Active Unit News

What our families are hearing:
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


What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) Today is my 32nd birthday and my husband was able to call, it was pretty cool. I was on the phone with him about 5 mins and my front door bell rang. When I answered it there was a lady standing there holding 12 long stem yellow roses from my husband (he had his grandmother order them before he left). I couldn't believe it, talk about good timing. That was the best present I could have ever dreamed of, well except him coming home. Anyways he said that they are all doing good waiting on their next mission. He said that he got 7 letters and two packages from me the last couple of days, so the mail seems to be going good. (No unit given).
2) Thanks for the tip on the pictures on yahoo. We actually found a picture of our son who is with 1/68 Armor . . . and it was the thrill of our day. Thanks again for taking the time to send the updates.
3) We received our first phone call from our son who is assigned to B/3-29 FA as a medic and as of his most recent communication through his girlfriend, is located near Samarra, some 30 miles north of Baghdad. I was within 5 minutes of leaving work when he called there. Amazing he even remembered the number. Hoping to reach his mother at home resulted in him talking to his grandmother and that was a real blessing for her! We've received several lettes from him in the past month or so and most of our updates have been through emails his girlfriend has been providing. Hats off to her! He's able to phone his girlfriend on the average of once a week. Three things were asked: morale, safety, nutrition. After that, it was hi, how are you and etc. Letters are being received more regularly and a 2nd package has not reached him as yet. He reports that it takes about 22 days for a package to reach his unit. This is not surprising as his unit has been on the move a lot so I've been told. His voice was clear, a bit tired, due to the heat mainly. I failed to ask how's the medic business but OPS security may discourage that. Hearing that more Iraqis are treated than coalition soldiers gave me the reason to ask. His concerns are mirrored in the many emails we read in this newsletter that they need lots of prayers, letters and support! ...... We must support their mission and the President and pray for him too!
4) >From my friend in E/704 DSB in an email dated 16 Jul 03. "Yesterday the EOD guys blew up a lot of captured ammo. They touched it off on our end of the camp near buildings about 300-400 meters away, maybe a little farther even. Big explosions! It probably would have been nice if we had been told. It got some of the troops a little excited. We could see the orange of the explosion just before we heard the sound. It almost made us feel that we were deaf seeing the explosion and not concurrently hearing the sound. It was like watching a bad Kung-Fu movie with the English translation just a little behind the actor’s mouth movements.
Brown and Root are supposed to be putting up dining facilities around camp within a month but the MREs aren’t too bad. I can stand to eat a few more of them. I refer to spices you sent as flavor modifiers, anything to change the dining experience. It seems that no matter what the meal is (chicken, beef, pork, cat) there is a certain, lingering “MRE” taste. They tell me that we will at sometime get windows and a/c. I’ll believe that when monkeys fly.
The battalion commander asked us for anything that would make life better and since she wouldn’t give us tickets home we asked for a printer which we just received. Internet access is a problem for those of us who are not at the company or battalion or DISCOM. You know those palaces; oh I mean places that have air. I have recurring nightmares: Each morning I wake up and I’m still in Iraq!"
This email was much more upbeat than the one the previous day where they were all very concerned because of the "anniversarys" this week and making sure everyone knew their firing lane. Yesterday's email was the first time that he didn't make me laugh at something he had written, other than his suggesting that I find him more of the new creme flavored Starburst because they don't last long in the desert. I think they'd last longer if he didn't like them so much! I'm glad to see the anniversary was not what they were expecting and they can get back to "normal".
5) My husband is with HHS / 2-20 FA 4th ID. Somehow we were lucky enough to talk for 45 minutes yesterday afternoon. He was calling from the TOC so the connection wasn't as good as on the cell phones, but we didn't get disconnected!
As many of you have experienced, when you have such limited time on the phone, it's often spent taking care of "business." How are you? Do you need anything? How is the family? We don't have time to just talk and laugh together. This phone call was different. It was full of funny stories and laughter.
My husband was telling me about the numerous stray dogs in Iraq. The unit has befriended a couple. Crackhead (who named it I don't know) guards the motor pool and barks when anyone comes near. If our armed forces weren't enough, they now have a guard dog! Then, there is Elvis. He appears to have had his ears and tail cut off and needs to be cleaned up, but otherwise looks a lot like our own dog, Lady. My husband has even made good use of the flea collars sent to him. He has been putting them on the dogs! Imagine that!
I know this story doesn't seem like much, but it meant a lot just to hear my husband laughing and having a "normal" conversation. A great feeling that I'm sure you all miss as much as I do. I also found it somehow comforting knowing the soldiers have these dogs to care for. Not quite the same as their own pets (or children), but fun to know they are finding enjoyment in just having the dogs around.
6) My husband is with 4th MP Co. and just left Wedneday. I received a call from him Thursday, saying that he was in Kuwait & leaving soon for Iraq. He sounded very tired from the plane rides. We got to talk for about 4 mins, just long enough for him to say he loved us & ask for an elctric razor! He will get put into a platoon when he meets up with 4th ID in Iraq.
7) I would like to mention that I heard from my best friend TWICE yesterday. He's with the 1/8 C Co and seems to be doing really well. They were in Balad, relaxing for the past few days. He did mention a PX where he was able to purchase some things but continues to ask for the "staples", powdered drink mix and bug spray. I understand that people have mentioned sending some mosquito netting over. They already have the netting but the bug spray is more useful, especially when they're just hanging out. Of course he has no idea on when they could be coming home. "October thru April" is what he said. His main complaint is possibly missing the NFL season!! Mail is starting to come in on a more consistent basis and he's getting lots of it.
8) My son is in the 4th ID , C Co. 2-8. I received a phone call from him at 3:15 A.M. Friday morning. The call was approximately 5 minutes long and there was a lot of noise in the background. Five minutes is not long and so many things that I want to know and what he wants to know about home cannot be said. I do wonder what they are hearing over there as he asked me what the word was "on the street." And if there is any bad news over here. In that short period of time it is hard to even start going into what is being said in the newspapers and on tv or to even ask what he has heard. I write him every day and in the next day's letter I tried to explain what was being said but put a positive spin on it. I have received pictures of him in the last few letters I have received and I think he looks great so that is a relief to me and to his father. And I know from his letters that there have been many positive stories he could tell about the children and the people he has met if only the reporters would report these stories. I think it is up to us to tell people we meet and our relatives the good stories we hear and hope enough people hear this side of the news. I am so proud of my son and of all the soldiers that are serving our country.
9) I got another letter from my son today who is with the 4ID Bravo co. 1-22. I am receiving about 3 letters a week now. This last letter was dated 7-4. He started out by saying "Happy Independence Day". He said his day started out pretty rough as he was just starting back to camp after a night of raids when he was dispatched to provide security because one of another platoon's Bradley had got hit by a land mine. He said that there were no serious injuries from the explosion thankfully. He said had to do road checks and stopped a truck hauling frozen chicken leg quaters and him and some of his buddies bought some. He said that they roasted the chicken parts, cooked some potatoes and even got a watermelon so the day ended up pretty good. He said not to worry that he was fine and was starting to adust really well. He said " Remember Mom I was born to be a soldier and do this." Talk about a proud mother.
10) Like many of the notes you get from families, we get about 2-3 emails from our son (HHC 4ID Command Group) every week. And, while he will complain about the heat and the MREs, he is overwelmingly positive about his "job". I continue to be astounded by the level of professionalism displayed by the troops on the ground. Too bad there are too few stories in the media from THAT perspective.
11) wanted to let you know..I hit the jackpot this week, 2 letters from one of my kids (CT.Nat. Gd. 248 EN assigned to 3rd ACR) and both a letter and phone call from my son with the 4th ID (299 EN B Co.) in Tikrit. They are both doing very well. The Nat. Guard soldier is writing a novel in his spare time. He has always wanted to be a writer. The 4th ID soldier says he has been extremely busy, and no time to do much of anything but work. He said this is fine because he says it makes the time go quickly, and they feel as though they are making progress. He sounded tired, but I think that is because he was calling me so early in his day. He said morale is good. Darn, I'm proud of him. With all he has on his mind, he remembered today was mine and his dads' 28th Wedding Anniversary. What a guy!!!!
12) Our son from A/1-22 of 4ID called at 2:30 AM our time and talked to his Dad for the first time since boarding the bus at Fort Hood in April heading for the plane. He said it was really hot but that he was healthy and doing okay. Bless his heart he's a soldier thru and thru and never complains. He is a newlywed who got married at the end of December but who loves what he's doing and is planning on bringing one of his friends home to New York to live when they ETS. He plans on being stateside in mid September - God willing, but has already said that if "the Uncle" needs him to stay he will. God bless you for helping the families and friends ot the "IVY" stay informed, without you a lot of people would be guessing, worrying and wondering.
13) My son is with the 1/17th FA from Ft. Sill, his wife and son received mail today. His wife is always so kind and shares all the news with me. From his letters to her you could tell he was doing fine. Some of the things he wrote sounded just like him. The letter to his son was very comical, he told of some of the funny things that were going on. Just want everyone to know there is some good things happening in Iraq. I realize all we hear on the news is bad but bad news is what seems to sell best. We also received updates from each Capt. of the Battery. This was very interesting and I will share a few of the things with you. Each Capt. praised the soldiers for the great job they are doing. They did say there were challenges with the 120 F. They also are aware the mail and phones are not as good as everyone would like for them to be but this is being worked on, the soldiers are getting plenty to eat (may not be what they want) and are not going without water. Promotions are being given, some of the soldiers are learning to speak Arabic and Kurdish. They tell of many of the civilians telling them they are good, American is good, thank you for our freedom. They tell of the positive attitudes the soldiers have most of the time. Each Capt. did express the importance of keeping the mail and prayers coming.
Each of us must remember our soldiers are brave and strong. This is a job they enlisted to do and are proud to serve their country. I know all the soldiers miss their families (just as we miss them) and are ready to come home but I do feel they would not want to leave a job half done. We all get upset and worried at times, we need to vent, but we must vent to family and friends. My soldier would be very disappointed in me if he felt I was whining about his mission. I can hear him say, "mom just deal with it, this is my job."
14) We heard from our son, with the 2BCT 1/46 CML Co. (588th EN BN) from Ft. Hood. He is near Baqubah, north of Baghdad. It was so good to hear his voice, the last time was July 3. He had not been able to call due to some reason or another for two weeks and this time we were disconnected 5 times! He sounded more rested than when we last talked and this time he was able to talk to Dad which was the first time since April 5 when he left. ..... Our letters and packages are arriving there about six weeks from when we send them, his are arriving about 3 weeks after mailing them, stamps or no stamps doesn't seem to make much difference. we are so proud of him and tell him this often, he will spend his 23rd birthday there on Aug 3 but we have sent him the things he has requested.
15) My son who is with charlie 1-22 called this afternoon around noon, I was so happy to hear from him said they are still at the palace in Tikrit. Told me its like july 4th fireworks everyday. Said he was doing ok but wanted more food like ravaolli in the can that you just pull open and vienna sausage. I said how do you heat it he said I eat it cold! He wanted to know all about home and everyone. He said he has had a couple close calls, told me to send more pictures of the family, and more socks! I guess they throw them away! He said he has lost a lot of weight! And he is looking forward to coming home whenever that will be. He asked me if America still knew their was a war going on? I told him most of America does. It made me sad to hear him ask that. I think they think since their is no press everyone has forgotten them! We were able to talk about 40 minutes, he was giving his card to some other Soldiers so they could call home, you can only use ATT phone cards sam's club is the best deal around. God Bless our all of them.
16) Today was a good day. I got to talk my husband 2 times yesterday, and today I received a package from him with a camera and some soccer jerseys in it. He is in Baquaba with 46th chemical company/ 2nd chemical battalion. He says it's hot there so Fort Hood will feel comfortable when he returns. He doesn't complain about being stuck there because he knows that is his job. He only requested Bug juice as he calls it and drink mix. With a few requests for stuff he wants me to buy so he can have them when he gets back. And he is anxiously awaiting the news of the birth of our 4th child. I am happy that I get the chance to hear his voice and I hope all the Soldiers return safely and quickly.
17) I received a short letter from my nephew 4th ID (B-1/22). The letter was dated 26/June/03, postmarked 7/4/03, he includes the Iraqi time and CDT. He made it short as he said he was trying to write to as many family and friends as he could. He likes to draw so he asked me for sketching pads and lead and color pencils. And at the end he writes in big letters SEND STUFF please anything. His Mom got a call from him and said he was fine & he was more specific about what he wants, beef jerky, hard candies, raman, etc. No telling how he is now but it was great hearing from him.
18) I received a phone call from my husband, a medic with HHS 2/20 FA. He sounded in good spirits and said things are going okay with them. He is asking for me to send him childrens tylenol because they do not have access to any and therefore have to turn away many children everyday in need of medical attention. He also asked for instant oatmeal and canned fruit. He said to expect another phone call sometime next week.
19) My husband is in HHC 299th Eng. Bn. out of Fort Hood, TX. He's currently in Tikrit. He's usually able to call us about every 4 to 5 days on a moble phone that gets passed around the battalion. He just got the package with the DVD player he requested along with a bunch of movies. He said they really like the canned meat (tuna and chicken breast) to put on crackers, the neck cooler we bought him from Walmart, the sweetened iced tea mixes and gatorade mixes, and the soups in cups that you just add the water too. Of course we also add the candy and snacks too! His morale seems pretty good! His whole family is so proud of him and we all can't wait till he comes home!
20) I also received a letter from my brother who is with the 2nd BDE recon Troop (H/10cav). It was postmarked June 29 and received July 17. He said he was doing good. In his letter he said he only received 1 care package so far. I don't know when the letter was wrote, but I sent 3 packages in April, 4 in May,and 3 in June.He has already received a package that I sent July 3. ..... He also called the 15th of July. He said everyone was ok. The mail keeps them all going over there. It was a great surprise to receive another letter. I received it on my wedding anniversary. Needless to say, it was the best gift I could have gotten.
21) Roundabout way heard from my stepson, a Sgt. with A CO 704th DSB. He called his wife via satellite phone & she (God Bless her) patched the call on a conference line to us. Unfortunately, we weren't home. Not to waste the call, he went ahead & gave us a full 3 minute update on what's going on. Apparently random shooting has increased all around his location. Possibly due to the increase in our operations in the area. Said he felt safe at his location no attack there . . . (as yet, my input). . .Unit has one VCR am sending VHS tapes. Also, taped the message off the recorder for his memory box. Have a small tape recorder by phone, try to tape other calls as well, yes he knows what I am doing.
22) Just received the message that our SGT. in CO B 3-66 AR called home on July 19 and talked to his wife for a short time. It is still HOT there but no mention of the misters, fans, neck cooler, etc. that have been sent. He has received the Game Boy and Tape Recorder that was sent as well as some of the pre addressed cards for his girls. He was mostly PO'd about being shot at by a sniper and not being able to take the guy out. They do get to pull duty at a pump station where AC is available, on a rotating basis, with other members of his outfit. The remainder of the time they are camped out, in what he called Farmer Jones's wheat field, sweating and killing bugs.
23) Thank you for including the letter concerning troop morale. The author stated eloqently the thoughts I have had about the negative media since my husband served in Vietnam in the late 60's. Comments from you and the readers give me daily courage and support as a mother of a son and his wife who are now serving in Iraq. I receive the most postive and uplifting communications from them, and that is what they receive from me, as well. They deployed to Iraq knowing that this would be a life altering situation for them and determined that as professionals, they would do their best to make the most of the situation in a postive manner. We had many discussions, difficult as it was, about the negative side of war. No one can go through a situation like this and be unchanged for life. It is surely the positives on which we must concentrate. The military does deserve the support of the American public, no matter what political opinions an individual may have, and the media does have the power to influence. Hooray to all soldiers serving in the military, and to those dedicated family members who serve as a support team to those soldiers!
.............. My day begins with a cup of coffee and this website. My son is with the 3rd BCT, 1/12 Inf. A Co. out of Ft. Carson, and his wife is with the 3rd ACR, HHT Headquarters Troop from Ft. Carson.
24) Heard from both my sons in the same day that is the second time that happened, one is 10th Mtn. (Ft. Drum) in Afghanistan and the other is 3/29 FA (Ft. Carson) about 20 miles north of Baghdad. They both sounded great, our son in Afghanistan has an AC tent and our son in Iraq is still with no electricity or running water so they will have a time bragging on who had the worse whenever their paths do cross again. I am proud of my soldier boys for a thousand reasons but right now I am the most proud because they never complain or whine about when are they are coming home. They are serving their country with pride and and a great attitude as I am sure most of the troops are. May God continue to watch over all our troops. Be sure and tape up packages real good when sending them, they evidently go through a lot. My son says my packages I send him arrive in good shape but he needs a chainsaw to get through all the tape!

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