From http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradent...on/8479491.htm

GI on a mission for peace, freedom


Spc. William Marchese, serving with the U.S. Army in northern Iraq, wrote the
following letter to his family, including his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Russ
Marchese, winter residents of Ellenton. The Marcheses wished it to be shared
with readers for the insights provided into the life and mindset of a U.S.
serviceman.

Iam sure that, as all of you have seen on CNN, things are getting a little
hectic here in Iraq. Well it is, but the good news is I am still here. It has
been somewhat quiet in my AO (area of operations), but regardless, I am in the
middle of a jihad (Muslim holy war) but please understand that not all the
people here in Iraq want to kill Americans. As a matter of fact a majority are
ever so grateful.

Just recently, I went on a mission to one of the biggest villages (about 400
population) in my area. The people of the village were very interested in us as
we approached and accepted us as we made contact with the sheik, or the head of
the town. My lieutenant talked with the sheik and a few of his brethren about
local issues such as water, medical care, food and so forth. Now I tell you
there were a skillion (that's more than a million) children there, and they were
so interested in my friends, especially Gonzo, a guy I hang out with most. He
has learned a basic knowledge of Arabic, and the kids were asking him many
questions.

The females of the village are not like the ones you see on the news, all
covered up and discreetly seen. Granted, they keep their distance, but their
faces were not covered up and they were watching us like hawks. The sheik
offered to feed us lunch and we gladly accepted, since we were already late for
our lunch and had not eaten in quite some time. The meal consisted of eggs,
butter, tea and my favorite bread. It's like unleavened bread but I can't
remember what they called it. Nonetheless, it was very good.

But as much goodness as there is in this country, there are those who are
hell-bent on keeping this country in turmoil, people who will attack us using
the most deadly guerrilla tactics and have no regard for who they kill. People
who would use the mosques to hide weapons, people who use children as decoys and
shields and women as assassins.

It truly is sad to think there are people back in the United States, in a
country that preaches freedom for all, who want to turn a cheek to the heinous
crimes and acts of evil that are committed each day. In my eyes it's like Pearl
Harbor just happened again and no one cares; Sept. 11, 2001, and no one cares.

This "war" some say was to gain more oil, or that it is one man's vindication,
but being here has shown me that it's about giving the greatest gift of all to a
people stricken with tribulations for a millennium. Not the gift of food, water
or money but knowledge and the greatest of all, freedom.

I just want all of you to know that I am here serving my country and the people
of Iraq with honor and a great sense of satisfaction. I may not have been able
to serve a mission for my church which I was so hoping for ever since I joined
so that I may go and pass a message of peace and joy to wherever I may have been
sent. However, I know that God has sent me here to encourage those who can't
fight for peace, joy, and most of all freedom. He is with me every day as I make
a difference in someone's life. And he is with all of you keeping you all safe.
Have faith in him and me. I will be coming home, back to my family, my friends,
and of course my wonderful fiance, Jessi, who is 4,000 miles away but still next
to my heart, encouraging me every day with her smile, her understanding and her
love.

Please do me a favor and send this to everyone who knows me, so they can
understand for themselves why I am here and what I am doing. I miss all of you
so much but it is the love I feel for family, friends and that fiance that gets
me through, day to day, and for that I am so grateful.

- Spc. William Marchese, C Company TF 120, Operation Enduring Freedom

Kinda makes one wonder about all the media reports.
John H

On the 'Poco Loco' out of Deale, MD
on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay!