Division Headquarters heading to Iraq-10th MTN

FORT DRUM, N.Y. – There was a goodbye ceremony on Fort Drum, as the Army's Vice Chief of Staff and Governor Paterson join in the send off of more than 1,000 Fort Drum soldiers.The 1,100 men and women from the 10th Mountain Division Headquarters will be in Iraq for 15 months.In his remarks, Governor Paterson called attending the ceremony the highest privileged he's ever had.Chief of Staff General Richard Cody said he came to simply to say thank you to the troops.
"Six years later it is clear that over three hundred million Americans are protected from terrorism and extremism because of you, the strongest generation. Insurgents and pundits alike continue to proclaim that this army will bow and break. But they don't know this army, they don't know the iron will of the American soldier, they have never felt the core of the 10th Mountain Division," said General Cody.
The advance party has already deployed. The rest will leave in the first few days in May. The entire division headquarters should be in Iraq by the second week in May

http://news10now.com/content/all_news/watertownnorth_country/114880/division-headquarters-heading-to-iraq/Default.aspx

"He is an Almighty Watcher, a sleepless Guardian, a faithful Friend.."

Progress in Kirkuk, Iraq.
Children playing and enjoying time together.

(Morning and Evening April 22, excerpt)

"Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night." Ps 91:5

We live in the world of death and sorrow, we may therefore look for ills as well in the night-watches as beneath the glare of the broiling sun. Nor should this alarm us, for be the terror what it may, the promise is that the believer shall not be afraid. Why should he? Let us put it more closely, why should we? God our Father is here, and will be here all through the lonely hours; he is an almighty Watcher, a sleepless Guardian, a faithful Friend. Nothing can happen without his direction, for even hell itself is under his control. Darkness is not dark to him. He has promised to be a wall of fire around his people—and who can break through such a barrier?....... God has not forgotten to be gracious, nor shut up his tender mercies; it may be night in the soul, but there need be no terror, for the God of love changes not. Children of light may walk in darkness, but they are not therefore cast away,,,,

“Though the night be dark and dreary,
Darkness cannot hide from thee;
Thou art he, who, never weary,
Watchest where thy people be.”

Where the battle rages there the loyalty of the soldier is proved; and to be steady on all the battle front besides, is mere flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point. (Luther's Works. Weimar Edition. Briefwechsel [Correspondence], vol. 3, pp. 81f.

122 detainees released as part of reconciliation efforts
http://http://www.blackanthem.com/News/iraqi-freedom/122-detainees-released-as-part-of-reconciliation-efforts16013.shtml

Increased Security Brings New Commerce to Hawijah, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18614&Itemid=1

Iraqi Police Takes the Lead for Security of Kirkuk

http://www.1ad.army.mil/story/apr08/police.htm

"When I am afraid,
I put my trust in Thee." Ps 56:3

"Cast all your anxieties on Him,
for He cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7

"Freedom and the bearing of any burden...."

Service and resolve
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty". JFK

(Ellis Is. by Arlia)

"There is a time to take counsel of your fears,
and there is a time to never listen to any fear. "
(George S. Patton)

Freedom.
"Only our individual faith in freedom can keep us free."
Dwight D. Eisenhower

John 15:13:13"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

We will remember -
Spc. Arturo Huerta-Cruz

http://www.drum.army.mil/sites/installation/pao/releases/newsItem.asp?id=2008/0804-15

http://www.drum.army.mil/sites/installation/pao/casualties/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl13F9mv3Ug&feature=related

"A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that finds such a one has found a treasure.

PS57: 10
For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, And Your truth unto the clouds.

Ps 57:10
The deeper your love, the higher it goes; every cloud is a flag to your faithfulness.

Ps 31:15 (Message)Hour by hour I place my days in your hand, safe from the hands out to get me.

“God Is Love, His Mercy Brightens”

Winds Of Love

A farmer had a weather vane on his barn, on which was written "God is love."

When friends asked why, the farmer said, "This is to remind me that no matter which way the wind blows, God is love."

When the warm "south wind" with its soothing and balmy breezes brings showers of blessing, God is love. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17).

When the cold "north wind" of trial and testing sweeps down upon you, God is love. "All things work together for good to those who love God" (Romans 8:28).

When the "west wind" blows hard upon you with its punishing intent, God is love. "Whom the Lord loves He chastens" (Hebrews 12:6).

When the "east wind" threatens to sweep away all that you have, God is love. "God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory" (Philippians 4:19).

Perhaps you are discouraged and downhearted. If so, remember, God still cares for you. What you are experiencing has either been sent or it has been allowed by Him for your good.Yes, no matter which way the wind is blowing, God is love. — Richard De Haan (Our Daily Bread April 20, 2006)

"God Is Love, His Mercy Brightens”By John Bowring, 1825
God is love; His mercy brightens
All the path in which we rove;
Bliss He wakes, and woe He lightens:

God is wisdom, God is love.

Chance and change are busy ever;

Man decays and ages move;
But His mercy waneth never:
God is wisdom, God is love.

E’en the hour that darkest seemeth

Will His changeless goodness prove;

From the mist His brightness streameth:

God is wisdom, God is love.

He with earthly cares entwineth

Hope and comfort from above;

Everywhere His glory shineth:

God is wisdom, God is love.