Will he ever shut up?!?!

This was in our local paper, from a local soldier who is currently in-country. It needn't any commentary.

Keith


To the Editor:

Lately I have been reading letters that have been written condemning the Republicans for the recent problems here in Iraq. I have to say that neither the Democrats nor Republicans are at fault. It seems that it's easy for those of you back home (enjoying the freedom I provide) to point fingers and say how senseless this war is. Face it, you are not here and you don't know what it's like. You listen to our wonderful media tell how bad it is here and how the Iraqi people dislike us so much. Did the media mention the 10,000 person march in Baghdad several months ago supporting our presence here? Did the media tell you how many humanitarian projects we have completed in this theater of operations? Listen to what they say, but do some investigating on what the truth really is.

Contrary to popular belief, we didn't invade Iraq for its large quantities of oil. We came to Iraq to relieve the current regime of their weapons of mass destruction. Unfortunately, none were found. But we did oust a dictator who had been oppressing the population for more than 25 years. And in my opinion, that is the best thing that could have happened in this region. These people now know what freedom is.

I have been here in Iraq since June of 2003. After nearly 12 months, my unit and I are awaiting redeployment back to Camp Grayling. Let me tell you a few things that I learned while I spent time in Mosul and Kirkuk. Contrary to what the media says, the normal Iraqi citizens are glad that the United States liberated their country. We have put a great deal of money into an already depressed economy. You should see the gates in the mornings. Iraqis are lined up, waiting to come to work to get something they haven't had before ... a paycheck. We've rebuilt cites, the infrastructure and given the normal citizen something to look forward to.

I've dealt one on one with normal citizens for almost a year. They appreciate everything we have done. This war cannot be compared to what went on in Vietnam or any other conflict. So unless you have the facts straight, please don't jump to conclusions. We came here for a reason. Please don't condemn us for doing what many others back in the states won't. Remember, freedom isn't free. It's our job as the United States military to help those who can't help themselves.

SGT Paul Cafuk
1438th Engineer
Detachment
Kirkuk, Iraq