Local soldier serves in Baghdad
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Homecoming celebrations have had to be put on hold for PFC Andrew Douglas, who was slated to return home from Iraq in May. According to the soldier's father, Jeff Douglas of Holton, his son's division was scheduled to return home, but was detained when the attacks around Fallujah began.

Serving in the 1st Armored Division of the US Army at the Baghdad International Airport, the 20-year-old Holton resident spends his days not knowing what will take place as US troops fight to stabilize that region of the world.

"Our unit's motto is 'Flexible' which is a good word for us because right now we are not doing anything we were taught in school," PFC Douglas emailed The Versailles Republican earlier this week. He went on to say, "We are going on patrols, doing raids, and escorting convoys."

PFC Douglas graduated from basic combat military training at Fort Sill, Lawton, OK. Following that training he was sent to Germany for further training in desert environment. In correspondence with the newspaper the soldier said he had just completed a four-mile run in 90 degree heat with 50 lb body armor.

Seeing things he said he never thought he would see in his life, PFC Douglas wrote, "...the streets of Baghdad are crazy, I've seen so many things out here that I thought I'd never see in my life."

Although the war in Iraq has been declared over - the war will not be over for Jeff Douglas until his son comes home. "I'm really proud of him for making the decision to join the military," he noted, but added it still doesn't make it easy when he hears constant reports of US troops being killed.

Douglas knows his son is in harm's way as he does his job being his battery commander's driver there in Baghdad. He also has faith in God and prays for his son's safe return.

Jeff Douglas and wife Michelle know that God answers prayer and miracles do happen. Their youngest child- Olivia Rose- was born March 11, perfectly healthy, against all odds. The couple was told that she would have medical complications that could be severe. Mr. Douglas is the youth leader at the Holton Christian Church and soon enlisted the prayer support of people all across the nation to pray for their unborn child. The miracle took place and the youngest member of the Douglas family made her appearance without incident.

PFC Douglas has four brothers - Nick, Clayton, Christopher, Jackson, and his new sister that he's never seen. He also has two step-brothers Sean and Ethan Guenther. His mother, Inga and step-father Scot Guenther, reside in New Castle.

The Douglas family is no stranger to the military life as the soldier's uncle, Army Recruiter Kurt Douglas from Michigan is the one who recruited him. They know the routine, they know the risks and are willing to take them.

"It's not like World War II or some other wars - we do have contact with Andy," noted Mr. Douglas, who said they have correspondence both by telephone and email. In one correspondence, the soldier told his father, "you get used to the grenades and gunfire."

A huge yellow ribbon is tied around the tree in the front yard at the Douglas' home in Holton and will remain there until their son is safely home. "We watch the news a lot and pray a lot," they concluded.

PFC Douglas was a student at South Ripley High School. Those wanting to stay in contact with him may do so by writing: PFC Andrew Douglas, A/1-94FA, Unit 92862, APO-AE 09324-2862.

(Anyone with information about local military personnel or addresses they would like to have published, please send them to: wburnett@ripleynews.com or write to Ripley Publishing Co., PO Box 158, Versailles, IN 47042.)

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO

This photo was submitted by PFC Andrew Douglas to his family saying it was taken of himself, left, and a buddy, right before a raid.

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO

Jeff Douglas, father of PFC Andrew Douglas stands beside the yellow ribbon he's attached to a tree in his front yard. He'll wait and pray and not take the ribbon down until his son is safely home from Iraq. He's stationed at the Baghdad International Airport at this time.