Special thanks from alumni in Afghanistan

The care packages put together by the Vets 4 Vets Club on campus drew many thanks from two UW-Green Bay alumni soldiers. First Lt. Tim Dewitt (’07, Social Change and Development) and Staff Sgt. Trevor Brandenburg (active student from 2002-06, History) are in Afghanistan right now. They shared a letter with Elaina Koltz, the Vets 4 Vets Club adviser.

Lt. Tim DeWitt and Staff Sgt. Trevor Brandenburg

SFC Koltz,

Sorry for the long wait in response. Both SSG Trevor Brandenburg and I have received the care packages that were sent from UWGB and I would like to give my sincerest thanks. It’s little things that mean so much. The goodies are really nice and even though I don’t normally eat sweets I had a couple just because it’s a membrance of home. I think when you’re far away from all that is considered normal it’s simple things that have the most value.

It’s been quite a ride here in Afghanistan so far. My unit is a Law and Order Detachment which is to say that we are a ‘mobile police department’ of sorts. We provide Law and Order mission support to the 101st Airborne Division while they operate in RC East, Afghanistan. It’s a far cry from racing up and down the hallways and buildings trying to meet the rigorous demands of an insane credit load at UWGB but it still has its variety of challenges.

Being a commander is more responsibility and commitment than most might comprehend. I’ve been going non-stop like this since February 2008 when we started on Pre-Mobilization, then to RTC, MOB Station and finally in theater. If you had told me I’d be doing this much back when I was at UWGB I’d probably have quit then! I think when I finally make it back home everything else will definitely have the volume ‘turned down’ in comparison to what I’ve been through the last year and a half.

As arduous and painful as my “4 years of college in 2years” was, I am considering a return to UWGB to ‘mop-up’ a couple classes I’d like to have. Then look for a decent job in our trying economy. I guess we’ll see what happens.

Until then, please stay in touch and I will try to provide some updates from time to time. I attached a photo of SSG Trevor Brandenburg and I (both UWGB Alumni) holding a UWGB pennant with the mountains of Afghanistan as a backdrop.

Talk with you again soon!

1LT Tim DeWitt, Commander
330th MP DET (L&O) “Renegades”
Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan
APO AE