Alive and kicking in Iraq

[SFCEd]

Hey there everyone! Just wanted to stop by and say hello real quick. Things in Iraq are going well, we were pretty busy with the elections going on but things are slowly going back to the daily routine. We are getting short! I can't wait to go back to the states, kick back, drink a cold beer and smoke a good stogie! Thanks again for all the cigars you guys sent, I always manage to find time to smoke one every now and then. I'm looking forward to getting back in CS. You guys take care.

Ed


Iraq

[NCRadioMan]

Great to hear from ya, Ed! We'll all party and smoke a good one when you get back bro!

Keep taking care "over there"!



Iraq

NCRM

[pnoon]

Ed,
You are more than welcome. Cigars are not nearly enough to thank you and your fellow soldiers for your service. I thank you and salute you, sir.

[5thDan]

Ed,
Thank you for your service to our Country. Let us know when you do your duffle bag drag.

[MoTheMan]

Good to see you here (again).

[colgate]

"But the outcome could further divide the nation. Many Sunnis fear the new decentralized government will deprive them of their fair share in the country's vast oil wealth by creating virtually independent mini-states of Kurds in the north and minority Shiites in the south, while leaving Sunnis isolated in central and western Iraq."

Yeah it's a dream but sometimes dreams come true!

"The military said in a statement that the crowd was setting another roadside bomb when F-15 warplanes hit them, killing around 20 people, described by the military as "terrorists."

But several witnesses and one local leader said they were civilians who had gathered to gawk at and take pieces of the wreckage, as often occurs after an American vehicle is hit."


Newsflash. All terrorists are civilians. Gawk at your own risk assholes.

[colgate]

Let's harbor no illusions here. Nobody in our govt expects the Sunni Arabs in Iraq to ever settle down and play nice. Their actions are giving rise to their own personal Gaza. It could turn out differently but I don't see how.

Stay safe GI.

[stonelifter]

stay safe!

[mobsix]

I hate to sound simplistic about this adventure in nation building but nothing ventured nothing gained. The status quo wasn't go to serve anyone with the exception of Sadam and his rape room cronnies. My buddy Matt is a Captain with the 1st battalion, 6th Infantry, 2nd brigade, 1st Armored and is preparing to go pull his second tour in Iraq next month. In his first tour as a 2nd LT his platoon was awarded the bronze star (meritorious) for their contribution for the effort and then after their one year mark was extended so he could train a 600 man team of indigs to fight for themselves. While I was sitting stateside smoking cigars and watching the news tell me the the Iraqi people were dead set against the US occupation my buddy witnessed car bombing's of recruitment centers and the subsquent gathering of new recruits waiting for their turn to sign up to be part of the solution.

How many of you have found excuses not to go vote at one point or another such as it was raining or you couldn't find parking at your polling place. I know I have, (I vote absentee now) yet when the first national election ever in Iraq was being threated with massive retaliation and bombings they still managed to go out and vote in record numbers while facing potential loss of life.

I am amazed at my friends in the armed services and there commitment to a trully thankless job. My friend's humvee got hit by a roadside IED about 2 months prior to the end of his 1st tour and the back half of it was cut in two, roughly 18" behind where he was sitting. Thankfully all of his crew survived with nothing more then minor cuts and severe hearing damage. He saddled up the next day and soldgered on... I wish I could say the same about facing obstacles in my own life.

Ed, we have never met but I will say this with the utmost sincerity. Thank you for your contribution to a new and different Iraq. If there is ever anything within my power to contribute to making you life a little easier in the sandbox please consider me at your disposal.
-Matthew

[Txdawg]

SFCEd, stay safe and thank you!

[floydp]

God Speed Ed, sure nice to hear from ya buddy.

[galaga]

Originally Posted by floydp

God Speed Ed, sure nice to hear from ya buddy.

[Moglman]

Glad you checked in, Ed. You and all service men and women are always in our prayers. Get back home as soon as you can.

[Dracus]

Originally Posted by Txdawg

SFCEd, stay safe and thank you!

I second that.

[catfishm2]

Good to hear from you Ed and know that you're alright. Stay safe and hurry home.