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| A-1-8 Chapter of the 4th Infantry Division |
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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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Another 4ID Wife Reports on a Welcome Home Ceremony:
I had to share with you the most unbelieveable welcome home I could have imagined. Starker Gym was packed, SSG Mac says, "Welcome back, Task force Iron horse." The crowd went crazy, screaming so loud that we couldn't hear our own voice within the sound. SSG Mac ran through the fog that was released from a fogger from the rear gym entrance and soldiers one after another came running through after him...and there he was "OUR Soldier", arms in the air with one giant jump and a fist through the air. We knew it was him, all of our girls yelled, "Daddy!" We quickly made our way and stood 10 feet in front of him with our sign that said, "Jones sent me", which is his favorite saying to our girls and me.
He uses it in ways like this for example: our daughter came in the house one day and said, "Scottie (neighborhood boy) called me a name" and he said, "Just tell him "Jones sent me" and he will stop." We always laugh when he says it. Of course he always takes care of the situation and says those words first anyway.
Back to the story...... After every soldier was in formation, the Commander initialized the National Anthem, then prayer. We stared at each other the entire time during the National Anthem and prayer, and all of us were crying, him included. The families had practiced saying "dismissed" with SSG Mac all morning, and on queue so we could release OUR troops. The time came and the Commander said, "family members on three- 1,2,3" and the crowd said, "DISMISSED". I ran and jumped right into his arms and our girls latched on (we have 6 girls). We all went to the ground. Remember "Dog pile" when you were a kid? That is what we looked like. We had a friend at the top of the bleachers that was there for the sole purpose of only to video tape this beautiful memory.
We are so blessed that he is home and with us tonight. Everything to him right now is a luxury - warm water, a mattress, being outside without a helmet or vest on. Above all we are a family together again and we do not take it for granted.
He is sleeping now and has no worry of an attack. We know there are soldiers that are still there and soldiers that are going to Iraq soon - GOD SPEED to each one of them. Make every day count, stay focused and stay safe.....
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Another Lesson Learned - from an Army Wife..
Patience, Flexibility, and sense of humor... These words have been driving me nuts lately. I just want to say, I have been all of these things for the past year!! Since my husband's arrival in Kuwait, time has stopped. He is already loaded at the port and is just waiting for a spot on a plane to come back into my arms. I have been told so many dates to when he will be back here at Ft Hood and find myself repeating my new mantra, "patience, flexibility, and sense of humor". Yesterday was a hard day for me. I was done and wanted my soldier NOW! I was crabby most of the day and very jealous of my friends who Husband's were home and of the ones who were on their way to the gym to get their Soldier.
I took my son to one of his activities and was complaining to another wife about all the uncertainty when another wife I know walked in. I just saw her and knew that I was acting like a fool (to put it mildly). See, she just lost her Husband a week ago. She will never see him again and struggles to get through each day without him and I sit here complaining because now I have to wait another 4 days before I see mine. I cried just at the thought of how stupid I was being.
Yes, I am lucky. My Soldier IS coming home. That wife walked in at just the right time to set me straight without saying a word. Now I want to pass this on to you all. When you think that you are going to lose it if your date changes one more time because all you want is to have your life back with your Soldier, remember those who will only have that life in memories. Remember that you are getting your Soldier back when so many aren't and the least you can do is have patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor!! I know that today I am not mad, crabby, jealous, or stressed... I am Blessed and I am lucky and I will be patient, flexible, and will maintain that sense of Humor when my dates change again!
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>From the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune 3-19-04
Year tough on vets, families
By DEB CLEWORTH
Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune Staff
The last year has been stressful for the Peter and Nancy Kastenholz family in Wisconsin Rapids. Their son, Adam, a member of the Army Reserve, 652nd Unit, 4th Infantry Division, has been stationed in Baqubah, Iraq since April 10.
"A lot of worry, because like I say, right where he was there have been a lot of deaths, " Nancy Kastenholz said.
But this week - the one-year anniversary of the war - things got brighter. On Tuesday, Adam, 22, of Platteville arrived in Kuwait - the first step before he comes home. He should be in Kuwait for two weeks, and then go to Fort McCoy. After that, he will rejoin family, including his wife, Angie, and daughter, Zoey, who was born June 30. He has seen his little girl just once, shortly after she was born.
"I was just laughing and screaming in the phone," Nancy said, about the time she received the news. "We've been anticipating this for quite some time."
Ever since the war in Iraq began, area soldiers have been on the minds of their Central Wisconsin families.
"The things you see in the news bothers you more than anything," said Wisconsin Rapids resident Ronny Mayne, father of Nikki, 21, who is currently stationed in Iraq . "You always think of the worst."
Nikki also remains in the thoughts of her brother, Cody, 15, an East Junior High School ninth-grader.
"Even if I'm having fun during the day, I wonder if she's having fun," he said.
Paul Morrison, 37, of Wisconsin Rapids has been home once since he was deployed to Iraq last April, and his dad is anxiously awaiting his return, scheduled for May.
Even though he is in central Baghdad, where recent attacks have occurred, his parents, Gene and Sharon of Wisconsin Rapids don't shy away from news about the war.
"It's good to be able to see it and see where the bombings are," Gene said. "The news is very informative; it helps us a lot."
Thanks to the Internet, they often are reassured of their son's safety, he said.
"I talk to him quite often on instant messenger," he said. "I was talking to him when the bombing happened yesterday (Wednesday). He said he could see it across the river."
The support of the community has been very appreciated, Gene said.
And for many, the support has been necessary.
It's hard for Nancy Kastenholz to explain the pressures of the last year.
"I don't even know how to put it into words," she said. "When I learned that (Adam) was in Kuwait and was safe, I didn't realize how much stress I was carrying." That phone call may have been the highest moment since her son left for Iraq, she said.
"You find out (information) on the Internet, and whenever someone would get killed, the whole unit would shut down," Kastenholz said. That would mean no communication for a couple days.
Those were some of the most difficult times, but not hearing something could also be a blessing in disguise.
"If we didn't hear anything, we knew he was OK," she said. But, she added, it was still difficult, because she knew other people were dying. Her heart goes out to those who won't experience the joyous homecomings. Several of her son's good friends have been killed.
"That's a lot to take when you're only 22," she said.
Adam's younger brother, Pete, 16, is looking forward to Adam's return.
"I never was really very worried about his safety," Pete said. "He's a smart guy and has a lot of courage."
All the families are anxious to reunite with their loved ones.
"(Paul Morrison) wants to go fishing, so we sent him a bunch of fishing magazines," Gene Morrison said. Several family members plan to take him on a fishing trip when he returns.
The Kastenholz family plans to be waiting at Fort McCoy when Adam arrives.
"We've been anticipating this for quite a while," Nancy said. "We're so excited we can't even put it into words." Pete Kastenholz Jr. agreed. "I'm just looking forward to having him back, for his happiness more than mine," he said.
Many of the family members hope the stress of the last year will melt away after the reunions.
"It'll be great," Cody Mayne said.
You can reach Deb Cleworth at 422-6730 or dcleworth@wisconsinrapidstribune.com.
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War on Terror the Calling of a Generation, Bush Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 19, 2004 – The war on terrorism is "an inescapable calling of our generation," President Bush said today at the White House. Bush marked the one-year anniversary of the start of military operations to topple Saddam Hussein with a measured statement of coalition goals. He spoke to an audience of military, legislative and international allies in the East Room of the White House.
The president praised the 84 countries that have joined with the United States in the fight against terrorism. "The establishment of a free Iraq is our fight," Bush said. "The success of a free Afghanistan is our fight. The war on terror is our fight. All of us are called to share the blessings of liberty and to be strong and steady in freedom's defense."
The president stressed that there is no neutral ground between good and evil. Bush said terrorists object to the very existence of free nations. He said there is no middle ground between the sides, and no concession "will appease their hatred."
He said the terrorists' ultimate goals are to dominate the people of the Middle East and to blackmail the rest of the world through weapons of mass terror. The president said the terrorist mindset "rejoices in suicide, incites murder and celebrates every death we mourn."
Those who oppose the terrorists, the president said, must be equally clear on what they defend. "We do love life, the life given to us and to all," Bush said. "We believe in the values that uphold the dignity of life: tolerance and freedom and the right of conscience. And we know that this way of life is worth defending."
Operations begun March 19, 2003, freed more than 25 million Iraqis from the vicious dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. "For Iraq it was a day of deliverance," Bush said. "For the nations of our coalition it was the moment when years of demands and pledges turned to decisive action. Today, as Iraqis join the free peoples of the world, we mark a turning point for the Middle East and a crucial advance for human liberty."
Bush said it is time to put past disagreements away. "All of us can now agree that the fall of the Iraqi dictator has removed a source of violence, aggression and instability in the Middle East," he said.
He also said that all may agree that the actions last year proved that dictators cannot ignore the will of the world – voiced through the United Nations. "It is a good thing that years of illicit weapons developed by the dictator have come to the end," he said. "It is a good thing that the Iraqi people are now receiving aid instead of suffering under sanctions. And it's a good thing that the men and women across the Middle East looking to Iraq are getting a glimpse of what life in a free country can be like."
Bush said challenges remain. Coalition forces – including more than 200,000 Iraqis – are dealing with remnants of the regime and foreign terrorists. "No one can argue that the Iraqi people would be better off with the thugs and murderers back in the palaces," he said. "Who would prefer that Saddam's torture chambers still be open? Who would wish that more mass graves were still being filled? Who would begrudge the Iraqi people their long-awaited liberation?"
The president praised the military personnel and civilians who helped in the liberation. "They've served in freedom's cause, and that is a privilege," he said. And it is not just a military effort, the president said. All aspects of national power – diplomacy, law enforcement, financial, intelligence and others – are zeroing in on terrorist organizations, he explained.
And it is not just al Qaeda that the coalition is fighting, Bush added. The coalition is working against Ansar al-Islam in Iraq, Jemaah Islamiyah in Indonesia, Abu Sayyaf in the Philippines and many other groups. The coalition is dedicated to bringing these groups to justice, he said.
Bush called Iraq a main battleground in the war on terror. The terrorists understand, the president said, that a free, democratic, prosperous Iraq will be a serious blow against their aims to control the Middle East.
"They've made the failure of democracy in Iraq one of their primary objectives," the president said. "By attacking coalition forces, by targeting innocent Iraqis and foreign civilians for murder, the terrorists are trying to weaken our will. Instead of weakness, they are finding resolve."
It will not be an easy road, the president said, but the coalition must continue on that road together. "It will surely be said of our times that we lived with great challenges," he said. "Let it also be said of our times that we understood our great duties, and met them in full."
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59 Years Ago Today - 4ID in France:
21 March 1945 - D+289
Because of the large number of officers and men away at other places of recreation, the Commanding General refused a quota to visit a rest center at Nancy.
22 March 1945 - D+290
Lieutenant Colonel Arthur S. Teague was awarded the DSO (British Decoration).
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) Son with HHC, 3/66 AR is in Kuwait. He is at a camp and should be moving to holding area today to be scheduled for flight to Texas. He hopes to call from the holding area. Mom leaving for Texas tomorrow!!
2) Just wanted to let you know that I finally heard from my grandson, 4th ID 10TH CAV. He is out of Iraq and expecting to be back in the USA at Fort Hood (soon). I am so relieved and can't thank God enough for watching over him and bringing him safely back to us. My thoughts and prayers are with all the soldiers still in Iraq and their families. It is such a relief to know that he is out of Iraq and on his way home. This has been the hardest year of my life and I thank God for listening to our prayers and keeping our Grandson safe.
3) We heard from our grandson who is 978 MP CO from Ft. Bliss, TX and is attached to 4ID. He was in Kuwait and on his way home soon. Several family members are planning to be there when he arrives. We are so excited and so proud of him along with all the other soldiers who have sacrificed so much for our safety and freedom.
4) By now it is almost 12 days until April 1st and the stress level is high. We are so close yet so far away. This has been a day for crying a lot. For those of us that still have loved ones in Iraq the news today gave us chills. Once they get to Kuwait are we going to feel some relief? How will we know they are in Kuwait, I know, no news is good news but this momma is getting tired, I am getting too old for this, I want my baby home. Good thing my baby can't hear me right now, he would be giving me what for and telling me this is his job. Bob, a few days ago you gave some advice I thought was good and told us, "if it stresses you, don't do it". Today, every
thing stresses me, now what? After my son was deployed for 8 months I thought I was getting back to my old self, now here we go again. If anyone had told me it would be like this, I would never have believed them, just as I would never thought the deployment would be so bad. Wonder what other surprises I have waiting. Lots and lots of prayers are needed right now. May God bless and protect all our service men/women and their families. (Editor's note: This is not unusual, the stress increases significantly as the return date gets so near, yet seems so far. Wish I had a good answer for you, but time is in your favor, keep praying and think positive).
5) My soldier (C3-16 FA, 4th ID) has left Camp Victory in Kuwait and moved to another Camp. They are done cleaning their vehicles. They have many fast food places and hot showers. He mentioned there are a lot of soldiers there and the lines for the phones are incredibly long (over one hour wait). Connection was good, but got disconnected. They still do not have any dates set for coming home. But hopefully it won't be much longer.
6) Well, I finally heard from my husband this morning (18Mar) at 6:30. He said, "Hi" while I was waking up. Then just outta the blue he says, "You know I'm in Kuwait, right?" I said, "What?" He says, "You know I'm in Kuwait, right?" I was like, "no, but I'm so glad you made it". I think those are the best words I've heard since he told me he was coming home for R&R in October. I was told that his whole company has made it safely to Kuwait. My husband is with the 14th Cmbt. Engr's C Co. It's hard to believe that it has been a year. But I can actually tell people that my husband should be home next week!!!
7) I just wanted to let you know that my brother-in-law (C/1-22 IN) came in from Iraq on Saturday 03-13-04. It was a wonderful homecoming celebration in Ft. Hood for our soldiers. We were informed by the anouncer (oops I forgot his name) that the plane had landed, the buses were on their way, and then when the buses were outside the gym. But it really didn't seem real until our soldiers came running into the gym. The only problem was that no one knew for certain if their soldier was on the flight or not. We all held our breath until we finally saw him. He looked really good considering what he had been through. We were able to spend the next 2 days with him, but we had to come back to Alabama. It has been such a sigh of relief to have him and the other soldiers back on U.S. soil. We will continue to keep ALL of the military forces in our thoughts and prayers....
8) I thought it was kind of funny when we said "dismissed" because everyone just kind of stood there for a few seconds-because I don't think the soldiers had located their families yet and the families hadn't located their soldier, so nobody knew which direction to start walking!!! I was following my nephew's girlfriend through the crowd , when she started walking faster, I knew she had spotted him!
9) We got an email from our daughter in law saying our son has made it into Kuwait. THANK GOD!!! I know it won't be long till he is back home and safe with his loved ones. He is with the 244th EN BN (HVY). Let us keep praying for all of our troops safe return and for the safety of the troops just beginning their adventure.
10) My son is with the 1/17 F.A. that has been attached to the 4th in Iraq for the past year and I am happy to say we finally had the long anticipated phone call on Saturday that he is now in Kuwait. He was of course very happy to be there..... They still have to prepare their equipment for loading so he has no idea when he will leave Kuwait but at least the end is in sight...... As a Vietnam vet (1/10 Cav, 1969) I have shared some of my stories with him as he grew up but the tables will change, I will now be listening to his stories. I am anxious to see how he has changed, Vietnam gave me a different outlook on life and I'm sure Iraq will change him as well.....
11) our son is with the C- 299th Eng. He returned to Ft Hood this past Tuesday. We came from Ohio to see him. It was so exciting in the gym waiting on their return. It was wonderful to see him and spend the week with him. We are very glad and relieved just knowing he is in the States!! I just wanted to thank the FRGs for all their help and information. We also want to thank you for all your work with daily updates.
12) what a great weekend we have had! Our son from the 101st and his wife came to town for a BIG party he asked that we throw inviting all his friends. It was a great time. He returned in Feb. from Iraq and I felt a little guilty about throwing a party for him since his brother ( E Troop/1-10 CAV) was still in Iraq when it was planned. But then our 4th ID guy called two weeks ago and told us he was in Kuwait. Now it really gets good! Yesterday he arrived back at Ft. Hood and was reunited with his wife, son, and daughter. I can actually say that yesterday (Sat., Mar. 20) was probably the best day of my life! To know that both boys are safely back and joined with loved ones is the ultimate high. We are beyond thrilled! To think they made it safely after such a long, scary year. Don't know how I would have survived without prayer and my daily "update".
13) I am happy to say my husband is finally home (HDC 4th FSB) . He arrived yesterday morning at Ft Hood around 6 am. My 2 boys and I were able to watch the first 80 soldiers being welcomed by family and friends. It was a very emotional event and even though I didn't know any of them I was crying just as much. Then the 2nd flight was announced. 296 soldiers were waiting outside. My first thought was "I hope I can find my husband". As everyone was released and we were walking through the crowds I spotted him. He had turned to walk away so in my loudest voice I yelled, "Terry Terry don't walk away you just got here" It was a wonderful reunion. His dad and step mom came up a few hours later from Arkansas to visit.
14) Just want to share the news that my brother has finally come home! He is in the 3-66 AR – and arrived in Ft. Hood over this past week. My parents are with him now – and we are all thankful that he has come home safe and sound. My mom got the surprise phone call this week when he had arrived in Bangor, ME. As I have heard about so many times, there was a wonderful welcome reception at the Bangor airport for our soldiers. Many thanks to all of the folks in Bangor who have devoted themselves to welcoming our soldiers home. They have truly touched our men and women of the military. I also want to give a big thank you to the Family Readiness Group at Ft. Hood, as well as the many military personnel that helped to keep our family connected to the base. Their support, kindness and compassion were truly an inspiration. I am extremely proud of my brother and of the military organization that he belongs to. God bless the men and women of the military – and may they return home with Godspeed. Although my brother is now home, I will read your newsletters each day as this conflict is not over until our troops are on safe ground.
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