[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 4]
[Senate]
[Page 5863]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          A MESSAGE FROM IRAQ

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the superb 
contribution of the thousands of men and women deployed in Operation 
Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The following e-mail, 
forwarded to my office by family members of a naval officer serving in 
Iraq is indicative of the fighting spirit and considerable sacrifice 
that members of the armed services are making on a daily basis. We owe 
all of these men and women a tremendous debt of gratitude for their 
outstanding service. This officer's perspective is most deserving of 
being considered by the American public.
  Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the e-mail to which I 
referred be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

       Friends and Family:
       Many of you watched the President address the nation two 
     nights ago regarding the way forward in Iraq. A few people 
     have asked me whether or not this surge will affect me. The 
     answer is yes, but only for a short time. Instead of coming 
     home in a few weeks, I will not be leaving until March at the 
     earliest. Some of the Navy guys who are trickling in to 
     replace us are being diverted to go work with the new units 
     that are part of the surge. Since the replacements are not 
     coming as quickly as planned, I get to stay a little longer.
       I've been in the Navy long enough to know that deployments 
     never end on time and that the plan changes right up until 
     the last minute so I am not too upset about it. More 
     importantly, I am surrounded by a great group of soldiers who 
     continue to amaze me with their bravery and discipline every 
     day. I wish you could see how well they perform in such 
     confusing and chaotic circumstances. You would be very proud 
     of them. As much as I want to come home to Katie and Kellogg 
     and family and friends, I will not quit this post until 
     properly relieved. These men deserve nothing less.
       Thanks to those of you who have sent packages and cards and 
     emails. I have enough Gold Bond powder and baby wipes to stay 
     clean and dry for months. It has been a long haul but it has 
     meant a great deal to me to know that all of you are in my 
     corner. I am hoping to be back in Chicago in time to hoist a 
     green beer with some of you on Saint Patty's Day but, until 
     then, take care and Go Bears!

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