Chief Wiggles’ Operation Give Blog

First of all we want you to know that you are all in our prayers. We contemplate your sacrifice and your efforts to make a difference in the world, making it a safer place to live and we salute you for it.

There are those who have forgotten our cause and our reasons behind why you are there and why you do what you do. They fail to look at all the positive that has been accomplished by the US military. But, you need to know that we support you through thick and thin in all of your efforts to accomplish your mission. There are things about these wars that can never be fully understood except by those in uniform with their boots in the sand.

While I was there in Iraq, I personally saw soldiers who understood and lived the mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom, whether in the heat of battle or holding the hand of an Iraqi child in need.

You are on a mission of liberation, compassion and determination. I hope all the soldiers know that, even when it means putting their lifes on the line.

You are fighting for the freedom of the oppressed people in those countries. From the day the first troops landed until today, the mission has been liberation. The fact is that there is more freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan today than there has been in 30 years. And that includes the freedom to disagree with us if they desire.

Since the most ferocious part of the war was over, the military might of the United States and its allies have combined to help these people become leaders in stabilizing the Middle East. I know there is much yet to do and there is a long road ahead in trying to create stability and win the peace, but it is worth it.

As you know while nurturing a new democratic government in Afghanistan and Iraq, we’ve also been building hospitals, schools, roads and bridges, and numerous other things. And more than one soldier has tossed and turned in the night after seeing the suffering of the impoverished Iraqi and Afghanistan children. With clear vision of a brighter future, the mission has been one of compassion for the freedom of these people. In spite of what is reported with every roadside bomb, as you know most of the people are grateful we are there and they see a glimmer of light on the horizon after a long dark night.

The insurgency will win if we lose our resolve. We know exactly what could happen with any lack of steadfastness and thus our mission has been fueled by further determination to be victorious over our terrorist enemies. There are those who want to defeat the dawn of democracy. They are well-funded, organized and receiving assistance from outside the borders of Iraq and Afghanistan. Our military strength is the only moderating force preventing total chaos and anarchy, as these destabilizing elements continue their attacks. We must prevail, for there is much at stake. You are on the front lines of the war of good and evil, and we support you in this struggle.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all soldiers serving our country, who continue to put themselves in harms way defending our freedoms. I salute you and I continue to honor you by wearing the uniform as a member of the Utah National Guard.

Have a great day
Chief Wiggles
Paul Holton