Silver Star for Valor

Mortarman awarded Silver Star for valor

By Kent Harris, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Thursday, September 25, 2008

Kent Harris / s&s Staff Sgt. Christopher Upp receives the Silver Star from Lt. Col. Bill Ostlund, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, during a ceremony Wednesday on Caserma Ederle. Upp received the honor for his actions on July 31, 2007, at Vehicle Patrol Base Seray in Afghanistan.

VICENZA, Italy — During the 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment’s recently concluded tour in Afghanistan, there was no more dangerous place on a U.S. compound than the mortar pit.

That’s where U.S. soldiers would launch devastating counter attacks if enemy forces fired on the base.

And as a result, "They (the mortar pits) were always targets," said Lt. Col. Bill Ostlund, the battalion commander. "Because they’re what kept [the enemy] off the bases."

Ostlund said soldiers from the 28-member Mortar Platoon from Headquarters and Headquarters Company have received 41 valor awards for their actions in Afghanistan, including three Bronze Star Medals with valor.

On Wednesday, the platoon received its second Silver Star.

Ostlund pinned the medal on Staff Sgt. Christopher Upp in a ceremony on a Caserma Ederle basketball court next to one of the barracks.

"In 25 years, this is the first opportunity I’ve had to present a Silver Star to a soldier," Ostlund told soldiers from the company and other elements of the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team gathered around the court.

Upp, a 27-year-old from Sterling, Colo., was on his second deployment to Afghanistan with the platoon and fourth tour downrange overall. He was assigned to Vehicle Patrol Base Seray in the Chowkay Valley on July 31, 2007.

Upp said the first memory that pops into his mind of that day is the mortar round that hit near the mortar pit — killing 1st Lt. Benjamin Hall.

"A great officer was killed," he said, lifting the Silver Star Medal pinned to his uniform. "This is for him really."

Upp led a small group in a charge toward the pit. They were targeted by machine-gun fire and rocket-propelled grenades along the way. More than once, they were knocked to the ground by rocket-propelled grenades that landed close to them. Once they got to the pit, another RPG damaged the tripod that supports the 120-millimeter mortar, and shrapnel tore a large gash in Upp’s left forearm. The wound would eventually require 17 stitches.

With the mortar support damaged, Upp had to use his hands — and shoulders when the tube got too hot — to guide the return fire. He fired 75 rounds back at enemy positions, enduring constant machine-gun fire.

Upp said he remembers much of the battle from a third-person perspective.

"It’s kind of like when your foot goes to sleep and you can’t feel it, but you know it’s still there," he said. "That’s how my mind was. Numb. Human instinct to survive kicks in. You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do."

Upp, recently married, said he’ll now join the SETAF staff, keeping him in Italy — and away from any mortar pit for at least a while.

Normalcy, emails and Medals

Hi Everyone,

I know it has been ages since I have written here but felt rather interested in doing so this evening. Like many of you that may have had a soldier downrange I found myself searching news on the Internet or even downloading the Stars & Stripes for any bit of information on the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Since Alex has been home and is now back in Italy it seems I don't have a need to worry. As many of you also know that his Birthday was 9/11 so I tried to keep that day on a positive note.

Today however, I did receive some news in the form of an email from my son's SFC Levy. Jason wrote how his Mortar Team of 28 men have been awarded a total of 41 medals for Valor. Of these two were for Silver Stars for Valor 3 Bronze Stars for Valor and 36 Army Commendations for Valor as well. He informed me that Alex was one of the recipients with a total of 3 Army Commendations for Valor. Yes, you guessed correct, I had a huge grin when I read that piece. His Mortar Pit N.C.O. SSG Upp received one of the Silver Stars. Alex has told me some amazing stories about he and SSG Upp so when I heard he was awarded this countries second highest award for Valor I wasn't surprised. So with that said, I downloaded the Stars & Stripes and sure enough there it was on the second page which I am going to post on my next posting. Well I have to run for now so I can get that posted so until next time, breath easier, they are safe.

Cheers,

Larry Arnone ( AKA A Bluestardad ) and I want to keep it that way
San Francisco

Farewells, Hugs and ringing phones

Last night I expressed my farewells to my soldier as he returns to Italy on a 6:30 AM flight aboard Delta. He chose to spend his last hours home with his friends which is not surprising. It amazes me when I look at my warrior and see a different person. He is now grown, confident and direct. I didn't get to spend as much time with him as I wanted but the time we did share will never be forgotten. It was so grand to have him home safe and sound. On his second night home he removed his tee shirt only to reveal an 8 inch scare down the back of his shoulder. This was not a scare from his childhood, so when I asked him where did that come from he told me "Dad, I have no clue. We were in a fire fight from hell and when the smoke cleared I was asked if I was hit and I was baffled by the question until I felt the blood dripping down my back. I am not sure if it was from AK or from mortar fire. " I later spied many other scars on his body of which he really didn't want to talk about. I guess I am fortunate enough that my son is not having to endure life as a WIA at WRMC or another medical center.

Alex did come to my home last night to pick up his things and pack for his return to his brothers of the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Italy. It seems to me to be one of the longest hugs that I can remember. I have come to realize that he is now a man and no longer a child. It is a hug that I will not soon forget. He did try and call Delta Airlines to get a later flight (he had a 6:30am departure but wanted to get on the 9:10am) but they wanted an additional $1,700.00 for the change which he refused.

At 6:30 AM I received a call from him a little frantic that they wouldn't let him on the flight as they have already boarded. I told him to find a sympathetic ear at the counter. I then jumped onto the phone and called Delta's Corp, office to see what I can do for him. It turns out that while I am on hold Alex in fact does find someone sympathetic and gets on the flight at 9:10 am at no additional cost. I am a little miffed that they tried to take him for $1,700.00 dollars which is more than the original $1,600.00 that he paid for a round trip. He did mention that he was on active duty and just trying to extend his stay by a couple of hours. It really does disgust me that Corp, America is displaying it's feigns on our warriors who shed their blood in our countries honor. I am not posting the photos of Alex while he was home only because I don't want to humiliate him on line..... lol.

Larry Arnone
San Francisco

AKA Bluestardad (and I want to keep it that way)

A Dad, Sister, Combat buddy and Friend

Well, Alex has been home for a couple of days now. It has been a good re-integration so far. I hosted a dinner for my soldier last night at a new but popular Italian restaurant here is San Francisco. Most of my and Alex's family are from the East Coast but we had a total of 14 people for dinner. We then left the restaurant and traveled to a bar that everyone loved. Alex has been home for only 2 day's and he was very apprehensive due to the fact that he is not use to being around lots of people.

He did pretty good considering every thing. He wasn't in uniform but the bar owner and bar tenders remembered him. I guess Alex did well considering the fact that he is going through a re-integration in the U.S. He stepped out tonight with 4 friends for dinner and what ever activities. My boy is home and I am blessed to have a young boy now grown to a grown man.

His sister is heading to Graduate School so they missed getting together. I am sure he will make that up by a road trip South.

We dialed up a combat buddy that has been wounded and is now at WRH. It was cool and Matt, battle on buddy!

Many of my soldiers friends really don't know or understand what our guys are going through. They have been hit everyday at all hours with no warning. Our soldiers are Americas finest and more. A special message to our Moms and Dads, love them, hover over them and more important, love them.

Be there for them

AKA (Abluestardad) And I want to keep it that way)

Larry Arnone
San Francisco

Dreams, Phone ringing and a "Hey Dad"

I know I posted last night about my soldiers delay but I wanted to update you all of recent events. I went to bed last night not knowing when my son would arrive in SFO. I did a lot of tossing and turning thinking of him and of the possible changes in his personality. I guess I finally fell asleep around 1 AM. I then remember dreaming that someone was calling me on my home phone, when I realized I wasn't dreaming I bolted for the phone only to miss the call. I saw it was a San Francisco number and when I tried calling back there was no answer. I finally went back to bed and must of fell right back to sleep only to be woken up by my home phone. I grabbed the phone and answered. From the other end I heard "Hey Dad, I'm home" and I rushed the door to greet my returning soldier. That was at 4:50 am so I guess he was able to get the last flight out of JFK. I wasn't expecting him home until around 10:30 AM but hey, who am I to complain right? He is in the shower now and then we will be off to car hunting for him. He's home and I am on cloud nine.

Bluestardad OUT!

Larry Arnone
San Francisco

AKA Bluestar (And I want to keep it that way)

Delays.....suck

I heard from my soldier and he has informed me that he has been delayed due too weather at JFK. I will see him tomorrow around 12:00 and I can't wait. I may be disappointed that he has been delayed but more importantly, he is on U.S. soil.This has been a long awaited day. I am so proud of my soldier and all of his accomplishments. Thank you to Vickie for your welcome home.

Ronnie and Cheri, what up folks!

Larry
San Fransisco

(A Blue Star Dad and AI want to keep it that way)

Donations could help make memorial race a memorable event

This just in from Longislandgirl who also Blogs on our soldiers. She asked me to help get the word out.

The NY National Guard at Camp Phoenix is trying to raise money for a 5k run there on 9-11-08-please pass this on; Also, the end of the article has a link to a video of the 173rd Airborne.

Memorial Run

by Dave Tobin

Monday August 11, 2008, 12:46 AM

NY Army National Guard soldiers began their war on terror service immediately after 9/11, when they were sent to guard the bridges, tunnels and area around the World Trade Center in New York City.

That service seven years ago leads to their current mission.

September 11 will hold special significance for many soldiers in Afghanistan. A few are planning a 5-kilometer run on that day, and looking for help.

1st Lt. Michael Chappell, of Jamesville, writes:

"I am currently serving in Afghanistan with the Delta Company, 2-108th Infantry, NY Army National Guard out of Ithaca, NY.

I and other New Yorkers are trying to organize an international 5K race in Kabul for the American Forces other Coalition and Afghan forces, in memorial of September 11th, 2001.

This race will remind us why we as Coalition and Afghan forces are serving here in Afghanistan; it will help reinforce the fact that we are still here together, and that it is through teamwork we achieve our goals.

We are trying to raise $1,500 - $2,000 to help cover the costs of T-shirts and awards. Any donation that your club or organization can make would be greatly appreciated.

For donations of $250 or more received by August 20th, I will incorporate your club or organization's logo into the T-shirt design. Send donations, by money order only, with a note stating that it is for the "9/11 International Freedom 5K run."

Camp Phoenix MWR
c/o 1LT Michael Chappell
D Co, SECFOR
CAMP PHOENIX
APO AE 09320

We're almost at the halfway point for this deployment of some 1,700 New York Army National Guard soldiers in Afghanistan.

For families of soldiers, what's changed for you since your soldier first left? (Are you glued to each episode of "Army Wives"? Do you watch it with anyone?)

What's been hardest? What's been your brightest moment? What have you discovered about yourself?

Lost in translation

Shelled by rockets, soldiers of the 173rd Airborne's Charlie Company visit an Afghan village from where the rockets have been fired, looking for the enemy, looking for answers. Tension is high. Soldiers try to speak to a Pashtun elder, relying on their "terp" (interpreter), for everything they learn or don't. A terp can easily misguide them. In an insurgent war where few if any U.S. solders speak the native language, what drives decisions?

An excellent video by Guardian Films shows this challenge. It's linked from the Following Orion site.(www.syracuse.com/following-orion/)

Thanks to the military blogger Bouhammer for bringing this video to our attention.

Shoot me an email: dtobin@syracuse.com