The lines of people extended from the buildings and into the streets. Vehicles were blocked from passing through, some entrapped among the masses. National flags were being waved by civilians, something that hadn't been seen in the country in a generation. And the flags were new, not the torn remnants of a national flag typically seen drooping from atop a government building. There was a noticeable air of light-heartedness, a certain pride. And despite a certain level of danger, they turned out in droves. For the first time in decades, they were taking part in the formation of their own country, their own government. For the first time for many of those who braved the danger — they were voting, and in doing so using their voice to choose a government.

"It was definitely a good turnout. It really made you feel good," U.S. Army Specialist Derek Fogle said of the January Iraqi elections. "It was the first time we saw the Iraqi flag being waved like, 'I'm proud of Iraq.' It was a good feeling."

Home on temporary leave, the Orangeburg native said he's seeing a change coming to Iraq — a lot of change for the positive. People came from every surrounding region to participate in the elections, a novel idea to some, a distant, fond memory for others.

"We couldn't drive anywhere because of all the people," he said. "There were a lot of women, a lot of old men and women.

"We had passed out these stickers that read, 'I love Iraq,' written in Arabic. That was months ago, and we hadn't seen them since. But they were waving them (at the election voting centers) as we passed."

This weekend marks the second anniversary since the United States sent troops into Iraq. Since the invasion, the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein has been toppled from power, Saddam himself has been captured and is awaiting trial.

Some question why troops were ordered in or why they're still there. But things are changing, changing for the better, Fogle said.

When the war initially started, American troops were called on for everything from traffic control to fighting fires to medical emergencies. Fighting a pitched battle with insurgent enemies surrounding Iraqi cities was a given.

Now, after two years of fighting?

"I know up in the northern area, in our area, they've come a long, long way," Fogle said. "The cops, the IA (Iraqi Army), they'll get into a firefight and they won't even call us."

The result is the realization of freedom that is spreading through the country, which has been as welcome a sight as water to a thirsty man, Fogle said.

They do not have lavish gifts to share nor an abundance of money with which to thank the soldiers. But the Iraqi people — civilians, police officers, soldiers — in a show of appreciation for what they're receiving, share what they do have, and that is Chai tea.

"It doesn't matter, almost everybody gives you a cup," Fogle said. "It's actually pretty good. It grows on you."

That goodwill extended to the young as well, Fogle said. An unmanned U.S. spy plane no larger than a toy plane went down near Fogle's assigned area near Kirkuk. Several Iraqi children clamored about the plane, excited with the prospect of taking it home.

But a five-year-old girl stepped in and held her ground against her peers until the U.S. forces arrived.

Fogle and his fellow "Gators" of Alpha Company, 121st Infantry Regiment, chipped in to reward America's littlest soldier. They gave her $73 for her effort, an amount that equals about two weeks pay for the average Iraqi worker.

"Her mother was real happy," Fogle said.

But the freedom for fellow human beings thousands of miles from his Orangeburg home has not been easy to attain. More than 1,500 U.S. military personnel have died since the beginning of hostilities in Iraq, including at least eight from The T&D Region.

Interviewed for a T&D article in Oct. 2004, Fogle recalled the deaths of two comrades, two soldiers, two friends. The troops remain vigilant as they are still under daily attacks by small groups of insurgents, Fogle said.

Asked directly if he knows his fire has ever killed anyone, Fogle said, "They've been shooting at us for 13 months. I don't really care. Most of the guys don't care. That's what we're trained to do, we're trained to kill."

As is the case in Korea and Bosnia, Fogle said it is his opinion American troops will need to remain in Iraq to maintain a level of stability.

"I know they (Iraqis) can do it," he said. "But you still need the Americans there to give them support."

Right now, Fogle is scheduled to remain on leave for a couple of weeks before being shipped back to his base in Hawaii.

Eddie Fogle supports his son's actions saying he believes Derek's effort and the effort of the rest of the soldiers will make a difference in an area long troubled with oppression.

"I'm proud that he was part of history, the elections. It's going to change that region, mentality of the people," Eddie Fogle said. "We hated having him go there, but we're proud for what he's done. If they called again, we'd stand behind him."

It won't be this year, but Derek Fogle will indeed return to Iraq. He's re-enlisted, which places him square in line for another tour in Iraq.

But if called, would he go back today?

"Yeah, it was worth it," he said.

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