Angels...Along On Every Patrol

At about 4:00 am Baghdad time our phone came alive. That call we had been hoping, praying for was here and we almost didn't make it to the phone...but we answered just in time. On the distant end was Chris - what a joy it was to hear his voice and catch up on his journey with the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. For almost 30 minutes we carried on with question after question - it was marvelous!

Chris' voice was tired but then again, it was after 4 in the morning and he had just finished a patrol. Here is a summary of what we learned since our last phone call...

• Chris is doing well both emotionally and physically - no changes on either account.
  
• He is so very grateful for the many care packages he has received; Under Armour clothing, REI socks, books, pictures, DVD's, toiletries, food, etc...all of which he was very thankful to have received.
  
• Chris' team, the 2-2 SCR, continues to take care of business in and around Baghdad; today they had to dispose of a dead cow on the side of the road - they just never know what each day will bring.
• His team ventured into the Green Zone on official business and he said it was like being in another world - very different from the Red Zone area in which the 2-2 operates.
  
• Morale in his unit is good as soldiers continue to rotate out and back in from R&R; he is really looking forward to his turn in May '08; supposedly in April of '08 he will have an opportunity to lock in his 18-day window.
• Chris indicated he prefers being at the COP vice the FOB; their COP is in good shape at this time; they have invested a lot of work in it; he has five buddies in his room and they make the best of their space; each just received their own electrical wall outlet - it's the simple things that make a difference, eh?
  
• The 2-2's battle rhythm is consistent and he is in a good groove; they are busy but Chris said the days move by quickly.
• Chris' weight has leveled off; he said he hasn't seen a scale since he arrived in Baghdad.
• The weather in Baghdad has been pretty chilly lately - he said he could see his breath early this morning on patrol.
• Chris is looking forward to coming home for his oldest brother's wedding in May '08; hitting the mall for some civilian clothes will be first on his list of many things to do.
• We talked of his interaction with Kellan B. and David J; Chris knows them both (Kellan's room is next door) and we shared our story about getting to know their loved ones; Chris has great respect for the warriors he serves with in the 2nd SCR.

K, I will leave it there. Again, you just can't imagine how wonderful it is to talk with your son or daughter who is deployed in a combat zone. We miss Chris more than words can say but at that same time...we are so very proud of his courage, service and commitment. He and his fellow soldiers are well-trained professionals. Often we speak of doing the right thing - these warriors meet that challenge every day without question, without reservation.

Chris and the 2nd SCR is in the fight - could we be any prouder? Nope...

I am smiling from ear to ear...it's quite amazing what a single phone call can do for your spirits. I pray that you have connected with your loved one in the 2nd SCR...

Thanks to all of you who pray for Chris and his team and reach out to them with care packages - thank you...

Finally, I asked Chris about the Angel Coins I wrote about in Light in the Darkness. These were the coins that CD, a close friend of mine, gave to Chris before he headed down range.

He said, "Dad, it's with me all the time..."

My prayer is that this army of angels continue to surround and protect Chris, his teammates and the entire 2nd SCR...

Father God, continue to put those angels along on every patrol.

Amen? Amen!

v/r,
- Collabman