Comments for Thanksgiving in the 'stan...

Thanksgiving in the 'stan...

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 13:41:21 -0600

...will, for many troops, "look remarkably the same as any other day." I know Colonel George from my time at Fort Leavenworth. He commands the 4-4 IBCT of the 10th Mountain 4th Infantry. Note the joint nature of the "Infantry Brigade Combat Team."Hello Everyone,Below is COL George's Thanksgiving Message to Task Force Mountain Warrior that he wanted to share with everyone back home. On behalf of COL George and the rest of our Mountain Warriors, Happy Thanksgiving.To the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines of Task Force Mountain Warrior:Thanksgiving Day in Afghanistan is a day that will look remarkably the same...

Comment from Heartless Libertarian on 2009-11-26

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:14:43 -0600

By way of pennance, may I add MG Scap's Thanksgiving message?

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guardsmen, Coalition,
Civilian, and Afghan partners of CJTF-82 and RC-E:

It is not surprising that before Thanksgiving was declared a federal holiday in the United States, it was during times of conflict that our Nation would pause collectively and give thanks for all that we have, personally and as a people. Through the focused lens of war and the sacrifice it demands, much is put in the proper perspective and appreciated.

Though our celebrations will be simple here in Afghanistan, missing the true comforts and traditions of home and the family and friends we long to be near, they will be genuine. Like those at the first Thanksgiving, we will be thankful for the promise of a new day, for the camaraderie of those who sit beside us, for the family and friends who support us from afar, and for the continued freedoms with which we are blessed and strive to defend.

While our commitment to duty and country may preclude us from being with our families this Thanksgiving, take comfort in the knowledge that the work you do every day here in Afghanistan, in concert with our Afghan partners, is making a difference. You are providing for the security of our Nation by helping to build the capacity for peace and security for this nation.

It is truly a privilege to serve with such patriots and to share this Thanksgiving Day with you. I know what I am thankful for this
Thanksgiving. I am thankful for each and every one of you.

Happy Thanksgiving and God Bless.
All the Way!

Maj. Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti

BTW - CJTF-82 not only has a webpage (see above link), we're also on Facebook! Look us up!

This shameless plug brought to you by crazy people who jump out of perfectly good airplanes.

Comment from Heartless Libertarian on 2009-11-26

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 20:09:14 -0600

Not blurting things out has never been one of my strong suits...

Actually, due to various machinations and detachments and attachments...TF MOUNTAIN WARRIOR (4-4 IBCT) is less one of their assigned battalions, and has attached to them a battalion, TF CHOSIN, from 3-10 IBCT (MTN).

That battalion will shortly be relieved by a battalion that left that same AO last summer - right after the battle of Wanat.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2009-11-26

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:25:47 -0600

Sanger - *snarl*

Comment from SangerM on 2009-11-26

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 19:12:06 -0600

Comment from Mitch Miller on 2009-11-26

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:45:22 -0600

You mean, we might actually have some mountain troops? Maybe we could sneak some of those guys into the 10th (we don't do) Mountain Division.

Comment from John of Argghhh! on 2009-11-26

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:48:46 -0600

[Counts slowly to 100]

Does *no one* know how to use email anymore?

Comment from Heartless Libertarian on 2009-11-26

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:28:36 -0600

Um...4-4 IBCT (MTN) is the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Mountain) of the 4th Infantry Division.

The Mountain designation is new...earned during their current tour in the mountains of Konar and Nuristan.

Comment from Carrie on 2009-11-26

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:35:51 -0600

I am also thankful for these wonderful men and women but I admit. that doing all the normal things here has been a bit of a struggle as I contemplate what it's like for them over there.

Comment from Acad Ronin on 2009-11-26

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:09:34 -0600

I am thankful for all the men and women who are on duty, standing watch at 0Dark30, at home and abroad.