"Don't be dismayed at good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends."
~~Richard Bach
This morning I read that the remains of two missing GI’s who were captured last May have been identified. Mournfully, the families of 25-year old Army Sgt. Alex Jimenez and 19-year old Pvt. Byron W. Fouty were informed on Thursday of the deaths.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families today.
(hat tip to Cathy)
As reported on Stryker Brigade News, King5.com and thenewstribune.com, a laptop containing the personal information of 800-900 soldiers from the 4/2 has been stolen. The theft reportedly happened somewhere between the late hours of July 3 and the early morning hours of July 4 when (presumably from the information I read) a civilian employee of the Army took the laptop home and did NOT secure the truck where the laptop was left. The employee is reported as saying that there was no classified or top secret information on the computer. I understand the difference between classified and top secret information. The information of possibly more than 800 of our soldiers should most certainly be treated as at least highly sensitive. [Read more →]
This was pointed out to me by someone who read my good news thread on another site. If you happen to visit icasualties.org and carefully look at the stats for US deaths based on hostile/non-hostile reasons you will note the following:
We have not had one loss due to hostile reasons since June 26! We are on our 11th day with no combat related deaths! Why isn’t the media celebrating this fact? Why are we not screaming this good news from the roof tops? Well, I have my suspicions, but regardless I want to spread the good news where I can.
11-days without one combat related death!
Good work US and Coalition Forces!
Below is a wonderful article written by our very own Brat. Please take a moment to read, and then get to bidding! :) Have a most blessed Independence Day!
By Ros Prynn
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! July 4th may be a national holiday, but a group who work tirelessly with our heroes is holding a “Celebrity and Collectibles Auction” on EBay.
Operation Life Transformed has a mission, and their mission statement is:
Provide education and resources to our war wounded caregivers and military spouses through private and corporate entities.Increase awareness of the long term needs of these families and Support the caregiver and military spouse as they re-enter the civilian sector.
Ok, so maybe all of that interest in video games and text messaging really does have its vicarious benefits.
The world’s first unit of digitally networked foot soldiers returns from combat in Iraq this week. Reports have it that the American troops’ controversial “Land Warrior” wearable-node technology has changed in both role and configuration during its 15-month baptism of fire. Indications are that the equipment - slated for disposal by army chiefs just last year - has done well enough that it will now live on. [Read more →]
I didn’t realize that it was a 4th BCT soldier who won the new Jeep Liberty from Operation Gratitude! Wow! Congratulations to Spc. Gallagher, and to all of the Dragoon Raider Brigade. A special welcome home to my wonderful son who is a soldier in this Brigade. It’s wonderful to know their colors are uncased and they are home from their mission!
Soldiers from 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, will be welcomed home during a ceremony Tuesday at Fort Lewis, Wash.
The brigade, known as the Dragoon Raider brigade, was deployed from April 2007 through June 2008.
During the ceremony, the brigade will uncase its colors to signify the completion of its deployment and its return to Fort Lewis. Silver Star awards will be presented to several soldiers during the awards portion of the ceremony.
Prior to the ceremony, representatives from Operation Gratitude and Chrysler will present a 2008 Jeep Liberty to Spc. Michael Gallagher, who received the keys to the sport utility vehicle in Operation Gratitude’s 300,000th care package while he was deployed.
Gallagher designed a mural for the SUV to honor fallen soldiers from his unit, and the customized SUV will be unveiled during the presentation.
A private battle made public
Veteran hopes account of war, PTSD struggle helps other troops
By Sean D. Naylor - Staff writer
Posted : Wednesday Jun 25, 2008 12:18:11 EDT(excerpt)
After surviving one of the most vicious firefights in the war in Afghanistan, Capt. Nate Self knew he had to write about it.
Self led a Ranger platoon in a daylong battle on Takur Ghar mountain that claimed the lives of seven U.S. servicemen on March 4, 2002. [Read more →]
I thought you all might enjoy this Sestina written by a military mom. Have a wonderful weekend, and check back for your dose of good news from Iraq. [Read more →]