[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 109 (Thursday, September 7, 2006)]
[House]
[Page H6306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                           A LETTER FROM IRAQ

  (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, from a second lieutenant platoon leader in 
Iraq: ``If you watch the news, you know that the greater Baghdad area 
is in turmoil. We are on the outskirts of the city, controlling the 
rural area between Baghdad, Ramadi and Fallujah. We believe the area 
became hostile when terrorist cells fled here during the coalition 
invasion of the urban areas.
  ``Now our task is to control this area and give the enemy no safe 
haven. We are spread thin, but we are getting the job down. The 
television highlights every explosion and loss of life. But you miss 
what we do. You miss my soldiers giving water and food to local 
nationals. You miss my soldiers giving the little kids high-fives and 
soccer balls. You miss my soldiers replacing sewer systems and 
rebuilding roads. You miss my medic treating the locals for injuries.
  ``The news shows death, murder and violence, but daily I see smiles, 
hard work and hope. Is the area in turmoil? Yes. Is it lost? No, and 
every day American soldiers bring hope to these people. You won't see 
it in the morning paper or the evening news, but I am telling you it is 
here. I know it. I am seeing it, and I am doing it.
  ``I miss everyone and look forward to coming home. Know that your 
Army is making you proud to be an American. God bless America.''
  However, we spend our new found time planning and running missions 
into unoccupied territory, looking to bring the fight to an enemy who 
likes to stay hidden. I like the new tempo, because its aggressive and 
suits the guy's personality much more than a defensive campaign. I am 
positive that my guys would choose to air assault onto a hostile 
objective before they would want to defend a quiet base. They are good 
at their jobs, and love being challenged under pressure.

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