CJ: For our troops, from our troops

Remembering one battle, fighting another
My thanks, I am a former soldier who served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm with HHC 2nd BDE 1st Cav Div. I fondly remember all the great soldiers that I served with through out that time, and I want to thank all the soldiers from the 244th Engineers who went over there. I was prevented from going this time because I am fighting the greatest battle of my life with terminal cancer. I am just grateful that everyone I knew in C Company 244th made it home alive and well. I also want to wish one of my best friends -- SSG Scott Spradling from Dallas, Texas, who I served with in Desert Storm -- the best of luck as he gets ready to deploy to Iraq with his current reserve unit. If I could, I would put my uniform back on and head over there with you. My thanks to all the soldiers from every country that are there putting there lives on the line every day so that others can learn what freedom means.
--SGT Robert Schneider (USA Retired), Denver, Colo.

Take notice of the women
To our troops now in combat, and especially the females, I am so proud of you, I could cry. I had 37 some years commissioned service (active, national guard and reserve) and I learned how wrong I was when I used to think that women would not be able to soldier. I wish that the Army and the media would take notice of the gallant service of the women, especially those in the reserve and National Guard units, which are winning the war. Keep your heads down, and watch out for your buddies. I was infantry all my time, with airborne, ranger and Special Forces service and hold a CIB, so I know how it is. God bless you all!
--David G. Hasselback, Westerville, Ohio

Remembering an anniversary
Today, 26, May, 2005, is the Thirty-sixth anniversary of my deployment to the (then) Republic of Viet-Nam, where I served with the 3d Sqd.,4th Cav, of the 25th Inf.Div. I remember, vividly, the men who served with me during the following year. Those who paid the ultimate price for freedom will always remain alive in my heart and mind. Those who left that world of hurt came home to a world of hurt. I am pleased to see that that has not happened to members of the Armed Forces since. God bless our Armed Forces and lead them safely home. God Bless the USA and her Allies.
--William T. Marthers. Leesville, S.C.

A tribute to all who served and serve
I often heard stories of war and really felt a little afraid and often prayed never to be in one. Yet I followed some big foot steps when the time came. I often thought of my grandfather who served during WW I in France, my father who served in Europe during WW II, an uncle who bled in the Korean conflict, a brother who served at the same time as I during the Vietnam War. I pray for all the young men who are in harms way and for all the men who never came home. May God bless you and keep you safe. Keep up the good work!
--Robert Fernandez C-14th Engineers 1968-1969 RVN, El Paso, Texas

Praying for a safe return
This tribute is for the soldiers of ADA Battery 1st Squadron 3rd ACR who lost their lives in combat and to those who are on their second tour of duty. I hope and pray for the safe return of them all. For SPC. Brian Peniston, SGG. Andrew Porkorny, and SSG Daneil Bader, they made the ultimate sacrifice for family, friends, and the love they had for their country. I will always remember and hold a place in my heart for the comrades that I served with during a time of war. May their families and friends find peace with their tragic losses.
-- Phillip B. Harden, SSG U.S. Army, Columbia, S.C.

Remembering Operation Anaconda
My fondest memory of my time served overseas was helping the armed forces in a joint effort during Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan back in march and April of '02. I was serving under Colonel Bolger of the 66th Special Ops Combat Search and Rescue Squadron of the U.S. Air Force, and we were credited for 39 combat saves. Several of our aircrew members received a lot of medals during that time and helping the other branches of service was a valiant effort led by General Franks of the U.S. Army. It was an honor for me to work these patriots. Knowing that every action I made helped out with the saving of many lives of my brothers and sisters at arms is by far the best memory I'll ever have. I'd like to thank each and every soldier at arms who was there during the 9/11 attack that helped make a difference on the war on terror. All of the men and women of the 66th SO CSAR Squadron made my career worth fulfilling and I have loved it every day since. A salute to all of you out there that strive to make a difference no matter what capacity it may be in the form of, and to all of our loyal supporters that help us through the rough times.
--Daniel Brach, Okinawa, Japan

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