More from Blacksheep 6

Another update from (the newly pinned 1LT) Blacksheep Six... Hello all and greeting from picturesque Iraq. FINALLY THE ELECTIONS ARE OVER!!! This has been a momentous occasion but man I am tired. Fortunately, there were no significant acts in our area of operations; no explosions, no threats and not a shot fired. I would venture to say that counts as success. This just means that we get to stand down for a few days before resuming normal operations. All of the activity over the last few weeks started me thinking about what defines a warrior. According to Webster's, a warrior is "anyone in uniformed service...trained in the art of combat." That really didn't sit well with me. What about our police officers, our firemen, the doctors and nurses who work the ER and trauma centre? Aren't these individuals just as well trained and dedicated to their jobs as a soldier who fights on the front lines? Don't they all combat an enemy who is just as elusive and just as deadly as Joe Haji the terrorist? In my mind the definition of warrior is any individual, in active combat with an aggressor whose sole purpose is the degradation of life, liberty and/or the pursuit of happiness. This would encompass more of the people I consider warriors. People who get up everyday and fight and elusive and adaptive enemy. They combat fire, crime, hunger, illiteracy, poverty, despots. They battle to provide a better life for their families. They bring food and comfort to the elderly. The volunteer. All of these people are warriors and there's a warrior in all of us. One of our patrols recently came across an infant with some serious health issues. She had a lump growing on her back that was about 6" X 4" X 2". Her family was desperate for help and our hearts went out to her. Through the efforts of 1LT JM, Mr.Chris Compton from the AJC and several motivated individuals we have made some major headway. Several major hotels have agreed to house the family and American Airlines has offered to fly the family to the US. Senator Chambliss has also agreed to assist us in any way he can. It looks like this little girl will have a shot at a healthy life. Her prognosis was that she would be dead before her 1st birthday. I really appreciate all of the doctors, medics and soldiers who have literally put their lives and careers on the line to offer assistance to this family. It is truly amazing to see the military go from seek and destroy to humanitarian efforts at the flip of s switch. There's more good news: it is now 1LT WP! My CO pinned me on the 19th and my date of rank is 9/9/05. Just in time for us to take over our new sector next month. We also made Fox news this evening (morning for you guys). There was a KBR convoy that was attacked and they had several vehicles on fire. My A section (2 BFVs) responded to the attack and provided security to this event even though it was out of our sector! My boys did an excellent job in my absence! I would like to send a special holiday greeting to all of you. I miss you all and hope that you enjoy the holiday festivities. Sleep well on Christmas knowing that the Blacksheep will be on station patrolling Baghdad. Blacksheep 6 out!