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MESSAGE FROM THE SANDS

Information November 26 2005
 — By CJ

Hello and welcome to all A Rose By Any Other Name visitors.

This was written to one of my friends (and a reader/contributor to this site). In her words, “this was written by one of my pen pals in Iraq right now. He’s a 23 year old Marine. He like the rest of us, is sick of the media…and the people saying they support the troops but not the war. He said they may not be here in person, but they do watch the news and see the protests. He said it’s very hurtful to think that people don’t support them. He sent this to his home town newspaper and they’re going to print it. He asked me to send it out too so more people could read it.”

This isn’t one of those emails that gets passed around so much and you never know who it’s from. It comes to you only two people removed from whom it was sent. Here it is:

May God bless those in harms way
And may he enlighten those objectors
Who never sacrificed their own personal time or comforts
For the freedoms they enjoy the most
Unknown

What is war? Does anyone know or care anymore? What happened to the patriotism that so many had back in 9/11? When stores sold out of flags and memorabilia, and when shipments were back dated to meet supply and demand. Have we forgotten why we’re over here? What about the friends and family members we all have lost?

Many of us have held our fellow brothers in arms while they breathed their last, the sound of their cries echoing through our minds in a never ending nightmare. Comrades we had never met before, but through the fate of war, brought us close. These are the horrors of war. These are the terrors that we live with.

Times are hard. Mothers have lost sons and daughters. Children have lost parents. Sisters have lost brothers, brothers have lost sisters, and the plaguing question on top of everyone’s mind is, “Will it ever end?� That is a question not soon to be answered.

Many Marines go into battle, not with thoughts of losing our lives, but thoughts of fighting for our country, fighting for the freedoms that so many take for granted, hoping, that in some small way, we can be valiant and steadfast, following in the footsteps of our forefathers. Leathernecks, as a whole, can think of nothing better than to die SERVING our land in its time of need.

I find it heartbreaking that the true reasons we are over here have been lost. 9/11 has come and gone in many minds. What’s worse is the reality that the news has corrupted our good name and the amazing efforts we ALL have accomplished in the last three years of Iraq. So many people think that this war doesn’t concern them, but it does.

Every day our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan, Baghdad, and elsewhere are fighting, not just to liberate despairing countries, but to also take the fight to the terrorists. It is true, our objective is to spread freedom, but it is not solely motivated by concepts of an oppression free Middle East (we know that may never happen), but self defense.

Was this war really a mistake? Try telling that to the mothers that have lost their sons, as they sob into the flag that represents who they stood for. Tell it to the children, as they cry themselves to sleep, still thinking their dad is out there, waiting to come scoop them up in his arms. Tell that to everyone else that has lost a loved one.

People criticize our government, saying the President is responsible for the death of every troop overseas, protesting that this war is unjustified. This is a hefty burden for our leader to bear, especially knowing it is partially true. The deaths of our soldiers are on him. But to me, as a United States Marine, it is better to withstand the deaths of our warriors, than to let our civilians perish, and have our homeland dishonored. Yes, it is unfair that our service members must die, but they die in honor, assuring YOU that no future generation will ever have to suffer the pain of that fateful day again.

And the stakes of this war are higher than you think. It is NOT as simple as just pulling out of Iraq. Yes, this would bring home our men and women, it would preserve countless American service members’ lives, for a time. But what happens when our enemies come at us again? Will we get off as easy next time? 9/11 was tragic. But what if the next time the death toll is even higher? What if we suffer not 3000 casualties, but 30,000? We cannot afford to take that risk. The war must go on, but not on our turf. We will fight and kill every insurgent, terrorist, and extremist, until our people can live free of the fear of oppression. Remember who you are and what you stand for. Remember the United States of America, and the liberty for which she stands.

Written by:

Cpl. Odem, Richard J. (0861-Scout Observer)

The only thing edited out from this letter is CPL Odem’s mailing address. Emphasis and italics were added to the quote.

(17) Readers Comments

  1. 11/26/2005 at 10:43 am

    It is never a mistake to protect and fight for freedom! People that are unaware of the realities of life are the same people that watch the lame stream media!

    I will always support the troops and our countries freedom! We need to stay vigilant at all times because what we have will be taken given the chance!

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  3. SK

    11/26/2005 at 12:47 pm

    Thanks for posting this CJ.

  4. 11/26/2005 at 4:05 pm

    Thanks CJ ~ that message needs to be seen/heard!

  5. Mike

    11/26/2005 at 5:45 pm

    The majority in this country are behind you and believe in your/our cause! Stop reading the MSM, many have, just look at their circulation, corresponding cut backs on personnel! They are not to be trusted as they have shown over and over again!

    I’m in awe of you and your fellow soldiers, as most are in this country! Believe me, we remember 9-11, the worst attack on this country in it’s History!

    Without You there would be NO freedom in this country! Don’t worry, the Majority are aware of this! The POLS, manipulated! Take time to look at the Break Down of the respondents!! Just another Dirty Trick by the MSM! Like I said, most are aware of this, hence the drop in Readership!! Think about it! Most of us get our news from FOX, Rush, O’Reilly and the Blogs!!

  6. 11/26/2005 at 6:14 pm

    Truth and honor… these letters could only be written by those who understand it and know it! Thank you, CJ!

  7. 11/26/2005 at 6:17 pm

    First of all- you can easily support the troops and not support the war, I do it everyday. Also it is refreshing to know that our soldiers support whatever action our President deems necessary because that is the type of military that we need to keep us protected. Also a lot of us who do not support the war in Iraq are not “doves” or “anti-military” and anybody who says different is just a pure propogandist. In fact, I supported the war in Afghanistan and my older brother served in the military (as did both my grandfathers in WW2) and he fought in the first war with Iraq. Us whom do not support the war in Iraq are doing solely because we do support the troops and do not want out troops to be in harms way for no reason. Those who use 9-11 to justify a war in Iraq are misguided at best and liars at worst because everyone now knows that Iraq had nothing to do with 9-11 and Iraq also did not help terrorists. Also, after the first gulf war the US put in “no fly-zones” covering roughly 98% of Iraq’s airspace. We flew missions every single day since the first Gulf War and even though Iraq tried, they never shot down one. It is hard to imagine how a country could even slightly pose a threat to us in our homeland, whenever they cannot even shhot down a plane flying over their own country. We are all Americans and just have different viewpoints. I believe all American’s support our troops and for one-side (namely the right) to claim otherwise is the shallowist, sleaziest thing to say, in order to score political points. So we should get past the pettiness about who supports who and debate the actual topic, ie. this war. As I said before- its refreshing to know our soldiers will do whatever is asked of them, for this is the only kind of militarty that can keep us safe and while you are posting letters from soldiers who want the protests to stop, there are just as many soldiers who want the protests to continue- so that they can come home and be with their families. Maybe we should not debate small things and see if it is possible for both sides to come together and do things that we should all agree on. Like making sure all of our soldiers get the best health care possible, making sure that those families of the wounded are cared for, and while we are at it- all of our troops deserve raises in my book. Thety put their lives on the line for us and the least our government can do is pay them well and take care of them medically when they return. I am glad I checked out your blog and posted a comment. I just hope that all of us can remember that we are all Americans and we have different opinions about this war but ALL of us support our troops 100%.

  8. Tony

    11/26/2005 at 7:47 pm

    Hey CJ….If you have his address I would like to send him a CD and scarf. Or if you prefer I can send to you and you can forward.

    Awesome letter..Thanks for posting it!

  9. Donna

    11/26/2005 at 11:52 pm

    Thanks for posting that CJ! That is a great letter and I hope it opens some eyes as to how alot of our troops feel about the war and the protests etc.

  10. christian

    11/27/2005 at 2:28 am

    Rye admits they shot at our planes daily. I guess the lives in jeopordy don’t mean anything to him. The first time he shot at a plane in the No-Fly it was a violation of the “cease-fire” and should have brought about the resumption of hostilities. Just as in Somalia weakness only emboldens the enemy.

  11. 11/27/2005 at 6:33 am

    I without a doubt support our troops fighting abroad for I have my younger brother, a 48 year old father of 3, doing his duty in Iraq, and 3 nephews as well, doing their duties in Iraq and Afghanistan. Even my niece, now stationed stateside, did her share of duty in Iraq. My brother had served in the U.S. Army, and soon after his stint, became a civilian and landed a cushey job with the post office. But soon after 9/11, he felt it his duty to get back into the Armed Forces, and with all our blessings, enlisted with the National Guards. His year in Iraq is almost up, and is seriously considering extending his time there, for he truly believes what he’s doing is right. As a Minister of Faith, I do not support ‘war’, but when it comes to liberating the oppressed from murderous dictators such as Saddam and his chronies, then I without question support this cause. 9/11 wasn’t the main reason why we got into this war, preserving Freedom and helping an oppressed country gain theirs was why we and our allied countries went in. Liberty and Justice for all, is that too much to ask for? Not long ago, my brother e-mailed me these words, and I quote, “Hey rev, if anything does happen to me here, please know that I died doing what I belived in…so honor me for that, and not blame our country for sending me there.” I of course e-mailed him back and accused him of reading too much Sgt. Rock comics. I love my brother, I support my brother, and I love and support my country as well. God Bless all Our Brave Soldiers, for without them, we wouldn’t be what we are now, free.

  12. 11/27/2005 at 8:04 am

    I Thank You CJ for bringing this letter to us. It is something that needs to be told.

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  14. 11/27/2005 at 1:33 pm

    Hi CJ,
    Thanks for the mutual links. I do like your blog and you have a lot of great info and insights. Thank you! Oh, The Right Place post is mine, too. I’m a contributor there. Keep up the great posts!

  15. Monica

    11/27/2005 at 8:13 pm

    Thank you so much for a wonderful letter. My husband is serving right now in Iraq. We have no idea when he will be home, or where he is. He is a proud member of the Navy Seabees. I can not say how disheartening it is to hear people say that this is all a mistake. Are you trying to tell me that my husband is over there for no reason? My husband is sacrificing his life for you. I understand that you have a right to your opinions, but you can not support the troops and be against the war.

  16. jpe

    11/28/2005 at 12:41 pm

    Also a lot of us who do not support the war in Iraq are not “doves� or “anti-military�

    Many of us are just rational, in fact. Cost/benefit has always augured strongly against this war. We’re just not getting much out of it.

  17. 11/28/2005 at 1:30 pm

    “We’re not getting much out of it”?!

    I’m not so sure that’s a very “rational” response. I think we’re getting a LOT out of it. It would actually be the epitome of naivete to say we aren’t benefitting from a free Iraq.

    However, I agree that those who do not support the war can be pro-military. As a matter of fact, I’m anti-war in general. I think most soldiers are. The last thing most of us want is a war. I’d be more than happy to go 20 years and never have to fire a shot at a living target.

    The problem with today’s anti-military crowd isn’t their motives, it’s their actions. Like it or not, protesting in Crawford, DC or anywhere else with calls to “pull out now” are not translated into support by soldiers. It’s actually a slap in the face to what we’re doing. When soldiers are found trying to talk to these people at anti-war rallies, they’re treated like dirt, spit on, and chastised. That’s not soldier support. Does the anti-war crowd seen on CNN reflect every anti-war American? No, not at all. If you support our soldiers but not war, then an appropriate action would be to write your congressman that we finish the job in Iraq the right way and let it run its course to avoid future wars.

    It’s important that we do this one right to avoid the next one. If we simply pull out without leaving Iraq to defend itself from internal or external threats we’ve only created more future wars. The terrorists will be emboldened and more will support their cause.

    I have not personally met many people that like war. Yes, I’ve met some, but they are few and far between. I don’t think I need to revisit my beliefs that this is a just war in my mind. War is ugly, dispicable, and destroys souls. I came out of Iraq a different person in many ways. Sometimes I think I left a part of me there that one day I’ll have to go back and retrieve.

    That’s why war should be a last resort and I think it was in this case. I appreciate Monica’s sacrifice and especially that of her husband. It’s not easy being in the military and seeing the things we do on the news. It’s disheartening.

    It is possible to be anti-war and pro-soldier…they just haven’t figured out how yet.