I am writing to express my deepest sense of gratitude to so many wonderful, patriotic, caring Americans. I myself and my entire company have received so many caring letters, cards and packages showing support and love from home during this Christmas season.

It is truly inspirational to know that so many folks care enough to take their own time and send a personal note to someone they may have never met. I am honored to represent such a supportive nation of people.

I know that there is plenty of pessimism about this war and the politicians are engaged in so many ways to defeat it, but let me tell you something. We are winning the war and we are defeating the people insistent on destroying hope and opportunity in Iraq. No matter what you read or see on the news know that the soldiers who are fighting and defending your nation are not losing.

Yes, we have tragically lost soldiers during our fight. Sadly our unit (1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, NY) has lost eight heroes since arriving in September 2007. We have another 11 months to serve here and we are not naïve enough to think that more lives won’t be lost, but we know that we will defeat the enemy in our sector. Those lost are not forgotten, they stand for our success, this country’s future.

Our unit’s region, the volatile fault line between ethnic Kurds, Sunni and Shia Arabs, and Shia Turkomen in the oil rich Kirkuk providence of northern Iraq is one of the most contested regions in Iraq. That means that it is important to both the future stability of the government of Iraq and its potential instability at the hands of the terrorists.

Both sides have realized that the populace of Iraq is tired of the fighting and killing. Those that formerly fought against us are now lining the roadways of our region performing civil service as guards protecting their people and stopping the violence.

Not just dozens or hundreds but thousands upon thousands of people have joined in the Concerned Local Citizens groups to defend their homeland against Al Qaeda and its splinter groups. This Brigade and most of my soldiers returned here to Iraq after only a short year back home.

We had just left Iraq during the crisis following the Samara mosque bombing in 2006. For a year, we patrolled the dangerous streets and neighborhoods of west Baghdad. My unit controlled the infamous city of Abu Ghraib. Even in the increased violence, the success started back then as we moved out of the large bases and lived with the people of Iraq in their neighborhoods.

So as I write this letter home, I want you to know that the soldiers and I deeply appreciate the concern and prayers that you send in our honor each day. I would love to answer so many personal questions and letters from home, but I ask that you to accept this letter to so many to help me save some time so I can lead those soldiers.

The churches, the local schools, the Boy Scout troops, the newspapers, the business people, senators, youth groups, grandparents, children, old friends, relatives and complete strangers that reached out and touched me this Christmas – I thank YOU.

I could not continue to defend your nation without knowing that I do it for the patriotism that burns in your hearts. I like to say that I would bleed Red, White, and Blue – but I know that all of you truly do.

Please continue to pray for our safety, our strength, our will to do what is right. I remind you again, know that we are winning and that it is because we did not quit, we did not leave these people to kill themselves and bleed on our watch.

Even though this is my third deployment to the Middle East for this war and I know that it will not likely be my last. It is my duty to defend you and keep these battles on foreign shores and not our own. Someday this war will end and I will return home to stay, until that day I cherish every gift of thanks you have sent and I do this for you.

Happy New Year to all of you, may God be with you.