Just received the following from a dear and  faithful deacon friend in Iraq. 
Thought some of you prayer worriers might wish to join me in honoring his 
request.


  Greetings from Iraq,

Well we are getting down to that last days in this desert paradise and I 
look forward to being in Kuwait in less than 2 weeks.  However, there is 
work to be done before we can leave.  Later this week, we will be conducting 
our battle hand off and in essence our last mission.  While that is a reason 
for joy and much Thanksgiving, there is also a note of concern. 
Unfortunately, looking back over the year, we have had a tendency to begin 
every new mission with a bang and end it the same.

We have came along way and have accomplished a lot, I would ask that you 
join me in prayer for my leaders and I and our soldiers as we will be out on 
these last few days that God's hand of protection will still be with us and 
that absolutely no incidents will happen.  Frankly, everyone is so much on 
pins and needles that any incident, could cause some to go over the edge.

Mentally, everyone is ready to go home, but there are several mental health 
issues that are showing themselves.  Chief among them are sleep deprivation. 
I thought I was the only one experiencing it but many soldiers have told me 
about having difficulty falling asleep and then waking up in the middle of 
the night for no apparent reason.

You have been faithful in your prayers thus far, and I know you will 
continue, so Thank-You.

Mike



MICHAEL W. KESSEL
MAJ, AD ILARNG
COMMANDING