Marine Reflects On Fourth Of July In Iraq

SAN DIEGO -- For most serving in Iraq, the Fourth of July is just another day at work.

However, some of the larger bases have made it a point to offer a taste of home with ribs and corn on the cob.

"I would probably be in the front yard, drinking a Bud Light and barbecuing," a soldier stationed overseas said.

10News spoke to Staff Sgt. Amy Forsythe in Camp Ramadi via a government-paid satellite.

"There is some games of horseshoe going on, some volleyball, some barbecue," said Forsythe.

Forsythe is in Al Anbar province, in what used to be called "the triangle of death" because of the insurgency.

She was last there in 2006 but said it is a completely different place now.

"Now, what I see outside Camp Ramadi are cars on the street, people shopping in the market; normal life has returned to Ramadi," Forsythe observed.

On July 4, two years ago, there were firefights just outside the base.

Forsythe credited the increase in troops and the so-called Awakening Councils, groups of Sunni clerics and others who decided to disassociate themselves with Al-Queda in Iraq.

"After having lost so many friends and so many fellow Marines and service members become injured or wounded, it's really tremendous to see the progress that's being made," said Forsythe.

Forsythe is a combat correspondent, shooting and putting together video and stories for the Armed Forces Network -- such as the recent visit by Sen. John McCain.

Her deployment is due to end in September.