Desert Storm 1990-1991

I served in “C” Company, 82nd Engineer Battalion (Blue Babe) from July 1988 through May 1992. I believe we were training in Howensfeld when we got the word that Iraq had invaded Kuwait. Days later the CSM announced we would be one of the engineer units deploying to Iraq. It’s hard to believe, it’s about to be 27 years since I last spoke to Sgt’s Dodge Powell and William Strehlow. Before the ground attack began into Iraq (02/23/91), we would sit in our tents, talk about fishing, family and places back home in America. We even had make believe beer to drink (O’Doul’s), I think that’s how ya spell it. It tasted like beer but you had to drink almost a case for equivalent of one beer! William was a great leader and cared very much for his soldiers. He was hard but fair. He wouldn’t tower over any soldier during training, he would get down to their level and made sure they understood the Task, Conditions and Standards. If he had to get one on one with a soldier until they could do anything with their eyes closed, that’s what he would do. A great soldier, and leader for his men! He is truly missed.
I didn’t know Aaron Howard very well, but he was a great soldier. He was always there when you needed him, did what he was told to do without argument, and volunteered when no one else would. He had pride in his M113 APC, (that’s an armored personnel carrier for those that didn’t know).
Dodge, I miss you still to this day brother! You were, and always will be, my best friend. Every year I celebrate his life! We both were from Florida, he was from Hollywood and I am from Bradenton. When Dodge and I first met, he stuck his hand out to shake mine, said “Hey, my name is Dodge, I’m from Hollywood!” with a smile. I said, “California?” He said, “Heck no, the real Hollywood, in Florida!” “Where are you from?” I said, “Bradenton.” From that day on, friends and brothers for life. When we had time off, Dodge would ask if I wanted to go see the world of Germany, and of course I went. I’ll never forget, the night before the ground attack into Iraq, Dodge came to my tent and asked if we could talk. We sat down, popped a top on an O’Doul’s, then talked. He told me he was so glad we became friends and brothers. Then he said he would miss me. I said, “What do you mean, miss me?” He said, “Rich, I’m not going to make it through this, I know, but I’m fine because I have done my best and I lived my life to the fullest.” He said, “Thank you for being a great friend, and for always being there for me when I needed it.” I told him he was talking hogwash, and he was scared just like the rest of us, I said we were going to kick butt and take names, and then go back home to our families. Before he left my tent, he hugged me and said he loved me like a brother. Then walked out of my tent.
After the long hours, days of traveling across the desert, the small scrimmages of enemy fire fights, dust storm, then there was the big fight at the end. When the sun came up and we saw what we saw, that will never go away, that’s when the First Sergeant came around and told us about the casualties and KIAs. Told us to restock with ammo and get some grub when the supply vehicles came around. I was numb…….
We had a ceremony in the desert for our brothers, I read poem I had wrote in honor of Dodge, William and Aaron. It was hard to read because of my tears, but I did. I don’t know what happened to that poem, and wish I still had it, but they will always be in my heart. So, fellas, y’all be cool up there, we’ll meet again, and remember “Engineers lead the way!” Blue Babe!

RIP – NEVER FORGOTTEN!
PFC Aaron Howard – Co C, 82nd Engineer Bn
SGT Dodge Powell – Co C, 82nd Engineer Bn
SGT William Strehlow – Co C, 82nd Engineer Bn

SFC Richard H. Silver (Retired)
Engineer, SAPPER, Airborne!