Going to Iraq

Hello everyone,

In a few short days, I am leaving Camp Shelby, Mississippi for the country of Iraq. I'm not going to lie : the last few months have been hard not just physically, but mentally as well. There have been hard days, lonely days, and days where I didn't know if I could continue, but forced myself to do so anyway. I did so not only because it was the right thing to do as a soldier, but because everyone around me depends on me as well. The bond of brotherhood has taken a firm grip on my platoon, and insured a level of cooperation not commonly seen in the civilian world. We sleep together, eat together, work together, win together, and lose together. The next 12 months will be no different.

I'm not going to lie, deployments are very hard. Being away from home, family and friends takes a toll unknown to anyone in the civilian world. But it is sacrifices like mine, and the thousands before me that have made our great country what it is today.

Do not shed a tear for my departure, even if I do not return. Even if you do not support our politicians or government leaders, support our troops. We are the spirit of a nation that will continue to reign free in a world of tyranny and corruption. We are the nation that makes the world what it is today by fighting for what is right, and against what is wrong. We are an unprecedented volunteer force of men and women who fight not for money or for glory, but for principals and morals alone.

I believe in the fight, and I believe in the mission. I believe it is my duty to follow in the footsteps of those before me to make the world a better place. And god willing, I will do just that. Although I cannot tell you where I am going in country or what I am doing, I can give you my address. Due to limitations in communications (being that it is a third world country and all) snail mail might be the best way to reach me. Our days our long, sleep is short, and down time is almost non-existent. I will update everyone on our progress as I can, so please be patient. And for god sakes, please don't believe anything you hear on the news... it will only make you go insane.

I will be back to share a beer with everyone, to celebrate old times and enjoy new ones. I believe the good memories in life are what carry you through the bad. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for the memories.



Sincerely,

J.R. Salzman


“It’s the unconquerable soul of man, not the nature of the weapon he uses, that insures victory.” - General George S. Patton