Dispatches From the Desert, #1…

My friends, we are indeed fortunate to have a dear friend of mine guest blogging from Iraq.
A citizen soldier in our Air National Guard, Julia Layton has been deployed on active duty somewhere in Iraq and has graciously agreed to share her thoughts with us occasionally on these pages whenever she has the ability and the time to do so.
In addition to the titles of Mother, Soldier and Patriot, Julia now adds to her resume the designation as “ConBlog’s Official Iraqi Information Ministratrix.” Please join me in welcoming her to our forum and in thanking her for her selfless service in defense of all of us and of the United States of America.
Take it away, Julia…

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I’m not really sure how I’m supposed to start this thing. *leans forward and taps the microphone* “Heh-Hello? Is this thing on?” *feedback*
Yeah, so…probably an introduction is in order. However, I’d rather maintain my anonymity, in some regards, so maybe it’s best to tell you about my situation. I’m a single mom. I make a pretty decent
income working for a private firm. I own my own home. And I’m in the Guard. Actually, I’m in Iraq but I’m a member of the Guard.
The whole point of this column is really not that well defined. The creator of Conservative Blogger offered me the opportunity to have a guest column on his site. How can you pass a chance up like that? *smiles* But I haven’t really decided whether more commentary is what folks would like or if there is a section of you out there who have questions you’d like answered. I guess time will tell.
Maybe I can start with something that I’d like answered. Why is it when I tell someone I’m going to Iraq, I get the same reaction as if I’d said I had cancer? It never ceases to amaze me just how many people’s countenances drop and some variant of the following comes from their lips: “Ohhh, I’m so sorry to hear that.”
*looks over her shoulders*
What is all THAT about?! Last time I checked there was no one holding a gun to my head forcing me to go. I’m still part of a voluntary military force; the best in the world. I’ve already been to Afghanistan. Not saying that this tour is going to be easier, but c’mon folks. THIS IS WHAT I’M TRAINED TO DO! This is my job.
So, who are these people that are going off to Iraq; some glory hunting, wanna be hero types? No. I see twenty-somethings who want to give something back to their country. I see guys who make six figures giving up their salaries to be a part of a team to help make someone’s life a little better in another country by giving those people a chance to work for themselves. I see single parents who left their children in the homes of their mom or dad during Christmas so that some single parent over here might have a chance to see their little one grow up in a free society. I see a great deal of good. I just wonder why no one else can.
And then it hits me. It’s because the general press doesn’t cover all the good that is going on around here. Heck, they hardly covered any of the good that was done in Afghanistan. There is nothing more frustrating than being overseas and giving your all, seeing the positive effects of food drops, clothing donations, helping wounded nationals get medical attention, resupplying schools and hearing none of it…NONE OF IT…written in the papers. I am almost convinced that if the press of today were covering the events of World War II, most Europeans would speak German and Japan would have a sizable chunk of the Pacific.
So if you meet someone who is going over to Iraq, might I make a suggestion? Look them in the eye, give them a small smile, a firm handshake and wish them well. Acknowledge the sacrifice that they are making on behalf of America and the civilians who stay at home. Support them as best you can through e-mails, letters, care packages and challenge the local press for GOOD news instead of the usual dirty laundry that the editors say sells papers.
America was built on optimism, a “can do” attitude, hard work and sacrifice. Yet these traits aren’t solely American. We’re here to help those who would help themselves form the type of nation that took us over 100 years to establish. That’s not something to be sorry for in the least.
Julia Layton
ConBlog’s Official Iraqi Information Ministratrix