Last night, I learned that the interpreter assigned to me while I was in Iraq, who went with us all through our combat operations, who was by my side the whole time, was assassinated. He had survived two assassination attempts since December, and still he wouldn't quit. This is a man who never took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of either Iraq or the US; a man with a wife and a mother and a 3-yr old son. He remained faithful to his duty, and to the cause of democracy and peace, despite the danger, and until the end.
I feel a mix of pride, and grief, and hope, and despair. Pride, that he was my friend, and we survived some of the worst Iraq had to offer, pride at his courage and commitment despite the mortal danger; grief, at the loss of a fine man and friend; hope, because Iraq produces such men, with commitment to a better future Iraq beyond our comprehension; and despair, that such men may be killed by insurgents and criminals.
Citizen-soldier Mike Zacchea is a major in the reserves who has served In Iraq, Haiti and Somalia, receiving numerous medals including two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart.
There are many unsung heroes like the young and brave Iraqi interpreter who give their all every day. They are the men and women who take personal responsibility for something they believe in and take action.
Although we may not face death on a daily basis as he did, we can provide support for those that do, be it on the streets of Iraq or in the streets of America.
We need to remember them and honor them by following their example, and act in accordance with our conscience, using the gifts we were given to help in our own ways.
So, remember him and honor him by doing for others what they may not be able to do for themselves. One does not have to be in a war-zone to be brave or to save anothers life. To remember this and to do what we can with what we have would be the greatest honor we could give to a man that gave his life doing the same.
I need to contact Micheal Zacchea - please if this is you M contant me asap at yahoo.
Posted by: Stacy at July 9, 2006 02:09 AM