Posted on 06/03/2004 9:54:11 AM PDT by MyBrotherIsAnAmericanHero
Hey Mike, Sorry about getting this off kinda late, been pretty hectic around here recently. Not quite sure what you're hearing from the news, I don't get a whole lot of time to follow it. For the most I feel that the Iraqi people actually appreciate us being here. The attacks that are happening are basically a result of unemployment, and a few terrorists (or whatever you want to call them) paying people off to do the attacks. From what I've heard from the locals around my sector they are pretty much just trying to do what they can to improve their quality of life. But when so many people are out of jobs, they will pretty much do anything they can to make ends meet to provide for themselves and their families. There are many issues that need to be resolved as far as rebuilding their country. And though the people want as many issues resolved as quickly as possible, they can't be resolved that way in an efficient manner. There are already many Iraqi police and ICDC which are basically the guys we are going after, and they use the support of the coalition forces as a cover, so the rest of the people won't be able to fight back. So it may be a long road ahead, but for the large majority of the Iraqi people, they want us here, and they want us to help them rebuild. That always makes me feel good about being here, actually making a difference in these people's lives and giving them opportunities they've never had. It always amazes me how people don't think we should be here. I don't think they really understand what life is like here and how these people were treated. But I suppose most people will never understand that. Well, it's great to hear you're enjoying your new house. I might have to take a trip up there once my time is up. I'll send ya e-mails when I can. Brian
IT'S THE SOLDIER
It's the soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of the
PRESS.
It's the soldier, not the poet,
Who has given us freedom of
SPEECH.
It's the soldier, not the campus
ORGANIZER,
Who has given us the freedom to
DEMONSTRATE
It's the soldier, not the lawyer,
Who has given us the right to a
FAIR TRIAL.
It's the soldier who salutes the flag,
Serves under the flag
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who gives the protester the right to burn the flag.
-Father D. E. O'Brien
Most on FR appreciate the fact that we are the land of the free because of the brave ones, such as Brian, who have been willing to make the ultimate sacrifice to defend liberty. We only regret that it took such a tragedy to bring you to this site but hope that we can become a source of encouragement for you as you discover a community that understands what Brian was fighting for and supports that cause.
BTTT!!!
Come on Freepers! This thread should be much more active than it has been so far.
Let's Roll!!!!!
It is our duty to live each day aware of these sacrifices and those ennobled by them with prayerful gratitude.
Please convey to your family that there is a nation of people in prayer with them during this time of trial and remembrance.
The article I posted was taken down off of the web (I think), but it is cached at:
http://216.239.41.104/search?q=cache:Apw_YIQO5-UJ:www.spl.usace.army.mil/brainwood.htm+sgt+brian+wood+schantz&hl=en
please know that most of us at fr are vets,i pray the Lord will comfort your family.
we gather here because we love this country,and respect our freedom fighters.
GODBLESS
BC .. thank you for posting that information about Brian, sounds like he was a wonderful young man
MyBrotherIsAnAmericanHero .. I am so sorry to hear of your loss .. I will keep Brian and your family in my prayers
PING
/john
/john
I want to pay homage to your beloved brother and American Hero and to his memory. LORD grant eternal peace to Brian and may Brian be a light unto the path of all that he left on earth. LORD be with this family grant Your Grace and Mercy and be with Brian's fellow soldiers in ways that only YOU can. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
I'm as sorry as I am thankful for you and your whole family.
pinging a prayer of comfort and grace . .
I'm so sorry for your loss - but grateful that our Country is able to produce such compassionate and great men and women. We are so blessed by their having lived and given so much. There's nothing I can say, I know that. My prayers and thoughts are with you now. Love, Tina
Such a loss.
May God comfort you and your family, by MyBrotherIsAnAmericanHero.
Born Conserv, thank you for the post @ #8.
Welcome to FreeRepublic. The sacrifice made by your brother and his "other" brothers in uniform is absolutely not forgotten on this online community. He is a hero in many facets.
I had a lump in my throat as I "heard" these words from a fine young man who isn't with us right now, but has gone to a better place where he awaits his family and friends.
Thank you for sharing his letter...millions of people will see his insights as it is posted on bulletin boards and discussed at the watercooler from coast to coast. Thanks again.
~ Blue Jays ~
God Bless
I'm so sorry that you lost your brother...!!! Please know that Free Republic is here for you.
Take a look at this story written by Sgt. Brian Wood who was KIA a little over a month ago. Perhaps you could share this with your East Coast ping list? Gosh, this kid represents what it is to be a real American.
~ Blue Jays ~
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