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DEL.ICIO.USWhen you have hot lemons, make lemonade
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Bita Honarvar/AJC
1st Sgt. Bryan Tyler enjoys one of his fresh-cut lemons.
Forward Operating Base Michael, Iraq— What to do for refreshment in the middle of a military base when you are up against blowing dust and blazing sun?
What to do when you are a first sergeant in a field artillery regiment of the 48th Brigade Combat Team when the Army’s big guns are standing silent?
Open a box of fresh lemons, of course.
Bita Honarvar/AJC
Comrades say lemons suit Tyler’s personality.
And bite down hard on the tart, juicy fruit. Save the rest for lemonade later.
First Sgt. Bryan Tyler, otherwise known as “Top,” went through several lemons out at the gun line where soldiers from Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment out of Springfield, wait to fire at the enemy.
“I love these,” said Tyler, a burly, teddy-bear of a man who gets teased sometimes for fitting the Army stereotype of a tough, stern first sergeant.
“It goes with his personality,” joked Capt. Jeff Schneider, Alpha Battery commander about his sergeant’s rather strange love of the sour stuff. “He’s a crusty old man.”
Comments
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By A Soldiers Wife
August 22, 2005 09:56 AM | Link to this
Thats funny. My husband and daughter loves lemons also. I thought that I would never see someone else who loves them just as much untill our daughter came along. When we go out to eat they like to see who can make the funniest face. Hopefully, First Sgt. Bryan Tyler and my husband can see who can make the funniest face. My husband is in the same Unit and Camp. SPC James Smith
By Cindy Anderson
August 22, 2005 11:47 AM | Link to this
Thank you Moni and Bita for making a trip out to FOB Michael. My son-in-law, SPC Eric Byrd is stationed there. It is good to see the men and women can have a little taste of home with the lemonade. With all the horrible things some of them have had to witness, I’m sure it’s the little things that get them through the day. Byrd, take care of yourself and hope to see you soon.
By In the fight
August 22, 2005 12:56 PM | Link to this
We have artillery at Michael? Could have fooled us.
By In the fight
August 22, 2005 12:59 PM | Link to this
We have artillery at Michael?
By Ron Martz
August 22, 2005 01:55 PM | Link to this
Editor’s note:
Embedded AJC reporter Moni Basu, who was at Michael recently, confirms that a portion of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment from Springfield, is presently at FOB Michael. The remainder of the battery and the bulk of the battalion is at Camp Taji.
Ron Martz
By tom
August 22, 2005 05:03 PM | Link to this
Why do we want to give the enemy our unit locations. We could try and let them find out for themselves.
By Momathome
August 22, 2005 07:12 PM | Link to this
I am from Effingham County GA (Home of Alpha Battery) Yes, some of them are at Michael
By Momathome
August 22, 2005 07:13 PM | Link to this
Thanks for coming out to Michael. My brother, Sgt. McIntosh, is there and we love hearing about his guys.
By mother of a solder
August 22, 2005 09:47 PM | Link to this
Yippee!!!!You finally made it to camo michael. We’ve seen the artillery now lets see the mechanics and recovery tank drivers that make things run!!SGT Michael Ramey! after what they have went through the guys from douglasville could stand a little cheering up!!
By Glenda Ramos
August 23, 2005 12:12 AM | Link to this
Thank you for keeping us informed of our soldiers in Iraq, we greatly appreciate it. Please say hello to my husband SPC. Guillermo Ramos with the 118th. Tell him I love him and miss him greatly. And to come home to us safe and sound…soon!!! Thank you!!
By John
August 23, 2005 12:21 AM | Link to this
A 118 FA has proudly served their country and Task Force Rough Rider from day one of our take over of FOB St Michael. The provide extremeley accurate Artillery cover, they are great brothers and we are always thankful they are with us. John King
By 1SG Middlebrooks ret.
August 23, 2005 10:32 AM | Link to this
Drive on troops! To all the soldiers at FOB Michael and in particuliar my daughter Spc Marina Middlebrooks-LeGrant (148th). You’re staying in our hearts and prayers and will continue to as long as you are away. Stay alert and on guard! You have a job to do so continue to perform it well, watch over each other and return home safe!
By Tammy
August 23, 2005 11:14 AM | Link to this
While we are acknowleding folks, lets not forget the 167th Infantry from Valley, Alabama -HOOAH!!!! They are also at Camp Micheal I’m sending a BIG HUG to SSgt William Saperstein - My Sweetheart, Best Friend, and Husband!! I love you!! A big hug for PFC Palmer from Anna, as well as for her Daddy!
By Dragon 7(r)
August 24, 2005 04:47 AM | Link to this
Hey Chico, really sorry about your losses, keep them sharp, make them the best killers they can be, bring them home safe. I am hurting for you all and wish I were there with you guys. Tell Shorty I said Hi. Later, Dragon 7(r)….out
By Beverly
August 25, 2005 03:16 PM | Link to this
Since we’re giving shout-outs, How about those guys from Heflin, Alabama! They have shown themselves to be the best of the best! No matter how little they have or how much is put on them…they get the job done. You make us so proud! Cory, Chad, Miles, Causey, Donnie…and all the guys! YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING! You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers. XO MOM