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Police Chief Pete Running stands by the Sovereign State Flag as it flies over Baghdad, Iraq |
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Temporary home of Winneconne’s Pete Running
As many of us are slowly recuperating from Independence Day activities, vacations and summer splendor, Winneconne’s Pete Running, the village police chief, along with countless other soldiers, is in the thick of an Iraqi summer and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Running recently sent an update to The Winneconne News with a “window to his world.”
“A'salaam a'laykum (hello) from Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq. I hope you are enjoying the summer, as much as the weather will allow. I miss my family, friends and neighbors, and wish them well. I have had a busy couple of months. My role here is the senior enlisted advisor to the commander of a psychological operations task force. I am responsible for the welfare, health, supplies and safety of all the PSYOP (Psychological Operations) soldiers in Iraq. Our mission, in broad detail, is to use information, through multiple media formats and face-to-face contact, to support and assist in bringing stability to the people and government of Iraq.
This, outside of the face-to-face contact, is all done behind the scenes (we do not get any publicity, like you see on television where the soldier is talking with the local children, or meeting with the sheik). Our soldiers do not work in front of cameras. They work behind them.
You hear and read about positive things happening over here on the world news; much of what is reported is directly related to what we do. It is extremely interesting work. It does, however, make for long days and travel around the country, but I'm here with some great, intelligent soldiers, which makes for quick time over here.
We've still got a long way to go, (add to that the drawdown and preparing for our exit), but the GOI (Government of Iraq) is taking control, and their army and police force are fully in the lead on operations.
I have the occasional soldier problem, and have had to deal with them, but overall, the problems are minor, and it has been a pleasure working with each and every one of them. I am in a pretty safe place, and the conditions are not as bad as you see in the news. Things could be better, but definitely could be worse.
Before I left for Iraq, Sovereign State Committee President John Bartow presented a Sovereign State flag to me. I flew the flag over Baghdad, Iraq! I mailed the flag back home, and my wife, Jody, will bring it and a certificate to the village offices for display.
I wish the entire village of Winneconne a safe, enjoyable summer.”
With regards,
Chief Pete Running
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