Me and D-Roll cramped in the VW
Picture me Rollin!Its been a minute and I know this. Just really haven't felt like posting to much. We really haven't been doing that much either. A couple things here and there but not much. Today we punched wire and it was great, everyone was itching to get the hell out of the FOB. September was a shitty month for 2/16IN, in addition to the casualties that we from Charlie took, Delta lost SPC Josh Reeves, and Bravo lost SFC Doster. May they rest in peace and our hearts and prayers are with them and their families.
Today was a busy day, we were up early and on the move taking the CO to his meetings and then acting on some tips and hit a couple of objectives on the way back. They were nothing but dry holes but it was definitely nice to hit the streets again. I actually had a lot of guys on the ground with me which was different usually it was just myself, Droll, and Setz, and occasionally Pic or Young,or Garrison. Today most of the guys were on the ground with me and it felt great. I will admit it is edgy riding in the truck, you never know which stretch of road or corner might have that EFP waiting for you. We definitely don't want to experience what we did on the 4th again. We punched the wire a couple times before today, hit a couple of objectives. One we hit and brought back a VW piece o' shit. The Iraqi National Police drove it back to Rusty for us, and then at the gate Droll and I volunteered to drive it in the wire. Well it ran out of gas so Droll and me steered it to the gate and then I went in and left Setz and his crew to guard it while EOD came to inspect it. EOD came and did there thing so Setz and his crew hooked up the car and towed it through the gate and headed towards the motorpool to drop it off. Anderson was steering. They were taking the shortest route to the motorpool but found it blocked. Setz called the Soldier over who was blocking the road and asked him if they could just go through and what the fuck the road block was for. Apparently General Petreaus was parading down the FOB driving in a Red Mercedes. The guard let my boyz through and they passed the General with piece of shit VW in tow and Anderson's ass steering it.
We have two new additions to 2nd Squad, SPC Horton came to us from Delta Company, and we moved Picard over to first squad to serve as a team leader, and we got SPC Gillespie. Also finally D-Roll made his E-4. Its about time and I'm so proud to have watched him rise through the ranks. Though he wears the rank of an E-4 he has been acting in the capicity of an E-5.
Only 16 more days until my ass hops on a freedom bird for some much needed rest and relaxation. I can't wait. Ya wanted to mention after much wait I finally got the final episodes of Soprano's and all I got to say is "WHAT THE FUCK?!" I apologize for it taking me so long to post. I suppose maybe some of you are waiting to hear about what happened on the 4th of Sept. Below is a link to a Stars and Stripes article and it is fairly accurate. Thank you all once again for your support!
DEUCE DEUCE OUT!!!!!
10 comments:
Even when there is nothing happening for you to write about, we still like to hear how you and the guys are doing. It’s not just your experience in Iraq that keeps us coming back, there are many reasons, like the way you observe your surroundings and relate your thoughts and feelings to us in your post. Your writings have made you and the rest of the platoon feel like an extended family. We rejoice with you in your triumphs and share in your sorrows.
I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult the past month has been for all of you, and it means a lot to see you continue to post……you’ve been missed. Thanks again for taking the time to share with us.
Prayers for an uneventful next few weeks, peaceful sleep, a safe trip home and a great time with your loved ones and friends during your much needed R&R.
I understand what the person from the previous comment is saying. I feel like a mother hen checking in on her chicks when I come here to read. I had been reading here for a while and I was reluctant to post my first comment. I felt this genre was for a younger generation and I had nothing of value to add, but I couldn't stop coming back to read. I admire your strength and courage and I have been touched by your words. It would be difficult for anyone who reads here to not grow fond of you. I have children not much older than you and I feel like you have become a part of my brood. You have been missed and it is with some relief that I find a new post today. I'm sorry to hear of two more young lives lost, it reminds me just how precious and fragile life is. I hope that by my reading here and leaving you a few bumbling words, it helps to lift your spirits and offers you some measure of comfort. You must do what is right and best for you, but if you continue to post, this old hen will continue to read until I know you are safely home.
Have a safe trip home and enjoy that R&R. You and your family are in my prayers.
P.S. I watched the video..OH, MY!
It's Doris and I didn't heed your warning. Once I got the thing going, I couldn't get it to stop. It caused a bit of a stir here. My friend Robert laughed so hard, I thought they were going to have to give him oxygen and I'm still blushing. I will heed your warnings from now on. I can't get kicked out of the senior center because I only know how to type and I know I could never get this contraption going without help from the staff. I could never find this or get passed the alphabet letters without them. I know you write about serious business here and I am not try to make a mockery of anything. I just thought the image of a bunch of old folks listening to this would give you something to laugh about. You did warn us.
My buddy Robert is 86 years old and a Vet. from WW2. He is having a good day and wants to say something to you. I don't know what is appropriate here and how much I can write. We are just a couple of old fools playing with technology we don't understand. I do not want to offend you and the staff tells me you can erase anything you don't like and you do that if I write something I shouldn't. I make them help me check in on you every time I come here.
This is from Robert. No one understands war better or hates it more that infantrymen. No one can understand but those who have lived through it. You have no one but your comrades, they become your family. You can never describe the helplessness you feel seeing a buddy wounded or killed. No one can ever understand that pain unless they have lived it. There wasn't a moment that I wasn't scared, it is okay to feel fear, but you will control that fear because you know others depend on your leadership to keep them alive. Good sleep and peace with eventually come back and the love of your famliy will get you through.
As for the others you speak of. They are ignorant and too stupid to understand and fear war. Every war has had those that want to sit on their asses, do nothing and come home to brag as heroes. They are the most dangerous sons of bitches because they end up getting someone killed and their asses get to come home. The general public may believe their hero stories, but those that have been there know better. The man that brags of his heroics has never seen war, the man who lives quietly with his pain, has. He's the hero.
I'm proud to have served this Great Nation and I'm proud of those serving now. I would come and fight beside you, but I am too old and forgetful now. Your strength and commitment comes from within you just as it did for those who came before you. Although we cannot be there with you in body, we are there in spirit.
Doris I liked the comments from you and Robert and I think the Sgt will like them too.
The video was very funny...maybe
not even offensive enough.
Enjoy your R&R, you deserve it.
I have no doubt that you have endeared yourself to many by your honest sharing of your world, your sense of humor and your integrity. You are going to have find something more offensive than that video to scare us off :)
Give my best wishes to the guys and my prayers are with the families of the fallen. May they rest in peace. My wish is for a speedy recovery for both Joesph and Duncan and strength for their families.
You have been missed and it's good to see the pictures of you guys smiling. Have a safe trip home and a joyous reunion with your family.
It is good to have you back and to see the smiles. Say hey to all the guys for me and send my prayers to the two young men recovering from their wounds.
You have yourself a great time at home and get some rest.
Loved the vid. INFANTRY IS THE BEST!
We love ya'll------Keep in touch!
I've been reading here for a while, but never commented.My boyfriend is at Rusty (not a fobbit)and I'm curious about what it is like for him. He doesn't talk about it and I don't ask. I googled Rusty and found you. I think your post are important, you have given me a better understanding of the true cost of war and I appreciate your honesty. I read other milblogs and I have to say that you have the most loyal and caring audience. I enjoy reading the messages left for you and I was brought to tears by the responses left for you in your time of need. I only wish my guy had someone like Doris determined enough to master these new fangled contraptions to send him support. That's the sweetest thing I've seen. I think everyone, myself included, held their breath and waited to see if you would continue to post. I just want to say I think you should continue to write. You have a good thing here and people do seem to really care. You are the true voice of a Soldier in Iraq and you give a voice to your fallen brothers. People are reading and you are being heard.
You take care and stay safe over there.
A Soldier's Proud Girlfriend.
I’m sitting here this morning rocking along with the fobbit song. I’m not easily offended and I now know what “fobbit” means.
I just recently became a member of soldiers angels thanks to the info I found here. I’m excited to have found a way to contribute to the “cause” and I want to encourage others to get involved.
I’m happy to know you are getting a much deserved break and I won’t expect to see you writing for a while.
You have a safe and uneventful trip home, leave all of this behind and enjoy your time with your loved ones.
The article about Sept. 4th broke my heart and I'm so sorry it happened and I can only offer my continued prayers. It was word from you that I was waiting to hear, not the events of that day. I can understand you not having the desire to write again for a while, but I'm glad you have continued. You have endeared yourself to me and my family and I do care about you and all the guys.
I never know what to expect from you and reading here is like riding a rollercoaster of emotions. I was saddened by the article and then I moved on to view the slide show. It wasn't exactly my cup of tea and I was surprised when I realized that I was staring at some GI's bare bottom. That gave me a much needed chuckle. I guess I'm like Doris and will tackle anything you're willing to share with us.
You're in my prayers for a safe trip home and have a great time with your wife and family.
I'm now an angel with an newly adopted soldier. Thank you for providing the information.
God Bless and safe travels.
The Poet
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