Hello My Dear Families,

By now I'm sure everyone has heard the tragic news of our Fallen Peacemaker, Paul Thomason, and the wounding of Shawn Hall, Tony Lambert, David Orlandini and Dennis Holt.

They were traveling on Sunday 20 March in the same HEMT cargo truck as part of a large convoy that supplies FOB Bernstein on a regular basis. They were traveling from FOB Victory (Tikrit) to FOB Bernstein via Kirkuk. As they neared Kirkuk, a large explosive device detonated under the front portion of the truck. This happened at about 11:45 AM local time. Medics, including David Orlandini who was himself injured, immediately rendered aid to all the injured. I called Amanda Thomason this evening and I must say she is a remarkably strong woman and was greatly concerned about the condition of the wounded. I appreciate all of the love, concern, prayers and help you all have provided her thus far and she has a long road ahead of her.

Today, Tuesday, 22 March, we conducted a memorial ceremony for Paul at FOB Bernstein. Major General Joseph Tuluto, the 42d Division Commander, Colonel Dennis Adams, the 278th Regimental Commander, the other squadron commanders and staff were in attendance at the ceremony. The 42d Division Band played as well. It was a very dignified, honorable and emotional ceremony for the Peacemakers. It was our way of saying goodbye and providing some sense of closure to this tragedy.

Our work goes on here and we will continue to be diligent in our duties and missions. We take no shortcuts in safety and protecting our forces is my and COL Adams' number one priority.

Tracy, thank you for all you do for our families. I don't know what I'd do without you and MJ Stokley. I also appreciate all the work that our FRGs do in support of us and our families. Thank you ALL for your daily thoughts and prayers for our safety and well-being.

I pray for the healing of Amanda's, the childrens' and the families' broken hearts and dreams. Paul was a fine soldier with a good heart, a ready smile and a friend to everyone he met. I will miss him.

I also pray for the healing of our wounded and their families.

Very humbly and respectfully,

LTC Frank McCauley
Commander
2/278th RCT
FOB Bernstein, Iraq