Letters from Iraq
Mr. Binzer,
Just wanted to write and let you know that the 1SG(s) and I received our packages. Great stuff! Can't tell you how much the Hooahs appreciate those gifts. Especially Copenhagen in the cardboard tin - for some reason we can only get it in plastic tins and it's not as good. I guy with a cardboard can of Cope enjoys a certain status around here. You guys have done a real nice gesture, thanks to your team. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Blue Spaders!
Very Respectfully, Benjamin A. Ruschell CPT, Infantry Blue Spaders!
1SG Dale L. Veneklasen
A co 1-26 IN
Operation Iraqi Freedom II
FOB Brassfield-Mora
APO AE 09392
December 21, 2004
Dear Friends:
Want to express my gratitude for the wonderful gesture by sending me a letter/package. Let me start off by letting you know a little about my military career and myself. I come from a very small city in South Dakota, "Estelline" population 700 with caring attitude. I've never experienced additional caring such as VFW expresses. Knowing there are Americans with values and understanding of the war on terror, makes me appreciate my current life style that much more.
I've lived the military life coming up on 15 years. Started my career in February 1989: basic training was an experience every young adult both male and female should experience. It started at Fort Benning Georgia with follow on assignment to: Schweinfurt Germany serving as a: rifleman, squad automatic weapon gunner, Bradley Driver, Bradley Gunner, Bradley Commander. I realize this is terminology most Americans would not probably understand, however, once it's lived the appreciation for the job becomes exciting. I then decided to leave the military life and return home to Estelline, where I was approached to become the local city police officer. Another rewarding job, helping young kids realize the importance of living and making mistakes. Unfortunately, my beautiful wife of 3 years then needed to return back to Germany and help take care of her parents. This is when I decided to make the military a career. I then moved to Fort Carson Colorado, and spent 2 � years there prior to returning back to Schweinfurt Germany, this is where I'm currently stationed. Some of my deployments include: Gulf War 8 months, Kuwait 4 months, Macedonia 7 months, Bosnia 7 months, Macedonia 6 months, Kosovo 8 months and this current deployment to Iraq now for 10 � months. Sounds if this deployment will last an additional 2 � months going home in early to middle March 2005.
I'm married to a beautiful little German lady "Lisa" for 14 years and have two wonderful daughters: Amanda 13 and Jessica 8. They currently reside in Schweinfurt awaiting my return. I love to just spend time with the family and relax whenever possible, as you've read, time away from home becomes normal to me. After September 11th, I realized freedom is taken for granted by Americans. I realize the importance of fighting terrorism away from our motherland. A job I'm proud to do and plan to volunteer in this wonderful organization until mission complete. I'm currently a mechanized Infantry First Sergeant, responsible for 172 soldiers, "Hooahs". We are staying in a little patrol base call FOB Uvanni, named after a WARRIOR who gave his all during combat. The FOB is located in the city of Sammara, population 200,000. Values and understanding what it means to be free is a slow process to give the Iraqi people. A land of: car bombs, mortars, snipers, rpg's, and a small percent of people who just have no concept of being free. On the other hand, we are making a difference. Children are going to: school, playing sports and helping to bring to small percentage of bad people to justice.
My company has received numerous valorous awards and decorations. In just 9 � short months my: company has received 40 Purple Hearts, 6 Bronze Stars with Valor, 12 Army Commendation Medals with Valor, and all 172 soldiers received the prestigious Combat Infantry Man's Badge. Thank God I have not lost a soldier by giving his all, it's my responsibility to watch and guide them to a direction of success.
E-mail is a challenge, but hope to hear from you when the opportunity allows. Please understand a slow response, the computer accessibility is limited, and my soldiers deserve the opportunity to e-mail love ones as much as I owe you a response for the great letter I received.
I had almost forgot to describe myself: I'm 34 years old and stand 6'4" tall, 247lbs "Not Fat". Fortunately, my haircuts are getting cheaper as time goes in the military; I guess the saying bald is beautiful best describes me. Very intimidating too younger soldiers though. If there are any additional questions, feel free to e-mail or mail me a letter at the above address.
Sincerely:
DALE L. VENEKLASEN
1SG, USA
First Sergeant
As a proud life member of the VFW "Sioux Falls South Dakota", let me again say thanks for the gesture. My soldiers truly appreciate it! May all the veterans of blue grass 680 have asafe and Joyous Holiday Season!
Thank you Blue Grass Post!
The soldiers, NCO's, and officers of Bravo Company 1-26 IN thank you for your support. The coffee, cigarettes, and snuff are what we needed. I know they are bad habbits, but just like you said in your letter they hit the spot after a long patrol in the city.
Our company is located in the city of Samarra, Iraq. We are north of Bagdad and south of Tikrit. We live in the city. We took the city back form the insurgents in October and have been here ever since. We are currently in the process of making the town a better place for Iraqis to live. Its hard work, but we are making slow progress. We do not have a PX, chow hall, or any of those nice things that our support units have. Every time we get a package it puts a smile on our faces.
I have family in the Blue grass state. My mom lives in Sturgis where she teaches school. I also have cousins in Lexington. It is great to have support all over the country and especially the Blue Grass state.
Thank you
1SG Todd W. Sims
Bushmaster 7