Baghdad Hello Everyone, The mood here at Camp Cuervo is an anxious one as we begin to count down the days to our redeployment back home and await the arrival of our replacements. There is also a feeling of anticipation as the Iraqi people move closer to their elections and how it is going to be here in Baghdad. It has been unusually quiet thus far and some feel that the worst is over and for others it is a lull. For me, I am just taking it a day at a time and praying it will pass quickly and quietly so I can be home with my family. There is a valuable lesson that can be learned having been privileged enough to see their way of life first hand, stop taking life for granted. We take most things that we have at home for granted and it is not uncommon for us to stress and whine about things that we want or that we think we deserve when just about every one of us has more than we need. Lately, I have been thinking about all the people that I have crossed paths with (including myself), and how much we worry about people taking our money, how much we owe, and how we can save for that extraordinary automobile or house on the ocean, or in my case, a high definition television. I am truly grateful and happy with what I have in life and the opportunities I have back in the States which are endless. I hope that my year in Iraq will stay with me for the rest of my life as I will use it to guide me to what is really important. Americans are by far the most fortunate people in the world and we have a moral obligation to help other less fortunate people. Regardless of the reason why we went to war against Sadam the fact of the matter is we did and we are here now. We are seeing first hand how much he stripped these people from a life that they deserve simply because of their religion or political beliefs. It is our responsibility as human beings to help them in every possible way. I do not care about the political take on this conflict that people have back in the States. I do not care if they think we are sacrificing our lives for no reason or that we are bullying these people for their oil and money. I am not here to wage war or fight insurgents, I am here to help the people of Iraq to better their lives and stabilize their country. I do not get upset that people oppose our presence in Iraq, what bothers me are the people that oppose why we are still here and seem to minimize all the efforts just for political commentary. What would be wonderful is to separate the political agenda from the humanitarian efforts so that everyone can see what we are trying to do clearly for once. However on the opposite end of the spectrum, it upsets me when I see pro war supporters that talk about political gain from a new Iraqi government. People are missing the point; politics are clouding the real reason why we are proud to be doing what we do. The real issues are getting buried and most of the soldiers I have spoken to could care less about the political side of this conflict, we are concerned about the humanitarian side. As far as I am concerned why stop here? Why not concentrate the same efforts back in America for the homeless and the needy? Why not establish occasional free medical treatment and clothing for those in the United States? I am just as much of a believer in taking care of our own first, than anyone else. If it were up to me, I would help everyone in the world but we all know that won’t happen so why not support the good things being done over here and leave the politics to the politicians? Why not see what you can do to help local residents in your own community that are less fortunate if it concerns you that we spend too much time and money helping people in other countries. Closing this week’s column out I would like to say that the tour of duty here is tiring and grueling but I would easily do it again if I needed to. The only reason why I count the days is to be with my family again, not to leave these people and their efforts behind. We have showed one another the meaning of courage. The courage we have liberating them and continuing our presence to make their lives a bit safer and better. They have shown us courage by coming to work every day on our Camp knowing that at the end of the day they must leave and risk being killed for simply supporting their families. They show us courage by flagging down our convoys to warn us about a possible roadside bomb ahead knowing that they are probably being watched and may be killed for it. They show us courage by registering to vote and making flyers for candidates. They show us courage by simply making it this far in life under one of the most ruthless dictators known to man. For those at home that are under the blanket of security and feel that being in Iraq isn’t worth it I have two questions. Do you have the same courage? Are you willing to sacrifice your life every day just for a life nearly half as good as your own? SGT Shawn Wilkins 01/11/05 6:41EST read archived articles | submit an article for review
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