Today's not a good day, my brother (JoshC) left for Iraq.

*TravisC* · 02-18-2004, 10:53 AM

Well the day finally came, Josh left for Iraq today. I know it's not as bad now but the thing is is that he's driving Hummers and Cargo truck in a convoy. I believe he is with the Army's 4 ID 1AD (I think). It was really rough seeing him off at the airport this morning. He's going to be gone until August 15, almost six months but it seems a lot longer than that. He's upset that he has to leave but he kinda wanted to do it. He said he's going to buy a diesal for a DD when he gets back. At first he wasn't going to go because he drew the alternate position. They needed 5 drivers and they drew for the last one. Well the guy that drew started whining up a storm saying he wasn't going to go and stuff. Well he didn't show up for drill one weekend so the had the MP ready to court marshall him but he came in and said he had a heart attack and a "behavioral dissorder." Who knows how long he's had it, he's probably had it it for a long time and still stayed in the guard but when it comes time to do what you're suppose to do it shows up. So my brother had to go since he drew the alternate. Anyways he's on his way to Atlanta right now, well he might be there now and then he's off to Kuwait then Iraq. He really loves this site and the people on it. I know he's going to miss it and he's thankful for all the responses he got on his thread about him leaving. He's a pic of him in line before boarding.

Trckmagik · 02-18-2004, 11:02 AM

He will be here in Spirit. Your bro rocks. Keep us informed whenever you get to speak with him.

Good luck JoshC!

Doug · 02-18-2004, 12:03 PM

Good Luck Josh! Be safe.

aldive · 02-18-2004, 12:05 PM

Do us proud.... God speed.

williecume · 02-18-2004, 12:07 PM

any body in the military, police, or firedepartment are heros. tell your brother that our family says thank you.

*Fusion213* · 02-18-2004, 12:46 PM

Good luck Josh!
Maybe we could send him some snacks, etc?

'96explorereddiebauer · 02-18-2004, 12:48 PM

Good luck, Josh!!!

John_Rock · 02-18-2004, 01:02 PM

Good luck Josh!

Say hi to my Uncle Larry for me if you see him over there.
He's a civilian supervising some construction projects in the Baghdad area.

**section525** · 02-18-2004, 01:02 PM

SHISVX · 02-18-2004, 01:06 PM

thanks for going!

Safe trip, and keep us updated in 6 months when he comes home!

Kelli

jasonb · 02-18-2004, 01:21 PM

think about this way too though... his arriving there will make it a better day for millions of iraqis who are actually glad that our troops are there.

*TAS98xlt* · 02-18-2004, 02:28 PM

Good luck Josh!!

*TravisC* · 02-18-2004, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jasonb
think about this way too though... his arriving there will make it a better day for millions of iraqis who are actually glad that our troops are there.

That's a good point Jason but there are also a lot of cowards there that want to kill them. He's my only brother and my best friend and that's what kills me. I know all of the major combat is over with but he's driving trucks in convoys and that's mainly what's getting blown up right now.

I will keep everyone updated everytime we hear from him. I will post his address when we get it if anyone would like to send him a letter or something, he would really appreciate it.

*JoshC* · 02-18-2004, 05:48 PM

Holy crap what a horrible picture

My goal on this whole trip is to drop 50 lbs. I'll do it too.

Thanks for the replies. I was suprised to see computers here for us to use in GA. I'll be leaving here tomorrow night and flying to kuwait. Should be there for 2-3 weeks for some hard core training and then we head into Iraq for 6 months. So my date of Aug. 15 for coming home is already shot, but it looks like i may be home for my bday on 14 sept, but you never know. It's likely to change before i get on the plan tomorrow!

But travis will put up an address and maybe an email address when i find out whats available when i get there. I'm going to take a million pictures so i'll be sure and post some cool stuff up when i can. Take care and i'll see ya next time around!

Thanks Travis, love ya bud!

**JDraper** · 02-18-2004, 06:21 PM

Godspeed and stay safe!! Keep your head down and your flak jacket on!!!

sncwfo99 · 02-18-2004, 06:32 PM

Good luck and be safe!!!!!! All of us here on this board will be thinking of you.

*SteveVB* · 02-19-2004, 10:43 AM

Thanks for your service Josh and good luck.

*sk1er17* · 02-19-2004, 10:50 AM

Wish you the best of luck Josh!

Thanks for everything you and the armed forces are doin!

jasonb · 02-19-2004, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by JoshC
I was suprised to see computers here for us to use in GA.

yeah its amazing... we have computers in GA too! pretty recent technology to the state. just messing with ya.

good luck josh!

Crazy5711 · 02-19-2004, 12:12 PM

Good Luck Josh. Don't forget to visit Kirkuk, Al Nasariyah, Baghdad, Al Quadir, and the remains of the Tower of Babyl. If you happen to stop in an old College campus or a Grain Storage area near Al Quadir, see if you can find my black watchcap that I lost there. Maybe you'll find that bottle of whiskey there too. LOL. Semper Fi

Travis, be proud of him, and feel better knowing that he is being watched over by God, with the help of a few Marines. LOL. Besides, there is alot of good wheelin' in the dunes of Kuwait, and the sand of Iraq

02-18-2004, 10:53 AM	#1
TravisC My bro, JoshC in Iraq Hurricane, WV '92 Sport Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 1,285 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Today's not a good day, my brother (JoshC) left for Iraq. Well the day finally came, Josh left for Iraq today. I know it's not as bad now but the thing is is that he's driving Hummers and Cargo truck in a convoy. I believe he is with the Army's 4 ID 1AD (I think). It was really rough seeing him off at the airport this morning. He's going to be gone until August 15, almost six months but it seems a lot longer than that. He's upset that he has to leave but he kinda wanted to do it. He said he's going to buy a diesal for a DD when he gets back. At first he wasn't going to go because he drew the alternate position. They needed 5 drivers and they drew for the last one. Well the guy that drew started whining up a storm saying he wasn't going to go and stuff. Well he didn't show up for drill one weekend so the had the MP ready to court marshall him but he came in and said he had a heart attack and a "behavioral dissorder." Who knows how long he's had it, he's probably had it it for a long time and still stayed in the guard but when it comes time to do what you're suppose to do it shows up. So my brother had to go since he drew the alternate. Anyways he's on his way to Atlanta right now, well he might be there now and then he's off to Kuwait then Iraq. He really loves this site and the people on it. I know he's going to miss it and he's thankful for all the responses he got on his thread about him leaving. He's a pic of him in line before boarding. Attached Images __________________ '92 Explorer Sport - 4" lift - 33's, I need to pay it off so it can become a project '00 Nissan Maxima SE - 1.5" drop - CAI - Hi-flow Cat - TV/Xbox - 5% tint - 5 spd - leather/loaded Last edited by TravisC; 02-18-2004 at 05:45 PM.

02-18-2004, 11:02 AM	#2
Trckmagik Ole Bag Celina, Texas 1996 Join Date: Aug 1999 Posts: 4,748 Vehicle Specs	He will be here in Spirit. Your bro rocks. Keep us informed whenever you get to speak with him. Good luck JoshC! __________________ Brian Green 1996 V-8 Explorer 1994 4x4

02-18-2004, 12:03 PM	#3
Doug I'm Awesome! Home is where the Army tells me. Right now it's Manorville, NY Join Date: Aug 2001 Posts: 5,758 Vehicle Specs	Good Luck Josh! Be safe. __________________ 97 Explorer Life's hard. Wear a helmet.

02-18-2004, 12:05 PM	#4
aldive Elite In Memoriam 1999 XLT Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 25,271 Vehicle Specs	Do us proud.... God speed. __________________ Al Franklin My truck My Quest for 30 RIP Al Franklin! 1947-2010. Gone but not forgotten! :(

02-18-2004, 12:07 PM	#5
williecume Wannabe Elite Explorer Arlington, TX 97 xlt & 98 mounti Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 818 Vehicle Specs	any body in the military, police, or firedepartment are heros. tell your brother that our family says thank you. __________________ 97 Explorer XLT 4-dr 4.0 OHV 5-speed manual custom dual exhaust from flowmaster 40 non-delta 2" autozone shackle lift 240k miles

02-18-2004, 12:46 PM	#6
Fusion213 Elite Explorer Jacksonville, NC '98 XLT 5.0L Join Date: Jun 2001 Posts: 794 Vehicle Specs	Good luck Josh! Maybe we could send him some snacks, etc? __________________ 98 5.0L SAS

02-18-2004, 12:48 PM	#7
'96explorereddiebauer Explorer Emeritus Clemmons, NC '06 Honda Accord EX-L Join Date: Jun 2000 Posts: 3,801 Vehicle Specs	Good luck, Josh!!! __________________ Billy '06 Honda Accord EX-L '00 Acura Integra GS '98 Honda Accord EX-V6 '05 Honda Odyssey EX-L

02-18-2004, 01:02 PM	#8
John_Rock Moderator In Memoriam Houston, TX 2001 Sexy Sport Trac 4x4 Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 5,484 Vehicle Specs	Good luck Josh! Say hi to my Uncle Larry for me if you see him over there. He's a civilian supervising some construction projects in the Baghdad area. __________________ John_Rock - Mugshot - Click Here For info on my 2001 Sport Trac 4x4 - 2000 Explorer Limited AWD, 5.0L v8; 4.10 gears, KKM True Rev filter, B&M Tranny Super Cooler, Aux. Tranny Filter, Autometer Tranny & Water temp gauges. Demon4x4.com

02-18-2004, 01:02 PM	#9
section525 sextion525 Red Bluff, Ca 1975 Ford Bronco 4x4 Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 14,909 Vehicle Specs	__________________ Support the Forum '13 3.5 Explorer '08 2.0 Focus '75 5.0 Bronco '04 6.0 Super Duty

02-18-2004, 01:06 PM	#10
SHISVX Wannabe Elite Explorer NW New Jersey 00' Explorer Sport 4X4 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 442 Vehicle Specs	thanks for going! Safe trip, and keep us updated in 6 months when he comes home! Kelli __________________ I'm a pessimistic optimistic. I think the worst is going to happen, that way i don't feel as bad when it does, but when the best happens, I am twice as happy!

02-18-2004, 01:21 PM	#11
jasonb Jackstand Wheeler Suwanee, GA '99 Sport 4x4 Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 6,390 Vehicle Specs	think about this way too though... his arriving there will make it a better day for millions of iraqis who are actually glad that our troops are there. __________________ JasonB --Thanks to all the great people in the military for keeping us safe.--

02-18-2004, 02:28 PM	#12
TAS98xlt Out of mod money San Diego,CA '98 XLT 5.0 Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 1,030 Vehicle Specs	Good luck Josh!! __________________ Ted 1998 5.0 XLT Engine Bay Interior Underbody

02-18-2004, 05:48 PM	#14
JoshC Only rolled it once honey Nitro, WV 97 4d OHV Join Date: May 2000 Posts: 4,525 Vehicle Specs	Holy crap what a horrible picture My goal on this whole trip is to drop 50 lbs. I'll do it too. Thanks for the replies. I was suprised to see computers here for us to use in GA. I'll be leaving here tomorrow night and flying to kuwait. Should be there for 2-3 weeks for some hard core training and then we head into Iraq for 6 months. So my date of Aug. 15 for coming home is already shot, but it looks like i may be home for my bday on 14 sept, but you never know. It's likely to change before i get on the plan tomorrow! But travis will put up an address and maybe an email address when i find out whats available when i get there. I'm going to take a million pictures so i'll be sure and post some cool stuff up when i can. Take care and i'll see ya next time around! Thanks Travis, love ya bud! __________________ Josh Cassell --- WV Air Force National Guard 97 SASed explorer---RIP 06 Jeep Commander V8 2012 Chevy HD Z71 w/ 285's (company owned, I wouldn't buy it!) 2008 Yamaha Rhino-rock crawler

02-18-2004, 06:21 PM	#15
JDraper Elite Garage Builder McVeytown, PA '11 XLT Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 15,396 Vehicle Specs	Godspeed and stay safe!! Keep your head down and your flak jacket on!!! __________________ Moderator..Home Improvement/Explorer 911/2011 Explorer Forum You took my breath away....and now I want it back.... '66 Mustang Coupe, '04 Mustang Mach 1, '08 Focus, '11 Explorer XLT "Ex"plorer's: '92 Sport, '94 Sport, '01 XLS Our Crappy Website

02-18-2004, 06:32 PM	#16
sncwfo99 Wannabe Elite Explorer Glasford, Illinois '94' Sport 99 Durango Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 388 Vehicle Specs	Good luck and be safe!!!!!! All of us here on this board will be thinking of you. __________________ swiss cheese airbox, 31-10.50, Mile Marker manual hubs, lots more to come

02-19-2004, 10:43 AM	#17
SteveVB Elite Explorer Gaithersburg, Maryland 04 Rubicon w/stuff Join Date: Jul 1999 Posts: 2,694 Vehicle Specs	Good luck Josh Thanks for your service Josh and good luck. __________________ Steve VB 04 Rubicon

02-19-2004, 10:50 AM	#18
sk1er17 My "Jeep Thing" itches... Jackson,NJ '98 Sport Join Date: Sep 2002 Posts: 2,695 Vehicle Specs	Wish you the best of luck Josh! Thanks for everything you and the armed forces are doin! __________________ My Elite Registry.. Check it out Cardomain Site Explorers Gone... Went to a Silverado with 8" lift and 37s, then to a 2008 Sierra Denali with 3" lift and 33"s... Now, finally back in an off-road worthy rig...2007 Jeep Commander Hemi QDII (front & rear e-lockers). Build Thread: Here

02-19-2004, 12:12 PM	#20
Crazy5711 Wannabe Elite Explorer Twentynine Palms, Ca '98 Sport (Dead and Gone) Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 1,651 Vehicle Specs	Good Luck Josh. Don't forget to visit Kirkuk, Al Nasariyah, Baghdad, Al Quadir, and the remains of the Tower of Babyl. If you happen to stop in an old College campus or a Grain Storage area near Al Quadir, see if you can find my black watchcap that I lost there. Maybe you'll find that bottle of whiskey there too. LOL. Semper Fi Travis, be proud of him, and feel better knowing that he is being watched over by God, with the help of a few Marines. LOL. Besides, there is alot of good wheelin' in the dunes of Kuwait, and the sand of Iraq __________________ Luke [Insert something clever and witty here]