Editor's note: The following email messages were sent by Don Gaffney, a longtime Magnolia resident currently stationed in Iraq with the Washington National Guard's First Cavalry Division. Gaffney attended both Lawton Elementary and Catharine Blaine schools, and was a delivery boy for the Magnolia News when his family was stationed at Fort Lawton. On Sunday, Jan. 30, Gaffney was assigned security in the "Green Zone" during Iraq's historic elections. This email was generously shared with the Magnolia News by Don's mother, Carol Jean Gaffney.
Subject: We survived the elections
Date: Sun, 30 Jan. 2005 18:31:41 -0800
Finally.
After all these months of stressing and busting our asses, the elections have happened. The media (even the folks that don't like us) are reporting a 75 percent registered voter turn out. The Iraqis have told the insurgents who wish to deny them their freedom to eat *&%$#.
Casualties were remarkably light. Our security measures worked. The success of the elections should bolster the Iraqis' confidence in being a self determining nation and make the insurgents think twice.
As of this moment we are assisting a newly formed sovereign nation taking its first steps in a fledgling democracy.
I feel a great sense of accomplishment today. I just spent several very long days and nights on the roof of the number one priority target in Iraq.
I have had bullets whiz past my nose. I have had missiles fly over my head and watched Apaches rain destruction down on the bad guys as they probed our defenses. I have listened to the radio as my friends call in to say their positions were under fire. I have watched Americans, coalition and Iraqis die in this pursuit. I have seen Iraqis brave the threat of murder to cast their vote and stretch their democratic muscle. I have seen them proudly display the ink on their fingers as proof that they braved the threats and did their duty to their country. I have watched them dance in the streets and fire wildly into the air in celebration (not my personal favorite). I have sat on my roof and looked out on history. I can leave here content in a job well done.
Love to you all,
Don
Monday, January 31, 2005 5:31 PM
Subject: Re: Post-election letter from Iraq
You have no idea what it's like to see every Iraqi you run into with ink on their finger. They were made to dip their fingers in semi permanent ink when they voted so they couldn't vote more then once. It was also a clear indicator of who had risked it. The blue finger has become a mark of distinction.
Arab news is talking about how surprised everyone is at the massive turnout. What is really amazing is how many Iraqis thought the turnout would be light. It bolsters confidence in themselves to know that they aren't alone in their own country.
This has NOT been a patriotic place. Patriotism is found when people take pride in their country. Well, Iraq has never BEEN the Iraqis' country. It has belonged to one (tyrant) or another and they (the Iraqis) merely serfs. For the first time in memorable history Iraq BELONGS to the Iraqis. It is THEIR government.
For the first time since we arrived, I saw the glimmer of patriotism in Iraqi eyes. They are starting to believe. They are starting to WANT to be self sufficient. The Shi'a are trying to extend their hand to the Sunnis in a way the Sunnis never extended a hand to them. Bush, Alawi, Ghazi and Sistani insisted that this process had to go forward as planned to add to the legitimacy of the new government and to neuter any feeling of control the terrorists had. To the Iraqis it was necessary. Any delay would have furthered the belief that it was a losing battle.
We went ahead and, at least for the time being, justice prevailed. This wasn't just a morale builder for them but one for us. Since I have been here I have provided security up close and personal for the transition of power from the CPA to interim government and now the transition to a freely elected democratic government.
We have not witnessed history but rather we have made history. What we have done here will go down in the history books as a monumental undertaking that, hopefully, will reshape the destiny of this region. What we have done has been worth it.
Love You
Donald
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