Day 1 - Family

As I sit here in Iraq, six weeks having past since last being in the States, I have time to think about several things. We as a nation have grown accustom to unnecessary necessities, privileges, and accommodations. In a country where we have the right to do or to say or to think what most others only dream of. We live in a nation where people are free to practice any religion they choose without fear of reprisal or prosecution. Although we are currently in a current state of financial crisis, whether the government chooses to acknowledge it or not, we are still blessed with a multitude of things. Some of the best doctors in the world, cutting-edge technology, freedom, family, liberty, food, shelter, and a vast array of other amenities.

Being here in Iraq, I’ve come to realize that too often the smaller and most precious things in life are taken for granted. Hot water for showers, home-cooked meals, a friendly phone call, the warmth of a loved ones hug. Out here, we Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines only have each other. Spending long days together hard at work only to stay up into the wee hours of the night recapping our days. Adding small touches from home to lessen the feelings about missing the holidays. Some here are on their 4th, 5th, and 6th tours of duty, missing several holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, births, and other special occasions.

This past week has been one to remember. As Thanksgiving has come and gone, I have come to realize why I am really thankful. Sitting at a table surrounded by several Marines, a dining facility full of warriors, we go around the table. “Life, health, family, each other…” are among the things mentioned. We are proud to serve, proud to risk our lives so that others can enjoy the freedoms and luxuries of everyday life. As we dine, we reminisce on memories past, things we would be doing had we been with family and friends. For the day, even months to come, WE are each others family. Sleeping in quarters no larger than an American kitchen two to a room, working side by side for 18 hours a day, sweating and bleeding together, we share those moments that many can only comprehend through specials on CNN or movies such as We Were Soldiers. Day in and day out, we spend every moment together, ignoring race, gender, religion, nationality, creed, and heritage. We are all brothers and sisters here.

Seeing the stories on local nightly news doesn’t do justice to the things that happen here. Hearing about a troop being killed in the line of duty doesn’t have the same effect being on this side of the world, so close to the action. When you hear the news of someone being hit by an IED or taking small-arms fire, you hold your breath here. Not because you hope its not a friend involved, but because you pray those brothers and sisters in harms way make it back safely. These are the moments that bring us closer, moments that make our bonds stronger. Have we lost too many in the line of duty? Is this war a lost cause? Why are we really here? These are the questions that many ask themselves, both on the homefront and on the battlefield.

Unfortunately, what the American populace doesn’t see is what makes this war worth-while. Doctors convoying into cities to provide relieve to children and elderly, patrols handing out soccer balls and backpacks to schoolchildren, fresh water and warm food being delivered to those who have no other means, American civilians helping start newspapers to promote literacy, training citizens in technical fields to aid them in self-sufficiency. These are the things that matter. No longer are these people viewed as “ragtops, hajjis, or dirka-dirkas”, but now as human beings. Just as we did not choose our gender, the color of our skin, or the fineness of our hair, these people did not choose to be born into their culture, into a particular tribe, into wealth or poverty.

As many families celebrate the joyous days between Thanksgiving and New Years, we here hold true to the belief that we too will be able to enjoy those luxuries once again. As family crowd around fire places listening to classic Christmas tunes, we are here in the desert, dressed in various uniforms from various services, huddled around a fire burning fiercely in a barrel, playing cards, weapons at our sides. A small string of decorative lights hang from the outside patio bringing the essence of the holidays to life. For a brief moment, we forget that we are in a war zone, separated from those things that matter most to us.

Fast cars, fancy houses, the best clothes, the latest and greatest cell phone…all things that are meaningless. Unnecessary necessities in the lives of many. As we serve our 4, 6, 12, or even 15 months here, we have come to terms with a few things. We are a family, blind to differences once obvious back in the US. We are from a proud heritage, a legacy of valor and merit. We are thankful for the opportunity to see the world from a different angle, another perspective. Family, health, love, freedom, and happiness, among other things, to be thankful for this holiday season. Not all of us here will make it home safely, but for the moment we are together as a FAMILY.

To all of my brothers- and sisters-in-arms, remember that alone you are an individual, together we stand strong as a family. I am proud to serve with each of you and honored to spend my 2008 holidays with you as we continue our individual missions here in Iraq/Afghanistan.

(The first of many blogs to come.)