Replies

The following is an e-mail from one of our troups to one of the doctors in a VA hospital in TN:

"I can only imagine the horrors that are being shown on the news now,especially in light of the recent mob action following the killing of 4 civilian American citizens in the Fallujah area. I would like to provide a
little perspective on this and other events.

To fully understand and appreciate the enormity of the mission here is difficult, even for someone like me who is experienced somewhat in these "stabilizing Operations" and is fully briefed on the intricacies of daily operations. This is a country almost without a national identity. The masses are largely ignorant, and like most Islamic peoples, are told what to think by the Muslim clerics. [The Arab mentality is one of innocence, i.e. they can't conceive of shouldering responsibility or blame. It is ALWAYS the
leader's fault, or whoever is in charge at the time.

Right now, it is the US lead coalition that is in charge, so of course all the problems are our fault]. They have been brutalized and repressed under a hostile dictatorship rule for decades. It is almost as if they have forgotten, if they ever truly knew, what it is like to work together for a common goal-the betterment of their society.

The workforce age men and women have difficulty trusting anyone, and are largely unwilling and unable to look toward long-term goals. Hence, you have both public officials and private citizens more willing to make a quick buck
selling information harmful to coalition forces or weapons, or worse yet employing weapons against us, than they are willing to work together to better their society. There is no quick solution, and little short-term gain to be had in forming and nurturing what we consider a civilized,
compassionate society. The citizens of Iraq want safety and a stable economy, but are unwilling (scared) to take the actions necessary to help achieve these goals. They are still harboring terrorists in their homes and mosques, even though they are many times outsiders. They do this out of fear and racial loyalty-they trust another Arab more than coalition forces. Also, their infrastructure is in such a state of disrepair from decades of neglect that it will take literally years to rebuild.

I can promise you that the Marine Corps sees this as a worthwhile, even monumental mission for the Corps and our Nation. We simply must nurture a seed of freedom and democracy in the Arab world. My friends, we are talking
about a race of people that are still living in the 7th century. Their culture has not matured in over 1300 years. I don't think they will or ever have to become "Americanized" but I think it is imperative to solidify a government over here that is trustworthy, one that will not promote, tolerate, or export terrorism, and that will be a stabilizing force in this troubled land.

The Marine Corps forces are very active in both rebuilding the country's infrastructure, helping with community projects, as well as rooting out the bad guys. We are very visible in the cities and towns, which naturally
exposes us to dangers. So, please don't be unduly influenced by the press and their penchant for sensationalizing events, horrific as some of them
are. It is a long and difficult road to overcome decades of turmoil, but we are making progress and helping people. The political decisions of "is it our job" and "should we be over here expending all this money to do this"
are not in the military's hands. We take orders, plain and simple.

I know I have rambled a bit, but I guess I want to express my belief that difficult and costly as it is, I think we have no choice but to finish the job over here, no matter how long it takes.

Believe me, no one over here wants to be away from their family and friends. Even with many comforts and conveniences of home, it is still a dusty, dirty and desolate place to live.

I will close with a heartfelt thank-you to each of you for your prayers and friendship. I am still humbled and thankful for your generous outpouring of love and friendship at my going away party. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful friends.

Please keep our brave young men and women in your prayers, as they stand watch thousands of miles from home.
Kiss and hug your kids tonight, and give them a hug for me if you would. I hope you are all healthy and well, and look forward to seeing you when I get home."