AJC.com > Iraq coverage > Blog > Archives > 2005 > December > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USShort leaves help GIs look to end of Iraq duty
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Sgt. 1st Class Vincenzo Battaglia has been away from home on duty longer than he has been married. This year, he considered himself lucky: He arrived home the afternoon of Thanksgiving Day just in time to eat turkey with his wife, Tricia.
But his short leave was soon over and Battaglia, 41, was heading back to join his unit, the Georgia Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 108th Armor Regiment, stationed in Scania, Iraq.
It was difficult, no doubt, for the paramedic from Roswell to once again leave the woman he married on Valentine’s Day last year and his three German shepherds that he affectionately calls his “children.”
He missed Christmas with Tricia in 2003, just before they got married, when Battaglia was deployed stateside with a medical unit. This year, he will be across the globe in a nation ravaged by war.
“This one is really hard on her,” Battaglia said recently as he waited to board his plane to Germany at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. He was joined by several of his friends from the 108th, who were also returning to their posts in Iraq.
As hard as it was going back right before the Christmas holidays, some of the soldiers were eager to get on with it.
“I want to go back and get it over with as fast as I can,” said Sgt. Michael Perez, who saw his grandson, Luke, for the first time during his leave at home in Columbus. “It was a miracle seeing him.”
Battaglia said coming home was in some ways a shock to the senses.
“You realize that this is reality. This is what our lives are really like,” he said.
He jolted out of bed one morning when he mistook loud thunder for the sound of mortars. He got jittery when cars on the highway pulled up right next to him. In Iraq, cars must stay away from U.S. military vehicles.
Battaglia is ready for his tour to be over and resume his life in Roswell when the 48th completes its one-year deployment in May.
For now, he would get on the plane with one small backpack — and a lot of determination.
Comments
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By Victoria
December 13, 2005 09:10 AM | Link to this
I just want to say thank you for the huge sacrifice you are making by leaving your families. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families during this trying time.
By Robert
December 13, 2005 10:42 AM | Link to this
I certainly hope that SFC Battaglia makes it back home safe and sound to his family when his tour is up. And it’s good to see that Moni of the AJC is back on the job in Iraq. You stay safe too!
Robert of Rex
By USN
December 13, 2005 11:44 AM | Link to this
Thank you for everything that you have done. If it makes you feel any better, when this country was fighting for independence about 60% of the people wanted to stay loyal to England. These people are alive and well today; they are the ones that do not want to see free people in the Middle East, especially if George Bush is the one that brought them this freedom. Have no doubt that if a democrat had been in office all of this would have been just fine … Just look at Bosnia, And were still there, and not one word. Be Safe, keep your head down, look after your buds.. ooooraah
By Dad
December 13, 2005 12:13 PM | Link to this
I’m glad you got home for Thanksgiving. I’ll pray for you and all the troops that they get home safely. This was the first Thangsdiving in 40 years that my son did not spend Thanksgiving with his Mom & Dad. We are looking forward to when he gets his leave, he is also stationed at Scania. It would be a miracle if he got home for Christmas.
By Mark
December 13, 2005 01:41 PM | Link to this
First of all, to the guys, make it home safely men. Secondly to USN, what in the world does Bosnia and the Dems have to do with this? There are probably about 250 Americans in Bosnia, probably not even a fighting force. Since you feel this is some kind of knock against the Dems, then why hasn’t your boy Bush brought them home? He’s been in office for almost five years now. Obviously he thinks it’s important enough to keep them there. Next time just give kudos to the guys in Iraq and leave the partisan stuff out. That’s not the topic of this blog.
By CC
December 13, 2005 01:51 PM | Link to this
I am happy my soldier was home for Thanksgiving, look forward to May and hope their return will not be delayed. We have so much to be thankful for when our loved ones are able to be home - pray for the families of those who are not with us now - all of them from everywhere.
Rep vs Dem? We should have been told at the beginning that this war is to FREE the people of Iraq. Not just to ‘get Saddam’. We got him and the conflict was declared by the president to be over. Explain that to those who are still there and the grieving families of those who didn’t make it. Both political parties are basically the same they talk out of both sides of their moutns. Listen to whom you please - but think for yourself and follow the true leader - our Lord Jesus Christ. Most of us realize that America is not the same country it was 50 years ago. There have been so many religious, cultural and economic changes that the only way you can truly realize them is if you were here to live through them. Still if is my homeland which I would always protect and will respect and love - the greatest country in this world. God bless the USA, its defenders and keep our soldiers safe.
Bring them home safely and soon.
Merry Christmas to all - the Military and the those of us who pray and wait for them.
By teach
December 13, 2005 02:23 PM | Link to this
This story made me so sad. I truly hope they all get to come home very soon. Safe and sound.
By Rick
December 13, 2005 02:33 PM | Link to this
Tell your buddies that the nation is behind you. The arguments in DC are not what most of the informed public are concerned about. You are doing what will be looked upon by historians as a noble mission-helping a nation be introduced to the concept of democracy and a future.
Ooorah! From a veteran who appreciated the nations’ support in the past. I went through the same disconnect from reality in most of the media too. Just know that the silent are here—-grateful for your professionalism and selflessness.
Merry Christmas and Happy Channukah too.
By Reid
December 13, 2005 03:46 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU!!!!!!!
By Jake Powers
December 13, 2005 05:52 PM | Link to this
My God Bless each and everyone of you brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Coasties and Marines. Thank you for our freedom.
By sgt k
December 13, 2005 10:38 PM | Link to this
glad to see you made it home for t-day. stay safe and will see you next time round, sgt. k
By d solider wife
December 14, 2005 08:55 AM | Link to this
BATMAN, I AM GLAD YOU GOT TO SPEND THANKSGIVING WITH YOUR WIFE. AND I KNOW IT WAS HARD TO GO BACK. BUT YOU AND ALL THE GUYS OF THE 48TH WILL BE HOME SOON. THANK YOU ALL FOR THE GOOD JOB YOU HAVE DONE. AND IF YOU SEE SFC MARK MCDANIEL TELL HIM HELLO FOR ME AND PEE WEE. WE WILL MISS HIM THIS CHRISTMAS.
By Matt Battaglia
December 14, 2005 12:07 PM | Link to this
I am Vince Battaglia’s younger brother Matt. I want to thank the AJC for taking the time to write this article on my brother and the other soldiers in Iraq. We grew up in Tucker and Lithonia and our hearts are forever linked to Atlanta. Being an actor in Los Angeles, I often feel guilty for the freedoms that I receive in this country due to our fighting and fallen soldiers that serve us so proudly abroad. My prayers go with all of those that serve us and the families that are left behind.
By Ralph McDaniel
December 14, 2005 03:14 PM | Link to this
I am honored to work with SFC Battaglia in his civilian life. I have worked with him for many years. I was so pleased to see him on the short visit home, and so saddened to see him have to go back. Vince is one we would all be proud for our kids to look up to. A model citizen. A true professional. He loves his family, he loves his country, he loves his job. I pray for his safe return right beside all of the American soldiers. We love you Vince. Thank you.
By Shane
December 15, 2005 12:10 AM | Link to this
Bravo Vincenzo! Steve and I look foward to seeing you when you get back. Stay forever safe and thanks for the frequent updates!
By LT Ray
December 15, 2005 08:21 AM | Link to this
vince, I know your goofing off and reading this blog instead of working. I left the connex keys in my locker, top shelf. and my rsi kit is in my aidbag. get to work. just kidding
xoxoxo lt ray
By Jan Anastasato
December 15, 2005 10:04 AM | Link to this
Having been friends with your mom and dad since our days at FSU, I know your mom would be so proud of you. I’m happy I was able to attend your wedding. I just wish you didn’t have to be in Iraq, but know you are valued there and hope you stay safe. May can’t come soon enough for me! Love, Jan
By Doug
December 15, 2005 10:29 AM | Link to this
Vince, thanks for all you are doing for our country and the people in Iraq. DJ sends his regards from Afghanistan. I know that your family is proud of you.
By Kaleen
December 15, 2005 01:46 PM | Link to this
Vince, You know I am thinking of you. Hurry home to your wife. Take care of you, Kaleen
By Alesia O'Keefe
December 15, 2005 09:23 PM | Link to this
Wow…I hear more from my folks here than in real life! Dee…nice to see you, I hope you are well. Lt. Ray…there is a package on it’s way for each medic in HHC 1/108 from my kids’ school. They wanted you to know how much they are supporting my husband, the father of their friends, and the rest of you. I’m so proud to be associated with this group. Batt…I’m glad you got to be home for the holiday, I can’t wait until the day y’all get to come home for good. Rest assured that we are doing all we can to support your families here. I am honored and privileged to work for you and for your families!! Be safe! John…I love you!!!!
By the Costa's
December 17, 2005 09:24 AM | Link to this
I am a cousin to Vincent Battaglia. I live in NY. As a child I can remember Vincent and his family visiting ours. It was allways an exicting time to see them and I was sad when they had to leave. And now Vince (and all soliders) chooses to place his(their) life in danger every moment of every day while in Iraq.These are the guys who trully represent the USA. Our Household thinks and prays for our loved ones abroad that the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ will strech out his arm of protection and cover you. We will not only remember you over the Christmas holidays but allways. Thank you !!
By Susan Pedersen Stevenson
December 18, 2005 08:11 PM | Link to this
Vince, I was in Tallahassee at Thanksgiving when Mary Ann got the call that you were home! She was so excited and I know y’all had a great visit. Thank you for everything that you are doing over there. My prayers are with you. Susan (Bill’s sister)
By Pam
December 26, 2005 03:26 PM | Link to this
Wow, it was so cool to see you featured Vince! Greetings from your cousins in WNY. I am so pleased to see friends and family voicing support to you and the rest of the military, including those stationed elsewhere. Yes, there are those who make a loud ruckous about bringing home the troops, but there are plenty of us who appreciate your efforts right where you are. You follow a long line of honorable men and women and you do your country proud to be among them.
Remember, God is in control and we petition Him regularly on your (and Trishes) behalf.