Feature
Postcards From Iraq
We’ve been in touch with a number of military people, many in Iraq or Afghanistan, but some serving elsewhere. It brings all of us here a great deal of pleasure to be able to serve, in some small way, those who are serving us by providing a little distraction and entertainment. We have something big coming up for a future issue, but for now, a have a look at some of the pics we have received from a few of our troops in Iraq.
Editor’s Note: As the holidays approach, be sure to let our brothers and sisters in uniform know that we care about them. Take a few minutes to write a letter or email to someone you know who is serving. You can also send a care package to them or contact www.anysoldier.com, or other soldier support organizations, to have a package sent. You can also contact a military base near you and find out if they have a volunteer soldier support organization. Remember, our guys and gals aren’t having a whole lot of fun out there.
From the Pulpit: The Gospel According to Ed and Mr. Browning
SGT Ed Fitzpatrick, a California National Guardsman recently returned from Iraq, tells us that convoy duty with the 1072nd Transportation Company is not a piece of cake, even if you’re driving one of the Army’s M-1074 10x10 PLS (Palletized Loading System) trucks. Just like other soft-skinned rigs, the PLS trucks have been up-armored in the field. SGT Fitpatrick’s truck is so equipped and mounts a Browning M2 .50 cal heavy machine gun. His is the designated gun truck to take out anything or anyone harassing the convoy. The PLS trucks are built by Oshkosh and with their 736ci, 500hp, 1470 ft-lbs 8V92 Detroit Diesel, they can crank out a 57 mph top speed with a 68-ton GCWR. Off-road, they can ford water four feet deep, have a 42 degree approach angle, a 61 degree departure angle.
The Mississippi Five
The National Guard is carrying a lot of weight on the front lines in Iraq and elsewhere. These five Guardsmen from Mississippi’s Company B of the 2nd Regiment, 198 Armored are no exception. From left to right is SP4 Stewart Skelton, Hernando, MS, SP4 Jefferey Vangundy, Augusta, MS, SGT Johnathan Brown, Belmont, MS, SSG Michael Shields, Greenwood Springs, MS and SP4 Terry Dunn, Boonville, MS. SGT Shields reports his M998 Humvee rolls out the gates to patrol An Najaf with the latest up-armor kit, an M2 .50 cal machine gun, AT-4 anti-tank launcher (hanging from back of turret), four M-4 5.56mm carbines, one 7.62mm M-14 sniper rifle, one 7.62mm M-240 machine gun, one M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) and two 9mm pistols.
‘Wheeling Near Falluja, August 2004
SGT Brad Alexander, of the Second Armored Cavalry regiment reports that night patrols are sometimes hazardous... even if you don’t consider bad guys out there waiting to take a potshot. The Lieutenant’s Humvee dropped it’s right rear into a deep hole and ended up as you see it. No problem... a little work with a strap and the Hummer was up and patrolling again.
An Najaf, August 2004
When Armor plate was in short supply last year for Humvees patrolling the streets, SGT Brad Alexander reports this is how they dealt with the situation. Intimidation! With three GIs pointing automatic rifles out the doors and a guy topside with either an M2 .50 cal, M-19 40mm automatic grenade launcher or a 7.62mm machine gun, there was plenty of firepower to put into play. This pic was taken near An Najaf. Later, Brad’s rigs got armor. Brad has since rotated safely home and is now stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana.