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DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was
supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Chief Warrant Officer Alexander S. Coulter, 35, of Tenn, was killed on Nov. 17 in Baqubah, Iraq. Coulter was in a convoy traveling to Tikrit when his vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device. The soldier died of his injuries.
Coulter was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 124th Signal Battalion, 4th Infantry Division (Mech), Fort Hood, Texas.
The incident is under investigation.
(Let us keep the family and fellow soldiers of CWO Coulter in our prayers).
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US Army fires mortars at insurgents in Iraq
By Dean Yates
TIKRIT, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. forces attacked insurgent positions around Saddam Hussein's hometown in Iraq for the third consecutive night, targeting a bunker and other locations used to ambush American troops.
A platoon from the 4th Infantry Division's 1-22 (Infantry) Battalion fired nearly 20 mortar bombs at various positions around Tikrit just before midnight Tuesday.
The 120 mm rounds, fired from armored personnel carriers dispatched to the edge of Tikrit, shook the ground on impact and could be heard across the town. Up to 10 mortar rounds were also fired from inside the 4th Infantry Division's base across the Tigris River well after midnight.
Platoon leader Lt. Colin Crow said one of the targets his unit wanted to destroy was an old Iraqi army bunker used by insurgents.
Others were places where guerrillas had fired their own mortars at the 4th Infantry Division's base or places from where they detonate roadside bombs.
"Basically the enemy will think twice about using the positions if he knows we can put accurate fire in there," Crow told a small group of reporters who accompanied the platoon to the firing position on the edge of Tikrit.
Asked what was the point of such attacks when many insurgents are mobile and blend in with the local population, Crow said it was important to force the guerrillas further away from the 4th Infantry Division base.
The U.S. military's nightly bombardments around Tikrit are part of Operation Ivy Cyclone Two in north-central Iraq, comprising stepped-up strikes on guerrillas who have been launching increasingly bold attacks on U.S.-occupation forces.
The first Operation Ivy Cyclone kicked off earlier this month after insurgents shot down a U.S. Black Hawk helicopter near Tikrit, killing all six personnel on board.
The United States blames Saddam loyalists or foreign Islamic militants who have slipped into Iraq for the attacks.
11/18/03 18:02 ET
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited.
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A heads up for you at Fort Carson - from the Casper Star Tribune:
President Bush plans to visit Fort Carson on Monday
DENVER (AP) - President Bush has announced plans for a visit on Monday (November 24) to Fort Carson, one of the military communities that has been hit hardest by the ongoing war in Iraq.
A White House spokesman confirmed Tuesday that Bush will visit ''The Mountain Post'' on his way to his family ranch in Crawford, Texas.
Twenty-seven Fort Carson soldiers have died in Iraq since May 1, including members of the 3rd Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division, the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and the 43rd Area Support Group.
White House spokesman Jim Morrell didn't know whether Bush planned to meet with any soldiers' families, but he said the president does plan to make remarks while at the base. Details of the trip still were being worked out, Fort Carson spokeswoman Kim Tisor said.
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More Mid-Tour Leave Experiences:
A Soldier's/Husband's/Daddy's leave from Iraq
1-8 inf B co
I experienced the most wonderful 2 weeks of my life and followed by that, the hardest 2 days of my life. My husband left Saturday afternoon after his mid-tour leave. He got to meet his newborn daughter, 2 months later, and actually came in the night before our son's 2nd birthday, so was able to spend his son's birthday with him. The two weeks we all spent together was time that we will never forget. I thank all those who have made this possible and God bless you.
As expected and warned by all, saying goodbye the second time was no easier than the first. It was a heart wrenching experience. Harder the second time to be quite honest. I was strong for my soldier, who no more wanted to leave than I wanted him to stay, he was just as destroyed as I, but knows and believes in what he has to do. Crying; yes I broke down by the end, I am only human I love that man with everything that I have; holding his two babies, I watched him board the first plane on his journey back to fight the war. I listened to a 2 year old boy cry out for his daddy and tried to hold him as he ran from window to window crying out and watching his daddy leave on that plane. Looking at our infant daughter in my arms, I realized, once again he will come home to a new family. (in a sense I am sure is understood).
I wish that all of the American people could see what their military men and women sacrifice in order to keep a country's freedom who has forgotten that freedom does not come for free. "Land of the Free, Because of the Brave." I love my husband and I want him home with our children and I more than anything, but if he and all the men serving with him aren't willing to fight for us, who would. God Bless our troops and all that support them. Families need a huge thanks. God Bless each and every wife, raising our children alone, spending countless sleepless nights wondering if we'll be doing this alone for the rest of our lives, hearts jumping in our throats at the knock on the door of any unexpected visitors, living life without the man we are supposed to wake up next to every morning and share in raising our children with. Keep strong, God Bless and thank you.
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As I write, my 4th ID, 1-66 AR husband is enjoying what will be his last mid-afternoon nap, cuddled with our daughter, before returning to Iraq after a wonderful 15 days here. We feel so truly blessed to have been given this opportunity. I just wanted to share a few special smiles we've had over the two weeks.
On the Delta flight from Baltimore, the stewardess moved all 4 of the soldiers on R&R to first class. He said there were a lot of people shaking his hand and thanking him for his service and it was so wonderful to receive so much outpouring of support. One wonderful woman slipped him an envelope and asked him not to open it until he got home. In it was a check that covered the cost of his ticket home. Another man gave him a $20 bill and told him to take his wife out to dinner on him. And upon leaving the Austin Airport, the parking attendant told us there was no parking charge for the soldiers coming home on R&R. The kindness of these people's hearts have really touched our family. I can't begin to thank them enough.
We were happy to see that our toddler took to his Daddy very quickly even though he was barely crawling when he left 7 months ago. After spending family time, alone time for just the two of us, and a few days with his parents, we hate to send him back. But we are so happy for the time we've gotten to spend with him and know that there is a job to finish there and he'll soon be home for good (or for a while anyway!) My heart goes out to those who will not be able to do the R&R and to those who have sent their soldiers back. God bless all our troops!
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Get out the Kleenex again - but had to include this one:
A Mother Talks About Her Son:
I heard from my son today, he is with the 720th MP's, and it had been a LONG time (but who is counting) since I last heard his voice. It was music to this mother's ears! I hung-up on him the first time, after saying "Hello, Hello, Hello" with no response but thank God he called right back.
I must admit that my feelings were getting hurt and I must also admit that there was some anger from not hearing from him in such long a time. There was a period when he called weekly like clock work. I asked him how he was, he sounded tired and said although it was 60 degrees it felt really cold since they had been use to the 130 ++.
I asked if he needed anything and what could I send for Christmas, bless this young child's heart, his response to me was, "I don't need anything for Christmas. Everytime I get a package from you it's been a Christmas present for me." I wanted to go send another package today, however I just sent three out several days ago.
Like many of our young soldiers, he graduated High School and off he went to basic training and then after a brief visit home he was off to Iraq. I forget that, although he is so far away from home, he has created a life. He is trying to maintain a relationship with the girl that was left behind. Both of them so very young and caught up in the "romance" and emotion, having never given a thought to what truly lay ahead. The lonely nights, being on their own for the first time and when the reality hits neither are there for the other and perhaps they both make mistakes.
I was used to never seeing my child while he lived at home, I only knew he existed because his dirty clothes would pile up in his room. Sometimes he'd be home for dinner, but only the nights I didn't cook enough to feed him. There were the fights over taking out the trash, feeding "his" dog, making his bed, etc. However, he was in my HOME.
I wasn't prepared for my first born to leave the nest, I remember wishing he would many times after heated arguments, but nobody told me the loneliness that comes when the first departs. To make it worse, he went to a place that I was denied access. The Army set the rules, when or if he could call. When I saw him after 16 weeks I saw what a wonderful job they had done with my son and now I wanted him back. He had become the fine young gentleman I always knew he could be. He was polite, he told me "I used to think your house was hell, but I've been to hell and it wasn't your home." I knew at that moment he "GOT IT" all the lessons I had tried to teach him he knew, I wanted him home.
Instead he left for what has become his home. These young men are living a life, trying to build a relationship with a girl back home and trying to fight loneliness, boredom and fear. They too had to adjust to the separation of leaving home. I thought of my child in Iraq and today I realized that my "child" isn't in Iraq...he has become a man and I can't wait to have him visit me.
I wish to say to all the girlfriends or new brides, give us moms a day with our sons when they return and we will give you a lifetime of loyalty and support. Too soon they departed and I know for the longest time my arms ached to hold that baby one more time. Bear with us for someday you, too, will experience what we are going through. (Bold type added by the editor - I totally agree with that comment).
I am not sure if you will use this but I had to write it. I am so very PROUD of my son and of ALL those defending my right to say what is on my mind. Thank you for your daily updates....they are the reason I get up in the mornings!
What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) Just an update that I wanted to share - someone shared yesterday about sending pieces of a puzzle, well that idea just took off with me. I went right out to Wal-Mart and bought a 60 piece puzzle (for 4-6 year olds) the pieces are pretty big. I am rushing to do my annual Christmas letter early. I printed mailing labels for my son (B 1-12 3rd BCT) and pasted them on 60 envelopes along with a postage stamp. I am writing the Christmas letter, asking friends and family to write their name, city and state on the back of the puzzle, include a note and get it out in the mail! I can just imagine my son getting 60 pieces of mail! yahoo! Thanks for the great idea!
2) Regarding your newsletter today, someone asked how the video greetings messages recorded by the troops can be seen. My husband, 4th M.P.Co 5th Plt, also recorded one. As far as I can find out, they will be shown on the Fort Hood News TV program which is shown a couple of times a week on local TV in the Killeen area. I'm still trying to find out more, but I hope that's some help to your reader. (Editor's Note: That's one answer, won't say that's the only answer. I know in past years that all the major networks get holiday greetings from servicemen and women overseas and play them - so don't know what applies to the ones you are hearing about from your soldiers).
3) 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.
4) Our Son was on R&R in Qater for a few days. He's 1-68 AR from Ft Carson. He has been in Iraq since April. We received 2 E-Mails from him while on R&R. This was the first E-Mails we have gotten from him since he left. Have had many letters, but no E-Mails. We were so thrilled to get them and be able to answer right back. As close as you can get to talking on the phone. He sounded so good ..... We are so very PROUD of him and of course all our Men and Women in Service. God Bless our troops.
5) Up at 6:30 today to pull in Babcock's Update and found my son with HHC, 3/66 AR in Bayji on Yahoo Messenger. We were able to talk for about 30 minutes!! All is fine there - a little noisy in the area at times. The conex box of winter gear that was left in Kuwait arrived in the unit mid October, so they have their winter stuff. He has requested more blankets (he sleeps on top of army sleeping bag). Requested a "SureFire" flashlight (can anyone tell me where to get one - Walmart did not have?) and the guys need 6" maglight replacement bulbs (Walmart purchase). Of course they request anything in DVD's....he loved the Robin Williams stand-up comedy DVD I sent.
6) My son, HHC, 1/22 is home for 2 weeks, not for good. He arrived in our home airport at 5:10pm last night. I was patiently waiting for him to walk through those gates. Everyone saw him but me. I just kept saying, "I don't see him." Then he got right next to me. I didn't even recognize him! He gave me the biggest hug! Of course I cried with joy and held on to him forever! Our family was finally together again. We must have stayed up all night talking. ( And having a few beers too) I really didn't think he would talk too much about what he has been through, but he did. I just let him bring it up, I didn't want to push with questions. How nice it is to have him home again. He chose to sleep on the couch instead of in the room I prepared for him. He asked me to please not let him sleep in. I don't think he wants to miss any time at home. Well, it's 10:30am and I am not waking him! I haven't felt this secure in several months. I think I will just watch him sleep! .....
7) I just got off the phone with my son (733rd TC from PA) in Tikrit. He just called to say “hi” and to tell me they have a phone bank installed now. We talked for a good 15 minutes. He said the contractors are still working on their housing, but it had been raining quite a bit, and cold, so he decided he would move back in before they finished. He didn’t mind being cold, or he didn’t mind being wet, but if he could avoid being both cold and wet and keep from getting sick, that’s what he was going to do. We had asked people we know to send birthday cards for his birthday (the end of October), and he said he got tons of cards – a stack (without envelopes) at least 4 inches tall, plus packages, etc. He was thrilled. His R&R leave may be in the beginning of December. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions for us, because we keep hearing different dates. But we’ll be happy to see him whenever we can get him. I asked him what he wanted to do when he’s home – he said sleep in a regular bed, work on his car (even though he’s on leave from vehicle maintenance?), and buy a new guitar. (His guitar over there is worse for wear, but this will be for when he’s back home for good). When I asked him if there was anything he wanted me to send over, he said “hot chocolate.” So that’s what will be in the next package! Well, it was really good to hear his voice. He sounded upbeat and in good spirits. It really made my day!
8) I heard from my husband a few days ago. He is with C/4-42 FA near Tikrit. When he left last March, our daughter was just 4 months old. He is really concerned that she won't know who he is when he comes back home. So I put together a little "Daddy photo album" for her. She looks at it constantly and smiles and says "dada" whenever she sees a picture of him, but I could never get her to say it when he was on the phone. (I've even tried taping her, but you know how they NEVER do what you want them to WHEN you want them to do it!) She had her first birthday last week and my husband was really sorry that he wasn't here for the big day. But when he called on Saturday, she gave him a great gift...he got to hear her say "dada" for the first time! When I got back on the phone with him to ask if he'd heard her, I could tell he was a bit choked up. It almost made me cry knowing how much that meant to him! Then our 5-year-old son got on the phone with him and offered to come to Iraq to help them find and defeat "the Evil Saddam" so that Daddy could come home. He is always great for some comic relief! I think this deployment has changed most of our opinions about what is truly important in our lives. It has definitely put a lot of things into perspective! I thank God everyday that He has kept my husband safe from harm. And I can't wait for the day when he gets to come home and to see the look in his eyes when he gets to hear his little girl say "dada" in person for the first time. Then he'll wind up on the floor wrestling around with our son and playing all of their special games together. Those are the little things that life is all about!
9) After a very long month of no contact we finally heard from our son. (173rd ABN BDE) They've been busy doing raids and missions. Says it's hard to find the bad guys because they all blend in and look the same and have the same names. It's cold and they're wearing all the winter stuff they've got - facemasks, long underwear etc. Hasn't been given a date to get out of there......He said it's so different here, you just don't know. They play the Koran over loudspeakers 5-6 times a day and they can hear it even when they're way out in the desert. ....He sounded tired. He'd had 3 hrs. of sleep, but an hour and 1/2 at a time. In a nutshell, he says "IT SUCKS" We try to keep him focused on the future, not the current circumstances. Since my son joined the military, I've learned a lot in the last year. About the military, my son, myself, my faith, my country, patriotism, people etc....not all of it pleasant. It amazes me how much we take for granted. I have a whole new appreciation for our country, our freedoms and the unbelievable sacrifice our veterans have made and our current soldiers continue to make. With all our faults, this is still the best country in the world and I'm so thankful to have been born here. I'm especially thankful for the brave troops who have made it possible for us to live and enjoy the life we have. I also salute you, my fellow military families, we have a special bond too. It's definitely not easy being the ones on the front lines at home. The news is sometimes pretty hard to take. The worries are endless. I didn't know it would feel like this (emotional roller coaster) or be such a long haul! I sometimes think it might be easier for me to be there fighting than to have my kid there! He says I wouldn't last 1/2 an hour there! Keep the faith and we will get through this. God bless America and our troops and bring them all home safely and soon!
10) I received a phone call from my Fiancee Friday night, he's with the 5th EN BN out of Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. He was scheduled to come home last Wednesday for R&R but got bumped. He was calling from Camp Spiker to let me know that he should be leaving the country on Nov. 27th. That is if he doesn't get bumped again. For the first time in a while the connection was very clear, he sounded very upbeat which was a nice change of pace from the last few phone calls. He won't be home for Thanksgiving, but we are going to postpone it until he comes home. He is very excited, as am I.
11) From a proud 4ID vet who served in Vietnam at the same time I did: By the way,
I had to pick up my niece at BWI (Baltimore) airport this evening and as soon as I walked in the terminal I saw a 4ID soldier sitting there in his BDU's. He had a 4th patch on both shoulders and the one on the right shoulder didn't quite match the one on his left...no doubt proud to have it on the right! I approached him shook his hand and thanked him for his service to our country. (Editor's Note: For those who don't know it, the unit patch is worn on the right shoulder when you have been in combat with a unit - you wear that forever when you return, regardless of the unit you are currently in).
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