Stryker Brigade News

Interview with SGT Ilimaleota

Interview between Sergeant Jenae Ilimaleota (from Tempe, Arizona) in Mosul and KPNX in Phoenix. First she gets to talk to her parents in studio in Phoenix. Parents talk about pride in their daughter's service and staying in touch with her. SGT Ilimaleota talks about what she misses about home and her decision to join the military. They discuss homecoming plans and exchange good-byes. Video from 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

Interview with 1LT Propst

Interview between First Lieutenant Liam Propst (from Orange County, CA) and a TV station in upstate New York. Talks about responsibility to give Iraqi people freedom and liberty, and how Iraqis are stepping up to serve their country. Says media could do more to show exactly what is going on in Iraq and the sacrifices Iraqis are making - not close enough to action. Says he appreciates support for the troops from home, and that most soldiers love doing their job and serving their country. Video from 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

Interview with CPT Rich

Interview with Captain Justin Rich (from Waldon, Colorado) with TV station in upstate New York. Says being in Iraq demonstrates the chance for equality and freedom, and that the United States will do what it takes to protect its citizens. Sees changes - coalition forces are providing water, building school, donating shoes/clothing. Says patrols get more waves from people than dirty looks. Talks about media needing to cover good news stories as well as casualties, and that bringing democracy to this part of the world will be an amazing feat. Thanks family for care package, support. Video from 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

Interview with LTC Jansen

Interview between Lieutenant Colonel John Jansen in Mosul and WABI in Bangor, Maine. Says unit is doing well and doing great things for the coalition forces and people of Iraq. Talks about safety in work areas and taking precautions. They have worked in 500 projects - clinics, schools, roads - as well as construction for Iraqi security forces. He sends messages to family and thanks company back in Maine that helped the unit upgrade vehicle armor, credits them with saving lives. Video from 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

Interview with LTC Cottles

Interview between Lieutenant Colonel Glen Cottles (from Pratville, Alabama) in Mosul and WHNT in Huntsville, AL. He's commander of the 115th Signal Battalion, Alabama National Guard, from Florence, AL. Talks about living in a better environment than expected, missing home, being well equipped and trained to deal with threats. Discussed unit mission to provide telephone, internet and communications. Says he feels appreciated by vast majority of Iraqis and talks about civil works projects they've done - making a difference in someones life makes it easier to serve in Iraq. They talk about what soldiers miss, getting to watch Alabama football on TV, the list of things to get done before they leave. Says families should not worry, troops are still equipped, trained and motivated, and that everyone should be proud that they are making history. Eleven of his soldier have been wounded. He is proud of the attitude his troops have, and it will be a good day to get back to Alabama. They talk about the weater and dealing with the unknowns of battling an insurgency - no time to relax. Video from 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

(via DVIDS)