Operation Iraqi Freedom - Words From My Son

Today was like many other days, I am going through sorting, filing and trashing things that I no longer need or feel that are relevant to my life.

Once again, I pick up a small green notebook that Bo had carried with him throughout his duty in Iraqi.  I can honestly not tell you how many times I have just touched the cover, gently running my fingers over the words and pictures he had drawn there.

At the moment  I am caught in the depths of grief.  It is just part of the time of year, the death of D and Bo.  Living without them in my daily life.  It is my way of life.  You can't wish it away, pray it away or ignore it.  You just have to ride the waves until you crash on shore or are rescued by time.

Today, as I opened the book, I really looked inside, really read some of his notes and descriptions and then I found it.  A short essay he had written about the war..  It seemed as if  GOD gifted me my sons words to help me.  Not because I had issues with the Iraq war, but for no other reason than to truly feel Bo's presence as I read his words.  I am proud of the son, the man and the soldier he was and always will be.

There is so much more in "Bo's Book", AAR's, list of his soldiers, their strengths, weaknesses, descriptions of suspects and goals to be achieved.  It's Bo's Book of Army !

 April 3rd, it will be 6 years since I buried my only child, today he stood tall right beside me and shared his life with me from the combat zone of Iraq.  I remain a proud supporter of our military and all they stand for.

I typed this story exactly as it was written.

Bo's War Story !

April 2003

My Fellow Americans,

I wish to convey a message to you.  A message of courage and strength, of perseverance and dedication.  No, I will not tell you of heroes and medals but of a people who are not free.  They have been beaten and raped, tortured and killed.  Now they do as they please in their own cities and streets.  This will not talk of oil and chemicals, but merely of the elderly to the petite.

Before the war several people in the world said why are we going, what’s the purpose, who’s the real demon?  Several “experts” stated we were going for oil, to make ourselves richer and that the prisoners and opponents are the demons.  There are no chemical weapons or unjust doings.  Just saddam and his people hurt by the sanctions and the greed but our president continuously stated “the Iraqi people shall be freed !”

Several media agencies groaned and complained, “They won’t show you the war !” and the UN couldn’t agree on what to do.  Yet the British, American, and Australian governments all agreed something had to be done.  They tried convincing the world by using PowerPoint and photos but no one was home.

Now I am here to tell you why an American flag is seen flying in the sands of Iraq.  My name is Soldier.  My age is 17-58.  My rank is not important.  Just know I am just like all of you.  I am where the boots meet the sand and the reality hits the soul.  War is not something I’d put in the news.  It is not fought from a TV screen and your don’t care if it is ABC or NBC.

We aren’t securing oil fields or weapons factories.  WE aren’t scouting the country looking for the one thing to convict Saddam.  WE are clearing school and mosques so people can learn and pray.  Clearing out men who have taken children from homes and their parents to fight for something they don’t believe in.  

I have seen grown men cry from joy to not be beaten and more.  I have seen thousands of Iraqi’s lining the street to say thanks” and shake the hands of those who risked their lives for those they don’t know.  Now they work again, play soccer and can live freely in their own land.

You want evidence look in the faces of the children from south and north.  And when you see old Glory flying know she is not conquering she is freeing.  So stand proud and together, join the support and help some people who have nothing but a dream to become free.  Instead of fighting against us, fight with us.  Volunteer to help build a country and feed the hungry.  I guarantee the best security you will ever find in the world.  And who knows you might make a friend.

In conclusion I - 

(he never finished this thought - 7 years later he would be killed stateside but his life and legacy lives on.)

SFC James “Bo” Swearingen