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

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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) Just wanted to let you know that I heard from my husband last night HHC 1/12 INF Ft Carson CO. He is still up north around Kirkuk, says the heat is tolerable but they have air conditioners that work about half the time. He carries a laptop with him and we have been able to communicate that way..it's a wonderful alternative to letters that take a while. Still write every other day though. He has made friends with an Iraqi boy who comes to the gate often to chat with the guys. They have started a softball league..he has never played and is now getting pretty good he says. Anyhow life is good, he has no major complaints other than the obvious..coming home.
2) My son is with 4th MP Co. in Kirkuk. I received a letter from him this weekend. He told me a little more about his days' routine. He said the days are hot and the mosquitos get more sleep than he does, but he is still upbeat. He thinks he will return to the states next April. He has asked for books and non-junkfood. Poptop cans of soup, etc. were requested. I also recommend new socks and underwear for those who have limited use of water and laundry resources. My husband was in the first Gulf War, and I remember him telling me he got a box with new underwear and cigarettes the day the ground war started. We still laugh about that. Sand can tear up anything given time.
3) Just a little info, my son is getting his packages in lest than two weeks. I send everything priority mail, make sure the postmaster puts those priority stickers all over that box mine does, he is in Tikritt. Hope this helps out. (Ed Note: I've gotten a couple of notes like this recently. It appears that paying the extra to send packages via priority (first class) mail speeds up the delivery over parcel post rates).
4) My son called Aug 11th at around 9:30am. He is in Bayji, Iraq with the 4th Id B-Co. 1-22 In Bn 1st Plt. from Ft. Hood, Texas. He sounded real good and said he was feeling good. They can cook now so he wanted some can chili and gator aide. They went in together and bought a camping stove. He said they were able to get ice now. And it was cooling off to around 90 degrees at night. He said man that was really nice, it felt like winter to them. Bless their hearts I am so glad for the ice and cool nights. He also said that they were getting the phone now ever other Monday... . God Bless All Our Troops and Their Family's.......
5) Received at call about midnight from my son who is with B Co 3/66 AR in Baiji. He sounded well, but tired. Only request was for more Gatorade. Temperatures up to 130 degrees there. These young men and women have such a tremendous amount of physical strength and fortitude. I am just awed by the sacrifices they make daily. He did ask about sending the disposible cameras back to us. I took to the post office a small mailer that has the bubble wrap inside. I had them weigh it for me with a camera inside of it. The postage was $1.52. I was told to put regular postal stamps on it, and it will go through the system just fine.
6) My daughter received an e-mail from my son who is with HHE 180th Trans. Batt. 991st Trans. Co. The e-mail was dated Aug 4th and was the first we have received from him. We have gotten some telephone calls but I have missed the last two from him. The last time I spoke with him was the day before Mother's day. His note was very short (he has never been one for detail) he did say he was leaving Iraq for Kuwait and would be there next week so he will call us then. I hope and pray I will be able to talk to him it seems as though it has been forever. He has gotten our mail and carepackages but I have no idea how long it has taken to get to him.
7) Just a note to let you know that I received 18 photos and a audio tape from my son who is in Al Muqadidayah (A FSC 204 FSB 2-8 INF) which only took two weeks to get here! The mail is improving. One of the photos was of him re-enlisting on July 4th as they cooked steaks! His last round for 20 years. He will be 38 when he retires! What a good plan!
8) Heard from our son (3BCT/1-12) by phone early this morning. The call was interrupted frequently (maybe due to phone overheating), but it was still good to hear his voice even if only for a few minutes. He said things were stabilizing slowly, but there is still a ways to go. Temperatures remain very hot during the day, but cool off some at night. He said that where he is, they have 110-volt power so don't need converters. (Guess it depends on whether the power is generated for military or local consumption.) He had no special requests for items to send. "Just keep sending what you're sending." We've picked up a lot of tips from other postings here and thank everyone for telling us about powdered drink mixes, pillows, pillow cases, battery-operated fans, clothes pins, white socks, running shoes, etc. -- all of which he appreciated.
9) Bob, I'm replying to the lady who was asking about the cloth water bags. The only thing close I can think of is called a Camelback. It's like a backpack. They wear it like a backpack, but it's filled with water. It has a hose attached to it, and they can keep the hose in their mouth to drink. Our unit was given these to take over there, but you can also purchase them at Military Clothing and Sales, thru AAFES. My husband got one before he new they were going to be issued. They run about $30. (Ed Note: You can also buy these at any outdoors or bicycle shop. Not sure if this is what they're talking about or not - think the Army issues these now). ---------------------------
And here's another cloth bag answer - think we're still shooting in the dark and aren't sure what we're talking about: What families are hearing #5: the "cloth water bags" could be something similar to Italian wine skins. I saw some like that just yesterday at Walmart in with the camping gear. These actually looked like leather, but sounds like what she's talking about.
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And yet another answer (got two that gave this answer - and I remember lister bags from my Army days. Lister bags are part of the Army and don't need to be sent from home (or at least they used to be)) - I believe the woman that asked about a "cloth" water bag was talking about a "lister" (not sure of the spelling) bag. They are made of heavy canvas which allows some water to seep through. As the water on the outside evaporates it cools the water in the bag. I went through basic training, for the Women's Army Corp, in Alabama. We had these bags available each time we went into the field for training. They were always hung under a tarp or in the shade. Now the water was never ice cold but certainly cool. I have no idea how they would work in the heat of Iraq.
10) Our son, (HHC/ 3-67 Armor out of Ft. Hood) called at 3:15AM, 8-10. He said that he was so sorry to call so early. I told him we'll take his calls when ever he can make them. It had been at least 4 weeks since he called last. He does e-mail about 3 times a week. He asked for a washboard and a portable DVD player. Where he is now he says the sand isn't so bad to damage the player. He also asked me not to send any more cool ties( I guess everyone has one now). He sounded good and said that he would call again in a few days since he knows where the phone is. God bless all our troops.
11) After not getting mail from my fiance for nearly two months, I'm pleased to say that a second letter has arrived today (8/11/03)... He's with Alpha Troop 1-10 CAV..... He is well, and has gotten the packages I have sent far faster then the post office says it will take. I had to laugh when he asked me to send him his teddy bear... long story.... but it was so cute. I guess he doesn't care if the other guys will pick on him LOL... Anyway he says everything is ok and as always not to worry. He also says to say a big hello and thanks to everyone out there supporting him and all the others there!
12) I heard from my brother on Saturday 8/9. He called at 11 am and let me tell you, it's so great to hear his voice. He is now with HHB/3-29FA. He says that he likes where he is now better. He has recently been promoted to SSG. I am so happy for him because the Army has made him into the better man he is today. We all miss him here and can't wait for his return in April. He says that it's really hot and that he has lost 30 lbs so far. That is good for him because before he left for Iraq he went off on an eating binge.. :-) Of course, he still need those snack and food we send him. I asked him if his squad had been fired upon but he said that they so far had been ok. The battery next to them encountered some fighting. I pray for his safety and hope that all our BRAVE SOLDIERS make it back safe to their loved one's.
13) My husband called me back yesterday afternoon after our call was cut short that morning because the airfield came under attack while we were talking. He is with HSB /3-16 FA in Baqubah. He wanted to let me know he (and everyone else there) was ok, no injuries, just some mortar rounds, no big deal (his words, definitely not mine!) and he said it was HOT there and they still have no A/C except in the DFAC and that wasn't even working since it was so hot outside...... He says he is used to the heat now. It just amazes me that it's unbearably hot, they are being shot at almost daily and he sounds so upbeat. All of this and he still manages to make me laugh! What a guy! He asked for more gatorade and snacks and to keep the letters coming. The rest was just mushy stuff, my favorite part. I was just glad to hear his voice and know that he was safe for another day.
14) I got no sleep last night worrying about my Husband (4th MP Co) and kept thinking if you could will someone to call then that’s what I was doing. he did call at 5:30am. I was so grateful to hear his voice & better yet to find him in a great mood! He said he has dysentary which stinks so I couldn’t understand why the good mood. He got some mail yesterday that’s why! He got them all in about 2-2 1/2 weeks. He received a box from me & 1 from my Mom & a letter from me & 1 from his Mom. He said he was so thankful to hear from us & the boxes were great. He especially loved the towel I got him from a shirt store by the PX. It says "I hate camels & sand!" and is on a metal ring. He said he takes it with him to wipe the sweat of his face while they are out. He hasn’t been eating much in the past few days but couldn’t say thank you enough for the Oreos I had just sent him! He was in Tikrit during the call (he is usually in Balad) & said the reason he hadn't called in a while is because their satelite phone was broken. I told him about Arnold running for governor in CA & he said he already knew from some guys there. The phone had cut off before we could finish the phone call but it was soo great getting to hear his voice.
15) I received 2 letters on Friday from my boyfriend who is with 4th ID A 1-10 Cav and then I got 2 phone calls from him this weekend, 1 Saturday morning and 1 Sunday morning. He says he is doing good, he sounded great! He is just anxious to come home. We didnt talk about anything really going on over there, we mostly just talk about what I am doing over here while he is away and our plans for the future. We only get 10 minutes to talk and the phone usually cuts out 2 or 3 times, but thats okay because at least I can hear his voice.
16) Bob, today when I arrived home from work, I had a thank U letter from My son's 1st SGT. He wrote to let us know the forward aid station & main aid station w/HHC 1/12 3rd BCT 4th ID all enjoyed the 16 boxes of morale goodies my employer & my husband and myself had sent to them. Said the instant tea and jello pudding sticks were the biggest hits. Some however did enjoy the Cigars my husband insisted on sending. He did mention that our son is his mobile aid station driver, and is doing an exceptional job, like everyone else, just as he knew they all would and that he should be very proud, because he surely is. This really touched my heart & brought tears to my eyes. I am an extremely proud AMERICAN MOM. - - - Just another note, my husband has arrived safely to Afganistan from 10th FSB 10th MTN DIV for his 8-possible 12 month rotation assignment. Double dose but I'm hanging in there for my two favorite men(MY SON & MY HUSBAND)because they've got my back. God bless all our troops, everywhere and bring them home safely. (Ed Note: Special accolades go to Kathy with both her husband and son deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq at the same time).
17) I was in the bank drive thru and a lady got out of her car behind me and came to my window and told me she saw the stickers I have on my car.... one is a yellow ribbon with I support the troops and the other is a I love my soldier decal. She had tears in her eyes and she thanked me for the sacrifices that I must make because my husband is deployed and she asked how my husband was and how I was and if I needed anything. It was the most touching experience I have had. I told her thank you so much and that my husband is doing fine. She wanted me to tell my husband when I talked to him next to tell him how grateful she is to him and proud of the job he is doing. I took her hand and thanked her again.. needless to say I cried all the way to work. What a wonderful and caring lady. Just thought I would share this. I don't hear stories of people doing things like that in this huge town (Colorado Springs). So this made my day.

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