The 48th goes to war

By Penny Schneider

December 5, 2005 10:52 AM | Link to this

I met Spc. Dodson through a training class we both had for work. He was a very nice person who loved his family and his country very much.

My prayers go out to his family and his friends as well as to the rest of the Dept. of Corrections Family he leaves behind.

By Betty

December 5, 2005 11:20 AM | Link to this

My heart goes out to the family of this latest victim in Iraq. My son SPC. Andrew M. Long is on his 15 day leave from Iraq, and he was a part of this deceased soldiers unit. Most likely he would have been in that accident had he been still in Iraq. Praise God that he is home with his two children, mother, step-father, brother and little sister. However, he will be leaving to go back to this war torn area on the 17th of December. For all that we know it could be the last time ever that we can hug him or tell him how much we love and appreciate his loyality to his world. I would like to appeal to everyone in America that when you see a soldier or a soldiers family that you express your appreciation to them for ALL that they do. Words are not enough but we MUST start somewhere. Another issue that I need to address to our country is that our soldiers are living under very limited conditions in Iraq. When you are doing your Christmas shopping please don’t forget about these men and Women who are giving their lives, time, and LOVE so that we can enjoy the priviledge of working, attending church, and just plain FREEDOM. My son was walking through Home Depot where I work a few days ago and he said that he needed to get himself up a “Care Package” to send to himself with things that OUR soldiers NEED not WANT. I was shocked at what little things he needed. Can you believe “D Rings” to use on their uniforms to carry their necessary lifesaving weapons, knives,and general quick to get to items. As Americans I think it is OUR responsibility to supply these needed items instead of the soldiers having to pay $14.95 for a D-Ring to help lighten the load off their shoulders and back. They have given enough just being there. Why do they need to spend their money on these things. There are other items needed also but the list is too long. Please remember OUR soldiers and their families in prayer if you are a believer. Each and every family member that has lost or might lose a loved one to this war I would like to say that I LOVE YOU!!! If there is anything that I can ever do for you please let me know. May God Bless you!!!
Betty Sue Hill

By Em

December 5, 2005 11:34 AM | Link to this

My heart goes out to the Dodson family and all the other families going through this tough time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and with all of our brave soldiers!!!

By corey

December 5, 2005 12:33 PM | Link to this

i am a member of the 48th brigade based out of albany ga, im sorry to hear of your loss, im sure your son was a great american and an even better soldier, his sacrifice will not go unrembered

By Karen Dingler

December 5, 2005 02:03 PM | Link to this

To the Dodson family, My deepest heartfelt sympathy to you all. My heart literally hurts for you, as I know first hand the pain this kind of loss causes. Our 19 yr.old son SPC Dingler,Joshua was in Iraq with the 48th. He died in a vehicle accident in August. Therefore, we grieve with you for we fully understand what you’re going through. May God’s Peace rest upon you during today and in the days to come. Sincerely, The Dingler’s

By a mom

December 5, 2005 02:05 PM | Link to this

I do not know the Dodson family but want to express my condolences.Their son, father, and husband is a hero regardless of his mission and he will be in our prayers. We are from Alabama and have a special person in the 48th . We realize the sacrifice that families are making. May you find the strength to go forward and cherish the memories you have, Thank you for having a brave,and caring soldier. God Bless you.

By a mom

December 5, 2005 02:07 PM | Link to this

You are in our thoughts and prayers. We appreciate the sacrifice your family has made. May you find the strength to go forward and remember the best of your brave,and heroic soldier. Bless you

By lynne

December 5, 2005 03:02 PM | Link to this

thank you for your sacrifice. we are from Alabama and have a special person in the 48th over there..your son,husband,and father will not be forgotten for his bravery..please accept our condolences and our prayers.

By lynne

December 5, 2005 03:19 PM | Link to this

thank you for sharing your son,husband and father with us.We have a special person in the 48th and understand the sacrifice. God Bless you .

By a mom

December 5, 2005 04:23 PM | Link to this

please let us express our condolences to th Dodson family.their son,husband and father is a hero and will be missed. we are from Alabama and have a special person in Iraq and thank you for your sacrifice. God Bless you and keep you

By CeeCeeM

December 5, 2005 04:44 PM | Link to this

Each time there is a death I cry over the loss of another soldier and then I thank God that it wasn’t my beloved soldier. May our Lord console all the families who have lost a loved one in this war and comfort those who have come home with injuries.

My sister was my last surviving sibling and our parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles were gone many years earlier. She died in the spring several years ago. My granddaughter included the following poem in my Christmas card that year. The message is sad but comforting and I want to share it because I know how sad it is without our loved ones on holidays especially the first one.

God bless all our soldiers and their families and bring the soldiers home soon.

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas Trees around the world below With tiny lights, like heaven’s stars, reflecting in the snow. The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear, For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear But the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart, But I am not so far away, we really aren’t apart. So be happy for me dear ones, you know I hold you dear And be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you each a special gift from my heavenly home above I send you each a memory of my undying love. After all “Love” is a gift, more precious than pure gold It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do, For I can’t count the blessings or love He has for you. So, have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear Remember, I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

By Cynthia Evans

December 5, 2005 04:45 PM | Link to this

God bless you! Our hearts go out to you. Our son, CW2 Mark William Evans, Jr. was killed last year on Nov. 29, 2004. His helicopter crashed into a guide wire connected to a unlite tower in foggy weather in Texas. His wife, Colleen and 2 children, Ronan(5) and Zoe(3), miss him terribly. There is never a day we do not think of him. Please take comfort in knowing our loved ones died doing something they loved and believed in. They gave the ultimate sacrifice so we could live in a Free Nation!!

Mark and Cindy Evans

By tammy

December 5, 2005 05:27 PM | Link to this

Just wanted to say thank you to the family of Spc. Dodson. He is a HERO. I grew up in Forsyth, GA and it is a close knit place. I know the family will be in everyone’s thoughts and prayers.

And to Betty Long, please email or post a list of the much needed items for our troops. We have a good friend w/ 48th in the 2nd/121st and would like to get him a care package in the mail, any suggestions would be great. thanks, Tammy

By L Wilson Turner

December 5, 2005 06:24 PM | Link to this

Let’s remember that Spc Dodson didn’t have to go to IRAQ and that he was there to fight for his country not to defend it. His life should be celebrated with the greatest of heroes. The Dodson family should be as proud of him as this former soldier is………..OOOOOOOOwah…………….Here’s to the Fightin’ 48th.

By 48th Wife

December 5, 2005 08:04 PM | Link to this

To the family of Spc. Philip Dodson Jr., I want to express my sincere condolances. You got the visit we all fear. I settled in my mind a long time ago that I am proud of what my husband stands for, and should he die for it as well, I pray for the courage and the grace to pick myself up and carry on his message in whatever way I can. All of our hearts go out to you, you are part of the 48th family as well. May God surround you with loving arms and shoulders to cry on at this time. May all of us remember the sacrifice of this family and the many others, and determine to stand beside our soldiers all the more. God bless you, and hold you in His care………

By Clark & Jill Darden

December 5, 2005 08:51 PM | Link to this

Phil, I am such a sorry friend, I did not even know you were in Iraq fighting for us. I truly shook when I saw your picture next to the Macon Telegraph Headline that a Forsyth Soldier was killed in Iraq. From working alongside you at A.L. Burruss in ‘95-‘96, to seeing you with your inmate work detail from Burruss along the city streets of Forsyth with that shotgun on your hip thinking that shotgun was as tall as you were and giving you a wave and shout-out. You ALWAYS were quick with a smile and handshake or a pat on the back. I will miss you man. GO GDC and GO ARMY!

By Michele Bell

December 5, 2005 08:59 PM | Link to this

I would like to send my deepest sympathy to the Dodson family. My son is Sgt. Gary Bell of the 48th Brigade, he knew Philip very well. They worked together both at Walmart, and the correction dept., they also took Karate together. I have heard many wonderful things about Philip from my daughter-in-law and I can only imagine what a wonderful husband, father, soldier and friend he must have been. I know that he will be missed by so many people. Please know that he has made a huge impact in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to have known him. Your family will be in our families thoughts and prayers.

The Bell Family

By Nicole Bell

December 5, 2005 10:29 PM | Link to this

I am really at a loss right now….My husband and I had the pleasure of knowing Philip and this tragic news hit really close to home. I pray for the family he has left behind and I pray that God will heal their broken hearts. Those who knew Philip knew a great man! He will forever be missed and he will always be remembered as a true hero!! May he forever rest in piece!!! ~A Proud wife of the 48th BDE~

By Jan

December 5, 2005 10:36 PM | Link to this

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family in this tragic time. I lost my youngest son over there Easter 2004 so I know all too well how you will remember this holiday in years to come. My husband is part of the 48th and is over there now. Everyone, please remember all of the military families who have loved ones serving and the families who have lost their loved ones. Our holidays will always have a sad point in them forever. Jan Johnson

By A soldier's wife

December 5, 2005 10:39 PM | Link to this

My husband was stationed with Dodson and knew him very well. He was always full of jokes and laughter. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family along with the other victims of the accident.

By Joshua I. Long

December 6, 2005 06:18 AM | Link to this

I am a member of the 48th Brigade Combat Team and a member of the same company as those who lost their lives this past week in the 148th, I say that all three were brave men who loved their country and never complained about any mission or task that fell before them. I had the honor and privelage in placing my good friend and father-figure type guy Spc. Phillip Dodson on the plane to go home this past week and I tell you that it was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I had just spoke to him hours prior and he always had a pleasant and humorous way about him. He always called me by nickname with a smile, and I am thankful to God above I got to hear it one more time before the unforunate accident that took place. “Dod” as I always called him was a true American who never had the heart to tell anyone NO when they asked for help or for him to fix something. He always talked about his Wife and Daughter and how much he missed them and the great time he had on leave in August. He was a smart and caring man and I am thankful to have known him and the other soldiers. I send my thoughts and prayers to the families of the brothers,soldiers, and men that we lost. God Bless You Forever!!! Joshua Isaac Long

By Spc.Borders

December 6, 2005 07:14 AM | Link to this

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Dodson family.

By Debbie

December 6, 2005 08:31 AM | Link to this

My prayers go out to all the familys and Love one who has Love there son, and husband. My family pray every day that all the mem with the 48 BDG make it back safe. God Bless all of you that is over there with the 48 BGD and 1-115, TF 1-118 May you all make is home safe.

By Bill S

December 6, 2005 08:51 AM | Link to this

I went to high school with Phil. I remember him as a kind, thoughtful, and caring person who was always willing to help. From what I’ve seen of the other posts to this forum, he carried those traits with him throughout life. God bless you Phil for your sacrifice. God bless your family.

By Randy Boutwell

December 8, 2005 07:27 PM | Link to this

I am a longtime friend as well as a family member, I went to school, worked along side of him in corrections, as well as being in the same family, this has been a terrible loss for all of us, family, friends, and co-workers, to say he loved what he did is an understatement, he was a loving and caring father, son, friend, and he was most definately a soldier, his passing is very hurtfull, but I know he is the reason for myself, as well as anybody else to have the freedom we have, he believed in what he did, and never hesitated to do his duty, he is sadly missed and Phil you know I loved ya man!

By aaron thomas

December 12, 2005 04:35 PM | Link to this

I was just informed about Dodson. I worked with him as a detail officer at Al Burrus State prison. We had a great time when we worked together and always found ways to cut up. I also worked briefly with him at Wal Mart part-time. What a great guy and he will be remembered as someone who would do anything for you. Miss you, Dodson…..God bless you and thank you for serving your country. aaron thomas