We've all heard the question asked:  Is the American presence in Iraq having an impact?  Are we making any positive difference?  From the mass media, to politicians, maybe even those around your company water cooler or your dinner table, it can be hard to hear talk of the good that is being done in Iraq and the appreciation of the Iraqi people.

That's one of the best aspects of working with SoA.  We get to hear the good stuff from those who are there.  And we get to share it with those of you who help us to respond to the men and women--American and Iraqi alike--who are working hard, every day and at great sacrifice, to make the good stuff happen.

We received the following letter from Major John Phillips who has been working at Fort Tal Afar to train Iraqi security forces. He shares with us a message from the Major of that city.  The words of both of these gentlemen are a must read.  They will make you proud, warm your heart and give you hope.

"I am slightly over half-way through my deployment.  Many of you have provided me overwhelming support which I will appreciate forever.  Below my introduction is a letter I hope you will read from the Mayor of Tall Afar, Iraq.

[When I arrived in Iraq] I partnered with the 1st Brigade, 3d Division Iraqi Army for the purpose of training their Brigade Command and Staff.  Within 21 days my unit went into combat fighting house to house for Operation Restoring Rights.  The United States Army unit I was operationally attached to was the 2d Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment.   Following [an early] operation my Military Training Team (MiTT) moved into the very center of the city of Tall Afar along with the 2d Squadron known as the Saber Squadron.  We worked alongside them night and day until we were finally withdrawn from that city and moved to Al Kasik.

  Together with their Iraqi counterparts in Tall Afar they reestablished the Iraqi police, courts of law, opened businesses, provided security 24 hours a day, hunted and found many of the worst terrorists.  Through regular meetings with the Mayor of Tall Afar, the Brigade Commander of our Iraqi Unit, LTC Hickey commander of Saber Squadron, the commanders of the Iraqi Police and the US Cavalry Troop Commanders I had the opportunity to personally get to know Mayor Najim, the Mayor of Tall Afar.  Before my eyes I witnessed the salvation of a city drowning without hope of a future under the siege of the worst terrorism.  I will remember the men and women of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment forever.  I learned from them every day.  They are true heroes and leaders.  They won this war in Tall Afar.

The Mayor of Tall Afar wrote the below farewell letter to the unit.  A more clear expression of appreciation and respect to this unit and America could not be written.  I only wish it could be printed in every newspaper in the United States.  The war on terrorism is worth winning.  The history of tyranny and fear in this country is too easily transported throughout the world without the courage of a free and brave society to take a stand.  America must continue its struggle to remain free and protect the freedom of others.

 Sincerely, John S. Phillips Major, SC
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This letter from the Mayor of Tall 'Afar, Ninewa, Iraq came home with the regiment.  What a great send off for going back home.

From:  Mayor of Tall ‘Afar, Ninewa, Iraq

In the Name of God the Compassionate and Merciful

To the Courageous Men and Women of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, who have changed the city of Tall’ Afar from a ghost town, in which terrorists spread death and destruction, to a secure city flourishing with life.

To the lion-hearts who liberated our city from the grasp of terrorists
who were beheading men, women and children in the streets for many months.

To those who spread smiles on the faces of our children, and gave us restored hope, through their personal sacrifice and brave fighting, and gave new life to the city after hopelessness darkened our days, and stole our confidence in our ability to reestablish our city.

Our city was the main base of operations for Abu Mousab Al Zarqawi. The city was completely held hostage in the hands of his henchmen. Our schools, governmental services, businesses and offices were closed.

 Our streets were silent, and no one dared to walk them. Our people were barricaded in their homes out of fear; death awaited them around every corner. Terrorists occupied and controlled the only hospital in the city.

 Their savagery reached such a level that they stuffed the corpses of children with explosives and tossed them into the streets in order to kill grieving parents attempting to retrieve the bodies of their young.

This was the situation of our city until God prepared and delivered unto them the courageous soldiers of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, who liberated this city, ridding it of Zarqawi’s followers after harsh fighting, killing many terrorists, and forcing the remaining butchers to flee the city like rats to the surrounding areas, where the bravery of other 3d ACR soldiers in Sinjar, Rabiah, Zumar and Avgani finally destroyed them.

I have met many soldiers of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment; they are not only courageous men and women, but avenging angels sent by The God Himself to fight the evil of terrorism.

The leaders of this Regiment; COL McMaster, COL Armstrong, LTC Hickey, LTC Gibson, and LTC Reilly embody courage, strength, vision and wisdom.

Officers and soldiers alike bristle with the confidence and character of knights in a bygone era. The mission they have accomplished, by means of a unique military operation, stands among the finest military feats to date in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and truly deserves to be studied in military science. This military operation was clean, with little collateral damage, despite the ferocity of the enemy. With the skill and precision of surgeons they dealt with the terrorist cancers in the city without causing unnecessary damage.

God bless this brave Regiment; God bless the families who dedicated these brave men and women.

 From the bottom of our hearts we thank the families. They have given us something we will never forget.

 To the families of those who have given their holy blood for our land, we all bow to you in reverence and to the souls of your loved ones. Their sacrifice was not in vain. They are not dead, but alive, and their souls hovering around us every second of every minute.  They will never be forgotten for giving their precious lives. They have sacrificed that which is most valuable. We see them in the smile of every child, and in every flower growing in this land.

 Let America, their families, and the world be proud of their sacrifice for humanity and life.

Finally, no matter how much I write or speak about this brave Regiment, I haven’t the words to describe the courage of its officers and soldiers. I pray to God to grant happiness and health to these legendary heroes and their brave families.

NAJIM ABDULLAH ABID
AL-JIBOURI
Mayor of Tall ‘Afar,
Ninewa, Iraq