67 posts tagged “6-4 cav”
There are many blessings and privileges that come with supporting out troops. The biggest blessing is just knowing that what little I may do by way of support makes some difference to someone or several. As most troop supporters will tell you (and I whole heartedly agree) it's not about expecting or receiving anything in return verbally or in writing. It's about playing a small role on a great team.
Yesterday I received one of the greatest blessings possible. One of the families of 6-4 CAV stopped by to spend some time with me and have dinner on their way cross country to their new duty station. WOW! Many of you supporters have experienced this before and know what an absolute pleasure and privilege it is. Almost like winning the lottery. I may not have a lot of cash to stick in my pocket but I've got some memories that money can't buy. I'll take those any day.
Around 1500 the Dominguez family stopped by to drop Macho off while they went to the mall. Macho is their family doggie and he is the COOLEST! One big furry ball of energy and love. Macho was a huge help to me in checking the smoker that had the ribs and pork butt smoking away. Unfortunately I failed to notice that Macho was enjoying himself immensely underneath the grease drip. By the time he left he was one big fur ball from his neck back but a grease ball on his head. Sorry mom and dad. But he DID leave happy.
When SFC Dominguez (John), his lovely and FUN wife, Nancy, and their three beautiful children returned from shopping I had some activities planned for the kiddos. Alexis (14); Kiara (10) and Christian (9 months) were tons of fun! Seriously. Christian wasn't "up" for the activities I had planned. No, his preferred activity was munching down on KFC mashed potatoes and gravy. He was VERY clear about that.
After Alexis helped her mom feed Christian (who I TRIED to keep for a few days but was shot down on that idea) she and Kiara set about to decorate cupcakes. I had baked the cupcakes and had most of my decorating "stuff" out for them to use along with TONS of sprinkles.
Unfortunately I forgot to take photos of the finished products but they were SO cool! The ladies even mixed various colors to create purple, orange, etc. Even giving their dad a science lesson is the art of combining colors. Dad, being the closet "chef" he is, decided at one point that he needed to give some direction
What's a Cavalry dude doing giving directions on how to hold an icing bag? Just askin'.
Since their household goods were all on some truck somewhere and they were limited to room in the vehicles they didn't have a lot of toys and such. BINGO! Being the self describe "world's greatest aunt" that I am I reached into my rattan hamper and pulled out a big yellow bus and blocks for Christian. Well....and I guess dad was a bit bored, too. This photo would seem to reflect such.
Even Macho seems to wonder if dad is trying to take Christian's toy away.
Dinner was very relaxed and just down right enjoyable. Although I had met SFC Dominguez and his wife before it's not like we had spent a lot of time together. Having them around my table felt like having family. Alexis and Kiara are delightful. And Christian is just a cutie in every way. Kiara, however, wasn't having the rib/pork butt dinner. Dad ran out and picked up chicken nuggets for her. Everyone was happy!
That afternoon a most unexpected delivery arrived at my house. Brooke and Brian (173rd, 2-503 Chosen Few and member of BAMF Society) sent me this very heart warming gift which was PERFECT for sharing after dinner. THANK YOU Brooke and Brian. The gift blew me away. The note reduced me to tears - happy tears. Love you too - forever! The fruit was delicious and enjoyed by all. I'm still enjoying it and thinking of you and your kindness.
After dinner we retired to the living room amidst moans and groans of being so full. Alexis was texting away to her friends she had just left behind to move to their new home. Kiara found a TV show she was interested in. Mom and Dad were relaxing and Christian and I were on the floor playing. What an GREAT afternoon and evening. The only think I would change is that they could have stayed longer.
Here are a couple of pics of Nancy and Christian as they were saying their goodbyes. Man I hated to see them go. But....there will be more visits. Sooner than later I hope. Yeah, I hang out with Cavalry Soldiers, too. I know, difficult for some to accept.
The Dominguez's safely arrived at their new duty station. All's well in the world.
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.
I promised not to identify these good sports but I HAD to share this photo from yesterday's Raider Day. What great sports they are - and entertainment, too! Their "story" is that they were spoofing the Top Gun Volleyball scene. LOL
A GREAT day all around. So glad these men and women are home. Lots of smiles and several kids wrapped around daddy's legs yesterday. I suppose when one has hiked the Hindu Kush in full gear having a toddler attached to your leg is nuthin.' LOVED it!
Welcome Home Raiders!
In the wee hours of Friday morning 26 June 2009 the last group of 6-4 Cavalry landed at Fort Hood. This group had the Squadron Commander and the colors making it official that the deployment was done. WELL DONE and WELCOME HOME Soldiers!
The families were waiting:
Here they come!
Bringing in the Colors
Preparing to Uncase the Colors
Uncasing the Colors
Colors presented
Time to celebrate!
Mission Accomplished!
WELCOME HOME RAIDERS!
Sorry it took your flight so long to FINALLY make it. At least you were able to spend that long delay on US soil! I hear the folks in Maine were superb (as they always are) in keeping you well fed and comfy while the plane was fixed and the pilot slept. You may have arrived HOURS later than planned but we are SO glad you are home safe and sound with your family and friends who waited and waited and waited to finally be able to give you hugs!
3BCT 1ID, 6-4 Cavalry's last plane from Afghanistan landed at Fort Hood, TX in the wee hours this morning. Wishing the remainder of the Brigade Soldiers who are still working their way home safe and speedy travels.
From kdhnews.com
Soldier meets sons for first time June 9Posted On: Sunday, Jun. 21 2009 06:32 AMBy Amanda Kim Stairrett
Killeen Daily Herald
All Spc. Nathan Rodriguez talked about for a year was getting home to see his family.
In January, more than halfway into his deployment to Afghanistan with the 1st Infantry Division's 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, his wife, Rachelle, gave birth to twin boys.
Nathan, a first-time father and deployer, was a cavalry scout at a remote outpost in the mountains of Afghanistan. There weren't a lot of soldiers there and he had to take mid-tour leave when he could get it. That meant going home to Rachelle when she was six months pregnant.
Three months later, Damian and Justen were born. They have their dad's hair and eyebrows, Rachelle said June 9 while waiting for Nathan to arrive at Iron Horse Gym. Until that day, Nathan had only seen his boys in photographs and on a Web cam a few times.
Reason to fight
It is rare that deployed soldiers see their babies for the first time when returning from combat zones. Officials typically try to schedule a soldier's leave during a due date. It just didn't work out for the Rodriguez family.
Had Nathan used a Red Cross message to get home for the birth, it would have left an empty spot in the already sparsely populated outpost he and other brigade soldiers occupied.
After the formation of soldiers was dismissed June 9 after arriving at the gym from Robert Gray Army Airfield, Nathan made a beeline for his wife and sons.
Rachelle said she often showed the boys photos of Nathan.
"So I think they'll adapt well," she said.
Nathan admitted he was nervous Damian and Justen wouldn't like him. They did. Rachelle lifted each boy into his arms and Nathan couldn't contain a wide smile. He immediately walked away, proudly showing off his sons to fellow soldiers.
"They're adorable. I love them," Nathan said Saturday while at his home in Killeen.
His buddies knew during the deployment that Rachelle was pregnant and gave birth to twins. Nathan talked about them a lot. The guys said they, too, couldn't wait to see the Rodriguez boys.
"Here's what I'm talking about," Nathan said Saturday when describing why he immediately showed off his sons to the guys.
Rachelle, Damian and Justen were the "reason I fought so hard," Nathan said. He wanted to get home to see his kids.
Nathan and a few other buddies who are dads are getting together today for a Father's Day barbecue.
Nathan and Rachelle plus two
Nathan, a California native, and Rachelle, a Michigan native, met in Advanced Individual Training. Rachelle is a National Guard soldier.
Nathan approached Rachelle first and she immediately noticed his white teeth and his outgoing personality. They were married in March 2008.
Nathan is an awesome, supportive husband, Rachelle said June 9. He spoils her and she knew that he'd be a good dad by the way he takes care of her.
Rachelle found out in early June 2008 that she was pregnant. Nathan left for Afghanistan later that month.
It was difficult for Rachelle to go through the pregnancy and birthing alone, she said. It was hard for Nathan, too. He was stuck in the mountains of Afghanistan and couldn't do a thing when his wife had problems at home or had to spend a month and a half on bed rest.
First Father's Day
Nearly two weeks after returning to his family, Nathan is settling into fatherhood. He is the oldest child of several siblings, so he knew a little about what to expect.
Damian and Justen, who is one minute older, love their dad, Rachelle said. They look at him and smile and laugh. It's as if they're saying, "Oooh, I know him!" Rachelle said Saturday.
"I like it," Nathan said of fatherhood. "It's different, but it's nice."
Contact Amanda Kim Stairrett at astair@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7547.
Welcome Home Raiders
Ok, the person providing me photos for all the welcome home ceremonies really got me on this batch. LOTS of great kiddo pics.
Welcome Home Raiders
Welcome Home Raiders!
I'll let the pics speak for themselves.
