This page www.a-1-8.org: /Docs/activeunit/9-24hearing.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 word from my son, B CO 299 ENG. BN. early this morning that he would be home on his mid-tour leave sometime between 25th & 27th...I am ecstatic..I must go to the grocery store immediatley and stock up on his favorite foods....I am so happy that he gets to come home and meet his son who was born June 29th, but I also know the goodbye this time will be even harder...I will do a lot of praying between now and then and hope I don't become a blubbering idiot...They never stop being our babies....So, for now my cup runneth over...Pray our soldiers' sight is acute, their aim is true and that as many come home as God can spare.
2) Hi there! The rumors are true...my brother is leaving Iraq within the next week to come home for two weeks! We are soooo excited!
3) I got another letter today from my husband A. Co. 2-8 INF. , My daughter also got one for her birthday! It's a little late but ok since he was able to call her on that day. He is doing fine, homesick but proud. He said they are undermanned, but holding up well....... Keep the letters and packages going to your soldiers, it is easy to become complacent. Many have told me they don't write as often, it's very important that you do!! GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS and GODSPEED!!!!!!!!
4) I heard from my son (223rd Engr Bn-MSNG) Sat. morning at 2:00 am. Like everyone else, it's a great way to be awakened! He had just returned from 2 days of work at Camp Normady. He was doing good, temps have cooled. He wanted to know about local football scores. Each time I hear his voice, my heart swells more and more with pride for that boy! He is such an easy going, take it as it comes guy. I loved the statement a mother quoted a couple of updates ago: "Tears on my pillow and pride in my heart." May God protect all our soldiers! (Ed Note: That's my favorite quote thus far, too...)
5) I heard from my son the past two days in a row. He is with 571st Med Co. out of Fort Carson. He called me mom for the first time today. You make think this is strange, but we did not raise him. We have not seen our 19 year old son since he was a baby. My husband is in 3/16 FA out of Fort Hood. My husband and son are both in Iraq about 100 miles apart, but they did get to see each other for the first time back in April. So I am jealous of course, but my son does call and we write letters to each other. We will see each other in person just as soon as the war is over and they get to come home. I have been waiting for this day for a very long time. I now truly believe in miracles. Most of all I believe the old saying, War can bring people together. Everyday I pray for the safety and speedy return of our soldiers.
6) Call from son, Bravo Co. 14th Eng. Bn. With the Triple Nickel, (out of Fort Lewis), attached to the 4th ID. He was very positive, even joked a bit. Said would be needing his Cold weather boots soon and new socks. Everyone is doing fine. It sure puts you at EASE to hear their voice from time to time.
7) My son called at 1:30am Pacific time this morning. He said, “Hello Mom? I Love You. He kept telling me, “Mom, I’m doing good.” (The phone disconnected 4 times, he called back – then the last time said the phone battery was low)....He is with the 104 MI Battalion – they just sponsored a school – fixing and cleaning it up – getting supplies – got it ready for kids to start school (since bombing) – Guarded to protect the others who worked on the school – and was guarded while he worked on the school......The compound is a palace, North of Tikrit, it is guarded all around, while they are inside they feel secure. The Iraqis can’t see inside the compound – so they are blindly sending mortar fire – haven’t had any lately though. My son was calling me from on top of one of the palace buildings, to get good reception. I was concerned that some sniper could see him. He said no, this building was far inside the compound – so I imagine this palace is Gigantic!..... My son asked me, “Mom when’s the last time I saw you? It’s been so long. But the happy thing is I only have a little over 6 months left to be here!” ... We said “I LOVE YOU” many times! God Bless All Our Soldiers!
8) My fiance is with HHC 1/66 Armor out of Ft. Hood, right now he is in Samara. The article on leave is very good news.... We were questioning whether this news was too good to be true, and now that I know it has been formally approved I am very excited to see him. He says that things are the same in Samara, and is looking forward to the long awaited vacation.
9) I heard from my Fiance' this morning at 4 am. (4th Infantry 2nd brigade
1-67) His Grandma just passed away a couple of weeks ago and the Red Cross
gave him a message. I have been so worried about him but he sounded so good
this morning. We did not get to talk long but he asked for some DVD's. He
told me he loved me and missed me. He made my morning by just hearing his
voice. I am so proud of all our soliders. God Bless, keep up the good work
and come HOME SOON.
10) My husband received a sweet letter from our son over the weekend. (Dad's got a birthday this week, and our soldier remembered it) He's with B-Co, 1/8, 3BCT, Fort Carson. Amongst other things, he stated as tough as this deployment is, he believes we are supposed to be there. "Everything changed that terrible (9/11) day."
.....He said, "I miss you man. ... My heart goes out to the fallen troops that will not be going home alive." Said, "I wish I could drink a beer and play fooseball with my dad." Referred back to their last night with us here, this past Christmas. We had a real special family time. He said, "I pray God puts an end to this one." Amen to that. Now with word of the Brigade having suffered the loss of one of their Commanders, again we all recoil from the pangs. Our prayers are instant and personal for the families. God shelter, hold, and keep them.
11) I received a letter from my son today. He is with A Co. 1/8 3BCT from Ft. Carson. ....He was in Balad on the 28th of August when he wrote us. He said they now have air-conditioning and showers that run all the time. He is so thankful for that. He said to keep the letters and pictures coming. Said he was set for now on supplies. He has such a great sense of humor and is doing fine. I know that he is serving our country with wonderful dedicated men and women. Praise the Lord for our troops helping each other out.
12) Last week I received a letter from my Boyfriend, a member of C/1-44 ADA out of fort Carson. It was on a mini data disk, he had recorded a video message, to me showing me his "room" and telling me that he loved me. This was only my second letter since he left in April, but it was awesome. If your soldier has access to a digital camera and computer, send him/her some data disks. And encourage him/her to send you a video message. This is something that I am sure to treasure for the rest of my life. (Ed Note: I don't have a clue how many of our soldiers have access to that equipment so don't ask).
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