Back from Iraq

[GVnana]

Welcome home and thank you for your good work.

[Txsleuth]

bttt

[Albion Wilde]

Many thanks, Debbie, for your sacrifice, and your courage in going to Iraq. It was an honor to meet you Friday. Be well and God bless you.

[advertising guy]

God bless you heart, and thank God you are returned safe.

[Allegra]

The troops we visited sent a message home. They wanted the US to know that they want to complete their mission. They have not asked to be rescued or brought home by the Dems. They asked that CNN not subscribe to any more snuff films of soldiers being targeted for the benifit of news ratings. They asked that CNN not report where they are going before they get there.

Bears repeating. That's the same thing I hear from the troops. The media is despised here.

God bless you for your sacrifice to our country and thank you for making the trip. And may God rest the noble, brave soul of Derek and comfort your heart.

I wish I could have had the honor of meeting you all.

[dandelion]

A big hug from this Blue Star Family and this USAF mom - SrA Roxy E in Baghdad...

I have been praying for you so hard. I hope your trip has brought you hope and peace! You all are never far away from our thoughts.

[DTogo]

Thank you for all your hard work and sacrifice! The silent MAJORITY of Americans sincerely appreciate what our troops and their families do.

DTogo (Army)

[NonValueAdded]

Thank you for your report, your continued support of the troops, and for the ultimate sacrifice by your son in the cause of freedom. God Bless you and your family for staying strong and truly honoring his memory.

[Unmarked Package]

"I'm sure this information is not newsworthy, but wanted Free Republic to know."

To the contrary, dear lady, your news from Iraq is more worthy of our attention and thanks than the combined output of the Democrat Media. Thank you for the trip report.

I pray that what you saw in Iraq and the grateful, free people you met will be a source of lasting comfort and precious memories to ease the burden of your loss.

I am so very thankful for the service of great patriots such as your son. May God give us all the strength and wisdom to be worthy citizens of the great nation for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.

[okie01]

Thank you and thanks for your son.

We are, all of us, in your debt.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks for making the trip, and thanks for spreading the good news/word.

[upchuck]

Great ideas.

Unfortunately, Political Correctness prevents the implementation of any of them.

Unfortunately, Political Correctness is gonna get a bunch of us killed.

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Bump!!!!
and a PING!
Ms.B

[Velveeta]

bump

[Velveeta]

bump

[Defender2]

BUMP!

[La Enchiladita]

Thank you, Debbie, for all you do for our troops and our Nation. Welcome back to the USA. :) I took a look at Kristinn's photos a while ago, and they are great!

[tongue-tied]

Welcome home!
Thank you for taking the risks to come here, and the time to report back.

And a HUGE thank you for being out there 'putting it' to CNN. They're scum, and if I ever see any reporter I plan to tell them so. I'm a sailor, so it'll be a bit more colorful than "scum" actually.

[AmericaUnite]

debbieargel, thank you for the report. God Bless you and yours. I will never forget the sacrifice you have made for our freedom. There are no adequate words to express my gratitude.

I hope you don't mind me telling you about to my good neighbor and my son's Godmother's and asking you for any advice or words of wisdom.

Her son, a Marine who finished his 4 years, started a new job as a policeman, has been called back to service by May. By the end of his second deployment in Iraq she almost had a nervous-breakdown. She went to Mass daily. She couldn't look at the news, talk about the war and more that I was not privileged too.

Now she came to me with this news that he was being recalled. It's starting all over for her, I can see it in her face. Her son has mixed feelings about going back. He feels strongly in the mission. He's told her the people want us there.

I told her the TV isn't going to give the good news from Iraq. That there are good stories out there as I've read on FR but the MSM has no interest in telling them. The MSM is against the war and that's all they will show, so don't listen to Iraq news. She's already started to do that.

She's a very bubbly upbeat woman. Her Irish is quick to surface if she feels crossed, but she was an absolute wreck when he was at the end of his last deployment.

[debbieargel]

I can't blame her. Please tell her that I appreciate her son's service and all that it stands for. As parents we must sometimes step aside and let our grown children do what they feel they must do. I feel for every parent of a law enforcement agency, fire station, etc. They live the risk every day. We must stand tall and proud for these protectors. What would our society be if everyone were encouraged to be in a "safe" job? I can tell you that my son went down on a mission. He was always happy and proud to be "on the mish." We can't live our children's lives, but we can be proud of those that feel the calling to protect others. God offers no promises about who will go first...parent or child. I am proud of my son's service and his complete dedication to God, Country and family.
Deb Argel Bastian
Proud mother of Capt. Derel Argel, USAF Combat Control, KIA Memorial Day, 2005 Diayla, Iraq