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DEL.ICIO.USUnit’s headquarters burns; cause unknown
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Curtis Compton/AJC
Sgt. Timothy Chipman of Chatsworth, Ga., mans a machine gun and keeps an eye on the fire.
Forward Operating Base Michael, Iraq — A day after fire gutted his unit’s operations center here, Lt. Col. John King described the damage as a “minor inconvenience.â€?
“We continue fighting the war,â€? said King, commander of 1st Battalion, 108th Armor Regiment. “It’s not affecting operations at all. We’re still doing as many patrols and before — and we may even do more.â€?
Soldiers from the battalion patrol a restive, mostly Sunni, area south of Baghdad where attacks on American troops occur almost daily.
No one was killed or injured in the fire, the cause of which was still unknown Monday.
The blaze started in a portion of the former chicken processing plant that houses female soldiers and quickly spread through a warren of wood-partitioned living quarters. Then it engulfed the adjoining tactical operations center where sensitive communications equipment and records are stored.
Soldiers were able to save much of the communications gear and records, said King, 41, Doraville’s police chief in civilian life.
The yellow, two-story brick building had recently been rewired and was being repainted inside. Less than a third of the living area was occupied at the time of the fire.
“We were being cautious by not reoccupying the space until we were sure it was safe,� King said. “That caution paid off. We’re very fortunate that no one was hurt.�
Most of the soldiers at Michael live in tents and more tents were being erected Monday to house those who were displaced.
Some soldiers lost nearly all of their personal belongings in the fast-moving fire. A Sudanese translator attached to the unit said he lost more than $20,000 in cash. He said he kept the money in his room because his country doesn’t have a reliable banking system.
The battalion planned to send soldiers to the Camp Liberty post exchange, a Wal-Mart-sized general store at a sprawling U.S. military base about 30 miles away, to replace whatever they can.
Sgt. Michael Wells, 35, of Pickens County, said his personal belongings were saved by other soldiers who hauled them out of the building shortly after the fire began.
“I thought I’d lost the box with pictures of my wife and children,� he said. “Before the building filled with smoke, people went in and grabbed whatever they could. Everybody was helping everybody.�
King said most of the still-smoldering chicken factory is a total loss. But a portion of it can be reused as a command center.
“We’ll re-occupy some of the space,� he said, “and bulldoze the rest.�
Comments
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By Jeannie
June 27, 2005 08:28 AM | Link to this
Thank you AJC for being there with Our Guys and for Keeping Us Posted on What Is Going On.. My daughter looks at these Guys as Her Guys-(daddy taught her this)-Her Heroes. I am glad No ONE was Hurt and that the Military is Doing All That They Can To Help.. GUYS- KEEP YOUR HEADS UP AND LET DOUGLASVILLE KNOW WHAT YOU ALL NEED AND WE WILL DO ANYTHING TO HELP… MISS YOU ALL and BE SAFE.. Thanks for the Pictures…
Daddy-SPC.CHAD CARTER- I LOVE YOU-I SENT YOU A SPIDERMAN CURTAIN CAUSE WE LIKE HIM..MISS ME?? OLIVIA FAITH(age7)
By Shannon Lane
June 27, 2005 09:10 AM | Link to this
Soldiers Angels are aware of this now- if you can get us an address where we can send to, we will start trying to lift morale. :)
Thanks
By Tom Harris, LTC, USAR (Ret)
June 27, 2005 09:13 AM | Link to this
How can we contribute to help soldiers who lost their personal belongings?
By Geneva
June 27, 2005 09:55 AM | Link to this
To Captain Josie Hobbs: You and your unit 48th MICO are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so proud of you. Love Geneva from Chicago.
By Frances Siple
June 27, 2005 02:35 PM | Link to this
If you have a soldier there I suppose that sending a care package ATTN: Any soldier with your soldier’s mailing address would work, right? Anyone done this before? I am sending my brother, PFC Pedro Mendezhis packages today and I plan to include an extra for distribution. I hope that it gets there ok…
By jeannie
June 27, 2005 03:45 PM | Link to this
Below is an address that I was given by a 1stLt. at FOB St. Michael… I think if you add a Solider’s name or even a Leader’s name to the box—then they will get it—This address is only for F.O.B. St Michael’s Base….. ( name and rank of the person ) HHC 1-108 AR / 48 BCT / 3 ID Iraq APO AE 09372
I hope this information is some help.
By Debbie Hernandez
June 27, 2005 04:20 PM | Link to this
My son Randy Samuels is a member of the Unit that had its headquarters burned downed and I am most grateful that no one was harmed. I’ve heard from my son and he is one of the ones who lost everthing including personal ID’s. Hopefully this war in Iraq will avail our sons a chance to return home and let the Iraq people uplift themselves. I am sending my son whatever it is that he requests and hopefully other Americans will do likewise for all our sodiers.
Peace, Faith, luv, prayers and blessing to all our military personnel fighting the cause in Iraq and all over the world.
By HOLLY SUTTON
June 27, 2005 04:34 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU GOD NO ONE WAS HURT. I CRY DAILY FOR EACH SOLIDER OVER THERE MY HUSBAND SSG RODERICK SUTTON IS WITH THE 118TH FA . I GIVE GOD ALL THE PRAISE NAD THE GLORY FOR SENDING THE ANGELA TO WATCH OVER THEM ALL. I CANT THANK HIM ENOUGH FOR NO ONE BEING HURT. I LOVE YOU HONEY GOD PLEASE KEEP THEM ALL SAFE. YOUR WIFE, HOLLY
By becky
June 27, 2005 04:50 PM | Link to this
Greetings to the 48th Brigade, and to all the other units fighting for our country in Iraq. I am thankful for a newspaper that cares about the soldier’s family and friends and does their best to keep us informed on our soldiers. Our prayers, thoughts, and love are with you all. Becky Weeks
By Kelly Knaack
June 27, 2005 06:10 PM | Link to this
My son called me from Iraq this morning and it was wonderful to know that he was okay and it was not as bad as it could have been. People say to me how do you not worry about him? Since worring is a sin, the only way that I know how to respond to that question is that I have to be strong for him, support him and pray that he is smart and safe. I sending him a care package and enclosing some things for some of the others. I think that many people forget that not everyone has someone to write to them or send them a surprise package. They all count, not just our own. Here is the address that I have for my son. Maybe it will help someone send a letter to someone else that they know is there.
PV2 Spottiswood Daniel E “Scouts� HHC/108th/48th BCT/3rd ID Saint Michaels, Iraq APO-AE09372
Thank you AJC for providing us with a way to communicate to each other.
By Jamaica Garris
June 27, 2005 09:07 PM | Link to this
I would also like to send my blessings and gratitude to the AJC for following the 48th Brigrade as they go on their journey into Iraq. Everyone back home can rest a little easier knowing that we can catch a glimpse into their daily lives. To SSG. GREGORY GARRIS everone is praying for you and I know God will guide you home. Keep faith and He will work miracles. I LOVE YOU DADDY. Your three little angels will be waiting for your return.
By Bill Thorne
June 27, 2005 09:39 PM | Link to this
To the guys and gals of HHC 1-108 AR / 48 BCT / 3 ID, F.O.B. St Michael’s, APO AE 09372; This Marine has communicated your plight to the guys and gals of A Co. 411 CA Bn, FOB Warhorse, APO AE 09397 and they send their good wishes.
Let us know in New York what items in particular you need, we are supporting all of our troops and the troops of America.
We know something about support and you guys and gals will get it.
You may send your request through the AJC, I’m sure they will forward it to me.
Semper Fi!
Bill Thorne Senior Vice-Commander Department of New York Military Order of the Purple Heart USA P.O. Box 525 New City, NY 10956-0525
By Karyn Scales
June 27, 2005 10:37 PM | Link to this
Hello Sgt.David Church 1/121 We Miss you and Love you!!!! We are very PROUD of all of you. Tell everyone that your Big Sis said hi. Be Safe and take care. Thank you ajc for all you do too. Karyn Scales Dallas,Ga
By Janette Marvin
June 27, 2005 11:32 PM | Link to this
Soldiers’ Angels has adopted two groups at Michael and help is on the way. We are forever grateful for the sacrifices of our young heroes and pray they safe.
By Stephanie
June 28, 2005 08:52 AM | Link to this
For those who want to help, but don’t have a soldier there, many groups are assisting, but www.soldiersangels.com is one group which has adopted the entire 48th Brigade (including all the units from out-of-state who are assigned with the Brigade) and your help to them will be appreciated.
For those who “cry daily” or “worry” it is natural to be sad, but if you are depressed you might seek some assistance - our soldiers want us to miss them, but they want us to live our lives too; it is part of what they fight for - our right to live freely. I know my husband, who is over there, feels this way. Please, please, try to find a small joy to get you through each day, or get help finding it, until your soldier gets back home.
Kind Regards, Stephanie
By Dr. Zubov
June 28, 2005 12:51 PM | Link to this
I’m going to see what help I can drum up. Take care guys. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
www.banterinatlanter.com
By Tracy Ledford
June 28, 2005 01:16 PM | Link to this
My husband is there at Michael. I know that since he has been deployed, mid-May, it has taken about 4 weeks for him to get his first packages. Does anyone know if the Army is planning to provide a faster way for the relief packages to be sent to the soldiers who did lose their belongings. Replacing photos and personal items from home will be good for their spirits but it would be nice to know that these replacement items would not take so long to reach the destination.
By MARY
June 28, 2005 02:11 PM | Link to this
Thanks to all the soldiers for doing such a good job over there. Each soldier has been trained to do what they are specialized in so I thank everyone. I saw some people commenting on sending packages. I know letters and cards are wonderful and very much appreciated. There is a website where you can adopt a unit. Its called WWW.ANYSOLDIER.COM. There are a lot of ideas as to what to get for the soldiers. I’m sure anything and everything is appreciated. I am for doing anything that will put a smile on my sons face PFC Jonathan Bradford and I’m sure everyone else is doing the same for their soldiers.
God Bless and protect all the soldiers in Iraq!!
By Ursula
June 28, 2005 03:48 PM | Link to this
God Bless all of the soldiers in Iraq! I’m especially sending a number of prayers up for Mr. Kendall Cheek in the United States Army. You all are in my prayers and you all are definitely the best.
By Barb Vander Werf
June 28, 2005 04:18 PM | Link to this
My son is a Physical Therapist who will be attached to the 3297th USAH in July, which I understand will be supporting the 48th. I am curious as to what the battalion aid stations are like and where he might be going. I’d appreciate any information anyone may have. Thanks.
By Stacy Dial
June 28, 2005 09:45 PM | Link to this
Thinking of all you guys everyday.I miss you so very much BIG DADDY(rex)love you,your daughter stacy
By Sarah Woodall
June 29, 2005 11:52 AM | Link to this
My mother and I would like to send a care package to the men and women in the 48th. If anyone knows some items they are in need of, please let me know.
By Carroline
June 29, 2005 12:49 PM | Link to this
PLEASE refer to ANYSOLDIER.com - it’s a great resource for the stuff soldiers need. You can use their search engine to find out what and how to get things to them.
By Nancy
June 29, 2005 12:50 PM | Link to this
To my brother, Matt: My prayers are with you and your men and women as you continue to fight the good fight. Read about the fire, glad to know no one was hurt. Please let us know if you or any of your soldiers need or want anything, anything at all. For all you are doing for us, it would be an honor to do something for you. I love you-Your favorite sister.
By Jason
June 29, 2005 02:11 PM | Link to this
I just happenend to be on R and R leave at the time of the fire. But there where also 6 men from the 3rd ID providing radar coverage to the 48th. We lost everything including our equipment. We currently have no address due to moving to a new location. If you would like to email my wife for information on this section, she can get it to you as soon as we get a working address.
By Tonya Pilarski
June 29, 2005 02:30 PM | Link to this
HHB 1/76 FA radar section, keep your heads up and stay strong. Let us know what we can do from the home front. Be prepared for a flood of mail when you all finally get settled in at your new camp. Stay strong. SPC Pilarski’s Wife
By Shevon Dandy
June 30, 2005 09:50 AM | Link to this
To my fiance Otis(OC3) and the rest of the 48th: My prayers are with you daily. We know that God is faithful and will continue being just WHO he is. Keep your heads up and remember those back home who are believing in you to be the best that you already are. Stay prayerful and strong! Love Always,sid
By Lynn Mosley
June 30, 2005 11:31 AM | Link to this
My son, sgt mosley, 1/76FA radar section, was one of the lucky ones. He had some clothes in the laundry but lost everything else. We are glad no one was hurt. He is sharing his clean clothes with his buddies and as soon as you get a new address we will start sending the things we can replace. Nannie has already looking for a new Bible to replace the one that was burnt in the fire. We Love You, Stay Safe, Hope to See You Soon!
By Barbara
July 5, 2005 09:52 AM | Link to this
Please check out www.armor4troops.org They are taking donations to send items to the 108th.
Thank you.