Our Troops Over the Water
Our Troops Over the Water
Hopefully this Guestbook will allow our guys to access FAHS.org to leave updates and for us to send messages to them. We miss you all and hope you return to us soon!
This guestbook is closed to posting new comments, please go to the new one here
To those of you serving in the Armed Forces at home and abroad... If you or someone you KNOW is serving overseas or at home who went to FAHS or graduated from FAHS please send me the names. We are going to honor them at our 25th Reunion in Phoenix and need to know who they are so we have a thorough a list as possible. To those serving: We love, honor and respect you. Even if you can't be in Phoenix this year- we'll PROST you and your family! Please send all information (and attach a picture of that service man or woman if possible) to Lisa Poovey Berwyn (80) at lpoov@earthlink.net
God Bless you guys and gals. Your service is more than we deserve. Mike Gallagher Class of '73 FAHS 988th MP Co. Ft. Benning, GA 76-79
submitted by a frankfurter who is in theater: MUQDADIYA, Iraq — When his battalion took charge here in mid-February, Lt. Col. Roger Cloutier made a vow to himself and his soldiers: If one of them was attacked, the entire battalion would respond swiftly and violently. "We will hunt down the enemy if he attacks us," the colonel told his staff. "I don't want to give him any rest or refuge. I want to haunt his dreams." A week later, Cpl. Jacob Palmatier, a 29-year-old administrative clerk, asked to be relieved of desk duty to man a grenade launcher on a convoy headed south. He was in the turret of a 5-ton truck when two slivers of shrapnel from a roadside bomb tore into his midsection. Minutes into one of his first combat missions, Palmatier bled to death on the side of the road, the 1,481st American troop to die in Iraq. It was the first combat death in Iraq for the Battle Boars of the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, and it set in motion a series of events that transformed the battalion's very presence here. It triggered a manhunt that penetrated an insurgent cell, leading to the capture of eight suspected cell leaders. It precipitated a showdown that redefined the relationship between Cloutier and local sheiks and mayors. It forged tighter bonds between the Battle Boars and the local Iraqi army battalion, energizing an investigation into that unit's infiltration by insurgents. But more than anything, the repercussions of that single American death fulfilled a commander's promise in a way that gave his soldiers a measure of grim satisfaction and a sense that they were somehow more secure. "It was the catalyst," Cloutier said, red-eyed and weary after two days of round-the-clock raids and firefights after Palmatier's death. "It was like pulling out the one log that breaks the logjam. Everything just started flowing." The colonel confronted the local political establishment, threatening villages with an invasion of tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles. "This will not stand," he told tribal sheiks and village mayors, demanding that they divulge the names of the insurgents who were responsible for the bombing. Palmatier's boss, 1st Lt. David Suttles, a smooth-cheeked officer four days younger than the corporal, was with him when he died. Suttles believes that Palmatier's was a meaningful death in which good flowed from tragedy. "Because of the response to the attack, and what we learned and what we did afterward, everyone in this battalion will be safer because of his death," Suttles said, smoking a cigarette on his cot just down the hall from Palmatier's bunk. At 7:17 a.m. on Feb. 24, a bright, sunny Thursday, someone hiding in a field used a cellphone to trigger an explosive charge attached to two 130-millimeter artillery shells as Palmatier's truck rumbled past. Within minutes, Palmatier was dying and his buddies inside the truck cab, Pfc. Stephen Fuller and Pfc. Marcus Riles, were wounded and struggling to escape from the wreckage. At Forward Operating Base Normandy, a fortified camp in the area, Cloutier was shaving. He was in a buoyant mood; he had just been told that two insurgents had been blown up and killed while trying to set a roadside bomb. Minutes later, he was told that a man was down on the morning's combat logistical convoy, carrying mail and supplies. Cloutier sent a quick-reaction force to search for suspects. He surrounded the site with tanks and Bradleys. His Iraqi army counterpart, Col. Thear Ismael Abid Tamimi, set up eight roving checkpoints around Muqdadiya, a market town in the flat farm country on the edge of the Sunni Triangle 60 miles northeast of Baghdad. At one checkpoint, Iraqi soldiers stopped a gray Opel. A similar car had been used in the assassinations of an Iraqi sergeant major Feb. 20 and a city councilman two days later. Inside, according to military officials, were High-Value Targets Nos. 6 and 8 on the battalion's list of the 10 most-wanted insurgents in its sector of Diyala province. That arrest helped break open a Sunni Muslim insurgent cell with links to Syria and Chechnya, Cloutier and his intelligence officers said. The two men — brothers in an insurgent group built on blood and tribal ties — had ordered the assassinations, they said. At the bomb site, Cloutier summoned the city's mayor and police chief. He forced them to look at the blood and wreckage. He warned them, "We're not going to play this game." The colonel conveyed the same message to tribal sheiks and the mayors of surrounding villages. "I told them I knew that they knew who did this," Cloutier said. The colonel ordered local officials to report to his office at 5 p.m. that day with a list of suspects' names. Cloutier also wanted to send a message to his soldiers. He had them pick up every bit of metal and paper and wreckage at the site. They wiped up every drop of blood. He didn't want to leave anything for the insurgents to claim as trophies. Late that afternoon, sheiks, mayors and police officials filed into Cloutier's sparsely furnished office inside a former Iraqi military compound, just past a stuffed boar's head mounted over the operations center. The colonel had shared tea with most of them during introductory visits in this country where U.S. commanders are like local viceroys, dispensing money and organizing civic projects. He had been cordial and diffident. Now, 10 hours after Palmatier's death, Cloutier was seething. He did not greet the men. He did not offer them tea. He did not stand. Cloutier is built like a football lineman, thick through the shoulders and neck. His dominant feature is his massive skull — shaved to the scalp, pink and shiny. In his combat fatigues and boots, coiled in anger, he is a formidable sight. For nearly an hour, he railed at the Iraqis. "I told them I have money in one hand and tanks in the other," he said. "I asked them what they wanted: the money or the tank." After he finished, the colonel paused and said, "Now I want the names." The Iraqis handed him 13 names of alleged insurgents, he said. One by one, he asked the officials to promise to support him and the newly elected Iraqi government against the insurgents. Each man agreed, he said. Information provided by the officials, along with intelligence from the interrogation of the two suspects from the checkpoint, helped lead Abid and Cloutier to High-Value Target No. 2. The suspect, who had been hunted for a year by the previous battalion in Muqdadiya, was traced to a pair of prefabricated houses along Lake Hamrin near the Iranian border, Cloutier said. The next night, a convoy of armored Humvees and Bradleys rolled out of Normandy, accompanied by soldiers from Abid's 205th Iraqi army battalion. At the edge of the lake, the American vehicles surrounded two houses. Iraqi soldiers broke through the front door of the first house. In a bedroom with his wife, his young children asleep in another bedroom, was Target No 2. (Commanders, citing security concerns, did not release the names of detained suspects.) Soldiers found weapons, ammunition and bomb-making materials in the two houses, intelligence officers said. Also recovered, they said, were documents linking the detained man to guerrillas from the war-torn Russian republic of Chechnya and a photograph of the suspect in Syria with other insurgents. The next day, soldiers returned to the houses, using sticks to punch out foam ceiling tiles. From above a child's bedroom, a machine gun, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and a bag of ammunition clattered to the floor. Soldiers also found booklets titled "Jihad in Iraq" and two identity cards, both with Target No. 2's photo and the words in English: "Syndicate of Honorable Gentilmen in Iraq." Under interrogation, Target No. 2 provided the names of seven local men who he said served as financiers and planners for the cell, intelligence officers say. The following night, in three raids in downtown Muqdadiya, Iraqi soldiers backed by American troops stormed into several homes and detained five of the seven. Less than 72 hours after Palmatier's death, three of the battalion's 10 most-wanted men had been captured, along with five others alleged to be key members of the cell. Cloutier said three of the suspects had ordered the bombing that killed Palmatier. Officials also obtained the name of the man who had planted the bomb, he and an intelligence officer added. After the raids, Cloutier thought of all the times he had chatted with Palmatier in the hallway. He was glad he had taken the time to get to know him, he said, because his greatest fear was peering into a body bag containing one of his soldiers and not recognizing the face. "I knew that kid. God, he was a good kid," the colonel said of Palmatier, who left behind a widow, Bridget. His voice cracked, and he wiped his eyes with his fist. "Screw those bastards. I'll hunt every one of them down. Palmatier died because of some coward." Inside his desk drawer, the colonel has placed a photo of Palmatier manning the grenade launcher. Next to it is a piece of shrapnel from the fatal roadside bomb. Across the compound, in Palmatier's barracks room, there was a blank spot on the floor where his cot had been. On a wall was a nail where he had hung his gear. Above it was written his nickname, "P. Diddy," bestowed in honor of his tortured attempts to rap. His roommate, Pfc. Kenneth Berry, sat in the dark, staring at a DVD on his laptop computer. He mentioned that Palmatier was a college graduate, a history major at Illinois College. He taught Berry to "work smart," he said. Just two days before his death, Palmatier had been interviewed for a battalion videotape to be sent back to Ft. Benning, Ga. The tape showed a smiling young man with a shaved head and dark-rimmed spectacles discussing Iraqi culture and history. Down the hall, Fuller, who was hurt in the attack, recalled that Palmatier's body had slammed into him as he sat behind the wheel, fighting to control the truck as it pitched on its side. He had injured his knee, but the psychological effects were worse. The night before, he had met with counselors from the battalion's combat stress team. "They helped me talk about what happened," Fuller said in a near-whisper. Lt. Suttles sat smoking in his room across the hall, turning the details of the bombing over in his mind, how he had run back to the stricken truck from his Humvee, trying to calm his soldiers in the chaos and watching a medic frantically try to save the dying corporal. Palmatier never regained consciousness. Two things helped him sleep at night now, the lieutenant said. "One, everybody on the ground did exactly what they were supposed to do in the event of an attack," he said. "And two, Cpl. Palmatier didn't suffer." On Sunday, the battalion assembled in full battle gear for the corporal's memorial service, flanked by dozens of Iraqi soldiers in scarlet berets. Palmatier's rifle, boots, helmet and dog tags were arranged on a pedestal, along with his Purple Heart and Bronze Star. There was also a medallion bearing the battalion's motto: "Our Country, Not Ourselves." Staff Sgt. Terriance Hamilton, a close friend, sang a hymn called "I Won't Complain." "He didn't have to go on that mission," Hamilton said afterward. "He thought he should be there." Cloutier and Suttles fought back tears as they rose to speak. The lieutenant said Palmatier was doing his job perfectly, scanning his zone with the grenade launcher, when the explosion killed him. The colonel said, "If you measure a man's wealth by the number of people who love him, you'd have to say Jacob Palmatier was rich indeed." Taps was sounded. Riflemen fired a salute. The first sergeant called the roll, repeating Palmatier's name three times, each call answered by silence. That evening, photos of the latest detained suspects went up on a display board inside the battalion's cramped intelligence office. Below the words "The Hall of Shame Proudly Presents A Rogues Gallery," the sullen faces of High Value Targets 2, 6 and 8 stared. One day soon, many in the battalion vowed, the display would carry another photo — that of the man who planted the bomb that ended the promising life of Cpl. Jacob Palmatier.
Respect 2 all those that serve our world, u r the best! rock on soldiers x
Thank you to all who are serving our country.
Thank you to all who are serving our country.
I want to say Thank You to each and everyone of you. I can't imagine what is really happening over there. You are the bravest people to me and I will always be grateful for you. You all are an inspiration and I only wish that I had half of the courage you do. Me and my church are praying for you all to have a safe trip home. Your in our thoughts and prayers. Much Respect, Tabatha
It is never dumb to honor those men and women (our friends and family)who are serving our country. We are truly blessed to know them.
To all of our buddies serving overseas....Thank you! I'm now a military wife myself and my husband's first tour went better than expected. After his advanced course in June, he will re-deploy again. We're glad we are making progress in Iraq, although the media doesn't give us the good news. Hang tough, email your friends and loved ones as much as possible and don't be shy about asking for your favorite things for your family and friends to send! God Bless all of you!!!! Leslie D. Snow-Gargus, FAHS Class of '79
A very happy Valentine's day to all our Frankfurt soldiers out there. The love for your country is something we all admire. May you have a day full of hearts and flowers-if only in your dreams. Wishing you safety, love, hope and peace.
Beware-ooooooooooooooooooooooooo
God Bless all of our soldiers overseas
NICE AND WONDERFUL SITE KEEP IT UP AND GOD BLESS AMERICANS I HAVE LAND HERE OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GREAT DR MUGU MUGU@MUGU.NET
NICE AND WONDERFUL SITE KEEP IT UP AND GOD BLESS AMERICANS I HAVE LAND HERE OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GREAT DR MUGU MUGU@MUGU.NET
Yo Cliffie! Tis your younger (and better looking) brother. Glad to hear all went so smoothly for the election. I will send you some info "off-line" along with the typical chit-chat. My e-mail addy is clintc1@cox.net I will catch you on the flip side my brand-nubian brother!
ps....Clint...send your email addy......My 'old timers' is kicking in and I can't remember it....Cliff
Hey everyone...first chance I've had to drop folks a note since I got back here. The elections went smoothly...it was tense here but turned out well. I got to observe some one of the polling places and it was pretty amazing...people singing and dancing....all dressed up.....just hope that it stays calm. I got to talk to Mark Simerly the other day...he's doing well and is deeply involved in getting his guys ready to head home....doesn't look like we will be able to actually see each other....our bases (Tikrit and Balad) are only about an hour and a half apart but it is thru 'Indian Country'.....well gotta run, hope you all are doing well...... Cliff
I want to ask for you all to pray that this war gets over soon and that no more lives will be lost. I am so very proud of all the soliders and what they are doing there, I miss my son Spc.Edmund J Jeffers, he is in the 503rd inf. unit in Iraq. It's been almost a year since i have seen him, like many other moms I am sure they worry as much as I do, so please lets keep all our soliders in our prayers for their safe and speedy return. Tina (Horner) Kelly class of 84
hey u guyes are doing a great job keep it up
hi all troops yall are all my brothers and sisters in Gods way.love yall gernisha parnell
Please add this to your prayer lists and have it put on the lists at your respective churches. Lyle is in Iraq as a Chaplain. We can make a difference!! You can also email him encouragement at the address below. As a transportation battalion, my unit will be delivering the voting machines and the ballots to villages and cities throughout Iraq during the upcoming elections. (January 30/31) Our convoys are prime targets for the insurgents because they do not want the equipment to arrive at the polling stations nor do they want the local Iraqi citizens to have the chance to vote; timely delivery must occur so that the elections occur. Encourage your friends and family members and those within our churches to pray specifically for the electoral process. Historically, the previous totalitarian regime would not allow individual citizens to vote. Democracy will not be realized in Iraq if intelligent and competent officials are not elected to those strategic leadership positions within the emerging government; freedom will not have an opportunity to ring throughout this country if the voting process fails. Announce this prayer request to your contacts throughout your churches, neighborhoods, and places of business. Those with leadership roles within the local church post this message in as many newsletters and bulletins as possible. There is unlimited potential for God's presence in this process but if we do not pray then our enemy will prevail (See Ephesians 6:10-17) A prayer vigil prior to the end of the month may be an innovative opportunity for those within your sphere of influence to pray. This is a political battle that needs spiritual intervention. A powerful story about God's intervention in the lives of David's mighty men is recorded in 2 Samuel 23:8-33. David and his warriors were victorious because of God's intervention. We want to overcome those who would stand in the way of freedom. David's mighty men triumphed over incredible odds and stood their ground and were victorious over the enemies of Israel. (Iraqi insurgents' vs God's praying people). They don't stand a chance. I will pray with my soldiers before they leave on their convoys and move outside our installation gates here at Tallil. My soldiers are at the nerve center of the logistic operation to deliver the voting machines and election ballots. They will be driving to and entering the arena of the enemy. This is not a game for them it is a historical mission that is extremely dangerous. No voting machines or ballots. No elections. Your prayer support and God's intervention are needed to give democracy a chance in this war torn country. Thank you for reading this e-mail. Please give this e-mail a wide dissemination. Thank you for your prayer support for me and my family. Stand firm in your battles. Blessings, v/r Lyle CH (CPT) Lyle Shackelford Battalion Chaplain HHD, 57th Transportation Battalion Providing With Mobility "Keep Em Moving" vernon.shackelford@adder.arfor.army.mil vernon.lyle.shackelford@us.army.mil 833-1264
Hey Billy W. We wanted to let you know we are all praying for you, miss you and Sonny will keep singing "Forgotten Soldier with thoughts of you. Love Sonny & Karen
To: Cliff Crawford, Hapy birthday there bro! Wish you could be somewhere other than Iraq for the occasion, but know that the whole family sends our love and best wishes to ya! Clint
IF ANYONE ON HERE KNOWS LANCE CORPORAL BRYAN DEWAYNE DAVIS TELL HIM CRYSTAL SAYS SHE LOVES HIM AND MISSES HIM AND PRAYS FOR HIS SAFETY AND NOW WITH ALL THAT SAID YOU CAN ALSO ASK HIM THIS LANCE CORPORAL BRYAN DEWAYNE DAVIS WILL YOU MARRY ME {CRYSTALSKINNER@HOTMAIL.COM}
Just to say thank you and to wish you a Happy New Year. Barnabas F. Vorreiter
I just want to thank our troops for their hard work and bravery. You are all in my prayers and I wish you all the best. love, katie st. louis, mo
our troops are amazing and are the bravest people in the world to me. I just want to thank them for everything they do.
Just to say Hi and to wish you a safe & Merry Christmas. Barnabas F. Vorreiter
for Link to see other service members who are over in the middle east, please click the URL below: http://www.fahs.org/our-troops/across-the-water.htm
Photos of Eugene Teasley who is over in Iraq doing his duty for us are posted, click the link below. http://www.fahs.org/our-troops/Eugene.htm
To all the soldiers fighting for our safety, I am from southern IL. and I teach 4th grade sunday school at St. John's Lutheran school in Red Bud, IL. Our class will be sending items over to hopefully assist you in your daily life. But most of all, for to realize that we are thinking of you all, and you are in our prayers, to all come home safe. God be with you!!!!!! Darla Hollmann
Hi from Iraq, if anyone wants to contact me its eugene.teasley@us.army.mil
Thank you Kathy, I miss you guys too...family took on a whole new meaning this year. Thank you too Patty for your support and blessing. Happy Holidays to all and its good to see everyone is still family
Peace on the Earth than drugs love war!!
Wishing you a Safe and a Happy Thanksgiving ! Barnabas F. Vorreiter
To Gene Teasley and his entire family. Thank you for your sacrafice. Hurry home soon!! I only got to know you a little while on the chat board and emails but I want you to know you're missed by many of us at FAHS.org. Hugs, Patty Flynn CL 78
To Gene Teasley and his entire family. Thank you for your sacrafice and hurry home soon. I only got to know you a little while on the chat board and emails but I want you to know you're missed by many of us at FAHS.org. Hugs, Patty Flynn CL 78
http://www.cornbreadshow.com/soldiermain.htm see how you can adopt a soldier for Christmas! Hugs, Patty
To everyone overseas protecting our freedom. We cannot express how incredibly thankful we are for you this Thanksgiving holiday. Thank you so much and God Bless. Nancy A. Smart
To all of you overseas protecting our country....Happy Thanksgiving...And to you...my brother, Gene, you will be missed this year at home...We miss you and love you....Be Safe!!!! Kathy Teasley Hall (85)
To all of you overseas protecting our country....Happy Thanksgiving...And to you...my brother, Gene, you will be missed this year at home...We miss you and love you....Be Safe!!!! Kathy Teasley Hall
Thank you for your sacrifice in defending our freedom so that we can all live free. Barnabas F. Vorreiter
To all our Vets-past and present---thank you....
To all our Vets-past and present---thank you....
To all our Vets-past and present---thank you....
Thank God Bush Won
Thank God Bush Won
my email adress is lazoubette54@hotmail.com.i am french.write me.
hello i am french i am tifany and i m 16 years old.i would like to have penfriends who live in your countrie.the next year i leave for one year on america.i speak very well english.so i wait your message.
hello i am french i am tifany and i m 16 years old.i would like to have penfriends who live in your countrie.the next year i leave for one year on america.i speak very well english.so i wait your message.
I think the troops should come home now. I have heard the horror stories from over the TV, but also from my boyfriend. It is time we bring our boys home. It is real scary over there and it is only getting worse.
I think the troops should come home now. I have heard the horror stories from over the TV, but also from my boyfriend. It is time we bring our boys home. It is real scary over there and it is only getting worse.
Let's try this again. Dean's e-mail address is: dean.parry@auab.aorcentaf.af.mil
Re: Dean Parry Anyone wishing to e-mail Dean, his e-mail address is: dean.parry@auab.aorcentaf.af.mil HQ
Mark, Remember me....Theresa Gonzales... Class of 80? I've been in Baghdad for 13 months. I'm a Construction Representative for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Still have 8 months to go. Please email me sometime. Take care and stay safe. theresa.d.gonzales@tac01.usace.army.mil
Dean Parry called this morning from Bangor, Maine enroute to Kuwait and Katar via Frankfurt! He said to tell you all to keep him in your prayers! He said hopefully he'll be back in 6 months and here for the next Hartwell! God Bless him!!! And all our other troops over there fighting for our freedom!
Dean Parry just called me from Bangor, Maine enroute to Kuwait and Katar via Frankfurt! He said to tell you all to keep him in your prayers! He said hopefully he'll be back in 6 months and here for the next Hartwell! God Bless him!!! And all our other troops over there fighting for our freedom!
Wow Theresa, That's just awesome! What a great example of a wonderful Frankfurt chick! ;-) --yeah, even though you graduated from Berlin! ;-) ~Poov
I wanted to add that I am a Flight Attendant for Comair, Delta Connection. And anytime that I have any Military personnel on board I was always make them a care package from the snacks that I have on board. And if the flight is long enough, I then comp them drinks, if they drink! And at the end of my flights I make sure that I do make a public annoucement "Thanking our Military Guys and Girls" And when I am finished the other passengers always applauded them too. It makes me smile whenever I am in the airports, to see children run up to our Military and asked them for their autographs!!!The look on the Military personnel faces is so humble! Theresa Ledbetter Andrews Lived in Frankfurt from 1980-82. Berlin American High School Class of 1980!
Just in case you are interested.......... The Kerry campaign claims that over 200,000 veterans have signed up on the Kerry campaign web site supporting his run for the presidency. On the Vets4Bush website only 6,433 veterans that have signed up. The group is sponsored by Bob Dole and several General/Flag officers. Please take a look at the web site and make your own decision on signing. If you're not a vet please pass this along to your friends and relatives who are. Zack http://www.vets4bush.com/
Starr we love you and miss you. Mom, Joey, Pickles & Bruis'r!!!!
Mark, I'm especially thinking about you and your family today- particularly with Hurricane Charley making landfall in FL and then on up the east coast. Know that you are in our prayers. When we head to Germany next month-we'll PROST ya at the O'fest! Thanks for all you're doing. BE HOME by our 25th reunion! It's starting to get rolling now. ;-) Love, Lisa Poovey Berwyn ('80)
After scrolling through some of the previous comments, it is really hard to say what is in my heart. I am a grandmother of 5 and one is 16 years old and the possibility of him maybe going to war is very difficult to think about. But at the same time I think about all the brave, wonderful young men and women who are now serving our Country in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and other places. THANK YOU for all you are doing for our Country. America is truly a great place place and even greater because of the courageous efforts you are putting forth. God bless each and everyone of you. My prayers are daily for your protection and safe return to your homes and families. I would love to hear from some of you if at all possible. God is for you and His Word is truth. M. McAnally, Oklahoma
Mark, et al... Thank You once again for your selfless service to our Nation. God Bless You and God Bless America. With Utmost Respect, Dennis '78
Greetings from Tikrit. I am proudly serving here with the Big Red One. I am surrounded by incredibly brave Soldiers who risk their lives daily for their country. It is a privilige to lead these young Americans who constantly find the irony and humor in the heat and dust of the Iraqi summer. Mark Simerly. FAHS 80.
Greetings from Tikrit. I am proudly serving here with the Big Red One. I am surrounded by incredibly brave Soldiers who risk their lives daily for their country. It is a privilige to lead these young Americans who constantly find the irony and humor in the heat and dust of the Iraqi summer. Mark Simerly. FAHS 80.
Thank you for fighting to protect us over here in America. You are in my prayers daily. We miss you and look forward to your returning home soon. Thanks Again, Shalonda '93
As the girlfriend of my hero and fallen soldier, Spc. Thomas Caughman, there are no words to even explain to you all how much I appreciate everything that you are doing for us. I will always keep you in my thoughts and prayers, stay strong, and always have faith in the Lord! Thank you so much and God Bless...Lindsey Hendrix-Gilbert, S.C.
Dwight, as a retired CSM, I want to add my thoughts and prayers with you and the men and women you are serving with. Over my 26 years, we always leaned on the Chaplain when times are tough, and this is an exceptional time, and you seem to be an exceptional man. We are all asked to serve in some way, and I am so thankful that men and women like you stand up and say "take me". Having served as a volunteer with USA Cares for the past 15 months has shown me that there are thousands here who do care, and are willing to do what it takes to make things right on our end, so that you guys and gals don't have to worry about the rent, utilities or keeping the car running. God Bless you, and keep you all safe. Sincerely, Roger Stradley USA Cares
I am a Senior Advocate for USACARES. I am so excited to see young adults show their love for the soldiers and their families. I am so proud to see our LOGO on your website, I hope others will join your efforts in supporting the troops Over the Waters and here at home. Cecelia Jeffery Senior Advocate USACAREs www.USACARES.US
Please check this out: www.usacares.us This is a great, non-profit org dedicated to taking care of Soldiers and families--I can personally vouch for the legitimacy of the organization and its people--they started up as Kentuckina Cares and now have gone national--if anyone knows a Soldier or family who needs help, please pass this on.... --thanks--kim crumley (79)
No man is a Man until he has wept for another man. Panther
Ray, Thank you and everyone for all that you do for me. Words cannot express my gratitude for all that you all do. Thanks, God Bless you, my thoughts and prayers are with you ALL. GOD BLESS AMERICA! Lindsey Shealy- Gilbert,SC
Awesome Ray...thanks....Dennis
We cannot ask ourselves why things happen, we must understand why things happen. We have chosen our path and must walk it until the end. If our end is met early we must understand that what I have done is for what I have chosen to do. We love our country enough to protect it from the risk of losing its freedom to do what I have chosen to do, so please understand what I do, is for you! I think not for what I do, because it's for you. I love and think of all of you who support what I have chosen to do, so fear not what I have to encounter, for I do it for you. Ray Corella 3rd SFG
If anyone knows the where abouts of Kathy Malloy (77) please forward my e mail address for Phyllis Weaver (77) aptsanchez@earthlink.net
I also knew Thomas Caughman. He was my cousin, neighbor, and friend. We called him T-Bone. I have pondered for the past week about why. I just get so angry to see such a wonderful person lose his life. I now have come to grips with reality and that he died for a reason. I know that I will be a better person because of this. I will cherish the people that I know and live everyday as if it were my last. I will pray for all the men fighting in this war and thank God that we have people like them in thin world.
June 15, 2004 Operation Shoe Fly We landed our big, bad, and beautiful CH47D Chinook helicopter in the tight landing zone to drop off supplies to the handful of Soldiers who operate out of the remote FOB. They are always glad to hear the loud whup whup of the tandem rotor blades as the sound travels down the valley bouncing off the mountain walls until they see us crest a ridge inbound for landing. Also glad to see us are the hundreds of Afghani children from the adjoining village wearing huge smiles and waving frantically as they run towards the aircraft, stopping as the strong rotor wash hits their faces. While the cargo was being unloaded from the ramp of the Chinook, I walked over to a small group of kids and handed out some hard candies, much to their delight. Just as I was about to walk back to the helicopter I noticed a little boy meanly grabbing a candy out of the hand of a little girl whose blue eyes had sparkled as she smiled a “thank you” just moments before when I had placed the candy in her palm. Though she initially seemed sad, the light fading from her blue eyes, she quickly accepted the boy’s dominance and walked away with the other children. This is a facet of the Afghan life and culture that we find hard to accept and patiently work to change for the future. After the mission was complete and back at our home base, I was sitting around with a group of crewdogs cleaning our hogs (M60D machine guns). I mentioned what I had witnessed earlier regarding the little girl with the bright blue eyes and one of the crew chiefs said, “You got to unwrap the candy first when you give it to the girls Top, that way they can pop it in their mouth right away before the boys can get to it.” It seems my crewdogs have already figured out a way to bring some joy, even if for only as long as it takes to eat a piece of candy, to the Afghani children, boys and girls alike. The conversation continued with concern for the children of this place as Coalition forces fight to rid the Taliban and other enemies of Afghanistan while brining stability to the region so as to allow democracy to flourish, there are the children, the children with no shoes on their feet. Just about every flight engineer and crew chief has noticed over the course of flying across this place called Afghanistan these past months that a large percentage of the children have no shoes to wear and of course, almost all of the girls are shoeless. So my esteemed friends of the blogosphere, in the spirit of Chief Wiggles and minding the words of the infamous Steve Miller Band, I announce the beginning of Operation Shoe Fly in an effort to shoe the children, with no shoes on their feet. If you can collect the shoes, used or new, boys' and girls' (age 14 and under), and send them to me, my crewdogs and I will fly them out to the Afghani kids who so desperately need them. Please send your shoes to: Operation Shoe Fly B Co, 214th Aviation Regiment Bagram, Afghanistan APO AE 09354-9998 Another way to help is of course by getting the word out on Operation Shoe Fly. I would be most appreciative for any and all help in spreading the word on our endeavor, including anyone who might be willing to make a button or banner to post around the blogosphere. Thanks. In addition to protecting the feet of these young innocent children, we might even win some hearts and minds among their parents and who knows where the shoes might take these kids. This place is on the dawn of a future, determining how bright it will be rests on the shoulders of these kids with no shoes on their feet. What say you? Sgt Hook out.
Subject:Thanks/ Spc. Thomas Caughman that died Thursday, (June 9) was my cousin (by marriage), and a dear friend. I know Thomas's life has touched mine in words I can't describe, and I don't doubt that God has a great purpose in Thomas's death... I can't tell you how much it hurts that he is gone. I am so proud to be able to say that I even knew Thomas, he was very special to all of us...I read the letter that Chaplain Dwight wrote and I can't tell you what your words meant to the family. We are all very glad to know that Thomas was on the gun that night...That's how he would have wanted it...to go down fighting. I could tell that these recent events have been as hard on you as it has on the family. I can't tell you how much the Lord has carried this family in the past week and it has really been amazing to watch, especially Thomas's parents and sister hold up with so much strength. Anyway, I just wanted to Thank you, not only for your service to our country, but to the Lord. I bet being a Chaplain in the armed services is the hardest job in the world. I'm sure it is very hard for some to find God when so much awful is around them. God bless you, all of you. Our prayers are with you. Thank You for serving our Country. I hope all of you know how appreciated you are. To "Payton", hang in there. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dwight, (I'm not sure what else to call you), if you have the time, I know the family would love to hear from you. My e-mail address is <lilpookie71703@yahoo.com> If you would please update us on how the others who were injured are doing... Thank You for all that you do, and I can assure you Thomas is definately home.
I would like to send my thanks to all serving our wonderful country. I am a close friend of Thomas Caughman and his family. We have had a pretty rough week, but in this week by the help of Thomas I have truly learnd what freedom means. In a letter to Southeastern Freightlines Thomas Caughman wrote what freedom meant to him. This twenty year old who was like a younger brother to me said that Freedom is what America is, and that is what's troubling America today. These words are so true. There are so many Amerians today that take freedom for granted, and this I believe is what Thomas meant by his words. Thomas was a wonderful man. He is my HERO. I also believe that all of our troops are our HEROS. God Bless you all. You will ALL be in my thoughts and prayers every day. Thank you for all that you do so that we may continue to live our lives in a free country. Thank you for fighting so that many others can live a better life in Iraq. God Bless you, Dwight, for being there for all of the soldiers. I am so glad that you were there for Thomas, for he had a very strong faith. Lindsey Shealy -Gilbert South Carolina
" To understand life….we must understand death. I apologize for such a sad e-mail. In light of what I just wrote, be thankful for the good life which our Lord has given us all. And honor the memory of Timothy Caughman. The last time I spoke to him was at my mid-week Bible study, I believe that he is finally home. God bless you all, Dwight" Amen, Dwight, Amen. Prayers for you and all soldiers everywhere. You will never be forgotten.
Subject: Rough Week Dear Everyone, I must apologize for not sending out my usual weekly update. Saying that “things” have picked up a bit is an understatement. There has been an increase in counseling’s, my Brigade Chaplain is giving me some greater responsibilities, and to put not only the proverbial icing on the cake but the sprinkles, writing and candles we have sustained seven casualties this past week in two separate events. I have gone over 48 hours without sleep, have seen some things I rather never see again, and have been “leaned” upon by soldiers of every rank. Fortunately 4 of our 7 casualties were minor, but unfortunately I cannot say that about the other three. Late on the night of 9 June 2004 Operation Iron Claw (yes, the mission I went on last month) while conducting an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) drove into a well-organized ambush. At least ten RPGs (Rocket Propelled Grenade) were fired at the convoy, two of which struck on of our humvees killing the gunner and wounding the other three soldiers in the humvee, two seriously. Spc. Thomas Caughman, 20 years of age, from South Carolina was that gunner who died that night. SSG Best left hand was severely wounded. SGT Payton’s lower left arm had to be amputated. I was informed immediately and before I knew it I was at a hospital in downtown Baghdad. Words cannot describe what happen or how I felt. Let me just say that I never felt more like a Chaplain than I did that early morning in that hospital…and it wasn’t the nicest of feelings. It was not my strength that kept me going, I definitely felt the Lord’s presences on this one and can take no credit for anything I did or said. What does one say to a man who just lost his arm? How do you tell him that his buddy just died? What do you say to a whole platoon of soldiers who are staring at you with their undivided attention wanting you to show some strength and tell them everything is okay? This was by far the saddest day of my life. Yet I can confidently say even more so that the Lord is good. Payton requested to see his Chaplain alone before anyone else. There he was laying in bed completely naked except for a blanket. Attached to an IV and a oxygen mask. And his left arm from where the elbow used to be, covered with thick bandages, was a bloody stump. He just burst into tears when he saw me. I just held him in my arms and prayed. I don’t even remember what I said, I just kept praying and held onto this soldier who bought a purple heart with his left arm. One bright spot though that evening, and it was definitely the Lord’s doing. Near the end of our visit, once the commanders, and senior NCOs gave their condolences, to help Payton relax I asked him if he had a favorite Bible passage that I could read for him. He said “Luke….you know the one from Charlie Brown…that Luke.”. For those of you baffled by what he was requesting, he wanted me to read the Christmas passage found in Luke chapter 2 which Linus quotes in the Charlie Brown Christmas Special. Wow, did I need a smile and that did it. And what better passage to read in such a dark time of death, but the birth of the One who brought life and conquered death. I never read Luke chapter 2 which such enthusiasm. The Lord hand has never been so evident in my life than it has this past week. There is so much I could say, but I just cannot put it into words. I just know that I do not want to ever go through another event like this again. To understand life….we must understand death. I apologize for such a sad e-mail. In light of what I just wrote, be thankful for the good life which our Lord has given us all. And honor the memory of Timothy Caughman. The last time I spoke to him was at my mid-week Bible study, I believe that he is finally home. God bless you all, Dwight
God Bless all of you over there fighting for us! We love you and keep you in our prayers! Hurry back! Sherrie '77
Ray, Thanks for the post. We are so honored by your service. We only wish we could do more for you. You are joined back over there by Cliff Crawford and Mark Simmerle...and I'm sure there are others. To All: Please keep our friends in your prayers and thoughts. Ray and Cliff and Mark, if there is anything you need that we can send or do, please let us know. Your families over here want to support you in any way we can. We love you and miss you. We pray for your safe and speedy return to America. We will be waiting for you with open arms and hearts. We Support You. Much Love, On behalf of your Frankfurt Family, Dennis
Well it's Ray Corella and I'm back here in this great big sand box. This is my 3rd Tour here and it hasn't changed. I will be here until Dec. Dennis thanks for all the support you give us soldiers over here. Thank you Ray Corella 84
<b>In Honor of the Modern Day Hero</b> Most often our heros go unrecognized and we're trying to change that. We created a site to honor the heroes of today as a free service to the community. We're local to NJ, but this site is for America.Please add your heroes at <a href="http://www.thisismyhero.com/">http://www.thisismyhero.com/</a> We're brand new, so we need all of your help to make this work. Tell everyone you know of it! Thank you
Cliff, send me an e-mail when you see this. rick.robinson@mci.com I've kept missing seeing you....just wanted you to know I've not forgotten you man! Stay safe and come home soon! It's going to be very hard in the coming days when more of those awful pictures come out...I just wanted you and your compadres over there to know that the actions of a few sadistic idiots will not cloud our minds to the honorable service you and the rest of the troops are performing over there. I miss ya man. Take good care. -zilla '78
Yall need to come home!!!!
Cliff, You stay safe and let us know when you are back in Deutschland or in the Good Ole USA. We are looking forward to having you back in Tampa for a great Tampa Gathering. Your choice where we go. Hugs, Patty
MST.SGT.JOHN DeROSIER - HELLO FROM NEW ORLEANS, HOPE THIS FINDS YOU WELL, WE ARE ALL PRAYING FOR SAFETY AND PEACE IF SOMEHOW POSSIBLE. YOUR NAME IS ON A NEW TREE AT CHURCH, REMEMBER GOD AND BOTH OUR DAD'S WHO WENT FAR TO EARLY AND 5 WEEKS APART ARE WATCHING OVER US ALL. LOVE ALL!!! WE WILL HAVE A NEW ORLEANS CRAWFISH BOIL WHEN YOU RETURN, SUCK DEM HEADS AND PINCH THEM TAILS, STAY SAFE AS YOU CAN
http://www.nmam.org/ National Military Appreciate Month, May 2004! Check out the website, look for a banner at www.fahs.org Thank You, Dennis
Just stopping by AGAIN...God bless all of you...you are doing a great job...you are in my prayers... T H A N K Y O U ! ! ! ! ! Kevin Airrington http://www.seektechnologies.com
There are many who feel that how we direct our thinking is fundamental to what will be. Reading all the notes below, I can only hope that this is so. My oldest son is currently serving in Iraq - right where the action is. I worry every waking moment about him, but I'm fortunate in that I don't have to just wait and worry. I get to do something -I'll soon be serving in Baghdad myself. The kind of support here - well, it's a lifeline. Thanks to all. FAHSer, Class of '78
Cliff, Glenn and remaining FAHers in theater, stay safe and know my family and I are praying for your safe return. Hope someday to meet you two heros. John Van Sickle Class of 77...
Cliff, Glenn and remaining FAHers in theater, stay safe and know my family and I are praying for your safe return. Hope someday to meet you to heros. John Van Sickle Class of 77...
Just dropping in again...my nephew is home from Iraq...I am so proud of him...and it is nice to hear it from the horses mouth all of teh good things you men and women are accomplishing over there. Still praying for you...THANK YOU!!!! Kevin Airrington voteforbush@airrington.com www.airrington.com
On Thursday 25th March 2004 it will be the first anniversary of the Yellow Ribbon Foundation. Providing support for anyone with a British Armed Forces connection, and run by Royal Air Force wife Victoria Evans, we touched the whole country with our Yellow Ribbon Campaign to show support for the British Armed Forces. People gave their support one year ago to our campaign; we ask you all to visit our website at www.yellowribbon.org.uk and pledge your support again for the British Armed Forces - wherever they are and in whatever role they play. God bless all our allies, their Armed Forces and their families.
Just want to say a great big THANK YOU to all the couragous men and women who are working and fighting to keep our freedom and safty. I love you all so much and may the good Lord be with you always and keep you safe and in His hands. Jean '63 THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU CAN'T BE SAID ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!
You are all in our hearts and prayers, Gods Speed. To our son Michael,we love you and are so very proud of you, be safe my love. Mom (aka Christina, Sis)
Great to be back home after a year in Korea, then straight to the Iraq for a year with the 101st. Thanks for all your prayers and support. Please continue to do the same for our classmates still fighting or heading into the fight. Ray Jackson Mighty Class of 79. Dormies Rule :)
thinking of you cliff--kim (79)
Back in Kuwait......hope it's short this time. Cliff
Just stopped in to say hello and let you know I am praying for all of you. I will stop in again soon. Kevin Airrington www.airrington.com voteforbush@airrington.com
Welcome home Ray and thank YOU!! Patty CL 78
Cliff in Gelnhausen....with Doug Stanley...Thanks for the pics Cliff! http://www.fahs.org/dougncliffpics2004.htm Dennis
Welcome home Ray!
welcome home CWO5 Ray Jackson ('79), 101st Airborne
Daddy, (Wayne Gwynne) Stay safe we will be thinking and praying for you every day. Stay safe to return to you great grandson "Bryce" in June. We love you! Susan and clan
Thanks for fighting for our wonderful country. You all are highly appreciated and prayed for every day! Hoping for a safe return for every single one of you. All our love, The Galfe Family
Thanks Donna! Glenn, if you're out there...hear our prayers! We wish you Godspeed and a speedy safe return to your family and loved ones... Best, Dennis '78
MSgt Glenn Zimmerman, United States Air Force, Frankfurt class of '78 is on his second remote tour since 9-11....he has been stationed in Quattar since Oct. 2003 and hopes to return to his home and family in Idaho in mid March.....all my love to my little brother whom I am very proud of....Donna Zimmerman Joudrey, Class of '77
The reason I am writing, is to make you aware of something that I am involved with and believe in. I am also asking for your support for this great cause. This is a grassroots effort on behalf of military families. In the past 10 months USA Cares has raised over $132,000 to assist and support Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Air Force families across the United States. For more information you can go to www.usacares.us. Their story and their history is all there, including a full accounting of all money raised. One third of all mobilized Reserve and National Guardsmen take a significant pay cut when they are activated. Families of active duty servicemen and women are not exactly overpaid. Sometimes events happen that cause them to be in a bind. For instance the car breaks down. It is fixed, and now they can't buy food. And for thousands of families, the spouse is overseas. It is as simple as that. We figured out how to help, but it takes dollars. We not only provide financial assistance, but we also provide advice and information. We work with military organizations that are designed to help families with problems like this, but sometimes cannot provide the necessary assistance as quickly as it is needed. As one of my friends, I am asking you to do two things. I know that if a political candidate can raise $14,000,000 using the internet, then we can raise $1,000,000, three pins at a time. So first go to http://www.usacares.us/lapelPin/lapelPins.htm and spend $10.50. And secondly, and this is as important as the first, ask three of your friends to do the same. Obviously you can ask more, but three will work. Just copy and paste this email into a new email and send it. It will work. It is working. Meanwhile USA Cares will continue being there for our families, one family at a time. We provide a hand-up, not a hand-out. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact the folks at USA Cares, at info@usacares.us
Proud of you son Packages are on the way. Love to you from Ark and Okeechobee, Fl. Mom and Dad Patti Steve and Pam
Let me echo Dennis' sentiments. Mark is a very good and dear friend...someone who's father served with mine in Viet Nam and whom I've know just about my entire life......Mark epitomizes the FAHS spirit and sense of honor and duty.......may his days away speed by and bring him back quickly to his family. Cliff Crawford
To: Mark Simerly 80, and family! Your Frankfurt family wishes you Godspeed and a safe return home to all your loved ones. We will pray for you and your comrades in arms as you face the challenges of helping to bring about democracy in Iraq. Thank you for your service to your country. With sincere wishes, Dennis '78 and the www.fahs.org family
We love you Jason and Tim!!!!!!!. We are very proud to have such brave cousins in the U. S. Military, protecting our country, and us. We Thank All of you, each and every one of you, for making our future a brighter one. God bless the USA, and all of you making a difference. Love, Tory and Tatum, Ohio
To each and every one of you............... THANK-YOU. Thank-you from the bottom of our hearts, for your love of your country, all your great sacrafices you made, your dedication and loyalties, and your willingness to die for me. I do not think there are enough words to express all of our gratitude. Because of you all, We continue to remain a free country. One to be very proud of. May each and every one of you, make it home to your loved ones safe and sound. To Jason, and To Tim, Come home soon!!!!!!!! WE all love you very much, and are so very proud of you. You are OUR HEROES!!!!!!! We miss you, and pray for your safe return always. Remember, YOU did make a difference. WE love you all, The Minton Family. Ohio
I am very proud of each and everyone one of you over there. You guys amaze me more and more each day. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do. To Jason, I love you and I am extremely proud of you. You are my hero and my best friend. Come home soon. I miss you and I love you. Molly Oak Grove KY
To all of our soldiers in Iraq, our family thanks you. Our thoughts, prayers, and support will be with you until the end. Thank you for all you have done. To our Baby J, come home to us soon. We miss and love you! May God Bless Each and Every One of You! The Hoover Family in Ohio
GOD BLESS YOU ALL & THANK YOU! THE CHAMBERS FAMILY FROM OHIO
OUR LOVE , SUPPORT AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE USA MILITARY . GOD BLESS AND STAY SAFE. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hickmans Newark Ohio
To all our men and women fighting for our country, I thank you. May God watch over and protect you in your duties. I'm proud for you and of you. God Bless you all. Mr. Peluso
Two Weeks Before Christmas! T'was two weeks before Christmas, And all through Iraq, The people still worried that Saddam would be back. The soldiers went out on their nightly patrol, Capturing the bad guys was always their goal! With raids seeming endless in the triangle Sunni, We hoped that not all of Iraq was so looney! We gathered the tribe of Saddam, in Tikrit, And suddenly now they all started to snit! They told of a farm where Hussein just might be Odierno then called on our boys- from the great 4th ID! More rapid than Baathists our soldiers they came, And he whistled and shouted and called them by name Now Delta, Now Rangers, Now Cavalry too! On Green Hats, on Pilots, I need all of you! Go to that farm and secure it right now! Capture his ass- you guys know how! Off went our soldiers under cover of night, So stealthy, so quiet with no trace of light While we back at home were eating our lunches, Our boys on the ground were following hunches! And then it was time for the raid to begin. The first target came up -empty within! Could it be our Intel was wrong once again? No! Somewhere nearby is the wolf in his den! And then, in a twinkling, camouflage torn away In a hole in the ground did their quarry lay Dazed and confused, right at them he looked, Did the stupid old fool know his goose was now cooked? He was dressed all in rags from his toes to his head, And his beard was as matted as 12 day-old bread! How the mighty had fallen, could this be Hussein? One look in his eyes was to know he's insane! Our boys got their man - how proud we all are The relief in our country is felt near and far A bath he has had now -yet he'll never be clean Forever tainted with mass torture and his Fedaheen To our soldiers we give our undying respect You always give more than we ever expect We hope you can have now a night with some fun Your loved ones back home say- JOB WELL DONE!
To the "Fitzsimmons kids" who are serving in Iraq, Stay safe!! Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this holiday season, as well as every day that you are not here. We hope you will be home soon.
We all need to find a way to say thank you and never forget ... It is the soldier, not the reporter who has given us freedom of the press It is the soldier, not the clergyman who has given us freedom of religion It is the soldier, not the poet who has given us freedom of speech It is the soldier, not the campus organizer who has given us freedom to demonstrate It is the soldier, not the lawyer who has given us the right to a fair trial It is the soldier Who salutes the flag Who serves under the flag Who defends the flag Who follows the flag into battle Whose coffin is draped by the flag Who gives the protestor the right to burn the flag A special Solute to my nephew now serving in Kurkut. I love you Paul. <a href = "http://www.airrington.com">www.airrington.com</a>
INTERNATIONAL -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Iraq behind the cameras: a different reality By TARA COPP Scripps Howard News Service December 05, 2003 BAGHDAD, Iraq - It's a little-known footnote in postwar Iraq that an unassuming Army Civil Affairs captain named Kent Lindner has a bevy of blushing female fans. Every time Lindner checks in on the group of young, deaf Iraqi seamstresses at their factory here, the women swarm him with admiration. "I love you!" one of them writes in the dust on Lindner's SUV. Such small-time adoration is not the stuff of headlines against the backdrop of a country painfully and often violently evolving from war. So on this day, when Lindner and his fellow soldiers are cheered as they fire the deaf workers' boss, a woman who has been locking the seamstresses in closets, holding their pay and beating them, the lack of TV cameras on hand is no surprise. But later that night, mortars hit nearby. Cameras are rolling, and 15 minutes later folks back home instead see another news clip of Baghdad's latest violence. It's a soda-straw view that frustrates soldiers, like those in Lindner's Civil Affairs unit, who are slowly trying to stitch together the peace while the final stages of the war play out on television. "We've got a lot of good things going on, but when I went home (on leave), people were just like 'We never hear that stuff,' " said Civil Affairs Pvt. Amy Schroeder. "That's what makes the families worry." What Iraq looks like on TV, and what Iraq is like for the 130,000 troops living here, sometimes feels like two different realities. That's especially true for the Army's Civil Affairs soldiers, reservists who often serve as civil engineers in their "real life" jobs, and who are here working in Iraq's schools, hospitals and factories. There are thousands of Civil Affairs soldiers in Iraq, and their daily missions take them into all regions of the country, from the water plants in Basra to the south, to canning factories up north in Irbil. "Our stories aren't the sexiest," says the 432nd Civil Affairs Brigade commander, Gary Beard. "But what we do will build the success of this country." For the soldiers, the morning typically starts inside their compounds with a breakfast of coffee and thick, rubbery bacon substitute from one of the contractor dining halls, or sometimes just a cigarette and a Coke. It's cold now, but the sun is still white-bright, so most still wear hats or sunglasses. Outside the compounds, Iraqis who have become full-time employees wait to get their IDs checked. The regulars know the MPs by name, and the soldiers and Iraqis exchange the same kind of morning greetings heard at job sites everywhere. "Amin! What's up, man?" the 352nd Civil Affairs commander, Maj. Michael Maguire, says to contractor Amin Ahmed. The Iraqi businessman works with vendors in the city to get equipment for Maguire's men. Over the months, a bond has formed. When Ahmed was worried about car bombs hurting his daughter at school, Maguire helped get heavy barbed wire to wrap around the school's perimeter. With their translator ready to go, Lindner and 352nd Lt. Col. Jim Otwell don bulletproof vests and Kevlar helmets and drive out of the compound to visit the state-run sewing factory for deaf Iraqis. "We want to find out what your working conditions are, anything that we can do to help you," Otwell tells the young women at the factory. He speaks in English slowly, for the benefit of an Arabic translator, who then turns to an Arabic-speaking sign-language translator to sign Otwell's questions to the seamstresses. The girls' hands start flying as they tell Otwell about their hated boss. "She would beat us, and pull our hair!" signs Nadia Jabar. "What about working conditions ... do you have hearing aids? Books you can read?" Otwell asks. "Nothing!" they sign back. Otwell and Lindner tour the building, which is cold and dusty. But inside several of the rooms are old products they can sell - hundreds of Iraqi flags they've sewn, dresses and pillowcases. Already the team has arranged for the factory to produce all the uniforms for Iraq's civil defense forces, and piles of cut brown pant legs line the floor. Now the workers are getting $60 a month, part of which is spent on housing them at the factory. Otwell and Lindner promise to come back soon, and ask the workers to make a list of things that they really need, so maybe next year the factory can get some upgrades. On the way out, the workers jump and clap, as Lindner and Otwell escort the old boss - who had come back to the factory despite a previous arrest by Iraqi police for beating the workers - away from the building. Across town, another mission is under way. "Welcome, welcome to our school," chants a line of 7-year-old girls in Arabic at the Abu Ghuraib Primary School, which the 490th Civil Affairs Battalion took under its wing to restore after it was badly looted postwar. The now-bright-blue school has new equipment and new electrical wiring that feeds bright bulbs by the teachers' blackboards. As each soldier walks through the entrance to the official ribbon-cutting, the girls chant louder in Arabic, "Thank you, thank you, thank you." Inside, headmistress Ibistam Mahdi cuts a yellow ribbon, and thanks the men through a translator. "For the 350 girls here, it is a lot better," Mahdi says. Despite the violent news images seen most often at home, these soldiers say it's more common to see boys selling water jugs of gasoline to passing cars than it is to see a roadside bomb. In the cities, the convoys pass through marketplaces where women walk, arm in arm, to shop for trendy beaded skirts that sparkle in the sun. They pass blocks of electronics stores where men carry home boxes of MP3 players and satellite TV dishes. On busier streets, hundreds of roadside "money exchanges," where Iraqis trade dollars for dinars, pop up like lemonade stands. "Oh, I'm an Ali Baba now," says Staff Sgt. Justin Lockhart to a squirming 11-year-old Iraqi boy named Aaday. Aaday has the sergeant's handcuffs and is busy playfully locking Lockhart up. "It sounds bad, but I try and play with the kids as much as possible," says Lockhart, of the 422nd Civil Affairs Battalion. "It's safer with them around. The only times I'm scared are when there are kids around us, and they leave. Or when adults come get them - it's right after that that we leave a place," because it may signal a coming attack, he said. Even in Fallujah, a city 30 miles west of Baghdad that in the last month has become characterized as one of the more hostile cities in Iraq because of recent attacks, Civil Affairs teams still make daily trips out of their compound to help get the city's day-to-day needs functioning. And the men and women stationed there say it's just not as violent as it looks. "I go out every day," says 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion Sgt. Bill Belongea. "I have not had to raise my weapon yet. It's not as bad as the media portrays it." On another mission in Baghdad, soldiers from the 352nd Civil Affairs command pull up to the Ministry of Labor and Social Services to follow up on victims of a recent police-station bombing. By the gate, hundreds of needy Iraqis line up for welfare payments. The soldiers of the 352nd have stopped in to pick up food and clothing for a family of 26. The family members survived the attack on the Adamiyah Police Station, but the explosion destroyed their apartments. "All they have left is what they pulled out of the rubble," says Capt. Chuck Timney. "These people could have a long wait for a new home, so we're going to try and make it as comfortable as possible." As the soldiers wait, news of a nearby roadside bomb comes in through the static on the Humvee's radio. A command post dispatches rescue helicopters, and a few minutes later two Black Hawks buzz past. Maj. Jeff McKone is listening in the Humvee's front seat, and his reaction is one of relief - that this particular bombing is not one he has to worry about. He continues to snack on an MRE through the dispatches, and then hops down from the Humvee to help load boxes for the family. As the soldiers arrive at the displaced family's temporary quarters, the parents and children rush out to open the gate and help carry the packages. Both Timney and Capt. Mike Self, who has brought colored paper and pens sent by his church back home for the kids, check specifically on the youngest child. The toddler stopped speaking or moving after the car bomb. Although still mostly listless in her mother's arms, the girl wails during this visit. It's the first noise they've heard from her, and it's a sign of relief for the soldiers, who have clearly bonded with the family. As they say their goodbyes, the soldiers look happy, accomplished. "If you can't feel good about today," McKone says, "then you shouldn't be here." Reach Tara Copp at coppt@shns.com
Thank You to the Military I was sitting alone in one of those loud, casual steakhouses that you find all over the country. You know the type--a bucket of peanuts on every table, shells littering the floor, and a bunch of perky college kids racing around with longneck beers and sizzling platters. Taking a sip of my iced tea, I studied the crowd over the rim of my glass. My gaze lingered on a group enjoying their meal. They wore no uniform to identify their branch of service, but they were definitely "military:" clean shaven, cropped haircut, and that "squared away" look that comes with pride. Smiling sadly, I glanced across my table to the empty seat where my husband usually sat. It had only been a few months since we sat in this very booth, talking about his upcoming deployment to the Middle East. That was when he made me promise to get a sitter for the kids, come back to this restaurant once a month and treat myself to a nice steak. In turn he would treasure the thought of me being here, thinking about him until he returned home to me. I fingered the little flag pin I constantly wear and wondered where he was at this very moment. Was he safe and warm? Was his cold any better? Were my letters getting through to him? As I pondered these thoughts, high pitched female voices from the next booth broke into my thoughts. "I don't know what Bush is thinking about. Invading Iraq. You'd think that man would learn from his old man's mistakes. Good lord. What an idiot! I can't believe he is even in office. You do know, he stole the election." I cut into my steak and tried to ignore them, as they began an endless tirade running down our president. I thought about the last night I spent with my husband, as he prepared to deploy. He had just returned from getting his smallpox and anthrax shots. The image of him standing in our kitchen packing his gas mask still gives me chills. Once again the women's voices invaded my thoughts. "It is all about oil, you know. Our soldiers will go in and rape and steal all the oil they can in the name of 'freedom.' Hmph! I wonder how many innocent people they'll kill without giving it a thought? It's pure greed, you know." My chest tightened as I stared at my wedding ring. I could still see how handsome my husband looked in his "mess dress" the day he slipped it on my finger. I wondered what he was wearing now. Probably his desert uniform, affectionately dubbed "coffee stains" with a heavy bulletproof vest over it. "You know, we should just leave Iraq alone. I don't think they are hiding any weapons. In fact, I bet it's all a big act just to increase the President's popularity. That's all it is, padding the military budget at the expense of our social security and education. And, you know what else? We're just asking for another 9-ll. I can't say when it happens again that we didn't deserve it." Their words brought to mind the war protesters I had watched gathering outside our base. Did no one appreciate the sacrifice of brave men and women, who leave their homes and family to ensure our freedom? Do they even know what "freedom" is? I glanced at the table where the young men were sitting, and saw their courageous faces change. They had stopped eating and looked at each other dejectedly, listening to the women talking. "Well, I, for one, think it's just deplorable to invade Iraq, and I am certainly sick of our tax dollars going to train professional baby killers we call a military." Professional baby killers? I thought about what a wonderful father my husband is, and of how long it would be before he would see our children again. That's it! Indignation rose up inside me. Normally reserved, pride in my husband gave me a brassy boldness I never realized I had. Tonight one voice will answer on behalf of our military, and let her pride in our tr oops be known. Sliding out of my booth, I walked around to the adjoining booth and placed my hands flat on their table. Lowering myself to eye level with them, I smilingly said, "I couldn't help overhearing your conversation. You see, I'm sitting here trying to enjoy my dinner alone. And, do you know why? Because my husband, whom I love with all my heart, is halfway around the world defending your right to say rotten things about him." "Yes, you have the right to your opinion, and what you think is none of my business. However, what you say in public is something else, and I will not sit by and listen to you ridicule MY country, MY president, MY husband, and all the other fine American men and women who put their lives on the line, just so you can have the "freedom" to complain. Freedom is an expensive commodity, ladies. Don't let your actions cheapen it." I must have been louder that I meant to be, because the manager came over to inquire if everything was a ll right. "Yes, thank you," I replied. Then turning back to the women, I said, "Enjoy the rest of your meal." As I returned to my booth applause broke out. I was embarrassed for making a scene, and went back to my half-eaten steak. The women picked up their check and scurried away. After finishing my meal, and while waiting for my check, the manager returned with a huge apple cobbler ala mode. "Compliments of those soldiers," he said. He also smiled and said the ladies tried to pay for my dinner, but that another couple had beaten them to it. When I asked who, the manager said they had already left, but that the gentleman was a veteran, and wanted to take care of the wife of "one of our boys." With a lump in my throat, I gratefully turned to the soldiers and thanked them for the cobbler. Grinning from ear to ear, they came over and surrounded the booth. "We just wanted to thank you, ma'am. You know we can't get into confrontations with civilians, so we appreciate what you did." As I drove home, for the first time since my husband's deployment, I didn't feel quite so alone. My heart was filled with the warmth of the other diners who stopped by my table, to relate how they, too, were proud of my husband, and would keep him in their prayers. I knew their flags would fly a little higher the next day. Perhaps they would look for more tangible ways to show their pride in our country, and the military who protect her. And maybe, just maybe, the two women who were railing against our country, would pause for a minute to appreciate all the freedom America offers, and the price it pays to maintain it's freedom. As for me, I have learned that one voice CAN make a difference. Maybe the next time protesters gather outside the gates of the base where I live, I will proudly stand on the opposite side with a sign of my own. It will simply say, "Thank You!" ************************************** (Lori Kimble is a 31 year old teacher and proud military wife. A California native, Mrs. Kimble currently lives in Alabama.) ****************** To those who fought for our nation: Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know. GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Thank you for securing our freedom. Wishing you a Happy and peaceful Thanksgiving. Barnabas F. Vorreiter
http://www.kerman94.com/Soldiers-Xmas.HTM
Lt. Hopper- you are the FAHSer that Cliff told us about, I believe! What a great "small world" story. God Bless you and your men and women. Keep us updated as you can! Lisa Poovey Berwyn (FAHS '80)
OUR LOVE , SUPPORT AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE USA MILITARY . GOD BLESS AND STAY SAFE. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UNDERWOOD , AUBURN MAINE
http://www.ticz.com/homes/users/bob/On-A-Rock/On-A-Rock.htm click the above link for a special tribute to all those who have fought for our freedom. Patty
The writer and his wife live in LA and both work for Uncle Sam. A Day at Baltimore Airport Dear Friends and Family, I hope that you will spare me a few minutes of your time to tell you about something that I saw on Monday, October 27. I had been attending a conference in Annapolis and was coming home on Sunday. As you may recall, Los Angeles International Airport was closed on Sunday, October 26, because of the fires that affected air traffic control. Accordingly, my flight, and many others, were canceled and I wound up spending a night in Baltimore. My story begins the next day. When I went to check in at the United counter Monday morning I saw a lot of soldiers home from Iraq. Most were very young and all had on their desert camouflage uniforms. This was as change from earlier, when they had to buy civilian clothes in Kuwait to fly home. It was a visible reminder that we are in a war. It probably was pretty close to what train terminals were like in World War II. Many people were stopping the troops to talk to them, asking them questions in the Starbucks line or just saying "Welcome Home." In addition to all the flights that had been canceled on Sunday, the weather was terrible in Baltimore and the flights were backed up. So, there were a lot of unhappy people in the terminal trying to get home, but nobody that I saw gave the soldiers a bad time. By the afternoon, one plane to Denver had been delayed several hours. United personnel kept asking for volunteers to give up their seats and take another flight. They weren't getting many takers. Finally, a United spokeswoman got on the PA and said this, "Folks. As you can see, there are a lot of soldiers in the waiting area. They only have 14 days of leave and we're trying to get them where they need to go without spending any more time in an airport then they have to. We sold them all tickets, knowing we would oversell the flight. If we can, we want to get them all on this flight. We want all the soldiers to know that we respect what you're doing, we are here for you and we love you." At that, the entire terminal of cranky, tired, travel-weary people, a cross-section of America, broke into sustained and heartfelt applause. The soldiers looked surprised and very modest. Most of them just looked at their boots. Many of us were wiping away tears. And, yes, people lined up to take the later flight and all the soldiers went to Denver on that flight. That little moment made me proud to be an American, and also told me why we will win this war. If you want to send my little story on to your friends and family, feel free. This is not some urban legend. I was there, I was part of it, I saw it happen. Will Ross Administrative Judge United States Department of Defense Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
I stumbled upon this site by checking out maps of Iraq.My significant other is currently in Kurkut and his deployment has been extended for yet another 2 months.He was supposed to come home sometime during the !st week of Nov.His name is Sgt Chad Schulte so if any of you know him please let me know.I've read some of the comments here and can't even imagine what our guys are dealing with.I hope and wish for them all for a safe return home to they're families.To those that are home now..Thank You!!!and welcome home.Please email me at RbcCic@aol.com thx,Becky
Dennis and Lisa thanks so much for your support, it really means a lot to me, thank you. Thank you for such a welcome home with the webpage part. I would love to come up and meet you guys. Take care and hope to see you guys real soon. Ray Corella
Welcome Home Cliffie!!!!! Sure is good to see pictures of you with the gang again. Love, HQ
Yo Cliff Welcome home man. Great to see you cutting loose with the boys (and gals). Good on ya Buddy! Matthew
There are photos online of Cliff's Welcome Home http://www.fahs.org/welcome-home-cliff/welcome_home.htm
I had a drink in your honor last night Lt. Hopper. Hope Jack and Coke works for you. <g> HQ
I am not back yet. Drink a beer for me Lt Scott Hopper
I am not back yet. Drink a beer for me Lt Scott Hopper
Welcome home Cliffie!!!!! Damned glad you're back!! Hope to see you someday soon...look me up if you get back to DC. Prost! -Rick
YAY Cliff! I hope you're enjoying all the amentities you did without over there. So glad to know you're back on US soil. Let us know how you're doing! Hugs, Patty
I'm baaaaack! :0) Cliff
Cliff, thank you for sharing your experiences over in Iraq with us! It makes more real the sacrafice you and all our troops are making over there for the good of many. Thank you!! Miss you too! Hugs, Patty
Cliffie's online photo album... http://photos.yahoo.com/cliffinku2003
The email you are about to read is from two friends of the family-missionaries in Baghdad. Just another perspective from Americans- serving both our troops and the people groups there who are hurting from Saddam's ugliness...I apologize for the length of this post-but I thought it was pretty significant...especially the last paragraph. ------------------------------------------- I remember long ago when there were a lot of movies about the Second World War, which was a hellish mess as all wars are. The movies had stars that we thought were wonderful and bigger than life, our heroes of the time… John Wayne, Gregory Peck, Robert Mitchim, Kirk Douglas and others that us skinny little boys secretly wished we could be like when we grew up. We even tried to mimic their walk, talk and screen personalities. The war movies we saw at that time were related to the old Army Air Force. During the air battles and bombing raids in the movies the Navigator would always announced to the Bombardier “BOMBS AWAY!!! BOMBS AWAY!!!” as they flew over a target in enemy territory. So many years later, in an entirely different content we in Baghdad are shouting… “BOMBS AWAY!!! BOMBS AWAY!!!” while in reality we’re shouting… Please! Take the “BOMBS AWAY!!!” Here in Iraq bombs and bombings have become so numerous that it is easy to draw a parallel between the bombings here and the land mines in the desert areas. I think many have become dangerously cynical of the possibility of an encounter with these deadly demons. To make matters even worse the land mines are stationary sitting inert waiting for their vulnerable intruder, while the bombers and their bombs are mobile seeking out their pray like a vampire bat searching for a taste of fresh blood. We are subjected to a much greater volume of information than you receive at home. Yes, you have heard of the major bombing incidents that have been televised for the last few weeks... Not bad, you might say… But, what you see on your television is a small portion of the many so called “insignificant incidents” that happen here daily… There are so many bombing related situations that your TV would probably explode itself if it tried to inform you of all of these nightmares. Trucks laden with explosives, human sacrifices dying for their cause, makeshift devises called IED (Improvised Explosive Devises), grenades from bridges, soft-drink cans in the road with explosives in them, students at a local school. Only the BIG killers hit the “CNN Special Report”. The bloodcurdling thing about all this is the numbers of disarming situations that happen in any given day. Yesterday, I know that two different cars with explosives were apprehended. A woman with a bomb belt was caught in a Mosque, which is considered to be the “sister” Mosque to the one in Najif that was hit last week. A student protesting let a small devise explode in her hands and lost both. Let’s have a “news break” right here! We get daily reports from the majority of organizations in Baghdad that are involved in the safety and security of the collation and the Non Governmental Organizations (NGO’s that’s us) with updates of situations that have happened or situations that were terminated before an incident of major consequence occurs. Some of these items will appear the next day in an emailing that is distributed daily if possible by some of “our people” in Cyprus… In reference to what we’re talking about below is a section from one of the briefings… I’ve decided to add all that briefing at the end of this note and you are welcome to use the address in the briefing to get on this mailing list. An excerpt from the entire brief is below… Bomb attack near Tikrit injures four US soldiers Four US soldiers were injured when their convoy hit an improvised explosive device near Saddam Hussein's ancestral town of Tikrit, an army spokeswoman said on Wednesday. The spokeswoman said that the four wounded were in stable condition and that two army Humvee vehicles were damaged in the attack that took place Tuesday afternoon near Tikrit, an estimated 175 kilometers north of the capital Baghdad. The soldiers were from the US army's 4th Infantry Division, which is based in Tikrit. Our parallels between land mines and bombs get harder… There’s the deafening noise of an explosion, the heat wave that singes your hair, loss of sight, mangled or lost limb, your hoarse cry for help hoarse because your throat and lungs have been scorched so badly you can’t yell. You lay there in those first quiet moment alone in silence before the frantic shouting and sirens begin announcing this…. This what? What is this thing that has just happened? If this was you or your loved-one…. WHAT WOULD YOU FEEL? And, as you lie there deep from within your heart and soul are… The questions… My family? Oh God! Why can’t I see? Why can’t I feel anything, am I dead? Please, please take the “bombs away”… Alas, there’s the ultimate loss… As a loved goes to their knees crying at the graveside of their loved one. We are in a world gone mad. Mad at the Coalition, mad at Westerners (correct that: mad at anybody that is not an Arab), mad at anybody who is an Arab, mad about the heat, mad at the system or the lack of a system, mad about having no electricity, mad because Saddam is gone, mad because Saddam is still here. They’re even mad at themselves. TAKE CARE… GOD BLESS… Art & Dotty
I WANT TO THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, FOR YOU ARE NOT ALONE I AM WITH YOU IN PRAYER. IF GOD WOULD GRANT THIS WISH WE HAVE IT WOULD BE YOU AR NO LONGER NEEDED THERE, DEAR FRIENDS, BROTHERS,SISTERS AN FATHERS WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU. WHEN I THINK THAT YOU FIGHT AND ARE THERE JUST TO KEEP US FREE,I THANK JESUS WITH ALL MY HEART AND PRAY FOR GOD TO BLESS THEE. FOR I KNOW IN MY HEART YOU WOULD GIVE YOUR LIFE FOR THE RED,WHITE AND BLUE.I HOPE IF ANYTHING YOU MIGHT NEED GOD WILL KEEP YOU SAFE AND HE WILL BLESS YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU DO, WE LOVE YOU AND GOD BLESS OUR RED, WHITE AND BLUE...CATHI (the fruitland,idaho writer@aol.com)
Hello to all, I am back in the states, safe and sound!! Yeah.. Thank you all, for your thoughts and prayers! Benny '78 sendz... =)
Hey Cliff! We are having a gathering here in Tampa on the 6th of Sept. You can bet we'll be hoisting some brew for ya dude! I'll take some pics and make sure that they get posted on the website! I'll ask to make a link like was done for this Troops over the Water Page so you all will be able to see. Missing you so much and we all can't wait til you get back home safe! Hugs, Patty & The Florida Gang
Hey hey hey there LT Hopper....careful with the 'class of long ago' stuff...I still haven't written your OER yet! :0) Actually it was very cool to have a 'fledgling' :0) with me out there....always nice to know that you can completely trust the guy that has your back! I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and kind words...they mean more than anything...(ok maybe not as much as a nice Pilsner..but hey there ARE limits to everything right?). I am glad to see that so many of our class mates are arriving home.....soon for Scott and I, I hope. Take care all, Cliff
Sheryl, I hope you are doing well. Your family at FAHS are thinking of you! Best!! Poov
Hello Heilbronn 86-89 starting project at www.heilbronnbrats.com yearbooks,chat,greetings,freeweb space for other brat or military sites.
Cliff - Butman was here in Topeka Kansas last night and just wanted to let you know that we talked about you and all the good ole' days that we both shared with you...we even had a few (several)shots of Jagermeister for you! I took down the yellow ribbon we had hanging outside our house for him and gave it to him...yours is still hanging proudly next to Old Glory with your name on it, awaiting your safe return to CONUS. Much Love and Hugs Shelly and Chet...You and the rest of the brave men and women in uniform are in our daily prayers!
Hey Ray, Stick in there, you all will be home soon. My husband is finally home from Baghdad (Thank you God) and now my prayers are going to everyone else. By the way, I met and married my husband in Frankfurt, even though he isn't a brat, and he stopped in K-town on the way home and sent me 11 pounds of Rittersports candy. No beer though. I'm thinking and praying for you all. JoAnn (Svedin) Kost, 84
Hey Scott! Really cool to hear from you...glad to know you are with a Frankfurt legend, (in his own mind :-) really cool he turned you on to us...keep yor head down and your eyes open. We all want you back safe and sound. Stay in touch and let us know. Also, post your email addie so you can receive fan mail! Best, Dennis '78 (also from long ago)
This is Scott Hopper (FAHS 1991-1994) currently stationed in Kuwait. I endured the challenges of Iraq during the war next to a fellow Frankfurter (Cliff Crawford, class of long ago). Cheers to all.
To everyone...Thanks for all your support! My prayers are with all of you in America. Alma-Lisette Bonano, Class of 1977, U.S.Army, LTC. USEUCOM, Stuttgart, Germany
I would like to thank everyone for all there support for us here in Afghanistan. We are working very hard here to provide comfort for the Afghanstan people. You guys mean so much to me FRANKFURTS stick together through thick and thin. That why I love you guys. You have given me the support I have needed to drive through this. I have spent more and 12 months here. Benny thanks if you are every here in Bagram I with the 3rd SFG look me up Man. Love you guys. Ray Corell class of 1984
Ray - my email here is BennigtonR@k2.cjtf180.army.mil but I'm in the Air Force!!! =) Benny sendz
Ray - i was in bagram just the other day!!! Sorry i didn't get in touch, but was passing thru to fix one of my airplanes that was broke "down-range".. i'm up at K2,, if you stop bye here, say hey.. Hi to the rest of the FHS clan.. i might be out of here the first week of August!!! i hope =) R. "Benny" Bennington '78
George, Please look for your friends through the Leute Finder or at least leave your information. You'd be surprised one day to have a good HS friend write to you! Patty CL 78
Great website. Having attended FHS from 1949 to 1951, I didn't realize that so many others had attended after me. Please continue this very interesting and informative website. George Meglemre
To all of the men and women protecting our FREEDOM, THANK YOU!! For the eagles that have returned stateside, Welcome Home and Thank You! Shelly '79
Yahoo! Another eagle has landed! Welcome back John! I agree with HQ, we need Cliff and Ray to fly back home to us too. Thanks guys for all you have done to keep us safe, Debi
Billy Butt's home. John Van Sickle is home. Now if we can only get Cliff and Ray home, all will be hunky dorey in the Small, Quiet Town of Frankfurtville. I do declare -- the Frankfurt contingent of our U.S. Armed Forces ROCK!!!! Love you guys. You do us all proud. I for one am honored to know and call you family. Love, HQ
Sorry the previous post was mine... John L. Van Sickle...Thanks for clearing that up Pix..
I'm thinking that was John Van Sickle who left the previous post. So good to have you home John! ~~pix
Hey All, Just wanted to take a moment and thank you for the well wishes and for all the support of the troops stationed overseas as well as your support of me. I am now home in South Carolina with my wife and family.. Thanks again..
Hey Ray! I don't know of anyone in Bagram but hopefully someone reading this will try to get in touch with you. leave an e-mail address if you have one and perhaps some FAHSer will be able to write you! It's a cool network to get people together anywhere in the world! Patty Flynn 78
Hiya Cliff and Ray, so good to hear from the both of you. We really appreciate all that you are doing and sacrificing for us here in the states. Hang in there and get back home to us safe and soon. You are thought of and prayed for every day, Debi Butman Cusato c/0 79
Hey everyone this Ray Corella class of 84 I'm in Bagram if there are anyone from frankfurt please let me know. Looks like I will be here until Nov or Dec would be nice to talk or meet with someone. Well it's hot dry and sandy and each day is like ground hog day here. HELP well take care everyone.. Ray "84"
Hey guys! Finally got some time and opportunity to post here.....I can't say how much the letters care pkgs etc have meant. I am back in Kuwait and it looks like I will NOT be headed back north......it is also looking like I'll be home for Christmas...maybe even a little earlier (I hesitate to say exactly when.....but I am hoping to maybe even make it in time to suffer through a Dallas Cowboy game and turkey hang over). You guys are the best group of friends that anyone could ever ask for. Cliff
Hey all, for those of you following the trials and tribulations of our friends and family overseas. I had the privilege of having a long telephone converstaion with Cliff today. First off, he sends his love to you all. He misses everyone and is bummed he couldn't get to the lake. Second, he wants to assure everyone that any stories you might hear about morale being low are simply 100% untrue. He is not sure his exact status and how long he will be in theatre, but he is eager to get back home soon. He's having a pretty good time right now, he's not suffering any hardships, and told me a great story about getting a ride for himself and a vehicle of his, under the belly of a Chinook helicopter. He really appreciates those wo have sent him care packages and notes. Best, Dennis
Hey John, Cliff and Bobby, stay safe and come home soon cuz we really miss ya. Thinking of you often, Debi Butman Cusato 79