From Cow Pastures to Kosovo

Unconditional Love

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 00:07:43 -0600

Today is my birthday; my 51^st birthday actually. But that’s not what this post is about. Parts of this post have been a long time coming as far as me putting some thoughts and feelings into words. An incredible act of love and kindness precipitated this post.

Our lives are defined by our families, friends and all of the people with whom we surround ourselves. Our lives are also defined by decisions we make and our actions. Is there a prescription for a “good” life? I wish.

I had a good childhood; a nice home, never hungry, a great education and safety. I was taught to love God and country. I always knew my father loved me although he wasn’t openly demonstrative until late in his life. My brothers love me and I them. Yet I realize now that in the past 2 years or so I’ve finally come to understand what unconditional love truly is. Actually I’ve learned what it feels like to love someone so much you can physically feel it in your heart. I’m not talking about love between a man and woman who are dating or married. I’m talking about love between humans.

Interestingly enough I learned about unconditional love from a group of men who can be hard core in ways I don’t even want to think about but who, no matter what one may think, have the biggest hearts on this planet, spirits that soar to heights I cannot fathom and souls of incomparable depth. Men who can be as fun loving, kind and giving as they can be Warriors.

Yesterday I found the following message in my Facebook inbox. No, I didn’t wait until the gift arrived. That would have been impossible.

DO NOT READ THIS UNTIL YOUR GIFT ARRIVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

November 24 at 2:53pm

sorry its late. (the gift)

*this is not plagiarized, believe it or not

its a bunchberry dogwood (Cornus Canadensis). i thought about flowers, but i picked this instead. the flowers on a bunchberry hold the record for the fastest plant in the world. when the flower opens, it does at 2400 times the force of gravity, and it launches its pollen at 10 feet per second. this means that the flower shoots its pollen in an area 100 times larger than the flower itself.

to me, there is no better flower for you. you spread so much love to so many people, all over the world. you definitely hold the record (in my eyes, at least) for the most generous, selfless, giving person in the world.

i hope you like it~

When I got to the second paragraph I wept for a long time. I marked it “unread” and closed it but have returned to it many times as I continue to question why I would be so honored with words, thoughtfulness and love of that magnitude. My heart physically felt the love from the words he wrote. More than that I reflected on what an honor and privilege it has been for so many of our military personnel and their families to allow me into their lives as they have. The Gold Star families; Blue Star families and the Silver Star families. I hope they all know how grateful I am to each of them. I hope they know.

The man who sent me that message is a Soldier; a Paratrooper; an Army Ranger. He is currently deployed, for the second time, to one of the most dangerous regions on this earth. Many have deemed it THE most dangerous region on earth – Kunar Province, Afghanistan. It is his second deployment to that region. Only a couple of months ago he was shot while on a mission that wasn’t even covered in the news; an intense three week mission. He never left his men despite his wounds. Granted it wasn’t a life threatening wound but a wound none-the-less.

Yesterday he made his way to a computer with a connection so slow dial up would seem like high speed. According to his mother, with whom I spoke but couldn’t read the message to because of my emotion, he searched at length to find this gift. A gift with more meaning than I can find words to express. A gift that, once it arrives, I will plant in my yard and enjoy as a reminder of this birthday for the rest of my life. A gift that will remind me of those who taught me what real love of mankind is.

But the greatest gifts in my life, aside from my brothers, sisters in law, nieces and nephews and other family members who love me, are the Soldiers and their families who taught me how to feel love – to physically feel love.

I imagine if you are a parent you know that love. And perhaps there are others of you reading this who discovered that kind of love much earlier in your life than I did. But for those of you who haven’t found it you cannot imagine what you are missing. It will change your life in indescribable ways – positive ways; happy ways; meaningful ways.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving tomorrow I am thankful for many people, opportunities and things. Most of all I am thankful for the Blaskowskis and the Brennans and for kev, Mike, Ryan, Remmie, Brian, Stephan, Dylan, Jedda, Jesse, Jay, Hank, B5, Jimbo, Bob, Jonn, Mark, Scott, Roy and for so many others. And to Cristin, Mandy, Angela, Stephanie, Karin and so many military wives, too.

I love you all unconditionally. Thank you for teaching me how and for allowing me to love you.

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Over 1000 Gather To Remember and Celebrate the Lives of 15 Heroes from Fort Carson's 4th BDE 4th ID

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:44:12 -0600

3-61 CAV Memorial to the eight Fallen Heroes of COP Keating

Memorial to the 7 Fallen Heroes of 4th Engineer BN who died in western & Central Afghanistan

From The Gazette in Colorado Springs, CO:

More than a thousand mourners honor Fort Carson's fallen soldiers

November 18, 2009 1:56 PM

TOM ROEDER and LANCE BENZEL

THE GAZETTE

More than a thousand mourners packed two services at Fort Carson on Wednesday to remember 15 men who died in Afghanistan during the post’s deadliest month since Vietnam.

Eight of them died alongside their badly outnumbered comrades defending Combat Outpost Keating, a fortified piece of valley in the highlands near Pakistan that was virtually unknown before the fight and was abandoned afterward.

But the fighting at outpost on the morning of Oct. 3 won’t soon be forgotten, eulogists said.

“The stories that came out of that day demonstrate their service, their professionalism as soldiers and their character as men of honor,” said Maj. Dan Chandler, an officer with the 4th Brigade Combat Team, where the eight served.

The other seven were combat engineers who died while hunting for insurgents’ bombs and fighting off ambushes in central and western Afghanistan. It’s one of the most dangerous jobs in a war where insurgents prefer bombs over bullets.

“They will live on through all the lives they have touched and all the things they have done,” Capt. Jonathan Davis said of his seven fallen comrades from the 4th Engineer Battalion.

In all, 17 soldiers from Fort Carson died last month, bringing the toll to 287 for the post since fighting began in 2001.

The dimensions of October’s tragedy were evident in the faces of the mourners, who included Secretary of the Army John McHugh, who flew in from the Pentagon for the two services.

The first service honored 4th Brigade soldiers Staff Sgt. Justin T. Gallegos, Staff Sgt. Vernon W. Martin, Sgt. Joshua M. Hardt, Sgt. Joshua J. Kirk, Sgt. Michael P. Scusa, Spc. Christopher T. Griffin, Spc. Stephan L. Mace and Pfc. Kevin C. Thomson. All served in Afghanistan with the 4th Brigade’s 3rd Squadron of the 61st Cavalry Regiment.

The afternoon service was for soldiers from the 4th Engineer Battalion — Staff Sgt. Glen H. Stivison Jr., Spc. Kevin O. Hill, Spc. Jesus O. Flores, Spc. Daniel C. Lawson, Spc. Eric N. Lembke, Spc. Kimble A. Han and Pfc. Brandon M. Styer.

Eulogists described each, in turn drawing laughter and sobs from the crowd.

Justin Gallegos, 27, of San Gabriel, Calif., was on his third deployment with the Army, having served in Iraq in 2005 and 2007, during which he was wounded twice.

He was remembered as a loving father who took his duties as a cavalry scout with deadly seriousness.

In keeping with that reputation, he was dismissive the first time he met Spc. Thomas Rasmussen, then a rookie to the unit.

“He looked me up and down and turned away,” Rasmussen recalled in a letter read at the ceremony. “I knew that this was a guy that I wanted to beat and pace myself by.”

It was a fitting welcome from a man who taught his young son, MacAiden, the seven rules of reconnaissance and then brought him into the office to demonstrate that his boy could learn what some soldiers neglected.

At 25, Vernon Martin was known as a big brother to his family and to the soldiers he led, his sister, Vanessa Jackson, said after the service.

Martin, of Savannah, Ga., was a mechanic who joined the Army in 2002 and served in Iraq before heading to Afghanistan with the cavalry squadron.

He cheered people up, a precious trait in a long war.

“Staff Sgt. Martin was bursting with life and always had a smile on his face,” his friend, Staff Sgt. Damien Jefferson, wrote in a letter from Afghanistan that was read at the service.

In his brief life, he’d also married and had three kids to love. He’d joined the Army to support his children, Jackson said.

“He was determined to be there for them, no matter what,” she said.

Just 24, California native Joshua Hardt was already a respected leader in the cavalry squadron.

“He always wanted to do the best and expected the same from his soldiers,” wrote Sgt. Bradley Larson in a letter read at the service.

But he didn’t talk about himself much.

“He always played his cards close to his chest, except when he was playing spades,” Larson wrote.

Friends, though, knew he loved his wife, Olivia, with an adoration only rivaled by his love of football and fishing.
Bespectacled and skinny, Michael Scusa seemed a less-than-imposing figure.

“He looked so young to me,” Sgt. Scott Potempa wrote in a letter read at the service. “He looked like he was wearing his big brother’s uniform.”

The 22-year-old husband and father, though, was easy to underestimate.

No one could take more pressure and still maintain that signature smile and pleasant disposition.

“He never had a bad thing to say about anyone,” Potempa wrote.

That made him the guy everyone leaned on in times of crisis, a touchstone for his friends.

“Scusa was that one solder that we could always relate to,” Potempa wrote.

Two shots of Jagermeister and a Coors beer were enough to make the gregarious Kevin Thomson smile all night, friends recalled.

The 22-year-old was that guy who makes everybody laugh with his antics. He’d argue for hours that “Ghostbusters” was the best cinematic feat in the history of Hollywood.

“To him there was nothing a blueberry Pop Tart and some nicotine product couldn’t cure,” Spc. Daniel Rodriguez wrote in a letter from Afghanistan read at the service.

His favorite phrases included “happy hour” and “all you can eat.”

“He was simple, and that’s what made him one of a kind,” Rodriguez wrote.

Kevin Hill was a hard-charger. He went to college, majoring in criminal justice before enlisting as a combat engineer.

“He was always moving and ready to get things done,” according to a letter read at the service by Staff Sgt. Kevin Case.

The New York native joined in 2008 to follow in his soldier-father’s footsteps, friends said.

He talked about someday getting out of the Army but still wanted to help his fellow citizens and often dreamed aloud of his future as a cop.

A father of three, Daniel Lawson was a seen as a spiritual leader in his platoon.

Eulogists said that he preached to his comrades but showed them to how live a life of honor and exhibited a confidence inspired by deep faith.

The 33-year-old talked his friends through the tough times in Afghanistan, calming their fears of death by telling them their fate was in the hands of a higher power.

One friend summed up his influence in a letter read at the service: “He made me a better person.”

Friends say Kimble Han joined the Army as a living tribute to a buddy who had died in Iraq.

The 30-year-old was older than most of his comrades and had a quiet determination that endeared him to leaders.

“Spc. Han was the best thing I could hope for in a soldier,” one sergeant wrote in a letter read at the service.

“The only thing that ever came out of his mouth was ‘Roger sergeant.’”

But everyone knew how much Han cared about his wife and three stepsons.

He called home after every mission to let them know he was safe.

The boost from the calls left him “with an ear-to-ear grin,” friends said.

Griffin, 24, of Sault Sainte Marie, Mich., as “strong, smart and full of life.”

The cavalry scout was ready for the enemy he faced Oct. 3. He had already completed one tour of duty in Iraq but left for Afghanistan ready for more.

“He had a fight in him that was out of this world,” Spc. Mark Dulaney recalled in a letter. “Never once did he stop and ask, ‘Why am I here?’ … He knew why he was here.”

Kirk, 30, of Colorado Springs, shared his comrade’s passion for the fight.

A team leader sometimes referred to, simply, as the “tall, crazy guy,” Kirk ran toward danger, not away from it, a friend recalled.

“He was always the first guy out the door, ready to do the job, no matter what the price,” Pfc. Christopher Jones wrote in a letter.

He showed heart off the battlefield, too. A veteran of an earlier tour in Afghanistan, he once took the time to call up Jones’ parents and reassure them that the younger man would never be more than 4 feet away.

“They felt their son was going into combat with a true soldier,” Jones said.

Mace was small-town kid from Fairfax, Va., who tattooed the initials of his family members on his back. He always said they helped “shape him,” said Spc. Zachary Koppes.

His mother, Vanessa Adelson, said she was told her son died while manning a .50-caliber machine gun, determined to protect his outpost from advancing insurgents. He and Gallegos kept firing until they ran out of bullets and were left without a means to protect themselves.

Growing up, Mace rode dirt bikes, played football and all but ignored the injuries he racked up during his “adventures,” she said. He was the kind of boy other kids looked up to, and he had a life to match: He spent three summers during his high school years staying with a friend in South Africa whose father operated a safari business.

“He was 21, and he probably lived a bigger life and a fuller life than any one of us would if we lived until we were old and gray,” Adelson said. “We knew he probably went down like Jesse James.”

Stivison, 34, had a military pedigree: He was the grandson of an Army Ranger who fought at Pointe du Hoc on D-Day in World War II, and he grew up attending his grandfather’s Ranger reunions.

He came into his own as a squad leader in the Army, where comrades knew him as a “gentle giant,” family members said.

“He was happy to do it. He was just glad to take charge and lead,” said father-in-law John Leaver, of Colorado Springs.

His family wore red to the memorial in a tribute to the 4th Engineer Battalion, and his sons Williams Blaze, 8, and Andrew, 6, had dog tags bearing his name hanging from their necks.

Flores — or “Flo” — was an amateur rapper who could dream up rhymes about anything, even rearranging shipping containers, a comrade said in a letter from Afghanistan.

The 28-year-old was a proud Filipino who attended high school in California but dreamed of returning to the Philippines after getting out of the Army and fixing up his childhood home.

He regaled his friends with accounts of movies and video games he had just picked up, and then offered to lend them out to be experienced firsthand, friends said.

Lembke’s nickname, Teabag, was a nod to his love of tea but also referred to what was important in his life.
Drinking sweet tea was part of a ritual that reminded him of home — namely his wife, Mashelle, and their children, Alexis and Thomas. The family loved to barbecue together on summer days, and they enthusiastically welcomed Lembke’s friends and comrades into the fold.

The 25-year-old joined the Army in January 2008 and was deployed to Iraq a little more than a year later, where he distinguished himself as “one of the hardest workers in the platoon,” a colleague said.

Styer, 19, of Pennsylvania, was a funny, energetic bachelor who talked about girlfriends from time to time but saved up most his energy for something he valued even more: His car.

“He’d bring his laptop over to your bunk and make you look at these pictures,” a friend wrote in a letter

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Remember Them-CPT Ferrera, SGT Mersman, CPL Roque, CPL Langevin, SPC Lancour & Marine SGT Bocks

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:47:37 -0600

Here's to the heroes

On 9 November 2007 five Soldiers of the 173rd, 2-503 "Chosen Few" and a Marine attached to them were killed while returning to Firebase Bella in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. Please take a few minutes today to remember them; to pray for them and to honor them. And also pray for their families, brothers in arms and friends who miss them every day.

CPT Matthew C. Ferrara

14 October 1983 – 9 November 2007

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPT Matthew C. Ferrara was born on 14 October 1983 in Torrance, California, and he graduated and was commissioned from the United States Military Academy at West Point on 28 May 2005 as an Infantry officer.

CPT Ferrara completed the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, and Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia and reported to Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy for his first duty assignment. Matt was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry as the Platoon Leader of First Platoon.

In May 2007, CPT Ferrara deployed with the company to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII. On 22 August 2007, CPT Ferrara led his men to thwart a deliberate enemy attack on the Aranas Combat Outpost (Ranch House) by a numerically superior force. For his valorous and heroic actions that day he was submitted for the Silver Star.

CPT Ferrara’s awards include: Silver Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPT Ferrera a graduate of the U. S. Military Academy at West Point had an older brother who had graduated from the academy. At the time of Matt's death he had another brother attending the academy as well as a younger brother in ROTC at the Univerity of Souther California. He held dual citizens ship in the USA and New Zealand. Matt was the first New Zealander to die in combat in Afghanistan. Matt's mother wrote an article for the New Zealand Listener. I encourage you to take the time to read her article. Matt's family continues to work tirelessly in support of the wounded and deployed military personnel.

SGT Jeffery S. Mersman

11 May 1984 – 9 November 2007

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

SGT Jeffery S. Mersman was born on 11 May 1984 in Paola, Kansas. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 15 January 2002.

SGT Mersman served in C Company, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division as a Grenadier and Rifle Team Leader. While in this unit, SGT Mersman deployed three times in support of OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM before reporting for duty at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy.

SGT Mersman was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team as a Rifle Team Leader in August 2006. He deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDUING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. During this deployment, SGT Mersman participated in numerous combat patrols and manned a critical observation point at Bella Combat Outpost in Nuristan Province providing surveillance and early warning of enemy activity.

SGT Mersman’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Commendation Medal (3 Oak Leaf Clusters), Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Valorous Unit Award, Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

SGT Mersman had served three combat tours in Iraq prior to his tour in Afghanistan. His family remembers him here. The rescue pilots recount the night of the recovery of SGT Mersman in this article. SGT Mersman's father also comments in the article. I encourage you to take the time to read this article.

CPL Lester G Roque

4 December 1983 – 9 November 2007

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2dn Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Lester G. Roque was born on 4 December 1983 in Obando, Bulacan, Philippines where he spent most of his childhood. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 2 February 2005.

During his time in service, CPL Roque completed One Station Unit Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Medical Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. On 10 October 2005, CPL Roque reported to his first duty station at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team. After his arrival, he immediately joined Headquarters and Headquarters Company in Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VI where he was assigned as a trauma medic. Due to his maturity and leadership, he was assigned as the Chosen Company Senior Medic where he served with distinction. During OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII, CPL Roque established two aid stations at Combat Outposts Bella and Aranas (Ranch House), conducted numerous combat patrols, and established a local national clinic to increase the healthcare for the surrounding populace.

CPL Roque’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Expert Field Medical Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge.

Photos from CPL Roque's memorial service can be viewed here. And in this blog tribute you can read more about CPL Roque including his love affair with is beloved wife Leikathryn.

SPC Sean K. A. Langevin

17 August 1984 – 9 November 2007

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

CPL Sean K. Langevin was born on 17 August 1984 in Walnut Creek, California. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 14 February 2006.

After completing Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT) and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georiga, CPL Langevin reported to his first duty station at Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy. He was assigned to Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team as an Automatic Rifleman. CPL Langevin deployed to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007.

During his time in Afghanistan, CPL Langevin went on numerous combat patrols. He was also involved in a violent firefight with enemy forces at the Aranas Combat Outpost (Ranch House) on 22 August 2007. For his heroic actions during the Ranch House attack, CPL Langevin was submitted for the Bronze Star Medal with Valor.

CPL Langevin’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Basic Parachutist Badge.

CPL Lagnevin was an Eagle Scout. He is survived by his wife Jessica who was expecting their first child, a daughter, at the time of his death.

PFC Joseph M. Lancour

26 June 1986 – 9 November 2007

Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

SPC Joseph M. Lancour was born on 26 June 1986 in Cadillac, Michigan. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 8 February 2006.

After completing Infantry One Station Unit Training (OSUT) and attending Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia, SPC Lancour arrived at Caserma, Ederle in Vicenza, Italy for his first duty assignment. SPC Lancour was immediately assigned as a Rifleman in Chosen Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team.

SPC Lancour conducted his first deployment to Afghanistan in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII in May 2007. During his service, SPC Lancour participated in numerous combat patrols and manned a critical observation post at Bella Combat Outpost providing security and observation of the surrounding mountainous terrain.

SPC Lancour’s awards include: Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous), Purple Heart (Posthumous), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Army Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, North Atlantic Treaty Organization Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Basic Parachutist Badge

SPC Lancour's family and high school staff talk about what great young man he was here and here.

Sgt Phillip Bocks

SGT Bocks was an only child. His family tells a little about his childhood and his service iin the Marine Corps in this article. Friends remember SGT Bocks here. There are two wonderful memorial videos of SGT Bocks here and here

I will never forget the first time I watched and listened to the following rescue/recovery video from the ambush near Aranas of the men who had been on patrol from Firebase Bella in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. The rescue/recovery operation lasted over 24 hous. God Bless the helicopter pilots and medevac personnel who risk their lives every day for the wounded and fallen.

Dust-off medevac Aranas, Afghansitan 2007

All fine looking young Americans taken way too soon. Rest in Peace Brave Warriors. I will NEVER forget you.

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My Heart Is Breaking For All Of The Personnel at Fort Hood

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:22:38 -0600

The families of those killed are first and foremost in my thoughts and prayers. I am also keeping the wounded and all survivors in my prayers as well. The days ahead will be difficult for all of them.

There's really nothing more I should say at this time.

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173rd BCT Jumps at Aviano - SKY SOLDIERS!

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:40:29 -0600

Sky Soldier jump at Aviano November 2009

Can anyone point Remmel out to me? LOL

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Today Was A Happy Day. I LOVE Mail Stop Dates

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:39:00 -0600

This is a package going to a Soldier on his third deployment to Afghanistan (second deployment for me to send him a little love) who will be getting out of the Army to go to college. HOOAH!

I figured the last box should have something a little special on it. And I'm sure he'll get some razzing but probably not as much as he got when I sent him this. Interestingly (or disturbing) enough I get requests for this now. Is that a good reputation to have?

Last box

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Game Developer "n-Space" Donates Stained Glass Memorial Window Pane for 4-4 BDE at Ft Carson Chapel

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:02:39 -0500

I am proud to announce that the owner and employees of n-Space have asked to be the sponsor of all costs required in order to have a stained glass artist make a window and install it in the Chapel at Fort Carson in Memory of all Fallen Soldiers from 4-4 Brigade. 4-4 is newly flagged at Fort Carson after having recently been relocated there from Fort Hood and had no Memorial Window in the Chapel. Sadly we all know that the Brigade has had many of their Heroes Killed in Action on their current deployment to Afghanistan.

Jen from n-Space contacted me on behalf of the company a few days after we had issued the call for assistance in replacing the lost personal items of the survivors of the Battle at COP Keating. By the time I received Jen's email we had received all of the donations we needed for the Soldiers' personal items. I did have a couple of other projects I wanted to try to make happen. One was the Memorial window. I had sent out a handful of emails asking people and groups if they would be interested in donating towards that project when I received Jen's email.

Jen and I exchanged a additional emails and phone calls. She was so patient with me. I have no idea about gaming beyond Pong, Centipede and PacMan - yeah, I'm that old. So wrapping my brain around what n-Space does was way over my head beyond the basic concept that they design video games. LOTS of video games for LOTS of different systems.

I put Jen in touch with 4-4 Brigade Commander's wife. The two of them have worked together to iron out all of the details. I cannot tell you how much it means to me, to Jen and Dan and all of the employees of n-Space and to the Soldiers and family members of 4-4 Brigade that this has become a reality.

A HUGE HOOAH to n-Space's owners, management and employees for taking on such an important and meaningful task. Because of n-Space and their generosity the Fallen Heroes of 4-4 Brigade will forever be remembered in a meaningful way.

Thank you Jen, Dan and all of you great Americans at n-Space.

So all of you gamers out there (well and the non gamers, too) - go become a fan of and follow n-Space on their Facebook page. Go! Now! Leave a comment for them, too, please. Here are a few of the 100 employees you will be thanking. By the way, they are holding signs that say "I give a shit" and "n-Space gives a shit". AWESOME!

n-Space, inc from FL

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Remembering SGT Joshua Brennan, Battle Co 173rd 2-503, KIA 26 Oct 07 Kunar Province, Afghanistan

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:52:14 -0500

SGT Joshua Brennan was a beloved son, brother, nephew and cousin who is missed by all who knew him and loved him. SGT Brennan was shot multiple times on 25 October 2007 in an ambush during Operation Rock Avalanche. He succumbed to his wounds the following day.

SGT Joshua C Brennan

Josh's father, Mike Brennan, has told me about the day Josh and his Battle Buddies were ambushed. It is one of the most harrowing stories I've heard. During the ambush the Taliban attempted to drag Josh away. His fellow Soldiers immediately came to his rescue. SPC Hugo "DOC" Mendoza gave his life attempting to save Josh from the enemy. Others on his team continued to fight the enemy and were successful in getting Josh back. One of those men has been nominated for the Medal of Honor for his actions that day.

A family member made this incredibly moving video to honor Josh. You'll need tissues to watch this.

Josh Brennan

My heart is very heavy today, on this second anniversary of Josh's death. Please take a minute to pray for Josh and his family. And say a special prayer for his cousin, PVT Joseph Brennan and his family, too. Joseph recently completed basic training and Airborne School. His family took him to the airport this morning (talk about timing) to board a flight to Italy where he will join Josh's unit, 173rd, 2-503, Battle Company and will deploy before the end of the year to Afghanistan.

So on this day of remembrance I send my love to the Brennan family. They are some of the greatest people I have ever had the privilege to know. Josh's father, Mike, and his mother, Janice, both served in the Army. Their son, Josh, gave his life defending our freedom. Now Joseph proudly wears the uniform of the US Army.

Rest in Peace Josh. Keep Joseph safe.

Josh Brennan in civies

SGT Josh Brennan OEF VIII

SGT Josh Brennan on last mission - Operation Rock Avalanche

Josh Brennan Mem Day 09 Billboard

Read more about Josh here, here, here and on his mother's MySpace page here

There is a story about his dad and one of his uncles here.

And go here to read about and see photos of Joseph Brennan's graduation from Airborne School.

Terry pinning Joshs wings on Joseph as Mike looks on

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Remembering SPC Hugo "DOC" Mendoza, Battle Co 173rd 2-503, KIA 25 Oct 07 Kunar Province, Afghanistan

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:55:13 -0500

SPC Hugo "DOC" Mendoza died of wounds sustained when he came in contact with enemy forces using RPG, machine gun and small arms fire during Operation Rock Avalanche combat operations on Oct 25,2007 in the Korengal Valley, Afghanistan.

SPC Mendoza's family recalls him as a very giving person; a man who treated everyone the way he wanted to be treated. SPC Mendoza planned to become a firefighter once he left the Army.

He was laid to rest at Fort Bliss, TX.

We will NEVER forget you "DOC". Rest in Peace brave warrior.

SPC Hugo DOC Mendoza

23 March 1978 – 25 October 2007

Battle Company, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry Regiment

SPC Hugo Victor Mendoza was born on 23 March 1978 in California and spent most of his childhood in El Paso, Texas. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on 31 May 2005.

During his time in service, SPC Hugo Victor Mendoza completed Basic Infantry Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Medical Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Airborne School at Fort Benning, Georgia. On 6 March 2006, SPC Mendoza reported to his first duty station at Caserma, Ederle, Vicenza, Italy. He was assigned to the 173d Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Battalion (Airborne), 503rd Infantry – The ROCK. SPC Mendoza was then assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company with duty as a combat medic in Battle Company. He immediately found his home among the combat warriors of 1st Platoon – The Celts. SPC Mendoza trained, deployed and fought side by side with his band of brothers in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII. SPC Mendoza distinguished himself in The ROCK as a heroic medic, charismatic Paratrooper, and an overall altruistic human being.

SPC Mendoza’s awards include: The Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Combat Medical Badge, and Basic Parachutist Badge. SPC Mendoza has been submitted for the Bronze Star Medal for Service in support of OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM VIII.

Please go here and read more about what SPC Mendoza's family and friends had to say about this great American Hero.

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Remembering SSG Larry Rougle, Battle Company, 173rd 2-503, KIA 23 Oct 07 Kunar Province, Afghanistan

nobody@vox.com(Tankerbabelc) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:50:33 -0500

SSG Larry Rougle

SSG Larry Rouge was a husband, father, son, brother, nephew and friend to many. His father, Ismael Rougle is a Vietnam Veteran who served 25 years in the Army. SSG Rougle joined the Army in 1999 at age 17. He was killed by insurgent small arms fire on 23 October 2007 at age 25 during Operation Rock Avalanche. He was on his sixth deployment since joining the Army.

SSG Rouge was laid to rest on 8 November 2007 at Arlington National Cemetery. I encourage you to click on the link for Arlington National Cemetery to read more about SSG Rougle. A great American Hero who left those who loved him way too soon.

We will NEVER forget you SSG Rougle.

Additional links about SSG Rougle here and here.

Last night, on the second anniversary of his death, several of SSG Rougle's battle buddies joined together to remember him, SPC Hugo Mendoza and SGT Joshua Brennan (who I will post about tomorrow and Monday)

Battle Co remembering their Fallen Brothers Oct 09

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