Kansas-

My Ch Assistant Janet received a flag from her state! So now our deployment is represented by two states. It is interesting that both flags are connected to stars. The lone star state and "To the stars through difficulties". One of the things I have noticed in this deployment is the clarity of the stars on a deep desert evening. I look for familiar constellations such as the big dipper and it is comforting to me that I am able to discern it. It creates a continuity with home. We all live under the same sky, we share a fragile world. Stars to America are symbols of freedom and unity. Each state has a star that joins the others in a union, conceived in leberty and dedicated to the proposition that all people are created equal. The stars and stripes fly over Iraq this day, not a a symbol of conquest but as a sign of hope. There is hope that our nation can help our Iraqi neighbors to find a way to live in peace with justice. These state flags are also a sign of the unity we find as we serve here. Young Americans from all over the nation and our territories are present here standing for freedom. Let freedom ring! Blessings to you!

DAVE