Site Essentials
- » Site Introduction
- » Comment Policy
- » Stryker Brigade 101
- » FAQ
- » Thank The Troops
- » Support Our Site
- » Contact Us
- » Terms & Conditions
In Memoriam
Browse Archives
Search Archives
Subscribe to SBN
Browse Our Shop
Awards
If you missed the annual Fur Rondy Parade last week in Anchorage, Alaska, here's a photo of a Stryker rolling down 5th Avenue.
Photo by Percy Jones
[Link to Full Article] with photo
by 1Lt. William O'Neal, HQ Co., 172nd SBCT
FORT WAINWRIGHT- A military organization is more effective when its members effectively communicate with other elements.
The reconnaissance platoon and the intelligence section of 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry regiment took the initiative to better understand how other Soldiers operate and how each unit supports the task force.
On Feb. 16, the two sections began the day with a seven-kilometer cross-country ski at Birch Hill, each Soldier with a 5l-pound rucksack.
Provided below are links to in-depth analyses of recent events in Iraq.
Link to Full Article
by Michael Peck
The Army Stryker brigade now fighting in Iraq will be first in line to receive a new radio-frequency kit that allows soldiers to detonate mines from several kilometers away.
The technology, called “Matrix,” essentially turns old-fashioned mines into standoff munitions. It was developed by the Army’s Picatinny Arsenal, in New Jersey, to meet growing base-security needs in Iraq. “Matrix allows them to cover their flanks and protect their base of operations with fewer soldiers,” said Maj. Joe Hitt, the project lead.
Army Cpl. Torria Maynard of the 1-24 INF is pictured in this DOD photo taken in Mosul on Feb. 24, 2005.
Photo by Spc. John S. Gurtler
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
Brig. Gen. Carter Ham’s first and only assignment at Fort Lewis didn’t last long. He was here four months before the Army shipped him off to Mosul, Iraq, last January.
But he played a major part in the fortunes of Fort Lewis troops, thousands of whom worked under his leadership in northern Iraq the past 13 months.
Getty Images has about 60 photos taken in Tal Afar between late Dec. and Jan. 18th that I just discovered and don't believe we've posted. I must warn you that the first photos on the first page might be upsetting. They concern Iraqi civilians that were accidentally killed. Start here and scroll down to the bottom of the first page where you will begin seeing photos of 1-25 SBCT soldiers. Also look at pages 2 and 3. I believe these are photos of the 2-14 CAV, though only a few are identified as such.
Here are two more 1-24 INF photos from Mosul (one, two) that were posted on Army Images and the DOD Image Gallery.
Photos by Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson and Spc. John S. Gurtler
3-21 INF soldiers can be seen in each of these photos (one, two) of Iraqi Intervention Forces, giving us some insight into 3-21 operations in Mosul. They were posted on the DOD's Image Gallery and Defense Visual Information Directorate.
Photos by Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson
Major George Schneider, USAF, Retired, attended the memorial service yesterday at Ft. Lewis. He shares his thoughts and photos in this moving entry.
Related Entries: In Memoriam, the Wreath and it's Heraldry, In Memoriam, continued from Mosul, Iraq, In Memoriam, a poem for Adam, In Memoriam: Sgt. Adam J. Plumondore, USA
Link to Full Article
By Hal Bernton, Seattle Times
FORT LEWIS — Master Sgt. Cheryl Kirk's cellphone wakes her late at night. These calls bring bad news as she learns of yet another soldier's death from the Iraq-based 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.
"When my cellphone rings, my heart stops," said Kirk, who has remained behind at Fort Lewis as the top enlisted officer in a 1st Brigade support unit of some 300 soldiers.
FORT POLK -- Brigadier General Michael D. Barbero, commanding general of the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, will host a monument dedication ceremony honoring the Troopers and the families of the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment for their dedicated service and support as the Regiment ends its duty at Fort Polk.
The ceremony is being held today, Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m., at the 5ID Memorial Park located across from Fort Polk's Main Post Chapel.[...]
The Regiment's Colors are being moved to Fort Lewis, Washington, where the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment (Light) will re-designate to the 2d Cavalry Regiment Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) as part of Army transformation. [...]
by CPT Andy Hierstetter
Effective 14 February 2005, Task Force 2-1 of Fort Wainwright adopted the special designation "Arctic Legionaries," replacing "Cold Steel," a nickname dating back to Vietnam. An official special designation is a "nickname," granted to a military organization authorized by the Center of Military History and is recognized through a certificate signed by the Secretary of the Army. TF 2-1 Infantry is the only full strength, active duty unit of the 1st Infantry Regiment which is one of the oldest Army Regiments, originating in 1791.
by 1LT Nathaniel Way, Bravo Company, TF 2-1
The quiet village sat nestled in the snow, and all seemed peaceful. At 0230 in the morning, the sleeping insurgent forces were probably dreaming of the day they would remove American forces from their homeland. However things were about to change when the soldiers of 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, TF 2-1 Infantry pulled up, dropped ramp, and started clearing the buildings.
The following is a great article about the relationship between COL Brown, commander of 1/25 SBCT, and Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Link to Full Article
By Pete Thamel
When he hit the shot that beat Fordham in 1979, the former Army forward Bob Brown remembers, there was a sobering scene amid the postgame euphoria in the locker room.
As he was taking off his sneakers at his locker after the 71-70 victory, Brown looked up to see his coach, Mike Krzyzewski, glaring down at him.
Link to Full Article
BY MOHAMAD BAZZI, NEWSDAY
BEIRUT -- Iraqi and U.S. forces have come close to capturing Islamic militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi at least twice since mid-January, according to Kurdish intelligence officials.
In each case, Iraq's most wanted man escaped shortly before raids on his hideouts, the two officials said in phone interviews from Iraq. Even though al-Zarqawi fled, Iraqi and U.S. officials were pleased by the accuracy of the intelligence that led to the raids.
By BILL NEMITZ, Portland Press Herald Writer
FORT DRUM, N.Y. — The first wave of soldiers from the Maine Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion returned to U.S. soil late Wednesday, ending a year-long deployment in the often-hostile city of Mosul, Iraq. "It's like a dream come true. It doesn't feel real," said Spc. San Pao of Portland moments after stepping off the chartered MD11 aircraft. "Hopefully we'll wake up tomorrow morning and it will still be real."
Getty Images has a number of recent photos from Mosul. Many of these are images of the 1-24 INF, including several from the Feb. 22 memorial service for SGT Plumondore and SPC Gertson.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (February 20, 2005) – Multi-National Forces discovered four large weapons caches in northern Iraq today.
Multi-National Force Soldiers discovered three large weapons caches during cordon and search operations in southern Mosul. The caches included numerous artillery rounds and mortar rounds, rifles, explosive charges, rocket propelled grenade launchers, rockets, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. The weapons and ammunition were confiscated for future destruction.
Greetings everyone. Longtime no report, things have been pretty busy around here lately and I have been pretty sick. It seems all I can do is keep up with his day to day routine and I am exhausted. Michael goes in for eye surgery in the morning so I thought I'd better post a few words to let everybody know how things have been going the last month or so.
Yahoo! News continues to post new photos of soldiers in Mosul. Most are members of the 1-24 INF.
LTC Kurilla, commander of 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, forwarded the following comments he will make during a memorial service for SGT Plumondore and SPC Gertson on Tuesday, February 22nd in Mosul, Iraq. As he said, "I share with you my comments only in the hope that it shows people a small glimpse of what incredibly wonderful soldiers, friends, heroes they both were." Thank you for sharing.
Link to Full Article
By SGT. KEVIN SCOTT/Special to the Daily Press
MOSUL, IRAQ — With the elections approaching and hostilities rising, the word came down: Get ready to move into the hotbed of Mosul and provide security for the January elections.
Before their month-long assignment was complete, High Desert soldiers had helped secure free elections. Company B, 1st Battalion, 185th Armor Regiment from Apple Valley was involved in more enemy contact than during its previous combined 10 months at Logistics Support Area Anaconda.
The Department of Defense has announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
SPC Clinton R. Gertson, 26, of Houston, Texas, died 19 Feb. in Mosul, Iraq, from injuries sustained from enemy forces small arms fire. SPC Gertson was assigned to 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, Fort Lewis, WA.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones he leaves behind. We will add any subsequent articles we find below.
Here are three photos of soldiers in Charlie Company, 1-24 INF that I've not seen elsewhere. (one, two, three). They are from early Feb. and were posted on the DOD Defense Visual Information web site.
Photos by Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson
The 1-24 INF is featured in three editions of Frontline Photos from the past week. They are the first few photos in each edition. Page forward through each gallery to find them.
Feb. 15 edition....Feb. 17 edition....Feb. 21 edition
The 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment will soon case its colors at Fort Polk, LA, and move to its new home at Fort Lewis. Upon arrival the 2nd ACR will be renamed, and will become the third SBCT to be based at Fort Lewis.
FORT POLK -- Brig. Gen. Michael D. Barbero, commanding general of the Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk, will host a monument dedication honoring the Troopers and the families of the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment for their dedicated service and support as the Regiment ends its duty at Fort Polk. [...]
The Regiment's Colors are being moved to Fort Lewis, Washington, where the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (Light) will re-designate to the 2nd Cavalry Regiment Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) as part of Army transformation.
Related Article: Fort Polk honors 2nd ACR before departure to Lewis - Leesville Leader
The following article examines the various insurgent groups suspected of operating in the Mosul region.
Link to Full Article
By EDWARD WONG
SULAIMANIYA, Iraq, Feb. 21 - Radical Islamist groups that originated in Iraqi Kurdistan are responsible for most of the attacks now taking place in the northern insurgent stronghold of Mosul, senior Kurdish officials say.
The activities of the related jihadist groups, Ansar al-Sunna and Ansar al-Islam, have overshadowed those of the nationalist insurgent cells in Mosul led by members of the former ruling Baath Party, the officials say. The nationalist fighters have quieted down since December, when the Americans increased the number of troops in Mosul to clamp down on the insurgency in advance of the Jan. 30 elections, the Kurdish officials say.
Murdoc made the trek to the Chicago Auto Show, and has plenty of pictures of the Stryker on display.
Link to Full Article
By DOUG BEIZER
When U.S. tanks rolled into Baghdad during the invasion of Iraq, one of the command vehicles was outfitted with cyclone antennas to establish a link with orbiting satellites. The satellite connection gave life to an onboard collaboration system that let commanders in the tank share audio, video, data and applications with command centers just about anywhere.
"With that, they could share information back to Bahrain or all the way back to the Pentagon," said David Lind, defense sales manager for First Virtual Communications.
PBS will be airing two Frontline documentaries in the near future regarding the military. Provided below are links and descriptions.
A few of the soldiers who appeared in Michael Tucker's upcoming documentary, Gunner Palace, are featured in the following NYT article. The article describes how many soldiers write rap lyrics to express their feelings in a combat zone.
Link to Full Article
By MONICA DAVEY
ON one more steaming day in Baghdad, word filtered out to the artillery regiment that some of the younger guys were not going to get to fly home for their promised rest-and-relaxation break. Soldiers fumed. They'd spent months of long hours in this crazy place, knowing that at any moment a homemade bomb might explode, a rocket-propelled grenade might land or an Iraqi child might spit at them.
But though they were armed to the teeth, they chose to respond with a different kind of weapon. They stepped outside and, of all things, began to rap.
Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh, Post-Tribune staff writer
Two booms sounded in the distance, before a third explosion was close enough to shake the metal compartment where I slept in Mosul.
Entrenched in the rainy season, Mosul is a dreary, dangerous place.
This is a very long article, but well worth reading.
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
The deadliest day for Fort Lewis’ first Stryker brigade didn’t come during an ambush or a firefight. It came during simultaneous accidents that trapped 19 soldiers underwater. Staff Sgt. Michael Robinson doesn’t remember yelling “Rollover!” just an hour into the Stryker brigade’s first combat mission in Iraq. But his soldiers said he did.
A convoy of the brigade’s namesake armored vehicles trundled down a narrow dirt track that ran between two irrigation canals. Robinson had one leg up out of the hatch of vehicle B-32, checking to make sure they were on the right route, when he felt the Stryker bear left.
Somehow, he managed to drop down into the vehicle before it toppled into the canal.
He saw the landscape through his open hatch, then water. The Stryker filled rapidly.[...]
Link to Full Article (with photos)
by Bob Reinert, Ft. Lewis PAO
FORT LEWIS, Wash. - As they dismounted from their Stryker vehicles Monday in a neighborhood in Leschi Town, Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment did their best to visualize what they will one day face in Iraq.
On a simulated cordon-and-search mission, members of Company A interacted with other Soldiers playing Iraqi civilians and conducted searches.
Eventually, the situation escalated, gunshots rang out and insurgents, civilians and Soldiers lay wounded.
“We’re trying to replicate, as closely as we can, the environment that we think we’re going to face in Iraq,” said Major Clint Baker, S-3 of 4th Bn., 23rd Inf. “Fort Lewis is great because Leschi offers a really good training venue for us. I can’t tell you how happy we are to have the facilities be available to us.”
Link to Full Article
T.A. BADGER, Associated Press
FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas - Christina Favila hadn't been face to face with her husband since Christmas, when his Army Reserve unit shipped out to Iraq for a year, so she wanted to look her best.
The following are a handful of articles, most of which are not Stryker-related, that are still worth highlighting.
Link to Full Article
By JOHN RICHARDSON, Portland Press Herald Writer
The largest Maine-based military unit sent to Iraq, and the only one currently stationed there, is expected to return to the United States next week.
The Maine Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion, which has about 500 members primarily from southern Maine, is pulling out of Mosul, Iraq, slightly ahead of schedule, said Maj. Peter Rogers, Guard spokesman in Maine.
Yahoo! News continues to post numerous new photos of 1-24 INF operating in Mosul. According to photo captions, a car bomb yesterday injured four soldiers, while another today resulted in no casualties.
The first edition of The Freedom Ring newsletter has been released by Task Force Freedom, and includes the following article regarding the efforts of its predecessor, Task Force Olympia.
Link to Article
By SPC Nunn, 366th MPAD
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FREEDOM, Iraq – After leading the U.S. Army presence in the northern Ninawa province of Iraq, Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company I Corps Forward Task Force Olympia (TFO), of Fort Lewis, WA, reflect upon a successful year long mission, as they depart for home.
Link to Full Article
By Mike Dorning, Tribune correspondent
MOSUL, Iraq -- Capt. Charles Greene is out of the fight, at least for a while. But the future of America's involvement in Iraq rests largely with men like him.
A blunt-talking former Army Ranger instructor whose drawled sentences are peppered with a soldier's obscenities, Greene led American advisers assisting a battalion of the Iraqi Intervention Force, an elite unit meant to be a strike force against insurgents.
The following article outlines recent troop rotations, and mentions the transfer of command in the north from Task Force Olympia to Task Force Freedom.
Link to Article
By Jim Garamone, AFIS
WASHINGTON, Feb. 15, 2005 – With the Army's 18th Airborne Corps taking over as the Multinational Corps Iraq headquarters, the 2004-2006 rotation of troops is well under way.
Troops have been flowing into and out of Iraq since October as part of the rotation. When finished, there will be about 138,000 American servicemembers in Iraq.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (February 15, 2005) – Iraqi citizens helped prevent attacks on Coalition Forces on two separate occasions in northern Iraq today.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (February 15, 2005) – In yet another instance of disregard for the sanctity of Islamic holy places insurgents launched an attack on Multi-National Force Soldiers from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) in northern Iraq today.
New photos of the 1-24 INF conducting operations in Mosul continue to show up at Yahoo! News while Frontline Photos has four new photographs in their Feb. 11 and Feb. 14 editions. Page forward through the galleries to find them.
Provided below are links to, and descriptions of, recent public affairs videos from Mosul.
(via DVIDS)
I apologize for not posting this until today. Welcome home and thank you!
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT AND BILL HUTCHENS; The News Tribune
Fort Lewis offered a formal welcome home Friday to the men and women of Task Force Olympia, back from a year of running U.S. military operations across northern Iraq.
The 100 or so soldiers arrived in Iraq in January 2004 in time to replace a much larger division headquarters, and left as Iraqis held their historic election last month.
Lt. Gen. David Patreaus provides some information regarding Mosul in the following press briefing. The subject was the continued training of Iraqi forces.
Patreaus: What we are already focusing on more is in a sense the effectiveness of those units. And some of this is somewhat objective. Personnel fill, equipment fill, sort of basic training levels. And then there's also an [inaudible], sort of a subject evaluation of are they fighting. And by the way that's obviously a pretty important quality. What we look at, frankly, what I look at quite a bit as we look at these various units.
There's been talk of a Stryker Brigade replacing the 1st Armored Division in Germany, but apparently a final decision won't be made until this spring.
Link to Full Article
By Ben Murray, Stars and Stripes
GRAFENWÖHR, Germany — While some military communities around Europe contemplate their fate after the announcement of a $430 million military construction proposal for Europe in 2006, Army officials at the Grafenwöhr training area have a different concern.
Earlier articles posted today from The Olympian and The News Tribune describe yesterday's award ceremony for the rescue of a helicopter crew last September near Tall Afar, Iraq. A definitive account of that rescue mission was written by Matthew Cox of Army Times in November. It is still available online. We've posted this article before, but thought it would be helpful to point to it again. This is one of the best articles I've read regarding the 3/2 SBCT.
Yahoo! News has a number of recent photos from Mosul. The caption from one photo contains this news:
U.S. Army 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment soldiers return fire during a four-hour running gun battle with insurgents in Mosul, Iraq Saturday Feb. 12, 2005. Nine insurgents were killed after attacking U.S. troops with mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms. A U.S. Army tank and Stryker combat vehicle were disabled by RPG attacks, but there were no U.S. casualties. (AP Photo/Jim MacMillan)
(Mosul, Iraq-AP, Feb. 12, 2005 1:35 PM) _ Fierce fighting has raged between American troops and insurgents in the Iraqi city of Mosul.
The US military says the fighting began when US troops responding to a mortar strike on a base were hit by rifle fire and rocket-propelled grenades from a mosque.
A US tank and a Stryker armored vehicle have been severely damaged, and several cars and parts of buildings were left burning.
There were no American casualties but nine insurgents were killed. [...]
Another AP news report of this day's fighting.
I have it on good authority that the top speed is a bit higher than advertised - if you have the right pit crew.
Link to Full Article (Photo included)
By Mike DuPre', Gazette Staff
CHICAGO -- One of the vehicles attracting the most attention at the media preview for the 97th Chicago Auto Show has a top speed of only 62.5 mph.
It can carry 11-but not very comfortably.
It costs $2.5 million per copy.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (February 11, 2005) – In yet another unprovoked attack, insurgents killed and injured Iraqi citizens. Near Tal Afar today an improvised explosive device claimed two innocent lives and injured three others. Insurgents continue to disregard the safety of their fellow citizens during their attacks on Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces. Attacks by insurgents have killed five Iraqi civilians in the last two days in northern Iraq.
UPDATE: Photos added below.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (February 11, 2005) – United States Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld made a surprise visit to Coalition troops in northern Iraq today. Rumsfeld visited with troops, gave out awards, and visited local Iraqi leaders while in Mosul.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (February 11, 2005) – An insurgent attack on Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) killed two Iraqi civilians in northern Iraq today.
Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment killed one insurgent, injured another, and detained 18 during a cordon and search operation following the attack. The 2-14th also confiscated numerous rifles, hand guns, ammunition, and extremist propaganda.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (February 11, 2005) – Iraqi Regular Army and US Soldiers participated in a post election ceremony in northern Iraq yesterday.
As the first several notes of the Iraqi National Anthem began to play, everyone in attendance of the 102nd Iraqi Army Battalion’s Post Election Ceremony knew that they were witnessing an important event in the unit’s history. The Ceremony took place at the 102nd HQ at Qayyarah West Airfield on February 10th.
Rumsfeld made a stop in Mosul and visited one of the soldiers wounded in the sniper attack.
Link to Full Article
By John J. Lumpkin, Associated Press
[...] Rumsfeld's first stop in Iraq Friday morning was a combat surgical hospital in Mosul in northern Iraq, where he spoke briefly with Sgt. Sean Ferguson, a California native with the 25th Infantry Division who was recovering from a gunshot wound in his hand. He had been hit by a sniper the day before; for it, he received his second Purple Heart.
Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh / Post-Tribune staff writer
KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait -- Waiting on the tarmac for a C-130, I had one last reminder of the danger I was leaving behind in Mosul.
On my first trip to Iraq, I came up with a rule of thumb that it takes at least three tries to get out of anywhere, especially hot spots like Baghdad and now Mosul.
Mike Murtha, a former 172nd SBCT soldier, wanted to let us know about a special offer from his current employer, Macromedia. The company is donating web conferencing services to the soldiers of 1-25 SBCT and their loved ones during Valentine’s week. You will be able to communicate real-time over the internet using your home computer or those provided at the Rear Detachment internet cafe. You’ll be able to see and talk with each other, share pictures and chat. Provided below is a message Mike posted on the forum with all the details.
Yahoo! News has numerous photos of 1-24 INF soldiers operating in Mosul in recent days. One photo caption indicates that two soldiers were wounded by an insurgent sniper.
Connie let us know that Getty Images also has a large archive of photos from Mosul.
If you haven't already, I highly recommend reading In Iraq For 365, which is a blog written by an Army journalist who just returned from a year in Mosul. Children Are The Future and Collection of Memories are excellent recent entries, but be sure sure to browse his entire archive.
Family members have confirmed that SSG Zachary Ryan Wobler was the soldier killed in Mosul on Sunday, February 6 (see below). SSG Wobler was assigned to the Army's 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, N.C.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
Here are 4 new photos of the 1-24 INF in Mosul. Page forward through the gallery to find them.
Link to Full Article
By Christopher Simmons
Staff Writer, PubNewswire.com
NEW YORK, NY -- G.P. Putnam's Sons is publishing the personal experiences of twenty-eight-year-old U.S. Army soldier Colby Buzzell. His book, 'My War,' will offer uncensored stories that bring home the chilling realities of war. Buzzell's incisive reportage and brutally honest take on the war were first filed as entries in a web log, My War, that he created as a way to tell the world about what was really happening in Iraq. [...]
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (February 9, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces killed one insurgent attempting to murder an ISF commander in northern Iraq yesterday.
Iraqi Intervention Forces guarding their Battalion Commander shot and killed an insurgent suicide bomber who was attempting to drive his vehicle, which was rigged to explode, into the commander. No IIF injuries were reported in the incident.
BG Carter Ham, commander of Task Force Olympia, will have a new assignment at the Pentagon.
Link to Full Article
By UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL
WASHINGTON -- A U.S. general who has had strong success against the Iraqi insurgency in Mosul, Iraq, is being brought back to the Pentagon for a wider role in the war.
An interesting article that follows a soldier injured in Mosul through his journey to Germany.
Link to Full Article
By JEFFREY KOFMAN
BALAD, Iraq, Feb. 8, 2005 — Army National Guard Sgt. Chris Chilles lies on a gurney, wincing in pain. His voice is weak, his words sometimes slurred.
"I was on patrol," he says, "and my truck was hit by an IED [a roadside bomb], and shrapnel came through my back. A couple of pieces were lodged in. Some tore through my abdomen."
Here is another 1-24 INF photo that was posted on Army Images.
Photo by Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson
Sgt. Sherman's military burial will be held on Monday, February 14, 2005 at 1:00 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetary.
This article reports on the progress of Amanda Mohon, who was injured in the mess hall attack.
Link to Full Article
By Mike Morrow The Times-Standard
WILLOW CREEK -- Amanda Mohon got a hero's welcome Saturday -- from a room full of heroes.
Mohon, the 19-year-old from Willow Creek who was injured in a Dec. 21 suicide bombing attack on a dining compound in Mosul, Iraq, laughed, listened and shared some stories during a celebration in her honor at the Veterans of Foreign Wars building in Willow Creek.
Yahoo! News has a number of photos today of 1-24 INF operating in Mosul. Frontline Photos also has a few. Start here and move forward through the slideshow to see them all.
Link to Full Article
By Lisa Burgess, Stars and Stripes
ARLINGTON, Va. — The Army largely will stand fast while Defense Department reviews take place in 2005, but one area they will attack is force protection.
Link to Article (Photo included)
By Kate Pardo
CHICAGO, Ill. (Army News Service, Feb. 7, 2004) – The Army is preparing its land technology to be displayed among the world’s top automotive equipment for the first time in more than 30 years.
A Stryker ICV Command Vehicle arrived in Chicago, hot off the production line in Aniston, Ala., Feb. 3. It is being prepared for display at the Chicago Auto Show, the biggest auto show in North America.
Provided below are links to, and descriptions of, the latest video clips from Mosul courtesy of 366th MPAD.
Link to Full Article
By SARAH ROHRS, Times-Herald staff writer
BENICIA - Jeremy Thomas, a Benicia High School senior, does not support the Iraq war, but he does support the soldiers, and appreciates that they risk their lives daily fighting in a country so far from home.
Fellow senior Sean Ryan, meanwhile, is rapidly approaching age 18 and is worried about a war-time draft. For months, Iraq and the soldiers fighting and dying there have been on his mind.
Steve Thorne forwarded the following photo taken by Rob Moschetti on February 2nd at the Seven Brothers Fundraiser in New York. For background on the event, which raised money for these 1-14 CAV soldiers and their families, see this previous entry.
UPDATE: We have the correct caption now.
The following is an interesting article regarding fellow 25th ID soldiers who have been based in Kirkuk for the past year. This particular unit has traveled to Mosul multiple times to support operations there.
Link to Full Article
By Steve Fainaru, Washington Post
KIRKUK, Iraq -- As he walked through the mud surrounding his temporary barracks, 1st Sgt. Ken Agueda carried an M-4 assault rifle without its essential lethal components: bullets. Earlier in the day, Agueda had turned in his ammunition -- cartridges, assorted grenades -- in preparation for his journey home after nearly 13 months in Iraq.
"It's like walking around without your pants," said Agueda, a 17-year U.S. Army veteran from Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (February 6, 2005) – Iraqi Regular Army Soldiers detained five individuals in northern Iraq yesterday.
Iraqi Regular Army Soldiers from the 101st Infantry Regiment detained four insurgents suspected of terrorist activities in northern Mosul. While conducting a cordon and search Iraqi Regular Army Soldiers from the 104th Infantry Regiment, also detained one insurgent suspected of terrorist activities in eastern Mosul. Suspect is in custody with no IA injuries reported.
Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh / Post-Tribune staff writer
TALL AFAR, Iraq — Roadside bombs around Tall Afar are stalked by what looks like a small payloader with oversized wheels.
The Indiana National Guard 113th Engineer Battalion inherited the Meerkat from the Virginia National Guard unit that had been working at the remote outpost Sykes.
Wired magazine has two very interesting articles regarding soldiers in Iraq. Links and excerpts below.
Yahoo! News has several new photos of the 1-24 INF conducting operations in Mosul.
Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh / Post-Tribune
TALL AFAR, Iraq -- Local Indiana National Guard troops stationed at the remote outpost at Tall Afar, spent most of this week recovering from the elections.
Troops with the 113th Engineer Battalion had many of the same duties as their counterparts in Mosul.
Link to Full Article
By Rayanne Schmid, The Daily Times
Becky and Kelly Crunk gladly accepted the news Wednesday that their son, Spc. Ryan Lamarr Crunk’s condition had been upgraded from serious to just injured.
Ryan, 22, who is with the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, sustained injuries to his right leg, hand and forearm in a Sunday grenade blast in Mosul, Iraq. He was transferred to Kuwait and currently is in a base hospital in Germany.
There are 5 new photos of the 1-24 INF at Frontline Photos in their Feb. 1 and Feb. 2 editions. Click on these dates when you get to the site. They are the first two photos for Feb. 1 and first three photos for Feb. 2 as you page through the galleries.
Link to Article
By Nicole Dalrymple
MOSUL, Iraq (Army News Service, Feb. 3, 2005) -- An estimated $25 million is being spent to construct 100 new border forts along the northern borders of Iraq, as well as rehabilitate and enhance numerous points of entry.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (February 3, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained six individuals in northern Iraq yesterday.
Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade, 8th Field Artillery Regiment detained three insurgents suspected of terrorist activities in Al Huriyah. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
The Army reported that SPC Alexander D. Fallstone was killed in a training accident at Ft. Lewis today. SPC Fallstone was assigned to 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), and recently returned from a tour in Iraq.
We'd like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends he leaves behind. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
SFC Paul R. Smith will be the first member of the armed forces to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor from Operation Iraqi Freedom. According to the official citation, the CMOH is, "the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States." Sadly, the award will be presented posthumously to his family - SFC Smith was killed on April 4, 2003 defending his unit's position against insurgents. The following articles provide an in depth profile of this soldier and his heroic actions.
(via Blackfive)
If you would like to write your congressional representatives about this issue, visit Congress.org.
Link to Full Article
News Tribune staff and news services
Debbie Bridges and Norma Melo know about the pain and uncertainty that comes when a loved one is killed in combat. Both women lost husbands in Iraq during the past 13 months.
There’s not much the government can do to ease the pain, Bridges and Melo said Tuesday.
Link to Full Article
By Sameer N. Yacoub, Associated Press
[...] Emboldened by the elections, which U.S. and Iraqi authorities cited as a victory for democracy, the police chief in Mosul demanded the insurgents hand over weapons within two weeks or he would "wipe out" anyone giving them shelter.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (February 2, 2005) – As the first democratic election appointing the legislative assembly ends, Iraqi Security Forces will continue to maintain a high level of security.
Iraqi Security Forces will continue to conduct cordon and searches in order to detain insurgents suspected of terrorist activities, and confiscate weapons and ammunition. ISF has been trained to help make Iraq a safer place and will continue to serve their country in it's time of rebuilding.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (February 2, 2005) – The Ninewah Province had a more secure time leading up to Election Day due in-part to an early “no roll” put into affect January 27.
Governor Duraid Kashmoula instituted the no roll, which did not allow anyone in the province to drive from January 27 until February 1, a day before the nation-wide security measure went into affect. The decision resulted in much less insurgent minority attacks in the Ninewah Province as compared to other areas of the country.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (February 2, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained four individuals in northern Iraq yesterday.
Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment detained four insurgents suspected of terrorist activities. 2-325 also confiscated weapons and uniforms. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
The past few days press releases from Multi-National Forces in Northern Iraq have been sent by Task Force Freedom, rather than Task Force Olympia. While I haven't seen an official statement regarding a transfer of authority, we can assume that a new command element is, or will be shortly, in control of coalition forces in that part of the country. Consequently, we added a new category, and all future news from the Mosul region that is not Stryker Brigade related will go there. As a reminder, all coalition forces (Active, Reserve, National Guard, Air Force, Marines etc.) in the area are part of this Task Force - the Stryker Brigade is one of many units operating under the command of Task Force Freedom.
A visitor sent us links to photos taken last week of 1-24 INF operating in Mosul (one, two, three, four). You may have seen these elsewhere, but just in case...
Soldiers from Company A, 1-24 INF, are pictured riding atop their Stryker vehicle in this photo from Army Images. You can click on the image to enlarge it.
Photo by Sgt. Jeremiah Johnson
A few worthwile entries to explore:
Link to Full Article
By BRAD CROCKER
Army Pfc. Brandon Miller of Pascagoula was injured during a grenade attack Sunday as he helped maintain order during the historic elections in Mosul, Iraq.
Two other members of Miller's unit were also reportedly injured.