Paratroopers begin return from Iraq

Paratroopers begin return from Iraq

Staff report
Posted : Saturday Jul 12, 2008 6:46:46 EDT

The first of the 82nd Airborne Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team soldiers will begin arriving Sunday at Fort Bragg, N.C., after a 13-month deployment to Iraq.

According to an Army news release, approximately 300 paratroopers will be on board the aircraft scheduled to land at adjacent Pope Air Force Base Sunday morning.

The 1st BCT, which is centered on the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, was initially tasked with the mission of securing the ground lines of communications and protecting key command-and-control and logistical nodes, as well as theater support convoys, the release said.

The brigade operated across a wide area of operations in the west, south and center of Iraq, and was later tasked with partnering with Iraqi security forces to provide security in three southern provinces: Dhi Qar, Muthanna and Maysan.

The paratroopers also provided security for the Convoy Support Center at Scania in southern Iraq, conducting combined operations with Iraqis.

During the brigade’s 13-month deployment, eight of its soldiers were killed.
http://www.armytimes.com/news/2008/07/army_paratroopersreturn_071208w/

PRAYER TO ARCHANGEL MICHAEL
For Protetction from Evil

Great Archangel Michael Archangel, defend us in battle,
be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the
devil.

May God rebuke our enemies, we humbly pray; and
do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of
God, thrust into Hell the Adversary and all other evil
spirits who prowl about the world for the ruin of
souls.

Amen.
When a divine spirit grants your wish, it is customary, to give an offering of some kind in return. Because Archangel Michael, Who is Like God, Bulwark of Heaven is generally depicted as the protector of the weak, it is considered appropriate to make a contribution to your local police force or community watch program, or to a shelter for the victims of violent crime, as a thank-offering.
http://www.luckymojo.com/archangelmichael.html

St. Michael is patron saint of those who serve others. If you look on the right side of this blog, you'll find the link to prayers for veterans and Paratroopers.