Posted on 08/23/2005 6:45:44 PM PDT by Homer_J_Simpson
Newsletter #22
Families and Friends of the Vanguard Brigade
Weather is holding steady at about 114 degrees in the day and high 80s at night. For our troops on the streets, it feels much hotter because of the asphalt. We have seen a few thermometers that are pegged out at 130 degrees, but official temperatures never seem to rise above 120 degrees. Had some Soldiers tell me the other day they are going to Alaska after this experience.
We were waiting the release of the proposed Constitution, but as most of you know, it has been delayed. While it may be disappointing that the deadline was extended for one week, there is some room for optimism. First, it was the Iraqi government that extended the deadline - the Iraqis are making the decisions and they decided among the different diverse groups that they were not yet ready. Second, a delay gives all sides more time to gain consensus on the remaining tough political issues. To release a document that lacks consensus has the possibility of increasing the political tensions in Iraq. August 15th was the date for the Assembly to vote on the draft Constitution that would be released for public debate before it was put to a vote at a referendum currently scheduled for October 15th. Finally, we are optimistic that this Constitution can offer some hope for political solutions that will help quell this insurgency.
Based on historical trends, both insurgents and terrorists have used large events as an opportunity to use violence to advance their message. Often the insurgents and terrorists are lumped together like they are one force with common political goals. Actually, there are several different groups with several different goals, and viable political and social solutions can have a dramatic impact on certain groups. A Constitution is both a threat and opportunity depending on political goals. Our concern is that while attacks this past week have been down, enemy forces will attempt to cause more violence because it will receive world-wide coverage that can be manipulated to further different agendas. We have been working very hard to prevent this from happening, and both the Iraqi security forces and our own Soldiers have been doing a great job.
We have not talked much about the projects and humanitarian assistance. The brigade has about $200 million dollars in projects ongoing. The problem is that the infrastructure is still in bad shape and much of the work we have done in our area is sustainment rather than new construction. We are trying to get the raw sewage off the streets and into a sewage system rather than flowing down the streets or pumped directly into the Tigris River. We try to improve water pressure and quality in a 40-50 year old water distribution system. We try to improve electrical power distribution. Combine this old infrastructure with the tremendous unchecked urban growth in Baghdad - there are additional problems with essential services. Services improve slowly day by day, but it will take years to fix services. Of course, the expectation is that everything can be fixed now.
We continue to be very proud of all the Soldiers and their accomplishments both big and small. We are over half way through our deployment but the next two months are historically the toughest months for our Soldiers. 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 Louis Torres
Not a lot of excitement to report in this newsletter. That's a good thing.
I'm surprised the morning low temps are so high. That's the real killer because there's never any relief from the heat. Ugh...
Homer,
3rd ID is out of Fort Stewart, correct? What is your relationship with these guys?
It's a six degrees of separation sort of thing. Col. Cardon's parents are friends of mine from church. Mrs. Cardon was my instructor in the RCIA program when I became a Catholic in 2001. I met her in August. After 9/11 she told me her son was an assistant to the Army Chief of Staff in the Pentagon. (Shinseki, I think.) When the planes hit the Trade Center Col. Cardon was called to an emergency meeting, during which the other plane hit the Pentagon right near his office. Among the dead were several people on Col. Cardon's staff. Mr. and Mrs. Cardon spent some anxious hours before he was able to call them. Not to mention his wife and children in the D.C. area.
He writes these newsletters for wide circulation. Our local newspaper prints one of them every week or so.
Just damn...
They should all know that they do more good in one day than many will do in their whole lives.
Thanks again, Homer,
and best TO ALL!
Count that as 2 degrees I suppose. ;>
Do you have an email address for him that he will read on a daily basis. If so could you private message it to me? If you need more details as to why ask me in a private email as well.
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