GIs in Iraq Send Out Thank-Yous For Christmas Support

Army officers from Arizona serving in Iraq include (from left) Christian L. Hoempler, Andrew G. Lerch, Tom E. Hearon, Andrew R. Ellison and Timothy R. Smith.

Beth Duckett
The Arizona Republic

U.S. Army soldiers based in Tuwaitha, Iraq - including several Arizonans - sent out Christmas greetings this week.

1st Lt. Tom E. Hearon, a Cave Creek resident and troop commander, said the soldiers are grateful for the support this season from residents.

"I wanted to say hello back to my home state, and how much my men, women and I appreciate the support, packages, and words of comfort," Hearon said in an e-mail.

The soldiers operate out of Combat Outpost Cashe southeast of Baghdad.

Hearon is assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.