2-14 Cavalry, FOB Cobra Iraq

[jjmitchem]

Since we have 11 more months to go I thought it would be best to start our own thread to say thanks to Cigar Asylum for supporting us with cigars

Here is my Assistant and I enjoying a few

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=604&pictureid=4448

Here is the first Bomb we received from Hotreds:

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=604&pictureid=4428

We received a second bomb from him also but it was quickly raped before I could get a pic :tu

and here is our latest from rrplasencia

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=604&pictureid=4564



And I thought I would include this pic, my promotion ceremony to Captain, we did it at Sherwana Castle in Kalar Iraq. I am the on in the middle with the big grin on my face. We,of course, celebrated that evening with a few cigars

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=604&pictureid=4565

Thanks again to all who are supporting us - you ARE making a difference

Chappy

[Chingas]

Hotreds and rrplasencia. You guys are awesome for putting the group hits together.

And thank you everyone for your service.

[SmokeyJoe]

God bless you, Jim, for your service!

Thanks for all that you do to encourage the other troops. Just glad to hear the little packages from the Asylum and elsewhere are bringing some cheer.

Stay safe and come home soon. :usa

[Ranger_B]

Congratulations CPT. God bless you and your boys for the next 11 months.

[bsmokin]

Thanks for your service Captain. And thanks for the post. Glad you guys are getting to enjoy the stogies over there. God bless and stay safe :usa

[kelmac07]

Thanks for sharing!! :tu

[jjmitchem]

First off - maybe one of our great admins could move this thread to the Troop Support forum so I can be sure to thank everyone who is involved with sending out these packages.

Received another package today from rrplasencia - around 100 cigars and candy!!!! Thanks everyone who is sending these to him, and thanks Richard for putting this all together and your continued support

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=604&pictureid=4601

Had to post this, went out on a mission yesterday with one of our platoons and the platoon sergeant and I snuck a cigar in the back hatch of the Stryker :tu

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=604&pictureid=4602

I also have to tell what else your support is doing - the word is getting out that the Chaplain has cigars to hand out, so I have guys who would never come and see "the Chaplain" in a million years coming to me and getting to know me.
And from this realizing that I am just an old crusty paratrooper and former NCO who has been through it all like them and God had other plans for - so they don't have to act any different around me and they can talk to me because I understand - which is allowing me to do my job better - being there for our Soldiers

Thanks!!

Chappy

[Chingas]

:l

[ucla695]

Great work guys!

Thanks for your service Captain. Stay safe! :usa

[JDTexan]

That is fantastic guys, thanks for all your service!

[mariogolbee]

I also have to tell what else your support is doing - the word is getting out that the Chaplain has cigars to hand out, so I have guys who would never come and see "the Chaplain" in a million years coming to me and getting to know me.
And from this realizing that I am just an old crusty paratrooper and former NCO who has been through it all like them and God had other plans for - so they don't have to act any different around me and they can talk to me because I understand - which is allowing me to do my job better - being there for our Soldiers

Thanks!!

Chappy

This last bit is truly impressive. Wonderful news! Thank you for your service!

[jjmitchem]

Please keep our Brigade in your prayers. As you have probably already seen we lost two Soldiers yesterday and had nine wounded when an insurgent dressed as an Iraqi Soldier opened fire on them from close range.


Have a cigar update as well from FOB Cobra Iraq

Received these Hoyo de Monterrey this past week from an anonymous sender:

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=604&pictureid=4688




Chappy

2-14 Cavalry
FOB Cobra Iraq

[hotreds]

Prayers sent for those living and deceased, dear brother! May God protect you and keep you safe! And may He use you and our donations to bring many to an abiding faith in Him!

[Chingas]

Prayers sent for those living and deceased, dear brother! May God protect you and keep you safe! And may He use you and our donations to bring many to an abiding faith in Him!

+1
:tu

[replicant_argent]

This thread brought both a smile to my face and a tear to my eye today.
Stay safe, Chappy, keep doing the good work, help others with strife, and come home safe, Sir.
Thank you for your service.

[jjmitchem]

Thank you for all the prayers. Our Soldiers are tough but we are a brotherhood that is about as close as you can get. Please continue to pray for the families of those killed and injured - I do know that we have 5 getting medevaced to Germany who are in serious but stable condition.


On a positive note:

We had a change of First Sergeants ceremony yesterday for our Headquarters Troop. The out going First Sergeant is retiring but he wanted to accompany us here even if it was for only two months. Great Guy - Joe Messier

In his speech he gave me a new call sign
my official call sign is Strykehorse-Spirit, he has now labeled me as Cigar-6

For those of you that don't know the Army call sign lingo, the word is the unit name ( we are 2-14 Cavalry, Strykehorse) and the second part, usually a number, designates the position - 6 is the commander, 7 is the command Sergeant Major or First Sergeant, etc...


Chappy

[SvilleKid]

Sorry for your losses, Cigar-6. Prayers going up for the families of the wounded and KIA's for their losses and injuries, and going out for those remaining, for your safe returns back to your homes and families.

Thanks to you all for your sacrifices, time and efforts in the service of our country.

[jjmitchem]

Once again we have been blessed with a shipment of cigars from the Asylum, specifically from Hotreds and rrplasencia who I know are getting a lot of donations from everyone.

Word is getting out and I have had the pleasure of passing along a few to some of our other FOBs here in Iraq

So not only is the 2-14 Cavalry benefiting from your generosity but all of 2nd Brigade 25th Infantry Division is


http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=604&pictureid=4732

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=604&pictureid=4731

we also received a donation from bigashtray.com to outfit our "Cobra Cigar Bar"

Five large cigar ashtrays
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=604&pictureid=4733


I know Ive been promising a picture of our Cigar Night - so this Thursday I will be sure to get one

Thanks everyone

Chappy

[hotreds]

Love to hear that we are helping make your stay a little less unpleasant!

[Chingas]

That's fantastic! Enjoy the smokes Brothers and Thank You for your service!

[colimo]

This thread brought both a smile to my face and a tear to my eye today.
Stay safe, Chappy, keep doing the good work, help others with strife, and come home safe, Sir.
Thank you for your service.

:tpd:

Keep on keepin on.....stay safe...
enjoy and thank you

[jjmitchem]

Thanks everyone for all the support

Hugh - thanks for the Cigar Magazine - really loved the article called "Cigars: The Divine Right"

Jim

[jjmitchem]

Cigar Night Iraq

Sorry for the lighting, we were under a mortar attack warning so no outside lights and had quite a few guys out on security, so we have a good bit more that turn out for this each week

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=604&pictureid=4738

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=604&pictureid=4739

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=604&pictureid=4740

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=604&pictureid=4741

Thanks everyone!!!

[massphatness]

Thanks for the pics, and God bless you for your service.

Herfing while under mortar attack warning? I'll never feel bad about Moe forgetting the chocolate dipped cannoli again ... damn.

[bobarian]

Thanks for the pics, and God bless you for your service.

Herfing while under mortar attack warning? I'll never feel bad about Moe forgetting the chocolate dipped cannoli again ... damn.

:tpd: Kinda puts things in perspective. Thanks for taking the time to send us pics. Looks like things are picking up over there, hope you and all your buddies stay safe. :usa

[Ranger_B]

Cigar 6 keep up the great work out there. Looks like your keeping your Troopers well relaxed when you can. Thank you and the troops for all you guys are doing.

[smelvis]

Chaplin Jim
Smelvis here how are you?

[jjmitchem]

Dave!

Glad to see you made your way over to the Asylum!!

I think you will like it here

Jim

[jjmitchem]

Just got another shipment from the Asylum through Hugh

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=604&pictureid=4770

Thanks!!!


Chappy
Cigar 6

[nick2021]

You all take it easy at Cobra, I'm at Balad (A1)....I know that's a tough place to be and hopefully the time will go by quickly!

[jjmitchem]

Hey Nick

Its not so bad up here, in fact most of us would rather be here than near any flagpole!!

You take care too, and if you ever come up this way ask for "Cigar 6" so we can light one up and I can send a few back with you.

Chappy

[nick2021]

Hey Nick

Its not so bad up here, in fact most of us would rather be here than near any flagpole!!

You take care too, and if you ever come up this way ask for "Cigar 6" so we can light one up and I can send a few back with you.

Chappy

Thx man, will definitely do so!

[Swany]

You all take it easy at Cobra, I'm at Balad (A1)....I know that's a tough place to be and hopefully the time will go by quickly!

Hey nick, I'm at Balad too. We should get together sometime and herf. Hooah!!

[nick2021]

Hey nick, I'm at Balad too. We should get together sometime and herf. Hooah!!

will do man, sent you a PM :)

[OLS]

The only cigar bar in the world where they let you put your gun on the floor.
The only cigar bar in the world where they suggest you BRING a gun, probably.

Rifle, I know.

[jjmitchem]

Got another great package from Hugh

Thanks

And thanks for the special cigars!!!

http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/picture.php?albumid=604&pictureid=4846

[SNKBYT]

keep up the good work Capt/Cigar6 & thanks for your service.........stay safe & thanks for your service

how often do you have your Cigar Nights? when in Bagram Afgh. we had a herf every Saturday Night no matter what the weather was

cigars over there help to put back what the deployment takes out of you

[jjmitchem]

Alex

We have our standard cigar night every Thursday night - also no matter the weather. But with the temps starting to cool we have found ourselves gathering a little more frequently to light one up.

Since my command never bothers the chaplain on Sundays, I have found myself enjoying an afternoon coffee and cigar now that it is cool enough to do so. A few others have begun to join me when they can.

Chappy

[SNKBYT]

Alex

We have our standard cigar night every Thursday night - also no matter the weather. But with the temps starting to cool we have found ourselves gathering a little more frequently to light one up.

Since my command never bothers the chaplain on Sundays, I have found myself enjoying an afternoon coffee and cigar now that it is cool enough to do so. A few others have begun to join me when they can.

Chappy

for the cold nights, we cheated and used a burn barrel.....I also enjoyed my Sunday afternoon cigars...alone & w/others..........stay safe & thanks again for your service

[jjmitchem]

I wanted to put something out here for everyone to see. It seems I got a PM from someone that is reading something different into this thread - like there is a concern that I am smoking up a majority of the cigars that are being sent here.

I have my own personal stash - My wife is sending me cigars and I have a few buddies back home that are sending me my own sticks. I currently have plenty for my own consumption since I am only smoking about 2 a week. I just received the Gurkha Spec Ops - 20 cigars from my wife, last month she sent me a mazo of Gurkhas, I have a fellow Chaplain that sends me a few RP's every month. I do find enjoyment is trading or giving away some of my sticks to other soldiers who are interested in what I have.

Now when I see an occasional interesting cigar in the bombs that I have never tried - I do partake, but for the most part I have my personal favorites.

I hope this answers any questions that are out there.

[smelvis]

Hey Chappy
I send to several Chaplins you being one, you are a deployed service member and any I send are for you as well as the rest of your men & Women. I think you or Gunny once said the cigars brings the people to you who would otherwise not come to see you. I think this is Great!!

Your integrity is above reproach as far as I am confirmed, Period!

You also have the means to organize cigar outings which is also great. On my end I would never even think such a thing. I am surprised a man of God would be accused of such a thing after all you do for your Men and Women I am more than a little offended at this.

You have my faith my friend and I trust you with my life!

Dave

[hotreds]

Brother: I am unaware of anyone impuning your integrity! Perhaps there was a misunderstanding somewhere along the line?

I have sent boxes to over 25 different people, 15 on a monthly basis. It is my hope that these people share what I send them. But, I expect them to partake in what I send THEM! They are a conduit, but they are part of the group that we at CA support! None of us have any problem with the receiver of the box to take some cigars and candy/coffee/nuts etc etc for their personal use. I imagine if the recipient kept all the goodies for himself, our contacts would be fat with hacking coughs!:r

So, hopefully all we have here is " a failure to cmmuncate."

Stay safe, God Bless You and all the troopers, enjoy your boxes from the asylum and happy smokes!

[smelvis]

Yeah one of my resents went to you Chappy Enjoy!

[jjmitchem]

Hotreds

Thanks for the response - I got your box, mail here is getting further apart. Thanks!!

As far as the insinuation - I don't want to draw this out any further, a pm was sent to me accusing someone else of possibly implying this (which I never got from any postings) which sounded like a way for this person to imply this. I just wanted to make this very clear to all on here that these cigars are going to the Soldiers who deserve them and that I will not name names.

I do not want this to take away from the incredible support this forum is showing nor the deserving recipients that our Soldiers are.

With that being said - your impact continues to grow here at Cobra. Almost daily I see another new face stare in awe at our Cobra Coolidor and almost drool :dr.
I foresee the job here getting tougher and more demanding as we prepare for the final withdrawal and the closing of FOBs around Iraq and the little things like an hour of relaxation with a cigar and good friends make it bearable

Chappy

[jjmitchem]

And Smelvis too for his support!!!!!

Wasn't paying attention to all the posts - internet here has been really bad and haven't had much access lately

Thanks Brother!!

[jjmitchem]

Just received a box from OLS!!

Thanks!! got some great cigars in there - the guys will love them!!

[nick2021]

Glad to hear you all got some good smokes at cobra, would rather be there than hee at Balad (too close to the flag pole if you know what I mean).

[jjmitchem]

Just received some more boxes from hotreds and rrplasencia - Great Cigars!!!

Thanks Guys

Had one of our Soldiers at Cigar Night last night with a "good" camera, will post that pic when he gets it too me

[Secret Santa]

Santa is a big fan of the troops!

:salute:

[hotreds]

Thanks to Chappy and the 2-14 for the nice certificate and coin! I will safeguard these with pride for the troop supporters here at CA! Appears these were mailed in mid August-- so ship everything over there by air, y'all!

http://images5a.snapfish.com/232323232%7Ffp63279%3Enu%3D3292%3E%3B78%3E732%3EWS NRCG%3D3557%3A9%3C94932%3Bnu0mrj

[smelvis]

Hugh
Don't that just make you proud bro! Sweet!

[Proud Army Mom]

Hello Chaplain,

My son is currently serving as a medic with the 2-14 and has mentioned you specifically and cigar night couple of times. It's nice to put a face with the name…and the cigars (-:

1st - I would like to present you with a personal "Thank you" for providing spiritual guidance and prayers for my soldier.... I try to encourage him to talk to God often and lean on Him for support, guidance, and sound decision-making. Your presence as a chaplain is very important and I am relieved that the US Army continues to share the same mindset.

2nd - Cigars…What kind would you suggest if I should start a movement with my family to send cigars? It will be fun to surprise my son with a good supply to share.

Thank you again and May God bless you and keep you safe.
Yvonne

[jjmitchem]

Yvonne

Sent you an email. Thank you for the kind words. Believe me when I say I am the one being blessed serving with these guys!!!

[guitar4001]

Our chaplain was instrumental in our cigar program last year in afghanistan. He also kept me sane with his wisdom and humor. god bless the chaplain corps and stay safe.

[jjmitchem]

Thanks Paul

But I am the one that is blessed with this job

[guitar4001]

Thanks Paul

But I am the one that is blessed with this job

hooah

[soaknfused]

I just joined this forum to say hi to Cigar 6. I called FOB Cobra home for over a year back in 2004-2005 (CHU 168 to be exact) while deployed there (1-128 IN from WI). As much as it pains me to say this I kind of miss that hole in the ground lol... I would love to see some updated pictures of the place or hear how it has changed since we left.

[jjmitchem]

Hi soaknfused

Cobra has come a long way since you were here. We have a DFAC, Laundry an MWR, internet and the chapel, no px though. Its still small but we love it since we are pretty much by ourselves. Our SCO is the highest ranking on the FOB.

Jim

[soaknfused]

So you mean you have a "proper" DFAC now? lol.... we had a plywood shack that had seating for about 50-75 at a time and the cooks prepared the food in another smaller building that was out back, not far from where the burning pit was (great combination I know)

We also had a MWR area with computers, phones, pool table and so on in one of the pre-existing hard buildings and we built a boxing ring in front of it for our Thursday night fights we had.. those were good times :) and the chapel was a tent (like our gym) right across from the MWR building. Laundry was done 3 pieces of clothing at a time in washing machines that were bought off the local economy and placed in our shower trailers, so each company living area had a 4 stall shower setup and a "washroom" in the trailer that had 4-5 open top washing machines that sort of worked.

On a high note, we all had wireless internet that we bought off a local who lived on the FOB with us, we each paid $60 per month but it was nice to have.. and like you said, it was very nice to not have so much brass around, it was a no solute FOB and the highest ranking officer we had was the SCO of the Cav unit we were attached to and he was awesome... Was always an odd experience going to Caldwell or Anaconda and having to salute or not smoke while walking etc etc :)