‘If you were in my shoes’

Greetings again my fellow citizens of the CNMI. It just so happened that, as my soldiers here in my command post were packing away the computers and office equipment so we can move from our current location to another camp, I decided to check the Saipan Tribune once more before we moved. I wanted to catch up with the latest events from back home in the CNMI. As I was flipping through the pages of the paper, I stumbled upon a pretty disturbing description of our efforts here in Iraq in the letter from Mr. Jeffrey Turbitt Parallels between Columbus and Bush. It was only less than six hours ago when I wrote to the Tribune and pleaded for support and prayers for all of us here in Iraq who are fighting for freedom. I asked for the support and prayers from everyone in the CNMI and all Americans. However, I was right in my deep concern for those who argue against what we are fighting for. Mr. Turbitt, please read and see if you can understand my stand on this issue as I stated in my previous letter. Furthermore, please also understand that I am here in Iraq and I believe that I somewhat know what I am talking about. Now, if you have not been here and have never endured our hardship, then I would appreciate it if you could at least acknowledge the remarkable achievements and sacrifices that America’s brave men and women are making each and every hour of the day.

Yes, I know, sometimes we are so focused in our own views and opinions of things that we tend to forget the positive aspects and true meanings of that which we argue against. I admit I am one-sided on this issue, because not only am I and my 209 soldiers are already here sacrificing our lives but I truly believe in the cause to fight against terrorists. I never once thought my freedom and way of life could ever be changed as it did on 9/11.

Furthermore, since that day, I was determined to contribute and do what it takes to ensure that we do not experience those horrific acts again. As I had stated in my earlier letter, I surely do not want my grandchildren, nor theirs to be faced with the same fight and terror; a fight against an enemy that has no regard for freedom and liberty.

If you are concerned about WMD and oil (you had compared them to gold), then I must report to you that indeed there has not been a significant count of WMD. However, I am certainly glad that we found this out now, rather than later on our doorsteps in America a few years down the road. Because had we waited till that day, perhaps the damage may have been a lot larger than the experience we had on 9/11.

Further, if we were here strictly for the oil, then we would have taken everything since the day we toppled the former regime. There has been a lot of progress that perhaps have not been reported about Iraq. We have made tremendous progress in just our assigned district in Baghdad. Not only have my soldiers supervised and rebuilt the college in our area, I have escorted some of the faculty to conferences and seminars in the United States.

Again, if you have actually taken part in this effort to free the Iraqis of their own terror within (Saddam and his regime), rebuild and provide for their basic needs, provide security and stability for them from terrorists, etc., then I would perhaps acknowledge that you know what it really is like to be over here. I am just not convinced, however, considering the tone of your letter in Parallels between Columbus and Bush. If I am not mistaken, you are also an American who reaps the benefits of our forefathers who discovered and built the foundations of our American way of life. Moreover, I am not convinced about your argument and comparison between Columbus’ writings saying that he landed and showed his sword, whereby he also stated that the natives had no weapons, just like the war we are fighting here in Iraq. Indeed, the enemy here has weapons, weapons that have harmed and killed so many of my own comrades. You see, I admit that I am defensive when it comes to criticisms and negativism about our sacrifices. It is already extremely difficult for me to send my soldiers on patrols or to simply assist in the recovery of a destroyed tank under fire from the enemy (my soldiers seeing the harm done on their fellow soldiers), and then turn around and send them back to help and assist in rebuilding a college or supervising a project that we have contracted for a poor community. Sometimes my soldiers ask why I would send them out on a mission to help the Iraqis, even after they had just witnessed the harm done on their friends. My response is simple: we are determined to do the right thing, and if helping Iraqis kill foreign or local terrorists is the right thing, then we shall do just that. But if it means that we simultaneously do that as well as help and assist the good people of Iraq, then that is just what we’ll have to do. Again, the soldiers are professional, polite, and always prepared to kill. But we don’t just go out and start rampaging across the country. We demonstrate that once again, the American soldier is leading the way in being a true ambassador in the front lines. We are not warmongers. Trust me, no one wishes to be thousands of miles away from their family and friends, in harm’s way, missing out on the comforts of home, etc. However, it is a duty that not all can accomplish except for America’s courageous and brave men and women. Our duty is to protect and defend America’s freedom.

By the way, you should come and see for yourself how much the Iraqis appreciate our presence. Perhaps, you may just also witness how much the terrorists who come here from different parts of the world hate and want to disrupt our progress. Please support and pray for all of us here who are sacrificing for today’s freedom, and those of tomorrow. Thank you and may God bless us all!

Capt. Lawrence F. Camacho
Delta Company Commander
lawrence.camacho@us.army.mil