By Staff
Editor's note: In December, we asked our readers to submit letters and e-mails from family members serving in Iraq in order to get an "on the ground" view of the conflict. The following letter is from 2nd Lt. Aaron Squiers, who is serving with the 1171st Army National Guard medical unit from Detroit. Squiers is a graduate of Dowagiac Union High School. He sent it to his family on Oct. 27, 2006, and it is presented here in his own words.
Everything is fine in our little slice of heaven often referred to as Iraq. We have been here just over a month now. There aren't too many surprises anymore. We have taken to playing Texas Hold'em. There is no gambling allowed so we play for fun and, of course, bragging rights. We have played twice now. I actually won the second game which had six contestants.
This is less a testament to my ability as a card shark and more a poor reflection of the other players' abilities. You see I was the first person eliminated in the first tournament.
A few nights ago there was a huge firefight near our position. CPT Kiersey, my roommate, and I were outside talking when we saw a tracer round (a bullet that has burning phosphorus on its tail end which allows the shooter to "trace" the path of the bullet) coming toward us.
We ran like hell and took cover behind a t-wall (a giant concrete barrier). Then we laughed about the experience. The next morning there was a huge boom. It shook our trailer violently. Apparently, it was a controlled detonation of an IED (improvised explosive device).
I am attaching an article from FoxNews.com. I saw the jets described in the article flying overhead when the event occurred. Some of my soldiers saw the air strikes. The speed and agility of these aircraft is quite impressive. I'm not sure the cost of these machines but I surmise that they are worth every penny.
>From the Front,
Aaron
It was suggested by my good friend Chief Killough that I sign my letters "From the Front". It is the very least I could do for him as his beloved Northwood football team suffered a terrible beating at the unmerciful hands of Grand Valley State last week. Hold your head up high fare Timberwolves. There is always next year.