PARATROOPER BIRTHDAY IN IRAQ

From Iraq - July 18, 2003 – LT John G. Gibson

Hey Mom and Dad,

I just wanted to write y’all some notes and things about my birthday in Iraq. Feel free to share this with anyone that will listen or read.

Some thoughts on my birthday, 18JUL03, in Baghdad, Iraq:

Sitting here at 0500hrs on the 19th of JULY trying to wipe the sweat and sleep from my eyes, I am listening to a cassette tape sent to me for my birthday from my parents and family. I get a swell of pride in my heart knowing that their lives are free and seem to be continuing in a free and democratic USA! It also reminds me of home and the love of comfort that is associated with my nest, Shreveport. I revel in the thought of my memories of home and the ease of life in the United States. It makes me want to work harder and longer here in Iraq, because I know that our work has tangible results in the free lives of my family and country. I know that the hardship endured by my myself, my men, my battalion, and this Army are not in vain.

Our work is not done here. The talking heads on television seem to spew words in rapid fire like they know what is going on here in Iraq. They seem to think that we are done and that it is time to go home; hell, we think the same thing....only about wanting to go home. We are homesick and want to see our families and loved ones, but not at the expense of an incomplete mission. There is an old saying in the Army that you are only as good as your last mission. This is true in everything that we do. I know that a completely free and democratic Iraq may not be in place by the time that I leave, but it will be significantly under way before I am redeployed. I see things here, on a daily basis, that hurt the human heart. I see poverty, crime, terrorism, murder, frustration, anger, and stupidity. However, I see the hope in the eyes of many Iraqi's, a new hope for a chance to govern themselves in a new way of life. I think that they are on the cusp of a new adventure. Iraq is somewhat of a blank sheet of paper, a chance for an entire country to start over again. Yes, things are not easy. It took the United States many years to finally have a peaceful national government, supported by the people. I remember the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and our fledgling country fighting for its existence. We did not figure things out until after the Civil War. Almost one hundred years of instability in our history. So yes, the Iraqi's have a long road to the desired end-state. If freedom and democracy were instant and easy, then it would cover the world over.

I want everyone to know that for me and my current family (1-325th Airborne Infantry Regiment), we see the physical manifestation of God’s presence in our daily lives. I can not go into the daily operations of my unit but know two things; one, we are in harm’s way all of the time; two, we are one of the most successful units in all of Iraq. We have had casualties, but no deaths. This is an incredible testament to the brotherly love of soldiers, the discipline of Paratrooper Infantry, and the daily prayer and protection of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our Savior and the Deliverer of justice here in Baghdad.

I also want you all to know that there are times here when we are laughin' at each other too. We have funny things that happen. I can remember standing in a land fill in southern Iraq where we began one of our attacks, and watching my guys so tired from lack of sleep....literally fall on the ground, with their gear on, on top of each other. I then watched "my boys" swat flies for each other, guard each other, share water with each other, offer food for those that did not have any chow, express their disdain for the trash heap that was our home, all the while ready to do battle and if necessary die for each other. I saw with my own eyes the actual creation of the closeness and bond that historians write about in times of war amongst fighting men. I was both laughing and awe-struck at the absurdity of watching this sleeping, swatting, eating, cussing, and loving pile of men who where given to me to care for. I could feel the burden of responsibility for them while at the same time my deep love for each and every one of them. I knew that if the enemy even tried to kill one of us that there would be more than hell to pay for that sad individual who showed himself long enough to execute harm on one of the members of this close knit group. Now double, triple, quadruple this up to the 800+ men in my task force. To tell you the truth, living and working inside of this circle of brotherhood gives one the true sense of safety, even in an Iraqi landfill littered with trash, feces, dead animals, sewage, mortar fire, machine gun fire, and flies.

Well, I just wanted to write you all some of my thoughts and reflections about what is going on in my stranger than fiction- life. I love you all very much and long for my chance to come home and finally let down my guard; but until that time, know that myself and these men are keeping the vigilance on the vanguard of freedom. God Bless.

May the rain fall soft upon your fields and the sun shine warmly upon your face as the Father holds you safely in the palm of His powerful hands.

1LT John G. Gibson

BN S-1, IN

1-325th Airborne Infantry Regiment

82nd Airborne Division

Baghdad, Iraq

"America's Guard of Honor"

Airborne All The Way!!!!!!!