Special Guest-CPT Jeffrey Krohn

It is such an honor for me to post the following words today.

I was introduced to CPT Jeffrey Krohn by his twin brother, Buzz. Buzz and I are volunteers for Operation Welcome Home at BWI (Baltimore Airport).

Here is an excerpt of an e-mail, I received from Buzz: "Captain Jeff Krohn is home safe after being wounded in Iraq. He had surgery in Germany and Walter Reed and now he is back in Virginia recovering well. He was awarded the Bronze Star." I asked Buzz immediately, if Jeff would write a post for my blog. He had Jeff contact me and these are the amazing words I received.

Jeff, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your service and sacrifice!



My Story...My Soldiers.

I want the American people to know several things about my 15 months in Iraq. You cannot explain to those who have never served how important my young Soldiers meant to the overall readiness of the Army. They are sons, daughters, husband's, and wives. They are smart and witty with integrity and honor. They do it because of our great nation and our way of life. They are not killers. They are professional's that are highly skilled and trained in the tactics and operations of war. They do not mix their political views with the mission, they follow orders.

I have been blessed as an officer to have these great individuals serve under my leadership. I know their likes and dislikes. I know what motivates them and what doesn't. I know thier families and friends. I know that they love each other and would die for each other if they had too. I know they like to play video games, throw horseshoes, fix computers, and attend college. All of this while fighting in war. I know that they suited up everyday to go out in a hostile environment to help change a nation from terrorism and corruption. They have held babies, talked to local elders, met with powerful sheiks, and trained their Iraqi Police counterparts with precision. They missed birthday's, anniversary's, and holiday's. All of this for their devotion to duty.

I want the American people to know that my Soldiers fought for 455 days with only 18 days of R/R in between. They survived rocket attacks, small arms fire, IEDs, and explosions. All to get up and do it again. They left their comrades to go home on leave but unselfishly thought about them while they were gone and in some ways felt bad that they left them behind to go home. Selfless service describes everyone of my Soldiers. Sometimes it brings me to tears when I think of all the time I have spent with them. I have learned so much about life from them. They have taught me that there is more to life than just war. Friendship and trust makes them who they are. In my eyes they are better than everyone else. They do what is told without question. They cannot challenge the orders given to them. They do not question their leadership. They are held to values that no other is asked to uphold. They serve proudly and deserve the gratitude and respect of an entire nation.

I want everyone to know their names, the Soldiers of 2nd Platoon SAVIORS, 202nd Military Police Company, FOB Warhorse, Iraq;

SFC Cordery, SSG Carder, SSG Paquet, SSG "Moose", SSG Seaman, SSG Kramer, SGT Gabriel, SGT Bellavia, SGT Ellsworth, SGT Musgrove, SGT Provalenko, SGT Boros, SGT Figueroa, SGT Hayes, SGT Ash, SGT Ruiz, SGT Christensen, SGT Willig, SGT Murdock, SGT Thompson, SGT Jensen, SGT Whiteside, SPC Roe, SPC Pinter, SPC Cox, SPC Huff, SPC Marquis, SPC Burgess, SPC Vigilone, SPC Grueter, SPC Foley, SPC Rogers, SPC Geurin, SPC Smeltzer, SPC Cook, SPC Piontek, SPC Wilson, SPC Citurllo, SPC Coleman, SPC Gordier.

Think of these WARRIOR's and thank them. They are my hero's, my Soldier's and my friends.

CPT Jeffrey Krohn