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DEL.ICIO.US11 days, 11 dead: Time to fight back
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Camp Striker, Iraq â€â€? In the thick of night, most of this camp is dark and desolate, save the southern end, where the faded royal-blue tarps of the Georgia Army National Guard’ unit are lit up in the glare of headlights of Humvees and Bradley fighting vehicles.
The soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, are outside their tents in night-vision goggles and full combat gear, loading their vehicles for a mission they have eagerly awaited.
Their goal: to round up suspected insurgents, some of whom might have been responsible for the deaths of eight men in Alpha Company. All from the same platoon, the eight soldiers lost their lives in the same grim fashion, a week apart.
On July 24, the first four died when their Humvee rolled over a massive bomb planted on nearby Route Aeros, an east-west artery in the Iraqi capital. Six days later, four more soldiers were killed in a similar attack on Route Red Sox, just minutes from one of the entrances to Camp Striker.
The deaths shook the brigade to its core. After the initial shock and disbelief, after the tears and quiet time, Alpha Company soldiers were angry.
Angry at an elusive enemy they could not see, fearful that in the days after the tragedy, they were still going out on three-Humvee patrols, waiting for their turn to die.
“I feel like we’re finally going out to fight,” said Spc. William Parham, of Social Circle. “We’re rolling out in force tonight.”
Word was spreading that a car bomber at a traffic control point not far away had killed three more soldiers of the 48th Brigade. This mission would be the first opportunity to avenge the 11 deaths the brigade had suffered in the last 11 days, Parham said.
“Spirits are high,” he said, getting into his Humvee.
Relying on faith
Last Sunday, Parham’s spirits had plummeted.
On that night of the second attack, he was called to the scene for cleanup and recovery. He stood guard all night and into the early hours of the following afternoon, watching over what was left of his friends.
The Humvee his buddies died in was reduced to two front tires, two back tires and an engine block. Everything else was in small pieces. “I’ve seen a lot of crap in my life, but I’ve never seen anything like this before,” said Parham, a Walton County sheriff’s deputy for seven years.
Sgt. Bill Jones, of Anderson, S.C., who accompanied Parham to the grisly scene, said: “These are people you knew, that you trained with, you laughed with. You become angry real quick. You want to get the bastard who did this.”
The problem is that there was no one to shoot at.
The roads around Baghdad are not like those in Georgia. Under the pavement is soft dirt in which insurgents can hide a bomb. Some soldiers believe the explosives have been there for years and are only now being used.
In his gunner’s turret, Parham cringes every time the Humvee hits a rock or goes over a bump in the road.
“My faith â€â€? that’s all I got to rely on,” he said.
“We didn’t come here to fill up body bags without returning the favor somehow. I would love to have one of [the insurgents] present themselves to me so I can fight. But we’re dealing with this new breed of cowards.”
“I wanted to come over here and make it to where my children will never have to fight their children,” he said. “But now, there’s so much frustration built up it scares me.”
Parham’s tentmates share the fear and frustration. Yet, day after day, they get in their Humvees and head out into southwest Baghdad, not knowing whether they will make it back.
“We need to put this brigade in that area and sweep it clean,” Parham said. “Think about it this way. If a police officer got killed at home in a bad neighborhood, we wouldn’t let that neighborhood rest until we found out something. We’d shake that area down.”
“Let’s go! Let’s go!” an officer shouted. “No time to lose.”
By 2 a.m., almost the entire 2nd Battalion was geared up to go.
The mission was planned after some local Iraqis passed information to the brigade, which is responsible for patrolling a large area of southwest Baghdad near the airport.
“Some of these insurgents were involved in the deaths of our soldiers,” said Col. Mark London, the brigade’s operations officer. “The informants identified specific targets. What we’re trying not to do is go into an area and go through everyone’s houses.”
No atheists in foxholes
Bravo Company’s Spc. Chris Youngblood, a forklift operator from Eatonton, waited â€â€? “nervous as usual,” he said – with Pfc. Daniel Morgan, a student at North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega, for orders to go. Some of the soldiers told jokes to calm their nerves. Others stood quietly , their hearts racing.
“You ready?” Youngblood asked.
“As ready as I will be,” Morgan replied.
They gathered in prayer with the 48th Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver. “There are no atheists in foxholes,” Rodeheaver repeated the time-worn adage.
Alpha Company soldiers would drive out four to a Humvee, as usual. But this time, they had almost an entire battalion supporting them. “Be safe,” Rodeheaver told his troops. “I’m sure you know we lost some more soldiers tonight.”
The general said that he knew the men were on edge but that he had faith in their discipline and was not concerned about anyone being trigger-happy. “They know the right thing to do,” he said.
Alpha Company soldiers returned to Camp Striker weary from the all-night mission. But it was a good kind of tired, they indicated. “It felt a little bit like get-back,” said Spc. Derek Mack, a security guard from Valdosta.
Soldiers searched 14 houses and buildings early Thursday morning, seizing 45 people. London said several Egyptians were among the suspects brought back to Camp Striker for interrogation. “We did detain some folks who had nothing to do with it,” he said. “We let those people go.”
Rodeheaver called the operation a “significant hit on enemy capabilities” and said it was important psychologically, especially for the infantry company that lost eight soldiers.
“Nobody likes to work, work, work and feel they are not accomplishing anything,” he said.
Giving meaning to the work
Sgt. 1st Class Joel Lumley, who works at a packaging plant in Royston, said his men were in charge of escorting the 5-ton truck with the detainees back to the base. “When we heard last night that another unit had lost some people â€â€? that gave even more meaning to what we did,” Lumley said. “As long as we know some of them will get convicted, it’ll help.”
For the soldiers of Alpha Company, the rest of their deployment, expected to last at least until next May, seems like an eternity. Thursday’s manhunt, however successful, was over. Parham and his buddies still will have to patrol the perilous roads of Baghdad.
Parham, who turned 30 last month somewhere in the wheat fields of Iraq, said the mission boosted his resolve. But it didn’t erase the fear.
“It felt so good to go out there and know that whatever we encountered, we had it outmanned, outgunned and outsmarted,” he said. “But now, we’re back to riding around and praying we don’t get blown up.”
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Em
August 5, 2005 11:45 PM | Link to this
Good job 48th - keep it up! Thinking of and praying for all of you!
By cindy
August 5, 2005 11:50 PM | Link to this
Find ‘em and do what needs done!
By Vinita
August 6, 2005 01:06 AM | Link to this
God Bless You All. Were it not for brave wonderful people like you, we at home in Georgia would be as afraid as you are. But for your love of Country and your resolve to do your job, we can sleep, but before we sleep, eat or enjoy anything, We pray for your safety and your return to your homes and families. THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS!!!!!
By Frances
August 6, 2005 01:18 AM | Link to this
I looking forward to seeing more reports of our men going on the offensive rather then defensive. It’s long time we kick some…
By Mary
August 6, 2005 02:04 AM | Link to this
I share your anger and am glad you got the chance to vent it. Way to go! You done real good brave 48th Warriors. It’s past time to retaliate. Rock on brave Soldiers in safety. God bless each soldier and Angels protect you.
By W
August 6, 2005 02:09 AM | Link to this
The mission was accomplised and our Soldiers were back safely before a word of it was reported. Good for you and thank you Moni.
Heavenly Father, please keep our military safe and let this job be completed soon so they can return to their families.
By Gloria
August 6, 2005 02:27 AM | Link to this
To all the men and women that stayed with us at NGTC Ft. Stewart, the girls at Billeting pray for you everyday and wait patiently for your safe return. Please keep in touch.
By Leigh Ann
August 6, 2005 07:18 AM | Link to this
Git ‘er done boys! We love you! Thinking about you and praying for you all the time!
By miker
August 6, 2005 07:27 AM | Link to this
I wonder if the 48th realizes that the two reporters they are travelling with work for a newspaper that has gone to great lengths to undermine support for the war effort. The AJC has worked hard to undermine the morale back here and the 48th shouldn’t have to waste their time with AJC propogandists.
By Jeannie
August 6, 2005 07:37 AM | Link to this
We are with you all…. Be safe and do what you need to do..Remember— FAMILY… That is what WE ALL ARE…
By Jen
August 6, 2005 07:39 AM | Link to this
find them and kill them. you guys stay safe.
By Rick
August 6, 2005 08:08 AM | Link to this
“Its time to take off the gloves” These insurgents are nothing but cold blooded murderers and have to be destroyed. They even kill fellow Muslims…women,children, and babies. Where is the anger from the peaceful MUSLIM world? GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!
By EL
August 6, 2005 09:03 AM | Link to this
Bring our troops home from this illegal war! Commit a real patriot act, and actually do something for the troops, besides supporting more violence in Iraq.
By Bob W.
August 6, 2005 09:26 AM | Link to this
Get it done, and come home safe!
By A Soldeirs Wife
August 6, 2005 09:33 AM | Link to this
Boys, go get the job done. What ever happens to those insurgents happens from the words of Forest Gump “S* HAPPENS”. Be safe, we are at home waiting on your return. GODSPEED.
A SOLDIERS WIFE
By Kathy
August 6, 2005 09:41 AM | Link to this
Our hearts and prayers are with the Georgia National Guard and their families. My son is with the 256th Brigade of the Louisiana National Guard which has also sustained heavy losses. We constantly pray for the safety of all of our nation’s courageous soldiers.
By Tammy
August 6, 2005 09:51 AM | Link to this
Keep it up 48th!!!!! You are loved and missed here in the US. To 1st LT John Avera of 2/121 Stay safe and we look forward to spending next years Georgia/Florida game with you!
By Angelena
August 6, 2005 11:55 AM | Link to this
My heart is with all of you and keep faith in your hearts. Justice will be served.
By jbd
August 6, 2005 12:15 PM | Link to this
Its high time we ended this war and I don’t mean by turning tail and running. The 21st centruy needs it Harry Trumans and George Pattons to step up to the plate. I sometimes think Osama, instead of awakening a sleeping giant, awakened a giant wimp. God forbid we should ever get into a real world war again.
By cheryl gibson
August 6, 2005 12:21 PM | Link to this
SGT DEON GIBSON Your children miss you and pray for you daily!
By Amy L
August 6, 2005 12:45 PM | Link to this
Great job, 48th BCT!!!! You are our heroes! Keep up the good work and keep praying ——- we certainly will keep praying for you and your safe return.
We love you, and to “our soldier” —- we love you to the stars and back again infinity!!!!!
By Private
August 6, 2005 01:09 PM | Link to this
Interesting reading in another big city newspaper today. The NYTimes has an article, Where are the Heroes?
ONE soldier fought off scores of elite Iraqi troops in a fierce defense of his outnumbered Army unit, saving dozens of American lives before he himself was killed. Another soldier helped lead a team that killed 27 insurgents who had ambushed her convoy. And then there was the marine who, after being shot, managed to tuck an enemy grenade under his stomach to save the men in his unit, dying in the process.
One answer to the above question: if all the men and women of the 48th Brigade are heroes, then individual combat valor requires another word.
By E. G. Salomon
August 6, 2005 02:09 PM | Link to this
Good luck.
By lester pleasant, jr
August 6, 2005 02:39 PM | Link to this
It's ridiculous that our men and women are unable to bring down the necessary fire power on the enemy that will keep them alive and bring them home. Why are we allowing politics to tie our soilders hands behind their backs. This is war and not golf where we give ourselves a handicap so that the enemy will have a better chance of killing our people.By Todd
August 6, 2005 04:33 PM | Link to this
Bring them home Bush!!! Enough already.
By Thankful Citizen
August 6, 2005 08:06 PM | Link to this
After seeing and reading of the carnage over the past several weeks. my heart is now quite numb with pain. I feel terribly for the soldiers of the 48th and the families that are hurting so much right now. I see the ANGER building in this country and it is a good thing and a bad thing. Soldiers need to react with dignity and honor, however, pay back blood seems highly appropriate right now. I dont see the results coming from this war that our politicians and leaders are bragging about, but then that is hard to do on a 5 week vacation. From the point that I have seen, we have already accomplished the mission. We got Saddam out of the way, they had an election, they have developed a constitution, they have over 100,000 trained soldiers of their own on hand now. “HERE YA GO IRAQ, ITS ALL YOURS NOW”. Bring our soldiers home. and tell Iraq, “If you screw around with us, we will turn your country into a sheet of glass. Funny how today is the 60th anniversary of Hiroshima. look how well Japan has done since then. Now for the part that will upset alot of people, it is not ment to, it is just a point of interest. many people say there is no difference between a National Guard soldier and an Active duty soldier. I say there is a hugh diffence. since I have played both sides of the fence. here we go, Lets say GOD FORBID, an 18-20 year old active duty soldier gets killed in combat. its terrible and I feel horrible about that. but the Active duty soldier DID sign up for that, Just like I gave 4 years to the 82nd Abn Div back in the 80’s to do their best to put me in combat to kill bad guys for my country. had I died in one of the conflits, then so be it. at that point in my life, I didnt have a hugh impact on anyone, yes my mother and father and girlfiend would have been hurt. but that was about it. Then I gave 20 more years to the National Guard. I grew up, have a very responsible job. work with the church, coach little league, have a wonderfull wife and 3 kids. now I have a much greater impact on life and society. Does anyone not think that it is alarming that our senior/mid-life citizen soldiers are being killed by an enemy who wants us all dead because of who we are. look at the stats of who is dieing in Iraq, just in the past couple of weeks, over 30 something reserve and national guard soldiers have died with no apparent visible enemy in their sights. that is not how I would want to die for my country I can tell you that. If I go, I want to be taking as many of them B%@tAR&S with me as I can. not blown up by some COWARD hiding in a bush a half mile away. So there is a gigantic difference between a Guardsman and an Active duty soldier. You cant tell me that a 45 year old National Guard Sgt about to go on patrol in Bagdad, has the same mind set as the 18 year old from one of the Ranger Bn’s or the 101st or 82nd. that is what makes it more dangerous for the Guardsman. he has more to loose, thus he thinks about it, and he cannot possibly put 100% of his attention to the job he is about to do. he has more on the line. Speaking of on the line. ya know that shortly after a Guardsman returns from active duty. he will be right back to work, hows that for scary. lets say a police officer gets back from Iraq on a friday, end of mission. he could be back at work with the police dept on Monday, I dont think I want to meet him on a traffic stop. its not his fault, its just how the system works. it might not be quite that bad for all of them, but it is pretty bad. Now for my thanks to All the Soldiers. Thank you for allowing me to cut my grass today. Thank you for allowing me to go to the lake this afternoon and go jet skiing, Thank you for allowing me to go to the Mall of Ga and watch a movie with my Kids, Thank you for allowing me to drive on reasonably safe roads to get there, No Bombs to worry about, just lunatic drivers. Thank you for the Wonderfull air condidioned home that I live in. I know your tent sucks, Thank you for allowing me to drive a great new truck, I know your Humvee does not have a CD player, leather seats, or AC, I think they should, but thats that, thank you anyway. Thank you for allowing me to know that I can go to Publix just down the street and buy anything I want when I want. Thank you for letting me have the job that I work at so I can afford all this stuff. Thank you for letting me go to Starbucks and order one of those 4 dollar coffys, Thank you for letting my kid get on the school bus to 1st grade yesterday and I didnt have to worry about him not making it to school. I hope you dont think I am being smart. there are alot of people that take all these things for granted and dont realize who it was that made it all possible, THAT WOULD BE YOU. U.S. SOLDIER. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I want you to all come home now. and if we have to defend this country from here, then feel confident that I will be standing right by your side ready to do so. I am still ready to die for this country and eliminate anyone who wants to take these freedoms away from us. I hope no one takes offense to this, other than the bad guys, and you know who you are, and if you do, get over it or bring it on if you have a beef with it or me. One last thing, I always here the phrase, “God Bless the U.S.A/Troops,ect” I want to change that to Thank God for the U.S.A./Troops,ect” America is the greatest country in the world for a reason. thats also why everyone hates us. If they wanted to change their situation, then they would have done so along time ago instead of being angry with us. Cant wait to read the bashing im going to get from this one.
A Thankful Citizen/Soldier
By A SAD MOM
August 6, 2005 09:40 PM | Link to this
Dearest B.General Rodheaver, I don’t wish to be presumptious or disrespectful at all Sir, but I have a question. I read that command spokesman Lt. Col. Steven Boylan said in recent weeks, road-side bombs(IED’s) have been responsible for 70 to 80 percent of the American soldiers killed or wounded. If this is TRUE…don’t we have the technology to stop the “REMOTE CONTROLED” explosives? We may not be able to stop all the iED’s but if the INsurgents had to take time to bury the wires…we would at least stop some of them, wouldn’t we? We have so many highly intellegent people in this Man’s Army. Isn’t there SOMEONE who could figure out a way to do SOMETHING? Sir, I was raised in the military and have the utmost respect for you and our Military leaders there in Iraq…but I’m also a MOM with a “VESTED INTEREST”. Could you please tell me WHAT…if anything is being done in that direction? I can’t sleep at night , WONDERING if there MIGHT be a way…Thank you for your reply. RESPECTFULLY, “A SAD MOM”
By Lynda Ramage
August 6, 2005 11:16 PM | Link to this
I pray daily for all of you and my heart is full of love and admiration for all you are doing.
Chris, Lynn keeps spirits high in Eatonton and my yellow bow is still hanging for all to see. God bless all of you and keep you in His care. Lynda Ramage
By Carl Lawson
August 7, 2005 06:50 AM | Link to this
My prayers go out to the Soldiers of 48th who lost their lives and their loved ones whom they left behind. I pray you have heart and believe in the One who gave us life.
For the soldiers of the 48th, their are certain people in this world who need killing and they are the insurgents within Iraq. Good hunting.
By Libby
August 7, 2005 08:35 AM | Link to this
Thank you, citizen/soldier for expressing so eloquently what I’ve been wanting to say. My husband, SFC Richard Todd, proudly serves his country, and has for the past 29 years in the National Guard, and now in Iraq with the 108 Cavalry. I’ll pass along your thanks to him- he’ll be very grateful!
By Chris Lumley
August 7, 2005 07:53 PM | Link to this
Citizen soldier, well said, is all I can say.
By A SAD MOM
August 8, 2005 12:41 AM | Link to this
Thank you so much for your information. You have given me hope…I KNEW our Military was ON THE JOB! GOD BLESS THE 48th BRIGADE! STAY ALERT!
By Reese
August 8, 2005 10:03 AM | Link to this
This all strikes close to home for me. I live just 5 minutes from the towm of Social Circle, where Spc. Parham is from, and was born in Anderson S.C. where Sgt. Jones resides.
Men, keep your eyes open and your heads down and know if you need us we will be there. Do not listen to the major news media. We have your back!
By shona pate
August 8, 2005 10:05 AM | Link to this
This is in reguards to the soilders that were bombed at Camp Striker. My brother in law, Camden Pate was one of the men that was bombed..his crew died in the explosion. three died and he survived. We haven’t seen any recognition of his survival or that he is a hero too. He is currently in San Antonio, Tx in recovery but he still needs our recognition and prayers for his contribution to our country. We just want him to know that we love him and we are so proud of him and the men in his crew that he called friends. I want to give our condolensces to those families that have lost a loved one and I hope and pray that this war will be over soon and our men can come home.
By LISA
August 8, 2005 11:19 AM | Link to this
I cant take it anymore!! My brother is serving in the 48th. The 48th has seen enough of their freinds die!! I need your help to get them home. We all need to unit so our voice is strong. Is anyone out there interested?? NO ONE CARES ABOUT OUR SOLDIER EXCEPT THIER FAMILY. Lets bring them home!!
By Brooke
August 8, 2005 01:17 PM | Link to this
I agree bring our troops HOME!!!We have done what was needed to be done! Saddam is out, a Constitution is in the works, and the Iraqi army is ready! Enough is enough our boys in the 48th are just patrolling areas waiting to be blown up for no reason!!! BRING OUR TROOPS HOME EVERY SINGLE ONE!!!!
By Beverly
August 8, 2005 01:18 PM | Link to this
Shona, I am sorry your brother has gone without recognition…it shouldn’t be. My Dad was a lone survivor after a buzz bomb in France in WWII and I can tell you he never stopped feeling the guilt and questioning WHY him? He did continue on to have a full blessed life but it left it’s mark. Please give your brother a big hug from my family and tell him…it’s all part of a “Bigger Plan”. God Bless. From a soldier’s Mom.
By Mary
August 8, 2005 04:52 PM | Link to this
Shona - Thank you for identifying your brother-in-law to us. He is indeed due recognition. He may not have signed authorization to release his name before he deployed. It was thoughtless for DOD and the news media not to mention him by name. I have prayed for him and know that God knew his identity. Now we can all know. I can pray for Cameron Pate by name.
He is good hands in San Antonio - they have some of the best the military offers there.
Dear Lord, please comfort Cameron Pate as he recovers from his injuries. Thank you for letting his life being spared. Send Your Angels to be with him, his family at home and his military family still in harms’way. Keep our Soldiers safe,Lord, and bring the safely home soon. Bless the families of the fallen warriors and the families who are waiting for their warriors to return. Amen
By A soldier's wife
August 9, 2005 08:39 AM | Link to this
To the Mighty 48th BDE Warriors! You are all in our hearts and our prayers. We are sooo proud of you and what you are doing to keep EVERYONE safe from harm. We’ve got your backs here at home and are keeping the home fires burning. All of you come home safe!!!
By april
August 9, 2005 06:35 PM | Link to this
To all the men serving in this horrible war we are fighting….keep the faith and know that your loved ones back home are praying for your save return. We love and miss you dearly. To Bart Alford know that there are prayers going out in CA for you!!! Love you!! Your big sis. Come home safe!!!
By Sandrieka
August 9, 2005 10:58 PM | Link to this
I feel that our mission in Iraq is complete. Our soldiers have given so much of themselves and have laid their lives on the line enough. It’s time to bring our men and women home. If anything else needs to be done, send Bush and his family to complete the mission.
Upset SpouseBy Praying Mom
August 10, 2005 01:32 AM | Link to this
PFC ROBERT SCOTT—-MAMA LOVES YOU SO MUCH—STAY ALERT—-HUGS AND KISSES MAMA
By Kari Arnold
August 16, 2005 02:30 PM | Link to this
I want to say that I love every single soldier fighting in Iraq and I pray for you daily. To my dear husband SPC. Eric Arnold, stay strong and I love you more than words can say. Just make it home..Please.
Love your wife,
Mrs. Eric Arnold
By Jessica
August 18, 2005 10:51 AM | Link to this
My heart goes out to Latrelle (Cam’s mother) Keely, Tina, and Alyssa (Cam’s sisters) Ike (Cam’s Brother) and mostly Glenny and Kiara (Cam’s wife and 3 yr old daughter.) Camden is strong and will come out of this. He will need all the love everyone can give him. He is indeed a hero like Shona said and should be praised like all of our fallen heroes. Lets Bring our boys home!! God Bless the 648th and all of our troops in Iraq. Come home safe boys. I love you Camden.. Stay strong!! Kiara needs you!