In 2003 when Operation Iraqi Freedom started our country was new to the war on terrorism and there were a lot of lessons to be learned. One of those lessons was how to win the war. Some may say that the past five years have worn down our army that we’re tired and ready to quit.  There is no doubt our army is under some strain.  However, under the strain we have adapted and overcame a multitude of obstacles.  We since have acquired an array of skills, armor, equipment in which a lot of people have no idea.  We have adapted our fighting techniques frequently to fit the every changing battlefield.  I just thought that I would tell you a few of the missions I have participated in to win this war on terror in the last couple of weeks.

 

April 13, 2008 I went on a mission to give clothing to poor Iraqis.  The clothing donated was requested by a soldier serving in my unit.  His request went out to his wife in Oklahoma; she then took it upon herself to collect them.  She was able to network with her neighbors and they collected a number of boxes filled with clothing.   She washed, packed and mailed them.  When they arrived in Baghdad we took them out to a housing area and distributed the clothing to a very appreciative neighborhood.  Take a minute to think about what took place and the implication.  A neighborhood in Oklahoma without hesitation came together collected a wide range of needed items and sent them to a group of people they will never meet all because of one soldier.  This is a weapon in America’s arsenal that can never be defeated.  This event may seem unimportant or isolated but the effects from this act of kindness will undoubtedly influence those Iraqis’ opinions of America.

 

April 21, 2008 I visited an Iraqi families home here in Baghdad.  The family of seven with one on the way has three disabled children. The father of the family is unemployed and they may soon be evicted from their home.  They are squatters that moved into their current living condition shortly after we moved into Baghdad.  Their home has a sheet for a front door no furniture except for a desk to put there satellite television on and a couple of rooms.  Word of the family traveled through local military personnel until it reach one soldier who himself has a disabled daughter at home.  Moved by the family’s unfortunate situation he began the process of getting the family medical care in the U.S.  Although, the chance of the children actually making it to the states is small, the care and intention given to them as made a difference.  The mother brought to tears thanked us for caring enough about them to come by to see if there was anything we could do.  She said “in all the years that the U.S. has been here no one cared enough to try to help.” 

 

April 29, 2008 I attended a feast, no literally, a feast at the Iraqi Fire Department in the International Zone (IZ).  The feast sponsored by the Iraqi fire Department was in honor of the Americans helping them get fire assets up and running in addition to the department going on their first mission in the International Zone.  Our guys helped to facilitate communication, identification badges for firefighters and bringing fire trucks into the IZ. These are just a few of the issues being face by the local firefighter that American soldiers are helping to solve.

 

None of these missions involved weapons or military tactics. There weren’t any Iraqis or Americans harmed.  Some may not even consider these events news worthy.  Everyday in Iraq these scenarios play out countless times helping us get even closer to a free and peaceful Iraq.  The U.S Army is a stronger and more versatile fighting force than it was five years ago.  Our soldiers are developing interpersonal relationships and learning how to lead and run communities in a combat zone.  These are powerful skills for any organization. America should be proud.