We need your prayers, not criticisms

I sometimes wonder what is it that some Americans don’t understand about the truth in the war in Iraq. I know that it is hard for folks to realize that fighting such a ruthless and stubborn enemy is not like the wars and enemies we’ve been accustomed to for so many decades. Furthermore, I understand that it is hard to accept the fact that we as a nation can go on the offensive and do what we think is right for our future generations.

When we were harmed on Sept. 11, almost every citizen in America sought the decision from our highest office to show the enemy that we would not be done wrong again. Our leaders stood in front of the public and stated that this was going to be a long and hard war, and that sacrifices will be required. At the time, all understood and supported the war against terrorism. We all stood side by side and proclaimed that we will not let the enemy do this to our freedoms and liberty again.

But at the same time, as much as I am tired of the negativism over this war in Iraq, I am proud that it is because of the actions and sacrifices of so many of us out here in Iraq that allows those back home to criticize and present their opinions. After all, it is that very freedom and others that we are fighting for here in Iraq. One must understand that as folks complain about A/Cs not being properly maintained in the classrooms, and taxes being raised, etc., the support to keep the fight in the faces of the enemy is just as important to complain about.

As a commanding officer of 209 soldiers out here in Iraq, I report that indeed my soldiers wish the comforts of many back home (i.e. air conditioners, freely moving about to do whatever they feel like doing at the moment, etc.). However, as the quiet professionals that they are, they just carry on with their tasks and mission, not complaining, and certainly not asking for much from their fellow citizens back home. All they ask for is the continued support and prayers from their fellow Americans.

Indeed, that is all I ask for as well. The negative views of many Americans during our hardship do not help any of us out here. What I ask Americans for is to stand up and support the American soldiers, not make comments, as stated in Mr. Vergara’s “A crucial episode of the West Wing” column as: “dubious in intent, ineffective in execution, and shortsighted in resolution.” I say this because such statements reflect our efforts, whether it be from the White House, or simply from the front lines. Such statement connotes everyone’s effort, in my opinion. And it does not do any good to any of us out here. As one who is here in Iraq, fighting and leading soldiers, I was very disappointed in reading such statements because I am, as well as my many soldiers, are out here doing everything it takes to win the hearts and minds of not only the Iraqis, but it also seems like we are doing it to win the hearts and minds of our fellow Americans (Americans, who in my opinion, should be rallying behind us and the ’cause’ we are here sacrificing for). We must look back and realize what we proclaimed in the beginning and of the end to the terror our world now faces. We must seek and root out those who want to disregard our values and principles—the freedoms and liberties. I am proud that America is about extending such aspect of humanity to others around the world. We fight for our own freedom, and those who seek and pray each day for their own. I know because I deal with Iraqi leaders, scholars, and commoners here in Iraq every day. They [Iraqi officials] themselves say that they wish the terrorists and fanatics would just understand what America is all about. I have been serving here in Iraq since January of this year, and have held many meetings and conferences with Iraqis, both the educated and those who reside in the poorer districts of Baghdad. I just came back from a mission to escort three Iraqi doctors (dean and professors) from the University of Baghdad. The mission was sponsored by my unit and its intent was to help the faculty in improving their curriculum that is at least 30 years behind because their “former dictator” had isolated Iraq from the rest of the world in regards to medicine and scientific advancement, etc. I was honored to have accomplished such mission, because I had the opportunity to show off the true America most in this region do not know about. In fact, the professors told me on the way to our conference/seminar at Texas A University that they “wish it is the terrorists and fanatics that can come and witness for themselves what America is like—peaceful and fun-loving people.” It is the terrorists who are ignorant of the American ideals. I was so proud of that mission. Here in Iraq, I lead my soldiers in providing logistics, Force Protection, and Civil Military Operations. We provide the first two facets to our own force, and simultaneously provide the CMO to the Iraqis in need; and trust me, all are in need here. Just my company alone has invested in over $2 million at the college (I am held responsible for) and I have my soldiers patrolling the poor community every day. We have succeeded in providing basic needs and rebuilding infrastructure. The college right now, as the Dean told me: “has hope, hope in becoming and institution for higher learning.” You see, we provide hope…my soldiers are professional, polite, and prepared to kill. My soldiers are tough, courageous, and such great ambassadors in America’s front lines. They are great ambassadors because they show the world how strong America is, and at the same time, how compassionate in humanity America is. Leaders across our military as well as American civilians here are doing everything they can to accomplish the mission. It is also true that Americans back home are sacrificing in terms of paying for the war from their tax dollars. However, once again, it is the war that, on the day America was attacked, we had set out to accomplish. We had laid our trust in the leadership to lead and fight for what we believe in. I ask that we support the decision. If we quit now, then we might as well apologize to our future generations because we would have just failed them of their freedom. Terrorists are out to do just that. One day, as we successfully rid this world of terrorists, our grandchildren and their grandchildren will thank us for extending this gift we have reaped for so many decades now. They would thank us, just as we thank those who fought for today’s freedoms during World War II. Furthermore, Iraqis and many others around the world will thank us as well. Please continue to support and pray for all of us, especially since the CNMI is about to send more of its sons and daughters into harm’s way. I am certainly proud to be a Chamorro from the CNMI and a proud American defender of freedom.

God bless the CNMI, America, and its men and women in the military.

Your native son,
Capt. Lawrence F. Camacho lawrence.camacho@us.army.mil