20,000 Combat Troups to Be Withdrawn by Summer

From Reuters:

"WASHINGTON, Feb 25 (Reuters) - The United States expects to have 140,000 troops in Iraq in July after withdrawing five combat brigades, leaving a force larger than before it began pouring in troops last year, the Pentagon said on Monday.

"Army Lt. Gen. Carter Ham, director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also told reporters that the number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan is expected to climb to an all-time high of 32,000 troops by late summer, from about 28,000 today, as thousands of Marines take up combat and training duties. "These force posture levels are truly conditions based and driven by the mission requirements and the assessments of commanders on the ground," Ham said at a Pentagon briefing.

"There were some 132,000 U.S. troops in Iraq before President George W. Bush ordered a surge of about 30,000 more to curb rampant violence that threatened to plunge the country into all-out civil war.

"U.S. commanders plan by summer to have withdrawn more than 20,000 combat troops deployed as part of the surge.

"Defense officials hope to withdraw more forces later in the year. But Defense Secretary Robert Gates has recently backed the idea of a pause in drawdowns after the extra combat troops have pulled out. (Reporting by Andrew Gray; writing by David Morgan and Sandra Maler)

From Jackie:

Rumor has it that Chris may get to come home at the end of March or beginning of April. Don't hold me to that, Folks, as the Army can change it's mind whenever it wants to. I've been trying to figure out if he is coming home for good or just for a couple of weeks. The Reuters article above would be a good indication that Chris will not have to go back. How fantastic would that be?!?

I was just reading through his old blog. Remember when my mom posted that Chris had asked for motorcycle magazines. In a subsequent post, my brother wrote that he got 20 magazines from people! I just thought that was funny and also indicative of the support he's gotten.

Speaking of my brother's blog, thanks to support from family and friends, we have published my brother's blog in a hardcover and softcover book, and it is available for purchase.

Monad's Army B...

By Chris Strnad and C...

Book Preview

HAPPY VALENTINE DAY!!!

Happy Valentine Day Chris. Hope you are doing okay. Did they feed you anything special? Craig took me to Red Lobster and I got lobster, scallops, shrimp, and crab legs. I couldn't eat it all, had to bring some home.

I'm always thinking of you and praying for you. Your always my pride and joy.

Love you a lot, Mom

CHRIS CALLED 02-09-2008

Chris called a little before 9 am this morning our time (8 pm their time) and we talked for about 30 minutes. It's 55 degrees there. His group is on standby right now, all they do is eat and get bored. Not much to do. He can't wait to get home. He said he's coming back in April for Ashley's wedding. I caught him up on all the latest news from California and the rest of the information I knew. At least I know that he's okay. THANKS for the phone call Chris. You be careful and take care. Stay alert. I'll keep praying for your safety.

Missing You, Mom

Signs of Life

Hi, Everyone. I found this new photo of Chris on myspace. Enjoy....