Fraters Libertas

The Hardest Duties In This Cause

To the best of my knowledge the following e-mails are authentic. The names have been changed to initials at the request of the person who passed them on. The first is from a man who has a son serving in Iraq:

One of the reserve units assigned to the 55th is the 427th Transportation Company (Norristown, PA), to which is assigned SPC S.R.H. from Walkersville, Maryland. SRH's principal function is involved in convoy escort, most currently operating the 50 cal. machine gun mounted on top of an armored humvee.

He's been doing this almost continuously since he got back to Iraq the week before
Christmas with only 1 or 2 short breaks since. The convoys don't get much media coverage except when a roadside IED or MVIED is successful, but they routinely draw fire on a daily basis. The chaplain is correct; the transport of the ballot boxes is critical and will require all the skill and diligence our troops have at their disposal to execute this vital mission. This will be one of their toughest missions yet in a continuum of tough missions all over the harsh landscape of Iraq. Please pass this around on behalf of our troops, and particularly SRH.

Here's the note from the chaplain, which is a request for prayers for those undertaking a very difficult duty:

SPECIAL REQUEST FROM L.S., SERVING AS A CHAPLAIN WITH U.S. ARMY UNIT IN IRAQ

As a transportation battalion, my unit will be delivering the voting machines and the ballots to villages and cities throughout Iraq during the upcoming elections. (January 30/31) Our convoys are prime targets for the insurgents because they do not want the equipment to arrive at the polling stations nor do they want the local Iraqi citizens to have the chance to vote; timely delivery must occur so that the elections occur.

Historically, the previous totalitarian regime would not allow individual citizens to vote. Democracy will not be realized in Iraq if intelligent and competent officials are not elected to those strategic leadership positions within the emerging government; freedom will not have an opportunity to ring throughout this country if the voting process fails.

My soldiers are at the nerve center of the logistic operation to deliver the voting machines and election ballots. They will be driving to and entering the arena of the enemy. This is not a game for them it is a historical mission that is extremely dangerous. No voting machines or ballots. No elections. Your support is needed to give democracy a chance in this war torn country.