Stryker Brigade News

Bob Vielledent performed a manda before his son left for Iraq. He spent five hours walking 18 miles from his East Side home to Mission San Xavier del Bac and lighted a candle. That's what inspired his daily ritual.

Spangenberg said because her only two sons are in Iraq, she was anticipating some painful moments on Christmas. The single mother also has one daughter.

"I have a lot of friends at my church and in my family who are praying for my sons, and that is very encouraging to me," said Spangenberg, who attends Casas Church on the Northwest Side.
"I have a faith that allows me to trust God for outcomes," she said. "They are not always good outcomes, but I know that God will always see me through. You just have to believe that whatever difficulties you get handed, you will be given the support to get through that, too."

Bob Vielledent, athletic director at Our Mother of Sorrows Catholic School on the East Side, has a calendar he's been using to cross off the days until his son returns.

Gail Vielledent is assistant principal at Our Mother of Sorrows. Each morning, staff members at the school pray for the troops.

Marc Vielledent is a Sahuaro High School and West Point graduate stationed in Iraq with an Army Stryker brigade from Fort Lewis, Wash. He's expected to be in Iraq until July.

"He has such a kind heart. He has never been a GI Joe type — never fired a gun in his life," his mother said.

"But he has a strong sense of duty, and his buddies feel the same way. Whether or not they support the war, their job is to support the chain of command and do what the country is asking of them."

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