Boots on the Ground...Ask 'em Why...

Wow - where do I start? I just got home and my search engines have been quietly running in the background hunting down fresh information on the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment - I call it information hounding...what do you call it? Someone, somewhere is probably wondering - who let the dogs out? ;-)

The most appropriate place to start is with an update on our wounded warrior I spoke of in my last blog. Many have been praying for Ryan, who is listed on our Wall of Heroes, and inquiring about his status. So as not to cross the very fine line of privacy for Ryan and his family, here is what I am comfortable sharing...Ryan was wounded by a sniper when their tower started taking heavy fire. The sniper round entered through a side opening where his body armor was cinched together. We are thankful to God that the round entered and exited with the least amount of damage possible. He has been upgraded to not seriously injured (NSI). Ryan and the Red Cross have both been in touch with his loved ones in the states which is an encouragement to all of us that the process the Army has put in place...does work. Thank you all for lifting this warrior up in prayer - please continue to pray for Ryan's recovery and his loved ones who are grateful for the wonderful support from this extended family!

Now, on to Chris' phone call. His voice sounded a little weary...but he was in good spirits. He had just returned from patrol and was quickly getting settled into the day-to-day operations tempo - the battle rhythm. Chris was very happy to have received a package from both Erin and Steve V. Thanks to the both of you for taking the time to put the packages together and ship them - I could tell from his voice he was touched by your kindness and appreciated the contents.

Chris also indicated he had changed jobs and was happy with his new role carrying the Squad Automatic Weapon SAW-M249 - photo above). This weapon and ammo are more weight to carry...but right down his alley - he has always wanted to be in the middle of the fight...Chris got his wish.

He spoke of the hours they spent on patrol, pulling guard duty, etc....all while wearing body armor in hot, sticky conditions...not once did he whine or complain. This is what they trained for...many commonly refer to it as boots on the ground...need I say more?

The only thing Chris asked for was baby wipes - I told him we could take care of that request. Other than that, he seemed to enjoy the chat. Of course his first call was to Nancy and I told him that must always be call number 1 ;-) He understood completely... ;-)

It was wonderful to hear his voice and feel his strength and courage...he is well. No surprises here...I am so proud of our men and women serving in this hostile environment...they rock!

Before you retire for the evening, take a peek at this video that my info hounds tipped me to...I will let the video speak for itself...

So...tell me...why don't we ask them what they think?

v/r,
- Collabman

Feeling the Pain...

First things first. Please take a moment and pray for one of our warriors in the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment who was wounded earlier today. Details are sketchy but don't worry about that. What matters most is that we pray for this warrior, the doctors and medical personnel who are attending to him, his family and loved ones here in the states. - who have asked for our prayers. Won't you join me in lifting this fallen warrior up in prayer before you continue on with the blog?

This information hit me like a lead pipe this afternoon when I first saw it...like it or not, this is combat operations and something we have to deal with...but it's not easy. I had to take a deep breath as I read the email...just to get through it. I forced myself to reread it so I could feel every word...every emotion it carried. So yes, my heart aches right now for this young warrior and his family, who I have never met...we are one...we will provide shoulders to lean on and we will continue to pray for this warrior and his family.

I have set up my search engines to hunt down anything and everything associated with the 2SCR. I don't care if it's audio, video, textual...you name it...I want to see it. When I have a lull between messages from Chris I will share some of it here. The report I was tipped to tonight provides insight on what is happening with the 2SCR on the ground in Baghdad...here is a snippet...maybe your warrior is with the 4th Squadron of the 2SCR...

4 September 2007

Stryker Squadron Arrives in Support of Black Jack Brigade in Baghdad

by Spc. Alexis Harrison
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE PROSPERITY, Iraq – For many of the Soldiers in the "Saber" Squadron, this isn't their first tour in Iraq. Many remember the days they spent in Mosul and Tel Afar under much harsher conditions than what they found inside the walls of Forward Operating Bases Prosperity and Union III where the squadron will be headquartered.

Now they have begun another rotation into Iraq. The 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment has assumed responsibility from the 1st Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, currently attached to the 2nd “Black Jack” Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, of the Karkh District area in Baghdad’s center, where heavy fighting against anti-Iraqi forces took place earlier this year...

Along with keeping the people of Karkh safe and improving their lives one day at a time, the troops are also concerned with keeping each other focused as they approach this new mission.

"Right now, we're still upgrading equipment, doing reconnaissance and working with 1-14," said Maj. Matt Mock, 4-2’s executive officer. He said that all this will lead up to the Saber Squadron taking over the mission from the cavalry troops from Fort Lewis, Wash...

You can read the rest of the report by clicking here. Thanks to Spc. Alexis Harrison for filing the report.

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For those who have been asking - we have not heard from Chris since last Wednesday. Pray for him and the other warriors of the 2SCR as they transition to operations.

Chris, I love you son and I am so proud of you and the warriors of the 2SCR - I remember!

Be strong and stay safe!

v/r,
- Collabman

A Season of Thoughts...

Nancy and I decided to spend this Labor Day holiday in a quiet way, reflecting on our loved ones, the sacrifice of those deployed around the globe and just how fortunate we are to live in this great country. You can probably tell from my blog, we have not heard from Chris since his email last Wednesday...more on that in a little.

For us and many others, Labor Day is typically the unofficial end to summer where we turn our eyes toward the fall season and all that goes with it. As I spend time with family, friends and co-workers I am fascinated by each one's perspective on their thoughts for the season and what's important to them.

Many share stories of sending their kids to school - some for the first time, some talk about their favorite football team and how they will fare this season, some speak of the weather and the welcomed relief the fall will bring...others look forward to engagements, weddings and upcoming holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. All important events in their lives that I am glad they can rejoice in and share with me. Now, compare that to my thoughts...could they be any different?

My thoughts are of my 19 year old son who is deployed to Iraq in one of the most complex and hostile combat urban environments in Iraq...of how he will deal with his first contact with the insurgents and the PID (Positive Identification) requirement he will have to deal with...of the emotional and physical stress that these men and women are under 24x7 as they adjust to combat operations in an unforgiving climate...of how Chris will deal with his emotions if or when a fallen angel occurs in the 2SCR...of the items he needs from us to make his life a little more comfortable...of the Gen. Petraeus report and what it will mean, if anything, to the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment...

These are my thoughts...very different from those around me...and I'll be honest...some days they are not pretty nor am I proud of them - but make no mistake, I am proud of Chris and every member of the 2SCR for their commitment, sacrifice and courage. I am so blessed to be a part of the support group that Marti has built and the insight they provide from their warriors - I would not want it any other way.

As I said early on, this is going to be raw at times...so be it...I am struggling a little right now as it's been some time since we have heard from Chris. I trust that he is fine, God is in control and he is surrounded by an army of angels...but I still doubt and wonder during the quiet moments...

I love you Chris and my thoughts and prayers are with you and the 2SCR every day...drop us a note when you can and...be safe...

How 'bout you? What does your season of thoughts look like?

v/r,
- Collabman