OIF 10 years later.

[Justin Maxwell]

     10 years ago Operation Iraqi Freedom began, while others questioned why we went in I knew there had to be some good that would come out of it. Now 10 years later and with 8 years working with the Navy people ask me "What good has come of it?" I look at the world and see Arab Spring going on I like to think that Iraq gaining Democracy had something to do with other countries in the area saying "We want a choice of leaders" and "No dictators!". I hope one day we can look at OIF as the beginning of when all the world said "NO" to dictators and took a stand for freedom.

     People say "He didn't have WMD's thats a lie!!!" Well look at Saddam himself and what he did to his own people, does that not constitute a warcrime? Going to entire villages and killing them all Women and small children just because they were another sect? This man was a 1 man WMD and I am damn glad he is now gone. Yes Iraq is a mess but democracy is not an easy thing to maintain, it took France years to go from Monarchy to a Democracy, we do it so well because we have over 236 years of it. Yes people have died, innocent people and thats never a good thing, I don't have an answer for that and I don't think I ever will.

     I am not untouched by this war I have lost 13 people in this war. 13 brave men and women who were good husbands, brothers, fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, and damn good friends who I miss every single day of my life. I have to think they gave their lives for something important.  Tonight I look back at the past 10 years and think "Am I proud of my service, am I proud of what I had a part in?" and I say "Yes"

Fair Winds and Following Seas my fallen brothers and sisters. 

[Trekscribbler (aka Ed)]

Thank you for your service.