Stryker Brigade News

I had just received a DoD memo on the 300 Soldiers of the 172nd Stryker Brigrade and my heart goes out to each Soldier and their Families. I was up in Alaska and passed your Fort but had no time to stop in because I was on a tour.
I am a U.S. Army Civilian Volunteer from Deer Park, New York and also a witness & survivor of Ground Zero "9/11". I have been awarded the Military Challenge Coin from Lt. Gen Carl Strock, USACE for what I have done to support the Troops since March of 2003 right to the present day.

Although I know how important it is for these 300 Soldiers to get back to their outfit in Iraq, I also know how important it is that I write this in support of them and their families.

I take all that I do for the troops very personal because it is them that is securing my freedom as well as the rest of the United States. I can not be where they are, but I can do what I can to support my Troops every day. And doing so I support their families and their untold sacrifices. I maybe one of the few who does not have a family member in the service, but I can tell you without a doubt that I have received official and unofficial reports & pictures of the accompliments that all our Troops, Men & Women, are doing in Iraq & Afghanistan. So I stand very proud to know these Men & Women that You the families have produced and now putting their very "self" on the line for all and including me.
You may hear the words "Thank You" coming from our leaders in the military and in the political arena, but it is nothing like hearing it from a man or woman you meet on the street & they come up to you (me) and say Thank you. Those two words then do have the most meaning. In turn, I write to the guys in Iraq and pass that Thank you on to them for they are the ones who earn the thanks.

Now from this Civilian-civilian, I thank you for all that you are doing and thank you to all your families. And I pray to God that He in His mercy keep each one protected from all Harm.
Thanks.
Tom O'Connell

This message is for you, Tom O'Connell. My fiance has been in Iraq for the past 12 months, and I've come to realize that usually people that don't have family or friends overseas do not fully understand how much sacrifice these guys are putting on the line. But you are a prime exception to that theory. I want to thank you for the extreme support that you have for our country, it is not everyday that you see guys like you (people outside of military associations/relationships) give so much gratitute to the tremendous sacrifice that these men and women give everyday. Thank you for your concern, I really appreciated reading your entry.

~ a SoLdierz Girl ~

God Bless!

I would like to reiterate what soldierz girl 6 just said. Tom O Connell we thank you for caring. Those of us who have a personal (my son is there)stake in this war feel most of the time that the rest of this country simply pays lip service to "supporting our troops". They have their little car magnets and they feel patriotic. Well Mr. O' Connell we know you REALLY care. With you and the others who really care praying we know we shall triumph.Thank you . A 172nd Dad