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Photo Special to the Sun - The soldiers who work in the operations center of the 2nd Squadron of the 278th Regimental Combat Team at Forward Operating Base Bernstein in Iraq are shown above in a photo taken Friday. From left in the front row, are: Spc. Shane Wade, Sgt. 1st Class Erich Geouge, and Capt. Rob Mathis. From left in the second row, are: Tech. Sgt. Warren McCray, USAF, Staff Sgt. Tim Hoss, Sgt. Jerold Smith, Staff Sgt. Stewart Rogers, 2nd Lt. Ryan Presnell, Spc. Jason Snow, and Spc. Jim Bird. Standing in the rear is Spc. Bryan Duke.

By: BILL JONES/Staff Writer Source: The Greeneville Sun 03-26-2005

An officer serving with the 278th Regimental Combat Team’s 2nd Squadron, which includes a number of Greene Countians, has sent an “Easter Letter” to the families of local soldiers for publication by The Greeneville Sun.

Capt. Rob Mathis, a 278th officer who formerly served with Newport-based Troop E of the 278th RCT and now is assigned to the 2nd Squadron’s headquarters at Forward Operating Base Bernstein in northern Iraq, sent the letter and a photo via electronic mail on Friday.

Capt. Mathis wrote, "On behalf of all of the soldiers of the 278th, I want to wish everyone back home a happy Easter.

"This Easter will be a somber one for us here in Iraq due to the recent loss of our second soldier to be killed in action. As many of you know by now, his name was Spc. Paul Thomason. He was killed when an IED (improvised explosive device) detonated under the vehicle he was traveling in last Sunday. It was Palm Sunday.

"Four other soldiers were wounded in the blast. Two of the injured soldiers were transported to Germany for further treatment and will soon be sent home to Tennessee.

"The sacrifices made by these men of behalf of their country and the time in which they occurred, this close to Easter, serve to remind me of the sacrifice that God made for all of us by becoming a man and dying on the cross for the sake of our redemption.

"Each of us in the 278th has always respected the service and sacrifice endured by our local war veterans. Our experiences here have given us a whole new appreciation for what these men did for us. "We have now seen the waste and tragedy of war first-hand. My own experiences have been minimal compared to many of those who fought in Vietnam, Korea, and World War II, to name but a few. To all of our local veterans, I say thank you.

"In spite of recent events, our morale remains high and our determination resolute. Easter always brings with it new hope, and this one is no exception. We are optimistic for what the rest of this year will bring, and we will continue to forge ahead to accomplish our mission.

"The memories of our fallen comrades and their sacrifice harden our resolve. “We are strengthened by God, our families back home, and by each other.

"After seeing them in action every day, I can tell you that our soldiers are proving themselves worthy of the admiration and support that they have received … and continue to receive from the folks back home. I am proud to serve with them.

"As always, thank you all for your love, prayers, and support. We couldn’t do this job without you.

"May God continue to bless our community and keep our people, at home and abroad, happy, healthy, and safe. We’ll be home soon."

Story Copyright to The Greeneville Sun