Christmas in Iraq

*********************** The following message from Private First Class Robyn M. Eshkibok in Ar Ramadi, Iraq is one of many special greetings that SooToday.com will be publishing over the holidays from expatriate Saultites.

If you're a former resident now living 200 or more kilometres away, SooToday.com would be delighted to post your message and photo.

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*********************** Merry Christmas and Happy New Year To All, Here I am in Iraq, Ar Ramadi and all I can think about is how much I miss shoveling driveways on my street!!

Yah crazy enough, I'm on crutches anyway.

Fractured my ankle in training for my next martial arts belt.

Tough to endure during the holidays, but it's not like I'm going to be visiting family and friends anytime soon and have to worry about slipping on ice!

Haha! Coldest it got here was a wind-chill of 17 degrees.

Everyone was freaking out, but I, the "Canadian," enjoyed it!

The cool brisk air reminded me of chilly mornings waiting for the bus.

I joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of 20, (3 years ago), after I watched my brother, Robert, graduate boot camp.

He’s out now and lucky to be home with his two boys, Rob and Ethan, and beautiful bride, Tiffany.

I’ve made it home a few times and cannot wait to return in the spring, when my tour here will be over in a few months. Likely to return in 2006.

I miss the Soo this time of year, Christmas lights, Church, family and friends, and my egg nog with a hint of rum.

Just a hint right Dad? Haha!

Thank you to my friends all over the Soo.

And big "meegwetch" (thank you), to all of the Eshkiboks and Bussineaus, and my cousins from all over Ontario, Florida, Pennsylvania and Colorado, for their continuous support for my Marines and I over here.

Support helps us all get through this deployment together.

Everyone knows how "jacked up" this country was and I’m happy to be apart of the fight for his or her newfound freedom.

I'm thankful for my freedom and am damn proud to be a Canadian Saultite!!

Thank you, for letting me share my holiday greetings!

Looking forward to coming home to the good ol' Soo!

Where no matter where you are stuck in the snow, someone will be by to help you out.

Where neighbours are friendly, hockey is always being played on streets or warm basements, coffee from Tim’s is the best!!

- Private First Class Robyn M Eshkibok

********************** Other 2004 holiday messages from SooToday.com readers

Sault hockey mom becomes an international TV star A holiday note from London, Ontario Brandi says hi to all the 'crazy Mounties' Someone please shovel this woman's driveway Merry Christmas from Megan Merry Christmas from British Columbia Merry Christmas from Ssault Ste. Marie, Ontario

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