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"The Best Birthday Present - Almost"

Aug-25-2004 » Filed Under: 3/2 SBCT

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"This is the best birthday present a person could have," were the words expressed by Norbert VanDessel upon seeing his grandson, Ryan. July 7th was the date of the surprise visit home from Iraq for Sergeant Ryan VanDessel. Ryan's Aunt Susan and Uncle Larry held a gathering for 60 family members and friends at their home. The welcome home party was the result of months of secrecy and planning. Ryan, stationed near Mosul, Iraq, first e-mailed Ron and Deb Lineweaver in early March. Larry and Susan were co-hosts in the scheming that would soon take place. To help insure the surprise would come off without a hitch, a "web of lies" would be necessary.[...]

Ryan serves with Charlie Company, in the 2nd brigade of the 3rd infantry, from Fort Lewis, Washington. He has been serving overseas since November 2003 and is currently near Mosul on the Tigris River. Ryan performs as gunner on the military's new eight-wheeled urban assault vehicle, known as a stryker.

It is common for the temperatures in Iraq to reach 110¡ F or higher. The military designs the soldiers' activity schedules to limit certain jobs during the hottest times of day. Mainly members of the Kurdish tribe occupy the northern regions, where Ryan is serving. Ryan has not personally encountered much resistance, as the Kurds are for the most part appreciative of the American presence.

Ryan's scheduled discharge from the Army was in August of this year. However, with the conflict in Iraq, his tour of duty has extended his contracted six years of service. Ryan related to his parents this past week that he may be back to the United States as soon as December and officially discharged a month or two following his return home. Ryan's long-term plans include furthering his education and eventually returning to the family farm 21 miles north of Joplin.[...]


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