(from the FearBush.com blog)
With the situation on the ground in Iraq being what it is, any rumors of troop withdrawal may be nothing more than wishful thinking. I guess it should come as no surprise then , that the news as of late has seemed to indicate the opposite. In fact, some members of our armed forces have been notified that their deployment has been extended:
Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld on Thursday extended the tours of some 3,500 members of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The unit, which has been serving in northern Iraq, was scheduled to be leaving now. Instead, most of its 3,900 troops will serve for up to four more months. It was unclear whether the unit would go to Baghdad.
This news caught my attention for another reason. One of our own forum members is part of that very unit: Stryker. It was less than 2 months ago when he posted a thread and gave details about his experiences, namely his encounter with an IED.
By his account:
172nd SBCT out of Fort Wainwright Alaska, 2nd battalion 1st infantry regiment, bravo company, 4th platoon. My job has changed quite a bit though. At first I was a straight dismount saw gunner until I got hurt. Then after I got back, I worked in the TOC manning the radio, then as I recovered more I rejoined my platoon as an air guard on the ATGM, and now Im a driver.
It is unclear if Stryker is part of the vast majority of the SBCT that will be staying beyond the expected August homecoming. We're hoping that he will check back in with us and let us know what is going on and how he feels about the extension of his tour. In the meantime, we wish him well and will keep him in our thoughts until his return.