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        New Message Board Archives >> Oct-Dec 2003 >> Email from Iraq
        
(Message started by: thomas on Dec 4^th, 2003, 2:37pm)

Title: Email from Iraq
Post by thomas on Dec 4^th, 2003, 2:37pm

An Email from a Captain in Iraq

We knew there was a dinner planned with ambassador Bremer and LTG Sanchez.
There were 600 seats available and all the units in the division were tasked with filling a few tables. Naturally, the 501st MI battalion got our table.
Soldiers were grumbling about having to sit through another dog-and-pony show, so we had to pick soldiers to attend. I chose not to go.

But, about 1500 the G2, LTC Devan, came up to me and with a smile, asked me to come to dinner with him, to meet him in his office at 1600 and bring a camera. I didn't really care about getting a picture with Sanchez or Bremer, but when the division's senior intelligence officer asks you to go, you go. We were seated in the chow hall, fully decorated for thanksgiving when aaaaallllll kinds of secret service guys showed up.

That was my first clue, because Bremer's been here before and his personal security detachment is not that big. Then BG Dempsey got up to speak, and he welcomed ambassador Bremer and LTG Sanchez. Bremer thanked us all and pulled out a piece of paper as if to give a speech. He mentioned that the President had given him this thanksgiving speech to give to the troops. He then paused and said that the senior man present should be the one to give it. He then looked at Sanchez, who just smiled.
Bremer then said that we should probably get someone more senior to read the speech. Then, from behind the camouflage netting, the President of the United States came around. The mess hall actually erupted with hollering. Troops bounded to their feet with shocked smiles and just began cheering with all their hearts. The building actually shook. It was just unreal. I was absolutely stunned. Not only for the obvious, but also because I was only two tables away from the podium. There he stood, less than thirty feet away from me! The cheering went on and on and on.
Soldiers were hollering, cheering, and a lot of them were crying. There was not a dry eye at my table. When he stepped up to the cheering, I could clearly see tears running down his cheeks. It was the most surreal moment I've had in years. Not since my wedding and Aaron being born. Here was this man, our President, came all the way around the world, spending 17 hours on an airplane and landing in the most dangerous airport in the world, where a plane was shot out of the sky not six days before.

Just to spend two hours with his troops. Only to get on a plane and spend another 17 hours flying back. It was a great moment, and I will never forget it. He delivered his speech, which we all loved, when he looked right at me and held his eyes on me. Then he stepped down and was just mobbed by the soldiers. He slowly worked his way all the way around the chow hall and shook every last hand extended. Every soldier who wanted a photo with the President got one. I made my way through the line, got dinner, then wolfed it down as he was still working the room.
You could tell he was really enjoying himself. It wasn't just a photo opportunity. This man was actually enjoying himself! He worked his way over the course of about 90 minutes towards my side of the room. Meanwhile, I took the opportunity to shake a few hands. I got a picture with Ambassador Bremer, Talabani (acting Iraqi president) and Achmed Chalabi (another member of the ruling council) and Condoleezaz Rice, who was there with him.

I felt like I was drunk. He was getting closer to my table so I went back over to my seat. As he passed and posed for photos, he looked my in the eye and "How you doin', captain." I smiled and said "God bless you, sir." To which he responded "I'm proud of what you do, captain." Then moved on.

Title: Re: Email from Iraq
Post by Donna_D. on Dec 4^th, 2003, 2:49pm

Sometimes it is so easy to criticize our public officials. It seems we frequently forget the personal sacrifices they make while serving our country.

When I first saw the newsbulletin that Pres. Bush went to Iraq my first thought was "The man has gone off the deep end".

Then I realized. He is showing the world that he is not afraid to do what he has asked others (our troops) to do for America. He took some of the same risks our troops take everyday...and he didn't have to.

The huge risk he took, flying into Iraq, just to show our country's young servicemen and women his personal support, is an outstanding example of leadership.

George Dubya may not be the most popular president of all time but you have to give the guy credit for this one folks.

Disagree with everything else he does, if you want...but don't knock the man for this act of bravery. I know I wouldn't want to fly into Iraqi airspace.

Thomas, thank you for continuing to bring these wonderful and insightful messages to us. You have offered a positive and different perspective to a lot of us.

FWIW

Donna D.

Title: Re: Email from Iraq
Post by kim on Dec 4^th, 2003, 3:01pm

Thanks Thomas.

-- and our President IS popular. :) I'm grateful.

Title: Re: Email from Iraq
Post by Charlie on Dec 4^th, 2003, 3:11pm

Thanks Thomas 8)

The whole trip was very well done and scared the crap out of reporters. :o

Charlie

Title: Re: Email from Iraq
Post by Lori on Dec 4^th, 2003, 9:50pm

What a nice letter! It's so good to see a President like President Bush. He's a good man.

Title: Re: Email from Iraq
Post by cbolony on Dec 5^th, 2003, 8:17pm

Thomas i have not posted much but i been lurking and reading a lot of post from the newbies. Your post i have to tell you that you are doing a great job and keep up he good work.And for the rest of the CH family i still love you all and if you need anything just email me.If i can help i will i just can't put it on the MB what i did you know what i mean.
Thank You