Please do NOT consume food or beverages while watching this. You WILL damage or destroy your computer from spewing the food and beverage. SWEAR!
And to you east coast people - give up the slaves, will ya?
Now...while you all are watching this I'm gonna book an airline ticket to California. I feel the need to get some of that free food and to buy some land at the farmers market. Later...........
STILL AWAITING A FEW FINAL PHOTOS. WILL UPDATE ONCE I RECEIVE THEM.
On Wednesday night, 22 July 2009 a Welcome Home party was held for 3rd Brigade, 1st ID at the Live Oak Pavilion at Belton Lake Outdoor Recreational Area (aka BLORA), Fort Hood, TX. We were thankful for the cold front that came through and brought the temperatures and the humidity down!
The Bart Crow Band and the light and sound guy showed up around noon. We (SFC Barnes and I) got them settled in and dashed back to Main Post to pick up last minute items for the party, etc.
Around 1630 Bob Connolly (great friend and incredible troop supporter) and I headed back to BLORA to meet the set up team from 6-4 Cavalry and the staff of Schoepf's BBQ from Belton, TX that provided the delicious food for the event. The timing went perfectly. All of the people involved to make the party fun and successful were on top of their game.
By 1730 the stage was set up, food was delivered and set for serving and, most importantly, the beer was there and iced down. Time to party!
We "volunteered" several of the Soldiers in leadership positions and Bob Connolly to serve the meal. They were not only willing but did a FABULOUS job of piling the plates high with food and moving the lines along.
Cold beer - thanks to Budweiser!
Enjoying friends, food and drink
Some well deserved awards were presented to FRG leaders and others.:
I'm waiting on photos of the above to insert here.
Then the Bart Crow Band was introduced by LTC Markert. They performed for an hour and a half and we all hated that the time went so quickly. They absolutely ROCKED THE HOUSE! Bart served in the Army as a Tanker during peace time. I hope you remember that he and his band donated guitars to Chapels in Afghanistan. You can read about those heartfelt donations here and here. We are so thankful to Bart, his band members and road crew and his management company for making it possible for the band to perform at the party.
A little two steppin'. Gotta love the kilt!
Bart presented yet ANOTHER guitar to be sent to Afghanistan. THANK YOU BART!
Bob Connolly is not only an amazing American and troop supporter but quite an accomplished musician. He had to tune and try out the new guitar!
LTC Markert presented Bart and his road manager, Brad, Squadron coins as a token of appreciation
I'm kidda liking those tshirts Bart and Brad are wearing!
From all reports the night was enjoyed by all. MANY thanks to all of those who spent so much time and energy to make it a successful night. Karin Markert, SFC Dominguez, CPT Barnes, Yvonne Herbel, the management and staff of the Bart Crow Band, Ronnie Schoepf of Schoepf's BBQ, staff members at MWR, LTC Markert, the staff at BLORA, all of the company commanders and First Sergeants and many Soldiers, spouses and significant others who pitched in that night with set up, serving and clean up.
Uncle Jimbo of Blackfive has a post about our day with COL Pertile yesterday which includes video.
Jimbo and I spent some time with Evan and his mom, Rachel, yesterday. Evan was in top form. Rachel, along with her friend Melissa, were packing up the apartment at the Target House in anticipation of leaving for home today. Evan's labs had come back great but they were waiting on the results of Friday's MRI. Rachel sent me a text at 0945 reporting that they were heading east - HOME!
If you are a friend of the family and reading this - SHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Their arrival at home tonight is a secret for Evan's three brothers - especially William who has a birthday tomorrow. What a GREAT GIFT, huh? Evan is leaving St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 2-3 weeks earlier than expected.
He's not cancer free but the tumor is GONE per the MRI. He'll return to St. Jude for check ups every three months for a while. At some point down the road he'll be considered in remission then later on, cancer free.
Many thanks to all of you who have been praying for Evan. Prayer is so powerful! Today let's pray for their safe journey home. The continue to pray that the cancer NEVER COMES BACK.
Uncle Jimbo of Blackfive is in town for a few days so today we went to visit "COL" Evan Pertile at St Jude Children's Research Hosptial Target House.
Evan's mom knew we were coming but Evan had no idea. He was a bit surprised when we ambled into the craft room at the Target House to say hello. Jimbo has the pics of me painting with Evan. We had paint EVERYWHERE. Cool! Melissa, a friend of Evan's mom, had mixed paint (at Evan's direction) to come up with Army green. So we painted several wooden cars with Army green. But they had guns and escape hatches and all the cool Army stuff on them, too.
It took Evan about 10 seconds to warm up to Jimbo. Jimbo took about 30 seconds to recipricate.
Melissa and Evan were working on a project. By the time we got there Evan was finished with his part and Melissa was putting the final touches on it. When each child has finished their course of treatment and is getting close to going home they are asked to make a "tile" to place in the Target House. Check out "COL" Pertile's tile:
Since Evan was finished with his part of the project he, Uncle Jimbo and I went to the playground. If I didn't know how sick this young man has been I'd have never believed it today:
Uncle Jimbo and Evan looking for the enemy via a parascope:
Evan attempting to tickle Uncle Jimbo on the way to the apartment at the Target House
Sword fighting - guess who won? Last I heard Uncle Jimbo had no lives left, no legs and one arm. Evan had all of his limbs and 4 lives left.
Rachel, Melissa and I tried to stay out of the way. We were successful MOST of the time.
Rachel reports that Evan's most recent lab results were EXCELLENT. They are waiting on the MRI results from Friday. Hope to get those Monday. If they are clear Evan will be heading home to South Carolina to be reunited with his brothers, father, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and a million friends who cannot wait to have him and Rachel home.
Evan certainly appeared to be Army Strong today. HOOAH!
I couldn't have been happier If I tried when I read the following entry in Evan's CaringBridge Journal this morning. Please keep Evan in your prayers that the MRI will come back "clean" and he and his amazing mom will be able to go back home on Monday! Evan has been an inspiration to so many people - including me. And I only wish to have the incredible strength, grace and spirit that his mother, Rachel has.
My buddy Jonn from This Ain't Hell posted this story with the comment, "Retention will probably drop among the Taliban over the next few weeks when they get the news that the paratroopers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team are headed back there this winter ..."
We'll be there for you!
From Stars and Stripes
‘Sky Soldiers’ to make third Afghan tour
No particulars in Pentagon announcement except that troops will deploy this winter
From DefenseLink
| IMMEDIATE RELEASE | No. 512-09 July 14, 2009 |
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DoD Announces Units for Upcoming Afghanistan Rotation The Department of Defense announced today the deployment of two units to Afghanistan. The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, from Fort Campbell, Ky., and the 173rd Airborne Brigade, Vicenza, Italy, have been alerted to replace forces currently deployed in Afghanistan, in order to maintain the capabilities of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).
The 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, will deploy with approximately 3,800 troops to Afghanistan in late fall 2009. The 173rd Brigade Combat Team, with approximately 3,700 troops, will deploy to Afghanistan in the winter of 2009-2010. Both units will conduct the full spectrum of combat operations.
The United States continues to be NATO-ISAF’s largest troop contributor, and remains committed to leading the offensive in counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan, training and equipping the Afghan national security forces and assisting with reconstruction. Force levels in Afghanistan are conditions-based and will be determined in consultation with the Afghan government and NATO. DoD will continue to announce major unit deployments. For additional information on either of these units, contact Army Public Affairs at (703) 614-2487. |
My heart still aches for these American Heroes, their families and friends and their comrades in arms.
I've been trying to write this post for at least a week. Nothing I write is enough but I want to remind anyone who reads here about these men and ask everyone to NEVER FORGET those who have died in service to this nation.
COL Bill Ostlund who was the 173rd, 2-503 Commander during their deployment in OEF VIII posted these comments on his Facebook page:
ROCK Paratroopers- July is an incredible month for our great nation. We have a great nation because of the tens of millions who have volunteered to protect our great nation and for the millions that have bled and “lived their lives” for our great nation. In The ROCK, in OEF VIII in July 2007 we lost:
Chris Honaker and Joe Miracle on 5 July; Juan Restrepo on 22 July, and Ben Hall on 31 July. A year later we lost Sergio Abad, John Ayers, Jason Bogar, John Brostrom, Israel Garcia, Jason Hovater, Matt Phillips, Pruitt Rainey, and Gunnar Zwilling on 13 July 2008.
Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment
1LT Jonathan P. Brostrom was born on 22 August 1983 in Stuttgart, Germany. He was commissioned in the U.S. Army on 15 May 2006.
1LT Brostrom participated in the ROTC program at the University of Hawaii and while a cadet, he attended Airborne School, Air Assault School, and the U.S. Navy Scuba Divers Course. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resources in 2006, he received his commission as a U.S. Army Infantry Second Lieutenant.
1LT Brostrom graduated from the Infantry Officer Basic Course and Ranger School prior to reporting to Vicenza, Italy on 26 June 2007. Shortly afterward, 1LT Brostrom deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII and was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment as a Rifle Platoon Leader.
1LT Brostrom served for eight months in Afghanistan as Platoon Leader for 2nd Platoon. During his deployment, 1LT Brostrom led countless combat patrols and was responsible for the defense of Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.
1LT Brostrom’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Assault Badge, Basic Parachutist Badge, Scuba Diver Badge, and Ranger Tab.
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19 JANUARY 1984 – 13 JULY 2008
Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment
SGT Israel Garcia was born on 19 January 1984 in Nayarit, Mexico. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 23 October 2002.
After completing One Station Unit Training and Airborne School, SGT Garcia was assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 504th Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division as a Rifleman and later as a Rifle Team Leader. SGT Garcia deployed in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM twice before PCSing to Vicenza, Italy.
In July 2006, SGT Garcia was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment as a Rifle Team Leader. He deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. During his deployment to Afghanistan, SGT Garcia participated in numerous combat patrols and helped defend Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.
SGT Garcia’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal (3), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Ribbon (2), NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.
CPL Jonathan Ayers
4 MAY 1984 – 13 JULY 2008
Chosen Company , 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment
CPL Jonathan R. Ayers was born on 4 May 1984 in Atlanta, Georgia. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 26 April 2006.
After completing One Station Unit Training and graduating from Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, CPL Ayers reported to Vicenza, Italy and was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment where he most recently served as an M249 Machine Gunner.
CPL Ayers deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. While serving in Afghanistan, CPL Ayers participated in numerous combat patrols and air assault operations. He also helped defend Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.
CPL Ayers’ awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.
CPL Jason Bogar
19 FEBRUARY 1983 – 13 JULY 2008
Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment
CPL Jason M.C. Bogar was born on 19 February 1983 in Washington State. He enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard on 12 September 2001.
After completing One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning, Georgia, CPL Bogar was assigned to A Company, 1st Battalion, 161 Infantry Regiment (National Guard) as a Rifleman. CPL Bogar deployed in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM twice before transferring to Active Duty and PCSing to Vicenza, Italy.
CPL Bogar was assigned to the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team in November 2007 and joined Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment in Afghanistan. During OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII, CPL Bogar participated in numerous combat operations to include combat patrolling from Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.
CPL Bogar’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge.
CPL Jason Hovater
10 AUGUST 1983 – 13 JULY 2008
Chosen Company , 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment
CPL Jason D. Hovater was born on 10 August 1983 in Tennessee. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 9 February 2006.
After completing One Station Unit Training, CPL Hovater attended Airborne School and was subsequently assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment as an Automatic Rifleman. While serving with Chosen Company, CPL Hovater deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII.
In Afghanistan, CPL Hovater participated in numerous combat patrols as an M203 Grenadier. On one such patrol on 8 March 2008, CPL Hovater’s element came under heavy enemy fire from multiple locations. For his bravery that day CPL Hovater was awarded the Army Commendation Medal w/ Valor.
CPL Hovater’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal w/combat distinguishing device “V”, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.
CPL Matthew Phillips
13 APRIL 1981 – 13 JULY 2008
Chosen Company , 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment
CPL Matthew B. Phillips was born in 13 April 1981 in Florence, Alabama. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 22 November 2005.
After enlisting, CPL Phillips completed One Station Unit Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. Upon completion of Airborne School he was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment where he most recently served as an M240B Machine Gunner.
CPL Phillips deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. During his time in Afghanistan, CPL Phillips participated in numerous combat patrols and helped defend Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan. For his outstanding service throughout the deployment he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal.
CPL Phillips’ awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.
CPL Pruitt Rainey
21 FEBRUARY 1986 – 13 JULY 2008
Chosen Company , 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment
CPL Pruitt A. Rainey was born on 21 February 1986 in Rockingham, North Carolina. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 10 August 2005.
CPL Rainey graduated from One Station Unit Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He also attended the Ranger Indoctrination Program before being assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment on 28 February 2006. CPL Rainey most recently served as an M240B Machine Gunner in 2nd Platoon.
CPL Rainey deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. During his deployment, CPL Rainey participated in countless combat patrols and air assault operations. He also defended and conducted patrols from Combat Outpost Bella – a remote, platoon-size, coalition outpost in northeastern Afghanistan.
CPL Rainey’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2), NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.
CPL Gunnar Zwilling
29 APRIL 1988 – 13 JULY 2008
Chosen Company , 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment
CPL Gunnar W. Zwilling was born on 29 April 1988 in Fountain Valley, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 15 February 2006.
CPL Zwilling attended One Station Unit Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. After earning his Airborne Wings, he was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment as a Grenadier and later as an Assistant Machine Gunner.
While serving with Chosen Company, CPL Zwilling deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII. Throughout his deployment, CPL Zwilling participated in numerous combat patrols and air assaults that disrupted enemy operations. His actions brought security to the Afghan population in Kunar Province.
CPL Zwilling’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.
SPC Sergio Abad
15 MARCH 1987 – 13 JULY 2008
Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment
SPC Sergio S. Abad was born on 15 March 1987 in Miami, Florida. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 17 January 2006.
SPC Abad completed training as an 11C Mortarman from One Station Unit Training and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. He also attended the Ranger Indoctrination Program, 75th Ranger Regiment before being assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment in August 2006.
SPC Abad deployed in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. He served with HHC for 10 months before being assigned to Chosen Company as a 120mm Mortar Gunner. During his time with Chosen, SPC Abad participated in countless fire missions in support of friendly troops on the ground.
SPC Abad’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal w/ combat distinguishing device “V”, Army Commendation Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.
Gotta have t shirts!
Somebody had a birthday and got a GREAT BIG bone!
Eating ribs and pork butt. Yum!
