The First Days (a soldier's record of his unit's first days in Iraq)

[proud2BlibKansan]

Run time: 07:00 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esMqkxBmwuw   Posted on YouTube: April 12, 2008 By YouTube Member: Views on YouTube: 0   Posted on DU: April 13, 2008 By DU Member: proud2BlibKansan Views on DU: 829

 

[LibGranny]

1. The 1st Days (in Iraq)

I'd like to tell you about my nephew, Colby Farnan, who was
sent to Iraq in Feb 2005.  He spent approx. 3 weeks in Kuwait
(staging area) then on to Baghdad.  On his 4th day there, he
was with a unit from Ft Hood (his unit was from Ft Riley, KS)
and they were doing a sweep of a neighborhood in Taji.  An IED
was detonated and Colby, along with 2 other young soldiers,
were killed and several were injured.  Colby was there only 4
DAYS and to compound this horror, he was killed on his
mother's birthday!  I can't describe the devastation felt by
the entire family.  Colby was from a small town in Missouri
(close to Ft Leavenworth) and the whole town turned out for
his funeral.  Thank God those crazy people from Topeka (the
Phelps' clan) didn't show for his funeral.  I'll tell you who
did show though - a student section from the Command &
General Staff College at Ft Leavenworth!  They stood by the
side of the road, all in their dress uniforms, and saluted as
the hearse and family cars went by.  Colby's family have
started a tradition called "A Walk to Remember"
begun in March 2006 and people in the area donate
money/participate in a walk to raise money to purchase
Battlefield Memorials for soldiers from MO and KS who've been
killed in Iraq.  (Battlefield Memorials are made of bronze and
are the boots with a rifle stuck in them with the helmet on
top)!  This is a yearly event (always in March) and they've
raised over 30K to purchase the memorials.  Colby was a
one-in-a-million guy - always smiling/laughing and a friend to
all.  I remember at the deployment party given by his family,
he made sure to greet and talk to everyone in attendance -
even the "old folks."  It's been over 3 years and I
still can't think of Colby without tears.  We still miss you
Colby!

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. I know Colby's mom and dad

I met his mom at Camp Casey and both of his parents have come to the Plaza for our Sunday vigils. Sure wish they would come more often. If you are in the KC area, you should come too. 4 to 5 every Sunday in front of Nichols Fountain, 47 and Main. We are also at 63 and Ward Parkway every Tuesday from 5 to 6.

Welcome to DU :hi:

[LibGranny]

3. I'd love to!

PS - I tried to post my shot of Mario's "shot" but couldn't get it to work! Going to the parade today? Rock Chalk Jayhawk - Go KU!

[proud2BlibKansan]

4. My kids want to go to the parade

I hate to miss a Sunday on the Plaza but it is so cold. I am not sure what we will do.

But please come down to the Plaza and stand with us. :)

[DUlover2909]

5. F-This stupid war wasting good people.

[CJP]

6. Thanks again!

Once again I get a ton of views from this site!

Thank you all so much.

I have made yet another film call Day of The Mechanic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TATSziNaTic

Soldiers speaking their minds, and what we have to through
to make a living.

Casey