Active Unit News

What Our Families Are Hearing From their Soldiers:
Updates from emails sent in to us - A-1-8.org contacts
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3-24-04

-->My son (B co 2/8 INF attached to 1/67 AR) returned to Ft. Hood on 19 March as part of his unit's advanced group. We live in Northern Ohio and because of the short arrival notice, plus the fact that my husband was hospitalized undergoing a cardiac device implant, we were unable to be at Ft. Hood to welcome our son home. But thanks to the generosity, compasion, and creativity of our FRG leader, I was 'there'. At 0830 hrs. (Ohio time) I received a telephone call from our FRG leader. She was at the gym using her cell phone and called to say, "The plane just landed!!!! The Soldiers will be here in about and hour." I could hear cheers echoing in the background!! An hour later I answered the phone again and heard a deafening din and chants of " WE WILL ROCK YOU!!!" Our FRG leader was yelling over the chanting, "The buses just pulled up to the doorway!!" Even LOUDER cheering..... "The soldiers are getting off the buses. Can you HEAR everyone?" "Yes" I shoute! d, choking back tears. "I am going to hang up now. I can't hear you anymore. The next voice you hear will be your son's". By now I was in tears and could hardly breathe! I FELT the pride and excitement filling that gym, even though I was in Ohio. About 20 minutes later our FRG leader called and said, "I can't find him. I KNOW he is here, but I can't find him." She sounded genuinely distressed. I thanked her for all she had done for me and we hung up. At 1007 hrs. the telephone rang again and I heard the word that I had not heard since 18 June 03 .... "Mom ..." I burst into a tearful prayer, "Thank you God for bringing my son safely home!" Our FRG leader HAD found our son after all and had given him her cell phone to call home so he would not have to wait in line for a pay phone. The joyous relief that surged though my body and soul at that moment is beyond discripton. My son really was SAFELY HOME. I will never be able to thank our FRG leader enough. What ! she did for me was truly 'above and beyond the call of duty'. She was my special angel on a most special day. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND THE COURAGEOUS WARRIORS OF THE MIGHTY 4th ID.

02-25-04

-->I am happy to announce that my husband, who is with A troop 1/10 Cav, and all of his soldiers, are now safely in Kuwait. I feel truly blessed as I am sure do the other spouses and parents, that they have made it out of Iraq and will soon be home. However, I still pray for and mourn for those who are not so fortunate, and would like to extend my prayers to their most recent loss in HHT. We are still awaiting the actual dates they will be flying in, but are still comforted in knowing they are no longer in Iraq. They have got all their tanks cleaned and are now just waiting. I will continue to pray for those still in Iraq and those headed over there, and for their families who will need the strength of the Lord during this trying year. I just can not say in words how happy I am. They have done an excellent job and I am proud. Hooah!

02-24-04

-->As an FRG leader for HHC 1-4 AVN Regt. I can tell you that your email updates have been a HUGE help through this deployment. There has been so many postings that have brought relief and encouragement over the months. As I have enjoyed reading your updates, I realized how much my husband has enjoyed reading updates from his family and friends through letters. Yesterday, I received a big box of letters yesterday that my husband sent home for safe keeping. I know I had written him as often as I could but what I didn't realize is how lucky we were to have such a great network of family and friends who had written him very often. I looked in the box and realized that I was looking at history. I am planning on getting a very nice box to put all the letters that people wrote to him as well as all the letters that he wrote to me and keep them safe. It is such a cool thought to think that one day our grandkids will read the letters and maybe understand what we went through. I have be! en fortunate enough to be close to my grandparents and have heard of their stories of war but next time I talk to them I am going to ask if they have any letters they kept. What a wonderful way to remember this year!

-->My husband is the chaplain for 1-8 Infantry. The chaplain above him asked for miracle stories and here is what he submitted. Please take out any information that could compromise the security of the battalion. If you have questions, please contact him at the above e-mail address. I've been reading and appreciating your updates since he left 10 months ago. Thank you, Ann

Here are a couple of miracle stories, though generally speaking, the BIG miracle is the relatively small number of casualties we've had in 1-8 vs. the number of contacts we've had.

The first was from Operation Peninsula Strike. It was a large combined arms action with air, water and ground forces involved. The gritty job of clearing houses fell to the infantry, of course. At one target house, SPC Briggs from C Co got the job of kicking in the door. The fear that an armed person could be waiting was reality this time, and he took a point blank shotgun blast to the chest. We found out that the IBAS vest works! He was rocked back, but returned fire, and came out unscathed. The SAPI plate from his vest will now be going to the 1-8 artifact collection.

Another story happened on Jan 5. On Jan 2, CPT Eric Paliwoda of B 4En was killed by mortar fire. Of course this has devastated all of us here at the FOB. A single piece of shrapnel from that mortar shot between 2 Texas barriers and ended CPT P's life. The same round didn't touch SFC Harris and 1LT Larson as they entered the door of the shelter where the round landed. The miracle happened on the 5th. My assistant CPL Whiteaker and I were at the Beast CP when another attack hit. We hit the ground and then got in a bunker with a bunch of B Co soldiers. When we jogged the 100 meters back to our chapel, there 12 feet outside of our front door was a mortar round in the dirt. The round had come in, banked off a wall about 8 feet in the air, and embedded itself directly behind our HMMWV. Six feet from that, SSG Fletcher, our NBC NCO, was in a prone position. I now call him "the miracle man."

To paraphrase John, there are many other miraculous things not written here, but that should provide a taste. The soldiers in this unit do amazing actions every day. The potential for loss of life, limb, or eyesight is ever present. We know the Lord is ever present also, and we daily offer thanks for protection.

CH Espeland

02-17-04

-->Just wanted to thank you again for your updates. You have done a wonderful job of keeping us updated throughout this year and I appreciate it. My husband is with A troop 1/10 Cav and will be returning home within a matter of weeks. I am so excited and anxious and yes, scared. It has been a long year for him and for me and the kids. It will be so good to have home home for good. He has had a rough time along with all the other soldiers, from leishmaniasis to scraping scapula, and of course among those things, the loss of a few soldiers. I count myself very fortunate to have him safe and although he is so close to being home, still worry for him and the other troops. I still grieve for those who will not be as fortunate and theank them and their soldiers for the sacrifice they have made for all of us. I wanted to say how very proud I am of my husband and all the troops over there. He always tells me this is harder on me than on him because I! am home with the five kids and never know if he is safe, but I know for sure it will never be half as hard on me as it is on him, being away from home and dealing with the dangers and the every day stress of watching his back and that of his soldiers. They have endured some horrific things out there and it is going to be an adjustment for all of us to have him home safe againn. I will continue to pray as we have more soldiers leaving to replace ours, that they are safe and strong and that their families can be strong for them. I have never been more proud to be an american and even though I know he will be home soon, it still brings me to tears to read about the happy redeployments of the other soldiers, because I know soon my day is coming. Thanks again, you do a wonderful job.

01-19-04

-->I love going on and hearing from other family members that have loved on in Iraq. We heard from our son Saturday. He was doing fine he is also with the 1-8 out of Fort Carson he is in Balad. It is always great to hear fro him. I am so proud of him as all of the other soldiers that are there. I pray for him and all the others daily. It just about over. They'll be home soon. THANK GOD. I have missed him so much and the holidays were awfull with out him. It was our first Thanksgiving and Christmas without him and I know I'm not alone I know there were others. But we made it through and now we can plan for their return. God Bless Our Soldiers.

01-15-04

-->To the last writer: I cannot agree with you more and my heart goes out to you especially because you have two sons to be concerned about as this saga continues. My son, is also in the 1-8 out of Carson, in Balad so they must know each other. I am not as strong as I should be about all of this although God knows I am trying. Every night I light two candles, one for my "boy" (I always called him that) and the other is for all other soldiers. I just want them all back home asap.

01-14-04

-->I read your news almost every day and this is the first time I have written. My only 2 children (boys) are in the military. My oldest in the Army (1-8) currently in Iraq and my youngest in the Marines and was with the first unit entering Baghdad - he came back in May and his unit is returning to Iraq in February to relieve the 4th ID. I can truly say this last year has been the longest and proudest year of my life. I'm truly thankful the brave men and women who represent the United States in our military. They are all heros no matter what their job may be and to the families who support them back here in the States I want to say thank you for supporting your family member while they are away.
I want to say one more thank you. To all the Viet Nam Vets I want to say thank you. You were never given the respect and recognition you should have. Most of you didn't have a choice but you went and you fought only to be ignored or hurt when you came home. I'm sorry for that - please know there are those of us who do care and thank you for your military service.

-->I just got a call this a.m. from my son who is stationed a little north of Balad. He is with the 4th, 3rd Brigade, 1/8 infantry out of Ft. Carson. We have not heard from him in a couple of months. He sounded fine and is looking foward to coming home. He said he has been in Samarra for quite a while and finally got back to Balad. He and his unit have been very busy rounding up the insurgents and trying to keep the peace. God Bless him and all the soldiers over there. What true patriots and Americans they are.

01-07-04

-->Well, today was a sad day. My husband came home at the end of November after being at Walter Reed for a month and a half and left today to go back to Iraq. It was hard to let him go again but I know he has to do his duty like the other soldiers. His unit is scheduled to come home at the end of next month(but I know you won't publish that part) I will be happy to have him home for good. It was hard to let him go not because of the time apart, which does bother me, but for the fear I live with every day he is gone. I just pray God will bring him and the others home safe for good. I will be looking for the news on his unit that you talked about. Although I know he won't be in it I would still like to see about his unit. They have moved quite a bit since he has been home and I am curious to see what they are doing now.

12-31-03

-->I want to thank you for this site, it has been a great comfort to me while my son is away. He is Sgt.Troy M. Roy out of Carson and his unit is # 92598. He got to come home in Nov. and was here for the unexpected birth of his daughter, she weighted in at 4 lbs. 12 ounces and has been seriously sick since her dad has gone back. He left to go back on the 21st of Nov. She just came home to us on this past monday and for that we are grateful. I never knew how very hard it was to say goodbye to a child you love so much, it really broke my heart to see him go back and the hardest thing was to watch him walk down that long walk to a plane. My fears are worse now than before and I worry so very much for all our sons and daughters there, I pray that God watches over them as they make us as Americans so very proud and you also do us proud by providing us with this comfort zone, knowing that we are not alone and you helping to keep watch for us and bring us accurat!

e news that we can count on to be true. God Bless All who are family, friends and most of all our Wonderful Soldiers as we began a New Year in hopes of peace on earth. Thank you for this opportunity

-->Well, its been a fast 15 days. My boyfriend at the time(now fiance) made it in on the 15th and had to leave today. It was the greatest Christmas present ever!!! I had known for a while he was coming home but his family didn't know. We showed up at her work and gave her the biggest suprise ever. We even got it on tape...It was Great!!! I think by the time the trip was over he gave us all a suprise. He suprised all his family and then asked me to marry him, so it ended up being a great two weeks. He looked really good when I first saw him. We all fattened him up some more within the 2 weeks. If theres any Pat Green fans out there, you'll appreciate this one. We went to see him in concert at Billy Bobs and we saw his fiddle player and he hooked us up with some back stage passes. So we ended up meeting several bands, and the owner of Pat and Cross Canadian Ragweed and they all treated Cory like he was a king. They thanked him over and over for what they do!

and said all the military was in their prayers. And the owner got several addresses from him so they could send them things from the bands. It was neat. I think it embarressed Cory because he didn't know what to say. He said what any other soldier would say "it's my job" I feel very blessed that he was able to come home and most definetly for the holidays. We had mixed emotions about him coming home at all and I'm very thankful he did. For those who won't get to see their loved ones home for R & R, just remember, the hardest part is over...only a few more months. As much as I hated to say goodbye, I know he has a job to complete and then he can come home with the rest of the guys. He was worried about them the whole time he was here. The countdown is on!!!

12-17-03

-->I just happended to come on to this website. My son chose not to come home (single with no children) I miss him terribly .. but I told him it was his decision. He hoped to go to Qutar for a little RR.. I tell him it has been a LONG deployment and he needs a break. I continue to hope and constantly pray that he stays focused and not to get too tired. I know that alot of us mothers KNOW and hear it in there voices when they call ... with intermittent static that they try their best to be upbeat. My our good lord bring them all home and I will continue to pray for all our men and women in the service. I can't wait to hold him in my arms again. PROUD MOM ... he is in stationed in AD-DAWR but was not in the raid that caught Saddam... because of a secondary mission training Iraqi ICDC men. I told him he was my HERO because he certainly has walked all that area patrolling.

12-16-03

(This comes to us from Gross Gerau II, Germany as a Christmas Greeting to all the Soldiers)
-->Dear Soldier,

You do not know us but , we are glad that we can write to you a few lines and so we will wish you from whole heart on a very unusually place a still and peace-loving Merry Christmas and a great and good Happy New Year and hope that you can celebrate your next christmas at home with your family. You are not alone this evening, we are thinking on you particularly. Take care for you all the time and we hope for you so much that you can go home fast. We know that you do a great job, a dangerous job, often not easy to do. Often you do not know who is your friend and how is your enemy. We know that your family and a lot of friends they are all waiting for you. Have a great and a good new 2004, the same for your camrades, and your friends and family.

GOD BLESS ALL YOU

-->To the Soldiers: Like the previous writer, I can't express the emotions of the weekend. But in the end, I can only know that all of you are special human beings to do what you are doing just to help others. I am so proud of all of you, and the families that support you. May god bless and protect you...may you all come home soon.

12-15-03

-->To the soldiers:

I am so proud of you and grateful for all of your sacrifices. My dad and brother were both part of the Big Red One, I know the sacrifices that you all and your families are making. What has happened over this weekend is life changing for multitudes of people and you all had a major play in that, what an honor. You all are what America is about, fighting and pressing in until we have what we are searching for. You all are in my prayers and I do rejoice and thank God for brave men and women willing to lay down their life for people they don't even know. You truely are an incredible bunch. I am overcome by the feelings of patriotism and loyalty. I pray to God I am able to be what I need to be to the degree that you all are. You were born and created for this time in history. What an awesome thougtht. Know that we as a nation are overcome with joy and gratefulness with your victory. You all are champion warriors! Take a little time to let all this soak it-you will have an incredible story to tell you grandkids! God bless you all and I pray His hand of protection continue to be upon you.

With much gratitude, support, and joy,

12-13-03

-->Got a quick email from our son (1-67 HHC) today. Hadn't heard from him since before Thanksgiving. Been really busy. He has been promoted to corporal! We are very proud of him. He received the Christmas tree, fudge and cookies we sent. The taste stayed in his mouth all day. We are here to share with each other and some have R&R stories and some don't, but we shouldn't take away from the joy of those who do. God Bless to all.

12-11-03

-->This is a reply for Veronica Galea, whose son Michael, just deployed from A 1/8 out of Ft Carson. My son, too, is with the A 1/8 and has been in the "Sunni triangle" area for more than 8 months. I understand your feeling of being disconnected. I felt that way too - until I found this website. What a wonderful group of loving people who share their good news, bad news, fear and patriotism. We're all in this together, Veronica. Don't feel for a minute that you're out there alone. I will add you and your Michael to my prayers, as I have all the men and women and their families, as I pray for my son, Steven, his wife and son. God bless.

12-10-03

-->Just wanted to thank you for updates, i look forward to them every day. just wanted to let you know my husband came home on mid-tour and it was the greatest feeling to have him home after being gone so long. He didnt talk about his adventure there, and we didnt push him. but he looks good tho thin but i held him and that was the best feeling. He had steak for a week. He return to finish his job, and that was the hardest thing to do, but we kept strong for him since it was to hard the first time for him to see his family so upset. He's a great man and a wonderful father. cant wait to have him home for good, he's with HHC 3/66 AR- Ft Hood Texas

-->Still not used to being a military mom and feeling bluer than blue now that my son was deployed on December 1 and not really knowing much, I just happened to stumble on this website. I think it is great...reading the messages has soothed my heart a little. Thank you for keeping this going. It is good to know that there are so many who do care about our troops. I sometimes feel so disconnected from life when I see everyone enjoying the freedom of this land and taking it for granted while our troops are sacraficing their lives, the comfort of their warm beds. I will continue to pray for the safe return of all soldiers. Veronica Galea mom of Michael..All I know is that he was last in Fort Carson, 4ht infantry, A-1-8...but that is all I know...I just couldn't believe how I stumbled on this website...I was looking at something else and happened to notice the title..

11-27-03

GOD BLESS PRESIDENT BUSH! I am so impressed with his surprise visit to the troops in Bagdad to carry the message of our support and thanks for the job they are doing. No matter what your political affiliation, you must admit it was a very heroic act on his part. Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday and all our guys and girls got some turkey!

11-20-03

I just arrived back at Fort Rucker from Ben's funeral which was this morning at 1000 in Monroe City, Missouri. It was truly an honor to be part of Ben's funeral and 5-101 should be very proud. First of all, Ben's family is the most God loving and patriotic family I have ever met. They are hard working hog farmers from 3 hours north of St Louis. His parents were so strong as were his 2 brothers and 3 sisters. It is easy to see how Ben was such a good man and soldier after seeing the family environment in which he was raised. Maggie (and for those of you who do not know, his wife is a CPT in 9-101) was also very strong and all of her family also attended. His hometown has a sign that says Population 2588. Well I can tell you ALL 2588 plus many from the surrounding farming communities participated in celebrating Ben's life. Last night at his church the viewing occurred and it was full for four straight hours. This morning the funeral procession went down the main street of this little Missouri farming town and out to a church near his family's farm - a total of 6 miles. He was buried in a church cemetery less than a mile from his family's farm. The city had put up American flags every 50 yards or so along the entire route. The ENTIRE town stopped for the funeral. All schools were let out, all businesses closed, all offices closed, the only little factory in town closed. Nobody moved. They all lined the streets of Monroe City waving American flags with their hands over their hearts. All of the police stations, fire departments, and EMT services from the surrounding areas were there with their vehicles, dressed in uniforms and displaying American flags. Even the local telephone company had their truck with the hoist raised and one of their workers in hoist basket holding a flag. They lined the road for over 3 miles of the procession. All of the farmers along the remainder of the route were at their farm entrances - again all waving American flags. It was really an unbelievable sight. So many people attended the funeral that the church was over capacity. The service was broadcast on closed circuit TV to all of the schools and the community center. The honor guard from Fort Leonard Wood did a super job. There were 10 soldiers from Fort Campbell that attended the funeral as well as the West Point Association of Graduates Society from St Louis. While it was a hard day, I know the family was very appreciative of all of the efforts from 5-101, the division and the Army. We lost a great soldier but please tell the soldiers of 5-101 Ben was laid to rest with great pride and respect and celebration of his life. EJ

11-18-03

Received a phone call from my son in A 1/8. He wanted me to pray for those who had died and their families. Said the fighting had been "pretty tough" and he just wanted to get word back home that he loved us all and that we are making progress in the lives of the Iraqis. He said it was tough sometimes to build and reconstruct during the day, only to come under attack at night - but he knows its a handful of guerrillas and not the average Iraqi. I pray that God continues to look over our soldiers. We must all be brave in the face of this conflict and know that better days are ahead.

11-12-03

In response to the woman who is trying to put together a list of things to send over. My brother has been requesting the following of late; trail mix, dried fruit, those all inclusive make your own tuna fish and chicken salad kits, instant pancake mix ( the just add water kind) and syrup ** you need to send him a pan to cook them in though**, pocket games, pudding, fruit cups, also at the recommendation of another reader I sent him a mattress topper from overstock.com, he LOVED it- said it was so comfortable and perfect now that the weather is cooling down, I also sent over the El Paso burrito and taco kits with the chicken in a bag, extra velveeta cheese and salsa- that was a HUGE hit also. He is also likes magazines current affairs, sports and those mens magazines like FHM and Maxim. Not enought time to read a book but enought time to flip through a magazine. Hope this helps.

11-6-03
-->We heard from our Sgt.(3rd BCT 1-8 IN Ft. Carson) at about 1 a.m. this morning (11/6). He reports that they are all O.K. following an incidentthis week where their Bardley hit a landmine on a road near Ballad. Remarkably no one was injured. It happened on a road they travel everyday near Ballad. The Bradley has a huge whole in it and most of the guys thought it was the "Big One", but they are all O.K. They had their hearing and vision checked out as the blast was quite bad. I guess our prayers of "protection" must be working!

11-4-03
-->First I want to express my deepest heartfelt synpathy for those who have lost their loved ones and to the ones this week-end in the terrible crash. I feel guilty for being even a slight bit happy, my son called yesterday to inform us he was on his way home. He is with 1-8 c co. Unit #92598 SGT> ROY.This brings great joy but a deep sadness for all those loving families who will not have this joy, it seems bittersweet.
10-31-03
-->To the girl that wanted to what she should bring her soldier.Well first my husband was a day late getting to baltimore but 45 minutes early getting off the plane.First he wanted his coat,then he want a change of clothes.He wasn't hungry,they feed the guys real well on the plane.Thats all I can really say cause we had a 12 hour drive back to Michigan.By the way hes right telling me what to say.Also and most important he says give him a real big kiss thats what he'll want the most.
10-29-03
-->for the mother wanting to know the best way to send items...I tried many different options for sending food and other items. Finally one day I bit the bullet and bought one of those vacuum sealers from Wal-Mart. It cost about $50. It was well worth the money. As soon as my boyfriend got the package he e-mailed me saying that the cookies were the best yet and that they lasted under an hour. Usually he would say that they lasted 2 days. He said they were still soft and all in one piece.
I also used it to wrap everything else I sent. It is so easy to use and a lot less troublesome than all of the zip-lock bags and everything else I tried. I even sent pictures in frames and sealed them and it prevented the glass from breaking. God Bless!
10-28-03
-->My boyfriend is the driver for the Provost Marshal. I am so proud of him. He started as a gunner for the Lt. moved to guarding the CG of 4ID and now with the PM all since he arrived in Iraq in April! Anyway...I am writing to say thank you for all you have done. I do not watch TV (to depressing) so everyday as soon as I wake up I check for an e-mail from Ray and then check your site.
The other reason I am writing is that we have been blessed with 2 week leave. I received word today that he is leaving for Kuwait on Nov. 5th and then the "country" on the 7th. I am not exactly sure what day that means he will be home. I was wondering if anybody who has had their spouse or loved one come home for leave had any suggestions of what to have waiting for them in the car and for when they get home in terms of food and etc... Since we are not married I am not informed by our FRG (I have persistently tried) what is best for our guys when they come home. Also, his parents in Florida (I am in Belton, Texas) want him to come home to visit them. He has expressed that he does not care if he goes home or not. From other experiences is it good to travel like that while they are home or should they be in one place and rest?
Please keep your fingers crossed that we get married. We were supposed to in April but he insisted on doing things "the right way and waiting until we would not be rushed. Plus things were so crazy from January to March with them being told they were going and not going over and over. We were both very stressed and worried to death. I don't know... Do you think 2 weeks will feel like a rush to him?:)
Sorry for jabbering on. I am just so happy today and nervous at the same time.
Again, thank you for all you do and please keep up the good work! God Bless!
-->Well my husband is home for the next two weeks.He is with B.Co.1-22 in baiji,Iraq.I haven't seen him since last october.Our youngest was 3 months old then.I must say within two hours all three kids took to him as if he never left.He is enjoying every minute of this stay.Its great actually being able to talk to him without any cut outs.His stories are great to.He tells of the beautiful birds there and what him and the guys do.He makes it sound fun believe it or not.The other day we bumped into a Iraqi person and he told my husband how great he was.That assured my husband that they were doing the right thing.Well I just thought Yous would like to know.Thanks
-->We received a email from our son today. He received his Halloween box with some neat things for him and the guys to enjoy. He is with the 1-8 Inf. out of Fort Carson attached to 4Id in Balad. He said they have the skelton on the fregm and every time one of them go to the fregm they push the button so he will talk sing or dance. I thought he and the guys would like it and they did. He said he needed more brownies and swiss rolls, he had already eat the others. We are so proud of him as well as all the other soldiers. We pray for all of them daily. We are on the down side of the deployment now!!!!!! Can't hardly wait till he gets home. May God continue to bless our soldiers!!!
10-23-03
I just heard from my husband who is attached to 4th I.D Charlie campany 3rd brigade out of Fort Carson He was suppose to come home in one week for his mid- tour leave, but due to I guess lack of time and missions he is unable to come home. So its back to counting down days until April 2004. If anyone has any other updates on the midtour leave or any other news for his unit, please e-mail me. Support Our Troops!
10-6-03
-->I heard from my boyfriend early this morning. He's with B CO 1/8 out of Ft. Carson, they are currently in Samarra. He sounded really good, making jokes and laughing. He said they have been doing a lot but didn't want to talk about it. We sent him a big box of chips, hot sauce, and jalepenos, the cheese is in another box, but he loved it. Said he was craving hot sauce at the time. We also sent him a thermal blanket and he said using it was the first time he had a good nights sleep. His exact words were "I didn't move all night" It's been in the 70's at night but thats cold to them now. He said he wanted to keep it forever and I told him we could always go get another one when he comes home. It was so great to be able to hear his voice and know that he is doing good. He sounded upbeat but ready to come home. He said everyone was doing well and hopefully they'll be going back to Balad soon.
10-3-03
Got a e-mail yeterday from my son with the HHC 1-8 Inf. out of Fort Carson. He was in Tikrit and headed back to Balad. He said he was fine. Said he misses every one and wishes he was home but said he has a job to do first. He was really tired. He also called his dad at work yesterday. That was a great surprise to my husband, it made his day. He said the phones ar still broken and he hopes they get them fixed soon. The connection was really bad my husband said. I'm jst thankfull for every phone call and e-mail. They certainly make me feel better. He said he would get to go on R&R in a couple of weeks he hoped. Had to get all his guys done first, I'm so proud of him as well as all our other soldiers, they are doing a wonderfull job. I pray for him daily a well as all the others.
9-26-03
-->(A/1-67th): Just wanted to let everyone know I heard from my boyfriend (Camp Scunion), he was in Tikrit on R&R. I got to talk with him 3 times a day for 5 days!!! I was so excited to hear from him. He sounds great. The last time I talked with him he said he was approved for leave for 15 days. I can't wait to see him. He said don't send food -between him and his buddies they have too much. Still asking for powdered drinks, CD movies and reading material. I love you J- and can't wait to see you. GOD BLESS
-->Just wanted to say it is wonderful that the soldiers are getting to take mid tour leave. My husband is with A troop 1/10 Cav and I don't know if he will be able to take advantage of the leave but regardless, it is a wonderful thing for all the soldiers and families who do benefit from it. Last I heard, my husband was en route to Balad where he would then be flown out to either Kuwait or Germany to have a bite looked at. They suspect it carries a parasite called leish maniasis that is transmitted through the bites from sand fleas. If tested positive ofr it he will then be flown to Walter Reed where he will undergo treatment for a month, and then he will come home. Apparently the treatment makes you really sick and he will be on leave for four to six months. He says they are being told they are redeploying early February so I am not sure if he will go back to Iraq or not. While I would love to have him home I never wanted him to have to come home under ba! d conditions, but we will just have to wait and see what happens. He has not been able to call since he left for Balad so I amnot sure what is going on yet. As for the other soldiers, I pray for their safe return. We are over halfway finished with this deployment and I thank God for that.
9-25-03
-->What a fantastic weekend! Our son (1-67 HHC Baqubah) was on R&R in Tikrit. We got to talk to him three days in a row! It was so good for him to get away for a time. He was with three other guys from Camp Scunion. What surprised him the most was the vast difference in Saddam's palace compared to how his people live. And to think he had so many palaces! Well, he took full advantage of all the palace had to offer and went back to "work" on Tuesday. Our last phone call was short but sweet as I know it will be some time before I hear his voice again. God Bless them all. April can't come soon enough!
9-24-03
-->I received a letter from my son, Brian, today. He is with A Co. 1/8 3BCT from Ft. Carson. He told me he had someone put a message on the website and I was directed to this site. What a great site! He was in Balad on the 28th of August when he wrote us. He said they now have air-conditioning and showers that run all the time. He is so thankful for that. He said to keep the letters and pictures coming. Said he was set for now on supplies. He has such a great sense of humor and is doing fine. I know that he is serving our country with wonderful dedicated men and women. Praise the Lord for our troops helping each other out.
9-23-03
--> heard from my boyfriend yesterday by email. We actually were able to instant message each other for about 30 minutes before the internet disconnected. I was glad to hear from him. He's with BCO 1/8 out of Ft. Carson. They were currently in Balad but were packing up to head to Samarra. He was in good spirits but a little nervous about packing up and leaving. They are leaving what has been their home for several months now, so I can only imagine it being like packing up and moving away from home and not knowing what lies in front of you. He said they are all ready to come home! Keep the letters and packages that's what keeps them going. I also look forward to reading everyones updates.
-->Hi I heard from my fiance today at 7:30 am. He is in 2/8 infantry, 3-16 FA. He said they brought one phone down to Baqubah airfieid for the soldiers to use. He got 5 minutes. He said that they gave them a whole new shipment of ammo for their howitzer (paladin). It looks like they are staying there for awhile longer, and Pray they get to come home soon. He said they have had alot of fire missions and been firing the gun a bunch. He also said it was cooling down there, in low 100's.Said they are bored to death there and they need things to do like reading material! They love kool-aid, vieena sausages,boboli bread pizza, pizza sauce, crackers and cheese in a can! If anybody wants to talk to me about there men or woman deployed, write me a message, at velenoc@aol.com.
8-26-03
-->I just wanted to let you know that I have been visiting this site since February 2003. I am really thankful I have received so much information from this site then I am getting anywhere else. Thank You. I also would like to let you know that I got to speak to a great friend of mine who is in Mosul at the moment. It was about two days ago. He is in the 4ID. I got to speak to him through internet we were on for almost 4 hours catching up on things over here and some of the things over there. I was really blessed for this opportunity. He said that things are alot better in Mosul then Tikrut. He has access to the internet, more phones, television and movies. I also told him about this site. we browsed it together. He really loved it. He looked through the guestbook and of course he saw where I had written to him. He looked through the pictures and pointed out some of his friends, which some have came home already due to injury or what so ever. He was so impressed that he told me he is going to spread the word about this site. So as I write to you, there may be a soilder in Iraq viewing this page which makes me so happy. So I would like for you to let everyone know to continue there support and especially writing in the guestbook to there loved ones. I know that my friend and his friends will be viewing this site when they can. Also no telling who else will. :) It really gives a boost to there moral. I know my friend was so happy to see my input in the guestbook. Thank you
8-22-03
-->Just wanted to give an update on my husband with A troop 1/10 Cav. They are still located in Balad Ruiz for now. He was able to call me late Wednesday night and we were able to talabout 40 minutes and it was great. He was then able to call again early Thursday morning at about 0800, and although we were vut off about 8 times, we were able to talk about 10 minutes. Then, to my surprise, he called again about midnight to wish me a happy birthday. The chaplain had brought the phone out for them to use, which was real convenient timing. I was so happy he was able to call on my birthday. He said they are getting their mail pretty quick. Sometimes they get a letter within a week. His letters still take about a month for me to get. I think they are holding them and sending them out all at once because when I get several in one day they have the same postmark date on them. It upsets me to hear about the wives who won't write their husbands unless their husbands can write. Please remember they are in a war zone with missions that take up a lot of their time. When they are not doing missions they do try to rest and so it isn't that they are not thinking of us, they are just busy. If they weren't they wouldn't need to be there. My husband has told me several times that the mail from home is the only thing that keeps him going. So even if I am not getting mail from him, I will continue to write him so he knows he is loved and missed. The soldiers in his troop are all doing good, just ready to come home.
8-21-03
-->I am writing in regards to the mom's with more than one soldier in Iraq. I will no longer feel desperate, alone or anxious (well maybe some on all counts). My son is with A Co 1-8th Inf. 3rd Bct out of Fort Carson Co. We have received 2 letters and 1 phone call since his deployment. Each one is cherished beyond belief. When he called he sounded good, said it was very hot! He is married with 3 little ones and 1 on the way which he will miss. He sent some photo's which of course I have put up everywhere. My heart goes out to all who have loved ones overseas whether it be in Iraq or anywhere defending our nation and others. I read this website everyday if not twice a day. Thank you
8-18-03
-->Our son SFT FC with with Unit # 92598 C Company 1/8 from Ft. Carson. We got two letters and his family got a phone call. What a super weekend. We feel so blessed. His letters advised he got the package we sent with sardines. They had hired locals to wire lights in a building. While he was out the workmen evidently got hungry and ate his sardines and other items, drank his cokes. They did leave him 250 denar (he says about 15 cents) American and a half pack of Cigs which he doesn't smoke. I got some more today and sent. He advises about 8 am the sun comes up and he sweats for about an hour but doesn't get really climated until about noon. He can't wait to get home next year and take leave to see all of us. He also thanked his shop forman's wife for keeping us all informed. The other letter spoke of a 3 am raid in which he was sleeping next to his vehicle on the gorund when the call came to get his men to support another unit regarding a Sadam sighting! . He did that, got the vehicle going but in the frenzy he ran right over his walkman. His comment was Sadam owes him a Walkman. (Mama is out shopping for that today). On the call today he sounded good he talked to his 3 children which was the best call of all. They are staying at some builidng out of Balad that had a wooden door, plastic windows and an air conditioner. He also got the brown t-shirts yesterday and was very thankful for them as he had everything but that. He said that this was only the 2nd time he had been near a phone. There is a long line so he made it quick. A further hint our son likes. I make him mailing labels for himself and anyone he writes to on Avery Laser 5160. He loves it. Easy to slap a sticky on that letter when they are in a hurry or tired. You also could send your soldier the preprinted ones you get in the mail if that would help. Well I'm off to pack that goodie box.
8-4-03
-->My son called his girlfriend on Fri. night Sat morning? Iraq time and ours? He was with a unit in a bradley that got stuck in about 4 1/2 feet of mud. They called for help and before help got to them the Iraq's did, they spent 2 hours and 18 min. in a firefight. Thank GOD none of our soldiers were hurt or killed. But, I have seen nothing on this?? Can you give me any news? My son is with the 4th Infantry 2 Brigade out of Fort Hood, currently in Baquaba. Any news??
-->Our son (1/67 HHC - ) called last night about 7:30pm PT. This was the first we had heard from him since July 1st. We only spoke for about 3 minutes and then lost the conection. He was allowed to call because of the incident at the hospital in Ba'qubah. The men were from his patrol. They had split up. Some were guarding the hospital and some were guarding the radio tower. They had been switching off. This just happened to be his turn at the tower. He said the guys were taking it hard but they have been kept busy to keep their minds off of it. It has been pretty "hot" over there with gun fire every day.They are not fighting an orangized force. It is just civilians doing stupid things. They have a small room setup with a TV and a DVD player. So my next care package will be filled with DVDs and maybe some popcorn! He hasn't had any R&R yet, but has talked to a couple guys who have. He sounded tired so I hope he gets some soon. God bless all our troops, guard them and protect them and bring them home safe and sound.
-->I got a call this morning from my soldier. He's B CO 1/8 out of Ft. Carson. He seemed to be doing well although he has a stress fracture in his lower leg. It gave him a few days off to catch up on sleep, so that helped. The packages are making it and he loves the cassette tapes that the family and I have made for him. We didn't get to talk long, but about 2 minutes after I hung up the phone he called back and said, I just wanted to call back and tell you I loved you. I thought that was really sweet. But I had sent a letter with a phone card number on it and he was able to call back and talk a little longer. Then unexpectedly he called back around 9am. So today has been GREAT! He said the bugs are awful and he's getting eatin up by them. He said he had bad news, which I already new he wasn't coming home til next march/april but was bummed out he was going to miss both our birthdays. I've been thinking of ideas to send for his birthday, so if anyone has! any, please let me know. I told him we'd celebrate it when he comes home and he's going to be 23 this October, and he said yeah, my 24th one. He said all were doing well. Thanks for all the updates, I always look forward to reading them.
7-26-03
-->I know you don't like to use poems in your updates but I wanted to share with you a poem my husband wrote that I got in the mail today. He is in A troop 1/10 cav in Balad Ruiz. My husband has never been real good with words but lately he has been doing great and this poem really touched my heart.

I am a soldier, a husband, a father. So I fight...
I fight the enemy that has threatened our freedom when my country has called upon me to do so. This enemy can be seen, so I fight with confidence and the enemy will be defeated and I will win. I fight the weather, the heat that relentlessly beats on my body-giving all it has got to drain my energy and my will. This battle too will be won by the shelter of the shade and the occasional breeze, and I will win. I fight back the tears of my separation from my wife, my children-thr loneliness of my day where I do not recieve the lovely kiss and touch of my true love, or the words I love you, Daddy do not cross my ears. The time away I've lost as my family grows everyday that can never be regained. This fight I do not win.
-->I got a call at 2 this morning from my boyfriend. Hes BCO 1/8 out of Ft. Carson. This was a good call for the both of us. The last couple of calls he has sounded down about everything. He said mail was slow but its picking up. He got his first real shower for the first time in 57 days(EWWW!). He requested more CDs. Also, I had sent a tape recorder, a tape I talked on, and a couple blank tapes so he could send one back. That made his day. I also have sent him a tape that his friends and family talked on but it hasn't had time to get there yet. We only got to talk about 10 minutes but it was full of laughs which I haven't' heard in a while. They were at a compound in Balad. They have DVDs and are working on other accomodations. The Battalion Commander is working hard at getting the best for them.....showers, hot chow, AC, ect. Thanks for everyone posting. I look forward everyday to see whats going on. Thanks!!!
7-25-03
--> have read some postings about the AT&T phone cards. Here is the information I found out from AT&T themselves. I bought a 400 minute phone card for my husband and it is only good for 20 minutes over there. AT&T will connect them if they call customer service and it will be like a state to state phone call and you will actually get your 400 minutes. Now, it is not the 1800 number on the back of the card that they need to call. You will have to call that number (the one on the back of the card) to get the customer service phone number. When they call customer service they just need to tell them that they are a soldier serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and want to be conneted. Also, if you recharge your card by credit card you can choose an option that when there is 2 minutes left on the card it will automatically add what ever amount of minutes you recharged for and charge you credit/debit card. If you do this you will not get cutt of because of no more minutes. This is some valuable information and it can save on money. To the families at home, keep you heads up and continue praying for our loved one over seas. It will be a long road until April but we can all make it through it.
7-23-03
--> received a phone call at 2:00AM this morning.(July 23) It was my husband, he is from C. Co. 2/8 2nd PLT, attached to 1/67th Armor. I have given a couple updates on him before. I have spoken to him sever times in the last couple weeks, even as recently as Monday July 20. But the reason for this update is to let everyone know about the reaction he has seen to the news of Uday and Qusay Hussein’s deaths. The unit he is with had just gotten a satellite T.V. up and running, and saw the news about the Hussein brothers as it was being released. He said it was a great boost to all of the guys, and they are hoping it may shorten their deployment.(Hoping) He also said that shortly after hearing the news, they began to hear a lot of gunfire. Not to worry though, it was not directed at the troops. The gunfire was from the Iraqi’s, but it was in celebration of the days earlier events. I know it is still very soon after the brothers were reported dead, but at least so far these soldiers have experience a positive reaction from the locals. Lets just pray that things stay positive for all our soldiers!!
7-16-03
--> I am not sure if you might want to use this for your update web page but, you are more than welcome to if you would like. On Sunday July 6th I got a phone call from my husband. He is with 4th ID 3rd BDT HHC 1/8. He said that they were doing good . Thurday July 10th was my 21st birthday so I was so hoping for a phone call. Well, I did not get one of those but I got a dozen red roses. My card said NEAR OR FAR I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU. OF course I cried then I tried to put the pieces together on how he had them sent to me. He has no credit card over there. I asked his mom and she swore to me that she had nothing to do with it. I was still confused although very happy. Well, on Saturday the 12th I recieved my 3rd phone call. I said thank you for the rose but how did you do it. He played it off by saying what are you talking about. Then he tried to tell me that the Iraqis must of sent them to me. I did let him talk to his mom and she asked him how he did it. He used his phone time instead of calling me to call the flower shop and he told him that he would pay for them when he returned. I am still amazed. Enough of the mushy stuff. He seemed to be doing pretty well. He is in a location where there is an a/c and there is a gym. All he requsted was more bug spray and copenhagen. That is it for now. Thank you for posting all of these great updates. It keeps me going if I have not heard anything in a while. Continue to pray for our troops over seas and hopefully they will return soon.
7-14-03
-->Just wanted to give an update on my husband eith A troop 1/10 cav. They are still in Balad Ruiz but have been in Tikrit for the R&R for the past few days. I have recieved four phone cals from him this week, each about 15 minutes long. The first call he was on the squadron phone because he stopped there before going to Tikrit, and that is where he was on the last call too. One of the calls he was in an empty parking lot in Tikrit. He said they are taking all the phones away because there is apparently a problem with the contractos and they are hoping to get a new contractor for the phones in a couple of weeks, so the only phone will be the one at squadron. I am proud to say he is getting a bronze star and a medal of valor. They are also making him acting first sargent because the first sargent is going to HHC. He says their living conditions are improving and things are pretty calm in the area they are in now.(Knock on wood) Still requsting lots of bug spray. He says he has bites all over him. Lots of redeployment rumors but none worth listening to. I just pray he is home safe as well as the other troops, whenever that may be. I bought him 840 minutes of calling cards in a package at SAMS for 35 dolars. That is the best deal I have found so far. He is requesting his favorite meal, which is macaroni noodles in tomato sauce with butter.(Yeah, hes wierd.) So, I am sending him some small cans of tomato sauce and elbow noodles and squeeze butter. Also sending him some of the bottles of pancake mix where you just add the water and shake it up. Included a smal;l skillet and some syrup.
7-9-03
-->HI ALL ,JUST GOT TO TALK BREIFLY TO SON , SGT. ROY WITH 1-8 C CO. HE SOUNDED GREAT.HAD HURT HIS SHOULDER AND BACK, DUCKING FOR COVER IN AN AMBUSH NEAR BALAAD ON THE 7TH.HE GOT TO SPEAK AND HEAR HIS SON (WHO IS 11 MOS. OLD)SAY DADDY, SO HE WAS VERY HAPPY.SAID WORD WAS MAYBE BETWEEN 11TH NOV TO 11 DEC THEY MIGHT GET HOME, BUT DON'T COUNT ON IT. I JUST WANT TO SAY BLESS YOU FOR THIS SITE AND THE HARD WORK YOU PUT INTO, GOD BLESS YOU ALONG WITH ALL OUR FINE YOUNG PEOPLE ,WHO SO BRAVELY FIGHT FOR ALL OF US.
7-2-03
-->Hi, Finally I got the call i've been waiting on,My son, SGT. TROY M. ROY from Fort Carson, 1-8 c co. He sounded wonderful and that they now had a satellite phone now, and were somewhere near balad, said he had lost a lot of weight, and for me not to believe everything I heard in the news, said the Iraqi people were nice and glad we were there. Told him what a fine job all of them were doing and GOD bless them all.I live at Fort Stewart where he used to be stationed, so hi to all of you, his mail still comes out of order, but am getting more all the time, this just made my month for me.
-->I got a phone call about 1:00 am from my boyfriend. He's with B CO 1/8 out of Ft. Carson. They were in Balad trying to get showers and ran across a phone. He said he was miserable but doing fine. I think part of that being miserable was because he hadn't got mail in 2 weeks. He has been getting letters everyday. I'm not sure why he hasn't got mail, I write everyday. They are still not saying when they might be back. I also got a few letters within the last couple of days. One was written June 4 but postmarked June 20, the other written on June 12, postmarked the 23rd, and the last one was written June 22 and postmarked on the 23rd. So the mail is definetly getting here sooner. I asked if I could send him anything else, and all he said was letters. I feel awful because he hasn't got mail lately but I know all the family writes him all the time. Thanks to everyone who posts on here, I always look forward to see what they are doing, and on the news only seems to be showing the negative stuff. Thanks and everyone take care and keep sending our soldiers the things they need.
-->Hi, my son is at this time attached to HHB 3-29 FA. He is out of Fort Carson, Colorado - usually with A Co. 1/8 Inf. 3 BCT. I received a telephone call from him at 4:45am (Pacific Time) on Sunday morning. The connection was a little bad because there was very strong wind where he was. He said he is at an airfield but did not disclose exact location. Said he is very used to the heat (thank goodness). Also he said they are able to shower and are eating hot meals now. Thanked me profusely for the 3 cartons of cigarettes I sent. Also for the pictures of his new baby that he has yet to see. About 10 minutes ago I noticed a missed call on my cellphone - yep...he was calling and I had the ringer turned off. That won't happen again! Word of advice to other families - be ready ..... those calls are coming!
-->Received a letter from my son who is in the 3rd BCT B Co., 1-8. The letter was dated June16th and he wasn't too happy about their living conditions. They are on two MRE's and two bottles of water, constantly moving around, sleeping in the dirt and not getting any mail. Other than the complaints about his comfort, he's very proud that their unit has been attached to the 173rd Airborne (he thinks they're pretty cool guys) and they have captured 12 of the 55 most wanted people and have detained 50 Fedayeen. I worry about him when I don't get any news and I worry about him when I finally get a letter.
7-01-03
-->Just wanted to give a more recent update on my husband who is with A troop 1/10 cav. He says things are still pretty rough for them there and that his platoon is still moving around a lot more than the other platoons. He says they haven't really got to get settled anywhere and really set up their site. But, they are all okay and hoping to come home soon. They are still hearing a lot of different rumors on redeplyment so I won't even get into that. He requested I send him a polaroid and some film so he could send pictures with his letters. That is what I do for him, send polaroids with most of my letters. They have one at Wal mart for 30 dollars. Still requests drink mixes, bug spray, and CD's. Says they are still mainly doing traffic control points and he is hoping to call home again soon. He has only been able to call once since they left in March. Says he still hasn't heard anything about them being able to go to the R&R but that he doesn't see how they will be able to. They are pulling long shifts and are really wore out, so would welcome it very much. They supposedly had a change of command recently for the squadron commander. I sent him out two boxes today and the woman at the post office said they have been taking 10 days on average to get to the soldiers. Also, have a friend who works for the DSN lines here on Fort Hood and said they recently changed it to where the lines are now open 24 hours a day for soldiers to call home, and wanted all the family members to spread the word to the soldiers because she said a lot of them think they still have to call by a certain time. Well, that is all. Not much news but better than nothing. I just pray they all come home safe, even if it means being gone longer.
6-27-03
-->My son is with A Co. 1-8 infantry, 3rd BCT from Ft. Carson. I received a letter on June 20th, dated June 5th. His wife has received a few phone calls and said his attitude is generally very upbeat. He said to keep the care packages coming, especially gatorade and kool-aid. Said everyone shares with everyone else. Thank you for this website. I check this website every day during my lunch hour and REALLY appreciate all the news from the other units and other parents and spouses in my son's unit. We need to keep these soldiers and their families in our prayers. This war is not over yet, so long as our loved ones are still deployed. God bless our troops and God Bless America.
6-26-03
-->My husband is with the 1/17th FA out of Ft. Sill OK, at this time they are with the 1/10th CAV. Lucky for me he has been put in charge of running the private Satalite phone. It is owned by a civilian and the charge is 1.00 per minute. You can not use phone cards or credit cards it is cash only. So we send 5-20 in every letter and he is recieving 3 out of 4 letters we send. Spirits have been low with the group, but yesterday he seemed to be happier. Since they are in the middle of no where, they do not have hot meals only MRE's. No running water, his last thing resembling a shower was in the first part of May. He told me when he comes home to "watch the cat box" he is getting to use to digging holes to go to the bathroom. The pay truck did finaly find them and he was allowed to draw 200.00 since they didn't know when they would be back. They do not have access to the PX trucks either, and packages, well out of 19 packages I have sent since April 2, he has recieved 4 or them. (14 of them were just the little video box size because of the restrictions). Since they are out in the middle of no where to spend the money, it has all gone to the phone. It has been nice to be able to sit and chat. We are still looking at Nov. to Dec for return. They are requesting instant coffee, powdered gateraid, sugar, creamer, babywipes, collasable coolers and music. He jokes and says "ok, I'm taking my toys and going home now." It just gets me how much he worries that the boys and I have everything we need here when he is washing from his helmet there. I just wont mention camping to him for the next 3 or 4 years! I think going to see the Painted Desert will be off the list of places to go for awhile too
6-25-03
-->This is my second time giving an update on my husband. He just called me about an hour ago.(4:30PM here in Fort Hood) I haven’t been able to stop smiling since I talked to him, so I thought I’d share some of our conversation. First off, he’s from C Co. 2-8 Inf. 2nd platoon. Right now his platoon is attached to 1-67th Armor as well as an artillery unit. They are supposed to get 15 minutes free every so often on a satellite phone, but that hasn’t been working out very well. Instead there is a First Sargent with a satellite phone, and he sells a 40 minute phone card for $50. That is how my husband was able to call me. And it was worth every penny. I am still in shock over how good he sounded on the phone. He seems to be doing very well. He honestly didn’t complain about anything. He said he has been getting swamped with my packages, and said that snacks are the only thing he should need me to send for a while. With this call he was able to talk to all 3 of our children, even our 11 month old baby girl. They all enjoyed that. I have never appreciated his sense of humor more than I do right now. I spent a good part of our call laughing as he cracked little jokes here and there. He assured me that right now they seem to be in a very secure, and non-hostile area. He said there has been very little gunfire. I am now a bit more at ease knowing he is okay. I won’t be completely at ease until we have him back home with us. He said that once he has a chance to access more cash, he is going to buy more time on the phone. So ladies, stay near the phone, you may just get a call. God bless all our soldiers, and please continue to pray for them every chance you get!!
6-23-03
-->Hey all, just wanted to say a big thank you for your efforts in manning this site. Also wanted to point out, in regard to the mosquito problem in N. Iraq our 4th ID boys are talking about. What's the most effective repellent, is debatable. But for me, and anyone else who has ever lived up north in B.C. Canada, the Yukon, or Alaska, the only thing that works to deter those little hungry blood suckers is Ben's100 Max-formula. Since we no longer live up north, and cannot go buy that product from a local store, I accessed a site on line. They will ship directly to the APO address. That web address is: Insect,Bug Repellents: Ben's Max,Natrapel Insect Repellent, After Bite,Repel Permanone,Citronella Candle,Insect Headnet,Tick . The 1.25 oz. bottle is the one you want. (first item listed) Believe me, your soldier will thank you. Can I get any current or former Alaskans to "AMEN!" that? Thanks again men, and if we can in any way help to lighten the load, let us know.
--> I just wanted to comment on the comments from Maj.Gen Odierno. It is nice to know that he thinks all is going so well for our soldiers and I'm sure for some of them it is. But as far as the troops being able to call home every week, that is simply not true. My husband has only been able to call one time since he left in March and said then that he probably won't be able to call again for another month at least. That was a month ago. In some places the morale may be high. That is probably the places where they are getting to call and e mail home and getting showers and all that. My husband says the morale where he is is very low and he is doing all he can for his troops but can't do too much. The mail system for them is getting better though, and that is a good thing. I just have to keep reminding myself that this is a war and so we can't expect too much. But I do hope things get better for them soon.
6-20-03
-->Hi, First I'd like to say that regardless of what you are getting from the 1-8 Rear D Command, you are doing a GREAT job. Please don't stop. I received an audio tape from my hd this week. It was dated 02 June, and they, 1-8 C-CO, were still attached to 1-68 Armor. But would rejoin 1-8 in the coming days. I thought that was the greatest thing, an hour tape to listen to him talk to me. Then, Wednesday morning I received a phone call, the first in six weeks. Christmas in June!! It was short, but he let me know they are back with the batallion, and he and his mechanics are fine. Not to worry about the current operations, they are safe. Please send anything to take the bite out of the coffee and more snacks! The cool wraps they received are working wonderfully, and his disposable cameras are on the way home as of last week. Thanks again for all of your postings and your support of all families here at home.
-->My brother is a SGT with B-Company/1-8th. He called my folks the other day to let them know he was OK after being injured during a very recent grenade attack. Caught some shrapnel in one of his legs. Thank God it wasn't worse! Says he still enjoys getting mail and packages. Sent him some new socks, eye drops, toothpaste, toothbrush, lemon drops, gum, salsa/chips and a few other odds and ends. The Army seems to be allowing families to send larger and larger packages. We're sure he'll enjoy it all. All the guys appreciate the extra snack food. Sure beats them MRE's!
Thank you for posting this. This site is awesome!

-->My boyfriend got to call this morning (6-19). He didn't get to talk long, but Sgt. Hays was standing behind him and I told him that I saw his picture on the internet drinking a pepsi, and Cory said that he was standing beside him when the picture was taken. He is out of Ft. Carson with the 3rd BCT, 1-8. He has called five times in all and four of those have been since May 26. He sounded really good and said things were going good and they are looking at coming home between Aug. and Sept. (hopefully).
He said the letters are getting there quicker and that's all he looks forward to is mail call....so everyone keep sending letters and packages. And to the lady whose son is from Alaska....at one time Cory's roommate was an 18 year old from Alaska, so just to let you know, I've probably met him and he's very nice.
6-19-03
-->Received a call from my son today. He told us that everything we've been hearing about all the activity around there involves his unit. He's B Co. 3rd BCT, 1-8. My son is an Alaskan boy and the heat is not something he's used to at all! He only had time to ask for a CD player and some music. Specifically requested that his sister pick out the music and not me! I could hear a bunch of excited voices in the background hinting at him that his time was up so I assume that a bunch of parents and wives will be getting calls today. He sounded pretty good for an 18 year old kid with only ten months of Army duty under his belt.
6-17-03
--> Just wanted to give an update on my husband in 1/10 Cav 4ID. He says they are in balad, and patroling the outskirts of it. He was able to e mail me because apparently he was in a gun fight with an iraqi who thre a RPG at a military truck and he shot the guy, so he had to go to the military intel unit to identify the guy while they interrogated him. Luckily I checked my e mail when I did because he was only there over night and then was being flown back to his unit the next morning. So, I was able to write him back and get a response from him before he left. I wish they had e mail access or phones where he is at. As for redeployment, it is still all merely speculation, but he says we will plan for Jan but he has a new platoon leader who just came in who says they are hearing NOV. Guess it will take a while to know what is really going to happen. But, he says he is doing good
6-11-03
-->My son is with A Company, 1/8. Received a letter on June 7th dated Mother's Day (he didn't forget -- even half way around the world!). Said they were on the Iraq/Iran border and receiving mail and packages. He thanks everyone for their prayers and for taking care of JBEAR (the nickname he gave his wife!) He appreciates all the support and is looking so forward to his return to the States. I gathered from his letter that the Iraqi's had prepared the desert for a drawn-out military conflict; many foxholes and berms to hide in and such. Thanks GOD that hasn't come to pass. I continue to pray for the safe return of all our military. God bless them and their families.
6-10-03
-->My prayers have been answered. I finally received a long awaited phone call from my husband this morning.(6/10) He called at 1:00 AM, and the call only lasted 10 minutes, but it was wonderful. He is in C Co. 2/8. He promised me that he is doing fine, as are the rest of the guys in the Company. He told me that they were somewhere northeast if Baghdad, and should be heading back to camp within the next few days. His understanding is that they are done with missions for now. I woke up my 5 year old daughter so she could talk to Daddy, and she was very excited. I think he got a little choked up as she told him she missed him and loved him. All that he asked me for was a new CD player, because his broke, and a few CD's. For some reason he hasn't received any letters from me for about 3 weeks. This is strange, because I send him at least 5 letters or cards per week. Don't worry, because he said everyone else is still getting mail. So all of the C Co. 2/8 wives, stay by your phones, because the chance to hear your husbands voice would be terrible to miss!
-->Hi there. Just wanted to give an update on my husband in 1/10 cav over on the iran/iraq border. They are still moving sites some, never staying in the same place long. His tank was down again and he seemed quite frustrated. They still don't have a PX or anything where they are and he is begining to feel like they are stuck so far out there that everyone just forgot about them. He said they recieved a message over the radio the other day that they are not allowed to play games or listen to the radio anymore. They are out there in the middle of nowhere and all they are doing is manning a check point where barely any traffic goes though, their days are long and nights as well, and they are trying to make it more miserable for them. I can understand not doing those things while you are actually the one manning the check point, because you need to have your guard up at all times, but on their time I don't see why all they should be bale to do is sit there and twiddle their thumbs, missing home with nothing to help take their minds off of the situation. Anyway, as you can see that upset me. Other than that he seems okay. Just missing home and hot. He says his birthday had to be the hottest day since they entered iraq. They are low on bottled water and are having to drink the treated water a lot more so I am sure drink mixes will come in handy. I did write a little poem for him and thought I would share it as I know a lot of other people are feeling the same way.: It's dark in hrere-the night is cold, without you by my side. I get a chill-but you're not here, to make the chill subside. I dream of you-throughout the night, I tear myself awake. Then I remember that you're gone and I feel my aching heart break. Every day's the same old thing-I wait to hear from you. Cause without your touch and you by my side, I just don't know what to do. My stomach quivers-same time every day, as I check to see if there's word. Though a letter is great, I can't wait for the day that your loving voice can be heard. The days go by-slowly still, as I wait for you to come home. This fear in my soul takes my breath away-Please don't leave me here all alone. Another death-an innocent life, I pray that it's not you. ANd that selfish prayer breaks my heart, because I know somewhere someone else is worrying too. For all my days andlonely nights, I'll wait for you to return. And when you do we will rejoice, and our hearts will no longer yearn. There it is. I know it is kind of cheesy. ANyway, I did get a letter yesterday dated may 21 and one on Saturday dated May 22, so I guess the mail is getting better on this end, although it still comes out of order. I just hope it is getting better for them as well.
6-9-03
-->I talked with my dh this morning for a good while, he said the guys (all of 1/8) are on a mission and will be gone to Balad just north of Baghdad for a week or two then they will come back, may possibly be moving camp there..not sure yet. He is HHC but Moving into Charlie Company as soon as they return from the mission. He said all is well, no one hurt or anything, it's just hot and they are ready to come home.
Hi my son called me 2 weeks ago from Iraq. He said it is the worst place on earth to be. It is very hot and smells 10 times as bad as camping in the city land fill dump. When he get home he does not want to hear anything bad about living in the USA from anyone. I found him in the 4th ID home page, I click on the mail room and they wrote about what he said. there nothing better than seeing a package with his name in big block letter on it. Spc. Thomas Christian HHC 4th ID medic. He helps in the mail room at ft hood and now helps out in Tikrit. Oh he can not tell me where he is at but now I think I know.
My husband is with BCO, 1-22 INF BN from Fort Hood. I recently recieved a 20 minute phone call from him on May 20th saying that they are being told that they will be home late August to early September. He has received all of my packages and letters with in 2 weeks of me sending them out. Just some recent news for you.
6-6-03
-->Hi, I heard from my son via telephone call 2 weeks ago. 2am California time, which was fine with me. He is a father now and was calling because the Red Cross had finally gotten the message to him.
He is with 1-8 A CO, 3rd BCT, 4th ID out of Fort Carson. Yesterday I received my first letter from him. Here are parts of it - post what you feel is appropriate.
Mom,
I just got your package. Thank you. Right now we are out in the middle of the desert and have no way to get smokes. It sucks. Please tell everyone thanks for the packages. I try to write but its so damn hot it's hard to sit and write letters. We all appreciate the stuff though. It helps. When I get back I'm going to talk to the Coast Guard recruiter and join the Coast Guard. I want to stay in the military. I like getting pictures out here. I keep them in my kevlar so I can look at them everyday. Have you seen any of the stuff 1/8 has been doing? When we moved into Iraq we were attached to Division Recon. We're now back with 3rd BCT. I think. We keep going back and forth between brigades. You might have seen the airfield we took. That was fun. My favorite mission was a raid that we did on a doctor's house that was part of the baath party. We drove a bradley through the brick wall in front of his house, ran through the yard and kicked his door in. Then we detained everyone in the house and searched the whole house. We did it all in 13 minutes. Which was really fast considering it was a 2 story house with a lot of rooms and we had to search EVERYTHING!! It was really fun. I love doing this.
6-5-03
-->Wooow! what a wonderful and very informative web-site. Thank you! I am a proud Military Mom. My son is with the HHC 3/66 4th ID. I finally received mail from my son. The first letter was dated April 28th to my daughter on her birthday and was receive exactly one month later, May 28th. I also received an e-mail from my son on Memorial Day and a phone call Sunday June 1st, My heart was filled with joy to hear my son's voice. He sound very well. He did have a list of things he needed. Yes... Kool-ade and Gatorade seems to top the list along with lots of snacks. Also he mentioned protein mix, because it makes them feel full longer. I also sent him sole inserts for his boots and foot spray, disposable camera is nice to have . Magazines and cards are good to send too. One thing that I was wondering about and maybe someone can help me out. I know that the soldiers are depending on family and friends for support by sending care packages. However sending care packages on a weekly or bi-weekly bases can be very expensive because of the postage. The postage is almost as much as the items we are sending. Today I sent my son a care package and the postage was $38! I thought, my! is there anyway we can get some kind of help with the postage from the government? We are trying to help and support our love ones but I think we need to be able to send them the things they need without being charge such high postage. I spend about $100 a month just in postage. I try to send enough for my son to share with the guys that are not getting care packages. But I think we could use some help with the shipping to help feed and support our troops. The only discount I get is 10% off the postage at one Pak Mail service, I am grateful for that but I think if we are helping the soldiers, we should get some kind of help. What about those that can not afford to send things because of the postage.
6-4-03
-->Just wanted to let everyone know I recieved another letter from my husband. He is in 1/10 cav A troop and is still on the Iran Iraq border. Here is a little of what he wrote:"Today has turned out to be a hot one. Sometimes a cool breeze will show up to cool the sweat but then it's gone. Today has turned out fairly boring. But, better than the UMCP(where they go when their vehicle is down)At least I get to do my job. The area I'm at right now we can't see much cause the hills ans such so we're just sitting on the road searching cars,trucks,and whatever else comes our way. There's not much traffic though, so it's pretty boring." He says for the most part they are all doing okay and that they should be going to that R&R that was set up hopefully in a month or so. He requests more laundry detergent since they are getting to do their laundry more frequently now and some more mini mag light bulbs since he uses the mini mag light at night to write and read. Still no word on when they are coming home but I guess they really won't know much for a bit, at least until 3ID gets to come home. Anyway, I know it is not much but always good to hear how and what they guys are doing over there. Reading these news updates from this site is one of the highlights of my day.
-->Here is some info we have received from my brother, stationed near Takrit. It's a little dated as everyone knows the mail moves very slowly---even EMAIL for some-odd reason. Thank you for posting it. Dear Mom and Dad, How are things going. All is well. Still have not gotten any mail from anyone. Kind of a morale killer. Today is Sadam's birthday so we were out last night and did what we call a "show of force". Early yesterday evening they caught two guys armed with an AK-47 and a submachine gun that looks like a grease gun. It's an mm and fires from the open bolt. It's a Brit made weapon. It's not too busy for me around here. Been eating some of the food some of the locals have made. Had some fish, chicken, and some bread that looks like a tortilla. It's not bad. One of the other platoons made some beef and same lamb. Spend most of my day listening to music and playing cards. Some days I go with the infantry and clear buildings. Found a grenade in a bank (booby trap). The weather here is like N. Carolina but feels a littler hotter. Seeing I'm right here off of the Tigress River, I have been watching the engineers build a pontoon bridge. It's neat to watch. They're building it because the main bridge looks like it has been hit and not in too good of shape. We're still staying in a palace. Took a walk the other day and saw some of the other palaces in the area. The only ones I have not been in yet is down were Saddam lived. There was a guy that charged a Bradley vehicle in a truck. I guess they shot out his engine. The guy got out and charged the vehicle on foot. The guy ended up getting shot with a 7.62 coax. Every time I leave this compound I get a little worried and I watch every one with a dress on. Every time I hear a boom, I get a little jumpy. That last air field we cleared about two weeks ago got me that way. Well that's about it. Take care, Joel
-->My son is with the 1-12 infantry regiment out of Fort Carson. He called for the first time this past Saturday. He was in Kirkuk but was not expected to be there too many more days. Their unit is doing the "snatch and grab" raids, and has been moving around the northern part of Iraq since they arrived. He said the hardest part for him right now is seeing how these people live in houses made of mud and sticks. Apparently a very sad sight. Gunfire is continuous, but they've gotten used to it. He says they may be back in the states sometime around Sept. or Oct. but not soon enough for me.
-->I received my first letters from my husband on friday he is PFC Poynter with the 4th ID 3-29 1-8 C company and he sounded really well. The letters were dated May 1st. He requested lots of snacks like jolly ranchers, airheads, and gatorade powder mix.. I got him a container that makes 6 gallons at walmart for $7.50. And some foot spray, razors, and dvd's. I am just so glad to finally get mail from him and know that he is ok. He even joked about naming these wasp/bees that attack them every day.
-->I come to this web site frequently just for updates on what the soldiers are saying and what is going on over there, even though my husband is in a unit that is not mentioned. The news is awful about giving information and so sites like this are a God send. So, I figured I would input a little. On Friday I got 8 letters at one time form my husband. He is with 1/10 cav A troop(4ID) The letters were dated from 24 April to 10 May. 10 May is the most recent one I have recieved. As of that time they still didn't have phones and were basically just guarding ammo dumps along the Iran/Iraq border. He asks for bug spray, coffee packets, and snack packs like the tuna snack packs, and a new electric razor. And lots of letters! He was finally able to call for the first time on Saturday and it was wonderful. He says they are not getting a lot of info but that they are still being told to be prepared for the worst as far as when they will be home. He said they are being told there is no time line but to expect January, so when I see that some people are saying it could be sooner I am so hopeful. He was on the second flight out of Fort Hood, leaving weeks before a lot of the others, and so I hope he is back on one of the first flights. For the most part they are all doing okay. Just hot and dirty, wishing they could bathe. But baby wipes are a God send to them right now. Eye drops are a good thing too because he did mention getting a bug in his eye and having a hard time getting it out. He doesn't say much in his letters about what they are doing, just says they are not doing much. So I love reading this site to see what the other soldiers are up to. The news only seems to focus on the bad stuff and I can't help but think that surely there is some good going on with our soldiers too. Thanks for all the updates.
-->I received my first phone call from my husband on May 27th, around 11:30 pm Colorado time. He is 1-8 A CO, 3rd BCT, 4th ID. He said that things are going very well for them. He sounded wonderful; his spirits were very high. He asked for bug spray, sunglasses, his personal CD player & CDs and DVDs. (Somone must have a portable DVD player or a Lap Top.) He also said to keep the goodies comimg! I also received my 2nd letter from him on May 28th, and in it he spoke of a raid that they completed in 12 minutes. Everyone, all the way up to the Division Commandar said it was very well done, and the people who had see the video taken from above said it looked picture perfect. Just another example of how well trained our guys are. I'm so proud!
-->My husband who is with the hhc 1-8 infantry, 4th infantry He said all is well and they have received mail and packages now.
-->My son is with the 3rd BCT. His letter was dated APRIL 26th and I received it MAY 29th! Snail mail does live on!!! His unit was in Tikrit and he said an unforeseen danger are the hordes of dogs roaming the streets. He asked for more care packages - if anyone gets too much of one thing or another, they will share what they have among the unit. He sounded really upbeat, but ready to come home to his wife and family. God bless them all.
-->just recieved my first letter in 2 months from son sgt troy m. roy in c-co, 1-8 would like to hear from anyone with current info on them, my letter was from april, if anyone knows his unit 92598 tell him hello frrom home and all of them are doing great work,and we support them all. may god bless all of them

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