Bayji Iraq FOB Summerall , Soldiers , Families and Friends

FOB MAPS - and lack there of...

For those that do not understand why you are having a difficult time finding images of the FOBs and areas they are near.

The reason is security, the strictest that can be had, I am sure there are older images of cities such as Bayji, and maybe good educated guesses on where exactly the FOB is located in the city, but as far as internet searches and the like, I believe all military installations in a HOT zone are blacked out for security.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty 101st Airborne

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

 

        Staff Sgt. Robert J. Wilson, 28, of Boynton Beach, Fla., died Jan. 26 of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated while he was conducting a dismounted patrol in Baghdad, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

 

        For more information media may contact the Fort Campbell public affairs office at (270) 798-9966.

101st update 1-16-08

I have been informed that 3 soldiers of the 101st were also injured during operations in Bayji
1-16-08, 2 have been treated for non-life threatening injuries and have returned to the unit, while the PL
(Platoon Leader) Sgt Webb has been flown to out of country for treatment of his injuries, he is considered stable at this time.

wk

DOD announces casualties of the 101st in Iraq (not in bayji)

    The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Jan. 16 of wounds suffered in Balad, Iraq, when they were attacked by grenade and small arms fire during combat operations. They were assigned to the 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

 

           Killed were:

 

           Pfc. Danny L. Kimme, 27, of Fisher, Ill., who died in Balad, Iraq.

 

           Pfc. David H. Sharrett II, 27, of Oakton, Va., who died in Pallouata, Iraq.

 

           Spc. John P. Sigsbee, 21, of Waterville, N.Y., who died in Balad, Iraq.

 

     For more information media may contact the Fort Campbell public affairs office at (270) 798-9966.

Keep these young men and their families in your prayers, may the lord show them peace and rest, and bring their families comfort during a time of sorrow.

removed by request

3 viewers have requested this post removed as THEY could not confirm the authenticity of the information and would rather see the DOD public release before its posted on this site.

101st Airborne Photo album

Hello everyone,

I have recieved a few pictures of the 101st airborne prior to deployment Sept.2007 and I also wanted to share some images from their last deployment to Iraq that I received from my brother.

He and several other unit members are in the midst of "settling in" and have not had time to send anything as of this time, ergo images from their current deployment at FOB Summerall, all of its still in camera's and or video, I hope you can bear with me with patience and as soon as I receive them, I will post them.

thanks

WK

DOD announces casualties of the 101st in Iraq

           The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.  They died Jan. 9 of wounds sustained during combat operations in Samarra, Iraq.  The incident is under investigation. They were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.

Killed were:

           Sgt. David J. Hart, 22, of Lake View Terrace, Calif., who died in Balad, Iraq.
 

           Pfc. Ivan E. Merlo, 19, of San Marcos, Calif., who died in Samarra, Iraq.
 

           Pfc. Phillip J. Pannier, 20, of Washburn, Ill., who died in Samarra, Iraq.

 

           For more information media may contact the Fort Campbell public affairs office at (270) 798-9966

I understand these young men were not in Bayji at Camp Summerall but they are part of the 101st airborne family and I believe they and thier family should be in our prayers.

DOD identifies Army Casualty in Bayji

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

Spc. Johnathan A. Lahmann, 21, of Richmond, Ind., died Dec. 10 in Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds suffered in Bayji, Iraq, when a improvised explosive device struck his vehicle. He was assigned to the 59^th Engineer Company, 20^th Engineer Battalion, 36^th Engineer Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this young soldier, may they find comfort in the lord and from our prayers.

 

TRIBUTE 12/7/07

I have found someone who will be taking over this website shortly. Unfortunately, last night while perusing my email I came across this notice. So once again it is with a heavy heart that I post what will likely be my last post.

December 06, 2007

DoD Identifies Army Casualties The Department of Defense announced today the death of three soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died from wounds suffered when their vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device in Bayji, Iraq. They were assigned to the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.   Killed were:   Sgt. Eric J. Hernandez, 26, of Waldwick, N.J., who died Dec. 4 in Bayji, Iraq.   Pvt. Dewayne L. White, 27, of Country Club Hills, Ill., who died Dec. 4 in Bayji, Iraq.   Capt. Adam P. Snyder, 26, of Fort Pierce, Fla., who died Dec. 5 in Balad, Iraq.   As the parent of a 101st soldier this breaks my heart.  My son is not with this particular unit but we are all 101st. Please know that my prayers are with you all as you face this long deployment.  Stay strong and know that those here in the States love you and miss you very much. To the families and friends of these brave heros, know that they will never be forgotten. I pray that the Lord will comfort you as only he can during this time of grief. Good Luck and God Bless, Debbie

Looking for a Replacement

Hello to all the new families looking for information on your soldiers currently at FOB Summerall.

Unforunately, I am uncertain which group replaced my sons' unit. However I am looking for someone who has a loved one currently serving here to maintain the site. Part of the goal of this site is to be contiunously maintained as long as there is an American presence at this FOB. If you are or know of someone interested in managing this site please email me.                                                            Thanks, Debbie

TRIBUTE

October 08, 2007 DoD Identifies Army Casualty             The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.               Spc. Vincent G. Kamka, 23, of Everett, Wash., died Oct. 4 in Bayji, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.   October 06, 2007 DoD Identifies Army Casualty             The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.               Spc. Rachael L. Hugo, 24, of Madison, Wis., died Oct. 5 in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked her unit using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. She was assigned to the 303rd Military Police Company, 97th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve, Jackson, Mich.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty                   September 26, 2007 The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.   Cpl. Anthony K. Bento, 23, of San Diego, died Sept. 24, in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

These soldiers will never be forgotten. Lord we ask you to wrap your arms around the families and friends of these men and give them a measure of peace. To the soldiers of FOB Summerall know that you are never far from our thoughts and we anxiously await your return.

Tribute

August 31, 2007

Once again it is with a very heavy heart I make this posting. I apologize for taking so long in putting up this posting. This deployment is taking its toll on me more and more as time goes by. I find myself ignoring my email just so I don't see this type of news.

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

August 29, 2007

Sgt. James S. Collins Jr., 35, of Rochester Hills, Mich., died Aug. 28 in Kirkuk, Iraq, of wounds suffered during combat operations. He was assigned to the 303rd Military Police Company (Combat Support), U.S. Army Reserve, Jackson, Mich.

August 25, 2007

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

Sgt. 1st Class David A. Heringes, 36, of Tampa, Fla., died Aug. 24 near Tikrit, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations in Bayji, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Lord we commend these soldiers into your hands and pray that you would comfort their families. To the brave soldiers of the 1/505 and the 303rd know that you are in our thoughts and prayers every moment of every day. We love you and can't wait til you get home.

6-26 Memorial

It is again with a heavy heart I make this posting. I will as always create this brave soldiers' memorial once I have the information needed. To the soldiers at Summerall, know that every  day that goes by you are in our constant thoughts and prayers. Lord please recieve this brave hero into your arms.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

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

Spc. Eric C. Palmer, 21, of Maize, Kan., died June 24 at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Landstuhl, Germany, of wounds suffered when his unit was attacked by insurgents using small arms fire June 21 in Bayji, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Tribute 5/10/07

It is with a heavy heart I make this posting. My prayers go out to the family and friends of Sgt Rateb.

The Department of Defense announced today  (5/9/07) the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Sameer A. M. Rateb, 22, of Absecon, N.J., died May 6 at Forward Operating Base Summerall in Bayji, Iraq, from injuries sustained from a non-combat related incident. His death is under investigation.

Rateb was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

May the Lord receive Sameer into His arms, and grant his family and friends comfort during this time of grief.

To the soldiers at FOB Summerall: know that not a day goes by that you are not in our thoughts and prayers. We love you and miss you very much.

When more information concerning Sgt Rateb is available I will create his memorial posting.

article from DVIDs

By Sgt. Joshua R. Ford
3rd Brigade Combat Team
82nd Airborne Division

BAYJI, Iraq — Beyond the noise of hammers banging metal nails into boards and sledgehammers smashing into an old building that needs a little remodeling, you can hear the city outside of the 25-foot cement walls. The dozens of children that gather on the soccer field every day after school, and the people traveling through the markets are heard in Bayji.

This is why the paratroopers are building — to protect the inhabitants of Bayji.

For the past three weeks, paratroopers with Company C, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, have been constructing Bayji’s first Joint-Security Station one sand bag at a time.

The paratroopers used the city’s police station as the foundation for what has become a small fortress in the middle of the city.

Since the paratroopers have co-occupied the facility with the Iraqis, operations within the city have become more efficient, said Spc. Christoph Carmikle, infantryman with Company C.

“Instead of it taking 45 minutes to an hour to get a joint-patrol with the (Iraqi) police organized, it now takes about five minutes,” Carmikle said. “We are all here together and provide constant patrols throughout the city.”

Recently, insurgents ambushed a night patrol by the Iraqi police. Within moments, reinforcements, who were all Iraqi policemen, arrived to the scene and repelled the ambush.

The repelled ambush was one example of how providing a constant presence in Bayji is more effective.

Bayji’s security station was named in honor of two Company C paratroopers who lost their lives in combat in Bayji. Cpl. Nicolas Arvanitis was killed action by sniper fire in October and Sgt. William Sigua was killed in January.

The Joint-Security Station Arvanitis-Sigua is near completion and possesses a dining facility, gym, sleeping quarters, an Internet café, multiple guard towers and bunkers, and enough firepower to repel anything the insurgency has to throw at them.

Insurgents are not happy with the recent establishment of the station according to Spc. Ben Brixey, an infantryman with Company C.

Since the paratroopers have been in Bayji, the terrorists have continually tried to get them out with multiple attacks on the station, said Brixey.

“I have seen a lot more action than I did when we weren’t here,” Brixey said, referring to numerous indirect-fire and small-arms attacks on the compound.

Even though attacks have increased, Company C has been engaging the Bayji population more with their message of “trying to make Bayji a better place for its people” and have been catching more insurgents, said Brixey.

“To better effect the local populous, we had to live amongst the people to find out how to provide better security for them,” said Sgt. 1st Class Dustin Bell, 2nd Platoon leader, Company C. “With this station (in Bayji) we will accomplish that.”

STATIC LINE

The Static Line April 2007

The Static Line March 2007

The Static Line Feb 2007

The Static Line Jan 07.

Military Channel's Operation V-Day

The Department of Defense has teamed up with Discovery Communications' Military Channel to broadcast messages from servicemembers on Valentine's Day. Beginning at 6 a.m. on February 14, mesages from servicemembers stationed in 177 countries will be aired. This 24 hour commercial free event is sure to bring tears to the eyes of many here in the United States and a lot of smiles as well!

In addition, the Military Channel will be accepting video from soldiers who are serving overseas for other programs. To learn more, visit the link below:

http://military.discovery.com/convergence/mywardiary/mywardiary.html?dcitc=w99-518-ah-0041

A friend sent me this notice thinking I might like to put it here on the site. I am glad she sent it to me. While I sincerely doubt my son would ever get in front of a camera to wish me a Happy Valentines Day, someone elses more romatically inclined hubby or boyfriend just might do that though.

All I found when I went to the site was a listing of the times different episodes would be playing on Feb 14. Even this took me some time to locate. I finally found it under TV schedule and requested the calendar so I could pick 2/14.

Also, don't forget that the Stars and Stripes will be publishing Valentines messages to the troops in its Feb issue. I apologize for not thinking of that sooner, but I am pretty sure they still accept them; they may not make the printed issue, but would instead be put online for viewing instead.

Tribute 2/03 To A Fallen Hero

It is with a very heavy heart I make this post.

Sgt. William M. Sigua, 21, of Los Altos Hills, Calif., died Jan. 31 in Bayji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with the enemy using small arms fire during combat operations. Sigua was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Sgt Sigua. May the Lord receive William into his arms.

To the soldiers at FOB Summerall, just know that never a minute of a day goes by that you are not in our thoughts and prayers.

Reminder

Hi all. I went into the "Helping Deb With the Site" post today and noticed a comment, from Mary that she had heard from the 1SGT of their unit. I should have caught and said something before now. But I too, forget that others (not our friends) may be reading this; as well as friends and loved ones of our soldiers.  So with that said, if you notice your post has been edited..it has. I went through and edited all instances of first and last names that I came across. I also edited the extent of the injuries the soldier suffered. This may seem like locking the barn door after the horse has been stolen, but I prefer to think of it as a learning experience, one I am grateful to have been reminded about. In the future, please refrain from posting first and last names. Generally I would avoid the use of rank as well. Refer to your soldier by the first name or nickname only. Please use private emails to exchange last names. Thanks for your cooperation in keeping our soldiers safe.

Santa Don't Forget Our Soldiers

Twas the night before Christmas; lights lit on the tree.
  Someone is missing, and I think it is thee.
  The stockings all hung by the chimney with care:
  But we were still wishing that you would be there.
  We were all nestled all snug in our beds, with thoughts not of Santa,
  but a soldier instead.
  I wonder how lonely this Christmas will be for our loved one who's
  stationed away overseas.
  Christmas for families is not quite the same.
  Because terrorists to our country came.
  Brave Americans answered the call.
  Against cowards and evil who were showing such gall.
  You have taken the challenge and chosen to stand;
  For goodness and justice and protecting our land.
  We pray for your safety and peace on this day.
  We are honored and blessed to be able to say;
  How proud and grateful we truly are,
  Of YOU brave soldier serving our country afar.
  Does the sand look like snow? Do the stars twinkle bright?
  Are you cold and lonely on this most blessed night?
  Do you know that you're loved? Do you know that we care?
  When you feel all alone, know we will always be there.
  Feel all our love, gain strength from our prayers.
  Miles cannot separate or keep us apart.
  And although you're not with us you're here in our hearts
  Stay true to your values, steadfast to your faith.
  Come home to us soon, God's speed in your race.
  Does the Jolly old man with the sack on his back;
  Remember to visit our troops in Iraq?
  He will be there for you, tonight in your dreams,
  Good home cooking all part of the theme.
  Visions of presents and other good things;
  All the fond memories this holiday brings.
  Warmth to your heart and a smile to your face;
  Tonight find your peace in this far away place,
  Remember you are part of a new history;
  Helping Iraqi people learn to be free.
  For this is just a caption in time
  A small mountain for you to steadily climb.
  Remember what is important to you.
  2007 will bring something worthwhile and new,
  and it's all because of the things that you do.
  May all of God's blessings be bestowed upon you!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OUR TROOPS - MAY GOD KEEP THEM SAFE!

Helpful Tidbits

Hi All

I have noticed many new people leaving comments and have had many send me emails. I thought I would take this opportunity to point out a couple of helpful/useful tidbits of information.

Phone cards: There is a link under the Helpful links for a phone card called spaware. Both of my sons have used them from Iraq. The rates are incredibly reasonable compared to those that are available here in the States. The downside is they only work in that part of the world on a particular type of phone (which they have at Summerall).  However, if I remember correctly, they do not work even in Kuwait. I would recommend checking out the website and then mentioning it to your soldier. I don't think you actually get a card, just a 10 digit pin number to use.

Packages: I am not sure how many know about this so I will let the cat out of the bag. The U.S. Post Office will GIVE you boxes to mail to your loved one. They are known as FLAT RATE BOXES. The postage is the same regardless of how much they weigh...trust me on this one...LOL.  They come in 2 sizes. One slightly smaller than a shoe box, the other is shaped more like a shirt box, just a bit bigger. Most post offices carry at least a small number of these, or you can order them through the U.S. Postal Service website; products and services; priority mail. Sorry for not putting a link here, I could not seem to get it to work. More of that learning the system stuff I guess.

Well that is all I can think of at this moment. I hope every one has a Merry Christmas in spite of the fact that not all the members of your famly will be present. They will be there in their hearts and yours too. Just for your reading pleasure is a poem someone sent me last year. I received another copy of it via email today. I feel certain most of you will understand the sentiment in this poem.

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear, "Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right, I'm out here by choice.

I'm here every

night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line, That separates you from the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December," Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of '

Nam

', And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

"I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all, To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright, Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least, "Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, "Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

WE ALL NEED TO PRAY FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL EVERY NIGHT!

Okay so it is two....LOL! I found the following poem in my documents while searching for the above. Grab a hanky everyone!

The Sands of Christmas

I had no Christmas spirit when I breathed a weary sigh,
and looked across the table where the bills were piled too high.
The laundry wasn't finished and the car I had to fix,
My stocks were down another point, the Dolphins lost by six.
And so with only minutes till my son got home from school,
I gave up on the drudgery and grabbed a wooden stool.
The burdens that I carried were about all I could take,
and so I flipped the TV on to catch a little break.
I came upon a desert scene in shades of tan and rust,
No snowflakes hung upon the wind, just clouds of swirling dust.
And where the reindeer should have stood before a laden sleigh,
eight hummers ran a column right behind an M1A.
A group of boys walked past the tank, not one was past his teens,
Their eyes were hard as polished flint, their faces drawn and lean.
They walked the street in armor with their rifles shouldered tight,
their dearest wish for Christmas, just to have a silent night.
Other soldiers gathered, hunkered down against the wind,
To share a scrap of mail and dreams of going home again.
There wasn't much at all to put their lonely hearts at ease,
They had no Christmas turkey, just a pack of MRE's.
They didn't have a garland or a stocking I could see,
They didn't need an ornament-- they lacked a Christmas Tree.
They didn't have a present even though it was tradition,
the only boxes I could see were labeled "ammunition".
I felt a little tug and found my son now by my side,
He asked me what it was I feared, and why it was I cried.
! I swept him up into my arms and held him oh so near
and kissed him on the forehead as I whispered in his ear.
There's nothing wrong, my little son, for safe we sleep tonight,
our heroes stand on foreign land to give us all the right,
to worry about the things in life that really mean nothing at all,
Instead of wondering each day if we will be the next to fall.
He looked at me as children do and said it's always right,
to thank the ones who help us and perhaps that we should write.
And so we pushed aside the bills and sat to draft a note,
to thank the many far from home, and this is what we wrote,

God bless you all and keep you safe, and speed your way back home.
Remember that we love you so, and that you're not alone.
The gift you give, you share with all, a present every day,
You give the gift of liberty and that we can't repay.

Helping Deb with the Site

Hi, my name is Karen, I'm from a small town in central Massachusetts.  My husband was in the Army 22 years & just retired last July 2006 & now our son has joined the Army.  So i'm an army wife & now an Army mom.  I'm going to be assisting Deb with this site.  My son is 19 & he is also at FOB Summerall in Bayji Iraq.  He arrived there about 4 months ago & will be there until this summer.  He is with the 82nd ABN 1-505 & is doing well.  I was glad to hear that they had a nice Thanksgiving spread there with lots of good food to eat.  He  said he even got to drink some of his favorite "egg nog".  I was happy to hear that.  Well I will be helping Deb continue this site on & we will be working together to get some things updated, hopefully post some new info & pictures & run the site so friends & families that have loved ones at Camp Summerall can stay in touch.  I hope everyone has all their Christmas pkgs sent to their soldiers.  My son called this am & said he got the xmas tree i sent him & they loved it.  It sure was a tiny one though lol.  But its the little things from home that cheer them & help them get thru.  Don't forget them after Christmas though during the down months of Jan & Feb - might be nice to send a "pick them up" afterthought pkg during those months so its not like they get bombarded with gifts during December then almost none in Jan & Feb.  Just a thought.  :)    Please keep our soldiers & their families in your prayers during the holidays & always.  I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Safe & Happy New Year.  Karen :)

New Hands at the Reins

     I have never undertaken the management of any type of web page before, so I hope all concerned will be patient as I go about learning. Like many of you reading this site, I have a son at FOB Summerall. I understand the frustrations and fears of having a child in a war zone.

   Just a few details about why this site exists. It is here for the families and friends of the soldiers at Summerall. As I stated previously, having a loved one in a war zone is tough. Making contact with others walking in your shoes makes the burden a bit easier to bear. I am not one normally to edit someones' thoughts, but if sensitive information (ie. troop movements, dates of flights, etc) is put out I will have to delete the comment. Please see the site philosophy for further information.      

Should they be necessary, tributes will be posted AFTER the DoD has released the name. I have no inside track for information, I get my information from the web like just about everyone else. My son is extremely tight lipped when it comes to what goes on over there.

   I hope we have a quiet deployment, with no further losses of life. I grieve for the families of those who have already made the ultimate sacrifice.  However; whatever happens, we know our troopers are among the very best the Army has. They are strong, brave and exceptionally well trained.

Over the next few weeks and into the new year I will attempt to learn about managing this website.  Change is certain, some  will become permanent others may be temporary as I figure things out. Any suggestions or questions can be directed to me via the 'email me' link under the site philosophy .

Debbie

TRIBUTE 11/30 - To a Fallen Hero

The following has given his life supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom in Bayji, Iraq.

Spc. Christopher E. Mason, 32, of Mobile, Ala., died Nov. 28 in Bayji, Iraq, of injuries suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire while on patrol. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this true hero and may the Lord receive Christopher into his arms.

To the soldiers at Summerall, know that there is not a minute of any day that you are also in our thoughts and prayers.

STANDING DOWN

The Rakkasans have handed over FOB Summerall to the next group of heroes.

Over a year ago I took over this site from another departing units Dad. It was my sincerest wish that with this last deployment, Summerall would close down, but clearly it still has an important use in the defense of this sector of IRAQ.

The ground around Summerall and Bayji has been paid for by the blood and sweat of too many of our US soldiers. It is now hallowed ground never to be forgotten in the history of the Rakkasans.

If I have been able to provide some support to the families, friends and soldiers I will have accomplished my objective in taking over the site. It has been a very long and far too often painful and emotional year.

I welcome our soldiers back home with heartfelt thanks and well done. I extend as always my deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those soldiers who will never return.

To the new troops, your families and friends I hope you have a safe year, our prayers and thoughts are with you.

In the next few days a new Mom who has a son at Summerall will be taking over the site. I hope she receives the same kind of support that I have had from many of the Rakkasan family members.

Thanks to all who have given me support and assistance. May our leaders find some direction and a solution to this conflict. And may all our soldiers be home soon.

May God bless all our troops and all those who wait in support.

Thanks,

Greg B.

AKA RakkasanDad