Freedom...

Spc. Bobby Schoendorf, 22, from Wyckoff, N.J., serving with 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment is seen at Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Baqouba, 35 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Baghdad, Iraq on Friday, July 4, 2008.

(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)


"We all want to be home and be with our families, but I'd rather be doing this on the fourth so they can be at home enjoying the holiday."
SPC Bobby Schoendorf, 2-2 SCR

Afternoon...

First off, happy fourth to everyone! Just like us, I expect that you are spending time with family and friends...a cookout, cold drinks and some hot fireworks? I also expect that like me, your warrior with the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment in Iraq is at the forefront of your thoughts and prayers as we celebrate our freedom...our independence. How do we thank them for their sacrifice and securing our freedom?

We received a call from Chris at 6am our time this morning. More on Chris in a moment.

The info hounds have been busy over night. They uncovered a great photo of SPC Bobby Schoendorf (see above) who is a friend of Chris' in Dog Company, 2-2 SCR. It made me smile to see his photo carried with this story: US soldiers in Iraq mark Fourth of July The article is extremely encouraging...we are blessed to have young men and women like this serving our great country.

However, lest we forget..."The holiday is even leaner at smaller outposts closer to the violence, where it comes with a can of meat, some cookies and a job not yet done."

U.S. Army soldiers dine on a special Independence Day menu at the dining facility at Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Baqouba, 35 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Baghdad, Iraq on Friday, July 4, 2008. Across Iraq, America's Independence Day is a normal work day for most U.S. troops. But the military throws in a taste of home at larger bases with corn on the cob, ribs and red, white and blue cakes.

(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)


A U.S. Army soldier is served chicken wings, a special item on the Independence Day menu, at the dining facility at Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Baqouba, 35 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Baghdad, Iraq on Friday, July 4, 2008.
(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)


U.S. Army Spc. Robert Newkirk, a native of Columbia, Tennessee, serving with the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment is seen at Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Baqouba, 35 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Baghdad, Iraq on Friday, July 4, 2008.
(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)


Spc. Bobby Schoendorf, 22, from Wyckoff, N.J., serving with 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment is seen at Forward Operating Base Warhorse in Baqouba, 35 miles (60 kilometers) northeast of Baghdad, Iraq on Friday, July 4, 2008.
(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

I was also drawn to these photos...

At Camp Victory outside Baghdad, 1,215 troops from the Army, Marines and other services re-enlisted in a mass swearing-in ceremony led by General David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq. At least two husband and wife couples were among those signing up for another military stint.
(REUTERS/Erik de Castro (IRAQ))


U.S. soldiers salute during a mass reenlistment ceremony for their fellow soldiers in Baghdad July 4, 2008. More than 1200 soldiers were reenlisted in the U.S. military on Friday as part of a U.S. Independence Day celebration at Al-Faw Palace in Camp Victory.
(REUTERS/Erik de Castro (IRAQ))


Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, top right, re-enlists U.S. military service members during a mass re-enlistment ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, July 4, 2008. 1215 service members re-enlisted Friday during an Independence Day ceremony at al-Faw palace at Camp Victory.
(AP Photo/Marko Drobnjakovic)

Wow! What a powerful message conveyed in that first photo - 1,215 individuals re-enlisting on the fourth for another stint to serve their country...inspiring is the word that comes to my mind....what do you think? The full article is here: Hundreds of US troops in Iraq re-enlist for national day

Now, our phone call from Chris...

It was wonderful to hear his voice...he sounded great as he settled in for a day at the FOB. Here are some tidbits that caught my attention. None of these will surprise you...

• It is hot as h***! He said it was 127 degrees yesterday and they do NOT have a/c at their Combat OutPost (COP). We asked him how he sleeps in that kind of heat - his response was "ummm, drenched in sweat."
• He is in a normal battle rhythm of patrol, guard duty and maintenance/recovery time.
• He had just completed a 12-hour patrol but never complained once...think about it...12 hours on patrol in full combat gear in that kind of heat...
• They do have a weight room at the COP and it's pretty nice; better than the one they had at COP Aztec; Unfortunately it's WAY too hot in there to be comfortable.
• They have phones and internet at the new COP but...they are not working yet.
• Showers are still few and far between...
• He and his team could use a shipment of baby wipes to wipe down with after a patrol...
  

Chris closed with these thoughts..."This'll be the 3rd year that I haven't been home for the 4th...that sucks. And FOURTH year that I've been away for my birthday. I don't think I'll be able to make it home for any of them until my 24th. Oh well. I hope you guys have fun tonight! I love you guys."

Chris, we love you son and we can't tell you how proud we are of your service and sacrifice in unbelievably hostile conditions. Never forget that many, many folks are thinking of you and praying for the entire 2nd SCR. Tonight, as we watch the fireworks we will not forget our warriors of today and those who went before you and answered the call.

As we remember you and the 2nd SCR during this 4th of July celebration, let me leave you with this article buddy, courtesy of Ms. Sharyn (thanks ma'am)... Price of Freedom and a tribute to one of our own...2LT Peter Burks, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, KIA on 14 November 2007.

"I don't think Lt. Burks would want you to mourn him at your holiday barbecue. I'd bet he'd rather have you enjoy everything his sacrifice preserved."

Love,
Dad