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May 25, 2004
Dear Donna and our friends at Passy-Muir Inc.,
First and foremost let me apologize for this letter
taking so long to reach you. It is well overdue. Unfortunately,
our redeployment took longer than expected and our equipment took
even longer. It is only recently that our military containers completed
their journey across many oceans and a good part of the southeaster
United States to reach us. The completion of this process was necessary
to finally have the supplies that allowed me to properly pay tribute
to those who have supported and helped us come so far, such as you.
I would like to start with a little history about
the unit that you so graciously supported. Our company was part
of the initial force of 101st Airborne Division "Screaming Eagles"
to cross the Iraqi border and commence combat operations against
the enemy. The name "Screaming Eagles" was never more appropriate
than when our Blackhawk helicopters crossed the Iraqi border low
and fast to ensure that the front line soldier had the best support
possible. Our unarmed aircraft never hesitated from getting our
casualties out of harms way. The Red Crosses on our aircraft didn't
stop the enemy from firing upon our aircrews as they flew in to
get our wounded comrades. These are truly some of the finest soldiers
that this Army has seen and I am proud to be associated with them.
You should be too.
From the beginning of the deployment, the "EAGLE DUSTOFF"
company advanced with the 101st Airborne Division from the Kuwaiti
border in southern Iraq through Baghdad and finally stopping at
Iraqi's northern border (over 1000 miles). During that time, elements
from our company jumped to new locations and established operations
more than 14 times. The soldiers endured many hardships during the
deployment including heat as high as 135 degrees unbelievable sand/dust
storms, the life threatening situations of combat, and the pain
of separation from their loved ones. As soldiers, we tried not to
focus on the hardships, but rather we were driven by the hope that
our recent presence there prevents our children from going there
tomorrow as warriors. We hope that they will go as tourist instead.
We will never be able to repay you for the feeling
of admiration and support that you provided us. Your efforts made
a HUGE difference. It is only through great patriots such as yourself
that we were able to continue the fight. The soldiers here consider
you part of the team and a member of the "EAGLE DUSTOFF" family.
You can be assured that as an honorary member of the 50th MED, you
join the ranks of many brave soldiers that have served with distinction
throughout our history.
When it was all said and done, over 420 Combat Casualties
had been evacuated during the more than 2,500 combat flight hours
that were flown. These superb soldiers also excelled in the rebuilding
effort of Iraq helping to spend more than 2.6 Million dollars on
the Mosul University, the largest school in Iraq. This was no easy
task and one that the local Iraqis have expressed eternal gratitude
for our efforts, especially for the valves that you provided.
Support like yours and the promise of a bright future
that we saw in the eyes of the children there in Iraq motivated
us to continue on during the one year long deployment. Unfortunately,
with all the negative press, the good stories like the ones that
we could tell will most likely never be told, but we know that we
made a very positive difference in Iraq and the majority of its
people truly appreciate our presence.
Once again, please accept our deepest appreciation
for your support of our great soldiers who fight for the protection
of America's freedom and liberation of the oppressed.
John P. Lamoureux
Major, U.S. Army
Commanding
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