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Hello to all from Iraq,
As a Gold Star parent I can't tell you the feeling I had to touch down in the country where I lost my son. I wanted to see for myself the progress that is not being given any attention on the media. I am very happy that I made this trip.

We have been as close family here in Erbil and the surrounding areas. The gratitude of these people to the United States and to the President is expressed to us from everyone. They love America in this region. Today we visited women who had lost their sons and husbands under the old regime. These people live in the old camps where they were under a type of house arrest, until the day that the troops under Saddham would come for their men. Some of these women still wait as if their men will return. We were the first Americans they ever saw. They cried and mourned for our loss and their loss. I can't explain. They have nothing, but their hearts and stories were ours. I told them that they have family now in the United States. They are trying so hard to rebuild. The simple things are needed to help them get along.

The government is new, so help is needed. The President of the Kurdish region is a warm and wonderful man. He lost 35 family members under Saddham.

They know and feel our loss. They feel that a swift death for Saddham is too kind.

Those that we say goodbye to have tears in their eyes. They are fearful that Iraq will fall hard if our troops leave here.

The troops that we have visited with feel the same. They want to finish their mission, and try to ignore the news from home that some want them to abandon these people.
Very hard to put into words.

Debbie
Proud mother of Capt. Derek Argel

"They cried and mourned for our loss and their loss. I can't explain."

Some things simply transcend normal thought.

And there are many Sunni, Shia, Christian, in other parts of Iraq that trust the American soldiers and Marines more then they do their own people, and surely have from first hand experience seen the goodness inheriant in our troops.
God's speed in bringing you all home safe and sound with a peace deep in your hearts. Your loved ones did not die in vain. The Lord decided to take them to HIS side earlier then any of us would have wished/prayed it to be so.

Wow, Kristinn...

Tell all the Gold Star families I love and pray for them and our troops. Their testimonies made me feel as if I was right there... and tears ensued. Tears for seeds I thought had died but brought fruit a hundred fold. I came in weeping but go out rejoicing. I will never forget these stories and will share them with my children... the truth of loyalty and bravery... sacrifice and love.
Tell them they are also planted in my heart along with those whose stories they told.