Michael Yon

Sometimes you find people drunk with power, even a little power, in positions in which they can bully others, and enjoy it. Your article has now been forwarded, along with your Url linking to the article, to about 200 more people, and hopefully hear more about his psychological problems. Regards to you, and I hope you (eventually) enjoyed your friends visit.

By the way, most of the people I sent the email to were ex-ASAers like me who were trained at Devens, most of us during the 60´s, a little before your time, but I knew there was a reason I enjoyed your articles, I didn´t know you were there until I read one of the comments above.

Mike,

I am a member of the British Parachute Regiment and we met in Iraq during 2007 whilst I was working for MNC-I in Baghdad. I have recently seen some of your powerful images of British Paratroopers deployed on operations in Afghanistan, for example, the front cover of 'Pegasus' magazine and would very much like access to my own copies. Hence, can you help? I am currently working with the French military where I have the remit and ideal opportunity to show my host nation colleagues the full extent of the British commitment in Afghanistan and, to a lesser extent now, in Iraq.

Hopefully, you can help with a few poignant images.

Regards and Happy New Year!

Bill

Dear Mr. Yon, While this may be beyond your purview as a correspondent, I hope you may be able to answer one question. How do the people there really feel as to our overthrowing Hussein?

Hello Dear Bashar, Alyaa and Mustafa,



I am the wife of one who has been working to rebuild Iraq for four years. He is still there and he is responsible for sending me the article that tells part of your story to freedom written by Mr. Michael Yon. You are blessed for having this man as an ally and I am blessed for having someone in my life [my husband in Iraq] who understands perhaps in a small but direct way- what you are going through.



We are strangers in person but not in heart. Your family and my family have been torn apart by this war that we neither wanted nor believe was necessary. Yet both my husband and son are also endangered by the actions of this War – and although they must be brave to remain there everyday and risk their own lives too, they believe they are doing their part to help Iraq restore and repair itself and so they continue-hoping that they may return to their country and families soon also. They have been touched by human souls who despite being born in a separate world - remind them of themselves –and remind them daily that we all have the same fears, the same dreams and the same needs.



We all share in the struggles together! If we do not -then we risk much more loss. We want to reach out. We too- need to feel that we are not alone! Too many – in all places of the world-still do not understand. Even here in America where we have access to everything- but not very much interest. Alas it is another battle that I hope you find worthy of fighting!

My Husband has worked closely with many very brave Iraq Men who translate and contract work for Americans and the Armed forces. He was fortunate to work alongside the late U.S. Army Special Forces Capt. Patriquin during the negotiations for the Awakening Council. My husband was deeply inspired by what he has witnessed happen- and also deeply moved by the plight of families like yours, who he came to identify with as we too, struggle along and sacrifice – in order to survive and see peace together someday – and hopefully someday he can return home safely and without a heavy heart He fears that we will abandon those very same people whom he befriended and worked along side with, and he would not forgive himself –if that were to happen.

Thank You for sharing your story with us – and with Mr. Yon who is a superb ambassador for humanity! Please feel free to write me back at anytime with anything you desire to say. Many Americans simply have not been told of this and so they do not understand. They now see and hear of Americans only who are suffering and they ask “why help these others when our own suffer so?” We are still learning so much in this country! But this will change also- it is changing as the young men and women go to Iraq and actually LEARN – and when they return they too teach their families. It is no different here than there. The same people. The same dreams and fears.
So please accept my small gift to help you purchase the supplies for your first Thanksgiving meal together in America. Which has once again become a land of hope for its people too! There are many ways to enjoy this. I will let you decide!

We wish you and your family the best of everything – but most especially the love that keeps you together! Do not let your love become vexed and suffering by the mundane troubles of life! The money and the things are just that! THINGS that can be replaced. Jobs will come and go. Love once lost however is not possible to replace. So, do not dismiss the value and power of those who love you and those you love. It is there for a reason. Hold on to each other and everything else will be alright. Just don’t be afraid to ask for help!

The One hears love over all else! This I believe and know from what I have learned!

Be Blessed and Find strength to tell your story!