Posted on 08/17/2005 1:40:46 PM PDT by Homer_J_Simpson
Newsletter #21
Families and Friends of the Vanguard Brigade
We are in the midst of a huge dust storm that will last about two days. There are times when we can hardly see more than 100 meters. This also caused temperatures to drop and the temperatures look like they will stay around 110 degrees for the next week.
We have talked before about days of great optimism and the other days that make you wonder about the future. This has been a great week – attacks were down and the Constitutional process moved forward. There are still some tough days ahead with some tough issues that must be decided, but it is very encouraging to see political movement. In the end, Iraqis have to come to a political solution for this war to end. The Constitution is supposed to be released for comment on 15 August. As this date approaches, we suspect that the enemy will resort to more violence. Given all the competing agendas, any violence will be used for political advantage by all sides. We are working closely with the Iraqi Police, Public Order Brigades, Police Commandos, and the Iraqi Army to provide the best security possible. We have taken steps to better integrate our efforts, and these efforts are starting to pay off with a significant reduction in violence. We are all working hard to keep it that way, but given the Constitutional Referendum and the elections, the potential for some tough days ahead is still very real.
The other question we are asked all the time is “will there be a civil war?” We do not think so, but there are some that are trying to start sectarian violence. There were 22 Shiites kidnapped and murdered this week in one terrorist attack. The terrorists wore Iraqi Security uniforms, seized innocent citizens from their homes, and then murdered them. As horrific as this cowardly act was, it is amazing that no retaliatory acts or mass demonstrations have taken place. It is events like these, events where the community pulls together in tremendous times of hardship that gives one hope about the future of Iraq.
Some quick notes about the tremendous quality of medical care here in Iraq. Every Soldier is trained in basic medical skills; our medics are trained in advance life saving techniques to include cardiovascular conversion with an AED, airway intervention, etc; we have the best MEDEVAC capabilities ever assembled; and we have several excellent doctors in our battalions. The different trauma centers are state of the art, and severe trauma is often evacuated out of the country where better care can be provided. Simply put, this is the best medical care we have ever had in a combat environment and it gets better every day.
Everyday there are hundreds of great moments in the brigade – every one of them involves our Soldiers. These are often small gestures like stopping to hand Iraqis a bottle of cold water; handing out some small toys from home; or maybe just a friendly wave. We have two sayings: make no new enemies and treat everyone with dignity and respect. Our Soldiers deliver and I am amazed at the maturity and professionalism they demonstrate every day. Thanks for all your support that keeps our Soldiers focused on their mission.
Vanguard! Rock of the Marne!
Very Respectfully, Colonel Ed Cardon and Command Sergeant Major Luis Torres
Ping.
Thanks, Got it...
That's the kind of news Americans need to hear. Most Americans will gladly support people who are trying to build a bright future for themselves. Where we balk is at spending our lives and money for people who aren't even trying to help themselves.
And the latter is what our MSM is trying to convince us is the case.
I just heard an on-leave 4th brigade soldier calling Rush. I didn't really concentrate on the call until he said, "3rd Infantry, Rock of the Marne!" He told Rush and the audience that he is about to re-up and he is disgusted with the antics of Cindy Sheehan.
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