Trey Jackson

A Letter from a Soldier

From: Drew " XXXXX@us.army.mil>
Date: Wed, 19 Oct 2005
RE: Update

Family and Friends,

I pray that this email finds you in the amazing and unending love that comes
from our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

This will be the last email that you get from me from this part of the
world. Soon we will be headed back your way and eventually we'll get off a
plane that has landed in Boise, ID. I know that there has been many things
said about the exact time we will be home, but as of right now there is no
definite answer to anything so I ask that you be cautious of what the news
says so as to not set yourselves up for disappointment. God will finish the
good work He has been performing through us and He will ensure that we get
home.

The other day I was performing guard duty when I was given a blessed
reminder of what we have done and why we are here. I spoke with an
interpreter, who is a resident of Kirkuk, for about 30 minutes. He was a
remarkable man and he spoke 7 different languages plus 5 different dialects
of Kurdish. His English was great so we were able to communicate very
effectively. I asked him what he thought of us being here and he kind of
looked at me like I was insane.  With a big smile on his face he said, "We
are very grateful to you our American brothers; you gave us help and now we
have our country." It was extremely comforting to hear those words spoken
from an Iraqi citizen with such passion and conviction. We then went on to
talk about the many things that he has had the opportunity to do because of
us being here and what needed to happen for the country to continue
improving.

I then asked him what he did for fun and we found that we have something in
common. He said that all of his free time is spent with his family and that
he loves to spend time with them. Then of course I had to tell him about my
little princess Kierra and how she was the greatest baby ever. We continued
in our conversation and it was a refreshing experience to see first hand
what he have done throughout our deployment here. Here we were, two ordinary
people from completely different backgrounds, cultures, and religions and
yet we were both sincerely enjoying learning about each other. Despite what
the news says, despite what the time away has done to dampen our enthusiasm,
and despite all of the trials we have endured the truth of this situation is
that we have had an impact and a positive one indeed. We ended our
conversation with talk about the referendum on the Constitution. He was very
excited for it and he said that just being able to vote meant something to
him.

I'm not sure how much you have "heard" from the news, but the referendum
process went extremely well. The majority of Iraqi's went and voted and that
in itself is a victory for all of us. I think our province was somewhere
around the 80-85% range. The successful completion of this mission meant a
lot to our Brigade as we now have been here for the first two free elections
in Iraq. Both of them were successful as Iraqi's were given the opportunity
to vote as free citizens are supposed to.

As my days in Iraq come closer and closer to being over, I am reminded of
the many blessings I have experienced throughout this deployment. I was able
to serve my country in combat, which is something that I have always wanted
to do. I have witnessed first hand the beginning of a new democratic nation,
something I won't ever forget. I have met many new people through emails,
letters, and just by being here. My abilities as both a leader and as a
Soldier have improved and the experience I have gained from a professional
stand point is invaluable. Above all of these great things what stands out
most in my mind as being the greatest lesson that I have learned from this
entire experience is my new understanding of the importance of relying
solely upon the Lord in all things. God has been by my side throughout every
trial, on every convoy, and in everything that I have done while deployed.
In addition, He has been with all of you as my concerns usually drift your
way. He has been with my beautiful wife and with my adorable daughter,
keeping them safe and well-provided for.

So this will be the last "from the ground" information I will be able to
send you regarding this place. I have been very blessed to be given the
opportunity to know the truth and to experience first hand. I have enjoyed
sending you all the "ground truth" that I know about and I have also really
enjoyed getting to know some of you better than I did before. Because this
will be the last first-hand experience truth I will be able to provide you,
I encourage all of you to do what I am going to do when I get homeŠand that
is to turn the TV off when they talk about this place and instead remember
to pray for the safety of our Soldiers and for God's will to be done in this
place. 

Speaking of getting home, man I can't wait for that day to come. I will
probably be at Ft. Lewis for 4-6 weeks, so that day is still a little ways
off, but it is definitely in sight.

So with that I'll say "see ya later" and leave you with these final words
that come from my heart in regards to being away from my family and being
here:

"If you want to see what dramatic, emotional image of horror the media
thinks will make the most money, turn on CNN, but if you want to know the
truth about this place, ask a Soldier."

"Freedom comes at a price; unfortunately there are very few who are willing
to pay that price, so those that are willing are worthy of our prayers, our
time and our efforts."

"Circumstances do not change who God is, but God will use your circumstances
to change you if you trust Him to do so."

"The Lord is always there; whenever you get tired of trying it your way,
look up and see for yourself."

A Soldier for Christ

A Soldier's Letter from Iraq

I am sure dear readers you remember  Thunder6 from 365 and a Wakeup, beamed in from the front lines in Iraq, as my nominee for the King of the Cotillion.
He writes me the following - brace yourself,  Atlas
  I apologize for this bulk email, I hate to rely on such an impersonal form of contact. I'm making an exception in this case because recent events have kept me far too busy for my own good. Last week my company commander’s vehicle was destroyed by an IED killing CPT Mackinnon and injuring the two brave soldiers serving as driver and gunner. I can say without any shame that I loved CPT Michael Mackinnon, he was a superb officer, a loving husband, and a concerned father and my friend. His loss was a terrible blow to A Company. That blow was only magnified when our Battalion Commander, COL William Wood responded to the scene and was killed by another IED. I can't express how difficult it was to arrive on the scene and have to evacuate these two great men, it is something I have already sealed away in a locked corner of my soul.

Several days later CPT Ray Hill and SPC Shakere Guy were killed in another IED. They were on a mission to bring educational supplies and gifts to the local children. One again I found myself responding to the scene, and once again two had the sad duty of securing two colleagues for their final trip home.

In the aftermath of all this tragedy I was given CPT Mackinnon's command, and I am writing this as the new company commander of A Co, 1-184 IN. I’ve wanted to serve as a combat commander for as long as I remember, there is no greater honor then to serve as the Company Commander of an Infantry Company. But I would give it all up if it meant my friend Mike could come home to his loving family. I know that my fervent wishes cannot bring him back to us and that he now rests in God’s hands. Please keep his wife, daughter and son in your prayers. COL Wood, CPT Hill, and SPC Guy all had families they loved dearly, please keep them in your prayers also. If at the end of your prayers you have any time left please say a prayer that I may be granted the fortitude and wisdom to lead the men of Alpha Company in our difficult mission, and return them safely home to their own families. From this point on my every waking breath belongs to the soldiers in my command, so I will not be able to return emails as frequently. But I will do my very best.

Yours in Friendship,

Danjel

To all my readers, say a prayer - Atlas

Injured Marine defies attackers

Can someone out there tell me why this guy is not front and center in the New York Times or CBS or ABC news. Can someone tell me why this guy is not on the cover of Time or Newsweak?

RAMADI, Iraq - Once Marine Gunnery Sgt. Michael Burghardt realized he could wiggle his toes and fingers, he had one message for the insurgents who wounded him - defiance.

Marine Gunnery Sgt. Michael Burghardt signals defiance at his Iraqi attackers after being injured by an improvised explosive device near Ramadi. Attending to the Marine were Nebraska 167th Cavalry members Spc. John Adams (far left, in front) of Hastings, Neb., and Pfc. Darin Nelson of Fremont, Neb.

Burghardt, of Huntington Beach, Calif., started his third tour in Iraq trying to beat the insurgents to the IEDs - improvised explosive devices - and disarm them before the insurgents could set them off.

As is often the case, Burghardt and his Explosive Ordnance Disposal team were accompanied to a bomb site Monday by the First Platoon, 167th Cavalry of the Nebraska National Guard.

One IED had blown up a Bradley fighting vehicle and killed a U.S. soldier. As often happens, the insurgents left behind more IEDs. Burghardt disarmed two bombs that were found - quick action that probably saved the lives of several Nebraska soldiers.

But he couldn't get to a third.

When word spread that the third device had been found, 167th Capt. Jeff Searcey of Kearney, 1st Lt. Matthew Misfeldt of Omaha and their men hit the ground as a blast exploded skyward.

Burghardt was wounded.

But with two new young Marines in his ordnance disposal unit - and the insurgent attackers undoubtedly looking on - "I didn't want them to see the team leader carried away on a stretcher," he said.

So after the Nebraskans tended to wounds that reached from his boot tops to the small of his back, Burghardt rose to his feet and reached back with a one-finger salute for his attackers.

"I was angry," Burghardt said.

IEDs - which can be roadside bombs, car bombs or other booby traps - increasingly are the weapons of choice for the Iraqi insurgents.

Unwilling or unable to attack U.S. forces head-on, the insurgency has used the hidden explosives, often detonated by remote control. Some analysts have estimated that nearly 12,000 IED incidents occurred in Iraq in 2004.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal units are assigned to locate, identify, disarm and dispose of IEDs. The Nebraskans alongside Burghardt's unit provide security at the scene, guarding the perimeter while the EOD teams do their dangerous work.

The 1st Platoon has been on 80 such missions, including some false alarms, since the 167th Cavalry arrived in Ramadi about 90 days ago.

Working together, the ordnance disposal Marines and the Nebraska National Guardsmen have developed a mutual respect - there's no Army-Marine trash-talking here.

"The biggest threat to us in Iraq is IEDs. We love working with them. They make us better soldiers," Misfeldt said.

Burghardt, an 18-year Marine with 15 years' experience disarming explosives, returns that admiration.

"I feel part of this Army team," he said. "They take care of us like brothers."

Burghardt received the Bronze Star during his last tour of duty for disarming 64 IEDs. This week's incident was his first injury.

Burghardt, 35, wouldn't accept painkillers when he was brought back to camp by the Nebraskans. He knew he might need them later. And he's not looking to leave Ramadi for five more months.

"I don't want a ticket out," he said. "I want to stay here so we can take as many people home as possible."

Soldiers all the way up to the brigade's commander, Col. John Gronski, viewed a photo of Burghardt - on his feet, arm extended and middle finger raised - as the embodiment of the American warrior.

As for Burghardt, he said he wanted to send a message to the insurgents who failed to kill him.

"I knew there was somebody disappointed out there."

Hat tip" DSMoody

Friday Night: Walter Read Hospital - Code Pink

My wife and I were honored to be a part of the group that confronted Code Pink this past Friday evening. We met up with LGFers Ciaospirit & Geepers who drove together from Colombus, Ohio. The counter to Code Pink is organized by FreeRepublic in the D.C. area, and there were many from ProtestWarrior there as well.

We salute them all, for they carry the yeoman's task each Friday night of confronting these idiots; not for the sake of publicity, but for the honor, morale and dignity of our wounded warriors. Our only regret is that living in N.J., we cannot be with them regularly.

We were appalled at what we saw; the Code Pink loon fringe, complete with their anti-American signs and sick slogans standing within spitting distance of Walter Read's guard gate, waiting for the wounded to arrive by bus. You see, Friday night is the wounded soldier's night "on the town"; and the hospital transports them via bus. The members of Code Pink stand there ready, willing, and very able to deliver a single message to the convalescing soldiers - you're a sucker!

Any caring human being cannot comprehend this behavior. Protesting in front of a military hospital goes way beyond any shred of decency; and their lack of respect only proves what Code Pink will not admit, that they are anti-military(not just anti-war); and anti- military means pro-terrorist.

We respect anyone's right to an opinion and to protest, but we have no respect for those attempting to demoralize our fighting men & women.

Anytime we're in D.C., we will be with the Freepers on Friday night.

This is an account from Madahar, one of the Liberal Hawks who went down to DC Fridsy night. G-d bless you for going.........I wish I could have been there.

UN backs IRAN

The UN is clearing Iran of charges of enriching Uranium. Knowing what we know about the UN and its integrity, is this even remotely believable?
In a word......................NO!

U.N. agency findings back up Iran claim 
U.N. nuclear agency tests have concluded that traces of highly enriched uranium on centrifuge parts were from imported equipment rather than from any enrichment activities by Iran, a senior Western diplomat said Saturday.

Are they kidding? Don't they know what and who they are playing with? Here they are excoriating Iraq for considering the  death sentence..........

UN envoy urges Iraq to reconsider death penalty 
The United Nations' special envoy urged Iraq to reconsider carrying out the first executions since the 2003 overthrow of former dictator Saddam Hussein

While Iran is slaughtering their people unmercifully..............

UPDATE: File the following report under the "You don't say" file.........

Adoption of UN reforms in doubt, says EU official 
Brussels, Belgium, 08/20 - Chances are slim that the UN Security Council reforms proposed by UN secretary- general Kofi Annan will be adopted by the UN General Assembly in September, a senior EU official, speaking anonymously, said on Friday here.

BOLTON!

You gotta love it............................Day one on the job and BOLTON kicks ass and takes names.......

U.S. Warns Iran, Syria Over Iraqi Border - Irwin Arieff
U.S. Ambassador John Bolton, in his debut in the UN Security Council on Thursday, urged all nations "to meet their obligations to stop the flow of terrorist financing and weapons, and particularly on Iran and Syria."

The only pity is that the moonbat left made us wait so long. They will be the death of us all.........

No Coverage of Soldier Capturing his would be Murderer and saving his life!

From the Army times, this you MUST SEE! (very Israeli, if you ask me)

Notice the shooters aren't chanting, "Long Live Free Iraq!"

"Long Live Democracy"

"Long Live Iraqi Prosperity"

"Long Live Educational Opportunities for the Children of Iraq"

During a routine patrol in Baghdad June 2, Army Pfc. Stephen Tschiderer, a medic, was shot in the chest by an enemy sniper, hiding in a van just 75 yards away. The incident was filmed by the insurgents.

Tschiderer, with E Troop, 101st “Saber” Cavalry Division, attached to 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, 256th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, was knocked to the ground from the impact, but he popped right back up, took cover and located the enemy’s position.

After tracking down the now-wounded sniper with a team from B Company, 4th Battalion, 1st Iraqi Army Brigade, Tschiderer secured the terrorist with a pair of handcuffs and gave medical aid to the terrorist who’d tried to kill him just minutes before.

See the video of the attack.

Read the account of the incident from the 256th Brigade Combat Team.

Hat tip: TimMcD

Update: [ by Trey Jackson ]

Donald Sensing:

"But, as I pointed out to my wife, it also proves the issued protective vest is effective."

Mark Coffey:

"Man, that's enough to get you up on your feet saluting Old Glory."

And this is What the Left Wants Us to Suck Up to?

                  

Pamela aka Atlas wants you to get a gander at global news . These are the  headlines of the biggest newspapers/magazines worldwide. Read them, study them, understand what we are up against and why we must act in our best interest (unilaterally is we must!) as the world would very much like us knocked downnot out mind you as they still want our aid of course - so that they could then spit on it

     Columbus' Discovery of America: History's 'Biggest Mistake'

Edited English Text
Original Article (Arabic)

“If Columbus was alive today and witnessed the scandals of abuse and torture inside the U.S. detention centers of Abu Gharib, Umm Qasr, Guantanamo, and Afghanistan, he would have discovered the magnitude of his error and headed back to Spain to be tried.”

Pak Tribune, July 5, Pakistan:
Osama's Brother Offers to Pay for His Defense

Yeslam bin Laden
	“Everyone has the right to defend himself, anyone who is accused of doing something.” —Yeslam bin Ladin, Half Brother to Osama bin Laden —BBC NEWS VIDEO: Interview With Yeslam bin Laden, July 6, 00:02:34

The Frontier Post, July 5, Pakistan
 

Chinook On Patrol In Afghanistan

"First In Iraq and Now Afghanistan, Bush's Arrogance Is Punished"

“He must confess his failure and ask the global community to retrieve these two unfortunate nations from their unenviable predicament.”

Le Figaro, July 4, France

"George W. Bush Reluctant to Increase Funding for 'the Dark Continent"

Edited English Text
Home Page (French)
Home Page In English (Machine Translation)

“The total effort of the United States remains a very pale reflection of its economic power.”

[Atlas thinks you ought to read Bono's remarks on the same subject ]-Well, I think [President Bush has] done an incredible job, his administration, on AIDS. And 250,000 Africans are on antiviral drugs. They literally owe their lives to America. In one year that's being done. ... Yes, there's a lot of pressure on President Bush. If he, though, in his second term, is as bold in his commitments to Africa as he was in the first term, he indeed deserves a place in history in turning the fate of that continent around." -- Irish singer and activist Bono, in an interview on "Meet the Press
(Bono's comment )

Le Figaro, June 30, France
"America 'Hoists the Iranian Flag,' Is Outwitted By Tehran" 
Edited English Text
Home Page (French)
Home Page In English (Machine Translation)

“The truth is simple: up to now, Iran has wanted the success of the Shiites in Iraq almost as much as the Americans.”

Al Mustaqba, June 25, Lebanon
"How America Uses Aid As a Pretext for Intervention"
Edited English Text
Original Article (Arabic)

“What is happening in North Korea today reminds us of many past American 'humanitarian' interventions in third world countries. ”

People's Daily, June 8, China

"America's Search for the Next Bogeyman"
Edited English Text
Original Article (English)

"Another reason the Pentagon cannot succeed is that after the glaring lie told by the United States about why it launched a war in Iraq, who now is prepared to believe its irresponsible remarks? "

El Universal, June 29, Venezuela
"Chavez Says U.S. Oil Consumption a  'Burden of Conflict"
Edited English Text
Original Article (Spanish)
Article in English (Machine Translation)

“I don't know what they would do without these 1.5 million barrels of petroleum. It would shut off -- I don't know how many cities and factories.”

—Hugo Chávez, President of Venezuela

Urging the US public not to lose "our heart, our nerve, or our way" in the face of the deadly insurgency in Iraq

Bush urges US to back Iraq war
AFP via Yahoo! News Mon, 04 Jul 2005 8:25 AM PDT
President George W. Bush urged the deeply divided US public not to lose "our heart, our nerve, or our way" in the face of the deadly insurgency in Iraq.

GO GET 'EM GEORGE........WE LOVE YOU

The Enema Evacuates his position

Pamela aka Atlas is sure you  have seen the "sell out" Coffee Enema" played for us the other day in the Washington Post.
Admitting progress in Iraq while never mentioning the US............here is a soldier's take on the Annan piece from Irwin, Hawk

    ********

"Wow!  800 whole people that is less than half of the number of Americans that have given their lives to support the progress of Iraq.  And to refute some of their credits, it's the U.S. Military and a few other coalition forces that are helping with the government, the schools, and the security.
I have been in Iraq for over 7 months now and I have never once seen anyone for anything with a U.N. symbol on it.  :)  I wouldn't mind this article so much if it was just trying to take away credit from something I did personally, but what really doesn't set well with me is all of the great Americans that have paid the ultimate sacrifice deserve all the kudos and praises for anything good that happens here.  The U.N. only deserves a swift kick in the pants for not doing enough."

[Response to the Annan piece from a staff sgt stationed in Iraq with whom I've corresponded in recent months. This is a selfless gentleman who serves his country and his Lord in equal measure, and who never utters a bad word about anyone (except the bad guys). Name withheld to preserve his privacy].

Atlas understands Coffee Enema very well because anything more would have been a total sell out..............this way he makes it palpable to the international community to ingest this jagged little bitter pill without chewing................