May has come bringing a close to the month of April. The Apache Team wants to offer its condolences to the family of SSG Juan Garcia who was killed in action on April 30. This hurts the heart of all Apaches as we fight alongside our Bushwhacker brethren. Rest in peace, dear friend.

It has been rather quiet for 1st Platoon the last few weeks, and therefore quiet is good! We had two soldiers on leave in April, SSG Bayas and 1LT Sanders. We both thoroughly enjoyed leave and had a great time with family and friends. While LT Sanders was on leave, SGT Aguirre took the helm of Reaper 1 with PFC Enyia gunning, and SGT Romesha took command of Reaper 2, with SGT Gallardo and PFC McGranahan alternating in the gunner's seat. There were no problems during those two weeks with such great NCOs in the platoon. SSG Bayas and LT Sanders felt completely at ease with who was in charge of their tanks and crews. Great job guys! SSG (P) Kishbaugh is back on mission after a stretch helping out in the TOC and he is thankful to be back out on patrol. SGT Ottinger, the very hard working gunner on Reaper 3 will be attending the May E6 board. He also reenlisted for up to the year 2011. One of our adopted Reapers, SPC Atchley celebrated his 21st birthday on the 11th. First platoon helped him celebrate in style as you can imagine.

In second platoon, LT James Allen will celebrate his 25th birthday on May 8 as we all thank our Moms for the amazing job that they have done.

Third platoon rejoiced as the entire platoon is again whole as all their soldiers have returned from leave to continue the fight against the insurgency. Third also sends out heartfelt congratulations to one of its own members, SSG Rangel, for celebrating his 1 year wedding anniversary with his wife, Sveta. It is really difficult for our soldiers to spend events like that away from home, but the support from the rest of the Apache brothers is what helps us all cope. Third platoon was also very proud of Apache 5, LT Cannon, for going head-to-heel with a camel spider. The spider was apparently dazzled by the XO's fancy footwork.

Overall, we can all say that we are looking forward to returning home. Although we still don't know where we are going yet, we patiently await the Army's call. Defending freedom is never easy, but the Apaches are definitely up to the task.