Father,

I want to thank you for including my name on your prayer listing distributed to all the parishioners. My mother mailed me the weekly bulletin here in the Middle East. As a 1971 graduate of OLM (Sr Mary Jeannine's first 7th grade class when she arrived in 1969), I can tell you that I have always been so very proud of my parish roots. The nurturing and progressive education that OLM provided helped shape the person that I am today. I have fond memories of the Sisters of Mercy and all of the organizations that I was involved in years ago.

In Iraq I am the Director of the Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Center. This organization is responsible for the entire humanitarian and rebuilding effort in the central/southern region of the country. As a Civil Affairs Officer, I work with over 2,000 military personnel and hundreds of civilian organizations in the assessments and rebuilding of schools, hospitals, community centers, mosques and homes in villages throughout the region. We also provide tons of food, water and medicine. Our marines and soldiers assist in the distribution of these goods to the needy people ravaged by years of suppression and torture under the regime. Contrary to the reports in today's headlines, the people of Iraq are grateful and very appreciative for our efforts to free them from Saddam's regime and are anxious to build a new life for their families, a life of hope and promise. It is quite a humbling and worthwhile experience.

Please thank the parishioners for all their support and prayers throughout this period. We hear the stories of the yellow ribbons and continually receive care packages of relief from friends of the troops throughout the country. All of these kind gestures are well received and so appreciated. Please also pray for the families of all of the soldiers and marines. I know that my mother, Loretta, who is a 40 year parishioner from Hicksville, finds great solace in going to daily Mass.

Our military is the best on Earth...We are guided by the democratic and ethical freedoms and philosophies that our founding fathers established centuries ago. The continued support of our nation lifts our spirits each day, and the graces of our Lord gives us renewed strength to do what is right.

Regards,

Colonel Kevin J. McAleese, U.S. Army

Operation Iraqi Freedom - OLM Class '71

 

 

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