This page www.a-1-8.org: /Docs/activeunit/9-12hearing.php last modified on April 12, 2005 10:42 AM
| A-1-8 Chapter of the 4th Infantry Division |
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
Click to Send us your news
What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) I received a letter from my son yesterday and a phone call this am around 0500 (3-29 FA, Charlie BTRY). His letter was very interesting in that he talked about being in charge of the local schools in the 3-29 area of operation. This is about 40 schools. He said he met with most of the principals and they elected a school board of 5 principals. The schools have a lot of problems. They need new desks and books and some the buildings are needing major repairs. My son gets contractors to do work on the schools. There are problems associated with this also which I will not go into here. Anyway it sounds like he is very busy. In his phone call this morning he said they had some problems and had to set up a road block on a major road going to Bagdad. We kept getting cut off; he called back three times and talked a minute or two each time and then would get cut off. On this Sept 11th day it was good to get this call when all our minds are on what happened two years ago. God Bless all our Soldiers and keep them safe.
2) I received a phone call at 1a.m. this morning from my son with C 6/27 FA out of Ft. Sill. He sounded in very good spirits despite the fact their return home was indefinitely delayed (they were scheduled to leave Iraq Sept. 6). The weather is cooling...was expected to be 107 today. They will attend a memorial service today for the Sept. 11, 2001 victims. No big news to tell...just good to hear his laughter on the other end of the line.
3) Had a call from our son this morning in 3-16 FA of 4ID - he was so-o-o- happy. He met with the Army review board on Sept. 10th and was awarded "Soldier of the Month". We are very proud of him for working so hard and always trying to have a good attitude. This award means a lot to him and to us - we all miss him and hope to see him soon.
4) From a soldier in Alpha Co 2-4 Avn of 4ID, via email to his wife: Something neat happened today at dinner. The news was on the TV and they were showing a memorial ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. As a part of the ceremony, the national anthem started playing. Everyone stopped what they were doing, and stood at attention. It was really moving; deep down, regardless of all the other stuff that breaks us down each day, we all still understand what its all about. I guess there
truly is a bond between soldiers, and its the belief in the United States.
5) I heard from my husband today (HHC, 1/68). He was only able to call because I've developed complications w/my pregnancy. I was able to reassure him & tell him that everything's okay for now, which made him breathe a whole lot easier I'm sure. He told me that they're having to go to the phones now, instead of the phone coming to them, so not to expect any calls for a while. We didn't get to talk long, he had to get back before dark, and it was just a quick call to make sure we were both going to be okay. Very glad that he got to call though-it was because of a few people who went above & beyond to get a message to him.
6) I heard from my boyfriend this morning, he's with HHC 1-66 AR in Samarra. He's doing really well and sounded really great over the phone. He was constantly laughing so that was definitely a good sign, I love to hear him laugh. He told me that he got to relax a little and actually have a good time while in Iraq. A friend and my boyfriend got to swim in a pool for a couple of days in which he said he really enjoyed. I was happy to hear that he can have some enjoyable moments while being away. I want to recommend sending an electric stove burner to your soldiers! I sent one to my guy and it's awesome. I can send so many other items of food that he can enjoy and quickly warm up!
7) Got to talk to my husband yesterday (9-10-03) he is with C CO 204 FSC out of Fort Hood sounded in good spirits, just waiting to come home. As he said the count down for him is only 48 days and counting! He is getting ready to get out of the army. Said to keep the drink mixes, and food coming, at least for a couple more weeks. He also got to talk to our son, and he can't believe all of the new things that he is putting together! Our son told him to hurry up and come home, and that is when I about lost it, and I think that he did too. All I can say is God Bless our troops and their families!
8) We received 2 letters from our son (1-67 Armor HHC Baquba). One took 17 days the other 20 days to get here. He is doing good, but fast and furious at times. They have cots now so they aren't on the floor any more. (Sent a foam pad the next day.) Asked for more salty snacks and some CDs. Has seen alot that has been dificult to deal with but also things that make it better. He also enclosed the first newspaper printed in Baquba since the end of the war. (Big Deal Here! he said) I wish I could read it but interesting pictures. God, watch over them all!
9) Bob I was so surprised today. I got a box from my son, 4th ID 1-12th. out of Ft. Carson, CO. He was able to mail something for the first time home while he was on a 24 hour R&R. The box contained 4 cameras and a gift for mom {camels in sand picture}. I was so excited I took those poor battered cameras he had been hauling for months to the local drug store that had a 1 hr photo ..she looked at them and said "my goodness they have been through something?" I said, "if you only knew." One was even broken, so she carefully took it apart and revealed its contents. I was so amazed to see how the people live there, the children were running along side of the
tanks..lugging a box and holding Pepsi's out to our military guys. Some of the pictures were of the pipeline fire. It was hard for us to understand a fire burning under ground. Cots on the roof for cooler sleeping. No tents or frills.
But I will tell you the one thing I did see over and over was a sence of pride on the fine young men's faces as the smiles radiated...yes I am here , I am proud to fight for America's freedom...and for the worlds peace. What a wonderful box my children and I received today.... when I was beginning the day off telling them about the reason we must never forget Sept. 11th, 2001. Thank you for keeping us all connected during this time.
10) Received a call from my husband, B Co 588 Engr in Baqubah, Tuesday. He said he was so tired and that he and a few of his soldiers had a stomach virus but now they are fine. He said to send liquid laundry detergent and that he needed it desperately- so Tide is taking a trip. I also asked him if he kept a journal since he has been there and he said "yes". I also made each of our kids a binder to put letters from Daddy in and any photos we print from the internet of his unit or of him. I also printed digital photos we took the day he deployed and put them so they show through the clear vinyl on the outside. They love it! Anytime they work on the binder they talk about their Dad and how much he is going to love their books. Another idea... I went to Office Max and had a calendar made for him and one for our home. The calendar is made of family photos. I back dated the calendar to start when he deployed (April 03 and ending April 04). It begins with our photos with him the day he left from the Gym on Fort Hood (April 12th) and it ends with photos of our House from the outside and our yellow ribbon on our tree (meaning -hopefully this is the month he will be home). This helps our kids know by looking at the calendar how much longer we have to go before he is home. Maybe this will help other spouses with their kids who are having a hard time missing their parent. Needless to say we are planning on major family time when he returns. We are already planning on our days when he returns. GOD'S SPEED to those who defend our Freedom and sacrifice for our future.
11) Yesterday was a banner day here, my son called at 9:30am and we got to speak
for a few minutes, the phone cut off 3 times. This was our first call since June 14. He is with B Co./3-67 Armor and is now at Camp Hounds. After 5 months of MRE's he is now getting 4 meals a day! They have been on many missions. His spirits are still high although he sounded a little tired. He sleeps in a room with 25 other guys but says it's better than on the ground under a tarp strung between 2 tanks..... His tank got a brand new engine last week, so that is a good thing. I also received a letter from him yesterday thanking us for the many boxes of batteries we shipped. Energizer donated them to me to ship- postage was horrendous but worth it. He said they are now powering long dead CD players and more importantly their night vision goggles! We aso included an Energizer Bunny dressed in desert BDU's which made a hit with everyone to keep them going, and going ... I would suggest all 3-67 Armor families to go to www.Fobhounds.com and look at the Company Galleries. The guys have created this website and last night I found 2 pictures (of my much thinner) son. But it sure was fantastic to see him smiling!
12) Someone today was asking about the underwear product that wicks away moisture from the skin. It is sold under the brand name Under Armour. I'm sure their are on-line sources but I have purchased pieces at Gart Sports and Dicks Sporting Goods in Wichita, KS. My son wears this underwear under his football uniform in hot and cold weather. I sent my nephew in Iraq some Under Armour knee length socks. There is an extensive product line for men & women. They aren't cheap but they are high quality. The socks were around $10.00. Just from memory I'd say Boxer's might be around $25 & tops might be around $40. (Ed Note: If you can't find it, try doing a search on www.google.com - use Under Armour as your search words).
13) To the mom of the 704th soldier in the 9/11 update: I have 2 close friends in that BN and they say it takes about 10 days to get the packages I send. It takes almost 2 weeks to get snail mail from them to me in Arizona. It's nice to hear about other 704th members and know they've probably met each other and are taking care of each other like Bob helps take care of us mentally by doing this update. Thanks Bob and all the family members who share their emails and talks with their soldiers with us!
14) My son is in Tuz, a platoon leader in Charlie Company, 1-68 Armor. I hear from him about every two weeks which is WONDERFUL. Fifteen minutes is never enough time, especially when I'm groggy with sleep when he calls. The next day I remember at least ten questions I wanted to ask. He's doing well, wants to come home, but sees the good he and his fellow soldiers are doing.
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