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DEL.ICIO.USCharlie Company’s last patrol
'It's been a long 18 months'
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Baghdad, Iraq — A little after noon on Thursday, the soldiers heard the familiar rumble for the last time.
The earth trembled. Then, the tan, “armored beasts” emerged from the clouds of dust swirling about them.
Two Bradley Fighting Vehicles thundered into a motor pool at Baghdad’s Camp Liberty, back safely from their last patrol in the war-ravaged Iraqi capital. For the first time in days, it had been an uneventful mission.
“That’s a perfect way to end our patrols — with nothing,” said Staff Sgt. Jerry Bowling , a firefighter in DeKalb County.
The crews stuck their heads out of the hatches and cheered. Their fellow Gainesville-based soldiers on the ground stood in formation and saluted.
Never again would the roughly 135 soldiers of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment see combat in their Bradleys.
After 10 grueling months and an especially hair-raising last two weeks, the mission in Iraq for this Georgia Army National Guard unit was finally over.
The soldiers can now concentrate on going home. The unit, which is part of the 4,400-strong 48th Brigade Combat Team was the last from Georgia to do combat patrols in Iraq. It is scheduled to leave here in about three weeks. Until then the soldiers will clean and repair their Bradleys and pack for home.
When the last Bradley arrived on Thursday, Charlie Company soldiers hugged each other, celebrated with non-alcoholic beer and collectively sighed in relief.
“We’re done!” yelled Sgt. George Branson , a Fayette County deputy sheriff, standing atop his Bradley in a black Batman T-shirt.
Charlie Company had looked forward to this day for so long that some were left incredulous when the moment arrived.
No more hunting for insurgents. No more kicking in doors or riding down bomb-laced highways and into impoverished neighborhoods not knowing what enemy lurked around the corner.
“There’ll be no more contemplating mortality,” said Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Eaton, a full-time Guard soldier from Athens. “No more chasing ghosts.”
“I feel overwhelmed,” said Sgt. Guy Serapion , a student at West Georgia College, who just the night before sat in the gunner’s turret for four hours in front of a crumpled car thought to be rigged with explosives.
“Last May, I never thought we’d make it here. I’m just letting it all set in,” he said.
Capt. Anthony Fournier , the Charlie Company commander, toasted his troops and handed out specially made pewter coins that bore the name and insignia of the company, its platoons and the brigades it has served under.
On one side, it said “The Lost Company,” a moniker adopted by the soldiers because Charlie Company has been detached from the rest of the 48th Brigade since its arrival in Iraq.
“It’s been a long 18 months,” said Fournier, a schoolteacher from Augusta. “I feel a great weight lifted off my shoulders.”
He paused and then added that the feeling hadn’t quite settled in yet; that perhaps it would sink in the next day when he didn’t have to put on pounds of body armor and drive out onto the streets of Baghdad.
“It feels weird,” he said.
Weird, too, because the last patrol meant that soon, the soldiers would all go their own ways and be separated from the men they have shared their lives with since December 2004 when the 48th Brigade was mobilized.
“I’ll miss the camaraderie,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Sonen , a furniture maker from Dahlonega. “The experience of what we’ve gone through together — it’s like trying to explain what it feels like giving birth to a child. Unless you’ve experienced it, you can’t really understand it.”
When Charlie Company first arrived, the soldiers provided security for the main highways. In the following months, they began patrolling areas of eastern Abu Ghraib, where they came into close contact with Iraqis.
It was during an Abu Ghraib raid that they discovered Baby Noor, the Iraqi child with spina bifida who was then flown to Atlanta for critical medical care. The Gainesville soldiers won worldwide acclaim for their efforts to save the little girl.
In the last few days, the soldiers routinely came under small arms fire and got caught up in attacks against Iraqi security forces. They were called to the scene of grisly execution-style killings of Shiite men. Two Bradleys were hit by roadside bombs.
Everyone was weary. Everyone was anxious.
“I’m tired of seeing dead bodies,” said Spc. Jose Resto , a Clayton County police officer.
In the final days, the soldiers talked little of the looming dates - the day of the last patrol; the day they would kiss Georgia soil. Instead they took turns rolling out, sometimes non-stop for six hours at a time.
The soldiers took few risks. They had made it through the deployment until then without any casualties. It was unthinkable to lose one of their own so close to the end.
“Thank God we’re in the Bradleys,” the soldiers said. With the situation deteriorating in Baghdad, no one wanted to go “out there” in a more vulnerable Humvee.
The officers of Charlie Company worried about all the insurgent activity over the last few days.
“Our number one goal was to do the best in our missions,” Fournier said. “Our number two goal was to bring everyone back.”
On Wednesday night, Eaton rolled out of the gates of Camp Liberty for his 99th and last patrol.
“Shall we dance?” Eaton said, as he always does when his crew rolls out.
His crew was pumped up. They decorated their Bradleys with the black flag of third platoon and a slogan in Latin that read: “Don’t mess with us.”
The soldiers wrote “Last Patrol” on the side of the vehicle with broken chemical lights.
“This is it,” Eaton said in his patrol briefing. “The last one. This is 18 months of your lives coming down to the last six hours.”
Ten months ago, the Georgia soldiers were new to Baghdad. They rolled out into the capital with trepidation. The terrain was strange; the culture foreign. Then, there was the fear of the unknown.
The crews patrolled for 12 hours, sometimes longer, in complete silence. Now, with just a few remaining hours, there was chatter on the internal radio — and even the occasional iPod.
“We used to patrol in silence. Not a word was said,” Eaton said. “I let them play music now. They are all so tired.”
“Ah, ah, ah, ah, staying alive, staying alive.” The Bee Gees hit screamed into headsets. Everyone sang the chorus. It was all about staying alive on that last night.
The next morning, Eaton rode with 1st Lt. Jeff Moran , another full-time Guard soldier from Ball Ground, in the back of one of the Bradleys for the celebration at the motor pool.
They both knew this would be their last ride in the tracked metal boxes that had saved their lives so many times. When the 48th Brigade returns to Georgia, it will begin its transformation from a mechanized unit to light infantry. That means Charlie Company will no longer ride in Bradleys.
That everyone in the company is going home alive from a violent and random war, said Eaton, is testament to the fortitude of the soldiers.
“I think I speak for everyone in that this war is so difficult to define,” he said.” And the tangible successes — they seem to blur, one patrol after another.
“In this place, we can never seem to arrive at a sense of accomplishment,” he continued. “For us the last patrol provides a finality to the 18-month ordeal. The last patrol gives us that tangible we sought.”
Comments
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By PROUD WIFE
March 30, 2006 06:01 PM | Link to this
I am a wife of a soldier in C CO. and all I can say is WAY TO %*#^ING GO!!!!!! I am SO PROUD of you guys!!!!!!!!!!! I am also PROUD of ALL OUR guys/ girls over there!!!! I am glad you guys watched each others back and are coming home to us!
By Kat in GA
March 30, 2006 07:39 PM | Link to this
clap clap clap cheers throws confetti STANDING OVATION
WAY TO GO Y’ALL!!!!! WOOOHOO!!!!!!! GOOD JOB!!!! I’M SO DANG PROUD OF Y’ALL! AND EXCITED TO HEAR THAT Y’ALL ARE JUST THAT MUCH CLOSER TO COMIN’ HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Momma Kat http://crazynightinga.blogspot.com
By Proud 48th BDE Wife
March 30, 2006 08:13 PM | Link to this
Way to go Blacksheep!!!!!!!!!
By SoldierMomm
March 30, 2006 08:33 PM | Link to this
The end of the nightmare, nerves, emotions are almost over. My son - soldier - finishes his last mission a few days before they fly out, which I won’t disclose over the internet. But I only hope that when we all meet at the reunions in Ft. Stewart - that all of THIS is in the past and we can all be happy that our loved ones are back HOME,SAFE,and with thier FAMILIES where they belong. I will be as happy for all of you, as I am for my own. We have all been thru the worst of the worst and it’s coming to an end. Thanks to all for your support of our soldiers and families. Thanks to AJC for sending reporters and photographers to risk their lives to keep us informed as to what is going on over there, as we would have not had a clue had it not been for you guys. Thanks the most for being honest and reporting the REAL PICTURE. May God Bless each and every soldier, family member, and friend or the 48th. Love all of you.
By @@
March 30, 2006 08:37 PM | Link to this
I’m happy for the families and the servicemen. Good job guys! Looking at the pictures, I have a feeling that they will all miss their “extended family” in Iraq.
By Gina Kelly Rice
March 30, 2006 08:42 PM | Link to this
God speed and safe home Pat and all the soldiers. Words just don’t seem big enough to thank you for all you have done. Thank you for your sacrifice, courage and grace under pressure.
You’ll be home just in time for baseball season. You put the bravery behind the Braves. They better have a great season in your honor.
By leslie
March 30, 2006 09:27 PM | Link to this
What a relief that they are finally coming home. I know of one little girl that will be thrilled, tomorrow morning, to find out that Daddy is on his way home. Thank you for all you do Charlie Co. I love you, Babe. I’ll see you soon.
By Proud wife also
March 30, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this
All the soldiers everywhere, not just the Middle East, have earned respect and recognition from their fellow Americans! I hope every soldier in Charlie Company can be proud of earning their Combat Infantry Badge, I believe the last couple of weeks says it all. Even if you usually don’t keep and don’t care about challenge coins, KEEP THE COIN FOURNIER GAVE YOU! That is a very special coin, not anyone would have gotten coins for their guys in the unit. And when you’re much much older, you may have been out of the military many years or about to retire, you will want to reflect back and have something tangible. I constantly hear, I wish I had kept the stuff off my uniform, I wish I had cared about my stuff then like I do now…. the only thing constant is change, they won’t have the same stuff in 2040. We love you guys, can’t wait until you’re home.
By Dragon7(r)
March 30, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this
Hey Guys, I am so very proud of you, you are a credit to this country, and the armed forces. I really liked your two goals Tony, they sound very familiar. will be glad to see you at the armory. With Admiration. CSM(r)Patrick S McNaughton
By Pete Schneider
March 31, 2006 03:24 AM | Link to this
Hooah Boys, send me those Bradleys so I can get them loaded up. I’ll be a little late to the homecoming, but I’ll be there. I hope y’all told the reporter the truth, and she just changed the answer…That Latin phrase doesn’t say don’t mess with us… it says don’t insert something else with us. HAHAHAHAHAHA. We are going home. See you back in Georgia. SGT Pete Schneider
By Fellow Veteran
March 31, 2006 07:47 AM | Link to this
I want to let all the soldiers of Charlie Company that the people of this country are very proud of them and the work they have accomplished. As a fellow veteran, I served in the US Army from 1971-1979, I understand the sacrifice they and their families have endured during this time they have been in Iraq. Our prayers have, and will continue to be with you and your fellow soldiers. Welcome Home!!
By singlemom
March 31, 2006 08:09 AM | Link to this
WONDERFUL JOB PEOPLE!!!! Can’t wait to see you State-side. I personally do not know anyone in Charlie Company, but I plan to be there when they get home……… THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE. GOD BLESS.
By military wife
March 31, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this
I’m glad that C Co is finished with missions. I can’t wait until the day that all of our guys/girls are finished and are home safe in the states.
By Mama of Charlie Co. 3 Engineer U.S. Army Soldier
March 31, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this
Thank you, with tears in my eyes for “Staying Alive” and keeping our freedom alive and helping others with theirs.
May God Bless you all and may America remember your deeds and the deeds of your lost friends/soldiers! May we (America) never forget!
By Michelle from Gainesville, Ga
March 31, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this
I must say “ditto” to what Proud Wife wrote!! It has been along 18 months and now in a few wks we will finally have our loved ones home!! To C Co 121st JOB WELL DONE!!! We are all so proud of you and all you have done!! As we celebrate your return home we will not forget those still serving there nor will we forget those that lost their lives defending our country. Can’t wait to see all you guys back in Georgia celebrating with your family and friends!!! To my soldier CP hurry home we miss you and can’t wait to welcome you back!!! God Bless You All!!!!!
By SiSi
March 31, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
Congratulations Charlie Company! Thank you for serving our country and your efforts to make the world a safer place for our children. Thanks also to your families for the sacrifices they have made in having their husbands, brothers, fathers, sons, wives, mothers, daughters and sisters so far away and in so much constant danger. I too will raise a toast when your feet hit Georgia soil again. God Bless All of You!
By M. SPEARS
March 31, 2006 09:09 AM | Link to this
WAY TO GO GUYS YOU ARE DOING A HARD TOUGH JOB AND YOU HAVE DONE YOUR UNIT, CORP AND COUNTRY PROUD
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE
By Bill Mangum
March 31, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this
The 121st is an old and proud unit, and these men and women have added yet another proud chapter to that history, and added yet another streamer to the Colors. These troops have done their State and Country proud, and we salute you.
In another lifetime, I wore the insignia of the 121st for many years, so I have a particular reason to feel pride in what these modern day troops have done, without complaint. You stand as an inspiration to us all. Way to go, troops.
Bill Mangum
By LT
March 31, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this
Congradulations from down here in Tallil Charlie Company on your last mission. Special Congrads to my Blacksheep. You guys have done an outstanding job. See you back in Georgia.
By Trish
March 31, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this
VERY PROUD FRIEND AND SUPPORTER!! GREAT JOB, GUY & GIRLS!! WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU SOOOOOON!! Love, Trish of Angels ‘n Camouflage www.angelsncamouflage.org
By Susan Young
March 31, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this
I’D LIKE TO THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE FOR US AT HOME. MY FATHER WAS REGULAR ARMY FOR 29 YEARS, SERVED IN KOREA AND VIETMAN 3 TIMES. I CAN REMEMBER HOW DIFFICULT IT WAS FOR US AS CHILDREN WITH OUR DAD AT WAR. AS I GREW OLDER I BEGAN TO UNDERSTAND MORE AND MORE WHAT MY DAD WENT THROUGH. YOUR SACRIFICE IS BEYOND WORDS!! YOU’VE ALL BEEN IN MY PRAYERS EVERY DAY AND NIGHT SINCE THIS WAR BEGAN. MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALL SAFE AND BRING YOU HOME TO YOUR LOVED ONES. THE BEST DAYS IN MY LIFE WERE THE TIMES MY DAD CAME HOME FROM WAR. THANK YOU IS NOT ENOUGH TO SAY. MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALL AS YOU RETURN.
By jenni
March 31, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this
Great job, thanks for making us proud. I am so happy that you will be home soon! We cant wait till we get the whole brigade back :)
By WIFE OF ONE SOLDIER, SUPPORTER OF THOUSANDS
March 31, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this
One blond haired, green eyed kindergartner, one wide eyed, smiling baby boy, and one blond haired, blue eyed mommy wait for our father and husband to return to our family. Our baby girl needs her daddy to cheer her on at her softball games and tie her tap shoes at dance class, our baby boy needs his daddy to cuddle him a bed time and feed him his bottles. Mommy needs her dance partner and dinner date home to hug and have late night talks with.
The last 18 months have been filled with tears of saddness and pain, now I cry tears of happiness and relief! THANK YOU…THANK YOU…….THANK YOU……. I can’t say it enough and words can’t express how honored and proud I am to be a part of the 48th’s family!!! Mission Complete…now bring my BROWN BABY home!!!!!!!!
By sgt fortner
March 31, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this
I am a member of charlie company, and I am proud of what we have accomplished. But what I am most proud of is all of our families and friends, back home. It was all of your prayers that got us through all of this. If it weren’t for the cards and letters from home(that always seemed to show up just in time to keep us from going nuts) we could not have done this for as long as we did. Samantha, My love, I am coming home!!!! Kiss the babies for me!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Proud Wife to Sgt. Schneider
March 31, 2006 06:23 PM | Link to this
You heard him guys.. send those Bradleys on to him so he can come and be back with the Blacksheep where he belongs!!! HOOAH!!!
Welcome Home SSG Eaton and the rest of the Blacksheep.
By Cissy~Proud Wife
March 31, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this
THANK YOU! I am the proud wife of a soldier from Svc Btty. 1/118 FA out of Brunswick Ga. I am so very proud of every dang one of you Guys and Gals. I am also counting down the days till all of our loved ones are home. Stay Safe and Hurry Home.. We all love you guys!! THANK YOU AGAIN… Sincerely, Cissy Yockers wife of Spc. Patrick Yockers
By kathryn
March 31, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this
yahoo!!!!! you are comming home. it has been a long journey, but now finaly over for you and the other brave people you are with. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!!!! AND A SAFE RETURN TO THE ONES COMING WITH YOU. LOVE YA!!
By Joseph Allison
March 31, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this
From “18th. Airborne Law Department, Airborne”, I personally send well wishes and ‘Safe Trip Home’. I am definitely looking forward to somebody posting pictures of the tour, and linking them to a much utilized site, as Neal Boortz. “JWD”, ALL THE WAY.
By Allison
March 31, 2006 10:48 PM | Link to this
How wonderful it is to read an article about the war in Iraq that causes you to cry tears of happiness instead of sadness or grief. Everyone needs to be sure to acknowledge these brave men when you see them, even if you see them in the bathroom.By christina
April 1, 2006 11:24 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe its almost over its so exciting that i will see my husband sooner then i know it
By Angel Smith
April 2, 2006 10:37 PM | Link to this
As I read all these emails My eyes tear but my heart swells to think so many fine men and woman will soon put there feet on American soil again. To all of you who are coming home soon and thoses that wont come until later—GOD BLESS YOU— We love you and surport you with all our prayers and love. I am a mom whos son came home and I know how your heart sings for them and there men. Welcome home and GOD BLESS you all. From all of us Mothers in TN to all of you .
By Michelle Poe
April 4, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this
Come on home safe Guys and Gals Hope you are all home sooner than You can whistle a tune!! Thanks from the bottom of my heart to you all.