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Supporting our Troops
 The
troops from the 1st Platoon, Bco. 1/8th Infantry, Fort Carson, Colorado have
returned home and we wish to thank everyone of our friends that gave
support to our troops and their families while they were in Iraq!
Please support more troops from your hometown
and send them mail and packages...they would greatly appreciate receiving
your support.
(Click on the photo's for a larger
view) |
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Below are pictures of Sheila > Knight's Enduring
Freedom when she was a puppy. |
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Pictures of SFC Berg with a puppy in Iraq....August Update:
"We have cots now and "showers that actually have water pressure, so that
is great!" SFC Berg |
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These pictures arrived in July, 2003 from the troops
in Iraq. The mail is taking around 2 - 3 weeks for delivery. Items
sent are shared with the Platoon team and they are extremely pleased to
receive letters, cards and care items! |
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July, 2003 Photo - SSG Guidry on top of the
Bradley.
The photo to the right: July, 2003 Photo - Sgt Chad Davis and SPC Cutuca (was
just promoted from PFC) |
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July, 2003 Photo's
On the left: SFC Berg, SPC Brown and SPC Baker
On the right: SSG Guidry, SPC Smith and SPC Silva |
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July, 2003 Photo's
Left > SFC Berg, Right is SPC Silva |
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Below is a list of the troops when
they left and several may have already been transfered now that they are
home as well as promoted during their tour of duty.
Alabama,
Arizona,
California,
Colorado,
Georgia,
Florida,
Illinois,
Louisiana,
Maine,
Michigan,
Minnesota,
Missouri,
Montana,
Ohio,
Oklahoma,
New York,
North Carolina,
Pennsylvania,
South Dakota,
and
Texas.
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As we all
stand proud,
We bless these troops and
thank them and their families
for
preserving "freedom" in the
United States of America and abroad.
(Pictured to the right is Trouble, she lives with a
wonderful
Labrador family in California that was taken after 9-11)
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Please send a card, pictures of your family or of
Labrador's or dogs, and care packages, to let them know you care about
them and a "Thank You" for serving our country. If you send
a care package, it is recommended that it not be too large, select a bubble,
large envelope and enclosed the items, also be certain to include on the
"customs label" the items that are enclosed, and if not delivered to the
specific platoon, there is a place for you to mark > to be forwarded to
"U.S. Army Troops, 4th Infantry Division" at least some of the troops will
get use of it.
Examples of items to send in small quantity that will fit in an 8 x 10 or 8
x 14 padded envelope are:
1)
Food like Hard Candy that will not melt in hot temperatures,
I am sure they are in great need of something different than MRE's,
2) Granola Bars or treats that are wrapped in foil or plastic,
3) Nuts/peanuts in plastic or cellophane,
4)
Personal Hygiene items that are smaller in size as deodorant, small,
tooth brushes (I'm sure some could use some newer brushes) toothpaste,
baby
wipes - these are really needed so they can keep clean -
(in foil packages and sealed, not larger containers), sun tan lotion -
cream type in a tube, disposable razors in sealed wraps with small bars of
shaving soap (no liquids or cans), small bars of soap, band aids, triple
antibiotic ointment - small tube,
5) small combs and small brushes,
6) postcards, cards with envelopes (no postage required for them to send
their families a card),
7) Children could send colored pictures or drawings,
8) very small, little toys or stuffed animals for them to play with, then
can give them to the Iraqi children,
9) and send a note or card - saying "We Support our Troops and Thank You for
Preserving our Freedom",
10) insect repellant wipes for their skin and wrist bans to keep away the
fleas and insects, fly strip repellants - the flies are really bad,
10) and the list goes on...do not send large quantities in one mailing, no
boxes, no liquids or cans.
You may write to
either an individual or the entire platoon at: |
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| More Pictures... |
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Headquarters - 1st Platoon |
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A
Moment of Prayer
by Gary Shepherd
Precious Heavenly Father,
We ask you, today, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to be
with the men and women in our military who are in harm's way, and not only
them, but all those of our allies, who are giving of themselves to protect
and defend the freedoms and liberties so treasured by free peoples and
nations. Give them courage and resolve to complete the task before
them and supply the needs they have for each moment of every day.
Please watch over them and comfort them when the battle is raging.
Strengthen them when they grow weary. We pray for those who have
fallen in battle and for their families and loved ones. Grant that
victory will soon come and our soldiers' journey home be swift.
Again, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we ask.
Amen
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| How this began... |
We received an email from SFC Berg
looking for labrador for his Uncle John. (When we receive inquiries we
always ask something about them.)
March 19th > In the initial email, SFC Berg wrote "On your website it
states that you sell puppies that the average person could afford and you
also have the American Flag flying around. I am sorry to inform you, but I
am in the United States Army preparing to go to the Middle East and $600-850
dollars is not a price that everyone can afford unless the average person is
not a soldier. SFC Berg USA"
March 19th > The follow-up email sent to SFC Berg: Bob is retired
USA, and a civilian working now - still helping to protect our servicemen
and country, as well as many of his friends! We certainly remember when we were younger and couldn't afford
the very nice labrador we always wanted, we finally got our Katie 15 years
ago after returning from a tour in Landsthul, Germany for 3 years.
Since you love Labrador's, if you would keep in touch with us and let us
know something about you, your plans with a labrador, i.e. pet, hunting,
companion, etc. we would be willing to donate a puppy free to you at a time
that would be convenient for you upon your return and would have to know
ahead of time so we can let you know when our puppies are coming. This will
only be offered to you, as you are the first to contact us about going to
the Middle East (we are a small kennel) and certainly want you to look
forward to getting a puppy when you return.
We, truly are very thankful for our military personnel protecting our
country and think of everyone all the time! When I travel, and I see the
new enlisted personnel at the airports, I go up to them and shake their hand
and say "thank you!" Wyatt, with the American Flag, we get many compliments
about him and he lives in Colorado. Keep in touch with us, and please tell
us how you are doing. Take care, and tell us something about you. Will even
give information on our website so people will be able to see how special
you are, serving our country and loving Labrador's if you want to.
Nita/Bob
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March 19th > Follow-up email from SFC Berg....I
am not really sure of how to respond to you lovely e-mail. To give you
a brief summary of myself: I am from Stow, Ohio. I joined the
Army in 1990. My first duty station was Gelnhausen, Germany. After being
there for only 24 days (Christmas eve) I deployed to Saudi the first time.
Upon arriving back I went to Ft. Benning GA. From there I went to
Baumholder, Germany and then back to Ft. Benning, Ga. where I was a Drill
Sergeant for 3 years. A duty position in which I truly love. The
shaping of the Army and the development of young soldiers is something that
is dear to me. I arrived at Ft Carson, Colorado on Aug 20, 2002. I am
currently the platoon sergeant for Bco. 1st Platoon 1/8th Infantry Division
part of 4th Infantry Division. I have 38 soldiers in my platoon
deploying to Iraq with me. I am a proud husband and father of two wonderful
boys and a proud American.
I hope this helps summarize who I am. What I would be using the dog for. It
is a long story too. My Uncle John helped raise me and is part of the reason
that I am in the service to start with. He loves to hunt and fish and
recently (2001) lost 75% of the vision in his right eye on a construction
site. He, also, is a proud Vietnam veteran. Every time that I am
home on leave he loves it because he has someone to hunt and fish with.
Because of his eye sight he has given up on most hunting and now just duck
hunts. He loves being out there in the piece and quiet and enjoying the
beauty of nature. I was actually looking for a lab and came across
your website and saw the beautiful dogs. I would like nothing more in
life than to be able to give him a partner when I am not there, a companion
to hunt with so that when myself or him were with the dog we would think of
the other.
I know a little bit too much compassion for an Infantry soldier, I know.
But I love this man and everything that he went thru and did for this
country without asking for a thing.
To change subjects very fast. I love what you do at the airport. Thank you
very much our soldiers need that. To often people are protesting instead of
standing up and backing our soldiers and our freedom. I can not wait to meet
you when we return if not for a puppy at least to tell you thank you for
your support of myself and my soldiers. Sincerely, SFC Carl L.
Berg (*For a larger
view of SFC Berg click on the picture that his loving wife took.)
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March 23rd > Feedback from SFC
Berg...We just got notified that our ships
are now moving from Turkey to Kuwait and our advanced party leaves next week
so these conversations might be short. SFC Berg
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 March 23rd > An email sent to
SFC Berg regarding training his new labrador puppy...
SFC Berg, Hi, I am Chris' husband, Bill. I read your emails to Bob & Nita
Hunt and to my wife. I am a avid duck hunter and dog trainer, I would be
honored to train your Lab that you get for your uncle at no cost. I am very
proud of the work I have done with my two Labs. When you are ready to get
your Uncles Lab get in touch with me. BE SAFE!!!! and God Bless you and your
men and all Service Men and Women in the Armed Forces.
Bill
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March 26th > Update...
Just to keep all of our friends and family updated, we will be leaving
on Friday.
The new address is: 1st Platoon, B Co. 1-8th IN (M), UNIT # 92598, APO AE
09323-2598.
Talk to you later. SFC Berg
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March 28th >
I just want to say thank you for giving room on your
web site to those servicemen. It's so kind and gracious of you to do that.
I'm sure the Sgt and all his men appreciate your kindness. Thank you also
for granting his desire to have a dog to share with someone who means so
much to him. I wish we had more Americans like you and Bob who stand in
support of our men and women in the military. It wasn't to much like that
when I was in the Army serving in Vietnam. Again thank you so much for
caring about our soldiers and our nation. Gary
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| March 31st > Sent to SFC Berg by a
friend... |
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I AM AN AMERICAN
I am an American, defender of freedom and guardian of the nation.
The service I render to my country is not only for duty, but an honor and
 a
privilege. Duty, as a citizen whose life holds the responsibility for a
country in high regard. Honor as an individual before God with respect
for the ideals that makes these United States a democracy. Privilege, for
the
ability to give, and forget enough to have been born in a land where my
life, mind, and ideals are my own.
To serve our country, as a fighting man is trust bestowed on me by the
people. It is my hope for millions outside our borders, who suffer under
the rampage of tyranny, the absence of justice and
freedom.
As an American fighting man, I find faith in my God, and courage those who
have gone before me. My reason for service is a symbol for all men to see
that the sacrifices of my fellow Americans were not in vain.
I make no claim to another's land or government, but stand ready at the
borders for freedom, not as an aggressor, but as a defender; and the Nations
of the world will know that "the pursuit of happiness" is more than
spoken words, but a way of life.
The orders I receive are derived from the people and I am responsible to
them.
Lt. John L. Banks, III USAF
Killed in Viet Nam 3/29/66
(Pretty AWESOME picture. Whoever thought of it did a
great job. This is good. Author Unknown)
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April 12th > Update on the troops...
I got to talk with Carl last week from Kuwait. Terrible connection
but it was great to hear his voice. He said it was terribly hot and the sand
was just blowing everywhere. He seemed to be in good spirits and they all
want to get their job done so they can come home. SFC Berg's Wife.
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April 14th > Update...
Am so proud that SFC Berg will be getting one of
Viking x Lightning's pups, thanks to your generosity. REALLY enjoyed the
Christian quotes on your website! Jesus Christ is my best friend and
He is so proud of what you and Bob are doing. Thanks from me too.
Blessings, Mary (Viking's Owner)
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April 23rd > Message received from
the family of a troop...
Hello my name is Carol, I am a sister of one of the troops. I
wanted to say thank you for putting all the soldiers in my brothers company
on your wed site. It's something my mother (Angel) also thought was great.
We look at your web site to see if you heard from him and to see the
pictures you put up. You seem like very wonderful people to be brave enough
to put up the wed site with soldiers with all the protesting. It's great to
know there are people like you. I think that know matter what people think
about the war, they should still back their country. After all, we give them
the right to disagree, that is the freedom of speech in our country.
I also have a prayer for the soldiers:
...Carol |
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JUST FOR YOU
I SAID A PRAYER FOR YOU
TODAY
AND KNOW THAT GOD MUST HAVE
HEARD.
I FELT THE ANSWER IN MY HEART
ALTHOUGH HE SPOKE NO WORD.
I DID NOT ASK FOR WEALTH OR FAME
(I KNEW YOU WOULD NOT MIND)
I ASKED FOR HIM TO SEND TREASURES OF A FAR MORE LASTING KIND.
I ASKED THAT HE WOULD BE NEAR YOU
AT THE START OF EACH NEW DAY
TO GRANT YOU HEALTH AND
BLESSINGS
AND FRIENDS TO SHARE YOUR WAY
I ASKED FOR HAPPINESS FOR YOU
IN ALL THINGS GREAT AND SMALL
BUT-IT WAS FOR HIS LOVING CARE
I PRAYED FOR MOST OF ALL.
WE THANK ALL THE SOLDIER PROTECTING OUR FAMILIES
ARE PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.
(Author > Sister of one of the
troops) |
April 23rd > Update on the families of the
troops...
I am doing my best to let everyone know, but believe me there hasn't
been any information given to us to give out. Each day my friends who's
husbands are also gone discuss how little we know and now there isn't even
much on CNN, FOX, MSN, etc. I was one of the lucky ones to receive a phone
call a few weeks ago. My neighbor hasn't heard anything yet, besides a
local newspaper article describing the "critters" they are encountering
which mentioned her husband's unit. I am sure Carl and his soldiers will
enjoy the cards and packages people are sending. Save your money on
stamps though - they don't have to have postage to send from there back
to the U.S. Our neighborhood is full of yellow ribbons and American
flags. I think you're in the minority if the soldier is still home. Soccer
season has started and there are only moms at the practices, they sure miss
their dad's yelling in support of doing their best and winning the
games.. Again, thank you for supporting them. If I do get any info I will
be sure to pass it on. Take Care, SFC Berg's Wife
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May 23rd > Update on the Troops...
Carl was able to call about 2 am Friday
morning. It had been 6 weeks since I had heard from him. He was able
to say the they are guarding things and doing patrols, it's extremely
hot, they are hungry but are getting MRE's. He also said he had received
mail and packages and was thrilled with that. I told him several people had
been asking if I'd heard if he'd received them yet. He said he was writing
everyone back, etc...It seems they are getting mail more than we are
receiving it from them. It's taking about 2 weeks for them to get stuff but
about a month for us to receive letters. Better that way. Any how, he
seemed up in spirit but had not heard any news of a return date and didn't
think he'd be able to call any time soon.
That's all I have for an update but wanted to share what I did know. Thanks
to you all for thinking of him. Amy
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June 9th > Update on the Troops
from Carl's family...hello, just wanted to let you know that we heard
from my brother SFC Berg. his letters sound like he is in good spirit. I was
very glad to finally hear from him. He is getting his mail pretty good now
even though it takes a month, the are starting to show up.
The soldiers in Carl's unit still need help in supplies and food. They are
not getting alot of food and need wipes to stay clean. Thanks for all your
help.
Carl has a name picked out for his dog. It's going to be Knight's Freedom.
Well I will try to keep in touch more often to let you know how they are
doing over there.
Thanks, Carol
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June 28th > Several of us met
at Bill and Chris's for a BBQ and met Carl's family, got to hear all about
the troops and Carl, sharing the letters to read and had a wonderful time.
Bill and Gregg demonstrated the labrador's on retrieves of bumpers and we
all enjoyed seeing Max, Maverick, Puck, and Baxter.
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July 23rd > Carl has sent me 4
cameras so far. I have attached the photos from one of the cd's. I don't
know most of the soldiers faces so I can't tell who they are but thought you
may recognize someone. In the next couple of days I will try and get the
other cd's loaded and sent to you. I have tons of pictures of the scenery
but thought that faces were better. ...Amy
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