In April Michael and I went to Rochester, NY, to celebrate Krista and David’s vow renewal (see April 23rd blog entry). Nobody spoke about Krista’s impending deployment or the bittersweet news that David wouldn’t be able to join Krista’s unit (Pardon my Army jargon–I may be using incorrect terms–unit? group? company? young people going into harm’s way?). Krista had asked that the focus of the vow renewal be the celebration of love and not the war in Iraq. And so we all obliged…

Fast forward to a month ago: Krista knew the date she’d be going to North Carolina to “refresh” (my word—not Krista’s) her military training and I was asked to keep any mention of this out of my blog. And so I obliged…

Krista recently blogged from North Carolina about her experiences, so I asked if I could now tell you that she has, indeed, begun the journey that leads her back to Iraq. I was told I could now discuss it. And so I oblige…

Krista, you have given so much of yourself to the people of Iraq already. You have helped many people with your insight and your actions. You have witnessed the deaths of some close friends, for example, a strong Iraqi woman who spoke out for women’s rights. You have carried their spirits, their struggles, back to the US and have helped us get to know them through you. You’ve been awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. We are very proud of you and love you very much! We support you in everything you do, in every action you take.

I do not support the war that President Bush created, but I support you.

I do not support the changes President Bush made to the rules about “active duty” for the National Guard troops, but I support you.

I do not support the chaos you will enter when you return to Iraq, but I support you.

http://desertdivairaq.blogspot.com/

http://www.icasualties.org/oif/