I feel that this war is a just cause. We have to irradicate the terrorist element if we in America are to be safe. I pray for the POW's and those who have been killed. These Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen have not been drafted, they chose to serve.

When I went to bootcamp, they told us in not so uncertain words that the chances of dying were real. We could also be captured and should only give our name, rank, and serial number. All who serve know the risks that we take. Death is possible for the Seaman Recruit up to the Admiral.

War is ugly business. the taking of life can never be taken lightly. Most in the military know this but still do the job they are being paid to do. These men and women are putting themselves at risk to free the Iraqi people and hopefully bring some security to us. It's not about the oil or Bush avenging his Dad, it's about freeing an oppressed people from a murderous regime, plain and simple.

Today was a tough day. We lost numerous men in firefights, and some were taken prisoner. Watching the ever changing events gives one a feeling of this taking place over weeks, not days. It has been a few days, days that to our troops feel like weeks. We must remain steadfast in our support, rally around the families these great men and women have left to fight a just war. Do not waver or flinch when seeing the brutality of battle. War is ugly, but a war to free people who have been murdered and tortured for twenty years is always right.