187th RAKKASSANS

This is a tribute that must be told,

Of an American unit’s fight as it unfolds.

9-11 was horrific, attacked on our shores.

These proud young men prepared for war.

One of the first units in Afghanistan,

Operation Anaconda found them hunting the Taliban.

Within 6 months of returning home they were at it again;

Waiting in Kuwait for the war to begin.

19 March 2003, the Screaming Eagles led the way.

Their pride in their unit no words could say.

In Operation Zebra, they captured a Fedyyeen Compound.

Not a RAKKASSAN was lost; planning had been sound.

On to Southern Baghdad, securing the A.O.

Shoot, move, communicate, move out, keep low.

Squads move as one, M-4’s at the ready,

Each man proud, Standing Tall, Rocking Steady.

Air assaulted North into Telefar and Sinjar,

The President said it was the longest so far.

On to Mosul where they made a lot of contact,

Their leaders were proud, no brag, just fact.

From Mosul, Turkey to Scotland then home,

After the parade, tears, they felt alone.

For 12 months these men have lived in fear,

Suddenly surrounded by those so dear.

PSG Geressy promoted to 1SG, he chose to stay,

His unit would go back, he would help lead the way.

For 18 months vets trained others to survive over there.

The leaders were demanding, because they cared.

Saying bye to loved ones is always hard to do,

Even for hard core Grunts who shed a tear or two.

As the busses depart and families leave for home,

In a small part of your soul, you feel alone.

The 1SG looked over his troops like a mother hen.

He would now lead them into the Lion’s Den.

You can’t second guess, sending men into war.

Just train them to soldier, no less, no more.

From Kuwait to Baghdad, the C-130 took some rounds.

One engine lost, 3 left, what a beautiful sound.

SFC Bruce and 1sgt Geressy smiled as they off loaded the

bird.

They just said “We’re Back,” no one else said a word.

On several occasions, they hit us with all they had.

Only making the Rakkassans fighting mad.

At Sammarra in the Sunni Triangle, patrols ran day and night.

For those wishing to “Meet Allah,” they would show them the

light.

Policies have G.I.s staying past their DEROS date.

On 2nd and 3rd tours, their tempting fate.

Country, flag, all looked upon with pride,

The main concern, the troop by your side.

There’s a former XO, now CPT, who chose to stay.

A West Pointer, fine leader, a baby on the way.

“Big T” from Detroit, also known as “Grizzly Bear”.

His men trust in him, they know he cares.

Many are the hardships these men endure.

Their mission simple, return together after their tour.

Let it be snipers, IED’s or an unruly crowd,

Choppin’ Charlie can handle it, 1GT walking proud.

Michael Monfrooe US Ret.

(E/3/506—“L” Co. 75th—A/2/502)

(RVN 70-71) (Ky. 77)