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From fighters to family men

Aug-29-2007 » Filed Under: 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment , 3/2 SBCT

This is the first article I've seen mentioning the 2nd Stryker CR's presence in country.

By Sharon Behn, The Washington Times

BAGHDAD — Thoughts have turned to home and family for soldiers in the 2-3 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, one of the first units set to complete extended deployments ordered by Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates to meet demands of the U.S. troop surge.

The conversation in the evening darkness outside the soldiers' "hooches," or where they live, is focusing more on wives and children, buying new trucks and that first cold beer.

"I'm looking forward to picking up my daughter from school," said Sgt. 1st Class Douglas Hale.

Other soldiers are more blunt about the first thing they want when they hit the ground. "Booze," said one staff sergeant, who quickly retracted that and said he was glad to be able to see his family again.

Some soldiers know they are coming back to Iraq within 15 months after they return home. The dates being mentioned are in 2009 — and that news has forced some to switch jobs to avoid spending another 15 months here.

Others are ready to return to the fight.

"I feel like it's my obligation. It's what I volunteered to do. It's what I trained to do," said Lt. Col. Barry Huggins, battalion commander of the 2-3 Stryker Brigade Combat Team out of Fort Lewis, Wash.

While the soldiers have had continued tactical successes on the ground during the six-month surge, the lack of significant visible change on the trash-filled streets of Baghdad and the perceived attitude of the Iraqis has left many discouraged.

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Comments For "From fighters to family men":

i am getting so excited.....its past time for them to be home...we MISSED THEM....and no one knows that better than us that have endured the pain of them being over there, and away from their homes and family better than US....WELCOME HOME STRYKERS, WELCOME HOME!!!!

Posted by: truelady2002 [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 29, 2007 9:27 PM

Welcome home and well done! We're proud of your overwhelming service and great sacrifice. Our own 1-21 2nd SBCT is completing its predeployment training and will carry on your work.

Posted by: 1-21parent [TypeKey Profile Page] | August 31, 2007 7:22 PM

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