Saturday, March 31, 2007
Counting the days!
Less than a month and I will be headed home! I’m sure these next few weeks are going to be the slowest days of my life… I am ready just as ready as all the other Soldiers but holding my wife and that beautiful little girl is gonna be great. That’s all I think about just spending time with them as much as I can. If I didn’t have to go back to KXII, I wouldn’t but nothing is free so we would need money sometime... ; )
Well the last week has been busy as I’m sure the rest of my time will be just as busy so hopefully time will go by fast with us being busy. We had another Med Cap last week and treated over 600 people. I decided not to take a whole lot of pictures and instead stay outside and help with the crowds and make sure people aren’t trying to sneak back in. I did get the picture of the baby playing on the front of one of our Hummvee’s just something that caught my eye as different but cute. Anyway we have been getting in lots of school supplies and we are doing a backpack drop today for a school with over 3000 kids. They go in 2 shifts, 8am-12noon about 2000 kids go and then from 1pm-5pm there are around 1400 kids. So lots of school supplies will be handed out within the next few days.
We had lunch yesterday with some of the elders and they brought up their concern that they haven’t received this much help and support from any Army group that’s been here since the start of the War in 2001. It made me feel good that they know how much we’ve done for them and show us just how much they appreciate it. I know we will make sure our replacements do the same work and hopefully can do the same amount or more.
We also had a pretty cool guest over the last few days. One of our Lieutenants has a friend who is an International IT Coordinator for Build a Bear Workshop.
http://www.buildabear.com/
For those of you who don’t know what Build a Bear is, it’s a store usually in malls. Mainly for kids, you can pick out and design your own bear, monkey, frog whatever kind of stuffed animal you want. I have spent my fair share of money there and I believe Build a Bear has a huge Military following. I like it is because you can put a recorded voice box inside the bear and record whatever you want to say. I bought a couple for Bayleigh before I left just telling her to be a good girl or that daddy loves her very much. For just a little over 30.00 you can have a stuffed kitty cat with clothes of your choice and a voice box of your choice. It’s a pretty amazing place and just a fun 30 minutes for the family. (I should be a Build a Bear salesman!!!!)
Anyway Vadon Willis is Lieutenant Marmen’s best friend and thought he would fly to Afghanistan after he had some work to do in India. Mr. Willis is originally from Oklahoma and thought he would come and check on Oklahoma Soldiers and brought over 200 bears to give out to the Soldiers. Things like that are really what drive us, people showing us how much they appreciate us by taking their time to show us in a big way or a small way by saying thank you. Its important for people to show a little appreciation to every Soldier they can. I’ve had my share of people putting me down or telling me I’m a baby killer or just telling me what we do is wrong. I blow it off and could care less because I know there are wonderful people out there doing the same thing Mr. Willis does. So thank you to everyone who has ever shaken a Soldiers hand or told a Soldier thank you for what they do. I’ve said before we may not all agree with the War or the Politics of War but we go out and do our job like we’re told and we’re not baby killers or murderers. We are stopping terrorism and keeping the U.S.A a free and wonderful country. I really don’t think anyone in their right mind would want to live like Afghanistan has lived the last 30-40 years.
So for my weekly award this weeks Hero is 2 people well 2 people and a group of people so let’s just say a lot of people!! I can’t figure my self out either sometimes!!
Well the last week has been busy as I’m sure the rest of my time will be just as busy so hopefully time will go by fast with us being busy. We had another Med Cap last week and treated over 600 people. I decided not to take a whole lot of pictures and instead stay outside and help with the crowds and make sure people aren’t trying to sneak back in. I did get the picture of the baby playing on the front of one of our Hummvee’s just something that caught my eye as different but cute. Anyway we have been getting in lots of school supplies and we are doing a backpack drop today for a school with over 3000 kids. They go in 2 shifts, 8am-12noon about 2000 kids go and then from 1pm-5pm there are around 1400 kids. So lots of school supplies will be handed out within the next few days.
We had lunch yesterday with some of the elders and they brought up their concern that they haven’t received this much help and support from any Army group that’s been here since the start of the War in 2001. It made me feel good that they know how much we’ve done for them and show us just how much they appreciate it. I know we will make sure our replacements do the same work and hopefully can do the same amount or more.
We also had a pretty cool guest over the last few days. One of our Lieutenants has a friend who is an International IT Coordinator for Build a Bear Workshop.
http://www.buildabear.com/
For those of you who don’t know what Build a Bear is, it’s a store usually in malls. Mainly for kids, you can pick out and design your own bear, monkey, frog whatever kind of stuffed animal you want. I have spent my fair share of money there and I believe Build a Bear has a huge Military following. I like it is because you can put a recorded voice box inside the bear and record whatever you want to say. I bought a couple for Bayleigh before I left just telling her to be a good girl or that daddy loves her very much. For just a little over 30.00 you can have a stuffed kitty cat with clothes of your choice and a voice box of your choice. It’s a pretty amazing place and just a fun 30 minutes for the family. (I should be a Build a Bear salesman!!!!)
Anyway Vadon Willis is Lieutenant Marmen’s best friend and thought he would fly to Afghanistan after he had some work to do in India. Mr. Willis is originally from Oklahoma and thought he would come and check on Oklahoma Soldiers and brought over 200 bears to give out to the Soldiers. Things like that are really what drive us, people showing us how much they appreciate us by taking their time to show us in a big way or a small way by saying thank you. Its important for people to show a little appreciation to every Soldier they can. I’ve had my share of people putting me down or telling me I’m a baby killer or just telling me what we do is wrong. I blow it off and could care less because I know there are wonderful people out there doing the same thing Mr. Willis does. So thank you to everyone who has ever shaken a Soldiers hand or told a Soldier thank you for what they do. I’ve said before we may not all agree with the War or the Politics of War but we go out and do our job like we’re told and we’re not baby killers or murderers. We are stopping terrorism and keeping the U.S.A a free and wonderful country. I really don’t think anyone in their right mind would want to live like Afghanistan has lived the last 30-40 years.
So for my weekly award this weeks Hero is 2 people well 2 people and a group of people so let’s just say a lot of people!! I can’t figure my self out either sometimes!!
1: Mr. Willis for taking his time to come by Camp Phoenix and risk his life to visit us and give out bears to the Soldiers. Thanks for the visit Mr. Willis and thanks for your time and the bears.
2: My Mom for trying her hardest to gather money for all the things I’ve been trying to do over here. She has gathered school supplies and money for shoes. She has been a huge help for my mission. Plus she’s my Mom so if it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t have the passions I have inside or the fight to do the things I do. Thanks for everything Mom and I know this year has been tough on you but I’ve learned a lot and helped a lot of people so thanks for everything you have done for me and these kids.
Also along with my Mom, all the people in her office at the Carter County Child Support Office in Ardmore, OK. Thanks for everything guys I’m sure Mom bugged you a lot for the money and the school supplies but know that they are going to great things.
Well another mission calling so thanks again for all the school supplies coming in!! Oh and Happy April Fools!!
Monday, March 19, 2007
Steve Bartman or Shawn Gralla?
So last week I talked about the sun and how nice it had been and well for the last week it’s been raining and chilly. So I guess I can’t get my way oh well home will be coming soon less than 2 months!!! I am so ready and I know every other Soldier is just as ready as I am...
Well I have been getting a lot of emails and comments about the letter to the Governor and I’m glad everyone agrees with me. I think Shawn Gralla is like Steve Bartman who gained notoriety on the evening of October 14, 2003, for preventing a possible play on a foul pop-up in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Florida Marlins at Wrigley Field. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Bartman
So I hope that soon Shawn will be a Wikipedia hero!! She/he already made Sarge Charlie’s -- Yellow Bellied Sapsucker of the Week Award http://sargecharlie.blogspot.com/2007/03/and-linda-gets-prize.html
Well I have been getting a lot of emails and comments about the letter to the Governor and I’m glad everyone agrees with me. I think Shawn Gralla is like Steve Bartman who gained notoriety on the evening of October 14, 2003, for preventing a possible play on a foul pop-up in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series between the Chicago Cubs and the Florida Marlins at Wrigley Field. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Bartman
So I hope that soon Shawn will be a Wikipedia hero!! She/he already made Sarge Charlie’s -- Yellow Bellied Sapsucker of the Week Award http://sargecharlie.blogspot.com/2007/03/and-linda-gets-prize.html
Thanks for all of your support of us and the Oklahoma Governor. We cant always stand up for what people say or do to the Military but I know you guys can and you all did so thank you all very much!! So I think I’m gonna start doing an Afghan Hero of the week for people who send items or just help us Soldiers over here away from home…
So this weeks Hero of the week is one of my favorite Blogs and one of the biggest Military and Afghanistan Supporters I have met. She sends me letters almost daily and beautiful pictures from back home. So Cynthia and Karl of Bend, Oregon thanks for everything you do for the Soldiers and for the people of Afghanistan!! You guys are our heros!!
http://gazingattheflag.blogspot.com/
So this weeks Hero of the week is one of my favorite Blogs and one of the biggest Military and Afghanistan Supporters I have met. She sends me letters almost daily and beautiful pictures from back home. So Cynthia and Karl of Bend, Oregon thanks for everything you do for the Soldiers and for the people of Afghanistan!! You guys are our heros!!
http://gazingattheflag.blogspot.com/ Well I have been getting a lot of email about helping out with shoes and clothes and school supplies. Keep sending is all I have to say! Anything and everything you want is wonderful, we have the room and I will keep taking packages until the day I leave and from that point I will pass over everything to my counter part and they will hopefully and maybe forcefully ; ) keep all of the wonderful people out there up to date. So send send send!!
We had another ribbon cutting and possibly our last for the deployment. It was for the footbridge over Jalalabad Road. Its one of the busiest roads in Kabul and the cause of a lot of accidents and deaths. So hopefully it will save a lot of lives and keep kids from running across 4 lanes of traffic to get to school. It was nice to see possibly one of our last Ribbon Cuttings for 2 reasons, one because it means we’ll be home soon very soon and the other because its one more check on the list of things WE have done for the Afghans. By WE, I mean everyone back home and here. You all have helped out so much and I want to thank you all for everything you have done for us as Soldiers and for the people. They may not know who all this help comes from but they do know it’s from America. I think of it this way, if I can put one pair of gloves on a kid and one day when the Taliban come looking for help that boy will remember what we all did for him and hopefully turn the other way. It’s just a simple thought and may not happen and may not mean anything but that’s the way I look at it. One day Afghanistan will have to stand on its own feet and hopefully that day will come sooner than later but until than I think we all have and will continue to make a difference! Just to let you know about this stuff. A couple weeks ago I had our clothing Conex (shipping container) about half empty. Well about 4 days later it was almost full again, that just shows you how much wonderful support there is out there!
Well I guess I’m gonna sign off for now but thanks again everyone and I hope to see more and more boxes flood in soon. Also if you could check out Jake Hudson’s Blog on my favorite links list. He is one of my best friends back home and was also a Chaplains Assistant with the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Jake was with me in Egypt on our last deployment and I know deep down he would’ve loved to be over here with me right now. He may not admit it but I know he would like doing the work I do and also helping the Soldier in their time of need.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Letter to the Governor From Mr. Gralla of Norman, Oklahoma
I received an email from Sgt Dubb today. I was shocked when I read the email and thought I better reply to the editor.. I hope everyone else will do the same!!!
This letter to the editor appeared in the Daily Oklahoman on March 14th- pass it along and get everyone to write a response.
My response is below.."
Get back to work, governor . . . how much did Gov. Henry's trip to Iraq cost? How much did Oklahoma taxpayers pay for this trip? How many Oklahoman soldiers did the governor shake hands with? What was the dollar cost per handshake? Henry was elected and is paid to guide the state of Oklahoma. He wasn't elected and isn't paid by Oklahoma taxpayers to press the flesh and politic in international affairs in a war-torn country. Oklahoma taxpayers deserve more effect and results from the governor for their tax dollar here in Oklahoma. Henry should pay his own way and use his own time to visit Iraq. Get back to work, governor!" Shawn Gralla, Norman
Send comments to:Ed Kelley, Editor (http://us.f431.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=ekelley@oklahoman.com&YY=19003&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0) J.E. McReynolds, Chief Editorial Writer (http://us.f431.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=jmcreynolds@oklahoman.com&YY=19003&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0) Owen Canfield III,Editorial Writer (http://us.f431.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=ocanfield@oklahoman.com&YY=19003&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0) Christy Watson, Editorial Writer (cwatson@oklahoma.com)
My response!!
All I can say is wow and what a strong opinionated statement! I am currently stationed in Afghanistan with the Oklahoma Army National Guard. I was right beside the Governor for his whole trip in Kabul and was amazed by how much the Soldiers loved him being here. It was an honor for every Soldier to shake his hand and be thanked personally by the Governor himself.
Its not everyday that we get to see people in Politics or people who do the talking for us back home. So when someone like Governor Henry gets to visit us and spend a day with us its an honor. As far as the cost of the trip, who cares he is the Commander and Chief of the Oklahoma Army National Guard. He is our boss and he came to check on our welfare and well being. I personally hope that Mr.Gralla's boss comes and checks on him as much as the Governor checks on us.
Its important for politicians to step outside of their bullet proof world and see what goes on in ours. Its important for the politicians to see what war were fighting and what were fighting it for. I'm sorry that people are too consumed by money to see what is going on and how important it is to make a change and see a change in a country as poor as Afghanistan. I pay my taxes and have no problem what so ever with the Governor coming to visit. I'm glad and happy that every Oklahoma Soldier fighting the War on Terror in Afghanistan was able to meet their Commander and Chief. So the Governor is working, the Governor is our boss and we elected him we pay his salary so he can come and visit his soldiers any time he wants.
As far as your view on the War Mr. Gralla, I feel for you, that you have never had the chance to see what changes can be made in a country that doesn't understand the Western Culture. I have stepped out of my Camp almost every day to the possibilities of getting shot, and what do I do it for? So my beautiful daughter can be free in our beautiful state and so she hopefully one day wont have to fight for our freedom, the freedom you have to write comments about the Governors trip to visit his Troops.
I would also personally like to invite you over to Afghanistan to see what we do and what we do to protect you...
Corporal Todd Larkin
1-180th SECFOR
Public Affairs NCO
This letter to the editor appeared in the Daily Oklahoman on March 14th- pass it along and get everyone to write a response.
My response is below.."
Get back to work, governor . . . how much did Gov. Henry's trip to Iraq cost? How much did Oklahoma taxpayers pay for this trip? How many Oklahoman soldiers did the governor shake hands with? What was the dollar cost per handshake? Henry was elected and is paid to guide the state of Oklahoma. He wasn't elected and isn't paid by Oklahoma taxpayers to press the flesh and politic in international affairs in a war-torn country. Oklahoma taxpayers deserve more effect and results from the governor for their tax dollar here in Oklahoma. Henry should pay his own way and use his own time to visit Iraq. Get back to work, governor!" Shawn Gralla, Norman
Send comments to:Ed Kelley, Editor (http://us.f431.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=ekelley@oklahoman.com&YY=19003&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0) J.E. McReynolds, Chief Editorial Writer (http://us.f431.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=jmcreynolds@oklahoman.com&YY=19003&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0) Owen Canfield III,Editorial Writer (http://us.f431.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=ocanfield@oklahoman.com&YY=19003&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0) Christy Watson, Editorial Writer (cwatson@oklahoma.com)
My response!!
All I can say is wow and what a strong opinionated statement! I am currently stationed in Afghanistan with the Oklahoma Army National Guard. I was right beside the Governor for his whole trip in Kabul and was amazed by how much the Soldiers loved him being here. It was an honor for every Soldier to shake his hand and be thanked personally by the Governor himself.
Its not everyday that we get to see people in Politics or people who do the talking for us back home. So when someone like Governor Henry gets to visit us and spend a day with us its an honor. As far as the cost of the trip, who cares he is the Commander and Chief of the Oklahoma Army National Guard. He is our boss and he came to check on our welfare and well being. I personally hope that Mr.Gralla's boss comes and checks on him as much as the Governor checks on us.
Its important for politicians to step outside of their bullet proof world and see what goes on in ours. Its important for the politicians to see what war were fighting and what were fighting it for. I'm sorry that people are too consumed by money to see what is going on and how important it is to make a change and see a change in a country as poor as Afghanistan. I pay my taxes and have no problem what so ever with the Governor coming to visit. I'm glad and happy that every Oklahoma Soldier fighting the War on Terror in Afghanistan was able to meet their Commander and Chief. So the Governor is working, the Governor is our boss and we elected him we pay his salary so he can come and visit his soldiers any time he wants.
As far as your view on the War Mr. Gralla, I feel for you, that you have never had the chance to see what changes can be made in a country that doesn't understand the Western Culture. I have stepped out of my Camp almost every day to the possibilities of getting shot, and what do I do it for? So my beautiful daughter can be free in our beautiful state and so she hopefully one day wont have to fight for our freedom, the freedom you have to write comments about the Governors trip to visit his Troops.
I would also personally like to invite you over to Afghanistan to see what we do and what we do to protect you...
Corporal Todd Larkin
1-180th SECFOR
Public Affairs NCO
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Governor Henry Visit
It’s been a pretty busy week but the busier we are the faster time flies... I’m getting a little spring fever to get home and be able to play outside with Bayleigh!! The weather is warming up so we have had some wonderful days here recently making everyone’s attitude a little better (including mine!!) But it has been a lot nicer around with the sun and warm weather, the Lake Murray will be mighty nice come June!!
Well we had a special guest Friday!! Governor Henry made a visit to Camp Phoenix and we were pretty happy to see him... He stopped by Phoenix for about half the day, had breakfast handed out some Oklahoma State Centennial coins, and gave out some awards. He informed me that he reads my Blog on regular bases, so I was pretty happy about that to say the least!! I took about 900 pictures and felt a little like a photographer for school pictures after the day was over. Every soldier had to have their picture taken with the Governor. That’s understandable he is a celebrity! It was a good day all in all and I’m really glad he cam over here because it shows he does worry about us and is concerned with what we are doing. He gave me an interview before he left to head back to Oklahoma, I’ve interviewed him a few times before with KXII but I think the interview he gave me yesterday was one of his best. He was very sincere about the soldiers and wanted to make sure that all of our families knew how much he appreciates them in their tough times without us. So I spent the day with The GOV!! I also found out my name was given credit under the AP News!! Thought that was pretty cool, any picture that made the news of the Governors visit was taken by yours truly!! Not bragging or anything but I take a pretty darn good picture!! LOL
Like I said earlier this has been a busy week, we helped move a ton of school supplies from an old school to one of the new ones we built. It made for a long day but we filled up 2, 5ton trucks with desks and office equipment. School will be starting within the next week so we will be having a big school supply drop. We are also looking at getting a road project for the school because it’s like a lake getting in and we don’t want the kids walking through the water to get into school. Well I guess I will wrap this up for the week and call it a day. Hope everyone is good back home!!
Well we had a special guest Friday!! Governor Henry made a visit to Camp Phoenix and we were pretty happy to see him... He stopped by Phoenix for about half the day, had breakfast handed out some Oklahoma State Centennial coins, and gave out some awards. He informed me that he reads my Blog on regular bases, so I was pretty happy about that to say the least!! I took about 900 pictures and felt a little like a photographer for school pictures after the day was over. Every soldier had to have their picture taken with the Governor. That’s understandable he is a celebrity! It was a good day all in all and I’m really glad he cam over here because it shows he does worry about us and is concerned with what we are doing. He gave me an interview before he left to head back to Oklahoma, I’ve interviewed him a few times before with KXII but I think the interview he gave me yesterday was one of his best. He was very sincere about the soldiers and wanted to make sure that all of our families knew how much he appreciates them in their tough times without us. So I spent the day with The GOV!! I also found out my name was given credit under the AP News!! Thought that was pretty cool, any picture that made the news of the Governors visit was taken by yours truly!! Not bragging or anything but I take a pretty darn good picture!! LOL
Like I said earlier this has been a busy week, we helped move a ton of school supplies from an old school to one of the new ones we built. It made for a long day but we filled up 2, 5ton trucks with desks and office equipment. School will be starting within the next week so we will be having a big school supply drop. We are also looking at getting a road project for the school because it’s like a lake getting in and we don’t want the kids walking through the water to get into school. Well I guess I will wrap this up for the week and call it a day. Hope everyone is good back home!!
Monday, March 05, 2007
Monday, February 26, 2007
A hero...
Well I’m up here in Maser e Sharif for a few days covering a couple of NATO events. That got cancelled and now I’m sitting up here in a blizzard freezing my bottom off wishing I was back at Phoenix!! But I wanted to make sure I updated everyone about all the stuff going on a couple days before I left.
Saturday we had a big HA drop at a Kindergarten in Polacharkee. We handed out over 200 bags of clothes and shoes and 150 backpacks filled with school supplies. So far all the shoe money I have collected has been spent on shoes and we have bought over 400 pairs and when I get back I plan on buying about 300 to 400 more!!! I’m so happy everyone has helped out so much and I appreciate it SO SO much, thank you. Also some of the money has been used to buy medical supplies for our MedCaps. We spend about 600-700 dollars every time we have a MedCap and that is all from donations from large companies or individuals back in Oklahoma. But since we have been doing so well with the Afghan Children’s Fund we started using some of that money since we were running very low on funds for the MedCaps. I just want you all to know what the donations are being used for and that they are being used for a wonderful cause.
I will put pictures up from the HA drop as soon as I get back to Phoenix in a few days. They are on my computer back there, but the pictures of Sgt. Hughie I took the night before we left for MEZ. Anyway school starts up in a little under a month over here after their winter break. So I wanted to put out the word that school supplies will be needed soon. Any and every type is perfect, pens, paper, crayons, scissors, pencils. Anything is useful so send what you can. I know A LOT of people have sent all kinds of things over here for the people of Afghanistan so I know some of yall are tapped out. But send what you can because every kid over here needs a pen. We plan on having a big school supply drop within the next few weeks so I will make sure you all see pictures of how wonderful it is. So for those of you who don’t know the address here it is and I hope I get as much support as I did with all the winter clothes and shoes!!!
Michael Larkin
41 BCT HHC 1-180 SECFOR
Camp Phoenix, AF
APO, AE 09320
Saturday we had a big HA drop at a Kindergarten in Polacharkee. We handed out over 200 bags of clothes and shoes and 150 backpacks filled with school supplies. So far all the shoe money I have collected has been spent on shoes and we have bought over 400 pairs and when I get back I plan on buying about 300 to 400 more!!! I’m so happy everyone has helped out so much and I appreciate it SO SO much, thank you. Also some of the money has been used to buy medical supplies for our MedCaps. We spend about 600-700 dollars every time we have a MedCap and that is all from donations from large companies or individuals back in Oklahoma. But since we have been doing so well with the Afghan Children’s Fund we started using some of that money since we were running very low on funds for the MedCaps. I just want you all to know what the donations are being used for and that they are being used for a wonderful cause.
I will put pictures up from the HA drop as soon as I get back to Phoenix in a few days. They are on my computer back there, but the pictures of Sgt. Hughie I took the night before we left for MEZ. Anyway school starts up in a little under a month over here after their winter break. So I wanted to put out the word that school supplies will be needed soon. Any and every type is perfect, pens, paper, crayons, scissors, pencils. Anything is useful so send what you can. I know A LOT of people have sent all kinds of things over here for the people of Afghanistan so I know some of yall are tapped out. But send what you can because every kid over here needs a pen. We plan on having a big school supply drop within the next few weeks so I will make sure you all see pictures of how wonderful it is. So for those of you who don’t know the address here it is and I hope I get as much support as I did with all the winter clothes and shoes!!!
Michael Larkin
41 BCT HHC 1-180 SECFOR
Camp Phoenix, AF
APO, AE 09320
SGT HUGHIE
We had Sgt Hughie’s memorial service on Saturday the 24th. I think that was one of the toughest things I’ve sat through since I lost one of my close friends in High School. Like I said in my other blog I didn’t know Sgt Hughie as well as his friends in his Company but I had met him and had a few conversations with him. But I took it hard; all I could think about was his wife and son. How they will never see him again and how Cooper will grow up only knowing his father as a hero and not ever remembering who he was as a Dad. I thought about Buddy’s mom and what she must be going through losing her son. I grew up a big Mommas boy and I know my mom would be devastated if she lost me. I feel so bad for his family, I feel bad for every family who has lost a soldier, but Sgt. Hughie was one of our guys an Oklahoma boy who was trying to do everything he could to save a fallen Afghan soldier and in the process he lost his life trying to save someone else’s. Losing Sgt. Hughie this way is a little more difficult than a car wreck or some accident. We never want to stand there and see his boots resting under his dog tags that are draped over a rifle that will never be used by that soldier again.
This is a tough life to live and a very tough career. We know what were doing when we sign that dotted line but we never know just what it will bring until we have nights like the 19th and 24th. I did tear up and choke up a few times I’m not going to try and be a tough guy or anything like that. It was hard to see our Commanders and Sergeants get choked up and cry. That’s the last thing those guys ever want to do is bury a soldier. I don’t want to have to see that again and I hope we get through this mission and back home to all of our families without another fallen hero.
I’m not sure if you have ever been to a Military Funeral or Memorial. But at the end of the ceremony one the Sergeants or Officers will call out the Fallen Soldiers name along with others from his squad or platoon. It’s called the last roll call… It went like this and its one of the hardest things to listen to. First Sergeant Robert Maxwell called the names of Sgt. Hughie’s fellow soldiers as they shouted, "Here First Sergeant." 1SG then called out "Sgt. Hughie." Silence. "Sgt. Buddy Hughie." Silence. "Sgt. Buddy James Hughie." Silence. The Bugler then plays taps and I always flinch at the 21 gun salute.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF A HERO A DAD A HUSBAND A SOLDIER
Sergeant Buddy Hughie 19FEB2007
The sadest military song!!! Played at Sgt. Hughies Memorial Ceremony..
If I Die Before You Wake
Dustin Evans
Back home now I know you're probably sleepin' Over here it's the middle of the day I finally found the time to write a letter Sittin' here a half a world away
I heard about all them folks protestin' As if I really want this war But that don't stop me from believin' There's just some things worth fightin' for
CHORUS And if I die before you wake, I pray the world will take A good look at what God's given us That we could only understand, everything is in his hands All we need is a little faith and trust I want you to know it ain't too high a price to pay If I die before you wake
Tell everybody that I miss them And I can't wait to get back home But until then I'll serve my country And be proud to wear this uniform
CHORUS No it ain't too high a price to pay If I die before you wake
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Sunday, February 25, 2007
A few days!
Im gone up north to Maseresharif (MEZ) for a few days I will post about Sgt Hughies memorial on the 24th and I will also post about our big HA Drop for a Kindergarten as soon as I have the chance. Keep checking back and I will update as soon as I have the time..
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
One of our own...
Well I’m sure most of you have heard or read about the 1-180th losing one of our own… Sergeant Buddy Hughie of Poteau was killed Monday when his squad was ambushed while patrolling here in Afghanistan. I knew Hughie just because both of us had been in the Battalion for so long and when you have been in the 1-180th for awhile you know everyone. Hughie was a great guy and always had a smile on his face or a kind word to say about anyone. I had the pleasure of riding out on a convoy a few months back with Hughie when we dropped him off out east in Nuristan. Hughie had lots of friends and the Battalion is taking it pretty hard. This was our first soldier lost in over 50 years I mean we haven’t lost a soldier in Combat since the Korean War.
This definitely opened my eyes to a whole new world we’re in. I know War is all around us here but this is the first person I’ve known that has died in a War. Along with that Hughie left behind a wife and a 4 month old baby boy. That really hit home and really made me think about my beautiful wife and daughter. No one wants to leave their family alone and missing them. Hughie definitely didn’t want that for his family, I mean who would. We have a mission to do over here and I want to finish it out and go home to my family and hopefully never walk away from them again. I’m not scared of the War nor do I want to runaway home. I do however hope that the people, who took Hughie’s life, will find their own God and realize the pain they have caused so many...
Here is my news release…
A tragic day for the 1st of the 180th in Afghanistan, as they morn the loss of one of their own. For the first time in over 50 years the 180th lost a soldier in combat. Sergeant Buddy James Huey of Poteau was tragically killed in an ambush around on Monday in the Eastern Province of Nuristan.
Sgt. Buddy Hughie, 25, and his unit were conducting a mission with the Afghan National Army (ANA) and other US Forces in the country's Nuristan Province when the group came under an enemy ambush by Anti Coalition Forces (Taliban). Along with Hughie, 3 ANA soldiers also lost their life in the ambush.
Sergeant Hughie’s body left Afghanistan early Tuesday morning from Bagram, Afghanistan. As for the soldiers of the 180th they will be having their own Memorial Ceremony on Friday to honor their friend and fellow soldier.
"Sgt. Buddy Hughie was a great American," said Lt. Col. Bobby Yandell, commander of the 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry. "Sgt. Hughie was one of those soldiers that you did not have to worry about; he always did the right thing. We mourn his loss, but celebrate the life of a great soldier."
This was Hughie’s second deployment to Afghanistan. His first deployment was in 2002-2003. Hughie left behind his wife and a 4 month old son.
This definitely opened my eyes to a whole new world we’re in. I know War is all around us here but this is the first person I’ve known that has died in a War. Along with that Hughie left behind a wife and a 4 month old baby boy. That really hit home and really made me think about my beautiful wife and daughter. No one wants to leave their family alone and missing them. Hughie definitely didn’t want that for his family, I mean who would. We have a mission to do over here and I want to finish it out and go home to my family and hopefully never walk away from them again. I’m not scared of the War nor do I want to runaway home. I do however hope that the people, who took Hughie’s life, will find their own God and realize the pain they have caused so many...
Here is my news release…
A tragic day for the 1st of the 180th in Afghanistan, as they morn the loss of one of their own. For the first time in over 50 years the 180th lost a soldier in combat. Sergeant Buddy James Huey of Poteau was tragically killed in an ambush around on Monday in the Eastern Province of Nuristan.
Sgt. Buddy Hughie, 25, and his unit were conducting a mission with the Afghan National Army (ANA) and other US Forces in the country's Nuristan Province when the group came under an enemy ambush by Anti Coalition Forces (Taliban). Along with Hughie, 3 ANA soldiers also lost their life in the ambush.
Sergeant Hughie’s body left Afghanistan early Tuesday morning from Bagram, Afghanistan. As for the soldiers of the 180th they will be having their own Memorial Ceremony on Friday to honor their friend and fellow soldier.
"Sgt. Buddy Hughie was a great American," said Lt. Col. Bobby Yandell, commander of the 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry. "Sgt. Hughie was one of those soldiers that you did not have to worry about; he always did the right thing. We mourn his loss, but celebrate the life of a great soldier."
This was Hughie’s second deployment to Afghanistan. His first deployment was in 2002-2003. Hughie left behind his wife and a 4 month old son.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hughie family and I hope that our Country will do anything and everything they can for Mrs. Hughie and their son. I hope that this week will soon be over and this will be the last Soldier we have to lay to rest…
Friday, February 16, 2007
First Purple Heart In Over 50 Years!
Private 1st Class David Anderson, of Edmond, recently received the prestigious Purple Heart Medal for wounds suffered in combat after he was wounded in a firefight in eastern Afghanistan. Anderson is currently deployed with the 1st Battalion, 180th Infantry as part of a security force for the Afghan National Army training mission.
Anderson and several other members of his rifle company were engaged in a fire fight with Anti-Coalition Forces when he was struck in the back of the head by an RPG fragment. Anderson and most of his company have been supporting the Tenth Mountain Division and several other Coalition Forces in the Peshwan River Valley and along the eastern border of Afghanistan.
Anderson said that he was honored to be the first member of the 180th to receive the Purple Heart in over 50 years. "I didn't do much and I'm getting this medal that heroes have gotten, it's great getting this, but I had to get injured in the process." Anderson received the medal during a Combat Infantry Badge presentation ceremony held by Company C commander Capt. Kevin Roland and 1st Sgt. Robert Williams. Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Bobby Yandell pinned Anderson as his peers looked on. "I'm honored to present one of our Soldiers with this award and I just hope I don't have to do it again, and I'm glad Private 1st Class Anderson is here to receive it." Yandell said in front of the Company. Anderson is actually a member of Company A, 1/180th headquartered in Edmond. He was attached to Company C after the unit deployed to Afghanistan last March.
The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917, who has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded under any of the following circumstances: In any action against an enemy of the United States; In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged: While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party; As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces; As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force; after March 28, 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the Army, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed services concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the attack; and, after March 28, 1973, as a result of military operations while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.
Anderson and several other members of his rifle company were engaged in a fire fight with Anti-Coalition Forces when he was struck in the back of the head by an RPG fragment. Anderson and most of his company have been supporting the Tenth Mountain Division and several other Coalition Forces in the Peshwan River Valley and along the eastern border of Afghanistan.
Anderson said that he was honored to be the first member of the 180th to receive the Purple Heart in over 50 years. "I didn't do much and I'm getting this medal that heroes have gotten, it's great getting this, but I had to get injured in the process." Anderson received the medal during a Combat Infantry Badge presentation ceremony held by Company C commander Capt. Kevin Roland and 1st Sgt. Robert Williams. Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Bobby Yandell pinned Anderson as his peers looked on. "I'm honored to present one of our Soldiers with this award and I just hope I don't have to do it again, and I'm glad Private 1st Class Anderson is here to receive it." Yandell said in front of the Company. Anderson is actually a member of Company A, 1/180th headquartered in Edmond. He was attached to Company C after the unit deployed to Afghanistan last March.
The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the President of the United States to any member of an Armed Force of the United States who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917, who has been wounded or killed, or who has died or may hereafter die after being wounded under any of the following circumstances: In any action against an enemy of the United States; In any action with an opposing armed force of a foreign country in which the Armed Forces of the United States are or have been engaged: While serving with friendly foreign forces engaged in an armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States is not a belligerent party; As a result of an act of any such enemy of opposing armed forces; As the result of an act of any hostile foreign force; after March 28, 1973, as a result of an international terrorist attack against the United States or a foreign nation friendly to the United States, recognized as such an attack by the Secretary of the Army, or jointly by the Secretaries of the separate armed services concerned if persons from more than one service are wounded in the attack; and, after March 28, 1973, as a result of military operations while serving outside the territory of the United States as part of a peacekeeping force.
Cpl Larkin
05FEB07
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
The Fuzz!
First off I’m sorry I didn’t post yesterday, we had a mission last till about 2:00pm and then we got back to camp the power was out. No power no Internet. So anyway just wanted to let all of you guys know that so I didn’t have any disappointed fans!! LOL
Well on Sunday we had our 10th Med Cap for the Police Officers and the family members of Afghan Police Dept. 9 here in Kabul. We also took out a lot of clothing and shoes but that turned out to be a little disappointing. I guess this was possibly one of our worst ones. We had WAY to many (military) people there that we like to call “strap hangers” they go somewhere just to be there, they serve no real purpose besides getting in the way. So as far as the clothing and shoes, well that went good but I only gave away maybe 20 pairs of shoes because that is all the kids we really saw at the Police Department. From what Ricky told me it’s somewhat Afghan Culture to not bring your wife or family around where you work. So for most of the Policemen they didn’t bring any of their family and we saw very little kids and women. A few of the medics were a little discouraged because we treated the Afghan National Police (ANP) instead of a village. The deal is that most of these ANP make $15.00 a month starting out and the Chief makes just $80.00. So these guys do a huge public service and they make little to no money and have sometimes 7-10 family members they will support on that 15 dollars. There are a lot of ANP who are possibly corrupt but isn’t that true in the States as well. So if these guys can get the things they need and don’t use their small pay check on medicine and clothes than maybe they will not take bribes or steal from villagers. There are officers in big cities making double in hour what the ANP make in a month. And those guys are getting bribes or letting crimes slide buy. So tell me who are the real crooks?
We are however planning a big clothing drop for a small kindergarten in a couple weeks so I plan on giving away lots of clothes for these kids. There will also be another big Med Cap soon and hopefully some more kids will be out to get some shoes that all of you wonderful Americans have bought for them. So in the next few weeks we are trying to get rid of all of our clothes and supplies we have. Like I said in my last Blog I keep getting boxes and boxes from everyone supporting my Quest!! It’s great to see the support from everyone and see how everyone wants to help out a poor country and help a guy they have never met before. Thank you all so much for everything!!
We are also planning a big Vet Cap, we plan on taking out a few Army Veterinarians and us them and a few Afghan Vets to treat the local Afghan animals. Goats, sheep, cows, chickens and hopefully some camels (might be pretty cool) so that should be an interesting show for most of us Okies. If anyone has suggestions or anything we may want to add for this Vet Cap let me know I’m always open to suggestions. Well thanks again for everything everyone is doing for me and I hope you all keep everything coming!! Enjoy!
Well on Sunday we had our 10th Med Cap for the Police Officers and the family members of Afghan Police Dept. 9 here in Kabul. We also took out a lot of clothing and shoes but that turned out to be a little disappointing. I guess this was possibly one of our worst ones. We had WAY to many (military) people there that we like to call “strap hangers” they go somewhere just to be there, they serve no real purpose besides getting in the way. So as far as the clothing and shoes, well that went good but I only gave away maybe 20 pairs of shoes because that is all the kids we really saw at the Police Department. From what Ricky told me it’s somewhat Afghan Culture to not bring your wife or family around where you work. So for most of the Policemen they didn’t bring any of their family and we saw very little kids and women. A few of the medics were a little discouraged because we treated the Afghan National Police (ANP) instead of a village. The deal is that most of these ANP make $15.00 a month starting out and the Chief makes just $80.00. So these guys do a huge public service and they make little to no money and have sometimes 7-10 family members they will support on that 15 dollars. There are a lot of ANP who are possibly corrupt but isn’t that true in the States as well. So if these guys can get the things they need and don’t use their small pay check on medicine and clothes than maybe they will not take bribes or steal from villagers. There are officers in big cities making double in hour what the ANP make in a month. And those guys are getting bribes or letting crimes slide buy. So tell me who are the real crooks?
We are however planning a big clothing drop for a small kindergarten in a couple weeks so I plan on giving away lots of clothes for these kids. There will also be another big Med Cap soon and hopefully some more kids will be out to get some shoes that all of you wonderful Americans have bought for them. So in the next few weeks we are trying to get rid of all of our clothes and supplies we have. Like I said in my last Blog I keep getting boxes and boxes from everyone supporting my Quest!! It’s great to see the support from everyone and see how everyone wants to help out a poor country and help a guy they have never met before. Thank you all so much for everything!!
We are also planning a big Vet Cap, we plan on taking out a few Army Veterinarians and us them and a few Afghan Vets to treat the local Afghan animals. Goats, sheep, cows, chickens and hopefully some camels (might be pretty cool) so that should be an interesting show for most of us Okies. If anyone has suggestions or anything we may want to add for this Vet Cap let me know I’m always open to suggestions. Well thanks again for everything everyone is doing for me and I hope you all keep everything coming!! Enjoy!
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