The 48th goes to war

By Sgt. James Kirchner

May 4, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

My homecoming was spent at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The most wonderful memory I will ever have was of my new wife, dressed in surgical garb (I was in ICU and EVERYONE had to wear surgical gear from top to bottom) walking through the door. She had a smile big enough I could see it through the surgeons mask. At that moment I knew I was going to be okay… The hardest part has been trying to follow my guys through the internet and news. I know lots of little things don’t get reported, but, me not being there to share in the comraderie and in the difficulties hurts sometimes, I wish I could have been there with them. The injuries may never heal, but, they give me time to pause and reflect on that moment when my wife walked through the door. Our relationship will never be the same again, and I am thankful for it.

Sgt. James Kirchner HHC 1/108th Armor

By SPC Lance Smith

May 4, 2006 04:03 PM | Link to this

My homecoming was good. It was wonderful to be on Georgia soil. Everyone has been so wonderful to me and my family. When I first saw my wife she gave me the biggest hug and kiss.

By Laurie Carroll

May 4, 2006 07:53 PM | Link to this

Our homecoming also took place in a hospital. It was at Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Ft. Gordon in the emergency room. My husband and I got there a few minutes after our son arrived by ambulance from the airport. He was seriously injured in Mahmudiyah due to an IED. Like Sgt.Kirchner’s wife, we too had to wear masks and gowns because of our son’s large open wounds. While this homecoming may sound dismal, it was a blessing in that we had a homecoming at all. I’m not bitter; I’m not complaining. It was precious to myself and my husband. While this is not the way that our son wanted to come home, we will take what we can get.

By Marie

May 5, 2006 11:01 PM | Link to this

Little bit of reality here…everyone is having such a great time…just thought maybe the “real world” might show its ugly side. I waited a year for my man to come home…joined all the “right groups” did all the right things and umm…well he is messed up. He has ptsd in a big way. Drinks alot, Lies constantly and has started into drugs in a big way. He is violent and has abused me ….I keep the kids away because I know he can cause them nothing but pain. He is out tonight again…somewhere..talks about killing women and children and beating men in front of their families….while they were at Michael…one of his buddies he says is way messed up but won’t talk about it cause that is “just the way it was”….anyone else in “happyville” living the “real war” like me…cause all the warm fuzzies are just not hitting home here…..I can not take it anymore…be REAL people….ok maybe YOUR man was not infantry…I guess….but BE REAL !!!

By Judy

May 6, 2006 06:58 AM | Link to this

The couple pictured on the front page of the AJC sharing a good bye kiss on January 7, 2005 will be reunited (we hope) May 9 and become husband and wife in June. A new chapter for them and a new chapter for us all. We are thankful for each special homecoming and so proud of everything our soldiers have done to try to give folks they will never see again a peek at the possbilites of changed lives that could be theirs. Welcome Home - job well done!!!

By Daniel Bunn

May 6, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

Continue to pray for our troops! All of them everywhere! Sgt. Jason Leasher, my nephew, is home now. He’s as safe as God and Country can make him, and truly it’s been a miricle. But I promised the Lord that I would not stop praying just because “mine got back”. Every day I shall pray for our citizens over there: “None get killed! None get wounded!”

By Ugly side

May 7, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this

Marie— there has to be a bad apple in every bunch doens’t there. I feel sorry for your situation, and I pray that mine will be better..but nevertheless..I am THRILLED at the impending arrival of my husband. WE will cross bridges when they come. My husband has been through MANY situations over there ,infantry or not..he has been shot at..his humvees hit by IEDS 3 times..AND has the loss of 3 of his friends to think about as he travels home. As a couple and a family, WE will triumph over this..hopefully so will you.Your best bet is to just LISTEN and pray. You need to think about what HE has been through over there…things we here on the homefront will NEVER grasp. If you love your husband..be there for him.

By "Momma Kat' Orr in Loganville

May 7, 2006 10:18 PM | Link to this

Today, our family had the extreme honor of attending the welcome home ceremony of Echo Troop, 108th Cavalry, in Griffin, Georgia. This was the unit Sgt. Mike Stokely belonged to.

The day began with us all oversleeping and missing church (oops!). It was POURING down rain (which would explain the “oversleeping” on my part - rain knocks me out like nothing else!). Time seemed to drag on ever so slowly…. the welcome home ceremony was supposed to start at 3:00 p.m., but Mike Stokely’s father had emailed us to tell us it would be a good idea to get there no later than 2:00 or so, in order to make sure we got a good seat, and to allow for the fact that the 3:00 start time was an approximation, anyway - it’s a long drive from Fort Stewart, GA, but who knows if they’d end up there a few minutes early or what. So, given the fact that it was pouring down rain, we decided to leave at noon. Mr. Stokely told us the drive was between an hour to an hour and a half, max ~ we wanted to make real sure we got there in time and allow for “getting lost” time, just in case. Thankfully, we did not get lost. In fact, the rain lightened up considerably, even stopping at times, and it took us just slightly over an hour to make the eighty-mile trek to Griffin. As we drove into Griffin, a group of Patriot Guard Riders roared past, waving at everyone. We enthusiastically waved back… dang it… I didn’t have time to grab my camera, though. Later on, after we were at our destination, they zipped past us again… but of course… I didn’t have my camera out then, either, dang it.

Anyway, we arrived at the location of the ceremony - a high school auditorium - at approximately 1:45 or so. Hubby Jeff elected to wait inside the auditorium and hopefully save our seats, while the kids and I decided to wait on the sidewalk and cheer our heroes as they marched up the street.

The crowd grew by the minute…the excitement and anticipation was palpable. ROTC guys bearing flags lined either side of the street. Suddenly, my cell phone rang. Hubby informed me that they had just announced inside that (a) they weren’t going to let anyone save seats [no surprise there, but had to try, haha] and (b) once the soldiers reached the auditorium, they weren’t going to let anyone else in because of the size of the crowd and the limited size of the auditorium. So, my choice was… either cheer them on the streets for 5 minutes, OR go inside, miss the cheering, but see the whole welcome home ceremony!!! Argh! I’d planned on cheering the soldiers as they came into view, then zipping inside real fast to watch the ceremony, even if it meant standing in the back. But… I decided, I’d rather not risk missing out on the ceremony… so me & the kids reluctantly went inside.

Finally, shortly after 3:00, it was time!!!! A man up front in traditional Scottish dress began playing the bagpipes, and our heroes began marching in on either side of the auditorium!!! The crowd EXPLODED with joy!!!!!!! Everyone stood up and cheered, clapped, and hollered. The MINUTE I saw the first soldier walk in (much to the complete chagrin of my family) I completely, totally, utterly LOST IT. I didn’t just get misty-eyed… Let me tell you, I stood there SOBBING. I LOST IT bigtime. It was mostly tears of absolute, ecstatic joy that they were home, together with an incredible amount of pride — but it was also a very keenly-felt, sharp sorrow for those that did not make it home - those who sacrificed their all in service to our country.

Finally, they’d all come in and marched to the front of the auditorium. The ceremony itself was to me a complete blur. I remember vividly the eleven-year-old kid who sang the National Anthem with the voice of an angel. The moment of silence for the fallen, together with the playing of Taps, brought a whole new round of tears as I clutched the special memorial dogtag that Mike Stokely’s father had given me as though my life depended on it ~ knowing, somewhere in the back of my mind, that each and every soldier in the 108th CAV had been given an identical tag by Mr. Stokely.

The ceremony lasted about an hour. During that time, I just kept looking up front at all the soldiers, thinking, “These are the guys that we sent a couple hundred Christmas cards to at Christmas… these are the guys that we sent a couple hundred Valentine’s cards to at Valentine’s day… these are the guys I have worried over and prayed over EVERY DAY for MONTHS… I can’t believe I’m really here!” Somehow, SEEING my ‘babies’ with my own eyes was just amazing for me. I’m always trying to drive home the point that the soldiers we hear about on the news are not just nameless, faceless masses - they are real people with real lives with real families who make great and very real sacrifices on our behalf. I never knew anyone in this unit, I had not “adopted” any specific soldier with them… but considred them ALL “mine” anyway, haha…. seeing them in person was just absolutely overwhelming! I remember a couple who looked, well, like BABIES, so very, very young… one on crutches, one using a cane…

After the ceremony was over, we had to wait to exit the row we were seated in… sort of like when you go to the movies, only way more congested, haha. I was selfishly very frustrated with having to stand there in teh middle of the aisle… dang it, I wanted to run around and tell folks welcome home and shake hands and give hugs and take a bunch of pictures, haha! But… it worked out perfectly. As we were trapped in the aisle, waiting to exit, I saw a soldier walk through the aisle behind us to his waiting family. I watched their reunion (i know, I”m so nosy…but there are few things more beautiful than the reunion of a soldier with his or her family). After a short while, we had inched our way along toward the end of our row.. he happened to turn towards the front of the building, and I saw his nametag on his uniform… and it was none other than the Sgt. who Robert Stokely had given me as a “point of contact” for mailing all those Christmas & Valentine’s cards to!!! I had gone to the homecoming not “expecting’ to meet anyone, but you KNOW I prayed a LOT that I would somehow, please God, at least get to meet this one particular Sgt!!!! Even if only for a moment! So when I saw his name tag, I blurted out, “Oh my Gosh! You’re Sgt. Anzano!!!!!” He kinda looked at me like I was nuts, haha - then I babbled on, “We sent you Christmas cards! I’m Kat from Loganville!” (Thankfully, he remembered, haha, or I woulda REALLY felt dumb!). Needless to say, I told him welcome home and gave him a great big ole hug!!!! I think a certain “Guardian Angel” (who, I’m certain, is resposible for many interesting coincidences throughout this journey) set this up for us! (Thanks, Mike!)

After - and ONLY after - this exchange had taken place did our row begin to move. I walked out in the lobby of the auditorium and, very uncharictaristically for shy, quiet, wallflower me, began shaking hands and giving out hugs and saying welcome home right & left, haha! I saw Mr. Stokely being interviewed by a news reporter… I gotta remember to watch the news tonight, haha… after the interview was over, me & family went over and gave him a hug, too - I introduced hubby and our kids to him. I couldn’t help but think (and this thought had run through my mind often thru the whole event) that for the families of the fallen who were present…this had to be an incredibly difficult day. Could I attend a welcome home ceremony if my son was not returning??? I think I would… but my gosh… I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult it must have been for those families!!!!! Definitely a bittersweet moment, to be sure.

I am so, so glad we went to this homecoming ceremony. I would not have missed it for the world. I know it also made a strong impression on my kids… It was good for them to see this. It was good for us all to be there to honor our heroes.

In an email Mr. Stokely sent me a few minutes ago, he sums it all up the best:

“What a day. What a time to celebrate. MISSION COMPLETE - TROOP E 108TH IS HOME.”

Amen. Welcome home guys. Thanks for everything — we are so, so proud of you.

Welcome home.

By Sheri

May 8, 2006 05:59 AM | Link to this

My infantry soldier made it back to our hometown on April 27th. We didn’t plan anything big because he didn’t want it. He just wanted to come home quietly and slip back into his normal life. Four days after he came home, he was back at his normal job fulltime. So far, so good. I was so worried that he would return home a different man but thank God, he didn’t. We are very fortunate. I know alot of soldiers came back with issues and injuries that will affect them and their families for the rest of their lives. I pray for those families daily. The highlight of my days are sitting on the deck with him in the evenings, drinking coffee and talking, which we do almost every evening. I have alot more respect for my husband for what he went through as well as all of the soldiers who have served or are serving overseas and I thank God for him daily. He is my rock. It is so wonderful to have him home again.

By james kirchner

May 8, 2006 07:37 AM | Link to this

Marie, I don’t know if your comments are litteral or to be taken tongue in cheek. my comments are litteral, i.e. “for real”. PTSD is real too, about 1/2 will get it to some degree (according to “On Killing”, go read the book) and help is available for all military for 2 years after their deployment. My comments are “for real” and my next surgery is May 19th. where my right arm will be rebuilt for the 6th time. War is ugly, maybe should have thought of that in the rush to send toops back in 2000 and 2001. If you have been abused CONTACT FAMILY ADVOCACY not only will you be safe, but your soldier will get the help he needs.

Sgt. Kirchner, James L. wounded at michael

By Laura Wallace

May 8, 2006 08:32 AM | Link to this

Just a reminder that soldiers from the Athens area that have served in Iraq will be honored with welcome home celebration on Monday, May 29 from 10:00am-1:00pm at the VFW club on Sunset Drive in Athens. We would like as many soldiers from a 60 mile radius of Athens to attend along with their families. This celebration is also open to the public. It is a chance for the public to thank the soldiers for their unconditional service to their country, as well as the soldiers to thank the public for the support they have received during thier deployments. Please pass this message on to the soldiers and the public. Hope to see you all there….Laura Wallace

By Christy

May 8, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this

Marie make sure you are utilizing all of the resources the military offers to spouses in your situation. There is free counseling for you and your husband. I’m sorry that you are having such a rough time adjusting. I am one of the fortunate wives who have had a fairly easy adjustment so far. My husband has been home for two weeks. He is still not sleeping well and he does get “quiet” moments, but we are able to talk about anything. Communication is definitely the key. I pray for all of our soliders and their families every night. Until they are all home, I will continue to keep them all in my thoughts.

By Rebecca

May 8, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this

Well congratulations to all of the famileis that have already been united. Im still waiting for my husband to come home, hes been delayed 3 times now, I cant wait for him to come home. May 3 was our one year anniversary…we’ve spent more time aprat than we have together. I wish the best to all the soldiers and their familes. my advive to the familes is to do everything you can to support the returning soldiers, as much as they may deny it, they still need it. My sympathy goes out to the familiy members who dont get to expeirence this joyous event. God Bless America and God Bless all of those who sacraficed not only everything they have, but everything they are for our freedom. I can never me more greatful. Thankyou…….Rebecca Pollock

By Geneva

May 8, 2006 06:31 PM | Link to this

I would like to know why the stories have stopped when there are still units that are part of the 48th that are still deployed in IRAQ? The news should not stop until all of the 48th has come home. Family and Friends would like to know how those units are doing, specifically the 248th MICO. A concerned family member Geneva

By Jeannie

May 8, 2006 06:32 PM | Link to this

We were at Ft.Stewart last weekend,to see friends come in from Iraq and we are at Stewart this (now past weekend and into this week)waiting on more friends to come in. Thank Heaven’s private school is out for a few days- cause we really wanted to see our friends. The Douglasville Scouts are due back tomorrow and we can’t wait—YYEAAHHHH !!! All my friends will get to see/ meet my husband and my daughter gets to see her guys/ hero’s again. We will also be thinking of our three friends that did not make it back and their families. Last weekend, needless to say, some of the guys wanted to go to the Beach and So we all went. You would think that after being in the Desert, that they would so not want to see Sand for a while.. Then on Sunday they wanted to go fishing and so that made my daughter Very Happy, cause she loves to Crab and Fish. We had a Big Low Country Boil—and if you are from the beach, like I am, then you know what I am talking about..lol. Since I have family that lives on the coast, (right outside Stewart), our friends didn’t have to really stay on post and feel trap. Oh my Gosh-we just had the best time and well everyone was just happy to be back in Georgia. It’s funny to see Grown Men, Kissing the Grass and chasing seagulls. My daughter said they were back to their old self already.. SO far this weekend/ week, we have had another cook out and an egg hunt,which my daughter had to hide the eggs for all her guys, as well as alot of shopping.. It seems, alot of them threw their clothes away..lol.. Now we are just sitting here waiting for the next plane to come in-Which will be tomorrow night- with the rest of our Friends on it.. They will then be at Stewart untill next week-when they Finaly return to Douglasville and A GREAT BIG PARTY that IS PLAN FOR THEM…

Marie, I am sorry to hear about how your husband is and how he is treating you and the family. My husband came back from Iraq, in June of last year and really he has had no problems yet. I mean, he still wakes at night and screams or either he can’t sleep, and says things in his sleep, that I don’t know anything about, but he is doing so much better now then when he first got back. His Father was in Iraq with him, in the same unit and well his father has had a little more of a hard time and was hurt about a month before they were to come home. In all, we are a family and we are working on everything as it comes. Please lean on friends and other family memebers for help and do let someone know that there is abuse. I went through abuse from an ex and well I didn’t say something sooner then I should have, but I look at my life now and the family I have now and I pray everynight for the many blessing I have now.. Best of luck to you and your family and I will say a few extra prays for you. To all of our family & friends—WELCOME HOME AND THANK YOU !!!!!!!!! We have missed you all…..
PS.Momma Kat, I have not forgot about you—I will send you information on the welcome home parade in Douglasville soon..

By Marie

May 9, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

Sgt. Kirchner and other well meaning responders, I assure you I find nothing funny or joke worthy about the situation. For those that think I should “stand by” my abusive husband maybe you would like to meet him? He is single now. You can “stand by” him and hope that he never follows through on his threats. I did stand by him in every way possible for as long as I safely could. Although I would do anything I could for my soldier I am afraid that jeopardizing the safety of myself and my children is not among those things that I can do. Welcome Home to all the Troops and God Bless You. I wish you all a joyful peaceful life together. As for myself and my man I can do nothing but leave it in God’s Hands. The only one that can help him is himself. I assure you I did everything I could. Trust me on this.

By SGT Doug Farmer

May 9, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this

Glad to see you are ok SGT Kirchner. Glad to have all of the 108th Armor home. I still wish I had been able to go with all of you. SPC Lance, glad that you made it back too. I will be in Calhoun on the 17th to see you all.

By soldiers wife

May 9, 2006 07:58 PM | Link to this

Geneva - My soldier is in the 248th MICO and they all came home on Thursday, May 4.

By Jenn in Dville

May 9, 2006 08:52 PM | Link to this

Marie, you did what you needed to do, for yourself and for your children/family. If people look bad at you for that, then those are the people you need not to be around. For anyone can judge outside the book-escp. when they don’t know or see the whole story that is inside.. I too was abuse by my now ex boyfriend right before they were deployed last year and when I tried to talk with someone in his unit-they kind of just hide it and let him be deploy. I mean, they talked with him but nothing more was done.. We tried to work things out, but the lies and all were just too hard to deal with before he finally left for Iraq, that I knew when he got back, it would just be worse. I tried to be by his side throughout the deploy, as a friend, but well things just got worst and I had to just not be there for him anymore. 16 months is a long time and many things change in that time.. I am now married to a great man,that helped me out with alot of things that I had went through and we are now going to have a larger family, later this year. Keep your chin up and God does answer prays, it may just take a little time.. Take care…

By Marie

May 10, 2006 12:20 AM | Link to this

Hey, I feel the need to comment again because I know that those that have commented to me have their hearts in the right places. God Bless You and Thank You for caring….”My Soldier” was given counseling and I tried very hard to be understanding and would have helped him through anything that I could. I love him. Still do. Always will. That is not past tense. I love him. That does not mean I can change who he chooses to be. I know so many men and women that have grown from the experience and I commend and salute you. All of my love and blessings to you, Still I will not air ALL of my dirty laundry on this site…just let me say that if I could save my relationship I would. I can not. God Bless You All. I am so happy and proud of you. I would not have given up my experience for the world. You are a special and selfless group. It is better to have known what I have and lost it then never to have known it at all. May God keep you and watch over you all. You have earned it. I will count my blessings and be thankful for what I have and I will be thankful for what you have as well….Sgt Kirchner….you and your family will be forever in my prayers….somehow it has made it easier for me in some way…..thank you for caring.

By 248th MICO

May 10, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this

ummmm Geneva……..the MICO came home last week. They will be released from out processing at Ft. Stewart tomorrow. If you have a family member in the MICO you need to talk to them about not knowing they were home! And the units that are still in Iraq are on their way home with in the next week. Their missions have stopped and are most likely in transit from their FOB to Kuwait now.

By Happy He's Home

May 10, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

Finally, finally my soldier is home. Could never be happier. And I was happier than ever to see the bonds he had made with his commrades overseas. When he stepped foot on American soil, the first thing he wanted to do was to go grab a bite to eat with his fellow soldiers. Should I be jealous that he didn’t want to dine alone with me? After not seeing me for a year? Probably not. He and his friends experienced more than I could ever imagine together overseas and I am not going to be the person who stands in the way of their soldiers bond … and now support group. I have the rest of my life to see him.

By Sgt. Kirchner

May 10, 2006 10:10 PM | Link to this

Marie, it is only because some of us do care about soldiers and especially their families. I wish you and your family the best and would never want your or your childrens safety jeapordized. But I do want your soldier to get the help he needs. I just got back from my units home comming and can not describe the feeling of relief I had. knowing that they were finally home. most importantly I was able to thank the medics that saved my life personally.

thunder jinx delta out

By soldier's wife

May 11, 2006 07:40 AM | Link to this

Happy He’s home: I laughed when I read your reply. Same thing here!! We had dinner with his buddies every night I was there. Me and the other wives laughed about it. No doubt they will have a hard time being away from each other. They have been together for over 18 months. I am happy they had each other as us wives did also. We have both made life long freindships from this and for that I’m glad. But I did feel a little slighted the first night when we all went to dinner and they sat around and told stories both serious and funny, remembering what they went through. But it was then that I knew my soldier was going to be okay. They were like little old ladies though! :)

By Ruth

May 11, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

My son’s homecoming was wonderful. So far he seems to be fine. This is for Marie:, are you the same Marie who replied to so many of my comments last summer? If so, Marie, do you get it now? Marie caused me, Ruth, to stop posting but I kept reading. I’m truly sorry that your husband is having such a hard time.

By proud wife

May 11, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

Mine is not at home yet but demob. started today. It was nice to be with my hubby again. Leaving him this morning was hard but I will have him back next week. We had dinner with our children and just had some family time. It was nice to see our children with daddy again. Seeing thier eyes light up and smiles on thier faces. Life will be good in less than a week. YEAH!!!!!!

By Marie

May 11, 2006 06:54 PM | Link to this

Ruth. I am afraid I have no idea whatsoever who you are. Thanks for the concern and you should never let someone else badger you into not having a voice. That is what America is about. We all get an opinion ignorant right wrong or whatever. Congratulations on your happy homecoming and God Bless You. I am sure you have been a blessing to many people.

By Marie

May 11, 2006 06:57 PM | Link to this

PS. At the risk of boring everyone silly with my commenting….I truly apologize for the infantry comment…it was ignorant rash and uncalled for. I am sorry. Everyone over there risked their lives and they are all heroes… I am sorry.

By agrwife

May 12, 2006 10:28 PM | Link to this

With so many units that arrived at Fort Stewart with in the last week or so. It would be nice for the AJC to list the units and their “Homecoming” festivies. Charlie Company, 121 from Gainesville got adequate coverage because they were the “first” to come home. What about sharing the excitement and the hardwork these communities have put into the “Welcome Home” salutes they have planned?

By Melissa Haygood

May 13, 2006 09:45 PM | Link to this

My husband came to Ft. Stewart on May 9th. It is such a big weight off of my shoulders to know that my husband is no longer in harms way. I am so thankful that God brought them home safely. When I saw the buses at Ft. Stewart I couldn’t help but cry. I think I almost knocked the breath out of my husband when I jumped into his arms. Thank you all for what have done. WELCOME HOME HHC 1-108TH.

By Elizabeth

May 16, 2006 01:39 AM | Link to this

My husband returned home safley thank the good Lord as we have lost so many during this deployment. I know the best call i got was when he called i had just got to ft stewart he was in savannah and I had this huge sigh of relief he was on Georgia Ground. I was so excited and ready to run onto the field then as i did and everyone else did i couldnt find my husband 10 min. later i saw him and ran almost knocking him down not wanting to let go . I cant explain the feelings. When he was home on R&R i was happy but fearfull knowing he had to go back. This homecoming was such a relief to know he was safe he was home in my arms finally. God bless all the troops still there and God bless the families of the fallen. May they rest in peace