I was in the chow hall when the blast detonated. I was headed toward the serving line when I saw a bright flash and heard the loud thump. The nest thing that I know, I feel like someone smacked me in the back of the head real hard and kicked in the side of my knee. It wasn't till I was outside that I realized that I was bleeding. I ended up with minor shrapnel wounds to the leg, a slightly sprained knee and a buste eardrum. I was blessed. 22 brave Americans, 4 of our Iraq brothers and several innocent civilain employees fell that day. I weep for their families. Not a very Merry Christmas. I am pretty stoic about death but the soldiers that my heart goes out to the most are the brave men who conducted the mass casualty evacuation, or MASSCASEVAC. These kids turned into men that afternoon. They bore witness to things that young men shouldn't have to see. This is about the time that some pinko, tree hugging, athiest s@#$head will say "Where was your God then?" This is when I reply All life belongs to God and we all serve his purpose. When it is our time, it is our time (I told you I was stoic). Several things stick out in my mind on that day. When I was in the shelter and discovered that I was bleeding an Iraqi soldier applied first aid to me, unconcerned that I was American. All I could do was hug him and say "Shukrun" (Thank You). On that day, nationality and ethnicity did not matter. Arab, helped Kurd who helped Turk who helped American. Civilian and Military alike worked alongside like brother and sister, unconcerned for their own safety. This is the racial unity that the left is always crying aobut but can never grasp. To those, it is a notion, a dream crafted in the cocoon of irrationalism in which they live. To the God fearing folks like us, itis just a matter of fact, something ingrained in us by the Almighty. That is where MY God was. Three things stood out to me the most. The first was the aformentioned soldiering skill of the Iraqi soldier who treated me as a brother. There is hope for the future of this country as long as good men as these will take up arms against the insurgents. It also shows that our training of them has paid off. 2. a young female medic was weeping in the aid station where we were being treated. I pulled her aside and and said " I am going to tell you the same thing that I tell my daughters 'You need to be a big brave girl, These soldiers are counting on you and you can't be crying infront of them'" She tried so hard to be that big brave girl, inspite of the horror that she had seen. 3. The only female battalion commander that we have was the commander of the Aid station where I was taken. She is hard as nails and takes no guff from anyone, but on that day she showed me a kindness that reminded me of my Mom. Everyone needs their mother in a time like that. The leftist and the peaceniks and the cowards and the appeasers in our country will never understand the struggle that we face hear. They only see the ugliness of the situation and use it for their political purposes. As for me, I saw the face of God that day, I saw the promise of the future of Iraq and the best that we ,as a peopel can be. To all my beloved Freepers God bless and take care of us back home Martywake
Many prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Every one of your efforts, to both soldiers and civilians, is so very much appreciated.
Thank you, and may Jesus give you and the others the strong comfort of His presence.
God bless and your brothers over there, and thank you for your service. You are what this country is about.
Unity is the last thing they are about.
Thanks & Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Sir, for your service. God bless you and your family, and Merry Christmas, anyhow.
Love, Trilla
Thanks for your inspiring words and for your service.
God bless you, Martywake, and those that you serve with. My family sends our thanks for the gifts of freedom and liberty that you have given us, and strive to give to the people of Iraq.
God Bless you, MartyWake, you and all of those folks there who serve. You do us proud, proud, so very proud. Jesus keep you safe and strong, soldier, and confident that you are carrying the cause of what is right.
Sending prayers, attaboys, and the full armor of God.
Thank you for your service. Your sacrifices are shaping history in ways we will not fully understand for decades. Peace be with you and may God's richest blessings be in your life.
Thank you, martywake. We are praying for you.
I LOVE YOU - and every one of our servicemen/women. Thank you so much! Merry Christmas, God be with you.
Thanks for the report, and a very sincere "God Bless you!"
God Bless and get well soon. We're with you all the way!
God Bless and keep you! My prayers are with y'all.
"I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me".
God be with each of you and thank you for keeping us free and safe.
From one military retiree's wife to all the troops, we love you and pray for you daily.
That's my Marty! We never cease praying for you.
Thank you.
Merry Christmas to you and yours. God bless.
God bless you and Merry Christmas.