Fort Bragg Trip Report

“I had the opportunity to attend the annual "Pass and Review" for the 82nd Airborne division on thursday. It was amazingly hot but worth it. I was able to see about 6000 of Americas finest soldiers (many recently returned from Iraq). The display of discipline was impressive. The chnage of command for the division was also held during the ceremony. Senator Elizabeth Dole was in attendance as was the acting Sec.of Army who was also the keynote speaker.

Following the pass and reveiw I attended a small memorial service for the families of fallen soldiers from the 82nd. Since the war began bayonets have been stuck in the dirt and helmets placed on rifle butts 39 times. Seeing those families was moving beyond words. Hearing General McNeil spaek was soul stirring.

For dinner I was invited to a "hail and fairwell" for the incoming and outgoing senior NCO's and officer corps of a medical logistics battalion. Many of these soldiers will be going to Iraq,Kuwait and Afghanistahn between Oct and Jan. Getting to be an observer of the event was awesome. Seeing so many talented officers (2nd LT to Colonels) sharing stories of their time together really made it clear to me how dedicated and professional our armed forces are. Their sense of duty and purpose was amazing. I still cant quite put it to words but the soldiers at that dinner were so committed to a "bigger cause".

Yesterday I spent more time with my nephew and looked at homes with a close friend.

In the afternoon I met some soldiers from my friends squad and company. I was able to put some faces to names. I was finally able after 7 months to find out the truth of how he was killed. One of the soldiers families live near me. He wants to visit when he's home. I helped my friend to go through her husbands belongings that were brought home from Iraq. I felt his presence.


I wish that so many others were able to have the conversation with the men and women I had the honor of meeting. They are first class folks. Not once did they gripe about their deployments or their conditions or circumstances. They mourned their dead and were true professionals. God Bless them!”

“Thanks for sharing.”

“Thanks for your report, Birch. We so often take the normalcy of our lives for granted. Those are the ones we need to thank for that freedom.”

“Wow, thanks for sharing Birch. I'll be saying some prayers for you and your buddy's family and friends.”

“I doubt a recon ranger could find a Kerry voter in the group.”

“Miss Anne Thrope, I would bet you are right.”

“The Delta Raiders are about 60% Bush, 40% Kerry.

However, I find it hard to equate valor with politics.”

“All of the soldiers i spoke with were sqaurely in favor of our mission in Iraq. Though my experience is anecdotal.”

“It is my most ferverent hope that every soldier is squarely in support of the mission in Iraq.


However, every citizen should examine the mission.”

“I agree chili, I hope folks really examine it without pre-conceived notions...FAT CHANCE at that though.”

“Your right, birch. Emotions tend to blind one to clear perception.

One thing I always try to remember,,,,,,,if we all were to think alike, things would be much scarier than they are.


The simple ability to express ourselves is the cornerstone of this country. God bless each and every individual who served to protect that right.

Further, I hope God blesses each and every one who exercises that right.

The ones who bother me the most are the ones who complain and do nothing.”

“BTW birch, nice report.

I have always enjoyed being on post during Memorial Day and Fourth of July.”