This is 2nd Platoon (w/ elements of HQ Plt) Charlie Co. (Crusher) 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment (3rd Brigade) 101st Airborne Division. Taken Spring 2003 about 50 ft. from the Tigris River in Baghdad, Iraq.
I wish I could tell you that everyone pictured here had a happy ending and came back safely, but sadly that just isn't the case.
About an hour before the picture was taken we got into a small "friendly" fire fight with the Marines patrolling near us. Thankfully no one was hurt but it could have turned out very badly for them. When they realized they were into it with the 101st you could almost smell the fear in the air. Poor guys. For some reason I can't remember, our Battalion Sergeant Major was with us that day (top row, far left) and when everything was sorted out afterwards he had a little chat with their senior NCO. I thought that poor Marine's testicles were going to climb back up into his body.
Anyways, always appreciate the thanks. It really means a lot. But on this day of remembrance, give thanks to the guys who didn't make it home. Guys like Jedrosco, and Brown, and Vanderhorn, and the countless others who made the ultimate sacrifice. This is their day.
(p.s. Yes, I am in the above picture)
