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Letter from a Marine in Iraq
e-mail | Sept. 26, 2004 | Sharon Jacko

Posted on 09/28/2004 5:43:07 PM PDT by valleygal

Sharon gave me permission to post this with her name.

Hello to all. Sorry I haven’t written in the last couple of days. Much going on here. I would, however, like to share something with you today.

I am a firm believer that God sends us messages when we need them most. It can be in the form of a nod from someone passing you on the street, someone smiling at you when you are down, or in the written word from a page in a book, a message on a billboard, or the spoken word. The messages can be anything that catches your attention.

Everyday life here in Iraq has worn on me this week. At first I didn’t notice it and then all of a sudden it seemed to consume me. Many things added to the weariness I was feeling. I can’t put my finger on any one thing in particular that was the major contributor. It could have been the fact that the oppressive heat has returned this past week after enjoying mild temperatures in the high 90’s to low 100’s. (I smile at this because there is a saying here that says you know you are in Iraq too long when the temperature is 90 in the evenings and you turn your air conditioner off at night.) Or that the flies have returned with a vengeance. Another reason could be that even though I moved to a much safer trailer (one with cement barriers around it) I now have to go outside to a community shower and bathroom. Or that the shower only spurts water for about three minutes then turns off for four then back on for another three.

But, these things I have been getting used to so why was I so tired. Perhaps it was because we went back to full battle gear. We have received specific threats against our camp. It gets very tiring flinging 22 pounds up over your shoulder to get your arms in the armholes every time you need to go outside. It becomes a nuisance when there is nowhere to store your flak jacket and helmet when you sit down to eat in the dining facility or when you go to church. It becomes crowded very quickly. Your head begins to ache from wearing the helmet everywhere. Don’t get me wrong, these things are necessary and I appreciate that we have them but when you start to wear down, it just makes the burden that much heavier.

I definitely know that the kidnappings and beheadings have taken their toll. I’ve told you how I feel about the propaganda. It seems to be multiplying and feels like it is coming at us like an out of control freight train. The anxiety felt this week is definitely adding to the weariness. Because of the increased anxiety and armed with the knowledge that these evil people are getting more cunning, daring and desperate to create utter chaos and put fear into the fearless, I have done something I never thought I would have to do. I purchased a military knife for my own safety. Yes, I carry a pistol with me (another item that becomes heavy on the shoulders and neck as the day wears on) but I don’t take the pistol to the showers. Walking to the showers at night is dangerous. You can’t see who is around you. No one takes any chances here and you are warned not to. The fact that I am walking around knowing that I will use the knife or pistol if need be, wears on me.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. For my own balance in my life I try not to let myself get too tired, too hungry or too lonely. If I’m too hungry I can get grouchy. If I’m too lonely I can become withdrawn and let my imagination get the best of me. If I’m too tired I can lose concentration. As my week was coming to a close, I sat in my trailer late last night and started to wonder why I was really here. I know the reason I came over here to begin with; for the future of all the kids I know. But as I see more and more of the big picture I realize there has to be more. But with the weariness, anger was creeping into my very being and I didn’t like the feeling. I know I want to be here but I started doubting if it was making a difference.

Just as I am a firm believer that God sends us messages when we need them most, I believe that we have to be ready and willing to receive them or it will pass on by, unnoticed. My message came to me today in the form of the First Reading at Mass. Amos 6:1, 4-7 says, “Thus says the Lord the God of hosts: Woe to the complacent in Zion! Lying upon beds of ivory, stretched comfortably on their couches, they eat lambs taken from the flock, and calves from the stall! Improvising to the music of the harp, like David, they devise their own accompaniment. They drink wine from bowls and anoint themselves with the best oils; yet they are not made ill by the collapse of Joseph! Therefore, now they shall be the first to go into exile, and their wanton revelry shall be done away with.”

This reading says there is no security in wealth. Those who seek only pleasure will not find peace and happiness. After pondering this and listening to the sermon I have come to realize that I am not here because of President Bush, or because I am a Marine. I am not here just for the future of our kids. I am here because of God. God wants us here. I took myself back in time to the hospital that I visited in Balad. I remembered observing the operating room and seeing our American doctors frantically trying to piece back together the broken bodies of both the coalition forces AND local Iraqis. Bodies that were torn apart by evil. God was working through those talented hands to help heal those broken bodies. I have to believe that we can not sit idly by and let this evil continue to permeate throughout this land. Knowing what we now do about Saddam, about Zarqawi, about Muqtada and about the rest of the evil that is here, how can we say we are Christians if we turn our backs on the Iraqis. If we did that, it would be just like in the reading, the people were enjoying their pleasures but ignoring the collapse of Joseph.

Whether I have to make a monumental decision tomorrow or just lend a hand to a newly arrived Marine or simply smile at someone who is having a “weary” day, I am here because it is the right thing to do. I have heard the message that God sent to me today. And, I no longer feel the weariness. I am here to help free his people.

Sending love to you all,

Sharon

LtCol Sharon Jacko is currently in Iraq.


TOPICS: Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: believer; burden; church; doctors; everday; evil; free; god; hospital; iraq; kidnappings; letter; life; marine; marines; personalaccount; weariness
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To: valleygal

> A great leader is also a great follower.
> How great a follower was John Kerry when he
> disagreed with his then boss, the President
> of the United States, when he displayed
> his “throwing away of medals” from a war.

Great point. And how great a follower is he now, when he insults our coalition and our troops during the current war?

I think the Vietnam era was telling regarding Kerry's character, but we should probably focus on what he has said *now* about *this* conflict, as that is where he is currently doing the most damage, and that is where he would potentially do incredible damage, should he get elected.

Americans will better understand direct danger than examples from 30 years ago, and John Kerry does represent a direct threat to American lives.

I happen to think it's irresponsible what he has said already: Al-Jazeera quotes him (and his Dem co-horts, who he tacitly approves by his silence) with glee, and I believe the main point is that Kerry has RECENTLY, in 2004, AIDED AND COMFORTED ENEMIES OF THE US.

What more do people want to see before they fully see the fraud that Kerry represents? Bush looked very genuine in this debate, like "wait a minute, why do I have to debate this guy? Did you hear what he said about our allies and our cause in Iraq???" Perhaps just hammering home that point will be sufficient to keep Kerry out of the office of President.

God Bless our troops.


121 posted on 10/02/2004 3:31:36 PM PDT by EaglesUpForever
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To: valleygal

Sharon, thank you for allowing valleygal to post these letters. They are a powerful testament to the good that you and all our troops are doing. Because of the poor job our mainstream media are doing in covering the REAL story in Iraq, so many of us are starving for stories from those who are actually there. Please, keep your pen going at your convenience when you have a few moments of spare time.

Prayers are continuing for you and all our troops at the Troop Prayer Threads.

http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/1101474/posts?page=840


122 posted on 10/02/2004 3:35:08 PM PDT by TEXOKIE (Father in Heaven, take command of America and her Mission, her leaders, her people, and her troops!)
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To: TEXOKIE

Thank you, TEXOKIE for all your support for our troops. As I said before, it is so obvious that your prayer thread for the troops is a labor of love and I feel God will honor it.

Praying daily for all our troops, our President and the Iraqi and Afghani people in this transition in their lives and their longing to have what we take for granted and what our brave men and women die fight for... freedom!


123 posted on 10/02/2004 4:41:31 PM PDT by valleygal
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To: valleygal

Sharon and all out military are in my prayers. They are the real backbone of this nation and without them we are lost. God Bless and keep every one of them safe from harm.


124 posted on 10/02/2004 4:48:58 PM PDT by dalebert
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To: Alamo-Girl

You are welcome!


125 posted on 10/02/2004 5:47:26 PM PDT by valleygal
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To: valleygal
"I fight a war on terror so my young nieces and nephews, their children and all of your small, loved ones never have to deal with a 9/11, again...."

In the end, that is really what it is all about. Unless one has children, this may be lost on them. Too me, it is everything.
126 posted on 10/02/2004 5:57:17 PM PDT by PigRigger (Send donations to http://www.AdoptAPlatoon.org)
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To: PigRigger

BTT


127 posted on 10/03/2004 10:28:11 PM PDT by valleygal
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To: Velveeta; PoplarBluffian; Bahbah; ican'tbelieveit; walden; Ragtime Cowgirl; TEXOKIE; ...

For all who haven't had the chance to do this by e-mail, today is Sharon's birthday. If you have the time could you wish her a happy one! She said it's been a good day!

Thanks!


128 posted on 10/07/2004 9:20:56 AM PDT by valleygal
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To: valleygal

What is her email address, vg? I would love to send her Birthday greetings!


129 posted on 10/07/2004 9:31:52 AM PDT by getmeouttaPalmBeachCounty_FL (lib­·er·al - noun: ¹A person who is so open-minded that their brains have fallen out)
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To: valleygal
HEY SHARON! -

(That one is my favorite!)

130 posted on 10/07/2004 10:48:36 AM PDT by PreviouslyA-Lurker (If heads are going to roll, better those of al-Qa'ida terrorists than Americans.)
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To: valleygal

Valleygal, please remove me from your ping list.

Thanks!


131 posted on 10/07/2004 11:14:19 AM PDT by RAY (They that do right are all heroes!)
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To: valleygal

Home of the free because of the brave!


132 posted on 10/07/2004 11:22:39 AM PDT by the_devils_advocate_666
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To: RAY

Will do! Thanks for letting me know.


133 posted on 10/07/2004 3:36:34 PM PDT by valleygal
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