12/25/2007

Hello from Taji Iraq,

I just wanted to have the oppportunity to wish everyone a merry christmas. I want to thank all of my friends and family and their friends and family, who have supported me so much in the past months. The soldiers here have endured so much over the past year or so; some of these young guys are barely out of highschool, but they have grown into men. I am so proud and honored to have led these battle-hardened warriors in combat, and I take great pride in my duty to make sure they all come home safe to their families. The best gift we could have given to these guys was the gift of connection with their families for the holidays, so many of you have supplied the phone cards to make that possible and I want you all to know that all of Demon Company got to call home because of your love and support. So great job and mission accomplished. Thank you. As I begin to undertake my last mission here (operation homecoming) I will tell you, that you all can feel proud that our country has produced such a high caliber of people. These men have spilt their blood to protect their family and their country, and ensure the lasting peace in a war torn and broken nation. I cannot think of greater people to spend this christmas and new year with, if I could not be with my family. I hope that you all have the chance to meet great men such as these one day, and I am humbled just to share my name with this unit. I want to wish you all a happy holiday season and hope that all of you make this new year the best new year. You only can live in the present, so take advantage of the time you have with your family, friends, and loved ones, enjoy their company and take a second to remember all that is good in your lives. I know that I am truly blessed to be in the presence of such an honored group and will soon take advantage of the little time I get to spend with my own family. From everyone in the Demon Family, 2-8 CAV, and the 1st CAV Division have a Merry Christmas and a wondeful new year.

Yours Truly,
2LT Robert B. Fletcher, AR
United States Army

11/20/2007

Dear Family and Friends,

I am writing this email now because I don't know that I will have the time later to write one. I am very busy, I work long hours; about 30-40 hour days.  I have dreaded telling you all this, but yesterday I was confirmed that my platoon has been picked for a somewhat dangerous mission. All the other platoons have been tied up guarding Patrol Bases and we need to explore an area that hasn't been touched by American or Iraqi forces for some time. It is very difficult for me because I don't really have that much time to get to know the platoon, but I still have the duty and responsibility to lead. Enough bitching though. I am writing this letter to tell you all what I am thankful for on this Thanksgiving day.

First, and foremost, I am thankful that I have such a wonderful person to share my life with. Without her nothing else would matter much to me, she is my perfect match and I thank god everyday that I was lucky enough to find her. Secondly, I am thankful for my family. I have never known a family to love so much, and be there for each other in the way that we are. It is the best family, the best. Third, I am thankful for all my loyal friends that I have come to know over the years, they have become my extended family, my family away from home. They were there for me when my family could not be, and for that I am in a debt I can never repay to you all, thank you. Finally, I am thankful for my country. I love the fact that I live in a place where I get to choose. It is not my privilage, but my God-given right to choose who I want to be and what I want to do. Our nation's sons and daughters, fight for this everyday, and work so hard, you will never know. I am so thankful that my country has entrusted in me the responsability to protect their most precious resource, and am amazed at how hard these young men work for our unit, our country and our way of life. I am so proud that I get to lead them. As I trudge on in this journey, it becomes increasingly clear the importance for me to bring each and every one of these brave soldiers back to their families, because everyone is thankful for them. They are thankful for their own families and they so desperately need to be with them again, no matter what the cost to me. God bless us all, in everything we do, but take time to be thankful for what you already have, you never know when its the last time you'll see it. I hope that bringing these soldiers home earns me the right to see my country again, and be with all of you for which I am so truely thankful.

 

"The price of freedom so seldom comes for free." Stephen E. Ambrose

Very Sincerly Yours,

2LT Robert B. Fletcher, AR

United States Army