SITREP Iraq

[BLUEHAWK]

DID YOU KNOW THIS?

"Did you know that 47 countries have reestablished their
embassies in Iraq?

Did you know that the Iraqi government currently employs 1.2
million Iraqi people?

Did you know that 3100 schools have been renovated, 364 schools are under rehabilitation, 263 schools are now under construction and 38 new schools have been built in Iraq?

Did you know that Iraq's higher educational structure consists
of 20 Universities, 46 Institutes or colleges and 4 research centers, all currently operating?

Did you know that 25 Iraq students departed for the United
States in January 2005 for the reestablished Fulbright program?

Did you know that the Iraqi Navy is operational?! They have 5 100-foot patrol craft, 34 smaller vessels and a naval infantry
regiment.

Did you know that Iraq's Air Force consists of three operational
squadrons, which includes 9 reconnaissance and 3 US C-130 transport aircraft (under Iraqi operational control) which operate day and night, and will soon add 16 UH-1 helicopters and 4 Bell Jet Rangers?

Did you know that Iraq has a counter-terrorist unit and a
Commando Battalion?

Did you know that the Iraqi Police Service has over 55,000 fully trained and equipped police officers?

Did you know that there are 5 Police Academies in Iraq that produce over 3500 new officers each 8 weeks?

Did you know there are more than 1100 building projects going on in Iraq? They include 364 schools, 67 public clinics, 15 hospitals, 83 ailroad stations, 22 oil facilities, 93 water facilities and 69 electrical facilities.

Did you know that 96% of Iraqi children under the age of 5 have
received the first 2 series of polio vaccinations?

Did you know that 4.3 million Iraqi children were enrolled in primary school by mid October 2004?

Did you know that there are 1,192,000 cell phone subscribers in
Iraq and phone use has gone up 158%?

Did you know that Iraq has an independent media that consists
of 75 radio stations, 180 newspapers and 10 television stations?

Did you know that the Baghdad Stock Exchange opened in June of 2004?

Did you know that 2 candidates in the Iraqi presidential
election had a televised debate recently?

OF COURSE WE DIDN'T KNOW!

WHY DIDN'T WE KNOW?

OUR MEDIA WOULDN'T TELL US!

The lack of accentuating the positive in Iraq serves two
purposes:
It is intended to undermine the world's perception of the United
States thus minimizing consequent support, and it is intended to discourage American citizens.

Above facts are verifiable on the Department of Defense web
site."

[Jerry D]

And thats the rest of the story

[colmurph]

I'll be getting sitreps from the 5th SFG Chaplain and will post the info here. Jim's pretty up-beat about what we are doing over there and he's heavily involved in "Civic Action" projects. The kid's never lied to me so I don't think he'll start any time soon. When it comes from him I'll take it as "Gospel".

[SuperScout]

Looking forward to reading some real SITREP's from your pup. Will also add him to my growing prayer list of warriors!
Scouts Out!!
Brice

[BLUEHAWK]

Originally posted by colmurph I'll be getting sitreps from the 5th SFG Chaplain and will post the info here. Jim's pretty up-beat about what we are doing over there and he's heavily involved in "Civic Action" projects. The kid's never lied to me so I don't think he'll start any time soon. When it comes from him I'll take it as "Gospel".

As much as possible... often as possible.

Thank you.

[BLUEHAWK]

When Eagles Learn to Fly

by Pfc. Jamie A. Goldstein, 2nd Battalion, 58th Regiment
Jan. 14, 2005

"High atop a mountain,
The newest look around.
In their hearts they yearn to jump,
But to the nest, they're bound.
They see what's going on abroad,
And it consumes their thoughts.
There's shoes to fill and prey to kill,
And targets to be caught.
They may be mean, they may be angry,
Strong may be their drive.
But all of that means nothing,
'Til these eagles learn to fly.


They sacrifice their blood and sweat,
Earn feathers one-by-one,
And bleed and sweat they will, until
The day of training's done.
And at that time, they then reflect,
On things they all have learned,
And often re-read passages,
From pages that they've turned.
With contempt for their confinement,
They sing verses as they cry,
But that will all soon change
When these eagles learn to fly.


Their blood is hot. Their eyes are cold.
Their hearts know not of fear.
They dream of wreaths of olive leaves,
But still clutch tight their spears.
Collectively they ponder,
The enemies they will try.
They've skills to hone and wings to grow,
But that, they know, takes time.
When the sand has fell completely,
And their wings spread true and wide,
They'll soar across the skyline
And the world shall hear them cry:
"Those who dare burn olive branches,
Those who force their way,
Those who seize what isn't theirs,
And dare refuse to pay,
Those who live by wicked values,
And dare to walk with pride,
Clear your throat and swallow,
For we have learned to fly!"


"Those who dare crusade,
Against the name of what is just,
Those who dare raise arms,
By exploiting others' trust,
And expect a repercussion,
No more violent than a sigh,
Today you shall be proven wrong,
For we have learned to fly!"
"Those who dare condemn us,
For enjoying our free will,


Those who feel our choices,
Make us wrong enough to kill,
Those who dare assault us,
Anywhere at any time -
You've met your final adversary;
For we have learned to fly!"