December 5th, 2006 ... Letters From The Frontlines

I have received two letters on the same day, ... one from Captain Aaron Angell, USMC and one from Army SgtFC Darrin Domko.

It's amazing if you haven't noticed yet, but our progress reports from Aaron are finally reported to America from the media about two weeks after Aaron tells us what's really going on over in Iraq.

Aaron writes;

Hello everyone!

It has been a while since I have written last, and I apologize for that.  Our Squadron has maintained a real high operational tempo supporting convoys, response missions to the clear the roadside improvised explosive devices, building another helicopter landing zone, and completely rewiring a coalition force forward operating base for safety and morale (heat, lighting, power for those TVs and game systems).  It's all part of supporting that war-fighter, and our guys are truly making the difference.  More and more I am seeing that the Marine team out here can make anything happen with some ingenuity, flexibility, and dedication.

I'm sure that many of you are watching the news about Baghdad.  Honestly, our area of operations is far removed from that situation, and we do continue to see forward progress in the evolving Iraqi Army and Iraqi Security Force.  On December 1st, the Iraqi Army assumed responsibility security for even more of their own community between the hot spots of Ar Ramadi and Al Fallujah.  Support is continuous in these areas from the United States military, however it is the Iraqi Army that has the control.  This is definitely a paradigm shift that is making a little difference.  We've all heard the phrase that "Rome wasn't built in a day."  The same is true of Iraq.  Progress continues.  Perseverance is the name of the game. 

Our family of Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, and a few Airmen have now pushed through Thanksgiving and we are now watching the rest of the holiday season rapidly approaching.  It is almost a cliché to say that we miss our families.  Many of us actually enjoy being out here because it provides us the opportunity to utilize our skills to work together as a huge team in an austere environment, however it always hurts to be away from our families. 

What makes missing home much more bearable is continually seeing the support from the homefront.  Over the past week, I have received numerous emails, Christmas cards, boxes of professional books from individuals and schools, and boxes of toiletries and other miscellaneous goodies from friends and family all over the U.S..  I use "friends" to include all of those whom I/we have never even met, but still your charity and support is as much as if we have been friends forever.  Your support is amazing.  I thank you.   

Semper Fidelis!

Respectfully,

Capt Aaron Angell


You can write to Arron at Aaron.Angell@tq.mnf-wiraq.usmc.mil I'm sure he'd love to hear from you all. Just click on the URL and wish him a Merry Christmas.

Darrin Domko ...

Approaching the final day of his latest tour our duty in Iraq, ... this smiling, happy-go-lucky American who refers to himself as "Your Soldier," will be spending the Holiday's home.

It appears Darrin caught a naughty American and wants to correct a "wrong." Also, it looks as if about 152 troops need some help too. As far as the bad boy is concerned, Darrin has that under control. He's reaching out to us to make sure that 152 troops are taken care of.

Darrin writes;

Howdy everyone,

Well I only have a few days left but I have a request from anyone who is willing to help.  I am attaching a piece of an email I received from an Army Captain who contacted me.  Its kinda funny how she got in touch with me.  I found out a soldier was lying to my "Books for Soldiers" people so I investigated his "BS" by contacting his chain of command and I came to find out he was doing the lying and BS'ing!!! Anyway, this Captain is a Army Lawyer (he he he) and wanted more info on this case, as they are considering punishment for his actions. She then mentioned to me that there are some soldiers that are currently serving in remote locations. She said that a Sergeant that she works with was trying to organize something for them.  So I am sending y'all out there an email address and if you want to help, well, that would be great!

I am not asking anyone to try and assist with all 152 soldiers, so please don't think that.  But a box or two from you may make a dent in her project.  If you cannot help, please do not feel bad because I know it's the Christmas Season and money is tight everywhere.  Thank you all for your wonderful and awesome support over this second deployment and I look forward to my next deployment. 

You people are truly what makes this Country great.  Y'all are the reason I am so proud to serve. I know some of you may have heard this before but I can't help but say it over and over again.  All of you make me so proud.  Thank you again for everything and thank you to those who can help.

Love,
 
Your "going home very soon" soldier,

Darrin

  I am also writing to you because ironically enough, our counterparts here at the consolidated legal office, the 1/34 BCT, is putting together boxes and trying to get stuff together for 152 of their troops that truly are isolated and spread out at over 10 RRPs.  I didn't know if maybe you could help them out with their troops that really do need stuff that normally don't get anything out where they are.  The POC is MSG Velsvaag, and she is the senior paralegal for the 1/34 BCT, and her email is linnea.velsvaag@iraq.centcom.mil. I know that they would really appreciate anything that you could do for them. 

I have to tell you all that the other day received a package from Darrin. I opened it and after reading the certificate I began to cry, (can you believe that?) It was a flag that was flown in my honor at Camp Victory, (American and coalition headquarters, in Baghdad, Iraq.) What makes this so special is the fact that it is signed by Darrin. We performed at Camp Victory in 2004. It used to be a palace for Saddam Hussein and it is currently where Saddam's trial was taking place.

You only have a few more day to write Darrin in Iraq. I promise to keep you all informed with "Your Soldier's" new email address once he returns.

God bless America

 

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