#296...a couple of letters from the field...

Like so many others, my daughter's friend and co-worker, Matt, had enlisted in the Reserves some time ago, mostly to gain access to a good college education.  When he enlisted, we enjoyed peaceful times, and the prospect of actually being called up for service was fairly slim.  But, as time wore on, situations changed and his number was in fact called.  He is now serving in Iraq. 

Today, my daughter got this - actually two, letters from him.  We felt it was important to share them with you.  Sometimes it is easy to get lost in the day to day routines, and lose site of the real heros.  Please keep Matt and all the other men and women serving in your prayers. 

Dear Dana, 
     Today I found Paul H's. twin.  He is a Romanian soldier.  I know the thought of anyone like Paul in the military is scary, but Bill managed it for 14 years.  Just look at him, it's possible.
     So, Iraq could be so much more than it is.  Some areas are beautiful, it is spring here.  Flowers are blooming, and the sunrise over the desert is amazing.  Sunrise to sunset, amazing.  There are rivers and streams everywhere.  Dense forest of palm trees with dense vegetation covering the ground beneath.  It is nothing like the empty plains of Kuwait, or Saudi Arabia, you see on TV.
     Sure, there are bullets flying, people dying, bombs, fire fights, explosions, illumination flares, and so many other reminders of the war that you cannot forget about it.  But, it is so much more, here, that you see on TV.  Anyone who questions us being in Iraq, has never been to Iraq.  On one side of a wall you have paradise, the other is total and utter chaos.  The only thing that can help these people is our intervention.  You can see the positive effect we have on the people near our camps.  They have money, clean clothes, food, education, even freedom.  Those who live outside our reach are in proverty, living in human waste, drinking sewage, malnourished and not exposed to the thought of the outside world.  Their spiritual leaders want to control them by limiting what they see and hear.  Most of these people are like us. 
     There are, of course, those who hate us and all of our influences.  Two weeks ago I experienced my first firefight.  Twenty minutes later and we would have been right in the middle of it.  
          I want to thank you for the rosary again. It never leaves my side pocket when in the field.  So far it has kept me safe, and I am perhaps in the most vunerable position in the team as a tail gunner.  You have helped keep me safe so far.  For that, I thank you and I am indebted to you for it.  However, the bag has not faired well, and I have it covered in duct tape.  It was all I had, I am sorry for ruining it.
     I hope everything is going well for you.  I certainly hope you know how great home is.  Do not ever come into a job like this, you are far too sweet a person for this job.  How is college coming, and the job?  Do you ever get to see anyone at APS?  I so hate that place.  This is so much more rewarding work.  I hope your job is better. 
     Well, that is all for now.  Thank you again, you've helped give my team and myself strength.  May the sun always shine upon your face, and the wind be at your back.

                                                               Truly yours,

                                                                    Matt