ECV In Iraq

From Larry VanRickley (XNGH) 6/14/2004

The solider in civilian clothes, but more than likely heavily armed, is my oldest son, Sergeant First Class Rick Van Rickley, USA. He is a Green Beret currently serving in northeastern Iraq, Kurdish area, and the Iranian border area. He is a member of the John P. Squibob Chapter 1853, ECV® and an affiliate of Doc. Maynard, I think, since his home base is 1st Special Forces Group, Ft. Lewis, WA. He obtained the ECV® tattoo 2 years ago at Whidbey Island. Okay, he is slightly crazy.

His brother, Staff Sergeant Select Cliff Van Rickley, USA, is also in Iraq with the 5th Special Forces group out of Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. He is down in Baghdad in a command and control environment. He will become a PBC as soon as his schedule and Squibob's matches. He may be home on leave in August. This is his second tour of duty after serving at the beginning of the WIN over Iraq's army. I would sure appreciate if you could honor a Clamper, proudly displaying his colors, and his bro in Iraq.

The following is Rick's Text to accompany the 3 pictures of him.

Hello all,

Well this weekend was a good weekend. We patrolled most of our AO and talked to many people in the outlying villages. The first pic is of some tanks that were destroyed in the first gulf war, the second is one is on the border of Iran. You can see the checkpoint in the back. And the last is at the site of the second chemical attack that Saddam did on Kurdistan. Everything is good here and going well. I should see Cliff in a couple of days and hope to have a good time.

The pictures of Cliff are of a re-supply mission. The truck ahead is broken down so they are smoking and cokeing I guess.. The second is of him pulling guard duty back at HQ. Cliff is Airborne and a communications specialist and Rick likes to blow things up or away! I Instant Message Cliff all the time. He told me this past week that the soldiers are really pissed at the likes of Michael Moore, Al Gore, and others of there ilk. He was inspired enough to send a letter to Mr. Moore expressing his distaste for his anti-American activities.

Both of my sons are true patriots that are fighting Islamo Facisim at great personal risk and discomfort at times. They could choose to be home attending clampouts, enjoying a beer or relaxing with their families. They prefer to attempt, in their own small ways, to keep US safe and free at home! When the likes of Sen. Kennedy incite the enemy, their not happy.

(From Rick's email response 6/15/04)

Hey brothers,

What Say the Bretheren? Well just wanted to say thanx for the support at home. I always get choked up when someone says thanx from afar or in person. Man I love my country! Well Gotta go. The Pic is me getting to roll up a bad guy AKA terrorists. In the name of God, Country and Clamperdom!

ECV® In Iraq: Our Brothers fighting for our freedom!