Letter from Marine In Iraq 'To The Great City of Chicago'

[bodypilot90 0]

From Chicago Area Marine Fighting In Iraq

POSTED: 9:39 a.m. CST March 25, 2003
UPDATED: 8:08 a.m. CST March 26, 2003

CHICAGO -- The following e-mail was sent to NBC5.com from Lance Cpl. Daniel Gomez, a U.S. Marine fighting the war in Iraq. Gomez is from Chicago and graduated from Lane Tech High School. After portions of his e-mail were read on air, many viewers wrote in and asked to see the whole text of the e-mail. Here it is.

To The Great City Of Chicago:

I just read your article on the Marine from Chicago that passed away in the helicopter crash, and I would like to tell you about another Marine from Chicago. My name is Daniel Gomez. I am 22 years old. I am a United States Marine.


I am currently overseas in Kuwait and Iraq helping fight this war. This letter is just to inform you that there is someone from the great city of Chicago out here and that we need all your support.

Post your response to LCPL Daniel Gomez' letter, and read responses from others
Video: Interview with Daniel's family

I was born and raised in the city of Chicago. I graduated from Lane Tech High High School in 1999. I lived on Racine Avenue and Taylor Street until April of 2000 when my parents, my siblings and I moved to 2400 Silvercreek Drive (I am the oldest of four).

However strange it may sound, I do not know my neighbors or anyone in my neighborhood. Why, you might ask? A few months later -- July 25, 2000 -- I shipped out to Marine Corps boot camp.

Since I've been in the Marine Corps, I have only been able to go home for about one week at a time. Once, I was only given 24 hours to go home for my little brother's 8th grade graduation. It might have only been 24 hours, but it was worth it. From March 10, 2001 to March 25, 2002 I was in Okinawa, Japan. I was with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (31st MEU). It was hard being away from my family and friends. But it was worse when I did get to come home, for it was for a funeral. My girlfriend had passed away. I wish I could have called her my fiancee, but I never got a chance to ask her to marry me. I was waiting to come home to ask her.

Right after, I was ordered to report to the 1st Force Service Support Group (1st FSSG) in Camp Pendleton, California. From April 2002 to January 2003, I was in Camp Pendleton preparing for our deployment. In late January 2003, my unit and I were finally in Kuwait.

Now that a lot of Marines are out here helping to liberate Iraq, we are hearing of many antiwar protests across the country. Just a few moments ago, I heard of one in downtown Chicago.

I understand a lot of Americans do not wish for war but unfortunately, it is needed. For instance, at first Saddam had stated that he did not have any missiles of mass destruction. But yet, for the past several nights, I have not gotten get much sleep because of missiles being launched at us -- some which contained unknown gases and chemicals.

We were fortunate to have practiced our drills over and over that we all made it safely to our bomb shelters in time. Now we (the U.S. troops) need our fellow American's support behind us.

We are all out here giving our lives for you all, so that you all may enjoy this great freedom that most take for granted. If you search deep down inside and still wish to protest, please do so, but do so peacefully.

I once read, "It is the Marine, not the reporter, that gives us the freedom of the press. It is the Marine, not the poet, that gives us the freedom of speech. It is the Marine who defends the protesters' right to burn the Flag. It is the Marine who salutes the Flag, who serves under the Flags, and whose coffin is covered by the Flag."

Is it not now time to demonstrate that we support our troops? Were it not for the brave, there would be no land of the free.

Just a few days ago, we had our first fallen American, a Marine. I pray we all come home safely. But I know that if I have to, I will give my life for this country and all it stands, and so will all the Marines that are out here with me. I also pray that we all return home soon, whether it is to San Diego, St. Louis, New York City, Franklin Park, Chicago or any other great city or town across the country.

But I am prepared to be here as long as I have to. My Staff Sergeant, Staff Sergeant Godfrey G. Marille who is also out here -- his wife just had a beautiful baby girl. He has yet to see her, but I bet he can't wait to finally hold her in his arms.

I know most of us won't be coming home to a hero's welcome. Nor are we asking for one. We don't consider ourselves heroes. We are only doing what is our duty to our country.

If I am fortunate to return to United States alive, once I am able to go home, I will try my best to get to know my neighbors and as much of my neighborhood as I can. Especially because I have seen a few who fly the Marine Corps Flag high and proud over their homes. And to them, I would like to say thank you.

Semper Fi,

Lance Corporal Gomez, Daniel
The World's Finest
United States Marine Corps

[mnischalke 0]

Thanks for posting.

That young Marine may have just changed a few minds with this well-articulated and moving letter. At the very least, you have to think a little about how destructive yet unproductive going against the grain really is.

Semper Fidelis and Godspeed,

mike

Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills--You know, like nunchuk skills, bow-hunting skills, computer-hacking skills.

[billvon 3,078]

>At the very least, you have to think a little about how destructive yet
>unproductive going against the grain really is.

He seemed to say the opposite:

"If you search deep down inside and still wish to protest, please do so, but do so peacefully."

"Please do so" seems to suggest that he thinks that going against the grain is neither destructive _or_ unproductive.

[Jib 0]

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>At the very least, you have to think a little about how destructive yet
>unproductive going against the grain really is.

He seemed to say the opposite:

"If you search deep down inside and still wish to protest, please do so, but do so peacefully."

"Please do so" seems to suggest that he thinks that going against the grain is neither destructive _or_ unproductive.

He is fighting for their right to do so. Don't read more than what he said... if after reflection (deep down) you wish to protest... He's fighting for your right to express your opinion, not suggesting that it's productive.

--------------------------------------------------
the depth of his depravity sickens me.
-- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt

[newshooter12 0]

I think he's refering to the fact that we have a right to express our opinions, but would like us to do so peacefully if we so choose to protest.

I'd like to shake his hand and say thank you... Godspeed.
matt

[Skyrad 0]

I hope that young Marine comes home safe and grows to be a old and proud former Marine. However its one thing to fight for ones country. Its another to fight and possibly die in a illegal war for oil, waged by a unelected president.

When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

[rhino 0]

Semper Fi Lance Corporal Gomez.......

[wmw999 2,545]

I've been trading PMs; maybe part of what he's saying is that he's doing a job that he has to believe in (most of us want to believe in our jobs, particularly if they might involve killing people). So if you have to protest, consider that you're stepping into that chain of having to believe.

It might be worth it anyway, but just because you're not protesting against him, doesn't mean he won't see it that way. It's part of the human cost of protesting.

It doesn't make it wrong to be against this war -- not by a long shot. And it certainly doesn't get in the way of your opinions about the President. But it does mean that protests are likely to be taken personally. Not because they're intended that way, but simply because of where they sit in a soldier's chain of belief.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[btvr 0]

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I hope that young Marine comes home safe and grows to be a old and proud former Marine. However its one thing to fight for ones country. Its another to fight and possibly die in a illegal war for oil, waged by a unelected president.

Who died and made you the "WAR" police!

[mnischalke 0]

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Its another to fight and possibly die in a illegal war for oil, waged by a unelected president.

Hmmm, I'd love to see where you get your information. Seems I didn't read a thing about this war being illegal in the news. I didn't see a thing about it on CNN or MSNBC. I think with all the bitter democrats on capital hill, if this were illegal, we'd have heard about it by now.

And for oil? Is Iraq the only place to get oil? Venezuela is polluted with oil and very close by, but we haven't invaded them. Guess those 3,000 chemical suits, gas masks and rifles hidden in a HOSPITAL, were just part of the daily needs for hospital operations, huh?

An unelected president? Really, I remember a day in January, 2001 when George W. Bush recited the oath of office after an election and a majority of Electoral votes declared him the President of the United States. Again, I am sorry, but what news source are you using for your statements?

Just an FYI, if the President wanted to wage a war, he doesn't need Congressional approval. All he has to do is call up the Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps to say "Send your boys to X." Shortly thereafter, Marines are in battle. He don't need to ask permission. Is that illegal? Nope. Could he have done it here? Yep. Did he? Nope.

mike

Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills--You know, like nunchuk skills, bow-hunting skills, computer-hacking skills.

[MC208B 0]

Excellent response, couldn't have said it better myself. Mike

[Skyrad 0]

Iraq has the second largest oil reserves in the world, some 112 billion barrels, second only to Saudi Arabia; with perhaps double that in undiscovered reserves.

FRANCISCO CHRONICLE stated: "The world's biggest oil bonanza in recent memory may just be round the corner, giving US oil companies huge profits and American consumers cheap gasoline for decades to come. And it all may come courtesy of a war with Iraq. Once production reaches full capacity the enormous increase in supply could weaken OPEC and shift the balance of power among the world's major producers" (September 29th 2002).

The US historian, Professor Michael Klare wrote recently, "If the real motives were made clear-that this is a grab for oil and an attempt to break the back of OPEC -it would make our motives look more predatory than exemplary" (CURRENT HISTORY March 2002).

Legality? Unelected?

http://www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/ld199900/ldhansrd/pdvn/lds03/text/30317-19.htm

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,843585,00.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2315917.stm

http://www.observer.co.uk/iraq/story/0,12239,882517,00.html

http://www.guardian.co.uk/elsewhere/journalist/story/0,7792,414842,00.html

http://politics.guardian.co.uk/Print/0,3858,4630997,00.html



Maybe you should read a little more and not just rely on US mass media?

When an author is too meticulous about his style, you may presume that his mind is frivolous and his content flimsy.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca

[ladyskydiver 0]

Thanks for posting, BodyPilot!

I heard something really cool on the radio last night, and thought I'd share. Everyone has an opinion/feeling on the war - for or against - but I think the radio station hit the nail on the head.

"Support or oppose the war, support our troops. Debate the war. Support our troops."

Life is short! Break the rules! Forgive quickly! Kiss slowly! Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that made you smile.

[billvon 3,078]

>Hmmm, I'd love to see where you get your information. Seems I
>didn't read a thing about this war being illegal in the news.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,843585,00.html
http://edition.cnn.com/2003/US/03/20/sprj.irq.911.reaction/
http://www.msnbc.com/news/887480.asp
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,81600,00.html
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,80782,00.html

All the above discuss whether or not the war is illegal. Even FOX news discussed the issue. I don't agree that legal or illegal even applies in this case, since we seem to be making worldwide law lately, but it has certainly been discussed.

>And for oil? Is Iraq the only place to get oil?

Iraq does have the second largest reserves of oil on the planet. Oil is not the reason we're waging this war, but it is certainly a factor. Even before the war is halfway over we're talking about who gets what oil, and where the money will go (to rebuilding iraq, repaying war costs etc.)

>Just an FYI, if the President wanted to wage a war, he doesn't
>need Congressional approval.

US Constitution Section 8.
Clause 1: The Congress shall have Power . . .

Clause 11: To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

Section 2
Clause 1:

The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States;

So you are correct in that he can call up armed forces to meet any need; but according to our constitution at least, he cannot declare war. Congress does that. In this case there was a previous declaration of war that some claim covered the new attack and some claim did not; hence the debate.

[Tf15 0]

Quote

US Constitution Section 8.
Clause 1: The Congress shall have Power . . .

Clause 11: To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;

Section 2
Clause 1:

The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States;

So you are correct in that he can call up armed forces to meet any need; but according to our constitution at least, he cannot declare war. Congress does that. In this case there was a previous declaration of war that some claim covered the new attack and some claim did not; hence the debate.

And:
Article VI Clause 2: This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United
States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, any Thing in the Constitution or Laws of any State to the Contrary notwithstanding.

Which is what makes the UN Charter the "supreme Law of the Land"

Three times is enemy action

[Genie 0]

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Quote

I hope that young Marine comes home safe and grows to be a old and proud former Marine. However its one thing to fight for ones country. Its another to fight and possibly die in a illegal war for oil, waged by a unelected president.

No. Its not. To that young man and the many like him out there, they are there because they swore an oath, and they are going to fulfill it. They are not responsible for the supreme court interfering in the electoral process. they are not responsible for the differing agendas expressed and assumed. They have been told by their chain of command that they are fighting to protect America - and thats why they are fighting. So dont take anything away from the people out there putting their lives on the line because you disagree with the war. Im very sceptical about the reasons for the war myself - i am not cynical about why those people are there fighting - and how dare you try and take that away from them? Perhaps im wrong and thats not how you meant it - but i did read it that way. Hes fighting and he is prepared to die FOR HIS COUNTRY - whether you like that or not.

Genie

[wmw999 2,545]

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Which is what makes the UN Charter the "supreme Law of the Land"

Is the US constitution the right document to apply to our dealings with other countries? That's why we have treaties and trade agreements. The UN charter isn't law, it's an agreement. And we should honor our agreements, or work to change them. Breaching one is serious.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[Genie 0]

Quote

Quote

Its another to fight and possibly die in a illegal war for oil, waged by a unelected president.

Hmmm, I'd love to see where you get your information. Seems I didn't read a thing about this war being illegal in the news. I didn't see a thing about it on CNN or MSNBC.

Quote

It can be argued that this war is illegal by international law as in is being waged in the absence of a UN resolution. This is probably not being shown on your CNN etc however legal minds in the rest of the world are debating this and the general feeling is that it because it was taken unilaterally (ie not with the UN) that it is illegal and Tony Blair and every british soldier out there could be indicted as war criminals.. as the US never signed up to the ICC, this cant happen to mr Bush and the US guys out there..of course assuming the uk and us wins, this is unlikely to happen...victors have never been prosecuted for winning..

I*** think with all the bitter democrats on capital hill, if this were illegal, we'd have heard about it by now.

not illegal by US law - see above for international law..

And for oil? Is Iraq the only place to get oil?

Quote

Venezuela is polluted with oil and very close by, but we haven't invaded them.

Couldnt resist this one - are you aware that the US is the only country in the world that has been proven to be guilty of "State terrorism" due to the CIA activites in venezula when the US decided to get itself involved in the deposing of the rightfully elected premier. Hmm - that looks like invasion to me, covert rather than overt, but it did still happen.

Guess those 3,000 chemical suits, gas masks and rifles hidden in a HOSPITAL, were just part of the daily needs for hospital operations, huh?

Quote

can you give me a link for this one?

An unelected president?*** Really, I remember a day in January, 2001 when George W. Bush recited the oath of office after an election and a majority of Electoral votes declared him the President of the United States

.
Surely that was his inaugeration? he never said your president wasnt inaugarated - thats not in dispute. The fact that the supreme court, a majority of whom were appointed by his dad, decided to intervene and declare him president does not mean he was elected - unless all of you guys gave the supreme court a blanket proxy. Not to mention over 175,000 people were disenfranchied in the state run by his brother because they *might* have been feons - including one country election supervisor who received a letter telling her not to show up because she wouldnt be allowed to vote.. not to mention Texas - mr bushs own state - also sent a list of about 20,000 people who moved to florida and shouldnt be allowed vote because they were felons.. and hey, i havent even gone near the chad issues, the military votes accepted in breach of the necessary conditions and the duplications...

Again, I am sorry, but what news source are you using for your statements?***
Reuters speaking personally, skynews, and CNN

Which non american news sources are you accessing?

Genie

*edited due to typos - only one world that i know of!

• Quote

[mnischalke 0]

http://famulus.msnbc.com/FamulusIntl/reuters03-25-140030.asp?reg=MIDEAST

mike

Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills--You know, like nunchuk skills, bow-hunting skills, computer-hacking skills.

[Genie 0]

Quote

http://famulus.msnbc.com/FamulusIntl/reuters03-25-140030.asp?reg=MIDEAST

***

thank you for the link. the main things that struck me about it were :The United States said on Tuesday that Marines seized " - im sorry if this is seen badly but to be honest i would really like independent corrobation of that.. The US saying something, while they are fighting a war in the media as well as on the ground.. to me its not true til its proven, especially when the US is desperately trying to prove that going in without a UN resolution was justified. there wasnt a journalist embedded with those troops who broadcast the info, its just a claim - and further in the article they say "The report looked likely to bolster U.S. claims that Iraq has chemical weapons, " - likely to bolster claims... maybe that why it was said?
But thank you for posting the link, i appreciate you taking the time.

Genie

[mnischalke 0]

I watched the video the other night. Saw the hospital, saw the rifles, saw the suits, saw the tank "hidden" outside. So, maybe some space aliens landed and planted the evidence. I doubt the CIA had time to get in there with all that gear.

Have I ever mentioned how much I like space aliens?

mike

Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills--You know, like nunchuk skills, bow-hunting skills, computer-hacking skills.

[bodypilot90 0]

i thought it would be good to get a "active" member of the Military's point of view. I got a few more. I'll post them tonight.

I have talked to a lot of ppl with family over there, I have yet to hear someone say they like the peace protest. However I would never say it should be illegal to do so. But remember who you may be hurting.

[Tf15 0]

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Quote

Which is what makes the UN Charter the "supreme Law of the Land"

Is the US constitution the right document to apply to our dealings with other countries? That's why we have treaties and trade agreements. The UN charter isn't law, it's an agreement. And we should honor our agreements, or work to change them. Breaching one is serious.

Wendy W.

It is a treaty to which the US is a party. Hence according to the Constitution it is the law, as are the Geneva Conventions.

Three times is enemy action

[jannu 0]

Hello again...
I already decided not to contribute to these war threads anymore but changed my mind.. Seems that some of you really can't see the other side of things...

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Just an FYI, if the President wanted to wage a war, he doesn't need Congressional approval. All he has to do is call up the Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the United States Marine Corps to say "Send your boys to X." Shortly thereafter, Marines are in battle. He don't need to ask permission. Is that illegal? Nope.

So... again, I might be a little harsh by saying this, BUT! Say, someone somewhere told "his boys" to take a couple of aircrafts, fly them to some other country, take down few buildings, this way sending his boys to the battle, killing a lot of enemies... Is that illegal??? The way you think mister, nope.
In my mind this is an awful thing to do, but you think it would be ok?
And I think "if this would have happened" the leader got the approval from his "congress", but not from the international community (be it UN for example).

Get my point? Nothing personal, and still I'm very sorry for all of you who lost your loved ones in an event like described above. Still.. you really think after this war people will start to like YOUR regime or the way you think? I don't think so. The terrorism thing won't ever be won by starting a war where ever (else but not on your turf and soil) you think it's good thing to protect your nation and its freedom.

Sorry, just my thoughts. I wish this conflict will be over soon, with no more casualities (civilian nor military).

Greetings from Finland, Jan

ps sorry for bad spelling and grammar also...

[mnischalke 0]

My point is this: The President has unlimited power to use the Marine Corps and its assets without declaring war and/or without congressional approval. I didn't make the policy...

mike

Girls only want boyfriends who have great skills--You know, like nunchuk skills, bow-hunting skills, computer-hacking skills.