This is part of an email I sent out on 17Nov05 this should start it off...

Unfortunately our battalion had its first casuality within the past few weeks. Also we had one pretty big IED(roadside bomb) hit one of our convoys injuring two of our guys and killing one Iraqi Civilian. Both of our soldiers are going to be ok, its unfortunate though that these terrorist (PUNKS...) will disregard and disrespect life of even their own people just to TRY and slow us down. Its really a sick shame.

BUt some very positive things have been also happening out here. I've learned u can have quite a range of emotions in one day. On the 3NOV My truck got hit by an IED the first one(of 3 this far) that Ive been hit with personally. Pretty crazy little experience. All of us where ok and it happened early in the morning where we had the rest of the day ahead of us. Well that Night I also got another first. Our "section"(half my platoon) went into one of the villages to introduce ourselves to the Muk-tar(mayor) and see how living conditions are their. Upon doing so I got to experience some Iraqi Hospitality which is very warm and welcoming. We got to sit down and have some chi tea with the mayor and a few other Iraqi men. It was a pretty neat experience to have. During our "tea time" :) we got to hear about how the village is doing. I.E. they need clean water for drinking, they are starting a new project of paving some of their roads, we got an Idea as to how their sewage system is and what improvements we may be able to help with as sewage is a problem here....Believe me I get the lovely opportunity to smell it each day.

Also we have still been busy trying to help strengthen the Iraqi Army and support them. Unfortunately at times its hard when they dont have the same kind of drive in them to support defend and stick up for their own country as many Americans do. We cant instil in them a mental mind set, I believe this has to come from themselves. And if they dont do this, this will only inhibit anyprogress we are trying to make out here. Actually I see it as almost as much of an enemy as the terrorists. A week drive to conquer and overcome may be just as inhibiting as roadside bombs and violence.

The terrorist Network out here is strong in the sense of instiling and maintaining fear in the minds of the people including some of the Iraqi Army and Police. One rumor that I have been told of is that the terrorists are telling people that we...the US ARMY the Coalition Force...are planting the IEDS and are blowing ourselves up just to create confusion. Unfortunately somehow some people are believing this nonsense. CRAZY!

I've been convicted to make sure I conduct myself in a way where I show people true love and concern for them and their culture and well being out here. Maybe just some of my good acts towards them may sway some hearts that have been corrupted.

Anycase we keep pushing on and I do hear stronger stories from other parts of this country. Got to remember these people have only lived in fear and suppresion for so long there is a "mind barrier" that i think we need&are trying to break through. AND ITS IMPORTANT THAT WE ARE HERE no doubt.