1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Family Letters 2008-09

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

Family Letters

2008 - 2009

As he did during 1st Battalion's deployment to Iraq in 2003-2004,
and 2005-2006, 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.

April 2008

Wow, our guys from 1-22 IN have been really busy. I finally got to talk to my husband on the phone Sunday.
He was so tired he was rambling and really making no sense, but hearing his voice was wonderful.
As much as I really didn't want to let him go, I told him to go get some rest and reluctantly he did.
One month is down and like many of the other wives from my husband's company, we are on the count down already lol.

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April 21, 2008

I talked to my husband online this morning (Friday) and all he could say was the patrols were "interesting" lol.
We have come up with codes, so I knew then and there that your update would have something about our guys in 1-22.
I am so proud of these guys and especially my husband. This is his 4th and final tour in Iraq, or at least that is what he has been told.
I can only hope. Maybe after this we can finally settle and start enjoying our life a little easier.

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

May 9, 2008

I heard from my husband(1-22IN/1BCT 4ID) yesterday (Tuesday). We spoke for over an hour,
good connection (Finally lol), and it left me feeling fantastic. He said things were good over there, just hot :)

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Losing our Soldiers is very hard. Losing the ones you know is even harder.
Drew Pearson was my son’s company commander in Iraq in ’06. He fought alongside SPC Tucker in 1-22.
Bob, if you have any contact with the families, please let them know they are in our prayers every day.

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May 22, 2008

I just heard from my husband and was wonderful to know that he and his unit (A/1-22 IN) is doing some wonderful work over there
removing so much ammunition out of the enemies reach. I know I sleep better at night knowing these men and women over there
are watching out for our Freedom.

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June 21, 2008

I have heard several times from my son (1-22 IN HHC Scouts). The situation in Iraq has improved since 2006.
The IA, NP, IP and the Iraqi citizens are stepping up and standing their ground. He has commended his CO's and NCO's
on their leadership. His spirits seem very good on the phone. They have a working dog that the platoon is very fond of
and will be receiving a care package of frisbis and dog treats in the next few days. He is at an obscure post that is getting better each day.
I think for security reasons most of the information you would like is not mentioned or asked. He was very upset
on the loss of Cpt. Pearson and Spc. Tucker and spoke very highly of both of them. They will definitely be missed and never forgotten.

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July 7, 2008

Well Bob its been a crazy start to my summer. The new semester started for my college, one year until I graduate.
My son is coming to live with me and that is a blessing. My husband is staying very busy over there with 1-22 IN
and I don't think I could be any prouder of that wonderful man I married. My son is getting to the age of deciding
whether to join the Army or the Navy (me being a Navy Vet from Desert Storm). EIther one - I will support his decision.

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July 30, 2008

I have a couple R&R stories for you and I just got my Soldier this morning. My son is A Co. 1-22 IN 1BCT 4ID
and this is his second deployment to Iraq. He requested early R&R because his grandfather became ill.
First, at the airport we met another family (1st deployment) waiting for their soldier (different unit).
I encouraged them to attend the Welcoming Home Ceremony. What a special event I will always remember.
I think I was as excited for this other family as I was for mine. I remember waiting that first R&R.

My son was one of the first off the plane and, of course, I grabbed and hugged him.
Another Soldier that walked off the plane with him turned, saw me hugging him, took a picture of us hugging as he smiled and walked away.
It just seemed to be a connection - a moment in time. I would not recognize the soldier if I saw him again
but I felt him in that hug with me and my son. God Bless Him! Next, my family couldn't leave until that other family got their Soldier.
We stood back and waited. First the Soldier hugged his wife, then the group hug started to grow as my family and a few others clapped......
and I remembered how I will always remember that hug.

My son is in a tower and has video of the kids below asking his name.....he says "Crazy"....the kids ask if he is crazy....
he tells them "no, name is Crazy". The video he has the kids dancing and clapping, singing "Crazy, Crazy, Crazy, Crazy"........
he throws candy and treats.....it sure is nice to see "good" "happy" things from over there.

Tonight my son and I were talking about some of the things going on over there. My son just smiled. It's good and getting better.

Crazy's Mom

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August 28, 2008

I get a phone call from my son 1-22 IN, about every 2-3 weeks. I am very fortunate. However, he hasn't gotten the calling card thing yet
and has astronomical phone bills. He just heard when he'll get R&R, at least until it changes, so he called for me to pass the word to family.
He sounds great and has settled in very well and has learned a lot.

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December 23, 2008

We were so glad to have our son, (4ID 1-22 Co B) home for 18 days in Oct. It was bitter sweet as all R&R's are, he was able to spend those 18 days
holding his one week old son, his wife gave birth one week early on Sept.22. He arrived Oct. st on her due date from Atlanta to Cincinnati OH.
His return to Iraq was hard on all of us, but especially for his wife. He did not take his R&R on his first deployment in 2006
because of not wanting to say good-bye two times.

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February 27, 2009

GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY time has flown this deployment!!! I am so excited for my Soldier to be coming home.
This is his final deployment and we are heading to GA. This is also the First time for me to welcome him home as his wife and our children's
(his daughter and my son) first time to see a Welcome Home Ceremony. Hugs and Pats on backs to all my fellow 1-22 and 4th ID wives -
we have made it through one more and I will miss all my friends that are pscing to Fort Carson.

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