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December 19, 2008
In Country With The 81st BCT~ Ramaldi Iraq
By Col. Ronald Kapral
81st BCT Commander
81st BCT Commander Col. Ronald Kapral
For most of us, the holiday season is a special time of year, but this year is different for us. Though we are not going to have the opportunity to spend the holidays with our loved ones, we must not forget them either. The sacrifices you are making are felt by the families and friends left back home. Be sure to remember them and thank them for all they are doing to support you and keeping the home fi res burning.
The holiday season can also be a depressing time. Be receptive to your fellow soldiers. Note any changes in their behavior. Remind them that they are not alone. If you suspect something is wrong, notify your chain of command or
the chaplain.
Soldiers need to maintain their vigilance, especially during this time of the year. The enemy is also aware of this season. Always be combat ready and never take anything for granted.
Finally, I want to take the time to personally thank you and your family for serving. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten. We are writing the history that our children will read about. You are making a difference. I wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
Posted by Wild Thing at December 19, 2008 04:40 AM
Comments
Thanks Chrissie, this is the outfit I wrote you about a while back, the one that McNamara tinkered with. That 303rd Cav went from leg to armored and back to leg under the 81st's command over the intervening years, they still have armor, I was in Co A 303rd Armored,peacetime, when all our M60A1's were loaded and shipped to Israel. God bless 'em
Merry Christmas you guys. May God watch over and protect you.
Posted by: Jack at December 19, 2008 12:24 PM
Merry Christmas to the 81st BCT and all our troops everywhere.
Jack, thanks for your service. I remember when our forces in Germany were stripped of their armor and ammo and it was shipped to Israel. I think that was a deal Kissinger worked out
Posted by: TomR at December 19, 2008 12:50 PM
Everybody thinks the Marine Corps doesn't have any wheels, trucks. We had a motor pool, but in Vietnam we walked everywhere we went because both of them were broke.
Posted by: Mark at December 19, 2008 04:59 PM
Jack I saw this and just had to post it. Yes I remember you telling me about this outfit. I am so glad you did.
This story is in their publication that they put out once a month I think it is not sure.
Posted by: Wild Thing at December 19, 2008 07:33 PM
Tom that is interesting about things being stipped and sent to Israel like that.
Posted by: Wild Thing at December 19, 2008 07:35 PM
Mark, thanks, I always see the photos with Marines walking, some awesome photos too. I always thought someone should do a painting of some of the photos I have seen.
Posted by: Wild Thing at December 19, 2008 07:42 PM
Ain't that the truth Mark, along the DMZ the Marines were on shanks ponies or airlifted, the equipment for rides was in terrible shape, they wouldn't ride in our sweepers either. Heck even at Vandergrift CBT Base there were very few wheeled vehicles, I do remember the tanks along QL9 were in pretty good shape. I also remember an antenna shortage for the radios, we'd "appropriate" a few then head to that Marine detachment just South of Dong Ha where they'd patch up our radios in exchange for the antenna's, symbiotic relationship, a bottle of hootch always made the day too. Thanks Big Red 1 supply. Thank you Tom for your service, you too Mark. Thanks Chrissie for making this and every day a special day.
Posted by: Jack at December 19, 2008 08:38 PM
