AJC.com > Iraq coverage > Blog > Archives > 2005 > May > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USGeorgia unit begins rolling into Iraq today
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Camp Buehring, Kuwait â€â€? The soldiers worked quietly and efficiently late into the night, packing and repacking their rucksacks as a CD player churned out ’70s rock.
“Sweet Home Alabama,” “China Grove,” and “Cat Scratch Fever” played over and over as the soldiers prepared, seemingly oblivious to the music, lost in their own thoughts of what the morning would bring.
For soldiers of the 48th Brigade Combat Team, it was their last night in the relative safety of this camp before they hit the long and dangerous road to Iraq this morning.
Sgt. Robert Graham, a tank gunner in the 108th Armor Regiment, closely checked the magazines for his rifle one more time to make sure they were fully loaded with live ammunition.
Graham, 39, a fire alarm technician and former Marine who joined the Georgia Army National Guard soon after the Sept. 11 terror attacks, said the last few days of preparations have been a reality check for the entire brigade.
“It’s a little hard not knowing what comes next,” he said. “There’s always a little uncertainty. But I feel like this is where I should be right now.”
The mood among soldiers was pensive and tense Friday. There was little practical joking or frivolity.
They said they had their “game faces” on and seldom talked about Iraq or Baghdad.
Instead, they called their trip “going north,” or “crossing the berm.”
Most seem relieved that the training and waiting were over and that they are finally getting started on their yearlong mission, despite the dangers that await them.
“I’m ready to get this show on the road,” said Pvt. Jeffrey Baker, 27, of Cedartown. “I’ve been away from my wife and family a long time already. The sooner we get on with it, the sooner we get home.”
Over the last few days, soldiers watched tanks, artillery pieces, armored personnel carriers and mountains of other sand-colored military equipment move from logistics bases in Kuwait toward the Iraqi border.
They practiced tactics and worked on their marksmanship.
They also walked over an oversized map of Iraq painted on a wooden floor about half the size of a basketball court to acquaint themselves with the route and the hazards they might encounter.
At this remote desert base, a crossroads for soldiers coming to and from Iraq, they’ve asked questions of returning veterans and learned all they could.
“I have confidence that the boys I’m with are trained, and they’ll react properly to any threat we encounter,” said Sgt. Joe Picon, 40, a member of the 108th and a Gordon County detective in civilian life.
Picon, a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division while on active duty in the 1980s, said he joined the 48th in December knowing that a deployment to Iraq was imminent.
He watched the 108th soldiers training in Georgia and said he felt compelled to sign up.
“I was skeptical about coming back [to the military] at first,” said the father of four teenagers. “But then I saw all these young guys and I felt I had something to contribute. I couldn’t stay away.”
Sgt. Ricky Stanley of Dublin drives a 5-ton truck with the 148th Support Battalion and knows he will be a big target once he gets to Iraq. He is among a large number of the brigade who are flying in rather than driving.
“The Lord gave me the feeling we’ll be blessed,” said Stanley, a lay minister. “I know our trucks will be rolling a lot when we’re in Iraq and I know that we’re a target. But if you sit around and worry and get aggravated you’re not going to be able to function under pressure.”
Others said they would trust their training and those around them to get them through.
“I’m with a good bunch of guys,” said Graham. “We’ve trained hard. We’re ready to go. I know what we can do.”
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By David A. White
May 28, 2005 10:49 AM | Link to this
Lt. Jeff White, Company C, 108th Armor
We miss you and are thinking about you every day/ You make us proud. All our best to Chad, Chris and the captain. Stay safe.Love, Mom and Dad Ellijay, May 28th, 2005
By Lanelle Stuart
May 28, 2005 10:51 AM | Link to this
Sgt. Robert “Ed” Graham is my son and I just want to let him know how proud his family is of him for serving his country. We have had many conversations about him doing this and he feels like he is doing what he needs to do to protect his family and his country. He is a very good caring person and I know he will make it through the next year and come home safely to his family & kids.
We love you, Mom,Doug,Mike & Scott and the rest of the extended family.
By Dana Baker
May 28, 2005 12:06 PM | Link to this
Private Baker (who is mentioned in this article) is my husband and I am so proud of him. Thank you for taking time to speak with him and all the soldiers. I miss Jeffery so much and it helps to get an idea of what he is doing. Keep them coming!
Dana Baker
By Leiah Silvers
June 1, 2005 07:58 PM | Link to this
Specialist Johnathon Silvers is my brother and I just thought I would let him know how proud everyone is of him for what hes doing. Everyone is praying for you and We can’t wait to see you again!
Love, Leiah, Mom, Dad, Mindy+ Jim
By Michael Castagna
June 7, 2005 11:48 PM | Link to this
Retired from the Georgia 198th Ar, 48th Bde, just wanted to wish my buddies the best and a special hello to Greg, Brian, Tom, and Larry. If I can do anything for you guys let me know. Thinking of coming over for support.