2008.12.24
24DEC08--The Gift of Freedom
After getting back from the Iraqi base tonight, the team gathered to open some gifts that a church sent to us. While their generosity was much appreciated, Evan the interpreter received the best gift.
Evan (a.k.a. 'Easy T') received word today that his special immigration visa will be approved pending an interview at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad next month. In early March, he will likely be making the trek to America in following the dream that has made our country so great.
After a month or so of procedure, he will go back to work wearing an Army uniform. Only this time, his rank will not be local national linguist, he will be a private. Evan wants to go into military intelligence and serve the country that he owes his freedom. It is beautiful really.
Evan the American-to-be prints out his visa approval from my desk. Notice the love from Virginia.
Bottom: Sergeant Jihad Kerbouche originally of Algeria can relate with Evan's dream. Top: Lieutenant Jay Alaniz, a pure-blooded Texan.
From left to right: Sergeant KC Connaughton, Sergeant Brian Parker (in the background), Captain Rich Connaroe, and Specialist Huddleston open the gifts.
Merry Christmas and God's Peace to you Richard. Congratulations to Evan. What a wonderful Holiday surprise. Take car and have a great day. Each day past is one day closer to coming home! Denise
Comment by Denise Bailey — December 24, 2008 @ 5:50 pm
I try and see your posts all the time.....this one is special. Hope you had a great Christmas...under the circumstances. You are representing the Institute well and making us old grads proud.......you give us the "rest of the story view" like Paul Harvey. There are a lot of good things happening in Iraq thanks to you guys. God Speed-to you and your troops
PS check out vmisports.proboards57.com to check up with Keydet sports.
dtbclass69
Comment by dave bush — December 25, 2008 @ 2:35 pm
Dave,
Honestly, I wish that I could write more...really. As a Soldier, there are a great number of topics that would not be proper for me to discuss at this time. But even being compared to Mr. Paul Harvey is a great honor.
I will check out the VMI website. I have been following the basketball team. 9-2! Wow! I wonder, if they won the Big South, what would it then take to get into the NCAA tourney? I know that Radford was in it a few years back.
Comment by richconnaroe — December 25, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
Merry Christmas to you and your team! I'm glad you all had some time off, and hopefully you were able to reach family and friends back home. You're all in my thoughts on this day especially. Take care and stay safe.
Comment by Eva — December 25, 2008 @ 7:22 pm
Thank you so much for your sacrifice so that others may enjoy the same freedom we have.Karen
Comment by Karen Freeland — December 27, 2008 @ 9:12 pm