TIKRIT, Iraq (Dec. 14) - U.S. troops captured Saddam Hussein near his home town of Tikrit in a major coup for Washington's beleaguered occupation force in Iraq.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we got him," the U.S. administrator in Iraq Paul Bremer said on Sunday in his first, pithy comments to a Baghdad news conference. Cheers greeted the announcement.
"The tyrant is a prisoner," he said, adding the capture was made in a town near Tikrit on Saturday.
"There were no injuries. Not a single shot was fired," Lieutenant-General Ricardo Sanchez, the top U.S. general in Iraq, told the news conference in the Iraqi capital.
He then showed a videotape of a bearded Saddam in detention and undergoing medical checks.
Soldiers tore off a false beard and took samples from the ousted dictator for DNA identity tests after digging down into a cellar during an overnight raid on a house following a tip-off, members of Iraq's U.S.-backed Governing Council said on Sunday.
After seven months of increasingly bloody attacks on U.S. forces and their allies following Saddam's ousting on April 9, the arrest is a major boon for U.S. President George W. Bush. His campaign for re-election next year has been overshadowed by mounting casualties and wrangling with key allies over Iraq.
It may break the spirit of some of his diehard supporters and ease anxieties of many Iraqis who lived in fear for three decades under a man who led them into three disastrous wars.
U.S. officials will also hope to extract key intelligence on the alleged weapons programs which formed the public grounds for Bush to go to war in defiance of many U.N. allies. Little evidence of banned weapons has been found.
Saddam, 66, had kept up a stream of belligerent rhetoric from hiding, even after his sons Uday and Qusay were killed by U.S. troops in July.
Already vexed by its failure to find al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden, Washington blamed Saddam for promoting some of the violence against its forces.
But analysts warned that other groups could go on fighting.
"This has lifted a shadow from the people of Iraq. Saddam will not be returning," British Prime Minister Tony Blair said in a statement.
Saddam's sons Uday and Qusay were identified after comparisons with DNA samples. The sons went down, guns blazing, against overwhelming force, including missiles and aircraft.
Their father was taken alive.
Washington has made Saddam number one -- the "ace of spades" -- on its list of 55 most-wanted Iraqis, and placed a $25 million reward on his head.
An informer was paid $30 million and given refuge in the United States for turning in Uday and Qusay in Mosul.
Saddam would be put on trial, Iraqi National Congress leader Ahmad Chalabi told Reuters. A tribunal system for Iraqis to try Saddam and fellow Baathist leaders was set up only last week.
"This is good for Iraq. He will be put on trial. Let him face justice," Chalabi, who returned after the invasion from years in U.S. exile, said in Baghdad.
The word came just hours after the latest major attack on Washington's Iraqi allies, with a suspected suicide car bomber killing at least 17 people and wounding 33 at an Iraqi police station in the restive town of Khalidiyah, west of Baghdad.
GUNFIRE
In early afternoon, gunfire broke out across the capital as news filtered through that Saddam was in U.S. custody.
U.S. officials had said Saddam had eluded American troops by moving every few hours, probably in disguise and aided by members of his clan in the Sunni Muslim areas around Tikrit, north of Baghdad.
The capture of Saddam is a morale boost for U.S. troops in Iraq, who have been under daily attack from shadowy guerrillas, some of whom they believe may have been directed by the former president from hiding.
U.S. forces, backed by Britain and Australia, toppled Saddam in April.
"His arrest will put an end to military and terrorist attacks and the Iraqi nation will achieve stability," said Amar al-Hakin, a senior member of the Shi'ite political party the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq.
"We want Saddam to get what he deserves. I believe he will be sentenced to hundreds of death sentences at a fair trial because he's responsible for all the massacres and crimes in Iraq."
But Mustafa Alani, an analyst at the Royal United Services Institute in London, warned that there were other anti-American groups in Iraq ready to continue attacks.
"There will be a reduction in operations sponsored by former regime loyalists, but this is not the full story because they are not the only group involved," he said.
"For the Americans after the failure to capture Osama bin Laden after so many years, it is a propaganda coup...It's an intelligence prize because they can get information from him about cells working now. And it's a huge victory."
12/14/03 07:28 ET
Posted by: Patti / 6:15 AM
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Rat in a hole Captured
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saddam arrested in a crawlspace
04:53:49 È.Ù
Iraq, Dec 14 - Saddam Hussein was captured in an underground "crawlspace" near his northern hometown of Tikrit on Saturday, the US army announced Sunday.
Soldiers captured him without incident," the army's 4th Infantry Division (4th ID) said in a statement.
"Two other people were captured with Hussein and soldiers confiscated approximately 750,000 in US currency," the statement said.
"Saddam the deposed leader of Iraq has been captured.
Coalition forces ... raided a compound in the town of Ad Dawr, just south of Tikrit on Dec 13.
Hussein was found hiding in an underground crawlspace."
"The intimidation and fear this man generated for over 30 years is gone," said 4th ID commander major-general Raymond Odierno.
"Many will rest much better tonight knowing Iraq is moving forward to a more secure environment," he said.
Posted by: Patti / 6:13 AM
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Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment
Marines from the 2nd Battalion, 8th Regiment posing next to a mural of Iraqi president Saddam Hussein in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah. Saddam Hussein was captured in an underground 'crawlspace' near his northern hometown of Tikrit on Saturday, the US Army's 4th Infantry Division annnounced.(AFP/File/Cris Bouroncle)
Posted by: Patti / 6:13 AM
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Dec. 14 2003 former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is shown in custody
In this image realeased by the U.S. Army on Sunday Dec. 14 2003 former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is shown in custody after he was arrested near his Tikrit home Saturday night. (AP Photo/US Army, HO) Yahoo! News - World Photos - AP
We cleaned the filth that was on him but can never clean the filth within him
Saddam Hussein will murder No More
Posted by: Patti / 5:51 AM
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email recieved
You got Saddam!!!!!!
Message Text: From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for the wonderful job you have done. When my family heard those immortal words from Sanchez this morning, we were moved to tears. Congratulations to all of you.
The Avery Family
Swindon, ENGLAND, UK
they say they have DNA to prove it IS saddam!!! WAAAHOOOO girl, and scuse my language in that heading,
working on the site
vickey
Armysis
JUBULATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i AM SO PROUD OF OUR SOLDIERS!:-)cAN'T BELIVE THIS DAY HAS COME! What a great job they are doing.
WE GOT THE BASTARD
Posted by: Patti / 5:44 AM
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Saddam Hussein Captured Alive
Video image of captured former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein displayed at a news conference in Baghdad Sunday Dec. 14, 2003 in this image from television. The video shows a bearded Saddam being examined with his mouth open with a tongue depressor, apparently to get a DNA sample. Top U.S. administrator in Iraq L. Paul Bremer confirmed the capture of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein in a house near his hometown of Tikrit, eight months after the fall of Baghdad. (AP Photo/APTN) Yahoo! News - World Photos - AP
Posted by: Patti / 5:26 AM
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Saddam Captured ALIVE
Video image of captured former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein displayed at a news conference in Baghdad Sunday Dec. 14, 2003 in this image from television. Top U.S. administrator in Iraq L. Paul Bremer confirmed the capture of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein in a house near his hometown of Tikrit, eight months after the fall of Baghdad. (AP Photo/APTN) Yahoo! News - World Photos - AP
Posted by: Patti / 5:20 AM
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Charleston.Net: News: War on Terror: American forces capture Saddam in Tikrit, U.S. announces 12/14/03
American forces capture Saddam in Tikrit, U.S. announces
BY HAMZA HENDAWI
Associated Press
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- American forces captured a bearded Saddam Hussein as he hid in the cellar of a farmhouse near his hometown of Tikrit, ending one of the most intensive manhunts in history. The arrest, eight months after the fall of Baghdad, was carried out without a shot fired and was a huge victory for U.S. forces.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we got him," U.S. administrator L. Paul Bremer told a news conference. "The tyrant is a prisoner."
Bremer said that Saddam was captured Saturday at 8:30 p.m. in a cellar in the town of Adwar, 10 miles from Tikrit, ending one of the most intense manhunts in history.
In the capital, radio stations played celebratory music, residents fired small arms in the air in celebration and others drove through the streets, shouting, "They got Saddam! They got Saddam!"
At the news conference announcing his capture, U.S. forces aired a video showing a bearded Saddam being examined by a doctor holding his mouth open with a tongue depressor, apparently to get a DNA sample.
Then a video was shown of Saddam after he was shaved.
Iraqi journalists in the audience stood, pointed and shouted "Death to Saddam!" and "Down with Saddam!"
"The captive has been talkative and is being cooperative," Sanchez said. Saddam was being held at an undisclosed location, and U.S. authorities have not yet determined whether to hand him over to the Iraqis for trial. Iraqi officials want him to stand trial before a war crimes tribunal created last week.
Two other Iraqis were also arrested in the raid and two AK-47 assault rifles, a pistol and $750,000 in $100 bills were seized, Sanchez said.
Sanchez described Saddam's demeanor during the arrest, saying he seemed "a tired man. Also I think a man resigned."
Forces from the 4th Infantry Division along with Special Forces captured Saddam, the U.S. military said. There were no shots fired or injuries in the raid, called "Operation Red Dawn," said Lt. Gen. Richardo Sanchez.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair welcomed Saddam's capture.
"This is very good news for the people of Iraq. It removes the shadow that has been hanging over them for too long of the nightmare of a return to the Saddam regime," he said in a statement released by his office.
Trapped in the cellar, Saddam was in a six-to-eight-foot-deep "spider hole" that had been camouflaged with bricks and dirt. The soldiers saw the hole, investigated and found him inside, Sanchez said.
The video showed an air vent and fan inside the hole to allow Saddam to remain hidden for an extended period.
In Baghdad, shop owners closed their doors, worried that all the shooting would make the streets unsafe.
"I'm very happy for the Iraqi people. Life is going to be safer now," said 35-year-old Yehya Hassan, a resident of Baghdad. "Now we can start a new beginning."
Earlier in the day, rumors of the capture sent people streaming into the streets of Kirkuk, a northern Iraqi city, firing guns in the air in celebration.
"We are celebrating like it's a wedding," said Kirkuk resident Mustapha Sheriff. "We are finally rid of that criminal."
"This is the joy of a lifetime," said Ali Al-Bashiri, another resident. "I am speaking on behalf of all the people that suffered under his rule."
In Tikrit, U.S. soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division, the unit that is responsible for security in Saddam's hometown, were smoking cigars after hearing the news of Saddam's capture.
Despite the celebration throughout Baghdad, many residents were skeptical.
"I heard the news, but I'll believe it when I see it," said Mohaned al-Hasaji, 33. "They need to show us that they really have him."
Ayet Bassem, 24, walked out of a shop with her 6-year-old son.
"Things will be better for my son," she said. "Everyone says everything will be better when Saddam is caught. My son now has a future."
"This success brings closure to the Iraqi people. We now have final resolution. Saddam Hussein will never return to a position of power from which he can punish, terrorize, intimidate and exploit the Iraqi people as the did for more than 35 years," Sanchez said.
After invading Iraq on March 20 and setting up their headquarters in Saddam's sprawling Republican Palace compound in Baghdad, U.S. troops launched a massive manhunt for the fugitive leader, placing a $25 million bounty on his head and sending thousands of soldiers to search for him.
Saddam's sons Qusai and Odai -- each with a $15 million bounty on their heads -- were killed July 22 in a four-hour gunbattle with U.S. troops in a hideout in the northern city of Mosul. The bounties were paid out to the man who owned the house where they were killed, residents said.
A Governing Council member, Jalal Talabani, told Iran's official news agency, IRNA, that Saddam's detention will bring stability to Iraq.
"With the arrest of Saddam, the source financing terrorists has been destroyed and terrorist attacks will come to an end. Now we can establish a durable stability and security in Iraq," Talabani was quoted as saying.
Charleston.Net: News: War on Terror: American forces capture Saddam in Tikrit, U.S. announces 12/14/03
Posted by: Patti / 5:17 AM
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Saddam Hussein captured in Tikrit, U.S. says
BAGHDAD, Iraq - American forces captured Saddam Hussein as he hid in the cellar of a farmhouse near his hometown of Tikrit, ending one of the most intensive manhunts in history. The arrest, eight months after the fall of Baghdad, was carried out without a shot fired and was a huge victory for U.S. forces.
``Ladies and gentlemen, we got him,'' U.S. administrator L. Paul Bremer told a news conference. ``The tyrant is a prisoner.''
Saddam was captured Saturday at 8:30 p.m. in a specially prepared ``spider hole'' in the cellar in the town of Adwar, 10 miles from Tikrit, Lt Col. Ricardo Sanchez said. The hole was 6 to 8 feet deep, camouflaged with bricks and dirt and supplied with an air vent to allow long periods inside.
In the capital, radio stations played celebratory music, residents fired small arms in the air and others drove through the streets, shouting, ``They got Saddam! They got Saddam!''
Video image of captured former Iraqi leader Saddam HusseinAssociated PressAt the news conference announcing his capture, U.S. forces aired a video showing a bearded Saddam being examined by a doctor holding his mouth open with a tongue depressor, apparently to get a DNA sample. Saddam was showing touching his beard during the exam.
Then a video was shown of Saddam after he was shaved.
Iraqi journalists in the audience stood, pointed and shouted ``Death to Saddam!'' and ``Down with Saddam!''
``The captive has been talkative and is being cooperative,'' Sanchez said. Saddam was being held at an undisclosed location, and U.S. authorities have not yet determined whether to hand him over to the Iraqis for trial. Iraqi officials want him to stand trial before a war crimes tribunal created last week.
Ahmad Chalabi, a member of Iraq's Governing Council, said Sunday that Saddam will be put on trial.
``Saddam will stand a public trial so that the Iraqi people will know his crimes,'' said Chalabi told Al-Iraqiya, a Pentagon-funded TV station.
Two other Iraqis were also arrested in the raid and two AK-47 assault rifles, a pistol and $750,000 in $100 bills were seized, Sanchez said.
Sanchez described Saddam's demeanor during the arrest, saying he seemed ``a tired man. Also I think a man resigned.''
Forces from the 4th Infantry Division along with Special Forces captured Saddam, the U.S. military said. There were no shots fired or injuries in the raid, called ``Operation Red Dawn,'' said Sanchez.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair welcomed Saddam's capture.
``This is very good news for the people of Iraq. It removes the shadow that has been hanging over them for too long of the nightmare of a return to the Saddam regime,'' he said in a statement released by his office.
In Baghdad, shop owners closed their doors, worried that all the shooting would make the streets unsafe.
``I'm very happy for the Iraqi people. Life is going to be safer now,'' said 35-year-old Yehya Hassan, a resident of Baghdad. ``Now we can start a new beginning.''
Earlier in the day, rumors of the capture sent people streaming into the streets of Kirkuk, a northern Iraqi city, firing guns in the air in celebration.
``We are celebrating like it's a wedding,'' said Kirkuk resident Mustapha Sheriff. ``We are finally rid of that criminal.''
``This is the joy of a lifetime,'' said Ali Al-Bashiri, another resident. ``I am speaking on behalf of all the people that suffered under his rule.''
In Tikrit, U.S. soldiers from the 4th Infantry Division, the unit that is responsible for security in Saddam's hometown, were smoking cigars after hearing the news of Saddam's capture.
Despite the celebration throughout Baghdad, many residents were skeptical.
``I heard the news, but I'll believe it when I see it,'' said Mohaned al-Hasaji, 33. ``They need to show us that they really have him.''
Ayet Bassem, 24, walked out of a shop with her 6-year-old son.
``Things will be better for my son,'' she said. ``Everyone says everything will be better when Saddam is caught. My son now has a future.''
Timeline: Saddam's Iraq
Sunday, 14 December , 2003, 19:43
US forces occupying Iraq announced Sunday the capture of former president Saddam Hussein, 66, who had been on the run since being ousted in a blistering three-week war by an invading US-led coalition.
Herewith a chronology of the major dates in Saddam's presidency and following his fall:
1979
July 16: Saddam Hussein, vice-president of the Revolutionary Command Council (RCC), becomes president of Iraq, secretary-general of the Baath party and president of the RCC.
1980
March 18: A law is passed providing for the creation of a National Assembly elected by universal suffrage for a mandate of four years.
Sept 22: Saddam invades Iran, launching a bloody war which lasts until 1988 and costs around a million lives.
1981
June 7: The Israeli air force destroys a nuclear reactor at Osirak, which had been constructed by the French and would have allowed Iraq to make nuclear bombs.
1988
March 17-18: Kurds supporting an Iranian offensive in northern Iraq are brutally supressed by Baghdad. Some 5,000 are killed in the village of Halabja alone by chemical weapons.
Aug 20: A ceasefire ends the war with Iran. Some 300,000 Iraqis perished in the conflict.
1990
Aug 2: Iraqi troops invade Kuwait.
Aug 6: The United Nations imposes an embargo against Iraq.
1991
Jan 17: US-led Operation Desert Storm is launched against Iraq.
Feb 27: Kuwait is liberated and Baghdad accepts ceasefire conditions on February 28.
March 7: Following a Kurdish uprising in the north and a Shiite one in the south the allied forces install a no-fly zone to the north of the 36th parallel and begin the humanitarian mission Provide Comfort to aid Kurdish refugees.
1992
Aug 27: A no-fly zone is created in southern Iraq, to the south of the 32nd parallel, to protect the Shiite population.
1993
Nov 26: Baghdad accepts unconditionally UN resolution 715 which provides for the supervision of Iraqi disarmament.
1994
Nov 10: Baghdad formally recognises Kuwait and its established frontiers.
1995
Oct 15: The first presidential referendum since 1979 results in a 99.96 percent "yes" vote in favour of Saddam remaining in power. His mandate is extended for a further seven years.
1996
Feb 23: Two sons-in-law of Saddam, Hussain and Saddam Kamel, who had defected to Jordan in August 1995, are murdered three days after their unexpected return to Iraq, provoking international condemnation.
May 20: The UN and Iraq sign the oil-for-food programme (resolution 986) which allows Iraq to export two billion dollars worth of crude oil every six months in exchange for food and medical equipment.
Dec 12: Saddam's elder son Uday Hussein survives assassination bid.
1997
Nov 17: American arms inspectors in the UN inspection team, UNSCOM, are expelled, triggering an international crisis. The crisis is resolved in the coming days through the intervention of Russia, which wins Baghdad's agreement for the return of the inspectors.
1998
Dec 16-19: Operation Desert Fox. Some 500 missiles are launched on Iraq over four days following new tensions between the United States and Iraq and the departure of the UN inspectors after their work was constantly hampered.
1999
Dec 17: The UN Security Council adopts Resolution 1284 setting up a new disarmament regime for Iraq.
2001
May 22: The United States and Britain propose to the Security Council a new sanctions regime for Iraq which would lift restrictions on civilian trade, but would strengthen controls on military items and clamp down on contraband oil sales. Iraq rejects the project in October.
2002
Oct 15: Saddam is re-elected as president for another seven years, winning 100 percent of the vote with a 100 percent turnout, according to official figures.
Nov 27: UN arms experts resume their inspections in Iraq, which continues to deny that it possesses weapons of mass destruction.
Dec 7: Saddam apologises to the Kuwaiti people for invading their country in 1990.
2003
March 20: The United States launches war on Iraq after Saddam ignores a US deadline to leave the country. It says it mounted a limited strike on a Baghdad building where Saddam was believed to be staying. Hours later Saddam appears on state television to vow the devil will be defeated.
April 4: Iraqi state television shows Saddam touring Baghdad, just hours after US forces announce the capture of the city's main airport.
April 7: US officials say they launched a strike on a building where Saddam was meeting with his two sons.
April 9: Crowds of Iraqis cheer US Marines sweeping through Baghdad as Saddam's regime collapses. US forces topple a giant statute of Saddam in the city centre to scenes of wild jubilation.
May 1: US President George W. Bush declares that essential combat is ended in Iraq and that the United States and its allies have won, but Saddam, his two sons Uday and Qusay, and his deputy Izzat Ibrahim al-Duri, are still at large.
July 22: Uday and Qusay are killed in the northern city of Mosul by US forces after a tip-off.
Dec 13: Saddam, who has made a series of taped messages of defiance since his disappearance and is thought to have been organising constant deadly attacks on coalition forces, is found by US troops hiding down a hole on a farm at Ad Dawr, south of Tikrit. He is said to be in good health and cooperating with his captors, as Iraqis celebrate and call for him to be put on trial.
N.J. Proud of General Who Captured Saddam
.c The Associated Press
ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP, N.J. (AP) - The straight-talking commander of the Army's 4th Infantry Division, whose troops captured Saddam Hussein, grew up in this Morris County community, where he played high school football and where his parents and sister still live.
Maj. Gen. Raymond Odierno's family beamed Sunday as they watched him discuss the capture on television.
``Ray's just like his Army division's motto, `Steadfast and Loyal,''' his sister, Nancy Patterson told The Record of Bergen County. ``They couldn't have picked anybody better to organize the capture of Saddam Hussein. He was always very, very committed to whatever he does, especially sports.''
Odierno and his troops had been dealing with extra pressure to find Hussein since Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld told him a week ago that he was ``dumbfounded'' that a $25 million U.S. reward had not produced the Iraqi dictator. Troops under Odierno's command had been pursuing Hussein throughout northern Iraq since they arrived in April.
At 6 a.m. Sunday, Nancy Patterson and her husband, Bob, got a call from the general's wife, Linda.
``Turn on MSNBC,'' she said.
``You never know,'' Nancy said. ``That might have meant that something had happened to Ray.''
But there was Odierno at a news conference, declaring, ``I have said all along that I thought he was in this area.''
Thirty-three years ago, Odierno, a tight end, helped lead Morris Hills Regional High School to an undefeated championship season. He was recruited by West Point to play football, but an injury short-circuited his college football and he played baseball instead, his father, Raymond said.
Besides an undergraduate engineering degree from West Point, he holds a graduate degree in nuclear effects engineering from North Carolina State University. He also earned a master's degree in national security and strategy from the U.S. Naval War College.
At 49, he is the Army's youngest major general and wears a Bronze Star with three gold clusters, the third-highest medal for bravery.
The family's military tradition is strong. The elder Odierno was an Army sergeant in World War II.
The general's son, 1st Lt. Anthony Odierno, a West Point graduate assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, is preparing to head off for Iraq early next year.
Cathy & Bill Clark
To ALL the U.S. military men and women in the world (but especially in
Baghdad)
CONGRATULATIONS! Job WELL done! You are helping to let Freedom ring for
all of the world, not just Americans (and yes, that includes the French,
whether they like it or not).
Our son called us from Baghdad to give us the news. He was pumped. He said
that this is a good day for the Iraqi people. We told him "Thank you for
doing your part." Each and every military man and woman there has helped to
acheive this goal. And we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Thank you all for the great Christmas gift! Have a happy PEACEFUL New Year!
Cathy & Bill Clark
Proud Mom and Dad of PFC Aaron Clark - 16th Engineers, Baghdad
CPT Patti-readers thank our Armed Forces
Hey Patti!
They've been broadcasting the news of Saddam's apparent capture for about the last hour and a half.
And I want to be the first to get to you and the Gators with my congratulations, and thanks from an American citizen.
I know it was the 4th ID who captured him...but you guys have done your part every day for 217 days to set the conditions for this to happen.
You guys have been there day in and day out...refuting the pundits who called all this "another Vietnam type quagmire"...demonstrating the resolve of the United States of America, the resolve of President Bush even as his opponents for the Presidency called your efforts (this war) wrong.
You guys have demonstrated to the Iraqis that we are serious. You have demonstrated to the Iraqis the power of virtue.
You have demonstrated to the Iraqis that folks of varying backgrounds (white, black, asian, latin, you name it) can pull together as part of a great nation - just as the Kurds and the Sunni and the Shia must do.
And forever and ever so long as you exist on this planet each of you can say "Yes...I was there in downtown Baghdad the day that the Butcher of Baghdad was snatched from the freedom that he didn't deserve and began his march toward the fate he forged for himself with every torture and killing and murder."
You guys played your part.
And I'm extremely proud of you...as millions of us Americans are every day.
CONGRATS AND THANK YOUS (3)
From a reader and mother of a 1AD soldier.
My sincere congratulations to every single member of the Armed Forces who so vigilantly focused on their missions and duties in Iraq in order to see this Glorious and Happy Day finally come.
I am so proud to be an American. I am so proud to be the daughter of a retired Air Force Member and the mother of a 1st Armored Division Soldier.
I am just so proud today.
My Son, My Soldier, My Hero is due to leave for R&R very soon, and when he called me at midnight Baghdad time I told him, I am so glad they got him while you are still there. His response was " yes me too"
Look out Osama...we American's are just around the corner and we will never give up our hunt for you. As you can see by the capture of Saddam, you can run, you can even hide in a rat hole, it doesn't matter we're still going to get you.
I salute the 4th ID and all their hard work.
I am so proud , just so so proud....Oh Happy Day !
Merry Christmas to All and to All a Goodnight !
posted by Tim | Monday, December 15, 2003 CPT Patti
"It's unbelievable," said Major Lyle Lacroix from Kansas City. "I felt great. It's the best news I have heard all year."
