This is the letter I read on air. Many requests have come in for it.
A copy of this letter was sent to me by Terry Crowe’s sister. Lt. Col. Terrence K. Crowe, 44, of Buffalo, N.Y., died June 7, 2007 in Tal Afar, Iraq, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. Crowe was assigned to the Army Reserve’s 10th Battalion, 98th Regiment, 4th Brigade, 98th Division, Lodi, N.J. You can do a search for the Battle of Tal Afar and read about these brave men and women.
‘In the Name of God the Compassionate and Merciful To the Courageous Men and Women of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, who have changed the city of Tal 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 re-establish 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 henchman. 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.
This was the situation of our city until God prepared and delivered unto them the courageous soldiers of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment , who liberated this city, ridding it of Zarqawis followers after harsh fighting, killing many terrorists.
I have met many soldiers of the 3rd armored Calvary Regiment; they are not only courageous men and women, but avenging angels sent by The God Himself to fight the evil of terrorism.
Officers and soldiers alike bristle with the confidence and character of knights in a bygone era.
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. Let America, their families and the world be proud of their sacrifice for humanity and life.
Finally, no matter how much I write about this brave Regiment, I haven’t the words to describe the courage of its officers and soldiers. I pray to God to grant them happiness and health to these legendary heroes and their brave families.’
NAJIM ABDULLAHABID AL-JIBOURI, Mayor of Tal Afar, Iraq
Just a question from me: If not us then who?
God Bless
Kathy
