TicketsDec. 5, 2007
The University of Cincinnati takes pride in expressing and increasing a strong Bearcat tradition, not only in the state of Ohio, but also across seas, where many men and women have been proudly serving in the line of duty. The 82nd Engineer Support Company (ESC), otherwise known as the Wolverines, in Camp Ramadi, Iraq, were presented with Bearcat gear and an entertaining softball game to help take the edge off the 24/7 stress of being a soldier at war.
Kari Pabis, the assistant lacrosse coach for UC, worked with her brother, Justin R. Pabis, Professional Engineer, CPT EN Commander 82nd ESC, to organize the troops with a much needed afternoon of competitive softball and a good old American BBQ. Wearing the red "C-Paw" shirts with pride, the soldiers were able to enjoy each other's company without the constant pressures of war. This was one of the only days that the 82nd has had off since being deployed in August of 2007.
In early August of this year, the Wolverines were temporarily placed in Ramadi to live and operate alongside the U.S. Marines in completing their mission towards the freedom of maneuverability in their Areas of Operation. These soldiers spend much of their days driving around the site looking for improvised explosive devices, hopefully, without an explosion on contact. Although the search for these IEDs has positive impact on the overall situation, the softball game and BBQ turned out to be a nice change of pace.
In addition to these permanent IED searches, the American soldiers have been leading by example to give the Iraqi government a stronger democratic environment. Though the situation has been ongoing for several years, progress is continually being made in all aspects of this restructured nation, and Pabis wants to make sure the American people remember this.
"We are helping a nation of people self-govern and secure themselves, this is a very long process."
"I am very excited about what we are doing over here," CPT Pabis concluded," I'd much rather be back in Hawaii drinking boat drinks and living the life, but I don't mind coming back here again and again if that is what it takes to finish what we have started and make sure the next generation doesn't have to come here to fight this war."
The overall enthusiasm from the University of Cincinnati has been greatly appreciated and the troops overseas wish to thank the Bearcats for all their support. In fact, the Engineering Wolverines have quickly adapted the red "C-Paw" shirts as their unofficial company uniforms and wear them whenever they compete against another division.
The Baseball and Women's Soccer programs at UC have also been extremely cooperative in reaching out to the soldiers at war by sending various care packages throughout the year.
For those who wish to personally thank these men and women, anything from cookies to a Christmas card or toiletries would brighten up their holiday season.
Mail can be sent to:
Justin Pabis
82nd Engineers Support Co.
478 Engineer BN
APO AE 09396