From Iraq U.S. Troops Write Home

March 24, 2004

Dear Mom and Dad,

We started doing patrols through our area of operations a few days ago. The Iraqi people are very friendly and nice. The children and their parents come out to see us when we patrol down their street. Even when we [are] doing vehicle checkpoints and stop cars and search them, the people are still nice. That is either because they are just used to it or because they are too afraid to protest since we have a great deal of firepower. The only notable event that happened was that on our first day of patrolling we stopped a car with three Iraqis in it. They were driving a Mercedes with UK plates. We stopped them and there was a father, a son who was about my age and an old man in the back. The old man had a gunshot wound in his leg. I was serving as a translator … I can catch bits and pieces of what they are saying but that’s about it.

Anyhow, our lieutenant called into our command that we stopped these guys and they told us that these guys and their car are on a Coalition wanted list. So we detained them and brought them back to our base as prisoners. It turns out that these guys were major terrorists. They cracked under interrogation and ratted out a bunch of people. The Army conducted raids based on their interrogation and they arrested a dozen people and found major stockpiles of weapons and ammunition….

Love,

Andrew

May 5, 2004

Dearest Becky,

Happy Cinco de Mayo! I am now at the FOB. We are here for a few days. I guess it’s okay. I would still rather stay in one spot, though … Capt Ring said the change was for a little rest and to visit the internet, PC and whatever. I can see his point. My guys are very tired….

There are some people in the platoon that are having marriage problems, mostly it is always about money, of course there is the cheating one also, but that has not come up yet. Every time I hear about those problems, I thank GOD that I found you. I love trust and miss you very much. You are the reason why I fall in love with you every time I hear your voice, look at your pictures, or see you.

Went on a raid last night. Nothing found, including the person we were trying to take prisoner. We think that this person killed one of our Terps. Of course we think that someone tipped him off. Sometimes it gets very frustrating helping the Iraqis. Most of the time you get the feeling that they don’t even care if you are trying to help. So we are asking ourselves why are we even here? Of course everyone in the States is asking the same thing. Even if Kerry gets elected we will still be over here for a long time. In fact 1st Cav is already scheduled for 2006 to come back. I just don’t think I can keep doing these deployments. Even If I become a helicopter pilot I will still be deployed, and all I want is to be with you….

With all my love,

Nathaniel

Feb. 3, 2006

Hey everyone,

Well, things have settled down for my company now that we’ve got our mission figured out and a semi-routine started. I’m in charge of 11 police stations in two different districts … Everything that you imagine a police station to be in the US is probably the exact opposite here. Most have a generator with power for about three hours each day. Paperwork is actually on paper (forget about computers!) and usually kept in a notebook. We’ve been doing a lot of joint patrols where the Iraqi Police lead with three or four of their trucks and we follow. Sometimes we’ll get out and do joint checkpoints at intersections or walk through the neighborhoods and markets. I’m trying to work on them developing some sort of system for tracking information on “bad guys” because they can’t just fingerprint guys and type their info into a database! What’s really crazy is that they don’t have armored vehicles like we do, they just drive around in little Chevy pickups with a machine gun mounted in the truck bed and a guy with a turban holding on for dear life! They drive like maniacs because they think speed = safety so we’re working on getting them to slow down.

The Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and the U.S. are all working fairly well together, and we go to meetings where we coordinate on missions and bad guys we’re planning to capture. At first the infantry guys didn’t want to even talk to us when they came out to our police stations, but I’ve been working very hard to earn the respect of the two Captains that “own” the land my police stations are on. They are both starting to share info with me and we even went out and did a joint raid with them the other night….

Love, Ashley

Army Sgt. Joseph W. Perry

Feb 4, 2006

Hi, Babe,

Things are going good here working with the Iraqi Police. It’s really different than the last deployment. I didn’t like it at first because it’s not a combat mission but the more I work with and train with them, I get to see their progress and really get a good feeling that they want to help their country. There are some that seem a little shady, but I am getting good at learning which ones I can trust and the ones I can’t.

We had a pet dog at the station that we could feed and play with every day … But it got hit by a car and he came back to the station bleeding so I put him down. It was kinda hard to do. We named him and he was very loyal.

Love,

Joe

Sept. 5, 2006

hey what up, hey i’m done with the taking back baghdad mission but now they got me going to an even [more] crappy place so that’s cool. did you get the package i sent you? it had a hookah and soccerball in it. i sent it a month ago. yeah i saw the highlights on espn about the [Ohio State Buckeyes] when i was at the gym. i think they will have no problem with texas. And i saw that notre dame looked like crap. i’m not moving until friday so i have a little time now so I’m probably going to try to call you sometime soon around 9 to 12. well I’ll talk to you later. Adam

Sept. 19, 2006

Hey Lover,

Long day today. Didn’t see any more dead cab drivers. Handed out a lot of stuff to the kids today (candy, pencils, and comic books). They would take anything free or not nailed down. Caught a little guy picking my pocket today. It has been surprisingly quiet for all the ops that are going on. Fred came in last night and woke me up at 0100 hrs for his key so I’m pretty tired. You take care..I’m taking a shower and going to bed.

Love ya always Robb

Nov. 16, 2006

I sort of miss snow. It’s been colder here than at home lately. Makes for a rather interesting ride in open gun turrets. BRRRRRRRRRR!!!! I would still rather be in an open turret than the tank I am riding in now. Oh well….

Oct. 16, 2006

Wassup cool people, I’m still moving around Iraq, living out of a rucksack until we get to our final destination, go to more stops then we can finally unpack. Going to a pretty rough part so continue to pray. Anyway yall be well and don’t worry about me over here God is protecting me. Love Yall

title: “From Iraq U.S. Troops Write Home” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-04” author: “Ruth Jones”

Dear Mom, Well, I am finally in Iraq. I’ve been here for about three days. I can’t tell you exactly where I am due to security reasons. I’m fairly close to Baghdad though. It’s not too bad here I guess. We about to take over for 82nd Airborn. These guys are so lazy. We drove here in a big convoy from Kuwait. It’s only like 360 miles, but it took like 14 hours ‘cause we had to make a couple stops or the vehicles would overheat.

We also found some explosives rigged up on the side of the road. Those f—s fight so chickens—. We only took fire once at the rear of the convoy, but they took care of that. When we showed up to the camp we told the Army guys that we took only that one contact and they were amazed ‘cause they said contact is constant when they go out. They realized when they saw us show up that it’s the way we conduct ourselves out on patrol. They said it’s the constant vigilance, alertness and readiness that makes Iraqis not want to engage us. I like it that way. I was kind of hoping they’d try to hit us ‘cause they don’t attack in very big groups so we would have slaughtered them. It’s kind of sick to think that way, but that’s what this place does to me knowing that these cowards are killing Americans by hiding explosives in dead animals and trash along the highway. These aren’t just pop-ups you throw on the ground either, these are artillery rounds connected to fuzes ready to blow at the push of a button. And these things will f— your world up. But we’ve been traning the last couple of months just on how to spot them, avoid them, and kill the motherf—ers settin it off. Once these guys try to hit us with one of these everyone’s gonna come to that final realization and it’s gonna piss us off and we’re gonna be relentless and not stop killin’ til there’s no one left to kill. Especially, if any of our Marines gets hurt bad. That’s just a little 411 on the situation. Don’t worry too much. I can’t die anyway. I’m too good lookin’ … Love always, Noah

Army Sgt. Zachary R. Wobler January 2004 (open letter to U.S. citizens)

My Fellow Americans: I am a United States Army Ranger. I am twenty-three years old, I look thirty-two and I feel like I am fifty. On a daily basis I put my body through hell, so when needed I can move further, faster, and fight harder for you. I do not choose my battlefields. I do, however, choose my citizenship. I am a patriot. I bleed red, white, and blue, for you. I have a three-year-old daughter. I’ve missed two-thirds of her life. Everyday I think of my friends that have died, and I fight back tears. I carry a set of dog tags in my pocket, lest I forget. I spend my holiday season staring at a six-inch, fiber optic Christmas tree that my Mother sent me. I pray for forgiveness. I’ve done things that I’m not proud of, but I’m not ashamed of them either, because I did them for you. I prefer the road less traveled. I don’t do what I do for personal recognition, glory, pity, or money. I do it for you, my fellow Americans. And now I ask one thing of you. Stand behind us. If you choose to degrade my Commander-in-Chief for his decisions, try living in one of the nations of the oppressed. Our nation is a strong, proud nation capable of defeating any enemy. But to do it, we must all, civilians and soldiers, stand behind each other. Visit Arlington National Cemetery. Those that lie there are my brothers-in-arms, my friends, and OUR fellow Americans.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Linda Ann Tarango-Griess

Hi all! Hope all is going well back in the states. Still busy as ever here. My platoon runs the class 9 (repair parts) warehouse and its a 24 hour operation so we stay busy, the days just fly by.

Today our camp took some small arms fire and a mortar attack. I guess two convoys were on their way out the gate and two people from one unit were hurt and had to be medevaced out. The rest were ok. Our enemy is starting to get more active now that we are moving around more. Lots of explosions in the past week. Keep praying for us!!! I heard this made CNN and I wanted to let you know that we are all doing well and no one is hurt. As a matter of fact the mortar didn’t even come close to were we work and live.

For the first time since I have been here, I have no meeting, no issues to deal with and I can actually be in bed by 900pm so I better go get some rest. I am fighting a cold and think I sleep would do me a world of good. Will write again soon. Peace and Love LINDA A TARANGOGRIESS

Army Sgt. 1st Class Donald W. Eacho Feb. 5, 2005

Hi Aunt Sally! I got your box today! The cheese was very good, and so was everything else! I thought I better stop and write you out a letter considering that you have already sent a couple and I haven’t written in a while. Here is a copy of my latest notes. I am separating them by ‘phases’ in the action over here.

I don’t go into Ramadi like I used to so I haven’t gotten any more Marine hats. When I go into Ramadi it is to escort someone else or to conduct some kind of mission. We used to go there all the time, but now we are doing missions in the outlying areas and the “suburbs” of Ramadi.

The elections were very quiet over here. We think that Mooz-Hadine (spell as I say it) was stymied by out combat power. I was able to play a major roll in that I was evolved with the set up and recon of the polling sites. That was pretty cool. Not many came out to vote due to the threat of the bad guys killing innocent civilians.

We would love to have you and yours ride out to NY anytime! We have PLENTY of room but right now we don’t know where we will be after this. I am going to Fort Carson, CO but I am not sure for how long. My branch said that I am going to Fort Knox to teach, or I will be on another advisor type of position somewhere. I told them I want to go to Fort Drum again, but I just don’t know if it’s possible. Fort Drum deploys a lot so there is no telling how long I would be there before I am either back here or in Afghanistan.

Please tell your neighbor we all say ‘Hi’ to our brother veterans from the great war (WWII).

I have been doing very well here. I have been told (and my head swelled) that I have been considered by most in the chain of command to be the best Platoon Sergeant within my Battalion. I don’t know why for sure, but I think it has something to do with my medal.

I always try to do my best and take care of my boys. Honestly, my boys here take care of me too. We are given the most difficult missions on a regular basis due mostly to my Soldiers know what the hell is going on and being VERY good at what they do. You cannot credit me for this, though. Their motivation and dedication is what sets them apart from the infantry in general and other soldiers around them. We are off our base daily to do all kinds of crazy things that make me shiver at night. I have lost another HMMWV [high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle] as a total write-off and yet I have been blessed with NO casualties so far, still! No matter what happens, I am very proud of this and my platoon! …

Eacho, 38, who lived with his family in Watertown, N.Y., was killed March 4 in Ramadi, along with three other soldiers when an explosive detonated near their patrol.

Army Sgt. Mark A. Maida Jan. 17, 2005 (to his girlfriend)

Hey honey, Sorry if my cursive isn’t that great anymore. Great!! stationary by the way. I just talked to you earlier today twice actually, once on the internet and once on the phone. I’m listening to NBT on my IPOD while I write this letter. Man they make me want to drink Jack Daniels mmmmm. I’m seriously considering taking a bath in Jack when I get home so get ready. Everyone’s spirits seem pretty high which is nice. It would suck if everyone just walked around with their heads down. We’ve come so far baby just a little farther to go then I’ll be back home with you. I think about that day all the time, I know you do to. I love you so much. I think about all the fun we’re going to have. I also think that if we can make it thru this then me and you can make it thru anything. There’s a reason I am here. I haven’t figured it out yet but I will. If it’s just to make others smile then so be it. I have faith everything is going to work out just fine. Me, You, my family, we are so strong it doesn’t matter what they throw at us. I love you so much baby and can’t wait to wake up to you by my side every morning. Love you Baby, Mark

Army Spc. Bradley J. Bergeron (promoted to Sergeant posthumously) Dec. 3, 2004 (from a journal entry)

We arrived at camp Victory. This was the camp that everybody talked about. It was supposed to be one of the biggest camps and have a lot to offer the soldiers. After our arrival, we received keys to our rooms. Our living arrangements consisted of trailors that were approximately 50’ by 12’. It was divided into three rooms. You accessed each room at the front of the trailor. Each room had 2 beds, 2 big cabinets to put your stuff in, and 2 night stands. We had electricity and window units. It was a pretty decent setup. We stayed there for about a month, then we moved to Camp Cooke. A couple guys and myself stayed a week longer at Victory than the rest of the company. When we went to leave Liberty to go to Cooke, my transmission in the Bradley gave out about two miles outside the camp. That was the best week I’ve had out here. We didn’t have anything to do and nobody to bother us. That was the calm before the storm, because as soon as we got to Camp Cooke we went on a mission and haven’t stopped yet. On days when we aren’t doing missions we’re on QRF (Quick Reaction Force). QRF consists of waiting at your vehicles in case someone outside the camp needs assistance. It lasts 24 hours. If you don’t get called out, it’s not bad cause you just hang out or go to sleep, but you don’t get to go to your room. As far as a day off, that might happen once every week or two. The missions consist of traveling through small villages and farmlands looking for IEDs, weapon caches, or anything that looks suspicious. We also send the dismounts to clear houses if we get intel that a house has people we are looking for or it has weapons and bomb making material in it. So far, our company has been lucky.

Army Capt. Ralph “Jay” Harting III April 2005 (letter to the “Lady Reaper Tribune,” a newsletter at Fort Irwin for wives and family members of deployed soldiers)

Dear Lady and Family Reapers, I regret to say that on 6 May 2005 my time as the Echo Troop commander will come to an end. I will pass the ceremonial Echo Troop Guidon to CPT Frank, the incoming commander who will no doubt continue to lead our troops to future success. I have had an extraordinary experience and will never forget the people of this great organization.

Please allow me to say thanks to certain people without whom my command in Echo Troop and the success of our FRG would have been impossible: To my wife, Jen, I would have been lost without you. You always listened to my complaints with a tender heart and you always looked for ways to make my job easier despite the rigors of babies, daily life, and the myriad of tasks that I have always been too busy for. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. To Joanna Frazier, you truly made the Echo Troop FRG. Thank you for your time, effort and genuine concern for soldiers’ families. You are truly an irreplaceable asset to the troop. Thank you. To Mary Provost, thank you for taking such an active interest in Echo Troop. You have helped Jen and Joanna immeasurably. You are a wonderful supporter of the troop and truly care. Thank you.

Finally, as the time winds down on my adventure as the commander of Echo Troop, I would like to say a few words to mark the journey. The soldiers of this troop have never ceased to amaze me. THEY are the reason why America is great. It is not the businessmen or the rich entrepreneurs that make America great but seemingly ordinary soldiers and their families who make extraordinary sacrifices for the good of our country and destitute countries, like Iraq. Soldiers like SPC Webb and SPC Maida, who jumped at the opportunity to deploy and fight with Echo Troop despite cushy non-combat Fort Irwin jobs. Soldiers like 1SG Renteria, SGT Becerril, SGT Nun, SSG Villacorte, SGT Smith, SPC Marroquin, CPL Roblero, SGT Lewis, SSG Lombardy, SPC Jones, SPC Marquez, SGT Myers, SSG Anderson, SSG Bondarenko, SGT Cruzatte, SSG McNickles, SFC Frazier, and SGT Lopez who are all on their second year-long combat tour upholding the ideals of our fore-fathers; those of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I have spent many days analyzing the fact that truly no other country in the world possesses the caliber of people necessary to do the amazing things that our soldiers do as a matter of course. There is no other country that can even come close to doing what our soldiers do. I have now seen that fact first hand working with the inept Polish unit to the south of our Squadron. The world truly relies on and idealizes the great Americans like those who compose Echo Troop, your loved ones.

The soldiers of Echo Troop are truly making a difference on a national scale here in Iraq, just because of the type of Americans they are. Our soldiers are idealistic, steadfast, compassionate, tough and courageous. It has been a humbling experience serving with them. Thank you for allowing me to lead these unsung heroes, your husbands, fathers, sons, or brothers. It has truly been my privilege. This has been the greatest job of my life. A piece of my heart will always be with the soldiers of Echo Troop. I will never forget what I have learned from the Reapers and their families. Thank you all. Fear the Reapers! Very Respectfully, Capt. Jay Harting

Army 2nd Lt. R. Brian Gienau Jan. 20, 2005

Hey all, They messed up on the address, nothing new. Things change by the minute here. The only change is to take the name New York out of the address. If you sent something already it may just delay it a bit.For me, life is busy.

Long days but I enjoy it. We are gearing up our vehicles right now getting them repaired and ready to role. Tommorrow we start up our training to take over the detention center. If everything works right I’ll be in charge of it for about six weeks then hand it over to someone else while we get ready to move north. Up north we will be going out hunting for IEDs and destroying them. Don’t worry, I’ll be safe. Its better to be the hunter around here.

Take care Brian

Army Pfc. Nils G. Thompson May 5, 2005 (e-mail to friend)

dear jeff im fine the phone just cut off for a moment. since we were at the end of our conversation so i went to see the letter u sent me . so i guess i will call u maybe tomorow or the next day but im fine. i was thinking about saying a motar landed on the phone station but i thought that would be mean. good by jeff. Nils

Army Spc. Tyler L. Creamean March 30, 2005 (makeshift Mother’s Day card made from a birthday card)

Mom,

How is it going 4 you? Nothing much here, just finally getting a day off for the first time in a long time. Anywayz I just wanted to write you and tell you happy mother’s Day. I hope you like this card that I had got you. There wasn’t many to choose from. I love you a lot and thanks for everything you have done for me in the past. Well, I’m going to go for now. I LOVE YOU.

Love, Tyler

Army Sgt. Christopher M. Pusateri July 3, 2003

Hey Mom,

How is everyone doing? I just finished another Book and I am waiting for the next one in the Trilogy. The Person is only 60 pages into the one I want. Well I have bad news last night a close friends life was taken. There was a explosive device on the side of the road.

When they drove past it, it blew up and a fragment hit him in the back of the head were his helmet didn’t cover. it bothers me to think that at any moment that very same thing could happen to me or another close friend. Everyone is upset about the matter as they should be. I do my best to stay strong so That I can help those more affected by this all. The person was from my company but in a different platoon. I comfort those who need it. I miss you all very much. I am going to try and call you once a week and let you know how I am doing. And if I need anything. I most likely will need Razors (Mach 3) and Shaving cream. But I wrote to Christine to send that to me. It is her responsibility to make sure I have that stuff. I don’t mind being here it is just that mail is slow, no time to myself, and phones. Well lack of freedom. I used to complaine a lot out here. But I haven’t been complaining as much even though ever one wants to rip my head off for asking a simple question so I know what is going on around me. The[y] yell or get nasty and tell me to not complaine. it gets on the nerves. The only reason I am keeping calm is because I have been reading and listening to music. I got to go out to guard. I’ll get back to you […]

Love your son, Christopher M Pusateri

Marine Capt. Todd M. Siebert Feb. 11, 2007 (e-mail to father)

Hi, Yes I got it. I am fine. I don’t get off the base camp much. My CO keeps me here planning the next mission. The Marines of the battalion are doing well here. It is a shame that we lost one. This is the most screwed up place I have been to… I’ll tell you some stories of some real characters when I get home. Anyway, back to work. Enjoy your vacation. Love Todd

title: “From Iraq U.S. Troops Write Home” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-05” author: “Ashley Kean”

Hey there Old Timer, Just writing to say Hi and to let you know I’m OK. We’ve been really busy and I don’t have a lot of time to write. I can’t call because I need to get a calling card online and I need a credit card which I don’t have. … Also there is only 4 phones and 11 computers for 1500 marines with a 30 minute time limit so it takes awhile to use them. Those Wiley X glasses I sent back …

Yeah, I could use those. Sorry, I know you will probably be upset but could you send them to me. With the bore snake. The bore snake is like a long sock (green I think) that’s the size of the barrel .223 cal. […] How is everybody doing? How is Melanie? We are doing 24HR patrols when we’re not escorting the colonel and Sgt. Mason around. It’s long hrs little sleep and crappy chow. Gotta go now we’re heading out. Love Lance

Graham, 26, of San Antonio, Texas, died May 7, 2005, when suicide bombers struck his convoy near Haditha in Al Anbar province.

Marine Cpl. Dale A. Burger Jr. Sept. 6, 2004

hey jen. well i wasnt one of the seven killed today. but my best friend mike allred, the guy in almost every picture i have from over here, was one of them. i found out a couple hours afterwards. i just got done writing a letter to his parents. it was one of the hardest things i’ve ever had to do. he was the closest thing to a brother i ever had.

I am doing ok though. i just got back from a pretty nasty place. we came out fine, but there was quite a bit of fighting going on. things are really starting to get worse around here.

its good to hear that your coming home. i should be home by december or January if i’m lucky. i really dont want to miss christmas but its looking like im going to.

well jen, i gotta get going. i havent slept in a couple days so i’m about to fall asleep. talk to you soon, be safe.

your brother, dale

Sept. 14, 2004

well things are really starting to pick up lately. not in a good way either. its good to hear that your home. hows mom doing? keep reassuring her that i’ll be ok. and do me a favor. this isn’t something i can tell mom.

if i don’t make it, make sure [to take care of our sisters] especially rachel. and make sure mom takes care of herself. i seriously think she’d lose it if i was killed. everytime i talk to her on the phone she cries. just make [sure] shes taken care of, you know. ok jen, i gotta get going. i still got work to do. love you and miss you.

your brother, dale

May 23, 2003

Mom,

Finally was able to open the card you sent. I thank you so much. Looking forward to seeing you and dad both upon my return. I am glad to know that although my career path is at times difficult for you to endure, you understand and support my unwavering duty and dedication. I have chosen a rough path to say the least and it demands great sacrifices from all those involved. Remember, with great pride, that there are not many who are willing to give so selflessly, and those who do are needed and truly deserving. I thank you for being there with that smile or that hug when I needed you to be. I love you mother.

Anthony

Goodwin, 33, of Mount Holly, N.J., died during his second tour on May 9, 2005, after being shot in Qaim.

May 17, 2005

hey mom its me i cant talk long but i had to tell you something. you know that email you got the one where you count down and make a wish, well i did this yesterday just for the heck of it. well my wish was that i could go on a mission within the next 5 days because i havent been anywhere in like 4 weeks. well today out of the blue something happened to one of the trucks so they had to take a different one and needed an extra body well they put me in the truck. … love, your son

Kilpatrick, 18, of Columbus, Texas, died June 20, 2005, when his convoy was attacked in Tal Afar.

Army Sgt. 1st Class Steven Langmack May 27, 2005 (e-mail to a friend)

Good one, I always enjoy the little humor you bring into my life. Have you kicked Alan’s ass yet? I can’t believe you are still gone. You must be one fluent Muldoon by now. Still not married?

Things are good. Typical stuff- Bad food, certain individuals keep damaging the water pump, so no water for periods of time. The Devil Dogs [marines] are too stupid to place a guard on it. Amazing dust storms, etc. You know the deal. Are you able to meet me for a beer in July? Or would August be better?

We have been doing a lot of fox hunting lately [hunting insurgents/terrorists]. The hunting is great. In all, we have probably bagged at least 30. At least other hunters will be safer in other parts of the forest now. You know, from fox attacks and all. Our very first hunt, we saw the illusive “Great Red Fox” [Abu Mussab al-Zarqawi] but were unable to bag it. He left a good blood trail though. I think we might get him soon. Who knows? Well, I’m off to scour my hatchet.

Steve P.S. It’s a good time to watch Fox News

Langmack, 33, of Seattle, was fatally wounded May 31, 2005, in Qaim by small-arms fire. Marine Cpl. John Stalvey Sept. 22, 2005 (journal entry)

Well finally after two weeks I have decided to return to my ‘journal’ I guess you could call it. After our little overnight roadwatch on Sept. 9 we came back to base for a little R &R just long enough to kick off another mission on Sept. 11. I and the rest of Tm 6 were more than happy to go out and hunt terrorists on this day of sad remembrance. After all, it was one of the biggest reasons we were out here. That day would not be the highlight of what was going to be a 7 day mission. Sep. 12 “Darkside” (our convoy) linked up w/ “Tiger” 4 and 6 (tanks) and moved through the desert to the villages of Sadah and Karabilah. We would sit in our vehicles on a ridgeline and observe. After sitting there for approximately 20 min. we started taking 82 mm mortar fire from the village below. None of the rounds came too close at first, but after awhile they were getting pretty close. One tank passed that a sprocket was broken, towed back to base. Not much longer after the tanks were gone our convoy started taking small arms fire. I was sitting in B4 with my door wide open broadsided to the city when I heard a hail of gunfire coming from the buildings below. For a moment I thought my ears were playing tricks on me until I watched two bullets impact within 5 yards from my seat. We moved our gun truck to the front of the line quickly to support the marines closest to the city.

One was a PFC fresh out of boot camp, so the vehicle commander Cpl. Shirley and I had to calm him down enough to get him to shoot back with his MK19 grenade launcher. After I saw that the PFC was shooting in the right direction I jumped out of the truck behind a berm and looked for a target through my scope. I was way out of range. Our heavy machine guns ’lit up’ the buildings pretty well. I am confident we sent at least 5 or more to their grave with no casualties on our side Thank God. Anyway, our boys did an impressive job when it was time to go to work. A truly impressive marine that day was Cpl. D.J. Thomas, my team leader, who killed one insurgent and wounded another with his M40 A3 sniper rifle, and directed machine gun fire onto the target building with the 240G. Five out of the seven days we were out there we received contact, mostly mortar fire. We even had the opportunity to watch Cobras make gun runs down entire streets and shoot Hellfire missiles at enemy pick up trucks. All good stuff, so good I couldn’t help but buy myself a Sony DVD recorder to capture this unbelievable footage that is Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Stalvey, 22, of Conroe, Texas, was killed Oct. 3, 2005, by a roadside bomb in Karabilah.

Army Capt. Blake H. Russell Dec. 17, 2005 (E-mail to his sister)

It’s always great to hear you say you’re proud of me. My motivation is the knowledge that you and the rest of our family understand that I’m here for you. You wouldn’t believe how much the Iraqis appreciate what we are doing. They are just looking for reasons to trust us. It took a few years for them to realize we are offering them a good deal. But if I had lived through what they did I would be skeptical too. It benefits us because it forced the jihadists to fight us here, and it’s showing that Islam can exist in a free society.

I am enjoying advising the Iraqi battalion…I’m actually commanding the team. I get to talk daily to a Colonel who is recognized as the best commander in the division. He will easily be a high ranking General sometime soon. He and I get along great and his 9 year old son reminds me of Dylan. His son has been around for the last few days and when I come over [to the Colonel’s house] he drops whatever he is doing and runs to me. I feel so comfortable over there that I’ll stay for hours talking without the least bit worry. When we are out on the streets I noticed that his personal guards will watch over me if I wander off to see something. Plus I am beginning to understand Arabic!!!

Russell, 35, of Forth Worth, Texas, died July 22, 2006, outside of Baghdad.

Army National Guard Sgt. John F. Thomas June 12, 2005 (Letter to his grandparents, who helped raise him)

Dear Granddaddy and Manolita, I hope all is well when this letter reaches you. All is well with me. I anticipated writing and calling more often. We are extremely busy.

If you don’t hear from me for an extended period of time, don’t worry. It’s just between going on missions and preparing for missions. I need a day to have 30 hours in it. But of course I only have 24 hours. If I didn’t have to sleep, eat, and bathe occasionally, I might have some free time. For example, the other day we were anticipating a 12 hour mission. It turned into a 22 hour mission. I am getting paid good, but it is well earned. So far we have only lost soldiers to injuries and family problems. There is a soldier who went home for 10 days to see his newborn. That was 18 days ago now. We are assuming he has no plans of returning. I am doing just fine myself. I am grateful for the opportunity to have a dignified life. I still aspire to go active duty when this mission is over. But first things first. I can’t wait to give y’all a hug and see Wa-sa and Sally. I miss Tiger, Blackie, and even Penta as well. Are the new cats still with you? They seemed like they are going to grow up and be good cats. Tell Rudolf I will certainly be able to get him a license plate. I have to bring it. I asked and we can’t mail them because it could be stolen. I do see them laying around. Before the year is up, I’ll secure one - though I can’t read what state it’s from. They have the same size and shape as ours. I saw a cat who reminded me of Meo. Except he had his whole tail. I’ve been keeping up with the Braves in the Stars & Stripes. I notice in the standings they are in the best division in all of baseball. I’m rooting for them to come out on top and play in October. I think maybe they will continue the good work they’ve been doing for almost 15 years now.

Well I’m always thinking of you and you are always in my prayers. I send my love. And I want you to know that I realize my life would be a lot worse were it not for God’s gift of parents like you. I am convinced I have the best in all the world. I’m grateful for your patience and guidance.

Love, John.

Thomas, 33, of Valdosta, Ga., was killed July 24, 2005, by a roadside bomb in Baghdad. Army Col. Theodore Westhusing May 10, 2005 (E-mail to his mother and brother)

Sorry dear mom, didn’t save the note. Tim is a great brother.

VBIEDs [car bombs] really are a nightmare. Life is worthless over here to so many. Killing everywhere and always ongoing. So many people don’t care and have appeared to have given up. But I won’t, I need to be here to help them…… Innocents suffer. Terrible stuff. Kids that would break your heart, and mothers too. We did a squatter removal mission yesterday that just breaks the heart. Had to fire on a vehicle that wouldn’t stop at our checkpoint, wounding the driver. The people in these temp villages have no were to go and are targets too, so they need to be protected. We try to, the best we can.

And the graft and pursuit of money off this thing and all that, it is just pathetic.

Oh well. Only thing to do is drive on and do your best. Love Ted

Westhusing, 44, was found shot to death June 5, 2005, in his Baghdad trailer. The Army ruled the shooting a suicide, but Ted’s brother, Tim Westhusing, believes his brother was murdered.

title: “From Iraq U.S. Troops Write Home” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-22” author: “Maria Cocke”

Greetings all, I know what you are thinking. Ryan devoted time in his busy life to write me a letter and then also send the same letter to 10 or so other people. Well, you are right. This letter was written especially for you, and the others are just reading your letter and wishing I had time to write to them too. (I hope that was funny, but you know, my perceptions are a little distorted.)

Iraq is so much fun! It’s cold and rainy and the streets outside the FOB (Forward Operating Base) remind me of cruising down the highways in Mexico … in a tank. It’s really cold when the wind blows and Camp Taji is so built up that the wind doesn’t really blow unless you are in the motor pool or outside the gates. When the sky isn’t cloudy (it’s the rainy season), it is beautiful, especially at dusk. However, when it rains (3 sessions of 20 minutes each about every other day) the ground turns to soup. To be more accurate, it’s more like baby poo. But these high speed socks I got for Christmas are excellent. When there is a breach in the “waterproof” lining of my boots, my feet are only wet for 20-30 seconds before the sock wicks it away. The wind/sandstorms haven’t been bad yet, but apparently it is coming.

Camp Taji is a wonder of modern military waste. I have my own room (as do most of the SSGs and above) which has an air conditioner/heater. I also “acquired” a TV/DVD, desk, chairs, a fan, a stereo, and even a lectern for only $50. People are really motivated to sell when they are getting on an airplane home tomorrow. The DFAC, PX, internet cafe, phone center, 2 gyms, and 3 “Haji marts” (stores run by locals which specialize in less than legitimate copies of movies, software etc.) are all within ½ mile. The DFAC is run by a US civilian company and it carries just about everything (and Mike, it’s all you can eat so you can go back). It reminds me of Jeff’s stories about the Sinai where how we feed another nation’s soldiers is a reflection on our nation. There is a significant chance that I will come home at least the same weight as I left.

We’ve started going on our patrols. I am essentially conducting the missions I thought: route protection, IED sweeps, & infantry support. My sector is pretty quiet, and I’m learning the routes and places I need to stay down and where I can expose a little more.

My platoon is doing well. Spirits are still high and the guys who were here last time are enjoying watching the new guys react to their first enemy contact. As usual, we are having maintenance issues. Tanks are just one big maintenance headache and I’m living on a day to day basis.

A couple of observations I’ve made: there are dogs everywhere. Yet none are pets. Where do all these dogs come from and how do they support themselves. I guess they are living off the Army. There is one dog in my sector, Corndog, who is going to be hurting when we leave and stop feeding him hot dogs and steaks. Another dog, Wardog (all these dogs have names, and it is an important responsibility of the outgoing unit to inform the incoming unit of the dog’s names), lives out in one of my OP positions who comes up the side of the tanks and sits and wags his tail as he begs for MRE bits. There is even one dog who looks like a mangy Storm (his name is Stupid). You just can’t resist him and I’ve found that he likes Powerbars. So we usually split one each morning. The locals do not like these dogs. I do not know if it’s a nuisance thing, or culture thing, or what but they throw rocks and kick at these dogs whenever they get too close. The good side is the dogs don’t like the locals so they come around our tanks and act as a guard at night alerting us to anyone sneaking around.

The people here are friendly in general (of course you have to remember that I am in a quiet sector that supports the IA (Iraqi Army), there are other areas that aren’t so congenial). They always wave and smile and are very cooperative when we have to search their cars or personnel. The women, however, have got that fake crying thing down. We had to search someone the other day (it turns out that my trainer knows the guy and figured that searching his car was a safe way for me to try my first real search), and the older women began “bawling” when we began to search him and his car. It was interesting to see. If these first few days are any indication, I think I will learn a lot about people in the next year.

I guess that’s the long short of it. I’m doing okay and staying healthy. I’m not counting the days yet but I’m also not loving this den of iniquity. I hope you are all doing well, and I will keep you updated. Ryan

Sanders, 27, of College Station, Texas, was patrolling in his tank June 4, 2006, in Baghdad, when he was killed by a roadside bomb.

Army Maj. Gregory Fester Aug. 22, 2005

Hello Family and Friends, I hope that this finds all in good health, good spirits, and enjoying the remainder of summer. The past couple of days here has been in the 130’s, perfect for outdoor grilling!! This past week has been an interesting one.

The beginning of the week was good, then we tried making a trip north to Baghdad area for some supplies and then to Balad for some more supplies, and I would be able to see Eric. Well, the only route to Baghdad is not my favorite, and you guessed it, our convoy was hit by an IED. For those of you who do not know what and IED is, it stands for Improvised Explosive Device. This is the primary means of the insurgents to take out vehicles in convoys. It hit our number 2 vehicle and I was in the number 4 vehicle.

Thank goodness no one was injured other than taking out the vehicle. Needless to say, that ended the trip going up. This makes travelling in Iraq interesting. The end of the week ended on a good note as I had our first contractors meeting. 12 contractors came by and we bidded out our first project to repair/refurbish an elementary school.

Now for a little humor. There’s five things that I don’t agree with here in Iraq: 5. Swimming with your livestock and using the water to cook with. 4. Men holding and hugging in public, tradition. 3. Sitting on hot pavement with a small rug. 2. Men wearing dresses, as we refer to “men dresses”. And number one on the list: IED’s. They just mess up your day.

I want to close by saying thank you to those of you that have sent boxes. It is very kind of you to take the time from your day to that. Thank you to my neighbors who made Julie’s birthday special with the lunch on Sunday. I miss you all and think and pray for all. Take care and God Bless. Sincerely, Greg

Army Spc. Nathaniel Aguirre June 11, 2006

hello mom and dad, i know i haven’t talk to either of you in a while and at first it was because we were doing a 12hr on and 12hr off schedule so i was always tired. the guys in the platoon get missions off but since i am the medic i would go on every mission and when i got back i really didn’t want to do anything since the heat drains so much out of a person. then my good friend and roommate died from a road side bomb while on foot and 5 others were all seriously injured which put me in a big slump. so i am really sorry about not calling or anything but luckly we have finally stopped patrolling because we are moving to a new area that is supposed to be much safer, it is near the baghdad international airport.

when we got to iraq my platoon had somewhere around 40 guys and so far 2 have died and 5 have been seriously injured to the point that they were sent to a hospital in germany and will not return to iraq. these past couple of months have been the worst of my life and i tried to keep a lot of it to myself because i did not want you all losing sleep over it, when i myself was already losing sleep. you should be happy though because we are leaving this area and will not return ever again. we will be grateful for our new area and hopefully no one else from our platoon will be killed or injured. right now i am trying to get moved to the aid station which means i will not go on patrols anymore because all of my friends in the platoon have either been killed or sent to germany.

i appreciate your strength to just sit there and wait while i am over here, and mom i meant for the chase money to come out of my viewpoint account sorry. dad please watch your health because i know you worry about me along with everyone else. i love you all and i should be home for leave soon.

Marine Cpl. Tyler S. Trovillion May 5, 2004 (letter to his mother)

We just got back from an ambush a few hours ago. The battalion and the regimental commanders came with us. Our platoon, specifically our squad is hot, so hot the Battalion Commander chose our platoon to send the Regimental Commander on patrol with. The RC is from Vietnam and thinks the grunts have become too mechanized and lost the skills of the infantry tactics and such. Well, even though the patrol didn’t follow the plan (they rarely do) we impressed the RC which is great for 1/5, for Alpha, for 2nd for the Co, etc. Yesterday, we were to insert 4 klicks out from our ambush, patrol to it, set in at 2230 till 0600 and watch for enemy to set in IEDs (makeshift bombs) on the road we use. Well, we got inserted about 5 klicks short. Se we had to patrol for hours to the OP so we only set in for about 1 ½ hours before sunbreak, then we walked the road on line looking for IEDs till link up. Last night seemed like it would never end.

Anyway, I got 3 packages from you. Thank you Mother. That Granny Smith apple hit the spot. It just made me mad that the chocolate won’t solidify because it’s too warm. If we’re back at the FOB it will but not in the field. Thank you for the Wheat Thins, those hit the spot too. Thank you for the food and pictures. All that stuff brings me back to reality and makes me remember that there is civilization out there somewhere in the world.

Well, it looks like we’re starting a new FOB. It’s an old VX plant (nerve agent factory from Desert Storm or thereafter). I really think this place was also a concentration camp. There are underground tunnels with chambers with signs of torture written all over the place, not to mention what looks like a mass grave in the corner. There are huge rooms with shower heads but no way to turn them on.

Anyway, I need to get some rest. Again, thank you for the packages. I hope you all are doing well. I love you and will talk to you soon. Love, Tyler

Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Tricia Jameson July 10, 2005 (An e-mail to her mother)

Hello, there is only one other female on the convoy with me that I know of. She is my partner for the trip. We are supporting what they call “TCN’s” Third Country Nationals. They are from other countries, Jordan, Iran, etc, etc. It is a mix of military and these TCN’s. Apparently it is quite amusing. When we stop for whatever reason, some of them hate each other due to whatever reasons, and like to get out of the truck and beat the crap out of each other. They have also been known if the convoy stops for just a moment, they hop out and start cooking dinner. I have been told that I will be amused. Sounds like it will be an interesting time. :)

The bathroom conditions are not bad. They do a decent job of cleaning them out. I only stay in as long as necessary though. :) Not much else going on at the moment. I’ll talk to you soon. Love Trish

Jameson, 34, of Omaha, Neb., was killed on her first convoy run July 14, 2005 in Trebil.

Army Spc. Rafael “T.J.” Carrillo Jr. April 30, 2005 (An e-mail to his mother)

hey mom heres some pictures… i got quite a few of them hopefully its not too big of an email… its gettin bad out here again… a car bomb blew up 15 feet from our humvee yesterday… we were all ok… the humvee got messed up though… but it made it back to the maintenance bay on the fob and got fixed… today we got caught in a little ambush… this is happening because they anounced the seats or something and the sunnis got mad… thats just what my LT told me… maybe u know more about that from watching the news… hopefully it calms down… but I feel that God’s been watching over us considering what happened and we are all still ok… well ill talk to you later… I love u and miss u… TJ"

Carrillo, 21, of Boys Ranch, Texas, died June 28, 2005, in Baghdad during his second yearlong tour, when a mortar detonated near his Humvee.

Army National Guard Master Sgt. Chris Chapin Aug. 3, 2005 (An e-mail to his wife)

Hey baby, it was really good to hear your voice last night. I was up at 0450, went and got chow, and am now on duty. Your family readiness does not change. BCT is Brigade Combat Team. That is not us, that is PA., who we fall under. I was doing good in the TOC in HQ. Leadership thought I was doing excellent. I tried it, but it wasn’t me. Part of it was that I felt caged in, you know? The other part was that people like Auggie and Keith are doing missions, and I am not, and feeling guilty.

So I now have a new job. The Marines are running the ISF, Iraqi Security Force, which is the new Iraqi Army. They were looking for volunteers, there you have it. We are in Camp Defender, which is the Iraqi camp inside FOB Ramadi. Eight of us Army guys are living here with 10 Marines and the ISF. I am an Advisor, which means training and mentoring the ISF officers and Sergeants. It’s just like before, a train the trainer role. The difference is that now we go on patrols in Tammin and 5K, the 2 cities right outside our FOB (Forward Operating Base). That was why my feet were killing me, but really were just a little sore. We go out with our VT Infantry right behind us as an overwatch element. It is really quite safe, as The ISF is one of their people, and they are respected and well received. They are also very good, we just need to tweak them a little bit. This is the actual main mission over here. These are the guys that are going to make the difference, they will be the ones holding the bag when we leave. And, as I do not want to be back here in 5 or so years, or having someones son have to come over here, I will do what I can to see that doesn’t happen. I am the most qualified person here, having just done this in Afghanistan. …

Most of the weights are now in place, I will work out today/tonight. We got in some furniture, a tv, and dvd player from our Company Commander for our little MWR (Morale-Welfare-Recreation) setup. He says there is a ping pong table on the way. Is good, but finding time to play will be a challenge. Have not played one game on spades yet.

What do you think about leave? I was thinking of not doing it, saving money and time for a vacation, or 2 vacations when I get home. Maybe one with the three of us, and another smaller one with just you and me. Let me know what you think.

Hows the weather been up there lately? Like I said, anywhere from115-118F over here. Have not been checking the weather on the net, will have the thermometer when my other bags get here. Really need to start running again, because I will gain weight if I don’t. Love you baby………….me

title: “From Iraq U.S. Troops Write Home” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-11” author: “Mandy Ibach”

Army Spc. Jacob M. Pfister Jan. 16, 2005

Army Spc. David L. Rice June 3, 2005

Hey, how’s it going? Not too bad here. Last night some jackasses decided to lob a couple of mortars at our compound. Those dumbs—s pissed us all off. Most of us were asleep. The main reason it pissed me off was [I was] eating some Golden Grahams when it happened. I had to set them down and go look for the dumbs—s who shot at us. When we got back my Golden Grahams were gone. Can you believe that someone took my cereal! That’s what upset me the most. … Tell everyone hi and I’ll be home soon. Love, David Lee

Hello Everyone, I thought I would go ahead and write a letter, since it is raining very badly outside here. Not much is going on here. We are averaging one mission during the day and another during the night, which is good because I am usually required to go on every mission. It helps to pass the time faster. It is hard to believe that two months have already passed over here. Don’t worry I am pretty safe where we stay. The other day we had three rockets shot at our Forward Operating Base, they were Chinese 107 rockets. Also the day before that I mentioned we had a convoy hit by a bomb, two soldiers were injured and 13 Iraqi National Guard were also injured. One of the soldiers the first day the doctors didn’t feel that he was going to make it, but he is strong and pulled through. The bad thing is that he lost one of his eyes during the explosion. I don’t know exactly when I am going to come home on leave as of yet. They are letting everyone injured over here have first chance to go home right now. Once I find out I will be sure to call and tell you all. Give everyone hugs and kisses for me. For Stacy, make sure Jason gives you kisses from me. I love and miss everyone. Stay safe. Thanks for all the packages. I share everything with the whole team over here. Also never forget that we all appreciate your prayers and the great support every is giving us. Love Don

Marine Cpl. Nicholas L. Ziolkowski (undated letter to his mother from boot camp before deployment to Iraq)

title: “From Iraq U.S. Troops Write Home” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-18” author: “Melvin White”

We were all in the rain for about 8 - 10 hours a couple nights ago and it made me think about what soldiers in WWII and Valley Forge had to deal with for example. I am proud to serve our country even if its is just helping the Iraqi people and I am so grateful for all the comforts available to us that previous soldiers have been without - and even more proud of those who have been asked to give so much more than I have. Thanks for being so supportive while I’ve been on this little vacation! …

July 15, 2004

Hi Mom, I just wanted to say hi and that I am so excited to see all of you again; I’m having trouble falling asleep at night because all I can think about is home! Only three days ’til I leave this FOB, I think I fly to Kuwait on the 19th and should be in WA by the 21st … Wow, I can’t even describe how excited I am to come home!!… See you soon.

Army Spc. Dennis K. Samson Jr. June 2006 (poem)

This Sacrifice I give to you, this place we call home is now Iraq. This place we have to adapt. This is the day that we cherish, to live each day as we can go home. To see our family & friends.

Having ice cream seems like heaven and having eight hours to sleep is better than seven. So as I pick up my weapon, I tread across the path knowing it could be my day. I hope not, but I accept it when I die.

What keeps me going is to live another day, to see my family, to see the soil. What we go through you’ll never see on the news. If you want to understand, look at my face, listen to my voice, it’s everything about me, my wounds and scars, and my tears. Once you look into my eyes, you’ll understand what I mean when I say this body

Is for you. This sacrifice is for all of you so you can do what you want! And not have to fear from all sorts of evil from domestic and foreign countries. Here I stand to protect what I believe. I hope this good enough for all of you, and if it’s not, take another look, for I bleed for you. I do my best to do what’s right and do what’s most important, not for me but for this country.

I am infantry!!

Army Spc. Tristan Smith Jan. 6, 2006

I’ve got 5 min. so here goes it a quick update. I spent new years eve in a mortar bunker in Bagdad. They put a show on for us. Not really a few mortar rounds landed in the area. I then took a Chinook under the cover of darkness. Harder to see, harder to shoot down the low flying, slow Helo. A flight ahead of ours got shot at by and RPG. This made our flight a little more intense. We made it here to camp Taji with no problems though. The mailing address I sent out will work just fine they have us camped out near our old company so I can run over and get mail from them. … Things here are really bad. The area is very hostile. It is very very hard to find the bad guys. Everyone has AK’s and pistols. They are aloud to carry. We cannot fire until fired at pretty much. So a few rounds will fly over your head and before you can ID who shot at you they are gone. The small arms fire is no big deal. It’s the road side bombs that will get you.

Everyone who hasn’t been out side of the wire yet are dying to get out there. I think they have lost there minds. Too young to really understand. That is until they see someone one get really hurt or killed. Well I’ll get into details more when I have more time I’ve got to run now.

Aug. 17, 2006

Well I think someone is really out to get me know. I got blown up in another humvee again tonight. That makes 2 humvees and a bradley since I’ve been here. We were headed back in from patrol. I saw the bag on the side of the road just in time. I was up on the gun and ducked down as the driver turned away from the blast. No one got hurt. Our Platoon leader who was riding shot gun got a good scare though. A big piece of shrapnel almost went through the windshield right in front of him.Thank you all for your prayers. THEY ARE WORKING! Your Brother, Tristan

Army Spc. Jacob T. Vanderbosch (letter to brother and sister, sometime between Sept. 15-25, 2005)

Hey how you doing? Hope everythings going good back there. You guys better be doing your homework. I’m just chillin up here in Northwestern Iraq. We’ve done one 3 day mission so far and have a real long one coming up. I’m staying in a big tent right now with bunk beds. We should hopefully be moving into trailers in the next month here. I tell you Iraq isn’t much but flat land, sand, and dust. Every once in a while there will be little sand storm from the wind. They actually have a Subway and Burger King here on base. It doesn’t taste the same though. They also have this big tent with pool and ping pong tables too. The lines for phones and internet are crazy. Sometimes up to 3 hours. Remember when I got hit in the thumb by that golf club last time I was home. Well that nails about to fall off. It’s pretty grose. Im trying to get as many pictures as I can to show you how it is over here and what we do. I am currently on guard right now writing this letter. It seems like as the days go by we have more work to do. We are training all day everyday with a few hours of free time at night unless you want to stay up late. That just means you’ll get less sleep that night. Overall things are going good. We are really going to be doing what we came here to do now. Which is mainly get all the bad guys out of here or in jail. We all got new humvee trucks right when we got here. The armor on it is pretty thick. Theres not much else going on so I guess I’ll talk to you two later.

Love, Jake

Army Chief Warrant Officer Matthew Scott Lourey Feb. 10, 2004

Things are good and getting better, our time here is getting shorter and shorter. I am certainly ready to go home, all though I fear that I will be back here sometime soon. Somebody sure did get us into a messy situation over here. The funny thing these people I work with don’t blame the administration. Seems odd. It is like they are blind.

Anyway that is probably enough politcal talk. I just want to see the wife and the house she has been working on. It would be nice to live with a real roof over my head and not to have to walk 1/2 a mile for a shower that is probably cold. I think winter is over here, that is nice. It was surprisingly cold.

I’m not sure what good I did in the big picture of the world, but I think I kept some of our guys alive and that will have do.

Love Matt

title: “From Iraq U.S. Troops Write Home” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-23” author: “Monica Greenberg”

sorry it’s been so long since I’ve written. But we’ve been working 12-hour days and then doing other stuff on top of that, so writing to you is hard. I’m sorry. But I took the time to write you [now] because I’m tired anyway and I don’t really care anymore. I’ll just be tired … I do the same thing everyday so any news is new news to me … Well, I can barely keep my eyes open so I’m gonna go. Love you, mom. I’ll see you in about 3 months or so.

Army Cpl. Daniel Freeman Feb. 20, 2005

About what you said in your last e-mail, i absolutely agree that what i have experienced in the army is far more profound than anything else in my life. The things that I’m able to deal with would blow most people’s minds. i’ve learned that my mind can be my ally as well as my enemy, and I’m constantly fighting it. This applies both mentally and physically. In my life right now i have many people and personalities that i have to deal with. I had to teach myself how to be a more flexible person, when dealing with all of these personalities. In reality i don’t have an option when in combat these are the people fighting to the left and right of me. Physically I’ve learned how to push myself to my limits and once there, continue to go. You’ll be amazed how easy your mind will set limits, but how far your body will go. I’ve run further, marched longer, and been awake for more days than i ever thought my body could handle. Another reality for me is that i now realize that when i joined, i was jaded by thought of glory and grandeur. I no longer fight for a country, a flag or anything we view as patriotic. I fight for my friends who are next to me in combat, i fight to get home, I fight for the simple fact that i refuse to die in a land so far from those who are dearest to me. When civilians ask me why i do what i do, why fight, my only thought is that they’ll never understand, we don’t fight for glory we fight for those men, who we’ve bonded with, spent countless hours with, and suffered with. I fight for them, for their wives, for their parents. My biggest fear is not my death, its the death of those whose parents and wives i’ll have to see suffer. That’s why i fight, that’s what makes me a soldier, that’s why i don’t question why i go to war, I want you to know that i love you, and i well see you in a year from now. Love, Daniel

Army Spc. Justin W. Johnson April 3, 2004

Yesterday we found a lot of bombs just outside our gate that they were going to use on us. Most of the time you do not find them until they blow up on you when you drive by. We got lucky with this one! & I might be going on another mission today. I hope so, it is kinda fun. We do not follow any traffic laws here. We make up our own. We even drive down the wrong side of the street if we have to so we don t have to stop because it is to dangerous. It is something I will never forget! Something to tell my grandkids about when I am old and gray. LOL. A long time from now. LOL. And I am happy because I got my combat patch now. That is something that DAD and Josh will not have. Dad might outrank me but my Class As will look better with all my ribbons and patches! LOL. As soon as I get back to the states I am putting in for a transfer to another base that is not deploying to Iraq. I will have 10 months left and I don’t plan on coming back here again.

Marine Cpl. Michael D. Anderson Jr. Oct. 18, 2004

Hey dad, yesterday we had a 6 hour firefight in Fallujah. The best day of my life. I watched buildings disappear, shot ass loads of rounds, threw grenades. Well the day started we were stopping cars and searching them after about an hour of that we were heading back to camp baharia which is where I live, and there were a bunch of marines lying down on the side of the road and the other side of the road is Fallujah. The road has a bridge and train tracks heading into the city. So we stop to see what’s up and we hear fire coming from the city and the HMV’s up on the road are shooting the crap out of the city so everybody was like yeah let’s get some. So me and Baker, Vandorn and Hannah sneak under the bridge across the train tracks … and we see muzzle flashes and impacts on the bridge so we open up on them. 240s and 40mm grenades and of course M16s and SAWS. Well that goes on for a while finally we pin a few in one house we are about 100 to 150 meters away and they call for close air support. So an F16 and 18 drops a 500 pound bomb on this building, I felt the heat and concussion, it was the coolest thing I have ever experienced. When the smoke cleared there was nothing left. So we back out and are getting ready to leave when mortars are landing all around us and think they are coming from a couple nearby cement factories. So once again close air comes in. We drive over about 200 meters away on the left side and again they drop another 500 pound bomb and about 30 seconds after it hits they open the back door on the Amtrak and we come running out and assault the objectiv … the other cement factory is about 300 meters south of where we are so we load up and move in. We start closing in. We are about 75 to 80 meters away and next to the house is a red car. The F16 or 18 swoops in and lights this thing up, we drop to the ground. The tracers hit right in front of us and ricochet over us. So we move up to the house and I tell them to shoot through the windows so they light this place up. I hear screaming and yelling so I look down the line to see if it was a marine hit and no one was hit so I called a cease fire and the yelling was coming from the house so I grab two marines to come with me and we move to the front door and yell for them to come out. The first guy hobbles out is bleeding out of his head and leg and the other 4 are ok just really scared with their hands on their head. Our corpsman bandages up the guy that is bleeding all over the place. We search the house and find one AK47. We bent the crap out of it and left it. We call in objective secure and move back to the bridge. We went back to camp baharia. My ears were ringing so bad from shooting under the bridge cause it echoed under there. Yesterday was one of the best days of my life. Last week we were driving down the same road when we took a heavy volume of fire so we punched through. There was one guy pushing his car as it was getting shot. Talk about a bad day, his car broke down and having to push it and getting shot at. I am being put up for combat action cause if that’s not combat I don’t know what is. I shot so much ammo yesterday I don’t know if I shot anybody but I know for sure they didn’t live through the bomb that was dropped on ’em. It was like living in a war movie. I didn’t’ get tired, my ears didn’t hurt during but after they did. Like I said it was like living a movie or a real life video game. I had the time of my life I wish every day was like yesterday. It is hard to put in words how it felt cause it felt so good my adrenaline was pumping. I always thought that fire fights were tiring, when it was over I was like, that’s it? Six hours went by like 6 seconds. Well I gotta go I got some good missions coming up in the next few days so if anything happens I’ll write about it and send it to you. Love, Mike Jr.

Marine Lance Cpl. Edward (Augie) Schroeder March 9, 2005

Well it took a while, but here we are at the Haditha Dam, in Haditha, Iraq. We will be running support and stability operations out of here. Its kind of cool, i live in a dam. There is a great view of the euphrates river from this thing. It looks like something from a movie. We have an internet cafe/phone center, but e-mails/calls will be pretty far between (mostly because of the wait, I just waited 3 hours to get half an hour on this thing) and its slow! Food’s ok, and i’m doing fine.

title: “From Iraq U.S. Troops Write Home” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-21” author: “Joshua Underwood”

hey dad, how’s it goin? we just got back from 2 week mission, needless to say, we smell horrible- got all your moto mails, that works so spread tha word 2 every1- i’ll be able to get out an email every now and again- good news about the 11 grand bb+t from millie, tell her i said thanks- i can’t say much about our mission, but i can tell you i got a combat action ribbon for my birthday, can’t wait to tell you that story- it’s not TOO bad liv’n @ the dam- all we do is watch movies and work out- SEND COPENHAGEN LONG CUTT- pissed off marines= many dead iraqis= not good, so send some- gotta go peace out man- ONE

May 15, 2005

not everyone came back from our last op- i didn’t take any injuries, but my best friend in the company PFC Chris Dixon won’t be coming home- i saw it happen, sorry to be brief, but i just want you to know that i’m fine but stressed like never before right now- if you could email some words of wisdom or comfort- it’d be much appreciated i love you so much dad, chris

May 29, 2005

… not everyone came back from our last op in haditha- once again, and everyone is getting very pissed off at higher for sending us on such bull missions- 3/25 kilo has absolutely no clue what they’re doing- i’m not boasting by any means- but 3/25 lima is the hardest working, most strung out, most veteran company in iraq at this point in time- i’ll never complain about a thing for the rest of my life, and i can only pray for restraint when i have to hear other people complain

… dad- i’m glad we got to talk on the phone also- it was definitely a lift for me as well. we’ve been doing alot of retarded day long ops of late, mostly a 3-6 click hump out from the dam, some clearing and rounding up, then humping back- oh yea, in the middle of the day. it’s been getting up into the 130’s lately- but no worries, we stay well hydrated and tough, so it’s all good, our humps out and in are usually in the early morning and late night anyways- so at least the toughest parts aren’t during the day. what you couldn’t roger up to on the phone was i was hoping you might be able to get a couple of indice composites from the last year or two of the dow, s&p and nasdaq- from what i’ve heard, things have been looking pretty bearish for a while, and around the time i get back the market might turn bull again- but who knows- i’m almost done with that 24 essential lessons book- and i like it alot more than the other hardback one, it seems to read a lot quicker- but yea! - i’m just interested in getting a look at where the market might be heading for the between when i get home and get out of school (4yrs), and even after i get out of the corps- (7yrs)- … if you could, try and get mom to set up some dental appointments for me in early october, as close together as she can get them- i REALLY need to get my teeth in the word on coming home is this- the deadline for us to be back in the states is the 24th of sept, and back home in the last few days of the month- before this we were getting word that i’d be home before your birthday…..sorry chris

Marine 1st Lt. Andrew K. Stern September 2004 (letter read aloud at his mother’s surprise 50th birthday party)

Mom, friends of mom, citizens of our great country, Toonses the cat, and anyone else who might want to listen to some ramblings from a half dehydrated, profusely sweating, bug bitten, smelling like old cheese Marine in Iraq.

When my dad told me that he was having a surprise birthday party for my mom, I sat and thought for days about what to write. I thought about telling all of the funny things she has done, like the time she almost killed me by opening my bedroom door, or the time she got really scared when I flung a snake at her. I thought about writing about all the happy times, like our family get togethers or vacations. And I thought about writing about the sad times, like when I left for Iraq. But, my mother is brought to tears easily, and I never like to be the one to do it (I bet I am too late). With that said I resigned to simply write thank you for some of the things that she never gets enough appreciation for. My mother is fantastic, and many times goes out of her way to do stuff for my brothers and me.

In 2002, shortly after I became a Marine Officer, I thought it would be a good idea to go skiing before I went on active duty. Man was I mistaken. I ended up breaking, no destroying my leg, leaving me with an extremely broken leg, and a nine day extension in Vail. My mother, even though she had work and three other kids to take care of, and a husband whose only kitchen talents involve a phone call to a local pizza place, flew to Vail to sit by my bedside until I was mobile enough to go home. She sat there and read and attempted to talk to me. I was heavily medicated at the time, so there was very little talking. One time she brought me a milk-shake and I guess I took it and then asked her what the hell she was doing there. Obviously I was a little ungrateful, which I blame on the Morphine. When I had recovered enough to get on an airplane, my mother made the entire trip with me, helping me stand, waiting for me while I crutched my way around, and retrieving just about anything (I wasn’t too talented on crutches and couldn’t crutch and carry stuff at the same time). Upon my return home, she helped me in more ways than I could write here. Mom, thank you. Your support those 6 months was one of the reasons I recovered so quickly. And thanks for sitting in the hospital with me and bringing me a milkshake; you being there made me feel better.

Spaghetti! My mom, for those of you who haven’t experienced it, makes the meanest spaghetti around. I mean it. It’s not just Ragu and noodles. I have lived away from home for the last 10 years. Every time I come home, every time, the night I get home, my mom has spaghetti waiting for me. She has the table set, everything waiting. She lets me sit down and then proceeds to serve me my favorite dish. Most people would say, oh that’s not a big deal; but it is to me. It is totally unnecessary, but every time, it makes me feel like I am home (which I am). Thank you mom. You go out of your way to make me feel comfortable and welcome, and I always look forward to those nights that I pull into the driveway, and I know that a heaping plate, a plate the size of my head, of spaghetti is waiting for me.

I am not style-inclined, or fashion aware; definitely not metrosexual. I can’t decorate myself, let alone my bedroom. When I moved out to California I needed all sorts of home appliances, and linens and stuff like that. My mother, in an attempt to house train me, brought me to one of these big stores where everything smells good and everything is way overpriced. She threw out words like duvet, comforter, throw pillow, and dust ruffle. I thought she had gotten mad cow disease from a recent family dinner. Her advice and ability to decorate my bedroom has made my home in California look like a home and not some porn studio. It has also contributed to my ongoing attempt to impress women with my decorating ability. “Andy, that’s a really nice duvet!” “Thanks I picked it out myself.” So thanks mom for your help, not just in picking out linens, but anytime you helped me do things, learn to read, walk, not pick my nose and eat it. Your and dad’s teachings and guidance are why I am who I am.

The last thing I will tell my mother thanks for will probably go against the trying to keep her from crying thing, but I guess that comes with the psuedo-speech writing territory. When I got the word that I was rapidly deploying to Iraq, my mom and dad flew out to see me. We only had about 4 hours together. We went to an Italian restaurant near my house in Joshua Tree. We ate and talked. When we left we went back to my house to say goodbye. I was doing fine and, although sad, I was excited to begin my deployment and get to where the action is. Upon arriving back at my house after dinner, we began to say our goodbyes, I haven’t cried in 6 years (I know I have some problems expressing emotions), but when my mother started crying, I just couldn’t help it. I was leaving my family to go to the worst place a human can imagine. And it didn’t really hit me until that point that I really was leaving and that my life forever would be different. My mother’s tears made me realize how much I loved my family and how much their support means to me.

Throughout my deployment here, I have received many packages and letters. This isn’t meant to discount any of them, as I know people who will hear this have sent me stuff, and I appreciate the support at a level I will never be able to explain. When I get a package from home though, it just does something; it just makes me happy (which is kind of hard here in Fallujah). I look forward to opening the packages and letters. My mom baked for me in the last one. She has sent me books, and food, and Gatorade mix which in the heat has melted to itself creating a Gatorade blob. She has gone way out of her way to send me things I need. She has written letters every week. And although my dad unsuccessfully attempts to be funny and make me laugh, my mother’s notes are often informative and fill me in on events at home. The letters remind me of home, and how much she wants me to be there (with all of my body parts). My family’s support and especially her support has lifted me up when I am down, and made me remember why I am here fighting.

So now that she is crying (hopefully not), I guess I have completed my mission successfully, and without any wounded. I hope everyone there is well. And like I have already said, all of your support has been great. Your mail gives me something to look forward to other than drinking hot water and eating stale food.

Mom, good, now old, night blind, sun tanned, espanol speaking, mom. I wish I could be there with you celebrating your birthday, but I can’t. I miss you, and think about you and everyone else often. I hope you have a great birthday, and I will be home soon to buy you that dinner I promised. Love Andy

Army 1st Lt. Jacob N. Fritz January 2007

To Friends and Family, I deployed to Iraq back in October of 2006. I made the trip from Alaska to Kuwait where I waited and trained in 110-degree weather for two weeks before finally flying into Baghdad International Airport. It has been quite the experience so far, as I’m definitely not doing the job that I thought I would be doing.

I was trained to be a Field Artillery officer, but I have found myself acting as a liaison officer between the Iraqi Police in Karbala to the US Forces on my Forward Operating Base. It has been quite the rewarding experience so far, as I am getting to experience first hand the inner workings of the Iraqi Security Forces.

I am in charge of 38 soldiers over here, and I must say that we have become quite the close-knit group over here thus far. Not all of us get to do the same missions together, but there is a corps that I get to work with fairly often. Of that group, I have my Gunnery Sergeant (Gunny), approximately 15 soldiers that vary each trip, and myself each time out on a mission. We have gotten to know a lot more about each other than I think that we ever would have hoped to learn or ever thought that we would learn. Everyone wants to say that they have the best group of soldiers or work with the best, so I guess that I’ll follow the pack and say the same thing. I just want to put a little more emphasis on mine though!

My guys have gotten to know a lot of the Iraqi Police that we work side-by-side with here in Karbala. We have made some really good friends, and are getting to know more and more about each other everyday. Even though we can’t speak Arabic, and they can’t speak English, we can sure communicate through body language, hand and arm signals, as well as facial expressions. Even if you don’t know what they’re saying, you can figure it out by how they’re saying it. Then you start to pick-up on words or phrases. Then you’re able to start having conversations. It’s just amazing how much we’ve been able to accomplish in the past months.

As for the weather, you wouldn’t believe how cold it gets over here. It is starting to warm up a little bit now, but back in mid-December it was getting down right cold over here. We would get a high temperature of maybe 45 and then a low of 27 some nights. That’s right, freezing temperatures in Iraq. Almost made me wish I was back home a few times after calling and finding out that Nebraska was having some nonstandard Nebraska weather back in Falls City. But, give it a couple months, and I’ll be wishing that I was as cold as I was in December.

Speaking of December, one always thinks of Christmas. I know that this was my first one away from home, as it also was for most of my guys. A few of us were even “lucky” enough to be able to spend it away from our FOB, and got to spend Christmas together in Karbala. We had a great Christmas MRE and just had a great time spending it together as best we could. It was an experience that we won’t soon forget.

What I meant to write in this letter was a thank you. I know that my address was published in the FC Journal in one of the issues. I have received so many packages and letters of support that I can’t possibly find the time to thank each and every one of you that have sent me something.

I asked my mom how to best do this, and she was the one that suggested writing to the Journal and asking them to publish this letter. Words just can’t begin to describe how much the letters and packages mean to me. I spend anywhere from five to nine days at a time out on a mission, and don’t receive any mail. When I return, I get all my mail at once, and it just does so much to raise my spirits when I finally find time to sit down and open them all. What was really touching were the Christmas letters that people would normally send out to their families. I felt very special and in a small way a part of their family at least for that Christmas. I just don’t know what else to say, other than I can’t begin to write how much your words of support mean for me. I also share them with my soldiers, and you can take comfort in knowing that they also appreciate the support. Regardless of when we come home, my soldiers and I want you all to know that we couldn’t have made it this far through the deployment without your support from back home.

We all thank you very much, and wish that you all have a safe rest of the year. Very Respectfully, 1LT Jacob Fritz 2/A/2-377th PFAR Platoon Leader, FA

Army Capt. Kevin C. Landek Dec. 31, 2006

Dad, It was good talking with you the other day. I am doing fine but as I keep telling you I am frustrated. The military wants us to be policemen and not soldiers. I don’t feel like we are fighting terrorists or terrorism here. If we fire our weapons we have to be accountable for those shots. It does not make sense to me to be here and not be able to do what we are trained to do. It sometimes seems as though some commanding officers are more concerned about what is in their own personnel file then they are about us on the ground. I guess they feel like we are replaceable.

But I just keep on keeping on and ignore their attitudes. My guys are my first concern. I want to bring them all back without any injuries. Keep mom busy because I know she is worried about me but I am fine and as long as I stay focused things should be okay. Say hi to Jenny and I will call you in a couple of days. Happy new year and hoist a glass for me. Love, Kevin

Jan. 19, 2007

Mom, I got my package today with the lantern, batteries, pixies, etc. Thank you, the lantern works and pixies made it ok and are excellent. No ipod speakers yet … I think we should wait another week before you go to the post office for insurance …

Dad, you asked what I thought about Bush’s plan to send more troops to Baghdad. … well he can send as many as he wants but it won’t make a difference until the Iraqis step up to the plate. It also means more of us guys are going to get cut to shreds by the bad guys. I don’t understand the thinking of Bush and Cheney and the other geniuses running this war … it is senseless. I’ll send some new pictures of my adventures here for you since my computer wants to work again, yeah. Take care and thanks for everything. Love, Kevin

Air Force Capt. Derek Argel March 17, 2005

Hey ma Thanks for the box of goodies on the b-day mom. I really do appreciate the goodies from both you and Todd. Well things here are starting to get a little busy and that’s a good thing because it makes the time go by faster. Tell John I wish he was here with me as well. He said that in his letter and dispite all that has gone on, I miss the s— out of him to. I hope really do hope things work out for the best. Tell momo thank you for her card and the 5 cents for the soda. I don’t know when the last time momo drank a soda was, but inflation sucks. Well ma, I really look forward to seeing both you and Todd in the near future. We’ll all have our hands full with little man. He should be around one when you guys come out so he should be fun. I love you guys and will talk to you soon. Love, Me

Marine Lance Cpl. William B. Wightman (undated letter)

Dear Dad, How are things? I just got back from running a 2 week mission in the villages around where I’m staying at. I am proud to say I’m no a combat vet! We got our first bit of action. We just set up in a school for the night before and I only had about 2 hours of sleep because my team and I were on security when all of the sudden we heard mortars flying towards us when they hit. They fell into the water if not for the water my team and I would have all been in Germany getting worked on. … The water softened the impact. Thank God for the Euphrates River.

… I have to look out for my Marines. Say hi to Kim and K. Tell her thanks for the letters. They were nice. Love, Brett

title: “From Iraq U.S. Troops Write Home” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-19” author: “David Salim”

Mom, Hi How R U doing? I really enjoyed our conversation last night. Please don’t worry too much about me I’ll be fine. The Marines I’m with I have a lot of trust and faith in. They will take care of me as much as I’ll take care of them. I know you said you don’t have a good feeling about this. I think that’s just because it is normal for you to worry about me or anyone you love as much as I know you love me! But please try to not worry so much! I love you too much not to come home to see you. I’ll be back and we can go skiing or whatever. I’m really looking forward to seeing you in Vegas. Do you think there’s any way Mariah and Nicky could miss school to come up? I understand if they can’t. Let Mariah and Nicky know I said I love!!! them so much and miss spending time with them. Tell Nicky he’s a booger haha! It’s funny 2 yrs ago I barely knew them and now I’m so attached to them I can’t imagine not knowing them now. When I get home I want to take them somewhere Disney, Sea World, or anyplace. I can’t wait till we can drive to class together. Tell Mark I enjoyed our talk as well. And respect him. Tell him he’s a good dad, Grandpa to Nicky and Mariah. Tell him I also think he’s been a good step dad to me and [I] enjoy our conversations. Thank you mom for taking care of my vehicles and looking after Angel. Keep and eye on Nic and tell him I love him. Let him know I appreciate him taking care of the apartment and animals. I know I told you this but Nic has been the best roommate I’ve had and I didn’t expect us to get as close and along as we did. Tell him I miss spending time with him watching movies/video games or just the time that we would just run errands and hang out. Tell him I’m proud of him trying to turn his life around and he should be proud of whatever he’s doing. He is really trying to do better and I’m sure you noticed I know I have. Mom I know you don’t believe in this war but try to understand my views of it and that I believe I’m doing the right thing. I know you’re proud of me no matter what so just be proud of this as well. I know you are. Remember when I joined [the Marine Corps] how mad you were and how proud you are now. I’m so glad that you’re proud of me. I truly love this country and being a Marine. Well I’m going to go for now. I love you Michael (sport) ps. I like Spike as well. I hope he doesn’t end up in the desert haha!

Marzano, 28, of Greenville, Pa., was killed May 7, 2005.

Marine Sgt. Nicholas S. Nolte July 16, 2004 (a postcard to his 3-year-old daughter Alanna)

Hi Sweety, Daddy just wanted you to know that I love you and that I’m thinking of you all of the time. I bet you’re growing up so fast. I can’t wait to give you a big hug and kiss when I get back. Love, Daddy

Aug. 17, 2004 (postcard) Hello Princess, Daddy misses you so much. I can’t wait to come home and make cookies with you. I’m sending hugs and kisses. Love, Daddy

Marine Lance Cpl. Eric Freeman Feb. 16, 2004

I see myself standing at the edge of a precipice, about to take the plunge. In 24 hours I’ll be on a plane, leaving Okinawa and all the amenities we always take for granted. Soon I’ll return to “The Land of Squalor” as the Sgt. Major puts it. Back to Iraq. I guess my Karma has some more debt to repay.

I suppose this must be what it feels like to walk the ‘green mile’. I’ve known it was coming since November, but it’s just now hitting home. I’m about to spend almost twice as long in Iraq as I did my first trip and that first trip was the most miserable time of my life. So this will be at least twice as bad as the worst time of my life. Hot damn, I love this job.

Marine Lance Cpl. Drew M. Uhles Aug. 28, 2004

Dear Mom and Dad, Hey. So what’s going on at home? Nothing much here. All we do is sleep around here. It’s August 27th, and the rest of the unit should fly in around the 29th, so we’ve got a couple of days. We’re in Al Asad, if you want to check your map on the wall. I think it’s near Baghdad but I’m not sure. As soon as the unit gets here, we start our trip to Housaba and Al Quaim via helicopters. We landed here on the 26th @ about 3:30 am. , so it was still dark. But even then, we stepped off the plane and knew we were here. The sounds, the smell, and the sandy dirt still felt the same. The chow hall here is unbelievable. We’ve got tile flooring, A/C and cable TV. Every morning we eat breakfast at about 5:30 am and there’s always a baseball or football game going on. And get this, the games are live. So a baseball game playing at 5:30pm in the states live is playing at 5:30 am here, live only it’s a different day here.

Anyways, me and another guy have to take our GPS’s to the computer nerds today to get Iraqi maps and grids downloaded in them. After that we’ll probably hit the showers. The showers are better than last time, but we have to take “Navy Showers.” Dad, you should know what those are. If not, ask Melissa, she’ll know.

Before I forget, I was wondering if you guys had a pocket bible. I forgot mine. If not, I may have one in my glove compartment. And if the rest of the church ever wants to straighten out, we could use some baby wipes already. If not, we’ll find some somewhere…

Army Staff Sgt. Joshua R. Hanson July 26, 2006 (e-mail to girlfriend)

Hey Angel how are you doing brown eyes? well just to let you know in case rumors reach you down there i am ok but we had a really bad day yesterday. we were on a patrol and dougs truck got hit with a road side bomb it blew the front end of their truck off. they all got out but then a second blast went off right in front of my truck and one of dougs guys was right there it was the scariest thing i have ever seen.this was for sure the worst day of my life. this kid was only 21 and he lost his leg but at least we got him on a helicopter and he is alive. mike is ok to he didnt get hurt but luke was his roommate and friend he was all of our friend. a vouple of other guys had minor injuries but everyone else is ok it was so carzy it was so unreal like it was not happening everything was fine and then everything just went to s— and there is nothing we could do. we just got him in my truck and got him to the landing zone so they could med vac him. … it shook us all up but i think all of our guys are going to be ok. they gave us today off and put us on towers for acouple of days before we go back out. I just want to frind these f—ers but so far no one in town is saying anything they dont know anything. sorry to unload on you. you dont really need to hear about all this. I Love you Angel you mean so much to me I just want you to know that no matter what happens. I will try to call you sometime soon ok. Love Josh

Marine Lance Cpl. Jonathan Collins May 4, 2004 (from journal)

Day 64 We awoke last night to the voice of Sgt. Falkner saying “get up put your s— on + stand by your rack.” It was 4:00am we all had only expected the worst. We had just gotten off guard at 1800 +wasn’t supposed to do anything until noon the next day. However at 2300 hours 2 scout swimmers…never made it to the island they were swimming to. A massive man hunt last all night and all day yesterday. We found 1 boonie and a chem. Light. We’re leaving at noon to start the search again. Although at this point they have most likely passed on we’re still hopeful. It’s hard to see this happen. The worst part is they’re MIA. We have no idea what happened to them they could be POW’s or stuck at the bottom of a river. The CO said we will continue searching until they are found. They’ll never see home again, no more x-mas, easters, summers, fun times, women, all that was gone in a second. I hate seeing or thinking about death in this place. Just keep on keeping on right? Till tomorrow.

Army Spc. Joseph A. Graves Nov. 20, 2005 (e-mail to wife)

IM SORRY THAT IT HAS BEEN SOO LONG SINCE I HAVE WROTE. BUT I WAS OUT AT A RANGE THAT POPPED UP LAST MINUTE. SO I DIDNT HAVE A CHANCE TO TELL U. THINGS HERE ARE GOING GOOD I GUESS. WE LEAVE SOON TO GO UP NORTH AND I WAS JUST TOLD THAT WE WILL HAVE INTERNET IN OUR ROOMS FOR ABOUT 30 A MONTH. SO I NEED A COMPUTER. I WAS STILL THINKING OF GETTING A NEW ONE AND BEFORE I LEAVE TO COME HOME SEND IT TO U SO U CAN SEND IT IN FOR MAINTENCE SINCE IT WILL BE UNDER WARENTY. I MISS U SO MUCH AND EVERYDAY IT HURTS SOO BAD. IT MAKES ME HAPPY TO NO THAT U R DEALING WITH IT SO WELL. IT MAKES IT THAT MUCH EASIER TO BE HERE. ALL I WANT TO DO IS GO HOME AND BE WITH U. AT LEAST IT FEELS LIKE THE TIME IS GOING BY SOMWHAT FAST. I CANT BELIEVE THAT IT HAS BEEN 2 SUNDAYS ALREADY. THAT IS A GOOD THING. I DONT WANT U TO NOT BUY FOOD U NEED THAT AND I DONT WANT U TO WORRY ABOUT THAT. IT IS MORE INPORTENT FOR U TO SERVIVE THEN IT IS FOR ME OR US TO BUY LITTLE THINGS. EVERYTHING I NEED IS GOING TO BE HERE. ABOUT THE ONLY THING THAT I WANT U TO START TO SEND IS MY OTHER UNIFORMS. SOME SOAP, TOOTHPASTE, THAT SORT OF THING BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THAT THE PX UP THERE DOESNT REALLY HAVE ANYTHING. AND THAT IS ALL THAT I WILL REALLY NEED. I LOVE U SOO MUCH. I PROMISE THAT WHEN I GET BACK WE WILL GO ALL OUT ON CHRISTMAS, IT WILL BE FUN AND IT WILL BE A GREAT MEMORY.I LOVE U AND I CANT WAIT TO SEE U.

title: “From Iraq U.S. Troops Write Home” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-13” author: “Dennis Williams”

The text-message exchange below is between Evey (jaseevey) and his father (johnevey).

johnevey (2:33:44 PM): Are you going to get some dinner? johnevey (2:33:52 PM): Mom mentioned that you weren’t sure that you would. jaseevey (2:34:06 PM):I dunno, not really interested tonight jaseevey (2:34:14 PM):have to put on full gear to go and eat johnevey (2:34:15 PM): Are your missions going ok? johnevey (2:34:26 PM): Wow, just to eat. jaseevey(2:34:33 PM):yeah jaseevey (2:34:38 PM): missions have been fine johnevey (2:34:39 PM): Is that because of the need to be ready or the potential for shelling? jaseevey (2:34:55 PM): had a big IED the other night…but we found it johnevey (2:35:02 PM): Or are you just in a danger zone getting to the mess hall? jaseevey (2:35:12 PM):it was in some grass and there was wire poking out johnevey (2:35:14 PM): Found the IED on the mission? johnevey (2:35:24 PM): Found before it exploded? jaseevey (2:35:29 PM):yeah, we usually find one jaseevey (2:35:33 PM): yes johnevey (2:35:43 PM): Along a roadway? johnevey (2:36:06 PM): Are they detonated by contact or by some kind of remote signal? jaseevey (2:36:49 PM):yeah…cell phone, RC car control…you name it jaseevey (2:36:56 PM): garage door openers jaseevey (2:37:06 PM):security key fobs for car doors jaseevey (2:37:19 PM): they arent new to this johnevey (2:37:24 PM): So someone is watching and hoping that troops get close enough for it to do some damage. jaseevey (2:37:28 PM):yep johnevey (2:37:50 PM): Sounds harrowing. jaseevey (2:37:57 PM):it can be johnevey (2:38:00 PM): How do you find them. jaseevey (2:38:07 PM): drive slow jaseevey (2:38:17 PM):stay alert of anything odd johnevey (2:38:32 PM): So your job is to keep the road open for traffic? jaseevey (2:38:39 PM): most of the time johnevey (2:38:48 PM): What do you do when you find them–detonate them>? jaseevey (2:39:12 PM): pretty much

Evey, 29, of Stockton, Calif., was killed on July 16, 2006, when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle was hit by an IED during combat operations in Baghdad.

Marine Lance Cpl. Dimitrios Gavriel Nov. 2, 2004

I moved to a small apartment next to Central Park in New York City and began the long hours of the “grind” of Wall Street. I remember those years as some of the best of my life, surrounded by close friends and good times. So how, after all this, did a guy like me end up in Iraq? The answer is pretty simple when I look to the young Marines at my right and left. I wanted to make a difference, I wanted to do something, no, give something, to deserve all the good things we, as Americans, enjoy and sometimes take for granted as we move through the years of the good lives we lead under the safety and freedom of our flag. Everyone lost something on that terrible day of 9/11. I lost my close friends, brothers you might say. Guys I grew up with, team mates, pals, mentors and confidants. I watched the towers fall, helpless, from a block away in the streets of New York and made a promise before God that I would do all I could to keep something like this from happening again. I left a job I loved, said goodbye to a circle of close friends and joined the Marines, the perfect place for a guy who wants a front row seat to the sweeping changes the world is currently experiencing.

No man can know just exactly how much his effort has changed the world out here, but together we have chased much evil away from power and have shown those who, for one reason or another, hate our way of life, that we are a nation of people who refuse to live under the threat of terror. We are out here for the things we miss most, green grass, football games, flowers, and the fresh cool breeze of home. Most importantly, we are out here for you, the people who make our land so special.

Army Capt. Timothy J. Moshier Jan. 11, 2006, Taji, Iraq

Several people have asked me to describe what I am doing on a typical day. I wake up at 5:30, and put my sandals on to walk to the shower trailer. I’m usually all alone on my walk to the shower, most of the camp isn’t up yet. Sometimes, when the air is still, and when the helicopters aren’t drowning out the noise, I can sometimes hear the morning call to prayer from the local mosques. It’s that weird, warbling Arabic music, but I can never tell if it’s just a recording, or if someone is actually singing. It’s usually so faint that it’s just barely there on the edge of my consciousness. I suppose that, in its own way, it is beautiful music. I hope it’s a real person singing. Anyway, I like that part of my morning, because it’s still and peaceful, and I know that stillness is not going to play a part in the rest of my day…

Just yesterday, I flew my first combat mission. It was a different experience to get out of the TOC [Tactical Operations Center] for a day, and be one of the pilots fighting the battle, not just listening to it on the radio. Of course, the danger out there is real, and there are parts of Baghdad that are still considered “Indian Country.” Of course, you don’t win a war by playing it safe, and you have to go to where the enemy is in order to beat him. I got my first real look at Baghdad from the air. Coming out of Taji, I can see the Tigris river as it winds south towards the city. It is always hazy over Baghdad, a combination of smoke (something is always burning) and pollution and fog. We’re flying over fields of something or other, and there are lots of cattle and sheep. There are settlements here and there, mostly one story buildings with flat roofs that just look like shoe boxes with windows. Many of the homes don’t even have roofs, just some thatch covering a corner of a walled in square. Piles of manure are stacked behind the house, and a clothesline with brightly colored fabrics is strung from a corner of the house to the fencepost. Some people look up at us as we fly by, others just ignore us. As we get closer to the city, we pass boys playing soccer on dirt soccer fields. Then we are over the city, flying over row upon row of irregular building block houses, with stairs leading up to the roof. In the summer, the Iraqis simply sleep on the roof, as it is too hot to sleep anywhere else in the house. The city is built close together, and the poverty is obvious. The marketplaces look like landfills, just shanty towns where goods are sold. The poorer districts are just tent cities. Even downtown, along the Tigris river, the wealthy homes have been abandoned. Many of them bear the scars of war. I saw one home that was obviously beautiful in its day, right on the riverfront, but now the second story has been blown wide open by an explosion, and the inside is filled with rubble. The swimming pool is green with algae.

There are bright points to the city, though. The mosques are large and ornate, and are exactly what you expect them to look like. The architecture is beautiful, and they have been spared the bombings that the rest of the city endured. An immense mosque, known to the pilots simply as “Mega Mosque” is being built downtown. Palm groves pop up intermittently throughout the city. I would think they were more beautiful if I didn’t know that the insurgents use them for cover, and as a place to launch mortars and rockets at the Americans.

Soon we are south of the city, racing south along the highway out of Baghdad, back out into the agricultural regions. Again, everything is flat and green, crisscrossed with hundreds of small irrigation canals. The immensity of the mission we have over here is apparent. In a place where the enemy wears no uniforms, how am I to pick out the good guys from the bad? We spotted one suspicious looking vehicle that appeared to be driving aimlessly on back roads. The driver acted as if he were nervous that we followed him (can you blame him?). We wondered if perhaps it was a car bomb, looking for a target. Finally, the car stopped at a house, and people got out, looking up at us fearfully. It was a family, with small children, and the woman was holding an infant. My wingman called me on the radio and said, “well, at least we escorted them home safely.” I suppose he was right. I felt bad about scaring them, but what could we do? It’s our job to pay attention to things that look suspicious or out of place. The good news is that we make gains day by day. Like I said before, small victories.

Army Spec. Francisco G. Martinez March 18, 2005

hey hey hey! This addy [address] does infact work. And it works well. Finally the post is getting slightly more high tech. They have made some of the internet access wireless (with the usual restrictions) which allows me to access this thru my laptop.

Anywho… Pues papa, todo relativamente bien. Desde la ultima vez en que hablamos, muchas cosas han sucedido… Some bad, Some good. Amongst the things that happened, a few soldiers who were dear to me lost their lives on one of our routine patrols, to an IED. It took 4 of them. It was truly one of the most trying times of my life, as I had to police up my buddies bodies/parts and put them in body bags w/ my own 2 hands. All this while maintaining my military bearing and composure. ::sigh::

Needless to say I was a bit f—ed up for a few days after the event. I dealt with it in my own way and I am good now. One of the things that helped the most was your words: There will be more than enough time for tears later. We have also suffered the loss of 3 other soldiers. 2 of which were in my company. For one of them I had the honor to create a tribute video for his memorial service. The video received much praise from everyone who was there to see it. I was simply happy that it served its purpose and was well put together… to the best of my abilities.

Aside from that, we’ve been doing ALOT of groundpounding as of late. I’ve worked with marines, sailors, seals, army snipers, and so on. I must say that ever since we started taking casualties we have certainly upped the ante. Everyone involved in the mission is taking a much more aggressive/proactive approach to the mission at hand.

We are doing great things. (despues te hare todos los cuentos exclusivos y clasificados)

::On another note:: Tita me mando un e-mail a little bit back, and it stated that I should sign up for Anysoldier.com. So I did out of the courtesy of following thru w/ her request, not expecting it to go thru…

Well in the past 2 days I have received 12 letters, and 2 boxes. O_O! I am overwhelmed by the support. So as I write you this e-mail, I am mentally preparing my-self for a thank you e-mail. The senders range from grannies - Single Mom’s - College girls - 11yr Old Kids. If I wasn’t already involved w/ Mirela, this could serve as a great dating service!

haha.

Let’s see what else…. Oh yeah, Im back in the swing of music creation, and I am very happy w/ whats comming out. Just the other day I put together a track where I grace w/ actual vocals that I recorded of my-self. It was quite the task, due to the massive lack of studio goodness out here in the barracks. lol. But I went outside w/ my mic, and did my best.

As far as my art goes, I haven’t put my self to good use b/c it’s hard to find motivation for it, but I have been embrassing the ways of the sponge, and have been absorbing all possible ideas around me. All I need now is to get out and apply all of my sparks of genius.

How about you guys? Everything good on the homefront? Como esta la enana? Y Mary que tal?

Bueno papa, te voy dejando que me voy a comer. Cojelo suave por ahi.

Los amo a todos! Bye!

~Paqui

Army Spc. Holly J. McGeogh Jan. 21, 2004

hey u guys its me again. i just got out of the shower a little while ago and i smell like a girl, that makes me feel really good. well i was really supprised, when i logged on just now i got 2 new emails . one from aunt chris and the other from aunt karen. they both said they just heard that im coming home soon so i figured that they just got done talking to u. im gonna write them back in a few. … everyone has really been packing up , we are all so excited about leaving, were all ready to get the hell out of here. well im gonna get off for now im gonna write them an email, so ill be safe love and miss u guys lots, love Holly

Army Capt. Christopher P. Petty June 12, 2003

Dad, You can definitely say the level of violence has risen in the past two to three weeks. Had a soldier shot in the leg today, missed everything important, he’s lucky. Happened in an ambush on the roadside. Not much we can do to weed out dudes hiding in the weeds on the roadside waiting for us to pass. It’s all really reactionary, they pop up, shoot some rounds, we return fire and level the area. So far the odds have been in our favor for each attack, we have killed a minimum of 4 bad guys. Just 30 minutes ago, had an RPG attack on two Abrams. Now what kind of dumb ass is going to attack a M1A2 SEP Abrams Main Battle Tanks with a RPG? It’s like trying to break a window with a snow flake. Needless to say, the tank engaged the enemy force and put down four bag guys with a hail of 50 cal and 7.62mm fires.

Well, I am off in just a few days. Real excited to get out of here and up where the soldiers are. Who knows, maybe a lowly captain can make some kind of difference. Dont worry too much I will keep my head down and my weapon clean. Oh ya, you can thank the Iraqi army for added protection. We came across a supply warehouse. Inside, among other things were SAPI plates. Supplemental Armor Plate Inserts for our ballistic vests. Well sure they are not made for the American army version but they fit in the front and back pockets. Funny enough they are ceramic and steel, thinner than the Kevlar inserts the army doesn’t have enough of and weigh about the same. So sure the added weight sucks, but whats an additional 5 pounds when I am already wearing 50 plus pounds of stuff. (M16A2, Ballistic helmet, ballistic vest, Load bearing vest with 10 30 round magazines, night vision goggles, 90oz camel back, three full canteens of water, two fragmentary grenades and two smoke grenades, just to name some of the stuff) the added weight is unnoticed and comforting. Well gotta run. Chris

Army Capt. Ian P. Weikel Jan. 20, 2006

Babe,

I got your packages last night after I got back from 48 hours out. I’d like to be out more at a time, but then stuff stacks up back here. … I’m going to spend time tonight after our meeting getting my room all set up. I’m excited about it! Great stuff!

I’ll send pictures and video once I get the camera. I’ll read Sports Illustrated for JT. I’ll probably order the 1GB flashdisk card so I can record more. The card you get with it can do 15 minutes before it’s filled up. I still have to go get a casual pay so I can pay for internet to my room.

God is definitely looking out for us. [The enemy] was trying to chase down car but didn’t go any farther down a route because Bayonet (Paine’s company)has a checkpoint set up. On their way back Bayonet got hit by an IED but they were OK in their brads. I don’t think our trucks would have faired as well. Thank God for his angels. I pray as often as I remember for a couple things: 1) you and JT 2) That the guys would find God during this deployment 4) the guys safety and the angel’s protection 5) That God would blind the enemy to my soldier’s movement 6) That God would give the guys keen eyes to see the enemy and a steady hand to kill him 7) That God would give us patience and wisdom and that we do nothing to dishonor ourselves

I can’t imagine how hard it is with all the wives. I don’t envy you at all. Those pictures you sent with the packages are awesome! JT is so cute in the carseat one! I’ll share the cookies with my crew. I also have PFC Barber from Denver City, Texas on my vehicle. He’s a funny kid and Cosby, Mogg, and Barber crack me up all the time. Good guys. They’re very helpful.

I’ll be here today and tomorrow before going back out again on Saturday after the VTC [video teleconference]. We’ve been giving out stuffed animals to the kids at the houses we visit. There was this little boy (probably two) who got so excited he pooped himself right there in front of us. We couldn’t stop laughing. We tried to chase some guys down last night but couldn’t find them. I rotate between the platoons and go out with their different patrols. I have to get my 10% done over the next couple days too. I’m definitely going to make sure I catch the broncos game. Please tape it to DVD. If they win, send it to me. If they lose, don’t worry about it.

We’re working on improving our area out at the checkpoints. 1SG has a line on a freezer so we store meat and ice out there. He’s also working on getting us a 15K so we can get AC and the freezer working. It’s been pretty cold at nights. I actually sleep in my truck with all my stuff on. It’s easier to rest my head against the door with my kevlar on then off. Plus, the new helmet doesn’t bother your head at all. The guys are getting used to burning crap and garbage every day and we’re improving the wire and all the other force protection stuff with triple strand, hescos, and everything else. I’m death on these guys in terms of keeping things clean so they don’t get sick and that we’re safe.

Well, I have to go. I have to get ready for the meeting. I love you so much and love the pictures you sent us.

Tell your mom I got her package and made a cup of coffee this morning with it. It’s awesome!!! Very cool.

I love you and JT!

Ian

Marine Master Sgt. Brian P. McAnulty Nov. 11, 2006

Dad, All is good here. Yes, it is cold… it gets into the 40’s at night, but we are warm. I have long johns - probably the same kind that you were issued, and they work great. We also have two sets of fleece, which is awesome - so, I don’t really need anything. I did receive a package from you though, with candy and school supplies - and Baby Wipes! Thanks! The stuff for the kids is great - and the baby wipes are my answer to everything. Another stock I wish i would have bought into.

We had our Cake Cutting ceremony last night (for the 231st Marine Corps Birthday) at each of our Battle Positions. Yes, I was the oldest Marine at each one. I am even older than the LtCol that runs the MTT’s (US Marine Advisors to the Iraqi Army). Ugh. Oh well, it was neat. For a lot of the young Marines it was the first time that they have celebrated the Marine Corps birthday. We grilled steaks and actually got a couple beers each to toast with. Good stuff. But I think I have run my course in this thing. When we do the ceremony, the oldest Marine present gets a slice of cake and then passes it to the youngest Marine - which symbolizes the passing of tradition and experience from one generation of Marines to the next. Well, they read a quick bio on each and then do the deed. The youngest guys out here are born in 1987!!!!! Ugh, again. I was enlisting when these guys were born! Amazing how time flies. Anyways - It has really got me thinking about what i am going to do after this. My 20 year mark comes in April 2008, so I will have about a year left when we get back. I was thinking about doing the next deployment with the Bn [battalion], then calling it quits… who knows? Regardless, I have had a blast, and still enjoy what i do - but I really am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Time to pass the torch and move on… I think. Like I told Brett - the best people I know are my family - yet i spend the least amount of time with them. That just makes no sense anymore. Not that it ever did, but at least I was pursuing something, or following my path - or whatever. Ok… I am reflecting and thinking and pondering. Obviously today is a slow day - but I have been thinking about this a lot lately. As I said - all is good, and I am warm. thanks for the stuff you send, it is appreciated. Give Mom a hug for me… and I’ll write more soon. Love, Brian

title: “From Iraq U.S. Troops Write Home” ShowToc: true date: “2023-01-20” author: “Elma Mangina”

Dear Mom & Dad, Hello. I haven’t written in a while. I have been busy. But there is good news. I only have 2 weeks left in country, unless we get extended again. But we shouldn’t. There are set dates for everything. Combat operations for 1/3 stop tomorrow (big smily face). Tomorrow we go to “AL ASAD” US Military air base. We’ll stay there until the 15th then head back to Camp Fallujah to pick up the marines we left there. So by the 18th or 19th I should be in Kuwait and I should be back in hawaii around May 9th. So I’ll probably be home (Chicago) around June. So maybe I take ’leave’ and stay on island cause you all will be there or maybe you can delay your visit a month. Cause I really want to see everyone back home. I don’t know exactly when I’ll get leave.

Maher, 19, of Grayslake, Ill., was at the wheel of a Humvee when he drove into an ambush in the Anbar province town of Hit, near Fallujah, on Feb. 2, 2005. This unfinished letter was found in his notebook. According to his fellow Marines and the mother of his best friend, Maher volunteered to take a second shift in place of his best friend as a birthday present.

Marine Lance Cpl. Karl R. Linn Dec. 17, 2004

To: Richard Linn (father) Subject: Re: socks I don’t really have problems with blisters (as long as I’m not using the crap hot-weather boots, which I opted not to bring), so one pair of socks is the same as any other as far as I’m concerned. The thorlos would probably be great for long night patrols in cold weather (I have pictures of frost from one morning we were out in the wasteland; there was ice forming on the machine gun), so send those; however, cheap throw away socks would be equally useful. What I really need is a huge quantity of socks; laundry is kind of iffy here at the dam, so I need a huge supply that can last a few weeks and then the whole batch can be washed at once. I can wear the same pair of socks multiple days in the row without fear of infection, since my boots stay pretty dry; however, the smell is horrid when I take the boots off at the end of the day, so having a pair of socks for each day or 2 would probably make the room smell less butt-like.

Oh by the way, the box you sent got here yesterday, I like the goodies. Still lacking in skittles and starburst and of course gummi’s over here, but I trust that will be fixed shortly. Nice of you to send utensils over… sometimes its like we have this food and nothing to eat it with. As for the ramen noodles, I did find a cheap plastic GE electric kettle in perfect working order when we moved into the dam, so I have a source of boiling-hot potable water… however, there are no bowls here, so maybe next time consider sending the noodles in cup form. The noodles are handy though cuz they don’t serve lunch here, so they sure beat MRE’s at times.

Speaking of boxes, did my 2 from california ever show up?? Though most of it is my stuff, somewhere in there are some blue star banner pins for you guys.

Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew “Andy” G. Patten September 2005 (written to his best friend’s mother)

Hey Mrs.E ! Finally! Sorry it’s been so long. It seems like every time I sit down to write a letter someone comes into our room to grab us for a working party. Oh well, such is life! So how are things going? Getting ready for school pretty soon huh? Well things are going pretty good here, but its pretty boring nothing ever happens. Its the same thing every day, but at least the weather is cooling off a little or else I’m just getting use to it! About the only exciting news to report is that yesterday we found a weapons cache. Oh a couple of nights ago when I was detached to the snipers I got covered in tar on top of a roof. It stank! I was glad to here that your guys vacation went well. I bet Christy was happy that you guys went to Noah’s Ark, since you guys owed her! haha! Also tell Eddie that I wish him good luck this year at Northern. (sigh) sometimes I regret not going to college but at the same time I’m grateful for this experience. I wanted to tell you that I challenged myself to memorizing two verses a week and when I memorize them I write them up on the wall next to my rack. So hopefully by the end of the deployment I will know alot of God’s word and have the whole wall covered! Some of the guys give me a hard time for it but I don’t care cause everytime they say something I say “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 5:10. Also I just wanted to say thanks for all the times you guys were there for me, when I needed a good lecture!, and thanxs for taking the time to write and take pictures for me. You don’t know how much that means to me. When ever I get a letter or pictures it lights up my whole day, sometimes the whole week. Well got to get some sleep. I got the grave hour shift tonight for post. Love and miss you guys! Andy

Patten, 19, of Byron, Ill., was killed Dec. 1, 2005, along with nine other Marines in Fallujah from an explosion caused by two IEDs.

Marine Lance Cpl. Geoffrey R. Cayer Jan. 29, 2006

Dear Mom, Dad, Everybody, We just got back to camp after spending six days out. The people I encountered were friendly, they know we’re here to help them and they really appreciate it. So don’t worry about me, everything is fine. Anyway, I got dad’s letter dated the 16th. He wanted to know about the weather. Among other things, and it’s rained quite a bit in the past couple of weeks, it’s also been about 50 degrees for the average temp…I miss you guys so much but know that I’m needed here and I see the good we’re doing so that makes things easier. This is my second letter in like 3 weeks so I’ll try to write you guys more, it helps pass the time and when I do I don’t feel so lonely….Love Geoff

Marine Lance Cpl. Norman Wallace “Wally” Anderson III Sept. 30, 2005

Hey guys, what’s up? Are you surprised that I wrote? Sorry it took so long, I really don’t have an excuse, it’s just hard to site down and write when I could make a phone call instead. I know I haven’t called in a while either but I just assumed Tori was relaying everything to you. The phone situation gets pretty annoying too, whenever someone is injured or worse they shut the phone center down for as long as it takes to contact their family. This happens too often. So anyway, I thought a good old fashioned letter would warm the heart.

I received your latest package, which had all the dip last night. Everyone appreciated it “ALOT”! Mail is a lot faster here, usually taking ten days to get here so that’s a plus. I want to thank you so much for all that you send. I loved the trail mix.

Al Qaim is a very nice base, word is that we have the best chow hall in Iraq which I don’t doubt at all. The food here is great. The base isn’t nearly the size of Bagram but we’re hooked up. There’s A/C in the wooden hooches that we live in. We also have bunk beds with mattresses, we’re spoiled here. There’s also cold water and hot showers, yeah, spoiled brats. But… they keep sending us out to FOB’s for ten to fifteen days at a time. We built our FOB “Belleau Wood” from the ground up with a little help from the engineers who suck at their job by the way. Belleau Wood is just south of Ubaydi, a nasty city just crawling with insurgents, which we found out when they welcomed us with a couple of 120mm’s our first hour there. They weren’t hitting inside the FOB, which is only 100m x 100m, but they were getting close until we discovered their FO on a water tower. They kept this up for seven days until we spotted them. Anyway, Belleau Wood is just the opposite of Al Qaim. It’s basically a dust bowl with some bunkers in it.

The weather here isn’t too bad, it can actually be nice, it has cooled down and it gets chilly at night. Enough for a fleece and beanie. So we’re back in Al Qaim for a couple of days until we go back to Belleau Wood.

We’ve done a couple of missions, one was sought of Al Qaim near the Jordanian border. We cleared the city of Ar Ruthabah. Not as eventful as it was built up to be, they always make it sound like the next invasion.

We have a mission coming up soon. I know I can’t say anything about it beforehand but I’ll fill you in afterwards, cool? We use tracks or Amphibious Assault Vehicles for whatever we do. So they’re pretty much our second home since we’re in them so often. They come in handy for taking walls or any other structure down. Alright, I’m closing. Tell everyone I said hello and that I’m holding the front lines down. I love you both very much and I am so grateful to have you two as parents, I’m returning the favor by trying, I’ll make you proud. Love, Wally

Marine Lance Cpl. Justin Daniel McLeese Oct. 10, 2004. (E-mail written to best friend and given to his mother)

Whats up dog? Ive been really busy lately I haven’t gotten an email from you in a while, just wanted to make sure every thing is ok. I lost one of my really good friends out here in Fallujah, it was f—ed up but I’m ok, that’s part of war. There has been some other guys called up to the good Lord I also knew. Anyway, how are you, how is school? What’s up with this affair —- is having? I’m still waiting to hear who it is and what’s up with it. Tell Jerry I said hello, how is your Mom? Tell Trent and Scott I said what’s up and hope all is well. What’s up with the Judices, how are they? I hear Frankie is playing football.

Are you still thinking about the Navy? I really would like to talk to you about it before you join but you do what you want, I just wish I had more info before. I still would be doing what I am now because I love it. I know I’m over here so my friends and family don’t have to be. Y’all made it in to school off of hard work and you deserve to go and not have to worry about me at war. If I would have done better in school I could be at LSU with y’all but this is what the good Lord has planned for me and I’m really good at it, like y’all are in school. I can’t wait to see you when I get home. I’m glad I have friends back home as good as y’all, it makes me feel good. Y’all better be ready to party it up when I get back. Remember all those poems you used to write? Will you write another one and send it? I really love to read those things about all of us, it is really cool. Well I’ve got to go, until next time. Love always, Your brother JM

Marine Cpl. David “Bear” Stewart June, 2005 Hey mom, This is me telling all of you that I love you and I hope that all of you are doing very well. I will try and call you as much as I can . I talked to Andrea and she seems to be doing well. I know that the both of you need to quit worrying bout me . I love all of you so much and I cannot wait to get back in the swing of things again in the real world. I hope my baby Bear will be doing fine . I know that you all have to do what you have to do . If he goes , then I do not believe I will be getting another dog . They seem to love me, but they do not stay around very long. Well , we think that we have made it to the halfway mark of this deployment . I hope so. There are rumors floating around about us heading back around Mid Sept. I received the letter from Chickie , hahaha , she is a Character. I hope to get the chance to write her soon. If you happen to talk to her please tell her I said to tell Nathan " Little buddy " hello. I miss playing pool with him. I miss riding the horses and I miss what it felt like being at there place. I pray there are many more times like that in that place and plenty more of our own hehe. I think I am going to try and put a motivated [with Marine Corps. and American ornaments] Christmas tree up this year. I look forward to all our families cooking this year and as far as the unit goes when I get home, I think they can put a little investment in someone else besides myself and Pit to do all of the functions. I already know that it is coming. I cannot wait till the ball this year . I know that last year was kind of crappy . They kept on busting me about a stupid friggin plaque hehe , can you beleieve that? This year , they can make it. I want to go hunting and fishing and spend lots of time with my soon to be wife. I miss her and love her like crazy. Well tell dad and Jo I said that I love them . Send my hugs and kisses to lilly rosie and bear . Ok, I love you mom, talk to you later. Bear

title: “From Iraq U.S. Troops Write Home” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-04” author: “Lynn Hurt”

Subject: you’ve got mail

dear mom and dad,

How are you guys doing? ya miss me yet you better I miss yall and sparky and the crew like crazy. I can’t wait to get home on leave now mom when I come home on leave I won’t have any clothes to wear some Im trying to go shopping just you and me and get me some cheap clothes for the two weeks I’ll be there. And dad we gotta go to block buster and rent some movies just you and me and probably sparky put the surround sound on and drive mom nuts because its to loud. Im doing blessedfully out here just keep me in you prayers and I’ll write to you guys later and you better write back love.

your wonderful daughter tee

Green, 23, of Rosedale, Md., was killed Aug. 14, 2005, when multiple explosives detonated near her unit in Asad.

Army First Lt. Michael J. Fasnacht March 21, 2005: This is an e-mail to his grandparents, which was forwarded on to the rest of the family.

Subject: Hi from Socorro

Hi everyone. I’m doing great here, this is such an eye opener. This is a dangerous place but I’ve got some great soldiers here doing their jobs day in day out with no thanks. If you could send me some care packedges for them comic books, newspaper, sweets and what ever else I’d appreciate it.

Love you guys alot.

Mike

Marine Maj. Megan M. McClung Oct. 11, 2006

Dad: Paul the Penguin moved out today at 1337 hours in accordance with orders. He will report to GySGtMcMeen as soon as government transportation is available. As he did not volunteer, he has requested special handling and a sand-free diet. His preference is for anchovies, but he will make do with baby herring if anchovies are not available. His preferred bath water is salt and at a mean temperature of 34 degrees Fahrenheit. Since he is accustomed to long day/long night cycle, he would prefer a room with black-out curtains. He does not salute indoors unless he is under arms!"

Megan: That is excellent news. GySgtMcMeen standing by to receive Paul. Due to the strict adherence to naming conventions at the Ready First this operation has been designated Operation. Additionally, the Wing requests to know if Paul the Pengid has received a call sign? Love you-meg

Dad: Meg, yes, Paul has one. Since he is a Water/Land Attack Penguin (WLAP), he has been given the call sign “Stub Marine.” This is operationally shortened to “Stub,” but he is typically not addressed as Stub to his face as this involves the person speaking to him to lay on their belly and that puts them in range of his major weapon, regurgitated herring snack!

Oct. 15, 2006

Meg: Hello Dad-No sightings of Paul the … We are all concerned here. There has been some rough weather with the first rains of the season. We originally believed the rain may speed up his progress as it fits his profile as being partially aquatic plus the rain has brought a significant temperature to drop. Unfortunately, the result of rain here is quicksand like mud and we are now concerned he might be literally STUCK somewhere as his legs are not very long. We are on the look out! Love Meg

Dad: Meg, good point and that may be the cause, but I was trying to ascertain his flight plan. He was muttering something about Fish & Chips with a pint of the Stout when he left. Did he fly through England? I was hoping for the polar route over Adak and then on to Diego Garcia and then a quick hop to U Ta Pao prior to final at Bagabog!!