32 posts tagged “173rd”
I cannot help but wonder just how many Americans are aware of our Armed Forces deployed to northeast Afghanistan. My experience talking with the public is that the answer is "not many". What a damn shame! When I received the following link from LTC Ostlund "Rock 6" today even I was stunned.
AWARDED:
Silver Stars - 6
Bronze Stars with Valor - 48
ARCOMs with Valor - over 140
Purple Hearts - 98
SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL:
More than 150 other awards for valor have been submitted for approval — including two for the Medal of Honor, three of for the Distinguished Service Cross and three more for Silver Stars.
And 950 engagements with the enemy in the past 14 months.
From Stars and Stripes
Awards demonstrate valor of ‘The Rock’
By Kent Harris, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Sunday, June 29, 2008
CAMP BLESSING, Afghanistan — Command Sgt. Major Bradley Meyers doesn’t seem surprised by his battalion’s performance in Kunar Province over the last 14 months.
"I think that soldiers will meet expectations," the top enlisted soldier in the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment said. "If you train them properly, they’ll do just fine."
"Just fine," in this case, might be an understatement.
Soldiers from "The Rock" have been awarded six Silver Stars. Forty-eight have earned Bronze Stars with valor. More than 140 Army Commendation Medals with valor have been approved. Ninety-eight Purple Hearts have been awarded. More than 150 other awards for valor have been submitted for approval — including two for the Medal of Honor, three of for the Distinguished Service Cross and three more for Silver Stars.
The numbers are a testament to the fierce fighting the battalion has seen in Afghanistan, where insurgent attacks have become both more numerous and more brazen over the past year.
The battalion has been involved in about 950 engagements with the enemy during its stint in Afghanistan. Fifteen soldiers from the unit and two Marines working in the province have died during the rotation. About two dozen members of the Afghan National Army, Afghan National Police and Afghan Border Police have also been killed in the line of duty.
Meyers, who joined the battalion during its last tour in Afghanistan, said 2-503 has aggressively interacted with the local population during both of its stints in country.
"Get out in the battle space, hook up with the local population and maintain relations with the locals," he said. "When you do that, you’re going to end up running into the enemy."
"We’re both fighting for the human terrain," Lt. Col. Bill Ostlund, the battalion commander, said. "We go about it in different ways and for much different reasons. But we and the enemy both need the support of the local population."
The unit operates in the low hills and mountains near this outpost in the Pech River Valley in eastern Afghanistan. The rugged border with Pakistan has long been a hideout and transit route for Taliban and other fighters in Afghanistan.
And while the fight has intensified in southern Afghanistan, the combat has been steady and thick here.
Staff Sgt. Brandon Thomas, a member of Company A, has received three Purple Hearts during the rotation. He’s been wounded in the shin, head and inner thigh. He received the Army Commendation Medal with valor recently, but said he wasn’t any different from any other soldier in the battalion.
"In my opinion, a valor award is just an act of stupidity viewed by others as heroism," he said with a half-smile. "I guess I never learned to find cover in basic training."
A group of soldiers standing around him when he said that all laughed and shook their heads. Several of them had also earned medals with valor during the tour.
"Unfortunately, we don’t get the respect and attention that soldiers fighting in Iraq do," Thomas said, turning more serious. "But we’ve been fighting every day."
"We have a pretty humble group of guys," Ostlund said. "They don’t talk about themselves much. Some of them have seen as much combat as anyone in the Army."
GOOD NEWS!!!
The 173rd has begun to redeploy. I've already posted about that here and here. In the coming weeks the remainder of the Brigade's Battalions will redeploy to Italy and Germany. Now that deserves a resounding HOOOOOOOAH!!!!
Great job Soldiers! Great job! It's been more than an honor to support the 2/503 Battalion during this 15 month long mission. It was impossible some days to deal with not being able to support the entire Brigade. We may not have sent you care packages but you were ALL always in our thoughts and prayers. We are grateful for EVERY one of you. You've all been through hell and back but you know that better than I. For those who I have gotten to know via email - THANK YOU for sharing precious moments with me on-line. I know communication was more than difficult most days and nights. Thank you for letting me get to know about you and your families. I can only hope to have the opportunity to meet you one day. Regardless, always know how PROUD I am of ALL of you.
The losses have been great. Some have been personal even to me. I will continue to honor and remember all of those who gave their lives in service to our great nation on this deployment. May their families know that I remember them by name and not by a number. I cannot begin to imagine your depth of loss. But know that your men gave their all with dignity, honor and conviction. May they all rest in peace forever.
AND IN OTHER NEWS
The 6/4 Cav out of Ft. Hood, TX (part of The 1st Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team) cased its colors on 17 June 2008 as they began their deployment to replace part of the 173rd ABCT. From the Killeen Daily Herald:
The 1st Infantry Division's 3rd Brigade Combat Team has brought several firsts to Fort Hood: the first light infantry unit to grace the post's heavy stomping grounds and the first full brigade to deploy to Afghanistan from Central Texas.
And...
"We are going to where the war started, where the Taliban and al-Qaida still contest against us on a daily basis," he (Col. John M. Spiszer, the brigade's commander) said. "Our actions will continue to ensure that they cannot bring the fight here and that they cannot continue to prevent progress, peace and stability in Afghanistan."
A dear friend of mine (who chooses to remain annonymous) and I had the great honor of going to Ft. Hood to meet with the 6/4 Cav First Command Team (not all present in the following photo).
My friend and I are going to be working to "rally the civilian troops" to get support over to these Warriors. If anyone's interested drop me an email at tankerbabelc@gmail.com. The majority of the Soldiers in this unit are single so we're going to need lots of letter writers and care package support. We've already begun working with the FRGs on Christmas "stockings" that will be filled with lots of goodies for each Soldier.
BE SAFE WARRIORS. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Thanks to American Infidel and Long Island Girl for the "heads up" on this video. Approximately the first three minutes show video of Chosen and Destined Company in the recent Operation Rock Pentrator in Kunar Province.
UPDATE - well phooey. They've disabled the embed. Here's the link http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=vP183JLSBW4&feature.
This post won't have any names or any photos out of respect for the privacy of our amazing Wounded Warriors. What it will have is a story or two about some of the most incredible people I've ever met. I've posted before about visits to WRAMC. I look forward to the day when the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq are over and we don't have so many Wounded Warriors and Heroes who have given their all for this nation. But that time won't be any too soon. While much has been accomplished by our military and coalition partners in both war zones neither war can simply end on a specified date. So I'll continue to find a way to get from mid America to WRAMC as often as I can. Spending time with those men and women means more to me than just about anything in my life. I can never thank them enough for allowing me to do so.
After spending a fabulous week at the U S Army War College National Security Seminar (post to come) I hopped in a vehicle for the two hour drive down to DC. The drive through Pennsylvania and Maryland wasn't bad at all. Even the traffic on the Beltway and in DC seemed to cooperate. I love it when I plan comes together. We arrived a couple of hours ahead of schedule.
I had invited an active duty officer to join me. At first he was completely in favor of the idea since he'd never been to WRAMC to visit our Wounded Warriors. He'd only been for medical check ups. As the time began to draw near for the trip he tried to find one reason after another to back out. I stood firm and practically coerced him into going. The closer we got to WRAMC the antsier he seemed to get. I asked him if he was OK. He told me he was concerned about meeting "my" guys. And then it hit me. I remembered the first time I was invited to the Mologne House to visit. My stomach was in knots. I was literally nauseous at the thought. But about 15 minutes after arriving it all went away. I suppose we all (even an officer who has seen battle field casualties) have a sense of guilt and anxiety in anticipation of meeting so many great young Americans who have lifelong scars and injuries as a result of serving this great nation.
As we rolled on to WRAMC I began calling some of the guys to tell them we were there. We parked at the Mologne House and made our way to the breezeway where I had agreed to wait for some of the guys. Within minutes, one by one, they began to appear around the corner with huge smiles on their faces. I couldn't get my arms around them fast enough. Long and tight hugs. Lots of "Gosh it's great to see yous". I introduced each of these great Warriors to the officer. For about two hours we moved between the breezeway and the lounge in the Mologne House - talking, laughing, sharing a few beers and lots of cigarettes.
Each of them looked better than the last time I had seen them. One had just had his second ear drum replaced and his ear was packed with cotton. But he could hear just fine and was in the middle of the fray. He has eye surgery yet to go but is in great spirits and is just tons of fun. Another is improving greatly from TBI and PSTD. His memory is MUCH better than it was even two months ago and he is off of several of the powerful meds he had been on. His mother had come for a visit recently from the West Coast. That seemed to have been a great moral booster for him. I'm ashamed to admit I don't recall the name of the organization that provided the airline ticket for his mother. I do know that if they hadn't his mother would not have been able to visit. There are so many great individuals and organizations out there providing wonderful support to our wounded. Many do so quietly. I like that!
There were two Sky Soldiers at WRAMC that I hadn't met yet but was able to on this visit. One was shot in the gut at the Battle at the Ranch House. He truly is a medical miracle to be alive. He has one more surgery scheduled for November and is already planning where his next deployment will be. He told me about his choices and I was surprised at them. These men are unbelievable. They inspire me in ways I can't begin to convey in words. Another even more interesting aspect I learned about this young man is that he is an only child and his father passed way when he was ten years old. I'm fairly certain my mouth dropped open when he told me that. I cannot begin to know his mother's grief when she found out he had been wounded. He was in a coma for a week after he was shot. No one expected him to live. Yet now that he is going to recovery fully he has chosen to continue to serve our nation. It's been asked many times before but WHERE DO WE GET THESE MEN? He has the most wonderful smile and a sparkle in his eye that lights up the room he is in and any room nearby. I'm so happy I was finally able to meet him. I asked him how long it had been since he had seen his mother. It's been a couple of months. She doesn't have much time off from work and the cost of airline tickets isn't in their budget. So if anyone reading this wants to help out a great American Warrior let me know. I told him I'd do what I can to get his mom to WRAMC sometime between now and November.
The other brave Warrior I met is a double amputee (both legs). I'm going to call him Jake for the purpose of this post. I had heard much about his great spirit and courage. As we were sitting in the lounge at the Mologne House he came wheeling in wearing both of his fairly new prosthetics. He was covered in perspiration. It was a very hot and humid day. His girl friend is staying with him at one of the Fisher Houses but she was at work and couldn't join us until later. He wasn't as talkative to me as the others but I didn't mind. I just sat back and listened to all of them chat about this and that and ran to the bar for beer and soft drinks when necessary. Most of all it was great to meet him and to be able to deliver a message to him from his commander who had emailed me about him.
Around 18:00 we decided to go grab something to eat. Jake couldn't leave yet because his girl friend wouldn't be back until around 18:30 or so. We needed to make a couple of trips anyway because of the number of people going to dinner and the transportation we had available to us. We offered to drive Jake back to the Fisher House but he said he'd be just fine. So the rest of us loaded up and drove to a restaurant they had chosen. I won't mention the restaurant because I don't want the loonies to show up there and be a$$holes to our guys. Anyway...when we got to the restaurant the only table they had big enough to accommodate all of us was up two and a half flights of stairs. When I mentioned we might have one person join us in a wheel chair they assured us he could use the service elevator. Problem solved. So we settled in with appetizers and beverages. More talking and laughing. Photos were taken. We were just a bunch of friends out on a Friday night having a blast. Even the active duty officer who had come along had become a part of the gang. He and the guys were, at times, definitely talking "man talk" and on a couple of occasions my ears hurt from the things they said. It was all good!
The LNO (Liaison Officer) excused himself to go pick up Jake and his crew. Meanwhile the rest of us continue to enjoy the time together. When the LNO, Jake, his girl friend and another Wounded Warrior joined us I noticed Jake was not in his wheel chair but on his prosthetics. AND he had poo pooed the notion of using the service elevator choosing instead to walk up the stairs. So we all continued to chat, eat, drink and be merry until the bewitching hour when I had to announce it was time for me to leave. Nothing makes an old woman feel better than to hear the groans from these young men indicating they don’t want to hear that I’m leaving. One of the first questions I heard was, “When will you be back?” That question always makes me emotional. It’s probably the ONLY question that makes me wish I lived in or near DC. But I did promise I would be back as soon as possible. And I WILL!
Yankeemom, if you are reading this the next question was, “When do you think we can go back to Yankeemom’s house again?”
A couple of the guys were tired so we offered them a ride back to WRAMC. Since it was Friday night the Freepers were on all four corners at the Main Gate as they have been for three years in counter protest to the Pinko dummies. We stopped to say hello to them. The Soldiers all thanked them for being there and for their support.
After the visit the officer told me several times how glad he was that he went and that he will go back as often as he can and will encourage other officers to do so.
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED ON ALL LEVELS.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again and again and again. If you’ve never been to WRAMC to visit our Wounded Warriors you need to get off your fannies and do it. It will change your life forever in the most wonderful, positive and amazing ways. AND…it makes their day, too.
To the Sky Soldiers – thank you for allowing me to spend so much time with you. I love you all and I think you know that. You know where to find me if you need me.
Tissue Alert on this one.
PFC Christopher Pfeifer (173rd, 1/91 Sky Soldier) died at BMAC on 25 September 2007 of wounds sustained from sniper fire in northeaster Afghanistan several weeks prior. This video tells the story of how PFC Pfeifer pulled SSG John Faulkenberry to safety in a fire fight on 27 July 2007 after SSG Faulkenberry had been wounded. PFC Pfeifer navigated through machine gun fire and mortars with a stretcher to pull SSG Faulkenberry to safety. As they were loading SSG Faulkenberry on the medivac helicopter PFC Pfeifer assured him that all was going to be OK.
About three weeks after SSG Faulkenberry was wounded and air lifted to Germany he and his wife got word that PFC Pfeifer has been shot. I'll let the video tell you the rest of this heart wrenching story. But before I do let me just say that it is men like PFC Pfeifer and SSG Faulkenberry as well as their wives, Karen Pfeifer & Sara Faulkenberry, who are the backbone of what makes our nation so great. They are all people I'd like to meet. They are all true American Patriots and Heroes.
Rest in Peace PFC Pfeifer. May your daughter grow up to know what a brave man and great American Hero you are.
H/T to Twana
As the Memorial Day weekend closes in on all of us I hope everyone will make the time to stop, remember and honor all of our Fallen Heroes throughout time. You may not know them by name but stop and honor their sacrifice and service. Without our military throughout time our nation wouldn't be what it is today. We have much to be thankful for and MANY to be thankful of.
This Memorial Day I want to use my blog to specifically honor and remember the Fallen Heroes of the 173rd ABCT currently deployed to northeastern Afghanistan, the Sky Angels, who gave their lives in defense of our nation on this deployment. Twelve months in, three to go. May God protect all of those who are still fighting the good fight in Afghanistan and return them home to Italy and Germany safe and sound. To the families and friends of the Sky Angels, you and your loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers every day.
To Terry and Cheryl Blaskowski, thank you for allowing me into your lives as you have; for sharing so much about Matt with me; for allowing me to help honor his life as you have. Most of all, thank you for such a gift, for such a special man, for Matt.
SFC Matthew Blaskowski. KIA 23 September 2007
Fire Base Vegas, Kunar Province, Afghanistan
Silver Star
Bronze Star
2 Purple Hearts
At the memorial ceremony in Afghanistan on 28 Sept 2008 Matthew's platoon leader, 1LT Bradley Winn Said, "He was the mentor and platoon sergeant that I had always dreamed of - leading from the front and being an everyday hero that all of the Soldiers, including myself, looked up to. Sergeant Ski was the epitome of a professional Soldier that will forever set the bar for Battle Company, Chosen Company and the whole Rock family."
Matt is survived by his wife Daniela, his parents Terry and Cheryl and his brother Dan Stan as well as many other family members and friends.
We love you and we miss you Matt
I will also remember and honor these Fallen Heroes. May their families and loved ones know that they are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace Brave Warriors.
2 June 2007 - PFC Jacob Michael Lowell, B Co 1/503 173rd ABCT
5 June 2007 - PFC Timothy R Vimoto, B Co 2/503 173rd ABCT
5 July 2007 - PFC Joseph A Miracle, A Co 2/503 173rd ABCT
5 July 2007 - SPC Christopher S Honaker, A Co 2/503 173rd ABCT
22 July 2007 - PFC Juan S Restrepo, B Co 2/503 173rd ABCT
23 July 2007 - PFC Jessy S Rogers, D Co 1/503 173rd ABCT
23 July 2007 - PFC Adam J Davis, D Co 1/503 173rd ABCT
23 July 2007 - SGT Travon T Johnson, D Co 1/503 173rd ABCT
23 July 2007 - 1SG Michael S Curry, Jr., D Co 1/503 173rd ABCT
27 July 2007 - SSG William R. Fritsche, B Co 1/91 173rd ABCT
27 July 2007 - MAJ Thomas G Bostick, Jr., B Co 1/91 173rd ABCT
31 July 2007 - 1LT Benjamin J Hall, D Co 2/503 173rd ABCT
27 August 2007 - PFC Thomas R Wilson, HHC 1/503 173rd ABCT
23 September 2007 - SFC Matthew Blaskowski, B Co 2/503 173rd ABCT
25 September 2007 - PFC Christopher Pfeifer, B Co 1/91 173rd ABCT
26 September 2007 - PFC Mathew D Taylor, D Co 1/503 173rd ABCT
23 October 2007 - SSG Larry I Rougle, HHC 2/503 173rd ABCT
25 October 2007 - SFC Hugh V Mendoza, B Co 2/503 173rd ABCT
25 October 2007 - SGT Joshua C Brennan, B Co 2/503 173rd ABCT
9 November 2007 - SPC Joseph M Lancour, C Co 2/503 173rd ABCT
9 November 2007 - SPC Lester G. Roque, C Co 2/503 173rd ABCT
9 November 2007 - CPL Sean K A Langevin, C Co 2/503 173rd ABCT
9 November 2007 - SGT Jeffrey S Mersman, C Co 2/503 173rd ABCT
9 November 2007 - CPT Matthew C Ferrara, C Co 2/503 173rd ABCT
12 November 2007 - SGT Adrian E Hike, A Co 91st CAV 173rd ABCT
12 November 2007 - CPT David A Boris, A Co 91st CAV 173rd ABCT
12 December 2007 - SSG Michael J Gabel, D Co 1/503 173rd ABCT
12 December 2007 - CPL Joshua C Blaney, D Co 1/503 173rd ABCT
31 December 2007 - PFC Brian Gorham, D Co 1/503 173rd ABCT
26 January 2008 - SFC Matthew R Kahler, C Co 2/503 173rd ABCT
Matt Burden at Blackfive has this story (which includes a link to Soldiers Angels German and a letter written by CPT Ferrara's mother). Matt reposts the video of part of the 30+ hour recovery and rescue operation resulting from the ambush on 9 November 2007 when five Chosen Co 2/503 Soldiers gave their lives.
Matt also has this post which honors the 173rd in Vietnam and features the video from Big and Rich "The 8th of November"
From Stars and Stripes - (Click on link to see related photos)
U.S.: Insurgents knew of Kunar operation
By Drew Brown, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Friday, May 23, 2008
ASADABAD, Afghanistan — Enemy fighters knew that U.S. and Afghan troops were coming in by helicopter to three of the five locations they flew into during a recent combat operation in central Kunar province, a U.S. commander said.
"(Anti-Afghan Force) commanders knew we were coming into the valleys," said Lt. Col. William Ostlund, commander of 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment.
Enemy commanders didn’t know when U.S. and Afghan forces were coming, nor did they know the precise locations of the helicopter landing zones, "but they knew we were coming, and they started to leave" before the operation started, Ostlund said.
The 10-day offensive known as "Rock Penetrator" started about two weeks ago, and concluded earlier this week. The intent was to disrupt enemy command and control, and logistics, in five valleys in central Kunar province and to regain freedom of movement for U.S. and Afghan forces.
Meeting Wednesday with several Afghan officers at Camp Joyce, near Asadabad, Ostlund said the security lapse probably resulted from something overheard by local Afghan workers at one of the U.S. and Afghan bases in the area.
"I would bet my life that no ANA (Afghan National Army) soldier tipped off the AAF (anti-Afghan forces), Ostlund said. "I don’t think that happened at all."
But it’s possible that soldiers talking about the mission were overheard by local workers on the base who mentioned it to someone else, who passed the information off to insurgents, he said.
The tip-off was not the only security lapse of the operation. Earlier this week, U.S. forces confiscated six cell phones and a Thuraya satellite phone from Afghan soldiers who’d brought them into the field against orders.
Ostlund said he would trust his life and those of his soldiers with the Afghan troops, and there was no indication that any of the soldiers used the phones to contact enemy fighters. However, the presence of the communications devices on the battlefield still represented a potential security risk that needed to be avoided in the future, he said.
Ostlund met with the commander and officers from the Afghan National Army’s 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 201st Corps, in part to smooth over bitter feelings that had surfaced over the cell phone incident.
An Afghan lieutenant complained that it wasn’t within Afghan culture "to search soldiers who’ve been out looking for bad guys all day."
The Afghans had been instructed to leave their cell phones at the base and not carry them with them on the operation. However, the lieutenant said that several of the men had carried their phones with them because they had no place to store them on Camp Joyce. He said the soldiers took the Thuraya phone with them so that they could communicate with their base, if necessary. He said the military radios they use are unreliable.
Ostlund agreed that part of the problem stemmed from cultural differences. He said U.S. forces would provide the Afghans with a locker in which to store the cell phones, and asked that the Afghans "police up" the cell phones from their soldiers before any future operations.
Ostlund said he wasn’t concerned solely about the potential security threat to U.S. forces but to Afghan forces as well.
Operation Rock Penetrator was the latest U.S. effort to disrupt enemy fighters in Kunar province, which lies just across the border from Pakistan and serves as an entry point for money, supplies and fighters for the Afghan rebels.
Ostlund said that U.S. forces killed at least 30 enemy fighters in the operation, and caused significant disruption to their operations. However, he cautioned that intelligence analysis was not yet complete.
No U.S. troops or Afghan security forces were killed in the operation, and there were no reports of civilian casualties, Ostlund said.
This post will stay on top for a while so scroll down for new posts. And if you'd like to make a donation via PayPal use the email address airborne173rdskyangelsfund@yahoo.com. UPDATE: Paypal is not working yet due to PayPal requiring paperwork to confirm this is a legitimate cause. Until further notice please mail all donations to the address below. Unfortunately Vox doesn't work with PayPal or if it does I haven't figured it out.
So many of you have been integral in providing literally TONS and TONS of support to the 2-503 while they are deployed for 15 months to eastern Afghanistan. These Warriors and their fellow Battalions in the Brigade have endured so much and still have a few months to go before they redeploy to Europe. As one last "Thank You" and to stamp our seal of appreciation on their deployment we are planning a Fourth of July "style" welcome home party for the 2-503. Of course there is just one tiny little detail or two...1) They are home based in Vicenza, Italy and have no American community to provide a proper welcome home and 2) We need to raise the funds to send over there for some good old American hot dogs, hamburgers, trimmings and BEER!
There's more detail in the letter below from Terry and Cheryl Blaskowski but we are just asking everyone to take an envelope to work, church, civic meetings, local base ball games, the bowling alley, local pubs, etc and ask everyone to toss in a dollar or two or five. The drop the envelope in the mail to the address below. Together we CAN do this. And as we all know it's really the least we can do to thank these Soldiers for all they have given on our behalf.
So now I give you Terry and Cheryl Blaskowski:
Patriotism: “What do we mean by patriotism in the context of our times?… (A) sense of national responsibility… a patriotism which is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but a tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.” – President Abraham Lincoln
We would like to thank the people of Northern Michigan for their support and encouragement during the difficult period of the past six months since the tragedy of Matthew’s death.
The communities that have shown support have been a real blessing to us and our extended families and friends. Words do NO justice for our gratitude.
In the past, when Matthew left for deployment, the only thing to bring peace in our hearts was to think about his safe return. We know that won’t be happening now. However, Matthew and us have an extended family that reaches far beyond this place.
We recently learned that there are no plans for any welcome home celebrations for the 173rd, 2-503 Army Airborne Battalion when they return to their home base at Camp Ederle in Vicenza Italy after at least 15 months in Afghanistan, where they lived and fought in horrendous conditions. There is not a local American community in Italy to step up and put on a Heroes welcome for them, as so many would do here in the states. Very few of the soldiers will be returning to family or loved ones there in Italy. By far the majority of soldiers are single, with no family to welcome them back or home support to assist them in transitioning from war and death to peace and recuperation.
Cheryl and I, together with others, have been supporting the 173rd 2-503 Battalion troops, who continue to endure a tenacious tour of duty in Afghanistan that is not yet over, are asking that you join us in raising funds for a proper WELCOME HOME CELEBRATION when they arrive back in Italy. There will be approximately 2000 troops returning and we believe a GRAND CELEBRATION is well deserved. We would love to have banners flying there to show the support from communities throughout this nation in honor of our Sky Soldiers returning as well in memory of our Sky Angels of the 173rd Airborne Brigade.
If we all pitch in, it is no great sacrifice for a few. A minimum of $125,000, when raised by communities around the U. S. of A. is a small amount to do so much for so many soldiers. It is difficult to imagine the transition of so many Sky Soldiers who, we are sure, think it is “JUST THEIR JOB”.
Please join us in donating for the WELCOME HOME CELEBRATION for the 173rd 2-503 SKY SOLDIERS.
Checks can be made payable to: 173rd Sky Angels Fund. The funds (100%) will be reserved for that purpose only (Sky Angels are our fallen soldiers of the 173rd Airborne).
Please mail all checks to: 173rd Sky Angels Fund
c/o Terry and Cheryl Blaskowski
PO BOX 164
CHEBOYGAN MI 49721
If you have any questions do not hesitate to call us at 231-627-9732, 231-818-2560 or email us at candtb@triton.net .
To read about support that many great Americans have been joining together to provide to these soldiers go to www.tankerbabelc985.vox.com . Leta Carruth (she adopted Matt’s platoon and sent so much support to them) has been a driving force in providing support to our troops in Afghanistan.
With much gratitude,
Terry and Cheryl Blaskowski and family
Parents of SFC Matthew Blaskowski
Platoon Leader, Battle Company 1st Platoon
KIA 23 September 2007, FOB Vegas, Afghanistan
From Stars and Stripes
Soldiers in Afghanistan settle in at 6,000 feet
By Drew Brown, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Thursday, April 24, 2008
NURISTAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan — Building a combat outpost from scratch on the side of a mountain in Afghanistan means flying everything in by helicopter.
For the troops of Task Force Saber, here in northeastern Afghanistan, the process starts at night as two CH-47 Chinooks drop them and their equipment on a small knoll overlooking a thin, gray ribbon of a river 2,000 feet below.
A few dozen soldiers get off the birds. For the next three days or so, their job will be to carve a small fortress out of the hard-packed stony earth of the mountain, less than a kilometer from the border with Pakistan. The purpose of the outpost is to guard a key bridge and help Afghan security forces re-establish control of a border crossing.
Roughly half the troops remain with the supply pallet at the landing zone, while the rest begin trudging uphill to set up the command post, a listening station and the rear pickets.
It’s only a 200-meter climb, but the going is steep and rocky, and the soldiers resemble pack mules under the bright glare of the full moon. Many of them carry rucksacks that weigh 100 pounds or more, not including their body armor, helmets, weapons and ammunition, which easily add another 40 to 50 pounds.
The altitude is nearly 6,000 feet. The peaks of the high mountains in the distance are covered with snow. As Lt. Col. Chris Kolenda, commander of 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, also known as Task Force Saber, puts it, hiking up and down hill at that altitude, under that much weight, can be “a significant emotional experience.”
The colonel has a talent for understatement. The short trek uphill quickly turns into a slog. Most of these soldiers are infantry troops and are in top shape, but even the best can only take a few steps before they have to stop and catch their breath.
The column reaches a level spot. Capt. Jason Pieri, 30, of Buffalo, N.Y., Capt. Matthew Kikta, 27, of Lake Forest, Calif., and Command Sgt. Maj. Victor Pedraza, 44, of McAllen, Texas, set up their command post under a clump of trees.
Click here to read the rest of the story and view photos.