Ambassadors in Desert Camo

by Lance Thompson

American victories in Iraq following the new strategy employed by General Petraeus continue despite the efforts of the main stream media and political opponents of the war to conceal them. Iraqi civilians are cooperating with American troops to identify terrorists and warn of IEDs. Iraqi military and police personnel are proving increasingly effective at combating the enemy, despite being repeatedly attacked by that enemy. American forces find, capture and kill increasing numbers of al Qaeda leaders and their followers. This means that the American military is not only gaining the upper hand over a devious and dangerous enemy, but also over the treasonous politicians at home who doggedly undermine them and their mission.

One of the most gratifying developments in Iraq was reported on 30 October by worldnetdaily.com

(http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=58398). According to worldnetdaily, Iraqi Army soldiers in Besmaya collected $1000 to donate for the relief of victims of the San Diego fires. This money was donated by Iraqi soldiers, not American soldiers fighting in Iraq. The story quoted a report from Sergeant First Class Charlene Sipperly, from Bayfield, Colorado: "Iraqi Army Colonel Abbass, the commander of the complex, presented a gift of $1000 to U. S. Army Colonel Darel Maxfield...to send to the fire victims in California...Colonel Abbass stated that he and the Iraqi soldiers were connected with the American people in many ways, and they will not forget the help that the American government has given the Iraqi people."

Iraqi soldiers, according to corpwatch.org, make about $70 per month. As the representatives and defenders of the new democratic Iraq, they and their families are particular targets for the terrorists who cannot afford to permit a free Iraq to survive. It would be very understandable if the daily threats they confront left them no time to consider the plight of American civilians half a world away living in a safe, bountiful world most of them could never dream of. Yet these Iraqis pooled their meager resources to send a gift to a country that represents the freedom they want for their children and grandchildren.

The ramifications of this event are enormous. Certainly the Iraqi soldiers merit our commendation and appreciation. Their gift is a sincere gesture of mercy to the victims of the wild fires. But it is also a testament to the success of one of the overlooked missions of the American military–representatives of the American spirit.

American soldiers in Iraq aren’t just battling terrorists and insurgents. They are protecting Iraqi civilians; treating the injured and sick; building schools, hospitals and roads; rebuilding homes, power grids and water systems. They give clothes, school supplies, toys and treats to Iraqi children and help their parents understand their roles and responsibilities in a democratic society. American troops are part of the world’s pre-eminent military force, but they are also ambassadors to those who have very little chance of ever personally interacting with an American. To ordinary citizens in foreign lands, our men and women in uniform are the face of America.

Americans in uniform not only represent America’s military might, but also her softer attributes of mercy, charity and humanity. They are examples of the best our country has to offer, and it is clear that the Iraqi troops in Besmaya have been at least partially inspired by that example.

Long after the buildings are repaired, the wounds are healed, and democracy is firmly established, the Iraqi people will remember the fine young people America sent to their country to bestow the gift of freedom. Perhaps with the passage of time, and the retelling of stories from Iraqi generation to generation, the American troops will be remembered as a little more courageous, more generous, more meritorious than other people simply because of what they accomplished.

But those Iraqis won’t be alone in holding that impression. Most Americans share it.

Lance Thompson lives in Boise, Idaho, where those who serve America in uniform are held in high regard.