Jul 27, 2006 15:14
I recently posted the following message on myspace. I figured this was a good place for it too
Friends,
It's a heartbreaker to have to sit and write this message to you all, especially those who I've made plans with to see in the near future. I must inform you that my unit's tour in Iraq has been extended with no definite date of return. I will not be going on leave in September, I will not be returning to American soil for now. I'll explain briefly what's going on:
For those of you who watch the news and keep up with what's going on in Iraq, you've probably heard about the major attacks planned on Baghdad. For many reasons, Iraq's stability hinges on whether or not we can bring order to the capital city, at least, this is what the generals are saying. To do this they are calling on my unit for help.I am part of the 172d Stryker Brigade Combat team stationed in Fort Wainwright, AK. During my tour here we have been extremeley successful in bringing relative stability to northern Iraq, and our unit was specifically called on to aid the crisis in Baghdad where we will be moving to in the near future. We have been extended indefinetly, but most predict 4 months, 6 months max. All of this information can be found on yahoo news or cnn.com as my unit has managed to make national headlines from what I'm being told.
Though I am sad and upset by not being able to see all of you more than I could ever express at this point, I want all of you to know that I understand and accept this extension as my duty. I am proud to stand inside this moment of history beside my fellow service members and see this through to the end. I know all of you will support me and keep me in your prayers if your beliefs allow for that sort of thing. I can assure you that you will all be in mine, and I look forward to the day that I can be with you all again.
Much Love,
Jacob
P.S. Expect to not see me online for a little while as I let this all settle in.