The 48th goes to war

By Cathy Head

July 13, 2005 07:22 AM | Link to this

To my husband, Cpl Andy Head with Troop E 108th CAV - Honey, everything is okay here. I know you are worried about me, but I have support – family, friends, church – everyone is supporting me so that I can support you. You do your Thing out there honey. I’m safe and sound here at home. I want you to be safe and sound out there too while you’re doing an 11 mission on the Pucker Scale from 1 to 10. Keep protecting our Home-Front, baby, and I’ll protect our home (and keep the grass cut/baled - the yard looks good) for when you get back. Aimee, David and I Love You Bunches. FBC. And to some the comments made about our Boys - It’s funny/sad to find out how many people criticizing our boys have never been in the military. Our soldiers have never lost a war they were allowed to win. It’s our politicians who give up, give in, and lose them. No matter the horrible pictures or the “atrocities� the mega-media tells, if we give up anywhere, (look at Somalia now), then we are handing over the reins to the enemy.

By Janicia

July 13, 2005 07:33 AM | Link to this

This story breaks my heart to think my son has had to experience some if not all of what is mentioned in this article. I miss you Mikie J. May God be with you all.

By Bobby Smith

July 13, 2005 08:02 AM | Link to this

I would like to express my thanks to Dave Hirschman and Curtis Compton for the great stories and photos of the men and women of OUR 48th Brigade. My nephew is in the 2nd Foot of the 48th. Your blog is the first thing I check in the morning to stay informed about the 48th. You give us a glimpse into the daily lives of our loved ones that no one else can. Thank you for your work and the sacrifices you are making to provide us with your stories and pictures.

P.S. Hat in hand - If possible, a picture of my nephew would be greatly appreciated. Spc Justin G. Smith Bravo Co. 2/121. I know this is a long shot, but I have to ask.

Thank You, Bobby Smith Macon, Ga.

By Jeannie

July 13, 2005 08:47 AM | Link to this

To Dave and Curtis… I would like to say Thank you for being there with our Guys and Gals and for doing all that you are to Try and Keep us Posted on what it is like there and for us to Know what Really is going on.. Most of the time, on the TV News, they show other groups and just one area—and it is ONLY OF FIGHTING.. I read the AJC often through out the day and at night, just to see if another new story is up or either more pictures. I know not many have said Thank you to you all— But well, while You Two are not Soldiers- You two are still there in harms way, and you two are there for US to know the real stories and to see real Pictures- so to me, that takes alot of Braveness also.. I know that you all said two more people would take your place sometimes in July and well I hope they do a Great Job like you two have and take Lots and Lots of pictures of our guys..Yeah, sometimes the stories may be too much in detail but you know what—I still think that does not bother a whole lot.. I am glad to see that ore of OUR SOldiers are using your website and commenting on the stories and all too.. That way we can hear from what they would like to add.. I wish more of them would do this…. To ALL THE SCOUTS— KEEP DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND COME HOME SOON.. LEAVE WON’T BE LONG NOW AND WELL— DOUGLASVILLE IS WAITING…. To ASTUTO, HAYES ,HARP —- TAKE CARE OF OLIVIA FAITH’S DADDY FOR HER.. SHE MISSES YOU GUYS AND HIM SO MUCH.. ( SPC. CHAD.G.CARTER- HHC-108th SCOUT ) TO ALL THE 48th—THANK YOU………

By Ruth

July 13, 2005 08:58 AM | Link to this

Thank you Mr. Hirschman for putting yourself in harm’s way in order to bring us coverage from Iraq. To those who have commented so negatively about Mr. Hirschman’s article on the killing fields…..you should be ashamed of yourself. Mr. Hirschman has presented the good, the bad, and the ugly in his many articles. Should he sugar coat the truth in order to make it more palatable to those of us back home? No. I think his article showed the inhumanity of war and the necessity of dehumanizing what is seen in order for the troops to cope. Stop and think…the airwaves here in the US were filled with coverage of a poor unfortunate girl missing in Aruba for the past month, you know you couldn’t turn on the tv without getting an update…were there days upon days of coverage of the killing field discovered in Iraq? As Mr Hirschman said, in Iraq it was Thursday, another day of war and the results of it. To the family who is so upset because the words of their soldier were quoted in the article, I don’t think less of your soldier and I don’t think other people do either. He did what he had to do and said what he had to say in order to stay sane as I’m sure my soldier and all the others are doing. Before you villify me the way I was done in my other comment a few weeks ago, let me say my husband is a Vietnam veteran who still has nightmares weekly, 35 years later, about his experiences in war. We have a son serving with the 48th. I support him and all the other troops as they perform the duties they are assigned. We should never find fault with journalists who write the truth as ugly as it may be. As more American people hear of it, perhaps the outcry will become louder to find an end to this war and bring all of our troops home, not just the 48th.

By Carroline

July 13, 2005 09:27 AM | Link to this

To Hirschman and Compton - first I want to say thank you for keeping us informed of what’s happening. Second, I can’t imagine what life, for 3 months let alone a year plus, could do to the mental state of a person. With every story, I am more blessed yet disheartened. As I wish for the safety for our men and women, my same wish goes to you as well. Thank you for allowing me to be that much closer to my friend Cpl Robert Waples II, and all the troops, as I read your articles daily. Each day I know I am one day closer for his return. Thank you to you and all our men and women serving so bravely.

By sw

July 13, 2005 11:20 AM | Link to this

To Dave and Curtis, Your article on the “Killing Fields” helped my son-in-law open up to me about what he faces in this war torn country. Many of our husbands, sons, daughters, and those close to us do not feel they can tell us what is really happening to them, they don’t want to burden us with the horrors that they face, and just stuff the emotions inside themselves. We need to know what is going on where they are so we can help them deal with the aftermath when they return home. Our soldiers need to know that we understand the conditions they are facing. We need to validate their sacrifice with knowledge. I thank you for your articles.

By Judy

July 13, 2005 12:23 PM | Link to this

I can not agree more with the thanks given to Curtis and Dave by so many others, or with the fact that our soldiers are doing what they are trained to do - and doing it well! In order to survive, both mentally and physicially, our soldiers have to compartmentalize their thinking and stay completely objective. One moment’s hesitation, due to an emotion based response could be the difference between life and death. Remember the old line “walk a mile in my shoes”? Maybe some of the highly critical should walk a mile in a deployed, volunteer soldier’s boots!!

Thanks again Dave and Curtis. Travel mercies to you both. Prayers to each and every soldier in harm’s way.

By Barb Vander Werf

July 13, 2005 12:39 PM | Link to this

I would also like to give my thanks to Dave Hirschman and Curtis Compton for what they are doing by covering the 48th. The information they are providing is reaching people much farther than Georgia. I’m the mom of an Army Reservist in Phoenix, AZ. My son joined the Reserves after Sept. 11th. In explaining his decision to us (his parents), he said, “I believe it’s my generation’s responsibility to fight terrorism�. He trained as a 91W with his MOS in Physical Therapy. For the past few years he has been a normal college student at Arizona State University (as a proud mom, I might add he’s in the Honors College and on the Dean’s list). A few weeks ago, he was activated and attached to the 3297th USAH to support the 48th. Even though I knew he might be deployed at some point, it was a total shock to hear that he was going. There were only 2 soldiers from his unit being deployed. Through a “google� search, I found Dave’s column with the AJC. I have been reading it every morning and reporting to my son everything I have seen and learned from these columns. I’ve told him all the good things that that SFC Dyer has been doing and all about Brean and everything else that’s been going on there. At one point, my son said, “Mom, you know more about what I’m going to be doing than I do�. These articles have been a blessing to me, even though some are painful to read. Also, I absolutely love the photos. I would not have had any idea of where he was going or what he would be going through without reading these articles. He is currently at Fort Benning, GA getting prepared to go to Iraq in the next couple of weeks. He has been told that he will be going to Camp Stryker working in a battalion aid station as a physical therapist. His name is SGT. Brian Vander Werf, so if anyone in the 48th meets him there in the future, please help him feel welcome! Thank you again Dave and Curtis for your valuable information.

By iris wolff

July 13, 2005 01:08 PM | Link to this

thanks for keeping us informed , but somethings are better left unsaid. you obviously need to think of others before you speak. you do not need to be pointing fingers and blaming others . how would you feel if you just lost your husband, mentor and friend and read this article.NOT TOO GOOD I AM SURE!!!!

By Wendy

July 13, 2005 03:37 PM | Link to this

Even though your stories sometimes make me cry because of the horrible things our men see, I appreciate it as now I will be able to hopefully help my son( Spc. Michael Thornton 118th FA) when he comes home. He chooses not to speak about it like the rest of them but to talk about the future after he returns. Thanks so much for your reporting. Wendy

By M Frances

July 13, 2005 03:59 PM | Link to this

I, too, want to thank Mr. Hirschman and Mr. Compton for their coverage. I understand these folks are soon to be on their way home if not already. God bless you for having been with our troops and keeping us informed. May He hold you in His hands for a safe trip home.

I’m sure your families have worried about your safety as we worry about our loved ones - all those soldiers our government sent there to fight the terrorists. We rejoice when we know that all of them are safe and we each mourn for those who are injured or lost even though we don’t know them personally. They are our people - they are Americans. We will all rejoice when all the troops of all nations are on their way back to their loved ones.

To our Soldiers - thank you for being there not only for keeping the hounds at bay from our homeland but for protecting innocent Iraqis who want their homeland safe and free also.

Special thanks and prayers for those who are on the front line (FOBs) and for those who are in the rear echelons supporting them.Those of us who are left behind support you, too. It takes all of you to succeed.

God bless our military, our civilians there, and God Bless America. I also pray that our Lord ease the hurt of the British people who were subjected to the terrorists attacks last week.

Thank you all we love you.

By Gerry Schneider

July 13, 2005 04:06 PM | Link to this

The reporting on the Iraqi deployment of our sons and daughters has been moving, informative and telling a side completely missed by all other media about our children, dad, moms and sisters and brothers. I will be eternally grateful to your paper for this reporting. Ernie Pyle would be proud.

By Crystal Staten

July 13, 2005 04:11 PM | Link to this

First of all, to the reporter and the photographer, THANKS for being willing to go with the 48th to Iraq and for the GREAT reports you have sent back for us the family members and friends to read, so that we know a little about what our Brave Soldiers are dealing with day to day, since they can’t tell us because of security reasons. Most TV news reports I have seen are not true. SO, it is good to still have some that report the truth. Also, if you could get more pictures of the A CO 2/121 it would be greatly appreciated. My Brave Soldier is Spec.Thomas Staten. So, if you see him let him know his wife and daughter love and miss him dearly and can’t wait for him to come home soon.

By Kirsten

July 13, 2005 04:19 PM | Link to this

It is good to see other media put a positive view point on this war. Not all news from Iraqi is negative, like the MAJOR NEWS groups want you to believe. A note to Maj. Saxton “Do you really like Boy George?” Thanks for your effort.

Soldier Angel Kirsten

By Jennifer

July 13, 2005 07:32 PM | Link to this

Dave and Curtis - Thank you for every smile you have put on my face and every tear you brought to my eyes with your words and photography. Never will thanks be enough for what you have done for all of us at home. You have allowed us to see what our soldiers experience and may never be able to speak of, due to the emotions that come along as a hazard of the occupation. Please disregard any negative comment to your unselfish contributions. Any soldier would tell you that they fight for your freedom of speech and to write as you feel, regardless if they agree or disagree with your reporting. You have done an excellent job, there is no finer reporting or photography anywhere. Thanks again, you will always hold a special place in my heart for your beneficence to all of us, soldiers and families.

By Tara

July 13, 2005 08:50 PM | Link to this

Thank you Dave and Curtis for the invaluable service that you have provided to all of us here at home. As the proud wife of a 48th BDE soldier, this blog has become a part of my daily life. Your pictures and descriptions provide us with the details our loved ones would rather not discuss. You make all of us feel more connected with those that we love who are so far away. Thank you so much for your and your family’s sacrifice to provide us all with this coverage that means so much to us!

By Phyllis Kassum

July 14, 2005 10:09 AM | Link to this

Thank you for your honest reports of what our loved ones are facing on a day to day basis. I wish you God speed on your journey home and thank your families for sharing you with us.

When you return to Ga please do not forget the troops and I pray that you will encourage the support of ANY SOLDIER. COM in your future journalism.

By jcc

July 14, 2005 12:57 PM | Link to this

I am appalled by some of comments written by Mr. Hirschman during this deployment. While I believe that he & Mr. Compton are making a great sacrafice by joining our troops in Iraq, I think some of his comments are inappropriate and could possibly be damaging to our soldiers down the line. The final comment in the most recent blog is outrageous to me. The soldier who was driving the Bradley that killed Sgt. Mercer is no more responsible for the death of Sgt. Chad Mercer as any other team member who loses a fellow soldier in combat. These guys are in a war zone, they are not driving down the streets of their hometown. These are make shift roads with who knows what kind of potentially dangerous items ahead. I’m sure this soldier has plenty of emotional trama to deal with in the aftermath of this tragedy without having to see comments like these in print that seem to place blame on him as the driver of the vehicle. I’m sure this was not the intent of Mr. Hirshman when he wrote this article. However, you [Mr. Hirschman] need to remember that what you write is broadcast to the world via the internet. This also becomes a matter of public record. I had similar concerns with the report of the young soldier who was required to fire upon the SUV approaching his checkpoint resulting in the drivers death and thus saving the lives of his fellow soldiers. While any military family/spouse knows this is what our men must do to survive and come home safely, not everyone in our community is so approving of these actions as you can see from previous posts. Like it or not, there are many people in our society who will read your blog & pass judgement or condemn our soldiers for their actions in Iraq. I know my husband would not want his name in print with a detailed description of what he had to do to survive so he could come home to his children. Nor would he want that information to be available for his children to read later in life. Some things are just better left on the battle field. The decision to share this information with family members/friends should be left to the soldiers, not to an embedded reporter. You said yourself that you are protected by these soldires & the Bradley you ride in. Place yourself in the position of these men. Imagine you had to pick up a weapon and shoot an insurgent so that you could survive another day in Iraq and return home to your family. Would you want your wife or child to read about it in the newspaper or online or would rather discuss it with them on your terms? I agree the public should not be shielded from the gruesome aspects of war, however, I do believe the AJC should be more cautious of printing names of soldiers who are involved in these acts of war. When these guys signed the press release forms while at NTC, I seriously doubt they thought they would see their names in print along with the details of what it takes to survive in a war zone. Leave the name dropping to positive reports of kindness that we know are going on over there. We don’t need to know who had to fire their weapons to be proud of our soldiers. It’s what they are trained to do if necessary. The fact that they are putting their lives on the line for their country should be enough! My husband is my hero regardless of whether he ever fires a shot. I can promise you that I will never know the sacrafices that he has to make while in Iraq. That will be a burden he will bear alone & with his fellow soldiers with the hope that he can shield his family as much as possible from the horrors of war. Part of his reason for serving his country is to try to protect his family from ever having to witness what he has seen in past deployments & now again in Iraq.

By Robyn

July 14, 2005 03:15 PM | Link to this

Dave and Curtis, I would like to thank you for giving and insight to what our guys and girls are going through,no it may not be pretty but war never is. The things they go through over there will eventually be brought home in their hearts and minds and that is somehting they will have to live with forever and as they do so will we. Reading and seeing news from thousands of miles away has no comparison to what they deal with everyday and as friends and loved ones we should prepare ourselves for their homecoming which will be a joy but often darkened by the blight of the war they have fought and now battle with at home.The flashbacks, nightmares and sleepless nights afraid to close their eyes for fear of seeing it all over again,it’s all part of it and you guys are GREAT for not sugarcoating the truth as much as you could and for that I Thank You! Maybe it will help some to understand what their soldiers may deal with when they come home. We may not be there,but with your input we now have a better grasp of things. GREAT JOB!!!!!

By Jake

July 14, 2005 04:07 PM | Link to this

I am very disappointed in the reporting that has come out of Mr. Hirschman’s “summer adventure” in Iraq. The reporting I am getting back from at least one of the soldiers in the field puts this blog to shame. One can only wish Mr. Hirschman’s work was produced with the same level of intensity being shown by the soldiers of the 48th. AJC editors… take note!

By Jan Swallows

July 14, 2005 07:03 PM | Link to this

Dear Dave, Keep up the good work on reporting about our boys and girls in the 48th. You have made this mother in law a lot less afraid re: Sgt.Timothy J. Hass. He is a wonderful man, a wonderful husband to my daughter,and a good son in law to me and my husband. I wish you all the best and I hope to one day meet you in person. I’ll buy you that beer you mentioned and I don’t even drink! Jan Swallows

By scout

July 14, 2005 08:18 PM | Link to this

This comment is to JCC and the to Dave and Curtis… Mrs. JCC, you may be appalled and where you live may be apalled by these posts and stories. But you also have a choice to read them. There are other websites out there that can tell you how things are over here in Iraq and these are not just all flowers.. Yes, some of these stories had people names in them and may have been in great detail for a reader. But again, everyone has a choice in what they want to read and see. If your husband has been deployed before to Iraq, then you know how it is and shouldn’t have so much hate for a newspaper that tries to let other’s know. I know that I am at a F.O.B and can’t speak with my family or my partner as much as other soldiers at other bases can do. Maybe you can speak with your husband everyday or every other day, when Most of Us Here, May Get One Day A Week.. And May is the Word there..I want my family and my partner to know what is going on. I want them to know how I am doing or my group is doing. I want them to be able to see pictures of me if they can. I also know, that even if my name or unit was not mentioned, that my family would still be just as happy, to see what the 48th was doing and how everyone was. These reports have placed themselves with US by Choice. Choice is the KEYWORD HERE.. Would you have came in their place to do their Job?? I know my family and partner stresses, hurts, and worries everyday about me and my military family I have here. But this Blog / website / paper; gives them so much. It gives them something to hold on to. If this helps them in anyway, then let them have it. If you don’t want something to hold on to, some hope, anything; just don’t read here, don’t post here. Yes, all this is a matter of public records. So don’t add to them. Many people come to this site/ blog. Many people give us Hope, Love, Support and so much more here. When we get a chance to even get on a computer, this sites brings us a smile. So again, you have a choice to be here or not……To read these or Not……. To Dave and Curtis… You two made a choice to come here. No one gave you an order. No one is paying you two Hardship Pay, Hostile Fire Pay, or even Family Seperation Pay; you are here for us,for our family’s and well for the One’s that have made a choice to read and be with Us daily through you two. So Dave and Curtis, Keep your heads down and we will do our jobs, so that you two can do your job. Alot of us, here in Iraq- do say Thank You for giving our Families something. Don’t worry about the rest, AGAIN, They Have a Choice to Stay Or Read some place eles.

By Autumn Byce

July 14, 2005 09:32 PM | Link to this

To all the Troops in Iraq but especially the SCOUTS from the 48th BDE I am so very proud of you! Each and every day I talk to someone back home who praises what you guys are doing over there! It makes me so very proud to be a military wife. I miss you all very much and keep you in my prayers daily! Take care of each other and give SGT Byce a big hug for me!!! I will see you soon Chastain and Ballenger wherever you are right now if you read this send an e-mail or give me a call to let me know you are okay!!! Love to all the Scouts, you make us proud!

By Judy

July 14, 2005 10:09 PM | Link to this

I’m a nurse who sees people that are dying from various diseases and the smell of death can alway be smelt when working in the hospital especially with cancer and elderly patients. Luckly, I can go home in the evenings. I can’t even imagine what the soldiers are having to endure and what affect this will have on them short-term and long-term. What they see when they close there eyes at night after seeing and smelling death like they have in Iraq. My husband is in the 48BCT and we love all of you all for what you are doing. We pray for your safety, your sanity, and all the family and friends you have left behind to fight for the American Freedom. Come home safe.

By Nancy

July 15, 2005 08:14 AM | Link to this

Thanks for the article on Scenes from Iraq. Your take on my brother humming the song while in his Humvee is right on. I can just see him calmly doing just such a thing. He also is a big fan of “Nights in White Satin”! Your coverage has been a great comfort to myself and my family. Thank you so much for staying with the troops and letting us back home know what is happening. I can take the good and the bad, it brings it home in a way that nothing else has. I agree with the previous post, we have choice whether to read or not read your articles. Myself, I choose to read them, even tho at times it’s hard to read. My brother is doing something that he truly believes in and for him to make the sacrifice to defend my freedom, as well as everyone else’s, makes my heart swell with pride. So, thank you again Dave and Curtis, from the bottom of my heart for bringing us news from Iraq. And to my brother—YOU ARE STILL AND FOREVER MORE MY HERO! I love you.

By bk

July 15, 2005 09:13 AM | Link to this

Regarding JCC’s Comment: While I believe the news must be reported, I do not believe reporters should print the names of soldiers involved in hostile actions or in accidents (unless they consent). The military is very careful about divulging names to the public because it may eventually become a safety concern. As a soldier, if I had to protect my self by ending a life, I would not want my name printed….it could make me or my family a target in the future. Additionally, if I was involved in an accident, I would not want to be publicly identified until there had been an investigation. I absolutely believe these stories must be told; however, journalists should use the same care in divulging names as the military. I read these stories every day and appreciate the reporting the guys are doing. I just wanted to add my 2 cents about printing names.

By jcc

July 15, 2005 12:10 PM | Link to this

This is in response to Scout’s comments. I do not harbor hate or resentment towards these reporters or the AJC as you have suggested. Your statement that I have a choice to read this blog is correct. However, that was not my point. My point was that this blog (& many others) are available to the general masses, not just those of deployed military families. While as an adult I make the choice to read this blog, my children do not. That does not stop them from being exposed to its content or the content of other reports from Iraq. I can testify to potential negative feedback from the community based on personal experience. While my husband’s name & actions have not been part of this blog, my children have still been exposed to negative comments from other children. Example: My 4 year old daughter is extremely proud of her father & his effort to “help families in Iraq who need daddies to help protect them.â€? This is the benign way my husband and I explained this deployment to our young children. My daughter talks about her father constantly to anyone who will listen. Another child who heard her comments told my 4 yr. old that men in the Army do not help people; they are there to kill people. This came from a 6 year old child. I hardly believe that child read this report. Most likely his feedback was something he heard from adults in his life. This is just a generic example of negative feedback from within the community. As for your question about my willingness to replace my husband on the front line, my husband would tell you that the most difficult job in the military is that of a military spouse. The person who is left behind to comfort two young children who want their daddy and don’t understand war, but simply want daddy to come home. This is a direct quote from a soldier who is there with you on the front line in Baghdad facing daily mortar attacks, gunfire and the threat of violence at every turn. I worry constantly about his safety & the safety of his men while in country as well as when these men return home. Not all Americans are flag waving supporters of our troops. These are the people that I am worried about reading this blog and retaliating against those soldiers whose names have been posted along with their actions. That was my point. To these reporters, again, I thank you for your sacrifice to join our troops. I continue to urge you to be more cautious of printing these soldiers’ names & actions for the entire world to read. They are indeed heroes and deserve to be treated as such. You and I believe that. It is not you that I am worried about. It is the small majority that can make life difficult that concern me.

By Scout

July 15, 2005 04:09 PM | Link to this

To Jcc, I too have two small children. One being 7 and one being 6. My two daughters miss me very much and talk almost every minute of the day about me. Adults will be adults and say whatever they want to whoever is around to listen to them talk. But we raise our children to listen to the good of others and to always be good in return. You can’t change the world or the people in it. All you are doing is adding to something that has already been started. Why not encourage the good to your children as well as to other children that come around. This would help in the action’s that are being shown where you live. If children are allowed to come on the internet, then I would hope that their parent would know what they are doing and have the right controls turned on for them . I don’t see a 4, 5, 6, or even 7 year old coming to read this blog. So yes, alot of what is being said to them can be changed if ONE PERSON STATES THE GOOD. My daughters are my life and You think they miss me—Well I miss them even more. Also, I never said anything about you replacing your husband on the front line.. I said maybe you should take the place of one of these reports who made a Choice to be here—not given an order to be here, nor paid to be here. You say your husband would say the most difficult job in the military is that of a military spouse, well I think many of us over here could prove you wrong. You may only see your fellings here on all this, but maybe you should think how REALLY HARD it is for US to be here, without the Person we Love so dearly and without being able to watch our Children Grow and Still do out job and Hide our feelings… I think you really don’t know who has the difficult job…. If you want to make a change where you live and what your children are being told, then Stand up for your Unit/husband/military..You start the change and then maybe others will join you instead of being against you.. Like I said before… This Blog, these Men, have made our serpation a little easier on Us and Our Families… SO MEN—KEEP PRINTING WHAT YOU ARE AND DO YOUR JOB AND WE WILL KEEP DOING OUR’S.. PEOPLE MAY HATE US, FOR BEING OVER HERE, JUST LIKE SOME MAY HATE YOUR PAPER/BLOG—-BUT WE ALL STILL DO OUR JOBS..

By Jackie

July 16, 2005 12:27 PM | Link to this

Mr Hirschman and Mr Compton, the words are simple, a heartfelt “Thank You!” Because of the inspiring, dramatic, funny and sad, pictures and articles you both provide to us we are able to apprehend some of what our loved ones are living through. Please continue your courageous work. To my baby brother of whom I am extremely proud, I love you and “hum away!”

By jcc

July 16, 2005 08:35 PM | Link to this

Scout…please do not assume to know me based on my post in response to an internet blog report. You do not know me nor do you know what I do to support my husband & his unit. You have the right to disagree with my comments, however, please do so respectfully. My comments about the hardest job in the military were a statement of my husband’s opinion, not a statement of fact. This is the opinion of one soldier. As Americans, we are gauranteed the right to our opinion. That is a right my husband has fought for during the last 10 years of his military career. The military has been a part of my life since the day I was born. My father is a retired Special Forces officer w/ 30+ yrs. of service. I have followed my husband across this country supporting his military career for the last 10 yrs. I tell you this only b/c you have made the assumption that I do not support my soldier or his profession based on my disapproval of a handful of comments made by the embedded AJC reporter. My concern is for the safety of the soldiers when they return to the states after a yr. of being without their families. The AJC does not hesitate to post names of soldiers who have to kill to survive with details about the situation the soldier is involved in. I do not condemn name dropping when it relates to soldier’s daily lives, acts of kindness or unpleasant findings while on patrol. I also do not condemn the reports of soldier’s doing whatever it takes to survive. I do however believe the reporters are acting irresponsibly when printing these actions along with the SOLDIER’S NAME. (This same thought has been echoed by countless members of FRG’s around the state). You obviously have the right to disagree if you so choose.

By Dawn Gallant

July 18, 2005 10:46 PM | Link to this

Thank you Mr.Hirschman and Mr. Compton for your reports on the 48th Brigade Combat Team. You guys have done a great job. It means alot to us to hear what our soldiers are doing over there. I hope you two come home safe and thanks to your families for sharing you and your talents. God Bless.