To the fine men of the 173rd: the 10th Mountain Division 1/32 spent 15 months at the KOP and the Korengal Valley. They had 22/23 killed and over 130 wounded. They took over 50% casualties, had no shower facilities, slept on the ground for months, yet they are making their way back in "the real world." I know all this because one was my son. What angered me then and I am sure angers you is that the U.S. is not aware of the fighting conditions in the Korengal, it is under reported, and the rules of engagement favor the enemy and not the U.S. soldiers. The NATO forces (the Coalition) do all they can to keep what is really happening from the public in general and the U.S. public in particular. This all said, I am so proud of what the 10th and the 173rd has endured and overcome. It is warfare, there are great hardships, many frustrations, but through it all, most will survive and be better soldiers to help the next army for America's future. You are so much better than we were in Vietnam, just as frustrated, but somehow better. Get through this, help each other (your officers, included), and know we will prevail. God bless for your endurance and courage. Don't try to second guess the REMFs. They will never have a clue. John P. McAfee, author of Slow Walk in A Sad Rain.