The 48th goes to war

By Good For You

August 26, 2005 05:11 PM | Link to this

Congratulations PFC Altman. Keep up the slim down. God bless you and all the soldiers there and around the world. May you have Angels around you.

By The Fiance

August 26, 2005 06:19 PM | Link to this

Wow…that’s all I can say as I sit here and look at those pictures. Sweetheart you look great!! I know you had a goal to lose weight but I didn’t know it would be so drastic!! I can’t wait to see you in October; although I’m not sure that there’s a whole lot of you left to wrap my arms around!! Until you’re all home I pray that God will protect each and every one of you; you’re all heroes. Take care of yourself,I miss you and I love you…see you soon!!

By Cindy Thurman

August 26, 2005 07:33 PM | Link to this

I’d be interested in knowing how many family members here at home have lost weight like this also. I have…not as much as this man but I have less to loose. Dinner just isn’t the same is it?

By Jenni Wilson

August 26, 2005 07:48 PM | Link to this

Great job! You are an inspiration…I only need to lose about 15-20…so thanks!!!! And thank you for all you’re doing! Have fun when he comes home Virginia!!! Don’t take a moment for granted…enjoy him, I am sure you will :-)

By Ann

August 26, 2005 10:09 PM | Link to this

Congrats! My finacee lost 20 lbs in training and lost another 20 since arriving in Iraq. He came home for leave on the first week of August. I sent him back 10 lbs heavier. Keep up the good work but beware when you come back!

By linda smith

August 27, 2005 07:41 AM | Link to this

i was just surfing the paper and ran across this story cause im interested in weight loss. just wanted so say thanks for you all do overseas to keep us safe and free and i pray for a safe return for you and all troops. keep up the weight loss and i bet your finace will be so happy.

best wishes linda smith stone mountain, ga

By Skid Roe

August 27, 2005 07:46 AM | Link to this

Down here at FOB Roe most of us only eat maybe one meal a day. All the soldiers here have lost tons of weight. We would love to have burger king..

By Mrs. Harris

August 27, 2005 09:06 AM | Link to this

Wow! Way to go! My husband is there, too (SSG Mike Harris) and has lost a few pounds working out at the gym. He’s going to church and bible study. The transformations are incredible and I am so proud of all our soldiers!

By UH60girl

August 27, 2005 11:53 AM | Link to this

Congratulations on the great job!! Just always remember, it doesn’t matter what others think…it’s what you think and feel for yourself that matters. And it’s great to see that you’ve got homefront support (the fiance). My prayers are with you, and my best goes out to you all. Just remember when it gets rough…kick butt and take names!

By miller....b/148th

August 27, 2005 12:42 PM | Link to this

hey altman..way to go man…sure do miss you guys..and..count on some crazy nights when you guys get home….wild bill’s is waiting on all you guys

By sherry

August 27, 2005 01:39 PM | Link to this

YOU LOOK WONDERFUL.AND THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WHAT YOUR DOING, MAY GOD BE WITH YOU, AND THE REST OF OUR TROOPS. GOOD LUCK THANK YOU. SHERRY

By Robert

August 27, 2005 02:03 PM | Link to this

Good for you PFC Altman! I’m proud of you for losing all that weight and I don’t even know you. No one likes to be “too heavy” and its good to get all that blubber off. Your one lean and mean fighting machine. Keep up the good work. Remember, don’t put it back on when you get back (ha-ha).

Robert

By Karen

August 27, 2005 03:06 PM | Link to this

Well, I was going to say that if the fiancee hadn’t seen any pictures of him that she would now, but I see that she has already replied. That is quite an accomplishment that he has made.

By christy

August 27, 2005 04:50 PM | Link to this

Glad to see that the situation is working as an advantage for some! My husband unfortunately did not need to lose any weight but has lost 15+ lbs. I plan to feed him good on his leave in November. Christy

By ALICE

August 27, 2005 11:45 PM | Link to this

HOW CAN ANYONE REPORTING FROM IRAQ RE. THE 48TH BE SO WHIMSICAL OR LIGHT HEARTED. WHILE I THINK IT IS GREAT THAT A SOLDIER IN THE NATIONAL GUARD BE IN BETTER SHAPE, BEING PHYSICALLY FIT HAS ALWAYS BEEN A REQUIREMENT FOR DUTY BUT NOT ALWAYS INFORCED. THESE GUYS ASSIGNED TO DUTY AT STRIKER, SINCE THEY ARE IN SUCH GOOD SHAPE NEED TO GO SOUTH, DOWN INTO THE TRIANGLE AND HELP OUR GUYS AT FOB ROW, JOE OR MICHEAL WHO DON’T HAVE IT SO GOOD. BUT NO ONE SEEMS TO BE TALKING VERY MUCH ABOUT THESE AREAS UNTIL A FEW OF THEM GET BLOWN UP. YOU KNOW…? HOW A BOUT TALKING TO SOME THE BRAVE AND VERY WELL TRAINED, ALTHOUGH, NOT SO WELL EQUIPED, OF THE 167TH UNIT, A, B, OR C, COMPANY, ATTACHED TO THE 108TH. HEAR WHAT THEIR DAYS CONSIST OF… AND THEIR WORKOUTS AND MEASURE SOME OF THEIR WEIGHT LOSS. PLEASE REPORT THE STORY…THE STRUGGLE TO STAY ALIVE, THE SHELL SHOCK, A YEAR OF LIFE LOST WITH LITTLE CHILDREN STRUGLING TO UNDERSTAND WHAT THEIR DADDY’S ARE DOING SO VERY FAR AWAY. COMMANDERS, & CHIEF, PLEASE SEND MORE TROOPS (SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS) TO SUPPORT THOSE ACTUALLY DOING THE DANGEROUS DOOR TO DOOR, COMBAT JOB AND TRAINING OF IRAQI TROOPS OR BRING OUR LOVED ONES HOME!!

By Ruth

August 28, 2005 10:28 AM | Link to this

Good for you PFC Altman, congratulations. It’s heartbreaking to read of the Row and Joe soldiers who don’t have enough to eat though. I’m sorry guys, I wish I could fix it for you. I know you get lots of care packages, but snacks just don’t take the place of a good meal.

By Christi

August 28, 2005 08:05 PM | Link to this

Nice to hear that you can focus on your health despite the tough conditions. Our hearts goes out to your loved ones who miss you (even if there is less to miss) My son is a Marine and will go to Iraq soon. I hope everyone will keep him in their prayers as well.

By Phyllis Kassum

August 29, 2005 08:38 AM | Link to this

Great Job, On the slim down and the job that you are doing in Iraq.. You have just added many years life to your body by losing the excess pounds, This is just another sign of the trememdous discipline that you have. Great job, I know that your finance loves you and misses you at any weight. Enjoy you much deserved leave!

By maria

August 29, 2005 09:30 AM | Link to this

This comment is for Alice. While I know that living conditions at some of the FOBs are really bad, the work the guys are doing there is not really any more dangerous than what the soldiers are doing at other locations. Just ask the guys from Alpha Company, 2nd Bat, who lost several guys to roadside bombs in a matter of a few days. They were at Stryker, but that did not save them. Bottom line, ALL the soldiers are doing dangerous work in dangerous conditions. They are all courageous and heroic for doing what they do, and I am proud of every single one of them, no matter where they are stationed.

By CBJones

August 29, 2005 10:12 AM | Link to this

CONGRATS PRIVATE ALTMAN,YOU SHOULD BE PROUD, AS ONE COMING OFF A 3 WEEK WATER FAST AND PRAYING FOR THE SOLDIERS AND THE PEOPLE OF IRAQ WE NEED TO HEAR SOME POSITIVE NEWS. CONSIDERING HOW BIG AMERICANS ARE HERE, THEY SHOULD TAKE YOUR ADVISE AND LOSE SOME OF THEIR BLUBBER, AND SEE HOW GOOD IT FEELS TO BE SLIMMER INSTEAD OF CARRYING ALL THAT WEIGHT AROUND AND NOT BEING ABLE TO FUNCTION OR FINDING CLOTHES THEY CAN WEAR.

By Tammy

August 29, 2005 10:32 AM | Link to this

Congratulations PFC Altman! Ineed to do the same thing! The rest of my comment is for Alice. Dear Alice, Maybe you don’t realize it, but each soldiers job is important. It is also very important that they work as a team - on the same team, as well. Your remarks do not do one positive thing for their moral. If you want to do something positive for our troops give me an E-mail and I’ll help you get started. My husband is also with the 167th at FOB Michael along with the 108th, another great group. Let’s cheer ALL our troops on! Is your head more important than your arm or leg? Try losing your big toes and try to walk. We have men and women from this war that have lost arms, legs, ask them if one thing was more important than the other. We have to work TOGETHER, for the good of the Whole! Alice, I would like to know if you would like to become a volunteer with Wounded Warriors? Here is our web site: http://woundedwarriors.org here is my e-mail: tsaperstein23@charter.net Please contact me! We can sure use your help! (as well as anyone else who is interested!) GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU OVER THERE! kEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! WE’LL KEEP YOU UP IN PRAYER! I would also like to say, “I love you!” to my husband, SSgt Bill Saperstein.

Tammy S.

By Dorothy

August 29, 2005 10:49 AM | Link to this

I am so proud of Rudy. Less chance of having some serious medical problems. Follow through to reach your goal young man. It is not an easy task, along with what you are enduring over there. Also, so very proud of Rudy and all of our military. Our love and prayers go out to all of you and your loved ones for what you are doing. I am wife to a retired USAF member, now deceased, and understand….. BLESS ALL OF YOU.

By Esther

August 29, 2005 11:03 AM | Link to this

Congrats Pfc Altman. It’s good to hear of your accomplishment and all your hard work. We here in the states, and I hope I speak for everyone, are truly grateful for all our service men & women are doing to keep it safe here. I pray daily for all to come home safe and soon. Keep up the good work and may God bless and keep you ALL!

By MARY

August 29, 2005 11:59 AM | Link to this

First let me thank Maria for her comments on the soldiers stationed at Camp Stryker….I’ve gotten tired of peoples post who put those soldiers down. My next comment is to Alices posting. So you think the men and women at Camp Stryker aren’t brave or don’t do anything since they don’t go out on rounds? Let me tell you…when a family member is out on rounds and there is a problem…who do they call it in to? Who is the one who gets medical help or more soldiers to them ASAP? Is it one of those unbrave young soldiers Alice mentions that are stationed at Camp Stryker? What about the ones who gets the mail to the different camps? Are they not brave or courageous? I’m sorry..but soldiers pick their MOS’s. They know what their jobs are. I know for one that my son was one of the RTO’s who got a medi-evac in so fast that it saved a young man. If we didn’t have the RTO’s who would they call in that they are under fire..or there was a bomb that exploded.

Who delievers the mail to all the other camps? All I have to say now is “Thank You” to all the soldiers over there because you are making it possible for people like Alice to post here in this blog. You are making sure your children won’t have to see or go through what the children in Iraq have had to endure.

I’m one proud Momma!! Love you Jon!!

By sw

August 29, 2005 12:03 PM | Link to this

Alice, I feel your fustration and anger. Our guys in the FOB’s have it tough. I have been sending food, wet wipes (no ready showers here everyday), and some simple medical suppies to a loved one at Camp Roe. They don’t have a McDonalds, a stocked PX, or even a substantial chow hall. These guys are working hard to stay safe mentally and physically everyday. The computers were out for about 10 days to two weeks and not getting resurance that he was all right was hard. I really don’t think the Army will let the reporters go into these areas in the Triangle very often because of safety issues. I would like to see more realistic reporting on the FOB’s, but I don’t think we will get that as long as the areas are so dangerous to travel.

By Brenda

August 29, 2005 12:31 PM | Link to this

Just wanted to say congrats to Rudy.. and also may God bless all of our men and women that are serving in Iraq.and a special Hello to PVT. Saint Charles Carter.

By My Opinion

August 29, 2005 12:59 PM | Link to this

Keep up the good work SPC Altman! Request new uniforms - those might fall down in public.

If any of our soldiers don’t have enough to eat that is a disgrace and should be remedied. However, if it is a case of some not liking what they are served and complining about not having enough to eat there is a solution. Stuff a flat rate priority mail box (free from USPS) with their favorite snacks - even CANNED FOODS wrapped in plastic to protect the rest of the shipment and packed solid - take it to the post office with the custom form properly filled in - and mail it to the APO for $7.70 - regardless of weight. There are some food items you cannot send and I’m sure you have been informed what they are.

As for whimsical - that’s good. Not every article is whimsical, However, if Moni reports whimsical - she is critized - if she reports about one camp having it a little worse than another - she is critized. If she reports something sad - she is critized. There will always be someone who doesn’t like the article. She cannot go out and about seeking out a specific soldier to satisfy someone in the states. She hasn’t mentioned my loved one and that is fine - he would be embarrassed by it anyway. So, give it up. If you don’t like today’s article wait for tomorrow’s. Don’t let them get you down Moni just keep on keeping on.

BTW - I recently read on the internet there are 1500 troops of the 82nd Airborne from Ft. Bragg, NC on orders for deployment to Iraq.

God bless our soldiers at every duty station but hold those in harms’ way closer. Keep the safe, please dear Lord.

By Oops - uh oh

August 29, 2005 01:05 PM | Link to this

I mde an error - woe is me…

Another Senior moment - Altman is a PFC not an SPC.

By sw

August 29, 2005 02:42 PM | Link to this

In answer to “My Opinion”…my boxes could fit 5-7 of those USPS boxes in them. If you are on patrols for 2-3 days, eating MRE’s, sleeping maybe 2-3 hours at a time each day, and can’t even take a good shower sometimes when you get back you are not looking for snacks to eat while watching TV. Good meat is hard to come by at the FOB’s. I think Alice could fill you in on what life is like at an FOB.

By Ruth

August 29, 2005 03:06 PM | Link to this

I don’t know how many times we have to say it or what it will take to make people understand but our troops at Joe and Row do not have enough to eat. Why does everyone get so horribly defensive every time we say this? You have come down far too hard on Alice. You have once again trivialized the comments of those of us with loved ones at Joe and Row. To My Opinion, it’s not that they don’t like what is served they are not served enough food period. And Tammy, I don’t understand your comment at all , you make it seem like Alice needs a lesson in the war wounded. Every time we complain about our soldiers lacking basic necessities and the lack of rest due to mission after mission it gets turned around and made to seem we are against every other soldier in the 48th. Please stop and try to understand what we are saying.

By fob michael wife

August 29, 2005 05:47 PM | Link to this

My husband is 6ft and weighed about 160 pounds when he left(that is his top weight the entire time we have been married, 13 years)

He says he down to about 140 but I wouldn’t be suprised if it isn’t less. He refuses to eat in the mess hall because everything is boiled. He says you can’t eat boiled food and expect to have a uneventful mission. Meaning there is no time to find a palm tree when nature calls and the enemy is attacking.

Must be nice to have access to good food.

By Chris

August 30, 2005 01:04 AM | Link to this

All of you need to respect each others opinions. We all have soldiers in Iraq and feel the stress of it. We are proud of all the soldiers - whatever their jobs may be and no matter where they are stationed.
Congratulations Pfc. Altman, you are looking good and dieting was a good choice and a health benefit for you. However, I also feel that soldiers at FOB Michael where my son is stationed and soldiers at other out-lying bases are also losing weight - but NOT by choice. My son has lost weight too from the poor living conditions and he is already thin. They lack, among other things, nutritous food. Let’s face it, living conditions and food options do fall far short of those at Striker and other larger bases. They have been in Iraq 3 months - how thin will they be in another 9 months? Why can’t this be changed? Spouses and parents should not have to be sending basic food supplies and meat over to their soldiers to keep them from losing weight. That should be the army’s responsibility to see that all soldiers receive an equally adequate and nutritious food supply.
Finally, the soldiers may pick their MOS but they don’t pick which base they end up on. It is obvious that some will end up in more dangerous situations than others and unfortunately that is just how it is.

By A Proud Soldiers Wife

August 30, 2005 07:24 AM | Link to this

First off.. To Pfc. Rudy Altman Congratulations on your weight loss. I’m sure this isn’t how you would have liked to do it, but you have done a good job. Stay safe!!!!!!!!

To all of you that think that Camp Stryker is so safe email me, I’d love to send you a picture that my husband sent from a mortar that went right by his tent (inside the “wire” that you all think is so “SAFE at this camp)and took out two water trucks as well as put a hole in the wall of the litrine. If someone had been standing at the mirror they would have been gone. As far as sending food, the guys at Stryker get food sent to them too (6-7 boxes every two weeks or so just to my husband who just like others there can’t afford to loose weight cause he’s already so skinny). If everyone would quit focusing on “how bad their soldier has it and start focusing on how bad ALL of the soldiers have it, this blog might be even better.

To all the soldiers currently attached to the 48th BDE you make us proud to say that we know you, know of you, etc. Keep up the good work.

To the families left behind, think about what you type before it comes out of your fingers and ask yourself, “Would my soldier like it if he read this?”

Just my Opinion….

By My Opinion

August 30, 2005 02:14 PM | Link to this

OK, I’ve read replies re: food. I have sent many of the small boxes such as three/four at a time to my Soldier. I have six on hand to send now. They are the ones marked - Priority Mail which, according to a couple of postal clerks move quicker - and they are easier for me to handle one at a time.If you can handle the big boxes do it. My boxes contain snacks, canned goods and books. Only complaint I have heard about what I send was - he couldn’t heat the first veggies sent. Bet he found a way. Soldiers with whom I have been acquainted were and are resourceful. Yes, he is at Stryker and don’t disparage that fact. He has been outside the wire recovering downed vehicles and delivering supplies. He is SUPPORT and he faces the same dangers everyone does and so far our Lord has been there with him. God bless everyone in an American uniform everywhere - they are our AMERICAN MILITARY and should be strengthed not downsized. Army and Air Force National Guard is always included - they are some of the finest.

Why not write to Governor Perdue and ask his help in getting an ample amount of nutrious food to our 48th BDE AT EVERY CAMP IN IRAQ? Individual letters or petitions. I’m sure his phone calls to Washington will be answered and maybe he can influence the feds. The Governors of the other states attached to the 48th could also take action. Also, send letters to the President and your senators and congressmen/women. There is no reason our troops are not properly fed and clothed. If there can be businesses such as Burger King and large exchanges at any camp - certainly a supply depot like the Atlanta Army Depot WAS (deactivated on 30 Jun 1973 - Ft. Gillen activated on 1 July 1973) should be shipping subsistence, clothing, medical, munitions and any dang thing else needed to our troops. That is if there are any depots left open. The drawback may be there are no depots left where materiels are warehoused and shipped to support our troops. BRAC has been around for a while.

Ask the hard questions of the powers in DC - our comments are not read by those people. They have our Soldiers’ welfare in their hands and should be held accountable to the people for the lack of necessities furnished. We have our soldiers’ welfare at heart. If our Soldiers in the 48th are hungry maybe Soldiers in other outfits are also.

I don’t intend to be controversial nor start a spitting contest here. I support our troops and I think every family is trying to help our Soldiers. Our focus is naturally on our own Soldier - our loved one - first and then on the 48th as a whole. That is natural and is expected. WE can’t change where each person is assigned - we aren’t in charge. I, too, feel the same anger and frustration that others feel. I SUPPORT ALL OUR MILITARY and have for many years - several wars - brothers, cousins, sons and now grandsons. I, too, want this war to end and all of our troops to come home. But until that happens our troops need and should have the very best of everything. Especially food and clothing. They should also be allowed down time to keep their minds and bodies healthy.

There are units around the country gearing up for deployment to Iraq whether to augment or replace the troops already there isn’t published.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we, who pay politicians salaries, could look them in the face, hand them a pink slip and say - you’re fired? And not have to pay them their full salary the rest of their lives along with protection?

God be with our Soldiers. Grant that they may complete the mission at hand safely and return home soon. Amen

By Ruth

August 30, 2005 03:44 PM | Link to this

To soldier’s wife. Why do you use bold faced type to emphasize the sarcasm of your comments? It is insulting to those of us who are upset over the conditions at Joe and Row. Maybe you don’t mean it that way, or maybe you do. At any rate we are not saying that the Stryker soldiers are not in any danger. Why is it that those of you with soldiers at other bases take it so personally when we say our soldiers are hungry? I am offended at the responses to our comments. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, all of us should be concerned instead of many of you acting like we should just shut up and accept the fact that some soldiers always have it worse than others and it’s the unfortunate luck of the draw that it’s ours. Well, we are going to continue to express our dissatisfaction. I know that many of you will never have to face this situation because your soldiers have jobs that are behind the wire so they won’t be sent to Joe or Row, but some of you might better start worrying because hopefully our soldiers are going to rotate out soon and some of you who are so indignant might find that your soldier is down there hungry and in those primitive conditions. Will you sit back and keep quiet then, or will you want things changed? Soldier’s wife, I think you should also think before you type because I for one know that my soldier wants an advocate and he definitely likes knowing that the conditions he and his fellow troops at Joe and Row are subjected to are not brushed under the rug.

By @ mike

August 31, 2005 05:47 AM | Link to this

I agree with My Opinion, sending letters to Perdue would be a good course of action. He should be told of the condiditons in which some of his national guards are operating. Things are never set right without some course of action.

By MARY

August 31, 2005 10:02 AM | Link to this

To My Opinion

Very well said!!!!

By Michael Wife

August 31, 2005 08:14 PM | Link to this

I agree with Ruth. Why is it that people get offended when we just make a statement that food is not good at certain bases? I have sent packages, about one a week. However, you can not send fresh meat, fruit etc. that they need daily. They don’t have enough food, and they have no quality of food. It is hard on us to know this about your loved ones. These bases are in need of many things. Row and Joe don’t even have running water. Just as Ruth stated, there will be a rotation soon and who knows where your soldier will end up. Will you still be offended if your soldier is in this spot?