 | Sgt. Nicolas Thornbro graduated from Marion High School, Marion, Kansas in 1997. He joined the United States Army immediately following graduation. He was deployed in February 2004 and is currently serving with the 1st Infantry Division’s Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment in Iraq. His home station is with the 1/18th in Schweinfert, Germany. Thornbro has received numerous awards, ribbons and medals including the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Achievement Award, the National Defense Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Air Assault Badge (wings), the Parachutes Badge (airborne wings), the Expert Infantrymans Badge, and the rarely given Gold German Proficiency Badge. Nicolas’s training includes several advanced programs at Ft. Benning, Ft. Campbell and Ft. Bragg. Sgt. Thornbro and his wife, Karen, have 5 children, including the newest member... a baby boy born this past July. You may contact Sgt. thornbro by mail at: Sgt. Nicolas J. Thornbro, HHC TF 1/18 IN, 2 BCT 1 IN DIV FWD, FOB Danger, APO AE. |
Defending America
2004-05-01 08:19:00
There is no typical day in Iraq
Question: What is a typical day like for an American soldier deployed in Iraq's most dangerous areas?
ANSWER: A typical day in Iraq is anything but typical. The entire day revolves around two things...missions that are scheduled to be accomplished and reacting to incidents. "Chow" where our unit is located is served hot twice daily (breakfast and supper). If a soldier misses chow, he eats MRE's (meals ready to eat). Most soldiers just go hungry. The cooks have started storing hot food for us when we return from a mission. They have become accustomed to the TAC rolling in and out at odd hours. There are the daily requirements such as shaving and maintenance on vehicles, weapons and gear. When a soldier receives his mission briefing he prepares accordingly. I am currently assigned to the TAC. We are the security escort for the Colonel and the Sergeant Major. Because of this, we have more operational freedom. A soldier sleeps an average of five hours per day. He bathes once a week, if he can find time and hot water. In summary, a soldier must maintain his weapon, his gear and himself...and most importantly... he doesn't let anything become routine.
