with a 20 knot
wind. Although it was warm by Minnesota and Korea standards, it was chilly
for the desert as we donned our body armor and loaded our HMMWVs for the
convoy to Abu Ghraib. Had a great dinner in the mess hall there with the
Soldiers, and spent the afternoon checking fighting positions and guard
towers. That evening I spent some talking with the joint service members of
our intelligence unit, a section of which is dedicated to finding our one MIA,
SGT Keith Maupin. They are out on missions each week, intent on bringing him
home.
Troop morale continues to remain high. The
Soldiers can see the difference they are making, whether killing bad guys,
training the Iraqi forces, or improving the living conditions for Iraqis.
They can no longer give beanie babies to the kids, because Al Qaida has taken
to placing explosives in them, giving them to kids, blowing their arms off or
killing them, and blaming the Americans.
This is a tough fight, and we are once again
up against an enemy who has no moral compass. Our kids continue to excel at
every mission, and are undaunted in their task. If anyone has any doubts
about this generation, they can erase them. 2006 will be a decisive year. We
have the opportunity to do a battle handoff to the Iraqis for the lead in the
counterinsurgency fight, and begin to reduce our combat presence.
Concurrently, we must continue to coach and mentor the Iraqi Government as it
continues its journey toward democracy. We will need to be here for awhile,
but my assessment is that this is the make or break year.
I'm betting on our Soldiers and the Iraqi
people.
Colonel William Ivey, Infantry
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
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