(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 31, 2005) – One Task Force Freedom Soldier was killed, and five others were injured after insurgents opened fire on Coalition Forces at a check point in Mosul Wednesday.
The injured Soldiers were taken to a combat hospital for treatment.
The name of the Soldier killed is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The Soldiers of Task Force Freedom send their condolences to the family of the deceased.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 31, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained a total of 26 suspected insurgents during operations in northern Iraq today and Wednesday.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 31, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) killed one insurgent and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq Wednesday.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 31, 2005) – Five innocent Iraqi citizens were injured by an insurgent attack when a car bomb exploded near a Multi-National Force patrol in southern Mosul Wednesday. The injured citizens were transported to a local hospital.
Insurgents have continually disregarded the safety of innocent civilians during their attacks.
The AP is reporting that that a U.S. soldier had died from injuries he sustained during a clash in northern Mosul on Wednesday.
Link to Full Article
By ANTONIO CASTANEDA, The Associated Press
BAGHDAD, Iraq - A suicide bomber blew up a car Thursday south of Kirkuk, killing two Iraqi soldiers and three bystanders, while parliament negotiators tried to come up with a Sunni Arab candidate to serve as speaker of the newly elected National Assembly. [...]
The U.S. military announced that a U.S. soldier had died from injuries he sustained during a clash in northern Mosul. The soldier was among several people injured Wednesday during a routine check of vehicles, Lt. Col. Andre Lance said.
Several U.S. soldiers tried to approach a taxi, and gunmen inside opened fire, Lance said. The soldiers returned fire, killing the assailants, and the taxi exploded, likely because it was carrying explosives, Lance said.
The soldiers then came under fire again and several were injured, including the soldier who later died, Lance said. He added that two civilians were killed, but Iraqi police said six civilians died. [...]
The story continues with other news from around Iraq.
Link to Full Article
By MELANTHIA MITCHELL, ASSOCIATED PRESS
SEATTLE -- As Fort Lewis welcomes its third Stryker brigade, school districts surrounding the post are gearing up for the influx of school-aged children expected to arrive with the soldiers.
More than 3,000 soldiers from the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment are relocating to the post 45 miles south of Seattle as part of the Army's plan to develop smaller, more independent and flexible combat units. [...]
Link to Full Article
By David Axe, THE WASHINGTON TIMES
CAMP ENDURANCE, Iraq — U.S. and Iraqi army officers in the critical region around the contested northern city of Mosul are pleading — with some success — for information from local leaders on insurgents and terrorists operating in the area.
"We need your help," Brig. Gen. Ali Malooh, commander of the Iraqi army's 102nd Battalion, said in Arabic to more than 200 tribal sheiks and religious leaders gathered Saturday at this U.S. base near the town of Qayyarah, a few miles south of Mosul. [...]
Better armor, closer surgeons among changes
Link to Full Article
By CONNIE CONE SEXTON, THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC
Most of today's grievously wounded soldiers -- those who have lost limbs, suffered major head injuries or nearly bled to death -- would have died in any other war.
Link to Full Article
By TRACI CARL, ASSOCIATED PRESS
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Insurgent attacks in Iraq have fallen dramatically since the Jan. 30 elections, and the number of U.S. deaths reported this month dropped to the lowest in a year.
But the news isn't all good. Militants are focusing their attacks on Iraqi government and security officials as the new leaders of Iraq assume a greater role in their fragile nation.
We don't normally post opinion on this page, but I hope you will appreciate as I did, this article on the problem of reporting the facts about this war.
Link to Full Article
By Jeffrey Shaffer, Christian Science Monitor
PORTLAND, ORE. – Imagine a newspaper that is devoted exclusively to coverage of the situation in Iraq, and contains so much information about every aspect of the current conflict that no one would ever be able to accuse the management of editorial bias or selective presentation of the facts.
Since the moment coalition troops attacked Saddam Hussein's forces, one of the most persistent complaints of media critics is that mainstream news organizations in this country are not giving Americans the "full story" on what's happening as Iraq undergoes a historic regime change. Editors from coast to coast receive angry letters every day from readers who believe that negative reports from Iraq are being favored over positive ones, and vice versa. [...]
Links to other versions of this story can be found at the end of this entry.
Link to Full Article
By R. Jeffrey Smith, Washington Post
Use of Transport in Iraq Puts Troops at Risk, Internal Report Says
The Army has deployed a new troop transport vehicle in Iraq with many defects, putting troops there at unexpected risk from rocket-propelled grenades and raising questions about the vehicle's development and $11 billion cost, according to a detailed critique in a classified Army study obtained by The Washington Post.
Link to Full Article
By WENDY MITCHELL, Ledger Independent
SPANAWAY, Wash. -- For Bracken County native Mike Tucker, two weeks of rest and relaxation from his assignment in Iraq needs to be followed with two more weeks to recover from R&R.
April 1, Tucker will board a plane and return to the U.S. Army 1st Battalion 25th Infantry Division in Iraq. [...]
Here is a new photo of the 1-23 INF, 3-2 SBCT, participating in Exercise Foal Eagle in South Korea.
Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class John J. Pistone
Link to Full Article
By JOHN J. LUMPKIN Associated Press
Large Number of U.S. Troops in Iraq Could Return Home if Violence Low Through Elections
WASHINGTON Mar 30, 2005 — U.S. forces in Iraq could begin coming home in significant numbers if insurgent violence is low through the general elections scheduled for the end of the year, a top general said Wednesday.
A larger and more capable insurgency, setbacks in the efforts to develop Iraq security forces, or missed deadlines by the transitional government could delay any significant drawdown, said Air Force Lt. Gen. Lance Smith.
Smith, the deputy commander of U.S. Central Command, which has military authority over the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, commented in an interview with reporters at the Pentagon.
The article contains news about attacks in Mosul and Tal Afar.
Link to Full Article
USA Today, Associated Press
BAGHDAD (AP) — Gunmen opened fire on a military checkpoint in northern Mosul, killing six Iraqis on Wednesday, while attackers in the south ambushed a group of Shiite pilgrims heading to a major religious festival — the latest sign of violence targeting the gathering that draws some 1.5 million people.
In Mosul, four insurgents jumped out of a car near the checkpoint and began shooting, killing six Iraqis and wounding eight others before being shot dead by return fire, police official Ahmed Mohamed Khalaf Al-Jibori said. U.S. military officials said they did not immediately have information on the attack. [...]
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 30, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) killed two insurgents, detained ten suspected insurgents, and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq Tuesday.
Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment killed one insurgent with small arms fire and detained two suspected insurgents during a cordon and search operation in eastern Mosul. Soldiers from the 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment killed one insurgent during a small arms engagement in Tal Afar. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 30, 2005) – Multi-National Forces 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) killed one insurgent, injured another, and seized a number of weapons during an operation in northern Iraq Tuesday.
Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment engaged a known insurgent vehicle with small arms fire killing one insurgent and injuring another in Tal Afar. The 2-14th also seized a number of weapons found in the vehicle to include a machine gun, two AK-47s, two hand grenades, and six rocket propelled grenade rounds. The injured insurgent was taken to a hospital and will be detained after being treated. No MNF injuries were reported during the operation.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 30, 2005) – Two separate hotline calls by Iraqi citizens helped lead Multi-National Forces to defuse explosives in northern Iraq Tuesday.
Michael's C-SPAN interview is available on the web for viewing at any time for those of you with a reasonable internet connection and REAL Media player. Go to the C-SPAN web site and click on the link to "Conversations With U.S. Soldiers Wounded in Iraq".
UPDATE: C-Span called today and said Michael's interview be played again tonight, the 29th, at 9:30PM on C-Span2 and then again next Sat. at 8:00PM on cspan as stated below.
Greetings everyone,
Tomorrow is a big day for us. New arms are supposed to arrive and final fittings will be on Wednesday. I hope all goes well. We just finished watching Michael's interview on Cspan, Wounded Soldiers from Iraq, and he did really well, IMHO. :-) Anyway, it was on at 8PM east coast time and will re-air again on Saturday at 8PM. I was glad they did not edit out anything. It lasts about 45 minutes. Hopefully, many of you will be able to see it.
Link to Abstract
By Scott R Gourley, Jane's International Defence Review
In concert with the continuing threats of roadside improvised explosive devices (IEDs), suicide drivers, and occasional rocket and mortar attacks, the Mosul mess hall suicide bombing on 21 December 2004, which killed more than 12 US military personnel, was a reminder of the critical importance of broad-spectrum force-protection measures for land-based forces.
The sobering aftermath of that attack witnessed a range of expanded force-protection measures among US forces, from the application of body armour to the accelerated fielding of new defensive weapon systems.
An example of the latter instance can be found exactly one month after the mess hall attack, when joint-venture partners Alliant Techsystems and Textron Systems announced that they had been notified of US Army plans to accelerate fielding of the Matrix remote munitions control system.
Link to Full Article
By Chris Roberts, El Paso Times
Army air defenders of the future will be tasked with shooting down everything from mortar shells to tactical ballistic missiles and will be ready to head to any part of the world in units tailored for particular missions. [...]
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 29, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) killed one insurgent and detained ten suspected insurgents during operations in northern Iraq today and Monday.
Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment were engaged by small arms and rocket propelled grenades by insurgents while performing a search operation to seize weapons in Tal Afar Monday. The 2-14th returned fire killing one insurgent. The seized two mortar tubes and ammunition during the search. No MNF injuries were reported during the engagement.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 29, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) discovered a large cache during operation in northern Iraq Monday.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment discovered a large weapons cache during a cordon and search operation in western Mosul. The cache included two rocket propelled grenade launchers, seven RPG rounds, 100 rounds of ammunition, and artillery charges. The weapons and ammunition were confiscated for future destruction.
Susan Sutter sent an email last week to let us know that she recently attended the dedication of a training room at the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment (5/20) HQ at Ft. Lewis as "The Herring Room". Her son, SGT Jacob "Jake" Herring, was killed on April 28, 2004 in Iraq. I know Susan has remained very close to Jake's platoon - you can view photos of the potluck she hosted for them when they returned in November.
Recent events in Iraq are covered in depth in the following articles.
Link to Full Article
By Albert Eisele, The Hill
Mosul, Iraq -- They're one of the worst nightmares for American military personnel or anyone traveling with them on the dangerous roads of Iraq, even if you're surrounded by tons of armor plate and moving at high speed.
They're called IED's, military speak for Improvised Explosive Devices, and they're the devil's own invention.
Link to Full Article
By Rowan Scarborough, THE WASHINGTON TIMES
In the privacy of their E-ring offices, senior Pentagon officials have begun to entertain thoughts that were unimaginable a year ago: Iraq is turning the corner.
Military officials and analysts say the clearing out of enemy-infested Fallujah in November, the Jan. 30 elections and the increasing willingness of Iraqis to fight and die for a democratic country are contributing to the momentum.
(Email From Steve Thorne)
Dear Friends,
Julie and I arrived sometime after 9 a.m. and found Scott up and watching Stuart Little on his laptop. His bandages were off his head and the IV's were disconnected. He was happy to see us and we talked a bit about his morning so far.
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 28, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) seized a large number of weapons after an Iraqi citizen informed them of the location of a very large weapons cache in northern Iraq Sunday.
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 28, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained ten suspected insurgents during operations in northern Iraq Sunday.
Link to Full Article
BY JOHN E. MULLIGAN, Providence Journal
Army Gen. John P. Abizaid says self-interest will lead the country's the major factions to eventually agree on a new government, but he shares Sen. Jack Reed's caution that success is not guaranteed.
MOSUL, Iraq -- The commander of American forces in the Persian Gulf said yesterday that he is "cautiously optimistic" about prospects for Iraq's emerging democracy.
But Army Gen. John P. Abizaid cautioned, "It's also possible that the politics could fail, and if the politics fail, it could lead to violence." Abizaid also alluded to a significant worry for the United States when he acknowledged that no moderate leader has emerged to guide the crucial Sunni Muslim minority into the democratic process.
Observations on Iraqi troops by 1-25 SBCT soldiers.
Link to Full Article
By Monte Morin, LA Times
The soldiers seen as their country's future lack equipment, training and unity. But the U.S. says they have helped curb insurgent strikes.
Screaming and shouting filled the air. Four soldiers were wounded. Then the insurgents opened fire.
Unable to escape the ambush, Iraqi troops began shooting wildly in all directions, including straight up. As the shooting continued, American soldiers and an Iraqi translator screamed at them to stop, but they ignored the calls. The barrels of the Iraqis' weapons glowed bright white with heat.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 28, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces killed four insurgents, detained another, and seized a large weapons cache during operations in northern Iraq Sunday.
Link to Full Article
ABC News OnLine
Foreign fighters entering Iraq in recent months make up a growing percentage of insurgents battling US troops and the country's fledgling security force, according to a senior US military commander.
In an interview with CNN in Mosul, General John Abizaid - the commander of US Central Command which covers Iraq - said that while most insurgents appear to be Iraqis, "the percentage of foreign fighters over the past several months seems to have increased".
MOSUL, Iraq (AFP) - A suicide car bomber blew himself up in the path of a US military convoy in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, police said, but it was not immediately known if there were any US casualties.
(Email from Steve Thorne)
Dear Friends,
Scott slept pretty much all day, which is fine by us because we know he needs the rest. It was a good day to sleep as it's been raining all day. Reminds me of my 18 months up here with the 9th Infantry Division.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 27, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained a total of 18 suspected insurgents during operations in northern Iraq today and Saturday.
Troops from 104th Battalion, 23rd Brigade Iraqi Army detained two individuals suspected of insurgent activity during a cordon and search operation in eastern Mosul today. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 27, 2005) – Three Iraqi citizens were killed and another 20 were injured during two separate attacks by insurgents in northern Iraq Saturday.
A mortar attack conducted by insurgents killed two innocent Iraqi citizens and injured another 15 in Tal Afar. The injured were transported to a local hospital by Iraqi Police. An improvised explosive device detonated near a Multi-National Force convoy killing one Iraqi citizen and injuring another five in Mosul. The injured were transported to a local hospital. No MNF or ISF injuries were reported during either incident.
Greetings everyone,
I hope everyone is doing well and Happy Easter to all. Things are a bit weird around here for the past few days. An internet worm has invaded the system here at the Mologne House so connections are sporadic at best.
Dear Friends,
We arrived today a little before 9 a.m., the “official” start of visiting hours. Scott is still a bit groggy due to the morphine he’s getting every six minutes (the Return of the PCA Device), but he is getting noticeably better. He looks less and less like somebody who just had an operation and more like Scott.
Link to Full Article
By DAVE RANK, GM Today
Justin Reichert chews an ice cube from his glass of soda. Heck, he enjoys having ice in his drink, period.
Amidst a two-week leave from his duties in Iraq, Specialist Promotable Reichert (he’s on a short list to be made a sergeant) says it’s the little things he missed the most during his six months in the Middle East.
The brief action report from Mosul in this AP story was reported here yesterday.
Link to Full Article
By Mariam Fam, The Associated Press
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Insurgents reasserted themselves in a spasm of deadly attacks after days of reported setbacks, killing 17 members of Iraqi security forces in four separate car bombings, gunning down five Iraqi women working for U.S. troops and assassinating a senior Iraqi military official, authorities said Friday. [...]
Here are two photos of the 4-23 INF at the Wilson Battle Command Training Center, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
Photos by 1st Lt. Jeffrey Canning
Dear Friends,
It’s been a busy couple of days since the last update. Preparation for travel, travel, pre-op, operation and recovery.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 25, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) seized three large weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq today.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 25, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) seized a number of weapons, killed four insurgents, injured another, and detained one during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 25, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 21 suspected insurgents and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq today and yesterday.
Link to Full Article
By Wendy Geist, Gazette-Times reporter
Unlike generations of soldiers who fought before him, Sgt. Jeff Bojanowski of Corvallis has no trouble openly discussing the injuries that led him to be awarded the Purple Heart.
"I will tell anybody and anyone that wants to listen," Bojanowski said, though he admits his military friends have teased him for his willingness to talk to reporters.
Link to Full Article
By Ben Murray, Stars and Stripes
GRAFENWÖHR, Germany — The commander at the center of the biggest base expansion in U.S. Army Europe’s transformation said this week that new units, new services and new training techniques are changing more than just the physical makeup of Grafenwöhr-area bases.
An expected Stryker Brigade, an initiative to export American training and a focus on new techniques will be the basis of an evolved training zone that will leave the concept of the Grafenwöhr area as a tank maneuvering playground behind, Brig. Gen. Mark Hertling, commander of the 7th Army Training Command, said Tuesday.
Link to Full Article
By Dylan T. Lovan, Associated Press
FORT KNOX, Ky. — The Army is rushing to U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan a new and easy-to-use plastic tourniquet that could save more lives on the battlefield.
The nylon and plastic device, which uses a Velcro strip, was demonstrated Wednesday by Fort Knox soldiers, who showed how it can be applied with one hand if necessary and much faster than traditional tourniquets made of bandages.
Link to Full Article
By Bob Reinert, Army News Service
FORT LEWIS, Wash.(Army News Service, March 24, 2005) — They are in different arenas now, separated by thousands of miles, yet they draw strength from one another.
Mike Krzyzewski coaches the Duke University men’s basketball team, and this past week he was in the thick of the NCAA tournament, trying to lead the second-ranked Blue Devils to another national championship.
At the same time in Mosul, Iraq, Col. Bob Brown was experiencing his own brand of “March Madness.” Brown also was leading men in uniform – the Lancers of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. He, too, was trying to accomplish a mission.
Link to Full Article
By Christian Davenport, Washington Post
Teacher Grapples With Bookish Soldier's Path to Maturity
They met through Springbrook High School's Catholic Club when Thomas Doerflinger was a sophomore. During one of the club's first meetings, the students got into a rambling discussion about the meaning of time, and Thomas Tobin, a popular English teacher who was the club's faculty adviser, wasn't quite sure in which direction to steer it.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 24, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained a total of 13 suspected insurgents and seized weapons during operations in northern Iraq yesterday and today.
Here are two new photos of the 3-2 SBCT in Korea, courtesy of the DOD Image Gallery. The first photo depicts SSG Jason Ramsay of the 1-23 INF, while the second photo shows a Stryker exiting an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III at Daegu Air Base.
Photos by Petty Officer 2nd Class John J. Pistone and Petty Officer 1st Class James Christopher, U.S. Navy
The following is an email and photo we received from Bobby W. Rosendahl following his trip to Walter Reed to visit his son, PFC Bobby T. Rosendahl. Bobby was seriously injured in an attack last week. We're glad to hear PFC Rosendahl is improving - he and his family will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Link to Full Article
By Ariana Eunjung Cha, Washington Post
Therapy Aims to Alleviate Post-Traumatic Stress
SAN DIEGO -- Joseph Blythe settled into the couch in the psychologist's office, slipped on a pair of high-tech goggles, took hold of the joystick and within a few seconds was transported through time and distance back to Iraq. He walked briskly along the maze-like urban streets, scanning the rooftops for friend or foe, passing by bombed-out cars, listening to the roar of choppers flying past the palm trees.
As he reached an alley, Blythe heard the whoosh of a bullet going past his head and flinched.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 23, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces detained 70 suspected insurgents and seized a number of weapons during a single operation in northern Iraq yesterday.
Troops from 101st Battalion, 21st Brigade and 104th Battalion, 23rd Brigade Iraqi Army detained 70 individuals suspected of insurgent activity during a cordon and search operation northwest of Mosul. The Iraqi Army also seized AK-47s and a rocket propelled grenade. The weapons were confiscated for future destruction. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
Link to Full Article
By Anna Song, KATU News
Washington, D.C. - Going into war, Sgt. Mike Buyas often thought about whether he would be willing to die for his country, but what he did not really consider is what it would be like to live with a sacrifice for the rest of his life.
Buyas lost both of his legs while in Iraq and now must come to terms with a different type of life than he might have imagined for himself.
[Link to Full Article] with 3 photos
Spc. Corey Strand
Fort Wainwright PAO
FORT WAINWRIGHT – Hangar 1 was transformed during the first week of March from an aircraft hangar to a warehouse piled high with boots, helmets, uniforms and everything else needed to outfit a brigade with all the gear they will need in Iraq.
Soldiers of the Forward Maintenance Company, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team reported to the hanger in their physical training uniform, carrying their duffel bags and ready to collect their gear.
“We will have another issue in the summer before our deployment for Soldiers unable to make it to this one,” said Cpt. Charles Bovey, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, SBCT.
Tomahawk Soldiers Train for Urban Convoys
[Link to Full Article] with 7 photos
FORT RICHARDSON – Company A, 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment trained on convoy operations on Camp Carroll March 9-10 to help prepare for their upcoming deployment. The scenario called for the convoy to move through the built up area where local civilians mixed with insurgents. As the convoy entered the area, an improvised explosive device damaged one Stryker, forcing the rest to circle the wagons and set up a secure perimeter during recovery efforts. The locals fled when the IED went off, but filtered back into the area along with armed insurgents.
Photos by Master Sgt. John Pennell
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 22, 2005) – Iraq Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 20 suspected insurgents and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq yesterday and today.
If you scroll past the images of the 3-2 SBCT in Korea, on Getty Images, you will find a number of photos of the 1-25 SBCT in Mosul from early March, that I've not seen elsewhere.
Yahoo! News Photos has two recent photos of the 3-2 SBCT training in South Korea.
Here are two more photos (one, two) of the 1-23 INF in Korea, from the DOD Image Gallery.
Photos by JO2 John J. Pistone, U.S. Navy
Getty Images has eight more photos of the 3-2 SBCT conducting a joint training exercise with South Korean troops.
There are a few new photos of 1-25 Stryker Brigade soldiers in Mosul at Yahoo! News Photos and Getty Images, since the last time we posted these links. Some are members of the 1-24 INF. 82nd Airborne soldiers can also be seen.
I apologize for missing this Stryker story on Saturday. I recommend following the link to the full story.
Link to Full Article
By M.L. LYKE AND MIKE BARBER, The Seattle P-I
A 'family' forged by costs of battle
On March 19, 2003, Georgia and Rod Schilz still had two sons named Joe, and Paris DeLuz was a recovering teenager realizing Mom wasn't so messed up after all.
Their fates changed two years ago today, when the United States pointed at Baghdad and fired.
Now the Schilzes' large, blended family has only one son named Joe. The other, Joe Blickenstaff, an Army specialist, was killed in Iraq in December 2003, one of the first casualties from Fort Lewis' Stryker brigades.
Link to Full Article
By CARL HARTMAN, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - Row after row of photos in a newspaper, each the likeness of a U.S. soldier killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, were the inspiration for an artistic tribute to those who lost their lives in the conflicts.
"Faces of the Fallen," 1,327 individual portraits of the dead produced by 200 artists, opens to the public Wednesday at Arlington National Cemetery.
The images, each 6-by-8 inches, are mounted on plain steel rods that reach to near eye level. Each rod includes a label with the soldier's name, hometown and date of death.
Five rows are arranged chronologically by the soldiers' times of death and stretch along a half-circle inside the small museum at the entrance to the Women in Military Service for America Memorial. The number of images does not represent all those killed - that figure now is more than 1,600. [...]
Link to Full Article
By Staff Sgt. Carmen L.. Burgess, Army News Service
BAGHDAD, Iraq (Army News Service, March 21, 2005) – “If I was an (Iraqi) insurgent, I think I’d find a new profession,” said Secretary of the Army Francis Harvey while in Iraq, March 17-18.
“We are sending a strong message to tyrants around the world – you’d better straighten up or there will be a high price to pay,” Harvey said.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 22, 2005) – Following Iraq’s first election in January, the Ninewah Provincial Council met for its first official session in northern Iraq yesterday. Among the agenda items was electing members to serve in leadership positions.
Duraid Kashmoula was announced as the elected Governor of Ninewah Province. Gov. Kashmoula had been serving as the interim Governor previous to the elections and up until the announcement of the election results. Khusro Goran was announced as the Deputy Governor and Salem Al-Haj Essa was announced as the Head of the Mosul City Council.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 22, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) located three weapons caches thanks to an Iraqi citizen’s tip in northern Iraq yesterday.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 21, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained a total of ten suspected insurgents and seized two large weapons caches in northern Iraq yesterday.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 21, 2005) – An artillery round, believed to have been placed by insurgents, was discovered on the roof of a local children’s hospital in northern Iraq yesterday.
The Joint Coordination Center received a tip through their hotline from an Iraqi citizen that the round was located on the roof of the building in northern Mosul. Multi-National Force Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment confirmed the report and confiscated and destroyed the round. No injuries were reported during the incident.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 21, 2005) – Two suspects were detained and seven Iraqi citizens were injured by insurgent small arms fire in connection with the assassination of Mosul Anti-Corruption Director Gen. Waleed Kashmoula in northern Iraq yesterday.
SFC Jeb Bishop, of the 4-14 CAV, is pictured in this recent photo posted on Army Images.
Photo by Army Photo
Here's a news summary of some interest.
Iraq Report for 3/21/05 - Winds of Change
Link to Full Article
By Peter Grier, Christian Science Monitor
The fight against insurgents has pushed Pentagon toward new strategies, new armor, and a transformed US force.
WASHINGTON – Hard service in Iraq is wearing out some of the US military's core weapons. Tanks, armored vehicles, and aircraft are being run at rates two to six times greater than in peacetime, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld told Congress earlier this month.
The bad news here is they may need to be replaced. But there's good news too, according to Secretary Rumsfeld: It's possible they can be replaced with something better.
By Monte Morin
MOSUL, Iraq — Army hatch gunner Brandon Jones may have missed the man who fired potshots at his head, but the sergeant managed to destroy something else: the insurgent's car.
As U.S. and Iraqi forces have battled guerrillas for control of the northern city of Mosul in recent weeks, the insurgents have been putting their wheels to work.
Instead of packing their vehicles with explosives and detonating them in suicidal attacks, insurgents are more likely to fire on troops as they speed past their patrols and combat outposts.
Soldiers say the insurgents seem to favor Opels, because they have a reputation for being fast. Cars are also becoming insurgents' preferred hiding place for weapons.
By Steve Walsh / Post-Tribune staff writer
First Sgt. Earl Deal Jr. said he may win the prize for being the oldest American soldier in Iraq.
Deal may not be far off the mark. He turned 59 on Feb. 6. If the Indiana National Guard 113th Engineer Battalion were to have its tour extended for the full 18 months allowed by law, Deal could be forced into mandatory retirement, at 60, while his unit is in Mosul, Iraq.
He isn’t the only older soldier with the unit that has bases in Gary, LaPorte and Valparaiso. More than a dozen soldiers with the 113th Engineers are older than 50, including most of the senior sergeants. [...]
Link to Full Article
By JENNIFER LATSON, THE OLYMPIAN
OLYMPIA -- Two years and 1,519 U.S. casualties after the start of war in Iraq, family members of a soldier who died early in the conflict said there is no reason to keep fighting.
The widow and older sister of Spc. Joe Blickenstaff told more than 200 people Saturday that the continued occupation of Iraq would only bring more harm to soldiers, both U.S. and Iraqi.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 20, 2005) – General Waleed Khashmoula, the Director of the Anti-Corruption Department in Mosul, was assassinated by a suicide bomber at the Anti-Corruption Office in central Mosul today.
Another Iraqi citizen was injured during the blast that killed Gen. Khashmoula and the suicide bomber. The injured individual was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 20, 2005) – Iraqi Intervention Force troops from 23rd Battalion, 6th Brigade assumed full responsibility for central Mosul during a transfer of authority ceremony in Mosul Mar. 7.
The ceremony took place on a military base formerly occupied by Multi-National Forces, and officially shifted authority from Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment to the 23-6th IIF. According to military officials the transfer occurred due to the readiness of the 23-6th to assume the responsibility. They have demonstrated that through the numerous successful independent operations they have performed, capturing insurgents and seizing weapons.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 20, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces detained six suspected insurgents during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
Troops from 24th Battalion, 6th Brigade Iraqi Intervention Force detained four individuals suspected of insurgent activity during raid operations in central Mosul. Troops from 22nd Battalion, 6th Brigade Iraqi Intervention Force detained two individuals suspected of insurgent activity during a raid in western Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
The Olympian has a section devoted to the 2nd anniversary of the start of the Iraq war. Included is the following story about the nephew of a frequent contributor to this site.
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CHRISTIAN HILL, THE OLYMPIAN
Two years ago, Rob Varpness was shooting pool at a Fort Carson tavern as he watched the bombs fall on Baghdad. Within weeks, he was marching toward the desert city as a scout for the 4th Infantry Division.
(Email from Steve Thorne)
Dear Friends,
As I wrote earlier, no updates unless there's something to tell you.
Here's what has been happening (as reported by Scott and various other interested parties):
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 19, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 12 suspected insurgents during operations yesterday and today.
Troops from 104th Battalion, 24th Brigade Iraqi Army detained four individuals suspected of insurgent activity during a cordon and search operation in eastern Mosul today. Multi-National Force Soldiers detained three more individuals suspected of insurgent activity during a raid south of Mosul today. Suspects are in custody with no ISF or MNF injuries reported.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 18, 2005) – An Insurgent killed two Iraqi citizens and injured another nine during a suicide bomb attack in northern Iraq yesterday.
Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) were patrolling in western Mosul when their convoy was hit by a car bomb. The suicide bomber detonated along side a Stryker vehicle, injuring six U.S. Soldiers. The blast also killed two innocent Iraqi citizens and injured another nine. The injured citizens were taken to a local hospital for treatment. The U.S. injuries were not classified as serious; five of the six were able to return to duty following treatment.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 18, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 22 suspected insurgents during operations in northern Iraq today.
Troops from 22nd Battalion, 6th Brigade Iraqi Intervention Force detained 15 individuals suspected of insurgent activity during a cordon and search operation in western Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment detained 10 individuals suspected of insurgent activity during a raid southeast of Mosul. Multi-National Force Soldiers also detained eight individuals suspected of insurgent activity during another raid south of Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
(DOD Press Release)
The Department of Defense (DoD) released its National Defense Strategy (NDS) and National Military Strategy (NMS) today. These strategies outline an active, layered approach to the defense of the nation and its interests. They seek to create conditions conducive to respect for the sovereignty of nations and a secure international order favorable to freedom, democracy, and economic opportunity. The strategies promote close cooperation with others around the world who are committed to these goals and address mature and emerging threats.
Link to Full Article
By Michael Gilbert, The New Tribune
Filmmaker Michael Tucker thinks too many Americans are so entrenched in their political points of view about the war in Iraq that they can’t let themselves comprehend what it’s really like for the troops who have to be there.
It was his motivation for making “Gunner Palace,” which opens locally this weekend – to peel away the interpretation and spin and let the viewer see and hear directly from soldiers.
Viewers who look to the documentary for either an endorsement or an indictment of the invasion and occupation will likely be disappointed.
Link to Full Article
By ANGIE LEVENTIS; The News Tribune
Civilian contractor deals with post-traumatic transitions A Lacey man injured in the mess hall bombing in Iraq is home recuperating. He is one of thousands of contractors who straddle the private sector and the military, providing support for the war.
Scott Connely thought the worst was behind him as he sat down to eat his last meal in Iraq at the ill-fated dining hall in Mosul on Dec. 21.
It was just six hours before he was scheduled to go home, and all the 34-year-old civilian contractor could think about was spending Christmas with his wife and two children in Lacey.
Just 45 feet behind him, a suicide bomber detonated the blast that killed 22, including six Fort Lewis Stryker soldiers. Dozens more were injured.
Link to Full Article (subscription)
By Kevin Graman, The Spokesman Review
Stryker Brigade platoon leader recounts battles, bombings and the big election
After the decisive and devastating response by U.S. forces in January to Sunni resistance in Fallujah, it was widely speculated that Mosul would become the next center of the Iraqi insurgency.
Iraq's third largest city, 248 miles north of Baghdad, already had seen its share of fighting. In December, a suicide bombing in the dining hall of nearby Forward Operating Base Marez had killed 22 people in the worst single attack on U.S. forces in the war.
Link to Full Article
By ERIC SCHMITT, New York Times
WASHINGTON, March 17 - The Army's second-ranking general said Thursday that the number of American troops in Iraq would probably decline by early 2006, largely because of post-election progress in combating insurgents and training more Iraqi troops to take over security duties.
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By Tom Weir, USA TODAY
NASHVILLE — Ohio assistant basketball coach Kevin Kuwik says he "probably woke up some terrorists" with his celebration when the Bobcats beat Detroit on a buzzer-beating shot in February.
That's not entirely hyperbole. At the time he wasn't Coach Kuwik, but Capt. Kuwik, an Army engineer in Mosul, Iraq, listening to his team's game on the Internet.
Greetings everyone,
Michael is recovering from having all four wisdom teeth removed on Monday. Ouch!!! He is doing well and went to the movie with Cindy and a couple of other soldiers tonight. I sure hope they don't see a comedy, it really hurts him to laugh.
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Defense Industry Daily
The Washington Business Journal reports that United Technologies subsidiary General Dynamics is ordering add-on armor kits for the Army's Stryker combat vehicle from fellow defense contractor United Defense Industries. The contract is initially worth $30 million but has a potential value of as much as $90.6 million. UDI says production of the initial lot of 289 kits will start this fall and be completed by October 2006. [...]
Link to Full Article
By Gregg K. Kakesako, Honolulu Star Bulletin
More than 60 people who have a family member serving in Iraq with the Army Reserve's 100th Battalion will be honored Sunday at a banquet marking the 62nd anniversary of the formation of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team.
Among those attending will be Allen and Adele Hoe, parents of 1st Lt. Nainoa Hoe, who was killed in Iraq on Jan. 22 by a sniper. Hoe was the leader of 2nd Platoon of Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry. The unit is part of the 1st Stryker Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division and is stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash. Hoe also was a member of the 100th Battalion while simultaneously enrolled in the University of Hawaii's Army ROTC program.
A soldier's story. Thanks to twoums for finding it.
Link to Full Article
By By EMILY MORRIS, The Daily Sentinel
A quiet guy, Brian Wilson did not think to tell his dad and stepmom he was recovering from a shrapnel wound.
Only two weeks later, during a telephone conversation did he mention in passing that he was being nominated for the Bronze Star and will receive a Purple Heart for an incident when a grenade was thrown in his direction and Wilson tried to “engage the bad guy.”
A good-looking young man with blond hair and clear blue eyes, the 23-year-old Wilson looks like he just graduated from college, but the Army Ranger is home in Grand Junction for part of his 15-day leave before he returns to fight insurgents in Iraq.
Here's tangible evidence that our troops have achieved a major goal by their courageous actions and sacrifices.
Factions split, but lawmakers express hope
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By Thanassis Cambanis and Anne Barnard, Boston Globe
BAGHDAD -- Iraq's first freely elected parliament convened yesterday for the first time, symbolically ushering in what Iraqis hope will be a new era of accountable, popular government.
The 275 legislators did not elect new leaders for Iraq because political factions are still squabbling over the makeup and direction of the government, but the Transitional National Assembly lifted the curtain on an elected authority unlike any in Iraq's recent history.
Keep busy while spouse is deployed
SBCT Spouses are featured in this article.
Link to Full Article
By Kathie Hightower and Holly Scherer, Navy Times
Angie was brand-new to Army life and had just arrived in Germany with her husband, three children and a new baby. Three days later, they found out her husband’s unit was deploying.
She was miserable while he was gone, hanging out with other unhappy wives, complaining about life, spreading gossip and generally staying stuck in negativity.
Angie’s reaction to a deployment isn’t uncommon. We talk with many spouses who fall into negative habits, from frequent “ain’t-it-awful” sessions to stuffing themselves with junk food out of stress or boredom.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 15, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) confiscated a number of weapons and currency, and detained five suspected insurgents during operations in northern Iraq yesterday.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (March 15, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) killed six insurgents, injured another four, detained another, and confiscated a number of weapons in northern Iraq yesterday.
Troops from 101st Battalion Iraqi Army shot and killed four insurgents and seized weapons during cordon and search operations in Mosul. The weapons seized included three AK-47s, two rocket propelled grenades, five RPG launchers, five fragmentary grenades, a sniper rifle, and five mortar rounds. The weapons were confiscated for future destruction.
Link to Full Article
By Robert Burns, Associated Press
MOSUL, Iraq — The new commander of U.S. forces in northern Iraq said Monday he is encouraged at progress in giving Iraqis more control over their own security and economic future.
Brig. Gen. Kevin Bergner told Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, that a portion of Mosul airport would soon be turned over to the Iraqis for use as a civilian airport and an economic development zone. [...]
Family members have confirmed that SSG Donald D. Griffith Jr., 29, of Mechanicsville, Iowa, died March 11th as a result of hostile action in Tal Afar, Iraq. SSG Griffith was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (SBCT), Ft. Lewis WA.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of SSG Griffith.
We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
Two news summaries highlighting recent events.
