The 48th goes to war

By Dragon7(r)

July 28, 2005 08:32 AM | Link to this

Pretty interesting, 3600.00$ at the cost to our troops while soldiers are being blown up with IED’s, good job on your personal set up there cpt, and your accodimations look pretty good, hope they are that good at the other FOB’s, Hey AJC, I like and dont like what I am seeing, you were posting lots of pictures of the troops a short time ago, now you have to resort to this drool. Also by the way I always see lots of pictures of the Officers, and not alot of NCO’s does the 48th leadership still think that it does not need the backbone of the Army. I have some friends of mine there, actualy alot of them, and their percecption of things like the peachtree road race and stuff like that while they are out in the Field so to speak doesnt set well with them. Last but not least, I am truly saddened by the loss of 4 fine soldiers, my heart aches for the families and loved ones, I hope the Guard/Military system helps you with everything you need. dont cut the leadership any slack and make them do their job to take care of you and your families, there are people out there that can, will and want to help.

And last but not least, Hi ben, Im watching! I wish I were there

By Kathy Singleton

July 28, 2005 09:31 AM | Link to this

How about some stories and pictures on the 2/130th Charlie Company. My prayers are with the families of those soldiers lost on Sunday. Chris, I am praying for you Love mom

By Cindy

July 28, 2005 09:59 AM | Link to this

AJC, I appreciate your work, the first responder has several inaccuracies, and misquoted the article to which the reply was attached. Thank you for being there and don’t let the negativity of a few get you down. The rest of us deeply appreciate your hard work. I know you will come back later with more stories of the soldiers that were killed earlier, but I appreciate this step back from that into how the soldiers are moving on.

By Cathy Head

July 28, 2005 10:03 AM | Link to this

I think it’s great 21 soldiers want to pitch in together so they can communicate with their loved ones back home. That shows the innovative spirit of our guys out there. Adapt and overcome! Way to go guys! Thanks for the great job all of you are doing out there! Hoooo-ah! And I’d like to say Hi to my husband CPL Andy Head Troop E 108 Cav. Love you babe. I an sooo glad you were able to scrounge up that cell phone. (thank goodness for technology!) Keep on texting honey! Miss you, and FBC!!!

By Jeannie

July 28, 2005 10:24 AM | Link to this

Well Guys— at least you all are doing what it takes to make it Home for you and to be close at Home with your families..You are Someone’s Everything and that Someone is waiting for you..

To the Families AND Friends of the Falling Soldiers.. My prays are with you and all.. I only knew one of the guys closly, but I still feel sadden for all.. My heart is with many of the 48th soldiers— some I know personally and have known for a great time. Many think, that well if you are not married to a soldier or with a soldier-then you don’t know the pain or understand and that you are not apart of the Family Bond. But This is so not true.. I know one Soldier ( a soldier / Georgia scout on the Ajc) who talked about being a family recently with the 48th/Scout unit, but I have to ask how can He say this when he Left his real family of 3 years and decided not to have contact with them, through this deployment. So Being a Family is more then just hanging with others and it is not forgetting the people that have been there for you.. Families—well that is what alot of Us have been having with the 48th- not just the Unites within. And Again, My heart goes out to these Families and Friends on their Lost.. I pray that Our Men and Women can come home sooner than June of Next Year…

By QC

July 28, 2005 11:34 AM | Link to this

I had a dream that the War was over in November ‘05 i honestly hope this is one dream that comes true…..let’s all just stay on one accord and pray for all the soldiers & their families…..

By Judy

July 28, 2005 05:07 PM | Link to this

Congratualtions on the creativity of these soldiers. I wonder if they realize how lucky they are to wear civillian clothes and have time off from their duties. Possibly they could take a field trip down to Michael, Joe or Row where they are so short handed that troops go out without a full crew, time off is taking off your body armor, and everybody sleeps with ear plugs to try to drown out the sounds of the incoming mortars. Next time Donald Rumsfeld comes to visit, he might like to come too - and bring his friends. It would be an eye opener…..

By Mrs. Bryan Kemp

July 28, 2005 08:15 PM | Link to this

I was thrilled to see this article, sent by my husband Cpl. Bryan Kemp. I am very disheartened by the comments made by the first person - shame on you. You obviously have no idea what these soldiers are going through. They have been working on communications for months and pooled THEIR hard earned money so they could correspond with their families and loved ones more often. There are always lines to use the pay phones as well as lines for the Internet cafes. These soldiers work extremely long days and have minimum sleep. They rotate their shifts. They are risking their lives! They are there to help each other out. .. I thank the AJC for this refreshing article in spite of all the recent tragedies. It’s always hard to read about the loss of our fine soldiers. “Thank you� to Cathy and Jeannie for your warm responses. Our hearts go out to the families of the fallen soldiers, those left behind. “Dada�, we miss you so much and think of you constantly. We thank you for your service to our country and we don’t take our freedoms for granted. This time away from you is a true test for us all. Be safe and be strong!

Much love, Wife, son & the critters

By Amy

July 28, 2005 09:03 PM | Link to this

Dear Sir, Apparently, you misread the rank of the individual that purchased and erected a satellite dish in Iraq. It was a corporal (CPL) not a captain (CPT).

I, for one, applaud their ingenuity and committment to maintain communication with their families —- who by the way are praying night and day for their safety and for communication from them.

I am offended by your comment that the pictures are mostly of the officers. From what I have seen, it is leaning toward the NCO’s and those in the field. Does it really matter who is being photographed? Isn’t the important thing that the families are being kept informed?

Every position in a unit and especially in the 48th BCT is a deeply valuable position whether the position is that of an NCO or an officer. Not one officer in the 48th BCT devalues a single soldier in the 48th BCT. Not one officer in the 48th BCT diminishes the importance of any NCO. They are one unit and one family. They are protecting each other to the best of their ability and accomplishing their mission in high order!

I also take offense to the comment that you made concerning the Peachtree Road Race. That was organized to help build morale for the troops. Even those that did not get to participate got a kick out of having the traditional race in Baghdad. It said to the world that our Georgia soldiers will do whatever is necessary to keep up the morale of the troops. By the way, the Peachtree Road Race in Baghdad was not the only Peachtree Road Race that was conducted on foreign soil. There was also a race held in Afghanistan for the same purpose of boosting the morale of the troops. If holding a road race on an important holiday will boost morale then I fail to see how anyone can complain about it. And, of course only those that had the day or ½ day off could participate. Those that were out on patrol, or guard duty, or had to go into the office, or cook the meals did not get to participate. If you think that those that were working during that race begrudged their fellow comrades the opportunity to participate, you are completely wrong. Being able to have just a little piece of home whether it is a letter, a card, a package, or the Peachtree Road Race means a great deal to our soldiers. I hope they keep organizing events that boost the morale and keep our soldiers smiling in such unfathomable circumstances.

Those of us left behind are trying desperately to keep our morale up so that we can continue to boost the morale of our soldier. Negative comments such as yours hurt all of us.

Sincerely, Amy E. London, wife of a 48th BCT soldier

By Patricia Beck

July 28, 2005 10:33 PM | Link to this

I also would like to hear more about 2/130 Charlie Company. Hang in there, Alan, Mom is thinking of you.

By Ruth

July 28, 2005 11:45 PM | Link to this

Judy, I agree with you 100%. You too, Dragon7. Are we the only ones who care about Michael, Joe and Row? I was the first one to comment on what was going on at those FOBs and the replies to my post let me know pretty quick that it doesn’t matter what these soldiers go through because they are on the front lines and that is just the way it is. I disagree. What did they do wrong or right to cause them to have the worst duty in the brigade? Rumsfeld should not only visit these bases, he should stay about a week, go on a couple of missions a day with, to paraphrase his words, the army he has, not the one that’s wished for.

By Lyndsey

July 29, 2005 12:28 AM | Link to this

I am so grateful to this guy who is helping with the hook-up!! My husband is one of those who have pitched in to get internet! Better communication may only be days away!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

By A soldier's wife

July 29, 2005 06:59 AM | Link to this

This comment is for Judy, maybe you should look at that photo again, it plainly states CPL Kemp and an IRAQI CIVILLIAN contractor. CPL Kemp seems to be in his uniform to me.

As far as time off… all the soldiers are working odd hours and long hours, not just the ones at the FOB’s.

If being able to put this internet in (with their OWN money) gives them the ability to spend 5 minutes of time that they should be sleeping after 28-30 hours on duty letting their familly members know they are alive and well can you really begrudge them of that? I’m sure their “brothers” at the FOB’s won’t because in the event that they get swapped, someone else will just pick up the connection by the soldier left behind.

Can’t the family members back home just be glad that all of the soldiers are alive and maintaining (under the conditions that they are ALL in) rather than whining about who has what???

By St Michael Soldier

July 29, 2005 01:56 PM | Link to this

My heart and prayers go out to the families of the 4 brothers that lost there lives here. It brought tears to my eyes when I read there stories.

For us that lives outside of the wire. Life is different! We know that it can happen to us anyday. We get hit with IED’s everyday! Most of the people at Striker don’t know what it is like to have an IED hit there vehicle. They don’t live in the WAR as we do. WE LIVE IT 24/7 Just a couple of weeks ago my team was up on that road that our brothers of 2/121 were on. It could have just as well been us.

So please say a very special prayer for the soldiers of 2/121, FOBS JOE, MICHAEL, and ROE. We live with the mortar rounds everyday and night. We live with the patrols everyday and night outside of the wire. We live the live of WAR!

By no means I am mad at my assignment, I just want to give the guys down south their due. And let the people know what is going on down here and what is not going on up there!

Thanks,

By DLL

July 29, 2005 03:13 PM | Link to this

Mrs. Beck, I think the comment you made about Dragon7 was rude. Lets think about this. Dragon7 most likely stands for (E7)= (TOP)(FIRST SGT) Maybe even be the leading NCO of the unit. Ok (r)= retired. I am sure that he has been in the Gulf War and maybe even in Bosnia. Maybe you should really think about it before getting on you computer and start to type away. Battle on to the 48th.

By DLL

July 29, 2005 04:18 PM | Link to this

Mrs Beck, I am so sorry, my child did this for me. I wanted this to be seen by Mrs. Kemp. Again I am so so sorry

By Ruth

July 29, 2005 05:06 PM | Link to this

In reply to the comment from “A Soldier’s Wife” No we can’t stop whining about conditions at Michael, Joe and Row. What about the comments from “A St. Michael Soldier”? Do you consider him to be whining also? He wasn’t complaining, just speaking the truth as we were also. Your soldier must not be at one of these bases because if so you would have a different attitude.

By Butch Gaddy

July 29, 2005 05:27 PM | Link to this

God Bless all the brave soldiers who fight so that we can remain safe. God Bless You All.

By Lisa

July 30, 2005 03:43 AM | Link to this

I agree with Judy and Dragon 100% also. My husband is at FOB Richard you don’t hear much about that one either. When these other Camps have to use the bathroom in a plastic bag and then burn it, or only shower every 3-6 days, No hot meals, No Ice, and very little sleep because they are on missions for 3-6 days at a time and then when they do sleep it is outside in the heat. My husband can shower and then sit down to write a letter and sweat dripping off of him onto my letter. These men at FOB Richard, Joe, Row & Michael are not only front line men but they have lost many vehicles in the process. My husbands unit gets hit by IED’s on a regular bases and he said the Iraqies are getting better at it everyday, it is just a matter of time before they are hurt. I bet he would love to go to px, or have a subway sandwhich, a/c, t.v., a hot shower. I also disagree, the Roadrace may give soldiers moral at the bigger bases, but what about the smaller bases that are always over looked, don’t these men deserve some moral boosting. Who did they P** off to have to be there all the time? If Rumsfield would go with Gen. Rodeheiver and stay a week or so with our men things would change dramtically I’m sure these men would never use a plastic bag for a toliet. Thank you AJC for all you do, lets try to get some pictures from these other FOB’s & Charlie Co. 1-108th 2nd platoon. Let our husbands know we are at bat for them. We Love you Tim!! Love Lisa, Kinlie, Timmy, & Courtney

By Bradley Gunner

July 30, 2005 04:27 AM | Link to this

St. Micheal Soldier: You need to suck it up and carry on. It doesn’t matter that you are there and we are here, at Striker, it is as equally dangerous for those who go outside the wire. My vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb and I was injured by the blast. If I was in a Hummvee, I would have been killed. We patrol the MSR 12 or more hours on a shift and already have had numerous IED’s go off, so you are not the only one that goes outside the wire to do their job.
Live everday like it was your last, tell your family you love them,and continue to pray and you will come home safe.

By j wall

July 30, 2005 09:37 AM | Link to this

this doesnt sound like any soldiers i know. if anyone is pretending to be a soldier from joe, michael, or roe just for some political purpose then you are at the wrong website to do so. all of the soldiers i know are not whining and feeling sorry for themselves. all the soldiers are in a tough spot some and all at different times have been through tough situations but this doesnt sound right to me. if this is a soldier then BE STRONG, WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU ALL, AND NOONE IS FORGOTTEN. wife of 2/121 soldier

By soldier at camp liberty

July 30, 2005 12:02 PM | Link to this

Thanks for all the negative comments. As a member of TF 2/130th INF, Cco 1/121 INF. We work short handed daily but your not going to hear us complain. We are lucky to be here. We are hit almost dailt with IED’s and VBIED’s, but we continue to march on. Believe me when I say that some of us are taking the fight to the enemy and causing them some major damage. Thank you for all the support from home. WE all know who has the toughest job and its not us it’s our wives and families. God bless you all

By Blue_coyote

July 30, 2005 01:56 PM | Link to this

I’m not surprised at the extra work Bryan (cpl Kemp) has put in to help make things better for his fellow soldiers. I’m in the same 4x4 club (the RRORC) and have been on the trail with him. A real credit to his unit, his country, and his fellow wheelers! Good job, Bryan!!!

By wh

July 30, 2005 08:38 PM | Link to this

Why does anyone with common sense think that any of us don’t care about the soldiers at the FOBs? Get real. I pray for all our military worldwide. Do you include the rear guard who supports those at the FOBs in your prayers? If all anyone can do is criticize - maybe they should go over there and help instead of supporting the military by keeping the home together for their return. Don’t diss the soldier - he doesn’t assign the jobs nor give the orders - the only obey. Not eveyone in uniform is an NCO or an officer.

Please - quit dissing the soldiers who are not at Row, Joe, and Michael. This article is concerning a soldier who got a communication system set up for the use of the other soldiers. Sure he is in the rear - supporting those who are at the FOBs. Don’t you know there has to be supplies replenished and damaged weapons repaired for use at the FOBs? All our soldiers are brave or they would not wear the uniform of their specific service. Those brave soliders stationed at the FOBs certainly can’t go to a super market for supplies nor sit around repairing their own weapons. Not everyone can be on the forward lines. It takes each and every one in all fields. If you don’t understand sit back and think about it then quit dissing those who are in a support position. We, at home, in support positions. If called upon to go to an FOB - the soldiers would. Also, bear in mind those who deliver the goods are out and about, too. All of our military is in harms way. Think back to the first mortar attack on our beloved 48th when they arrived in Iraq. It was at Camp Stryker - or did you forget? Don’t down grade any job a solder does - the duty can change in a heart beat. Remember too, our military is in Iraq to help Iraqi citizens have freedoms as we have. That’s why it is called Operation Iraqi Freedom. Our freedom was won in the 18th century and has been protected in every century since. It is the duty of every citizen of our USA to protect that freedom against all enemies foreign and domestic. But we can’t all be at the FOBs. Don’t blame the soldiers for the duty assigned by the brass. Support each and every soldier - don’t diss them. They have orders and follow them. Because they are in the rear does not mean they are cowardly as your dissing may be interpreted. They also volunteered

God bless every soldier on every front - those whose jobs keep the assigned to Camp Stryker and Camp Liberty and Ft. Stewart and Camp Pendelton (CA- USMC) and RAFB and other stateside stations to support those who are at what was once called ‘the front’. Please Lord bring them home safely and soon.

God keep those at the FOBs and behind the lines safe; console and bless the families and friends of those who lost their lives and grant those Soldiers peace. May their sacrifice not be in vain.

By Dragon7(r)

August 1, 2005 09:57 AM | Link to this

To all the families who are or seem offended by my blog, I apologize, that was a typo on my part of the Cpt/Cpl thing. I really wish you would go back and re-read my blog. I said nothing negative, just restating something that has been pointed out to me from soldiers over there. To Mrs Kemp, All the soldiers are doing a wonderful job in the 48th, I appreciate them more than you can ever know. I know the skill and determination of each and everyone of them to make their living environment more safe and comfortable. I appreciate Bryans fortitude for making something happen. there in lies the crux. how bout all that money that the soldiers spent be reimbursed back to them by the goverment, and if only 20 of them are getting to use the system, is that fair to the other 4380. I am quite sure that there are lots of soldiers who dont have that 180.00 to spend because they are making sure that all their money is paying the bills at home since many of them took a major pay cut to go off to defend our country. to all of them I thank you from the bottom of my heart. you are more true heroes than many to me. you lead a life as a “part time soldier” and a “full time civilian” and you mix the two together with an amazing quality. not many active duty soldiers could perform the same feat. To Mrs London, I personaly know your husband very well, I wont mention his name for obvious reasons, but his name is one of the books of the new testament right. I was also hoping that he would become Dragon 6. He is a fine man and has my utmost support and I consider him a friend. my comments are not intended to hurt anyone, but to wake up or make aware of the issues that are occuring over there. I suppose there will never be an equality of standards for all our soldiers and it will be left up to the grunts to take the brunt of the pain so to speak. but that seems to be a time over time tradition. I am 100% supportive of the troops being given moral support in any way shape form or fashion. I just dont think it should come out of their pockets at such a hugh cost of 180.00 for each soldier. I spend much time looking over the AJC photos, and yes I do see alot of officers and not alot of NCO’s, I have friends there also and havent seen hardly any photos of anyone recently. I am simply pointing this out to the AJC. Last but not least. Last night I was again saddened to hear of the loss of more of our soldiers. my heart is breaking more and more. I want to let the families of the soldiers know that there is help out there, and I know that in this time of pain things might not seem clear. but there is help out there. I hope your Family Support Groups are up and fully functional. the Government/Military/National Guard will help you. you just have to stay on their butts sometimes. To any soldiers reading this. Stay Sharp. Stay Focused. Become the best Killer you can be. and Come home safe. There are so many implied tasks embedded within those 4 quips it is unreal. Dragon 7(r)…..OUT

By Mrs. Bryan Kemp

August 1, 2005 10:01 AM | Link to this

DLL ~ I really doubt an E7 with so much experience would have so many errors within one paragraph. As for the Gulf War, my little sister and I were home while our father served. We were alone. Why am I not allowed to praise my husband and his comrades on a job well done? I was just happy to see something POSITIVE and what the troops are doing to keep morale up. “Dragon7” decided to write anonymously and that is his/her right. So let’s not make assumptions.

By Amy

August 1, 2005 11:40 AM | Link to this

Dear Dragon 7,

Thank you for your kind words and for explaining your earlier comments. If my response offended you in any way, I apologize. Thank you for the kind words concerning my husband. Yes, he is indeed a fine man —- and a terrific soldier.

Right now, tensions and emotions are running very high. So much loss and so much time to go………….

I appreciate your prayers very much. It is extremely difficult to “sit� at home and wait. Please continue to pray for my husband and those in the 48th. If you attend a church, please add him to the prayer list.

Thanks again,

Amy

By Charlie

August 9, 2005 02:45 PM | Link to this

To the St.Michael Soldier… GROW UP an Stop Whining!!!!!!!! You are only showing your ignorance by saying… “Most of the people at Striker don’t know what it is like to have an IED hit there vehicle. They don’t live in the WAR as we do. WE LIVE IT 24/7”…

They ARE ALL IN DANGER!!! You were obiviously breast feed until the day you went to basic training… and probably still have sent to you

Charlie