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DEL.ICIO.USTwist of fate saves soldier who lost buddies
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mahmudiyah, Iraq — The Echo Troop soldiers had been out searching houses and fields for insurgents all morning on the road the military calls Route Peggy. It was early afternoon and the Georgia troops were ready to call it a day.
Spc. Charles Flowers got into the Humvee, taking the seat behind the driver. Normally he would be behind the wheel. But last Thursday, Flowers decided to give Staff Sgt. Robert Hollar a break. Flowers would take the dismount seat; he would clamber out of the vehicle in case of trouble.
The five men of the Griffin-based 108th Cavalry Regiment led the convoy up the road, then heard a thundering boom. The Humvee tossed and turned like a roller coaster. For a few seconds, everything went black for Flowers.
Moni Basu/AJC
Spc. Charles Flowers recalls Staff Sgt. Robert Hollar, one of two soldiers from Griffin-based Echo Troop, 108th Cavalry Regiment, killed Thursday.
“You just wait for the ride to stop,” he said.
When the Humvee stopped rolling, Flowers was upside down; the truck had flipped and was facing the opposite direction. Even with Flowers’ armored door in combat lock position, it had flown open.
Flowers jumped out to find gunner Spc. Charles Mays on the pavement 20 feet away.
“I did a quick check on him and told him to lay still,” said Flowers, 36, a mechanic for Delta Air Lines.
Then he found Sgt. George Draughn. Flowers looked back at the next vehicle in the convoy and called for a medic.
By then the medics were on the scene. Draughn, 29, of Hiram and Hollar, 35, of Thomaston were taken by helicopter to the Combat Surgical Hospital in the heavily fortified Green Zone in central Baghdad.
Neither of them survived.
The bomb injured Mays and Sgt. Wyatt New. Mays was flown to Germany, while New was treated for minor injuries. He later returned to duty.
The Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Brigade Combat Team has lost 18 soldiers since arriving in Iraq in early June. Bombs hidden on the roads, one of the leading killers of U.S. soldiers in Iraq, caused 14 of those deaths.
Just a few days ago, Flowers’ Humvee had hit a similar improvised explosive device. He was in a newly issued Humvee when they rolled over another bomb. This time Flowers lost two of his friends.
He was the only one who walked away from that Humvee unscathed. “I question that a lot,” he said Monday, the day of the memorial service for his fallen comrades.
“I should have been in the driver’s seat. Everyone tells me it wasn’t my time, that God wasn’t ready for me” he said. “I sure wish he’d let me in on his plan. What do you say to someone’s wife and kids?”
Flowers recalled a happy day in May when he and his buddy Hollar had taken their kids to see a Braves game during their 10 days of leave immediately before deployment to the Middle East.
“He loved his kids. He loved his wife,” Flowers said of Hollar. “He was always making plans for what he would do on leave, about maybe going up to Gatlinburg.”
Flowers and Hollar had known each other for five years, the same amount of time Sgt. Cleveland Carter, 41, had known Draughn.
The Clark Atlanta University police officer was in an M1A1 Abrams tank following Draughn and Hollar’s Humvee. When the bomb exploded, Carter wanted to rush to the aid of his friend.
“It’s so hard seeing a friend go down,” he said. “But you have to remain calm.”
Carter’s first sergeant told all his men to keep “your head in the game” that afternoon. They were soldiers still on duty.
But later that day, when Carter returned to his tent and looked at Draughn’s empty bunk next to his, he could no longer contain his pain.
“It’s afterward that it hits you, when your adrenaline goes down,” Carter said of the death of a man who had spent Christmas and New Year’s Day with him. The two vacationed in Cancun together and were planning a trip to Miami when they returned home.
“I just dropped. I wanted to go out and kill them all,” Carter said of the insurgents who planted the bomb.
Carter had not planned to go home to Atlanta on leave until midway through the 48th Brigade’s yearlong deployment. But now, he said, he would ask for time off in October.
“I need to get away from here,” he said.
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Comments
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By Doug Petersen
September 7, 2005 06:59 AM | Link to this
Words always fall short in such matters of life and death, and camarderie. May the fallen rest in peace, and may their families find solace in their sacrifice.
By Just Me
September 7, 2005 08:38 AM | Link to this
((((((((( Spc. Flowers, Sgt. Carter, Troop E of the 108th as well as the rest of the 48th Brigade))))))))) my prayers go out to all of you. I pray that you find some comfort during this trying time.
The families back home love and support each of you.
By Christy Shea
September 7, 2005 08:58 AM | Link to this
To all the cav soldiers: you are very brave and for that we are proud. May God bless all of you and come home soon.
To Flowers: God was not ready for you and you now have to fight stronger with your brothers in your heart. I know your family is praying for you as well as I. Stay strong and God bless you. To Carter: I know things are hard for you. I know that you are a strong and caring man. Thank you for all you do. I hold you even stronger in my thoughts and prayers.
By Proud Father
September 7, 2005 09:20 AM | Link to this
With a son at FOB Roe, I hear frequent reports of successful patrols/missions against the terrorist enemy - killing, wounding,capturing those who are planting the IEDs. When one of the M1A1s was attacked by an IED followed up with a small arms fire ambush, the men in the tank returned fire, eliminating the enemy and managed to save a mother and child who were apparently held hostage. I am still waiting to read one of these types of stories in your report.
By Camille Davidson
September 7, 2005 09:21 AM | Link to this
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6:24-27 This is my prayer for all of you that are in harm’s way. THANK YOU!
By Julie
September 7, 2005 11:08 AM | Link to this
Cool Breeze and everyone else in the 108th Cav. I am at a loss for words of comfort, just know that the folks at home are standing by you and praying for you. Ya’ll be careful.
By jean lieber
September 7, 2005 11:14 AM | Link to this
My prayers and love go out to all the Armed Forces that fighting for a peoples freedom. To the families at home-know that God is holding your son, daughters, husbands in the palm of His comforting hands. Thank you for all that you are sacrifing for the hope of freedom.
By Bobby Flowers
September 7, 2005 12:01 PM | Link to this
May you all come home soon. Thank you for fighting for our freedom that so many take for granted. May God be with all of you and your families here back home. God Bless America and may God Bless You. Thank you
By maria warren
September 7, 2005 01:44 PM | Link to this
Just heard the good news that pate has finally out of hospital. although i lost my brother in the same attack i wish pate and his family all the best. dont beat yourself up it wasnt your time yet. as to the rest of u serving still im behind u 100%. keep up the hard job in hand. god bless u all.maria warren(england)
By Kyle Watson
September 7, 2005 02:28 PM | Link to this
Spc. Flowers is my best friend. I’ve known him since high school. I can see the pain on his face and it pulls at my heartstrings for him. His two best friends in country are gone now and he feels alone. His wife is attending to SSG Hollar’s wife and helping her get through this. Prayers help. Letters and Packages to these men mean the world. Cindy Sheehan needs to call these soldiers wives and ask if she speaks for them!! Spc. Flowers is my hero. Come home safe Rick! I Love you Man!
By DC
September 7, 2005 03:55 PM | Link to this
To the 48th Brigade (and all military personel). If you have children, please setup a private trust fund for them now. Then all of us will have an avenue to help should the worst happen. I would love to donate to this fallen soilders family. How best can I help them?
-DC
By Kelley Atkinson
September 7, 2005 07:13 PM | Link to this
To E Troop 108 Cav - Godspeed! MIKE and **JOE you’re always in my thoughts and prayers! All my love! Stay focused and stay strong! We love you very much!
By pamela bentley
September 7, 2005 07:37 PM | Link to this
This article and others like it brought a song to my mind. the title of this song is called “Praise You In This Storm”. i would like to share some of the lyrics with all of the soldiers who are mourning the loss of their brothers in arms: I was sure by now that you would have reached down and wiped our tears away. stepped in and saved the day but once again i say Amen and its still raining.As the thunder rolls, i barely hear you whisper through the rain “Im with You”, and as your mercy falls i raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away. I’ll praise you in this storm and i will lift my hands for you are who you are no matter where i am. Every tear i’ve cried you hold in your hand. You NEVER left my side and though my heart is torn, I will praise you in this storm. I remeber when i stumbled in the wimnd you heard my cry you raised me up again. My strength is almost gone How can i carry on? If I cant find you. I lift my eyes unto the hills where does my help come from. My help comes from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth. This song is by a christian group called Casting Crowns. They rock!!!!! Dont lose heart and remember:We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.(2 Corinthians 4:8-9) My prayer for all of you is that you continue on with the mission and know that all of us jesus freaks back here in the states love all of you and are praying without ceasing…Pam Bentley
By Katie Cobb
September 7, 2005 07:39 PM | Link to this
To all the soldiers and your families: THANK YOU! Staff Sgt. Bobby Hollar has forever touched many lives. I teach fourth grade in Griffin, Georgia. My students last year and this year had been writing to Bobby. Not only had he written back and sent them pictures, but on his leave in May of this year, he gave up 3 hours of his precious family time to bring pizza to my kids. My kids think the world of Bobby and are devastated that their hero is not coming home. Bobby’s wife and family are making it through with the love of God and of family and friends. (Thanks to the soldiers and their wives who are there to help and support the family during this time.) We love and support you guys 110%. Thank you for ALL you do! May God bless you and keep you safe.
By Gene Gribble
September 8, 2005 12:30 AM | Link to this
To all those that were friends of Bobby Hollar, please except my deepest sympathy. I am currently deployed to Iraq as well. It is hard to hear the news of the passing of my best friend as a young teenager. I want to burst out right now. This is my second trip to Iraq in just over a year and really close friends have been lost or lost someone close. It is even stranger, we were both here and we didn’t even know. Bobby, buddy, rest in peace, and one day I will see you again. For you gentlemen have given the greatest sacrifice, you lost a comrade and a friend. Please listen to the song, When you are ready the song “Arlington� by Trace Adkins.
To Bobby’s wife: Ma’am it is even harder for you, please except my condolence, for it has been 17 long years and I will not see my friend until God calls on me. I will pray for you and your children for peace for your lose. Ma’am please do one thing for me, and say the Lord’s prayer, we said it before sports in high school.
God Bless, Gene A. Gribble, TSgt, USAF 820th Security Forces Moody AFB, GA (Kirkuk, Iraq)
By SFC Charles L. Tarver, Retired
September 8, 2005 08:18 AM | Link to this
To Sgt Carter and the rest of the 48th Our hearts go out to you in this time of loss. We In Unified Free and Accepted Masons, Inc. Feel a great lost in our brother Sgt George Draughn. Our prayers go out to you and your whole unit, and we pray God bring you home safe.
Sov. Ill. Charles L. Tarver Supreme Grand Master Unified Free and Accepted Masons, Inc. P.O. Box 207 Red Oak, Ga 30272
By Brandi W.
September 8, 2005 08:52 AM | Link to this
To all of the troops - thank you! Your unselfish act of patriotism and service to our country is very much appreciated. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers daily as well as the families you have waiting for your safe return home. Keep the goal in mind and faith in your heart. Thank you again for all that you do. God Speed!
By Bonnie D.
September 8, 2005 11:48 AM | Link to this
The soldiers that risk their lives each and every day in Iraq are true heroes and I pray every night for them…that they will get to come home safe and whole in body, mind, and spirit. God bless every man and woman who has given up their comfortable life to protect the USA.
By Michele Pierce
September 8, 2005 02:18 PM | Link to this
Area family members and friends of the Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Brigade will be paying tribute to their soldiers by walking the distance to Baghdad in the form of a Tribute Walk-a-Thon called Walk2Baghdad. This is a state wide event taking place over the next few months. The 108th Armor division based in Calhoun with locations in Douglasville, Rome, Dalton and Canton will participate in this event on Saturday, September 10, 2005 from 7am to 7pm. The Canton armory will host this event on the football field of Cherokee High School which is located next door to the armory at 930 Marietta Highway in Canton, GA.
Walkers are encouraged to get pledges for the distance they walk and all the mileage will be tallied to equal the distance from Georgia to Iraq — approximately 6,900 miles. All donations are tax exempt and funds will be used to aid the Family Readiness Groups.
For registration information and pledge forms, please contact either Susan Beers 678-957-9163 or Michele Pierce 706-490-5616.
Georgia Army National Guard 48th Brigade Combat Team Family Readiness Group B Company 1-108th AR 1084 Marietta Highway Canton, GA 30114
At 8am we will hold a special ceremony to honor all of our fallen hereo’s and the soldiers who still carry on.
By Melissa Floyd
September 8, 2005 02:35 PM | Link to this
To the families of Draughnm and Hollar and all te other families of fallen soldiers. You are in our hearts and prayers.May you have the support and guidence needed as you go through this difficult time. I to lost a loved on on August 15th in Iraq, SGT Thomas Strickland, and even tho it has been a rough month for all of us, it does get better, it just takes time. Once again my heart goes out to you.
Today would have been SGT Thomas Strickland’s 28th birthday, WE LOVE YOU THOMAS and may your 1st birthday in heaven be filled with JOY!!
By 19D
September 8, 2005 04:21 PM | Link to this
With all of the improvised explosive devices killing our troopers daily, why are the scouts still leading the way with poorly armored Hummers? Where are the Bradleys?
By Ruth
September 8, 2005 09:06 PM | Link to this
Good question 19D, I wish we all knew the answer. Poor post war planning would be my guess.
By Kristen Yokeley
September 8, 2005 10:19 PM | Link to this
GODSPEED…E Troop 108 Cav - Stay strong! .Mike and JOSEPH McCain, I love and miss both of you so much! Take care of each other and I will see you soon! I love you JOE…more than you will EVER know..
By Deb
September 9, 2005 03:04 PM | Link to this
E Troop, 108th Cav, God be with you. We support you, we love and miss you all. Darren your arena family is praying for you. Stay strong.
By Melissa Floyd
September 9, 2005 08:41 PM | Link to this
This is for all the fallen soldiers and their families.
By Trace Adkins…..”Arlington”
I never thought that this is where I’d settle down, I thought I’d die an old man back in my hometown, They gave me this plot of land, me and some other men, for a job well done, There’s a big white house sits on a hill just up the road, The man inside he cried the day they brought me home, They folded up a flag and told my mom and dad, we’re proud of your son
Chorus: And I’m proud to be on this peaceful piece of property, I’m on sacred ground and I’m in the best of company, I’m thankful for those thankful for the things I’ve done, I can rest in peace, I’m one of the chosen ones, I made it to Arlington
I remember daddy brought me here when i was eight, We searched all day to find out where my granddad lay, And when we finally found that cross, He said, “son this is what it cost to keep us free” Now here I am, a thousand stones away from him, He reconized me on the first day i came in, And it gave me a chill when he clicked his heels, and saluted me.
(Repeat Chorus)
And everytime I hear twenty-one guns, I know they brought another hero home to us
We’re thankful for those thankful for the things we’ve done, We can rest in peace, ‘cause we are the chosen ones, We made it to arlington, yea dust to dust, Don’t cry for us,we made it to arlington.
We love each and everyone of you that has fallen and those that continue to serve, keep up the good work!!
By Brian Belcher
September 9, 2005 11:24 PM | Link to this
Draughn was my gunner and friend for the past 5 years and Hollar quickly became one of my best friends also. I will miss both of them so much. To Buddy I thank God you will be ok. To Sgt. New I also thank God You are ok also. To Flowers I know you and the rest of our brothers in the platoon did all that was in your power to save Draughn and Hollar. All I can say is time heals all wounds. I will be with you all soon be safe while I am gone. I pray for all my brothers in 4th. I love all of you.
By Kim
September 10, 2005 04:31 PM | Link to this
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty. John F. Kennedy
My deepest and sincerest sympathies to both of these families. Two wonderful men who loved their country…… You are all in my every prayer. With Love, Kim
By Robin Aylor
September 10, 2005 07:08 PM | Link to this
To the family of SSgt Hollar: There are not words to convey how sadden I am to hear that another soldier has sacrificed his life for others. I am from Thomaston, and can only imagine what his family is going through right now. My husband is also in Iraq with the 648th EN BN, A Co. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God wrap his arms around you and give you peace, and let you know that SSgt Hollar will be remembered as a hero! God Bless!
P.S. My prayers are equally with the Draughn family!
By AEF
September 14, 2005 12:16 AM | Link to this
My bf Lewis is a private in the army, and Flowers is his uncle. He told me about this article tonight on the phone, and how his mom read it to him and cried. Please continue to pray for their family, and all the soldiers away from home,especially the ones at war.
By Brenda Franklin
September 14, 2005 12:52 AM | Link to this
My husband SSG Bobby Franklin also got killed in Iraq. He was with the Thomaston unit 11 years ago and then we moved to North Georgia. He went to Murphy NC 210th MP unit. My husband was not the driver and he to took over driving for awhile to give the other driver a break..My husband SSG Bobby Franklin got killed Aug 20th, 2003. … The driver was very upset when this happened to my husband BUT i never once blamed him. He now has a very hard time dealing with it and he felt like it should had been the one to had gotten killed. He said that he’s kids were grown and Bobby had 2 young kids.. My son came to me for he knew that i was having a hard time dealing with this. He said “mom” God took daddy because he knew that he was ready to go. My husband never went to church until he went to Iraq. I guess that the lord was dealing with him while he was there. He started going to the church sevices over there.. I have to look at it the way tha tmy son told me.. I believe that his daddy was ready to go. I do miss him so very much and still having a hard time dealing with it… We are coping with this and we are moving on with our lives, so what i want to say to the man that didn’t get killed…it wasn’t your time to go and please don’t blame yourself.. I never once blamed the other driver so im sure that no one will blame you.. You did your job so be proud.. God Bless Brenda Franklin
By Marie
September 15, 2005 02:42 AM | Link to this
Brenda Franklin Thank you for one of the most beautiful touching and eloquent comments I have seen here. Your husband and you obviously did something very right with your son. If my children grow up to be half as wise I will be darn proud. My deepest condolences for your loss and my sincere gratitude for your beautiful comment. It restores my faith in humankind. I will pray for your peace and succor. God Bless You.
By Michele
September 20, 2005 01:16 AM | Link to this
I would like to say my prayers go out to all the familys whom have lost loved ones. There is a tribute to Sgt. Bobby Hollar on Coggins Funeral home site. It is AWSOME so go look at it and keep it going. To his family my prayers are with you all. God Bless
By Deborah Clark
September 20, 2005 02:01 PM | Link to this
God Bless you all. My brother is currently serving with the 1-108th Armor, 48th brigade. I received word this morning that he had been injured by srapnel from a roadside bomb. Thank God he is going to be ok, but it really makes me appreciate,more than ever, what you guys are doing for me, my son, all of blessed enough to live in the USA. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
By Lee carothers
September 20, 2005 10:14 PM | Link to this
God bless the E108cav. I love you all. And to all the soldiers of the US, it’s you that makes America what it is today. Thank you for being our Hero’s. E108 - We’ll be standing in great honor when our brothers return home.