Saturday, February 12, 2005

Contact

Our unit had its first contact with the enemy two days ago. One of our convoys was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) on its way to Baghdad.

Everyone is okay.

IED is just a fancy name for a home made bomb. This has been the insurgents modus operandi for quite some time. They place the bombs on the side of a road that has a lot of military traffic, and then wait for just the right moment to blow it. They are usually about 300 meters away hiding like cowards when they detonate it. They know if they fight us toe-to-toe they will get to meet Alah sooner than they hoped.

Two of the guys in the convoy suffered minor injuries. One caught some shrapnel in the face, and the other suffered a mild concussion. I saw them both today, and they both look and act fine. They are very fortunate since it could have been a lot worse.

I know this is news that a lot of people don't want to hear (i.e. my parents, wife, kids...etc), but I want to keep everything in perspective. Yes the elections were a huge success, and a true testament to what we have accomplished here, but the insurgents are still active and they will not stop until we have eliminated every last one of them.

That won't be anytime soon.


God Bless,


John

7 Comments:

Blogger jaibone said...

I don't agree with this war, but know what it is like to be a soldier and receive nothing but scorn from everyone who isn't in the Army.... So, here's hoping everyone who left with you will return home and that this farce ends quickly.... Will send stuff for your troops....

Regards
Jai
US Army 1974-1981

9:29 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

That's a little scary, but i'm glad your ok. Love and miss you.

Love,
Baby Girl

11:11 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Take care of your self son,keep your head up and eyes forword. you have all the support from the home front.we all love you so keep us informed

1:44 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi John, I'm so sorry you and Megan, (your baby sister) are having to go through this. If I could take your place I would do it in a minute. Just don't think the army would let me, not too old,just too clumsy! Megan's unit got hit also and lost someone, a 23 year old girl. As a parent this is the hardest thing I've ever gone through. Don't want to bring you down anymore than you are. Just so proud of both you and pray for both of you every minute of every day. Be careful out there...Much Love, Momma

3:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

God Bless the work you do. We pray for you daily. Keep the faith.


Gratefully'

ashlynn blessing

4:45 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

John and your men, Never-ending courage deserves never-ending gratitude. Thank you all for your sacrifices. "Thank you" seems so inadequate for all you are doing . You are making the world a better place which touches the very heart of God.I pray that in everything you do and wherever you all go you will have a special discernment and wisdom. God IS with you. Luv Ps91

8:09 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Glad to hear everyone is okay!

Next time you run into the enemy you might just want to hold up an XPS with the "SKULLZ QuickSnap™ Cover".
Show em whos boss!

Later

10:11 AM  

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