He called at 1 a.m. to say he had landed in Baltimore! Yeah!!!!! A group of 15 to 20 people from a local organization meet every plane carrying returning troops. They take pictures, have posters and cheer. Vince was very moved and had a chance to talk with several of the folks there about what they do. He mentioned how all the Iraqis he had worked with were so appreciative of U.S. efforts there. They said they hear the same thing from all the soldiers returning. We don't get that report here!
All is still on for Aug 30th!! I leave tomorrow to join him for the next week!! Hooray!!!
Vince traveled this last week to somewhere south near the Euphrates. I think the best part was the dining facility (DFAC) at that base had his favorite ice cream, Baskin Robbins chocolate mint. Evidently the DFAC where he usually eats does not have that. Poor guy ;-)
He has had little time even to email me due to people transitioning and his boss traveling. Since I have nothing written by him for the blog, I thought I'd post excerpts from an article that appeared this week in our small, local paper. If you'd like to see the full text of the article, email me and I'll send you the link or do a google search on his name. The google search I did pulled up two articles on the GRD website (linked at right), one where he is quoted and one that he wrote. The local news article was the third hit for me. We picked up several copies of the print version because they included 3 photos, 2 of Vince in Iraq and one of our family! Our 7 year old thinks he's famous because he's in the paper.
Hopefully, the quotes below sum up the work they are doing. This is definitely a side of our effort in Iraq that I feel is underreported.
Betsy – filling in the gaps for Vince J
"Since deposing Hussein, we have helped the Iraqis guarantee clean water, get sewage out of the streets and underground, provide sanitation services for the first time and begin the process of rebuilding the electric grip to serve all the people of Iraq not just the privileged few. That's in addition to building schools, improving roads and building hospitals and medical clinics."
U.S. military presence in Iraq is sometimes met with some skepticism. Efforts made in Baghdad by groups such as the USACE are often shadowed by more negative misconceptions of the United States' motives for its occupation of Iraq, he said.
"[The Iraqis] still want a little more help for a little while longer because they know their newly paid for freedom and independence are still fragile and reversible. The people of Iraq are taking the lead in military and police operations, reconciliation between religious and ethnic groups and are starting lead out in international and economic development."
"We are partnering with the Iraqis to provide basic services to all the Iraqi people. Many in the U.S. do not realize that under Saddam Hussein only a fraction of the population had clean water, sewer service and electricity. The Iraqis I have met and talked with have said that the U.S. is here to give them a new life and a new freedom."
Vince feels that the partnership between Americans and Iraqis to rebuild the damage in Iraq holds benefits for both countries.
"The Iraqi people and government are very appreciative of the sacrifices made by the American military, civilians and contractors. Iraq wants to become one of our economic, political and regional allies."
Vince said that Iraq becoming a stable, self-sustaining nation will contribute to stability in the Middle East and the rest of the world.
"The work here prevents the planning and carrying out of terrorist attacks on United States soil."
Vince feels privileged to be a part of an effort that improves the quality of life for all the Iraqi people.
"My first month in Iraq, I met a brigadier general in the Iraqi army who risked his life everyday to work alongside the Americans. He told me to thank my wife and children for letting me come to help his family and the people of Iraq;"
"I'm honored to work alongside Iraqi ministers, officers, officials, engineers and workers. I see everyday their enthusiasm and hope for their nation. I'm humbled by how grateful they are for the sacrifices we and our families have made to help them."
Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers for me and for my family. We are so blessed. I am thankful for this opportunity to serve our country and protect the rights and privileges we have as a result of the sacrifice and selfless service of so many men and women who came before and who are now serving. I am thankful for the millions of Iraqis who are grateful to our country for the freedoms and prosperity they now enjoy. I am thankful for the fact I have had no trouble breathing in the dust, hazy air of Baghdad. I am thankful for the great support everyone has provided my wife and family. I am thankful that I was protected during intense indirect fire starting Easter Sunday and several weeks following.
In Sadr City, the battle went from kinetic (shooting) to non-kinetic (reconstruction) over night as the Iraqi Army progressed through the City block by block. As each block went non-kinetic, Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces were right there with water, food, clothing, first aid and other humanitarian assistance. Next came the Amanat Baghdad (Public Works Department) repairing water and sewer pipes, restoring electricity and picking up trash. Now the markets are restored and commerce flourishing in Jamila Market. Not everything is perfect but normalcy is being restored.
The Washington Post on 1 June said, "Sadr City mission shifts from war to reconstruction."
In just two weeks, the mission for U.S. forces in Sadr City has changed from urban warfare to rebuilding neighborhoods and building trust. Local residents are getting help with reconstruction and giving help with valuable intelligence. (Washington Post)
This past week, I had the opportunity to visit and talk with a young soldier. He was recovering in the Combat Hospital adjacent to our compound. He was injured in the lower legs an attack. During our conversation he was grateful to be alive and was committed to the mission he was on. He was proud of the role his unit played to support the Iraqi Army and together, with the Iraqis in the lead, win the battle of Sadr City.
After we talked for a while and I shared about my family and the work of the Gulf Region Division, it was time to go and let him rest. In less than two days after his injury, he would be receiving the best medical care and physical therapy available. I thanked him for his bravery, his sacrifice and his willingness to protect the rest of us so we can do our part in this war. He said he would like to pray so we did. I initiated a salute to him in honor of his service but he beat me to it and snapped his salute before I could complete mine. He thanked me for coming by. I thanked him again and said good night.
I am so thankful for moms and dads raising quality young men and women who are ready to lay down their lives for our country. Quite a decision to make at only 20 years old. Thank you.
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