Volume Four, Number 23 - 9-26-09
Mission - Soldier - Family - Team
For the latest news, pictures, and information from 4ID, regularly check:
http://www.hood.army.mil/4ID
(Note from Bob - work is underway to transition this 4ID web site to Fort Carson. Once it is complete, I will give you the new address. In the meantime, this is still the official 4ID web site).
Seven Day Weather Forecast: Sunny all week in Baghdad and Kabul, just like last week.
Baghdad, Iraq - Sun, Hi - 99, Lo - 75; Mon, Hi - 98, Lo - 68; Tues, Hi - 90, Lo - 66; Wed, Hi - 93, Lo - 66; Thur, Hi - 96, Lo - 71; Fri, Hi - 97, Lo - 71; Sat, Hi - 98, Lo - 71.
Kabul, Afghanistan - Sun, Hi - 82, Lo - 57; Mon, Hi - 83, Lo - 58; Tues, Hi - 85, Lo - 58; Wed, Hi - 86, Lo - 57; Thur, Hi - 85, Lo - 56; Fri, Hi - 82, Lo - 56; Sat, Hi - 81, Lo - 53.
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DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Sgt. David A. Davis, 28, of Dalhart, Texas, died Sept. 19 at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked Bagram Airfield using indirect fire. He was assigned to the 32nd Transportation Company, 68th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 43rd Sustainment Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.
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The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. William L. Meredith, 26, of Virginia Beach, Va., died Sept. 21 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 569th Engineer Company, 4th Engineer Battalion, Fort Carson, Colo. (4 EN BN is not currently part of 4ID but was an integral part of 4ID from WWI through OIF I).
Let us keep the Families and fellow Soldiers of SGT Davis and PFC Meredith in our thoughts and prayers.
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65 Years Ago This Week - 4ID in Germany - 27 Sep to 2 Oct 1944
27 September 1944 - D+113
The enemy devoted considerable attention to improving its defenses and living conditions. No change: active patrolling and artillery fires on enemy targets.
28 September 1944 - D+114
Constant preparations were made with a view to a coordinated attack to the northeast.
29 September 1944 - D+115
A number of unidentified planes flew over and it was believed that propaganda leaflets were dropped by them. The 4th Division readjusted present positions, maintained pressure by patrolling aggressively and at the end of the day, prepared to move to the north to designated assembly area before making another thrust at the Siegfried Line.
30 September 1944 - D+116
The 8th Infantry continued to send patrols east and southeast. Except for an enemy patrol repulsed, very little enemy activity. The 12th Infantry 1st Battalion moved at 0715 by companies to assembly area to the west, closing at 1020. The 2nd Battalion took over defensive positions of the 1st Battalion. The 3rd Battalion continued to improve its outpost positions protecting the north flank of the division. The 22nd Infantry continued aggressive patrolling to the south and southeast. At 1800 a patrol moving east to Hontheim was involved in a fire fight and was not disengaged until approximately 2200. The latter patrol estimated 80 Germans in Hontheim.
Notes about logistics: On 3 September, the gasoline shortage became critical. At this time only 15 miles of gasoline were in the tanks of vehicles and in reserve. Receipt of gasoline increased on 12 September, end of the movement to the east, and by 20 September sufficient gasoline was on hand to fill all tanks and cans. Very few cigarettes were received and the shortage continued throughout the month. Heavy rains occurred during this period. The service shoes issued the men absorbed water. Despite the definite need for overshoes, none were received. The treatment of venereal disease (gonorrhea and syphilis) with penicillin is now in effect. The evacuation of prisoners of war was a difficult problem. Returning supply vehicles were utilized to bring back prisoners and V Corps furnished an escort guard.
Summary for September 1944 :
Killed or died of injuries: 22 Officers, 200 Enlisted Men
Missing: 3 Officers, 63 Enlisted Men
Seriously wounded or injured: 25 Officers, 420 Enlisted Men
Slightly wounded or injured: 20 Officers, 717 Enlisted Men
Total casualties: 1,270
Prisoners captured: 5,000
Cumulative total of casualties treated from 6 June 1944 to 30 Sept 1944:
8th Infantry: 3,930
12th Infantry: 4,227
22nd Infantry: 4,274
Total casualties for 4ID from 6 June 1944 to 30 Sept 1944:
Killed or died of injuries: 175 Officers and 2,156 Enlisted Men
1 Oct 1944 - D+117
Occupying the bunkers and pillboxes line and improving its defensive position by digging foxholes and trenches, the enemy continued to send forth small patrols to probe our lines to establish the disposition of our troops.
The 4th Infantry Division continued outposting and patrolling to the east within the Division zone of action, preparatory to being relieved and moving into new assembly areas to the north.
At 1600, Company E CT 8 was counterattacked by a reinforced enemy platoon supported by mortars, artillery, bazookas and hand grenades. This thrust succeeded in dislodging our troops before the enemy was routed by 1900.
The 12th had its 1st Battalion acting as division mobile reserve, its 2nd Battalion consolidating and patrolling to the east and northeast, on the division main line of resistance while its 3rd Battalion was outposting the division left (north) flank.
The 22nd continued patrols to the southeast and south. Small arms fire was exchanged with enemy forces in Brandscheid at 0900.
2 October 1944 - D+118
The enemy continued to improve its defensive positions: digging activities and camouflage. A few patrols were contacted but they showed little desire to assault our forces and were soon dispersed.
Preparations to being relieved and moving to the north in the vicinity of Hunningen were completed.
The 8th continued active patrolling to the east and southeast.
The 12th and 22nd activities were the same as the previous day.
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Thanks to Philippe Cornil for providing these for us. You can find this information, plus pictures from the WWII action, at his website at http://www.ordinateurslaval.ca/Normandie .
And, if you're visiting Normandy and need a great place to stay, or a guide who loves the 4ID and can show you all the highlights, check out his bed and breakfast site at Chambres d'hôtes - Guest House Normandy : http://www.lamaisondeshotes.com Deeds, not words.
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Tomorrow, September 27, is Gold Star Mother Sunday...
Fallen Soldier’s Mom Finds Solace Among Gold Star Mothers
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2009 – Ruth Stonesifer dreamed of a quiet life in Kintnersville, Penn., passing her days quilting for her three grandchildren. That dream was shattered when her son, Army Spc. Kristofor Stonesifer, died in a helicopter crash in Pakistan, becoming one of the first two American casualties in the global war on terror.
“I found out they were deployed only after he was killed,” she said, referring to the Oct. 19, 2001, crash. “He called on Oct 9, but couldn’t tell me they were flying out that night. I didn’t realize that one of my children would really pay the ultimate sacrifice.”
Rather than letting herself become consumed with grief, Stonesifer used her experience to help other mothers of fallen service members deal with theirs. She became an active member of the American Gold Star Mothers Inc., the nonprofit group founded in 1929 by 25 mothers who lost sons and daughters in the line of duty while serving in the U.S. armed forces. In June, Stonesifer became president of the group that now has more than 900 chartered members throughout the country.
Each year on the last Sunday in September, the nation observes Gold Star Mother’s Day and its culture of support that has helped mothers and families grieve for more than 80 years. Congress designated the observance in 1936, and the president issues a proclamation each year. This year, President Barack Obama has proclaimed Sept. 27 Gold Star Mother’s Day.
In an interview with American Forces Press Service, Stonesifer said she has found a renewed sense of hope by participating in Gold Star Mother’s Day activities for the past seven years. “[Gold Star Mother’s Day] helps other people realize that freedom comes with a price tag and any Gold Star mother or Gold Star family knows the cost is pretty high,” she said. “But that’s why we live in this country and why we can enjoy the freedoms that we have.”
This year’s observance will be the first led by Gold Star Mothers of the post-9/11 generation of fallen service members, Stonesifer said. Mothers of sons and daughters killed in Afghanistan and Iraq have organized events here in the nation’s capital at the Vietnam War Memorial Wall, at several sections of Arlington National Cemetery and with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Although Stonesifer has come a long way in coping with the loss of her son, she said, the road to peace and understanding was a difficult journey. Everyone who loses a loved one has to make progress on their own terms. ...
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Weapons Turn-in Under DoD Rewards Program Successful in Nangalam
Story by Pfc. Beth Raney, Task Force Mountain Warrior Public Affairs
September 17, 2009
KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Rahman, the Manogai District sub-governor, acted as a middle man for information leading to the turn in of six TC-6 anti-tank mines and three MK-7 mines, September 16. Rahman led Soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Lethal, to find the mines after he had an Afghan from Sarkani District transport the mines into the vicinity of Nangalam.
This is seen as a positive step forward for both governance and security of the people of the Pech River valley. It is 2-12 Inf.’s hope that with continued cooperation with the sub-governor, the people find trust in a system that is responsible for their welfare and security, thus, resulting in more turn-ins of these dangerous items.
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TF Lethal, ANA Conducts Joint TCP
Story by Pfc. Beth Raney, Task Force Mountain Warrior Public Affairs
September 17, 2009
KUNAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Afghan National Army soldiers from 2nd Company, 3rd Kandak, and Soldiers from 2nd Platoon, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, Task Force Lethal, conducted a joint traffic control point to interdict the movement of weapons and high-value targets along Route Rhode Island in the Pech River valley, September 14. This joint effort is part of an ongoing mission to strengthen the ANA’s ability to conduct patrols on their own and to gain the trust of the locals in different villages around D Co.’s area of operations. Successful joint missions like this pave the road for the ANA to operate autonomously.
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PRT engineers get bird’s eye view of Kunar roads, bridges
By Air Force Capt. Tony Wickman
Provincial Reconstruction Team-Kunar Public Affairs
September 20, 2009
CAMP WRIGHT, Afghanistan – Provincial Reconstruction Team-Kunar engineers conducted a joint helicopter flyover Sept. 20 with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Afghanistan Engineer District (North) people to do assessments of current road and bridge projects in Kunar Province. The PRT is working with the regional government to improve infrastructure within Kunar Province to increase governance, security and development.
According to Navy Lt. Derek Elling, PRT engineer officer and native of Norwood Young America, Minn., the flight gave PRT and USACE engineers the chance to look at projects each organization is working on throughout the area.
“Overall, we all were very happy with the progress on the various ongoing road and bridge projects we saw on the flight, and we’re hoping they’re finished before winter starts,” he said. “These roads and bridges are connecting the people here to their local, provincial and national government.”
According to Daniel Dunleavy, USACE liaison to PRT-Kunar and native of Winchester, Va., the roads and bridges are improving provincial development by promoting commerce and transportation. “If you give people mobility, you bring in prosperity. An example is the Bar Shultan Bridge in the Shigal Valley. They’re now building a bazaar on the other side of the bridge where before there was nothing,” he said about the recently completed PRT project. “Where ever we put a road, commerce is right behind. Just two and half years ago, there were about 30 to 40 shops and one car dealership in downtown Asadabad. Once U.S. AID completed the road connecting Jalalabad to Asmar, now there is more than 200 shops and four car dealerships.”
Dunleavy also said the roads and bridges are also increasing the security in the region. “Getting asphalt roads will help eliminate the IED threat. It’s a hell of a lot harder digging up an asphalt road than it is a dirt road,” said Dunleavy. “Getting roads to the point where they are putting down their base for asphalt is huge. It makes it safer and increases the maneuverability of security forces in and around the province because they can get places a lot quicker.”
Dunleavy said the flyover was useful because it gave the engineers a chance to see many projects instead of just one or two. Projects the PRT assessed included the road from Sarkani to Nawa Pass, the road from Asmar to Nishigam, as well as the Pashad, Khas Kunar and Saw bridges.
“We got to see about a dozen projects in six hours, where traditionally we don’t get to see that much. It was good to see all the roads and bridges the PRT is contracting to have done to improve the province,” he said. “It also gave us a chance to get aerial photos that we can use to go back and show (higher headquarters) when we talk about these projects.”
According to Elling, regardless of where they are doing projects the local people end up happy with the PRT’s efforts.
“We’re received very well because they know where we are building projects there is jobs and opportunities coming into their area. Some are reluctant, but once they see the benefits they are very appreciative,” he said.
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PRT Nuristan’s Skipper and team return to Kala Gush from Barg-e Matal
By Air Force 2nd Lt. Natassia Cherne
Provincial Reconstruction Team-Nuristan - Public Affairs
September 24, 2009
FOB KALA GUSH, Afghanistan - Provincial Reconstruction Team Nuristan welcomed home Cmdr. Russell McCormack and five other team members Sept. 23 from a month long mission in Barg-e Matal, Afghanistan.
When McCormack, a Navy F-18 Super Hornet pilot, with 25 years of military service volunteered to command a PRT mission, he never imagined it would be one of the highlights of his career. “It was exciting watching villagers vote during the elections a little after a month of when the Taliban and Anti- Afghan Forces occupied the village of Barg-e Matal,” said McCormack. “I also led the best Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines American Forces have to offer and the best Afghanistan National Security Forces.”
While in Barg-e Matal, PRT Nuristan conducted many missions. Most of the missions consisted of distributing humanitarian aid like wheat, rice, beans, flower, sugar, salt and oil. McCormack and team conducted governance work, assisted the resupply of medical supplies in the Barg-e Matal medical clinic, and coordinated the creation of the village’s Auxiliary Security Force, who was in charge of village security.
On the small team was Petty Officer 1st Class Jordan Parker, who is a part of the Construction Battalion in the Navy. In Barg-e Matal, his responsibilities ranged from ensuring quality assurance, quality control, and being the pay agent for the team. Parker said the most rewarding experience for him was, “Seeing local villagers start to rebuild their homes and businesses, as well as, see AFNS mature and take charge of their own village security.”
Despite a lot of kinetic activity by AAF, Taliban and Coalition Forces, there were no civilians injured or killed during PRT Nuristan’s month of nonstop missions to help Barg-e Matal regain independence against insurgents.
McCormack said that the biggest take away from Barg-e Matal is, “There is a need for a basic understanding for civil responsibility and self determination on the part of Afghan leadership, at the village, provincial, and national level of government.”
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Two articles about the upcoming deployment back to Iraq (next spring) of 3BCT of 4ID...
FOURTH AND LONG: Troops share highs, lows of next Iraq tour
Colorado Springs Gazette
By Tom Roeder
Soldiers in Fort Carson’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team hope that four will be enough. Since 2003, the unit has spent three years and three months in Iraq, seeing everything from the intense battles that followed the invasion to nation building amid insurgent ambushes. In the spring, they’re going there again for a year.
For the few dozen who have stayed with the unit since the invasion, there is a mix of weariness driven by six years of war and optimism that America’s role in Iraq could finally end. As the Army continues its draw-down of Soldiers in Iraq, there is growing hope that by the time the brigade comes home in 2011, they’ll be closing the curtains on the war.
The toll that fighting has taken on the home front, though, has ground down the most experienced Soldiers in the ranks. They’re tired of spending so much time away from home. Spouses who were supportive of earlier deployments are becoming fed up, many say. And some GIs say they’ve grown so accustomed to war that life at home is the foreign experience.
“I’ve been back since February and I still have trouble adjusting to the household,” said four-tour veteran Staff Sgt. Robert Martinez as he led his platoon through a night training exercise this week at a mock Iraqi village constructed at Fort Carson.
On a tank training range, another Soldier voiced what top Army leaders have said about the pounding pace of deployments since 2003. “I love my job and I won’t give it up. I love my Family and I won’t give them up. But the work-to-rest ratio has been an issue,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Hernandez, a father of four.
The Army set a goal in 2004 of giving its Soldiers two years at home for every year they spend at war. The demands of war turned that into a pipe dream for the 3rd Brigade. “It’s supposed to be Mission, Soldier, Family, Team,” Hernandez said. “I worry that we as leaders are failing to meet the Family portion.”
Leaders in the brigade say they’re doing everything they can to give Soldiers time at home before the unit heads to war. Through last month, they enforced a 40-hour work week, and troops have been sent home early every Thursday to spend time with their children.
Some four-day weekends are promised in the months ahead and troops will get a longer break for the holidays. But the veterans have seldom been more needed. Those who have been through three deployments are invaluable when it comes to training.
“I rely on them 100 percent,” said 2nd Lt. Tom Russell, a platoon leader who hasn’t been to war. “There is a wealth of information and experience there.”
Knowing they’re needed drives the veterans. At the training ranges this week, they all said that despite the hardship, they chose to stay, knowing they would head to Iraq again.
Their experience means that others will make it home alive. “It is like second nature,” said 1st Sgt. Edgar McGaugher, who has spent three tours clearing bombs from Iraqi roads.
Soldiers who have served three or more combat tours are relatively rare, but three-quarters of the 3,800-Soldier unit have been overseas at least once.
Lt. Col. John Digiambatista, a battalion commander in the brigade who has been to Iraq twice, said veterans are better equipped to lead green troops in battle.
To use that experience, the brigade has taken its Soldiers for a two-week simulated war on the south side of the post. Soldiers work from dawn until the moon is high in the sky to learn the skills they’ll need in Iraq.
The training will grow in intensity as the days count down to the deployment. In November, the brigade will head to Fort Irwin, Calif., for a month-long challenge against role players who specialize in simulating the enemies they’ll face.
Success in Iraq “comes down to a group of young Soldiers knowing what to do,” Digiambatista said.
McGaugher said he’s working to make sure his Soldiers see success at home even while they’re at war. On everything from finances to long-distance parenting, he’s sharing what he’s learned.
“Everything we go through, we get the new kids and sit them down,” he said. He counsels them to get relationship problems fixed now, so they don’t fester during a year of separation, an issue he’s watched lead to a pile of divorces since the war began.
New GIs say they heed that advice as keenly as they do lessons about roadside bombs. “You listen to what they have to say,” said Spc. Mike Baca. “That’s huge.”
The veterans, though, may need a little advice as the Iraq war winds down. They respect but don’t fear war anymore, and peace means shaking up something that has become normal. “We all complain about going, but when it’s over and done, it will be like, ‘What do we do now?’” McGaugher said.
Copyright 2009 - Colorado Springs Gazette
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Troops prepare for 'back seat' role
Colorado Springs Gazette
By Tom Roeder
Fort Carson’s 3rd Brigade Combat Team has all the firepower and experience needed to destroy any enemy. But when they leave for war next year, that will be the Iraqis’ job.
A security agreement reached earlier this year puts U.S. Soldiers in the back seat, with Iraqis doing the fighting and Americans relegated to training them unless called upon for help. It’s a huge switch for a unit that last year fought the battle of Sadr City in Baghdad, routing a Shiite uprising with American might.
“It’s a shift in mentality,” said Col. James Rainey, the brigade’s commander.
During a training exercise this week at Fort Carson, Soldiers learned to put Iraqi troops into the lead.
The security accord that took hold July 1 allows GIs to fight under strict limits: They can defend themselves, or join a battle at the request of Iraqi leaders. Americans can arrest Iraqis only with a court order.
U.S. forces in Iraq must get used to the idea the war is an Iraqi war, Soldiers said.
In a mock Iraqi village on the post this week, Soldiers trained on the new dynamic. “You come out here and try to pull back on the reins,” said Sgt. 1st Class Joel Zepada, who fought in the battle of Tal Afar with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment during his last deployment to Iraq. “It’s time to let them do it.”
With Arabic-speaking role players, young officers learned how they’ll operate. Instead of storming the village, the Americans let their allies form a plan. When the mock Iraqis made mistakes, the Americans offered advice, but didn’t take over. “It’s better to have them do it OK than to have you do it perfectly,” explained Lt. Col. Michael Mammay, the deputy brigade commander.
But for take-charge American troops, standing back and advising isn’t easy. “It’s difficult not being the quarterback,” said Staff Sgt. David Sansocis.
Soldiers also must drop a suspicion of Iraqis that’s grown over years of battling insurgents. “If we can’t trust them, we’ll never reach the level where we need to be,” said Staff Sgt. Aaron Walters, who was “killed” during the training raid on the village.
The brigade, where three Soldiers in four have already been to Iraq, is spending long days on basic combat skills amid the dust and mud of Fort Carson’s training ranges. Veteran sergeants quietly mentored green privates through the pitfalls of combat. During two days of training, no one shouted, demonstrating skills that commanders say will translate well for Iraqi trainees.
One unusual luxury for commanders is that the draw-down of troops in Iraq has made more Soldiers available for the brigade. Most units in the months leading up to a deployment have faced a personnel shortage that isn’t fixed until weeks before they depart. This time, the brigade is fully manned; its Soldiers will be fully trained before leaving.
The unit is headed to southern Iraq, which has been placid in recent years. Americans attribute the relative peace to the growing effectiveness of the Iraqi government there and its army. The area is often held up as an example of what Iraq can become.
If the Iraqis succeed at keeping the peace as the American presence dwindles, the war there could finally end for the unit’s 3,800 Soldiers. “We’re going for a fourth time so we don’t have to go for a fifth,” said Rainey.
Lt. Col. Chris Engen, who commands one of the brigade’s battalions, said there’s a growing confidence among Soldiers that they’ll succeed in Iraq and get that long stay in Colorado that’s eluded them since 2003. “We’re trying to work ourselves out of a job,” he said.
Copyright 2009 - Colorado Springs Gazette
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U.S. Troops Cleaning Out 'Garages' in Iraq
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 22, 2009 - American forces are cleaning out a "very, very big garage" in its drawdown in Iraq, the deputy commander of Multinational Corps Iraq said today. Air Force Maj. Gen. James P. Hunt, during a video conference from Baghdad with Pentagon reporters, said moving equipment out of Iraq is like a giant assessment and cleaning.
There are 125,000 American service members in Iraq, down from a peak of roughly 180,000. That number is to remain constant through the Iraqi elections in January. After that, the number of U.S. troops is to drop to 50,000 by August 2010, with all American forces out of the country by the end of 2011.
But the drawdown of U.S. forces already has begun with equipment, Hunt said. "We're going to do it just like you do back home when you have to empty out your garage," he said.
The command already has closed more than 200 bases and facilities and processed almost 50,000 pieces of equipment.
When cleaning the garage, people take the cars out and put everything on the driveway just to see what they have, Hunt said. "And that's what we're doing here," he said. "We essentially have done an inventory, and we have been amazed at how much stuff has gathered in six years."
The units are looking at what things they have and deciding what they will need through the end of 2011. "They're packing it up, and they're shipping it out. And we are doing that on a daily basis," he said. "Essentially every base in Iraq is going through their garage and cleaning out what they've got so that they only have the mission- essential things left."
As the last troops withdraw from the country, the mission-essential materials will leave with them. "So this is a major science-of-war operation," he said. "It's a very, very big garage."
Another sign of the withdrawal was the Sept. 17 closure of the Camp Bucca internment center in southern Iraq, Hunt said. "As part of that closure and in accordance with our security agreement, we have released almost 6,000 detainees and transferred just under 1,400 detainees to Iraq since January 2009," he said. "We have worked closely with the government of Iraq to ensure these releases and transfers were done in a safe and orderly manner."
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2HBCT, 1ID Continues to Return to Fort Riley
Our last major brigade combat team who worked with 4ID during our last Iraq deployment continues to return to their home base in Fort Riley, KS. Flights have arrived over the past few days with more scheduled to return in the coming week. By this time next week, the majority of the unit will be back on American soil - completing a job well done.
If you'd like to see a TV clip of the welcome home on Thursday, click on the following link:
http://www.ktka.com/news/2009/sep/24/2nd_heavy_brigade_soldiers_return_home/
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Sent to me by a Vietnam 4ID vet...
"THROUGH THE STORM"
One day a young lady was driving along with her father. They came upon a storm. The young lady asked her father what should she do, he said, "keep driving". Cars began to pull over to the side, the storm was getting worse. “What should I do,” the young lady asked. "Keep driving," her father replied.
On up a few feet she noticed eighteen wheelers were pulling over also. She told her dad, “I must pull over, I can barely see ahead. It is terrible out here, everyone is pulling over.” Her father told her not to give up, just keep driving.
Now the storm was terrible but she never stopped driving and soon she could see a little clearer. After a couple of miles she was on dry land and the sun was out. Her father said, “Now pull over and get out.” She said, "But why now?" He said, "get out look back, at all the people that gave up and are still in the storm. You never gave up and now your storm is over.”
This is a testimony for anyone that is going through something. Just because everyone else, even the ones that appear to be the largest and strongest give up, you don't have to, because if you keep going, on up ahead your storm will soon be over and the sun will shine upon your face again.
I hope this touches someone because it did me. Tell them to never give up, because GOD will never give up on them.
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers
1) I received my Ivy Leaves in the mail today, along with my E-Mail copy of the 4ID Update from GWOT. I know that you have never been one to toot your own horn so I would like to share with the other readers what I read. I see that you are the National Sr. Vice President of our National Association, congratulations. I also saw where MG Jeff Hammond was named an Honorary President of the National 4th ID., congratulations to him also. It also humbled me when I read the 100+ names on page 7 of our Comrades and Heroes that gave the Ultimate Sacrifice for this Great Country while serving with the 4th ID. Unfortunately, the numbers are not the same now. As I have said before, Thank You for your persistence in keeping all informed to what is going on. You are definitely a great asset to the 4th ID and to our fellow Brother and Sisters. Keep up the good work. (thanks for the kind words, Rich).
2) Hi, I have recently spoken to my husband, he's part of 2-12 IN, 4BCT, 4ID in Afghanistan and he mentioned the monetary reward they are giving to anyone who turns in weapons or ammunition. He seemed impressed how successful this campaign seemed to be working. Hopefully more locals turn these weapons in and provide our troops with not only a trusting relationship but a safer environment as well. Thanks for all the updates, they really do help a lot!! I hope you enjoy Fort Carson, the Springs is really a great place to live!
3) Good tip about “ICE”. I copied that section and sent it out to a lot of folks on my email list.
4) Still not much feedback from our readers - I'd love to hear from you.
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No news is good news because bad news travels fast - keep that in mind. I'm still scrambling for news to report, without as much luck as I'd like.
The floods in the Atlanta area over the past week missed us, but I saw lots of areas that were affected by the torrential rain and high water. Cleanup will be ongoing in parts of the area for many weeks.
Continue to pray for our Soldiers and their Families. Football season is in full swing - I'm flipping between several games with more planned for this evening. OU is off this week so I'm for whoever wins in most of the games, except for Arizona State who plays my Georgia Bulldogs tonight.
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Bob Babcock - "Deeds not Words"
President, Deeds Publishing - www.deedspublishing.com
President, Americans Remembered - www.americansremembered.org
Past President, 22nd Infantry Regiment Society - www.22ndinfantry.org
Past President, Historian, National 4th Infantry Div Assn - www.4thinfantry.org
PO Box 682222, Marietta, GA 30068 - Phone 678-480-4422 (cell)
