SPC Chris Stevenson, Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment following a dismounted patrol on the streets of Baghdad, Iraq. (CDS Photos, Inc.)"I'll tell you about it when I call, but we got hit by an IED yesterday...we're all fine..."
4/17/08 -- 5:40PM
Text Message From Chris to his Mother
Text Message From Chris to his Mother
Evening...
Last night, for the first time during this deployment, we had to catch our breath following that short text message from Chris.
Your first thought is to breathe...in and out...to take deep breaths. For those with a warrior in the fight in Iraq you know exactly what I am talking about. As of tonight we are still waiting for the call and details...
Honestly, so many questions ran through my head last night and most of today... but we will cling tightly to the key words in that message..."we're all fine..."
Honestly, so many questions ran through my head last night and most of today... but we will cling tightly to the key words in that message..."we're all fine..."
Tonight's blog...
Given the last couple of days, the photos in this blog touch deep in my heart and soul...look in the eyes of America's best...the faces of warriors from Dog Company, 2-2 SCR.
These are the men who cover Chris' six and vice versa...and are with him when an IED goes off or a firefight breaks out...Dog Company...
Tell me what you see and please...pray for Chris and teammates...won't you? I will continue the photos in my next blog and hopefully I will have an update to share on the IED event.
Chris, I love you son...more than words can say. We are praying for you, your safety and for all your teammates. Your photos speak so many words...
Be safe!
Love,
Dad
Given the last couple of days, the photos in this blog touch deep in my heart and soul...look in the eyes of America's best...the faces of warriors from Dog Company, 2-2 SCR.
These are the men who cover Chris' six and vice versa...and are with him when an IED goes off or a firefight breaks out...Dog Company...
Tell me what you see and please...pray for Chris and teammates...won't you? I will continue the photos in my next blog and hopefully I will have an update to share on the IED event.
Chris, I love you son...more than words can say. We are praying for you, your safety and for all your teammates. Your photos speak so many words...
Be safe!
Love,
Dad
SPC Brandon (Robo) Robertson, Dog Company, 2-2 SCR preparing to head out patrol in Baghdad, Iraq. (CDS Photos, Inc.)
SPC Bobby Schoendorf, Dog Company, 2-2 SCR preparing to head out patrol in Baghdad, Iraq. (CDS Photos, Inc.)
SPC Eric Strick, Dog Company, 2-2 SCR loaded up and ready for patrol in Baghdad, Iraq. (CDS Photos, Inc.)
SPC Noel Gaulard (R), Dog Company, 2-2 SCR is looking to dance a little on the streets of Baghdad, Iraq. (CDS Photos, Inc.)
SPC Bobby Schoendorf (L), SPC "Hold the Grub" (M) and SPC Noel Gaulard (R), Dog Company, 2-2 SCR pose for a photo during a break. (CDS Photos, Inc.)
SPC Chris Stevenson (L), SPC Eric Strick (M) and SPC Brandon (Robo) Robertson (R), Dog Company, 2-2 SCR pose for an advertisement photo for Tactical Tailor. (CDS Photos, Inc.)
SGT Arroyo (L) and an unidentified warrior, Dog Company, 2-2 SCR hang out with an Iraqi boy during a break on patrol. (CDS Photos, Inc.)
SPC Eric Strik (L) and SPC Chris Stevenson (R), 2-2 SCR off duty in their tent at the FOB (CDS Photos, Inc.)
SPC Eric Strik (L), SPC Chris Stevenson (M) and SPC Brandon (Robo) Robertson (R), 2-2 SCR off duty at the FOB (CDS Photos, Inc.)
SPC Eric Strik, 2-2 SCR is...well, I really have no idea what he is doing... (CDS Photos, Inc.)
SGT Arroyo (L), SPC Eric Strik (M) and an unidentified SSG (R), 2-2 SCR find time to play cards. (CDS Photos, Inc.)
SPC Noel Gaulard (L), SGT Arroyo (M), SPC "Daddy Yee" (R), 2-2 SCR take a break while on patrol. (CDS Photos, Inc.)
SPC Bobby Schoendorf, 2-2 SCR, holds a sign for the "weapons squad." (CDS Photos, Inc.)
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3 comments:
We are the parents of a 3-2, soldier and have recently heard about your blog. You are such a fountain of information. We don't hear from our soldier very often as he keeps being moved around.
He is supposed to come home soon on leave. But I am hearing stories about the airline in Kuwait that has contracted w/ US to bring home troops is out of business and that there are several soldiers stuck in Kuwait. Do you know anything about this?
The guys look healthy enough to withstand anything the bad guys can throw at them. That big jar of stuff that you were unable to identify is a protein powder. How do I know? There is a huge jar of it in my house that didn't get used up while David was home.
Let me know when you hear from Chris.
SC Mom - thanks for your note and words of encouragement.
Yes, this is a true story. There are a number of news reports out on this situation in Kuwait. However, it appears that the issue is being addressed but how long will the delay be? Unclear..
For example...
"Families who have been waiting more than a year to see their loved ones are going to have to wait a little longer.
That's because about 200 guardsmen with the 218th are stuck in Kuwait because a bankrupt airline canceled their flight, and it looks like it will take at least another week to get the guardsmen back in the US.
Colonel Pete Brooks says the members of the 218th Brigade Combat team were expected to arrive at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on Tuesday after their year in Afghanistan, but the bankruptcy of ATA Airlines, the airline contracted to fly the troops home, left them stranded.
Troops' deployment and return flights are arranged by the Air Force, which contracts with civilian airlines. Brooks says they're working at the highest level of the Air Force to get the soldiers home, but there's no update on when they'll be back."
Lets hope the USAF gets this straightened out quickly...
v/r,
- Collabman
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