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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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Iraq continues as a dangerous place for the 1ID soldiers who replaced the 4ID:
Soldier Killed Investigating Bomb Near Baqubah
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, March 25, 2004 – A 1st Infantry Division soldier was killed and two others were wounded today by an improvised explosive device near Baqubah, Iraq, according to a Combined Joint Task Force 7 news release.
The soldiers had arrived at the scene after the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps reported an IED. As the soldiers investigated, it exploded, the news release said. The wounded soldiers were reported to be in stable condition at a nearby military hospital.
Also in Iraq, the morale of the country's national police remains high, even though they've been the targets of deadly terrorist attacks over the past few months, a senior U.S. military official said today in Baghdad.......
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As we enjoy the redeployment, let us not forget those 4ID and TF Ironhorse soldiers who will always struggle with the wounds received in Iraq...
Newer technology speeds prosthetic process, offers Soldiers more choices
By Spc. Lorie Jewell
March 25, 2004
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, March 25, 2004) – On the day Spc. Sean Lewis was to put on his first prosthetic leg, he discovered sometimes there is delayed gratification in healing quickly.
Lewis, 20, lost most of his right leg in a Jan. 21 mortar attack in Iraq. Since arriving at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, he has been focused on getting up on two feet again – even if one is artificial.
A plastic socket had to be made before that could happen. The socket fits over the residual limb, buffered by a silicone liner, and then attaches to the prosthetic. It’s crucial for the socket to fit right, prosthetist Dennis Clark explained.
Measurements of Lewis’ residual limb – necessary to create the socket – were taken just five days before. But when Clark helped Lewis put the socket on, they discovered it was too loose. The residual limb had shrunk, which is normal as it heals.
By the next day, the limb shrank again. So much so, a new socket had to be made. Lewis, who wants to stay on active duty and resume running in marathons, was eventually fitted with his prosthetic. He’s pleased, but at the same time anxious to meet his goals. There’s a marathon in August he has his sights set on.
“I’ve been asked how I’m healing so fast and I say, it’s because I want to,’’ Lewis said. “You can do anything your mind tells you you can do. I want to do everything I can to get as close as I can to how I was before.”
Clark and other prosthetists know this attitude well; it’s a common thread in the majority of Soldiers they work with.
“We tell them, don’t worry, you’ll get there,’’ Clark said, smiling. “But it’s going to take a few minutes.”
The path to making a Soldier as whole as possible takes them through the hospital’s Orthotics and Prosthetics laboratory, where prosthetists begin with a custom-made socket.
New technology – the Computer Aided Design and Computer Aided Manufacturing system, or CAD CAM – enables prosthetists to create the mold for a socket in 20 minutes or less, said research prosthetist Joe Miller. Making a plaster cast of the limb, which is still done when necessary, produces the mold in a day or two, Miller said.
“We’ve had this technology for about eight or nine months,’’ Miller said. “It’s really brought us forward in the care we provide, greatly reducing the turnaround time for sockets.”
Next, a sheet of plastic is put in an oven until pliable, then formed over the foam mold. When cool, the socket is trimmed and sanded until smooth. If it doesn’t fit right when a Soldier tries it on, adjustments are made until it forms a snug, comfortable fit over the residual limb. The socket then attaches to the prosthetic.
Because a residual limb continues to shrink until it completely heals, a Soldier will get fitted for as many as eight different sockets before leaving the hospital, Miller said.
The aim is to have a Soldier fitted with an initial prosthetic – especially if it’s an upper extremity like an arm or hand – within 30 days of arriving at the hospital, said Ralph Urgolites, who heads the laboratory. Once they have a prosthetic that fits right, Soldiers move on to Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy laboratories, a short walk down the hallway.
“The more time that passes, the greater the chance that the Soldier will grow accustomed to using the remaining arm and not see the value of having the prosthetic,’’ Urgolites said. “The success rate in the civilian sector tells us there is a 50 percent chance the person will decide not to use the (prosthetic) arm.”
There isn’t as much concern about a prosthetic leg being rejected because a Soldier needs two legs and feet for activities like walking and running, Urgolites said.
Walter Reed’s success rate for prosthetic acceptance is 100 percent, he added.
For Soldiers with upper extremity amputations, the hospital’s protocol is to fit them with three different prosthetic arms – a computer-programmed myoelectric, body powered, and cosmetic. The myoelectric allows for more effortless movement than the body powered prosthetic, which is operated with a harness and pulley system.
There are times when a Soldier may prefer to use the body powered prosthetic because it’s more durable and won’t be damaged if it gets wet, unlike the myoelectric, Urgolites said. An artist on staff creates a cosmetic prosthetic identical to the other limb, which could be used when appearance is desired more than function, he added.
“Some might say the cosmetic is unnecessary, but self-image is an important part in the Soldier accepting the prosthetic,’’ Urgolites said. “If they view themselves as less than a whole person, they are more likely to reject a limb. It’s not all about the money. It’s about making the Soldier as whole as possible.”
Soldiers with prosthetic legs have a choice of several different styles of feet.
“We let them pick and choose, get a feel for what’s available and then decide what they like best,’’ Miller said.
There is also opportunity for creative input in the appearance of the final socket, Miller said. A Soldier can opt to leave the clear plastic as is, or have special artwork added. There are American flags, NASCAR logos, and unit patches. Or Soldiers may come up with their own designs, within limits, Miller said.
“We had one guy who wanted a black background with pink Playboy bunnies all over it,’’ Miller said, grinning. “He got it.”
Lewis, who was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, with the 588th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division, has already decided what his final socket will look like. It will bear the Texas state flag and his unit patch.
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A Story That Needs to be Told
My brother shared a story with us after going home that needs to be told. A story not likely to make the news. Their flight out on American Airlines was very great as he describes it. He said they were treated so well and that all of the soldiers were allowed to go in the cockpit and visit the pilots. The flight attendants we also great, they asked for 2 volunteers and of course soldiers quickly raised their hands to assist. Little did they know that they would be dressed in aprons, wigs and would be handing out drinks and food. The soldiers roared with laughter according to my brother. They also had an American flag for the troops to sign. When it was my brother's turn to sign he wrote, "This is for the 9 who couldn't make this flight," and then he wrote down the nine soldiers names from his battalion who made the ultimate sacrifice for us in Iraq. My family and the rest of this great nation will NEVER forget the sacrifice these and other soldiers and their families have made in the fight against terrorism.
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59 Years Ago Today - 4ID in France and Germany:
26 - 27 March 1945 - D+294 to 295 - Report G 3 (operations):
Movement was begun by motor at 0700. The 12th Infantry Regiment with the 42nd Field Artillery Battalion and companies from other units attached, closed into its new assembly area in the vicinity of Ellerstadt, Germany, by 1600.
The 22nd Infantry Regiment with the 44th Field Artillery Battalion and companies from other units attached, moved to the new assembly area in the vicinity of Lambrecht, Germany, closing there by 2100.
All other elements of the Division remained in the vicinity of Batzendorf until 27 March when movement of the 8th Infantry Regiment with the 29 Field Artillery Battalion and other companies from other units attached, was completed by 1545 to the vicinity of Bad Durkheim, Germany.
The 70th Tank Battalion and the 610th Tank Destroyer Battalion went into bivouac for the night in the vicinitry of Hainfel, Germany, in order to release road priority for movement of the 12th Armored Division across the Rhine.
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) Hi Bob, He's back! The king of Leishmaniasis in E/704th got in at 3a.m. last Thursday. His mom called me in Florida to tell me he was getting back. I told her that based on what I'd read they'd probably come in through Bangor and get a cell phone from one of the fabulous members of the local VFW so he could let her know he was back in the USA. We were flying back to AZ on Thursday and I called his mom from Dallas and she said he called from Bangor just like I said. When she told him I predicted that he wondered how I knew. I had told her it was thanks to your wonderful updates and all the family members telling their stories about homecomings that helped me figure it out. He called as soon as we landed in Tucson. My cell phone rang and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw his cell phone number registered on my caller ID! He'll be here to visit in a couple of weeks, then he's off to Ft Sill. It was so great to hear his voice, it's been since December when he was at Walter Reed for treatment. His comment was, "Damn, US Air smells better!" As soon as they locate the keys to his vehicle, yup the unit lost them, he'll be on his way. I have one more friend in E/704th that should be home soon and can't wait to hear from her.
2) ....And believe me, I was so tempted to run into that group of soldiers and grab my son out of there. Another Army Mom was with me to take pics of that first hug. Oh the boohooing I did. And I really was impressed with the way the Army provided for those little kids. That was too awesome. Children are our future and the Army took good care of them that night. The homecoming of their Moms or Dads will be forever imprinted on their minds. The Army is to be commended for providing for the little ones entertainment. And for the entertainment the little ones provided for me....
3) We just returned yesterday afternoon from Ft. Hood. We were there to welcome home son in HHC, 3/66 AR who returned on "second" plane on Sunday morning. I had been told he was on first plane, so there was extreme disappointment when the troops entered Abrams and when once dismissed I could not find my son. After a wait, the second plane of troops arrived and he was there! Excitement and anticipation was taking a toll on this mother who had been there since 4:30 a.m. since I wasn't able to lay eyes on him until after 8:00 a.m. He was able to find me first in the crowd and said I looked pitiful standing in the bleachers waving my flag (I had been waving that flag for a long time before he arrived!) He is good, happy, and home at Ft. Hood and that's all that matters to this Mom. A big thank you to the FRG leader for keeping in touch with me from so far away. I was so thankful for notification to get to Ft. Hood in time...... As I watch all these 4th ID troops come home, my heart goes out to the families of the 1st ID and 1st Cav troops....please know there are many families hurting with you as you wait out this year. We have been where you are and know your pain and fears. Prayers for us all!
4) Our son came home Sunday morning. He is an MP and worked with CG Raymond Odierno as one of his guards. ... We just got back from Ft. Hood and had a wonderful experience greeting our son.... Please take care and know that your writings have meant a lot to many of us. Keep up the good work. (Editor's Note: You readers need to keep sending stories, that is what she's talking about...)
5) We got news yesterday afternoon (Wednesday) that our son's convoy made it to Kuwait. Now we are waiting for that one more call that he will be back at Ft. Hood. When I got the email that he was in Kuwait the dam busted loose, I cried and cried and when I thought I was done, there they come again....best tears in my entire 50 years. Well, almost, I think our daughters wedding this fall will bring a few too... proud 4th MP mom.
6) Things are going GRRRRREEEAAATT here at home. Hubby has been home for almost 2 weeks now and it has been absolute HEAVEN! I had one of those touching moments the other night that I will remember for the rest of my life and thought I would share it with you. I was standing in the kitchen washing the dinner dishes and my Hubby had taken the girls upstairs to put them to bed. I keep my daughters baby monitor in the kitchen cause that is where I am most of the time. I overheard Daddy FINALLY getting to put his angels to bed. The prayers and the laughter of him tickling them was music to my heart. It filled my heart with such joy, the kind of joy you feel when you first hear your baby say, "I love you". I have spent so many nights over the past year wondering as I tucked my angels into bed if their Daddy would ever get the chance to do it again. I am so happy he is home and I feel like our family has been so blessed to have him return to us safe and sound. God bless all our troops who are still on their ways home and the ones who are taking our soldiers posts as they come home.
7) My boyfriend came home!!! He arrived last Wednesday (3/16 FA). HE suprised me at work. I am so happy that he is finally home after being gone for sooo long. I just want to wish the best of luck to all the families still waiting for their loved ones to come home. Thank you so much for helping me cope with this seperation for the whole year by being able to read everyone's stories and messages. God bless you all!
8) My husband is in Kuwait! He is with 1/17FA Charlie battery from Ft. Sill, OK. I am so happy to know that he is now in a "safer" environment and getting ready to come home. Still no exact date on when he will be here but he says they are working hard trying to get everything ready and will be home SOON!!!! It has been a lllloooooonnnngg year and I can't wait to have him home again.
9) I got a call from my boyfriend, A Co. 2-8 IN (M) this morning (Wednesday). HE WAS IN IRELAND! He is on his way home.. should be back in Ft. Hood later this afternoon. He said it feels GREAT to be coming home for good. Thank goodness his parents left yesterday, Hopefully they will make it there when he gets home !! I CAN'T WAIT!
10) My son (4th ID, 3rd BCT) got to Fort Carson Saturday night - after several calls to correct his ETA, those doors FINALLY flew open and there he was, right in the middle of the front row! It was a proud and happy moment and I'm so glad I was able to be there. I'm back in Kentucky tonight (Tuesday) after having spent a couple of days in the Springs. One piece of information I wanted to share. The soldiers were ordered not to drive for 48 hours and he abided by that, but when he was driving me to Denver to catch the plane home, he stopped and asked his wife to drive. He said that there were just too many things moving along the sides of the road and although he knew he didn't have to watch for them anymore, he still wanted to get in the back seat for now. He looks great and sounds great and seems great, but the evidence of some needed adjustment time was there. These young men continue to need our prayers.....4th ID mom
11) MY SON JUST CALLED FROM BANGOR, MAINE!!!!! HE'S 2/3 OF THE WAY HOME..... SAID QUITE A NUMBER OF PEOPLE MET THEM AT THE AIRPORT, HUGGED THEM, WELCOMED THEM ALL HOME, AND GAVE THEM CELL PHONES TO CALL LOVED ONES!!!!!....HE SAID IT WAS GREAT BEING GREETED LIKE THAT....:-) I THINK IT WAS GREAT, TOO....:-) FROM TIKRIT TO KUWAIT I WORRIED..... FROM KUWAIT TO THE STATES I FRETTED....NOW, FROM MAINE TO TEXAS I'LL SWEAT UNTIL HE CALLS AGAIN AND SAYS, "I'M HOME, MOMMA."
12) My husband came home on Sunday the 21st. When the kids saw him they went running into his arms - it was a wonderful scene to see. Our Daughter made it to him first then our son jumped off the bleachers at Abrams gym and headed for him. It was a long awaited reunion for all. We are so glad to have him home with us. At the moment he is dropping off our daughter at school and he is very relaxed now that he is home.
13) I read the story from the woman who spoke of not knowing what tomorrow holds, therefore, hold onto your loved ones as if it is your last. It has now been one month since our son landed at Abrams Gym in Ft. Hood to the sounds of wonderful songs about the USA, etc. This month has flown by. It has been one year ago on the 19th of March that he graduated from boot camp and then was quickly sent to Iraq. I just keep reading about all of the wonderful homecomings and reliving that wonderful evening when our son was returned to us safe and sound with tears streaming down his face. He said, at the time, he didn't think he would cry, but when he saw all of his family there to meet him, he lost it big time!! It will be an evening we will never forget! Please tell all of the wonderful parents, sisters, brothers, wives and husbands (and others) to hang in there. Hopefully, soon, this war will be over. Godspeed to those returning and again, thanks to all of those that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. I will continue to read your updates, it is good for the soul!
14) Our son and daughter-in-law are finally home and visiting us in Michigan. Yesterday I watched my son walk through our front door with his dog, Shrek. Shrek, a chocolate lab, was a puppy when our son left for Iraq. Now he is grown and ready to spend some play time with his "daddy". They had gone running over to a golf course behind our place and Shrek decided it was not too cold in Michigan to do a little swimming in a pond. They were gone for an hour and both were exhausted when they got back. The joy in our son's eyes was indescribable. He has dreamed about this time and opportunity for the past year and finally gets to live out what he has worked so hard for..... Last Sunday all our friends, neighbors and family came out to say hello and thank he and his wife for their tremendous sacrifice this past year. Small town living is not all bad - this town has welcomed them home and given these parents incredible support this past year. We are so grateful to God for his safe return, and are thankful for the millions of prayers that have gone out for all our men and women. We continue to pray for those who are in our military, whether out of country or home, the work they do is amazing and I am so proud of them all.
15) Just wanted you to be one of the first to know. Our journey is nearing the end. My son (HHC 2/8 4th ID) called this morning (Tuesday) from Kuwait and said he should be landing tomorrow (Wednesday) at Ft. Hood around 7pm. From your newsletter it looks like I will just miss meeting you. That would have been so awesome to be able to thank you personally and hug your neck for all of your support! Instead I will be hugging my son, the soldier. Hooah!! (You'll enjoy that hug more...)
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