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Support The Troops - NWA

Soldier's Thoughts On Iraq

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Allow me to introduce Senior Airman Robby L McGee to our STT-NWA
supporters. Robbie spent most of the Spring and Summer 2005
deployed with the 188th Fighter Wing of the Arkansas
Air National Guard. Robbie was stationed at
Kirkuk Regional Airbase in Kirkuk, Iraq. Just before
Robbie came home, he emailed a letter to me expressing his thoughts about
his tour coming to a close, and the War In Iraq in general. With his permission,
I am reproducing that letter below. Take the time to read it, I think
it will change some of your perceptions about what is really going on in Iraq.

24aug05

Everybody:

     My time is coming to an end in this lovely place called Iraq. This has been the experience of a lifetime. From rockets landing less than 40 yards from us, to waking up to explosions in the middle of the night, gunfire first thing in the morning and dealing with the lives lost on base, its something that will be remembered forever; whether this is my last deployment or the first of many more. Lives and limbs were lost; some families will never be the same. I was lucky enough not to be a casualty of war. Lucky enough to say I fought in a war and came home without a scratch. But my time isn't quite over, I still have about 3 weeks left so the thoughts and prayers will still be needed for me and the rest of my shop.

     Remember that once even after I get home there are troops still over here fighting for freedom and against insurgents who don't want us here. Remember them in your prayers and your thoughts everyday. They will still be fighting for freedom long after we leave this place. It might not be your freedom or for peace in your country. But it is still a fight for peace. Whether you agree with us being here or not, I still think if you call yourself an American you should always support the troops. Not long ago, we (the troops) saw a lady on TV (Cindy Sheehan) who lost her son in this war. She said he was a victim and not a war hero. A victim of our government. He lost his life so others could have one, and to me he most definitely IS a hero. He chose the military and chose to fight for freedom and to protect our country, the weak and the innocent, no matter what walk of life they come from. Yes, his life was lost and I feel for his family. But as myself and others watched the broadcast of Cindy Sheehan and watched how she bad mouthed the government and the military, we were disgusted and in utter disbelief. It angered some troops and made others very bitter against her. Will we ever meet her, no, and that is probably a good thing. Things like that are not what the troops over here deserve, or need to see and here coming from the homefront.

     I chose the military and chose to serve my country. Whether I do it on American soil or a foreign land; whether I am fighting for your freedom or someone else's, I will do it proudly and have no regrets in whatever I do. We are the strongest military in the world and have the power, technology, and the tools to do our part to make the world a safer, better place. So how do I feel? I think we are doing the right thing. We are protecting freedom and doing our part to make the world a better place. Millions of people want world peace but want nothing to do with the hard work required to secure that peace. Well we (my Dad, myself, and all the other troops here) are doing our part and all we need and ask for is your support.

     We are soldiers, soldiers just doing a job. To some we are heroes. I do not consider myself a hero. I am just doing what I think is right by serving my country. I personally do not need to be told I am a hero, or to be thanked, However, it is greatly appreciated, and it does feel good. But there are those here in the military who DO need to hear it. Those who held a friend as they took their last breath, those who watched a friend take a bullet, or who took one themselves. These are the people that need to be thanked, and need to know what they experienced or saw was NOT in vain. So, the next time you talk to, or see a soldier, no matter whether they are Air Force, Army, Navy or Marines, active duty, National Guard, Reserve or a retired veteran, THANK THEM. Let them know you appreciate them and the sacrifices they made. They need to hear your gratitude, and they most definitely deserve it.

     So, in closing, I want to thank you all for your prayers and your support, not just for me but for all our troops. We were lucky not to lose one of our own and that is because of all those thoughts and prayers. We are almost out of here, until then, do not forget us. And once we get home, don't forget those who will still be here, still fighting for peace and for freedom. Remember the next time you see a soldier, just walk up to them and say a simple "Thank You." For all you know, they may not have been as lucky as we have been. Thank and God bless all of you.

SrA Robby L. McGee
506 AEG CES/CEX
Kirkuk Regional Air Base (KRAB)
Email Robby McGee

Editors's Note: Robby and all the members of his team arrived home safely in Fort Smith, AR in September 2005. STT-NWA would like to publicly THANK them for all their hard work and service while they were deployed in Iraq. Robbie, you and your men are DEFINITELY HEROES in our book!!!

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