SIDE SALAD - Everything crunchy is good.

'WHAT SACRIFICE FOR THE SAKE OF FREEDOM FEELS LIKE'

Got another couple letters from my buddy Drew in Iraq. (I've been pounded with work and have been trying to spice up The Stew, so I haven't had a chance to catch up the Salad with his correspondence.)

I'm still awestruck by the immediacy of the front lines. Every e-mail seems like a little miracle to me. It's surreal that he's there fighting terrorists and negotiating with factions and training police and yet still has the presence of mind to stay in touch back home. If there's a better example of poise and sacrifice, I can't think of it.

A couple weeks back, after I posted a Moment of Zen sunset photo, I got one in my e-mail from Drew.

You can see a larger version of it by clicking here.

In the foreground, you can see the names of fallen soldiers in his battalion etched on a memorial wall at the Forward Operating Base.

A few days after this, Drew's wife, Susan, e-mailed a link to a story about Drew participating in a graduation ceremony for the first class of SWAT graduates in Hawija.

The story quotes Drew as saying:

"If you watch the news one of the questions that always seems to be asked is, 'Is this war in Iraq worth it?'" said Lt. Col. Drew Meyerowich, battalion commander, 2-27. "There is a simple answer to this question that involves two [elements]," Meyerowich continued.

"As long as there is an enemy that is willing to blow up innocent children and families and there are men who are willing to stand up against these criminals, then what we are doing here is worth it.

"Sitting here today are a group of young men who want to take back their society from these terrorists. They understand that the future of their families, the future of their towns, and the future of the nation rests with them," Meyerowich said. "“I am honored to be here today congratulating you."

Then I got this note from him this week in honor of Veteran's Day.

Each word is full of dedication, longing, weariness and sense of purpose. The extended family here at Casa del Ensalada could not be more proud of what he's doing and all he's accomplished:

Family and Friends of the Wolfhounds;

Veterans Day is a special time in America in that our society takes a moment to reflect on all that veterans have done and sacrificed for the freedom that our society lives in. There are no people in our society that understand this sacrifice better than the veterans themselves. Today, members of TF WOLFHOUND celebrated this sacrifice on FOB McHenry, Iraq. This morning, all members of out team were awarded their Combat Patch for the 25th Infantry Division. It was a simple yet meaningful service that gives each Soldier the Tropic Lightning patch that they wear on their right shoulder for the rest of their career and symbolizes the service that all of us are doing for the cause of freedom. Following that, I took great pleasure in helping to barbeque the steaks our Soldiers ate for dinner. Dinner was followed by a Veterans Day celebration of music and meditation on what it means to be a veteran and on our Wolfhounds that gave the ultimate sacrifice. While we tried to afford every Soldier the opportunity to attend all these events, mission and operations didn't stop.

Every member of Task Force Wolfhound continues to do incredible things for both the Iraqi people and each other. Operations have not slowed down and every day I see first hand how hard working this team is in the accomplishment of our mission. As we send Wolfhounds home for R&R Leave, this fact becomes even clearer. We are all excited about spending a few weeks at home, and having to do extra work so that others can take R & R makes us all work harder. Every Soldier, every leader is a vital part to this team.

This Veterans Day was a special event for us. In the past, many members of our team saw this as just a day off. Every Wolfhound has seen first hand what it means to be a veteran and what sacrifice for the sake of freedom feels like. Our Wolfhound Veterans from the past have over 100 years of ruthless battles and campaigns that they fought when our Nation called. We stand proud today living in their footsteps and living by the same motto that has kept the fire in this Regiment burning bright: "NO FEAR ON EARTH."

We all miss our families and friends deeply. This sadness never seems to go away, but the discipline and dedication of each member of this team knows that our work here is not only important to the people of Iraq, but also to the safety and security of the very same people we long to see. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for what you do and continue to do for Task Force Wolfhound. My love and respect goes out to every one of you today and I wish you all a safe and happy Veterans Day.

Respectfully Yours,

DREW R. MEYEROWICH
LTC, IN
Commander, 2-27 Infantry "Wolfhounds"

Posted by Jeff at November 14, 2006 07:29 AM | TrackBack