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"Diary entry 5/2/07, location Iraq!"


Lying here in this
filthy dirt and sand
sometimes i feel
more animal than man

The fire works shoot
constantly
all coming from
Iraq's military

I pray each day and night
from this dream i will awake
or if not a dream
God, i ask please,
give me the strength
the horrors i see

be able to take

I hold tight to my M16
this war has changed
the inner core of my being

If i return will friends
and family know me
i suppose if I make
it back i'll see

Oh, hell, get down!
Here comes another attack
i carefully roll
to my stomach off my back

Oh, no, i took one shot
in my thigh
such pain, much blood
around me i looked
blood on others
everywhere not just me

i suppose the spilling of

blood to satisfy a war's

thirst is the way it has to be

 

The firing stops
the unearthly silence stays
for what seemed like a week

or many days

I looked to my right
where my Captain held guard
i said the shooting has stopped now
we need to move or

to quickly charge

When he said nothing my heart
started a double time race
i turned him over
i looked, I stared, I froze
my leader had no face

I  now know there must be
something someone can do
to end this senseless
dying of we troops

how about you

I'm war beaten, i'm tired,
i'm frustrated and
i have no clue
why are we fighting
what did these people
do to me or you

Someone needs to stop
this madness now
it's taking too many of us

young people

we are falling on our knees

to the eternal death bow 

 

Maybe the President could
he ordered it's start
that we know now
because of that alone

he should know a way

to bring the still alive

troops  home right away!

Author notes

6/15/08 contest: "Military poems!"

contest: 5/14/08 "A soldier's plea..."


Foot note: 5/14/08
I just found out that my sister "Cathy" will be leaving for Iraq in a few weeks. I pray GOD will bring her back safely.. She has to small boys.....


Foot note: Dec. 19, 2007
I have now 2 nephews in this war!!!!!!!! I try to keep their spirits up by sending e-mail, packages and cards often!!!! Hopefully, all our troops will be home soon!

Foot note: Oct. 11, 2007
The war continues!!!! I now have a nephew-to-be in Iraq.
My prayers go out to him and all our other troops... and also to those caught up in this war by no choice of their own.... All I can say is, "peace! be still!" I hope the end to this fighting and dying comes soon.... GOD be with all there!!!

I feel so sadden as everyday I turn on the news to hear of more and more troops dying in Iraq.... My heart goes out to these families... I had a brother who has been over twice but has returned unharmed physically.... No of the one that go will ever forget the horrible things encountered. I pray this war will soon end...

Foot note: May 7,2007 I heard on the news today that 12
of our troops were killed in one booming. It was reported to be the largest number lost in one attack since the war began.... Will many have to die before this war ends?
We must all lift up our troops in prayer!

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Comments

1 - 38 of 38

  • a sweetheart lost
    August 8, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    I liked
    "Lying here in this
    filthy dirt and sand
    sometimes i feel
    more animal than man"
    but the rest sounds forced and complaining.


    • jacbgd2 gold member
      August 8, 2008
      Edit | Reply

      Thank you for the comment on my poem.....
      The reason some of it may seem forces and complaining to you is because, it is suppose to be a bit complaining. I truly feel those troops have a reason and a right to complain all they want. Don't you think so?
      Thanks again!
      Joyce


      • a sweetheart lost
        August 8, 2008
        Edit | Reply
        My husband is in the Marine Corps and yes I think he has the right to complain but he choses not to. There are other Marines that I spend a lot of time with and some of them feel the need to complain and I am all for that. But there comes a time when I tell them to grab a straw, suck it up, and deal with life. complaining undermines strength, makes it harder to overcome problems and does nothing to improve life.


        • jacbgd2 gold member
          August 9, 2008
          Edit | Reply
          I respect your opinion.. Please respect mine!! I personally don't believe that venting underminds strength at all.. I have a sister, brother-in-law and nephew in Iraq now and my son-in-law is a Marine who was there. There hasn't been one day since this war started that someone close to me hasn't been on Iraq soil... Remember this poem is an entry in a personal diary, not a letter to the press... I am happy about your husband and friends not wanting to complain, but letting it out is always better than keeping thing bottled up inside!!! Many of the troops and troop's family members have read this poem and not took it the way you have, as complaining, only stating what many of them truly feel... Being a Marine is very hard!! I know from experience with my son-in-law, but I also understand that he needs to vent, so to speak, from time to time just to keep sane..
          I pray your husband come home savely as I do all the troops.... Be blessed!!!
          Joyce


  • camo.egg.army.gurl
    June 15, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    omg...i cried...

    very expresive...
    good luck in my contest


  • DawnKestrel
    May 19, 2008

    Edit | Reply
    Wow.
    Good luck in my contest!


  • c staff sgt smirfet
    May 16, 2008

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    I am guessing that this picture would bring memories back very nicely written you have a real talent

  • camo.egg.army.gurl
    May 12, 2008
    Edit | Reply

    omg...i cried...


  • LostAndCantBFound
    June 28, 2007

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    i just want to say i feel good knowing that im not the only one who is still thinking of the troops over there dying for us thats why i have made the decision to join the navy im heading to basic training in six months now there is not much i can do because i am a female but i will do all that i can as a navy nurse and will serve all 4 years thats expected of me thanks LIZ


  • Roaddog Wolf
    May 29, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    It sounds so much like...

    ... the feelings all feel in all wars , like mine , like viet nam, war never ends


    • jacbgd2 gold member
      June 30, 2007
      Edit | Reply

      Roaddog Wolf

      I thank you so much for you comment on my poem about dreams!
      You are so right particularly about the Viet Nam war.
      Joyce


  • Simpatia
    May 28, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    The sky I watch bleeding as blows of racism sweep unyieldingly across the planet.
    In the name of God nations arise against
    all that He has bidden.

    And it is within these walls of ignorance ctizens remain;
    they thirst not the water of peace.
    The blood of their brothers shall not mar their perfect illusion
    of what could not be further from the truth.

    Canvases are painted with the oil of destruction;
    a gray mass of lies entangled within the web of greed and hate.
    The pill of deception has been swallowed yet another day;
    just another temporary fix
    in a planet where the remedy has been lost.

    The ears of the world are deaf to the cries arising from this hell.
    To many, our lives never began,
    therefore they cannot end.


    When this mangled blazing lump of flesh
    is all that remains of the ones YOU loved,
    and then they too turn their heads,
    remember their cries;
    the cries you decided to ignore…


    There is no dam strong enough
    to hold back this tide,
    for the current has been set in motion.




    Peace can be
    NOW;
    if you choose to find it

    within
    *





    My feelings run too deep to contain in words. Wonderful poem for amazing souls. Forever we must be grateful. http://allpoetry.com/poem/2132317


  • Lillian Rose
    May 28, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    You have no idea how much this poem has touched me. My boyfriend is currently over in Iraq and he's also getting frustrated and wondering why we're over there. He's also seen some of his friends die and heard about some of his friends die. He's losing his faith in God, even though now is the time he needs to be hanging on. Right now he's on a secret mission and I haven't heard from him in a week now. I know he's a good Marine but I still worry about him.

    You ask when this war is going to end. He told me that they think that once they do fully pull out of Iraq that Iran is going to go in and try to undo what they've done and try to take over. So we'll probably end up at war with Iran next. Hopefully not though, God, I beg not. This poem has honestly touched me in away no other have.

    If you don't mind my asking, what was your brother in law like when he came back from Iraq? I'm kind of worried about what to expect when my boyfriend comes back. It's our first deployment and I don't know what to expect. Thank you for writing this, if you don't mind I think that I will copy this and send it to him, I will give you full credit for it though!

    Casey


    • jacbgd2 gold member
      June 30, 2007
      Edit | Reply

      Simpatia

      You words are so beautiful, so captivating and oh so true. I will be visit you work soon, as now I must retire...
      Joyce


  • Impulse
    May 28, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    One controversy at a time, please

    This poem is about an individual experience of war, from the perspective of someone living and fighting through it. Yes, it's realistic in most ways. And of course it provokes debate about the war, its origins, reasons and justification. But that is a different controversy and I think this is where the poem crosses the civilian-military line: "i have no clue/why are we fighting/what did these people/do to me or you."
    Perhaps some soldiers think about this, and I hope they do. But most know why they are there: they joined the armed forces for patriotic and other reasons, and their elected leader got their country into a war, so they went. It's part of the deal. And once they get there, and in combat, they have no doubts about why they are fighting: to save and protect their comrades and themselves, civilians when they can. They don't wonder "what these people did to me? - they know - those people just shot at them, launched an RPG at them, set off a roadside bomb at them.
    I honor all those who serve in Iraq and Afghanistan, and those left behind who suffer and support them, and I'm glad that people are writing poems about their experience, especially on Memorial Day. But it saddens me to think that Americans could be so self-righteous as to judge soldiers and treat them differently depending on which war they went of to fight.
    They don't get to choose. It's all war, and all honorable soldiers are heroes; when they come home we shall treat them as so or shame only ourselves. Steve


  • wattle silver member
    May 28, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    'jacbgd2' thank you for your poem. It's a most thought provoking read. I guess it explains all with your "i suppose the spilling of blood to satisfy a war's thirst is the way it has to be" ---- I don't think for one minute that the “has to be” statement is true. But while we are represented by people who do, it will be.

    Soldiers are very brave well meaning people who should be admired for being so. However it occurs to me that they have more in common with the people they fight than the people who sent them to fight.

    I think the most hideous thought must be reserved for peace seeking people who live where a physical war is going on. Who what or where would/will they turn to for hope. Imagine for a moment being a parent wanting to protect your family in the midst of "the spilling of blood to satisfy a war's thirst"

    I guess we are involved in an intellectual war to assess what we feel is protecting our interests and who our enemy is. Your poem is a weapon of war in this struggle.

    Thank you again. --- Your poem is a first for me. I’m impressed. I’ll return again, for more take away. ----


  • Silent Cougar Moderators member
    May 28, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    To lay bare the thoughts brought on by the sight of lost life, either fictional or fact, in war or every day life, can be a hard act to follow.

    This write brings home just a miniscule piece of what has, is and will happen until all wars cease.

    Warriors, past and present have came across sights and emotions like this from day one. Some are so vividly remembered that it affects their future being to a degree ordinary poeple would never and never will understand.

    To talk about the feelings and visions cast from any war, especially those of today, takes a lot of guts, guts that are shown in the faces of so many service personnel that come home. Their quiet expressions say more than can be realised.

    wars of the past, were lost or won on battlefields where armies were lead by Kings, leading their men into battle, how many of the so called kings of today can stand proud and say the same?

    Until they take a stand, and carry the flags of honour, can they see the true stark reality of war.

    Todays technology in weaponry, could start and end certain wars in a few hours, and others a few days. Without the loss of hunreds of soldiers, sailors or airmen. But to think that this is put aside to show what we call' super power countries' in the spotlight without regard for loss of life is criminal. Until these men of power sit back and really think about the outcome of their 'orders', can we, as poeple, or enlisted personnel all over the world, feel safe in the knowledge that the threat of retaliation be enough to stop it starting in the first place.

    Writes like this will always bring out reaction, for or against, but until conflicts around the world like Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Sudan/Chad, etc, are brought to an end, we will always have times like this to reflect on.

    A sad part of todays world.


  • LunaChaotic08
    May 28, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    This is amazing! the loss of a friend, a leader..some ones son, father, husband, brother. its just so real and yet i wish it was a dream. Very good write, please keep writing! everyone should post their comments and feelings on this war, it mite make some people *cough*government*cough* realize that this needs to end! i sit on the fence on this issue. i lost an old buddie of mine over there last year, its still hard. at night i wonder if this war never started, where would he be today. but on the other hand, i do want us to feel safe again. i dont want to have to worry any more because i live next to a huge military base (Camp Lejune) and i dont want to go to school everyday and think, hmm could something happen to the base today.


  • capricornpoet
    May 27, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    On War

    It is sad war, but our soldiers over there carry out a
    duty and the flag and to protect liberty, wether we think it or not , they are brave, honorable and some die, let us praise them for the greatest sacrifice that any human being will do..And one day they will come home, those brave men, those that come back, lets raise the flag and honour them for the rest of their lives ..they are the ploughshare of our fields of corn, our freedom we can flaunt, our land we feel safe in....This is what I deplore, the soldiers coming home, we must not let them feel lost or as strangers, we sent them there , wether volonteer or drafted, they are heroes....remember them , the dead the glory of their sacrifice , on hallowed ground they lay, and to the who feel lost let us be gentle with the same heart we sent them to stand for freedom....war is sad,
    war is ugly, war is where our heroes stand on guard.
    If some say leaders fail them, some say not, but the soldiers never fail, they are men of creed and duty,
    and the flag is their shroud of freedom ..


  • FaeRae gold member
    May 27, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    Wow

    Being the daughter of a combat-wounded Vietnam Vet, this poem really hit home for me. Gulf War Vets and Vietnam Vets have such a strong bond because their situations are so similar; they are/were both in a sensless war encouraged by politicians with alterior motives, both are unpopular wars not supported by the people, both war's injuries and casualties are similar (Vietnam Vets and Gulf War Vets both have/had to deal with more "impact" wounds than in past wars; i.e. explosions, mines, and heavy artillary fire). I thought, having met my father's surviving friends, experiencing his mental and physical recovery with him, listening to his and his friend's war stories, and being completely enveloped in the military experience while growing up, that I understood both war and soldiers. Until this Gulf War started. Then, I really got it. I saw boys, my own age, coming home with no arms or legs, or coming home with less than a fraction of the person they'd mentally and emotionally been before. That's when it hit me: I didn't understand at all. It wasn't my brave, grown-up Daddy who had gone to war, it was a frightened BOY. A boy who left his innocense beneath a mine in Southeast Asia. You're poem was amazing, and I hope that those who are still supporting this war read it and finally, truly understand. We cannot change the situation over there, and we now see that our efforts to try and do so have shattered the innocense and emotional and mental strength of an entire generation. I hope Mr. Bush will one day realize that American have never balked at their duty to fight for freedom, but to ask young men and women to sacrifice their lives in a sensless, stupid war is a crime above all others. Alas, I think he already knows this. Notice how none of his children or neices or nephews have "answered the call to duty." That, I believe, is the strongest prrof that even he understands the stupidity of this plight. I believe you must be either strongly empathic or you have some sort of link to a soldier to have been able to write something so profoundly visceral and true. Please keep writing poems like these; you never know who's heart you might touch, who's mind you might change. One mind at a time - that's the only way we're going to get out of this.

    Blessed Be,
    ***Rae***

  • Nein
    May 27, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    I'm war beaten, i'm tired,
    i'm frustrated and
    i have no clue
    why are we fighting
    what did these people
    do to me or you


    I have to ask... do you not remember Sept 11, 2001? That's just me being Capt. Obvious... now for my thoughts on this piece.

    This was a very emotional write... one can tell as they read it that a lot of thought went into this piece. Even though I am a former Marine, I detest this war and everything that both sides believe it is for. I have lost 3 of my best friends to that god forsaken place and almost lost my brother.

    Your words are a graphic depiction of things. Great write. One last thing to ponder: In war there is no wrong or right, good or evil, just two opposing sides fighting for what they believe in. No matter how developed the country, the story is always the same, the poor man bleeding for the rich man's gains.


  • vici377
    May 27, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    very intense

    my husband's best friend's son was killed in Iraq in the beginning of the war... Staff Sgt Ronald Baum.. he left behind a loving wife who still goes to his grave everyday and also 3 children... senseless,... horrific catastrophic.... such an awful mistake.... thank you for bringing a way to grieve through poetry.. somehow we all must move away and move on i know i am doing my part to end this tragedy.. thank you again


  • alco
    May 27, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    Awesome

    This is such a wonderfully written poem, I can trully tell you put your heart into it...my favorite stanza would probably have to be:
    "I'm war beaten, i'm tired,
    i'm frustrated and
    i have no clue
    why are we fighting
    what did these people
    do to me or you"
    ...It rings all too true. My nephiew, Issac, who is just 2yrs younger than me, he is now 28yrs old, is Special Ops, has done 3tours in Iraq, and 1 in Afganistan, and his last time in Iraq, was shot. He now has a bullet lodged between his lung and his heart. It would be to risky to try to remove it. He was in Iraq when his wife, Betty, gave birth to thier first child. His name is Gabriel. Gabe, for short.
    I agree totally, this war is sensless, not that I don't completely support out troops, the brave men & women who defend our country and put their lives on the line. But, we have no reason to be in Iraq. None whatsoever.
    May the good Lord bless you.
    Monica


  • jacbgd2 gold member
    May 27, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    Footnote:
    First, I want you to know I make very few of my poems up and this is not one of them....Some of the readers have misinterperted the meaning in this poem. Nowhere do I say just walk out on the war!!
    Please re-read. I said nothing about truning tail and runnings... I did say the Americian people were lied to about why this war was started and that because of that those same people should find a way to end it and bring our soldiers home... You are probably not familier with my work, if you were you would know that most of my poems are not my words. I have had a husband to serve in the Air force during Viet Nam and a son in the Navy for Gulf storm and many other relatives and friends have bee to or are going to Iraq.....
    I was told by a seasoned Army captian by way of a good friend in the Army, these are not the words of a civilian but those of a true front line soldiers.... Sorry you misinterperted the meaning....... I am all true American. I am also from S.E. LA and lost much in that war here in our country. The impact of that war is still being felt by so many suffering survivers....
    It funny how no one objected to the words written in that poem, but you a another poet, who is also not famelier with my word have disagreed with this one... Hetler in Germany is a "horse of a different color". That war can not be compaired to what is going on now in Iraq.. I feel like comparing these two would be like comparing a dog to a mouse. This is my option and I say what I see.... However, here for only the second time out of 100s of reviews, only two people misunderstood the entire meaning... I'm sorry but what you interpted is completly off track of what I wrote.... Sorry you do not see the true message and my option of this particular war as was mine for the V.N war, when my husband served, is the same... and the Gulf war in which my son served as a Navy shipman.. I remember how the so called true Americans treated the returning soldier from that war in V. N.! You most likely do too. Nobody wins in war!!! Especially, one like V. N. and Iraq!! We all lose!!! My opinions, only and everyone has the right to have one and to voice it here in the wonderful USA. I'm not trying to funny or disrespectful but I will let no one say I'm un-American simply because of my beliefs and I know many other Americans feel the same way!!!!! I respect your feeling and beliefs and I hope you will mine!!!

  • goalsv
    May 27, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Your feelings are easily understood, and they are yours. All soldiers want to go home. War is terrible, it is tragic, and it is life changing, yet it is also necessary. To look on the outside of this is easy, but to look deeper and see what is going on makes more sense. If we thought about Hitler this same way Germany would rule the world today with more killing and torture than we see now. To cut and run now would not only lead to bigger problems later, it would be a disgrace to our soldiers that have fallen, and that fight now! I have 3 nephews in the army, 1 has been in Iraq, and back, one that is there now, and 1 that is training to go. I wish they didn't have to, but it is necessary.


  • KainLegin
    May 27, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Wars, killing, death, pain, tears and whatever horrible there is are what wars bring. the troops, soldier families, citizens and so far all those are victims of war. I once read in a book:

    'Innocence go first in line at war times'

    I just couldn't stop wondering since then, when will the evil be punished!. It seem now that evil never is pushed back as we see, this world is just falling apart.
    It's an excellent poem in my opinion, it has very well explained the feelings of those soldiers. very well done, jacbgd2, just a writing as expected from you.
    Wonderful. =)


  • vampire-lestat
    May 27, 2007

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    I am a soldier, I have been to Iraq 2 times. People die in war thats the way it has been since the beginning of time and thats how it will be till the end of time. Its human nature to fight and anyone who says that violence doesn't solve anything is living in a delusion. The only way we can honor those who have fallen is by winning so that there sacrifice wouldn't be in vain. They died for our great country with honor and courage and to even suggest this war is pointless or that we should give up the fight tuck tail and run is not only unamerican but it is a disgrace to all the soldiers that have given the ultimate sacrifice for this country in every war.

  • mcheadle
    May 27, 2007

    Edit | Reply

    You don't think of the danger so much till it hits close

    Then you pray and pray with all of yourmost to your God. Not only for those over there but their famileis that care and share th stress. Everd day I prayed and until I heard from him each week then could I breath. He is home but I still pray. I was was on a post and someone said another one lost and I was thinking of another, the remark he was of another branch. ThisI said didn't matter to me He or they were still one of ours with regrets he said yes.We are all in this mess.Thanks for reminding him I gave him a hug. We all are over for the same thing
    It is hard on everone. Home is closer to sone than others. I let them know to each one I send my love
    and onev a year I show how I still care. Those who know me, know my love and how I share. I love you guys and ladies here and over where ever yuo all are even if at home. Down time is needed where ever you roam.


  • HeavenScent4U
    May 25, 2007

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    very good emotional poem. i think everyone feels the same way about this senseless war. we are over there and fighting for what? how many soldiers have lived what you have written here and for what? it is all so senseless to me.

    yes we do need to do something about it because it is so heartbreaking to think of all the death and destruction going on.

    my daughter-in-law was there for a little over a year, stationed in baghdad at the airport ans she was scared for her life every hour of everyday and her job was processing soldiers in and out as they either came to there to defend our country or came back after living the horrors you spoke of here. her platoon went back again for the second time but she was not permitted to go because of her feet, they din't want to risk something happening to her and it broke her heart to see her friends have to go back there without her. that is just how strong the commarodery (sp)? is over there.

    this was a very descriptive and strong write, you did a wonderful job. be well and be blessed


  • M0ofi3
    May 3, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    Very catchy emotionally. Your message comes across very clear in dramatic ways.


  • Peteskid gold member
    May 3, 2007
    Edit | Reply

    Excellent


    "I saw a woman standing all alone
    in a carefully tended garden of stone
    I saw her well though she looked not at me
    only to the fresh earth , and so longingly"

    Say No More


  • PrincessOfFire
    May 3, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    one shoot> was this supposed to be shot? Very painful read. Of the ones who return they are branded for life. Thanks for sharing.
    Rose


  • WarmHeartedGeisha
    May 3, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    o God, I loved how ur words flowed. But I could barely read this...this is terrible..the war and the number of deaths of both sides..Auntie this poem of urs is great..but has made me so weak with sadness. The description of ur poem is amazing.


  • Whoochi gold member
    May 2, 2007

    Edit | Reply
    Awwwww, J! such truth you have poignantly and starkly attested to here, the words are penetrating to the soul, I will not give my political views but have dealt with alot of vets in my medical career and nothing is more truer than their lives are altered in ways so many cannot see or even have the concept of...This is truly a oulful write and one to be cherished...I believe you should copy and send to the men over there...Am sure it would touch their lives, is that not what we do it for, to touch ones soul with our words??? Just a thought...Godspeed and bring them all back safely! Superb emotional and physical description felt here...Spiritual as well


  • Jadon
    May 2, 2007

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    Who knows how to stop the "senseless dying"!

    Someone more political than I would probably have some disquieting things to say about why US troops are even involved in this war. Our troops are in Afghanistan
    As a diary entry, it reflects well the terrors faced by some troops each day. A soldier may return physically unscathed as you say, but I have seen lives of soldiers impacted forever by scenes such as you describe. "this war has changed the inner core of my being"
    You have done well in putting a human face to a entangled situation showing the cost in human life. The cost is not only the deaths, but as you point out, the lives forever altered.
    As with you and this soldier you created I too wonder what will enable the return of troops from foreign soils. Jadon


  • serenity silvermoon
    May 2, 2007
    Edit | Reply
    this was good sad but good thanks for sharing and god bless


  • Frozentearz
    May 2, 2007

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    I think a lot of people wish that the war in Iraq was over I am a soldiers wife, and my husband was also in Iraq, We must not forget any war is like this,
    Godspeed to all and thanks for sharing,
    Warm thoughts
    Frozentearz

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