From: Hostetler, David W CPT MIL USA FORSCOM
[david.w.hostetler@us.army.mil]
Sent: Monday, December 24, 2007 3:05 AM
To: Ackerson, Steve; Christopher Brinson; Conrad, Jamie; Conrad, Mark;
Cummings, Xavier; Dana, Caroline; Dana, Susan; Edwards, Anthony; Foster,
Donna; Frank Dana; Gilpin, Alex; Gipson, Jeremiah; Gishler, Ann;
Gretchen Brinson; Hannah Remtema; Hostetler, Curry Anne; Hovind, Emily;
John Hostetler; Mary Brinson; McFarland, Jack; Miller, Tom; Naylor, Ron;
Nelma Hostetler; Radlinski, Aaron; Schmidt, Lynn; Schweitzer, Mariah;
Taylor, Molly; Thomas, Allan; Thomas, Scott; Zuk, Denise
Subject: Christmas in Iraq

Merry Christmas from Iraq!!

I hope this message finds all of you enjoying the Holdiay Season. We're doing well here and trying our best to enjoy at least a little holiday cheer. We're finally on our own, the folks that we replaced have all left and we are getting down to business. Our Iraqi counterparts have welcomed us with open arms and we are quickly developing the personal relationships that are so important to the local culture. We are located in a fairly rural area just outside of Baghdad, between the Tigris and Euphrates. It is a very agricultural area, with farms and canals everywhere we go. 

Our quality of life here is good. We have hot food, hot showers, and a warm bed to sleep in. The US battalion that we work for has gone far out of their way to take care of us and provide whatever creature comforts they can. I have received numerous packages from all of you and want to thank you. Everything that you send is much appreciated. The current request is for quality whole bean coffee. The stuff that we have here leaves a little to be desired. The two brands that are requested most often are Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks. The variety doesn't matter as long as it has caffeine in it. Decaf is blasphemy around here. 

There seems to be the beginnings of guarded optimism among the Iraqi people here. That maybe, just maybe, the relative peace will continue. The Iraqi people are tired of the violence and are cooperating to stop it. I ask that you include the Iraqi people in your prayers as they have endured unimaginable hardship and yet they have not given up. All they want is a chance at a normal life.

Once again I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers. It is my sincere wish that you have a wonderful Holiday Season. 

-dave

I have added some folks to this list so I'm including our mailing address again.

CPT Dave Hostetler
MiTT, 1-187 IN, 3BCT, 101st ABN DIV (AASLT), MND-C Camp Striker, Iraq APO AE 09344