Reporting from Iraq: Last 35 Posts

nurseanna on "my soldier"

nurseanna — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 01:44:26 +0000

my soldier is my son SGT Domonick Pugh with the 4-14 cav 172nd striker brigade. I am so thankful to hear that the unit is returning home. My prayers goes out to all the mothers and family who are waiting on they return

StrykerDaD07 on "Who is your soldier?"

StrykerDaD07 — Tue, 07 Nov 2006 08:43:54 +0000

My Soldier is my only Son ,even tho he has Brother's I've adopted over the years , some even before God Blessed me with Him.I guess by now I have some new Son's , All of the Brave Young Warriors of the 172nd and especially the 4-23 Infantry that serve along with and beside My Soldier Lt.Dames aka Old Man . You see Lt. has been Training for this almost all of his 23 years even tho he has only been out college a little over a year . He from Florida and grew up on Sun ,sand ,beaches,fishing,diving ,snorkeling
and being the Best Son a Father could ever wish For !!!
I think God has a sense of Humore , because I used to tell Joe , that if you ever want to get away from me ,move somewhere , where there is Snow .LOL Don't cha know , here comes Fairbanks Alaska .( inside joke , Lt. will get it)He graduated FSU june 2005 ,did his OIT ,then straight to Ranger by the end of March ( The BIG SAND BOX ).His significance in our Life . Well , he knows , and if you have read any of this , you can tell that I or We Love him very much , and he better bring his Butt back Home safe and sound and start working on my Grandmonsters LOL (10) another inside joke.How do you think we are goin to celebrate ,like it's 2099!!!!!!!!!!!! It's on and Popping!!!!!!!!! Stryker DaD07

1AOK2BHOME on "Say it as it is!"

1AOK2BHOME — Wed, 01 Nov 2006 19:12:56 +0000

Standing up and say it as it is:

I see on the news some attacks to John Kerry this morning, for telling students they better stay in college rather than join the army and end up in Iraq.
Well, as a deployed Soldier’s Mom, I don’t see anything wrong with what he said. I remember too well giving that choice to my son myself, when his life was going nowhere, I told him either to go and stick with college or you join the army or take a job for minimum wage at home depot.
My son is a high school graduate from Valley Forge Military Academy, he made his choice, and joined the army. I have had enough time to regret, since that call when they first deployed. This was absolutely surreal!! I wish this on no other Families!!
I can tell you about all my weekly trips to the post office, sending my care packages where this lady who works there always tells me, there is no way on earth she will ever let her kids join the army.
Most of the kids in the army come from broken families, with no father figures.
There was no jobs and who can afford some of those colleges??

I am tired of the democrats’ weakness in front of the rhetoric retaliation of the republicans!!
It’s time for the Dems to stand up and say it as it is and stop being afraid of the republicans low blows!!
We can face the truth!!

As a deployed Soldier’s Mom, I join Kerry and send the same message to the kids today!
Yes, we are proud that our Sons did join, and bravely served this country. But this war was sold on lies,
As well as the last elections… and don’t forget Louisiana!!

If you decide to let your Soldier re-deploy, that’s your prerogative.
I sure won’t! Iraq is now a blood bath of sectarian warfare that God forbid, we admit to call it for what is: a civil war!!
While I am still praying that my Son will make it home, he has served his time, and I don’t know how this 16 months deployment will affect him for the rest of his life, I do have serious concerns. If we can’t pull out of Iraq now, we should never have been there in the first place, you won’t have my Son’s life to make up for your mistakes all of you at the white house.
Send your own kids there, front lines, then extend their deployment on the eve of their home coming, turn them around to Bagdeath, then talk to me.
Walk their boots and walk our shoes for 16 months!!
And don’t be afraid to look at all those young faces, who gave it all already..
Thanks Mr. Bush for going to at least one Military funeral, pick one!
Honor them, and align your words with your actions!!

172ND Soldier's Mom

STranson on "Who is your soldier?"

STranson — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 00:15:14 +0000

I am Susan, a Marine Mom, who met PFC Stovall, Joshua, who is attached to the 172nd Stryker 4-14 CAV, here in Phoenix last Saturday as he spoke about his friend, his comrad, Spc. Nick Sowinski who was KIA in Iraq. I need mom, Shirley, to know you need to be proud of Joshua as he represented your family and the army with dignity and respect. Phoenix showed their love and respect for BOTH Nick Sowinski and Joshua Stovall as we support our troops with all our heart and souls. 172nd Stryker Brigade, be safe, come home soon and know that Phoenix, Arizona support you and appreciates all you do.

Hugs,

Susan from
Phoenix, Arizona
STranson43@Yahoo.com

Laskos on "Bring the 172nd home"

Laskos — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 02:06:44 +0000

My heart goes out to each of you and your families, not to mention my profound respect for your loved ones deployed overseas.

Reading your comments above makes me believe you would definitely want to know about and take advantage of a free service in town this weekend where you can record and send a special holiday message to your loved one over the Internet. While they may not be home just yet, this opportunity helps bridge the distance and shows them that a heck of a lot of people really care.

The messages are particularly timed to ease the pain of seeing that empty chair at the Thanksgiving table by giving families the opportunity to come together through the webcast medium at this time of year.

The program is hosted at Military and Civilian Credit Union and you can sign up at www.operationbestwishes.com

Please spread the word to other families you know of as well.

Godspeed. Let's all hope they all come home safe and sound as everyone has been promised.

Shipleyswife on "Fear of Second Extension"

Shipleyswife — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 00:15:25 +0000

My husband SPC Richard Shipley is also over there with the 2-1 and I understand the fear of a 2nd extention but i really think that everyone is jumping to conclusions about the rumors. The guys have been given Approved leave dates and are about to pack up and come home so i dont think a 2nd extention for our guys will happen but as with this last extention that wasnt planned and handed down at the last minute, we got to be prepared for anything and everything. We are Army Wives, we are the strong woman in the world and the ones who learn to adjust to any situation at the drop of a dime. think possotive and hold your head up, no matter what happens, these guys need us to be strong.

daddysgirl on "Who is your soldier?"

daddysgirl — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 10:15:43 +0000

My soldier is Sgt. Owens
He is my father and my friend
From West Virgina
My father has been there to defend me even when i was wrong, hes stood by me through everything
I would tell him i love him and
I cant wait to sit down and eat ice cream together like we used to

RockyMtnPam on "Who is your soldier?"

RockyMtnPam — Fri, 27 Oct 2006 09:08:51 +0000

My Soldier is Sgt. Andrew Knaggs
My Soldier is also SFC Marvin Johnson
Andrew is my Son, Marvin is my Adopted soldier
Both of these special men came from Heaven (I am sure of this)
They were both born with Army in their blood
They both live in my heart and soul, They are my life
What I would say to them right now is I love you both, be safe, I am proud and come home soon I miss you.
First thing I would do is hug them both and never let go.
Smile, laugh, and relax.

strykerschic on "Fear of Second Extension"

strykerschic — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 18:42:17 +0000

If they are extended again, we will do what we always do. Be supportive and loving. None of us have the choice of when they come home. It's in God's hands now. They will be home when they are home. I ask you to be careful of what you post on here, because rumors do start and spread like wildfire. STOP WATCHING THE NEWS, the information you get on there is highly skewed and you shouldn't trust what you hear. I just wait for my soldier to give me my weekly update when he calls. They know what is truly going on. For now think POSITIVE, look at some pictures of your soldier, write him a letter and remember the good times.

Rayvn on "Fear of Second Extension"

Rayvn — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 02:06:41 +0000

With everything that has been going on, with all the bad news in the news and the ever increasing number of US deaths, and the talks on revising the plan of action over in Iraq, is there a possiblilty of Our guys getting extended again? for another 4 months or more? I talked to my husband recently ( who is over in baghdad with the 1-17) and he said that he hasn't heard anything and they haven't been told anything about it at all not even a mention, but that doesn't mean that it won't happen. Maybe its just me, though I'm sure its not, but what if they do get extended again?

NBCWife on "Bring the 172nd home"

NBCWife — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 23:21:09 +0000

I agree, it's time that they come home. These guys have been trampled on, kicked down and punched in the noses by the very country they protect (I mean USA not IRAQ). Yet they still are up and marching. It just goes to show that our guys are awesome!
I once heard a high ranking officer say that the reason they waited until the last minute was because it's easier to move a large amount of troops. To me this just sounds like someone is covering someone elses butt.

DOUBLEOWL on "Margaret"

DOUBLEOWL — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 18:20:14 +0000

I want to express my thanks to you for a "job well done" on your coverage of the 172nd in Iraq. I was however, disappointed that you did not cover the 'Eye in the Sky" soldiers in our Bde as the Syracuse N.Y. Post Standard Newspaper did of the 10th Mountain Div.s UAV platoon. But, your articles were great anyway.

artillerywife on "Who is your soldier?"

artillerywife — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 09:04:34 +0000

Our soldier is Spc. Marcaus Hamby
He is my husband, and the best daddy to our children.
He was born and raised in Phoenix.
He has been in the Army for 3 years, and we currently have 5 years left in proud service.
My husband is my strength, my faith, and my center.
When he returns home, he's going to be spoiled, pampered, and smothered with love by me, the babies, and the rest of the family.
I only want for my husband to know that we love him, and we're here waiting as long as it takes.
We are looking forward to resuming our daily life as a family, and spending time enjoying Christmas together.

SarahChenier on "Who is your soldier?"

SarahChenier — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 07:33:17 +0000

My Soldier is SPC Korey Chenier

He is my wonderful Husband

From Massachusetts

He has been in the Army for 5 years now, and we are getting out upon his return and moving to MA.

My husband keeps me staying strong through everything no matter what it is, he is always there for me!!

I would tell him that me and the kids love him and miss him dearly, and can not wait for his return!!

The first thing I will do when I see my husband is give him the biggest hug and kiss, let our 5 year old give him big hugs and kisses..then hand him his other son (right now is 6 months old) and they have never met!! Can not wait for them to meet!

We are looking forward to getting to spend time as a family again! Also thank full we will get to spend our Christmas together as a family...well hoping too. It will be our little one's 1st Christmas. We are all so excited and can not wait!!
Come home soon!!

I love you and miss you so much baby!!

matthew on "we are proud"

matthew — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 05:46:08 +0000

matthew
thank you and all your fellow soliders for everything we love you all be safe come home soon
172th soliders

NBCWife on "Who is your soldier?"

NBCWife — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 23:09:03 +0000

My soldier is SSG Edward Bell.
He is my husband of 12 years, my confidant, my friend, my hero of almost 17 years. More importantly now he is the father of our 11 month old son.
He is from all over as I am since we were both military brats but he claims his home is first here in Alaska, and second is Tennessee where his parents and sisters and brother lives.
Edward has been Active Duty Army for 12 years but was reserve for 2 years before that.

Edward is my rock wall. He is my greatest supporter in the world. When I went through knee surgeries many years ago he helped me learn how to walk again. Literally.
He stands behind me 100% as I stand behind him. He holds me up when I'm down and gives me constant encouragement now that I've entered a new phase of my life. Motherhood.

If I could speak to Edward right now I would tell him how much I love him and miss him. How much I would love for him to come home so he could hold his son and see how his son has grown!

I replay in my mind over and over again (as I did in July) his homecoming. It's just about the same now (except now we're in sweaters and snowsuits). Like all the times previously that he has been deployed, I see Edward and run with the stroller and give him the world's biggest hug and kiss, however this time it's cut short as I lean down, unsnap my sons seatbelt in his stroller and re-introduce my husband to our son.

We are hoping to have a late Thanksgiving and possibly celebrate our son's first birthday upon his returning home. And soon after share our first real family Christmas.

Laskos on "Operation Best Wishes"

Laskos — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 23:12:38 +0000

Please pass word of this event along to families you know who may have an interest. Thank you---and God Bless the Troops.

StrykerMom98012 on "Who is your soldier?"

StrykerMom98012 — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 12:15:06 +0000

My soldier is Sgt Steven Sabo.
He is in the 172nd SBCT 2-1 Inf B Co. He is our youngest son, the fourth of five children. Steve is 25. We're from Bothell, Washington and he enlisted on 03.03.03. He re-enlisted while in Iraq. All of my children are precious to me, and Steve has a special place in my heart. His picture is my screensaver at work and I pray for him and the 172nd every time I see his face. He was thrilled to go to Fairbanks as it was his grandpa's first post (my dad) back in 1939. We are fortunate to hear from him via IM or e-mail at least once a week, which is a great comfort in knowing he's OK. I can't imagine what my grandmother went through when she had to wait months for a letter. Steve knows we love him intensely and support him 100%. We're very proud of him and pray that he will be a positive influence where ever he is sent. When he comes home he can count on a big celebration! Whatever food he's been craving, he'll get it. The signs will be up, the flags will be out. He has a new nephew to meet and lots of hugs waiting for him. I'll be going up to Fairbanks for the homecoming ceremony.

Laskos on "Operation Best Wishes"

Laskos — Thu, 19 Oct 2006 07:30:32 +0000

MILITARY FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO WEBCAST HOLIDAY GREETINGS TO DEPLOYED LOVED ONES DURING “OPERATION BEST WISHES”

The National Program Kicks Off its 2006 Tour at Military & Civilian Federal Credit Union

Scores of military families are expected to webcast, via video and audio, special Thanksgiving greetings to loved ones serving overseas during the 2006 “Operation Best Wishes” national tour kickoff, October 28 and 29 at Military and Civilian Federal Credit Union in Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

The program is being offered free by credit unions, through WesCorp (a California-based corporate federal credit union) and the Defense Credit Union Council.

Families are given up to 10 minutes each on a high-speed webcast channel to record and send special holiday greetings, which are delivered via the Internet to the loved one (accessed using a special password), and archived for retrieval by the loved one at a later and more convenient time.

Additionally, children participating in the recordings are encouraged to dress up for Halloween, giving their deployed mom or dad a chance to see their scary costumes.

Launched in 2004, Operation Best Wishes sets up a mobile webcast studio at participating military-affiliated credit unions experiencing a heavy deployment of membership.

Families wishing to participate at Military and Civilian Federal Credit Union are invited to sign up for a webcast session online at www.operationbestwishes.com.

DOUBLEOWL on "Who is your soldier?"

DOUBLEOWL — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 23:13:11 +0000

My soldier is Sgt. Nathan Ellis, he's with D/4/14.
He is my son.
From Orwell, New York.
This is his 5th year, he will be going to San Antonio, Texas after the 172nd returns.
What can a father say about his son? I'm very proud of him. After being in the military for 23 years, I would have thought that like his sister he would not want anything to do with the Army. Where he comes home I'll have a big hug for him (I'll probably be 4th in line) and take him to ZEB's for burgers & fries or the DINOSAUR BAR-B-Q for the "BIG PIG SANDWICH".

strykerjlady on "Bring the 172nd home"

strykerjlady — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 11:58:08 +0000

Being a ladyfriend of one of 172nd soldiers have put me in a place I've never been. I pray daily for the soldiers to return home safely and soon. I can barely wait for December to see you. One thing I like to say to my soldier is "Missing you is hard but loving and waiting for you is easy" because I LOVE YOU "E"

missingmysoldier on "Bring the 172nd home"

missingmysoldier — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 12:00:03 +0000

I'm a proud 172nd girlfriend, and I agree...bring them home! 3 of my boyfriends good friends have already lost their lives since they've been back. its just so frustrating because they should be home. thank god they'll be home by december 13!

414CavWife on "Who is your soldier?"

414CavWife — Tue, 17 Oct 2006 11:03:22 +0000

Spc. Matthew Doyle
He is my husband
From South Carolina
Jan. 23rd will be his 4 yr mark and we are getting out and moving!!!
My husband is a great support system. He is always there for me to cry on his shoulder and listen. He is very sweet.
I would tell him that I love him and we all miss him, and come home safe!!
The very first thing I will do (Like I did on R&R) is run and jump into his arms and just hold him so tight and more than likely cry. LOL
We plan to just lay back and relax and just really get to know each other again, I'm really looking forward to him spending time with our 18 month old son which he has only seen for 4 months. So exciting. Come on home soldiers!!

NoltysMom on "Who is your soldier?"

NoltysMom — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:15:01 +0000

My son's name is PFC Nolan Spellman-Koshinsky, he is 22 years old.

He is from Middleboro, Massachusetts (south of Boston closer to Cape Cod)

He has been in the Army for almost 3 years (too long for me) and has about 2 more to go.

As most mothers can attest, the significance of my son in my life is one of the most important, special gifts I could have ever asked for. Nolan also has a younger brother Orion who is soon to be 16. They are very close and I am blessed to have them both.

If I could say something to Nolan right now I would say "I love you kiddo more than life itself and I am always with you in heart and soul no matter where you are."

The first thing I will do when he comes home is bawl my eyes out from the intense relief and happiness.

If they fly into Atlanta for a layover on the way to AK we will BE THERE. If not then we will be on the phone shouting how happy we are he's home and toasting him with several beers I am sure! (We put together a welcome home box and plan to ship it to his wife Lisa for his return to AK.)

Blessings to all of you who have children, husbands, wives, etc... coming home.

frozenchosenmom on "Margaret"

frozenchosenmom — Mon, 16 Oct 2006 04:12:44 +0000

I just want to echo the thank you for the blog and photos. Keep the 2-1 C stuff coming!

paulekennedy on "my soldier"

paulekennedy — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 08:41:07 +0000

my soldier is sgt don hansen with the 172 stryker unit in taji he is a great son in law husband and father wil be glad when the unit returns home to allof their families its been a long and hard road for all of them and just wish them god bless and speed them home safely

soldier32smom on "Our soldier"

soldier32smom — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 06:35:13 +0000

Our soldier is Jonathan Mycko. He's from Manassas, VA. Jon joined the Army in November 2005. He completed his training at Fort Benning. He joined the 172nd Stryker Brigade On Mother's Day of this year. He is our baby even though he's 6'1". We are so very proud of him and wait eagerly to hear from him. We will be in Alaska to give him the biggest hug he's ever had. A huge party will await him when he return to Manassas for leave.

We are proud of all the soldiers serving at this time but expecially proud of the 172nd Stryker Brigade. God Bless the all.

Whitsmom on "Margaret"

Whitsmom — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 20:25:00 +0000

Margaret,
This means so much to me and my family that you are there with "Our Soldiers" in the 2-1 INF 172nd. I can see pictures and hear what they are up too daily. The information you write home to us is very important!! We may not be able to contact them but what you write daily let's us know they are doing good. Keep up the Great Job you do and Be Safe!!
Whitsmom, Gina

LRSis on "Margaret"

LRSis — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 19:07:35 +0000

Margaret, I was so thrilled when I read that you were going back to be embedded with the 172nd. Your articles, blog, and photos bring everything to life for us and provide a connection that we value greatly. You are incredibly talented and brave, thank you so much for what you are doing.

SoldiersMom on "Who is your soldier?"

SoldiersMom — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 11:47:13 +0000

Spc. Hixson is my only son and he is my "baby boy".

He is proudly serving with the 172nd.

He was born in Nevada but raised the later part of his life in Texas.

He has been in the Army for almost 2 years...and is following in the footsteps of his grandfather, whom he is very proud of.

My son is the heartbeat of my soul and I couldn't be more proud of him.

What I would say to him right now is, "I love you Baby Boy and I'm counting the days until you come home..please be careful!"

When I see him the first thing I will do is hug him for as long as I can and then pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming.

Our original plans were cancelled with the extension but with all the family and friends that will be here to greet him, I'm sure that in its self, will turn into quite a large celebration!

I love you Baby Boy and miss you with all of my heart!

MrSteve on "Margaret"

MrSteve — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 02:57:55 +0000

I wish you knew just how much good you do for the troops!
They absolutely love you and I can see why.
Keep the faith.............................. and stay low.

MrSteve on "Who is your soldier?"

MrSteve — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 02:45:54 +0000

My sons' name is Chris and he's a medic right now assigned to HHC.
They call him Doc, McGrifff and probably a few other pet names.
He is my oldest child.
We are currently blessed with having his wife and our first born grandchild living with us all eagerly anticipating his arrival home.

threeboysmom on "Who is your soldier?"

threeboysmom — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 22:58:59 +0000

My soldier's name is SPC Gregory Hickey
He is my son
He is from Milford, New Jersey
He has been in the Army since 2003
Greg is mt oldest son and and many people call him my Golden Child, but he means so much to so many people.
I would tell him how much he is loved and missed and how his family can not wait until he is back in the USA.
When I see him I will hug and kiss him and tell him how prod I am of him.
When Greg gets home there will be a great homcoming party with family and friends who have supported all of us during his deployment

iLoveMySoldier on "Who is your soldier?"

iLoveMySoldier — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 19:21:21 +0000

My soldier's name is SPC Edward Burdick.
He is the love of my life.
He is from West Palm Beach, Florida and went to college in Ohio.
He's been in for almost 2 years.
He means the world to me. He's my everything.
I would tell him how much I love him and miss him.
I am going to run up and give him a big hug and kiss. He's going to have a hard time making me let go this time.
We are going to start by settling into our new home in Fairbanks. Anything else will remain a secret. Then on leave the plan is to go vist our parents.

Whitsmom on "Who is your soldier?"

Whitsmom — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 19:14:53 +0000

I wanted to make a correction regarding my son SPC Whitney Cole. He has been in the Army since 2002. He is proud of those years with the 172nd Stryker Brigade.
Whitney has 2 brothers in the Military. One is a Marine and the other active Army.
I'm a Proud Military Mother.