Greg's (jumpmstr4u2) LAST letter from Iraq; He's coming home!!!

I would like to start off by saying thank you to everyone for your outpour of support for me during my time of suffering. Your prayers, concerns, and well wishes meant a lot to me, and I hold them in my heart. Unfortunately, as is with all letters of mine, they are written date by date. This will keep you reading and not jump into the climax portion. Sorry but boredom is mandatory, and there is no cheating allowed.

The date is now 1 December 2005, and I am sitting down to write my last letter. This is one of the hardest things to do, as all of you have touched me greatly. You will never know how your e-mails, packages, cards, and prayers have helped me in so many ways. It has taken the sting from being gone away. Your support is second to none, and I am very fortunate to call you friends, even though we will probably never meet. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Today began as any other day. My team was preparing for another combat patrol in Baghdad. As my team was prepping their gear, I was bringing out a couple of those fluorescent orange/ reflective mesh safety vests to my truck. My intent was to lay the vests across the concertina wire while we were conducting Traffic Control Points (TCP’s) so drivers would be able see them before driving into it. As I approached the trucks, one of my gunners, being the smart alec that he is, very flippantly asked, “what now, we have to wear those in the turret now?”

This was said after so many rules of engagement (ROE) had recently been changed, limiting soldiers on what can be done to defend themselves.

As he said it, I immediately got this very serious look, and told him, “yes” it was just now put out that all gunners now have to wear these high visibility vests, to allow other drivers to see the trucks and you, for their safety. Immediately, all three gunners gave me the look of death, and began to make statements that they had now become targets for snipers. I then went back inside, allowing them to cry about the “new rule”. I found my lieutenant and quickly informed him of the joke. I allowed him to walk outside without my presence, to create a real time command.

He went along with it superbly. I think that at this time, they doubted whether or not I was pulling their chain. I was then able to find my commander, who was having his early morning coffee, and brought him into the tale, and asked him for his assistance. I walked out and began to get into my truck, when the Captain walked outside.

He looked at the gunners who were still very vocal about it, and asked them why they were not wearing their vests. Now, when the Commander spoke, it was like a dark cloud had come over the site. Immediately, a look of doom came over their heads, and they now believed that this was an actual order from the 3rd Division. Scowling, they began to put on the vests. It was so hard not to explode in laughter as they looked so ridiculous sitting on top of the Gun Truck wearing this, looking like a hunter in a tree stand.

One of the trucks had to drive across the base to turn in our pre-patrol report, and it was funny to see all of the soldiers that they passed, looking and pointing at them in their “Tactical Vehicle”.

A short while later, we met them at the front gate, preparing to leave, when all of the sudden, another patrol unassociated with us drove by. Guess what those gunners were wearing…. Bright Orange Vests. At this point, I was now shocked. I thought…”Oh no, some other Company commander saw my crew and thought it was a good idea. Now I have created a monster and WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO WEAR THESE when this idea makes it up the Chain of Command”.

Now very confused, and prepared to roll out into sector, I called all of the guys around me, and in a loud voice yelled…GOT YOU… it was a practical joke.. I immediately took off running in full gear with my team chasing me to kick my butt. However, it was then brought up that this other unit was wearing them too. Very defiantly, I told them to take off the vests till I could find out what was going on. We then rolled out for our patrol. A few hours later, I arrived back to the Company Area, and spoke with my commander about the situation. It was then that he told me, he had another element put on the vests to allow my guys to see it, and solidify the story. Needless to say, HE GOT ME in the process as well. I am still watching my back for retribution…grin

We are still on mission, and have been working 25 hours every other day in the deep south a Baghdad securing the road and area. At about 2200 hrs (10 PM) I was out with 3 of my guys in a Observation Post, laying in the bushes waiting for our favorite bomb layer. Everything was extremely quiet, and very serene. All of the sudden, in all four direction, Machine guns opened up, along with AK47’s. The sky was lit up with green tracers as thousands of rounds began to go off in the near and far distance. It was as one giant coordinated attack on the checkpoints surrounding us. Here we were, without a gun truck, dismounted and only the 4 of us. This “attack” went on for about 10 minutes.

Unable to get any distance or news of what was happening; my team lay low to the ground and kept very alert to our surroundings. At any minute, it seemed that we were going to be over run. Then, all at once the shooting stopped. A few hours later, we were picked up from our location, and transported back to the compound which was our rally point. It was only then, that word came over the radio. Iraq had won the final soccer game in the Arab League, and this was celebratory fire. I was ready to pee myself as this was going down… I am an avid soccer player and fan, but that was ridiculous…grin

While still continuing to work in this rural area, my team is looking for things to keep them occupied due to boredom during the day. One of the things that all soldiers know is how to make an MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) bomb. Inside the pack, is a chemical meal heater that you add water to it to activate. Well, if you drop this pack into a Gatoraide bottle and tape it up, it expands in a few minutes and the pressure makes a small bomb when full of hot air. After cleaning out all of the heaters in the cases of the meals, one of my knuckleheads decided to perform their own counter-terrorist activities. Now, keep in mind that this is an area that is a stronghold for anti-American sentiment. Anyway, after prepping a “MRE Bomb” they spotted a man on a bicycle coming in their direction. They quickly buried this “bomb” on the side of the roadway. As the Iraqi rode by unaware of what had just transpired and passed the point about 5 meters, there was this medium explosion of hot air. You could see the utter look of surprise on his face, as his straight line of travel immediately looked as if he was so intoxicated. He began to swerve all over the road, and had to literally stop his bike to keep from falling over. I think now he knows somewhat of what we experience daily. I have to admit, after hearing the story and seeing them play act it, I began to cry from laughter.

My team and I were working in an area deep south of Baghdad in a farmland and very rural area that has been an insurgent stronghold area for quite sometime. Our mission was a joint effort to plug entry points into the city, to disrupt enemy movement by taking away the freedom of maneuver on one select road. This road has been one of the hardest hit roads on U.S. Forces and is a main thorough fare for activity. My team was on 24 hrs shifts for many days setting up observation points, traffic control points (checkpoints), and combat patrols on this long and very rural road. This is also the area that my old Iraqi unit has set up a small compound which I referenced in my last letter. We were to secure this roadway for travel by other U.S. Units who had set up Operation Bases in other seized enemy property.

On Thursday, 8 December 2005, at about 7:30 pm one of those units was traveling down this road, when they were hit by a surfaced laid IED. They suffered no injuries, but this had been the same intersection which had been used 6 other times in 6 weeks. This was also my own unit of assignment which I had been detached from when I volunteered for the Special Team. It was at that point that I spoke with my Commander and requested that I be allowed to maintain a sniper position in an attempt to get our trigger man. The idea was accepted, and I began that same night.

I began by conducting a recon of the area, and chose 2 others to be my immediate support. One as my Radio Operator, and the other as a rifleman in a stand off, covering position so I wasn’t hung out if things went awry. The first night, we were inserted by vehicles, and dropped off approximately 500 meters from the site location, immediately after darkness began. This was to allow me to get to my pre-recon area. The place that I chose was approximately 40 meters from the intersection where the IED’s had been getting placed, and had brush growing around which allowed cover for myself. The first night was un-eventful, and was extremely cold, as the winter has now set in.

Approximately 5 hours later, I rose up to leave, and realized that I was completely numb from the cold ground and began to hurt as the blood began to move through my system. I pulled out of the “hide” location, and scooted out of the area and moved approximately a mile, where I notified my team that I was ready for extraction. For them to locate me, I placed an infrared chemical stick in the road to act like a beacon. This light can only be seen through night vision goggles which the drives use during night operations since we drive with lights out, so the speed and distance of the vehicles cannot be gauged accurately. Upon throwing the Chemlight out, I moved off of the roadway approximately 50 meters and waited. 10 minutes later, the Humvees arrived and my team and I ran to them and we pulled out.

I continued this operation for 3 more nights, each day hoping that this coward would appear once more. I do have to add though, after shivering the first night, I was a little more prepared the following nights. If any of you remember “A Christmas Story”, I almost looked like “Randy” when his mother dressed him up to go out into the snow.

After continuing our assigned mission all day, at about 1800 hrs (6 pm), I pulled into one of the compounds to once again prepare myself for the same night mission. It had been 6 days since my “friend” had struck, and I had a feeling that he would be back soon, after evaluation of his M.O. My plan was to change up my insertion location since I had been setting a pattern. This is important for any military operation, because had anyone been watching, it would be very easy to booby trap the location waiting for my arrival.

My plan consisted of having my team drive past the location as we had been still conducting patrols down the road. Instead of dropping me nearside, they were to continue past the site, and drop me approximately 500 meters on the opposite side. All was going according to plan, until we began to have radio issues prior to kick off. This delayed me by 10 minutes from leaving. While waiting for us to fix the problem, one of my trucks drove past “my” site to set up an observation post (O.P.) 1000 meters from the site. Upon their arrival, my squad leader called in that he had arrived safely and was set in place, and gave the grid location of the O.P.

Finally, with the radio issues fixed, we loaded up into the vehicles that were to take me to the drop off spot. Driving blacked out, we sped down the road, and I began to make final preparations to my equipment. As we drove through my intersection which had just been driven though 10 minutes prior by the other team and was clear… I heard the driver and gunner both yell…”OH (CRAP)..you get my meaning… Then, immediately.. An explosion then rocked the vehicle, immediately I caught out of the corner of my eye (since I was turned sideways prepping gear) an extremely large fireball and heard the ballistic windshield shatter, as my head slammed against the rear passengers window, briefly leaving me paralyzed and felt a sharp, searing pain in my left arm. In my haze, I saw my gunner slouched down from his turret, and not moving.

I attempted to pull him down to check him for injuries, but my left arm would not move like it was not part of my body. I then reached across with my right hand and yanked him downward. I then realized that he was already down, and the bend of his legs were in the seat (sling) of the turret.

Through the smoke and haze, it appeared that he was looking at me, as his upper torso was at head level.. I recall him saying in a slow motion voice.. “Iiiii ammm oookkay sergeant.. It was so surrealistic.

As soon as we were able to see, the driver began an attempt to drive out of the “kill zone” and we made it about 150 meters away and stopped. Immediately, we got out of the vehicle and into a defensive position since we were the only truck in the area. The second truck had been following us approximately 100 meters away, and had also stopped after seeing us go up in flames. This was done, so they did not roll into a secondary IED, causing more casualties.

As I climbed out, I was unable to hold my weapon due to my arm, and it fell onto the ground. I picked it up with my right arm and took a knee facing outward looking for movement or signs of an ambush. My gunner, who had now gathered his senses, began to lay suppressive fire down with the mounted machine gun, hoping to hit the trigger man as he fled from the scene.

As I attempted to keep watch, I began to fade out, and fell over onto the ground, where everything started to grow gray, then dim. A short moment later I was able to get up, and we began to evaluate the truck. It was a mess. It was on its last leg, but we were able to drive it back to the compound where my driver, my gunner and I were taken inside for our medic to look at us. After several minutes, my driver collapsed onto the floor. As I reached down to grab him before he hit the floor, my back and neck muscles immediately began to go into spasms. I was unable to control myself, and was taken to a cot. The medic at that time, called for a Medivac chopper to get us to a field hospital, located in the ‘Green Zone”.

A short time later, the chopper arrived, and we were carried out and loaded up. When we arrived at the hospital, I was in and out of consciousness and was hooked up to an IV while they did a medical assessment. I was poked and prodded. I think that the treatment, IS worse that the disease. I went through CT Scans, X-rays, etc. I was then given Morphine injections every hour or so. Unable to sleep due to the pain, I was given a shot of Sodium Pentathol. Man, let me tell you about the pretty lights. Everyone had this wonderful halo around them, and was talking in long dawn words like slow motion. Then, I woke up. I was told that I had been out for almost 2 days. A while later, I received my first visitors…That I remember.. Apparently, they had been there multiple times, and I had talked to them all.. They must have been lying cause I don’t remember nutin' like that…grin.

2 days later I was looked at by the Colonel (chief surgeon) and was able to convince him that I was good to go. We then had a “discussion” about my return to duty or lack thereof. Needless to say, he followed the Sergeants orders…grin. He wrote me a profile that I could end at my decision, which allowed me to go back to my team. I still have my Drill Sergeant voice, and could blame it on the medication…wink.

I think he saw how important it was to me, so he went along with it. I am so grateful to him.

So, there it is. That is now my 7th life, and I am thankful that I have 2 left. Upon return to my team, I found out that the bomb, was a large Russian one, and had a propane tank attached to it to assist with the intensity and added a fireball to inflict further damage to the fuel tank, thus catching the fuel on fire as well.

A large scale, 2 Infantry companies operation sweep was made, to find my “friend”. My Commander had also been given “Buy” money, and went to all houses in the area, in an attempt to get intelligence on the whereabouts of this bomber. While this was going on, one of the units, looked across and saw 6 terrorists, setting up a mortar tube, and one was carrying a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG). They immediately began to engage, and caught 5 of the 6. Chemical tests were completed and the suspects were interviewed. Believe it or not…They caught my “friend”.

Today is a proud moment for us all. It is the day that we have received our awards for this deployment. I and 2 others from my team have been awarded the most coveted badge that the Army has to offer. My Battalion Commander has pinned us with the Combat Infantry Badge or CIB. This award is an uncommon award, and is only issued to those who carry the Infantry MOS, who have taken and received fire from the enemy. Not all Infantrymen have qualified for this badge during this deployment. I guess we were just “lucky” for lack of a better term. I have also been awarded the Army Commendation Medal and a Purple Heart is pending approval, but the CIB means so much more.

I am still extremely sore and cannot function very well. The pain has not changed without my medication. I am getting bored and going stir crazy here. It is difficult knowing that my team is out on mission, and I am not there with them. I don’t know what I will do if something happens to them. I need to be out there. As I am moping, and contemplating going out tomorrow, a very close friend of mine puts it into perspective for me. I am told that if I can do 10 pushups, situps, and jumping jacks without medication, then I can go. I even had to go so far as to promise…The nerve.. NOT that I am hard headed or anything.

Christmas Eve, not an insurgent is stirring. They are all in their house. It is very calm tonight, and we are cleaning equipment. My team is still on mission out on the road. I found out that they are celebrating Christmas even there. They have strung colored chemlights all over the chain link fence to a former meat packing compound for all to see. Even the Iraqi’s who are driving by are honking when they pass by. Amazingly, since Muslims don’t recognize Christmas, they still let us know that it is ok. While I was prepping for the next day, the door of the barracks is flung open, and about 22 soldiers not from our barracks, led by our Battalion Chaplain come through singing Christmas carols. The feeling is almost bringing tears to our eyes, as they walk by. It is so heartwarming.

We have a change of mission. I have now been given the biggest Platoon in the history of the Army I think. I have 54 soldiers, and we are now responsible for FOB (Forward Operating Base) security. No more going “outside of the wire”, as we are behind the walls and manning a checkpoint at the entry gate. Christmas dinner was brought out to the guard site, in Styrofoam containers where the soldiers had dinner in the cold. Not one word of complaint was made, and they ate with their brothers and family, reflecting on days gone by. It is almost time for the end of this deployment and you can feel the excitement in the air as the unit is packing everything up, and ammunition is being turned in. It has now hit us all. We have almost made it out.

Tonight, I am very proud. As most of you are aware, I hold a couple of Military Occupation Specialties (MOS) I am a Parachute Rigger, Infantryman, and a Cavalry Reconnaissance Scout. Today, following a ritual type of ceremony and tradition, I have been knighted following the Medieval, tradition for Knights and have been awarded the coveted Gold Combat Spurs. This is also a tradition among the Cavalry Scouts of old, since Knights are the predecessors for the Cavalry. The ceremony consisted of the 3/3 Armored Cavalry Regiment Commander, taking his Saber as we kneeled before him, touching our shoulder stating “You have entered fire and blood, and have come out steel, aieeah” (The 3rd Cavalry Regiment (Brave Rifles) has an illustrious history, dating back to the 1800’s. “aieeah”, is an old Apache war cry, and it is stated out of respect for the Apache warriors that fought against the 3rd Cav. The Order of the Spur is a right of passage for all Cavalry Scouts and is as prestigious to scouts as the CIB is to the infantry. I am honored to have been awarded both.

It is hard to believe that the New Year has finally past. I do so need an ice cold beer. I was able to get a “ODOULS Amber” from the mess hall, and had that for my celebration drink….YUCK!!!!

So many things have happened this deployment, not only for me but for the people of Iraq. It is a now a new year, and with the new elections they are off to a great start. I have been so fortunate to have assisted them in their plight for Democracy. I have seen so much change in this country, and it is getting better every day. I am going to miss the people and brothers that I have laughed with, cried with, and fought with. I am going to forever miss those friends who died on the battlefield, doing what is right and just. Tomorrow, I am being detached from the unit that has become home to me, and will go back to my original unit of deployment.

It is a bittersweet feeling. I hate leaving my brothers, and am leaving those who I have grown to love as family, and fought with, as they return to Minnesota. However, this means that the end is very near. I will be returning to my Company and back to the state of California. This will conclude Operation OIF III, as the new units are moving in to our base as we speak.

This last year, my team and I have been involved directly with 2 elections for Iraq. One of which was the first election in the history of Iraq. We also arrested over 1000+ Terrorist suspects, discovered several weapons caches, and performed well over 2000 combat patrols. With all of these accomplishments, I feel like we did not do enough. We need to stay the course here in Iraq, and continue until they can finish, and take care of it themselves. I DO NOT WANT any other soldier in the distant future to have to come back because we left to early, or this will be for nothing. I hope and pray that Murtha and his cronies will listen to the cries of the dead heroes and all American men and women who have died freeing the people of Iraq, and allowing them freedom.

I will miss all of you who have written me, and have supported me during this last 12 months. You have been my motivation when I have been down, and I will forever be grateful to you. I just want to apologize for not writing back to all of you, as I have been a little busy. Just so you don’t feel too bad, I only wrote to my parents personal letters 3 times, and gave them 2 phone calls. Sorry Mom and Dad. I will mow the lawn for you a few times to make it up.

I will be keeping my web site up and running and have no plans on shutting it down, as I am getting so many positive responses from it, and more than I could have imagined. If you don’t have it, it is www.oif3soldier.com - there I will be updating it, and adding more photos of my fun in the sun for your amusement. I can also be reached at jmpmstr4u2@yahoo.com I will now have time to answer my mail since I am joining the ranks of the unemployed.

Please continue your thoughts and prayers for those who are relieving me and my unit as they are in need.

I have this saying, “Never say goodbye, since goodbye is forever. Always end with..

"We need to stay the course here in Iraq, and continue until they can finish, and take care of it themselves. I DO NOT WANT any other soldier in the distant future to have to come back because we left to early, or this will be for nothing. I hope and pray that Murtha and his cronies will listen to the cries of the dead heroes and all American men and women who have died freeing the people of Iraq, and allowing them freedom."

Here it is... Greg's last letter home from Iraq!!! He IS coming home!

Included is the story of how he got wounded in the IED explosion and its aftermath.

Believe it or not…They caught my “friend”.

Thank you God!!

A real knight huh?? That is AWESOME!!!

Ping Sarge

Believe it or not…They caught my “friend”.

Thank you God!!

A real knight huh?? That is AWESOME!!!

Ping Sarge

What a way to start out the New Year. When he gets home hug and kiss him for me and thank him on my behalf for his service. I really appreciate the sacrifice he and you have made. Woo Hoo!

Awesome news!

A pending, big welcome home, SFC Parkinson!

Thank you for your kind, brave, and unselfish service!

Ah good, another one home safe. With any luck, we'll be seeing more and more of these stories in the coming year.

God bless them all.

I put in 27 years, and I never heard of the Golden Spurs. I am glad, though, to welcome Greg to the brotherhood of the CIB.

d.o.l.

Criminal Number 18F

Words. What words does one apply to those such as this. Perhaps, the only way of saluting them is to say they serve with uncommon valor. And they serve with HONOR. May the good Lord bring these soldiers home shortly, back to our blessed shores, whole in body and in spirit.

Ditto what Jemian said: Give him a hug and kiss and a BIG THANK YOU on behalf of all of us.

Thank you, Swordmaker, for sharing him and his deployment with us.

While this is not Greg's presentation ceremony, it is the closest I can come to more info on the Gold Combat Spurs.

U.S. Army Col. Mike Murray, commander, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, awards gold spurs to Spokane, Wash. native Staff Sgt. Chris Haag of the Scout Platoon, Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment, as the Combat Order of the Spur is read during an awards ceremony held at Camp Prosperity in Baghdad, Iraq, Nov. 6, 2004. Gold spurs distinguish cavalry scouts from other cavalry Soldiers and are awarded to those troopers who have served honorably in a combat zone. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Susan German, 122nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Welcome HOME! This year's going to be a good one.

The thing about the hi-vis vests, though...lemme tellya how that sort of thing works out. You're going to be 98 years old and another old codger is gonna wheelchair up to you and hit you in the face with a cream pie, and you're going to know why he did it the moment he does it. That kind of grudge lasts a looooong time...

;-)

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