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I lifted the body from a personal e-mail that had been forwarded to me. The name was removed because officers must be apolitical and keep their endorsements and opinions from becoming public. IMHO, this was simply too political to assign the name. Besides, it is in effect a personal note that got out.

Nonetheless, the body of the text was too good not to share.

If it's any consolation to you, I'm in contact with several Marines in Iraq. To a man, they feel exactly as this young officer so eloquently has stated.

I believe it to be authentic.

Tell them from me (wife (VN 'era'), daughter (combat WWII), granddaughter (combat WWI), and great-great granddaughter (combat Civil War) of Army grunts . . . ) that we honor and appreciate their service and bless them in their mission.

And remind them that the #$)(*@# news media filters their supporters out on purpose, and that there is far more love and support for them at home than they realize.

If it's any consolation to you, I'm in contact with several Marines in Iraq. To a man, they feel exactly as this young officer so eloquently has stated.

Two Marine friends of mine just returned from Iraq last week and they feel the same way. They are officers so I asked them point blank about the troops: is their moral high, are they affected by the "debate" here at home, how do they feel about what they're doing?

They said the troops remain highly motivated and want to do their job. Only a fraction of the Iraqi populace is violent. Our military regularly interacts with local people who are glad they are there. The culture is different over there-they are used to seeing (and carrying) weapons openly, but the majority truly want to get on living in a "free" society. It will just take time. They can't fathom us pulling out of there in the foreseeable future. Right now, a big obstacle to the military doing their job is that there are protected areas that our troops aren't allowed to penetrate. That's where the enemy holes up (ie mosques.)

They had satellites and got some news. They said they watched a lot of FOX over there and saw nothing misleading in the way FOX portrays the Iraq conflict.

"If it's any consolation to you, I'm in contact with several Marines in Iraq. To a man, they feel exactly as this young officer so eloquently has stated."
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Please send our love, support and blessings to those you know in Iraq. They and their families are in our prayers always.

If you're in contact with them by e-mail, could we start a thread where FReepers may express their gratitude to these brave marines? (Or is that a protocol no-no?)

I believe it to be authentic."

You are correct sir!
A Marine Cobra Pilot writes

USMC Lt. Kevin Brown, a Marine Cobra pilot and 2001 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, wrote the following letter in response to a question from his father. It's excellent reading and reminds those who have forgotten, just what happened on September 11, 2001, and why it's crucial that we keep it in mind.

It can be found on this site. http://marinecorpsmoms.com/

In your disagreement and debate about the current conflict, however, be very careful that you do not jeopardize your nation or those who serve. The best time to use your freedom of speech to debate difficult decisions is before they are made, not when the lives of your countrymen are on the line.