[Rastus]

Got a phone call a few minutes ago. Craig was due home next week.

Seems his squad went out on one last patrol, they got too close to a land mine? and six of his squad died instantly. Craig lost both legs. He is now in Germany. Craig was able to call his wife and talk with her, so he appears to be out of life threatening danger.

I would ask each of you to give Craig, his family and the familes of his fallen platoon members a special thought or prayer in this difficult time.

May God be with our Servicemen, Always.

Rastus

 

[TX_ZUKI]

My prayers are with Craig, his family, and our troops. :usa

 

[OldGoat]

troops

Rastus I am so sorry to read this. Hope he has the very best care and is able to return to the states ASAP. None of us take the freedom for granted but I hate he had to suffer for it and his fellow troopers had to suffer and die for it.

 

[Rastus]

BAGHDAD, Iraq, Feb. 25 - The United States military command on Friday announced the deaths of five American soldiers and the wounding of at least nine others. The day's biggest attack, a roadside bomb blast in a town outside Baghdad, struck a patrol on what was to be one of the last combat missions for some members of the First Cavalry Division before they returned home.

The bombing, in Tarmiya, 30 miles north of Baghdad on the Tigris, killed three soldiers and wounded nine. Witnesses said the soldiers had dismounted from a convoy of Humvees and had begun a foot patrol when the bomb detonated. Tarmiya is in the heart of the so-called Sunni Triangle, which has been hit by a new wave of insurgent attacks since the Jan. 30 elections.

The bomb appeared to have been hidden among palm trees beside the road, according to an Associated Press account quoting local residents. The account described about a dozen American soldiers lying "on blood-spattered ground" after the attack, and said American and Iraqi forces quickly sealed off the area. The dead and wounded were flown to an American field hospital in Baghdad aboard Black Hawk helicopters.

A command spokesman said the patrol attacked in Tarmiya was a mixed group comprising soldiers of the First Cavalry Division and the Third Infantry Division, which are in the midst of a handover of military operations in Baghdad and outlying districts. The cavalry division, based in Fort Hood, Tex., has already begun sending some of its soldiers home as part of an annual rotation in which most of the 155,000 American troops now in Iraq will be replaced by new units by April. The Third Infantry Division, based in Fort Stewart, Ga., has returned for its second tour, after leading the American drive north from Kuwait and capturing Baghdad in April 2003.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I "believe" this is the story about it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/26/international/middleeast/26iraq.html

 

[mudgod]

Sorry to hear that. Maybe, at the summer run we could do something for his family. If something like an account is set up in his name be sure and post it up.

 

[RVREDDOG]

Sorry to hear that. Maybe, at the summer run we could do something for his family. If something like an account is set up in his name be sure and post it up.

I think thats an exellent idea,make it a summer/benefit run.Just bring whatever you can to the run. I`m sure with a wife and baby he could sure use it! I wonder if we can put something about this on the sign up list?

 

[Rastus]

I'm not sure what all is needed right now, if anything. tho I am sure he would love to get cards and letters from his fellow texans and wheelers.

 

[Rastus]

News story on TV

http://www.ksat.com/news/4237774/detail.html

 

[OldGoat]

run

A benefit run is a great idea!

 

[RVREDDOG]

Dam,it`s quiet in here!!!!!!

 

[mudgod]

Yes it is. Sillygirl, how did the surgery go? Did his family get to leave yet? I'm glad they got to go and be with him. The poor guy has just about gave everything he can for his country, and for that I thank you Craig. I hope you feel better soon!

 

[Rastus]

I renamed this thread, so the family and friends searching for it would have an easier time finding it.

I will ask Grace to update this thread tonight.

All your thoughts and concerns are much appreaciated.

 

[almeraz]

kenny and family sorry for what hapend to Craig we will prying for Him.

 

[chuy8084]

Hi, I'm Craigs father. My wife, Daughter-in-law and I wanted to thank everybody for their prayers and support. Heres an update on my sons condition. My son lost both legs (above the knees). Had surgery Sunday morning and did very good. Spoke to him later that day and was still doing good. Talked to him again yesterday was very alert still in alot pain but doing good. Doctors told him that in a couple of days he'll be transfered to the U.S.. Hope and pray that the army sends us there to meet up with him. I'll update as I get news from Craig. Once again I want to thank you all very much from my wife, daughter-in-law and grandson.

 

[Hollywood]

yall let me know what i can do to help and hope every body gets home safe.

 

[acprokeith]

good to hear. the hospital is so depressing, hope he gets out ASAP.

 

[OldGoat]

good

Glad to hear he is getting around, he has our thoughts and our prayers too.

 

[mnmstoy]

speechless

I just read this post. My heart goes out to Craig and his family.
COMING HOME is the best feeling in the world.
I may not know all you guys but, I know what it is to serve in the military.
BM3 Hernandez here served USN 93 - 97.
Welcome home brother.
Mike

 

[Silver girl]

glad he's doin ok ...bigok
Congrats Craig....:toast:

 

[TX_ZUKI]

Awesome! Great news to hear! crbaby nfire: