I would just like to pass on to all concerned.  Today, here at KIRKUK AB, Iraq, we were told that we were no longer allowed to fly the United States flag.  The reason we were given is so we would not offend the Iraqi people.  We were told that we are not occupying this country!  And apparently we are not in charge.  Well, my question is this.  If we are not in charge, then who is?  Obviously, the Iraqi people are not.  The Iraqi people do not run any of these bases over here yet, and may not for quite some time.  We at KIRKUK AB, Fire Dept have up to today, both Post and Retire the colors every day.  Today in a show of respect and honor especially for those who have fallen, we disobeyed the order and raised our flag, but less than an hour later we were Ordered to take our flag down.  The moral here is low, but our mission remains in focus.  It is a slap in the face of those families back home who have lost a loved ones.  It is also a slap in the face for those who still remain here, not only protecting our people back home, but trying to make a difference here in the pursuit of freedom for the Iraqi people.  I would appreciate the widest  dissemination of this message.  If we are to fly the Iraqi flag with our flag then so be it.  But don't tell us they can't show the respect for our flag, when so many have died in the name of Freedom.  The only people I think who would be offended, are the people who kill innocent women and children in the name of religion.  Thank you for your support and prayers.  

 Samuel D. Arbuckle, TSgt, USAFR
506 ECES/CEF
FREEDOM AB
KIRKUK, IRAQ
DSN(318)460-0030

From:   Talley Chuck CMSgt 506 AEG/CCC 
Sent:   Thursday, February 05, 2004 5:11 PM
To:     Roznovsky Franklin SMSgt 355 AMXS
Cc:     506 AEG FSGT's; 506 AEG CHIEFS
Subject:        RE: Flying of US Flag

All outside US flags need to come down per CENTAF guidance.  Col Gibson is taking this back to CENTAF.  Inside flags are good, Chief T

We are allowed to put the flag up for special days or events, but we can't have it up all the time implying that we are occupying Iraq.  Chief T

 

Sir, When we carry the bodies of our fallen men and women to the aircraft for their final flight home, can we still drape the coffins with our flag, or will that still offend the people that we are dying for so they can be liberated.

         MSgt, W. Dalton