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| A-1-8 Chapter of the 4th Infantry Division |
Active Unit News
Bob Babcock - "Deeds not Words"
President, Americans Remembered, Inc. - http://www.americansremembered.org
President, 22nd Inf Regt Society - http://www.22ndinfantry.org
Past President/Historian - Nat'l 4th Inf Div Assn - http://www.4thinfantry.org
babcock224@aol.com
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>From CO of 3-29 FA - press release sent to FRG on 1-29-04:
Instant Release of Information for Friends and Families of the Pacesetter Battalion:
Today, shortly before noon, Forward Operating Base Pacesetter received indirect fire. Four rounds impacted vicinity the FOB. No personnel were injured and everyone is doing fine. I wanted to inform all of you as soon as possible so that no one would worry unnecessarily and you would have the facts related to the incident. Though this is not the first time, indirect fire attacks have been extremely limited. We are taking immediate actions to prevent such an act in the future.
Thank you for your concern and support. Once again there were no injuries to any personnel on the FOB, or anyone assigned to or supporting Task Force Pacesetter.
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There is also a late breaking note from the CO of 1-10 Cav that one of their Bradleys was hit by an IED yesterday, but no injuries to anyone and vehicle is back in operations. It happened to A Troop, 1-10 Cav.
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Chairman Calls Reserves a 'National Treasure'
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 29, 2004 – In this time of crisis, the reserve components are doing exactly what they were designed to do, Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers said here Jan. 28, and America is grateful for their service.
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke at the Reserve Officers Association Mid-Winter Conference. The association inducted Myers into the Minuteman Hall of Fame. The association also named South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham "Minuteman of the Year."
Myers said reservists are integrated seamlessly into the total force, and they are serving in all aspects of the war on terror. "You can be in the loneliest place on the planet with five folks gathered, and if you ask are there any Guard and reservists, you usually get a third or two-fifths of the hands (going) up," Myers said.
The chairman said it is almost impossible to tell a reservist from an active duty service member, so many active duty personnel don't know how much the force depends on citizen soldiers.
And that was the biggest point in Myers' speech to the convention: America needs its reservists if the country is to win the war on terror.
"Four centuries ago, our militias took up their muskets to defend their families, their friends, and to fight for their liberty," Myers said. "Today our all-volunteer force fulfills that solemn contract spelled out in the first lines of the Constitution "to provide for the common defense.'"
The reserves are doing exactly what they were designed to do, Myers said, ready to spring to action the second they are needed. "This continues a legacy of dedication, of selflessness: To stand when called, to act on behalf of others in the face of danger," he said.
Myers said the current war on terror is the most important time to serve in generations. "In America, regardless of our religion, accent or color of our skin, we answer the call to arms to defend the innocent and protect the peace," he said. "Terrorists, on the other hand, seek to murder innocent civilians and provoke fear. The contrast couldn't be greater."
U.S. service men and women "obviously" do not serve for personal gain, the chairman said. "(Their service) is based on the belief that the defense of liberty is more important than personal comfort or personal safety."
Myers stressed the seamless integration of the reserve components into the total force. He cited an account by a member of a mixed reserve and active duty C-17 Globemaster III crew after a harrowing experience in Iraq. The crew's giant airlifter was taking off from Baghdad International Airport when one of its engines was hit by a surface-to-air missile, forcing an emergency landing. "One of the pilots said, 'I think what saved all of our lives and the lives of all the passengers is how well we coordinated and how well we communicated with each other,'" Myers said. "What a powerful statement about active and reserve and the seamless business we're all trying to perfect."
He said this type of teamwork can be found throughout the U.S. military, but there are differences when the military calls up a reservist. Individuals, families, businesses and communities all sacrifice when reservists answer the call, the chairman noted.
"These men and women bring a great enthusiasm (to the military)," he said. "They bring experience – not just from their military jobs. And they bring a tremendous strength of character. And it may be that last part that might be the most important thing that reservists bring to the fight."
Myers said that when a deployment order comes to his desk in the Pentagon, he is aware of the implications. "I truly don't see just another unit mobilizing to deploy," he said. "I know that as we sign these things, there are individual men and women with wives and husbands and children and parents -- and for our reserve warriors, of course, a job and a life outside the military. I never forget that our reserve is a treasure and an important advantage to this great country," Myers continued.
He said citizen-soldiers remain absolutely essential to Operation Iraqi Freedom, and that the Defense Department has tried to "do what is right" for reserve component service members. He acknowledged that effort has been imperfect, and said many in the Pentagon and with the services are striving to solve the problems that have cropped up.
Overall, he said, the mobilization process needs to be changed. "We owe you all as much notice and predictability as we can, not only in times of war but in peace, to ease the personal and financial burdens (of service)," he said.
Myers said the military must look to see if the reserve components have the right balance of skills and numbers of people. "We certainly can't afford to call up the same high-demand units time after time after time," he said. "Because we wouldn't have you for long if we did. We don't want to destroy the health of our magnificent reserve forces," he continued. "We don't want to abuse your trust and your service."
Myers said the services are looking at structural changes in the reserve components. He said the military no longer can afford duplications or inefficiencies. "We have to be sure each person adds to our warfighting capability," he said. He said this type of transformation will require some units to retrain, reconfigure or change missions.
He also said he is looking for ways to give reserve personnel more opportunities to participate in joint professional military education. In this new kind of war, civilian experience can be even more important than military experience, the chairman noted.
Myers spoke about an Army Reserve major in Iraq now who is an investment banker and insurance broker as a civilian. "He's leading the team to restructure Iraq's financial system," he said. "This is a huge project, a very important project, and we don't put a general in charge. We want to get it done right, so we put a reservist O-4 in charge of getting this done."
Myers said he is grateful for that kind of service, but understands it comes at a personal price. "(That major is) not answering his business phone or e-mail," the chairman said. "Instead, he's using his citizen and soldier talents rebuilding the financial infrastructure in Iraq that will eventually promote long-term regional stability. And he's giving hope, and he's making a huge difference to more than 25 million people."
Reserve service has a long history in America, and today is no different, Myers said. "In time of need, when our country needs them the most, (reservists) lock arms to form an unbreakable, unbeatable team," he said. "Dedicated to defending the liberties we all cherish and supporting people who are struggling to enjoy that same freedom."
"Our reservists and all our armed forces are meeting the challenge that these global terrorists represent," Myers continued, "with steel in their spines against adversaries, and hands outstretched in friendship to our friends and allies. Let there be no doubt, that we are winning this war., It's going to take us a while, there will be more car bombs and more tragedies, but the fact is we're winning this war."
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Ladies of the Ironhorse
Here is another reminder about our "Ladies of the Ironhorse" project. Send me your thoughts in the form of poetry, essays, or letters on what has encouraged you to stay strong during this deployment. I have recieved some wonderful submissions so keep it up. Moms, Grandmothers, and Sisters go ahead and send me your submissions as well. Many of you have asked about submitting something and we will have a section for you as well. Much of what you have sent to Bob's Update would be great for this project. If you have sent something to him and would like to include it in this project send it my way. Here is the vital information you need to know:
Deadline: April 15
Include: Your name, Husband's rank, name, and unit
Target Group: Wives and Daughters and now we are
including Mothers, Sisters, and Grandmothers
Send To: rheggle@yahoo.com
When you send your submissions please enter as the "Subject" Ladies of the Ironhorse so I know it is an e-mail I want to open and not delete.
No one person is making money off this project; if there is any profit it will go to the Layette program that the IVY League supports.
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Enjoy the game and parties on Sunday afternoon/evening, but keep this in mind, from III Corps Safety Office...
Super Bowl Sunday - Safety Alert
Super Bowl Sunday is supposed to be a day of relaxation and parties, but the game could have a hazardous, even deadly side. A look at the number of auto accidents in the four hours after the Super Bowl found that around the country auto accidents actually increase by about 40 percent. Last year this was an additional seven deaths and about 600 injuries which, incidentally, is a greater increase in traffic accidents than what is typically seen on New Year's Eve. That's in the four hours after Super Bowl Sunday. Interestingly, in the losing team's state, there's an increase of 68 percent and in the winning team's state, an increase of only 6 percent. Researchers blame drinking, distraction and certainly disappointment as well in the losing team status. Don't let the win or loss of your favorite team during the Super Bowl cloud your judgment this weekend.
POC: III Corps & Fort Hood Safety Office, 287-4261/285-5913.
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59 Years Ago Today - 4ID in Germany:
30 January 1945 - D+239
Small enemy forces holding high ground east of the Our river provided little resistance to our advance.
The 4th Infantry Division continued its attack, facing adverse weather and road conditions. Very little progress was made.
The 8th Infantry completed the mopping up of the Lemmersweiler. During the morning, the 1st Battalion made little progress while progress of the 2nd Battalion was negligible. The 3rd Battalion remained in reserve.
The 12th Infantry continued the attack during the night of 29-30 January. Companies I and M continued to advance while Company L crossed the Our river and captured the town of Hemmerres by 1945. The 1st Battalion remained in the vicinity of Bracht and the 2nd Battalion in the vicinity of Burg Reuland.
The 22nd Infantry remained in reserve.
31 January 1945 - D+240
In CT 12 sector, the enemy organized positions on the high ground and in the town of Ihrein. The enemy defended high ground and towns employing small arms, mortar and artillery fire in an effort to delay our advance. Enemy forces after being forced from Elcherath, the high ground and Einzelborn, withdrew to the east toward Ihrein and Winterscheid.
The 8th Infantry sent a strong combat patrol to the outskirts of the town of Urb. Shortly after first light, the 3rd Battalion passed through the 1st Battalion. Company K captured the town of Weppeler while Company I secured Hill 470. Plans were coordinated to move the 2nd Battalion, motorrized, through the 87th Infantry Division's zone of action the following day.
The 12th Infantry cleared the town of Echerath with the 1st Battalion by 1005. Hill 491 was captured and patrols sent to reconnoiter the next objective. They were repulsed by heavy fire and preparations were made to advance during the hours of darkness.
The 22nd Infantry stayed in reserve.
Notes about logistics:
Snow suits could not be procured in sufficient quantities; 3000 suits were received.
After the reception of 6600 shoepacs, all men were equipped with either overshoes or shoepacs.
Off EM
KIA 9 168 (Killed in Action)
MIA 6 74 (Missing in Action)
SWA 6 39 (Seriously Wounded in Action)
LWA 30 482 (Lightly Wounded in Action)
Total 51 763
Prisoners: 346
Thanks to Philippe Cornil at www.revive-it.com.
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) I heard from our son yesterday (1-10 Cav). He is on his way home. He will be going to Walter Reed for medical attention and back to Fort Hood. I was on cloud nine all day. He has mixed feelings about the way he is coming back, he's glad to be out of Iraq for good but leaving the others behind is hard. They have all been through a lot this past year and have formed a bond I will never understand........ I really appreciated the comments from the person in today's updates about the redeployment tips of just listening to them talk, even if it is the same thing. I had never thought about the emotions behind them telling the same stories. Our son wants to talk to his Grandpa when he gets back because he will understand what our son is feeling. Dad is a W.W.II veteran. He's also making plans to see a couple of the guys that have already come home.
2) My husband of HHT 1/10CAV 4TH ID called me yesterday. It was so nice to hear
his voice. He says everyone is so excited to get home and that thery're all tired of playing in the sand:) Of course that put a big smile on my face. He said on a couple of weeks they're going to start cleaning their vehicels and getting them ready to be shipped. Other than that he said everything is pretty good, as good as it can be I guess. Always an Army Wife
3) I just wanted to share with you one of the most wonderful days that I have had since my husband left over a year ago. My husband (442nd QM CO) surprised me yesterday over the net by having a web cam!! I have not been this happy in a long time! And my eyes have not seen him in over a year. He looked great! I didn't even know that they had those over there! My husband is usually at a camp that doesn't have much luck in communications, he has recently convoyed to another camp and I got to see him over the Internet! Our 2 little girls didn't know what to make of seeing their Daddy, they were so excited that it took me the rest of the day to get them to calm down! I just would like to thank the Army for being so kind and generous and allowing this kind of technology to help the families and the soldiers. We still have a long time until we can see each other again, but let me tell you, my husband has never looked better to me! And I am going to the store today to get a webcam for our house!! Thank you for letting me share my exciting day with you all! I cried when I saw him over the computer, I can't imagine what I am going to do when I see him face to face! Let's keep praying for every soldier and hope that they are all home very soon! Elated Army Reserve Wife!
4) Got a call at midnight from our son with the 1/68 out of Fort Carson. He said he was back at the Lion's Den out of Balad after returning from R&R. The routine there had not changed much and he has been on two raids in the four days he has been back with another planned. His mood seems good but said he and his fellow soldiers "are ready to get home." The weather was cold and he said they had a chance of rain which always makes night raids more miserable. I know others have mentioned it but the shorter the time gets, the more I worry - guess a mother's clock is geared differently. Blessings to all our soldiers and to the families of those injured or lost, you are in my prayers for strength and healing. This update service has helped knit the 4th ID family much closer than words can express. The shared joys, the laughs, the worry and the pain have made us stronger. Thank you, Bob, for the gift of your efforts and commitment to our family. "Steadfast and Loyal" is truly the motto for us all.
5) From a FA CPT in Iraq: I am wondering if you can do something for me. My anniversary is this Friday. If you have space in your update on Friday could you put in there a message to my wife? I love her more than anything and it won't be long now before I get to see her. I can't wait. If you can do this, please tell her that I love her more than she can ever know. She is the love of my life. (Editor's Note: This is a one time event - I'm not into the personal messages business but this great American convinced me to do it this one time).
6) God Bless Sean and Reed, and the likes of them. We salute them and their's. Thank God for them; pray He smile on them.
7) My husband is the Chaplain of 2BDE, 4ID. Last night many spouses of 2BDE, HHC FRG came together for a potluck and banner making party at brigade headquarters. We have grown close throughout this ordeal and shared great friendship and lots of laughs. Our devotion runs very deep for our soldiers. After dinner we put on some patriotic country music and went to work on our welcome home banners. We had many spouses and children creating wonderful reflections of their gratitude. We plan to put the signs in the single soldiers barracks as well as the gym when they come home. It was a wonderful feeling to share with these spouses and children the anticipation and hope that we are almost to the finish line and have endured. Our soldiers are our heros. WE ARE THE "LAND OF THE FREE BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE". May God Bless them all!!
8) I got a call early this morning from my son in C-3/16 FA. He is located in a hospital complex about 20 miles north of Baghdad. He sounded in good spirits and we talked for a good 1/2 hour before getting disconnected. He told me he had a new job. Instead of gunner for the Palladin Howitzer he was now the driver. This amazed me because even though he was 18 when he joined the Army he never had a drivers license! When I mentioned that to him he said it wasn't that big a deal because he has been driving the humvees around since he got there....lol. He also said he would be getting his license when he got back. It was great to hear his voice again and we look forward to his return whenever that may be.
9) I got a phone call today from my husband who is with 1-44 ADA in Tikrit. He sounded good,but tired, he said that they have been working around the clock, and the lack of sleep has made him a bit less than himself. We talked for about 30 min.....His spirit is up, he looks forward to coming home soon, as I'm sure all the soldiers over there do.
10) My brother emailed me today. He's with HHB 3-29 FA, Pacesetters. He responded to my email making sure he was ok. His FOB was attacked today by 4 rockets. He said he was asleep in his bunker when it happened and no one was hurt but the sorry S.O.B.'s were gone before they could be caught. (his choice of language was actually a little more crude) I received an email informing of this incident this morning by our FRG via the rear det. officer. I can tell you one thing, April can't get here soon enough!!! He sounded ok in the email, just a little frustrated, and said not to worry....yeah right! Well, one of these days I may have to write about what it's like to be the Sister of a US Soldier. I remember always protecting him from the bullies growing up (I'm 6 yrs older than him) and yelling at him to get out of my room. I only wish I could protect him now, but in retrospect, he is the one protecting me. I do still yell at him from time to time though. I hope they all get home safe and soon!! Have a great weekend... My town is hosting the Super Bowl, so it's bopping around here.
11) I wanted to share a letter that I received back before Christmas.This came from a friend of my son who is also in the 204th. He has become an extended part of our family and we are also very proud of him. He lost his mom at a very young age so I have become his adopted Army mom. I waited to hear from him to make sure he didn't mind me posting this. Here is his letter: "Hey how are you! Sorry last time that I was talking to you in AOL I didn't get to say godbye cause we were getting attacked (mortar) so I just signed off. Anyways, I received your packages, thank you very much. I shared the cookies with my friends, they liked it. And I assembled the Christmas tree, it's nice. And I put the picture of my section in front of it. And everybody is asking, who sent me the box. I said, "It's my mom." And I'm so glad I have someone that I can call mom. Just imagine, my whole life for the first time I have a mom. But I know even though my mom died a long time ago, she is still out there watching and guiding me. Thank you very much for being such a nice person. John is so lucky he has you in his life. I know in this world there is no more amazing thing than a mother's love. I will never forget you, and I thank you for being there for me, someone to talk and share my problems with. Thank you for everything. Until I get back from here, God Bless You and your whole family."
12) I got a phone call today 1-29-04 from my son. He is with 1-22 4th ID B-Co 1st Platoon out of Ft. Hood. He is doing good and excited to be coming home in April. He said they have been real busy getting ready to come home and it has been raining a lot there. He is in Bayji , Iraq. He also told me I would be getting a letter or phone call about his time and date he would arrive home. He will have 4 days leave at first..... I only live 4 hours from Ft. Hood, and I asked him what he wanted to do on his 4 days off. And he said, "lay on the couch, pig out and watch T.V." I told him that would be fine with me. And you can bet that Mom will have plenty of stuff waiting for him to pig out on when he gets home. It will be like when he was little again, getting to spoil him rotten all over. I guess a Mother's love never changes. This may sound silly because my son is 23 years old, but I look forward to just holding him in my arms again and rocking him. We are very close and he is a very loving son. I guess no matter how old your children get, a Mom will always see them as little sometimes...... But I am very lucky, my son has grown into a good man, but still likes Mom to spoil him sometimes. He has a buddy who will be coming home with him for 4 days. And my son said I could spoil him some too, since I have spoiled him already. I always send stuff for his buddy too. He does not have any family, so my family has became his. I can't wait until April, I have already been buying some goodies for them. Well, Bob, guess I better stop babbling on. God Bless All Our Troops and Family's. And Come Home Safe.From an excited Mom in Texas.
13) A while ago a friend started forwarding your updates to me, I have friends and family serving with 4ID and other units that are currently in Iraq. I always look forward to your updates. I am the girlfriend of a 1st Cav soldier here at Ft. Hood who is getting ready to deploy very soon. I've learned much from reading your updates on what to send, how to cope, what to expect, the importance of letters and packages, and hearing how others adjusted. I am also learning from your redeployment tips knowing that although it will be a while, I too will need those tips. Thank you for all your wonderful work. (Editor's Note: We are happy to help our teammates of 1st Cav and any other unit that is going over to continue the fight in Iraq).
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Tomorrow is a key day - we hit the 60 day mark, two months to go until April 1! With that in mind, I thought I would include this today:
60 Days to Go - things to consider in the home stretch...
1) Start an exercise and weight loss program. Get back into the same, or better, shape that you were in when your soldier left. Doing this with others rather than alone is typically a much more effective way to be successful.
2) Practice living on the reduced pay that will happen once family separation, hostile fire, and other special pay is no longer paid, and taxes kick back in again. Use the extra pay over the next two months to build a rainy day fund for the future rather than spending it now.
3) Get your house in order, both your physical quarters and any loose ends that have come up over the past year. The more you can clear up now, the less you will have to deal with when your soldier comes home. Don't procrastinate, get those nitty details you've been putting off handled now.
4) Tell your soldier those things you've been keeping from him/her. No soldier wants to come home, expecting a happy homecoming, and get slapped in the face with bad news that wasn't told to him/her before their return. If the dog died, there are major family problems with in-laws, or other bad news items, go ahead and let it be known now so that it will get behind you and the homecoming won't be clouded with bad news. (This is another voice of experience from Bob - I'll never forget the disappointment of spending the first few weeks after I got home dealing with a significant problem that would have been solved while I was still in Vietnam, had I heard about it. Remember, our soldiers are surrounded now by their best friends who will help them through bad news. You don't need to 'protect' them from news they should know about - my mother pulled that one on my wife who wanted to tell me about it earlier. Bad decision on my mother's part, and on my wife's part for listening to that bad advice...).
Another Redeployment Tip
This is the second war I have had to deal with and the repeated stories are something I noticed that does occur. At first it was something that was not wanting to be mentioned. Now it's easier to talk about something that has happened more than one time. If they do talk to you about it, that is because of that feeling they have at that time. Some will never express themselves to you. Just be patient with them. Be loving and not pushy. I totally agree with listening. If you are a talker, you better learn how to just listen. They love you and miss you and what they need is your support and love even after they come home. So remember when you see them for the first time in a year, or "again".... they look at you to give them that understanding of patience. Let them plan at their own pace. That is something I have learned in all my years is to be that person that can be leaned on at all times and not to be the judge of their emotions and feelings. I cannot wait for all the men to return home. Remember.... let them plan their days. I'm sure you will be able to do all the things you plan after a while :) I'm proud to be a US ARMY Soldier's wife of 4ID in Fort Hood, Texas. God bless them all and bless you with patience.
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