Thanks and yes we are all here now. 2nd BN came in about a week ahead of all us Cav folks. It was amazing how the news media, and yes, even the NG public affairs folks were reporting us all out of theater the first week in December. Our guys didnt get to Mississippi until the 18th of Dec. I fully understand why you put the cavalry in the rear on a parade but we don't have horses!!!

Anyway, the 2nd BN bunch up your way and our Cav squadron did similar missions. They did convoy security out west in no man's land getting supplies to all the little bases held by Army and Marines, while we did the huge missions getting the fuel and food to the major bases up around Baghdad. From talking with folks in each of the other BN's of the BDE, sounds like we got into the most scraps and had the most actions, but then we covered the most territory as well. Also, we, the 151 Cav, and 2-153 each lost one soldier so its their families in Rogers and Mountain Home who need to be remembered and always thanked. Ours a husband and father of 3, the Mnt Home a young soldier with new wife. July 5th will always be a bad memory for me.

Well, I am going to get back on my thesis and hopefully finish it. I did lots of research while in country and now just need to get it all organized. ID'd roughly 1197 Saline Co soldiers (CS and US), documented their war activities and what happened to them, compiled socioeconomic and demographic info on them, as well as read many journal articles and books on the social aspects of these guys, why they fought etc. Then with all the letters and diaries of Saline Co soldiers, looked at how they fit into these bigger pictures. Of course had a majority of the names when I went over, just refined and detailed them while there. There definately was not much else to do when "off duty". We had one USO show and that was the day after Thanksgiving when Arron Tippen gave us a concert.

I have a couple of other projects to get on as well in conjunction with my thesis. But I also have to get back in to the "being employed-going to work" eventually as well. That will be a big hurdle and adjustment.

I look forward to interacting more and appreciate all the emails and thoughts and prayers sent my way while "over there".

Anthony