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leopardprey · 19 August 2007, 06:57 PM

Just would like to point out the fine job I see many young men doing that I am working alongside here in Afghanistan. Young 18-22 year old troopers from the 82nd Airborne. Cooks, Clerks, Mechanics, and Commo guys that have been thrust into Infantry and MP type positions searching vehicles and personnel at Entry Control Points and doing convoy security. Two of the most risky and hard jobs here. These young men, instead of taking the easy way out, volunteered for the Army in time of war and then volunteered for Jump School as well. My hat is off to them! Please keep these young men in your prayers!! They are really needed.

mailman · 19 August 2007, 07:15 PM

Will do Chad

I'm well aware that it's because of men and women like you I can enjoy my freedom here

astcell · 19 August 2007, 08:19 PM

Chad, I was talking to some civilian buddies last week and one told me he could never serve. He is 25 and in good shape, so I asked him why. He said he would love to, but he doesn't have the guts. That's the most honest damned answer I have ever heard. Not everyone has the guts to do this. Never thought of it that way before! You are surrounded by true warriors.

leopardprey · 19 August 2007, 08:37 PM

Yeah, Astcell, been really impressed by these young 82nd Paratroopers. Kind of gives me hope for the younger generation (oh, Crap did I just say that, I am getting old!!!)

Teofilo · 19 August 2007, 08:40 PM

Troops from East Anglia are currently in the war zone as well and it is a sobering experience to see the news reports virtually every night showing pictures of local men who have been killed. Last week a trooper was killed and his Captain came on the news and said what a nice bloke and a good soldier the dead man had been. The very next day the Captain himself was killed.
My own view of the solution is not for wider knowledge, but I wish God Speed and a quick and safe return to all our troops fighting extremism.

Robb · 19 August 2007, 10:07 PM

Will do Chad.. You are in my prayers too bro!

SWFLA1 · 19 August 2007, 10:10 PM

Amen, Chad... A friend of mine (from Logansport) lost his son over there Wednesday.

rjp · 20 August 2007, 01:53 AM

prayers from Delaware!

jasonbellevue · 20 August 2007, 02:49 AM

Chad, I echo the same sentiments, our family always include our men and women not only in uniform but the people who unselfishly ensure that we enjoy our freedom and way of life. God be with you and our troops always.

JJ Irani · 20 August 2007, 04:03 AM

Good work, Chad!!

SPACE-DWELLER · 20 August 2007, 04:18 AM

Danish prayers coming right up!

JJ Irani · 20 August 2007, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

Danish prayers coming right up!

Send them along with a translator, tosser!!

Blue Bull · 20 August 2007, 05:10 AM

Thats one of the sad aspects of these type of scenarios.The age of the men(Boys ?) involved ..... 18-22 years old.Most of us on this forum are a bit more advanced in years.We have experienced just a bit more of life .... marriage,university,children etc etc.We know they are not really men, but still boys .....
Throughout history ,it has always been like this ... the Boer War,Great War,2nd World War,Vietnam etc.Thats really not the age to die .... 18-22 years old .

All the best to these men,ther families and to you Chad ..

leopardprey · 20 August 2007, 05:22 AM

Well, That is why I call them MEN. 18-22 year olds in College are still BOYS. These guys have become MEN at a early age, based on their experiences and responsbilities. What also shows in their resolve is the very high retention rate. Most are re-enlisting as they are very proud of their jobs and this reponsibility and the warrior brotherhood, despite the risks. These guys have definately had some adventures at their young age and many stories to tell. Just like the WWII generataion. (Ironically the War in Afghansitan and IRaq, has now lasted longer than the USA's involvement in WWII).

OT, talking with a few the other day about watches. Several expressed wanting to get Rolex watches as well. Too bad the PX stopped selling Rolex back in the mid-90s. It is very common for soldiers to buy a Rolex, with their overseas combat pay or their re-enlistment bonus.

Welshwatchman · 20 August 2007, 05:23 AM

They are in my thoughts Chad, along with you.

Blue Bull · 20 August 2007, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leopardprey

Well, That is why I call them MEN. 18-22 year olds in College are still BOYS. These guys have become MEN at a early age, based on their experiences and responsbilities. What also shows in their resolve is the very high retention rate. Most are re-enlisting as they are very proud of their jobs and this reponsibility and the warrior brotherhood, despite the risks. These guys have definately had some adventures at their young age and many stories to tell. Just like the WWII generataion. (Ironically the War in Afghansitan and IRaq, has now lasted longer than the USA's involvement in WWII).

OT, talking with a few the other day about watches. Several expressed wanting to get Rolex watches as well. Too bad the PX stopped selling Rolex back in the mid-90s. It is very common for soldiers to buy a Rolex, with their overseas combat pay or their re-enlistment bonus.

Wow,already longer than the involvement in WW II.Unbelievable.

Does anybody know how many US and other nationalitties soldiers, have died in Iraq and Afganistan ?

Hows the risk to personal safety in Afghanistan vs Iraq ?

leopardprey · 20 August 2007, 05:39 AM

Figures vary, because many of the personnel conducing military operations in Iraq are not listed as Soldiers, but civlian contractors under Dept of Army Orders conducting Security Work. We lost 25 men on my project in Iraq. (See the thread on this section, started by Subfiend for more info: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=20065 ).

So far in Iraq it is around 3500 US Soldiers and close to 1000 civilian contractors. In Afghanistan it is several hundred.

Here is a current Dept of Defence link: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/casualty.pdf Now, from a military veiwpoint, in as long as the war on two fronts has been going, military casualties are actually very very low, when you compare to say WWII, when just in the battle of the bulge, 19,000 american soldiers were killed or 6.825 US Service members killed in the battle for Iwo Jima or Vietnam, where 59,000 soldiers where killed. But, in my opinion, from what I have observed, many of the US Casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan could have been prevented if we would have prosecuted the war to it's fullest extent.

I don't feel there is really any difference in the risk factor/threat levels between Iraq and Afghanistan. The difference is we less than 20,000 troops in Afghan and about 130,000 troops in Iraq. So of course military casualty numbers will be higher in Iraq, but the ratio is about the same. Recently Afghanistan has gotten much worse. Attacks against coalition forces are 85% higher than a year ago, and Suicide Bombers are 67% higher than a year ago. Also we are starting to see more advanced IED technology infiltrate Afghan. Things we have been seeing in Iraq for over a year are starting to make their way here.

One of the FOBs I overlook, just had 6 US Soldiers killed two weeks ago. 2 from Sniper Fire and 4 from an IED. Then 3 members from 7th Special Forces were killed by a IED last week.

I was here in Afghan (Kabul) over 5 years ago at the start of the war, and I can tell you things have change completely over here since then. Personnally I think we need to get more aggressive in Iraq and Afghanistan, increase the number of troops, become less politically correct and start to prosecute the war. Well, don't want to get political, that can be for another thread. I just started this thread to point out the bravery I see young 18-22 year old soldiers just out of high shcool performing, adn to ask for prayers to protect these young men.

Obsession · 20 August 2007, 05:57 AM

I need to be prayed too.

Letsgodiving · 20 August 2007, 06:31 AM

I was in the 82nd in the late '80's, 313th MI Bn, and trained quite a bit with the guys in 7th SFG and the men I was serving with were some of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing.

One of the best memories of my life was going to an 82nd ABN convention when I was a 20 year old kid and talking to all the WWII paratroopers. They were so proud of us at the time and we couldn't understand how these men who had helped win WWII with all their legendary exploits could look up to us. It just blew our mind.

But now I can see where they were coming from. Each generation represents the 82nd and builds on the legacy that they started and the men of today are doing the WWII boys very proud.

Anthony · 20 August 2007, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leopardprey

Well, That is why I call them MEN. 18-22 year olds in College are still BOYS. These guys have become MEN at a early age, based on their experiences and responsbilities. What also shows in their resolve is the very high retention rate. Most are re-enlisting as they are very proud of their jobs and this reponsibility and the warrior brotherhood, despite the risks. These guys have definately had some adventures at their young age and many stories to tell. Just like the WWII generataion. (Ironically the War in Afghansitan and IRaq, has now lasted longer than the USA's involvement in WWII).

OT, talking with a few the other day about watches. Several expressed wanting to get Rolex watches as well. Too bad the PX stopped selling Rolex back in the mid-90s. It is very common for soldiers to buy a Rolex, with their overseas combat pay or their re-enlistment bonus.

Hey Chad,
Great post and I couldn't agree more! I can honestly say that the highlight for me so far was when I re-enlisted one of my Marines out here. A day I'll never forget. I'm proud and honored to serve with these guys.
On another note, I still wish they still sold Rolex in the PX. I was looking at the catalog out here and they have everyone else from Omega to Movado, but no Rolex.

Oh well. R&R it is then...
Take care and be safe,
tony

Rubenonfire · 20 August 2007, 08:35 AM

Great post, Chad.

Thanks for keeping this right where it belongs...at the front of our minds.

Gaijin · 20 August 2007, 08:36 AM

I honor thier service and sacrifice... and your's. Be safe.

Teofilo · 26 August 2007, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teofilo

Troops from East Anglia are currently in the war zone as well and it is a sobering experience to see the news reports virtually every night showing pictures of local men who have been killed. Last week a trooper was killed and his Captain came on the news and said what a nice bloke and a good soldier the dead man had been. The very next day the Captain himself was killed.
My own view of the solution is not for wider knowledge, but I wish God Speed and a quick and safe return to all our troops fighting extremism.

3 more brave lads from the Royal Anglians were killed in Afganistan on Thursday. The worst thing was they were killed by so called "friendly fire" by a USAF pilot. I just think that technology has increased quicker than the ability of some pilots to cope with it.

Zack · 26 August 2007, 10:03 AM

I've been to Iraq twice at 1 year a piece. I know exactly what these guys are going through and I pray for their safety everyday. I can tell you that soldiers serving over there REALLY REALLY appreciate the support we get from people back home!

nodnarb757 · 26 August 2007, 03:01 PM

My father served in the 82nd, and the 101st.

Ronnie Rolex · 27 August 2007, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony

Hey Chad,
Great post and I couldn't agree more! I can honestly say that the highlight for me so far was when I re-enlisted one of my Marines out here. A day I'll never forget. I'm proud and honored to serve with these guys.
On another note, I still wish they still sold Rolex in the PX. I was looking at the catalog out here and they have everyone else from Omega to Movado, but no Rolex.

Oh well. R&R it is then...
Take care and be safe,
tony

Tony,

First off, thank you for your service.

Secondly, who determines what is sold at the PX? If there are enough people asking can't they get them? I'm sure many of the vets would like to purchase a watch to remember their service/comrades in arms. Kind of like the modern day Zippo's from the Vietnam war.

BLSampson · 27 August 2007, 05:33 AM

Chad,
Perhaps if the Paretroopers wanted a Rolex, someone could hook them up with a stateside AD. They'd get it tax free plus perhaps a volume discount. There could be a market for this....not to profit off the Soldiers but to help them. Thoughts?

19 August 2007, 06:57 PM	#1
leopardprey Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Chad Location: Around the world Watch: Panerai 233 Posts: 4,204	Nothing but praise, and need your prayers Just would like to point out the fine job I see many young men doing that I am working alongside here in Afghanistan. Young 18-22 year old troopers from the 82nd Airborne. Cooks, Clerks, Mechanics, and Commo guys that have been thrust into Infantry and MP type positions searching vehicles and personnel at Entry Control Points and doing convoy security. Two of the most risky and hard jobs here. These young men, instead of taking the easy way out, volunteered for the Army in time of war and then volunteered for Jump School as well. My hat is off to them! Please keep these young men in your prayers!! They are really needed. Last edited by leopardprey; 19 August 2007 at 08:36 PM..

19 August 2007, 07:15 PM	#2
mailman TRF Moderator & SubLV41 2024 Patron Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: . Watch: 126610LN Posts: 35,510	Will do Chad I'm well aware that it's because of men and women like you I can enjoy my freedom here __________________ JJ

19 August 2007, 10:07 PM	#6
Robb 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Real Name: Robb Location: USA Watch: BLNR Posts: 4,939	Will do Chad.. You are in my prayers too bro! __________________ 126610LN l 166610LV l 126619LB l 116710BLNR l 126710BLRO l 126720VTNR l 126718GRNR l 116500 white l 116500 black l 116508 john mayer l 116519LN l 116503 white l 126655 l 226627 Ti Master l 116518LN

20 August 2007, 02:49 AM	#9
jasonbellevue "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Jason Location: at home Posts: 5,098	Chad, I echo the same sentiments, our family always include our men and women not only in uniform but the people who unselfishly ensure that we enjoy our freedom and way of life. God be with you and our troops always. __________________

20 August 2007, 04:03 AM	#10
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	Good work, Chad!! __________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

19 August 2007, 08:19 PM	#3
astcell "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Robert Location: Angelus Oaks, CA Watch: 116713 Posts: 6,828	Chad, I was talking to some civilian buddies last week and one told me he could never serve. He is 25 and in good shape, so I asked him why. He said he would love to, but he doesn't have the guts. That's the most honest damned answer I have ever heard. Not everyone has the guts to do this. Never thought of it that way before! You are surrounded by true warriors.

19 August 2007, 08:37 PM	#4
leopardprey Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Chad Location: Around the world Watch: Panerai 233 Posts: 4,204	Yeah, Astcell, been really impressed by these young 82nd Paratroopers. Kind of gives me hope for the younger generation (oh, Crap did I just say that, I am getting old!!!)

19 August 2007, 08:40 PM	#5
Teofilo Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Peter Location: East Anglia Watch: 14060M,16710 PEPSI Posts: 923	Troops from East Anglia are currently in the war zone as well and it is a sobering experience to see the news reports virtually every night showing pictures of local men who have been killed. Last week a trooper was killed and his Captain came on the news and said what a nice bloke and a good soldier the dead man had been. The very next day the Captain himself was killed. My own view of the solution is not for wider knowledge, but I wish God Speed and a quick and safe return to all our troops fighting extremism.

19 August 2007, 10:10 PM	#7
SWFLA1 Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: USA Posts: 226	Amen, Chad... A friend of mine (from Logansport) lost his son over there Wednesday.

20 August 2007, 01:53 AM	#8
rjp Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Avondale, PA Posts: 17	prayers from Delaware!

20 August 2007, 04:18 AM	#11
SPACE-DWELLER "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Bo Location: Denmark Watch: Rolex, of course! Posts: 22,436	Danish prayers coming right up! __________________ With kind regards, Bo LocTite 221: The Taming Of The Screw...

20 August 2007, 05:10 AM	#13
Blue Bull Banned Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 2,887	Thats one of the sad aspects of these type of scenarios.The age of the men(Boys ?) involved ..... 18-22 years old.Most of us on this forum are a bit more advanced in years.We have experienced just a bit more of life .... marriage,university,children etc etc.We know they are not really men, but still boys ..... Throughout history ,it has always been like this ... the Boer War,Great War,2nd World War,Vietnam etc.Thats really not the age to die .... 18-22 years old . All the best to these men,ther families and to you Chad ..

20 August 2007, 05:22 AM	#14
leopardprey Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Chad Location: Around the world Watch: Panerai 233 Posts: 4,204	Well, That is why I call them MEN. 18-22 year olds in College are still BOYS. These guys have become MEN at a early age, based on their experiences and responsbilities. What also shows in their resolve is the very high retention rate. Most are re-enlisting as they are very proud of their jobs and this reponsibility and the warrior brotherhood, despite the risks. These guys have definately had some adventures at their young age and many stories to tell. Just like the WWII generataion. (Ironically the War in Afghansitan and IRaq, has now lasted longer than the USA's involvement in WWII). OT, talking with a few the other day about watches. Several expressed wanting to get Rolex watches as well. Too bad the PX stopped selling Rolex back in the mid-90s. It is very common for soldiers to buy a Rolex, with their overseas combat pay or their re-enlistment bonus.

20 August 2007, 05:23 AM	#15
Welshwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Real Name: Paul Location: Wales, UK Posts: 14,578	They are in my thoughts Chad, along with you. __________________ ..33

20 August 2007, 05:39 AM	#17
leopardprey Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Chad Location: Around the world Watch: Panerai 233 Posts: 4,204	Figures vary, because many of the personnel conducing military operations in Iraq are not listed as Soldiers, but civlian contractors under Dept of Army Orders conducting Security Work. We lost 25 men on my project in Iraq. (See the thread on this section, started by Subfiend for more info: http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=20065 ). So far in Iraq it is around 3500 US Soldiers and close to 1000 civilian contractors. In Afghanistan it is several hundred. Here is a current Dept of Defence link: http://www.defenselink.mil/news/casualty.pdf Now, from a military veiwpoint, in as long as the war on two fronts has been going, military casualties are actually very very low, when you compare to say WWII, when just in the battle of the bulge, 19,000 american soldiers were killed or 6.825 US Service members killed in the battle for Iwo Jima or Vietnam, where 59,000 soldiers where killed. But, in my opinion, from what I have observed, many of the US Casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan could have been prevented if we would have prosecuted the war to it's fullest extent. I don't feel there is really any difference in the risk factor/threat levels between Iraq and Afghanistan. The difference is we less than 20,000 troops in Afghan and about 130,000 troops in Iraq. So of course military casualty numbers will be higher in Iraq, but the ratio is about the same. Recently Afghanistan has gotten much worse. Attacks against coalition forces are 85% higher than a year ago, and Suicide Bombers are 67% higher than a year ago. Also we are starting to see more advanced IED technology infiltrate Afghan. Things we have been seeing in Iraq for over a year are starting to make their way here. One of the FOBs I overlook, just had 6 US Soldiers killed two weeks ago. 2 from Sniper Fire and 4 from an IED. Then 3 members from 7th Special Forces were killed by a IED last week. I was here in Afghan (Kabul) over 5 years ago at the start of the war, and I can tell you things have change completely over here since then. Personnally I think we need to get more aggressive in Iraq and Afghanistan, increase the number of troops, become less politically correct and start to prosecute the war. Well, don't want to get political, that can be for another thread. I just started this thread to point out the bravery I see young 18-22 year old soldiers just out of high shcool performing, adn to ask for prayers to protect these young men.

20 August 2007, 05:57 AM	#18
Obsession Banned Join Date: Mar 2007 Real Name: Aykun Location: Istanbul/Turkey Watch: Tissot Seastar Posts: 804	I need to be prayed too.

20 August 2007, 06:31 AM	#19
Letsgodiving "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Mike Location: Virginia, US Watch: SD 16600 Posts: 4,319	I was in the 82nd in the late '80's, 313th MI Bn, and trained quite a bit with the guys in 7th SFG and the men I was serving with were some of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. One of the best memories of my life was going to an 82nd ABN convention when I was a 20 year old kid and talking to all the WWII paratroopers. They were so proud of us at the time and we couldn't understand how these men who had helped win WWII with all their legendary exploits could look up to us. It just blew our mind. But now I can see where they were coming from. Each generation represents the 82nd and builds on the legacy that they started and the men of today are doing the WWII boys very proud.

20 August 2007, 08:35 AM	#21
Rubenonfire "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Ruben Location: Orange County Watch: 16610LV Posts: 1,317	Great post, Chad. Thanks for keeping this right where it belongs...at the front of our minds. __________________ Throw your Rollies in the sky, wave 'em side to side, now keep your hands high.

20 August 2007, 08:36 AM	#22
Gaijin 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Japan Watch: ing your back. Posts: 16,179	I honor thier service and sacrifice... and your's. Be safe.

26 August 2007, 10:03 AM	#24
Zack deregistered Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Everywhere Watch: 16610 Posts: 447	I've been to Iraq twice at 1 year a piece. I know exactly what these guys are going through and I pray for their safety everyday. I can tell you that soldiers serving over there REALLY REALLY appreciate the support we get from people back home!

26 August 2007, 03:01 PM	#25
nodnarb757 Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Real Name: Brandon Location: Toledo Watch: you gonna do? Posts: 224	My father served in the 82nd, and the 101st.

27 August 2007, 05:33 AM	#27
BLSampson "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Real Name: Bryan Location: Kansas City, MO Watch: TT Blue Submariner Posts: 930	Chad, Perhaps if the Paretroopers wanted a Rolex, someone could hook them up with a stateside AD. They'd get it tax free plus perhaps a volume discount. There could be a market for this....not to profit off the Soldiers but to help them. Thoughts? __________________ Yoboman "People sleep safely in their beds at night because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."

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