More Good News

Local blogger Christy Seals reports that her husband Ryan arrived home from Iraq just hours before our soldier did. Christy is a good friend to this blog, and we share her joy that Ryan will soon return to her.

The Soldier Comes Home

There is a lively debate over at Cone's about the appropriateness of today's N&R front page. I thought it was an appropriate time to note the number of lost lives and to honor those who have fallen. The nickname story had a particular resonance with me.

I am happy to report that I am leaving for the airport right now to greet my friend, The Soldier. He has been gone almost a year, and now he is in the air on the final leg of his trip home.

Impressive Support

The employees of Replacements, LTD have just completed a drive to raise funds to provide prepaid phone cards for soldiers who are oversees. These 183 minute cards will be used to support three service people who are relatives of Replacements employees, plus members of The Soldier's unit.

Replacements, LTD has long been a bright spot for the Triad in so many ways. Now they are making a difference for our military personnel around the world.

As a friend of The Soldier, I am very appreciative of this initiative by Replacements, LTD.

Golf With The Soldier's Family

This post is by Patrick Eakes, The Soldier's blog editor.


I played golf with The Soldier's son and father-in-law this afternoon. It was the second time I have the pleasure of playing with them, and two facts have emerged from those experiences.

First, the soldier's father-in-law is one of a handful of elite senior golfers in the state and one of the best golfers of any age in the Triad. Second, the soldier's oldest son is quickly becoming a very good junior golfer. The best part is that he is an even finer young man.

We had fun when we were not dodging lightning, and it made me miss The Soldier even more.

Back To Iraq

After two weeks of R&R, the Soldier is in the air headed back to Europe, then Kuwait, then Iraq. I hope the next six months pass quickly and as uneventfully as possible.

Home At Last

The Soldier has arrived home safely. He actually arrived yesterday (Tuesday, 6/7/05), but I did not confirm that fact until today.

I do not know if he will blog while on leave, but I know we all wish him a peaceful and restful two weeks at home.

Come Home, Soldier

Our dear friend, The Soldier, will get on a plane in Iraq in a few hours. He is coming home to North Carolina for a much deserved two-week leave.

His family deserves the time with him, too. His steel-spined wife has managed their home and three boys (one an infant) with unbelievable ease. I suspect the soldier might change a few diapers while he is home.

The soldier is a good man and a good citizen. Hold him in your thoughts as he travels the many thousands of miles home.

Remembering The Soldier And His Brother

The Soldier lost his brother two years ago, so he started a memorial golf tournament last year. That tournament was organized in just a few weeks, but it was a great event and raised $7,000.

I played in the second annual tournament yesterday. Since the Soldier is in Iraq, his wife organized the event with a little help from friends of the Soldier and his brother.

We had a spectacular day as the clouds parted and warm sunshine negated two days of rain. My team won the event last year, but we finished fourth this year. That mattered very little, given the context provided by two fine men who could not attend.

I am not sure how much money was raised this year, but I do know that it was a pleasure to be around so many people close to the Soldier and his brother.

The Soldier's Family

We went to a cookout tonight with a few friends, including the Soldier's family. His wife is impressive - smart, strong, and taking everything in stride. She is juggling the normal demands of running a home and taking care of their three boys, aged nine, five, and six months.

The older two boys are quite the young men. They have their fun like all kids, but they do not take advantage of their dad being gone and keep things under control. The littlest man is as cute as can be, and I am glad his dad will be home for a 15-day leave soon to spend time with all of them.

Golf Tournament

The Soldier lost his brother in April 2004. I never met his brother, but The Soldier told me so many hilarious stories about him, I feel like I knew him.

Last year, The Soldier, his wife, and some of his brother's friends, organized a golf tournament that raised around $7,000. That money provided two fun stations for the pediatric oncology unit at Duke Hospital, plus supported some other children's needs. In a sad twist of fate, The Soldier learned he would be deployed to Iraq the day of the tournament.

This year, The Soldier's family and friends, plus his brother's friends, are ensuring the tournament goes on. It is April 9 at Mill Creek in Mebane, NC. If you are interested in playing in or being a sponsor for the tournament, send me an email. I will reply with all the particulars.

How Can You Help?

I asked The Soldier how those of us who are stateside can help him. He said if people want to help, they can give prepaid phone cards to soldiers with whom he serves. That will allow them to stay in some contact with their families without going broke. He further clarified that any AT&T phone card works well from where they are stationed.

If any of you is interested in supporting the soldiers serving with The Soldier, you can send a prepaid AT&T phone card to me at:

Patrick Eakes
P.O. Box 16263
Greensboro, NC 27416-0263

I will collect the cards and forward them to The Soldier, who will distribute them to others serving with him in Iraq.

Welcome

Since Instapundit gave a shout out to this blog, we are getting a visitor every ten seconds. We normally welcome about 50 visitors a day.

For those of you visiting for the first time, the Soldier remains anonymous. He is a reservist who has been in Iraq for one month. I am Patrick Eakes, and I maintain this blog for the Soldier.

If you wish to leave a comment, I will be sure it is forwarded to the Soldier.

Welcome

The News & Record ran a front-page article today on a recent attack in Iraq that Nick Sowers documented in an email sent home. The N&R article included an information box directing readers to two blogs I maintain, including this one.

If you are visiting this blog for the first time, welcome. This blog documents the life of a reservist who has been deployed to Iraq. The Soldier remains anonymous, and I post his entries for him.

Blogs are organized so the most recent posts are at the top of the page. If you are first time visitor, I suggest that you scroll to the bottom of the page and read the posts from the bottom up, which will be chronologically correct.

Below each post you will find a comment tab. Click on it if you wish to make a comment on the post or send a message to the soldier.

Please visit this blog from time to time to get updates from the The Soldier.

Settling In

Another week has passed, and although it can't go fast enough, the time is flying by. My team is getting settled, and we received our room assignments this week, which was a big morale boost. It may not seem like much to most, but we've been living in transient quarters since we were activated in November, and although it's not home, it's what we've got for now.

The guys' morale is high as they take the lead in their new positions. When I was here in 1990 I was a 2LT. Now, I am Major, and I get a few extra privileges. Ironically the unit I deployed with in the first war is in my area now. I visited the 2LT in the same position I was in back in 1990. A lot has changed in 14 years, but the position is still there, and some of the same problems still exist.

The outgoing unit leaves soon. They have done an outstanding job here, and we've made some friends in our short time together. They are a National Guard unit out of New York. It is amazing to sit back and here the two groups exchange stories: NC vs. NY. The contrast is comical, and everyone has had a lot of fun at the other's expense. Bottom line - they spent a year here, accomplished their mission and every one of them is going to make it back home safely. This is exactly what I want my successor to say about us.

Mortars - We were attacked several times this week. Only one minor casualty from another unit. The report is that he will be ok. Mortars here are a daily event. Yesterday one hit about 500 meters from our trailer -what a way to wake up. My guys reacted great. We all got in our bunkers before the second one hit further away. Then, we waited to hear the outgoing artillery. You hear the shot, wait about 20 seconds, and then you hear the impact. As bad as it feels to be on the receiving end of their stuff, it really has to suck being on the receiving end of ours.

Iraqi NG - I watched the Iraqi National Guard training the other day on post. As I watched them conducting basic drill and ceremony activities, I wondered what kind of lives they lived before all of this started, and what would their lives be like from this day forward. They looked as if they came from all walks of life: young and old, rich and poor, and like us they are citizen soldiers serving their country. The American soldiers training them have had good things to say about how they are progressing. I hope to get the chance to know some of them better as the year goes on.

The news has reported the Abu Ghraib sentencing of the soldier convicted of mistreating the Iraqi prisoners. Comments here are as I expected. Most are shocked that he received 10 years, and that what was reported as "torture" was more like humiliation. Most soldiers believe the beheading and disfigurement of those captured by the Iraqis is torture, but the news doesn't seem to be interested in that. It is obvious those soldiers involved used bad judgment, and they along with their leadership will be held accountable, but relative to the bad judgment used by our enemy, the U.S. Soldiers' crimes seem insignificant.

To better illustrate how differently soldiers think, the other day I spoke to a soldier that I've notice moping around. After some small talk, I asked what was bothering him and his response was one I've heard before, especially from young soldiers. He explained "I just don't feel like I'm getting enough action." In his mind, he wanted to engage the enemy and strike the decisive blow that would destroy the enemy's will to ever fight again. This particular individual used to be a line soldier and now holds an administrative position.

I know it sounds crazy to some people who hear this kind of talk, but it is this mentality and training that allows sane men and women to knowingly go into harms way. We spoke for a few minutes about friends we both had that were escorting convoys and having daily contact with the bad guys. We laughed at how strange the military mind-set can make us look at situations, and I got the feeling he realized how strange his original statement was.

I am still amazed at all of the functions that go on daily to make this whole operation work. The synchronization of all the forces along with the civilians is incredible. Soldiers from every branch of service are working together in harmony. Soldiers are taking initiative at all levels to do things right, and right is being acknowledged and praised. As much as I miss my family, I'm glad to be part of this operation. What an honor to serve next to the soldiers here. I wish every American could experience this feeling and I hope that my words will allow some to understand the process a little better.

Take Care and God Bless.

Arrival In Kuwait And Iraq

My unit arrived in Kuwait safely. We had a commercial flight chartered by the Army. My commander, CSM, and I passed up an opportunity to fly first class, and we sat with our troops for the 20 hour voyage. I don't know if they appreciated the gesture or thought we were foolish for not moving up. Anyway, it seemed like the right thing to do.

Our time in Kuwait was minimized because of our motivation to get out of there. Our reception was not well organized, and if you sat back and waited on the system to process your unit, you could be there for weeks. We made some contacts, identified the key training events that we needed to hit and coordinated our move north to Iraq.

We were originally scheduled to Convoy. Our vehicles were not up-armored, and this was our biggest concern. In my 15 years of service, I've learned that the military may be bullish, but it does change. I found an active duty unit similar to ours that was going to the same place as us, and after some conversation I discovered that they too were not up-armored, but they were not going to convoy. Puzzled, I asked how they were going, and to my delight I discovered a method to get our troops and equipment flown. My Commander and I were floored. In the past six months, as much as we requested, this option was never given to us. Our soldiers flew out 48hrs after we discovered this option, and everyone arrived safely. Our equipment will follow, so the unit we are replacing will let us use their equipment until ours arrives.

All here is going well. My soldiers' morale is high, and we are settling in. Our replacements were excited to see us and are doing a great job showing us the ropes. I work out of an old hangar that is said to have housed Saddam's private jets. Who knows what went on here; soldiers can conjure up the best stories. We live in trailers and walk about 200 yards to the bathrooms and showers. It's not too bad. I had hot water this morning. The weather is about what I expected - cool now, but not to cold.

Nothing here is easy. Even going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, you have to be fully dressed. The unit we are replacing should leave in a few weeks, so I expect things will get better then.

Our first morning here we were greeted with a mortar attack. Not everyone reacted the same. I met one soldier in the bunker we went to and asked him why he was here and his roommate was not. His response was classic. He simply said that he had not had the best of luck lately and was not taking any chances. He told me that within the last week, while driving his vehicle, he hit an IED [ed: improvised explosive device] and was involved in a firefight. He was a young guy from the Alabama Reserves, he was very upbeat about things and stated that he was scheduled to go home in a few weeks. After listening to his story I explained to him that he was mistaken about his luck. I told him that I felt good about being near him because to me, after hitting an IED and being in a firefight and coming out physically unscathed -- his luck seemed pretty good. I was proud to share a bunker with him and to hear his stories for the next hour. When we received the all clear sign, I shook his hand and wished him the best.

Take Care and God Bless

Good News From Iraq

I spoke to Mrs. Soldier yesterday. She said that the Soldier made it to Kuwait City fine. He was there a few days, then traveled by convoy to his final destination, which is outside Fallujah.

The soldier told me before he deployed that the convoy would be unescorted, meaning they would not have significant defense if attacked, so we are all glad he made it to his compound safely.

It's Time To Go

Well, it is the eve of my deployment, and my troops and I are ready. It is not clear if all of them know exactly what they are getting into, but as one of their leaders, I know they've been trained.

We all got to spend Christmas with our families, and that was a pleasant surprise from Uncle Sam. You see, when I was on active duty, my wife and I were married for only 6 weeks before I deployed for Desert Shield/Storm #1. I signed into Ft. Bragg on Aug. 1st as a brand new 2nd Lt., and Kuwait was invaded on the 2nd. I was instructed not to move my wife to town because I would not be there long myself. That was how we spent our first Christmas.

The next year, after being home for about eight months, I received a no-notice deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and that is how we spent our second Christmas. Thus, we have three ornaments that say "our first Christmas." So, you can understand why I was skeptical about getting to spend this Christmas with my family. I'm glad I lost that bet.

We are scheduled to fly into the theater of operation and receive more training before we go to our duty positions in Iraq. I will probably be off the net for a few weeks. Even though we've known of this deployment for months now, it still comes as a shock that I'm getting ready to leave.

My wife is overwhelmed with feelings of abandonment, even with all of the family and friends she has to assist her. She really is a remarkable woman, and I do thank God every day that she is part of my life. My boys, 8yrs, 4yrs, and 9 weeks - all have different perspectives. The 8 yr old believes he knows how difficult it will be without dad around, but I can't believe that he really has a grasp on the reality of the situation. The 4 year old is pretty much oblivious, but his energy in everything he does is contagious and just makes me laugh. The baby is doing all that a baby should do and will be a hand full for my wife while I'm gone.

My story is not that unique, and I'm sure that every soldier young or old has a story of what toll serving our country takes on family and friends. I will continue the blog and give my views on what I see as well as stories I hear. I'll write as soon as I can.

Editor's Notes: I had lunch with the soldier and his family last week. His humility and sense of duty are evident and inspiring. He will depart at 21:20 on 29 December. And he is correct that his wife is an amazing woman - strong, beautiful, smart, and steady.

Training Days

I had a great Thanksgiving with my family. Our newborn son is doing great, my wife is adjusting well to me being gone, and our older two boys seem to be doing fine as well. I get home from time to time; it all depends on our training schedule, which changes daily.

Things at Ft. Bragg are going well - same old Army, hurry up and wait. I'm towing the line and trying not to ruffle any feathers. The Army has activated a reserve unit to process all of us through (most of whom have never deployed), and they are teaching us how to do things that they have no real experience in doing. It is not their fault. It is just the way the Army does things, and since I've deployed numerous times before and have been there recently, I have a little different perspective on what my troops need to know. We just have to check this block and get on with the deployment.

I visited with some of my active duty friends who were stationed here with me when I was on active duty. One, a Commander now in the 82nd Airborne, is trying to get me a pass to ride along on an upcoming jump. I won't get to exit the plane with them, but it feels good to be around the Whoa crowd again.

My unit is projected to complete the training here around Dec 20th, and we are fair game to leave after that. The tentative plan is to have a break during Christmas and have wheels up sometime shortly after we return. That would make sense -- so you know what that means-- yep, it won't happen that way, I fully expect to get a call on Dec 24 saying we are leaving the next day. Ha Ha!

Hope all are doing well and you are gearing up to have a great Holiday!

Let's Get Started

Welcome to the Triad's newest web log. I am Patrick Eakes, not the soldier. The soldier will send me his notes via email for me to post to this blog. I will post his emails in full, only editing spelling and/or punctuation. Initially, these posts will originate from Fort Bragg during training, then Iraq during deployment.

The soldier is a close friend and in the NC National Guard Reserve. He formerly served in the US Army and has participated in multiple combat situations, including Desert Storm. The soldier is a first-rate leader and motivator, and he maintains one of the most positive and charming attitudes I have ever seen.

The soldier will give a candid view of his life and mission in Iraq. Our hope is that you will enjoy an unfiltered look into his experiences. Please visit regularly and post your comments and questions as they arise.