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| A-1-8 Chapter of the 4th Infantry Division |
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Past President/Historian - Nat'l 4th Inf Div Assn - http://www.4thinfantry.org
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>From Killeen Daily Herald, Saturday 4-3-04:
Hood welcomes home more troops
By Zac Sorensen
Killeen Daily Herald
FORT HOOD — Starker Gym was host to two more of the 4th Infantry Division's Task Force Ironhorse welcome-home ceremonies Friday, bringing the division close to completing its redeployment from Iraq.
The returning soldiers were greeted by their commander, Maj. Gen. Ray Odierno.
"Standing before you are 250 American heroes," Odierno said. "They have built schools, put together hospitals and even after battle, they were compassionate."
Friday afternoon's event also welcomed several 13th Corps Support Command soldiers who were attached to Task Force Ironhorse.
The redeployment of the task force's 27,000 troops is expected to wrap up Tuesday, leaving behind a handful of troops to complete shipping operations in Kuwait.
Dustin Tester, a 17-year-old member of the 4th Infantry's 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, had remained at Fort Hood because of Army regulations that prohibit soldiers younger than 18 from shipping to combat. Instead, he attended every homecoming ceremony, directing foot traffic and greeting people at the door.
"It's kind of sad, because helping with these ceremonies hasn't really been like a job," Tester said. "I've enjoyed getting together with the families and having fun. But it feels good having our troops home."
Chaplain Charles Lahmon urged the crowd to remember those whose mission in Iraq has just begun.
"We must also pray for those soldiers who are currently deploying," Lahmon said.
The mood of the day's event was more relaxed than at previous ceremonies. The returning troops charged into the gym, their helmets held high to the applause and cheers of their families.
The division spent a year based out of Tikrit and a swath of land north of Baghdad that covered three provinces in the dangerous Sunni Triangle. In a later interview Friday, Odierno said the division's return to Fort Hood was about 97 percent complete, with the final ceremony set for Tuesday.
"There will be about five- to six- to 700 soldiers that will get back around April 15," Odierno said. "All the soldiers prepared the equipment to load on the ships, but we had to leave some behind waiting on the ships to come in to actually drive the equipment onto the ships."
Military editor Debbie Stevenson contributed to this article
Contact Zac Sorensen at Zac@kdhnews.com
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>From Friday's (4-2-04) Killeen Daily Herald:
Silver Star awarded to soldier as unit cases colors to return to Iraq
By Debbie Stevenson
Killeen Daily Herald
FORT HOOD — Soldiers of the 410th Military Police Company took time to award one of the military's highest honors to one of their own Thursday during final preparations to return to Iraq.
Spc. Kevin Arthur Correira was awarded the Silver Star for heroism and a Purple Heart for his actions after his convoy was ambushed July 12 near Samarra, Iraq.
The attack came four months into his deployment with the 64th Military Police Company. The unit had shipped in March from Fort Hood to Iraq in support of the 4th Infantry Division.
"My patrol convoy was ambushed, specifically, my truck was hit by an RPG (rocket-propelled grenade)," Correira said shortly before the unit's colors-casing and award ceremony began in front of the battalion's Fort Hood barracks. "The RPG actually punched through the armor of the truck and blew up inside the vehicle."
With his back on fire and wounded by shrapnel, Correira jumped out of the truck.
"I put myself out, basically, slapping myself on the backside, and then I just got back in the truck, got back in the turret and started returning fire," he said.
The award citation summed up Correira's actions.
"Spc. Correira distinguished himself by displaying conspicuous bravery while serving as a gunner during a combat patrol," the citation stated. "He served as an inspiration to his fellow soldiers as he displayed true courage under fire. His clarity of the situation and his awareness allowed him to direct fire at an unknown number of enemy forces armed with AK-47s and RPGs to neutralize the target, thereby protecting 15 soldiers and five military vehicles from further harm."
Of the four soldiers in the truck, none were badly injured, Correira said.
"Some of the other soldiers got a piece of shrapnel here and there, barely a mark on them, fortunately." Correira said.
Thursday's awarding of the Silver Star made Correira the 720th Military Police Battalion's the highest decorated soldier during its time in Iraq.
After pinning on the medals, battalion commander, Lt. Col. David Poirier, led the applause from a crowd that included Correira's wife, Julie, daughter, Sydney, and his parents and family friends.
"I think he embodies the true spirit of hero," said Karin Windorski, a family friend from Killeen. "He is a wonderful soldier, a wonderful friend and also a wonderful family man. He's pretty much the embodiment of what a soldier should be."
Suffering from third-degree burns to his back, Correira returned home early to heal. In December, he and his wife, Julie, were married.
His transfer in the meantime from the 64th military police to the 410th ensured his return to Iraq.
Watching as the unit's colors were sheathed, the final step for the 175 soldiers of the 410th before they leave today for Iraq, Julie contemplated her husband's return to combat.
"It's a little difficult because I know what can happen to him," Julie said. I have a greater fear of what can happen and know that it can happen. So, I just take it day by day, and hold him to his promise ... to come back to me in the same condition that he left in."
Poirier summed up his battalion's mood during his remarks.
"The past two weeks have proven to be the mother of all emotional rollercoasters as some of the soldiers of the Gauntlet return home and others pick up their rucksacks and they move out," Poirier said. "Every company standing here today has already contributed greatly to building peace and will continue to do so for our future generations.
"Our efforts to liberate Iraq and defend freedom depend on our courage and commitment, and our skill and determination," he said. "We are encouraged by the progress we have made and the 410th military police company now has an opportunity to make more progress."
The decorated unit's recent deployments have included Panama in 1988, the U.S. Virgin Islands in 1989 followed by a return to Panama 1990. The 410th soldiers also deployed to Kuwait in 1991, Honduras in 1993, Cuba in 1995 and were in Bosnia from 1998 to 1999.
Their role in Iraq began in November 2002 when they deployed to that country via Qatar and Kuwait. They returned to Fort Hood in July. Once their next 12-month deployment is up, the 410th soldiers will have spent 21 of the past 29 months away from Fort Hood.
For Senn Bender, the quick turnaround for her husband, Sgt. Dennis Bender, was a tough prospect.
"We're just hoping to get through this deployment. It's our second one in less than a year," Bender said.
Bender, a San Antonio native, said she and the couple's four children will not remain in Killeen for the deployment.
"I'm going to move back to San Antonio because my husband gets out in two years, so I'll go set some roots so that when he gets back, we'll be settled," she said.
Her mother, Erma Moran, said she was pleased with her daughter's decision.
"I'm here to support as much as I can to help them get through this," Moran said. "It's been difficult on the children, really difficult for them. But they're strong and they're a lot better for it and we're really proud, we're proud of all the men, we're proud of the families."
Contact Debbie Stevenson at deborah@kdhnews.com
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>From a FRG leader of 1-10 Cav:
....and yet another day has dawned.
"After you make a commitment, the universe conspires to assist you."
It seems this may be an apropos summation of our past year.
Our soldiers, long before receiving wind from the media or word in writing of the assignment in Iraq, made a commitment to our country, to our nation, to our world, for our freedom.
Long before the packing of our loved ones' duffel bags, we made a commitment to love and support them in their efforts.
And we were assisted. Not that it was easy nor without maladies, mistakes or misfortunes -- here, there and elsewhere. We began a journey into the unknown, and in many ways unprepared; but we began. And we continued.
And here we are. April the first. The day which this time last year seemed like Prince's song, "1999" when it was released in 1984. An enigma, wrapped in a riddle, surrounded by a mystery. But we did not falter. We did not fail. We compromised. We surrendered (not with a white flag). We sacrificed... in a myriad of ways... some much more so than most.
Yet, we are at this point, at this time, today -- physically, spiritually, proudly.
And our journey continues. We continue the trek. Destination? Perhaps not as important as the work done on the way.
Thank you ALL for the work you have done, are doing, and will do.
I am proud to be an American. And I am proud to be with 1-10 CAV (and the same could be said for any other unit).
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4ID Homecoming - 1-17 Field Artillery - Fort Sill:
Our daughter in law called on Sunday, our son would be home at 2:30 on the 31st of March. This was the best news I could receive, our son had been gone for over a year and had not been able to get the two week R&R. The next call came Tuesday evening, the plane would arrive an hour later than they first thought (my thoughts were I have waited over a year, I can accept this and we all know things can change). Wednesday morning the next call saying they have run into bad weather and it will be 5:00 before the plane lands. This is still okay, I am the happiest mother in the world at this time and then I hear the news, 5 more troops have been killed. Talk about mixed emotions, I am happy for our family but so sad for five other
families.
We all gather at my son/daughter in law's house and begin to help our daughter in law hang the last of her signs. The outside of the house is covered with welcome home, the fence at their house and the neighbors house are covered, then we start putting signs on the neighbor's house. My daughter in law has written all over her car windows and on my son's truck windows, next the signs are put on my son's truck. One of the neighbors calls the newspaper and they come take pictures. We get in the cars to go to the hanger to welcome home the 1/17th FA (six cars). I start to wonder is this going to be too many people for my son to handle right now.
We arrive at the hanger and wait what seems forever. My cell phone vibrates, I answer it and it is our youngest son (he had to drive one of the National Guard trucks to Ft. Sill and is going to the field for five days and he so wanted to be there to welcome his big brother home). He says mom, "I have been dismissed until 6:00 tomorrow morning, can you come get me?" My car is blocked and I can not leave so I call him back and he tells me I will be there one way or the other. Sure enough he makes it.
They tell us they are going to open the hanger doors and we can see the plane fly over, next the plane has landed, your soldier is on the bus, the bus is leaving the airport, your soldier is in the next hanger, look out the hanger door and you can see your soldiers coming this way. The 1/17th from Ft. Sill march in and when they are dismissed the crowd goes wild. I wonder how my daughter in law and grandson are going to find the love of their lives, but they do. The most wonderful sight to my eyes were to see the hugs, kisses and love in the eyes of these three people I love so much.
My wonderful daughter in law backed off and let everyone else have their hugs before the three of them drove off toward home to start their lives as a family again. We told them when they were ready to call and we would see them then. (Bob I know this is too long for your update and that is fine, I just had to share to joy of this family, God has truly blessed us and we are so thankful to have our two brave sons in the USA at this time). (Editor's Note: Normally too long, but too good not to include it all).
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The veterans who greet troops at the Bangor, Maine airport will forever be a part of the lore of the 4ID and TF Ironhorse. One of our readers sent this article from the Bangor Daily News:
Troop greeters' spirit warms hearts of untold soldiers
It's 2 p.m. on a cold Sunday in March. Outside the Bangor International Airport terminal a light snow is falling, but inside a couple dozen friends and I have something else on our minds: greeting a World Air jumbo jet filled with 300 troops back from a year in Iraq.
"There they are!" shrieks a woman troop greeter, and the rest of us fall into line.
One by one, the dazed men and women walk down the ramp and into what most of us hope is a heart-stopping moment in their lives, one they'll tell their grandchildren about.
"Welcome home, sergeant!" says troop greeter Don Crosby with a smile, and the adrenalin begins to flow.
I couldn't hold a candle to faithfuls such as Crosby, who has logged hundreds of flights, or Bill Knight, an award-winning, 82-year-old World War II veteran who is the first in line to welcome the men and women home.
Knight and others, such as husband-and-wife team Ron and Evelyn Bradman, have been phoning greeters since the first troop greeting on May 2. BIA phones Knight, then, from his home in Bradford, at all hours of the day and night, he rallies dozens of troop greeters, who in turn phone other greeters.
Actually, I thought my troop-greeting days were over in this post-Sept. 11 era of tight security. A veteran of about 75 returning flights from Operation Desert Storm in 1991, I put away my red, white and blue T-shirt, portable flag and name tag.
To my surprise, throughout last summer, airport management allowed greeters to return to BIA, and day by day, week by week, our spirit has warmed the hearts of untold Marines, Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard personnel of Operation Iraqi Freedom, who stretch their legs, and their weary arms, in Bangor during two-hour refueling stops.
At last count, the flights since May have topped 300. In recent weeks five or six flights, incoming and outgoing, have stopped some days in Bangor. Many one-year commitments have ended in Iraq, so the men and women return home, to be replaced by others for another year.
So, what I have learned as the only member of the media to greet troops on a regular basis?
First, and foremost, be humble and check your ego at the door. Most of the time I'm there as a civilian, not on active duty, so I blend in and take only mental notes of what these dedicated people have told me.
I've heard stories, believe me. A young Maryland Army man recently told me he was taking medication for panic attacks since seeing many of his friends die before his eyes. Many troops during their first time back on American soil are remarkably candid, and seem to be supportive of President Bush and his war effort.
Many speak of Iraqi poverty, which would make the worst New York ghetto seem like Lake Tahoe. And children, hordes of them, everywhere, wandering Baghdad's streets, knowing enough English to beg for Mars Bars or Lucky Strikes.
Iraqi sand, I'm told, is finer than talcum powder. It blows up your nose and down your throat. Mix that with 140-plus-degree heat in July and you have a deadly combination.
Camels are dumb, and taste like pork when cooked right. MREs (meals ready to eat) aren't too bad, but are no match for a Bangor hamburger or lobster roll, big hits in the airport coffee shop. So were the Red Baron Lounge's $3 draft beers until smoking was banned by state law. Now the lounge is half-empty, if open at all for some late flights.
The all-volunteer military continues to impress me. I haven't met a rude or unpleasant soldier yet. I don't expect to, either.
Their rainbow of names - Lopez, Harnandez, even an occasional Shaw, and oddball names such as Outlaw and Yankee - are what America is all about. I love their individual spirit, the manner in which each troop finds some way to stand out from the crowd, wearing a picture of a newborn yet unseen or a husband or wife.
And how about those corn rows? What works of art.
In the meantime, as time allows, I'll join my friends as long as there are troops to welcome. It would be even more joyful if the horrors of war hadn't brought us all together.
"God bless Bangor, Maine!" is a frequent chant as the troops reboard their flights and get on with their lives in faraway places.
That's music to our ears.
Dick Shaw can be reached at 990-8204 or dshaw@bangordailynews.net.
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59 Years Ago Today - 4ID in Germany:
3 April 1945 - D+302
A general increase in enemy artillery and mortar fire with a predominance of 120 mm mortar, 75 mm, 88 mm and 105 mm artillery was reported. Enemy units continued to show little organization and were comprised of numerous scattered remnants of minor detachments.
The 4th Infantry Division continued the attack against stiffening resistance on the right flank.
CT 8 moved the 2nd and 3rd Battalions to the south in the vicinity of the 1st Battalion's bridgehead. The 2nd Battalion effected a crossing at 1500 and the 3rd at 1730. The 1st Battalion became engaged in a small arms fight in the wooded area east of Zeubelried. During mid-afternoon, a Bailey bridge was completed in the vicinity of Oschenfurt and CC R of the 12th Armored Division began crossing at 1600.
CT 12 initiated movement to a new assembly area in the vicinity of Gaubuttelbrunn.
The 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 22nd Infantry continued the attack and the 1st Battalion encountered determined resistance east of Konigshofen from enemy troops dressed in black uniforms. At 0900, the 1st and 2nd Battalions reverted to regimental control whereupon the 2nd Battalion was committed at 1115 to assist the 1st Battalion's attack in clearing the large wooded area confronting them. Resistance continued heavy and progress was slow. At the close of the period, preparations were made to commit the 3rd Battalion.
4 April 1945 - D+303
A marked decrease in artillery and mortar fire was noted. The enemy remained defensive, holding several towns and strong points.
The 8th Infantry was subjected to a raid on the regimental command post area during the night of 3-4 April. The raiding force estimated at about 25 enemy soldiers armed with bazookas and incendiary grenades, succeeded in destroying approximately a dozen vehicles, killed one enlisted men and caused a great deal of confusion within the CP. The 1st Battalion continued its attack to the northeast along the high ground overlooking the town of Erlach while operating in conjunction with Task Force Field of CC B 12th Armored Division. In the interim, the 2nd Battalion remained in position previously occupied and the 3rd Battalion closed in the area previously held by the 1st Battalion.
CT 12 launched a coordinated attack with the 22nd Infantry Regiment at 1300. It encountered stiff enemy resistance from enemy entrenched in wooded areas.
Despite the stiff resistance encountered from SS troops that were well entrenched in high wooded areas, the 2nd Battalion of the 22nd Infantry was successful in occupying during the late afternoon, the town of Messelhasen.
Thanks to Philippe Cornil at www.revive-it.com.
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) I have to go and pick up my twin sister today from Stryker Gym. I am very excited. I have my husband (B Co 1-22 3rd plt.) and now my sister (HCC 64th CSG) back. Still have to wait on her hubby. He left with 1-5 Cav so he won't be back anytime soon.
2) I had no real idea how much horror effects you. Not all the guys had to see it to the same degree, but even a little, I am certain, can and will change ones mind. But the thing that I was completely caught off guard with, were my OWN feelings. A year of holding my breath every time I watched the news, not relaxing until I'd get that once every couple months phone call. And when communications got better, I would not feel relief until I could talk to him online. That's the only time that I knew for certain that he was still breathing. While the troops still survey the roads and theaters and clubs looking for the enemy, as they readjust to being back in the States, so am I adjusting to not living with fear of loss. I'm encouraging him to associate with his friends, and to get out. But it is one of the most difficult things I've ever had to deal with. I get that little lurch in my stomach every time he steps out the door. And it's unfounded! I'm fortunate enough to be mature enough to understand that I'm dealing with something new, and know that I need to be patient with myself & seek help if I need to. But there are many wives that truly don't have that concept. I'm a manager at a military wives support group, and have found such innocence and naivete in matters of this magnitude. So maybe you can find a way to help me get the message to these wives and family members that the troops are not the only ones dealing with the effects of war.
3) Bob, my brother is with the 2nd Brigade BRT and he returned home safely a few days ago. I must say it is a tremendous relief for our family. What he and his soldiers have done is a huge accomplishment. They have done whatever has been asked of them and they have done it well!!! I have had my eyes opened so much this year. I don't think I can ever look at a soldier the same way again. My heart is over joyed in the presence of ANY soldier because I finally understand the sacrifice these heros and their families are asked to make. Many months ago I began a support group specifically for my brother and his unit. Since that time I have had the honor to serve hundreds and hundred of soldiers all across Iraq with the support of hundreds of patriots across our great nation and even our world. These wonderful supporters try to do everything possible to make sure our military know they are honored and appreciated for all they do. We may not be able to help them all but we will continue to make every effort to reach as many as possible..... I encourage all of us to continue to do all we can. We are blessed to have our loved ones home. Many are still there. We can't forget them. When you know of a soldier that needs encouragement and goodie boxes from home, make sure you get it to him or her. There is nothing in the world that can help a soldier's spirit more than hearing his name called out a mail call!! There is nothing in the world that can bring a soldier down, than to think he has been forgotten. I have had soldier after soldier tell me letters and packages get them through the day. It's such a little thing that can do so much good.
4) Thank you for all your updates throughout the deployment of the 4ID/TF Ironhorse. My elementary school supported a platoon of soldiers with the 82nd Airborne this year who were deployed in Fallujah. As you can imagine their time was horrendous. My school sent more than one hundred boxes filled with pillows, sunglasses, food, clothing, hygiene items and recreational material such as books and playing cards. The students also sent letters, pictures and cards to encourage the men and thank them for their amazing resolve and hard work. It was such an honor for our students and staff to support them. They will be returning to Fort Bragg today (yippee). Our school has already adopted two new platoons with the Marines who are deployed in Iraq. I would like to encourage more Americans to support our troops through AdoptaPlatoon. They can contact Fran at AdoptaPlatoon.org and she will connect them with a platoon to support. This is a great school, scout, church or family commitment to support those who do so much for us.....
5) I wanted to thank you for the daily updates this last year! You made a very difficult time in our lives bearable. Each day I would quickly check the news. Our son arrived at Ft. Carson last Friday! The gymnasium was filled with young wifes, babies, children, parents & grandparents holding flags, balloons, signs and standing on their feet giving the soldiers cheers and applause marching in. It was overwhelming!!!!
6) Since the news is slow I thought I would send an update on my son who I excitedly reported arrived in Kuwait 2 weeks ago. I received an email from him this morning (Saturday) indicating that they still don't have a date scheduled for him to leave there. So if you have a soldier still in Kuwait, hang in there, they aren't alone. At least they are in Kuwait and not somewhere worse. As frustrating as it may be, I think he always anticipated this possibility as over the past month or so whenever we asked him about returning dates, he would always reply with "don't worry about the date, nothing counts until you're on the plane home".
7) From a WWII 4ID vet: Yesterday, I was waiting for my wife and our Finnish visitors to shop at Walmart's Store when a young man noticed the 4th ID insignia on my hat! He came over and with a big smile said - "It is good to see another 4th ID person, I'm a member of the 173 Airborne Brigade and just back from Iraq!" He was proud as punch that he had been part of the 4th and the first unit of them to have parachuted into Northern Iraq about a year ago! .... We nattered a moment, I welcomed him back and found he had just gotten a job offer he planned to accept! He volunteered re how well he had been received on his return, and the help he was getting on job searches, etc, etc, etc! Sounds like he felt he had done a good job, been well-received when he came back. There is life after deployment, he got the job he sought, he now had new smarts that would help him progress through life and life is good!
8) I know for me I still watch the news, I still listen for any info that is going on over seas... because in my heart I know someone else's son, daughter, husband, wife, grandson, granddaughter, niece, nephew, aunt, uncle, friend, or special love is still there...still going through what we all know is trying times. But times that will help pave the way to peace in our world...so that someday we can all live in peace and harmony..and in hopes that no one will ever again have to endure another 9-11, or an attack anywhere in the world.... My prayers are with our military families, as well as other people out there whom may not have a military loved one or feel connected to this "Iraqi Freedom" effort....that they come to understand they too can help in the search of peace in some small or large form. Find a way to support our country through these times of uncertainty. I have often wondered did you ever think that this update idea would become so special to so many?..... It seems sad in one way that it is coming to a close..but yet we know that it is part of a beginning...a beginning to continue on with all the good things we have gotten from the updates... carry them in our hearts...and share them with others....How many times did someone say to you.."wow that seemed like I could have written that" - it is comfort in knowing we are not alone. I will always remember to thank God we have men and women like the 4th ID...because "Freedom is not Free."
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