AJC > Iraq coverage > Blog > Archives > 2005 > August > 23 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USWe will meet again in Fiddler’s Green
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Forward Operating Base Michael, Iraq - A memorial service was held last Friday afternoon for our four fallen soldiers. A few days ago, some of the soldiers went around the FOB gathering up all the chairs they could for the ceremony.
Needless to say, when the memorial service started, all the seats were full and people were standing in every available space and were spilling out of the building. Earlier in the week, the small stage was supposed to have held four comics who would have filled the room with laughter. Instead, the stage now held the helmets, rifles, boots, and dog tags of our four fallen heroes.
Many people spoke, offering a memory of those departed. They spoke of their smiles and jokes, their hard work and soldiering skills, their determination and willingness to fight, and most of all their friendship. One spoke of how we shall never forget these brave men; this was how we were to honor them; that we should not think of how bad it was that these men died, but rather how great it was that men like this lived.
The ceremony carried with it many of the military’s dearest traditions. The most poignant of these was the roll call. The first sergeant of the company of the fallen soldier stands at attention and begins to call the roll. As each name is called, the soldier stands to attention and says, “Here.� When the name of the fallen soldier is reached, his name is called three times with a pause between each call. Upon the third calling of his name, a soldier in formation is suppose to announce, “First Sgt, SPC/SGT_ who was once a Rough Rider, is now reporting to a much higher authority. May God bless him.�
Taps was played by one of the soldiers here and a rifle salute was given in three volleys by seven servicemen. Bagpipes played Amazing Grace for our four brave soldiers as many mourned such a great loss. You could tell from the faces of everyone present that these guys were loved tremendously and that they will be sorely missed. May God bless the family and friends of these courageous soldiers, these boys will live on in all of our memories.
The fallen soldier from E troop asked for this poem to be read if anything should happen to him. [The author of “Fiddler’s Green” is unknown, but it is a favorite of cavalry soldiers.]
Fiddler’s Green
Halfway down the trail to Hell, In a shady meadow green Are the Souls of all dead troopers camped, Near a good old-time canteen. And this eternal resting place Is known as Fiddlers’ Green.
Marching past, straight through to Hell The Infantry are seen. Accompanied by the Engineers, Artillery and Marines, For none but the shades of Cavalrymen Dismount at Fiddlers’ Green.
Though some go curving down the trail To seek a warmer scene. No trooper ever gets to Hell Ere he’s emptied his canteen. And so rides back to drink again With friends at Fiddlers’ Green.
And so when man and horse go down Beneath a saber keen, Or in a roaring charge of fierce melee You stop a bullet clean, And the hostiles come to get your scalp, Just empty your canteen, And put your pistol to your head And go to Fiddlers’ Green.
Permalink | Comments (58) | Categories: Lauren Schreck
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By Phyllis Kassum
August 23, 2005 09:19 AM | Link to this
What a sobering but honorable service for our fallen HEROS and HEROINS!! May God bless and keep their families and companions under his precious wings.
By LT with 48th
August 23, 2005 10:08 AM | Link to this
No offense to the writer, but to get a real perspective on what’s going on over here someone who goes outside the wire might shed a better light. Managing the computer center is important work, but there are a lot of us who are constantly barraged by all manners of enemy contact who might be able to offer a perspective closer to the real situation “on the ground”. After all, it is us that you all back home read about in columns like this…
By Melissa Young
August 23, 2005 10:27 AM | Link to this
Lauren you are doing a great job with this blog. Thank you. Hey if you see SPC Yawn, please tell him his Moma loves him. My prayers are with you all so much.
By Linda Healton
August 23, 2005 11:12 AM | Link to this
This is a sombering tribute to our fallen men.My heart goes out to the Soldier’s families,as well as our troops over there.They are hurting right along with us.Thank you Schreck for keeping us up to date on Michael’s.Those of us with soldiers there appreciate all you do.
By wifeofsoldieroutsidethewire
August 23, 2005 12:44 PM | Link to this
I really wish we could hear from the soldiers that go out everyday. Unfortunately they are too busy to blog…or even to call home….
By soldier at roe
August 23, 2005 02:22 PM | Link to this
thoughts and prayers are with each and every family.
By Julie
August 23, 2005 02:26 PM | Link to this
Sgt. Paul Saylor and his fiance, Jessica are like second parents to my children, especially my son Ethan. It was with the heaviest of hearts that I attended his funeral yesterday. It is my hope that my son, Ethan grows up to be the remarkable, considerate, and kind man that Paul was and is in our hearts. We will teach him to play football, as Paul loved the game. We will take him to the beach, Paul loved the beach. We will teach him to be respectful as Paul was respectful. We may not get him as many hawaiian shirts as Paul had but maybe just one. Thank you Paul for everthing you did for my children. Thank you Jessica for all that you do for them now. You both are family.
By heather
August 23, 2005 03:30 PM | Link to this
what? we’re giving them clothes and beanie babies in exchange for them blowing up our soldiers? am i the only one that sees the wrong in this? who cares if they have beanie babies. there are children here who have lost their parents to this war and we’re over there giving out toys? just pull them out and bring them home to their own families!
By Jenny
August 23, 2005 03:58 PM | Link to this
Not everyone has a writer’s talent. That is why there are so many different MOS’s! Every family wants to hear from their soldier and have news of some kind. Can’t you be thankful that someone DOES take the time to write so touchingly of the memorial service? This is a tough time on all of Georgia’s troops and their families - not a time for bickering about who has time to write and who does not. Keep up the good work Lauren!
By Cathy Sanders
August 23, 2005 07:55 PM | Link to this
once again my heart goes out to the families of the fallen. My brother is also in the 48th and I pray for him every day. I’ve sent guardian angels to keep them safe.
By jwall
August 23, 2005 09:11 PM | Link to this
my husband has been back from leave now for almost two weeks and it seems like an eternity until the ten more months he has in iraq is up but please keep praying for them all, that they get intellegence and equipment they need to keep themselves safe and that they can also help these people help themselves. this i beleive is a godly calling to the world to help others that can not seem to help themselves, please pray the iraqi hearts to be open to peace in the world, and that this war is really a beginning to peace that others throughout the world would follow.
By proud mother of a soldier
August 23, 2005 09:18 PM | Link to this
The memorial must have been a great tributr to the fallen soldiers.We have seen a Photo Gallery of services at the other bases,but when it came to Michael there wasn”t any on ajc.com.with technology that is available,there should have been more online.Maybe the next reporter at camp michael will give more of an insight to what goes on inside and out side the wire.
By Jean D
August 23, 2005 10:18 PM | Link to this
My Son is a member of the 48th Task Force, everyday My heart cries because He is My only Child and I ask the Lord to bring Him and the rest of Our Soldiers home safe and sound, to the guys of the 48th Task Force Thank You for watching My Son SGT. V. Daniel back You are keeping the promise that You made to Me on the 15th of May at Fort Stewart and I Love each and everyone of You for that.Stay Safe.
By Ruth
August 23, 2005 11:28 PM | Link to this
Please don’t criticize Lauren’s blog. This was her personal blog before the AJC chose to publish it. Thank you Lauren, as I have told you before you have a great talent. This was a very touching entry, nothing but condolences should have been posted.
By Stacey
August 24, 2005 12:06 AM | Link to this
Lauren, thank you so much for your writing. I can not believe the petty people who blog here. To criticize a soldier for writing is absolutely disgusting. I am so sick of everyone trying to one up each other on which base is the worst and which husband/child lives in the worst conditions. Every soldier over there is in danger and for God sakes get over it. My husband is a Michael and it is not great but Rowe has it worse. Isn’t it pretty much how life is? Someone will always have more than you and someone will always have less.
To Heather, I don’t know where you came from but please think before you write. My husband and many other soldiers take great joy in giving to those extremely needy children over there. It is a bright spot in all the mess they see every day. You are confused, it is not them blowing them up, it would be the insurgents. Those children are innocent and I applaud the hearts of our men for giving them anything. It is therapy on both sides. Yes, you might be the only one that sees the way you do, which is ignorance. “Most” of the troops do not want to come home because they believe in what they are doing and want to see it through. They don’t want their sacrifices of the time spent away from their own families or their lost soldiers to be in vain. Thoughts and prayers to all of the soldiers in Iraq that has their boots in that soil is what everyone needs to be doing. God Bless the 48th and every other soldier serving. You are the true heros of this world and you are admired by many. SSG Stephen Hullett, you are my hero and I love you!!
By Melissa Floyd
August 24, 2005 12:36 AM | Link to this
Lauren Schreck, thank you so much for what you guys/gals are doing to remember these HEROS. My husbands 1st cousin, Thomas Strickland was one of those from the 48th killed, we layed him to rest today and It is the absolute worst thing that I have ever went through and I do not wish this on anyone. We had so much support from the Fireman, Police Officers, EMS, Military etc. and I just want to thank you all for being there for our whole family, continue to keep us in your prayers. Lauren , also if you see Billy Harp, 108 division, tell him we love and miss him and are awaiting his safe return.
By Cheryl Ryder
August 24, 2005 03:05 AM | Link to this
Lauren Kenyon Schreck, thank you for sharing your Blog. You have served from both sides of the “wire”. The crystal clear way you write your blog helps me to understand what you see each day. Wether it be fueling or assisting with the computers. You have a positive attitude. I encourage you and your fellow brothers and sisters in the military to keep contributing to the Blog. When you get back to Agnes Scott College, you might consider a journalism major. Thank you for serving our country and for sharing your daily activities. Stay safe!
By Jeremy
August 24, 2005 05:36 AM | Link to this
I am glad to hear that the services back home went so well. I have heard that people lined the streets waveing flags and such, thats what these heros deserved. I served with all 4 men and 3 of them being from my own platoon. To the familys,those men are missed and the scouts love you. To the friends I share in your pain for they were great friends to all who knew them. I will say this, my life is better for knowing them and serving with them. My daughter will know them by name and the sacrafice that they made. I will never forget you guys and you will be in my heart forever. Watch over us and throw in some good words with the big guy. I will see you again on day in FIDDLERS GREEN. MY HEART AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMLIYS.
AUTUMN DADDY LOVES YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
SCOUTS OUT JNGBy LT with 48th
August 24, 2005 06:52 AM | Link to this
wifeofsoldieroutsidethewire -
I guess I didn’t make it clear enough in my original comment (especially via my pseudonym), but let me put a finer point on it - I AM HERE IN IRAQ AS A COMBAT UNIT PLATOON LEADER.
I wasn’t marginalizing the contribution of the author, just suggesting that the voices of other soldiers might be interesting to the readers at home. And for those who bark and snap about respecting my fallen comrades, I’ve got news for you: I personally knew some of the men we’ve lost over here thus far. Commentary and suggestion does not automatically imply disrespect. Take it easy, and to the many supporters, thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. We are all looking forward to coming home to you.
By Art Jones
August 24, 2005 07:39 AM | Link to this
I’m an old Cav Scout, and I can tell you that no one can understand the bond of Scouts to each other. A bond exists that can only be known and fully understood by those that go out first.
Scouts are out there alone. They are the eyes and ears. Outnumbered they rely on stealth and the incredible skills that they possess. Since the earliest days of the Cavalry, it has been the Scouts that have led the way.
We sing of Fiddler’s Green with reverence to our fallen brothers of many past generations. We believe that we will always come home safe, but the thought of going to Fiddler’s Green is always in the back of our minds.
My heart aches for the families of my brother scouts. My heart aches for the survivors of the Scout Platoon. My pride swells, however, to know that the Cavalry Scouts of this modern generation will always be out front leading the way.
My prayers are for all of you, my fellow servicemen everywhere, and my brother, a former Cav Scout, serving with the 48th as an infantryman. he has lost a dozen of his troopers. God bless you all!
Scouts Out!
By Frances
August 24, 2005 10:34 AM | Link to this
LT with 48th, GET BUSY! You apparently have computer time, so why not be the solution to your “suggestion”. I am looing forward to your contribution and thank you for your service and leadership!
SPC Schreck, Awesome Job! Keep up the good work!
By Sylvia
August 24, 2005 11:07 AM | Link to this
Lauren Schreck writes beautifully - a most poignant and graceful tribute.
By An SPC's Wife
August 24, 2005 03:47 PM | Link to this
To Stacey:My husband is right there at fob Michael and right in the middle of it all. I don’t know where you get your info however, most of the men DO NOT want to be there. Trust me, I have heard it all and a lot. I wish the Stepford Army Wives would use the intelligence God gave them to see past the hooah retoric we are all expected to swallow. My hubby and I are like this: when you see something wrong, you say it is wrong.
By Stepford Army wife
August 24, 2005 06:45 PM | Link to this
To SPC’s Army wife, there are many soldiers that believe in what they are doing over there, and do not want to just leave a mess. I am sure many soldiers don’t but there are two kinds of soldiers, the ones that have the right stuff and the others that thought they were only earning college money. My husband however is made of the right stuff. Was your husband drafted? Just because you don’t believe in supporting our soldiers is not a reason to call others that do un-intelligent. Are we then to call you ignorant because you don’t believe in it?
By Amanda
August 24, 2005 09:45 PM | Link to this
Yesterday we layed to rest SPC Dingler from the 108th. It was such a touching service. There was a video clip of him from 2 years previous as he was giving how to go about accepting Christ into one’s heart. This clip was aired on all TV stations in metro Atlanta. He would have been so proud of this. The support the community gave was outstanding— people lined the roads for about 12 miles. I thank each and every soldier for the hard work they are doing and their sacrifices and the sacrifices of their families. Hi CSM Knowles— your family is praying everday for you.
By Another Stepford Army wife
August 24, 2005 09:47 PM | Link to this
My husband is a Desert Storm veteran as well as Iraqi Freedom. If he got orders again today he’d go willingly, and I’d support him and the mission 100%. I read the horror stories, but I also hear the good things that have been done. The innocent children in Iraq can’t help what is happening to them. It’s not the kids who pose a threat, but insurgents who want to keep these little ones from tasting freedom who are the problem. If we “turn tail and run” before the mission is complete, our sons will have to go back in 10 years and mop up what we didn’t finish.
If that is “hooah rhetoric” then so be it. Personally I call it reality.
By SPC SISTER
August 25, 2005 08:04 AM | Link to this
Lauren Thanks for the blog. If it wasnt for you there would have been no way we can tell our feelings, give thanks and advice to people. If anyone see SPC Gibson tell him his Lil sister said Hello and that she is proud of him. Thanks again Lauren for youyr blogs. Its great. I read it everyday just to be sure my brother is safe.
By Stacey
August 25, 2005 08:19 AM | Link to this
To SPC’s wife, my husband is at Michael as well. Sorry to tell you this, but there are plenty of soldiers at Michael that believe in what they are doing. If it helps you feel better about your discontent by calling me a Stepford Army wife, go ahead. I am absolutely a wife that supports my husband and troops 100% and I will not apologize for that. My husband has given 20 years of service and had many deployments. He is a soldier’s soldier. I am glad he is who he is and is not a whiner, nor hides behind a computer with a generic e-mail name and talks about intelligence but can not spell rhetoric correctly.
By An SPC's Wife
August 25, 2005 09:10 AM | Link to this
Sorry Stacey, I have been very ill for the last two weeks with no help taking care of 5 kids and 2 houses. If I mispelled rhetoric, sorry. My husband is a good solider and he is not running from his duty. However, due to some really dumb command decisions, we have needlessly lost soldiers. I agree that there are soldiers there who feel they are making a difference however, there are just as many, who feel our presence there serves no purpose other than to cause the Iraqi civilians more pain. They are the ones who get caught between the U.S. Army (who does not live there) and the insurgents (who do not live there). I support my husband and our guys 100%. However, I cannot support bad decisions on the part of command nor our president. I am proud of my husband and the only reason I do not put my name on the posts is because of the fear of retribtion on my husand. They say we have freedom of speach but, that isn’t really true now, is it?
By Lauren
August 25, 2005 10:26 AM | Link to this
I think I’m going to have to agree with the comment by the LT over there. It’s great to see some entries from Lauren, and hear her point of view. However, a more accurate portrayal of what actually happens on a day to day basis on the streets of Iraq from someone who actually goes “outside the wire” would give the families a better sense of what other soldiers are going through (the ones usually never followed by the press). My husband is also an LT currently in Baghdad — he too, like this other LT goes outside the safety of Camp Liberty everyday on patrol. What he sees and does — compared to what “we -the general public” hear and read are two totally different stories. There are so many soldiers out there enduring the reality of war, RPGs, IEDs, mortar attacks, sniper fire. All of these events happen DAILY to a soldier outside the wire —- maybe some insight from them would be nice?? I know where we’re from — all we hear about are things that most soldiers NEVER gets to partake in (concerts, cook outs, big dinners at the DFAC….). How about following some soldiers doing the grunt work?
By Lauren
August 25, 2005 10:48 AM | Link to this
Me again — wanted to also thank the soldiers of 48th for their dedication to duty, bravery and continued “drive on” attitude. Keep up the good work, hang in there, keep your heads up — you’ve got a world full of support and prayers back at home.
My husband and and his platoon have endured the pain of losing soldiers too, so as the spouse of a Platoon Leader, I know what a toll it can take on a soldier.
You are ALL heroes.
By Chief
August 25, 2005 12:19 PM | Link to this
Everyone seems to be getting a little testy as our casualties mount up and the separation gets longer from our loved ones. Hey we are all one family now and of course siblings squabble but let’s don’t do it in public forums like this. As for the toys to the Iraqi kids, our Bible says suffer the little children to come unto me for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. It doesn’t say American children. I believe if we win the hearts of the children they won’t grow up to hate us and try to kill us when they get to be teenagers or adults. As for those of you on Lauren’s case, this is her personal blog site that the AJC used. It is not “their” reporter. There is a difference. Any of you can set up a blog and write your comments to your hearts’ content.
My son is at Joe/Richardson/Stokely and I can tell it is wearing him out mentally being constantly locked and loaded and getting attacked every single day and often more than once a day. The possible good news is that word has it that the 101st Screaming Eagles are coming to replace them with advance elements arriving anytime now. I asked him if he hoped to get to a “better” FOB like Stryker or Taji and he said NO. He hopes they will move farther South. Now coming from a scout that is crapping in a 5 gallon bucket, two showers for 100 soldiers, sporadic if any internet service and other discomforts, tells you that ALL our soldiers in all our FOBs are in harm’s way so let’s just support all of them and lift them up in spirit and in our prayers. Spc JLO keep your head down and continue to do your duty with honor whatever mission comes your way. I love you son.
By Another wife
August 25, 2005 04:50 PM | Link to this
To Stacey - Sorry to hear that you have been ill, but Honey, you’re not the only one having to step up to the plate back home. Believe it or not, the President and commanders have more information than you and I, so we have to rely on their judgement instead of sitting at home saying how it should be done. I get frustrated, but I get over it too. Bottom line…support the troops, which means getting behind the mission too.
God bless all of our soldiers, and especially Lauren for her beautiful piece on the memorial service.
Scouts out!
By Another wife
August 25, 2005 04:58 PM | Link to this
Stacey, Sorry, my fingers got ahead of my brain. Meant to address my comment to SPC Wife.
By A Soldiers Daughter
August 25, 2005 05:26 PM | Link to this
Stacy::: Grow Up. Who cares if your husband has been serving for 20 years? The point is that just because some soldiers want to get out there doesn’t make them bad soldiers. Why don’t you get off the SPC’s Wife and learn what your talking about! We just had a 19 yr. old die because the idiots over there told him to dismount in the middle of the night with grass up to his neck and he got blown up! Now what if that was your husband? How would you feel? If you are going to believe everything the Army tells you then girl you have some issues.
By A soldiers Daughter
August 25, 2005 05:40 PM | Link to this
Oh and Stacy..let me just say this. I know YOU didn’t go to college and become an english major like the SPC’s wife so please, if your going to correct anyone’s english correct your own. Worry about you and your husband because i know we don’t have freedom of speech. Call a black person a certain and word and see if something doesn’t happen. There have been “oopss” accidents over there because thing get out in the open.
By SPC's Wife
August 25, 2005 06:28 PM | Link to this
to Another Wife: Please remember how many lies we have been told by the President and his staff regarding 9/11, weapons of mass destruction, etc…If you think you are told the truth all the time you are living in another world. My husband tells me what he sees, how he and his guys feel, and what is really going on day to day. Believe the government if you want but, take a look around this country because the goverment has helped lead to the demise of a perfectly good place to live.
As far as stepping up to the plate, why not help out? I have no family here to help and we have “special” circumstances in our home which require a lot of attention and doctor appointments. If you don’t know what you are talking about, don’t talk. You get up and go from 5:30 am til 11:30pm every day, with no breaks, no babysitters, no help and then you can open your mouth and talk again.
By Loni
August 25, 2005 06:45 PM | Link to this
Let’s forget petty differences and just pray for all our heroes - they need us now more than ever. God Bless
By Linda Healton
August 25, 2005 08:24 PM | Link to this
Is this what it has come to?? Bashing and berating people you don’t even know? These blogs are put up for our benefit to help us get some insight to our soldiers.It is not meant to see who can one up the other. Also-this was a MEMORIAL blog-not a list all your complaints blog.Everyone has their own problems.This blog shouldn’t have been for anything other than condolence for these families..
By The point
August 25, 2005 10:22 PM | Link to this
I think the point of some of this is to say that we would not need a memorial site if the people in charge made better decisions.
By Soldier 'Over There'
August 25, 2005 11:14 PM | Link to this
All wives…cut the arguing. We need support not this non-sense! We need to hear that you support us and not dissention between you all.
We die because that happens in war. Yes, we are a bunch of guardsman. We know the consequence when we signed up. We don’t want to die for you but if dying is asked of me, I will bear that cross with honor because freedom don’t come free!
I think you all know the song.
So please, unite!
By Russell
August 25, 2005 11:21 PM | Link to this
A soldier’s daughter, you are the one that needs to grow up. What is up with the race card you just threw out there??? No one has mentioned anything about race but you and your nonsense email. The soldiers are soldiers no matter what the color of their skin. SPCs wife and you put yourself out there, so if you have people on your back then that is the way it goes. SPCs wife is not the only person to have issues or problems or children for that matter. My daughter in law has plenty. I agree with Linda and Chief, all this back and forth and back biting is old. You all should be supportive of each other instead of cutting each other to shreds. I am sure the enemy would love to read this site and see how much disention is in the ranks at home. 48th Family unite
By Lauren
August 26, 2005 10:26 AM | Link to this
I think EVERYONE needs to take a deep breath and think about what’s going on here. Your soldiers over in Baghdad at various camps and FOBs most likely read this site, because it is their one link to home…and they are seeing nothing but negativity.
Please keep your difference of opinions to a minimum and realize that what you could say, may have the potentional to personally affect a soldier overseas. My husband and his men are guardsmen who have been mobilized for 16 months, 11 of them in Baghdad and are one month from coming home. I believe I read that the 48th deployed in June —- if that’s so, you - the families and the support system they left behine, HAVE A LONG ROAD AHEAD of you. Buck up and start supporting your men and women. I promise you, the longer you get into this deployment, the harder it gets. Just keep saying your prayers, supporting your troops and most importantly, support EACH OTHER!!!!!
By Joy
August 26, 2005 11:37 AM | Link to this
I agree with Russell and Lauren. The comments here should relate to the memorial article (which, by the way, is beautifully written) instead of becoming a “who has the bigger problem” contest. Every family has issues, so let’s try to support each other and our soldiers. There are plenty of people out there who want to do the opposite. The example that comes to mind are the protesters outside Walter Reed Hospital who are lining up fake coffins and getting in the faces of our wounded and their family members. They are out in force on Friday evenings because that is when most family visits. How sick is that?!? Let’s not sink toward that level with more of the petty squabbles. Support our troops or please post your comments elsewhere!
By Marie
August 29, 2005 08:32 AM | Link to this
Thanks for taking the time to write this Lauren. Most of us at home really DO appreciate it. Thank You. Prayers for you all.
By Sgt David McLeoud
August 29, 2005 02:36 PM | Link to this
I’ve just returned from doing about 35 plus days at St. Michael’s. to answer some of your questions it isn’t a pretty site going out of Camp Striker. You are just w ondering with your loaded weapon is there a IED out there. For the soldiers’s that go out the wire everyday my hat and everything goes out to them. I look forward to feeding them every morning while we were attached to the 108th. I in Food Service. It is not the best of FOB’s or Camps, but the living conditions, the laundry, the internet, and the telephone service is better than Striker. I can over hear stories n the morning during breakfast how soldiers talk about their mission. Not wanting to ease drop or pry into their conversation but their is confidence and alot talk about team work amongst the soldiers. We all have our reservations, but we know why we are hear. I can only imagine what my wife thinks and feel everyday. While I was at FOB Michael every chance I got I either e-mail her or called her. Just to hear her voice and ask how where things back home meant more to me than anything else in the world and she said the same. When those tragic situations happened I felt like that something or someone had taken a piece of me away een though I didn’t know them personally, but being in Food Servie we prepare meals and see all the soldiers where they are in the field or in the camp. I put personal pride in the work I do because to give those soldiers a good meal will only send a heart felt gesture to them from us. I thank you for giving me the opportunity to write these comments. Others do see what we see and feel.
By Phil Ochs
August 29, 2005 05:58 PM | Link to this
When the natives starts shooting at you on a daily basis…I’m pretty sure that’s their way of saying you’re not welcome and would you please all leave and close the door behind you.
By observer
August 29, 2005 06:15 PM | Link to this
Phil, why in the world would print something like that on this blog? It really doesn’t matter what the “native” wants at this point, our men and women are there at the orders of their (our) government and won’t be leaving until the job is done and they are told to do so. In the meanwhile…to paraphrase…if you don’t have anything supportive to say, then maybe you shouldn’t say anything at all. At least on a forum intended to memorialize those who gave their lives on behalf of freedom and provide insight to those of US who have no idea what it is like to be in the boots of an American Soldier. Thank you, Lauren for such eloquent writing.
By Karyn.C.S.
August 30, 2005 12:30 PM | Link to this
I just wanted to say THANK YOU to all the soldiers out there. Thank you to, Sgt.David McLeoud for saying what you are doing for the soldiers. My brother Sgt.David Church is there with you guys, he’s with the 1/121st. If you see him tell him his SISTER says HEY!! We love you and are praying for you ALL. Come home soon, Be SAFE, take care. GOD BE WITH YOU ALL.
By Janel Ryder
August 30, 2005 07:46 PM | Link to this
I miss you lauren thank you for sharing this blog with us it helps to know what’s going on over there. Keep it up. Your Bud Janel
By William Carraway
August 31, 2005 05:09 PM | Link to this
Uh, Phil, It’s not the natives that are shooting at us, it is those flooding across the border from Iran and Syria. It is not the natives who want us out, it is the terrorists.
Phil, do you believe that when Police take fire from gang members that it is a sign that the natives want them to abandon the city?
Just curious Phil, if your inane remarks were universally panned, would you take it as a sign to leave the forum and close the door behind you?
SCOUTS OUT
By guardsmanx
August 31, 2005 06:31 PM | Link to this
Ok I am at a FOB in the Triangle of Death. Lauren has never been out the wire. And guys are getting sick of hearing about the ones who never do make it out. Try running missions 20 out of 24 hours and the 4 hours your back you cant sleep well because you never know what will happen. We are not asking to be front page or even in the paper. We just want these people to quit their belly aching over how rough life is and eating Baskin Robbins. You guys have it made compared to living life not knowing what awaits you each minute and using porta johns.
By anothersoldier
August 31, 2005 07:25 PM | Link to this
Lauren doesn’t seem to be bellly aching in this article, I think she’s just trying to offer a nice memorial to some great guys.
By Melissa Floyd
September 1, 2005 02:14 AM | Link to this
This is a bunch of BS in my book, this here is to support our troups, not bash them or whine about what is or isn’t going right in your like. If you can’t support them then DO NOT REPLY at all. My prayers go out daily to all you guys as I know it can be rough, PLEASE keep up the good work and return home SAFE.Guardsmanx I agree with alot that you are saying.
By SPC's Wife
September 1, 2005 05:42 PM | Link to this
I agree with Guardsmanx as well. It is amazing however, that if I report the way my husband and his guys feel about what is going on around them over there, that I get bashed. If our men are not happy with command decisions and their hands are tied due to fear of retribution, we are the ONLY ones who can speak out and help them. That is all I am doing. My husband has asked me not to stop telling the real truth. He has asked me to continue to use the first amendment rights that they are defending in whatever venue I can reach people. Because I love my husband and my country, I will continue to do as he asks. I am not guessing or just pulling stuff out of the air or blowing off steam out of frustration, I am reporting exactly what he has asked me to report. THAT is how I am supporting MY soldier!!
By Brandye Graham
September 2, 2005 04:02 PM | Link to this
Please stop the fighting over this blog. We are to enter words of praise and support for our troops not to argue with each other. My first cousin was SGT. Thomas Strickland. We were very close and I am sure that if he was still alive he would not want this. He told me once that you do what makes you happy and to always support the men and woman who fight for your freedom. We have to grow stronger and support our troops. They have to sense and feel it. I would send Thomas a package and 4 letters or cards every week. In Thomas’s honor I am still doing that. But instead of putting his name I am writting “ANY Scout” because they need to know that we care and that we pray for them every single day. Everyday I still think about Thomas and the 4,000 others that I watched and cheered for at the send off at FT. STEWART in May. Let’s use this blog for encouragement and not negative remarks. Thank you, Brandye
By Melissa Floyd
September 2, 2005 09:22 PM | Link to this
Brandye, if you read this, I am Thomas Strickland’s 1st Cousin as well, well by marriage, he is my hubby’s 1st cousin, but I love him just the same. His Mom is my mother in law’s sister, he was indeed a very good man and would NOT want all of this bickering going on, he is a very peaceful person. As Brandye says, We are to enter words of praise and support for our troops not to argue with each other. SO PLEASE everyone do so.
Thomas we LOVE you and will NEVER forget you or what you have done.
Melissa
By Ruth
September 4, 2005 08:39 PM | Link to this
I posted the 14th comment for this entry on August 23rd. I said then that the comments here should be only condolences for those soldiers who just lost their lives. I still believe that. Many people have posted controversial comments here and in turn that caused others to reply and pretty soon there were no more comments of condolences being posted here. Having said that, let me urge everyone to pay attention to the title of the entry you are posting on and be a little more careful. If it’s a memorial article, please post only comments of sympathy to the families or memories of those who were lost. Once again though, I see comments of “if you can’t be positive don’t post anything”. Let me remind everyone that there is a separate blog for only messages of support for the troops, please link to that and post messages of praise to your heart’s content however the other 48th blog and Lauren’s blog are normally for comments both pro and con , however you feel about the posted article. I didn’t want to have to post anything negative or controversial following Lauren’s eloquent article, but it has turned into such a slugfest it needed to be said. If any family members of these four soldiers read this, you have my sincere sympathy and prayers of strength for you during this most difficult time. I’m sorry these comments veered from the original purpose of Lauren’s article.