OUR GALION GUYS AND GALS THAT ARE STATIONED IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN..

My husband, Wade Sweeny, is a 1996 GHS graduate and currently in command of the B Co 62nd Engineers in Afghanistan. Martha and Ed Sweeny, Wade's parents, live in Galion. The picture (Nr. 147) was taken a little over 4 years ago during his tour in Iraq. He is still an avid runner and it takes double the energy on my part to keep up with him! His quote on this picture was, "Even though I look as I'm about to die, I was feeling pretty good! Just trying to stop a sweat drop from getting into my eye." Since Wade loves candy and good books, we'd like to thank you for all the care packages and letters. They surely put a smile on his face every time! Thank you for your support. Respectfully, Christa Sweeny          Wade can be emailed Here. I'm sure he would love to hear from you.

My name is Scott Palmer, a 1981 graduate from Galion High. I recently returned from a tour in Iraq and wanted to thank all of those who sent care packages to me from good ol' Galion. It was wonderful. I have attached a couple pictures to share and would like to say thanks to all of you for your support of our people overseas. Email Scott Here

Hi, my name is Jenny Cline. My husband, Steve Cline and I are both from galion and recently moved back. Steve volunteered for Operation Iraqi Freedom for the last three years. He is a 1990 high school graduate and soon after graduation, went into the service. He is stationed in Bahgdad with part of the 612 Eng Bn Ohio National Guard and is on his second, voluntary, consecutive deployment to Iraq. Update 1-18-07 -Steve is back home now and living in Georgia. He re-enlisted in the Army National Guard while in Iraq and was sworn in inside Sadaam Hussein's palace We were married on September 4th, 1990. We have 3 children. Katelyn-12, Chantel-9, and Jesse-4. Both of our parents still live in Galion as well. We are all so very proud of him and all the troops for what they believe in. We miss him greatly, and can't wait for his return home in December. I found this site and was so excited and proud to know that there are so many people out there that care so much for so many. If you would like, you can email Steve Here. I'm sure he would love to hear from you. Here are some pictures of him and his platoon.

Brian Byers...Brian is the son of Robert and Norma Byers, of Galion,Ohio. He has a wife, Tara and a baby girl, Layla, 5 months old. He is with the 101st Airborne Division, at Ft. Campbell, Ky. He was first deployed in 2003 to Iraq in Gulf war II. He is now serving back in Iraq for the 2nd tour in Iraqi Freedom. Email Brian Here

Rob Dockstader is a 1989 graduate. He has many friends and relatives in Galion. He was just recently married to Jenny Bunner in Columbus. He flew to Camp Lejeune the following week and is now in Iraq. 9-26-05 UPDATE: This write up was posted on an unofficial Marine web site that was set up for family members to use for communicating between one another about newsworthy information. This attack took place just awhile ago. Read very carefully. I was told that the description of the action is somewhat understated. This is the address of the article and a link to the rest of the news. Rob and LIMA Company arrived back in Columbus on Friday, October 7th, 2005. Here are more of his pictures. Rob can be emailed Here.   Rob has been with LIMA Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division stationed in Columbus Ohio.

Attached is a photo of myself munching some Jones potato chips after a live fire convoy exercise. At the time of the photo, I was with HHQ (Headquarters and Headquarters Company) of the 4th Aviation Brigade, under the 4th Infantry Division (based at Fort Hood, TX). We were located on an airfield north of Tikrit. I am now stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, home of the Airborne. I work in the US Army Security Assistance Training Management Organization. I provide computer support to our unit. I graduated from GHS in '92. Thanks for the site, SSG David Kostelnik Email Dave Here

Thank you GalionGuy.com for creating this tribute. I’m a ’91 graduated from GHS and currently deployed supporting operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The airplane I’m standing in front of is the RQ-4A Global Hawk surveillance aircraft I fly for the US Air Force. When not deployed to the desert I’m stationed at Beale AFB, CA. Update: Mike safely returned home from his fourth deployment to the Middle East after spending several hundred hours providing reconnaissance to the guys on the ground. He and his family have subsequently moved to Virginia where he is assigned to the Pentagon. Mike Lyons, Major, USAF Email Mike Here

		Top: Dennis Thomas, right, has been in Iraq since January 2004. To his left is proud Step-Dad Jerry Nulk. Dennis is proud to serve his country with the Army Reserves. Email Dennis Here
		Andy Finnegan, at left, has just returned from Iraq with his Army Reserve Unit. Andy's proud parents are Chris and Carla Finnegan, 239 Walker Street, Galion. Email Andy Here

THIS SPACE NEEDS PICTURES OF OUR GALION GUYS AND GALS THAT ARE STATIONED IN IRAQ and AFGHANISTAN.
Please contact anyone you know that has a son or daughter stationed in Iraq and either have them email a picture of their loved one or please do it for them to dick at galionguy.com. Field shots preferred, of course, to have our viewers to feel closer to our soldier, but any picture will be used. If the soldier has an email address that he can access please include that. Also include other references, i.e., parents and his/her peace time occupation, to Galion that more of us may recognize our Galionite.

We need for them to know that while some may question the war, in no way does that affect our concern for them and their dedication to their duty. Many of us are veterans and know the hardships of being so far from home and family.

To those of you in harms way in Iraq that can see this... stay alert and get back here safe and sound. In the meantime get someone to get a picture of you, size doesn't matter, and email it to this website so that your friends can keep up with you.

And last... THANK YOU! from all of us here back home.  

Here is one way to express your gratitude to any soldier that you can recognize on the street..
Gratitude Campaign

Here is something on subject that has been forwarded around the internet lately. Viewer Don Evans sent it in to GalionGuy.com.
It's called "When you are discouraged.."