Operation Cougar Storm...

Evening...

Two nice videos of the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment operating with the Iraqi Army in the Diyala province are available below. These were tipped via an email I received from the 2nd SCR Public Affairs Broadcaster who puts together news stories for the regiment every week. Tip of the hat to this young lady and her outstanding service to our warriors!

Note, the second video does not have audio so don't start slapping your computer around trying to get the sound to magically appear...

Take a look...you might even see your warrior from the 2-2 SCR...

Operation Cougar Storm - Part 1






Operation Cougar Storm - Part II





Overall, a fairly quiet day. The info hounds will be back at it tomorrow...stay tuned.

Chris, we continue to pray for you and your fellow warriors in the 2nd SCR. Keep your head on a swivel buddy...

Be safe!

v/r,
- Collabman

Black Widow...

U.S. Army soldiers from Charlie Battery, Fires Squadron, Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment pass an Iraqi woman and her child during a foot patrol in the village of Zaganiyah,about 60 Kilometers (35 miles) northeast of Baghdad, Iraq on Sunday, June 29, 2008. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

A bricklayer works at the site of a planned fuel station, as U.S. Army soldiers from Charlie Battery, Fires Squadron, Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment, patrol in the village of Zaganiyah,about 60 Kilometers (35 miles) northeast of Baghdad, Iraq, on Sunday, June 29, 2008. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Adam Nin, 31, from Orlando, Fla., left, stands guard as an Iraqi woman receives prescriptions at a medical clinic in the village of Zaganiyah, about 60 Kilometers (35 miles) northeast of Baghdad, Iraq on Sunday, June 29, 2008. Soldiers from Charlie Battery, Fires Squadron, Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment visited the clinic on Sunday during a patrol in the primarily Shiite village in the volatile Diyala province. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

U.S. Army soldiers from Charlie Battery, Fires Squadron, Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment begin a foot patrol in the village of Zaganiyah, about 60 Kilometers (35 miles) northeast of Baghdad, Iraq on Sunday, June 29, 2008. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)


Suicide bombers are today’s weapon of choice. Terrorists are using suicide bombers because they are a low cost, low technology, and low risk weapon. Suicide bombers are readily available, require little training, leave no trace behind, and strike fear into the general population.

Female Suicide Bombers; Debra D. Zedalis

Afternoon...

The info hounds picked up on new photos from AP/Maya Alleruzzo as she tracks the work of Charlie Battery, Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment in the village of Zaganiyah, Iraq. These snapshots are a glimpse into the environment and work being performed by the 2nd SCR northeast of Baghdad.

Additionally, I was tipped to an interesting read on today's Up Country Iraq blog about the city of Baquba. This is a location many of us are already familiar with...but for those who are not, spend some time with this blog as it provides firsthand insight into work conducted over the past couple of years and the state of affairs in Baquba today. Say, prior to this deployment of the 2nd SCR, how many of us could find Baquba on a map?

Here is how the Baquba blog ends...probably not that far from the truth...
"The attached pictures are from Baquba. One is just a traffic circle in town. The other one is obviously a couple of Baqubian kids – future allies or future terrorists? We didn’t stop to give them candy, so they were probably leaning towards terrorist that day."


The other stories that caught my eye include a report about a female suicide bomber that was killed 60 miles northeast of Baghdad before she could detonate her explosives belt. I am sure you are aware that trending shows an uptic in the number of female suicide bombers in Iraq with nine of the twenty, almost half, occurring in the Diyala province. If you are curious as to why terrorist organizations employ female suicide bombers, what motivates them, etc., this study from 2004 might help shed some light - Female Suicide Bombers. Many however, will simply just ask...why?

Iraqi guards kill female suicide bomber

Program in Iraq against al-Qaida faces uncertainty

NPs, SoI, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons, munitions in Baghdad

As we begin another week, continue to remember all of our warriors from the 2nd SCR - pray for their safety and that they would continue to be encouraged...

Chris, I love you buddy and remember your sacrifice every day...be safe!

v/r,
- Collabman

Paper Thin...

A U.S. Army soldier from Fires Squadron, Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment rides inside a mine-resistant vehicle, or MRAP, on his way to search a village near Muqdadiyah, about 90 kilometers (60 miles) north of Baghdad in Iraq's volatile Diyala province on Friday, June 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

U.S. Army soldiers from Fires Squadron, Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment search a home inside a village near Muqdadiyah, about 90 kilometers (60 miles) north of Baghdad in Iraq's volatile Diyala province on Friday, June 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)


"It is always wise to look ahead, but difficult to look further than you can see."

Winston Churchill

Evening...

Let the weekend begin! I had a full, busy week - how 'bout you? For those enjoying R&R with your warrior - isn't it great? Indeed...

Based on the photos above, the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment continues up-tempo operations in the Diyala province. The snapshots provided by the embedded AP photographer provide just enough to tell me the 2nd SCR is busy clearing and securing their area of responsibility. Don't let anyone tell you they are relaxing...in an area that remains dangerous.

IA finds weapons cache in Diyala Province

The info hounds have been busy...a couple of articles were worth the read. Tell me what you think...

Will the Calm in Baghdad Last?

Here is a snippet..."There is no disputing that a snapshot of Baghdad on some days reveals a country on the upswing. In fact, almost all would agree that it's safer today than it was at the height of sectarian violence in 2006. But with security gains from one day to the next still paper thin at times, it is difficult to conclude that this period represents progress that will last. More likely, it's just another dip in the roller coaster."

Baghdad Walls Keep Peace, But Evoke Prison

Contrast the Time article with the AP story describing the many walls in Baghdad built to separate and protect...but at what price, both to our warriors and to the residents of Baghdad? It is interesting to read about how the walls are both annoying and useful. What is your view?

We heard from Chris yesterday via a brief email. He let us know he was fine and back with his unit. Their COP is in need of work and showers were few and far between...such is the life of an infantryman. Overall, he sounded well.

Enjoy your weekend and continue to lift our warriors up in your prayers...won't you?

Chris, I love you son.

Be safe...

v/r,
- Collabman

Spike...

U.S. Army officers console each other during a memorial service for Staff Sgt. Du S. Tran at Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Baqouba, 60 kilometers (35 miles) northeast of Baghdad on Wednesday, June 25, 2008. Staff Sgt. Tran, 31, was killed by a roadside bomb that injured five of his comrades from the Second Stryker Cavalry Regiment on June 20. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

A U.S. Army soldier bows her head during a memorial service for Staff Sgt. Du S. Tran at Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Baqouba, 60 kilometers (35 miles) northeast of Baghdad on Wednesday, June 25, 2008. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

"I light my candle from their torches."
Robert Burton

Evening...

The photos above may be difficult to look at for some...but it's life for the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. I for one want to know what Chris and the rest of our warriors are experiencing. It is the least I can do...

A quick spin around the web revealed one article worth paying attention to...caught my eye - have you seen it?

Hmmm...this summer is shaping up a little differently than I had hoped for...

US forces face spike in deadly violence in Iraq

Chris, hang tough buddy and keep your head on a swivel. We are surrounding you and your teammates with prayer.

Be safe!

v/r,
- Collabman

Fallen Angel...

"These wounds won't seem to heal
This pain is just too real
There's just too much that time cannot erase

"My Immortal"

It's getting harder to find the right words. What are the right words? Please forgive me if I struggle to express my feelings. The 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment...no, we...have lost another young, brave, courageous warrior...

I have been following this story since it broke last Friday. The headline read...

Coalition Force Soldiers attacked in Diyala

The words, as they always are, were sterile..."TIKRIT, Iraq – One Soldier was killed and five wounded in three roadside bomb attacks on Coalition force patrols in Diyala province June 20."

The pain started and I didn't even know for sure...but somehow I knew...

What caught my eye? One word...Diyala. I winced when reading that word...and I began to pray for an unknown family who was about to have their world turned upside down by a simple knock on their door...

My tears still roll...I wonder if the stains left behind by these tears can be seen...I wonder...

When will it end? Our hearts are broken. My prayers and thoughts go out to this warrior's family and friends. SSG Du Hai Tran will never be forgotten...never. We will remember...

Linger over the following words for just a moment...won't you?

SSG Du Hai Tran, 30, of Reseda, Calif., died Jun. 20 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on patrol during combat operations. He was assigned to the Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.



v/r,
- Collabman

Crackdown Coming...

"The U.S. military poured troops into Diyala last year to drive out Sunni militants who had made Baqubah the capital of their self-declared caliphate. But even though the militants no longer control large swaths of territory there, it has proved difficult to dislodge them from the lush region of orchards and waterways stretching from Baghdad to the Iranian border."

Alexandra Zavis, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

Evening...

The info hounds were busy today. A number of articles were shared but two caught my eye...maybe you have seen them?

Iraqi forces to launch crackdown on al-Qaeda in Diyala province

Hmmm....why would the Iraqi PM announce this operation? Which part of OPSEC don't the Iraqi's understand? Very odd to say the least...

Two US soldiers killed in ambush near Baghdad

If the reporting in these articles is even remotely true, the bread basket may once again become the center of attention in Iraq. As we know, the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment has spent their share of time in this region and paid a heavy price to secure the freedom of many...what will the future hold for an area that is normally described as "restive?"

I will be watching the news to see if the Iraqi Army (IA) steps forward and takes the lead on any/all operations in the Diyala province. The IA needs to continue the trend we have seen in Baghdad, Basra, Sadr City, Amarah and against al Qaeda in Mosul. The more they can stand on their own two combat feet, shoulder the load and be the first ones in the door...the less our warriors will be needed.

That's my view...what's yours?

Chris, I love you buddy!

Be safe!

v/r,
- Collabman

Air Assault...

Evening...

How's your weekend been? For those with warriors home or coming home soon on R&R I know what the answer is to that question. Enjoy every moment or prepare to have the time of your life. R&R is simply wonderful!

The info hounds ran across a video of U.S. Army Soldiers from 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment conducting an air assault followed by a cordon and search mission in villages near Mayah, Iraq, April 21, 2008. This DoD video, courtesy of DVIDS, was provided by Cpl. Joshua Balog, Joint Combat Center. It is an up close look at the activities conducted during an air assault including a look at how biometrics are taken by warriors from the 2nd SCR.



One headline from Baquba, Iraq which caught my eye:

Female suicide bomber in Iraq kills 15, wounds 40

I am ready to get going with another week...another week closer to having our boys home!

Chris, I love you son!

Be safe!

v/r,
- Collabman

Sand...Sand...and More Sand

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Abraham Bitolas of the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment uses night vision to look for any suspicious activity as he provides security at an Iraqi army checkpoint in the village of Ur, Iraq, March 11, 2008.

1st Sgt. Adrian Cadiz, Joint Combat Camera Center

There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work,
learning from failure.
Colin Powell

Evening...

How's your week been? I am settling back in to a rhythm. Ms. Marti was right - not all that different from jumping back on a bike. It came back faster than I thought...

Chris called from Forward Operating Base Anaconda on Wednesday as he awaited a flight on to his final destination. He was grounded due to a nasty sand storm so he took the opportunity to check in. Chris said he was well and anxious to get back with his team of warriors with the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. I expect he is back with his team as I write...

There were a number of pictures of warriors from 1st Squadron, 2nd SCR posted to DVIDS that were new to me, even though the actual photo date was back in March. They are scattered throughout this blog.

The info hounds have been busy hunting but there is not that much to report on related to the 2nd SCR. There are a couple of interesting reads on activities in Iraq. If you haven't seen them...

More weapons caches turning up in Iraq

Iraqi oil pipeline sabotage drops sharply

As Chris likes to say, keep the faith. For me, I press on and take each day as it comes. I expect there will be more roller coaster rides before this deployment is over. So don't let your guard down...or stop praying. Our warriors are still in a hostile environment that can turn in a moment...

Chris, I love you son! Be safe!

v/r,
- Collabman

Back to the Sandbox...

War Dogs

Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment

Evening...

I seem to have misplaced my battle rhythm - you haven't seen it have you? If so drop it in a comment for me...

Chris is back in the sandbox and just as he is working to get back in the fight, I too am working to get my rhythm back. It's not easy but I will get there. I already have the info hounds back in the hunt for any/all info related to the 2nd SCR...let's see what they come up with in the coming days.

The photo you see above is of the patch that Chris' unit had made once they were on the ground in Iraq. He had it on the back of his rucksack that he brought home on R&R. I liked the way it looked so I snapped a photo of it to help kick off my blogging for these next few months - what do you think?

Above is a photo of Chris enjoying breakfast before departing for the airport...and Iraq. Special thanks to Ms. Erin for sharing it. Oh dark thirty came early for both of them.

Let me leave you with a snippet from an AP article tonight. Positive signs for sure but still very fragile. Enjoy the read...the info hounds are looking for new information...more to come on the 2nd SCR when it becomes available.

By ROBERT H. REID

Associated Press Writer

Mon Jun 16, 6:38 PM ET

BAGHDAD - Signs are emerging that Iraq has reached a turning point. Violence is down, armed extremists are in disarray, government confidence is rising and sectarian communities are gearing up for a battle at the polls rather than slaughter in the streets. Those positive signs are attracting little attention in the United States, where the war-weary public is focused on the American presidential contest and skeptical of talk of success after so many years of unfounded optimism by the war's supporters.

Unquestionably, the security and political situation in Iraq is fragile. U.S. commanders warn repeatedly that security gains are reversible.

Still, Iraq is by almost any measure safer today than at any time in the past three years. Fears that the country will disintegrate have receded — though they have not disappeared.

---------------------------

Chris, I love you buddy - be safe!

v/r,

- Collabman

A Letter to Chris...

1st Squad, Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment in Baghdad, Iraq - 2008. Left to right, front row- SPC Chris Stevenson, SPC Brandon (Robo) Robertson, SGT Arroyo, SPC Jeffries

Left to right, Back Row - SPC Eric Strick, SPC Bobby Shoendorf, SGT Jeff Yee, SPC Fisher

You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast

These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now

But you're gonna miss this

Trace Adkins, You're Gonna Miss This

Dear Chris,

On the eve of Father's Day 2008 and your departure back to Iraq to rejoin your fellow warriors, I wanted to take a moment and "pen" some thoughts I have about you, our experience during your R&R and most of all your return to the fight with the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. I am not ashamed to let those who read my blog, our blog, have insight to my thoughts and feelings...I trust you feel the same. Why? These are the folks who continue to surround you and the entire 2nd SCR with their prayers and thoughts...we all have come this far as an extended, virtual family...we will continue until you all are safely home later this year.

Our time with you during R&R in Colorado was better than even we could have imagined. To see you come up that escalator at the airport in uniform was a proud moment. The emotions that came flooding out when you hugged us that first time will carry me for the rest of my life. I will remember...To see your growth and maturity as a man, coupled with the special way you treat Erin, was a reminder of the man you have become. We laughed, danced and partied throughout the night at Jake and Haley's wedding. Was that fun or what?...I will remember. The way you and Aaron sang that Sunday morning at church was amazing. You both honored God with your voices and blessed all those who heard the words of that song. I will remember...

"He was pierced for our transgressions
He was crushed for our sins
The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him
And by His wounds, by His wounds we are healed
And by His wounds, by His wounds
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus"

That final morning when we said so long was one of the hardest things I have ever done. The sun was streaming into your room through the Blue Star Service Flag hanging in your window. I didn't want to let you go but I knew your heart was longing to spend time in Virginia with Erin..so that was important to me...but it was still hard to say so long. Don't tell anyone but I wept most of the way to work that morning...tears filled with the joy of having you home but also mixed with the sadness of seeing you go. I will remember...

The photos of your R&R scattered throughout this blog, along with photos of the 2nd SCR warriors you will join in Iraq early next week, are a reminder of the time you spent at home...and the important task ahead of you. I will remember...I know Strick, Robo and the rest of your teammates will be glad to have you back. Yes, the days ahead will be hot and difficult at times. They will be filled with lots of boredom, interrupted by moments of intense, chaotic action. Every time you go outside the wire keep your head on a swivel. It is the least you can do for your teammates and yourself. Leave nothing to chance, no detail forgotten, no distractions. Just as you were encouraged to do when you went to the pitching mound in the late innings of a close baseball game...finish strong. Prepare the battle ground you own today for the unit that will take the baton and assume your area of responsibility...just as the unit you replaced did for the 2nd SCR.

I will close with these promises...promises that I have thought about since the day you left for Virginia.

I will continue to pray daily for you and the entire 2nd SCR. That band of angels, along with the prayer warriors that God has placed around you during the first part of your deployment, will be back in action. I promise...

I will continue to fly the Blue Star Service flag in your window until you touch down in Germany later this year. It will fly 24 hours a day in honor of your courage and sacrifice...and as a reminder to everyone who sees it. I promise...

I will honor the sacrifice and commitment of you and the 2nd SCR by continuing to blog about your journey - until you are safely home. I said I would be in the fight from beginning to end and I will keep that commitment. I promise...

Do you remember how I honored Jake on his wedding night by lighting up my first cigar? It was a special moment and one I will never forget. I only smoked a portion of the cigar...what, it was my first :-)...and placed the rest of it in a glass tube for safe keeping. When I know that you are wheels up out of Kuwait and safely headed home, I will invite your brothers Jake and Aaron, my two buddies Bob and Steve (and anyone else who wants to come over) and I will once again light that cigar and smoke it in honor of you and the 2nd SCR. I promise...

Finally, I will be in Germany to honor you and the 2nd SCR when you return. What a proud yet bittersweet moment that will be. Sweet to have you home...bitter as we remember those who didn't make it home. It is the least I can do to say thank you for securing my freedom. I promise...

I love you more than words can say. I am humbled by your talents, discipline and maturity beyond your 20 years. You and your brothers make each Father's Day a joyous occasion for me. My prayer is that I have given just a little bit back to the three of you.

These pictures on tonight's blog will be seen by many and we will remember these times...they will carry us to Germany.

I love you Chris...not just today, but until forever...

Be safe!

Love,
Dad

Pressure...

Chris navigates a stream during a hike up to Hanging Lake on his R&R in Colorado.

(CDS Photos, Inc.)

"Always remember To be true to ourselves. We must never let the pressure Of being number one Run our lives. We are only here, For a very short time. So we can't Get so caught up, In the grand competition That we can not enjoy, The pleasure of life itself."

G. Rynk

Evening...

More news is coming out on the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment as they take over responsibility for the Diayala region from the 4th SBCT, 2ID. A Transition of Authority (TOA) ceremony was conducted on 1 Jone 2008. If you haven't seen the article detailing the TOA and the outstanding work the 4th SBCT has performed in Diyala give it a read.

Tip of the hat to the Red Raiders...thanks guys and well done!

Also, there are two pretty interesting videos on the 2-2 SCR and operations with the Iraqi Police in the Diyala province. The second one is the full length version and provides a pretty good look at 2-2 SCR ops. Spend some time with them...you might recognize a warrior or two.

R&R continues for Chris and it is everything we hoped and prayed it would be. Special thanks to every prayer warrior who lifts Chris and the entire 2nd SCR up in their daily prayers...you guys rock!

Enjoy the read and videos...this fight is for from over. There is still much work to be done by the 2nd SCR.

By Ryan Eliott
14th Public Affairs Detachment

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARHORSE - The 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment took the reins of responsibility for the Diyala region from the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division during a Transition of Authority ceremony held in Sgt. 1st Class David J. Salie Fitness Center on Forward Operating Base Warhorse, June 1.

“It’s a great day to be in the cavalry and a great day to be a Dragoon,” said Lt. Col. Bryan Denny, deputy commander, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.

“The 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team gave the Iraqi people of the Diyala province hope,” said Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, commander of Task Force Iron and Multi-National Division - North.

“Were on the brink of great things in Diyala and must work hard to capitalize on them,” said Denny.

Speaking to the Soldiers of the 2nd SCR Denny said. “Keep up the pressure on al-Qaida and other extremist organizations, and embrace your Iraqi counterparts as we are surely united on a common struggle against tyranny and evil.”

During the Raider Brigade’s time here, they have cleared more than 40,000 kilometers of road, destroyed more than 2,100 improvised explosive devices and most importantly we’ve brought more than 12,000 Iraqis out of the darkness and into Sons of Iraq and other roles to provide security for their own nation, said Col. Jon S. Lehr, commander, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd infantry Division.

“Today the Diyala region is flourishing, because of the efforts of the Raiders Brigade,” Hertling went on to say.

Speaking to the Soldiers of the 4-2 Hertling said, “The Raiders Brigade efforts have allowed the Iraqis to establish their own Army and their own police as well as bring peace to their own people.”

“Our efforts have allowed a fledgling democracy to take hold,” said Lehr.

On the one hand, we are excited to go home to our country and families, said Lehr, but the Soldiers of 4-2 have forged deep long lasting relationships.

“The Iraqis will ultimately defeat the insurgents, said Lehr. It is the responsibility of the 2nd SCR now to lay the ground work to allow this to occur.”

The 2nd Cavalry Regiment is the longest serving Cavalry Regiment in the United States. It is more than capable to take the place of the Raiders Brigade and provide the same outstanding leadership and aggressive posture that the Raiders Brigade has done in the Diyala province, said Hertling.

“I recognize and appreciate what a great job the Raider Brigade has done in the Diyala province and can assure you the Dragoons will continue the struggle for a free and democratic Iraq in a place whose importance cannot be underestimated,” said Denny, “The Dragoons accept this mission and will fight with our Iraqi partners, we will move forward and take the Diyala province to the next level in a free and democratic Iraq.”

---------------------------








v/r,
- Collabman

Fallen Angel...

"Regardless of what one may think of the war, the men and women over there are fighting for us, their countrymen. They have earned our gratitude."

Major Andrew Olmsted, who was killed in Iraq on Jan. 3, 2008

Afternoon...

Well, we try and convince ourselves that it won't happen again...but it did. I saw the announcement before I blogged about Chris' R&R but I couldn't get these words out of my mind....

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier....

What words can I say to make it OK or take away the pain? Nothing. This blog has been ongoing for 10 months and these continue to be the most painful blogs to write. I dread seeing the alerts...make them stop, won't you?

I can hear the roll call at the funeral for SPC Mixon...and the silence, the deafening silence that follows his name...

My heart goes out to the Mixon family, friends and fellow soldiers. We will never forget SPC Mixon and his sacrifice. We will remember and America will be forever grateful.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Justin R. Mixon, 22, of Bogalusa, La., died June 1 in Baghdad Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.

v/r,
- Collabman

R&R...

SPC Chris Stevenson, Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry boards a UH-60 Black Hawk helo headed to Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) on the first leg of his journey home for R&R. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

"Though a warrior may return alive and uninjured, their lives will never be the same."

Afternoon...

Well, the first six days of Chris' R&R have been simply superb. We have enjoyed every minute and look forward to the remaining few days before he departs for the East Coast and some additional time with his special lady, Erin.

What have we learned in these first few days?

(1) The days are flying! Who authorized this? What was once a 24 hour day appears to have been shortened to 18-20 hours...grrrrr :-)

(2) Chris is doing well, mentally and physically...enough said.

(3) The emotions you experience when you first see and hug your warrior are unbelievable! A flood of love, joy and tears come pouring out...almost beyond description. We convince ourselves that we have it all figured out...but we don't.

(4) What we see and read about operations and activities in Iraq are not always as they are portrayed by the media. I am sure this is not surprising to any of us...but to hear it first hand brings it home...along with the truth...and it is the truth that matters.

(5) We will never really comprehend the commitment, sacrifice and love our warriors have for our great country...Chris deployed as a 19 year-old and is now a man...

For those interested, here is a glimpse of Chris, Erin and friends as they enjoy R&R...

I hope you enjoy these photos as much as we have...as we remember the 2nd SCR in Iraq and their service.

The UH-60 Black Hawk that carried SPC Stevenson to BIAP on the first leg of his journey home for R&R. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

An Apache attack helo flying out of BIAP. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

The second leg of Chris' (Left with shades) journey - BIAP, Kuwait, Ireland, Atlanta, Dallas and finally...Colorado. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

Chris and Erin enjoying lunch and R&R - the expressions speak louder than words.
(CDS Photos, Inc.)


Chris, Erin and two friends enjoying R&R - wonderful smiles!
(CDS Photos, Inc.)


Chris and Erin in Colorado during R&R - the beautiful mountains of Colorado in the background. (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Collabman - a happy father...especially with his warrior home! (CDS Photos, Inc.)



Chris and Erin prepare to head for Hanging Lake in western Colorado (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Chris takes in a "few" carbs prior to his hike up to Hanging Lake. (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Headed up to the mountains on the way to Hanging Lake. (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Colorado - simply beautiful! (CDS Photos, Inc.)



Preparing to leave the head-in and begin the trek towards Hanging Lake. (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Erin and a Kodak moment on the trail to Hanging Lake. (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Chris and Erin on the trail to Hanging Lake. (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Hanging Lake in western Colorado...quite beautiful, eh? (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Chris and Erin snap a photo at the summit of Hanging Lake. (CDS Photos, Inc.)


Chris...enjoying his R&R in Colorado.(CDS Photos, Inc.)

v/r,
- Collabman