Where In The World is Dave Rogers?

25 Sep 2008   Dave is in the process of preparing for deployment now

29 Sep 2008   Dave has left for Champaign for Pre-Deployment, now Active Duty

04 Oct 2008    Dave's unit  arrived at Ft. Bragg, NC

10 Oct 2008    Dave is at Forward Operating Base "Patriot", aka "tent city".  The soliders received a Call for Fire class, which teaches how to call artillery on enemy positions.  The group went to weapons ranges, both rifle and pistol.

23 Oct 2008    The past two weeks Dave has completed a four mile march, building up to the final seven mile march (with full tactical body armor and weapons).  He has completed land navigation training,  and he just finished four days and nights of convoy driving, including driving with night vision goggles.   They were allowed very little sleep during this intense convoy lanes training exercise.  This tested the Soldiers ability to function on little or no sleep.  He is now set to begin training in IED (improvised explosive device) identification.  The IED training teaches Soldiers how to identify and defeat roadside bombs during convoy. He sounds good, and says he is feeling fine. He is looking forward to a good sleep tonight! 

26 Oct 2008    Saturday morning Dave's group started Military Operations Urban Training.  They completed the training late tonight.  Tomorrow they will begin "Freedom Village" training. 

28 Oct 2008    Dave finished Freedom Village training. They had a mock Afghan village set up where they learned to search buildings, etc. Actors were there to role play Afghan citizens, some good - some bad. Tomorrow morning they will begin Army Combatives training, aka hand to hand combat training.

29 Oct 2008    In addition to combative training, today brought traffic control training, which included vehicle searches.  On the schedule for tomorrow is continuing combative training, and starting classroom training on Dari language (one of two Afghan languages).

14 Nov 2008   New pictures added to the Pictures From Dave page.  These are photos from their bus trip to the airport from the Champaign Armory.  They were escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders, as well as State, County, and Local Police Departments, among others.

16 Nov 2008   Dave sent a new photo which was added to the Pictures from Dave page.  They don't have good internet service out in the field, so it's been difficult for him to get pictures out to us. 

27 Nov 2008    Dave is home on a four day pass for Thanksgiving!  He will be leaving to go back to Ft. Bragg early tomorrow morning.  Dave brought some pictures home with him which we have added to the Pictures from Dave page. Have a safe trip back.

02 Dec 2008    Dave is officially out of the country and on his way as of 01 Dec 2008.  I don't have any further information right now, and don't know when we will hear from him. I'll update the site as soon as we get some information on his arrival.  Pray for safe travels for all of the soldiers.

03 Dec 2008    Dave and his unit have arrived safely in country.  They traveled for about 35 hours straight.  He said they are tired, but doing well.  He sounded good! More info will be posted after they settle in.

20 Dec 2008   Dave is at Camp Phoenix and working on the transition.  His group has taken over operations from the group that is coming home.  He does not have a permanent room assignment yet, but is hoping to get moved into his room sometime this week.  Let's hope your new room has heat on a regular basis! The food at Camp Phoenix is reportedly much better than that at Ft. Bragg!

22 Dec 2008   I'm sorry to report that Dave lost his Uncle Jim this afternoon. He wants Aunt Sandie to know he is thinking about her, and sends his love to her and his family.

27 Dec 2008   More photos added to Family Photos 2 and Pics from Dave 2. New video on miscellaneous page that Dave requested.

01 Jan 2009   Happy New Year to all!

05 Jan 2009   Happy Birthday Dave!  We miss you - stay safe!!

17 Jan 2009  Unfortunately today, the 634th family has suffered its first casualties in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The detonation injured several Local Nationals and seven US Soldiers. Today, 17 January 2009, at about 09:45 a.m. (11:15 p.m. Central Standard Time on 16 January 09), a Vehicle Born Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) detonated in the City of Kabul. 

08 Feb 2009  Congratulations to Dawson on your Arrow of Light and Crossing Over to Boy Scouts!  Your hard work with Dad has paid off!  He is very proud of you!!

14 Feb 2009  Happy Valentine's Day Dave!

26 Feb 2009 Unfortunately the 33rd BCT has suffered more casualties.  The following is a quote from GateHouse News Service. GateHouse News Service,Posted Feb 25, 2009 @ 06:47 AM,Last update Feb 25, 2009 @ 06:58 AM

Sgt. Major Bob Haverback:  Haverback said two of the four casualties were members of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team made up entirely of Illinois National Guardsmen sent to mentor Afghan police and Army personnel and provide force protection. He said this is the seventh casualty the 33rd BCT has sustained since beginning the mission last year.  "It’s been a mild winter in Afghanistan and they (the Taliban) are taking advantage of it,” said Haverback.

Our prayers to the families of the soldiers, as well as continued prayers for Dave and all of his military family.

28 March 2009  I'm sorry to report that Dave's Aunt Ellen passed away.  He would like Kim and Tim to know he is sorry for the loss of their mom, and is thinking about them.

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