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DEL.ICIO.USVeterans still serving their country
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Convoy Support Center Scania, Iraq — Fellow soldiers jokingly call him “Old Man” and “Pa Pa.”
Jeremy Redmon/AJC
Sgt. Terry Spencer, 56, is a veteran of Vietnam, serving his country again in Iraq.
The names don’t bother Sgt. Terry Spencer. After all, he is 56 years old. And this is his second war.
But Spencer says this one will be his last. He plans retire after he returns home to Aragon some time next year.
Spencer is one of many veterans now serving in Iraq.
Like Spencer, some fought in Vietnam. Others served in Bosnia. And still others were in Desert Storm. These soldiers spent Veterans Day 2005 back in harm’s way in a foreign land.
Spencer has served about 21 years in the military. He was drafted in 1968 and flew in a reconnaissance plane, spotting targets for the U.S. Army in Vietnam.
The enemy, he said, frequently shot at his plane with rockets and mortars.
“We were always getting shot at, more so than we do here,” said Spencer, who is married with two grown children and six grandchildren.
Spencer said he was preparing to retire when he learned the 1st Battalion, 108th Armor Regiment was getting ready to go to Iraq. He prayed about what he should do. And the answer became clear to him.
“This isn’t where I want to be, but it’s what I felt I needed to do,” he said as he sat on his cot with his rifle tucked in the crook of his arm.
“I believe in my country and our freedom. I believe this is something we have to stand up against,” he said of the violent insurgency here. “If we don’t do it here, we will be doing it somewhere else.”
When his unit was stationed in Mahmudiyah, Spencer helped guard detainees who were suspected of being insurgents. He was picked for the job, he said, partly because of his 22 years experience working in the federal prison system. He said about 400 prisoners passed through his care during the nearly six months his unit was in Mahmudiyah.
“We had some pretty good catches,” he said.
Spencer now works in the 108th’s motor pool at this rest and refueling stop, where he keeps track of vehicles and their parts.
“It’s a good little job for an old man like me,” he said.
Spencer predicts retiring won’t be easy. He said he will miss his buddies. They made him want to stay in the military this long.
Comments
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By SGT Doug
November 11, 2005 01:48 PM | Link to this
Terry, You are a good man. I was proud to serve with you in Co A 1-108th in Rome. I pray for your safe return as well as all of the others. God bless you and if you need any pipe tobacco let me know. SGT Doug Farmer
By jimmy burgess
November 11, 2005 03:14 PM | Link to this
I’m very glad to see that my friend is doing well. I pray that all of the guys are in good shape. The ones of us who had to stay here are waiting for the day when you all return home.
By Ronda Roaderick
November 11, 2005 03:15 PM | Link to this
Hey… SPENCER!!!!! Where is your sidekick? You know… my husband! It’s good to see a picture of you. I’ve been wanting to see one of SGT. Roaderick… Cathy and I DID send those cameras for you guys to take pictures to send us…. didn’t we??? Hmmmmmm We understand that you guys are busy. Guess I need to call Cathy so she can see you on AJC anyway. You two PLEASE take care of each other and STAY SAFE!!!.Please tell FRANK… I LOVE HIM & MISS him. Cathy and I are proud of you two and all the other guys! I really did look close at the picture to see if I could see Frank somewhere close by.His Grandbabies miss him and love him too…Again… What’s up with those cameras? The AJC picture was the first one of either of you guys that I’ve seen…Tons of Love and support from HOME! We can’t wait for you guys to be Home again!
By Mandy Jay
November 12, 2005 02:34 PM | Link to this
I just wanted to say that I am so very proud to have such a brave daddy protecting the country he has taught me to honor. I love and miss you and I am praying a safe return!
By Ronda Roaderick
November 13, 2005 12:31 AM | Link to this
Hey SPENCER! Where’s your sidekick?…you know …My husband? “SGT. Roaderick”. Cathy and I did send those cameras with you guys to send pictures home to us DIDN’T we???? This is the first picture I’ve seen of either one of you guys. We know you are both busy and probably don’t have time to have photo shoots and stuff. I did look close at the picture to see if Frank was there somewhere. Anyway..Tell Frank that his Grandbabies miss him and love him. I Love and Miss him very much! We are proud of you two and the whole 48th. Please continue staying safe and looking out for each other! Tons of Love and Pride from home to you guys!……..Ronda
By SGT Doug
November 13, 2005 06:48 PM | Link to this
SGT Terry Spencer is a good man, and a good friend. I remember when he was contemplating getting out. I know how he feels. I didn’t want to get out myself but a foot injury forced me to. I am proud of Terry and his family. Thank you so much. SGT Doug Farmer