A Litany of Thanks

“Religion is not violent. People are violent.”

Watching the reactions to the ISIS attacks in Paris has been nothing short of disappointing. These reaction, from Facebook feeds to Twitter, to the vitriol screamed at the Greenbay Packers game, display a vast amount of ignorance to how Muslim nations and populations have been fighting extremism. Moreover, Muslim nations have been instrumental in enabling the United States to conduct military operations over the past decade and a half. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I offer a litany of thanks.

I am thankful to the Muslim nation of Kuwait. Since the United States led the coalition over Iraq in 1991, Kuwait has been the host of U.S. ground and air forces in the region. Indeed, leading up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Kuwait served as the “Iron Mountain of Logistics” to the United States military. Thank you Kuwait for your staunch support of the United States.

On a personal level, my first experience in working with Muslims occurred during the buildup of U.S. forces in preparation for the ill-advised invasion of Iraq. I had the pleasure of working with a senior leader in the Kuwait Military Police, Anzi Awwad, who coordinated security for U.S. forces moving from the ports and airfields into their respective battle positions. Working with professionals like Chief Awwad destroyed any preconceived notions I had of Muslims. I am thankful to Chief Awwad for his patience, and his professional guidance he offered me twelve years ago. Because young immature lieutenants are the same to a Muslims and Christians with twenty years plus of military service.

Continuing in Iraq, I am thankful to the Muslim Iraqis I who fought side-by-side U.S. and coalition forces over the years. Ditto for Afghan forces in their respective nation. On a personal level, I am thankful to “Ronnie” and “Paulie,” Muslims who worked as translators, putting their own and family lives at risk. “Ronnie” would eventually leave his war torn homeland, immigrate to the United States and enlist in the United States Army. I am thankful, and damn proud of him.

I am thankful to our Muslim partners in Northern Iraq. The Kurdish population in Northern Iraq has been fighting enemies of the United States for over two decades. These enemies include Saddam Hussein, and more recently ISIS. Indeed, if you doubt the contributions of Muslims in the war on ISIS, take the time to read and learn what the Kurds are up against in Northern Iraq.

Ditto for Afghan forces in their respective nation. Over the years, and despite various instances of “Green on Blue” countless Afghans placed not only their own lives at risk to fight the Taliban and Al Quada, but their families lives as well.

I am thankful to our Muslim allies in Turkey. Turkey, who allows the United States Air Force to conduct strikes against ISIS from its nation, is instrumental in enabling U.S. airpower. Turkey’s contributions in the current fight are just a small part of its contributions as a NATO ally over the past 60 years.

I am thankful to the nation of Egypt. Egypt, a Muslim nation that has cooperated with the United States to ensure the safe passage of naval and commercial vessels through the Suez Canal ensuring the global economy runs uninterrupted. Egypt, a Muslim nation that cooperates with the United States through exercises such as Bright Star, and foreign officer exchanges throughout professional military education.

I am thankful to the Muslim nations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Muslim nations in the GCC include Bahrain who ensures the global reach of the United States Navy by hosting the headquarters of fifth fleet. I am also thankful to the Muslim nation of Qater, who ensures the United States can synchronize military forces and operations in the Middle East by hosting the forward headquarters of United States Central Command.

On another level, I am thankful to Muslim nations throughout Asia for their contributions to the global economy. There is a pre-conception that Muslim = Middle East Arab. Nothing could be further from the truth. Nations such as Indonesia (world’s largest Muslim nation by populations) are critical in the counterbalance to China. I am thankful to India. India, a Hindu nation with the second largest Muslim population is an essential economic partner of the United States.

I am thankful to all the service members I continue to serve with, at home and overseas in areas such as Korea, Germany, and Iraq. I am thankful to be a part of a military that is indeed a cross section of the American population representing peoples of all races and religions. In April, while in D.C., I had the chance to visit one of my former soldiers at her final resting place in section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery. While walking in section 60, it is easy to see crosses, stars of David, and crescents on the tombs of our fallen Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines. I am thankful for their service and the ultimate sacrifice they all made.

Daniel Sukman is a strategist in the US Army and a member of the Military Writers Guild. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of the US Army, the DoD, or the U.S. Government.