To See A World In A Grain Of Sand: Freedom Fight

2018-07-04T00:00:16-04:00

As the Iraqi police waited at the gate to be let in to our house, I was repeatedly told to never say I was American, if they asked any questions. Initially I was not worried the Iraqi police were at our gate, but after my family’s reaction I knew it was not good. It was as if everyone was rehearsing what they would say if the police asked questions, everyone was in a calm panic. The police came in and inspected the house and left, it was simple…no problems. I think my family in Iraq was extra cautious because they knew I was an American and did not want to endanger me.

Everyone was relieved when they left, including me because I could feel the tension. I was around 9 or 10 years old during this time living under the Saddam Hussein regime. What I didn’t understand then that I understand now, is Iraqi police coming into citizens home was the norm. There was no such thing as probable cause or a reason to search someone’s house…the government always won in Iraq. They could go into anyone’s house at any time and people of Iraq understood this.

Iraq has not had much independence, even pre-Gulf War as Saddam Hussein ruled with a heavy hand. There have been entire generations of Iraqis with no knowledge of what independence feels or looks like. We, as Americans, have been living independently since 1776. Independence for a nation is significant because it can be the glue that binds people together and Iraq is trying to establish its independence, but is still struggling. We (U.S.) struggled too when we were fighting for independence and it was messy. Allegedly, Benjamin Franklin was coming out of Independence Hall in Philadelphia in 1776 and was asked if we had a nation. He replied, “we do if we can keep it, and we must all hang together or surely we will all hang separately”.

Iraqis for the first time are trying to establish their freedom and independence and it’s not an easy road; when we question why these wars have gone on for so long… the answer is freedom has to be fought for by its own people. It won’t happen overnight and once people get a taste of freedom they won’t go back. Iraq is just not there yet and I’m proud we (U.S.) have tried to help them taste freedom.

The U.S. went into Iraq for many reasons and I believe one of them was humanity driven. There was a silent personal fight between Iraqi citizens and Saddam Hussein and we happened to jump into that fight. I don’t know if what we did will end pleasantly, but Iraqis will have to fight for their freedom and sustain it to make it a reality—only then will they have the full taste of freedom.

This Independence day we as Americans should all stand proud to know our founding fathers and mothers fought for our Independence that we enjoy today. They jumped in the fight and that is enough to be grateful for. While our country may not be perfect, I can attest it is better than most. I’ve never been more grateful to live under the U.S. flag or call myself an American.

Happy Independence Day.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the Air Force of any agency of the U.S. government.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jul 4 at 2018 12:11 AM

2018-07-04T00:11:52-04:00

Every story I read of yours, Maj Alea Nadeem, is more extraordinary than the last. Thank you, and Happy Independence Day to you.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2018 2:38 AM

2018-07-04T02:38:36-04:00

Thanks for sharing Ma'am and a Happy Independence Day to you as well.

Response by MAJ Montgomery Granger made Jul 4 at 2018 4:21 AM

2018-07-04T04:21:25-04:00

Congratulations on a great piece! Your perspective is one that is so often lost on those who would take our freedom and liberty for granted. Hooah!

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jul 4 at 2018 6:49 AM

2018-07-04T06:49:32-04:00

Great share Maj.

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2018 9:00 AM

2018-07-04T09:00:59-04:00

Thank you Ma'am, as some one who was there in 91, then invasion 2003 and then end of OIF 2010-2011, I fill something for the Iraqi people.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Jul 4 at 2018 9:02 AM

2018-07-04T09:02:26-04:00

Thank you for your views and your service

Response by SFC Joseph Dunphy made Jul 4 at 2018 9:38 AM

2018-07-04T09:38:23-04:00

Another reason to appreciate the 4th Amendment, search and seizure.

Response by CPO Bernie Penkin made Jul 4 at 2018 9:42 AM

2018-07-04T09:42:48-04:00

Thank you for sharing your story Major. My dad lost everything when the communists came to the Ukraine and tried to kill the intellectuals. He escaped to Germany and was later drafted into the German army to fight WW2. He ended up a prisoner of war in France and had only the shirt on his back at the end of the war. In his heart he wanted to come to America where a man was free to live his life and be successful based on hard work. He loved America and instilled the importance of freedom in my heart. I decided when I was a kid that freedom was worth defending and joined up as soon as I was albe to in order to give back to my country what it gave my dad and family. God bless you in your career.

Response by MSG Moises Maldonado made Jul 4 at 2018 9:53 AM

2018-07-04T09:53:10-04:00

I've Lived all my Life(almost 70 Y/o) under FREEDOM afforded to us by the Sacrifices of Our Armed Services Personnel. I know the Cost of it.. Back in the Days when Our INDEPENDENCE Was Enacted (1776) There was so much PATRIOTISM then After.. To this Day I enjoy every Day as a FREE person. SADLY; there are (many) people that are SO ignorant about the Constitution and Disrespectful to our Heritage, Mainly Because NONE of these Facts are no Longer taught in Schools anymore.. The last two Generations have been Misled to Believe otherwise. The Parents themselves are to Blame for not (they don't know any better) Instilling PATRIOTISM onto their Children. U.S.A ! I love my Country( I wasn't even Borne Here, in one of the territories ) and am informed about it's development since it's inception.. I studied /Learned about AMERICAN History( It was a Mandatory Subject Matter for H.S Graduation). Is NOT included anymore in School Curriculum .. SAD SAD SAD FACT.. GOD BLESS the U S of AMERICA... Thank You MAJOR for Your Service...

Response by Sgt Franklin B. made Jul 4 at 2018 10:10 AM

2018-07-04T10:10:35-04:00

Happy Independents Day.

Response by MSgt Dale Johnson made Jul 4 at 2018 10:23 AM

2018-07-04T10:23:53-04:00

Great story, Thank You for sharing

Response by SMSgt Tom Burns made Jul 4 at 2018 11:37 AM

2018-07-04T11:37:06-04:00

Awesome story.

Response by SPC Christopher Murano made Jul 4 at 2018 12:15 PM

2018-07-04T12:15:17-04:00

In some ways, it's unfortunate that a beautifully written piece such as yours should be required reading in schools across our country.

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Jul 4 at 2018 2:08 PM

2018-07-04T14:08:50-04:00

I hope Maj Alea Nadeem’s stories of freedom in the US and Iraq are picked up and taught in history classes across the country.

Response by Cpl Mark A. Morris made Jul 4 at 2018 6:23 PM

2018-07-04T18:23:35-04:00

Maj.
I too am glad to be an American. The Constitution and Bill of Rights protects my liberty.
Can Iraq, or any other ME country ever have freedom? When the State is tied to a religion/ideology? Or, the majority follow an ideology that prohibits freedom? Shia, or Sunni for example.
As you are mostly likely aware Maj., the US military judges by action. Not by color, or religion. This is what seperates us from the world and makes the US military the greatest military that ever stepped foot on this planet.
I am glad you were not harmed as a young girl that day the police went in to your home. Every day I ask G-d the Father in Christ's name to put an end to the Tyranny of evil men and the suffering of women and children. In the ME mostly.
No one should believe as I do, unless they want to. Everyone shlould believe, or not believe as they wish.
Happy 4th of July Maj.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2018 8:48 PM

2018-07-04T20:48:29-04:00

Major, Thank you for sharing your life with us here at RP. It tells 'us' exactly how Precious 'our' FREEDOM is here in America! Thank you for serving ! Blessings !!! HOORAH !!!

Response by SSgt Holden M. made Jul 5 at 2018 8:39 AM

2018-07-05T08:39:33-04:00

This is just amazing reading your stories. If you are up for it I think writing a book would be awesome, and would bring a lot of awareness about things that are so important that so many don't. I saw somewhere that said something along the lines of Freedom has a flavor only those that have fought for it know. And I think it's similar in the example of your story, Freedom has a flavor/appreciation for that only those that have lived without know.

Response by MSgt Stephen Council made Jul 5 at 2018 11:14 AM

2018-07-05T11:14:40-04:00

Maj Alea Nadeem Well stated Maam.

Response by Tom Blackwell made Jul 5 at 2018 9:10 PM

2018-07-05T21:10:41-04:00

Moved south from Canada, a socialist state, and could smell the freedom in the air from day one. Advanced citizenship carries with it great awards, and responsibilities. OORAH!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 7 at 2018 4:21 PM

2018-07-07T16:21:44-04:00

The world is fraught with people who want freedom from tyrants.

Response by COL David Turk made Jul 8 at 2018 3:31 PM

2018-07-08T15:31:20-04:00

Great narrative major. It’s a shame that there are some politicians and pundits in our country who ignore the fine points you made and instead, turn the US involvement into a political sound bite.

Response by CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw made Jul 9 at 2018 2:27 AM

2018-07-09T02:27:45-04:00

Outstanding Post!!!

Response by COL Charles Williams made Jul 9 at 2018 9:19 AM

2018-07-09T09:19:29-04:00

Maj Alea Nadeem Hooah! Thanks for sharing your story, and for your service.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 9 at 2018 11:22 AM

2018-07-09T11:22:39-04:00

Great Share Alea! As Ronald Reagan famously said about Freedom:
http://www.azquotes.com/quote/241175

Ronald Reagan Quote

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 10 at 2018 12:54 PM

2018-07-10T12:54:09-04:00

Interesting read...

Response by SP5 Arthur Ben Ephraim made Jul 16 at 2018 7:15 PM

2018-07-16T19:15:41-04:00

Only 4 to 6 percent of Colonials fought and made the United States of America. Many did nothing and even more were Tory fighting for the Red Coats. Patriots may expect to be outnumbered at all times-- even today. That is how come it is very important to maintain a sense of humor. :-)

Response by MAJ Hugh Blanchard made Jul 22 at 2018 8:45 PM

2018-07-22T20:45:12-04:00

God bless you and your family Major! We need stories like yours to remind us of what America should mean to the world.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 27 at 2018 9:36 AM

2018-07-27T09:36:13-04:00

I'll have to disagree that the US had any intention to go into Iraq on a "humanity" drive. We all know why the US government went into Iraq. Let's be realistic - it wasn't to bring freedom to the Iraqi people. At all. Or it would have been managed a lot better than it was.

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2018 5:21 AM

2018-09-15T05:21:23-04:00

Excellent description of life under a Total Dictator which the cia placed into Power !!!

Response by SP5 Arthur Ben Ephraim made Sep 17 at 2018 6:50 PM

2018-09-17T18:50:59-04:00

Sadam was funding suicide bombers operating within Israel at 25K per kamikaze mission and that is how come the U.S. wiped-out Iraq. We do not see the U.S. taking action against Suitlander Afrikaaner annihilation in south Africa even though open race based warfare will likely breakout in less than FIVE (5) years. The U.S. is led by Heliocentric Model neo-Nazi 4th Reich Sonnenkinder (Children of Sol) and not one single U.S. General officer has the moxie to tell the truth. We may all wax poetic about U.S. altruism, but the simple truth is NASA and Shadow government are building robot Sky Net under the cover of the globe earth, spinning ball, vacuum space paradigm. U.S. birthright sovereigns of We the People will be blessed by the creator God to survive the upcoming bloodletting. I respect political chattel U.S. citizens and many have talent and superior skills, but not one in uniform will tell the truth. Thus proving they lack honor, fidelity, demonstrated patriotism, excellence, and more. We all live on an extended Flat Plane beneath a Firmament Dome and it is a Life Cradle of the creator God, Big Bird of PBS, NASA, JCS, and other liars notwithstanding. How refreshing it would be to see a senior commander tell the truth.......we may all confine notions of U.S. military action and attribute deployment to humanity, altruism, or any other motive, but it will not alter the condition that U.S. citizens are governed by money loving traitors violating legitimate Nuremberg Trial verdicts and thus making mockery of the WW II victory they love to venerate...... BTW, Fly an airplane and use the Attitude Gyro IFR and get your own evidence or if any lack funding visit Tucson's Beth Sar Shalom of 2151 N. Palo Verde and ask USAF jihad depopulating war machine Westin Jones for a ride in his GA Twin by witness of the creator God by the Holy Spirit.

Response by PO3 Douglas George made Sep 23 at 2018 8:16 AM

2018-09-23T08:16:52-04:00

That photograph says it all, Major.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 28 at 2018 6:47 AM

2018-09-28T06:47:28-04:00

wow, what an interesting story! thank you for sharing. I love to hear stories from those who have lived under oppressive governments. My family came to the US so long ago that no one really knows exactly where and why we came here. Thanks for sharing part of your story.

Response by MAJ Victor Alarcon made Oct 2 at 2018 11:04 PM

2018-10-02T23:04:30-04:00

I too am a foreign born American Soldier, I was born in Mexico and lived in absolute poverty. My father had tasted the Freedom and Opportunity of this nation when he became a member of THE GREATEST GENERATION, forgotten Braceros. After that hisvdream was to get us to the USA. We crossed the river December 19,1959. Time came when it was my turn to repay this nation,,as a Combat Field Surgeon for 35 years. I understand your sacrifice

Response by PO1 Harvey Morris made Dec 8 at 2018 10:25 AM

2018-12-08T10:25:59-05:00

Thank YOU.

Response by MSG Moises Maldonado made Jan 2 at 2019 10:50 PM

2019-01-02T22:50:30-05:00

So am I; I Love this Country with all my Heart & Soul.. It has given me so Much. The Star Spangled Banner National Anthem and The U.S.Flag Are (Very much) my lifetime favorites.. My Respects to you Maj Alea Nadeem and Your Family . Thank you for sharing your Story.. It is very inspiring and a fresh of Air on this times of(World) turmoil . Thank you For Your Service!. We the People will (in the Name of U.S,A.) forever be grateful to you..

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 2 at 2019 11:05 PM

2019-01-02T23:05:16-05:00

Great personal share from first hand knowledge! Since the Ancient days of Assyria, Nebuchadnezzar & Cyrus the Great, that part of the world has been dominated by Tyrants! Hussein was the cia's hand-picked puppet. I apologize for America's part in the mass MURDERS which took place. You are correct though, 'Iraqis will have to fight for their freedom and sustain it to make it a reality—only then will they have the full taste of freedom.' ! The United States of America can Not give another Country Freedom Nor Independence! They Must be Fought for to be Appreciated! That Is WHY this generation of Americans Hates The FREEDOMS & INDEPENDENCE which are Afforded them while in America !!!
Thank you for your service !!!

Response by PO1 Kevin Dougherty made Jan 2 at 2019 11:17 PM

2019-01-02T23:17:44-05:00

Excellent story. I am reminded of my heritage. My maternal ancestors came here from northeastern Europe in the mid 1800s. They were Jews fleeing persecution, and emigrated to Sweden, then eventually to the US via Britain. My Paternal ancestors came about the same time after centuries hiding in Southern Ireland, (one was transported to Australia, fate unknown). My wife's family included both Quakers and Huguenots who came here in the very early 1600s seeking religious freedom, many of them fought in the Revolutionary war. On both sides, we have members who have fought in every war, and a few uncles and cousins who made it their career. I think back and am humbled by their sacrifices, and the sacrifices of so many others, to give us the gift, the wonderful gift of freedom we enjoy today. I am proud to be numbered as one of them today.

Response by CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw made Jan 2 at 2019 11:52 PM

2019-01-02T23:52:34-05:00

Outstanding Post. So True. We as Americans should be constantly reminded how good it is to be Independent and allowed the Freedoms we currently have. This Independence didn’t happen by accident but by design through the Blood, Sweat, Tears, Sacrifices, and even the ultimate Sacrifice of Death or Permanent Disabilities for Our Nations Freedoms and Independence. Sadly, over the past 10-20 years, some of the Very things we cherish the most in this Country is eroding or being taken Away!!! It is time for We The People to get back involved in our Nations issues and take back Control of our Nation before we become a lessor Nation which will be seen in the Tribulation!! Let us as a People be Thankful and Appreciate what we have and Thank God, Our Military, Our Patriots, Our Faithful Citizens, and God Fearing Leaders. Maybe together with Truthful Information we can Make America Again!!! May God Bless You and This Great Nation Always!!!

Response by LTC James McElreath made Jan 3 at 2019 1:34 AM

2019-01-03T01:34:06-05:00

After having worked on two PRT it became very noticeable that the Iraqi people although were told that they were free from the Bath government and could make decisions and not fear retaliation. When asking them to make some life decisions they just could not do it without asking Bagdad for permission. Their opposition to making change at the lowest levels to the leaders were almost impossible to get things accomplished. But one had to feel bad for them as they were appressed so long under fear of death they could not get passed that fear, even though Sadam was long ago dead. It appeared they knew there was another person in charge in Bagdad.

Response by SGT James (Mike) White made Nov 19 at 2020 8:11 AM

2020-11-19T08:11:07-05:00

Thanks for great write-up and for your service to our country.