Hello Linda: I finished reading your book over the weekend - wow - I keep wondering how you did it, in the midst of all that was (and still is) going on in your life. What an extraordinary achievement - to document all that has transpired over these past 3+ years, to acknowledge how the Lord has been at work in your life and Rich's life, as well as Chris. And it gives a real insight into the world of contractors working in Iraq (and I'm sure, the same for Afghanistan too). So many misconceptions about this in the general public. Good for you for setting the record straight. And you did not mince your words about how these civilian companies treated their workers - again, dispelling a lot of misconceptions.



I liked what you said on (page 67 or thereabouts) about the fact that, for the most part, only people who have family members over there really and truly know what it is like to have a loved one in harm's way. My wife and I have discussed this many times. Unless you have a family member over there, you just don't know what it is like - the "every-single-day-on-your-mind" aspect of having your son, daughter, husband, wife - take your pick - over there in the midst of it all. The avoidance of news when the broadcaster starts his program with ? " and in Baghdad today, 24 people were killed when?" and then you turn off the TV and pray. Most Americans are only peripherally impacted by the war - military and contractor families are impacted every day. And now, even though we still have thousands in harm's way, the national media take little notice is made of what is going on over there. Unless of course, there is something negative to report.



I don't know how you managed to build a house like you did - can't possibly imagine doing something like that. Building one by long distance phone, fax, letters, e-mails, occasional on-site visits. It would have been one gigantic migraine for me. But I know you wanted this for Rich.



Your overseas moves reminded me of our overseas moves. The last six moves my family and I made were overseas moves - six consecutive moves, either going overseas or returning from overseas. ( but my wife and I were much younger then - it would kill me now) All the hassles of the car business - getting one to port, selling another one before leaving, trying to have something to drive until you got on the plane, selling a house, immunizations, up-to-date passports, what to pack and store away and what to ship over and what to just sell or throw/give away ? and a thousand other little details that absolutely had to be take care of. Sometimes my wife and I wonder how or why we did all of that. (Note: the Lord took us to Guam to get us saved at a little Church of God Servicemen's Center ? He had to literally get us out of states and away from the countless distractions of America so we could find Him).



Your book tells a side of the story that certainly needs to be told - you speak for thousands of family members - you tell their story for them. And you also tell of how you went on with your life - as life certainly goes on despite the absence of your loved one. Let me also mention the cover of the book - I really liked it - don't know who designed it, but it seemed perfect - the Humvee - the contractor - the soldier - the dark shadows against the bright, sunset sky - an attention-getting cover for sure.



You obviously kept a journal ( and still keeping one I'm sure) - so much fades so quickly from our minds - all the little details that make the story come to life. I wish I had kept one during the Vietnam war - I didn't and now I can't recall most things. All gone. And few pictures - no digital cameras back then. Oh well. I'm just glad you kept it all "written down." What a wonderful personal diary for you and Rich to always have - and one you have shared with us all.



I have a great admiration for what you've done. Most of us think about doing something like you did, but don't have the discipline to go beyond just talking about it all - but you did it!!



Well done in every sense of the word!! Congratulations!!



May the Lord bless you and Rich abundantly,



Wayne Roberson

Chaplains Commission