Stryker Brigade News

The medical screening missions of 1st Lt. Brett Phillips (1st BN, 17th IN REGT) and the foot patrols of Spc. Patrick Anderson (A Co. 172nd SBCT) had been scheduled to come to a close. Footlockers were packed and shipped home weeks before and only the bare essentials were retained. Living out of two duffel bags was a small sacrifice compared to the sacrifices these young men had made for the last grueling year. These Arctic Wolves already had their hearts airborne for Fairbanks.

It wasn’t a far stretch to think that the multitude of toys and treats that these men had handed out to the children of Iraq was about the last thing on their minds. It was more like “visions of Sugarplums danced in their heads”. The comforts of home …the love of their moms and wives and children… home cooked food and their own beds…They would be home for the holidays.

Yes, after nearly two years, the Heart List and a little project called Winning the War One Heart at a Time had drawn down. These two brave “delivery men” were packing up to come home until their mission changed drastically. The boxes of Beanie Babies, brown dolls and candy that had been sent with love were all but a memory now.

And then…Out of the desert sands of Iraq another hero in tan boots appeared. His name is Msg. Luke Alphonso, (CMATT 5TH Division MITT) hometown, Morgan City, Louisiana. A sixteen-year veteran soldier, Luke is currently a Senior Divisional Medical Advisor (Military Transition Team) stationed at FOB Caldwell, somewhere in Iraq. Luke’s force is embedded with the Iraqi Army.

Msg. Alphonso’s MEDCAP missions are remarkably similar to those of 1st Lt. Phillips and as it turned out his small FOB was in dire need of donations for their medical missions. In fact, on his latest mission his men left the base with only one stuffed toy and a few treats for the children.

With Msg. Luke Alphonso’s team needing donations and one of Brett’s most avid supporters still having a room full of toys and a heart full of connections, Winning the War One Heart at a Time was on for at least one more tour of duty.

For Americans not affiliated with the military, most have no idea that the government is not providing these items for the soldiers (sailors, airmen and marines). Governmental funding is available for schools, hospitals, roads and wells, but the humanitarian missions operate on donated items alone. Private citizens or organizations from around the United States provide all the toys, shoes, candy, and toothbrushes that supply these missions.

Giving full credit to 1st Lt. Phillips, his medical screening missions were well supported by his family, his friends and a classroom of first-graders in Puyallup, Washington.

Msg. Luke Alphonso already knows that he has a hard act to follow. (In this case, big boots to fill.) First Lt. Phillips was, and will always be, the “Rock Star Hero” of the Heart List. But there is no doubt that Luke can and will step up to the plate.

So, to 1st Lt. Brett Phillips, to Spc. Patrick Anderson and now, to Msg. Luke Alphonso, know that hearts in all corners of the world are tucked into the pockets of your uniforms…the hearts that work through your hands.

While the uncertainty of the Arctic Wolves’ re-deployment date continues, those hearts will be on Guardian Angel status until their safe return.