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DEL.ICIO.USPreparing to go home hard work
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Curtis Compton
Sgt. Steven Wilson, 53, Athens, Ga., HHC 48th Brigade, waits to have his tote box go through a customs inspection before loading it into a connex container for shipment home.
Tallil Air Base, Iraq — A red bull and a rolling W.
More and more of the U.S. Army patches emblazoned with those crests have been showing up at the offices, living areas and chow hall at Camp Adder on this base in southern Iraq.
And they are a welcome sight because those insignias belong to incoming troops who will replace the Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Brigade Combat Team.
After a yearlong deployment in the Middle East, the 48th Brigade begins returning home in a couple of weeks with virtually all the soldiers due home by mid-May.
Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver, the 48th commander, said his staff has been working around the clock to get the 4,400 soldiers safely back to Fort Stewart and reunited with their families.
“Folks don’t realize what it takes to move this many people,” Rodeheaver said.
Besides getting that many soldiers on flights home, brigade officials have to move a massive amount of equipment onto ships at Kuwaiti ports and then train their incoming counterparts on the jobs they are about to inherit.
The official transfer of authority from the 48th to the Minnesota Army National Guard’s 1/34 Brigade Combat Team is set for May 6.
The 1/34th, whose soldiers wear the red bull insignia on their left uniform sleeves, will take over base security and convoy escort duties that Georgia units have been providing since the 48th shifted from a full combat role to support duties in November.
“For me, the center of gravity is shifting back to Georgia,” said Rodeheaver, an economic and community development planner for Georgia Power Co.
Lt. Col. George Fisher, the brigade logistics officer, said the 48th will fill about 400 full-size shipping containers with communications, office and other types of equipment, including what are known as “tuff boxes,” which are filled with soldiers’ personal belongings. More than 300 vehicles will be cleaned, sanitized and loaded onto ships.
Many 48th vehicles, including new armored Humvees and Armored Security Vehicles, will remain in Iraq for other units.
Fisher said planning for the redeployment began last November. The process, both physically and bureaucratically, is challenging.
“Every time the phone rings, it’s something different,” said Fisher, who started out as an infantryman. “It’s a thankless job. What we have to do is make it seamless.”
The job is made that much more difficult because the 48th is dispersed throughout Iraq — from Balad north of Baghdad, to al-Asad near the Jordanian border, to Baghdad and to Tallil, near the southern city of Nasiriyah.
“It would be a lot easier if everyone was in one place,” Fisher said. “But communication is a lot easier now than compared to the first Gulf War. Can you imagine what it was like without e-mail?”
The brigade has about 150 soldiers in Kuwait and at Fort Stewart to assist in the move.
Several units have already ceased operations. Others are in the process of training their replacements.
“If I pull out too quick and the unit that’s coming to take my place is not ready to take that territory so they can control it, the enemy will move in, set up mortars and start shelling the bases,” Rodeheaver said.
“I have to do a relief-in-place so that my guys are replaced by their guys and there is no break in the contact.”
On a recent afternoon, Sgt. Daniel Muns, a soccer coach from Columbus, and two other soldiers from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, were training soldiers from the Lincoln, Neb., Army Reserve unit on the new Armored Security Vehicles.
These soldiers from the 308th Transportation Company, who wear the rolling W patch, will be taking over Bravo Company’s convoy routes from Tallil to Taqqadam, Anaconda and the Baghdad airport.
Their sage-green uniforms are still in mint condition, their goggles dust-free and their energy levels high.
It was how the Georgia soldiers were last May when they arrived in Iraq.
Bravo Company soldiers were happy to teach the new guys about convoy security duties.
“We’re infantry. They’re transport. The irony of it is that this is a military police mission,” Muns said. “It doesn’t fall under either purview.”
The Armored Security Vehicles are new to most soldiers. Bravo Company has only been using them for a month.
“These 48th guys, they’ve got this stuff pretty squared away,” said Spc. Daniel Shields of the 308th.
On the other end of Camp Adder, Headquarters and Headquarters Company soldiers had opened their tuff boxes for inspection. There were stacks of books, CDs, cold-weather gear, gloves, letters and video games for the inspectors to look through.
Rodeheaver peered into a trunk full of food items. One soldier even planned to send an extra supply of Spam and Vienna sausages home.
“It does amaze me how much stuff people have over here,” Rodeheaver said.
“I could not believe some people actually brought three or four sets of civilian clothes,” he said, eyeing a pair of jeans in a tuff box. “When were they going to wear them?”
Rodeheaver was among those who had to remove items — cigars and packets of Crystal Light tea — since customs won’t allow alcohol, aerosol cans, food items that may carry bacteria, classified information, weapons or ammunition.
With all the packing up that’s going on, every soldier’s conversation these days is about leaving the war zone.
“I’m hearing there’s pollen on Lake Lanier,” Rodeheaver said. “It’s time to go home.”
Comments
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By Debby&Chelsey
April 10, 2006 07:58 AM | Link to this
My Daughter and I are HAPPY the 48th is heading home. Glad to see that all of you are safe and soon will be with your love ones. JOB WELL DONE GUYS YOU MAKE US PROUD!!!
By Momma Kat Orr
April 10, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this
YIPEEE!!!! NOT MUCH LONGER NOW Y’ALL!!! I’M SO EXCITED! Keeping y’all in prayer…
By rene
April 10, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this
Thats just AWSOME…..Honey i will be seeing you next week and i just cant wait to just be able to see your face and know that your here and your ok…..We love you and miss you so VERY,VERY much…..wife of SPC.WALTON…see you next week….luv u….
By Jeannie
April 10, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver, Thank You for all that You have Done for Us at Home and for our Men and Women. This deployment has changed many of us and well, we will always have this year and a half to look back on. Some have grown closer and some have gone away, but all in all, strangers have been there for all the men and women as well as family members and loved ones. Thank you for the letters, e-mails and other items you have sent to us.. Yes the Pollen is here in Georgia and the days have been getting prettier. Six Flags opened their new ride, Disney changed a few of their rides and of course the Beach has been beautiful, other then the sharks coming in too close. Everyone should Just Have Fun when They Return. Many cities are going to have parades/ cookouts, when you all come home after leaving Ft.Stewart. NOT MUCH LONGER NOW.. GOD BLESS…..AND AGAIN, THANK YOU ALL…
By JonBoy
April 10, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this
All I have to say to all the soldiers of the 48th brigade is THANK YOU!!
By WOW
April 10, 2006 12:52 PM | Link to this
I am so excited that the 48th is coming home, BUT I also have the families in my prayers for the ones whose loved one didn’t come home alive. I have no idea how you are feeling right now with all the excited but please know you are in my prayers and in my heart. May god bless you and your families.
Hurry Up 48th…my son is coming in about May 15..still not sure of the date…makes it hard to make reservations.
By Elaine
April 10, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this
I am so happy and excited that ya’ll are on the way home. I was part of a group that sent things to the HHS 1/108th-guys I wish I could have done more-but you have all been in our prayers and thoughts and you have all done an awesome job. Just get through and home to your loved ones. Thanks for all you have done-you all as well as your families are heroes!
Elaine
By Glenda
April 11, 2006 12:29 AM | Link to this
We are so excited to know that after a long year and a half of being away you are coming back!! Thank you HSB 118 FA for you hard work and courage you have made us proud! And to my handsome husband Spc. Ramos Guillermo: Honey I love you and can’t wait to see you it has been to long without seeing you. Remember what you have always wanted since we have been married? Well it is waiting for you…. All I can say is it starts with an A!!! I’ll see you soon sexy…I love you! Cuki
By Ann
April 11, 2006 02:03 AM | Link to this
Please refrain from posting dates of travel. Information is sensitive. See you guys at Ft Stewart!
By Jeresia Steade
April 11, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this
SSG Christopher Steade - you are truly a hero to your family. We could not be more proud of the work that you and the men and women that you serve with have done. The sacrafices have been great - at times enormous - but you all did us proud and held your heads high and showed the world what American’s are all about. SSG Steade - we love you and cannot wait for you to come home. Your 4 boys need their daddy so be safe! Love you!
By Vicki
April 12, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this
I was watching t.v. yesterday and the “National Anthem” was played as well as “God Bless America.” I have never sang those songs as loudly or proudly as last night. Thank you for your selfless acts and commitment to keeping us safe. You are all loved and appreciated. We are cheering you on and welcome you home…Thank you to our heroes for being there and their families who supported them.
By Alvin Arrowood
April 12, 2006 10:51 AM | Link to this
My son will be here early May. Thank God! I grieve for the losses and pray for the families, while at the same time I celebrate with and for all the soldiers that made it. Good Job! You did what you were called to do and you served America well. God Bless and WELCOME HOME!
By SSG MARTIN'S MOM
April 12, 2006 03:46 PM | Link to this
Son, we are waiting for a definate date and we will be on our way to meet you at Ft Stewart. This has been the most difficult journey we have ever faced, bar none. But oh so worth it. You were the good guys, fighting the bad guys…for a JUST CAUSE. I’m so proud of you. This journey has changed all of us. I hear a new maturity and wisdom in your words. Things are also different in me now. I look at you and see an adult equal. And I respect you for standing up for what is right, even when no one stood with you. Many times when we stand for justice, we stand alone. I’m proud of you for remembering that the HARDEST thing to do is usually the right thing to do. You did the hardest thing, which was to stand and speak out when no one else would. GREAT JOB! WELL DONE! COME ON HOME TO THOSE WHO LOVE YOU! With all our love, MOM, EDDIE, & ALL XOXOXOXOXO
By Marie
April 13, 2006 06:57 AM | Link to this
I have followed the 48th since their deployment …my dear friends husband is a member and now that you guys are coming home it is ironic to me that a Minnesota unit is replacing some of you as I am a Minnesotan. God Bless you who are coming home and thank you and please train our Minnesota sons and daughters well and leave them your prayers and blessings as I have prayed for you. Congratulations and God Speed.
By Linda
April 13, 2006 08:19 PM | Link to this
It is so awesome to finally be reading that the 48th is preparing to come home. It has been a long journey for us all..and to the members of 108th armor N.O.S.C. in Douglasville…My Sisters…I am fortunate to have gotten to know you as well as I have. We are no longer just people we see at the FRG meetings..we are friends..and I am glad to know you. Keep your spirits up..We are almost there!!
By Ice Angel
April 13, 2006 08:45 PM | Link to this
To My Special Soldier,
It has been a long wait and I am glad you are finally coming home. I can’t wait to see you, I am counting down the days. I love you and I miss you…you and everyone over there are in my thoughts and prayers. See you soon hon, Love your Ice Angel…Be Safe
By Teresa
April 14, 2006 12:33 AM | Link to this
THANK ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SERVICE. I KNOW THAT I CAN DO WHAT I DO BECAUSE OF BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN DO WHAT YOU DO. YOU AND YOURS ARE IN MY PRAYERS!!!
HOOAH!!
By Linda (second time trying to post this)
April 14, 2006 07:21 AM | Link to this
I was so excited to see that the 48th is getting ready to come home. It has been a long journey for us all. To the members of the 108th Armor NOSC in Douglasville..My sisters…We are no longer just poeple we see at the FRG meetings..we are friends, and I am glad to have had the oppertunity to get to know you better.
By jessica
April 14, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this
Can’t wait for their return!!! My husband will finally be on American soil! God Bless those who have fallen and God be with those that serve!
By Magnolia
April 16, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this
Every article I read, every picture I see makes it more and more real that my husband will be home soon…I can not WAIT to be in the same time zone with you, darling….I love you so much! Take care and hurry home!!!!
By Shronda Edwards
April 17, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this
AAAHHHHHH! I’m so excited my brother SGT. Nicholas Jelks will be returning safely with his friends and “family” (they’ve got to be one big happy family by now). I was estatic to see his picture and hear the good news in the Sat. paper. A coworker called and my life hasn’t been the same. I can’t stop smiling and talking about it!!!
By Deadra
April 18, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this
Derek, I am so happy you are on your way home to me and our little girls! Thank you for all you have done over there and WELCOME HOME!!!! I love you so very very much- and miss you more then life itself! It has been a long road, but we are finally at the end of it! We love you!! Your wife Deadra and daughters Journie and Isabella!!!
By Kelsey
April 19, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this
Oh my goodness they are almost home, and im so happy, I finally get to see my love, and god bless to all who have served and to all to have fallen, my prays are with all families.
By Marianne Muehlenbrock
April 20, 2006 10:14 PM | Link to this
I am waiting for your arrival again just as I waited for you to be born. Now your baby is to be born while you have been away in Iraq. Hurry home my son and bring all of your friends back home safely. You will be home just in time to greet your baby daughter that is to be born in June. I love you Clayton. I feel great sorrow for the men not coming home and say thank you for their courage and hope for their families. Mom