A LETTER FROM THE FRONT

April 25, 2007

Below is a letter from LeeAnn Ivey’s son, Jeff.  Please keep Jeff, LeeAnn, and all of our troops in your prayers.

Hello everyone.

I am doing fine. I really like what I do here and my spirit is high. We are staying in a run down old community recreation center. There is non potable water for one shower which is awesome but we can’t drink the water. Electricity is off and on, as a sergeant I share a little room with two other sergeants. So I have a little space to make mine and call a temp home. It is very interesting to see how the Iraqi people live day to day. For the most part they want peace too, but do to murder intimidations by terrorist they are all scared. i don’t blame them it is not like America here. Most of them see Marines and are happy to see us and say “shukran” (thank you) and smile; it makes me feel good to help them out. We stand post on the fob and go out on patrols. On patrols I am the patrol leader for my section. Once out the gate I am on my own and I am able to make the call that I see best fit. I really enjoy patrolling and to get out and talk to the locals and try to find weapons cache, detain the ones who don’t want  peace with us or the locals, or just see what the locals might need to live a better life.  We are staying safe and staying focused. I have no complaints and I am glad to get to experience this life style. It is defiantly a life experience.  I miss you all very much and wish I could get some pictures out to you but the internet is really slow. I appreciate all of your support and I love to hear from you. Internet is slow and there is only few times that is works and then there is a line, so writing by hand mail might be better way to go. Either way I love you all and will talk to you soon.