What close call are you thankful to have survived in combat this 4th of July?

LTC David Stender, as I am sure you know, there are likely many. I remember several that involved casualties, which were too close. I remember one in Sadr City during the Surge, where a squad (then another) from the 118th MP Co (Abn) showed up to the TF 134 convoy that had been hit by an EFP, and had significant casualties. They were the closest patrol, and arrived, set up a security perimeter, as the enemy was closing in, had a "mad minute" or two... until all enemy activity ceased. Then they became first responders, and evacuated all the personnel. Being from Fort Bragg too (The 118th was in the 89th at the time), it was funny to hear everyone talk about this MP unit that should up, and how bad ass they were... I think most folks have/had no idea what MPs actually do in combat.

The other(s) are recall are all the late night flights with HVC 1, cold quiet, and clear over Baghdad and then the UH60s would fire flares (shit!) and the AH 64s would start engaging targets. The last, would be one day on MSR Tampa, we stopped for a security halt (flat/piss break) on the long haul to Bucca, and as were pulling away, behind the last vehicle, I huge Blast erupted on the roadside behind us... I suspect there was an IED there and someone was trying to detonate it, but the CREWS was interrupting the single.

Happy 4th and thanks for your service. I hope you and Girls are great!

Glad you are okay!

No where near as bad as yours, Sir. Our base got hit with a few rockets. The landed in an open field, so no one got hurt.