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COMMENTARY APRIL 5, 2007 - Page 13 What the media doesn't tell you the close-calls he's experi- and footballs. the u.s. is supplying all the and bonds we have made ERIN MCKEON enced with fED's (road side "It's gratifying to see chil- tools needed but the Iraqi with these people to be CONTRIBUTOR bombs), VBfEO's (car bombs) dren smile at the simplest worker has to actually do the destroyed and those people Bombing. Invading. and mortar attacks, he goes things. Today we blew up bal- work themselves." consumed by violence. There Arguing. Politics. We all read into much more detail and is loons and threw them out to Gavin is nearing the end of is good here, it is very much the headlines. It's hard not to. much more passionate about the kids around. You'd think his tour of duty and will be around. It will take TIME, and Keeping track of it all is diffi- the missions he is sent on. they'd never seen a balloon coming home to America. His people MUST be patient. In cult, never mind depressing. It Gavin and his unit specialize before. It was quite amusing unit's responsibilities are the big picture, the troops seems you can't open a news- in Civil Affairs and the pro]- watching a balloon pop in one being picked up by other don't WANT to come home paper, turn the television on, eets they've been working on kid's face... he was shocked." Marines and progress will and leave work unfinished. or check your email without are making a difference in the If it were not for Gavin's continue to be made. The U.S. We're the U.S; we can and we being told of just a few more lives of Iraqis. updates I wouldn't be aware is in Iraq to help the citizens will follow through." deaths from a suicide bomber To quote his most recent of all the good that is happen- live better lives; without the As you go on with your in Baghdad or a car bomb update you'll get a small idea ing in Iraq. I have yet to read a guidance of American sol- daily lives, reading more arti- killing twenty civilians. Is this what he does on a daily basis: headline that states "Iraqi diers, Iraqis would continue des about bombings and really the world we are living "Assessing projects, taking Children Receive Soccer Balls- to struggle. watching another car bomb go in today? contract bids, hiring contrac- Smiles Everywhere." The "We, the troops, all want to off on your five o'clock news Yes.War can be a sad reali- tors to build the project, and media is great at giving us the come home individually that station, just remember what ty. The actions in Iraq are not then periodically checking in political end of things but is for sure. But we as a group I the media isn't telling you. all negative though and this is on them to ensure it isbelng what should really be cele- can tell you do NOT want Iraq Underneath all the tragedies where I want to step in. The completed. Along with other bra ted is left unnoticed. to fail, for our work to be for there is good, and it's this media seems to zero in on the missions I go to meetings at Gavin is just one of the nothing, for the friendships good that needs recognition. tragedies of war. We are in different places or escort thousands of Marines and so Iraq to help them out, are we Humanitarian Aid/set up diers serving in Iraq but h not? There is so much good Humanitarian Drops and, experiences go way beyon happening and it's being other things as well." the headlines we see ever .. overlooked. Whether the The "projects" include day. The media needs a wale media finds the information building schools, renovating up call to what is really hal unimportant or unentertain- homes, and getting running pentng. ing, I believe they are wrong water into villages. The "other "We all know that whatevr on both accounts. missions" include giving out decisions are made [i My cousin, LCPL Gavin school supplies to teachers, Congress] they have our be: Lutz of the US Marines, and a starting a women's town interests at heart. But I have 1 junior at McDaniel College, council, forming a court sys- combat the media again an has been stationed in Ramadi, tern to judge Iraqi prisoners, say we are not losing this wa Iraq since August of 2006. He building an Adult Literacy We have and are giving tJ- sends newsy updates every Center from scratch, and giv- Iraqis every opportunity 1 few weeks to friends and fam- ing children coloring books, succeed. It's like a constru. ily.While the updates mention soccer balls, dolls, balloons tion worker building a hous Free on-line banking Free checkingwith interest and no minimum balance Free checks included with direct deposit Visa® ATM/DebitCards Great rates on auto loans and Visa~ credit cards . 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