Dear Mr. Brennan
Things on my end are fine. We're just hunting down these terrorists
and now training the Iraqis to do the same. Since the turnover of
authority a couple of weeks ago, it's been interesting to witness a
mass change in mindset among the Iraqi citizens. It's almost as if
the turnover served as a giant wake-up call.
Suddenly, the locals have realized that the future of a free Iraq
falls largely in their own hands. They are beginning to understand
that freedom & democracy don't coincide with masked gunmen and
roadside bombs. What a novel concept!
My spirits are high and my body is in one piece, so there's
really nothing more I could ask for. I'm fortunate to be here with a
great group of Marines and we've all become brothers. Our unit's
been on the move quite a bit, so we've seen a lot of this land. Our
OPS have taken us east to Fallujah, west to the Syrian border and
many points in between. Everywhere we go I feel more and more proud
and privileged to be fighting under our flag.
I so respect our commander-in-chief for staying the course. The
only language these terrorists understand is strong and persistent
force. It's really the only way to fight this ongoing war on
terrorism and I'm proud we have a leader who gets it. I'm sure the
liberal media is beating the crap out of him, but I'm confident that
the American people believe in his resolve.
CPL JOSHUA A. MANDEL
August 2, 2004
Dear Josh,
Ann and I enjoyed receiving your letter. We are particularly
encouraged at the upbeat tone that you have given to this extremely
difficult Iraq situation.
I am old enough and have lived long enough to have lived through
more wars and police actions than I care to count. In each and every
one, including the great WWII, there have always been dissenting
voices criticizing our government for the decisions being made in
support of our troops. It is the nature of a democracy to permit
such descent to take place and it is healthier by far than not
permitting such comments. Do not be distracted by that, it is clear
that you are not. On behalf of everyone I can think of, we offer you
our unqualified support, encouragement and most of all, our prayers.
I am going to take a portion of your letter and reprint it on the
website for our schools. We now are instructing over 16,000
students, and our staff is 1,300 people. Several of those staff
members have already served in Iraq and have come home. I think our
people would be very interested in the comments you have made.
When you return, I would love to show you what we are doing with
our schools. It is very exciting. We are fighting for the hearts,
minds and souls of our youth, and you are fighting for all of us.
Keep in touch, and I will keep you informed as to what is
happening on the home front. We are all behind you, and please know
that.
Warmest regards,
David L. Brennan
