Tuesday, September 30, 2003

Even amidst all that is going on, a day doesn't go by without thoughts of the 17 Iraqi generals that are still incarcerated in an EPW camp in southern Iraq. They are so desperately needed in this monumental task we have before us of rebuilding the Iraqi military. We could use them in so many different capacities; in leading, teaching, guiding, and consulting the new Iraq soldiers, as we make a serious effort to create a new way of running an army.

Day in and day out, I continue to pester whomever I come in contact with that might have a say in their release, to push the issue along. I have several US generals in my camp, also desiring their release that they might be utilized for their exceptional skills and talents.

Everyone who has had the unique opportunity of meeting with the generals has walked away with the same conviction that these men need to be released before we lose them altogether as advocates of our cause.

The following is a sample of two letters I have received from a daughter of one of the generals. 

Dear Sir,
 
  I'm the daughter of the Brigadier General XXXXX one of the Iraqi Prisoners of war, I've met you Sir in our first visit to daddy on the 13th of June 2003 at  Camp in XXXXXX, I've reed your memorandum that you've presented it to Mr. President George W. Bush. Thank you Sir for all your efforts.
   Daddy still in prison for more than 180 days without any cause ,I know from the families of the other  BG that you are working in Baghdad ,I respectfully request from your kindness if you let me know the `E-mail of US adminsitrator Paul Bremer ,he is our leader.
I hope Sir that you will not disappoint me.
 
 
GOD Bless you.

Dear Sir,

  Thank you very much for all your efforts, we are grateful for you, but Sir daddy still detained and he completed his 6 month and I don't Know why he still detained despite of his cooperation with the American Forces, we've heard a lot of talk about his  release, but Sir days turn to weeks and weeks turn to months and I'm afraid that months will turn to a year, when we've heard that an investigation is completed we've cheered up and we think that daddy will release, but Sir after a period of time we've heard again that other investigation has been  started and all our hope went with the wind, it's  more than 6 months Sir and we've started to lose the hope in his releasing, I'm so sorry Sir that I talked a lot about my problem, but Sir I'm sure you will be patient with me,we are only three sisters and we need daddy,we live alone in  bad condition in an area filled with criminals .I pray Sir for your safety and I'm asking GOD to protect you .

GOD Bless you

Sincerely

I am sure you can all feel the sincerity of the words written on behalf of her father.

Again I petition all of you who read my words; to do all you can to help the generals get released from the prison we put them in the first day of the war. What we are doing is a real travesty to these men, who trusted our words as they read our leaflets and followed our instructions to surrender.

I have arranged for each of them to be interviewed and possibly offered jobs as contractors as soon as they are released.

DAY PART 2

When my head is up and my eyes are open, cognizant of my surroundings, it is amazing the number of opportunities that come my way, if I but have the desire to serve, doors will be opened. Today was one of those days, when I was able to carry on the tradition started down south at the POW camp, the Good Luck Genie was able to strike again. On several occasions today I was able to pass out more toys to the kids of Iraq, just in the course of my normal busy daily travels.

A young girl, about 7, came in our office with her father, who was hoping to pass along vital information to us regarding a variety of things going on in his neighborhood. As she stood in front of our office door, sheepishly hiding behind her fathers pant leg, I quickly grabbed a couple of toy items to see if I couldn't bring a smile out on her pretty face. The minute I gave her the green stuffed frog, sent to me by my buds at FedEx, she lit up like a Christmas light, smiling from one ear to the other.

As I went out to the front gate to pick up a source a man was standing there with his little boy in his arms, noticeably in anguish over the burned condition of his son. His boy's entire body was obviously burned at some time, now scared and still blistered and peeling. The boy's fingerless limbs attempted to scratch the scabs now itching.

I had my interpreter instruct the father to wait until we could return, hoping to give the boy something to feel good about, as he waited at the gate to see the doctor. The father was hoping we would be able to provide some medical care for his son, obviously not able to receive the type of care required from other facilities.

I brought back a stuffed animal, which was all I had left from the two boxes of toys I had received. But, the father and his little boy were nowhere to be seen. Disappointedly, I gave the stuffed animal to the young black guard at the gate, informing her to give the boy the gift if by chance he returns.

I was so happy to be able to help bring a small amount of joy into the lives of these children, who might otherwise grow up without having the fun some of these toys can bring.

Another great day.