Posted: 8/18/2005 8:34:47 AM EDT
[#3]
Excerpts from the interview: LAUER: How much does that uncertainty of knowing how long you're going to be here impact morale?
Sergeant JAMIE WELLS: Morale's always high. Soldiers know they have a mission, they like taking on the new objectives and taking on the new challenges. We're training the Iraqi Army time***(as spoken), and now they're motivated, ready to go.
LAUER: Well, don't get me wrong. I mean, I--I think you guys are probably telling me the truth, but there might be a lot of people at home wondering how that could be possible with the conditions you're facing and with the insurgent attacks you're facing. So, I mean, what would you say to those people who are doubtful that morale can be that high?
Captain SHERMAN POWELL: Well, sir, I tell you if I got my news from the newspapers also, I'd be pretty depressed as well.
LAUER: What don't you think is being correctly portrayed?
Capt. POWELL: Sir, I know it's hard to get out and--and get on the ground and report the news, and I--I understand that and I appreciate that fact. But for of those who've actually had a chance to get out and go on patrols and meet the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi police and go on patrols with them, we are very satisfied with the way things are going here. And we are confident that if we're allowed to finish the job we started we'll be very proud of it and our country will be proud of us for doing it.
LAUER: Per--perhaps, maybe, we--we we deal with the insurgency so often that we don't spend enough time talking about the average Iraqi citizen tha--that perhaps welcomes you with open arms. What kinds of experiences have you had in that area?
Specialist STEVEN CHITERER: Pretty much every day we go on patrol. Everybody's really accepted to you, `Hey, how you doing? Mista, mista. Americans, come here, come here.' Everywhere you go the kids just adore you. They'll do anything to get chocolate from you, just say hi. If you got a camera you're a freaking god to them. This...
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LAUER: There--there's been some reports in the media lately, and you're going to--I'm going to get your feathers ruffled here I'm sure in a second, that--that expectations now are starting to be lowered for what would be success here in Iraq. How would you feel about US forces being withdrawn before--you're shaking your head--before the insurgency is defeated?
Capt. POWELL: Well, sir, I would just tell you, and for the people who are listening back at home, we appreciate the support we've gotten from them so far--so far. And--and soldiers we will do anything when they know they--they have good leadership and they have the support from the people back at home. And as long as we continue to have confidence that we are supported and people have our back, there is nothing we can not accomplish.
LAUER: OK. So you would rather stay here longer and defeat the insurgency then be pulled out earlier and--and possibly leave it in a situation where the it could--it could grow?
Chief Warrant Officer KERGISS: Yes, sir.
Sgt. WELLS: Absolutely.
Chief Warrant Officer KERGISS: Yes, sir.
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