Flashback: Letter from Iraq by Major Banzet (2007)

I'm confused. Of course, according to some, as I am in Iraq, that's to be expected. But hear me out.

Implied in the presentation of news is the assumption that things are presented in context. After all, if things are not presented in context, then it's not news, it's propaganda. This distinction is important, as it's playing out in real life before my eyes.

It's very hard for me to see any positive news out of here reported in the mainstream media, and especially in certain political parties. This is what has prompted me to write this to the good people of Kalispell. You deserve a little unbiased news from the front.

Is it reasonable that there isn't any good news out of Iraq? I don't believe so. But I've only been here for five months, with another eight to go. Of course, all the unbiased, highly qualified reporters and partisan political parties probably have the real story, but indulge me for a bit. I'm not super smart (ask anyone in Flathead class of '86; except Chris Dahl - I've got him fooled) so I look at big picture stuff. I could cite data all day long that would indicate great things happening here, but for me it's more personal.

I'm stationed in Baghdad on an unusual posting for a pilot. I'm advising generals and colonels in the Iraqi Air Force and helping them gain capabilities for a self-sufficient, responsible, law abiding military force. To that end, I and the incredible team here work with them every day, and I've gotten to know many of them very well. I have become familiar with their histories, their current situations, and plans for the future. Their courage is amazing. I would like to tell you a couple of stories about them, and I'll stack that up against everything you're reading and seeing on TV.

First, some history: when I first got here, we had just lost a couple of very important people to terrorists. They target smart people who have had Western training. One of the guys that we were able to send back to the states, one of the ones who really "got it" was discovered, caught, his family violated and killed in front of him, and finally tortured and killed in the most vile way. My first advisee's brother was assassinated. A cadet in one of our academies was killed. I tell you this in order to give you perspective on these stories.

Col. K is one of the most personable men I've met. Very open in his thinking, and eager to learn new ways to do things. He was at the top of his pilot training class and has been at the top of everything he's ever done. He flew many missions into Iran and was given several cars by Saddam Hussein. He once brought in some old, timeworn pictures, about him and his pilot buddies. They looked very similar to mine, except a little older. Young men goofing around. Then a beatific smile came over his face, and he showed me a picture of a white 1982 Regal. Pretty ordinary car, really. But it was a gift from Saddam in recognition of combat accomplishments in the Iran-Iraq war. Col. K went on and on about the crazy stuff he did in that car: pretty standard for a 20-something single pilot with combat missions under his belt. Many of you know the attachment of your favorite car.

As he flipped through the pictures, his face fell, then a wry smile, as he flopped down the last couple of pictures. I looked and there was the burned-out hulk of the car, burned down to a reddened frame. The next picture was of the VIN number, the soot carefully rubbed off. I asked him what had happened to his car. He smiled sadly and said, "You guys blew it up." He was in a shelter as we took out some installations in Desert Storm, and his car was parked by a comm node. There was a silence as he looked at the picture for a little while longer, then up at me, smiling. "Thank you for coming. I am happy you are here. You are giving us a chance." This man is now helping the initial class of the new Iraqi Air Force earn their wings.

Col. T is a rock. Disciplined but ever-ready to crack a smile and share a laugh. He's a consummate professional, and it saddens him to see what has happened to his country. When I ask him what are the aims of the foreign fighters operating here, he simply says, "They want to burn all Iraq." He's had to move from his house three times, as he knows the terrorists are targeting him. One day, he brings me a bunch of dates. From his "father's father's house." Which meant he went back to the house he fled in order to bring me the "...most special dates in Baghdad." He risked picking up a tail to get me special dates.

When he talks about his house, and the past, he often becomes overcome by emotion. The other day, he brought me his survival knife that he had been issued and had flown with in every combat mission into Iran. He got it 30 years ago. He gave it to me, so I wouldn't forget him. Not a chance, buddy.

Col. A is a really smart man, who is very Westernized in his thinking. As an engineer, he is extremely valuable to the rebuilding of the Air Force. He has a 16-year-old daughter, and an 18-year-old son. He's had to move several times as well. Speaks really fluent English. He worries about the same things most fathers do, except that when he gets cell calls, it's because his daughter hears gunfire moving down the street. It's because his son is taken (and released when the U.S. Army happens upon the scene on a routine patrol). It's because his wife thinks someone has looked a little too long at the house.

Through all that, he says that the Americans are the most trusted entity in Iraq. He told me something amazing the other day. He said he was going to tell his family something that I'd said. I asked in amazement, "They know what you do?" Most of the guys don't tell anyone what they do, especially the children. It's been a death sentence for them and their families if they're found out.

He tells me that three years ago, when it was really bad, they had a family meeting as to whether he should rejoin the Air Force. The whole family, knowing full well the risk, and knowing the pitiless fate that awaits them if they are discovered, voted yes. A 13-year-old girl showed that kind of courage. I was stunned, asking why they would do that. He said, "...we finally have a chance, thanks to you, and I must do my part."

This is the history through which you must view the returning thousands to Baghdad. One of the generals is bringing his daughter's family, including a 2-year-old granddaughter, back after many years away. What sort of things does a grandpa consider before he makes a decision like that? What do they know that you aren't being told?

Although I've been mortared, rocketed and shot at, I think this will be the most valuable year I've had in my career. I've been privileged to meet many amazing Army personnel, and absolutely amazing Iraqis. I've flown over Baghdad in Iraqi Hueys, flown by Iraqi pilots, feet and M4 dangling in the breeze, watching as the Iraqi door gunner waves at the kids below with one hand, keeping the other on the gun that he trains on likely shooter holes.

I've gone from being rocketed almost daily, to not having any in the last month. Casualty rates are below what we incur in peacetime. People are coming back to all areas. And the press describes that as a tragedy because of a possible housing shortage. They describe low casualty rates as hardship for grave diggers in Iraq. It looks like we can win on the ground, in the air, on the seas, and in the hearts of the Iraqis, only to be portrayed as losers, villains, or bullies in the media.

There are about 4,000 Americans who came over here to perform a mission under very trying circumstances, who have given their lives in order to give these people a shot at living theirs.

I thought you folks back home may appreciate a little perspective from the front. Thanks.

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Mike Banzet, a major in the U.S. Air Force, is a 1986 graduate of Flathead High School. At the time of writing this column, he was stationed in Baghdad. He retired from the military in 2010 after 22 years service.