Yo to my Brothers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade.

We started in the Island of Okinawa in late 1963, where we were formed.

Were the first Army in the Nam in May 1965. Stayed to fight and lose many men all to young to die. June of 1967 saw the 2nd Battalion of the 503 Airborne Infantry "A" Company wiped out at the foot of Hill 875.

Fought the battles of Dak To, and the 2nd Battalion "C" company. was again called to Hill 875, nearly 2/3 died in the 5 days of November that year when 2nd Battalion of the 503rd Airborne Infantry took Hill 875 from Mr. Charles. 5 days of hell and waste.

Saw American soild to deactivate in the 70's. But then there were needs that even the 82 Airborne had to stand by. 173rd Airborne again to the aid. Africa, and many other places our countrymen never realized we left men behind. More mature but still to young to die.

Then come the battles of places around the Kosovo area and Italy became your new base of operations.
Italy remains home today yet each of you are even further away in a land
barren of much except Afghanistan dirt.

Again the 2nd battalion is in the dirt in a far away land. Been there sense 2002 to fight the war on Terror and all you face is overwheling odds and mass attacks and the feared IED's. Continued talk of help is on the way.

It was your base over run this past week with 9 killed and 14 wounded and we aren't yet sure of how many MIA's there might be. And still they speak of help is on the way.

I stand tall with the Flag in the breeze, tears upon my face for I know how you fought and how the young died.

My prayers go out to you and the others in this place known for its dirt, the 10 year Russian failure and these men of Terror that speak about their God.

Know some here at home know the truth and are aware of your plight, even while we spend the day our way out of the fight.

Airborne All The Way, Skysoldiers of the 2nd Battalion of the 503rd Airborne Infanrty
Retired E-Troop 17 Cav, 1967-68, mlurp