I guess I know where I'll make my next sporting goods purchase.
LAKEWOOD, Wash. -- A soldiers-and-family fund at Fort Lewis will receive a $10,000 donation from G.I. Joe's stores.
The check will be given to the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division's soldiers-and-family fund in a ceremony at the Lakewood G.I. Joe's store.
Additional information from The News Tribune
Dave Doyle has posted a dispatch from his friend, who happens to be a sergeant with the 1/25 SBCT, on his website. Apparently this might be a recurring feature, so we'll keep an eye out for new entries.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 30, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed two terrorists, detained six suspected terrorists, and seized a weapons cache during operations in northern Iraqi Wednesday.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 30, 2005) – Three Iraqi civilians and one policeman was killed, and five other civilians injured during two separate terrorist attacks in northern Iraq Wednesday.
SGT Michael Buyas, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division is among the first five soldiers to receive the Combat Action Badge.
UPDATE 6/30: New articles added below.
Link to Full Article
Army News Service
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, June 29, 2005) – At a Pentagon ceremony today, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker awarded the Army’s new Combat Action Badge for the first time to five Soldiers who engaged in combat with the enemy.
Link to Full Article
By Jim Maceda, NBC News
QAYYARAH, Iraq — On a recent day, some of the 2,000 soldiers of the 1st Iraqi Army Brigade patrolled a violent neighborhood in West Baghdad, while more than 200 miles to the north, soldiers of the 1,500-strong 3rd Iraqi Army Brigade were on a raid near Mosul.
They represent two different Iraqi units and both are backed by the U.S military. The 1st Iraqi Army Brigade works with the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division in Baghdad and 3rd Iraqi Army Brigade trains and works with U.S. Army's 25th Infantry Division near Mosul. [...]
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 29, 2005) – Four Iraqi civilians, including one child, were killed and another 21 injured when terrorists conducted a mortar attack on a neighborhood in Tal Afar Tuesday night. The injured civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Terrorists continue to disregard the health and safety of Iraqi citizens. A number of terrorist attacks over the past three days have killed 22 and injured another 32 Iraqi civilians in northern Iraq. These attacks have directly targeted and disregarded civilian lives.
Link to Full Article in the July 4, 2005 edition
By Joseph R. Chenelly, Army Times (subscription)
Commanders want to know who is blogging from Iraq, and a new rule says soldiers have to ’fess up.
A policy for all service members under command of Multi-National Corps-Iraq states that anyone who owns, maintains or posts to a Web site or Web log must formally notify his chain of command.
All service members who fall under MNC-I must register their sites or blogs or risk facing punitive action, under the policy signed in April by Lt. Gen. John R. Vines, MNC-I commander.
Link to Full Article with 2 photos
Link to a third photo
John Pennell
Fort Richardson PAO
ANCHORAGE – Thirty-three 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment Soldiers volunteered to go the distance in this year’s Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon, a grueling 26.2-mile race from Bartlett High School across Anchorage to the finish line at West High School. Thirty-two Soldiers finished the race June 18 – five finished in under four hours.
Link to Full Article with Photo
PAO staff report
WASHINGTON – The Army announced the 172nd Brigade Support Battalion Forward Distribution Point as the winner of this year’s Chief of Staff, Army, Combined Logistics Excellence Award, in the category of Supply Excellence. The FDP competed in the large warehouse category against warehouses all over the Army.
Link to Full Article
By The Associated Press
Thank you and good evening. I am pleased to visit Fort Bragg, home of the Airborne and Special Operations Forces. It is an honor to speak before you tonight.
Fox News will broadcast its second story from Mosul featuring 1-24 INF tonight during the Special Report program. The segment discusses the training of the Iraqi Army, and will air sometime during the 6 PM EST (3 PM PST) hour. It will be replayed 8 hours later in all time zones.
UPDATE: We changed the broadcast time listed above - it is now correct. Additionally, the replay might be on at a different time in your area. As always, it is probably best to check your local listings.
Michael Yon has posted a new entry to his blog.
Link to Full Artilce
By NEDRA PICKLER, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush is using the first anniversary of Iraq's sovereignty to try to ease Americans' doubts about the mission and outline a winning strategy for a violent conflict that has cost the lives of more than 1,740 U.S. troops and has no end in sight.
In a prime-time address from Fort Bragg, N.C., home of the Army's elite 82nd Airborne Division, Bush was to argue that there is no need to change course in Iraq despite the upsetting images produced by daily insurgent attacks. [...]
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 27, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed one terrorist, injured two terrorists, detained 11 suspected terrorists, and seized three weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq today and Sunday.
Soldiers from 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment were attacked by terrorists with small arms fire while patrolling in Tal Afar today. They returned fire killing one terrorist and injuring another two. The injured terrorists will be detained following treatment.
There are two Iraq news summaries worth browsing this morning.
Soldiers from the 3/2 & 1/25 SBCTs are featured in the following article from Michael Gilbert.
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
New recruits are hard to find, but the Army is having no trouble persuading the soldiers it already has to stick around.
They’re re-enlisting at rates well above the Army’s goal for this fiscal year, attracted by a mix of tax-free bonuses, educational opportunities and other benefits. Many are re-upping under stability plans that allow them and their families to stay at one installation for several years, rather than cope with the constant moves that typically are part of military life.
There are two new entries at the 1/25 SBCT Life in Mosul, Iraq blog.
Link to Full Article
Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said Sunday he is bracing for even more violence in Iraq and acknowledged that the insurgency "could go on for any number of years."
The national and international press is awash with stories about civilian and military action in Mosul on Sunday. Click on "Read the entire entry" for 5 new press releases from the Task Force Freedom Public Affairs Office.
Link to Full Article
By TATABOLINE BRANT, Anchorage Daily News
Hundreds of war-bound soldiers gathered in formation at Fort Richardson early Friday for an easy, five-mile run with their commander, who afterward released them on two weeks vacation -- their last big break before shipping out to a place where people like them sometimes die.
There are no reports of injuries to US soldiers in this attack in Mosul.
Link to Full Article
By FRANK GRIFFITHS, Associated Press
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - A suicide bomber who hid explosives beneath watermelons in a pickup truck slammed into a police headquarters in northern Iraq on Sunday, killing six people and wounding eight others, police and hospital officials said.
The TFF public affairs team has published its June edition of The Freedom Post (PDF file), which includes a variety of articles. It has also posted a number of video stories online as part of The Stallion Report.
Embedded reporter W.S. Wilson has published the following interview with COL Robert Brown, commander of the 1/25 SBCT in Mosul.
BY W.S. WILSON, Editor, The Sentinel
Col. Robert Brown, a strapping West Pointer, is in charge of U.S. Army operations in and around Mosul, Iraq. The Indiana National Guard 113th Engineering Battalion is one of the units he directs.
This interview was conducted in Brown’s office, located in one of Saddam Hussein’s former palaces. The U.S. Army now calls the complex Forward Operation Base Courage.
Sentinel editor W.S. Wilson spent three weeks embedded with the 113th, which is based in northern Indiana and about halfway through what is expected to be a year-long tour of duty in and around Mosul.
For those of you that were unable to see the documentary Gunner Palace in the theater, it will be available on DVD this Tuesday, June 28th. To learn more about the film you can read some of our previous entries.
We received notice that Fox News will broadcast a story from Mosul featuring Alpha Company, 1-24 INF during the 7pm EST (4 pm PST) hour tonight. The story is called "Operation Blackhills". If you miss the story it will be repeated again 8 hours later in all time zones.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 25, 2005) –Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 10 suspected terrorists, seized a number of weapons, and were able to defuse an improvised explosive device with the help of an Iraqi citizen during operation in northern Iraq Friday.
Link to Full Article
By Matt Misterek, THE NEWS TRIBUNE
It was engineered with the stealth to creep into dense urban terrain on eight wheels and go virtually unnoticed. More often, however, it barrels down the streets of Mosul with air horn bellowing, warning cars to pull over while it passes.
Indeed, with its exoskeleton of heavy green slat armor, the 21-ton Stryker vehicle at times looks like a dinosaur making a show of force in an environment where only the strongest survive.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 24, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 26 suspected terrorists and seized weapons during operations in northern Iraq today and Thursday.
Jane, a Stryker mom, sent the following photos and description of her boyfriend's race car that she decorated to honor her son and his fellow soldiers deployed to Iraq. Thanks!
Michael Yon has posted a new entry in his blog.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 23, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces detained nine suspected terrorists during operations in northern Iraq today.
Troops from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division Iraqi Army alongside troops from 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade Iraqi Intervention Force and 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade Iraqi Commandoes detained seven individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation in western Mosul. IA troops from the 2nd Brigade also detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in central Mosul. IIF troops from the 1-3rd detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in western Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
Concerned Iraqi citizens continue to provide valuable information leading to the detention of terrorists. Coordinated efforts of Iraqi Security Forces are leading to the arrest of terrorists and criminals responsible for attacks against innocent Iraqi citizens. Anyone with information on anti-Iraqi insurgent activities should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
After a year in war-torn Iraq as an international police liaison officer, Manteca resident Gerald Krein came home with a civilian version of a Bronze Star for valor and a Purple Heart.
Cold comfort for saving the lives of more than three-dozen American soldiers and Iraqi police officers from a crazed suicide bomber in Mosul in an incident that happened just last month.
And colder comfort still for the memory of seven American soldiers from Ft. Lewis, Wash., who have protected him while he was there and whom he had befriended. Six of them perished in one of the deadliest suicide bombings that rocked Iraq during the months leading to the elections in January when a suicide bomber blew himself up inside a military mess hall in Mosul where American and Iraqi solders were getting ready to eat. The seventh soldier from the same military outfit lost his life in January.[...]
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 23, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 21 suspected terrorists and seized two weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq Wednesday.
Troops from 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade Iraqi Intervention Force detained eight individuals suspected of terrorist activity during two operations in western Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
PFC Christopher R. Kilpatrick, 18, of Columbus, Texas, died June 20 in Tal Afar, Iraq, during convoy operations when enemy forces attacked his HMMWV with an improvised explosive device and small arms fire. PFC Kilpatrick was assigned to the 603rd Transportation Company, 142nd Corps Support Battalion, Warrior Brigade, Fort Polk, LA.
We offer our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and comrades PFC Kilpatrick leaves behind.
Please scroll down for more of today's news.
Link to Full Article
Mount Shasta Herald
Sgt. Travis Johnson, originally from St. Louis, MO. and currently stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA, is deployed to Mosul, Iraq with the Army's 73rd Engineer Company of the 1st Brigade (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) 24th Infantry Division.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 22, 2005) – Three Iraqi civilians were killed and another nine were injured when a suicide bomber detonated near a Multi-National Force convoy in western Mosul today. The civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Security Forces continue to investigate the scene of the attack.
Terrorists continue to disregard the health and safety of Iraqi citizens. A number of terrorist attacks over the past six days have killed five and injured another 36 Iraqi civilians in northern Iraq. These attacks have either directly targeted or disregarded civilian lives.
Winds of Change has published a number of recent entries that might be of interest to you:
The 1/25 SBCT Life blog posted a number of new entries today.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 22, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) and Task Force Freedom killed one terrorist, injured another, detained five suspected terrorists, and seized a weapons cache during operations in northern Iraq Tuesday.
Link to Full Article
OLYMPIAN NEWS SERVICES
WASHINGTON -- Fort Lewis would get new equipment for the third Stryker brigade the Army is establishing at the military installation under the House version of a fiscal 2006 Defense Department spending bill.
The Army also would receive $882 million to buy 240 additional Stryker vehicles in the future, Rep. Norm Dicks, announced Tuesday. Dicks, D-Belfair, is a senior member of the House Appropriations defense subcommittee, which put the bill together. [...]
Link to Full Article
OLYMPIAN NEWS SERVICES
WASHINGTON -- The deadly Iraqi insurgency shows little sign of weakening and probably will prevent any reduction in the number of U.S. troops in Iraq before the end of the year, a top U.S. commander said Tuesday.
Army Lt. Gen. John Vines, the commander of coalition forces in Iraq, said that insurgent attacks were expected to continue over the next several months as an interim Iraqi government drafts a constitution and holds national elections scheduled for December.
(TFF Press Releases)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 21, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 13 suspected terrorists and seized weapons during operations in northern Iraq Monday.
Possible link to the 12/21/04 attack on our soldiers.
Link to Full Article
By Deborah Haynes, The Sunday Times
A MAN has been arrested in northern England in connection with suicide bomb attacks on US-led coalition forces in Iraq, police said.
A 40-year-old man has been arrested today in northern England in connection with suicide bomb attacks on US-led coalition forces in Iraq, police said today. Around 30 officers detained the man in a dawn raid on a house in the Moss Side area of Manchester.
Greater Manchester police said the arrest was not connected to any threat in Britain but to "an incident overseas" involving attacks in Iraq.
Link to Full Article
By Sandra Jontz, Stars and Stripes
Rhma Taha Ahmed might not have to have her hands and feet amputated after all. And she just might live to a ripe old age.
The 5-year-old Iraqi girl, who suffers from a congenital heart defect, tapped a soft spot earlier this year in some soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment in Mosul.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 20, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) rescued an Iraqi civilian who had been kidnapped, detained 18 suspected terrorists, and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraqi today and Sunday.
Link to Full Article
THE JOURNAL NEWS
"Hey, it's Stephen, the guy you wrote. I'm on guard and writing in the dark with a flashlight."
— Army Pfc. Stephen Castellano
Link to Full Article
By Jim Tice, Army Times (subscription)
The Army has issued implementing instructions for the retroactive award of the Combat Action Badge, the new decoration for soldiers who come under fire in a combat zone.
Eligibility for the award is retroactive to Sept. 18, 2001, one week after the 9/11 terrorist attack on America.
“Retroactive awards of the CAB may be made to fully qualified individuals,” according to a June 3 Army Awards Branch message to field commanders. Requests that are not processed in the combat theater must be submitted through the first two-star general in a soldier’s chain of command to the Human Resources Command. [...]
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 20, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) and Task Force Freedom killed two terrorists, detained 17 suspected terrorists, and seized a weapons cache during operations in northern Iraq Sunday.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 20, 2005) – Four Iraqi civilians were injured during a terrorist mortar attack in Tal Afar Sunday. The injured civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
A number of terrorist attacks over the past four days have killed two and another injured 24 Iraqi civilians in northern Iraq. These attacks either directly targeted or disregarded civilian lives.
The administrators, moderators, contributors, and readers of StrykerNews.com extend a sincere Happy Father’s Day greeting to all the fathers deployed with the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Stryker Brigade Combat Team. Your families miss you, but they are ever so proud of your strength, courage, and service to your country.
(American Forces Press Service)
WASHINGTON, June 19, 2005 – Operations throughout Iraq this weekend resulted in the capture of violent extremists and the discovery of weapons.
Link to Full Article
By Lara Brenckle
CENTRE HALL -- In the alternate reality that is Iraq, Army Spc. Christopher Swales knew everything was OK if he could hear bullets zinging and guns firing as he patrolled the northern city of Mosul.
"It's when you don't hear it that you worry," Swales said.
The bullet that pierced his leg during an insurgent attack that thundered around him one March day was silent.
It didn't even hurt, Swales said. He looked down in time to see his left leg split open. "Oh, that's not good," he thought.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 19, 2005) – One innocent Iraqi civilian was killed and another five were injured during a terrorist mortar attack in central Mosul today. The injured civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
A number of terrorist attacks over the past four days have killed two and another injured 20 Iraqi civilians in northern Iraq. These attacks either directly targeted or disregarded civilian lives.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 18, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) killed one terrorist, injured another, detained 18, and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq today.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 18, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) and Task Force Freedom detained nine suspected terrorists and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq today and Friday.
Reporter Michael Yon has left the Deuce Four for some travel around Iraq. This entry is not about the 1/25 SBCT, but it is still very interesting reading. If the link above does not work, try this link to his blog home page.
Link to Full Article
MATT MISTEREK; The News Tribune
MOSUL, Iraq – A convoy of Strykers was making a beeline for one of the busiest crossroads in the city, rushing to the aid of some cavalrymen who’d hit a roadside bomb near the infamous Yarmouk Traffic Circle.
But the explosion was small, and by the time Capt. Scott Cheney and his soldiers arrived, the cavalry vehicle had already started back to base.
After a busy morning, Cheney’s troops were ready to turn around and head home, too – until they spotted a black column of smoke rising about 500 meters west of the traffic circle.
A fuel tanker was on fire, the second of the day and the third in two days.
The 28-year-old officer from Lacey, suddenly thrown into the role of arson investigator, led his soldiers to the plume. They walked building to building in an industrial area, looking for witnesses while Iraqi fire crews doused the flaming truck cab.[...]
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
Fort Lewis troops have captured one of the most wanted terrorist leaders in Iraq, officials said.
Muhammad Khalaf Shakara, also known as Abu Talha, directed hundreds of bombings and other attacks on American and Iraqi soldiers as well as on Iraqi government officials and facilities, Stryker brigade and other U.S. military officials said.
His capture Tuesday in a quiet neighborhood in Mosul is the biggest blow to the insurgency since U.S. troops killed Saddam Hussein’s sons Uday and Qusay in 2003, said Lt. Col. David Spencer, intelligence officer with the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.[...]
A transcript of an interview with COL Brown, Commander, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (SBCT)
Link to Full Article
Michael Vincent, The World Today
TANYA NOLAN: While Australia's focus has been on freed hostage Douglas Wood who is now leaving Iraq, the bloody violence in Baghdad and elsewhere in the country continues.
By Richard A. Oppel Jr. The New York Times
Link to Full Article
TAL AFAR, Iraq Nine months ago the U.S. military laid siege to this city in northwestern Iraq and proclaimed it freed from the grip of insurgents. Last month, the Americans returned in force to reclaim it once again.
After the battle here in September, the military left behind fewer than 500 troops to patrol a huge region. With so few soldiers and the local police force in shambles, insurgents came back and turned Tal Afar, a dusty, agrarian city of about 200,000 people, into a way station for the trafficking of weapons and fighters from nearby Syria and a ghost town of terrorized residents afraid to open their stores, walk the streets or send their children to school.[...]
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 16, 2005) – Seven innocent Iraqi civilians were injured when a suicide car bomber detonated near an Iraqi Army convoy in southern Mosul today. The injured civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
In the past two weeks terrorist attacks in northern Iraq have killed over 20 and injured over 30 Iraqi civilians. Terrorists have either directly targeted or disregarded innocent civilians during their attacks.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 16, 2005) – Iraqi Police seized a large weapons cache during a search operation south of Mosul today. The cache included 120 mm rockets, over 600 mines, thousands of fuses and blasting caps, and over 600 various type rounds of large ammunition. The weapons and ammunition were confiscated for future destruction.
Concerned Iraqi citizens continue to provide valuable information leading to the detention of terrorists. Coordinated efforts of Iraqi Security Forces are leading to the arrest of terrorists and criminals responsible for attacks against innocent Iraqi citizens. Anyone with information on anti-Iraqi insurgent activities should call the Joint Coordination Center’s telephone numbers at 513462 or 07701623300.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 16, 2005) – An Iraqi judge and his driver were assassinated today in central Mosul.
Witnesses reported terrorists in a white pick-up truck approached a Mosul misdemeanor court judge, Salim Mahmood Ali and his driver and shot into their vehicle. Both men were wounded by gunfire and were taken to a local hospital, where they died of their wounds.
Acts such as these demonstrate the terrorist’s unwillingness to allow Iraqi citizens to live in peace and choose their own destiny.
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- The U.S. military on Thursday reported the capture of a man described as al Qaeda's leader in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.
Air Force Brig. Gen. Donald Alston identified him as Abu Talha -- whose actual name is Muhammad Kalaf Shakar -- and said he was captured on Tuesday.
"Talha has been one of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's most trusted operations agents in Iraq," Alston said. "This is a major defeat for the al Qaeda organization in Iraq."
Features soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery
Link to Full Article
By Patrick Dickson and Sandra Jontz, Stars and Stripes
Their stories are like those of the soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen who came before them:
Flying where anti-aircraft gunners can take a pop at you. Racing through a hail of bullets to pull a wounded friend to safety. Just staying with someone in what might be their last moments on Earth.
Are they heroes? What is a hero?
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 15, 2005) – At least three innocent Iraqis were killed and another 11 were injured during a mortar attack conducted by terrorists in Tal Afar today. The scene of the attack is still under investigation. The injured civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
In the past two weeks terrorist attacks in northern Iraq have killed over 20 and injured over 30 Iraqi civilians. Terrorists have either directly targeted or disregarded innocent civilians during their attacks.
An aviation uit will train with Stryker brigades stationed at Fort Lewis.
Link to Full Article
By MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
The Army is doubling the number of helicopters at Fort Lewis with the arrival, beginning today, of a new aviation squadron from Louisiana.
The squadron will bring 48 helicopters and about 600 more soldiers over the next several months, post officials said Tuesday. The first 10 aircraft – UH-60 Black Hawks – are to fly in this afternoon. [...]
Link to Full Article
BY KIRSTEN SCHARNBERG, Chicago Tribune
MOSUL, Iraq - (KRT) - In Iraq insurgency, anyone might be the enemy.
So with weapons drawn, a dozen U.S. soldiers charged down the ramps of their armored Stryker vehicles, roughly yanked three Iraqi students out of a car by their necks and shoved their faces into a nearby wall.
Link to Full Article
By MIKE BARBER, SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER
A former Fort Lewis soldier is suing the makers of the Army's new Stryker fighting vehicle, saying that an unsafe seat-belt design resulted in his permanent disability and discharge from the military.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 15, 2005) – Iraqi Police successfully rescued two hostages in eastern Mosul Tuesday. During a cordon and search of the house Iraqi Police rescued the hostages and also detained three individuals suspected of kidnapping the two civilians. The suspects are in custody with no reported injuries.
Iraqi Security Forces have successfully conducted two rescue operations in the last week, saving three Iraqi civilians. Information provided by citizens continues to play a critical role in the rescue of hostages.
Today is the 230th Birthday of the United States Army. Visit the DoD website created to mark the occasion.
News Tribune editor/reporter Matt Misterek and photographer Peter Haley have returned from Iraq. They had been following the Stryker Brigade from Fort Lewis and reporting news in their blog.
Link to Full Article
Army News Service
MOSUL, Iraq (Army News Service, June 13, 2005) -- Coalition forces detained 36 suspected terrorists in Mosul, Iraq this past week, rescued a hostage and found seven weapons caches.
Link to Full Article
By Jonathan Finer, Washington Post
BAGHDAD -- When three Minnesota National Guardsmen died in a roadside bombing in February, their home towns grieved in the usual way. Flags flew at half-staff. Streets were renamed in honor of the fallen. And neighbors spoke of a war brought home in painful relief.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 14, 2005) – Two innocent Iraqi civilians were killed, including a child, and another three were injured during terrorist attacks in northern Iraq Monday.
Winds of Change has publsihed its latest Iraq Report, with links to news and analysis of recent events there. Included is a link to Arthur Chreknkoff's extensive summary titled Good news from Iraq, part 29.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 13, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) and Task Force Freedom detained nine suspected terrorists and seized a weapons cache in northern Iraq today.
Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained nine individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation north of Tal Afar. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Link to Full Article
Peter Thompson
CARSON CITY - It was 106 degrees in Mosul on Friday with forecasts predicting highs in the 120s for next week. The shops were open, the people were out and all in all it was a pretty typical day, though, says Sgt. Donny Jenkins of Carson City, "There really aren't any typical days around here."
High-tech weapons systems like unmanned aerial vehicles, GPS-guided bombs and the hybrid Stryker combat infantry vehicle have done wonders to win battles and steel troop morale during the war in Iraq, but for many of the 150,000 soldiers in the country, there's nothing quite like an Internet chat with a family member to get them through another day.
Calling from the northern Iraqi city after a long day on patrol, Jenkins, 28, tells of how the comparatively simple technology of a web camera and e-mail account allows him to better focus on the military mission at hand.
He joined to play ball, but Col. Robert Brown stayed to lead
Link to Full Article
By MATT MISTEREK, The News-Tribune
MOSUL, Iraq – It was early the morning of Iraq’s first democratic elections in more than 50 years, and Col. Robert Brown was as anxious as anyone in the Stryker brigade tactical operations center.
After a sleepless night, the brigade’s top leaders had huddled to see the first returns trickle in. They were unsure whether terrorists would fulfill their threat of polling-day bloodshed and Sunni Arabs their pledge to stay home.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 13, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) and Task Force Freedom seized two weapons caches based on citizens’ tips and detained five suspected terrorists during operations in northern Iraq Sunday.
Michael Yon has posted a new entry to his blog. It is a long article. It is also one of the most chilling yet engaging articles regarding the soldiers of the 1/25 Stryker Brigade I have read yet.
Caution: Michael Yon reports on the death and wounding of Deuce Four soldiers in detail that I have not seen elsewhere.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 12, 2005) – Local taxi cab drivers in the northern Iraqi Province of Ninevah have removed the lids from their vehicle trunks in order for Security Forces to more readily recognize that they are not a threat to security. Terrorists have been using taxis as vehicles for their attacks, hiding weapons and explosives inside the trunks. Security Forces are applauding this move and stating that the move shows the commitment of citizens to help provide better security for their communities.
By Ivonne D'Amato
Link to Full Article
CENTRE HALL -- A simple retreat into an air-conditioned room on a muggy day serves as a reminder of the little things to be grateful for as American soldiers battle scorching heat in Iraq, state Rep. Kerry Benninghoff said Saturday.
Benninghoff, R-College Township, spoke to a group of about 50 people who gathered to honor military members and veterans past and present at the Armed Forces Tribute at American Legion Post 779.
During the ceremony, post commander Carol A. Clark-Baney acknowledged post members who served in World War II and the Korean War and conducted a remembrance service for prisoners of war. Additionally, representatives from the Air Force, Army, Marines and Navy recounted their war experiences.
"Our Stryker armored vehicle was hit by IEDs (improvised explosive devices) on a regular basis," Army Spc. Christopher Swales, 29, said of his recent experience in Iraq. "I had been hit several times and got scrapes and scratches. Each time I got hit and wasn't injured, I got more confident. I began thinking I was invincible."
Swales, of Centre Hall, was a member of the 25th Infantry Division's Stryker Brigade. In March, he was shot in the leg after his unit found a vehicle trafficking weapons during routine vehicle inspections.
There are two new entries in this blog maintained by soldiers of the 1/25 SBCT.
The 1/25 SBCT public affairs blog has a new article describing a recent visit to an orphanage. Excerpt:
On 19 April 2005 one Platoon in 1/25 were tasked to perform an uncommon mission: to deliver several boxes of critically needed school supplies to an all girls orphanage school. My first impression after walking in was the look of surprise as the headmasters witnessed military vehicles, the big green fighting machines, drop ramp in front of their school. To any regular person, this would have left a very strong first impression. As the security perimeter was established, the men dismounted not to fight the enemy, but to make a connection with the children at the orphanage.
On June 17th Operation Homefront Washington and Sprint will be in front of the PX at Ft.Lewis from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. to offer to families and or spouses (in time for Father's Day) the opportunity to send a FREE 15-20 second video by email deployed hero overseas. There will be paper and crayons in case the kids would like to draw a Father's Day card to video or mail. There will also be candy and bottled water AND Seattle Mariners Ryan Franklin will be there in the morning. It will be fun and a great chance to boost the morale of your hero!
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 11, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained four suspected terrorists and seized two weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq today.
Local Sheiks turned over a terror suspect to Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment. This is the second time that Sheiks have banded together in order to turn in terror suspects to Security Forces.
Link to Full Article
By Matthew Cox, Army Times (subscription)
Stryker brigade commanders, in need of more firepower, have asked for an early fielding of the Mobile Gun System variant for street fighting in northern Iraq.
But they’re going to have to do without it.
The high-tech, wheeled cannon won’t be seeing combat for at least a year after the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (SBCT) returns home this fall, Stryker program officials say.
Link to Full Article
By David J. Lee, Odessa American
U.S. Army Pfc. Laura Ann Springer pulled into the parking lot of Red Lobster on Friday night with a mission.
Hopping out of the vehicle in desert fatigues, she moved quickly across the pavement. Spinning around the corner into the restaurant lobby, the screams of joy from her family echoed outside as she tearfully moved to hug her surprised mother.
“I’m speechless; I’m surprised,” Patty Springer said, tears streaming down her face, her voice quaking with emotion.
News Tribune editor/reporter Matt Misterek and photographer Peter Haley are in Iraq following the Stryker Brigade from Fort Lewis. They have posted two new entries.
No Pets Allowed
Me and Toby Keith? Oh, sure, we're pals
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, The News-Miner
Thousands of soldiers and families at Fort Wainwright enjoyed the sun Friday during Soldier Appreciation and Community Send Off.
Fort Wainwright partnered with the Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce this year to ramp up its annual soldier appreciation day into a community send off in preparation for the deployment of the 3,800-member 172 Stryker Brigade Combat Team in August.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 11, 2005) – Multi-National Force Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment detained a total of four individuals suspected of terrorist activity during separate raids in western Mosul Friday. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Lt. Col. Terrence K. Crowe, 44, of New York, N.Y., died June 7 in Tal Afar, Iraq, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire. Crowe was assigned to the Army Reserve's 10th Battalion, 98th Regiment, 4th Brigade, 98th Division, Lodi, N.J.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of LTC Crowe. We will add any articles we find to this entry.
Link to Full Article
MATT MISTEREK; The News Tribune
MOSUL, Iraq – It would have been so easy for Staff Sgt. Olene Togiailua to pull the trigger again and kill Abdullah Al Jabouri after the firefight was over.
Togiailua and his Stryker brigade buddy, Staff Sgt. Wilson Langford, spoke together that day in their native Samoan, adrenaline racing, both men struggling with the impulse to finish off the enemy fighter who lay on the ground with a bullet in his upper leg.
Link to Full Article with Photo
Melissa House
Army News Service
FORT BENNING, Ga. – Eye injuries represent almost 16 percent of all injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan since March 2003, according to statistics from the Office of the Surgeon General.
As a result, about 400 Infantry trainees and cadre are testing several different types of combat eye protection that might eventually be issued to all Soldiers.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 10, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) and Task Force Freedom detained 20 suspected terrorists and seized a number of weapons thanks to Iraqi citizens’ leads during operations in northern Iraq Wednesday and Thursday.
Link to Full Article
By CHRIS ALPINE, THE POST-INTELLIGENCER
As I help buckle a couple of young soldiers into their seats on the C-130 taking us into Iraq, it hits me -- I've become a grizzled veteran and I'm not even in the service. Me knowing more than our troops should scare the hell out of me, but I'm not even apprehensive. Maybe the college girl on the plane over wasn't far off when she asked if I was going to Iraq "on vacation."
Thanks to Jose Casillas for making us aware of the following event taking place this weekend in San Jose, CA. On Saturday, June 11th between 10am and 3pm at The Tech Museum of Innovation in Downtown San Jose, families of deployed service men and women will have the opportunity to create a free video message. The message can then be emailed immediately to their deployed loved one. You can find additional information online, and it is recommended that you register beforehand if you are interested.
We wanted to take a moment to recognize a few organizations that have been particulary generous to the soldiers in the Stryker Brigades, and their families. We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to visit their sites and learn more about the incredible work they do. Thank you.
News Tribune editor/reporter Matt Misterek and photographer Peter Haley are in Iraq following the Stryker Brigade from Fort Lewis. They have posted a new entry.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 9, 2005) – One innocent civilian was injured in a drive-by shooting conducted by terrorists while he was fixing a roadway in eastern Mosul Wednesday. The civilian was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Numerous terrorist attacks over the past week have targeted or disregarded innocent civilians. Attacks over that period have killed 15 and injured at least 18 in northern Iraq.
(Tff Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 9, 2005) – Troops from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade Iraqi Intervention Force successfully rescued a hostage in southeastern Mosul thanks to a lead given by an Iraqi citizen Wednesday.
(TFF press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 8, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained six suspected terrorists during operations in northern Iraq today and Tuesday.
Terrorists target innocent Iraqis with mortar attack
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 7, 2005) – Two innocent Iraqi civilians were injured when terrorists fired mortars into their neighborhood in eastern Mosul today. The civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Numerous terrorist attacks over the past week have targeted or disregarded innocent civilians. Attacks over that period have killed 15 and injured at least 15 in northern Iraq.
Civilians again targeted in terrorist attacks
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 7, 2005) – Four innocent Iraqi civilians were killed and another injured during terrorist attacks in northern Iraq today.
Four Iraqi civilians were killed when their vehicle was attacked with small arms fire by terrorists in eastern Mosul and one Iraqi civilian was injured during a terrorist carjacking in western Mosul. The injured civilian was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Numerous terrorist attacks over the past week have targeted or disregarded innocent civilians. Attacks over that period have killed 15 and injured at least 13 in northern Iraq.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (June 7, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained five suspected terrorists, including a high-level terrorist leader, during operations in northern Iraq.
Link to Full Article
By AUDREY McAVOY, The Associated Press
HONOLULU (AP) — The father of slain Army 1st Lt. Nainoa Hoe said a chance meeting with the nurse who treated his son when he died in Iraq was "like being struck in the chest."
Allen Hoe and the Army nurse, Maj. Paula Coughlin, told CNN in a joint interview Tuesday they were stunned and amazed by their Memorial Day encounter in Washington.
Link to Full Article
By MATT MISTEREK; The News Tribune
RAMADANIYAH, Iraq – The villagers entered the sitting room of the local muqtar’s house a few at a time, the youngest an infant and the oldest a 73-year-old man.
They lined up to see the Fort Lewis soldiers for free medical help, maybe even a plush toy to take home.
This site maintained by the brigade has a number of new entries highlighting recent operations in Mosul.
The Task Force Freedom public affairs website has ad
