Letter From A U.S. Soldier

This is a personal letter that was read aloud on the air by radio talk show host Jim Vicevich recently.

He is graciously allowing it to be reprinted here, with permission from the author.
I've snipped some details in order to help protect this soldier's privacy.

Good morning, I know that all in the area are awaking today to a bit of winter weather. I hope that it is as beautiful as I remember and that each of you takes a few moments to savor that beauty before your journey began today.

I have been out of communications for a few days as some of you know. The SOP for us in the event of a loss is to institute a communications blackout. This is to avoid improper information from leaking outside to the world before soldiers love ones are notified. That has now occurred and our blackout has been lifted.
We lost an aircraft on Saturday and more importantly, we lost four soldiers (2 pilots and 2 crew). It was shot out of the sky and though I cannot share much detail with you, I can tell you that the crew aboard and those in their sister ships are true heroes. The fought for control and for their very lives until the last moment when the enemy took all of it away from them, their families and us. I can also tell you that those responsible for this act no longer walk the earth.

How am I? I am ok. "I am fine."
I am humbled and I am honored. I was in the Ops center in the battle to save our soldiers, and later in the battle to recover their remains. The enemy struck those responding with multiple IEDs and attempted to take out comrades away from us I am sure for PR purposes. Those that did this are no longer. Obviously as you have not seen something obscene in the news they did not succeed.

There are many details that I cannot share, someday when I get home we can talk about if you wish, but I ask you accept what I can tell you for now.
One of the men killed worked closely with me here, his love was for family and for flying. He was an exceptional soldier, father and human being. They all were.
I was able to personally ensure that our men and women from this crash were taken care of. I escorted them onto the C-17 transport, their caskets draped in the flag of the country we love so much for the long trip home to their families. They left with honor and dignity as they should.

Today the mission continues, it never stops. We have service scheduled in about an hour which I know will be very difficult to attend, but necessary so that we can honor them and begin to heal. The mission is first, for the defense of our country, for you and for ourselves we will persevere.

Know this, our soldiers will not quit. We win every battle, we hold any piece of ground that we want to take.
Do not listen to those in Washington who influence events by dishonesty, manipulation and greed. Listen to your hearts and know that America is a winner. We will not accept defeat.
Don't be fooled by the news media who so dishonorably portrays one side of the story for gain and sensationalism. We are not losing, we are not running, the enemy is reeling and is scared. [emphasis mine]

I thank you for your support. Hold those who are dear to you closely, and live your lives today.
I ask that you all look out for my family. Its easy for folks who are busy to forget, but this family is not whole and will not be for several more months. I know that they wonder every day what is happening here and fear for the worst.

And let me tack on this message from Mr. Vicevich:

What I can also tell you is, and this is from the soldiers there ... and I am quoting ... "I tell you, we are kicking ass here. Its good to be on the offensive!"

They want that known!

Noted, kind sir.

There's really not much to 'blog' here, or much to add.
The men and women of the United States Armed Forces are filled with a deadly resolve today.
Get out of their way, MSM.

posted by Laura. at 02:03 PM

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