Beast Battery Families and Friends,



As you might have heard by now Secretary Rumsfield announced yesterday that several units in Iraq will have their tour of duty extended due to ongoing combat operations. This announcement extended Beast Battery, 1-62 ADA two months pass the scheduled one year redeployment mark; extending us to MAR05.



At 2000h last night, I gathered the battery and personally told my brave young warriors our new redeployment date. As expected, a few heads hung low. I told them, “Our nation is calling upon us to fight beyond our scheduled redeployment date. The Army is not for the weak and faint hearted. If 28FEB05 is the road to home, let’s attack it head-on with renewed vigor and not fail the American people to whom we swore to support and defend.” Afterwards I told them, “ Beast, you have ten seconds to scream, whine, and complain at the top of your lungs.” They let off a loud and thunderous war cry that echoed across the entire camp. To my amazement few yelled, “Too Easy.” When the ten seconds were over, these selfless warrior picked up their rifles, put on their warfaces back on, and went back to the business of defending everything we cherish as Americans. I told them to call home and let their loved ones know. I’m certain tears were shed as their spouses, parents, and children heard the news over the phone. Nevertheless, I’m comforted by the fact that just like us Soldiers, our Army families are just as resilient. Army wives are a special breed. They are one of a kind.



Team, the true measure of a man (or an Army family) is not during times of comfort and convenience but rather during times of challenge and difficulty. Your service to our nation has exceeded all measures of dedication and selfless service. America is grateful for the sacrifices its troop and their families make while our nation is at war. You’re an embodiment of everything that is good and noble as Americans. Thank you for your patriotism and love for our country. God bless all of you and God bless America.



Continuing to hold freedom’s frontline – Iraq,



CPT Matt Marbella

Commander

Beast Battery, 1-62 ADA



FIGHT LIKE HELL!

Iraq War Today