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November 05, 2006
In Country ~ Iraq
From Baghdad, Iraq.............
I am the Civil Affairs Officer for an MP unit. I work directly with the people of Baghdad, Iraq. Once a week, we visit a local clinic to provide medical care, health education, clothing, shoes, food, and toys to these people.
A reporter, here, once asked me what my mission was and I told him. His next question was if I knew where the Infantry guys were. I never saw him again. The media is only interested in "guts-on-the-ground" stories. apparently "Good news is no news."
I love intelligent conversation and debate, be it politics or religion or anything. I like to meet intelligent friendly people who are not assholes. I would like to meet Osama Bin Laden and kick him in the nuts, so I would forever be known as the guy who kicked Osama in the nuts. My sons could grow up and tell their friends that one day. Just thinking out loud here.
The soldiers here take the treats from their own care packages to hand out to the kids. We are doing pretty well, at least at our FOB as far as necessities go. We even have a small PX set up here.
As for the generosity of the soldiers, You spoke of toiletries for the Iraqi people - Yes, that is a popular request. The last time we visited the clinic, one of my soldiers asked if we could stop by the mini-PX on the way. When I asked what he needed, he told me that he promised a little girl that he would bring her some shampoo. How could I say no to that? He bought her some with his own money.
One thing that is also never mentioned, this generosity pays off. many of the local Iraqis are more than eager to mention to us when "strangers" move into their area. The local Iraqis KNOW who their friends are, They just fear the reprisals from the terrorists. They fear even more that we will leave Iraq.
I thank you all for your support. We are all in this together. Thanks for doing your part, it makes a difference.
Handing out beanie babies.
This little girl wasn't heavy enough to work the teeter-totter, so I gave her a hand. (note the sign in the background)
This is a close-up of the sign in the background and THIS IS WHY there are now playgrounds in Iraq.
"Many years ago I had a decision to make...
I could join the military, gain real-world experience, receive a college education, and develop a true grasp on reality...
or...
I could have quit school, become a Liberal, and voted for John Kerry.I feel that I have chosen wisely.- K Soldier "
Posted by Wild Thing at November 5, 2006 02:47 AM
Comments
Wonderful story Chrissie. American soldiers have not changed a bit, they'll go without their rations to feed a child, risk their lives to help them and suffer their malignment by the media in silence. This is also telling about the reporters and their quest for the gore and sensationalism of war and the opportunity to put the American fighter in a bad light. This soldier goes into areas to earn the trust and respect of the local people often unarmed and with light security, do the reporters think that this individual doesn't expose his life to the same threat as a combat soldier? I see the risks as the same if attacked, the difference is the reactionary role will probably ensure that this brave man will perish because he has placed his trust in the Iraqi people. A pox on all reporters, they have the Kerry attitude.
Posted by: Jack at November 5, 2006 11:40 AM
Your post is awesome, thank you for all you do. I am the mother of 2 US Marines, a son and daughter. My son is also an MP stationed in Quantico at the moment. My question is...is there someone or an address that I can ship a box of Beanie Babies for you guys to give to the Iraqi children? I have so many and nothing to do with them...I would love this opportunity.
Thank you so much...you are all constantly in my thoughts and prayers.
Brenda Walsh
Hampden, Maine
Proud Mom of 2 of the Few
Posted by: Brenda Walsh at November 5, 2006 02:42 PM
Jack everything you said is so true. Well said Jack and thank you for all you do!!!!!
Posted by: Wild Thing at November 5, 2006 06:24 PM
Brenda Walsh, please thank your son and daughter for me. A BIG thank you!
Posted by: Wild Thing at November 5, 2006 06:27 PM
Hi, I was just looking at your Veterans Day posts. One of the managers of my political site posted a link to your site there and I am glad she did.
Is this site something you join?
Posted by: AliceInWonderland at November 11, 2006 06:50 AM
