Camp Junction City, Iraq – For those of you less attentive to these newsletters, you may or may not have noticed the change of venue. Although I am sure most of you have figured this out by the overwhelming amount of care packages and continued support from across the nation. I would like to start out this new year of 2005 with a heartfelt and sincere thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers most of all. Welcome to 2005, a year that will surely be full of many positive things.

To kick off 2005, Iraq will soon be electing its first sovereign leaders. This will be the start of democracy in the country, but only the first of several other elections to follow as they will first draft a constitution later on in the year and then appoint other leadership. You should all be extremely proud of your soldiers as they will surely find themselves a part of world history building the foundation of this new democratic society.

I understand you are proud of your soldiers anyway, but are probably more excited about the fact that this is the year of our return home. Although it seems far away, it will be here before you know it. Start probing your soldiers now for answers to some serious upcoming questions that you may soon face. Should we move to Fort Carson? Who will do the taxes this year? Is your ID card getting ready to expire? Do you have a proper Power of Attorney to accomplish these things? I understand some of this may seem petty, but it will be much easier to address these issues the earlier we know about them. We do not have answers for all of your PCS questions or where most will go after the return home, so please be patient with us.

The move to Camp Junction City in Ramadi has landed the majority of Destroyer Company securing a different stretch of highway. The 5th Platoon is once again reunited although still performing the same mission. We find ourselves working with the 1-9 Manchu Team, although we don't like to tell people that. The Manchu Team is treating us well and the facilities in Camp Junction City are much nicer, since the mess hall is contracted out to civilians. We have plenty of hot showers, excellent weight room facilities, and an outstanding PX. All this aside, just about every single one of the Destroyers would sacrifice it all to go back to our Currahee brothers.

In closing, continue the prayers and support for Jennifer Eggers and Melissa Gibbs as they embark upon a difficult journey. Melissa and Jennifer, you are not alone and the family of Destroyer Company will carry you through these times. I know that Todd or Kyle would not have hesitated to do the same for any one of us. God Bless you all and Happy New Year.

CPT Jason Sabat
Company Commander