Just like athletes at the Olympics all of us are tense, focused and hoping no one trips and falls this close to the finish line, our operational tempo has not slowed a bit.

We have seen a huge decrease (60%) in enemy activity in our area of operation since June.

However, we have seen a huge increase in illegal Syrian border crossings in that same time frame.

Although we are starting to get a grip on it–or at least as good a grip as you can, given the condition of the Iraqi border police and their equipment.

However, this year is the year of the polices and border police, so I am sure they will see a lot of changes in their training and capabilities over the next six months and on into 2007.

Much like what the army saw over the past two years.

Recently the new government has had some great accomplishments that have really added to their political momentum in the fight against terrorist to win the hearts and minds and support of the Iraqi people.

This new government is very aggressive and doing a lot of positive things to try and impact the terrorists, especially in the Baghdad area.

The recent large-scale deployment of tens of thousands of troops in Baghdad to control the city and be there to protect its citizens was a huge win for them in eyes of the civilian population.

Then if that was not enough, the successful targeting and death of Al Zarqawi was even bigger.

The intel they found that one day will have a tactical effect for the country’s fight against terrorism for months to come.

This definitely means a safe or better place to be, but I think both Iraqi and US forces are fighting for everything they are worth to take advantage of this huge gash in the enemy’s armor right now.

It is interesting for me to reflect back on this tour to this point and think about how much has changed since I arrived.

Iraq has gone from a country struggling with the fight against the terrorists, unable to provide basic services to its citizens and a government that was not only temporary but not supported by its citizens.

To what I described earlier; a stronger more aggressive security force (in the lead now versus following US forces) protecting citizens from terrorist and slowly winning.

As well as a government that is elected and supported by its citizens—that is insuring that the ministries in charge of every aspect of this country get back to providing what the citizens deserve as quickly as possible.

I am proud to have had a small part in all of this.

I was able to see people go freely without fear to vote in the election and determine their destiny.

I witness first hand the voting that put in place the only constitution this country has ever had that was created and decided on by its citizens.

I stood by and watched the second time they voted as well, and saw them cheer as the results came out.

I held my breathe along with them as we waited, what seemed like an eternity, for there to be a clear and united voice to come out of Baghdad.

I can not explain how happy these people are to see Al Maliki run this country with such confident aggressiveness.

I am looking forward to getting home and seeing all of you as soon as possible.

I hope that this update finds all of you and your families in good health and great spirits.

Thanks again for all the support and prayers.

Keep’em coming, not just for me, but for all the men and women over here serving out country.

Note: Captain Diggs wrote to his family and friends to let them know that the media is purposely withholding positive news for the nation’s war on terror from the American people. With his permission, this letter is being printed for others to read.

Diggs is a United States Army reserve captain and an intelligence advisor working with the 3rd Iraqi Army Division (IAD) Military Transition Team (MiTT).

He is a former resident of Franklin Va. and lived and worked in New Bern, NC before being called to active duty in the war against terrorism. He expects to be home sometime this summer.

Diggs is a 1988 graduate of Gates County High School and is son of Cathy Vick of Gates, NC.