17 November 2005

Taste of Freedom

UPDATE: Some have called for the disclosure of the letter writer’s name to add credibility to the letter. Understanble. I did not enclose his name or unit for OPSEC reasons as we must remember that he and his platoon are in a warzone in a fight for their lives against a very savvy enemy. I emailed the young sergeant to let him know the response his letter is receiving and that many have requested permission to forward it to their representatives in Washington D.C. After checking with his commander regarding OPSEC, you’ll be glad to know that SGT Walter J. Rausch has authorized anyone to send his letter to whomever they see fit in helping to get his word out.

I received an email from a mother whose son is currently fighting in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. He and his platoon have penned a message to the American public that is a little different from the message we are getting via the MSM. He asked his mom to help get this message out and she asked me. Here it is from the soldiers on the ground…

Mom,

Be my voice. I want this message heard. It is mine and my platoon’s to the country. A man I know lost his legs the other night. He is in another company in our batallion. I can no longer be silent after watching the sacrifices made by Iraqis and Americans everyday.Send it to a congressman if you have to. Send it to FOX news if you have to. Let this message be heard please…

My fellow Americans, I have a task for those with the courage and fortitude to take it. I have a message that needs not fall on deaf ears. A vision the blind need to see. I am not a political man nor one with great wisdom. I am just a soldier who finds himself helping rebuild a country that he helped liberate a couple years ago.
I have watched on television how the American public questions why their mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters are fighting and dying in a country 9000 miles away from their own soil. Take the word of a soldier, for that is all I am, that our cause is a noble one. The reason we are here is one worth fighting for. A cause that has been the most costly and sought after cause in our small span of existence on our little planet. Bought in blood and paid for by those brave enough to give the ultimate sacrifice to obtain it. A right that is given to every man, woman, and child I believe by God. I am talking of freedom.

Freedom. One word but yet countless words could never capture it’s true meaning or power. “For those who have fought for it, freedom has a taste the protected will never know.” I read that once and it couldn’t be more true. It’s not the average American’s fault that he or she is “blind and deaf” to the taste of freedom. Most American’s are born into their God given right so it is all they ever know. I was once one of them. I would even dare to say that it isn’t surprising that they take for granted what they have had all their life. My experiences in the military however opened my eyes to the truth.

Ironically you will find the biggest outcries of opposition to our cause from those who have had no military experience and haven’t had to fight for freedom. I challenge all of those who are daring enough to question such a noble cause to come here for just a month and see it first hand. I have a feeling that many voices would be silenced.

I watched Cindy Sheehan sit on the President’s lawn and say that America isn’t worth dying for. Later she corrected herself and said Iraq isn’t worth dying for. She badmouthed all that her son had fought and died for. I bet he is rolling over in his grave.

Ladies and gentleman I ask you this. What if you lived in a country that wasn’t free? What if someone told you when you could have heat, electricity, and water? What if you had no sewage systems so human waste flowed into the streets? What if someone would kill you for bad-mouthing your government? What if you weren’t allowed to watch TV, connect to the internet, or have cell phones unless under extreme censorship? What if you couldn’t put shoes on your child’s feet?

You need not to have a great understanding of the world but rather common sense to realize that it is our duty as HUMAN BEINGS to free the oppressed. If you lived that way would you not want someone to help you????

The Iraqi’s pour into the streets to wave at us and when we liberated the cities during the war they gathered in the thousands to cheer, hug and kiss us. It was what the soldier’s in WW2 experienced, yet no one questioned their cause!! Saddam was no better than Hitler! He tortured and killed thousands of innocent people. We are heroes over here, yet American’s badmouth our President for having us here.

Every police station here has a dozen or more memorials for officers that were murdered trying to ensure that their people live free. These are husbands, fathers, and sons killed every day. What if it were your country? What would your choice be? Everything we fight for is worth the blood that may be shed. The media never reports the true HEROISM I witness everyday in the Iraqi’s. Yes there are bad one’s here, but I assure you they are a minuscule percent. Yet they are a number big enough to cause worry in this country’s future.
I have watched brave souls give their all and lose thier lives and limbs for this cause. I will no longer stand silent and let the “deaf and blind” be the only voice shouting. Stonewall Jackson once said, “All that I have, all that I am is at the service of the country.” For these brave souls who gave the ultimate sacrifice, including your son Cindy Sheehan, I will shout till I can no longer. These men and women are heroes. Their spirit lives on in their military and they will never be forgotten. They did not die in vain but rather for a cause that is larger than all of us.

My fellow countrymen and women, we are not overseas for our country alone but also another. We are here to spread democracy and freedom to those who KNOW the true taste of it because they fight for it everyday. You can see the desire in their eyes and I am honored to fight alongside them as an Infantryman in the 101st Airborne.

Freedom is not free, but yet it is everyone’s right to have. Ironic isn’t it? That is why we are here. Though you will always have the skeptics, I know that most of our military will agree with this message. Please, at the request of this soldier spread this message to all you know. We are in Operation Iraqi Freedom and that is our goal. It is a cause that I and thousands of others stand ready to pay the ultimate sacrifice for because, Cindy Sheehan, freedom is worth dying for, no matter what country it is! And after the world is free only then can we hope to have peace.

SGT Walter J. Rausch and 1st Platoon
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)

I’ve never met this young Sergeant, but if I get the chance I’ll buy the beer for him and his platoon as nothing goes better with the taste of freedom than a couple of cold ones. This We’ll Defend. Sgt Hook out.

Once we only had to worry about the rugs and the candles for décor. Now housing is about the right type of beds and an ‘in sync’ garden furniture set.

Posted by Hook @ 2029 zulu | | Permalink
This post is filed under: The Soldier


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178 Comments »

  1. Amen! Excellent post, thank you for passing along these words from one who KNOWS. Thank you both, SGTs.

    Comment by Beth* A. — 17 November 2005 @ 2044

  2. Letter from a Soldier

    Sgt. Hook received a letter that is a must read. He writes:

    I received an email from a mother whose son is currently fighting in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. He and his platoon have penned a message to the American public that is a lit…

    Trackback by Soldiers' Angels New York — 17 November 2005 @ 2131

  3. Ditto! Couldn’t be more expressed than that. Godspeed!

    Comment by DD Rees — 17 November 2005 @ 2232

  4. From the Front

    From Sgt Hook: I received an email from a mother whose son is currently fighting in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. He and his platoon have penned a message to the American public that is a little different from…

    Trackback by Mudville Gazette — 17 November 2005 @ 2336

  5. For those who have fought for it …

    Taste of Freedom I received an email from a mother whose son is currently fighting in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. He and his platoon have penned a message to the American public that is a little different from

    Trackback by Small Town Veteran — 18 November 2005 @ 0117

  6. Taste of Freedom

    SGT X My fellow Americans, I have a task for those with the courage and fortitude to take it. I have a message that needs not fall on deaf ears. A vision the blind need to see. I am not…

    Trackback by The Military Outpost — 18 November 2005 @ 0119

  7. I received this email as well, plan on emailing his Mom so she knows this American supports this SGT, our Military and our Mission.

    Ever leftwing pol and nutjob calling for withdrawal needs to read and heed…God they make me sick with rage.

    Comment by Gypsy — 18 November 2005 @ 0213

  8. That was a very touching letter. I am a faithful follower of girl on the blog’s site as well as some of her friends, and I have visited yours a few times. I guess it’s very true that many of us have no right to talk about how we think the war is stupid and not necessary, because we are not, nor have we ever been there. I can definetly say that about myself. I think some people just think war is wrong, and no reason is good enough. There are also those who think that Bush is a jackass and anything he supports is bound to be stupid, which is kinda the boat I fall into. I honestly think he is the worst president ever! I would much rather have Clinton lying and having affairs than Bush, but hey, thats just me and it’s an opinion. We are all intitled to them, and that is part of what the soilders are fighting for. Our freedom means we have the freedom to disagree. I am very liberal but I would never bash the thoughts of anyone, conservative, republican, or military (except BUSH). Part of being Liberal is accepting others ideas and realizing you can’t change people. One thing everyone can agree on is that we will be happy when the war is over. That does not mean ending it quickly and not finishing what we started, just at some point it being over. I have and always will support the troops of the US who are willing to lay their lives on the line for all the citizens of the US. I will always have a flag flying at my house to honor them.

    Comment by Chris Sapp — 18 November 2005 @ 0331

  9. Now is not the time to give up

    Now is the time to understand what it means to be an American. Read this letter, from a soldier serving in Iraq, and ask yourself, what have I done, what am I doing, to hono…

    Trackback by Media Lies — 18 November 2005 @ 0344

  10. I’m readying a letter to congress - please advise if it will be okay to send a copy of this letter.

    I’m trying to shame our congress people into doing what’s right - instead of what’s politically correct.

    I await your reply.

    Comment by Sue A Wooldridge — 18 November 2005 @ 0358

  11. SGT.Hook this letter is so powerful, it brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so m,uch for sharing this so we could read it.What a wonderful man this SGT.is, I am so proud of him and all our Military.

    Comment by Wild Thing — 18 November 2005 @ 0502

  12. I wish I had this letter to give to everyone that freaks the hell out when they find that I’ve enlisted in the Army. Which is the response I get 90% of the time. The only people that have supported me are fellow military bro’s/sister’s and my family. How disappointing. Even more disappointing….how many people here are so far removed from what’s going on and what we’re doing there with the people of Iraq.

    Comment by Desult — 18 November 2005 @ 0506

  13. A Letter From A Soldier Serving In Iraq

    Those of you that have been reading my blog know my passion for supporting our Military. I was visiting Mudville Gazette and saw this………….I received an email from a mother whose son is currently fighting in Iraq with the 101st…

    Trackback by Theodore's World — 18 November 2005 @ 0512

  14. A Soldier’s Message

    The mother of a soldier currently fighting in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division forwarded a letter from her son to Sgt Hook. Go read it. Then go tell your friends to read it. Help this soldier’s voice be heard….

    Trackback by The Patriette — 18 November 2005 @ 0608

  15. Why One Sargent Thinks We’re In Iraq

    Here’s an e-mail from a US soldier in Iraq, to his mother. I stumbled across it on Sgt. Hook’s blog, StetsonTip Mudville Gazette:…

    The soldiers on the ground seem to understand why they’re there. And, remember — these are the people that the U…

    Trackback by Red Hot Cuppa Politics — 18 November 2005 @ 1120

  16. To Chris Sapp: Ok, so you’re a liberal and you hate Bush. It sounds like you subscribe to the slogan “I support the troops, but not the war”. I wonder if you have enough intestinal fortitude to read this sergeant’s words, understand them, and pass them on, as per his request. If you really support the troops - will you perform this one small request from one of them?

    You have your own blog and the chance to show your support for the troops in a very small way that costs you NOTHING. Can Will you do it? I really want to know, so I await your reply.

    Comment by Redhead Infidel — 18 November 2005 @ 1234

  17. […] Preface from Sgt. Hook: I received an email from a mother whose son is currently fighting in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. He and his platoon have penned a message to the American public that is a little different from the message we are getting via the MSM. He asked his mom to help get this message out and she asked me. Here it is from the soldiers on the ground… Mom, […]

    Pingback by euphoricreality.net » All Bloggers & Readers - PASS THIS ON — 18 November 2005 @ 1246

  18. Letters from the front

    From Sgt. Hook via Mudville, a letter from a 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Sergeant (1st Platoon) that should be forwarded to Congressman Murtha’s office.

    Trackback by Sons of the Republic — 18 November 2005 @ 1354

  19. A SOLDIER SPEAKS

    Just read this and help him spread the word….

    Trackback by Michelle Malkin — 18 November 2005 @ 1403

  20. A Soldier Explains Freedom. Read it all.

    Comment by scgeecheegirl — 18 November 2005 @ 1415

  21. No… I’m the one that gets to buy this guy a cold one. Godspeed, sir.

    Comment by Indefatigable — 18 November 2005 @ 1416

  22. Welcome Home Deuce Four

    The latest dispatch, from Michael Yon is one of homecoming. The boys are back in town, and had themselves a bash to celebrate and commemorate those who couldn’t be there. Many thanks to Michael Yon, for giving us all

    Trackback by A North American Patriot — 18 November 2005 @ 1416

  23. […] Sgt Hook has posted an open letter from a Sergeant in the 101st ABN to the American people, dare I say the World. It is required reading. Like Hook, I’ve never met this lad and doubt I ever will. On the off chance I do, the beer is on me for as long as he’s vertical. […]

    Pingback by Confessions of a Pilgrim » This Sergeant gets it…and you should too — 18 November 2005 @ 1429

  24. Helping to spread this soldier’s, and many others of us who back them 1000%, story.

    Comment by disunreconnected — 18 November 2005 @ 1433

  25. Dawn Patrol

    Welcome to the Dawn Patrol, our daily roundup of information on the War on Terror and other topics - from the MilBlogs, other blogs, and the mainstream media. If you’re a blogger, you can join the conversation. If you link…

    Trackback by Mudville Gazette — 18 November 2005 @ 1434

  26. Great letter. Can we get the GI’s real name? It would carry more weight, and the Moonbats won’t be able to say it is a fabrication.

    Comment by Ex-GI — 18 November 2005 @ 1436

  27. Dearest Sgt. Hook,
    THANK YOU!!!
    We needed this to be known from the “horses mouth”, persey.
    My son is fighting in this war and has been since Desert Shield and he was on the USS Carl Vinson. He’s now stationed as a police officer. Because of his certifications he can’t tell me much but I do know that we’ve stopped terrorist on our own homeland. That’s all I can say because that’s all I know.
    God Bless you Sgt. Hook and the soldiers that compiled this letter to get their voices heard. Now we need to get this to the RIGHT people to overstep the gloom and doom the MSM wants us to believe. I think also that we need to send this letter to that bastard Murtha and see if it brings TRUE tears to his eyes and not the fake ones he had on his worthless speech.
    Let’s give these soldiers a loud voice!!!

    Soldier Mom

    Comment by Sheila — 18 November 2005 @ 1446

  28. […] A soldier speaks. Read it, pass it around, and be very, very angry at the squishes in Congress who claim to be leaders, and the anti-war, anti-America jackasses who belittle the sacrifices of our military. Pray for our troops, and thank God for them. […]

    Pingback by Infinitely Prolonged » Blog Archive » Too Important to Wait Until Monday — 18 November 2005 @ 1447

  29. I so needed to read this letter this week. Thanks Sgt Hook!
    I tried to “ping” you but for some reason, it wouldn’t let me do it.

    Comment by yankeemom — 18 November 2005 @ 1456

  30. A Cause Worth Fighting For

    Friends this is an amazing letter and even though the writer calls himself “just a soldier…” he is far from being just a soldier for he is a true American. Join me in passing this note around to everyone that has the guts to read it and then to a f…

    Trackback by The Thunder Run — 18 November 2005 @ 1504

  31. Spread the word.

    Murtha’s opinion is that we can’t win. We should retreat, pull back, give the Jihadis the victory they can’t win militarily. Some folks think differently.Sgt Hook - This We’ll Defend - Blog Archive - Taste of Freedom I received an…

    Trackback by Milblog — 18 November 2005 @ 1508

  32. Freedom, America’s Religion…The Most Revolutiona

    Go read this letter from, my Dad would be so proud, a 101st Airborne

    Trackback by The Pink Flamingo Bar Grill — 18 November 2005 @ 1511

  33. TO EVERYONE HERE GO TO MA DUCE GUNNER AND READ THE
    NOV.14 POST, AN OPEN LETTER TO THE ANTI-WAR CROWD…

    http://madeucegunners.blogspot.com/

    Comment by SUB HUNTER — 18 November 2005 @ 1513

  34. Why Murtha is Wrong

    I haven't talked about politics or the war in Iraq for a while - others are covering it quite nicely. However, I do have issues with "democratic hawk" John Murtha's statement of the other day. He said: "Our military's …

    Trackback by Lintefiniel Musing — 18 November 2005 @ 1520

  35. “For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know!”

    “Semper Fi!”

    Comment by Paul Becker — 18 November 2005 @ 1526

  36. We have to figure out a way to get stories like this, along with all the other good news, out to more people. The MSM refuse to report it, so people believe what they get from the left. As a Vietnam vet I’m getting that old feeling again. Whats going on in the media is the reason I was against the Gulf War. Thank God it only lasted 100 hours. I knew that if it went on longer the American people couldn’t stomach it. We continue to take the easy way. Our forefathers are cringing.

    Comment by Mike Losquadro — 18 November 2005 @ 1538

  37. […] More proof that Democrats are the ememy of Democracy and the allies of terrorists: Mom, […]

    Pingback by » If the soldiers want to fight, let them fight — 18 November 2005 @ 1539

  38. […] Our troops are not disheartened by their work, but by the insufficient support of their own nations politicians, and by their own media’s unwillingness to champion them, or to at least give them a bit of decent press. They see the Iraqi’s tasting freedom and they write home in frustration at the fact that the good this nation and her troops has done is all but ignored. […]

    Pingback by The Anchoress » Pull-out? The deaths will be on your head — 18 November 2005 @ 1547

  39. […] Read this. Now, spread the word. […]

    Pingback by Echo9er » Talk to me, Soldier — 18 November 2005 @ 1551

  40. Letter from a Soldier

    This is a must read. (Thanks to Michelle Malkin)…

    Trackback by IMAO — 18 November 2005 @ 1554

  41. […] Taste of Freedom: […]

    Pingback by The Marshian Chronicles»Blog Archive » Short Rounds #3 — 18 November 2005 @ 1557

  42. If you can get that soldier my email address please?! I would be more then happy to send him one of our conservative T-Shirts at www.beoffended.com. Just tell him to pick one and it’ll be in the mail.

    It is awesome to hear from someone actually serving over there vs. only the guys that never actually leave the green zone. His letter is really moving and has to be required reading for all Americans.

    THANK YOU for protecting our and the Iraqi’s freedom.

    And to all the liberals out there - just BE OFFENDED!!! .com ;o)

    Comment by Dieter — 18 November 2005 @ 1608

  43. Okay, I’ll take the bait

    Adam asked me to post this letter he found on Euphoric Reality

    Preface from Sgt. Hook: I received an email from a mother whose son is currently fighting in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. He and his platoon have penned a message to the America…

    Trackback by Adam's Blog — 18 November 2005 @ 1615

  44. A Soldier’s Message

    Good stuff. [HT: Michelle Malkin.]…

    Trackback by Democracy Project — 18 November 2005 @ 1631

  45. What a GREAT letter! This should be required reading for our House and Senate!
    “War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things; the decayedand degraded state of moral and patriotic feelings which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing that is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.”
    – John Stuart Mill

    Comment by Alex — 18 November 2005 @ 1709

  46. I’m afraid that I’m with #26, Ex-Gi. Who is Sgt. XXX? I can’t shout this soldier’s great message from the rooftops if I don’t know if this soldier is real. If a Sgt. XXX emailed a letter detailing his anger at Pres. Bush, war crimes he & his platoon committed, & his desires to pull out now to a MSM outlet & they ran with it like you are doing, we’d be livid & justly so. Who is Sgt. XXX? If he can no longer be silent, then why does he remain anonymous? Sorry, but my BS meter is pretty sensitive.

    Comment by Joe Huenke — 18 November 2005 @ 1714

  47. Sgt. XXX? Why is he afraid to have his name published?

    Comment by uberpatriot — 18 November 2005 @ 1730

  48. I linked this great letter to my own blog. It needs all the exposure it can get. I do not have a problem with his name being hidden, considerng all of the psycho liberal kooks out there.

    Semper Fi

    Comment by Big Daddy — 18 November 2005 @ 1746

  49. Great sentiment on the soldier’s part, but directly engaging foreign enemies on their own soil, with the point of killing or capturing them, does not produce “freedom.” It produces patriotic extremism, which, when combined with the already extreme religious feelings on the part of a sigificant number of the local population, apparantly rationalizes these extremely fatalistic strategies of resistance.

    The problem is not with the soldiers, or even with the Iraqi insurgents. The problem is with the methods and tactics that are being used to advance the respective national causes of both groups, which seem to be at cross-purposes to what their stated goals are, or should be. I mean, secret military tribunals and “torture” to promote the cause of “freedom,” random suicide bombings which are apparantly intended to rally the otherwise hopeless of the population towards a cause that has to be inherently self-destructive and nihlistic.

    I support the troops, but this strategy of using them as human targets for people reduced to terrorism is completely ill, not just ill-advised, but ill. While I could wholly support a positive, clearly-defined and internationally-supported American-lead agenda of “securing freedom” or “establishing democracy” in the Mideast, I cannot support, nor condon, the way the Bush administration has chosen to go about doing this.

    That being said, I pray to God this project works, in spite of everything Bush has done to achieve it.

    Comment by amerique — 18 November 2005 @ 1747

  50. Letter From The Front

    Today I received an e-mail from greyhawk at The Mudville Gazette. The e-mail was forwarded from Sgt. Hook and included a link. Clicking the link one finds a letter from a Sgt serving in Iraq who has asked that his Mom “Be my voice.” I’m reprinting t…

    Trackback by GM's Corner — 18 November 2005 @ 1758

  51. A Soldier’s Letter Home

    A Soldier’s Letter Home
    I realize that I just posted a soldier’s letter, but this one is just as worthy. Pass it on.
    ____________________________________________________________

    This is from Sgt. Hook:

    “I received an email from a mother who…

    Trackback by Survival Theory — 18 November 2005 @ 1801

  52. I just sent this soldier’s letter to a friend of mine who is presently in special forces in Iraq. He has been there for just about the entire stint, except for a short time when he was back here in Montana to visit his family. He also voiced the praise given by the Iraquis. It is my thoughts that my friend will be able to confirm this is the vast majority’s view as well and once again that the “unhinged” left is just that….unhinged.

    Comment by Tom Nelson — 18 November 2005 @ 1801

  53. Sgt Hook,

    You hit the nail on the head!!! I am 100% behind you and share the same opinion as yourself. The more soldiers I talk to the more I learn also have the same thinking as we do. Keep up the great writing, I look to forward to reading them.

    Sgt Will Whitley

    Comment by Sgt Will Whitley — 18 November 2005 @ 1805

  54. Sgt Hook, count me in for that beer also. Freedom ain’t free niether is beer but as long as I am in this uniform you best believe that I will help pick up the tab.

    HOOAH

    Ole Sarge is Out

    Comment by Demond S. Hunter — 18 November 2005 @ 1812

  55. What do our soldiers think of the war?

    I think that ought to be a critical question - one whose answer should drive the actions of Congress far more than it has. It should be of paramount importance to citizens of whatever political stripe, so that they can

    Trackback by CatHouse Chat — 18 November 2005 @ 1814

  56. A Defender of Freedom Speaks

    There is nothing I can add to this letter by one of our soldiers. Read the whole thing.Mom,

    Be my voice. I want this message heard. It is mine and my platoo…

    Trackback by Dean's World — 18 November 2005 @ 1827

  57. The duplicitous MSM…

    … is at it again and Noel Sheppard is making note of it: As reported by the Media Research Center’s Brent Baker, the network evening news broadcasts tonight all lead with Congressman John Murtha’s (D-Penn.) call for the removal of

    Trackback by Brutally Honest — 18 November 2005 @ 1834

  58. The Soldiers

    This is a letter that Budgie at Red Hot Cuppa Politics has posted on her blog which she found on Sgt Hook’s blog.

    Trackback by A Rose By Any Other Name — 18 November 2005 @ 1835

  59. Thank you for posting this great letter. I feel so frusterated that, as a Canadian, my government can’t/won’t do more to help in Iraq. I feel even more frusterated when I read about the anti-war activists … I just don’t understand why they don’t see the big picture in what is happening in world events. As I see it Bush had the balls to step up to the plate and deal with a worldwide situation, left unchecked would only get worse with more and more terrorist attacks worldwide. The US should not be the World Police, but because of the failure of the UN, the US has filled in the gap (sort of speak). Regardless if I agree with America’s millitary agenda or not, the Iraqis want and need their (& coalition forces) involvment to make their nation a better one. Remeber that the United States need alittle help from the French to achieve their Independance.

    Comment by Lisa — 18 November 2005 @ 1836

  60. Today I stood on a flight line at FOB Warrior with the rest of my Company as part of a ramp ceremony in which the bodies of our brothers were carried by and loaded into a C130 for their final trip home. It is with pride that I read the words from other 101st Airborne Soldier’s deploy here, beside me, and say I know of the soldier who lost his legs, but not his courage or his spirit. My heart goes out to my Brothers in Arms with the 502nd who “gave all” and wore the Screaming Eagle on their shoulder with pride and dignity.

    As a combat medic, a soldier, a Screaming Eagle, I read your words with special deep understanding and support. I salute you 1st Platoon. AIR ASSAULT!

    SPC Grey Eagle
    Combat Medic
    Charlie Company
    426th BSB
    1st Brigade
    FOB Warrior - Iraq

    http://www.afemalesoldier2.com

    Comment by Grey Eagle — 18 November 2005 @ 1837

  61. SGT,
    Thanks for pointing me to this letter…
    I’ve past it on through my Blog…
    AubreyJ………

    Comment by AubreyJ — 18 November 2005 @ 1841

  62. A Letter From the Front

    Via Sgt. Hook, who asked that the Milbloggers help get this out:

    I received an email from a mother whose son is currently fighting in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. He and his platoon have penned a message to the American public that is a …

    Trackback by Right-Wing of the Gods — 18 November 2005 @ 1852

  63. 101st Airborne Message for John Murtha

    A letter from a soldier to his mother: Mom, Be my voice. I want this message heard. It is mine and my platoon’s to the country. A man I know lost his legs the other night. He is in…

    Trackback by Reasoned Audacity: Politics in Real Life — 18 November 2005 @ 1904

  64. My son is with the 101st too. He is in Iraq right now at FOB Speicher. I have asked him how things are over there and have mentioned that watching the news now is challenging for me. His exact words were, “Mom, don’w watch the new. They lie. They are not telling the truth.” Things are not as bad as they make it out to be.” He knows we are here watching his back and keeping the faith.

    Comment by LoriB — 18 November 2005 @ 1905

  65. Sgt. Hook Must Read

    Sgt. Hook has a must read letter from soldiers posted over at his blog. You absolutely owe it to yourself to read it if you want some truth from outside the MSM.

    Trackback by dave's not here | David Earney — 18 November 2005 @ 1906

  66. […] Read the entire letter here: Taste of Freedom - Sgt. Hook’s Blog « Killing yourself while exercising?   […]

    Pingback by =) Bnpositive’s Blog » Why we’re there from someone who is — 18 November 2005 @ 1919

  67. […] This letter is one that you must not and can not miss. From a platoon in 101st Airborne in Iraq…they want their message spread. […]

    Pingback by Agent Tim Online » Blog Archive » The Taste Of Freedom — 18 November 2005 @ 1928

  68. Very moving, but in the light of the fact that the enemies of freedom frequently question the authenticity of such letters and claim that in fact, they are all typed up by Karl Rove in a torture dungeon somewhere, it would be helpful to head off such an attack before this letter becomes - as it certainly will - the chaim email of the week.

    I recognize that the soldier may want to keep his anonymity, but anything that would help to identify this letter as coming from a real soldier will help stave off potentially mitigating propaganda counter attacks by the enemy. This is particularly important since you haven’t vouched for the existance of this soldier directly.

    If this letter is real, lets make it unarguably real. If this letter isn’t real, lets avoid giving the enemies of freedom ammunition for their propaganda war.

    Give ‘em hell soldier.

    Comment by celebrim — 18 November 2005 @ 1935

  69. Pass It On

    Make sure you read this and pass it on. Hat tip: Michelle Malkin.

    Trackback by blogical conclusions — 18 November 2005 @ 1936

  70. WOW! Americans really do have short memories!!! Freedom was never one of the reasons Bush gave us for invading Iraq. First it was links to El Qaeda, but that was revealed to come from deliberately falsified intelligence. Then it was weapons of mass destruction. Once again deliberately falsified intelligence. It was only AFTER there were no wmd’s found that the word ‘freedom’ ever came out of the liar-in-chief’s mouth. And if we were really going to invade a country for freedom and infrastructure rebuilding, why pick Iraq? North Korea, Sudan, the Dem. Rep. of the Congo, and Zimbabwe are all in MUCH, MUCH worse shape both in terms of freedom and the need for leadership change for humanitarian purposes, than Iraq ever was. But what does Iraq have that those countries do not? If this war really were about freedom, as they are now belatedly claiming, I might support it. But that’s just one more lie in a way too long list.

    Comment by amii — 18 November 2005 @ 1944

  71. This letter means nothing because the reasons for going to war were false. Whether or not soldiers are doing a good job or not is irrelevant. I’m sure that this soldier believes in what he is doing but so did the SS. The war is a lie and thus, the soldier is defending a lie.

    Comment by Mark — 18 November 2005 @ 1948

  72. “If this war really were about freedom, as they are now belatedly claiming, I might support it.”

    Can I hold you to that? If I could demonstrate to you that the claim was not in fact belated as you are suggesting, but in fact central to the idea the whole time, would you change your mind?

    Comment by celebrim — 18 November 2005 @ 2002

  73. amii…To quote G. W. Bush from the 2003 State of the Union address:

    “And if war is forced upon us, we will fight with the full force and might of the United States military, and we will prevail.

    And as we and our coalition partners are doing in Afghanistan, we will bring to the Iraqi people food and medicines and supplies and freedom.

    Many challenges, abroad and at home, have arrived in a single season. In two years, America has gone from a sense of invulnerability to an awareness of peril, from bitter division in small matters to calm unity in great causes.

    And we go forward with confidence, because this call of history has come to the right country.

    Americans are a resolute people, who have risen to every test of our time. Adversity has revealed the character of our country, to the world, and to ourselves.

    America is a strong nation and honorable in the use of our strength. We exercise power without conquest, and we sacrifice for the liberty of strangers.

    Americans are a free people, who know that freedom is the right of every person and the future of every nation. The liberty we prize is not America’s gift to the world; it is God’s gift to humanity.”

    Sounds oddly to me like he was talking about freedom, but the whole relativism thing does leave me wondering if perhaps the words I read mean something to me other than what they seem to mean to folks like amii.

    Regards,
    Neil S

    Comment by Neil S — 18 November 2005 @ 2006

  74. Hey, Mark…whatever hell the reason we went to war can no longer be argued. Let me guess Genious, we just up and leave and the let them sort it out, right? Oh that would go over really well with the Iraqi’s that are now dependent upon us to continue helping them build up Iraq. Nooo…they wouldn’t be pissed, ya think? At this point do you really think they’re arguing that? Not one bit. All they’re worried about is getting their families and lives back together. And for the love of God, there’s a huge difference in ethics between the SS and a US soldier. Huge!

    Look people, You can argue all day long until your blue in the face, fact remains that life still has to go on in Iraq (whether we should be there or not is a dead issue)…and it will without you. Will you argue for the next twenty years how it was a lie? Come up with a realistic solution and quit with all the bs politics. And for those of you that haven’t been over there in the shit, in the joy, in the pain, and the loss, need to step the hell back and refrain from making an opinion about why you THINK we’re over there or what you THINK we’re doing.

    Sgt Hook, I’m fuming…(I’m saying much less than I really want to right now)

    Comment by Desult — 18 November 2005 @ 2020

  75. […] Other Suggested Reading: - Gateway Pundit compares and contrasts Murtha’s statements with what is actually going on in Iraq, making quite a different picture of a nation on the verge of permanent elections. - A letter from a U.S. soldier who is there urging the American people to understand the undertaking is noble. According to Liberal logic, that means they should heed his letter but they won’t because he doesn’t agree with their anti-war stance. […]

    Pingback by In the Bullpen » Murtha’s Comments Draw Ill Comparison — 18 November 2005 @ 2032

  76. In response to above about why the Sgt XXX didn’t want his name mentioned. Having been in a similiar situation, I realize this Marine’s reluctance. The smear machine in the media would go to work on this soldier. Even the most minute infraction would be brought to the forefront to smear this guy in their rush to destroy this war. Like they so often do, they will find someone with a similiar name who did something and then when it’s pointed out that they have the wrong person, they will say, well, he thought the same way or something equally ludicrous. Anyone foolish enough to trust the MSM to report honestly will discover the folly of their ways very soon.

    Comment by RALPH — 18 November 2005 @ 2033

  77. A Message The Nation Needs To Hear

    This came in my email via Greyhawk, from Sgt Hook:

    The Taste of Freedom

    Trackback by Daily Intel Briefing — 18 November 2005 @ 2036

  78. let’s not be too critical of this hypothetical soldier, Mark. Anybody doing anything important that affects people has to believe what they are doing is right, or justifiable in some way. The soldiers are acting under the command of this administration, which, for whatever reason, has not provided the troops with a clearly defined strategy, benchmarks, or guideposts for achieving “victory,” much less a coherent rational for going to war in the first place.

    Under these circumstances, if a sucessfull, stable democracy happens to spring up in Iraq, and if in the process the insurgents happen to demilitarize, it would be an utter miracle that would seem to have occured in spite of what we are doing, rather than because of it. If democracy happens, it must be the victory of the Iraqi people to achieve, and not the American military’s to “win it for them,” especially as our military presence there is apparantly modivating the armed opposition to democracy in the first place.

    Comment by amerique — 18 November 2005 @ 2042

  79. In response to Mark in a previous comment. How can you be so sure about what you write? This war was based on a lie? What is your perception of a lie? It seems to me that all the anti-war rhetoric is based on the lack of WMD’s when that was one of only 22 reasons that this war was commenced. Based on that thinking, then how can you justify WW1, WWII, and Korea? Opponents of this war are extremely choosy in their view…myopic indeed when their leadership was so gung ho to fight. It is absurdity to claim that they didn’t have the same intelligence that the President had. Now, even without that, what possible purpose could the President have for going to war if he knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that there were no WMD’s. We realize that you think that he is an idiot, but it seems rather far-fetched that the evil genius would set himself up to fail. I realize that you will forever hate the military. I respect your hatred, however, hatred can still garner respect for those who die to ensure your freedom.

    Comment by RALPH — 18 November 2005 @ 2043

  80. […] Update: Via an excellent roundup from Instapundit, this QandO post that says what I’d like to more eloquently. Sgt Hook has a similar post, an email from a guy in the fight right now. […]

    Pingback by Chapomatic » Visceral Reactions — 18 November 2005 @ 2053

  81. I had to comment on amireque’s comments. I was just wondering when you and several other commentators became experts in military strategy? What do you base your comments on? Have you been reading all the left wing blogs that explain how the military is all messed up? There are many armchair quarterbacks prevelant, but few who can honestly say that they know what they are talking about. I sense also that you believe that this soldier has been brainwashed by the administration. I can tell you one thing, having served in their midst, I can tell you that if anything, they should be brainswashed by the propoganda that is spewed by the MSM. If anything, I would venture to say that in the US we are reliving what happened in Germany in the 30’s. Indeed the majority of the US has been brainwashed and poisoned by those who would see this country fail. I don’t blame you or the others who justify your actions because I realize that you don’t know anything else but lies. So I can’t lash out at you with a clear conscience. You actually believe the lies that the MSM spouts without checking the facts. Go on ranting and passing judgement. That’s all you know.

    Comment by RALPH — 18 November 2005 @ 2056

  82. The Left, The Media & Murtha: None Bother to Ask the 101st Airborne

    In yet another proud display of Supporting the Troops (or…Championing the Victims as We Define Them), The Left and the willing and able Media are praising the acknowledgment of defeat yet again, together begging defeat where there is but victory to b…

    Trackback by The Word Unheard — 18 November 2005 @ 2114

  83. Please believe SGT XXX does not speak for all of the soldiers in Iraq… As a PLT SGT It is my job to listen to my soldiers, understand my soldiers and protect my soldiers. I feel from listening to them that it is 50/50 belief in the reasons given for going to war and about 95% say it is their duty. Their Duty… That’s right. We signed on the dotted line (how many reading this have?, we gave our bond. We do our countrys dirty work and our proud to do it. Most of us separate the politics from the mission. We know when someone is pissing on us and telling us it’s raining…After 18 years in the Army I know about f**ked up missions, but they are still missions and I carried them out to the best of my ablility. Soldiers are like everyone else they want to do a good job at whatever they do. AND YES!!! YOU CAN SUPPORT THE TROOPS AND NOT THE WAR! That is why we are here. So all Americans can enjoy there freedoms. By the way soldiers give up their rights under the constitution when they sign up. They do not have freedom of speech, they can be searched any time (called health and welfare), they must get permission to own a weapon (on post). They are subject to double jeapordy for crimes they are accused of (tried by civilen court and military court). Yet they reenlist to protect the rights(constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic) of our fellow Americans.

    Comment by PLT Daddy — 18 November 2005 @ 2114

  84. Hello Ralph,

    I favor Clausewitz, myself, who is mainly famous for the saying “war is the continuation of politics by other means,” and Machiavelli for his understanding of state politics, but admit to not being deeply versed in modern military/political grand strategy.

    In Bush’s favor, I think he, or sombody on his staff, is probably an expert on Machiavelli, but defintely not on Clausewitz.

    great websites on these two are here:

    http://www.clausewitz.com/CWZHOME/CWZBASE.htm

    http://www.ctbw.com/lubman.htm

    Comment by amerique — 18 November 2005 @ 2115

  85. Why The American Siamese Twins Never Ask The Troops

    In yet another proud display of Supporting the Troops (or…Championing the Victims as We Define Them), The Left and the willing and able Media are praising the acknowledgment of defeat yet again, together begging defeat where there is but victory…

    Trackback by The Blue State Conservatives — 18 November 2005 @ 2121

  86. The reasons for war were a lie? Hmmm, try studying recent history. All you have to do is go back to when the media actually supported the President and they would report the facts … in this case, the facts were the working relationship between Saddam and Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda. Read up and pass this on as well.

    http://www.mrc.org/printer/cyberalerts/2004/cyb20040617pf.asp

    Comment by Michael in MI — 18 November 2005 @ 2121

  87. “YOU CAN SUPPORT THE TROOPS AND NOT THE WAR!”

    PLT Daddy - I respectfully disagree. I think people can not support the reasons for going to war, but in order to support the troops efforts in this war, one MUST support the war and the war effort. Period.

    One can’t be against abortion yet support abortion doctors. Same thing here. If you do not support the war effort, then you are not behind the troops’ efforts to win the war.

    There is a difference between disagreeing with the reasons for going to war and not supporting the war.

    Comment by Michael in MI — 18 November 2005 @ 2127

  88. If this is real (there’s so much fake crap floating around these days), then AMEN, BROTHER. Unfortunately, there are so few thinking people left in this country, the words fall on mostly deaf ears.

    When the war started, I was behind it. It was a good reason and things needed to happen. Now, I’m not so crazy about it. But we’re there. We started it and we need to finish it. To leave now would be irresponsible and would usher in a new era of terrorism in Iraq.

    While we are there, we need to support these guys. They are fighting for the rights that were established over 200 years ago. The rights that give people the choice to voice their opinion against the war, the choice to vote, the ability to rise above their situation. They’re willing to give their lives for this. I know of no other profession with such an honorable goal. Certainly not a politician.

    Comment by KC — 18 November 2005 @ 2138

  89. This “Sargeant” should have joined the Peace Corps. A soldiers job is not to spread freedom. Their job is to complete their missions. Which in this case has nothing to do with freedom.

    Comment by Peace Corps — 18 November 2005 @ 2138

  90. I have linked this post on my site… Thanks for sharing this with us.

    Comment by stacy lee — 18 November 2005 @ 2150

  91. “PLT SGT”: I no more believe you are a platoon sergeant than I believe my grandmother to be one. You damn sure don’t sound like any NCO’s I knew during my time in service.
    Oh, looky! Now I’m a General, because I put that in my “name!”

    Unamerique, “Peace” (ha!) Corps, and Mark it Zero (#71): To put it extremely and unnecessarily politely, go fuck yourselves. Your revolution is over. The bums lost! Condolences!
    Why bother with this? You actually think you can debate this issue and change anyone’s mind–in a drive-by comment, at that? BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!

    (Note for the stupid: I’m not a general officer, but I am retired military–enlisted. But not at the imaginary grade of “Platoon Sergeant.”)

    Comment by General B. Rogers — 18 November 2005 @ 2153

  92. Michael

    I suppose your suggestion to the troops is to lay down their weapons and go home? We have a mission to do, soldiers do not make policy, we carry it out. I believe you are totally wrong if you cannot understand what PLT DADDY is trying to explain to you. Whether you belive in why we are there shouldn’t have anything to do with portraying your lack of support for the troops. You see it as the troops are carrying our White House policy and therefore should be held to the same accountability. As a soldier currently deployed and serving in Iraq, I can tell you that we do not even consider policy, what we do think about is the protection of the innocent Iraqi, covering each other and accounting for the soldier to the right and to the left of us. You have to understand that whether we support Bush or not, when we enter an area to promote democratic free elections, it is not because we are happily blostering world opinion of Bush, it is because we sincerely believe that that man at the market, that shop owner, that wife, those children should have the right to choose and not be afraid because someone may kill them for thier beliefs. If you can agree that the people in Iraq are entitled to the same basic civil rights as others in the world hold, that you have, then you have to support the soldiers for their efforts. When we enter the streets on patrol in Iraq, we are not thinking of Bush, policy, why we entered the war, or even you Michael, we are thinking of that child who we gave candy to minutes earlier, and that is who we are here defending. It doesn’t matter to us why we are here, who is right or who is wrong in the debate between the left and right. We are soldiers and we are here right now, today defending freedom whether it is yours or that little Iraqi girl I gave medicine to earlier in the day. If you can not seperate the two, the soldiers from your political belief’s then you are simply blinded by your own belief’s and what you want to see, and there is nothing I or anyone here is going to be able to say to you that will change that, no matter if it is true.

    As far as why we choose to withold our names. Some of it is for the military, but get real. We post of units and location, if the military wanted to know who we are, it wouldn’t be very difficult for them. As someone who has had a website for a year, and who originally used her name, I discovered I get less hate mail from the anti-war movement when they address my mail to Grey Eagle. That is one less time I have to read I am a “baby killer”. You want to know why we withhold our names, simply read the posted comments here and that should explain it all.

    Grey Eagle
    Combat Medic
    Charlie Company
    426th BSB
    1st Brigade
    FOB Warrior - Iraq
    http://www.afemalesoldier2.com

    Comment by Grey Eagle — 18 November 2005 @ 2212

  93. A Word from the Front

    This morning I received an e-mail from Greyhawk. Anytime he sends out an e-mail to the entire milblog ring, you know it’s good stuff.

    Take a look at this on Sgt. Hook’s site:

    Trackback by Politics of a Patriot — 18 November 2005 @ 2215

  94. #91: It’s not always necessary to use many words, like you do, when the point is clear and simple. As for changing your mind, I could give two shits what you care. I know what is right and that is what matters.

    Comment by Peace Corps — 18 November 2005 @ 2222

  95. #91: Furthermore, the only reason I even stumbled across this article is because of people like you trying to change MY mind.

    Comment by Peace Corps — 18 November 2005 @ 2227

  96. Grey Eagle:

    All I’m asking is that we getting something similar to this:

    “‘Grey Eagle’
    Combat Medic
    Charlie Company
    426th BSB
    1st Brigade
    FOB Warrior - Iraq”

    for the Sgt. that wrote the letter. You know, rank, MOS, post. I don’t see how anything he said violate OpSec or can be construed as defaming the Army or its officers, so its not like he has to worry about trackback. Generally, even without a name, if you can create a real military closing address, it gives the letter some credibility and tends to deter charges that its fake when its so clear that it could be proven otherwise.

    Comment by celebrim — 18 November 2005 @ 2234

  97. SGT,
    Thank you for sharing this wonderful letter. This retired Army First Sergeant is always encouraged by the brilliance shown by our men and women in uniform. It is you folks that make life better for the rest of us and without asking for much in return.

    God Bless and be healthy.

    Big Dog

    Comment by Big Dog — 18 November 2005 @ 2250

  98. To the “General”
    Glad you made your 20… As a former NCO, You know the creed.. ” No one more professional than I.” I listen to my soldiers because I have know where they come from so I know how to lead them. I don’t discuss MY thoughts with them…

    Cold Wind
    13th COSCOM
    Support the Force

    Comment by PLT Daddy — 18 November 2005 @ 2253

  99. […] Taste of Freedom Mom, […]

    Pingback by The Wide Awakes » A message for the birth-right American: Taste of Freedom — 18 November 2005 @ 2304

  100. To Michael
    Apples and oranges.
    Soldiers don’t choose the battle. They only fight and die in them. Helping people is always a soldiers dream. Grey Eagle knows it. You can do the shit details all day and then be able to help an Iraqi, something very minor to us, and still feel like life is good.

    Comment by PLT Daddy — 18 November 2005 @ 2308

  101. Peace Corps,

    Nothing to do with freedom? Is there not a free press, freedom of expression, freedom to use the internet, freedom to receive television, freedom to hold elections in Iraq?

    Are you really that blind to what we’ve accomplished for freedom in Iraq?

    If you want to feel good about yourself, join the Peace Corps. If you want to make a real difference, join the Marine Corps.

    Regards,
    –Dave

    Comment by TallDave — 18 November 2005 @ 2309

  102. “Freedom has a taste the protected will never know.”

    I found this at Sgt. Hook’s, and the soldier who wrote this letter wants it passed on. His mother asked Sgt. Hook to disseminate it widely, because nobody in the (cough) “mainstream” (cough) media will ever show things from his (and …

    Trackback by MY Vast Right Wing Conspiracy — 18 November 2005 @ 2317

  103. A Soldier’s Letter from Iraq

    The email reproduced below is the one Heidi at Euphoric Reality has asked folks repost-really disseminate as far and wide as possible. She recieved word of it from Sgt. Hook and has posted it here (as I note in my “PSA” below). Heidi’s comment, in p…

    Trackback by third world county — 18 November 2005 @ 2355

  104. I’m not quite sure on what I am getting refuted here. I understand completely that the military men and women do not care about politics or whatever when they are there.

    My point is that if people back home spread lies about the war and its justification, it hurts the efforts of the troops there. It makes people believe that what they are doing is immoral and illegal. Also, I would imagine that if word got out to the men and women on the front lines that what they were doing was possibly immoral, it would break their morale.

    That is the template of Vietnam. The men on the ground in Vietnam won on the front lines, but the people back home underminded the war effort and forced the administration to withdrawal, thereby just destroying everything those men fought for. In order to support the troops, one must support their efforts and support victory in the war. I don’t understand how someone can show support for the troops while they rally against the war? Can someone give me an example of how to protest the war AND show support of the troops’ victory there?

    Yes I know of the slogan “Support the troops, bring them home” But if people know the history of Mogadishu and Vietnam, they know withdrawal is not supporting victory. Vietnam is seen as a loss and Mogadishu is seen by a loss by both supporters of the military as well as by terrorists, specifically bin Laden who called America a paper tiger after that Clinton pullout.

    All I am saying is that one can disagree with why we went to war, but now that we are there, the only way to support the troops, in my eyes, is to support American victory there. Anything less and that is not support.

    Comment by Michael in MI — 18 November 2005 @ 2358

  105. […] Sgt Hook - This We’ll Defend » Blog Archive » Taste of Freedom […]

    Pingback by The Liberal Avenger » Blog Archive » Retarded Marine ‘Splains Iraq — 19 November 2005 @ 0030

  106. Anyone in touch with Sgt. XXX or his mom, please send them this letter:
    http://www.sablogs.com/index.php?blog=46&title=a_letter_to_our_troops

    Comment by Laurie — 19 November 2005 @ 0032

  107. Quick . . . Vote

    via Greyhawk Milblog email:  Sgt. Hook received

    Trackback by VFW WebCOM — 19 November 2005 @ 0114

  108. I definetly subscribe to the “I support the troops but not the war” Whoever it was that said that pegged me right on. (#16 above Redhead Infidel) Dude your site is really nice but I can’t possibly read it all and it’s intimidating set up like that with all the posts on one page. I looked for your email to write back, to no resolve so I will write you back here. I am very willing, able, and would be honored to link this site one of my 20 blogs-the political one-you can expect a link up 2nite. I am very happy to have people that fight for my freedom wether or not they believe in the war. That is not really important to me. I know whether I believe or not I could be killed tomarrow by a terrorist attack and the military is saving my ass and I salute them (litterally just did it). I really hope I didn’t rub anyone the wrong way-someone emailed me directly and thanked me for stopping by who I must assume was Sgt Hook and he understood my point of view pretty well so I must not have made a total ass of myself. Once again-God bless the troops!

    Comment by Chris Sapp — 19 November 2005 @ 0137

  109. I will be posting this thank you!

    Comment by dcat — 19 November 2005 @ 0144

  110. Letter To The Public

    From SGT. Hook:
    I received an email from a mother whose son is currently fighting in Iraq with the 101st Airborne

    Trackback by Crazy Politicos Rantings — 19 November 2005 @ 0200

  111. I will be emailing this to everyone in my address book. I support my troops and am grateful for their bravery and sacrifices. My prayers and those of my family are with you. We make a point to mention our troops every night during grace at the dinner table. I want my twelve year old daughter and nine year old son to know that freedom doesn’t come free and we are blessed to have the dedication of our troops who protect us from harm,and help provide to others the privileges that we so often take for granted. All I have to give back is my support, prayers and deep thanks.GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!

    Comment by shannon smith — 19 November 2005 @ 0210

  112. OMG…Broke my heart and made me even more PROUD of our troops!

    Comment by Becky Sheppard — 19 November 2005 @ 0301

  113. Taste of Freedom From a Boot on the Ground

    SGT. Hook received an email from a mother whose son is currently fighting in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. He and his platoon have penned a message to the American public that is a little different from the message we are getting via the MSM….

    Trackback by The Uncooperative Blogger — 19 November 2005 @ 0302

  114. A great letter and an excellent message that those in Washington DC truly need to get into their thick skulls. This guy is a true patriot and American. I’m spreading his message as fast as i can.

    Comment by Andrew Kalionzes — 19 November 2005 @ 0338

  115. […] Sgt Hook - This We’ll Defend » Blog Archive » Taste of Freedom […]

    Pingback by Electric Desert » Blog Archive » Passing It On… — 19 November 2005 @ 0343

  116. Sgt. Hook, I sent a link to the letter in an email to Neil Cavuto at Fox News. Not sure if it will go anywhere, but you never know. Thanks for putting the letter out there and THank You! for all you do and have done in the name of honor and freedom!

    Comment by Anna — 19 November 2005 @ 0421

  117. This We’ll Defend

    This letter from a soldier in the field to his mother is a must read and should cause the Cut and Run cabal to hang their heads in shame: Taste of Freedom
    In case you didn’t click on the link, here are some excerpts.
    I have watched on televisi…

    Trackback by AlabamaWatch.com — 19 November 2005 @ 0445

  118. The Heart of a Soldier is Greater than the Minds

    I wanted to pass this letter on from SGT Walter J. Rausch, 1st Platoon, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) that he wrote to his mother. He wanted the soldiers message to be passed onto as they are tired of the negative image being preached by anti…

    Trackback by Cheese Is My Friend — 19 November 2005 @ 0529

  119. Very Worthwhile MilBlog Ling

    http://sgthook.com/2005/11/17/taste-of-freedom/ This comes from Greyhawk, the dean of the Milbloggers. In dribs and drabs, we have to keep the good words about our good works in the Middle East coming out. Paulie…

    Trackback by The Commons at Paulie World — 19 November 2005 @ 1454

  120. Linky Love

    SGT Hook shares a passionate letter from a paratrooper who knows that “Freedom isn’t Free.” Ever.

    Trackback by Fuzzilicious Thinking — 19 November 2005 @ 1455

  121. QUICK LINKS

    Interesting article on what happened to Iraq’s WMDs: Where the WMDs Went And an article whose name says it all: I took Saddam’s cash, admits French envoy UPDATE: Read SGT Rausch’s letter to Hook: Taste of Freedom The Real Pro-War…

    Trackback by trying to grok — 19 November 2005 @ 1521

  122. Yes, these men and women are heroes. Yes, they deserve a tremendous amount of credit for what they have done. I know. I have been there too. 1 year with 1st ID, Ar Ramadi, Iraq. But they need to come home. Now is the time. Men and women, both American and Iraqi, are needlessly killed and maimed while our leadership in the White House says that their sacrifice needs to be “honored” by more sacrifice. What an atrocity. We are not there for freedom. While in Iraq, they told us to “look mean, so that no one will attack you.” They said that we should ignore the cries from the children for food and water because they are not worth it. We are not there for freedom. We are there to further a White House agenda. That is what Sheehan and all the others are fighting for: to get the rest of our heroic troops home before more evil acts can be commited against them. I commend them, and I join them, until every American is back on American soil.

    May God bless them and their work there, as I know He blessed me, and my work. I am a disabled Veteran of the Iraqi War, and I stand behind Americans against whom the White House has committed grave atrocities. I will shout too. I will shout to bring my comrades in arms home. I will shout against OUR opressive leaders who cut programs for the poor like they did yesterday in the House of Representatives. I will be the voice for those who cannot speak because fear and terror have gripped them. I will be the voice of those soldiers who know it is wrong to be in that country, but too afraid to speak out for fear of retribution. I will shout. Until my lungs give out, I will shout. From my wheelchair, I will shout.

    Comment by Matthew — 19 November 2005 @ 1545

  123. […] Read it at Sgt. Hook’s. […]

    Pingback by My Own Thoughts » Letter from a Soldier — 19 November 2005 @ 1602

  124. Hoo-ah 1st Platoon. You honor us.

    The latest chapter of a very proud history is being written for the “Chicken Men” and you guys never disappoint.

    Comment by Cylinder — 19 November 2005 @ 1809

  125. For a nation full of football fans that extoll the importance of the “12th man”, it disturbs me that anyone can deny the importance, particularly when the going is tough, of having the (vocal) support of the fans in the stands. Athlete after athlete will tell you stories of when it made the difference between winning and … losing. The game is war; the stadium is Iraq; the home team is our military; and you and our politicians are the “12th man”.

    Our politicians are either undermining public support (Democrats) of the war effort or running for cover (Republicans) in advance of the 2006 elections. With few exceptions, they all helped send our service men and women to war. They (and we) owe them nothing less than unflagging support. You cannot support the soldier without supporting the war. The two are inextricably intertwined now and any weakening in resolve encourages the enemy and as this young sergeant explains, hurts morale.

    Our soldiers understand “self-sacrifice” … they are living it (and a few are dieing it) every day. I wish the rest of us understood it as well.

    Sincerely,

    John G Wheelock
    LTC, USA (Ret)

    Comment by Well Seasoned — 19 November 2005 @ 1841

  126. If this soldier is willing to sacrifice his life for Iraq’s freedom that’s his choice, and I respect his service. But here’s what I don’t understand about the freedom argument for the war. So you folks are willing to sacrifice over 2000 soldiers’ lives and over $200 billion taxpayer dollars to bring freedom to Iraq. Are you also prepared to sacrifice 2000 lives and $200 billion to bring freedom to Iran? And then maybe 5000 lives and $500 billion to bring freedom to North Korea? If not, why not? What is so unique about Iraq? Why is it more deserving of freedom than these other countries? Or do you honestly believe we should go around the world starting preemptive wars to bring freedom to all of these countries? That’s the inescapable weakness of this argument. I cherish the freedom I enjoy as an American, and I wish every person in the world could have that same freedom. But the price America has been asked to pay for another country’s freedom is just too high. By the way, bringing freedom to Iraq was not the main reason we were told we needed to invade Iraq and let’s be honest here, it’s certainly not the reason most people supported the war.

    Comment by A True Patriot — 19 November 2005 @ 1953

  127. Wherein a Soldier Frames the Issue Perfectly

    Sgt. Walter J. Rausch, 1st Platoon, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), can no longer remain silent.

    Trackback by alphabet city — 19 November 2005 @ 2130

  128. […] Sgt. Hook posts this stirring letter from Iraq. This is must-reading for anyone who wonders what the steady stream of whining and cowardice we see in the Congress and the main-stream media does to our troops. […]

    Pingback by Right On! :: A Stirring Letter Home - Must Reading :: November :: 2005 — 19 November 2005 @ 2200

  129. To A True Patriot -

    This is a non-adversarial response to your post above. Your points have varying degrees of validity … or perhaps relevance is a better word.

    Certainly we aren’t going to leap frog our military around the world fighting wars of freedom … but … when freedom is a by-product of a war or intervention, it is a grand thing … and that is what our soldiers are seeing and to which they are responding. Having said that, THE single reason for taking action against Iraq, and it is one that should have brought near universal support and action from the world community, is the genocide that Hussein practiced. If not other reason stirs the UN to action, that should be the one … and it didn’t with Iraq and it hasn’t in other places around the world.

    I agree with you that WMD was the reason most of us backed the war in the first place. For many, it was the only reason (there were some 22 others if my memory serves). Having said that, this country went to war and in the process issued a promise to the Iraq people. That promise was that we would stay the course, unlike Desert Shield/Desert Storm where (for a number of valid reasons at the time) we stopped short of regime change in Iraq. I DO NOT favor, nor do I believe our government intends, to initiate “conflicts for freedom” elsewhere. I DO favor finishing the job we started; our countries honor and our soldiers’ sacrifices deserve that.

    This is a non-partisan post in response to a reasoned post by another blogger. Regards and thanks for the opportunity to have a more adult exchange of thoughts than either our Senate or our House of Representatives is able to manage.

    Comment by Well Seasoned — 19 November 2005 @ 2217

  130. ” I’m sure that this soldier believes in what he is doing but so did the SS.”

    Classy.

    Comment by Knemon — 20 November 2005 @ 0058

  131. From an active duty U.S. Sailor adding my two cents worth. With all due respect to several bloggers who ask what price freedom? For Iraq? For Iran? For North Korea? Ask (if you can) any of those citizens under those regimes if they’d love an opportunity to question their leadership. Makes me wonder sometimes if we as a nation have forgotten that at one time, WE required foreign intervention to win OUR freedom (anyone remember something called The Battle of Yorktown?) and what would have happened if that Nation’s forces were called home because of lack of an exit strategy, or too many forces dying for another country’s freedom, then we really wouldn’t have been free now would we?

    And oh yeah, regarding that comment that “I’m sure that this soldier believes in what he is doing but so did the SS”; that writer needs to go back and reread their history (unless they’ve been educated by our liberal school system that on a whim, rewrites history to make our Nation the evil one and always seeming to be the aggressor)….The SS were elite (and evil) troops that swore allegiance to an evil ideal and were even despised by their own countrymen (remember that yet?) I can’t remember one instance in any my studies of the SS EVER being cheered for walking into liberating any country…My chest was beating with PRIDE when our troops poured into Baghdad and the statues started coming down. When the Iraqi people knew they had been liberated from a butcher, it was pretty joyful for ALL concerned. It beat with PRIDE again when he was pulled, lice-ridden and filthy, out of a hole in the dirt like the rat he is. It will always beat with PRIDE knowing that even despite a few citizens who are allowed the freedom to speak their minds, even when it makes no sense to anyone else (being called freedom to make your own mistakes), that my fellow Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen and Marines care enough to make a stand for freedom. Not just for our Nation, but any Nation who wishes to embrace freedom.

    WMD’s? Sure Iraq had/has them. Iran/Iraq War? Saddam used them at every opportunity. Remember the Kurds? Gassed them too and they were citizens of his own country. Lots of stuff can be buried out there in that desert, it could take years to find where he hid his junk.

    SteveO

    “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” John F. Kennedy

    Comment by SteveO — 20 November 2005 @ 0157

  132. An Important Message From The Sandbox

    SGT Walter J. Rausch is currently fighting in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. He and his platoon have a message that they want the American public to hear. It is quite different from the message we are getting via the MSM,…

    Trackback by The Queen of All Evil — 20 November 2005 @ 1330

  133. Amen to this letter, I for one am proud to pray for those currently fighting in Iraq. I support them & thank them for a job well done.
    God bless & keep each of you as you fight to keep the USA & Iraq free!

    Comment by dgreer — 20 November 2005 @ 2103

  134. Iraq Report, 21 November/05

    NOV 21/05 TOPICS INCL: Al-Zarqawi dead(?); attacks against Shiites; NG Colonel talks about the war; new Yon dispatches; resistance ready to negotiate(?); a message to all Americans; Kurds seek outside investors; reconstruction highlights; Carnival of t…

    Trackback by Winds of Change.NET — 21 November 2005 @ 0421

  135. Letter from a Soldier

    Good evening, I am in lovely Twin Falls, ID tonight waiting to pick up aload in the morning and head home for Thanksgiving. I actually got unloaded early today in Salt Lake and dispatch got me set up to pick up this load that goes back to Springfield…

    Trackback by Truckin' Wifi — 21 November 2005 @ 1227

  136. OLD SCHOOL TRACKBACK….Excellent Post, SGT. Hook…I have posted a link back here.

    Comment by Ma Deuce Gunner — 21 November 2005 @ 1543

  137. Sent the link to this letter to my hometown newspaper. To all those who oppose the US being in Iraq I have always maintained that they should be listening to the troops, they are the ones there, they are the ones that know! Certainly not the MSM or the hollyweird elite, or the Michael Moores of this world!

    Comment by eville genius — 21 November 2005 @ 1608

  138. As we approach Thanksgiving Day, this letter serves a reminder that of the many gifts we have to be thankful for, FREEDOM is the greatest!

    God Bless Our Deployed Troups.I am eternally grateful for their service and their sacrifices.

    I’ll answer the call to share this letter by posting it in its entirety on my blog.

    Comment by Huntress — 22 November 2005 @ 0942

  139. Fighting for freedom’s victory in this war

    Since no one in the Terrorist Supporting Media bothers to ask those who matter most about the war…

    Trackback by Liberal Utopia — 22 November 2005 @ 1236

  140. I just want to say Thank you for all you are doing and what a great letter.

    Comment by Karin — 22 November 2005 @ 1414

  141. SGT. Rausch,

    Well put Soldier. The Iraqi People as well as every other Human being born or to be born on this planet has the right to be free. It is Fitting that SGT Rausch is a part of one of the Army’s foremost unit’s in achieveing the goal of total freedom for everyone.

    Comment by RP Moscato — 22 November 2005 @ 2232

  142. The following are my comments to those on www.theleftcoaster.com They denounce the Sgt. as uninformed. “SGT Walter J. Rausch understands exactly why we are in Iraq. You all are such Dumb Assholes you can’t get it when it’s spelled out for you. Don’t YOU get it? The islamofacists would love to saw your empty little heads off for their video highlight reel. They and Saddam are two sides of the same coin. These men & women are fighting, bleeding and yes maybe dying for something they and I believe in. You are all so blinded by your hate of President Bush that you believe any conspiracy that the tinfoil hat croud puts out. The next logical step for them is to say this “unjust war” is being fought by war criminals, our soldiers. Then you can spit on them just like you did to the Vietnam vets. You know what? I think I will thank them for their service instead. STFU

    Comment by R. Ray — 23 November 2005 @ 0559

  143. Freedom is worth dying for, no matter what country it is

    Sgt Hook publishes a letter from SGT Walter J. Rausch, currently serving with the 101st Airbourne (Air Assault) in Iraq. Take a moment to read his missive on freedom and give thanks that there are people like him.Mom, Be my

    Trackback by The Cool Blue Blog — 24 November 2005 @ 1458

  144. This letter needs to be broadcasted by all the newschannels, especially fox. It is shameful that people who have never been in war and do not know the emotions that are running through a soldier, portray the war in Iraq as negativly as the liberal media. You have to tip your hat down to soldiers like this, for it is even shameful that we in the U.S. have not initaited enough actions to disprove the image created by the liberal media.

    Comment by Zemas Andargachew — 26 November 2005 @ 1830

  145. Dojo Info 11/26/05

    Sadness…
    The following stores have all decided to change Merry Christmas to Happy Holidays: Target, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Kmart/Sears, Costco, Kohl’s and Lowe’s about their practice. (Lowe’s even refuses to promote their tree…

    Trackback by 21st Century Paladin — 26 November 2005 @ 2013

  146. Beautiful Letter, speaks volumes, I linked your site and posted this entire letter on my blog. Sgt Walter Rausch serves his country and asks only that I, along with others, share his message, so how could I refuse.

    I am now and forever gr