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Bob Babcock - "Deeds not Words"
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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.
Spc. Raphael S. Davis, 24, of Tutwiler, Miss., was killed Dec. 2 in Tampa, Iraq. Davis died of injuries suffered when his vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device.
Davis was assigned to B Company, 223rd Engineer Battalion, Army National
Guard (part of TF Ironhorse), based in Calhoun City, Miss.
(Let us keep the family and fellow soldiers of SPC Davis in our prayers).
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>From CentCom news release dated 12-3-03:
ENEMY, ARMS CAPTURED DURING OPERATION BAYONET LIGHTNING
KIRKUK, Iraq –In a joint operation with Iraqi security forces the 173rd Airborne Brigade, part of Task Force Ironhorse completed Operation Bayonet Lightning.
This was a cooperative brigade-wide operation, capitalizing on the successful joint patrols conducted by 173rd soldiers, Iraqi Civil Defense Corps and the Iraqi Police. All of the forces worked together and employed raids to capture targeted former regime elements that, with their attempts of destabilization, are working against the Iraqi people.
Twenty-six individuals were captured, including three targeted individuals. All of the captured are suspected of being members of Fedayeen Saddam. In addition, soldiers located and confiscated 62 AK-47 assault rifles, 200 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, one rocket propelled grenade launcher and two improvised explosive device making kits.
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It's been a while since I included an article from the Gunner Gazette. This is from Volume XXVII dated 3 Dec 03:
4-42 Field Artillery Makes “Play of the Day”
By 2LT Keith D. Pope, HHB DIVARTY
Task Force Ironhorse created the “Play of the Day” to recognize significant acts by units throughout the Ironhorse Area of Operations. With activity throughout the theater constantly at a high level, receiving this honor takes a truly noteworthy event.
Acting on information from informants, the 4th Battalion 42nd Field Artillery once again put on their Infantry hats and suited up for a raid planned to target a member of the infamous black list. These field artilleryman have constantly been called upon to utilize the infantry skills that they have honed since the beginning of the Division Artillery’s deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Leaders throughout the Division Artillery always have one priority that is a constant throughout all missions, soldier’s safety. The 4th Battalion 42nd Field Artillery is no different. After careful planning, rehearsal, and movement to the target building, the raid was ready to be executed. Moving with lightning speed and deadly stealth, the raid team was able to clear the target house, capturing three detainees and valuable intelligence information, all while completing the mission with no friendly casualties and no damage to equipment. The result of the 4th Battalion 42nd Field Artillery’s latest operation has become the norm for Task Force Arrow, total mission success.
While the battalion conducts these operations, it is important to note that with the additional responsibilities such as raids, checkpoints, and patrols, the battalion continues to provide accurate and lethal artillery fires in support of First Brigade. As mortar attacks continue throughout the Brigade’s Area of Responsibility, the need for immediate counter-mortar fire has drastically increased. The battalion’s success at these counter-fire missions has not gone unnoticed. As a whole, mortar attacks have happened less throughout the past month, and those terrorists still brave, or stupid, enough to try and attack Coalition Forces are greeted with a quick volley of counter-fire including 155mm Artillery and 120mm mortar fire.
This mixture of operations performed by the 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery has had a positive effect on the area it is responsible for. The Iraqi people are beginning to sense that they truly have the power to rule their own country and to take more responsibility for their future. As the battalion continues to provide a safe environment for the people of Iraq to live and work, more information is freely passed to the Coalition about weapon caches, suspected terrorists, and possible attacks. Soon, a new piece of intelligence will arrive at the doorstep of Task Force Arrow and the battalion will don their infantry gear once again and move out to make Iraq a safer place.
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This is a long article and I've been holding it for a slow news day when I would have time to run it. Let us never forget those who have been wounded, many of them suffering life altering wounds....
Patient Employs Good Humor in Recovering From Wounds in Iraq
By Jamie Reese
Special to American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 26, 2003 - Army Spc. Brian Wilhelm has been at Walter Reed Army Medical Center here since Oct. 11, exactly six months from the time his unit crossed into Iraq. His lower left leg was amputated as a result of being severely wounded in Iraq.
Wilhelm is assigned to 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, (4ID) Fort Carson, Colo. He has served for 3 ˝ years, a combined Army National Guard and active duty time. Wilhelm was wounded Oct. 7 by a rocket-propelled grenade during a 30-minute firefight with Iraqi forces.
Wilhelm was transported to the 21st Combat Support Hospital in Balad, Iraq, before being taken to Baghdad and then to Germany. He was then transported to Walter Reed, which according to spokesman Bill Swisher, receives about 50 casualties a week.
At the center, Wilhelm works every day with Spc. Harvey Naranjo, an occupational therapy assistant. Wilhelm is one of about 10 patients Naranjo sees each day. During an interview, Wilhelm and Naranjo shared their stories on the friendship they've formed while maintaining their therapist-patient relationship.
The thought of losing his leg "was something that occurred to me on the spot, but everyone along the way kept thinking that I would be able to keep it," Wilhelm said. In the end, he explained, "I told them that I wanted to get rid of the leg and get on with life."
Stopping in mid-sentence, Wilhelm displayed a picture of his 3-month-old daughter, Allison Michelle. "This is why I got my leg cut off," he said. "The doctors told me that they could do surgeries for two or three years, transplanting muscles from here to there. But in a couple of years I want to be able to play with my daughter."
Naranjo, who'll be assigned to Walter Reed until September 2004, said, "I have to try and motivate a lot of guys, especially at the beginning. They go through stages of anger and then acceptance." "Not me," Wilhelm interrupted. "Well," Naranjo continued, " everybody is different, but with most of them it is hard to get started.
Once they see the pictures and they see the other guys around, you can't keep them down." "He's awesome," Naranjo said, referring to Wilhelm. He explained how he "tries to engage Wilhelm in conversation about how here at Walter Reed it is one thing, but at home, friends that he had may not react to things as well as he has. I try to explain that other people may be a bit more 'stand-offish.' But he keeps such a positive attitude. He deals with it all through his sense of humor."
"I have a good sense of humor, but I also like to stay in touch with reality at the same time," Wilhelm said. "It depends on the day."
Both he and Naranjo encounter different attitudes from people daily. "I go through a sense of guilt sometimes," Naranjo began, "At the end of my day, I'm not worried about anyone shooting me with an RPG. That's why I never complain. I've worked early mornings, late nights and weekends since I got here." He said he goes above and beyond because he's aware of the situations that others are faced with. He added that his friends back home don't quite understand. They tell him "the war is over."
"I'm dealing with the effects of war every day here, so I don't like the comments, but I can't place blame (them), because they just don't understand," Naranjo said.
Wilhelm offered his view of Walter Reed: "It's an indescribable place and there are indescribable situations that occur as a result." He sat down and continued to adjust his prosthesis. "You know, yesterday I spent the whole morning in therapy just trying to get my leg on because it was swelling up so much," Wilhelm said. "It felt like a glove in the afternoon, but it is way too tight today."
Instead of getting frustrated with the struggle to get a good fit, Wilhelm said, "If I don't put every ounce of energy that I can emotionally and physically to try and recover, I'll suffer that much longer." "The more I put into it, the more I get back," he added.
The short-term goal for Wilhelm is to get back to his unit. "I'd like to go back to Iraq, but that's not going to happen because they start clearing in January and then to Kuwait before coming back to Fort Carson, so I won't even be able to go back with them," he said.
Looking ahead five years, Wilhelm said that he hopes to be finishing college. "I want to be able to make an effect on people's lives," he pointed out. "After working with the people I've gotten to work with, I'm seriously thinking that I'd like to go to school for engineering or do some hands on work with prosthetics."
"It's amazing the things they are able to come up with," he continued, "and I'm the guy who can recommend some even better ideas on how to improve what we already have."
"Worse things have happened to better people over lesser causes," he commented as he worked to adjust his leg and device, "and I think it would be a really good thing to give back a little of what I've learned." Not missing a beat, he then turned to Naranjo and asked if he'd like to talk about how he beat him wrestling. "I let you," Naranjo said quickly, "I didn't want to hurt you." Laughter echoed around the table as Wilhelm continued to razz Naranjo.
In return, Naranjo tried hard to keep Wilhelm focused by noting that the patients have therapy for an hour a day. So other than "wrestling" and therapy, Wilhelm said, "I honestly don't know what I do all day, but it takes me all day to do it."
"Humor is a good thing," Naranjo responded between the laughter.
During the interview, Wilhelm spoke solemnly about the Oct. 7 attack, spoke proudly of the presidential coin that he received, bragged about his family, and kept everyone laughing. Naranjo, tried to keep him on track, stayed patient and expressed the passion he has for his job and for his patients.
Wilhelm was leaving for the Thanksgiving holidays to go home to Fort Carson to cook Thanksgiving dinner for the families of the soldiers who are still in Iraq. "I just want to help my buddies out so they know their wives aren't going to McDonald's for Thanksgiving dinner," he said.
Naranjo turned the discussion back to the task at hand one last time. "It's definitely a mentality," he said about physical therapy, adding it's "90 percent psych and 10 percent rehab, because it has to be up to the mentality and the goals of the patient."
Wilhelm pointed to his head and to his heart and said, "It's all right here."
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) I am so very excited ... our son, C/1-67 AR (FIST), is on his way home for mid-tour leave!!! He is supposed to arrive in Baltimore tomorrow (12/4) morning! Then on to home in Ohio! The only thing that would have made his visit any better would be to have had him home over his birthday and Christmas. As it stands now he'll leave the day before his 22nd birthday. Guess we'll just have to celebrate both events early! I can't wait to see his smile and hold him in my arms! He is currently stationed at Camp Scunion in Ba'qubah Iraq and says that he has "lots of war stories to tell" his dad and brothers when he gets here! Guess he knows that war stories are hard for us moms to hear! He sounds so grown up now! Says he can't wait to get home and take a "real" shower, with hot water, and without wearing shower shoes! Says it's been 8 months since he's had a real shower. Then, once he gets the Iraqi dirt off, he wants to soak in a hot bath until the water gets cold! Amazing what we take for granted everyday!
2) I received a letter from my son, a supply officer, HSB 3-16 FA, that he will not be receiving mid tour leave. Although, he did not mention the details in his letter, I am willing to bet he gave his spot for another person with an immediate family. I continue to be amazed at the character and strength of the young men in our military and I hope the lessons from the deeds of our military will be emulated throughout our society, especially with the holidays approaching. In this case, it was most likely demonstrated in a true spirit of giving to another family. It is this kind of deed that makes a parent proud!
3) I heard from my husband (3-29FA, Ft Carson) at 3:30 am. We got to talk for 20 minutes, it was so nice to hear his voice and know that he is doing good. He wasn't eligible for the leave as he could be coming home at the end of January. He did have 4 days of R&R in the middle of November, which he enjoyed very much. And I did too cause he called 2 times a day and talked for hours. I am trying to stay busy to get through the holiday season without him. These updates help so much too. Hearing about other wives who are in the same boat makes it easier to get through things.
4) As a lady had mentioned before in an update that Oliver North from Fox News was with 3-66 AR in Bayji, well he is now back, but I just wanted to let you know that his book just came out the other day called "War Stories." It talks about Iraq and this unit too. It also comes with a DVD of the footage that they got while over there with these guys. I just thought I would let you know so you could tell any others that had soldiers with this unit. Thanks a lot.
5) I just wanted to let you know that my husband is part of ACE Company, 104th MI BN, 4ID in Tikrit. He has been working his butt off trying to get the intelligence information needed to the troops. He is so afraid that he will mess something up or miss something that is needed. I have faith in him! I know that he will not let the troops down and that he is dedicated to his job. I am proud of him and his accomplishments. Its been tough with him gone and I need him here but I know that they really need him there more right now. He tries to call every day more than once just to let me know that he is thinking about us and missing us. Who would have ever thought my husband, Mr. Tough Guy would be acting like this? He has changed
and all for the better. He has learned that his freedom was taken for granted and so was the time that he got to spend with us, his family. On a good note, since he gets to view us on the webcam, he got to see our daughter crawl for the first time and now try walking. It has been tough not being able to be here for these precious moments but thanks to computers and technology he gets to see her and hear her say Daa Daa. I am thankful!
6) I heard from my son, B CO 299 ENG BN night before last. He said he spent Thanksgiving out in the field and they ate MRE's. He sounded very tired and weary. Out of the 5 Christmas boxes I sent, he has received 4 and was thrilled with all the special food and winter under clothing. Seems to request Ramen Cup of Soup more frequently now and says he much prefers the heat over the cold. He must have gotten desperate for something different to eat because he described an awful concoction of flour tortillas, tuna and horseradish mayonaisse..yummy. He did share one of his scarier moments, when 9 soldiers on a PC, him and 4 others on top as guards travelling in a convoy about 45 miles an hour. They suddenly lost their left track and yanked violently to the right. The driver screamed roll-over, all 5 jumped for the opening to get down in the PC but didn't make it. Thank goodness it had rained and when they hit the ditch to the right they stopped in the mud. He said if not for the mud they were rolling and there's basically nothing you can do. He described the fog on the highway as horrible and it got even worse as they sat in the ditch trying to get the track back on and the vehicle back upright. Cars on the highway didn't slow down and the visibilty was around ten feet and he said there were crashes and accidents all around them, almost like a demolition derby. That was the scariest part for him, he said. Not being able to see the cars coming and then the sound of the crashes.. 9 hours later..they were rolling again. ....I want to say that he makes me and my husband proud to be his parents. May God watch over them and get them home soon.
7) I just heard from my son today at 6:30 a.m. As his duty begins with a night shift, he is able to call in the morning or around 10:00 at night (our time). He is with the HHC 1/8 out of Ft. Carson....... Even though his spirits sound upbeat, I can hear the underlying tone that tells me he is worried. As ever he told me that he would try to call or write me whenever was possible and that he was looking forward to coming home. He did tell me that the Army life wasn't so bad and the only complaint that he had was that he couldn't see or speak with his family whenever he wanted to..... I thank you Bob for all your updates and there isn't one time that I can read through the whole update without shedding a tear. But each tear is worth it knowing that I am not alone. Thanks to all that let us know what they are hearing from their soldiers. God Bless.
8) Heard from my son yesterday and he said they are all doing well. They put up the tree I sent them and it really looks good. He is with the 4th ID Band. They are going to play Christmas songs for the troops. The morale is good and it is getting cold now. He will be with us in spirit this Christmas and know our prayers are with them all. This country is Blessed to have the men and women serving overseas doing what they all do best - showing what America is truly about.
9) I received a long awaited phone call from our son yesterday (12/02) around 11:45am EST. He is with A Btry (2nd Plt) 1-44 ADA. It was so great to hear his voice. It had been about 5 weeks since we last heard from him. He said it has been very difficult to get to use the phone and they have been very busy with missions. They also recently moved to a new location... don't know where -- I didn't ask. He sounded Ok, but I could tell that his patience is wearing thin. He said that mail delivery has slowed down, especially since they moved (I guess it's trying to catch up with them). ...... It sounded as though they have more amenities at their new location. He said they had a decent meal for Thanksgiving... cornish hens and all the trimmings. That was good to hear! My heart aches for all those who have suffered loss. May God Bless and take care of all our military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan!
10) My son (223rd Eng Bn/MS) called Thanksgiving Day and got to speak to several
family members. Someone in these updates mentioned getting family and friends to write a message on the back of a piece of puzzle and sending it to their soldier. I thought that was a great idea, so I am doing the same. Everyone is very happy to do this. He got to call again on Sat. and gave us the news that he was approved for the leave. We were overjoyed, of course, and can't wait till that day when he is under our roof again! Bob, the casualty south of Samarra is a member of his National Guard group. This is our first one. All prayers are welcomed as we experience this.
11) What a blessed surprise to pick up the phone this morning to hear my daughter's voice (2nd Chem BN., 46th Chem Co), for the second day in a row! Plans are still not firm for her return to the States, but we're praying that it will be for Christmas. She sounded good - very upbeat, and just wanted to talk about normal everyday things, like how her brothers are doing. It was extra special because her company was able to keep the sattelite phone for an extra day - not good though because the reason is that the roads near where she's stationed are pretty dangerous right now.
On the plus side, she had access to the phone long enough to call Mom at work, Dad at work, and Grandpa at work. It is so good to hear her voice. We have not been able to talk to her two days in a row since April, and mostly it has only been about once per month since then. Mom told her that if she is able to come home for Christmas she will have to buy a stocking big enough to put her in, as that is the Christmas present Mom wants most - but we know we will survive if that doesn't happen. Just in case, Mom sent out a couple of Christmas boxes last Saturday that included some home baked Christmas cookies (the hershey kiss cookies that are her favorite), a mini-Christmas tree complete with decorations, and assorted foods
including pancake mix and syrup now that she has an electric frying pan. Just want to make sure she and her fellow soldiers have Christmas wherever they happen to be. Mail has been extremely slow lately. We received a few letters late last week, and the newest one was dated Nov. 4. We also received a CD with a PowerPoint presentation from the Engineer Battalion that her platoon supported at her last duty station, and were thrilled to see some pictures of her in the slideshow.
12) Also just wanted to share my experiences meeting one of my penpals from 2nd
BDE Recon 4th ID. He is home on R&R and his dad lives near me so we got to meet. He shared many stories including concocting food in his room, sharing it with his men, and getting rave reviews on his odd mixtures. I think he just needed to talk about the little things, because talk he did! He also shared some photos he had taken. I'm taking him out to dinner before he goes back. This has been a great opportunity and I feel lucky to have some of his time while he is back and look forward to welcoming him home for good in a few months.
13) My son in law returned yesterday for R &R leave. It was so great to see everyone in the airport clap as all the guys walked by. It made me cry. We are all so proud of all of them. He is now with my daughter enjoying the time they have together. He missed most of their 1st year together. I wish all could be home with there loved ones. I talked with another soldier waiting to return and had to give him a hug and tell him how much we appreciate all they are giving for us all. (No unit given)
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