| Original Message |
DA (no login)
Posted Apr 12, 2006 10:53 PM
Wendell,
Thanks once again for the 24 series and the other movies. We're always looking forward to the next episode. Everybody's hooked.
I went out yesterday to one of our informant's house. He was a pretty big guy in the community as one could tell by the size of his house. He had a huge lunch prepared for us. There were about 12 of us but there was easily enough food to feed 50. It was really strange. They brought out 5 long tables and lined them up, one after the other. Then came the food....huge, pizza pans full of rice and lamb. Once the tables were full, then they brought out the salads...then the pita bread....then the soups....then the dipping sauce....then the fruit....then the drinks. I noticed one thing, however. There were no plates. So when they said it was time to eat, I just watched as they grabbed a fist full of rice with one hand, lamb in the other and shoved in in their mouth, right over the main course dishes. Not wanting to insult anybody, I followed suit. The food was so good. I just kept eating. I hadn't eaten anything all day so I just kept shoveling in the food...and shoveling is probably the best word for it. There were no manners at that table. How could there be manners with no plates or silverware? Anyway, it was quite an experience. They treated us so well. They said that the food and hospitality was was such a small token of appreciation that they had for us for the sacrifices that we were making so that they could have a better life. What people in the states don't understand is that this type of treatment by the locals is the norm, especially among the Shia population. It's too bad the U.S. media doesn't want to cover these stories. Last week we opened a high school and we'll be opening another in a couple of weeks. But it's the helicopter that was shot down yesterday that makes the headlines. It's all about the ratings.
Thanks for seeing the whole picture...not just the one on the TV.
Anyway, that's about it. Thanks again for the movies.
CPT Campbell and the rest of the gang
I've been sending things out for two years now and getting many letters like the e-mail above. I have not ever gotten a letter that was the least discouraging. From SPC's and Lance Corporals up to LTC's, soldiers and Marines, every one of them speak of believing in the mission, knowing they are making progress, and wanting to finish the job. And they're pissed off at the media. Hold the line guys, they are. |
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