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DEL.ICIO.US8 gone from one platoon
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bita Honarvar/AJC
Comrades reflect on the loss. From left are Sgt. Bill Jones of Anderson, S.C., Spc. Derek Mack of Valdosta, Spc. William “Shane” Parham of Social Circle and Spc. James Cribb of Nashville, Ga.
Camp Striker, Iraq � All week long, the soldiers of Alpha Company had gone out on patrols with great trepidation.
A July 24 bomb attack on a Baghdad road killed four of their buddies. One moment they were in their Humvee. The next, they were gone.
Emotions were still raw. They had just bidden their fallen friends goodbye in a Thursday service.
Then, on Saturday, it happened again.
Four more soldiers who belonged to the same unit died after their Humvee, minutes from returning safely to Camp Striker, drove over a bomb big enough to cripple a tank.
They were on a road the military calls Route Red Sox. It could have been a country road in Georgia � fields on each side, irrigation canals, power lines and a small food stall.
“I’ve lost eight buddies in a week,” said Spc. William “Shane” Parham, a Walton County sheriff’s deputy from Social Circle. “Nobody trained us to get blown up like this.
“We all thought we’d come here to cheat death,” he continued, “but we never thought we’d be eyeball deep like this.”
In the two months that the Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Brigade Combat Team has been in Iraq, Valdosta-based Alpha Company has lost nine of about 120 soldiers. The eight who died in the two bomb blasts were all in the same platoon, according to the soldiers in the unit. The platoon of 35 to 40 soldiers has been reduced by 20 percent in less than a week.
A ninth Alpha Company soldier, Sgt. Chad Mercer of Waycross, was killed in early July after his Bradley Fighting Vehicle rolled over into a canal.
Monday, Guard officials confirmed the latest deaths, but the military has not yet identified the dead.
One was identified by family and friends as Spc. Ronnie Shelley of Valdosta. And in Americus, officials at Sumter Regional Hospital confirmed that Sgt. 1st Class Victor Anderson was among the soldiers killed. Anderson’s wife, Ellen, works at the hospital.
“This is hard stuff. It’s heartbreaking,” said Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver, commander of the 48th. “I wish I could look at what we’re doing and say this is what we’re doing wrong. But I can’t. The problem is this is not a standard war.”
He said the casualties all coming from one unit was “absolutely unusual” and a case of “bad luck.”
“This unit hasn’t been tasked more than anyone else,” Rodeheaver said in an interview. “And nobody is intentionally putting them at risk.”
The general said the soldiers of Alpha Company are frustrated and angry because their enemy is elusive. He said the brigade would not necessarily change strategy based on these two attacks but that the soldiers routinely alter their maneuvers because “the enemy changes tactics every day.”
The improvised explosive devices, for instance, once hidden along guardrails and in dirt along the side of the road, now pack more punch and are stuffed in pipes and canals that run under the middle of the road.
Rodeheaver said Alpha Company soldiers are being given down time and combat stress counseling. Those who go out on patrol, he said, need to stay calm and “maintain their American values.”
“They want to get out there and find the people who did this,” he said. “And we’re going to find them, but we’re not going to go out and shoot innocent people.”
Rodeheaver said the brigade flew in 22 replacement soldiers Sunday night and that with the new troops and possible reshuffling of existing units, Alpha Company would be brought back up to full strength.
Rodeheaver said he goes out routinely with his combat troops � the 2nd Battalion 121st Infantry Regiment and the 1st Battalion, 108th Armor Regiment � and his Humvee had been hit three times by improvised explosive devices, two mortar shells and four rifle shots in the ballistic window.
“I know what’s going on out there,” he said. “Everyone here is in jeopardy. Everybody here is in a combat zone 24 hours a day.”
But it was in the tents of Alpha Company that eight cots were emptied within six days.
The mood on Alpha’s side of the camp was decidedly somber as hardened infantry soldiers hugged one other and cried openly. On a moonless Sunday night, Rodeheaver sat outside the tents with Alpha Company soldiers, hearing their fears, frustrations and anger.
Less than 24 hours later, on Monday afternoon, four caskets bearing the remains of Alpha Company’s fallen troops left Iraq for the journey home.
“Our friends who died are true heroes in every sense of the word,” Rodeheaver said. “It is absolutely tough on the families. We know it tears their hearts out just like it does ours. It’s tougher on them because they don’t know what’s going on here.”
A memorial service is planned for Thursday evening at 7:30, exactly one week after the 48th said its goodbyes to the soldiers killed July 24.
On that day, another large bomb buried on nearby Route Aeros killed the first Georgia National Guard soldiers to die in combat since World War II â€â€? Staff Sgt. Carl Fuller, 44, of Covington, Sgt. James Kinlow, 35, of Thomson, Sgt. John Thomas, 33, of Valdosta, and Spc. Jacques “Gus” Brunson, 30, of Sylvester.
“After the first one, it got real quiet in the tents,” said Spc. Derek Mack, 31, a security guard from Valdosta who knew several of the soldiers killed in both attacks.
Saturday night, Mack was watching “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” on his DVD player when the platoon leader came in and took away the soldiers’ cellphones, he said.
“I knew something bad had happened,” said Mack, a former Marine who gave up a desk job in the Guard to join the infantry unit. “I’m going back out tomorrow night to drive around, waiting to get blown up. I’m scared to death.”
But the soldiers all said they were ready to go back out onto the menacing streets of Baghdad. They are infantrymen who watch their brothers’ backs.
“Infantry people are a different breed,” Mack said. “They’re like police officers, firefighters or EMS people. When everyone else is running away from something bad, they are running to it.”
Spc. James Cribb, 25, who works at the Tift County Sheriff’s Department, said he didn’t understand the senseless killings by insurgents in Iraq.
“If you ain’t scared, there’s something wrong with you,” said Cribb, who lives in Nashville, Ga. “You just ride around and thank God you didn’t get blown up. You just want to make it so you can go home.”
With those words, Cribb was off to the shower to get ready for another night of patrolling. He would be in another three-Humvee convoy, riding around in the darkness looking for an enemy he couldn’t see.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Bonnie
August 2, 2005 12:33 AM | Link to this
First I would like to say to the families who have lost a soldier from being in “harms” way, I’m very sorry for your lost and my prayers goes out to you.My heart is with the 48th BDE, but,the US needs to bring our soldiers back home.A life taken for another is not solving the problem, its only sending pain to the families here at home in the US.I love our soldiers for them putting their lives ahead of our own, but this is so heart felt and hitting home,that we just need to bring our soldiers back home.We love all our soldier’s in the 48th BDE, and want to send our prayers out to you!
By S
August 2, 2005 01:45 AM | Link to this
AJC, thankyou for the coverage of the 48th. I will not be following too much anymore. Spc.Shelley was the soldier I was following. If there are pictures of him that have not been posted I would truly appreciate them. To the rest of you in the 48th GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED home. Daily reading has made me understand a small part of the hell yau’ll have been going through. Rod’s presence in Iraq and death has shown me what so many families are going through. God bless you all.
By angie
August 2, 2005 05:06 AM | Link to this
My Brother Spc. Ronnie Shelley was in the last combat unit that died. He was my bestfriend. I am deeply sadden, but yet I know my brother wanted our children protected. He loved life, he loved his wife and his children. But he wanted to serve his country. He will not go down in vain. His memory, his love will never be forgotten. I am his sister, he was my best friend, but he will live in my memory forever. He was my baby brother, my only brother. No one will ever take the place of my brother. But I know he loved Please everyone out there know and pray for his family who is so sad and morning at this time. Heidi (wife), Logan (daughter), Allyson(daughter) and his son (leigh)… Who thinks the sun sets and rises in his Daddy’s lap.Brother you are missed and will never be forgotten. Your Sister, Angie
By Judy
August 2, 2005 06:49 AM | Link to this
My heart breaks for the families and comrades of these brave soldiers. You are in our prayers.
By Patricia McKelvey
August 2, 2005 07:56 AM | Link to this
My heart is breaking for you all. I’m so sorry for your losses.
By jason royal
August 2, 2005 08:41 AM | Link to this
I was on patrol the night the first four soldiers were killed and my platoon was saddened by the loss as we are serving in the 48th as well.
I am home on my two weeks leave and I must say that the media does not do justice to the courage and sacrafice that goes on in Iraq. They have no idea, they spend a night in a nice Baghdad hotel and shoot a picture of a wrecked humvee without ever really addressing the stories here behind these men or delving in to the sacrafice and personal courage it takes everyday to go out into “hell” on earth. I have been also hit by roadside bombs in my sector and it is just luck that we have not met with the same end.
My prayers, my understanding, and my saddness go out to those of my fallen brothers and their families. I am sorry. I pray every night that we get to come home safe.
2LT Jason C. Royal
By Sarah
August 2, 2005 09:02 AM | Link to this
My sincere prayers go out to the families of the 48th…the one’s who have lost their soldiers and the one’s who have been left behind to struggle with daily life alone, wondering if they will ever see their loved ones again. I have a friend whose husband is in the 48th and I have so much respect for her as she tries to take care of her 3 small children alone. I pray this is only temporary and Daddy will be back home soon. May God bless you and be with you all.
By His Sister
August 2, 2005 09:13 AM | Link to this
I don’t really know where to begin. I still can’t believe it. Ronnie is my twin brother. So you can only amagine how much pain my family and I are feeling along with everyone else. It just hurts soooo much. I keep hoping they will say there has been a mistake. He is well known here in Valdosta and was very much loved. He will be missed TERRIBLY. Please everyone pray for my brothers family.
By Jeri
August 2, 2005 09:21 AM | Link to this
I would like to take this time to thank all of the soldiers & their families for all of the sacrifices they have made for all of us at home. You soldiers are very strong, brave people. Words cannot express my appreciation I have for all of you. Thank you once again. You and your families are always in my prayers & thoughts. God bless the fallen soldiers and the soldiers that are still with us & their loved ones.
By Army Girlfriend
August 2, 2005 09:26 AM | Link to this
My thoughts and prayers are with all soldiers and families. Mansfield, Bishop, Bell, Pinion, Simpson, Annie B, Powell, Beckner, Latella, and the rest of you - We miss you and love you dearly. Always in our thoughts and prayers… Emily & Nick
By Tammy
August 2, 2005 09:41 AM | Link to this
SPC Ronnie Shelley was my brother, whom was very dearly loved by everyone. I told him he was “My Hero”, now he is “Everyones Hero”. You will be deeply missed every minute, hour, day, etc…Rod, you will NEVER be forgotten! We will see a part of you in your beauitful family forever. We love you and will miss you so much! Your sister, Tammy To you guys still over there and to the other families going through what we are going through, we will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
By Sandy
August 2, 2005 10:18 AM | Link to this
First of all i would like the family’s of the fallen heros to know our heart goes out to each and everyone. I pray for the family’s each and everyday. I pray for the soldier’s who are left behind in Iraq.They need our prayers as they continue there mission there. I pray for my son in law who is there and for his wife, and 4 babies left here at home. My daughter goes on each and everyday to keep her home for her children here and being both mother and father to them while dad is gone. My heart aches for her everyday as she gets up to start new day not knowing what the day will bring. There are so many HERO”S here at home that have my prayers and my respect for doing what they do to take care of things here and still being strong for there soldiers. They wait for the phone calls or the emails to come. I see the pain in daughters eyes and the pain when her children ask when daddys coming home. Please pray for the family’s left here to go on day to day.
By Teresa Kelley
August 2, 2005 10:22 AM | Link to this
For those families who have lost their loved ones and to the brave who remain to protect our freedoms, may you find strength, courage, love and hope for the many thoughts and prayers that are with you round the clock. Thank you for your sacrifices and God Bless America!
By Linda Porter
August 2, 2005 10:23 AM | Link to this
I’m so sorry. God bless our soldiers. You sacrifice so much for your country. I’ll pray for you and all the people who love you. Come home soon.
By Marie
August 2, 2005 10:23 AM | Link to this
My prayers and love goes out to all of the families of the fallen heroes. I would like to say to the family of SPC Ronnie Shelley, you are my heroes as well. Your bravery and kindness in the face of this overwhelming grief is both admirable and amazing. May God keep and comfort you.
By Michelle L
August 2, 2005 11:24 AM | Link to this
Each day goes by as I check my email and I am sad to hear of the losses that take place. My heart goes out to the families and their loved ones. I pray that one day this will be over.
MLB
By W
August 2, 2005 11:34 AM | Link to this
My prayers, compassion and heartfelt sympathy goes to the soldiers, the comrades-in-arms, of these fallen warriors. I pray for your safety as well as the safety of all your brothers and sisters of the 48th. May God keep you safe and comfort you in this tragedy.
I extend my condolences to the families of the fallen. Peace be with you.
By Maggie
August 2, 2005 12:12 PM | Link to this
My thoughts and prayers are with the men and families of the 48th. May your hearts find comfort and peace.
By Robert Hobbs
August 2, 2005 01:33 PM | Link to this
Anything I could say to the families of the fallen could not possibly express the depths of my sympathy, support and sadness for their recent losses of loved ones and family members but they are in my prayers. I also pray to our compassionate God that their souls will be receivedinto the Kingdom of Heaven for doing their just duties as soldiers. God bless them and their families and may the Lord keep our other friends and family members serving in Iraq well and bring them home safely. That is my heartfelt prayer. Amen.
By Laura
August 2, 2005 02:27 PM | Link to this
My heart aches for the 48th’s loss. All the families and the rest of the soldiers have my heartfelt prayers. Prayers that you all will remember all of them in the good times and will find comfort from those happy memories.
By Betty RIch
August 2, 2005 06:02 PM | Link to this
My heart goes out to families of the 48th for their loss. There are no words to express sorrow for the sacrifice your hero made for our freedom. I am so proud of all the families and men of the 48th. Betty Rich mother of a member of the 48th
By JK Farley
August 2, 2005 06:12 PM | Link to this
My Prayers go out to all the families that have lost love ones in this war. May God embrace each of them when they reach heavens gates; and say to them “well done my fellow soliders well done.” These soliders paid the ultimate price by giving their lives to protect their country and other countries. Also, I pray for the men and women that are still fighting. May God guide and protect you, and embrace you with his Grace…..
Best Regards,
JK Farley Lawrenceville, Ga.
By Maxima Sims
August 2, 2005 07:29 PM | Link to this
I just wanted to say THANK YOU to all the soldiers for sacrificing their lives and families to make sure that we (here at home) are safe. Most people don’t understand the anxiety that the families at home go thru, when something so normal like the phone ringing raises your beat because you think you are getting bad news… My brother SGT Guillermo Thorne, Jr. has been in Iraq for 1 yr & 3 months with the 48th Brigade 108 Armor and was injured about two months ago and even though I know he went to WAR… I never thought that he would be injured by any means… Oh! GOD My hart goes out to the families that have lost their loved ones whiles they were trying to protect us…. My prayer and thoughts are with all of you…
By dawn
August 2, 2005 07:51 PM | Link to this
My thoughts and prayers are the the 48ths families. I knew Rod and he was a great guy! I used to love to see him smile when he looked at “little man”, a proud dad he was. My prayers go out to his 3 kids, Heidi and his family. He deserves the greatest honor there is for fighting for our freedom. God Bless
By Theresa Brower
August 2, 2005 08:10 PM | Link to this
To the soldiers of the 48th Brigade Combat Team- There are no words to convey the deep sadness we here at home feel for you at the loss of 8 of your own. I hope it gives you some measure of comfort to know we are grateful for the sacrifices you have made. Thank you. Our prayers are with you, your fallen brothers and their families.
By Ellen
August 2, 2005 08:43 PM | Link to this
My prayers and condolensences are with Spc. Ronnie Shelley and family at this time. May God give you strength and guidance at this sad time. Spc Ronnie Shelley is our hero as all the others who have lost their lifes and still fight in this awful war. May God especially bring angels to confort Ronnie Shelley’s family now and always. God bless you all.
By MPD
August 2, 2005 08:49 PM | Link to this
My son-in-law is in the 48th. We pray daily, constantly for his safe return. All soldiers must be heartbroken, scared, and sick inside. We don’t understand the reasoning behind sending out Humvees that are not built to withstand bombs like these. Why not go out in 3 “vehicle” convoy using TANKS!? And why at night when you can’t see anybody. The soldiers have no idea who the enemy is and who the friend is. We continue to pray these boys will come home—soon. We don’t need any more families torn apart and any more lives ruined. Is this war worth it? MPD
By Sharon
August 2, 2005 11:45 PM | Link to this
So very sorry for the losses suffered by so many families.We shall weep with you and pray for strength and peace in the dark days ahead of you all.My son is also serving with the 48th,(2nd-130th Inf)from Illinois . Please remember all the soldiers who must still do their jobs among the sadness and loss.
By Karen Cheyne
August 3, 2005 02:21 AM | Link to this
It breaks my heart to read of the loss of eight wonderful soldiers of the 48th Combat Brigade. I’ve been following your difficult struggles for quite some time now and have been proud of how you all manage to cope and eke out as normal a life as possible while in Iraq.
It takes supreme courage to go out everyday into the unknown and try to rescue people who don’t always realize they need rescuing.
God knows that you are all His personal heroes in a mission that tests you every minute of every day; you are all glorifying Him by striving to bring His peoples peace and democracy. God is with you every minute of your shift; if He calls you home, it is because He wants to present His thanks to you in person.
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. May God bless you all!
Red Deer Alberta Canada
By Christina Penrod
August 3, 2005 05:03 AM | Link to this
I am praying for all the families that have lost a loved one. My heart is breaking when i read something like this. You are in our thoughts and prayers… Spc Penrod my loving husband I love you and miss you
By Jessica Walker
August 3, 2005 04:55 PM | Link to this
Ronnie Shelley is a hero for us all. It is because of the men like him that put there lives on the line day after day that we may remain safe here at home. My prayers go out to Heidi and their children. Rod’s * Little Man* will remember his Daddy forever, due to the love that he showed to everyone. I have know Rod and Heidi for 3 years and I can not remember a day that I saw them that Rod’s face did not light up just thinking about his Little Man. Heidi you have our prayers and to the other fallen soldiers families, We are forever greatful to you and it is a dhame that our freedom must cost the lives of your loved ones. Your prayers are with the Armed Forces.
By Carolyn
August 3, 2005 11:03 PM | Link to this
May God Bless all our soldiers. I pray for you and your families every night. Thank you for all you do! God Bless you all! Thank you for all you do. Carolyn
By jessica culpepper
August 4, 2005 12:09 AM | Link to this
I want to say thank you to all our soldier’s in iraq and in other war zones for my freedom! my freedom means the world to me and i will never take it for granted! i thank god everyday for our troops serving our country so the american people can stay safe! and not have to worry about getting killed everyday like the soldier’s are! Defending this beautiful country!(USA) GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!!
By Debbie Hayes
August 4, 2005 09:39 PM | Link to this
Thank you to all the soldiers and to their families for their sacrifices that allow us to live in a free country. My heart breaks for the families and friends of all those who have fallen during this awful war. Someone I love very much is in the 48th and I worry about his safety every single day. THANK YOU again to all of the soldiers serving. I will be praying for you and your families.
By Tricia Lawson
August 5, 2005 08:54 AM | Link to this
But we shall be rememembed We few, we happy few, We Band of Brothers, For he today, that sheds his blood with me, Shall be my brother.
Please God, Watch our soldiers, and guide them, guard them and protect them. I’m Sgt. Marc Davis’s mother, and I know exactly how you feel. Everytime I hear of the 48th, I stopped breathing for a few seconds! May God protect them and bring them home alive. I would like to correspond with any one from the 48th, my home phone is 210-670-8820. My e-mail address is BLBNNT20@aol.com. It is very hard here in Texas to get info on the 48th, one has to dig for it, and I mean dig, many thanks, Tricia
By Jen Morrison
August 6, 2005 12:28 AM | Link to this
I have never been one much for praying, but since i have been hearing of all the attacks on these fine men i cant stop. Lt. Latella is my boyfriend and i pray for him every night. I also send my condolences to the families to the fallen fron his platoon. It is heart breaking to hear of any deaths, and even worse when it hits so very close to home for me. I also have many friends from my school in iraq with the 48th. God please protect our soldiers and let them come home safely.
By spc. robert walton
August 6, 2005 06:00 AM | Link to this
to all my family and friends in ga. it has been and always will be a pleasure to serve the ga army national guard. time are hard here in iraq but we are trying to do the best we can . we think about you all as we go out on missions and knowing that we are in your prayers helps us get throught each and every day.we have lost some great men/fathers/sons/soldiers/and husbands but they will never be forgoten by anyone in the 48th BCT.and the families of those the gave there lives will always be part of ours…so god speed to all whom reads this and we look forward to your letters and e-mails each and everyday…Spc.Robert Walton Bco 2/121st Inf.48th BCT. IRAQ
By Neil Soroko
August 7, 2005 06:00 PM | Link to this
Dear God, please protect all of our brave soldiers. We must keep these brave troops, and their families in our prayers.
Neil Soroko Norfolk, Virginia August 7, 2005
By Sandra
August 7, 2005 11:41 PM | Link to this
Defeat has a thousand fathers, Victory stands alone…may God hold you close to Him and have comfort in knowing that many will live in safety and freedom at the very high cost of your loss. I am so sorry. God Bless