Family and friends, neighbors and a number of elected officials recently joined members of the American Legion Post in Massapequa to welcome Sgt. Rick Navarro, MP, home from his tour of duty in Baghdad, Iraq. The surprise party was a heartfelt thank you for what Navarro had done in serving our country with honor and for meeting the challenges of serving during a very difficult period of time.

For those present, Navarro's speech was a sharp contrast to the sometimes negative reports in the news media. His "up close and personal" testimony reassured those present about America's efforts to bring peace, security and freedom to people who have been oppressed for a long, long time.

Navarro described the Iraqi people as friendly and supportive. His Iraqi translator called him "brother," using the more familiar Arabic word for brother. They developed a close bond. In fact, Navarro had already received an e-mail from his Iraqi brother and he had been home just a few days.

Navarro went on to say that at considerable risk to themselves, a number of Iraqis would identify the terrorists in their midst and inform the Americans when and where a cache of arms could be found. He said the people were so generous with what little food they had, it was embarrassing to take from people who had so little. Recognizing how important hospitality is to the Iraqi people, Navarro and the others would accept the piece of fruit, the glass of milk, the token gift from a grateful people.

Navarro said he and the other men and women he served with are very proud of their service in Iraq because they saw firsthand how the people were forced to live and the improvements that had already been made in the Iraqi people's quality of life.

"As we celebrate America's independence, let us pray that the newly established government of Iraq will flourish and that freedom and harmony will reign in Iraq - the place where civilization is said to have begun," Navarro stated.