Someone recently sent me a link to The SandBox Blog. This is blog is a collection of stories from soldiers and Marines in Iraq. They login and record their thought on the day. It is pretty good and I find myself going there on a regular basis. I love the blog because at one time I had the honor of knowing a Marine in Iraq and I heard the stories as told through his Aunt.

I got to know Frank, through his Aunt Paula. Paula and I worked together at a local heritage development corporation. Our offices were right next to each other and we have similar tastes in just about everything. Aunt Paula is very proud of Frank. I listened to Paula talk about Frank’s descision to go into the Marine’s and listened to her tell stories about Frank’s basic training. Frank has a heart bigger than any three men, a deep sense of responsibility to his family, community, fellow Marines, and his country. Frank at 18 was more responsible than most men at 50. People in his hometown tell stories of Frank. Stories about how Frank helped them with odd jobs around their homes. Paula always laughed because Frank’s mom always found out what Frank was doing when she was out in the community and the neighbors would tell her how much help Frank was to them.

As you can tell Frank is a great guy, and when the war broke out and I heard Frank was going to Iraq I prayed for his safety. Here was a young Marine heading into hostile territory and I had never met him but felt connected to the war through him. Frank, like several Marines I know, went because it was their duty to go. To my knowledge Frank never complained but was ready to be there with his fellow Marines. His Aunt Paula always told me what Frank was doing and where he was located. I learned about the war through the only personal connection I had to the event, Frank.

I remember the day Paula came to the office and received the call no family member wants to get, Frank was wounded. We did not know anything else that day. I sat in silence in a comfortable office far away from Iraq waiting to hear if Paula got any word from Frank’s mom. It eventually came and Frank was going to be ok, although he was going to have to live with a pound of lead in his hip. Frank was wounded when his Humvee ran over an IED, killing his one friend and injuring another buddy, Frank stayed at his gun ready to defend until help arrived. I remember hearing the stories and feeling frustrated because I could not help, could not walk into the hospital and offer assistance. I wanted to say I was sorry to hear about his friend who was killed and I wanted to tell him that I was praying for he and his family.

Frank made a total of three trips to Iraq before he finished out his time in the Marines. I got to meet Frank. He, his father and his mother invited several of Paula’s co-workers to Paula’s house for a meal. By the way to say that Frank’s Mom can cook is like saying that Michealanglo could paint, WOW what a meal. We got to talk to Frank and listen to the stories he told about a place I will never see. I got to hear him talk about brave men and women I will never meet. I got to know Frank. I still listen to his Aunt Paula tell stories about him. I enjoy any news she has about Frank and his family.

I would imagine that if the Iraq surge plan moves ahead, and I am sure it will, more men and women like Frank will be called to serve. Would Frank? Not sure but I know that losing more lives would be difficult for those families. I agree with our President, a more secure Iraq means a more secure America. I believe freedom is not America's gift to the world; I believe freedom is the almighty God's gift to each man and woman in this world. I believe we as Americans have some role in helping others secure freedom. What is the cost? How much more bloodshed is required to ensure a free Iraq? Is it worth it? I believe those are the questions and I believe the people to best comment are Marines and soldiers like Frank and the citizens of America. So what do you think?

So take some time today and read the blogs from some of the Soldiers and Marines in Iraq. I have repasted the link at the bottom of this Blog.

http://gocomics.typepad.com/the_sandbox/