A Great Iraqi Friend
by Tina Grazier
I was moved by a story I read tonight, Deeds Not Words. I thought it might serve to remind each of us of the value of standing up for freedom. There is a wonderful thing that follows when we boldly stand for what is right and good…and that is the potential for true friendship in a world that can be very hostile and cold. Please take a moment to drink in the little miracle of one brave Iraqi citizen:
FOB HAMMER, Iraq – An Iraqi man saved the lives of four U.S. Soldiers and eight civilians when he intercepted a suicide bomber during a Concerned Citizens meeting in the town of al-Arafia Aug.18. *** The incident occurred while Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, were talking with members of the al-Arafia Concerned Citizens, a volunteer community group, at a members house. *** I was about 12 feet away when the bomber came around the corner, said Staff Sgt. Sean Kane, of Los Altos, Calif., acting platoon sergeant of Troop B, 3-1 Cav. I was about to engage when he jumped in front of us and intercepted the bomber as he ran toward us. As he pushed him away, the bomb went off. []
[The Iraqi citizen] could have run behind us or away from us, but he made the decision to sacrifice himself to protect everyone. Having talked with his father, I was told that even if he would have known the outcome before hand, he wouldnt have acted differently. *** I spoke with the father, [D Co. Commander Gilbert] said. He said he has no remorse in his sons death because he died saving American Soldiers.
Later that night, the Concerned Citizens group contacted the local National Police director, Lt. Col. Samir, with the location of the al-Qaeda cell believed to be responsible for the attack. The National Police immediately conducted a raid that resulted in four arrests. *** Selfless sacrifice, not just for his fellow citizens, but for the men he viewed as liberators not occupiers. It would seem that the Arab ability to shake off the yoke of dictatorial oppression is a lot easier than some have estimated. More to the point, it serves as a reminder that steadfast, resolute defense of life, liberty and equality for all men, is indeed recognized universally as something forth fighting and dying for.
My thanks to Michael for posting this…I hope he doesn’t mind that I lifted it. Just in case the link doesn’t work find it here:
http://rapidrecon.threatswatch.org/2007/08/deeds-not-words/