Monday, August 27, 2007

Qada mayor meets with judges

Abbas Ali, representative from the Higher Judicial Court, speaks during a meeting Aug. 21 at Forward Operating Base Rustamaya as Judge Razak Jabar Alwan listens.

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Qada mayor meets with judges
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq — Mada’in Qada’s leaders met with judicial authorities at Forward Operating Base Rustamaya Aug. 21 to discuss security in the area and to bring judges back to the district.

The mayor and police chief of Mada’in Qada, along with a national police brigade commander, a representative from Iraq’s Higher Judicial Court and a criminal court judge attended the meeting.

Mayor Mushen Nasser; Brig. Gen. Adnon, Mada’in Iraqi Police chief; and Col. Emad, 3rd Brigade, 1st Battalion National Police commander, assured Chief Judge Abbas Ali, the representative from Higher Judicial Court, and Judge Razak Jabar Alwan security in the area was much improved and that it was safe for judges to return to the area.

“This was a great leap forward in a long-term project that we started when we first arrived,” said Maj. James Carlisle, of Palm Beach, Fla., chief of Civil Military Operations, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team. “This definitely shows we are moving in the right direction.”

Currently, citizens in the area must travel to Rusafa, on the eastern side of Baghdad, to get legal matters processed.

Nasser said law, security and administration are three pillars the citizens of Mada’in Qada need for a stable society and asked for help from the Higher Judicial Court.

“We are working to give our best to the citizens,” Nassar said. “We trust Coalition Forces to help us.”

Abbas agreed with the mayor’s assessment and hoped to bring judges back to the area in the near future.

“I hope the court can come back and ease the sufferings of the people,” Abbas said. “A judge needs to be there to bring criminals to justice.”

Abbas Ali (center), the representative from the Higher Judicial Court, and Judge Razak Jabar Alwan (far left) talk with Col. Emad, commander, 3rd Brigade, 1st Battalion National Police, about the security situation in Mada’in Qada during a meeting on Aug. 21 at Forward Operating Base Rustamaya.

Lt. Col. Ryan J. Kuhn, deputy commander, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, speaks to Mushen Nasser, mayor of Mada’in Qada and Judge Razak Jabar Alwan during a meeting Aug. 21 at Forward Operating Base Rustamaya.

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

A Hero On Board

Slogger’s Note: This afternoon, I wrote an entry in my blog about an experience I had while flying from Atlanta to Richmond, Virginia.  I thought some of you might like to read it, so I’ve pasted it below.

Today’s flight from Atlanta to Richmond started off fairly normal.

We all boarded the flight (I was in “Zone 5").  I took my seat (emergency exit row, window, my favorite) and stuffed my stuff under the seat in front of me.

As everybody else filed onto the plane and took their seats, I thumbed through the latest edition of Wired magazine, tired from an early morning drive to the Altanta airport, and knowing I had a busy day ahead of me.

Once everybody had settled in, the pilot stood at the front of the cabin and took over the PA system.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, thanks for flying with us today.  I’d like you all to know we’re flying with an American hero today.”

With that the pilot introduced a young Army Specialist, who was flying home from Iraq on his R&R.  The entire plane burst into a supportive and appreciative round of applause.

After the pilot thanked the Specialist for his service, a passenger sitting in first class offered to trade seats with the young soldier.

It was one of those moments that touches your heart and makes you appreciate all the things we have in life.  Much of it is due to the soldiers who fight for us every day.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

1-15 Infantry medics hold free health clinic

Cpl. Paul Bliss, of Willits, Calif., Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, hands out a humanitarian aid bag to a local woman during a medical operation Aug. 16, in the town of Wuerdiya, in al-Ja’ara.

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1-15 Infantry medics hold free health clinic
By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Task Force Marne Medics and Soldiers braved 120-degree heat Aug. 16 to bring medical care to 76 patients in the al-Ja’ara town of Wuerdiva.

In addition to providing medical attention to residents in need, Soldiers and medics passed out 126 humanitarian aid bags, 97 book bags and 132 soccer shirts to the families.

“The humanitarian bags should support a small family for a little while,” said Cpl. Paul Bliss, of Willits, Calif., Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment. “This will hopefully build some good will between 1-15 and the families that live in the area.”

“I wish it were cooler outside in order to encourage more families to come get medical supplies for the children and families,” said Cpl. Steven Sadler, of Sachse, Texas, a Soldier from Company B who pulled security for the medical site.

According to 1-15 Inf. Regt. leaders, al-Ja’ara has a history of being a stronghold for insurgent elements. The mission was intended to improve the relationships with the local citizens.

“This mission should make a difference in how the local population views Coalition Forces,” West said.

Staff Sgt. Corey West, of Pelhan, Ga., a platoon sergeant in Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, hands out a humanitarian aid bag to local teenagers during a medical operation Aug. 16, in the town of Wuerdiya, in al-Ja’ara.

1-15 brings mobile communications to battlefield

Spc. Ashley Martin, of Columbus, Ga., and Spc. Johnny Simmons, of Columbia, S.C., Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, drive and test the radios on the Dragon V around Combat Outpost Cleary Aug. 17.

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1-15 brings mobile communications to battlefield
Story and photos by Spc. Ben Hutto
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Staff Sgt. Matthew Hancock looked over the schematics the 82nd Airborne had put together for a mobile tactical operations center and knew that he could build something similar for his battalion.

Hancock, of Eatonton, Ga., signal chief for 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, saw the potential of having a mobile off-road vehicle equipped with multiple radio systems in 1-15th Inf. Regt.’s area of operation and ran with the idea.

“I actually knew we could build it better,” Hancock said. “The plans I saw looked pretty flimsy. I knew there was no way that would hold up on the battlefield, so we looked to make it better. I think we improved on it in every way, actually.”

In two days, Hancock, Spc. Johnny Simmons, of Columbus, Ga., and Spc. Ashley Hartin, of Columbia, S.C., both of Headquarters Company, 1-15th Inf. Regt., transformed a regular four-wheel, all-terrain vehicle into the DRAGON V, the first Deployable Radio Air to Ground Operational Network Vehicle.

Hartin designed the cabinet that houses a 10-kilowatt generator, two long- range FM radios, a satellite radio, an un-manned aerial vehicle radio and a computer that helps the operators monitor everything on the battlefield.

Simmons provided Hancock technical support and helped wire all the equipment on the vehicle.

Pooling their expertise wasn’t a problem for the three Soldiers.

“The challenge for me was knowing the correct sizes of everything and making a base that could fit everything, but still provide protection and support,” explained Hartin. “We worked really well together. We each helped on the other’s tasks. The fact we had it fully mission capable in two days says something.”

The vehicle wasn’t given an easy test run for its initial outing.

The Dragon V was used during Company A’s night air assault mission on Aug. 16 southeast of Baghdad.

Despite going over uneven terrain and drainage ditches and through heavily wooded areas, the vehicle performed exceptionally well, 1-15th Inf. Regt. Soldiers said.

“It went really well,” said Spc. James Jones, of Tyler, Texas, Headquarters Company, 1-15th Inf. Regt., the vehicle’s driver that night.  “The vehicle handled the terrain fine. Nothing broke off. We couldn’t have asked for better.”

Hancock was pleased with the vehicle’s first mission and sees potential for its use on the battlefield.

“It gives the commander a lot more assets on the battlefield,” he said. “Instead of having to rely on relays, he can get live feeds. He can be at one spot and check on a unit 100 meters away in moments. He can gauge reactions on the battlefields as they happen and not have to hear it from miles away.”

According to Hancock, 1-15th Inf. Regt. plans to use it in future missions. He is excited that the role he and his fellow Soldiers will play in upcoming operations.

“This is the first time a mechanized Army unit has engineered, built and deployed a vehicle like this,” he said. “We are proud of what we’ve done. We feel like we have raised the bar for the Army.

Spc. Ashley Martin, of Columbus, Ga., and Spc. Johnny Simmons, of Columbia, S.C., Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, drive and test the radios on the Dragon V around Combat Outpost Cleary Aug. 17.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Hancock, of Eatonton, Ga., battalion signal chief for 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, tests the radios on the Dragon V at Combat Outpost Cleary Aug. 17.

3rd HBCT cooks take the cake in Iron Chef competition

Members of the Kellogg, Brown, and Root contracting company’s cooking team prepares their three course meal during the Iron Chef competition Aug. 16, at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq.

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3rd HBCT cooks take the cake in Iron Chef competition
By Sgt. Natalie Rostek
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Food service personnel of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team took part in the Sledgehammer version of the Iron Chef competition Aug. 16 at FOB Hammer.

The idea came from the 3rd HBCT Food Service officer-in-charge, Chief Warrant Officer Ellen Magras, a Virgin Islands native, to honor Food Service Appreciation Day for 3rd HBCT.

“I wanted to honor all the food service professionals, past, present, and future,” she said. “I also wanted to give the opportunity to these food service professionals to show their extreme talent.”

The rules for original Iron Chef competition, which airs on cable’s Food Network, are simple. There are four professional Iron Chefs all specializing in one type of cuisine: Chinese, Japanese, French, and Italian. Before the battle, the contender chooses one of the experts to face in a cook-off. Neither chef knows the key ingredient they must incorporate into their three-course meal until the unveiling, moments before the race begins.

Sgt. 1st Class Ed Stewart, of Deridder, La., noncommissioned officer in charge of Food Service, said the Hammer Iron Chef competition was intended to closely resemble the original, yet still allow for full participation from everyone involved.

“Chief Magras spent a lot of time on every detail of this competition,” he said. “She fine tuned everything.”

The magic number was three for the Hammer competition. Three teams of three chefs each battled it out in the Hammer Dining Facility’s version of “Kitchen Stadium.” The teams were from the Kellogg, Brown, and Root contracting company, the Timimi contracting company, and 3rd HBCT. Each team prepared three dishes, including a salad, a sandwich, and a desert. They could use any ingredient found in the dining facility.

When the hour cooking limit was complete, the teams displayed their masterpieces to the judges. According to Capt. Jeff Crawford, of Enterprise, Ala., commander, Company D, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, the judges took every aspect of the meals into consideration before making their final decision on the winners.

“We judges were actually looking at the taste and texture,” he said. “But me personally, I was also looking at the food.”

The 3rd HBCT chefs were declared winners. Their dishes included a shrimp and lobster salad with vegetable crackers, a shrimp po’ boy sandwich with corn relish, and for desert, a pretzel delight with whipped topping and strawberries. The Kellogg, Brown, and Root team placed second with a Mexican salad, a Philadelphia cheesesteak sub, and crepe suzette for desert. The Timimi chefs prepared a mixed salad with beef and seafood, Hollywood sandwiches, and a dessert called “Orange Supreme.”

Stewart believed the Timimi cooks, mostly from the Middle East, had trouble with American cuisine.

“We gave the judges something they could recognize,” Stewart said. “Almost every American loves seafood. I don’t think the Timimi team catered to their audience.”

Despite the outcome, Stewart believed everyone enjoyed themselves.

“It was a great competition that brought camaraderie between the civilians and the Soldiers,” Stewart said. 

Sgt. Keyona Thomas, of Atlanta, a member of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team’s cooking team, prepares crab and lobster salad during the Iron Chef competition Aug. 16, at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq.

Sgt. 1st Class Ed Stewart, of Deridder, La., noncommissioned officer in charge of Food Service for 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team and also a cook on the brigade’s team, prepares shrimp for the shrimp po’ boy sandwich during the Iron Chef Competition Aug. 16 at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq.

Staff Sgt. David Rowe, of Elba, Ala., a member of 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team’s cooking team, prepares pretzel delight during the Iron Chef Competition Aug. 16 at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq.

Chefs from the Timimi contracting company who participated in the Iron Chef competition Aug. 16 at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq, put the finishing touches on their salad plate before the judging.

Judges grade food prepared for the Iron Chef competition Aug. 16 at Forward Operating Base Hammer, Iraq.

1-15th Infantry flies into sanctuary, seizes cache

A U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter picks up Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry southeast of Baghdad Aug. 16 at the outset of an air assault mission in support of Multinational Division-Center’s Operation Marne Husky.

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

1-15th Infantry flies into sanctuary, seizes cache
Story and photos by Spc. Ben Hutto
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

COMBAT OUTPOST CLEARY, Iraq – Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, conducted Operation Dragon Fox, an air assault mission in an area southeast of Baghdad, Aug. 16.

Soldiers cleared 13 buildings, apprehended one suspect and found one weapons cache that contained four 125mm tank rounds, two 60mm mortars and significant amounts of mortar charges used to make Improvised Explosive Devices.

“This was a successful operation,” said 2nd Lt. Eric Miller, the Battle Captain for 1-15th Infantry. “By disrupting extremist activity in the area, we demonstrated our flexibility and ability to go where the bad guys are.”

According to Miller, this was 1-15th Infantry’s fifth successful air assault mission in the area.

Maj. John Cushing, the 1-15th Infantry operations officer, explained that there has been very little coalition force presence in the target area.  That can lead to an incomplete intelligence picture, he said.

“Operations like these allow us to confirm or deny the intelligence that we do have,” said Cushing.  “It also lets the people of that area know that we can come down there and see them whenever we want.”

The mission was a part of the Multinational Division-Center’s Operation Marne Husky.  MND-C launched the new offensive Aug. 15, focusing on enemy sanctuaries southeast of Baghdad.  This operation is a key part of Multinational Corps-Iraq’s Operation Phantom Strike, and will target militant safe havens and weapons smugglers, in an effort to choke the flow of bombs and weapons reaching the Iraqi capital.

1-15th Infantry is a part of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team out of Fort Benning, Ga.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment load a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter as a part of an air assault mission conducted southeast of Baghdad Aug. 16.  The mission supported the Multinational Division-Center’s Operation Marne Husky and resulted in the seizure of a significant cache.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment load a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter as a part of an air assault mission conducted southeast of Baghdad Aug. 16.  The mission supported the Multinational Division-Center’s Operation Marne Husky and resulted in the seizure of a significant cache.

Spc. Travis Hayne, Wooster, Ohio, of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, pulls security outside a house southeast of Baghdad during an air assault operation focused on militant safe havens and weapons smugglers Aug 16.  The mission supported the Multinational Division-Center’s Operation Marne Husky and resulted in the seizure of a significant cache.

Pfc. Landon Jernigan, Cantonment, Fla., of Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment pulls security in a door way during an air assault operation southeast of Baghdad focused on militant safe havens and weapons smugglers Aug 16.  The mission supported the Multinational Division-Center’s Operation Marne Husky and resulted in the seizure of a significant cache.

Local tip leads 3-1 Cavalry to weapons cache

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local tip leads 3-1 Cavalry to weapons cache
By Sgt. Natalie Rostek
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment seized a weapons cache Aug. 14, north of Nahrwan.

Troop B moved to the site where the cache was said to be located and found seven AK-47 assault rifles, 17 AK-47 magazines, one bolt-action rifle, two scopes (one with infrared capability), one periscope, five cell phones, two radios, one outer tactical vest, one pair of binoculars and one hand grenade.

In addition to the cache, the Soldiers detained four individuals.

According to 3-1 Cavalry officials, the cache find came days after the capture of key Jaysh al-Mahdi leaders and other suspected insurgents.

The 3-1 Cavalry is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team from Fort Benning, Ga.

Marne Soldiers coordinate air support, kills 5 insurgents

Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marne Soldiers coordinate air support, kills 5 insurgents
Multi-National Division – Center PAO

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Task Force Marne Soldiers and aviators joined forces Aug. 18 to kill five insurgents targeting a combat outpost southeast of Baghdad.

Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment reported receiving small arms fire at Combat Outpost Cahill from two sides late Saturday night. No Soldiers were injured by the sporadic gunfire.

The Soldiers on the ground were able to guide 1st Battalion, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade aircraft onto the squad-sized enemy element within minutes of the initial contact. The aircraft engaged and destroyed one truck and one anti-aircraft weapon system (VIDEO).

The 1-15th Infantry is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, out of Fort Benning, Ga., and the 1-3 CAB is assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Ga.

Monday, August 20, 2007

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

1LT Jonathan W. Edds

U.S. Department of Defense
Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs)
News Release

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

1st Lt. Jonathan W. Edds, 24, of White Pigeon, Mich., died Aug. 17 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle using an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Concerned Citizens step toward self-reliance

A member of the Concerned Citizens of al Arafia guards his post during a 12-hour shift.

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Concerned Citizens step toward self-reliance
By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – A group of Iraqi citizens in al Arafia, near Jisr Diyala, are taking steps to secure their own homes and neighborhoods.

Tips from the group helped lead Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment to a weapons cache on Aug. 15 in an area outside Al Arfia.
Soldiers from Company D discovered seven 107 mm rockets and 10 anti-tank mines. They also detained two individuals for questioning.

The Concerned Citizens is a group of local residents who have begun a reconciliation campaign with various extremist groups, according to 1st Lt. Mark Mendes, of Westchester, N.Y., fire support officer for Company D, currently attached to the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment. Many of their members are former Iraqi Security Force members.

The project was entirely conceived by Iraqi citizens and is run solely on local, volunteer leadership and participation. It is open to any citizens willing to take a stand against crime in their community.

Joining the program is simple. A volunteer must talk to either the local National Police commander, or one of the many Concerned Citizen leaders. Mendes said citizens can also ask any member to point them in the right direction. Each member is then required to take an oath upon joining.

The Concerned Citizens, now 49 members strong, are securing their community, which lies in the 3-1 Cavalry’s area of operation, with little help from the Americans, Mendes explained.

The neighborhood watch program requires each member to conduct security patrols during a 12-hour shift. Medes said they patrol their areas looking for extremist activity. If, on their shift, they witness such activity, they make a report to one of the various National Police checkpoints in the area.

“It is great that the Concerned Citizens program is taking off,” Mendes said. “They are standing up and providing security for their neighborhood. It shows how committed they are to cleaning up their community.”

The 3-1 Cav. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team from Fort Benning, Ga.

Leaders recognize acts of valor

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Leaders recognize acts of valor
Story and photos by Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs

COMBAT OUTPOST CLEARY, Iraq – Though the Army is comprised of Soldiers with similar training, each Soldier is an individual who may react differently under fire.

“I jumped on my tank, took control of the .50 cal., and suppressed the area,” Sgt. Robert Lady, tank crew member, Company A, said. “I rounded up a crew, some tankers in the area, and maneuvered the tank to support the dismounts that were moving to the target.”

Lady, of Bowling Green, Ky., received the Bronze Star with “V” device for valor for those actions when insurgents conducted a small-arms attack on Combat Outpost Cahill May 20, where many of the Company A and B, 1-15th, Soldiers are stationed.

Not everyone who answers the nation’s call to duty are like Lady. Not all are awarded decorations for combat heroism. However, the 1-15th has been able to award several of its members for their actions under fire.

Among those awarded was Staff Sgt. Shon Holtz, of Fort Benning, Ga., a squad leader in Company A. Holtz received the Bronze Star Medal with “V” device for valor for his heroic acts in a small-arms fire incident during Operation Beach Yellow, May 14, in Dura-iya.

He did not want to discuss the events surrounding the incident. However, Holtz said, during the firefight he ran through small-arms fire to reach another platoon.

During the firefight, four of the battalion’s Soldiers were wounded and two, Sgt. Christopher Gonzalez and Sgt. Allen Dunckley, both members of Company A, were killed.

Holtz was modest about his Bronze Star and explained his Soldiers are doing great things every day. It’s important to recognize Soldiers’ accomplishments, he said, and ensured he does everything he can to make sure his guys receive the awards they are due.

Pfc. Dustin Tarwater, of Denton, Texas, a rifleman for Company A, earned an Army Commendation Medal for providing first aid to wounded Soldiers during Operation Beach Yellow, when Dunkley and Gonzalez were killed.

“I’m humbled to get that award,” Tarwater said, “but I would rather have those guys back than get the award.”

During an awards ceremony at COP Cleary July 16 a total of 11 awards were given, to include three Bronze Stars with “V” device for valor, and eight Army Achievement Medals. Awardees included:

Bronze Star Medal with “V”

Sgt. 1st Class Peter Black, Company A
Staff Sgt. Shon Holtz, Company A
Sgt. Robert Lady, Company A

Army Commendation Medal

1st Lt. Clifford Cieslak, Headquarters Company
Sgt. Jeffrey Houghton, Company A
Sgt. Jason Lapan, Company C
Sgt. James Ryan, Company C
Spc. Briley Lloyd, Company C
Pfc. Paul Jernigan, Company A
Pfc. Geoffrey Savage, Company C
Pfc. Dustin Tarwater, Company A

Lt. Col. Jack Marr, 39, Minneapolis, Minn., commander of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, pins a Bronze Star Medal on the chest of Staff Sgt. Shon Holtz, of Columbus, Ga. during a ceremony July 16 at Combat Outpost Cleary, Iraq.

Lt. Col. Jack Marr, of Minneapolis, commander, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, pins an Army Commendation Medal on the chest of Sgt. James Ryan, of Hillsboro, N.H. during a ceremony July 16 at Combat Outpost Cleary, Iraq.

Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment congratulate awardees during a ceremony July 16 at Combat Outpost Cleary, Iraq.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Commanding General visits east Baghdad

Slogger’s Note: For those of you who have been looking for stories on 2-69 Armor, I have good news to report.  This morning, I got a couple of stories on 2-69 from the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division’s Public Affairs Shop, by way of the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division’s Public Affairs Officer.  The 2-69 Batallion is currently serving at FOB Rustamiyah.

Media Release
HQ-MND Baghdad
Camp Liberty
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Commanding General visits east Baghdad

An Iraqi woman discusses the damage done by recent car bomb attacks with Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, commanding general, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, during a tour of a bombed-out market area in Baghdad’s Rusafa District Aug. 11.  Odierno made a tour of the eastern Baghdad market area with members of the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, attached to 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.  The general assessed the damage from a recent vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack in the Rusafa market area. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Bronco Suzuki, 2nd IBCT, 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs)


Lt. Col. Troy Perry (right), briefs Lt. Gen. Raymond Odierno, commanding general, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, in eastern Baghdad Aug. 11. Perry commands the 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, attached to 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.  Odierno was visiting with Perry’s unit to assess the damage from a recent vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack in Baghdad’s Rusafa market area. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Bronco Suzuki, 2nd IBCT, 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs)

“Toy Story”

Spc. Diana Sokol, a native of Plano, Texas and Soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, attached to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, but based out of Fort Benning, Ga., works long hours after tending to her full-time job as a medic to secure toys for the children of Iraq. Sokol has acquired over 300 soccer balls and 500 hundred stuffed animal toys that were distributed to children within the Strike Force area in eastern Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. W. Wayne Marlow, 2nd IBCT, 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs)

Media Release
HQ-MND Baghdad
Camp Liberty
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Toy Story”
Soldier on mission for goodwill for Iraqi children
By Maj. Sean Ryan
2nd IBCT, 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs Officer

FORWARD OPERATING BASE RUSTAMAYAH, Iraq – Before she deployed, Spc. Diana Sokol used to listen to Soldiers tell stories about how Iraqi children asked them for soccer balls and other items.

She would see photos of kids in the city with virtually nothing but the clothes on their back and always knew she would take action once deployed. So when the medic from Plano, Texas, arrived in Iraq, she started her goodwill mission. Sokol serves with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, attached to the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, but based out of Fort Benning, Ga. 

Sokol’s mission of goodwill included helping secure soccer balls and other toys for the innocent children caught up in the war, even though she may never be able to personally pass them out herself with her duties as a medic keeping her on FOB.

“There is more than just fighting a war, we are supposed to help the Iraqis while we are here as well,” she said.  To date, Sokol has acquired more than 300 soccer balls and 500 hundred stuffed animals that were distributed to children within the Strike Force Brigade’s area of operation.  She said she’s no where close to finished.

“Americans are very generous and would often send gift boxes of supplies to me, which I really appreciate, but how many bars of soap and toothpaste can you use on one deployment?” Sokol asked. She started asking her friends and family to send toys for the children instead. At first, the toys came in sporadically which was easy to maintain, but after a while, it got a little out of control and space became an issue.

By word of mouth, information spread quickly through her family, friends and their co-workers and more people started to donate. A friend of Sokol’s, who works at Texas Instruments, started a toy drive and was able to collect over 500 soccer balls during the drive, the biggest one-time donation to date.

Numerous other small businesses like soccer shops in the Dallas Fort Worth area, along with individual donations, also helped immensely. Beanie Babies Ambassadors alone donated 300 stuffed animals to be shipped and soon Sokol’s room became a small warehouse.

“I will continue to give out toys for as long as I am here and hopefully someone else will continue,” Sokol said. “Now, units come to me before going out on missions asking for toys and soccer balls for the kids.

“I don’t believe all Iraqis don’t care for Americans,” she said.  “It’s just a small group of individuals that continue placing IEDs that make the general population look bad and I don’t want the children to suffer because of it.”

Luncheon given to Coalition Forces by Iraqis

Members of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment and those of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor, both attached to 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, broke bread with Lt. Col. Audil (center), the armor battalion commander for 1st Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, at a luncheon Aug. 1 at Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah in eastern Baghdad.  (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Courtney Marulli, 2nd IBCT, 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs)

Media Release
HQ-MND Baghdad
Camp Liberty
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Luncheon given to Coalition Forces by Iraqis
By Spc. Courtney Marulli
2nd IBCT, 2nd Inf. Div. Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE RUSTAMIYAH, Iraq—Iraqis and American troops broke bread together during a luncheon on Aug. 1 when Company C, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment from Fort Riley, Kan., handed over their area of operations in Baghdad’s Al Jadia neighborhood to members of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, based out of Fort Benning, Ga. Both units are currently attached to 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.

The luncheon started off with a gathering of Soldiers and their Iraqi counterparts in Lt. Col. Audil’s office, where water was served. Audil is the commander of the armor battalion for the 1st Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division.

Capt. Tyler K. Andersen, the commanding officer of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, said Audil wanted to give his American counterparts a show of good faith as he saw one commander off and welcomed another, Capt. Alex Perez-Cruz of 2-69 Armor.

Andersen, a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, said his company had been working with Audil for five months. He himself has done so for only four weeks as he recently took command of the company.  In that short time, Andersen said he developed a good working relationship with Audil that his company had cemented during the months they did joint patrols alongside members of Audil’s ranks.

“He’s a good guy,” Andersen said. “He’s a patriot.”

The mission of Company C was to secure and clear Baghdad’s Al Jadia neighborhood with the help of the armor battalion. Andersen said they would also attend three weekly meetings where the Coalition Forces and Iraqi Army would share intelligence and operational information.

During the last three weeks, Andersen said he and Audil would attend a sheiks meeting, along with Lt. Col. Ibriham, the commanding officer of an Iraqi Police battalion, to share information and see what the sheiks were concerned about.

It was also to allow the sheiks to understand what the Iraqi Security Forces go through in order to better understand one another.

“It opened a dialogue between security and tribal leadership,” Andersen said.

Working with Audil and his soldiers was easy because of the relationship Company C had established, which led up to daily phone calls between the commanders on topics such as improvised explosive devices that had been found and other tips.

“The goal is having the Iraqi Army or Iraqi Police go to the event to check out a tip … instead of an American patrol,” he said.  Working closely with the Iraqi Army isn’t just beneficial for American soldiers, but also for the Iraqi’s themselves.

“It’s important so that the Iraqi people see them out and doing the work instead of us,” Andersen said. “They’re never going to have the trust of the people if they don’t do it.”

Andersen and Company C are going to be taking up a new area of operations covering Al Amin and working with the Iraqi National Police. Companies A and B are already working with the Iraqi National Police, which Andersen said should provide an easy transition for Company C.

Andersen said Audil’s show of good faith was appreciated, but it also allowed him to show his soldiers that he in charge and has the capability to do something like the luncheon.

“It helped set up the relationship with the incoming commander,” Andersen said.

With all the work Company C and the Iraqi’s accomplished together, Andersen said Baghdad’s Al’Jadia neighborhood can start to focus on things such as government and economics instead of solely on security. The area can start to be taken to that next level.

“They can make it one of the better places to live in this town,” Andersen said.

3rd HBCT forges ahead with command changes

Multi-National Division - Center
Media Release
HQ, MND-Center
Baghdad, Iraq

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

3rd HBCT forges ahead with command changes
Story by Maj. Joe Sowers
3rd HBCT Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Change is constant in the Army.  When adding the variables of a combat rotation, many leaders resist the urge to create greater change by conducting changes of command at the company level. 

In the face of this environment of change, Col. Wayne W. Grigsby, Jr., 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team commander, decided to drive forward with a regular system of company changes of command during the unit’s deployment to Iraq.

“A new commander brings a fresh set of eyes onto the complex issues we face in the counter-insurgency fight,” Grigsby said.  “Also, a change in command always brings a greater emphasis on standards and discipline as Soldiers want to impress their new commander and commanders’ want to set the right standards at the beginning of their commands.”

Capt. David J. Smith, of Grand Rapids, Mich., relinquished command of Troop B, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, to Capt. Jared J. Albright, of Lancaster, Pa., at FOB Hammer on Aug 1.  This was the fourth company change of command conducted by 3rd HBCT since the brigade deployed in late March, with six more scheduled during the deployment.

“Thank you for your outstanding efforts to make Bonecrusher Troop what it is today,” Smith said.  “Never forget that you are the future leaders of the unit and America.”

Oregon native Capt. Troy Thomas assumed command of Troop A, 3-1 Cavalry in a ceremony at Patrol Base Assassin on July 25. Capt. Art McGrue, of Seaside, Calif., had commanded the troop since June 2006.

Thomas had previously played a key role in developing and leading the brigade’s Time Sensitive Target team, which specializes in acting on sensitive intelligence on a moment’s notice. McGrue is scheduled to take command of Headquarters Company, 1-15th Infantry Regiment later in the deployment.

“I think change is good. It is a means to get at fighting complaceny,” said Lt. Col. John S. Kolasheski, a Loudon, Tenn. native and 3-1 Cavalry Commander.  “It can be a very powerful positive influence with the right personality.”

Capt. Leo Buehler, of Pottsville, Pa., passed the Company B, 1-15th Infantry guidon to Capt. Rich Thompson, of West Palm Beach, Fla., at Combat Outpost Cleary June 20. Buehler is now serving as a part of the 3rd HBCT’s Military Transition Team working with the 8th Iraqi Army Division.

Under Buehler’s command, Company B conducted four night air assaults to eliminate insurgent sanctuaries southeast of Baghdad. Thompson led the company on a night air assault a mere four days after taking command. Thompson previously served as an enlisted Soldier and non-commissioned officer in the 75th Ranger Regiment.

“The Dragon Team would just like to say thanks to Capt. Buehler for all of his hard work. We look forward to watching Capt. Thompson take Baker Company to a new level, building on the foundation Capt. Buehler left behind,” said 1-15th Infantry Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Mark Moore.

One change in leadership was not scheduled. Capt. John Horning, of Houston, took command of Company C, 1-15th Inf. Regt. in July, when then-commander Capt. Brandon Gardner, of Mesquite, Texas, sustained non-battle injuries that kept him from continuing his command.

Lt. Col. Jack Marr, of Minneapolis, commander of 1-15th Inf. Regt., believes that conducting changes of command in the 12- to 18-month window, regardless of whether the unit is deployed, produces positive benefits for the Army as a whole.

“I am a fan of changing commanders while deployed,” said Marr.  “It allows us to increase the number of leaders with combat experience rather than just a chosen few.”

Captains Troy Thomas, an Oregon native, (left) and Art McGrue, Seaside, Calif., face each other prior to exchanging the Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment during a change of command ceremony on Patrol Base Assassin, east of Baghdad, July 25. 

Lt. Col. John S. Kolasheski, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment commander, passes the Troop A, 3-1 Cav. guidon to Capt. Troy Thomas, Oregon, during a change of commander ceremony at Patrol Base Assassin, east of Baghdad, July 25.  Thomas assumed command of the troop from Capt. Art McGrue, Seaside, Calif., during the ceremony.

Capt. Art McGrue relinquishes command of Troop A, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry by passing the troop guidon to the squadron commander, Lt. Col. John S. Kolasheski, Loudon, Tenn.  Capt. Troy Thomas, an Oregon native, took command of the troop during the ceremony held at Patrol Base Assassin, east of Baghdad, July 25.

Capt. Art McGrue, Seaside, Calif., laughs following being presented the Army Commendation Medal during a Troop change of command ceremony.  McGrue relinquished command of Troop A to Capt. Troy Thomas of Oregon during the ceremony held at Patrol Base Assassin, east of Baghdad, July 25.

Captains Leo Buehler (left), Pottsville, Pa., and Rich Thompson, West Palm Beach, Fla., flank Lt. Col. Jack Marr, Minneapolis, the commander of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, during a company change of command ceremony in which Buehler relinquished command of Company B, 1-15th Inf. to Thompson at Combat Outpost Cahill, southeast of Baghdad, June 20.

Soldiers of Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry stand at attention during a change of command ceremony in which Capt. Leo Buehler, Pottsville, Pa., relinquished command of Company A, 1-15th Inf. to Capt. Rich Thompson, West Palm Beach, Fla., at Combat Outpost Cahill, southeast of Baghdad, June 20.

Capt. Leo Buehler, Pottsville, Pa., hands the guidon for Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry to Lt. Col. Jack Marr, the commander of 1-15th Inf., during a company change of command ceremony in which Buehler relinquished command of Company A to Capt. Rich Thompson, West Palm Beach, Fla., at Combat Outpost Cahill, southeast of Baghdad, June 20.

Lt. Col. Jack Marr, commander of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, passes the guidon of Company A, 1-15th Inf. to Capt. Rich Thompson, West Palm Beach, Fla., during a change of command ceremony at Combat Outpost Cahill, southeast of Baghdad, June 20.  Capt. Leo Buehler relinquished command to Thompson.