Paul F. Rickmeyer
United States Army
To Dell-Ann, Janet, kids of the "School of God", and members of Good Shepherd -
On behalf of the nearly 80 Soldiers, NCO's, and Officers of Team Hellraiser here at COP Ellis, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for your recent care packages. The cards, cookies, candy, magazines, books, and DVD's have done wonders to sustain our morale, good humor, and of course - our sweet tooth. The books are literally flying off the shelves and the movies are in a constant viewing rotation. Your endless thoughts and prayers have indeed helped to make life half-way around the world more than bareable and given us a sense of normalcy in a foreign land.
We have settled into our mission here in the Radwaniyah district of Baghdad and are full-steam ahead in accomplishing our mission to bring security and prosperity to the Iraqi people. We work hand in hand with the local security forces, tribal leaders, and average Iraqi citizens. Everyday, locals are returning to their homes, businesses are reopening, and the smiles are returning to the faces of the people and children we see on the streets. It is a hard and dangerous mission, but it is the thoughts and prayers from people like you all that give us the extra lift we need when sleep and chow just aren't enough. Please know that your Army appreciates your efforts on the homefront.
Included are some pictures of our little slice of heaven here at COP Ellis (Combat Outpost).
With deep gratitude,
Paul F. Rickmeyer
1LT, AR
Scouts
P.S. - I will send a picture of me and my Scout Platoon as soon as we get a chance.
Lt Rickmeyer talks to some locals
The Library
The men relaxing
The Dayroom
