Surprise gift from Iraq ... 9/11 American flag

OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM
09.1

This flag was flown 11 September 2009 next to the Task Force 2/23 sign on-board Camp Ramadi, Iraq, in direct support of

Operation Iraqi Freedom
2D Battalion, 23D Marine Regiment, RCT-6

Presented to
The Mitchell Family
for your dedication and support

[signed]
Lt. Col. Joseph A. Cabell, USMC, Battalion Commander
Sgt. Maj. Dennis R. Simons, USMC, Battalion Sergeant Major
1st Lt. Robert J. Jones, USMC, H&S Company Commander
1st Sgt. Patrick F. Llamas, USMC, H&S Company 1st Sgt.

The mailbox brought a special surprise Wednesday in a Priority Mail bag with the return address from Cpl. Nate Salatin in Iraq. He had sent an American flag that had flown over the USMC camp in Ramadi, Iraq ... but the extra special part was that it had flown on 9/11.

Nate knows what an impact 9/11 made on my family.

A certificate was included verifying the flag's authenticity, and included was a note from Nate dated 15 Sept 2009:

Dear Mitchells,

This flag flew over Camp Ramadi, Iraq, on Sept. 11th, 2009. I thought it might be a special way to thank ya'll for the letters, packages, and loving support that you have always given to me.

Thank you.

Love,
Nate

He added that he had a photo of the flag flying that he would pass along once he knew we had received the flag. That will be special, too.

Meanwhile, Nate and thousands of other American military members are on the front lines protecting our freedoms and keeping us safe so that we can go about our lives. Thank God for our American heroes and their families. God bless Nate ... Semper Fi.

Nate Salatin (right) of Augusta County.