Iraq - still a dangerous place

[Land_Owner]

I was talking to Ben on the phone this past Wednesday!  He is stationed in Ramadi.  He said the base had been shelled again the hour before.  Mortar round didn't go off.     

Twenty five minutes into the conversation the phone goes dead.  He emailed all was well and we said our goodbye's over the Net.  It was spirit lifting to speak to, to hear, and to renew the bond with my son.  He has spent a lot of time in the desert.

He is PCS to Dahlonega, GA, home of Mountineering for the Rangers this Christmas.  It is hoped that we will again spend time hunting together next season.  I would like that.

[AtlLaw]

Well, North Jawja is a darn sight closer to Florida then the sand box!     It's hard to be worried and happy at the same time isn't it!? 

[Land_Owner]

Yes atlLaw, it is...worried that something might happen to delay or upset his departure and glad that something good is awaiting him.  I would like to take him deer hunting with me one more time in Union, SC.  We used to hunt FL ducks, turkey, deer, and hogs together.  Those days may be revisited when he returns.  Nothing wrong with the "far-North part of Florida" known as Dahlonega, GA. 

[teamnelson]

Glad to hear your Ben is safe! It's been a little over a year and a half since my last trip there, and I dreamt of hunting while I was. Still haven't done any (HI) but hopeful I'll get an East Coast assignment next. North Georgia is a pretty place to be!

[jshootr]

Ben
stay safe my friend.
Return to the states soon.

I still remember leaving Danang 1971, the last night there the airport got shelled and we had to go to the bunker at 2 in the morning. Harassed to the very last day!!!

Naval Support Activity Danang 1970-71

Jerry St.Hilaire CPO USN ret

May the good Lord watch over all of our troops. 

[Dee]

My youngest was a Sgt with the 82n Airborne. He did two combat tours in Iraq. I couldn't bring myself to watch the news, and when he called my cell phone the world stopped until we finished our conversation. It was the same when he did a combat tour in Afghanistan. In my life time I have seen a lot of killing, and I could not shut the mental images of my own experiences out.
I truly know exactly how you feel Land_Owner. My son is now home, I hope for good. I have always thought, that Iraq will always be a dangerous place, and my son thinks so too. Most Americans just don't get the culture.
I pray for your son, and everyone else's son to come home safe.