Posted on 08/25/2005 6:33:13 PM PDT by Homer_J_Simpson
Families and Friends of the Vanguard Brigade
Weather continues to hold steady at about 110 degrees in the day, but we did have the first night where the temperature dropped below 80. Too early to call it a cold snap, but it sure felt good that morning.
In normal fashion for Iraq, nothing happens like expected, or forecasted, or announced. The proposed Constitution was presented to the Assembly at the final hour, but then the Assembly announced that more negotiations would take place over the next three days before it would come to a vote. As always, there is no simple solution since the issues remaining are the toughest ones. We suspect we will probably be surprised in some way with the final outcome, but whatever is decided, it will be an Iraqi solution. The next big date after the Assembly votes on the Constitution is the October 15th Constitutional Referendum. Voter registration is already ongoing and the good news is that the Sunnis are registering in large numbers. During the last election, many Sunnis boycotted the elections which made true representation problematic for this government. Fortunately, Sunnis leaders recognized their earlier political mistake. The result -- both religious and tribal leaders have encouraged everyone to vote. Increased representation should help dampen some insurgent groups, but hard core terrorists will continue to carry on with their attempts to destroy progress.
The actions of children are a great indicator of the mood in Iraq. If children come up to the Soldiers, often looking for toys, beanie babies, soccer balls, or sweets, then the neighborhood is pretty safe because families trust their children to be on the streets around Soldiers. If the children come out, adults will come out as well creating an opportunity to discuss local events. If the children do not come out, then something bad is getting ready to happen, or the parents are telling the children that the Soldiers are bad. What is clear during most of our conversations with the Iraqi people is that most Iraqis want better security, better services, and a better life for their children. Of course, these same Iraqis are also concerned about insurgents who intimidate the population through threats and random killings. We have come across several propaganda posters that threaten the lives of innocent Iraqis and their families for various perceived offenses like cooperating with U.S. Soldiers or Iraqi security forces. It is hard to explain the challenges of the Iraqi street. The best way to gage the effectiveness of this propaganda is to observe the actions of children.
We are very sad to announce the death of Specialist Miguel Carrasquillo, who was killed by a suicide car bomb on 9 August. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Soldiers continue to do a great job in a tough environment. This experience has touched us all in some way and bonds have been formed between our Soldiers that will last a lifetime. Thanks for all your support that keeps our Soldiers focused on their mission.
Vanguard! Rock of the Marne!
Very Respectfully, Colonel Ed Cardon and Command Sergeant Major Louis Torres
I am now current with the newsletters.
Thank you.
Whoops. I meant to add you to my ping list. I will correct the oversight.
Best to Col Cardon. So very sorry about SPC Carasquillo. He is a a great American. Prayers for his family.
I found this paragraph very interesting:
The actions of children are a great indicator of the mood in Iraq....
Shows they are staying alert...that the situation on the ground is very complex as well.
Thanks, HJS. God bless our troops bump.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!
Thank you Sara ~ Bump!
BUMP for the men and women in defense of our country
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