Articles 12.25.2004

The Ft. Collins Coloradan, CO, has an article on families separated from the soldiers over the holidays. The family of Eric Dickson (no rank or unit given beyond 2nd ID), face their second Christmas away from Dickson, who was in Korea last Christmas. His family reported that he was wounded in September from a bullet that ricocheted during a firefight and struck his foot, but he has since returned to duty.
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The Ft. Collins Coloradan, CO, has a separte article on a wounded 2nd BCT Marine. Cpl. Nicolas Roberts, of the 2/5 Marines, was shot in the mid-section by a sniper on 12.1.2004. Cpl. Roberts is presently recovering at the National Naval Medical Center in Maryland. He is able to move around with the aid of a walker, and expects to undergo therapy for a year. Cpl. Roberts was awarded a purple heart by President George W. Bush, who visited with him for 20 minutes on 12.11.2004. Cpl. Roberts plans to leave the Army, get married in May (or as soon as his injuries will allow), and attend college.
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The Casper Star-Tribune, WY, has a long article on the homecoming of a wounded 2nd BCT soldier. Spc. Kelly Sorensen (his unit wasn't specified, but is likely of the 1-503rd) was shot in the shoulder on a patrol in Ramadi in November. His platoon commander was also hit, "sustaining a flesh wound in the neck," and both were evacuated. Spc. Sorensen underwent two surgeries, and the bullet is still lodged in his shoulder. He is presently on leave with his family, and will continue rehabilitation. He is unsure of whether he will return to Iraq before the 2nd BCT redeploys home. The article concludes with his Christmas wish: "I want all my buddies [in Iraq] to be safe. That's worth more than anything."
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The Asbury Park Press, NJ, carries a feature on a 2/5 Marine Platoon commander who grew up in the area. 1st Lt. Brian P. Iglesia leads a weapons platoon in Ramadi, and is on his second tour in Iraq. He is planning to get married this summer after his return home.
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The Wheeling Intelligencer, WV, published a Christmas letter from a marine in Ramadi. In the letter, Staff Sgt. Brett Ledfors shares a simple and poignant story of a friendly exchange with local civilians during a routine patrol.
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The Pittsburg Tribune-Review, PA, has a story on a local family who was twin sons in the Marines, one presently serving in Iraq, the other leaving for Afganistan in January. Matthew Westell (rank wasn't given) serves in a Marine Reserve truck company in Ramadi. One vehicle he was driving was hit by a suicide bomber on 11.5.2004, sustaining several injuries, but all the men on board survived. In a separate incident, another vehicle he had been driving minutes earlier was destroyed by an RPG. He is usually able to call home every 5 or 6 days.

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Merry Christmas to the 2nd BCT troops and families! Hope you troops in theater can pause long enough to appreciate the remarkable effort and team of which you are a part. To the soldiers and families of soldiers wounded or killed in Iraq, we remember you especially on this day, and are ever thankful of your sacrifice. May you find peace and may your communities lift you up.