Alpha Gam leaving for Iraq

[AlphaGamDiva]

Please keep a Theta Iota sister in your thoughts and prayers. Nicole was my last roommate while i was in school, and she's in the Nat'l Guard. She leaves on Tuesday for Wisconsin for 45 days, and then she's off to Iraq for 18 months. It's just kinda scary, but I am also EXTREMELY proud of her. I talked to her last night, and she said she's ready....but it's so hard to imagine 18 months. I'm going to Bowling Green this weekend to see her before she goes.....just please keep her, her fellow soldiers, and their family and friends in your prayers.

Thanks!

Please tell her that her Hawai`i sisters are all pulling for her. When one of our alums went off to a secret mission (even though we had a feeling it was Iraq because it was at the height of the war) we were all frantic, so we know it is to worry!

Red and buff roses to her!

[AGDee]

I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

alphagammadelta.org has a list of Alpha Gams serving in the military. If she isn't listed, you should email them and let them know her information so that she can get the recognition that she deserves!

Dee

ETA: I think she's the first one on the list, so they have her info already.

[AGDLynn]

I actually met Nicole!!! Gosh has it been 1 or 2 years?? It was at the end of the school year and almost everyone had left the AGD house(s).

Praying that she (and all our sisters) will come back soon and safely!

Loyally,
Lynn

[Taualumna]

Prayers for Nicole and wishing her a safe tour and safe return home.

[AGDLynn]

I got this email today from Katy Harris Hohman's hubby. Katy is a Theta Delta alumna and is serving as Gamma Tau Recruitment Advisor. This is from her hubby, Jed, just before he left. today... I think it probably the sentiments of many of our brave sisters and brothers, moms, dads, and anyone else we care about in our military...


"As many of you know, I volunteered for this mission. A few of you had a hard time understanding why I would do such a thing. I struggled to find the words to describe why I am doing what I am doing. Well, when I was reading "The Battle of Mogadishu: Firsthand Accounts From the Men of Task Force Ranger" I found the perfect words. the book was actually written by Matt Eversman, he was one of my instructors when I first came into the military, and he had a huge impact on the soldier I am today. The quote is as follows:

"Most soldiers, and infantrymen in particular, live with one question all the days that they wear a uniform. It doesn't matter if they are newly commissioned second lieutenants from the school on the banks of the Hudson or eighteen-year-old high school graduates right out of basic training. Somewhere deep inside their psyche, every single man who joins the infantry wants to know how he will react when the bullets start flying. When you get right down to it, I do not think I have ever met a man who didn't want to go to war in some way, shape, or form. Many wax philosophical about the thought of combat and all that it entails, but I've never met a guy who deep down, didn't want to go for the test. Why else would men subject themselves to the endless hours of training? Why would they put up with the long periods of separation from loved ones? Why would they suffer for the low pay and the stress? Why would they push themselves to the extreme day after day? I can think of only on reason: to go to war, to get a shot at the title, to pass the final exam--whatever cliche one uses to describe battle. That's what soldiers do, I thought; that's why we exist, to go to war and win. At least that is how I looked at it."

I hope that this excerpt from the book helps you understand why I am doing what I am doing. It is something I feel down to my very core. Some of you may never understand, but I hope you support my decision."

Here's to Jed and all the others.....and special prayers and thoughts for Katy!!

Yesterday, 2500 soldiers in the Hawaii National Guard 29th Infantry Brigade left for Fort Bliss, TX to prepare for combat in Iraq. Within this brigade is the 100th Battalion Reserve Unit, historically known as the Purple Heart Battalion, one of the most decorated units from WWII comprised of Americans of Japanese Ancestry.





Saturday afternoon Hawaii gave them a proper aloha at the Hawaii football game where all 2500 soldiers stood in attention before 45,000 fans. There was not a dry eye in the house.

Still, amidst the fanfare and regalia are my 5 cousins, all in the 29th. I know that Roland, my senior-most cousin, is ready to lead my family and the men and women of his unit into whatever direction this "battle" takes them.

To all our sisters, husbands, significant others, family and friends serving our great nation, I offer my humble thanks. I pray for your safety and speedy return, and I also hope your families have a sense of comfort during this difficult time.

[AlphaGamDiva]

i saw nicole on saturday....she seemed to be doing quite well although extremely tired. she left this morning for WI. myself and my little had dinner with her and her family, as well as the guy she's dating (in her unit....watch out!) who volunteered to go. volunteered as in his unit wasn't leaving, so he got himself transferred to BG.

the last thing i told her was that i love her and am proud of her, as we all are. she was just made an E4, and was told about a month into being in iraq, she'll get her sgt.....which is the fastest promotion ever. SO proud of her and ALL of our soldiers.

[AlphaGamDiva]

nicole leaves out for iraq on tuesday....she called last night and she sounds in good spirits......but if the reality hadn't hit before, it's sure hit now.

18 months......