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DEL.ICIO.USThree seriously injured in mortar attack on St. Michael
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Camp Stryker, Iraq — Three Georgia Army National Guard soldiers were seriously wounded Sunday in a mortar attack on Forward Operating Base St. Michael south of Baghdad that left four other soldiers and one civilian injured, military officials here said.
The three were members of the 1st Battalion 108th Armor Regiment of the 48th Brigade Combat Team that is occupying Forward Operating Base St. Michael in the city of Mahmudiyah.
The civilian casualty also was seriously wounded, and he and the three 108th soldiers were taken to a military hospital in Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, said 2nd Lt. Selena Owens, spokeswoman for the 48th.
The other four “were treated at the aid station and returned to duty,” Owens said.
The names of the injured and the extent of their injuries were not released.
This is the second incident in less than two weeks in which 48th Brigade soldiers were seriously injured in rocket or mortar attacks in Iraq.
On May 31, Pfc. Vanessa Harris, 21, of Hephzibah and Clyde Miller, 47, of Colquitt were hurt in a rocket attack at Camp Liberty near Baghdad International Airport.
Harris suffered a closed skull fracture and was flown to Germany for treatment before being sent to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington.
Miller was being treated at a military medical facility in Germany, but National Guard officials would not release any additional information about him, including his rank.
Three Illinois Army National Guard soldiers attached to the 48th Brigade also were wounded in that attack.
After Sunday’s attack at the St. Michael base, low visibility because of high winds and a sandstorm prevented helicopters from airlifting the casualties to Baghdad. They were taken to the hospital in a ground convoy. St. Michael is about 20 miles south of Baghdad, and a one-way drive to the Green Zone typically takes about 90 minutes.
The attack occurred at 8:51 a.m. local time, 12:51 a.m. EDT.
St. Michael, a relatively small base, has been the target of frequent insurgent mortar and rocket attacks throughout the U.S. occupation.
Marines who initially built the camp around a bombed-out chicken-processing plant nicknamed it “Camp Incoming” because of the amount of insurgent fire.
There have been relatively few mortar or rocket attacks since the 108th moved into the facility about two weeks ago.
Their move coincided with a major Iraqi army and American military sweep of the predominantly Sunni area that netted 263 suspected insurgents.
Soldiers attached to the 108th also are based at several smaller facilities in the Mahmudiyah area.
Comments
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By Maxima Sims
June 12, 2005 02:13 PM | Link to this
GOD Bless all of those that were hurt, including my brother… We LOVE YOU ALL… You ARE our heroes… BE SAFE AND BE BACK SOON to your families and loved ones… Hugs and Kisses to my brother Guille. We love you David, Maxi & JR.
By doesn't matter who
June 12, 2005 02:31 PM | Link to this
1st Battalion, 108th Armor Regiment: All of our thoughts and prayers are with you and each one of your loved ones.
By JoLane Weeks
June 12, 2005 02:38 PM | Link to this
To my husband Samuel Weeks, We love you and miss you. You are in our prayers and hearts. We are so very proud of you.
Love your wife, daughter, family and friends.
To my friends/family Henry Mullins and Matthew Sanders we all love you and are praying for you. Take care
My prayers are with all the soldiers — may God bless each and every one of you.
By Penny
June 12, 2005 05:07 PM | Link to this
Sending prayers out to these soldiers and their families. Praying that all are okay.
By David Trent
June 12, 2005 05:09 PM | Link to this
Hi, it’s me again. Sgt. Trent. I was the one that was in that FOB a year ago. After reading this article I guess that the insurgents aim has gotten better but now everyone knows why it was called camp incoming. To all the soldiers there, keep your heads up and take those that did it down. Just remember this as you go through the town…..don’t take it out on everyone there, not all of them are in it to get you. Take care of each other.
By Jackie
June 12, 2005 07:22 PM | Link to this
I know one of the soldiers who was seriously ingured today, he has a small son and his father is his hero. Let’s all pray that another little boy doesn’t lose his hero.
By Michael Castagna
June 12, 2005 07:47 PM | Link to this
To: Greg, Tom, larry and Brian 108th AR. Rained all weekend in north GA. Keep out of the way of incomings and as always in my prayers.
Mikey
By Amy Price
June 12, 2005 08:35 PM | Link to this
My prayers and thoughts are with all the soldiers of the 48th Brigade. I thank all of you for your service to our nation. I especially pray for those injured, and I wish all of you for a swift recovery. May God be with you all. I can’t ever post a comment without a word to my husband…even though you can’t read it. Joseph- I love you, and I miss you terribly. However, I am most proud to be your wife! Take care and please always stay safe. Loving you forever, Amy
By Al Kirchner
June 12, 2005 09:05 PM | Link to this
Our son Jim Kirchner was one of those wounded on June 11/12 at St. Michaels’s. Our prayers go to him and his brothers in arms who were in harms way.
God bless all of you who are serving.
Al Kirchner
By Jeannie
June 12, 2005 09:25 PM | Link to this
Our prays are with not only these 8 soldiers but to all the HHC-108th Soldiers at this base..AJC-thank you all for being their with our guys and keeping us posted on them..I have heard this base is not a very good one compared to the other camps around..Guys— We Love you and are always think of you all..
By Amanda
June 12, 2005 10:47 PM | Link to this
My husband is stationed at St. Michaels right now and I’m glad to hear the stories from there whether good or bad. Sometimes the families only find out about these things days later and you are giving us up to date info. And my heart goes out to those that were injured. My husband is in C Co. 1-108. And I worry constantly about his safety and all the soldiers over there.
By Judy
June 13, 2005 05:36 AM | Link to this
We knew the guys were under fire but had no idea the extent. Your quick reporting allowed us to sleep a little, knowing that no one had been killed. We pray for the injured and for all of you. There are no words to thank you enough for keeping us informed. The year will be very long once you move on. Thank you again! Judy C
By Angelica Starnes
June 13, 2005 09:36 AM | Link to this
Thank You for keeping us posted. I waited to hear the names of the Soldiers who were injuried, then when we received only the names of some who were not injuried and my Husband was one of them I felt some sort of comfort, but it is not enough for me; someone does has a soldier who is injuried and I almost felt guilty the moment I knew mine was okay. To all the Soldiers; We love You the same. Keep Your heads up and stay strong.
P.S. PFC ROBERT STARNES, WE LOVE YOU AND HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON.
By Jeanette Draughorne
June 13, 2005 10:09 AM | Link to this
Please tell all the men and women in the 48th Brigade that we are praying for them. Also tell the men in the 108th Armor that was wounded that we all hope they get well soon.
By linda
June 13, 2005 10:12 AM | Link to this
To the wounded from St Michael….you are in my thoughts and prayers.My husband is also stationed at St Michaels, ( a member of the 108th as well) and I know ,like me, that every family member was sick to their stomach worrying about their loved ones.Unless you have a family member in harms way, you really have no clue. Thanks to my friend Christy,you really do help me out more than you know..I’m glad we are friends.To my husband(although you won’t read this) I love you and miss you more than i can explain.GODSPEED!
Linda Healton
By Ronda Roaderick
June 13, 2005 10:19 AM | Link to this
My husband is with the 48th.. HHC 1/108th.His unit was of the ones hit. I haven’t heard from him yet. I would like to thank AJC. The first news I saw on the Mortar Attack was right hear online. Thank you. I pray that those injured will recover fast. I pray for my husband and I also pray for all the guys and gals there. I am worried.. But, I know My Husband (SGT. Frank Roaderick)is still proud to do what he is doing and truely believes what is is doing to be the right thing. I take comfort in that and remain proud of him! Thank you so much for being there…. I know that I can count on AJC. If you happen to run into a SGT. Roaderick… Remind him…..of his promise to me.. He’ll know what you mean! Thanks again.. Mrs. Ronda Roaderick
By Alyssa
June 13, 2005 10:43 AM | Link to this
I have a close friend that is in the 48th and stationed at Camp Stryker and he sent me an email this morning saying that he and a good many others were in their tents at the time of the attack. If you have someone over there, I would encourage them to email to keep in touch. It has been great hearing from my friend almost daily!!
By Maurice Barnet
June 13, 2005 12:11 PM | Link to this
I’m Michael’s Dad and I’m very happy no one was killed. I pray for my son and all the soldiers in Iraq and hope and pray they will be safe and home as soon as possible. Love you Mike
By Jenny
June 13, 2005 01:21 PM | Link to this
Tim - hang in there. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone there. Come home safe! Cameron says “Sgnt Cameron hurry home” The girls are great and we’re keeping them close. We miss you and can’t wait for your return home. I’ve got some potatoe salad waiting. Love your favorite Sister ~ Jenny
By Carolyn Harrelson
June 13, 2005 01:23 PM | Link to this
I happen to be the Mom of a soldier in the 48th, out of Cordele, your articles inform me, make me feel closer to him and at the same time scare me. My son told his wife on Thurs. or Fri. that he was going on a mission but could not elaborate, this morning I read that 4 soldiers from the 48th had been wounde or killed,that is the part that scares me. keep the stories coming as accurately and as positive as you can. So far they have been almost what my son has told me. I pray for the well being of all the soldiers in this war and their safe return home to their families & friends.
By Connie Beall
June 13, 2005 01:30 PM | Link to this
I want to thank ajc for keepin there site updated. This is the quickest way we find out what is going on. This may be selfish of me but I am blessed that my brother wasn’t one of them that were injured. I pray for the ones who were. To all the soldiers in the 48th brigade - We could say thankyou a million times and try our best to show you all how much ya’ll are thought of and appreciated for your bravery and it not be enough. SPC Ronnie Shelley, I love you my brother! I pray for you to stay safe and come home soon.
By Bobbie Jenkins
June 16, 2005 11:36 AM | Link to this
To SPC Jenkins HHC 1/108th
I love you and miss you much! You are my hero! I can’t tell you how proud we are of you! The twins and I miss you so much. Stay safe and come home soon! I love you, YOURS FOREVER!
Bobbie Jo
By Nancy
June 16, 2005 04:22 PM | Link to this
Just heard from my brother stationed with the 1-108th at St. Michael. Yes, they were attacked by mortar and yes, some of the guys were injured, but none too seriously. He asks for patience from the family members, the guys are just getting used to the place. He says he and the men he commands are really quite safe and some of the rumors that fly out of there are just that—rumors. He is my hero and my best friend and I believe him when he says it is going to be OK. God Bless each and every one of these guys and their entire families. I know that all of my friends and co-workers whole heartedly support the work these men are doing to make our country a safer place to live.
By a Soldier
June 19, 2005 01:57 PM | Link to this
Camp St. Michael is rough place but a good place. I was injured outside there mon Jun. 13 by a road side. I would like to tell the families of the ones there that all is well and we are continuing to work hard for our cause. Pray for my family of soldiers there. I miss and love my guys. CK
By Sgt. Kirchner
June 21, 2005 07:03 PM | Link to this
Hey Cpt. Moore, Do I get a CIB now? I got about 20 holes in my back, almost bled out on the chopper to Ballad, paralyzed rt. arm. other than that I am fine!!! ;-) BTW wife is happy to see me but the catheter gets in the way so :-( I am gettig better every day please call me ssg joe has my wifes phone number. did joe get my laundry or was it blown up 2? thnx sir, k p.s. now who is your driver?
By Jamie
June 24, 2005 08:53 PM | Link to this
My husband is stationed at St. Michael’s and was there when the soldiers were injured. I am grateful that he is ok, but one of our very good friends was injured that day and I thank God that he will be ok. I am very proud of all of our guys over there. From what my husband tells me they are doing an excellent job. You guys be safe. I pray for all of you every day. I love you guys.