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| A-1-8 Chapter of the 4th Infantry Division |
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Bob Babcock - "Deeds not Words"
President, Americans Remembered, Inc. - http://www.americansremembered.org
President, 22nd Inf Regt Society - http://www.22ndinfantry.org
Past President/Historian - Nat'l 4th Inf Div Assn - http://www.4thinfantry.org
babcock224@aol.com
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DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. The soldiers were killed on Dec. 8 in Ad
Duluiyah, Iraq, when their vehicle flipped into a canal. The soldiers are:
Staff Sgt. Steven H. Bridges, 33, of Tracy, Calif.
Spc. Joseph M. Blickenstaff, 23, of Corvallis, Ore.
Spc. Christopher J. Rivera Wesley, 26, of Portland, Ore.,
All soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash (part of TF Ironhorse). The incident is under investigation.
(Our prayers go out to the families and fellow soldiers of SSG Bridges, Spc Blickenstaff, and Spc Wesley).
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Correction to A Story from Yesterday:
About 7:30AM EST yesterday I finalized my update and included excerpts from an article from Reuters that had hit the news wire at 6:13AM EST. At 9:57AM EST, I received the following from one of our soldiers in Iraq:
"I was at that raid this morning in Baquabah on 11 Dec 2003. It says that after the raid, a grenade was thrown and it hurt a US soldier. A grenade was thrown but it did not hit a US soldier, it was an ICDC. He got a little shrapnel piece in his big toe. My doc and I fixed him up and he was good to go. I just want you to know that and if you can fix it so that people are not worried if it is their son, husband, what not. I thank you for the updates. I wish there more for Baquabah but I quess you go by the news and emails. Well, I got to run and thanks. Hope you fix the error."
Interestingly, this note came from the nephew of a long time friend of mine who lives here in Atlanta. I didn't even know his nephew got the updates, I think his nephew's wife must send them to him. Anyway - this is a great example of how we are dealing in a world of virtually instant communications. For us Vietnam, and even more so our WWII vets, this is truly mind boggling. I love it now that I'm hearing pretty regularly from those soldiers who are actually in Iraq doing the work for all of us - sure beats depending on news media. And thanks to this great American soldier for thinking about easing the minds of our family members here in the USA.
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>From Gunner Gazette, Volume XXVIII dated 10 Dec 2003:
(This covers more details of a story that was included in our 12-10-03 update)
Discipline Saves Lives
By 1LT Keith D. Pope, HHB DIVARTY
Soldiers of the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery learned a valuable lesson this week, discipline will save lives. Although the major combat operations are over in Iraq, the environment that Coalition Forces serve in is still quite volatile. Armed with the training they received before deployment and the invaluable lessons learned throughout the deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, soldiers are asked to risk their lives daily to restore peace to the people of Iraq.
In Baquabah, like other areas in Iraq, local contractors and Iraqi nationals flood the gates with the hope of receiving work and contracts that will benefit both themselves and the local economy. These Iraqi’s provide a beneficial service to both the country and the Coalition Forces. With the increase in workers at the gate comes an increase in the risk of attack.
While manning a gate in Baquabah, soldiers from Task Force Thunder noticed a suspicious man approaching their Bradley Fighting vehicle. The man was complaining of an illness and asking for medical attention. The crew of the Bradley, relying on the training and briefings they had received, did not fall for the act. In a last ditch effort to cause harm to Coalition Forces, the man detonated a suicide device attached to him, hoping to injure or kill American Forces. The attempt failed and resulted in only one loss of life, his own.
The discipline to remain calm and not overreact saved the lives of the soldiers in the Bradley Fighting Vehicle and is a testament to the professionalism of the Task Force Thunder soldiers. The leaders throughout the Division Artillery constantly check soldiers for proper equipment and to ensure each understands his or her mission. This constant reminder to soldiers ensures their minds are always focused which adds to the safety of every member of the Coalition.
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A Few Words from Bob:
As I had expected and hoped for, I got lots of reaction to my final item in yesterday's section on what our families are hearing from our soldiers. Nothing is more emotional than R&R and who gets to come home on R&R and who does not. I've received in the past similar notes to the one I posted but always chose to not use them. Yesterday I decided to test the waters and see what you, the readers, have to say. You did have a say - and I've read and erased virtually all of them. Each of you has good logic and personal emotion in what you expressed to me and I thank you for your input. Being the open minded guy that I am, I can see and appreciate all different points of view on this topic.
I've always been a great fan of 1st Sergeants (1SG). As much as my old 1SG, 1SG Bob MacDonald, scared me when I was a young 2LT just joining B/1-22 of 4ID at Fort Lewis in November 1965, I knew he was a smart and savvy guy. (He chewed me out within the first ten minutes I was in the company area). I learned just how good he was by the time I made 1LT and when I worked with him in Vietnam. I got over being afraid of him, learned even more from him in Vietnam, asked him for advice often, and count him as one of my best friends today. We seldom see each other, just talk on the phone a few times a year. From 1SG Bob MacDonald, I learned that many of the smartest soldiers in the Army (common sense and street smarts among their total smartness package) are 1SG's. And, two of their wives showed me today that they are probably the ones who taught those smart 1SG's what they know.
So, to wrap up and stop the debate and heated emotions on the R&R story reporting issue, I will include what two 1SG's wives had to say on the topic:
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Hello and thank you for keeping this site going. I am the wife of 1SG of the 733rd TC which is in Iraq with the 4th ID. Just want to say thanks to all soldiers and their families. We are all in this together and for the long haul, so when it is hard to read others joys, just skip it. May God bless and keep all our soldiers safe and bring them all home soon. Let us remember all who have lost soldiers and keep them in our prayers always. Happy Holidays to all.
I share some of the lady's pain in the fact some of us have to accept the fact that some of the soldier's aren't going to make the rotation for the R&R but also offer some suggestions. My husband is a 1SG in 1-4 Aviation Regiment, 4th BDE, 4ID. We were married just shortly before he became an NCO so I've had 16 years of marriage to get used to the "selfless service" way of life. Even before the R&R was approved and the list was created, I had accepted the fact that my husband would not take R&R until all his soldiers had the opportunity. I can tell you though it is really hard to explain "selfless service" to our 9 year old little boy who hears his friends at school talking about their daddies coming home. Even though I am supposed to be one of the "strong" wives, it hurts sometimes to read about the R&R's. It is a double edged sword... My heart aches for the soldiers who have missed the births of their children and tears fill my eyes when I read about those sweet reunions. Just as the people who are writing are exercising the freedom of speech, I also have the right to exercise my freedom of choice and can skip some of the updates on the R&R's experiences. Bob, your daily updates have brought me so much comfort and serves as a daily reminder that I'm not the only one experiencing pain in my heart from absence of my soldier. I am so grateful for what you do for all of us everyday.
But if I could make a suggestion for an improvement to your daily update, since in reality the R&R accounts aren't actually "What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq", would it be too much to ask that maybe you separate the postings into two categories, one being: What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq and one possibly, "Families Sharing R&R Moments". This could help those folks who want to exercise the freedom of choice make the choice.
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Wow - why didn't I think of that? So starting today, that's what I'm going to do. We will have a new category of R&R stories that people can read or skip based upon their own needs and emotions of the day. See - I told you that 1SG's and their wives are the smartest people in the Army....
And as my favorite philospher, Forrest Gump, said - "And that's all I'm going to say about that...."
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59 Years Ago Today - 4ID in Luxembourg:
12 December 1944 - D+190
The 8th Infantry was detached from the 83rd Division and moved at 0800. The final elements reached the City of Luxembourg at 1935. The Combat Team closed within its new assembly area by 1950, the 1st Battalion in the vicinity of Flaxveiler, the 2nd of Uebersyern, the 3rd of Wecker and the 29th FA Battalion in the vicinity of Flaxweiler.
The 12th Infantry maintained its positions. Enemy activity was negligible except several exchanges of machine gun and mortar fires across the Moselle river.
The 22nd continued active patrolling along its front.
13 December 1944 - D+191
The enemy remained defensive as a small amount of harassing artillery was employed by him against road intersections and likely train supply roads.
The relief of elements of the 12th and 22nd Infantry Regiments was effected by the CT 8.
In the sector of the 12th Infantry, 42 propaganda shells containing three types of leaflets were fired by the enemy in the town of Burschdoy at 1600.
(Keep in mind, this is the lull before the next battle hits - the Battle of the Bulge began on December 16, 1944 - we'll cover that over the next few weeks).
Thanks to Philippe Cornil at www.revive-it.com.
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) My husband is 1/66 in Mosul he is attached to 101st Airborne. I received a call from him last night informing me that he probably is not going to get to take a mid-tour leave like we were hoping. I was upset at first but then I realized that our homecoming will be that much more spectacular because we will not have seen each other for a whole year. Other than that he sounded really tired. Security has been beefed up since all of the attacks lately. He said he was doing good and he couldn't wait to get home. He said he didn't want anything for Christmas because he would have to turn around and send it right back to me when they start getting ready to head home. I get so excited when I think about it.
2) I'm talking to my husband (HHC 1/68) on messenger right now! We're trying to make plans for his return to PCS, but without a clear date, it's pretty hard.
For the mom who's son is missing his baby's birth.. I took a mini tape recorder to my delivery & recorded my last couple of contractions, as well as the pushing & all the after stuff until they took him out of the room. Since he's coming home soon, he'll listen to it here, but he was excited that he at least gets to hear it all. We're not allowed to video tape here after the pushing starts, so I just didn't bother with it, but we took tons of still photos though.
3) I would like to welcome the new mom to the website. I would be the first to say because of Bob's website I have felt close to what is going on with 4th ID. So I say to you, hold your head high and remember to pray. I too am a first time military mom and it does get lonesome and we feel blue but it brings a smile to my heart knowing my son and all the other men/women are doing a great job to keep us all safe.. Again welcome...... Also, when when you feel down drop us an email and we can share the tears or joy together.
4) Bob, I know you are requesting notes from those hearing from loved ones in Iraq, but since Thanksgiving it seems many are not hearing anything. No calls or emails. A lot of us are wondering what is going on with the communications. When I talked to my son at Thanksgiving, he had not received any boxes I mailed in early November for Christmas. A lot of us are hearing that the mail has slowed to almost nothing and we are wondering if the boxes will get to them by Christmas. So, what has happened to the mail situation? It is very disheartening this time of the year to hear nothing and to know that what we are sending is not getting through. I would appreciate hearing from anyone that has had communications from a loved one in the 3/66 AR.
5) Bob--we received another e-mail and a letter all on the same day. How special is that? Our son who is with the 1-68, HHC, Scouts said in the letter that they have received all the Christmas packages and they couldn't wait so they opened a few. They will wait for Christmas Day to open the rest of the packages. He also stated that all the guys say thank you, thank you, thank you for the cards, letters, packages and especially the prayers. It is so reassuring to know that many people support our cause over here. You will never know what this means to all of us. Thank you! Things are good here. The temps dip to around 40 at night and we rarely see it reach 80 for a high anymore. The attacks have not slowed down and it is a
day to day battle, but we manage and just one more hurdle to get over. We are on the down hill slide to redeployment so I will be home before you know it. Happy Holidays and God Bless all.
6) In light of your comment on all of the R&R updates and lack of other stories, I thought I'd share an item of need for my soldier. He is with C Co, 1-8 IN (FIST) out of Fort Carson and is temporarily in Samarra. Due to the colder temperatures and always present winds, he requested a GoreStopper fleece hat to help cut the cold. I found two types of hats and sent them both. He was thrilled with them as one is a very light weight dome beannie that fits under his kevlar and the second is a much thicker fleece material with ear flaps that can be worn when the kevlar is off. As is required to meet uniform codes, both are all black (made by Mountain Hardware). I happened to find them at an outdoor store here in Boston, but I'm sure you could find them on the internet. I'm sure other soldiers would love a similar item, and they are reasonable in price.
7) Greetings to all from Fort Sill, Oklahoma. My husband is with A-btry 1/17 FA and is attached to 4th ID. My mother-in-law sends me the updates daily and she insisted that I write. I’m one of the unfortunate wives who will not get the joy of having my husband home for R & R, but I thank God that he is okay and that he will be home in about three months. It does upset me to see where people are writing about having their loved one’s come home so I just by-pass those and read the others. I heard from my husband Tuesday night and he was doing very well. However he said that mail is very slow..... I’m sure it will all work out somehow, I just hope it is before Christmas. I enjoy the updates, and I would enjoy them even more if we would get some kind of info. on 1/17 occasionally (Editor's Note: Get your fellow 1-17 FA families to send me info and I'll include it). Hope you all have a good Christmas... God Speed and Keep Our Soldiers Safe!!!!!
8) I'd love to be able to send you updates to balance things out with the reunion stories. However, I only hear from my husband maybe once every two months. I
take what I can get, though because it is much better than the two phone calls total when he was over there during Desert Storm. (Editor's Note: Very good perspective. Communications today is so far superior to what we've had in previous wars and deployments that we occasionally need to reflect on that and put things in perspective. Compared to WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm - we have great communications with our soldiers today).
9) Thanks for the scoop on the 652nd unit (yesterday) regarding the Bridge. We have not heard much about our crew in a while.
10) My Husband called me on Monday for my Birthday. I was in a very bad mood and I answered the phone and heard him sing Happy Birthday to me. It was the best Birthday gift ever. He told me that he has received his Christmas box's I sent him. He loved the lighted snowman. He said a snowman in the desert. HA HA Anyway, I also have a hard time with hearing from the wives that have had there soldiers come home. Mine will not be able to come home for R&R. I also know that when my husband comes home for good it will just be that much sweeter for us. We have a baby that he has only seen for 2 weeks before he left and it is very hard for us, but like one wife said, we as Army Wives are strong and one day we will all look back at this and think, "man was it really a year that you were gone." The time apart will be a distant memory one day. Being apart really makes you realize what it is that you truly have in your spouse. I love and miss my husband dearly, but he has a job to do and he will do it and be home soon. May God Bless all the soldiers and their families all through the year. Thanks to all the soldiers, past present and future for protecting the American people. (No Unit Given)
11) My husband isn't coming home for mid tour leave either, but I don't mind reading about others who are getting to enjoy it. When they make me cry it's because I'm happy for them even if I am a little jealous. Oh well, that's just the way things go. But I do like to hear about their happiness and experiences... cause I think in a way we're all in this together. I just don't think they should have to feel ashamed because they got to see their loved ones, and if anything it's given me insight on what to expect when my hubby gets home. Other then that, not a whole lot to say... haven't heard from my husband in 299 Eng in almost 2 weeks. I was getting spoiled with the 2 phone calls a week I was getting for awhile. Last time I spoke with him he did tell me he'd gotten his Christmas box, 9 days after I'd sent it!
12) Our son is with the 1-10 Cav, C-Troop. We got an e-mail from him yesterday with 3 photos attached. He looked fit and healthy. We feel as though we received the best Christmas present ever! We haven't seen him in person for almost a year, so these photos are precious to say the least. We pray for all the troops and hope that everyone has a blessed holiday season.
13) We finally heard from our daughter with C Company of the 1-66 AR out Hood! She E-Mailed her Step-Dad yesterday. We last heard from her on Thanksgiving morning after she had been moved from near Samarra. She could still not tell us where she is now located, but that she was safe at the moment & very tired. I mailed her's & our adopted soldier daughter's Christmas box this morning & it weighed 49 pounds! That's OK,cause that's a small thing compared to what all our young men & women are doing! As the season goes into full swing I hope that we all remember the "Reason For The Season" and pray for all soldiers everywhere! Let us remember those that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom & for our right to celebrate Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah or whatever holiday we choose. God Bless all our soldiers & their families. May they all have a Blessed Holiday season! Thanks for your great history lesson on the 4-ID.
14) Bob, I just want to Thank you, for putting the history of the 4ID up again. I must have missed it the first time. I had tears and chills as I read it. I am very Proud to say my husband is a part of such a Honorable Division. Thank you, and all Veterans. I am so very proud to be an American, and so very proud to be married to an American Soldier. (B 1-10Cav 4ID)
15) I received your message and also the 12/11 update. I telephoned Road Runner Technical Support and they recommended that I e-mail spamblock@security.rr.com and request that they open my e-mail so that I can receive your messages. If I have a problem with future updates, I will let you know.
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Families Sharing R&R Moments:
1) My hubby is with 4ID, 1-10 Cav, D-Troop, out of Ft. Hood. He IM'ed this morning to let me know he'd made it safely from East Tikrit to Balad (through Sumarra, thank goodness!) without incident. He leaves for Kuwait at wake-up and from there begins his long but wonderful plane ride stateside to us here at D/FW. The kids and I are so excited we can hardly stand it! We've tried not to plan too much, but we have so many friends who want to see him, if only for a few moments. The local newspaper also wants to interview our family during his leave. He wants to remain the ever "silent professional," but I told him I wanted him IN UNIFORM so that he'd receive the proper respect en route that he's due. (It's partly a selfish request because I'm so very proud of him and want to show him off!) I've heard I should contact the USO at the airport about flight information and special accomodations made for family
members at the gate. If you or any of your readers have details about this, I sure would apprecite it before loading all three little ones into the van headed for the airport. I know our time together will fly by, but I am so grateful for the opportunity to spend Christmas with him. It's all the present I want and JUST what our little ones need to make the holidays extra-special!
2) I was so very excited today when my boyfriend called from Balad. I haven't heard from him since mid-September. He is with 1-68AR out of Ft. Carson. He will be flying into DFW around the 30th of this month for 15 days! My birthday is January 2nd so I couldn't be happier about the timing. The connection was absolutely horrible and he said he was going to try and call back tomorrow. I was just so excited to hear his voice, to know that he is doing well and is going to get to come home. We are not married, we have no kids, and he is that guy that makes sure all of his men are taken care of before himself, therefore I didn't expect to see him until April. This will be a wonderful way to begin my, our, new year!
3) Hi Bob, About the woman who is feeling down about reading the articles from the families who are blessed enough to have their Soldier come home for R & R. I understand all too well what she is saying as I too was feeling sad while reading all the letters. I would even cry at some of them. But to be honest, they were also tears of joy. Although I was missing my son, (HHC 1/22 IN) (medic), and wishing he could come home as well, I new there was a 50-50 chance he would not come home. The day came about 3 weeks ago when the phone rang at 7:30 am. "Hi mom, what ya doing?" I just knew something was wrong as he NEVER calls that early. To my surprise, he was half way home. The only reason he called to tell me, was because 2 helicopters had gone down and he knows how I would have worried all day. To keep this short, I just want to say "thank you" to the army. My stomach has been in knots since he left for Iraq. I haven't been able to think straight let alone eat right. When I saw him, he got the longest hug I ever gave him. I just couldn't let go. He has been back in Iraq for 1 week now. It was the best thing the army could have done for our family. The morale for this family has just been lifted 100%. I feel so much better. Saying "good-bye" this time was so much easier. To the wife who wrote that note, and all the others who haven't been so fortunate, my heart goes out to all of you. Stay strong, soon your Soldier will be home too.
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