|
 |
|
Texas soldiers create Alamo replica in Iraq
 U.S. troops landing on this airstrip in Iraq are inspired by this replica façade of the Alamo, constructed by C Company, 1-108th Aviation Regiment of the 36th CAB.
Wilson County News
May 30, 2007
2 comments
For a small group of Texas soldiers stationed abroad, the days are made a little more bearable by having a little piece of Texas -- in Iraq.
La Vernia High School graduate Andy Landgrebe, now a specialist in the U.S. Army, is currently stationed at Camp Anaconda in Balad, Iraq. He, along with 15 other soldiers, decided to reconstruct “the Alamo” on the front of a small portable building that borders the flight line where they work.
Landgrebe and the company of soldiers he works with are charged with the responsibility of transporting soldiers throughout Iraq.
“Since most of C Company is from Texas, they are always trying their best to represent our state and show their pride,” Landgrebe said. “The Alamo was built for fun, as a way to remember home.”
“The Alamo” at Camp Anaconda has since come to mean a great deal to many soldiers fighting overseas, especially those from Texas.
“When the flight crews come back from a mission, they see ‘the Alamo’ as they are landing,” Landgrebe said. “It has some significance, making us all feel safe and [reminding us] home is just around the corner.”
In addition to the level of comfort this simple facelift has provided, it also stands as a symbol of what these soldiers are fighting for. It may not be a symbol everyone in Iraq recognizes, but to C Company and the soldiers from Texas, the message could not be clearer.
“The Alamo is simply an icon of freedom and courage,” Landgrebe said. “[It] stands for and represents the courage of every soldier fighting for that same freedom now.”
Landgrebe is quick to admit that it may hold a little deeper place in the heart of Texans, but that doesn’t bother him.
“The Texas guys like it and really get a kick out of it,” Landgrebe said. “The soldiers from other states don’t really understand why it means so much to us Texas folk. They all think we are a bunch of crazy cowboys who live in a different world. I guess they are right.”
The Texas flag hanging in front of “the Alamo” was given to Landgrebe by his Aunt Cheryl. “Remember the Alamo” is written on it.
There is another flag proudly hanging on the Alamo: the flag of Texas A&M University.
“It was placed there by an Aggie fan,” Landgrebe said. “Since the picture got out, I have had numerous replies, and I have a few Texas Longhorn flags on the way to balance it all out.”
Landgrebe will remain in Iraq for at least four or five more months. He is hopeful that he will return home, for good, by the end of the year. He also wanted to say “thank you” to the residents of Wilson County.
“I surely can see and feel the love that U.S. citizens, especially those I know from home, show all the troops in a special way,” Landgrebe said. “I take comfort that as a soldier, I will never be left behind, or be forgotten for what I do and have done. In this very crazy world today, that feeling and support is priceless.”
“As for what I’d say about Iraq -- I thought South Texas was hot,” Landgrebe added. “It was 123 degrees yesterday.” (Wilson County News 5/30/07)
rmcdonald@wcn-online.com |
| |
| Your Opinions and Comments |
MONICA HIDALGO
June 16, 2007 2:20pm
|
|
|
Roman Crerand
May 31, 2007 2:14pm
|
|
|
Share your comment or opinion on this story!
You must be logged in to post comments:
|
| Other Top Stories |
$15,000 reward offered for information about... (January 29, 2010)
Karnes deputy victim of hit-and-run (January 29, 2010)
Former sheriff’s investigator faces charges (January 28, 2010)
Italian sausage products recall (January 27, 2010)
Other stories from the January 27, 2010 issue... (January 27, 2010)
Consumer alert: advance fee fraud targets (January 26, 2010)
High wind feeds stubborn fire (January 26, 2010)
Vandals return to courthouse (January 26, 2010)
Top 10 Most Wanted: Gaspar E. Loya III (January 25, 2010)
Help LV family Jan. 24 (January 22, 2010)
DPS releases name of Capitol shooting suspect (January 21, 2010)
Grove declines salary increase (January 19, 2010)
Other stories from the January 20, 2010 issue... (January 19, 2010)
Two sustain injuries in U.S. 181 crash (January 19, 2010)
Floresville teen dies in wreck (January 18, 2010)
BBB Advice on Donating by Text Message to... (January 15, 2010)
Rain-slicked road causes tractor-trailer wreck (January 15, 2010)
American Red Cross responds to Haitian Earthquake (January 14, 2010)
Archbishop asks parishes for a special collection... (January 14, 2010)
Lions Clubs International Foundation Providing... (January 14, 2010)
Other stories from the January 13, 2010 issue... (January 13, 2010)
County wrecker system to change (January 12, 2010)
Teen dies after police chase (January 12, 2010)
La Vernia homes lose power in big chill (January 8, 2010)
Cold to Continues to Drive Up Energy Demand (January 6, 2010)
CPS Energy urges customers to prepare for... (January 6, 2010)
Clark murder probe stalls in DPS crime-lab backlog (January 5, 2010)
Four hurt in school-bus crash (January 5, 2010)
Officials warn public about safe usage of heaters (January 5, 2010)
San Antonio woman 2010's first traffic fatality (January 3, 2010)
Wreck on 1346 (January 2, 2010)
Park with ease for Sesquicentennial event (December 30, 2009)
Buckner Fanning to speak Jan. 3 as county... (December 29, 2009)
Other stories from the December 30, 2009 issue... (December 29, 2009)
Follow Santa with NORAD (December 24, 2009)
Other stories from the December 23, 2009 issue... (December 23, 2009)
Don’t let a ‘Grinch’ steal your Christmas (December 22, 2009)
Stockdale ISD begins random student drug testing (December 22, 2009)
Hutchison introduces motion to send health... (December 16, 2009)
Other stories from the December 16, 2009 issue... (December 16, 2009)
Commissioners appoint new constable for Precinct 2 (December 15, 2009)
Rollover wreck (December 15, 2009)
WCN urges caution for business owners (December 11, 2009)
Chamber sponsors late-night shopping in Floresville (December 9, 2009)
Other stories from the December 9, 2009 issue... (December 9, 2009)
EPA: CO2 is public threat (December 8, 2009)
Kicaster fire (December 8, 2009)
Officers, ranchers nab 14 suspected illegals (December 8, 2009)
Teen driver injured in LV crash (December 8, 2009)
Manhunt continues north of Falls City (December 4, 2009)
Ice Isn’t Always Nice (December 3, 2009)
Jury convicts Tollefson in ’08 murder (December 3, 2009)
Copenhagen talks put world focus on ‘hot air’ (December 1, 2009)
Other stories from the December 2, 2009 issue... (December 1, 2009)
Other stories from the November 25, 2009 issue... (November 25, 2009)
Pirettes take seventh state title, make it look easy (November 24, 2009)
Hutchison Posts Democrats’ Healthcare Legislation... (November 19, 2009)
Rev. Victor Carrillo passes (November 19, 2009)
Other stories from the November 18, 2009 issue... (November 18, 2009)
Mileage-based tax proposal threatens rural America (November 17, 2009)
Street project in eighth month (November 17, 2009)
How to help Fort Hood families (November 12, 2009)
Other stories from the November 11, 2009 issue... (November 11, 2009)
Veterans Day celebrations (November 9, 2009)
Donate platelets for Fort Hood victims (November 6, 2009)
Two face burglary charges (November 5, 2009)
Other stories from the November 4, 2009... (November 4, 2009)
Capitol Hill lawmakers in fog over greenhouse-gas... (November 3, 2009)
Too early to think of troops? Think again! (November 3, 2009)
Jury returns guilty verdict against Stockdale mother (October 28, 2009)
Man dies in power plant (October 28, 2009)
Maj. John Ploch returns home (October 27, 2009)
Other stories from the October 28, 2009 issue... (October 27, 2009)
Stallman clears the air on cap-and-trade legislation (October 27, 2009)
Other stories from the October 21, 2009 issue... (October 22, 2009)
Bones spook workers at 4A job site (October 20, 2009)
IED attack kills National Guard soldiers (October 20, 2009)
Other stories from the October 14, 2009 issue... (October 14, 2009)
Budgets, tax rates guide (October 13, 2009)
Council holds first Walmart annexation public... (October 13, 2009)
Eminent-domain reform up to Texas voters (October 6, 2009)
One dead, four injured in wreck (October 6, 2009)
Luke Pollok loses battle with brain tumor (September 30, 2009)
Safety Advisory From Toyota (September 30, 2009)
La Vernia school board has old faces in new places (September 29, 2009)
Newspaper wins national awards (September 29, 2009)
U.S. Census affects funding, voting, planning... (September 29, 2009)
Children’s Tylenol liquid recall (September 25, 2009)
Other stories from the September 23, 2009 issue... (September 24, 2009)
County budget increases; officials reject pay raise (September 22, 2009)
Voter registration deadline is Oct. 5 (September 22, 2009)
Deceleration lane discussion follows FEDC... (September 15, 2009)
Donations sought for Garcias (September 15, 2009)
Other stories from the September 16, 2009 issue... (September 15, 2009)
Poth council proposes tax-rate reduction (September 15, 2009)
Two pedestrians die on U.S. 181 (September 13, 2009)
Lawmakers respond to Obama’s address (September 10, 2009)
Democrats gather in Austin (September 9, 2009)
Family loses home to fire (September 9, 2009)
Board gives nod to Comfort Inn plans (September 8, 2009)
La Vernia school district sets higher tax... (September 8, 2009)
Other stories in the September 9 issue... (September 8, 2009)
Obama to address America’s students (September 4, 2009)
Friends establish fund for shooting victim (September 2, 2009)
Cell phones banned in school zones (September 1, 2009)
FEDC exec recaps finances, proposes budget (September 1, 2009)
Other stories in the September 2 issue... (September 1, 2009)
Two shot near Sutherland Springs (August 28, 2009)
Ted Kennedy dies at 77 (August 26, 2009)
County renews Humana contract (August 25, 2009)
Other stories in the August 26 issue... (August 25, 2009)
Trustees set tax rate, approve year’s budget (August 25, 2009)
Deputies probe vandalism spree (August 19, 2009)
Other stories in the August 19 issue... (August 19, 2009)
Cuellar discusses health-care reform (August 18, 2009)
Five teens charged in Stockdale burglaries (August 18, 2009)
Jesse Palomo resigns (August 18, 2009)
Rawlings benefit will feature ’99 Saturn (August 18, 2009)
Budget proposal includes rate increases (August 11, 2009)
Child drowns near La Vernia (August 11, 2009)
Deputies investigate Stockdale burglaries (August 11, 2009)
Other stories in the August 12, 2009 issue... (August 11, 2009)
Commissioners terminate librarian (August 10, 2009)
Fire in triple-digit heat (August 5, 2009)
Area disabled veterans receive tax exemption (August 4, 2009)
Groundwater meeting planned (August 4, 2009)
Luke Pollok continues battle with brain tumor (August 4, 2009)
Other stories in the August 5, 2009 issue... (August 4, 2009)
House approves $2 billion more for Cash for Clunkers (August 3, 2009)
CPS woes cause FELPS bills to spike (July 28, 2009)
Elmendorf Town Hall Meeting planned (July 22, 2009)
Servin charged in death of Nixon man (July 21, 2009)
Deputies, rangers investigate death of La... (July 20, 2009)
Commissioners unanimously oppose Senate Bill 787 (July 14, 2009)
Farm Bureau: Climate Bill embarks on a fool’s errand (July 14, 2009)
Other stories in the July 15, 2009 issue... (July 14, 2009)
H-E-B unveils plans for La Vernia (July 10, 2009)
T. Boone Pickens calls Congressman Cuellar... (July 9, 2009)
Brooks City-Base continues changing face of... (July 7, 2009)
Brooks developer serves Football Hall of Fame (July 7, 2009)
Floresville fugitive caught (July 7, 2009)
Firefighters to fill boots for MDA (July 2, 2009)
Brooks City-Base plans include aerospace program (July 1, 2009)
Other stories in the July 1, 2009 issue... (July 1, 2009)
Dr. Tom Harvey is Region 20 Superintendent of Year (June 30, 2009)
Fireworks use OK’d in county (June 30, 2009)
Floresville fire (June 27, 2009)
Governor sets special session for July 1 (June 25, 2009)
County reinstates burn ban (June 24, 2009)
Traffic light to be installed at S.H. 97, FISD (June 24, 2009)
Police close in on robbery suspect (June 18, 2009)
Burglars target downtown businesses (June 17, 2009)
City backs county’s efforts to widen S.H.... (June 16, 2009)
Floresville election coverage: totals in (June 16, 2009)
Other stories in the June 17, 2009 issue... (June 16, 2009)
Venomous snakes strike in La Vernia (June 16, 2009)
Internet outage disrupts area (June 12, 2009)
Memorial set June 14 for Joe Lemley (June 12, 2009)
Water restrictions enacted for S.S. Water customers (June 12, 2009)
WCAD budget deadline June 19 (June 12, 2009)
La Vernia High plans blood drive (June 11, 2009)
Other stories in the June 10, 2009 issue... (June 10, 2009)
TxDOT to close IH 37 for work over the travel lanes (June 10, 2009)
East Central ISD rockets into space (June 9, 2009)
Flag Day TEA Party will focus on Bill of Rights (June 9, 2009)
Three die in Poth wreck (June 8, 2009)
Appraisal protest deadline June 8 (June 5, 2009)
Cell-phone use ‘tough issue’ for school district (June 2, 2009)
Opponents say SB 787 is federal ‘water grab’ (June 2, 2009)
Other stories in the June 3, 2009 issue... (June 2, 2009)
Kuempel returns to House (June 1, 2009)
Other stories in the May 27 issue... (May 27, 2009)
Bee attack kills dog, Owner stung more than... (May 26, 2009)
Second TEA Party brewing in June (May 26, 2009)
New election June 16 (May 22, 2009)
Save taxes, energy May 23-25 (May 21, 2009)
Other stories in the May 20 issue... (May 20, 2009)
Bluebonnet Fest reset for May 31 (May 18, 2009)
Area GM dealers ‘here to stay’ (May 15, 2009)
Kuempel out of coma (May 15, 2009)
Other stories in the May 13 issue... (May 13, 2009)
Cowboy Breakfast in Poth to benefit Wilson... (May 12, 2009)
Voters reject single-member districts (May 12, 2009)
Other stories in the May 6 issue... (May 6, 2009)
Directors increase ARB’s size (May 5, 2009)
Early voting turnout low (May 5, 2009)
Flu outbreak cancels, postpones events (April 30, 2009)
Other stories in the April 29 issue... (April 29, 2009)
Citizens, officials want safer S.H. 123 (April 28, 2009)
Industrial park: To sell or not to sell (April 28, 2009)
Cuellar requesting comments on health-care reform (April 22, 2009)
Other stories in the April 22 issue... (April 22, 2009)
Apply for passports in Falls City (April 21, 2009)
Cashier’s check scam targets Floresville man (April 21, 2009)
EPA finds greenhouse gases pose threat to... (April 21, 2009)
Judge dismisses Karnes County suit (April 21, 2009)
Two Bexar inmates test positive for TB (April 21, 2009)
East Central moves Relay For Life indoors (April 17, 2009)
Baker addresses recent rabies case in county (April 14, 2009)
Gov. Perry Backs Resolution Affirming Texas’... (April 14, 2009)
Lubianski offers reward for stolen hay trailer (April 14, 2009)
Other stories in the April 15 issue... (April 14, 2009)
Maverick Golf Club reopens, restaurant remains... (April 10, 2009)
Last day to register (April 9, 2009)
Hunt eggs April 11 (April 8, 2009)
Avalon auctioned for $8M (April 7, 2009)
City approves road project (April 7, 2009)
Other stories in the April 8 issue... (April 7, 2009)
Police seek help to identify skeleton (April 7, 2009)
Rabid skunk found in county (April 2, 2009)
Ammunition scare should serve as warning to us all (March 31, 2009)
Computer worm set to strike April 1 (March 31, 2009)
Other stories in the April 1 issue... (March 31, 2009)
Wilson County News to debut slimmer print... (March 31, 2009)
Changes coming to ‘original laptop’ (March 25, 2009)
Council takes stand, supports states’ rights (March 25, 2009)
Other stories in the March 25 issue... (March 25, 2009)
Add input to I-10 survey (March 24, 2009)
Burma Hyde changes focus, still going full... (March 24, 2009)
Other stories in the March 18 issue... (March 18, 2009)
County commissioners, judge oppose firearms... (March 17, 2009)
Squirrel, owl cause major power outage for FELPS (March 17, 2009)
Unique display at Stinson Municipal Airport... (March 15, 2009)
Other stories in March 11 issue... (March 11, 2009)
Construction of A&M campus to start in fall (March 10, 2009)
St. Hedwig: dirt-bike track nuisance, must close (March 10, 2009)
Floresville Council keeps term limits, rejects... (March 9, 2009)
Other stories in March 4 issue... (March 4, 2009)
Warrant roundup starts March 7 (March 4, 2009)
Drought, high winds fuel weekend fires (March 3, 2009)
Texas A&M-San Antonio entranceway breaks ground (March 3, 2009)
Critical wildfire danger predicted for North,... (February 27, 2009)
Guadalupe County declares state of disaster (February 26, 2009)
other stories in February 25 issue... (February 25, 2009)
C.R. 128 fix could cost more than $5.75M (February 24, 2009)
Crank gets 99 years (February 24, 2009)
Hospital board awards contract for construction (February 24, 2009)
Jury finds Crank guilty (February 24, 2009)
Stockdale council hires Howard Berger as city... (February 24, 2009)
Work begins on new stoplight at F.M. 3432 (February 24, 2009)
Rosenberg hired as city attorney (February 19, 2009)
Scam alert for small businesses (February 19, 2009)
Bond increased, reduced for murder suspect (February 18, 2009)
Other stories in February 18 issue... (February 18, 2009)
City, county at odds over water (February 17, 2009)
Community center could break ground in April (February 17, 2009)
Crime Stoppers members hope to get more anonymous... (February 17, 2009)
Help sought for C.R. 128 (Old Corpus Christi Road) (February 17, 2009)
Personnel matters focus of called meeting (February 17, 2009)
Head-on wreck kills Falls City teen (February 16, 2009)
SA residents should act now despite digital... (February 16, 2009)
H-E-B denies rumors of La Vernia store (February 13, 2009)
Other stories in February 11 issue... (February 11, 2009)
Agencies ready for disaster (February 10, 2009)
C.R. 128 conditions concern Calaveras, Saspamco... (February 10, 2009)
Cable TV to sign off in Stockdale (February 10, 2009)
Continued dry weather fuels wildfires (February 10, 2009)
FEDC board discusses motel delays (February 10, 2009)
Grass fires labeled ‘suspicious’ (February 10, 2009)
Runaway teen located (February 5, 2009)
Other stories in February 4 issue... (February 4, 2009)
Center's delays frustrate 4A board members (February 3, 2009)
FELPS board makeup questioned (February 3, 2009)
Floresville's three-year plan to increase... (February 3, 2009)
PETA working for more EPA regs on ag producers (February 3, 2009)
Several projects on ‘stimulus’ wish list (February 3, 2009)
County has year’s first murder (February 2, 2009)
Other stories in January 28 issue... (January 28, 2009)
Early College to start in June (January 27, 2009)
Extreme dry conditions prompt burn ban extension (January 27, 2009)
Grass fire spreads to structures (January 27, 2009)
Local residents witness history at Obama’s... (January 27, 2009)
Skeletal remains found near Elmendorf (January 27, 2009)
Seelig fund set up (January 26, 2009)
Bush commutes border agents’ sentences (January 22, 2009)
Grass, structures burn near Saspamco (January 22, 2009)
Public meeting to discuss flood insurance... (January 22, 2009)
Inauguration day... (January 21, 2009)
La Vernia woman dies in wreck (January 21, 2009)
Eagle Creek VFD, EMS considers forming ESD (January 20, 2009)
Hospital board delays contract award (January 20, 2009)
Stockdale's cable system changes hands (January 20, 2009)
Teen Court offers alternative for juvenile offenders (January 20, 2009)
Trustees approve Bible course (January 20, 2009)
East Central addresses budget shortfall (January 16, 2009)
Floresville North project begins (January 16, 2009)
Open house (January 16, 2009)
Soldiers die in Black Hawk crash at A&M (January 16, 2009)
Fire destroys Stockdale home (January 14, 2009)
Other stories in January 14 issue... (January 14, 2009)
Soldier dies in Black Hawk crash at A&M (January 14, 2009)
'Death Loop' claims life (January 13, 2009)
4A board seeks new executive director (January 13, 2009)
Area events set to honor Martin Luther King Jr. (January 13, 2009)
Despite name change, TTC still exists (January 13, 2009)
Fire destroys Elmendorf home (January 13, 2009)
St. Hedwig council addresses junk cars, trash... (January 13, 2009)
Fire destroys mobile home (January 8, 2009)
From the publisher... Looking back at 25 years... (January 7, 2009)
Newspaper celebrates 25 years (January 7, 2009)
Other stories in January 7 issue... (January 7, 2009)
Changes come to local police department (January 6, 2009)
Remembering 2008: A year of firsts (January 6, 2009)
Thieves target postal drop boxes (January 6, 2009)
Weather blamed for pole fires (January 6, 2009)
Floresville man injured in helicopter crash (January 5, 2009)
|
|
|
|
|
|
