Finally back home

[seemslikeadream]

By Dennis Hines
The MidWeek


After serving in Iraq for about 15 months, a local soldier has finally returned home. Seargent First Class Charles Riippi, Sycamore, and other members of the 333rd Military Police Unit returned to the area on July 16. Riippi is currently stationed at Fort McCoy, Wis. undergoing physical therapy for damaging a ligament in his ankle while on duty. Riippi said the injury occurred after he stepped into a hole.



SFC Charles Riippi is seen here at the Abu Gharib prison in Iraq.


“I had all my gear on, so it was 60 or 70 pounds worth of gear. It was murphy’s law. I stepped in a hole and popped it (the ankle), and it kind of swelled up like a softball,” Riippi said. Riippi does receive weekend leave and is able to visit with friends and family members during that time. Riippi said he is still trying to get adjusted to being back home.

Riippi said he and members of his unit were originally set to be stationed in Iraq for six months, then they were told they would be over there for a year. In April, they were told they would be in Iraq for another 90 days.

Riippi said when he first arrived in Iraq his unit had about 176 soldiers, and when it was time to go home, the unit had about 134 soldiers. He said many soldiers were sent home because of injuries. He said a local soldier, Gabriel Garriaga, was sent home, because he was severely burned. He said, at one time, Garriaga only had a 1 percent chance of living but is currently recovering.

more
http://www.midweeknews.com/local/articles/082504-back_home.html

[redowl]

1. its all just beginning

I can really feel for these guys. Having to start over at home basically and now with injuries-not to mention the horrible memories they will have to contend with.

Its going to be rough for them and for the families.

damn.

[Sub Atomic]

2. What's really sad to me

is that these men & women are going to come back to the US and see how the Republican party is vilifying Kerry over his Vietnam service.

What kind of message are they trying to send? That if you serve honorably (regardless of whether you are injured or not) you will inevitably be derided for every action that was made over there.

That is, unless you're a Repugnican.