1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Family Letters 2005-2006

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

Family Letters

2005 - 2006

As he did during 1st Battalion's deployment to Iraq in 2003-2004,
Bob Babcock is sending out 4ID updates, and in return,
is receiving mail from families who have heard from their loved ones.

These communications provide us with an idea of what
life is like for our Regulars overseas, and at the same time,
what their families are feeling during this time of separation.

December 2005

I heard from my husband last night (A/1-22 IN). He sounded really good. He said the phones had just come back up in Kuwait
and that the lines to the Internet service are really long. He said if you took your laptop you should be able to get access because they have wireless up.
He has been taking advantage of the gym they have to offer. There are a lot of rumors going around about when they are going in to Iraq
(I don't include rumors on future movements so I left that part out). Over all he sounded great!!

......................

I received a call from my husband (A/1-22 IN) this evening 12/19. He is doing really good. They are still in Kuwait.
I was telling him about the ability to Instant Message on AKO. It is really great and best of all FREE. Those AT&T calling cards are sooo expensive.
In case you don't know it is 23 units per 1 minute used. So basically a 400 minute calling card only really lasts 17 minutes!
Anyway, he said most of the guys are living in a big tent. They are still training for their entry to their FOB. Overall he was still in great spirits.

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December 27, 2005

I heard from my Hubby (A/1-22 IN) today... which made Christmas complete, besides the Infantry Blue Topez earrings that my Santa Soldier left in my stocking. He said that it has been raining there for several days now and that it is a bit cold. But he said that the food is really good.
I also wanted to wish all of the readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May your year go by fast and your Soldier come home safe and sound.
A Proud Infantry Wife and 4th ID Spouse.

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I heard from husband (A/1-22 IN) today on Christmas Day! He called yesterday from a satellite phone so I did not think he would call today.
He said yesterday he would try. He had to stand in line for only an hour today. He was in good spirits. He got to sing Happy Birthday to our son
who turned two today. He said they are still in Kuwait and they were given a great holiday lunch.

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December 28, 2005

I talked to my husband yesterday (12-28). He's in HHC/1-22IN. We had the best phone connection we'd had since he left in early December.
There's usually a bad delay. This time it was like he was in his office a few blocks away! He sounded in good spirits. He had some downtime!
He said they were getting ready to head to Iraq soon. He's even going to try and call again today. What a treat! He can get personal hygiene things at the store but, "you know how I like to shop," he said. So, he still wants me to send shaving cream, razor blazes, q-tips, etc. as well as letters and pictures from home.
He's far far away but, still close to my heart.

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December 29, 2005

My husband is with B/1-22, 4ID. He e-mailed me this morning (12/29) and said they would be heading north into Iraq very soon
and he would call or email as soon as he had a chance once he arrived at camp. He said everyone was ready to move to the FOB for better living conditions. They'll be able to stop living out of their duffel bags. With the rain they have had, everything is either really muddy or really dusty.
Their showers broke a few days ago so many had gone a couple of days without a bath. He joked and said he was glad it was cold there
or there would be a terrible smell in a tent of 87 guys. He was looking forward to the move.

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January 2, 2006

I talked to my husband (HHC/1-22IN) this morning. It was great to hear his voice on New Year's Day. He sounded good.
They've made it to Iraq and are setting up shop at their location. I asked if he was going to get a phone and he said he was more concerned
about making sure his Soldiers are taken care of and command has everything they need to operate effectively.
He said to send chapstick and his baseball glove. Maybe he will have a chance to play some catch!

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January 4, 2006

I heard from my husband tonight (A/1-22 IN). He said the phones had been down because of something that had happened.
He got the message across that they were at there FOB already... He said they were starting their missions today. He said they are eating great!
The whole steak & lobster is true! He said for breakfast they get eggs any way they want. This deployment they are actually allowed in the DFAC.
(Last time they wanted the Infantry guys to leave because they had weapons on them). He said he had not received any of my mail yet
but had received one from his "guardian angel" (a sponser from Support our Troops)...

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January 7, 2006

Well, thanks to today's technology I was able to see my husband today (1-7-06) (A/1-22 IN).
This morning around 6 am I received a message on my phone saying he was IM'ing me.
I woke up got on line and was able to talk to him and see him with web cam. I told him he was too smart for his own good.
He said he is doing good. He blew me kisses and everything. I love technology!!

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January 9, 2006

I talked to my husband yesterday morning (Friday). He's with HHC/1-22 IN. It was great to talk to him. He always seems to call just when I need it the most.
He was in good spirits aside from being a bit tired. He said he was just working through the change over of power from 3ID to 4ID.
I got a letter in mail from him on or around Wednesday. It was post-marked Dec. 29. It got to me fast! I mailed a package to him around the same time but, obviously, it will take longer to get to him. But, he's just waiting patiently for letters from home. He said the battery on his labtop died so,
it's pencil and paper from now on.

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January 13, 2006

I wanted to tell you about what I heard from my husband in 1-22 IN. He is in Camp Falcon. They are still sleeping six to a room until 3ID leaves.
At Falcon things are not so wonderful when it comes to the DFAC or the PX. He said the 7 eleven's back home are nicer and better stocked.. lol
Still long lines for the internet cafe and phones. I have already mailed many boxes of personal items . He said it has been raining lately. Temperature is OK. Through all this he still believes in what he is doing and is excited to be actually getting started soon.

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January 15, 2006

I talked to my husband on Thursday, January 12. He's in HHC/1-22 IN. He and the rest of the staff were working very late. It' was 1am there when he called.
It was a relief to hear from him since it had been over a week. He said they still had work to do but, each of them agreed, it was time to stop working
and call their wives/families. As always, he calls just when I'm low on gas. He hasn't really said much except that he is working a lot and getting little sleep.
He's sharing a room with about six other people. He got the package I sent late December and it only took about two weeks, which is great.
He was very happy to open it. He said one of the greatest things was seeing my crappy handwriting on a letter. It made him laugh and think of home.
War hasn't made him lose his love of making fun of me!

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My husband is in D/1-22 IN at Camp Falcon. Today (Friday) I was able to chat with him online for the very first time! I was able to share pictures with him
of our newborn son, born December 9th. He deployed when the baby was five days old. I have also been getting phone calls from him nearly every day.
When he deployed with 4ID in 2003, communication was not this great. I feel so fortunate to hear from him as often as I do.

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I heard from my husband (A/1-22 IN) tonight 1/14/06 on Yahoo IM. He is at Camp Liberty still and said they are doing okay.
He said they are 30 minutes from the phones and only 5 from the computers and that is why they have not called.
We were able to talk on IM at least 30 minutes. He is working 20 hour days and has been given extra armor to wear.
I told him I was depressed and felt like my heart was breaking (and this is our 2nd deployment... it does not get easier).
He told me I should try being over there.

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January 17, 2006

I talk to my boyfriend (A/1-22 IN) Sunday night and he sounded absolutely exhausted. I guess the guys are working 18-20 hour days
and then going to pass out when they get off. I asked if he'd had a day off in a while and he kinda laughed about that. I guess there's no such thing
as a day off right now. There's a canal by his work and he's contemplating fishing if he ever has enough free time. He also promised not to eat the fish
if he caught any. He said the PX was great. He has all the hygiene items he needs and can get what he needs at the PX.
The showers are cold water only where he is. He also said that at his location they have more baby wipes than they know what to do with...

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January 20, 2006

I heard from my husband (A/1-22 IN) today (Jan 19). I am so excited this is the fifth day in a row! Thank you Yahoo IM!!
He is doing physically pretty good...I am thankful that he is good and that at least they have Internet Cafe's there.

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I am receiving email every day or two from my son in A/1-22 IN. He says they are working 18 hour days, but they had a reprieve and a day off
this last weekend. He was in the motor pool until 1:30 AM the other day and then back up at the crack of dawn. In a recent email
he said their missions have been going well, but not without problems. One recent mission, a vehicle had a tire blowout so the whole convoy had to stop
until it was fixed and then when they started up, a different one broke down. He was very relieved that they "got out of it after about an hour of repair time,
without firing a shot." When I talked to him several days later he said they were right in the middle of town when all this happened.
Maybe conditions are improving... He called me at 9 AM their time, 2 AM my time, and he was a regular chatterbox...
They are still having to travel in at least 2's and on Sundays, it looks like few want to go to church, so he didn't get to go this last week.
I encouraged him to encourage others to go, it cannot hurt. I hope that some of you reading this will encourage your men to frequent a church on Sunday,
if you so desire. Ask them to pray for you or their parents if nothing else.

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January 23, 2006

Heard from our son in C/1-22 IN this morning (Jan 21) -- They were up all night moving their tanks to their new location at FOB Striker
outside of Baghdad airport. He sounded good and says he is actually gaining weight. His platoon all sleeps together in a 20 man tent on cots.
Says they are going to try to build some partition to give them some privacy.
Says really doesn't need anything as he has access to just about anything he wants.

......................

My husband is in A/1-22 IN, and is currently serving his second term overseas. I hear from him on a daily basis,
where he has given me daily updates about him and the other men that he is proudly serving with. The PX has everything that is needed.
Chow hall has been great, with unlimited coca-cola! The showers are still cold, but running water has been a blessing.
He has stated to me that the atmosphere is very different than last tour, and morale seems to be high for the most part.
The Soldiers have better technology and ways of keeping in contact with their loved ones. Keep the letters and pictures from home coming,
as this is a big help. He really enjoyed the home baked cookies that I made for him, and they arrived still soft...thank you food saver!
As long as you keep God in your heart, and your family in your visions, this deployment period will go by smoothly! Come home safe Gator Family!

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January 27, 2006

(HHC/1-22IN) I wish I could tell you I'd spoken with my husband but, I haven't in about six days. I have gotten a few emails from him though.
Nothing too specific; he's just briefing a lot and trying to find shut eye here and there. I talked with a friend of mine whose husband was deployed
with 1st Calvary and a few things she sent him (that he really liked) were: individually packaged Goldfish crackers
(I'm going to buy one container and divide them up myself; it's probably cheaper), Vienna sausage, and she made Rice Crispy treats
with a lot of extra butter so they would stay moist. He said that stuff helped him through his in between meal hunger.
I'm also going to send my husband a load of Power Bars. He said he's been missing breakfast a lot and it's more difficult to make it to lunch these days.

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January 30, 2006

My Son, 1-22 IN, 4ID, is saying that mail is getting there in 2 to 7 days and packages properly addressed are getting there in 7 to 10 days.
He called Thursday AM our time and said the dinner was great and that he had figured out how to get the digital camera working to send pictures home.
Some of the guys are trying to get an internet line into the trailer - they are in at Camp Liberty. I told him about wi-fi and sharing.
He is still looking for someone to share going to church with at Camp Liberty.

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February 3, 2006

After about a week of no word from my husband (HHC/1-22IN) I got an email! I love seeing his name in my 'inbox'.
It was a much needed email. He only said a few words but, they were plenty. I can tell by what he writes, he's very tired.
He said when he does get 30 minutes to himself, he uses them to sleep.

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February 6, 2006

Finally; a call from my hubby yesterday (HHC/1-22 IN)! It was great to talk to him. He said they had been moving around
and it was really hard for him to use a phone. He also said the Internet was really slow, "For every email I've sent you I've probably written two."
He received a few packages I'd sent him a few weeks ago, but there are three more on the way and he said the mail has been a bit backed up
for the past few days. I'm excited for him to get his pillow already! It was near midnight when he called and he was very sleepy.
We talked a lot about his R&R and our excitement for June to arrive. He said all he needed to hear was, "I love you."

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I received a phone call from my husband today Feb.5th (A/1-22 IN).
We were only able to talk about 15 minutes before the phone system went down. But, I am thankful for any amount of time.
He is doing good. I asked him if he got any days off because I heard they were giving them one day off a week.
He laughed and said he was Infantry and there is no such thing (HOOAH!). He said the DFAC's were having Super Bowl parties
and he was not going to attend because he was gonna use the time to sleep. Other than that he is doing great!

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February 8, 2006

My husband is with D/1-22 IN and he said for the past few days it's been raining buckets, causing mud everywhere.
Dust is everywhere in his room from all the mud drying off making it very miserable. Other than that he said things are going really well.

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My husband, B/1-22 IN, 4ID, calls nearly every day. He has finally gotten a room there on Camp Falcon.
He was very surprised to learn that he had a room, and all to himself no less... They have been working 18 hours on and 12 hours off with no days off.
He is settling in with a routine, well at least as much as possible. His mail and boxes are all getting to him
and he is happy to have some other items to eat other than MRE's while they are on patrol.
He was excited to tell me he put the sheets I sent him on a real bed, not a cot.
He not a young man any more and his bad back will be grateful for a bed now.

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February 12, 2006

My husband is with HHC/1-22 IN attached to a brigade of the 101st Airborne. I hear from him about every 7-10 days.
Usually he is very tired. In his last phone call, he mentioned that they have been doing many road patrols in convoys.
Working 18 hour shifts and having to do clean up and preparation hasn't left them with much time for sleep.
All in all, he is holding up pretty well. He and his buddies spend what time they have eating all the goodies that I bake for them.
He did mention that R&R will start as early as February and so he will be home for some relaxation soon.

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My fiance' is part of HHC/1-22 IN and is deployed over there. He doesn't like to talk about what's going on there when he calls.
He wants to talk about home, and daily life here. He sounds sad sometimes. And apologizes for "leaving me" to go there.
You see, he didn't have to go to Iraq. He'd originally been set to move and be stationed in Hawaii.
But, because of his dedication to his Soldiers and not wanting them to go to war without him, he chose to go back to Iraq for his 2nd time.
I just let him know I'm proud of him for making that kind of choice. I encourage him and send lots of letters, emails,
and care packages to always let him know he's thought of and missed greatly.

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February 13, 2006

I spoke with my husband yesterday (Saturday) (HHC/1-22 IN). At first, he wasn't in the mood for talking.
He was very tired, but, after a little teeth pulling, I could hear him smiling. He didn't want to talk about work, like most Soldiers.
Instead, he wanted to talk about kids. We don't even have any yet! He's very excited to get started, and said we have to start looking for names.
He's pushing a name I don't like, and I'm doing the same. He'll come around. It was a relief to talk to him since it had been eight days.
He said the days are moving quickly for him and I'm thankful. The only good thing about not talking to him more often is I look forward
to every week rather than every day, and the weeks seems to go by faster. We always have something to talk about.

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February 15, 2006

VALENTINES DAY! I heard from my hubby (C/1-22 IN) tonight! He sounded pretty good!
He sent me roses from the internet and a few other things I probably shouldn't share (wink!)
Valentine Day seemed a little lonely until the package of goodies showed up at the door.
I sent his a while back and let's say the note "wait until Valentines Day" didn't stop him from tearing into it right away...
premature but I am sure worth it to him! Even though quite lengthy,
I feel that this deployment has strengthened our relationship on a different level from which I can't explain.
I feel it is a GOD instance! He and I have a lot of love from Church family, friends and organizations so that in itself helps.
When he called tonight he was just back from a mission and needed to shower and called me before heading back out to continue the mission.
He was up and ready to go again and said he is focusing on helping this country and that is what drives him
when he sees the people and knows it is for a great cause. He is a go getter and always has been.
That is why I truly know that he will come home safely. I love him so and wanted to share this special day with you and the other wives!
There are angels watching over our men! I am proud of my husband. HOOAH!

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February 20, 2006

I talked to my husband (HHC/1-22 IN) yesterday (Sunday) for about two minutes. I was in the airport and my phone died.
But, he sounded okay and seemed to be doing well. In an email he wrote he said he was in the Dining Facility
when the LTC asked him what he was doing around 2100. He said nothing. He thought he was about to go on patrol.
Instead, the LTC told him to get his shorts and sneakers and meet him at the court for a little basketball.
He said they played seven games against another unit and won six. He said he was sore, but it was nice to do something other than brief and fix radios.
I wish I had more to report, but word from my husband has been scarce lately.

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February 24, 2006

This morning (Wednesday) while sitting at my computer at work I got an IM popup that said,
"Hello mom, don't you have anything better to do than sit in front of the computer?" What a happy surprise!!!
My son (1-22 IN, 4ID) was able to get a few minutes on the internet and we were able to IM each other for about 15-20 minutes
before something came up and he was called away. He's been in constant contact with my daughter in law and two year old grandson but,
this is the first time I've heard from him since the deployment on Dec 13th.   He's stationed in Baghdad for awhile.
He says he's fine. Likes what he's doing at the moment and that he's been getting the cards, letters and all the 'cool' packages from everyone but,
not much time for letter writing.    I told him everyone sends their love and prayers and he said
"That's good, cause I would say I know they've been working'. Needless to say this mom is on cloud nine today.

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March 13, 2006

.......got a call from our son on Saturday (Scouts HHC/1-22 IN, Camp Falcon ).
We were thrilled because it is the first time in over a month we’ve linked up. He sounded tired but said he’s doing fine.
The main thing he wanted to talk about is how WE are doing, because his grandfather passed away two weeks ago.
His platoon is going out for a week at a time on both foot and mounted patrols and sometimes manning Observation Posts.
Then they are back in camp for a day before going out again, which is why he has not had many opportunities to call.
He said the only casualty they’ve had is one Soldier who was riding in the back of a Bradley and hurt his back when they hit a pothole.
He has been getting our packages and letters... It was great to hear his voice; made the day very special for his Mom and his little sister.

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March 15, 2006

My husband is in 1-22 IN. He just returned to Iraq on Saturday from his two week R&R.
These past two weeks went by so fast, but I will cherish the time we had. Our two year old daughter was so happy to have her daddy home,
and he also had the chance to bond with our new baby boy, now three months old. This is his second tour in Iraq and it still doesn't get any easier.
I also wanted to let everyone know how impressed I was with the USO in the Dallas airport.
They were so kind to all of the family members, provided free food and drinks, and even a play area for little ones.
We were able to go all the way to the terminal gate and actually watch the guys get on the plane and see it take off (like it was before 9/11).
It was very comforting being able to do that instead of saying goodbye at the security checkpoint.

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March 20, 2006

My son, HHC/1-22 IN is coming home sooner then later. He should be home sometime in April instead of May.
I love hearing from him because his sense of humor has not diminished since his deployment in December.
He has been writing aunts, uncles and finally his parents, claiming things are going well and amongst his buddies his room has become "THE SPOT".
He has Internet and a dart board. God bless these young men and woman.....
I will always pray for our son's safety along with all the men and woman fighting for our nation
and the freedom for the Iraqi people and the entire world.

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March 22, 2006

I read your updates each week and see that you aren't receiving much from my husband's unit - B/1-22 IN, 4th ID.
I talk to him about twice a week. It sounds like they have better living conditions now that they are back at Falcon FOB,
better than the patrol base anyway. He was scheduled to leave Iraq on his way to GA for R&R yesterday,
but I was given the bad news last Thursday that his leave had been postponed indefinitely. That's not what we wanted to hear...
but that's the way it is sometimes. I guess they need him more there right now. Our six year old is not taking the separation very well.
Thank you for the information in recent updates on children's books. Hopefully they will help him with dealing with the deployment.
Although we miss him very much, I know he's doing what needs to be done to help keep his guys safe... so they can all come home.
Life of a military family is not easy, but we wouldn't give it up for anything!
Everyone should keep our Soldiers in their thoughts and prayers and be thankful for them all.

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March 27, 2006

I talked to my husband yesterday, 3/25, for about 20 minutes. He's with HHC/1-22 IN.
It seems he and 'the guys' and the few 'gals' are keeping their spirit of humor. He made me laugh so hard I spit out Orange Juice all over the floor!
He got my Easter basket and loves everything, especially the water guns. I wonder if he's going to bug his roommate at night
with a squirt in the face every now and then... poor guy! He's still able to play basketball and work out fairly often.
He said he's getting into great shape since he's not eating hot wings every Sunday. So, I got that goin' for me!
I thought I'd share what my husband usually asks me to send him... new music. He says he feels like a geek
because he doesn't know the latest band or country group. He doesn't really say a whole lot about what they do every day or where he goes,
but he promises he's as careful as everyone can be in their situation. I also talked to him on AKO IM the other night.
I could see him and hear his voice in every word he typed. He sent several cards in the last couple weeks.
I loved getting something from him that he had touched, and seeing his hand writing. It works the same way over here...
Soldiers live for mail call, and I live for checking the mail! It's so great to get something other than bills, credit card applications and other various junk.

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March 29, 2006

We heard from our Son, HHC 1-22 IN. He should be home for his leave on April 2nd.
That should take him close to Easter before he must head back. His car has been completely detailed and is ready for his return.
We have rented the local Fire House and have a great party planned for him. I can not believe all the people who want to see
or hear from him when he gets home. I'm employed with the county sheriff and my son has been here many times
and all the guys (retired veterans) want to see him also. I can't wait to hear the banter between the retired Marines and my Son.
That's always good for a few laughs. I'm sure it will be a fantastic two weeks and will enjoy every day with him.

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April 3, 2006

My husband is with A/1-22 IN and left December 13, 2005 on his third year long deployment since 2002. He didn't take R&R the first go around.
So when he told me he was taking it this go around I became sneaky. We decided not to tell his family he was coming home.
His date to come home was March 20th. So I planned a family BBQ at my house for March 25th. When his family got here he was hiding in our bedroom.
I told all his family to sit on the couch so I could take a picture of them and email it to my husband. (This way I could get their reaction on camera).
I had them sit, got the camera ready and counted to three. And at that time my husband popped out of the bedroom.
Needless to say I captured their reactions perfectly. It was PRICELESS!!! All in all, it was a good day for all of us. His family was so excited to see him.
He is due to go back on Wednesday. But we all know he's doing his job and that is something he loves doing and takes a lot of pride in doing it.
...Proud Army Wife...HOOAH!!!!!!

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Our son is deployed with E FSC 1/22 IN 4ID in Iraq. He requested R & R for early April. In the meantime our son’s best friend,
also a Soldier who soon will be deployed to Iraq, was planning a trip home from Fort Hood during his pre-deployment Block Leave,
scheduled for early March. To help with driving and take advantage of an opportunity to visit home for the first time in eight months,
our son’s wife and children planned to accompany him on this trip. Imagine our stunned surprise when we learned the Army had modified the dates
of our son’s R & R to exactly coincide with the Block Leave/Road Trip already planned. His wife and I conspired to keep our son’s visit home a secret.
It was really hard, but I managed to make it without spilling the beans to my husband.

The van with Texas plates finally pulled into our driveway and the weary travelers all tumbled out and hurried inside to greet those waiting.
It was really noisy and emotional because a lot of folks hadn’t seen each other in more than a year. A couple of minutes later
there was another knock on the door. Knowing who was on the other side of the door, I sent my husband to answer it.
Everyone stopped talking and turned to watch my husband open the door. There was our son, grinning from ear to ear. "Hi, Dad," he said.
My husband was so stunned that he didn’t move or say anything for several seconds. Then it was, "what are you doing here?"
as he began to check our son over, at first afraid something untoward had initiated the visit home. When he realized everything was fine,
he hugged our son and then there were hugs and kisses all around. We all enjoyed the first of several meals together during the 10 days they were home.
Our house became the central gathering point for friends and family. At times we served dinner to as many as 20 people.

Over the course of the two weeks we made hundreds of new memories and took at least that many pictures. Our son didn’t talk much about Iraq
and we didn’t ask a lot of questions. We just enjoyed his company and, sometimes when he was sleeping in the other room,
friends and family enjoyed each others company. While it was crowded, noisy, and chaotic in our house for the entire time they were home,
we wouldn’t trade those moments for anything. Our son’s deployment to Iraq has brought our entire extended family and friends much closer
through the common cause of praying not only for his safety but the ultimate safe return home of all our Soldiers.

......................

Wanted to drop a line to let you know I picked up my son, HHC/1-22 IN who caught an earlier flight out of Atlanta Saturday. He looks great.
For every parent out there, the words I was longing to hear was that he firmly believes in his mission in Iraq.
He talked about how his unit is helping to repair roads, buildings and especially schools. There just isn't enough press about these types of improvements
our armed forces are doing. So it will be two weeks of visiting family, a party for his mid-tour leave so everyone can spend a few hours with him at one place.
Now I hope he doesn't completely deplete his bank account, because he hasn't stopped spending money since Saturday, lol.

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April 5, 2006

It's amazing all the R&R stories today (Monday) are from 1-22 IN. I cried reading each of them. I'd love to surprise my husband's family.
I just can't wait to see him myself. I talked with him on Friday and we had a great conversation... our only argument ever is that I won't shut up
and those 15 or 20 minutes fly. I wish I could pause time so we could talk longer. Although, pausing time wouldn't do much
for getting all our guys and gals home sooner! He sounded so great; I could picture his face on the other end laughing
as we shared our never-ending inside jokes. I still don't know much about what he does day to day; he only tells me small bits,
but I think he likes it that way. He's afraid I'll worry too much. I do anyway; how can we not, eh? He tells me that when someone thanks him for his service
he's very appreciative. He says, "Part of being a Soldier, Marine, Sailor or Airman/woman is the 'selfless' service of it all.
I do it because I'm thankful I'm an American. I know what made us free and I intend to help keep us that way.
I don't serve my country for glory or gratitude from others; I do it because my country serves me, and because it's my honor to provide for my fellow citizens.
I don't need to be thanked, but I do love it; it's an added bonus."

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April 14, 2006

I mentioned that I would write mid-way through my son's mid-tour leave. He arrived home on Saturday April 1.
He looked great and sounded even better. Although only in Iraq since December, I saw no change in him from his last visit home for Thanksgiving.
As I mentioned we planned a party at the local firehouse for him. My wife and I arrived a couple of hours early to set everything up.
While I was helping out, the Fire Chief for that house came to me and said that all the fireman voted and decided to let us have the firehouse for free,
because our son was a U.S. Army Soldier and was protecting our freedom. You can imagine how are hearts swelled.
To have hero's honor hero's is too much for words. The next person was the caterer who said he and his wife were splitting the cost for the food,
because they wanted to honor our Son also. Certainly these gestures saved me money but it goes way beyond the savings.
It was very emotional to say the least. Our Son had a great time visiting with all the people who arrived - fifty family and friends.
I have been shooting pool, darts and next is the golf links, (my passion). He is scheduled to head back to Iraq (FOB Falcon) on Monday April 17th
and rejoin the 1-22 IN.

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April 17, 2006

HHC/1-22 IN. I saw my husband on VTC on Friday night. It was so great! It was hard to talk in between listening to my voice being delayed
and the playing of "TAPS", but I could see his face so clearly. His smile is still big and his eyes are still bright.
It had been two weeks since I talked to him or heard his voice. I heard him talking before I went into the room and I got so excited.
I could barely contain myself. It was so great for his morale and the morale of the other wives and Soldiers who get to see each other
through the glorious Internet. What an invention! I talked with him on the phone yesterday, and all he could say was how beautiful I was
and how much he missed the simple things, such as holding my hand and stroking my face. He was in a great mood, which made me very happy.
Hooray for our FRGs, Rear D commander/NCOIC, all the guys and gals at Division, and all the guys and gals on the distant end
that made the VTC happen... it meant the world to many.

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April 24, 2006

My husband just called (Friday) ( B 1-22 IN ), and told me they are all doing good! Their morale is pretty good...
at least that is what my husband says... can't speak for all of them! Just tired and worn out! He says it is getting very hot inside their Bradleys
already and he is dreading the summer, when they get even hotter! He is missing us all a lot and hopes he will be able to come home
on R&R very, very soon! It is just soo much fun talking about what we will be doing during that time and planning it all! ;o)
We have no idea when he will come home yet, so, we are just sitting and waiting until we find out the date so we can start crossing off those days
off the calendar! Hopefully it will be during our boys' summer break! It will give him two weeks of A/C and out of that hot, hot Bradley! ;o)

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My son ( A Co, 1-22 IN ) and I instant messaged each other today (Friday) for a good hour. He's says they have all been sick
what with the change in weather but, that he's well and doing fine now. He's not sure when he'll be getting R&R.
He wants to make sure all his guys get theirs before he does. That's just like him - thinking of everyone else first.
He couldn't go into any details but said they were really, really busy. He's getting all the letters/packages from everyone
and says to 'thank you very much' and he 'sends his love'. Even though the day started out bad what with all the storms going through our area
(Central TX) last night and lightning hitting right outside my house at 3:00 am this morning and having to dress in the dark
to get ready for work due to no electricity - I'd say that hearing from my son ended up making this a pretty terrific day!!!!

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I usually hear from my husband about every day, I have been lucky so far. He is with ( B/1-22 IN ).
He is doing good, lately he's been tired, he hasn't had much sleep. He is ready to come home for leave which will be in about two months.
I would much rather him come home for good but, unfortunately that will be a while. I am very excited for leave, I miss him like crazy.
He is also reenlisting for six years, so that is next. I can't wait until I can give you an R&R report! ... I am making a book with every single update
I have received for when he comes home. I actually am going to have two big books full of updates! I know he will love reading them.

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May 1, 2006

Talked with our son (1-22 IN) last night – he sounded upbeat. His platoon recently had the opportunity to hold a re-enlistment ceremony,
and it sounded like one of the highlights of the day was having the chance to relax for a couple of hours in a swimming pool in the Green Zone.
He said that was the cleanest he’s been since they left TX in December! We’re all counting the days to R and R in mid May.

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May 8, 2006

How terrible for a man to lose his wife and child while away at war. I feel almost guilty telling you how good my husband is feeling these days.
I worry so much about him, all the time. Sometimes I forget, when I drift off while driving, he's got something to lose also.
I haven't heard much from him lately. (HHC/1-22IN). He's been super busy... He's doing well. He's looking forward to R&R sometime in late July
or early August. For now, just to remind him of home, I got him a Superman pillowcase. We'll see if he'll actually uses it.

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I am the lucky one this time around and I hear from my husband (A/1-22 IN) pretty much on a daily basis. We talk on the phone,
on Yahoo IM and we get to make calls and see each other over the Internet. It has been so wonderful. The first time they went over
I was lucky to get a phone call once or twice a month. The reason for this email is because last time we were pretty new to the military
and I paid for all his care packages that were sent. This time I am wiser and I signed my husband up for free care packages through:

http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/AmericaSupportsYou/send_packages.html

I know a lot of wives and family members are still spending lots of money on care packages when you don't have to.
There are millions of people who support our troops and are happy to send them what they need.
On this site you can find plenty of places to sign your trooper up to receive care packages and they usually get their first one within a week!
My husband gets over 10 packages a week with all kinds of stuff from toothbrushes to socks and snacks!
I encourage all family members to sign their hero up!

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May 10, 2006

I just got today's update and I read the part about the letter from the dad of a 12 year old. It made me cry when I read it. That is so true.
Many of the Americans don't understand what our Soldiers are there for. They don't understand that without them we would not have the freedom
and all of the nice things we have today. I can say that I am so proud to be an Army wife. HOOAH! All of these men and women are so brave
and when I think about them, tears begin to stream down my face. I have three stickers on my car and a support our troops 4th ID magnet on my car.
I try to do everything and anything I can for my husband and all the other Soldiers. I have so much pride for our country and for our American Soldiers.
You wouldn't believe how many military shirts I have and I have ordered all 10 of them off of Tstogo.com. I am a very supportive wife! (B-1/22 IN)

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May 19, 2006

I saw my husband on Tuesday at a VTC (HHC/1-22 IN). He looked so happy to see me.
It's weird when you see each other on huge TV's with poor sound and a bad delay... all there is to do is make faces at each other.
Which, I miss, and is fun. We are still hoping to hear about R&R soon. I'm assured every time I ask that he won't know until about a week prior...
but, I assure him I will continue to ask in case he forgot. He promises he'll get an R&R. So, I guess I just have to wait! He's worth it.

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May 22, 2006

My son is in A/1-22 IN and has had good days and bad days but I know he loves what he does. When he calls or e-mails,
he really just wants to hear about us. He says he has gotten so many packages he has lost count. He also received two big boxes
filled with cards and letters in it from three school classes in Pennsylvania. He was so excited! He told me when he left that he was not afraid to die
because he believed in what he was doing and he knew he was going to Heaven. I added his name to a daily e-mail called Adopt a Soldier.
The e-mail address is Adoptasoldier2@cs.com. It sends daily e-mails of reassurance of God's love and how special they are.
It has been such a source of comfort for me and I know it will be for my son.

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I'm a wife from HHC/1-22 IN. I liked what you wrote Friday in your update. It's funny how reading what you wrote home to your wife in 1967
could have been written by a number of Soldiers in a number of different wars. I am feeling that six month itch... I try hard not to think about it...
it's good to find distractions. I've contacted the local USO, and they are going to let me know what I can do to help.
Our company gets funds for every hour of volunteer work, and I get the satisfaction of helping Soldiers and their families! It's a double BONUS!
Also, the day my hubby comes in for R&R, I plan on picking him up in Dallas. Hopefully, I can get there early and help other USO volunteers
in welcoming Soldiers home. I sure hope he shows up in his uniform (he will, they all travel in uniform).
I do miss seeing him off each morning in the drive way... and how honorable he looks.
He takes great pride and walks differently when he's wearing his uniform.
I also can't wait to see him in swim trunks, how we normally spend our summer free time!

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May 29, 2006

Memorial Day is the official day for us to honor all members of the military, past and present, for their contributions and their sacrifices.
I believe we should give thanks each and every day - each and every hour - 24/7. If you would be so kind as to pass on through your resources
to the men and women serving our country my most sincere thanks and appreciation for all they do. I will be emailing my Soldier the same sentiment
to him and his fellow Soldiers - they are currently serving in Iraq - 4ID, 1st Brigade,1-22 INF, A-Co 1st Platoon.
Thanks for all our every day activities that are possible due to the efforts of the Armed Forces -
many times these events and pleasures go unappreciated. HOOAH.

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May 31, 2006

I just returned from the Atlanta airport this evening. I had to say good-bye once again to my husband as he returned to Iraq
from R&R on this Memorial Day. The USO and the people at the airport were wonderful. My husband was in 1st PLT/B/1-22 IN
when he came home and is returning as the 1SG of A1-22 IN. I'm glad to know his new job will be a little less intense than before,
but he's going to miss his guys. He told me today he was sorry I had to spend my birthday sitting in the airport,
but I would not have been any other place but by his side today. He's not just my husband, he's my hero, my best friend,
my hunting buddy and a wonderful father to our sons. The past two weeks were priceless. We grilled out with family and friends,
played in the pool with the boys and took them to the lake for four days fishing. Saying good-bye doesn't get any easier,
but at least this time it's only six months instead of a year.

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June 12, 2006

After two weeks, I finally got a call today (Friday) from my husband (HHC/1-22 IN)! I've never been so happy to see a random number on the caller ID.
We talked for about 35 minutes about his R&R. It should be coming up in July; it keeps changing. He said he's really enjoying work right now.
He's doing something a little different since he moved to a new FOB. He does have to go back to the old grind soon, and he knows they need him there too.
He says he can't believe how quickly six months has gone by. He just hopes the next month will also, the quicker the better.

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June 26, 2006

We just took my husband back to GRK (Killeen Airport) to go back to Iraq after his two week R&R.
He is with B/1-22 IN, which just moved to their new location while he was here in the states.
Our four daughters and I enjoyed him being home so much. It is hard to send them back, but it was nice while it lasted.

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July 7, 2006

When I tell someone that my son (A/1-22 IN, 1BCT) is in the Army, in Iraq, and they respond, "Oh, I'm sorry."
My immediate reaction is to tell them, "Don't be sorry for me or my son. He is there because he believes in freedom."
And then I remind them that if they greet a Soldier who has just arrived home from Iraq, they should shake their hand,
pat them on the back and thank them for doing a very hard and dangerous job.

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July 12, 2006

The article in the 7/10 addition about Jeremiah Santos, he was a dear friend of my sons. It was a great honor to meet this young man as well.
Jeremiah came over a couple of days before his deployment to visit with us, as well as many other times to hang out with us.
He was an awesome young man and a wonderful brave Soldier. My heart goes out to his family. He will be missed so very much.
The Santos family will be in our prayers. SPC Santos will never be forgotten for his bravery and serving our country.
We need to keep all our Soldiers in our prayers. My husband is serving our country in Iraq with A/1-22 IN, 4ID.
May GOD bless each one of them.

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July 20, 2006

We are enjoying some wonderful quality time with my son (1-22 IN, 4th ID) who is home for his two weeks R & R.
He looks marvelous and it's been so wonderful to be able to be with him. It's been a joy to watch my son and two year old grandson
get reacquainted. They're like two peas in a pod. It's hard to believe that one week has passed and that he'll be heading back to Iraq
in just another short week. We will enjoy what time we have left and pray the time passes quickly so our Soldiers can all come home for good.

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August 9, 2006

An R&R story for you from a wife of a HHC/1-22 IN Soldier... I picked up my husband from DFW about 17 days ago now.
It was so exciting. The plane was delayed several hours, but I didn't care. I sat and waited at the International Arrivals gate anyway,
where was I going to go in Dallas anyway? ha. When we received word that the plane had landed, everyone waiting lined up to greet all the Soldiers.
It felt like an eternity until they started walking through the door. There was a cheer leader next to me. She was wearing red, white, and blue,
and carried her pom poms. I snapped a picture of her. Then, I began recording. I recorded all the Soldiers being welcomed home.
The video is VERY long, 15 minutes, it seemed like my husband would never walk through those doors.
Then, as the last Soldiers made their way through the gates, here came my husband. The video drops off at the end,
and all one can hear is crying and see black. We were outta there in two minutes, and off to put the war behind us (for the time being).
So, we made the three hour drive home, and never stopped talking. We got home, and our little dog went crazy to finally see Daddy again.
Over the next few days we hung out at home (which he loved), watched some movies, grilled (which he also loved).
We floated the Guadelupe River. Then, we went off to the east to visit his family, but first spent a few days at the ocean, soaking in the rays.
It was great to just relax with him, and not worry where my cell phone is every moment or that the battery died. I didn't care!
We then went to visit his family. We had family cookouts, played Cranium (family favorite board game), and went to a MLB game.
That was exciting! We did so much while we were out east that when we got home it was relaxing that was on our minds.
We made the last few days last as long as possible. We drove to Dallas on Saturday, and sat around for several hours
while waiting to say "goodbye". The same cheer leader was there, but she didn't have her pom poms. All the USO people are very sweet,
and I thank them for all the wonderful cheer they bring to homecomings, and the comfort they offer when we all have to say goodbye again.
It's true, the second goodbye is far harder than the first. We had a great time together, and the time we have to spend apart
is shorter than the first time. I just can't wait to welcome them all home again soon!

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September 3, 2006

My husband is in HHC, 1-22IN. After reaing about the "3 C's", I'm trying to plan a surprise welcome home for my husband.
I mean, well, he's not going to be surprised he's home!!! But, I'm hoping to get his parents and siblings down.
Even though I want him to myself, I have the rest of my life for that... I spoke with him yesterday after two weeks of no phone calls.
He was sleepy, and tired, but happy to talk to me. We only talked for a few moments. They are very busy, and he expects it to remain so until they redeploy. But, it makes time pass more quickly. I always ask him for new news to tell his family, and he says, "Honey, it's Groundhog Day here, everyday!"

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September 13, 2006

I hear from my husband often. He is with B/1-22 IN. He never mentions what happens over there, just that he is busy with missions.
He talks to our son every now and again. It is so sweet to see our little boy, almost a year old, smile when he hears daddy's voice.
I can't wait for him to return home.

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September 28, 2006

My Son is a Spc.with HHC/1-22 IN. Time is winding down for most of our Soldiers in Iraq, thank God.
Humor plays such an important role in life and I constantly look for that in our son's e-mails.
Lately he has been writing with that sense of humor I've been looking for which indicates to me
that he is looking forward to coming home. I try to remind him to stay focused on his mission
and not lose sight by thinking about re-deployment. I asked if he was promoted recently to Sergeant because I get a distinct feeling
judging from the orders I've been receiving from him that he was. He definitely seems more organized then ever.
He has requested that his Mother and I drive his car back from N.J. to Ft. Hood for his arrival and to have all his civilian clothes,
sneakers and shoes with us. We gladly accept that order, as I wrote back. My wife and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I also get to meet the lovely wife of a Captain who our son has served with this past year. I met this great woman through your updates
and with your help was introduced to her. We have e-mailed each other for the past six or seven months now
and she has also been a great help and inspiration to us. I'm sure she is reading this and knows who she is, thanks V.

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October 23, 2006

HHC/1-22 IN - Due to the high number of casualties my husband's unit has suffered in the past 40 days, he has thrown himself into work.
He is doing his best to stay on top of himself as well as his Soldier' as much as possible. He is excited to get home,
but is doing his best to stay focused. The phones have been down, so I haven't heard from him as much on the phone lately...
but his emails are full of "I miss you" and "I love you". My heart is with all the families of the Soldier's who have passed.

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October 25, 2006

A 4ID Father Remembers R&R

Mr. Babcock,

The history you are documenting is invaluable to our country. Your words, concerns and integrity are the best.
The same thing can be said about the rear and the FRG’s. I want to simply say THANKS to all and share some experiences and thoughts.
I have been following the 4ID in the news since my son arrived in Iraq . I have read every update you have sent.
I really enjoy the section “What our families are hearing from our soldiers in Iraq ”. Your newsletters cover the great accomplishments of the 4ID.
There have been many, but it is always nice to read about our Soldiers helping others and not just fighting them.
It is obvious that you still live by “Deeds, not words”.

It was a Friday evening and I had just sat down in the old’ chair and was dosing off after a very hard week at work.
My son walks in and says, “SURPRISE!” I rubbed my eyes and closed them again and my son says, “DAD!” I truly thought I was dreaming.
Once reality set in you would have thought I was superman and could leap a building in a single bound.
The chair was still sliding across the floor when I gave him the biggest hug he ever had. I could never put words to the joy in this household that evening.
His mom was in frenzy about fixing food for dinner and after reassuring her it was OK we departed to the VFW
and devised some evil plans to surprise the rest of the family.

The next morning my wife and I headed to my parents’ campground for the weekend and my son went and visited some friends.
At 2:00PM I was supposed to have my parents at the campground ready for his appearance.
It was everything in my power to do this without telling a lie to my parents. That is something you never do to my dad.
My wife and I were very frustrated and were at wits end when 2:30 rolled around. Finally, my mother showed up
and thankfully our son was not on time. It could not have worked out any better. My son rolls up wearing a ball cap and sunglasses
and gives my dad the evil look. My dad was about to say, “Who is this punk looking at”, when my mom goes, “Drew?”
My Mom and Dad’s joy could have been heard counties away and my wife and I had the opportunity to relive the great feelings
we had felt the evening before. We talked a lot about current events like high school sports, the NFL Saints, recent fishing adventures
and summer stories. During all of this the local annual Bass fishing tournament for Children’s Miracle Network came up
and after some mild persuasion my son said he would enter it with me. That evening I went and registered for the tournament
and we set plans to be on the water by sunrise.

When 5:30 AM rolled around I was ready. I had poles restrung, crank baits, spinners and everything else ready
to catch some big Bass on my stomping grounds. We hopped on the boat and headed to the tournament launch.
We drew a number about middle of the field and discussed our options. I could tell he was fired up
and his main motivation was kicking my ass at fishing. I felt that was good, because today I hoped he did kick my ass.
We discussed different baits and rigs that were ready on the boat and then how we would get “r” done.
Having one of the slowest boats put us in a poor position at the middle of the field on a small lake.

We decided to hit the no wake area that was nearby because we thought a lot of the boats would avoid the area early.
Our number dropped and I lit the 25 horse Johnson for all it was worth and headed to the spot. Killed the motor at the no wake
and hit the first cove in minutes. I handed my son the pole with the buzz bait and said pull this right over top of the milfoil.
I grabbed a rattle trap and slipped it across the edge of the weed line. Within minutes my son had two good hits.
The fish smashed the bait completely out of the water. He didn’t get them hooked. I caught one small one.
We continued to work hard and after he missed two more good hits he said, “screw this lure, what else do we have?”
I handed him a pole with a spinner bait and told him to work it like I was working the rattle trap.
I pulled in a nice Crappie but that would not help us in the tournament.

I decided to try the buzz bait that he had started with and then I missed two good fish. One of them literally spit the bait out at the boat.
Nearly half the day went by and we started the day knowing one thing, “the fish were going to hold very tight to cover”.
The only way to get them out is to put bait in front of them or call them out with some noise, flash, or vibration.
I just knew that that buzz bait was the ticket and that is why I gave it to him. I grabbed the buzz bait and gave it a look.
My immediate response was “@#$%^!$!%%”. Drew Says, “What is the matter Dad”?
My uttered response was “mmmmm” very softly in a whisper, “I left the hook guard on”. His response, “Real genius Dad”.
After some laughter he said, “give it back”! We didn’t get a bite the rest of the day. Even though we never caught a fish to weigh in,
neither of us would have wanted to change a thing. This was truly a day when you could say,
“A bad day fishing is still better than a good day at work.”

The rest of the first week back he spent visiting friends and family and I might add he did a very good job of accomplishing that task.
I thought he was being rather ambitious but he got “r” done. One of the many tasks he had assigned himself
was thanking the company I’m employed by for their contribution to our troops. CSM Beale had given him a coin to give to me,
but we thought it better given to the president of the company whom ultimately approved the contribution.
The president of the company thought he should present it to the company employees instead of him.

We had an employee appreciation day coming up and asked if Drew would present it then and, much to my surprise,
Drew eagerly responded yes. The day had come and he had not worked on any kind of speech and he reassured me he was fine.
Prior to being introduced, a vice president asked that I also stand on the stage and say something.
I responded, “yes” far less eagerly than did my son. The hour was upon us and the president had given a very good speech
that would have been hard to top. Then a vice president gave her short speech and my son’s introduction.
He was not out of his chair and there was an immediate resounding standing ovation. This was a powerful unexpected feeling for me
and on our way to the stage I could not fight the tears. He gave a speech that was short sweet and poetic.
He contained humor, drama, and complete thanks.

Now it was my turn. I somewhat gathered myself together and forgot everything I thought I wanted to say.
Then I was able to pause for quite sometime due to another standing ovation. I don’t think they ever sat down.
I looked out in the crowd and then at my son and it came to me “Deeds, not words”.
I thanked them because it helped me to feel better because I was able to do something for our troops.
“Deeds, not words” is not just a slogan or a motto, it is an attitude that will help you no matter what battle you fight.

Since then I have talked with many other Soldier’s parents that also work for my employer.
I told them this, “You picture your son or daughter on that stage and the response would have been just the same.
It had no bearing on just my son, it was a statement of total support for our troops.” It was proof that Col Pasquarette’s statement
in his article “Hero’s Everywhere in Brigade” - “ The fact you have joined the U.S. Army and are serving with honor in Iraq
qualifies you as a hero in the eyes of millions of citizens of the U.S. Your selfless service and sense of duty separates you from sports figures,
movie stars and other more famous people. You are living a life that is “noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose” –
and you can clearly be categorized as having “risked… his or her life” the minute you stepped foot in Iraq .”
Those are powerful words to say the least and I hope they make the history books.

We had a fish fry with all the family and grilled some food another night. The two weeks he was here will be something I will never forget
and to top it off we were able to go over the many great memories we already had. We talked a lot about great things we had done together
and one instance stood out above all the rest. When he was ten years old, he and I took a trip.
We didn’t have much money and really just wanted to spend time together away. I had been working two, sometimes three jobs
to get ahead and was at a point of insanity. My wife said, “you two just get out of here do something, it will be OK.”
That was all I needed to hear. We loaded up the Honda Civic with food, camping gear and fishing gear.
I opened the atlas and said, “we are here, where do you want to go?” We saw five states in ten days on $300 - and this gets me to my point.
A point I hoped to make very clear and my tiny bit of contribution to redeployment.

We made no plans and had the time of our life.
Keep your Soldier focused and the reunion will be fine whether you can plan something or not.
Let your children plan a trip. Give them a budget and a time frame. You will have a blast
and they can learn how to budget plan and will take ownership in the result. You don’t worry about it.
Trust me, they will amaze you. Why should you worry about it, you just want some time together?

Thanks for listening!

The proud father of a 1-22 IN Soldier

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November 1, 2006

My Soldier (B/1-22 IN “11B”) called me yesterday (Sunday) and said they have another month yet before heading to Kuwait ,
but should still be home as scheduled, by 12/15. He sounded exhausted and says all the days are just starting to blend together
and soon it will be time to come home. It was funny, because he told me: “If someone had told me seven years ago,
that tonight I would be in Iraq, standing on the rooftop of an abandoned building, smoking a cigarette, talking on a glowing cell phone,
trying not to get my face shot off, I would have told them they were insane!!!” God love him because I sure do! Hooah!

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Heard from our son in Taji last Friday. He and his fellow Soldiers are well. He sent email from Camp Liberty
to his brother and sisters Sunday, so we are feeling pretty good. His return date is around 2 Dec.
He is with 1-22 Scouts and usually on patrol or a mission several times per week.
This last month or so seems to be taking a year to complete, or is this a mother speaking???

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November 29, 2006

My son, B/1-22 IN, returned home safely from Iraq yesterday. I can't tell you the relief and happiness I feel
knowing he is back home and will be spending Christmas with us this year. I am flying to Killeen tomorrow to surprise him.
I can't wait to see his face and give him a giant hug! It's been a really tough year for the Soldiers and especially for 1-22.
My heart goes out to all the families whose sons, husbands or brothers are not coming home...

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December 1, 2006

This is the e-mail I have been waiting to write. The Army called us today (Wednesday) to let us know that our son,
HHC/1-22 IN will arrive this Thursday Nov. 30th at Fort Hood. We are so happy for him
and the entire 4th Infantry for a job well done. I personally will never forget this year and I don't know if I'll ever be the same person
after reading about the Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Pilots who were seriously wounded and lost their lives for us.
I am sad that my wife and I can't be there for their arrival so I can bear hug my Son and thank all the other guys and gals there also.

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December 4, 2006

My son (B/1-22 IN) arrived back at Ft. Hood (Thursday) for good.
The homecoming ceremony was awesome. Bring some earplugs - it gets REALLY loud!

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