How are Army Divisions numbered?
Home Page of Eric's Division
History of Division 25 "Tropic Lighting"
Fort Benning Home Page
A Music CD in honor of Eric and all the American Troops
A link to another page honoring our troops
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You shined up your boots; you rolled up your sleeves,
You signed up to fight, knowing you'd leave.
You asked not, "Where to?" Nor,"How long will it be?"
Thank you for standing and fighting for me.
Uncertain of your path, you packed up your bag,
Marching with pride in defense of our flag.
Leaving your family so far from sight,
Protecting us all, doing what's right.
Your journey is long, and sometimes it's hell,
Thank you, noble warrior, for doing it well.
Off in a land so far away, doing your duty,
For your safety we pray.
With honor and vigilance, you stand on a wall,
When others said "no", you answered the call.
You watch over us all with eyes sharp and clear,
We sleep soundly tonight, without any fear.
Your nights may be long, some cold and some dark,
The greatest weapon you have is what's in your heart.
Each day that dawns brings you a new task,
Defender of freedom, what more could we ask?
Selflessness and strength guide all that you do,
Giving of yourself for those who need you.
You ask not for praise, nor for a small thanks,
Your job is your reward, rising up through the ranks.
You've earned your rights; you're earned your place,
To see true courage is to look at your face.
You have shown you are brave, steadfast and true.
How can we repay? What should we do?
Your country has called you, you're the ones that we trust
May God watch over you, as you've done for us.
We cannot be with you, you're too far from home
But we're proud and we're grateful---you're never alone.
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Copyright, 2003, R. Pettine
A soldier's Christmas
It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the VETERAN, who salutes the Flag,
who serves under the Flag.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
25th Infantry Division (Light) &
U.S. Army,Hawaii
America's Pacific Division
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2003-11-03
November 6, 2003
Schofield Soldiers prepare for deployment
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS-Approximately 8,000 Soldiers are scheduled to deploy to Iraq and Afghanistan next year as part of two separate 12-month rotations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan.
"The Tropic Lightning Division is proud to have been selected for these challenging, diverse missions in our nation's global war on terrorism," said Maj. Gen. Eric T. Olson, Commanding General, 25th
Infantry Division (Light) and U.S. Army, Hawaii. "Whether in the mountains of Afghanistan or the deserts of Iraq, the Soldiers of America's Pacific Division are proud and ready, and eager to show our Army and our nation that we are true to our motto, 'Ready to strike! Anywhere, anytime.'"
Approximately 4,500 Soldiers from 2nd Brigade "Warriors", Aviation Brigade "Wings of Lightning" and 45th Corps Support Group (Forward) "We Fight to Serve" will deploy as early as February to Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Approximately 3,500 Soldiers from 3rd Brigade "Broncos", Division Support Command "Lightning Support", Aviation Brigade and the Division Headquarters will deploy in the spring, as early as April. The mission for the division headquarters is to serve as the Combined Joint Task Force headquarters for units in Afghanistan. The Brigade Combat Team's mission is to conduct stability, sustainment and combat operations.
-more-
DEPLOYMENT/2-2-2
Soldiers with various specialties will comprise the Brigade Combat Teams. These specialties include: field artillery, military police, military
intelligence, engineers, air defense artillery and support and logistics personnel.
The new 12-month rotation policy is required throughout the Army to provide the Combatant Commander with the cohesive and stable units and teams that are fully prepared to counter the threat. These rotation plans provide stability, continuity and predictability through a deliberate and detailed process.
"Taking care of our family members while our Soldiers are deployed will remain a top priority," said Olson. "Our family readiness groups and Chaplain support programs will focus on the families so the Soldiers deployed will know their families are taken care of while they conduct this important mission."
This deployment marks the largest unit size deployment of the 25th Infantry Division (Light) and U.S. Army, Hawaii since the Vietnam War. Recently, more than 100 Soldiers returned from a deployment to Operation Iraqi Freedom.
In 22 of the 62 years of the 25th Infantry Division (Light) history, Tropic Lightning Soldiers have distinguished themselves in combat operations.
