Category Archives: Troops

News from the 4th ID

Posted on September 16, 2006 | Comments Off on News from the 4th ID

The 4th Infantry Division is due back at Fort Hood in a few months, so here’s a summary of one staff sergeant’s thoughts on what and where they’ve been.

"Yes, they are progressing. The local Iraqi people are stepping up, more than I kind of expected," the sergeant admits. "This is my second tour over here, and the difference between a year and a half ago and now is remarkable. The local Iraqi government is more stable and in place, and is starting to take the lead, funding and supervising and putting together all these different projects that they need."

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A recruit’s tale

Posted on September 11, 2006 | Comments Off on A recruit’s tale

David French is a First Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve

"On the fifth anniversary of 9/11, I am spending my spare time completing the second (written) phase of my officer basic course as rumors circulate that my unit may be mobilized next fall. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know two things. First, there is no feeling in the world that compares to the first time you salute the flag when wearing the uniform of your country."

The feeling was different in 1967, but similar. I was a draftee in a debatable cause. I can understand French’s courage, but only envy the clarity of his choice.

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Patriots still available

Posted on September 10, 2006 | Comments Off on Patriots still available

"Overall, the army, active and reserve, will exceed its 2006 goal of having 116,787 troops reenlist. The total size of the army, active and reserves, is about 1.1 million troops. The army also met its goal for new recruits."

This doesn’t give the lie to people who favor a new draft, but it’s hardly their best talking point.

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Soldiers blogs

Posted on September 8, 2006 | Comments Off on Soldiers blogs

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Blackfive’s new book, an anthology of downrange practitioners of a new kind of war reporting, benefited from a recent Instalanch, but also has sterling reviews. As one commenter at Amazon said, "Finally, the soldiers’ voices speak." Much is made of the blog aspect. But what’s really new is getting the soldier’s voice almost immediately, instead of thirty years later.

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Scouts out!

Posted on September 7, 2006 | Comments Off on Scouts out!

They’re leavin’ Fort Hood.

"The 3,000 soldiers of the 1st Cavalry’s air brigade cased their unit flags and streamers during the hourlong ceremony on a Fort Hood parade ground, the last time the unit will muster until it arrives in Iraq in a few weeks."

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R.I.P. PFC William E. Thorne, 4th ID

Posted on August 27, 2006 | Comments Off on R.I.P. PFC William E. Thorne, 4th ID

"The family [of Hospers, Iowa] issued a written statement that described Thorne as ‘very kind, quiet, and unassuming.’

"’He had an affectionate sense of humor, and a most infectious smile. He was an example of both humility and endurance through challenging times,’ the statement read. ‘His gracious presence will continue to be an inspiration. His family is very proud of his dedication and sacrifice, and is committed to honoring him through their lives.’"

UPDATE His wife, Corey, who was also serving in Iraq, illustrates Belmont Club’s belief that religious faith will be needed to beat the jihadis. "We are two very strong people," Corey Thorne said when asked how they coped with the separation and the danger of combat deployment. "We leaned on each other very much. We just trusted in the Lord, that God would take care of each other. Being a solder, I was trained to prepare myself for this."

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Boots on the deck

Posted on August 22, 2006 | Comments Off on Boots on the deck

"B5: What is the one story that you would want told that is not being told about Iraq?

"How much the people want democracy. I get tired of the MSM articles about how it was better before we came. Maybe it was because all of the life and will of the people had been crushed. Is that any way to live? I think not and I think most Iraqis would agree. There is a lot of healing going on in this country and it is moving forward in baby-steps. It won’t happen over night, but I feel the people here [want to] be allowed to make something of their nation worth being proud of."

The latest poll supposedly shows 61 percent of Americans opposed to the Iraq campaign, but they might feel differently if they read or saw something besides the latest bombing or other tragedy story. They might feel differently if they read all of this Blackfive interview with Marine Corps reservist and Gunnery Sergeant Erik E. Duane.

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