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DEL.ICIO.USMarking time toward homecoming
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Camp Taji, Iraq — More than a month into their year of living dangerously, 48th Brigade Combat Team soldiers have begun marking time — each in their own way — toward homecoming.
Here are some of the ways they’re measuring their progress:
Razor blades — Two weeks for each blade, four blades per package. “Each time I open a new pack of razor blades, I know two months have gone by,â€? said Sgt. Britt Smith of Dublin. “I can’t tell you how exciting it is to open each new pack.â€?
Paychecks — Soldiers get paid on the first and 15th of each month. Each paycheck marks two more weeks in the war zone.
Sporting events — So far, they’ve missed the U.S. Open and the NBA Finals. Still waiting for Wimbledon, the World Series, Super Bowl, March Madness and the Daytona 500. When Major League Baseball’s opening day 2006 rolls around, the troops should be packing their bags.
Full moons — Two down, 10 to go. Holidays — Memorial Day and Father’s Day down, Independence Day, Labor Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Easter to go. The troops should be boarding planes around Mother’s Day.
Meals — “If you’re planning anything beyond your next meal, you’re thinking too far ahead,â€? said Maj. Dave Weis of the 3rd Infantry Division, a veteran of five Army deployments in 20 years.
The 108th’s way — Soldiers from this armor unit have a running joke in which they count down from the artificially high, and totally arbitrary, number 713. The idea is to keep the actual date of departure so far in the future that the soldiers don’t dwell on it. Ask a soldier from the 108th when he’s going home and the standard answer is “Only 679 days to go!â€?
Comments
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By Penny
June 25, 2005 08:06 AM | Link to this
Thank you for this article! I have to say it makes me feel better to know that they are counting down just like we are here at home.
I’m also looking forward to Mother’s Day!!! :)
We are counting weeks (sounds smaller) 5 down 47 more to go)here.
Thank you AJC for sending your reporters and photographers over to give us a little piece of our soldiers while they are away.
By Amy Price
June 25, 2005 08:43 AM | Link to this
I just wanted to tell my husband, SPC. Joseph Price, what a fantastic job he and everyone else are doing. Today is our 4th anniversary, and I am thinking of you as always. All of you guys are in my prayers constantly, and I can’t WAIT until EVERYONE is home. Joseph, happy anniversary, and I love you from the deepest part of my heart and soul. I beg you that you stay safe for me and Josh. Godspeed. Your loving wife, Amy
By HOLLY SUTTON
June 25, 2005 05:35 PM | Link to this
To SSG Roderick Sutton I send my love. Be safe at Camp Tajia.God keep each and everyone of you. Angels are watching over each of you.Can’t wait until your safe return this goes for all of our men and women. Love Your Wife Holly.Hugs and Kisses
By Libby
June 25, 2005 05:50 PM | Link to this
My husband, SFC Richard Todd of Troop E, 108 CAV in Griffin refers to his year as “2 turkey seasons and 1 deer season” from home. We miss you, and are so PROUD of all of you, and the great job you’re doing!!!!
By Linda Layne
June 25, 2005 09:38 PM | Link to this
My son, Spec Eric Larkins is with the 108 Cav, Reserve from Griffin. Is there some way I can know exactly which camp he is in. I talk to him weekly but I would like to send him e-mails but can’t seem to get thru.
By Kandice
June 25, 2005 10:24 PM | Link to this
To:Spc.Brian Foster and Spc.Eric Arnold of the 108-CAV of Griffin. We are so proud of you guys and of all the men and women who are overseas. We love and miss you all. God Bless you…. Love always, Kandice Ison
By Alesia O'Keefe
June 26, 2005 02:27 PM | Link to this
108th Armor - we are counting too! Great job and we love you!
By Willie M Wright
June 26, 2005 11:10 PM | Link to this
TO:SPC Brian Foster of the 108-CAV of Griffin, GA. You are always in my prayers. I will continue to pray for your emotional and mental health , as well, as your physical health. God will bring you and your fellow soldiers home. Be strong for God is always with you. You are will forever be in my heart.
By Teresa Hooks
June 28, 2005 05:26 PM | Link to this
We miss you guys from 108. Bob keep on praying. We love you son! We are waiting for you, yall to come home safe. We think of you everyday.
Thanks for freedom guys. Teresa HBy Joan & Len Larkins
July 1, 2005 11:12 PM | Link to this
To our Son, SPC Eric J Larkins. We just want you to know that we think of you every day and pray for your safe return. Just remember that all the holiday’s that you are spending away, we promise we will make up for when you get home. Tamma, Chris and Jodi are thinking of you and missing you too! Take care and stay safe. We all love you