Update:
I've been out of touch as my mother's modem was broken while I was in Texas this past week.
1. The wife of the Command Sergeant Major of our adopted psyops unit in Baghdad sent a thank you note, which I will post next.
2. E-mails from psyops in Baghdad indicate our waves of boxes of contents for their End of Summer Hawaiian party have been arriving in a timely fashion. When I got home yesterday, I got some macadamia nut cookies and mailed them out -- 3 boxes of 20 large freshly baked, commercially sealed cookies that will outdate a couple days after their party. Hope they arrive in time.
3. When I got back, a DHL package was duct taped on the wall of the porch alcove next to the front door. It contained an American flag sent by C company of Stryker who have been at Mosul, a certificate and a letter all explaining this flag was carried combat patrols around Mosul. I will post details in next posts.
Our adopted soldiers of C company are on their way home now, and I ask you all for prayers for their safe journey. They were in the fighting at Fallujah last November, and bore the brunt of the fighting and terror attacks (many IED's and the suicide bombing of the mess hall) at Mosul from last December on.
They kicked in the door to Hell, and have seen first hand the work of Satan. And some have lost limbs and an eye and one in this company of brothers has lost his life. I will be getting more details on our casualties for us to keep tabs on them.
So far, as our soldiers have come home, we have bid them grateful farewell and adopted their follow-on unit for our future attention. And we have already adopted a follow on unit of Stryker that we sent a box of movies to last week (see post 712).
But because this unit bore the some of the worst of the battle, we will try to keep touch with them in the future, and never forget our casualties.
From the wife of the CSM of our adopted Psy Ops unit at Baghdad. (see also posts 700, 711)
Cute card with a big yellow sun sending out yellow rays tips with red hearts, saying "Thanks!
Inside:
Dear Patty and your "Merry Band of Patriots"
I can not begin to thank you thoroughly-enough for all you are doing for my husband and his troops. ** called recently and told me of your efforts to pull-off their end of summer luau.
I want to laugh so hard, and I do, as I see in my minds-eye everyone -- come [date]. They are going to have a blast...it will be a riot!
I know things there really needed a pick-me-up, and this end of summer party will really hit the spot. You all are amazing! so...thank you from ***...but more so, thank you from me...the wife of a soldier, and fellow patriot, for keeping my man in your thoughts and concern, equipping him to care for his men and women.
In fond friendship,
***
Very nice update. Thank you.
Certificate:
Flanked by Stryker vehicle and lightning battle patch, heading reads:
1-25 Stryker Brigade Combat Team
Operation Iraqi Freedom
This flag accompanied 1st Brigade, 25th
Infantry Division, Stryker Brigade Combat Team
on combat patrols during Operation Iraqi Freedom
near the city of Mosul, Iraq.
Freedom is worth fighting for!
Fly it with pride.
Lancers!
In the two bottom corners are signatures of
Thomas B. Adams
CSM, USA
Command Sergeant Major
and
Robert B. Brown
COL, IN
Commanding
We also received a letter on Stryker stationery:
Department of the Army
1st Brigade (SBCT), 25th Infantry Division (Light)
Mosul, Iraq APO AE *****
Office of the Commander
Mrs. Patricia **** MD
***
***
Dear Dr. ***
On behalf of C company, 1-5 Infantry, and all the soldiers of the Stryker Brigade, I would like to offer my sincerest thanks and appreciation for your many contributions. CPT Schow has informed me of your tireless efforts this past year in supporting the soldiers of C company. The many packages that you have sent have served as a wonderful reminder to all the soldiers that they are not forgotten, and that their efforts are appreciated by a grateful nation.
Of even greater note, is the large network of other patriotic Americans whom you have led and organized, from across the country. Their collective efforts have far surpassed anything they could have accomplished individually. This has been possible due to your influence and leadership. Selfless service such as this has always been the foundation that all good nations are built upon, and your contribution to the soldiers of this Brigade will serve as an example of your service.
I hope you accept this flag as a small token of our gratitude. Please display it proudly.
Again, thank you for your support! Lancers!
Sincerely,
COL Robert B. Brown
1/25 SBCT Commander