CJ: For our troops, from our troops

'I'd dive in any foxhole with them...'
This tribute is to all of my fellow 1-3 ADA soldiers who crossed the Iraq border with me in March of 2003. We traveled for weeks and only stopped to refuel and to switch drivers not knowing how long it would take us to get there or if we would even make it. I grew close to my fellow soldiers especially my commo brothers who stuck by each other through thick and thin. A special thank you goes out to SFC PAYNE, SFC WILLIAMS,SFC COLEMAN,SSG JOHNSON,SSG FRANKS, LAMB WATTY, STADLER. These guys had my back just like I had there and I'd dive in any foxhole with them to fight anyday. To these guys and all the rest of 1-3 ADA God Bless and thanks for the memories. To the families of those who died for this country let me be one of many to send my gratefulness and heartfelt gratitude to you and these fallen heroes.
--Spc James C. Davis (Aka) Big D, Knoxville Tenn.

Remembered after almost 40 years
I remember all thirteen of the fallen soldiers in my company that made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom in Vietnam from April '67 to April '68. To these heroes, i say a prayer, that it may not have been in vain, and you are remembered. A company, 2-34th armored regiment (dreadnaughts).
--Mario A. Solis, Buda, Texas

A tribute to Robert Dowdy
Let me first say to my fellow military members to keep it tight and watch each others' backs.
I'm a retired Warrant Officer from the Air Defense community (Patriot) and the soldier I would like to mention in remembrance is 1SG Robert Dowdy, who was killed in Iraq during the ambush of the 507th Maintenance Company. 1SG Dowdy and I served together in the same unit at Ft. Bliss, Texas from 1998 - 2000. I last saw 1SG Dowdy while we were both in Kuwait about a week or two before their movement into Iraq. I was assigned to a unit in the Middle East at the time, which supported all deploying Patriot units to the region prior to the war beginning and through to the President officially calling an end to major combat operations in May 2003.
1SG Dowdy was a straight-up soldier and leader. There was nothing too big or too small for him to help someone else. I remember talking to him the last time I saw him and told him to be careful and get back with all his soldiers, safely. I guess it wasn't meant to be that easy. He's truly missed by many people and I truly hope and pray his family has found peace and comfort in this tragic loss. The same to all the members and family of the 507th, Fort Bliss, and the Air Defense Family worldwide.
--Edward L. Hines, CW2 (Ret.) U.S. Army

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