<--Sgt. Contreras right here...Army Reserve 4005th US Army Hospital

No liberals or democrats on the front lines. They are in the rear.

USAF

AFSC: 2A353A, Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Specialist

Formerly of 336th Fighter Squadron (Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom)

Going to 494th Fighter Squadron in England.

And as about as extreme right/conservative as it gets

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"We will not waiver, we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail." President George W. Bush

USAF: We Kill Terrorists So They Don't Kill You

There are a few soldiers on this board, one reported to be in Iraq. Haven't heard from him in a long time. May have fled the board (long story).

I myself have not served. I got an interesting letter from a friend/coworker. He is a Marine Captain Reservist that was called up this summer. He's still in Cali., but soon heading to Iraq.

Fave quote, "just don't tell my Mom - she'd kill me"


Hello everyone!

Hope this message finds everyone and their families well and in good spirits.

Let me begin by saying that I've received everyone's emails and I'm grateful for them. Please keep them coming, even though I may not be able to respond in a time efficient manner.

I've finally been able to let things settle down over here. There's been a lot of training in preparation for our deployment. Our departure dates have been pushed back, so instead of leaving in late July/early August, we're now leaving a little later. This is a good thing, since it won't be as hot over there (temps right now are in the 110s).

The extra time also allows us to train more. Don't get me wrong, we've been training our butts off (since June, I think we've only had 5 or 6 days where we were able to enjoy some liberty, i.e. "time off"), but more training is always good.

This week is an off week. The Marines have been given 'leave' time to go home and spend some time with loved ones. I decided to stay in California, however. I didn't want to say goodbye to friends and family, again (just don't tell my Mom - she'd kill me).

Many folks have asked where I'm going or what I'm going to be doing. I cannot give specifics on the location, but I can say that it's going to be hot, full of sand, lots of flies (lots of them) and, again, hot. I can't say that I'm looking forward to being drenched in sweat from the time I get up, to the time I go to sleep (and while I'm sleeping too).

As for my mission, generally, it's to give the people of Iraq a democratic nation. This mission is accomplished in several ways. First and foremost, eliminating the terrorist networks, training the police and Iraqi National Guard, assisting in the security of certain areas, providing technical expertise for various community projects, finding jobs for Iraqi citizens, etc.

While I'll be involved in most of them, the majority of my time will be spent on the first two. My primary mission is to find the bad guys. They're troublemakers who stand in the way of progress and freedom, whether in Iraq or (if they could) in America. They constitute a small percentage of the population, but are always looking for a fight. I'm glad they want to fight us. Makes my job of finding them a bit easier. That's good. My Marines and I will deal with them accordingly.

Additionally, my unit has also been given the mission of training the Iraqi police and Guard. We've gone through special training that will allow us to be successful in this endeavor. I personally think it's going to be a tough but interesting mission, since the police and police stations seem to be in the news a lot. We are eager to begin.

Anyways, this is just a brief synopsis of my life right now. That is, aside from some sore muscles, sunburned skin, reduced weight, assorted bruises and scrapes and a couple more gray hairs, I'm doing well.

Again, apologize for not getting back to everyone sooner. Please continue writing and I will try to get better at responding in time. It's a good feeling to know that your prayers are with my Marines and I. In the next email, I'll send out some pictures of our training (like a picture of me trying to diffuse a riot at a police station - what a day that was!).

Take care,

SEMPER FI!

I served 20 years in the Navy and retired in August '03 as a SMCS/E-8

Welcome to the board, and thank you for your service!

My father is currently serving his second 18 month term in Iraq. I would go there, too, but I am too young.

He's a Staff Sergeant Army Field Medic. His platoon's job is to search for roadside bombs.

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Where exactly is he positioned and how often do you hear from him, if you don't mind me asking? Thank him for me. God Bless our troops. Your dad isdoing something great for America and you.

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"There is nothing wrong with America that can't be cured by what's right with America" William Jefferson Clinton

Baquaba, or something of that nature, I believe. I usually get phone calls for him every 3 days, and talk to him for about 15 minutes. He works 2 days and gets the 3rd day off.

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