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Link to Full Article
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
Nearly 300 of the 3,800 member Stryker Brigade Combat Team will leave Alaska today, headed for the Iraqi theater.
The brigade, stationed at Forts Wainwright and Richardson, will be deployed incrementally throughout August. An advance team of 70 soldiers from Fort Richardson and about 200 from Fort Wainwright will leave separately on Sunday. The advance party will arrive in Kuwait to coordinate preparation for the rest of the brigade. A rear detachment will be maintained at Fort Wainwright to handle administrative tasks.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 31, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained nine suspected terrorist and seized weapons during operations in northern Iraq Saturday night.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained seven individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation in southeastern Mosul. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity while on guard in northern Mosul. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity during a search operation in southern Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported..
Link to Full Article
The U.S. military hopes its first long-term presence near Iraq's border with Syria will help stem the flow of suicide bombers.
By John Hendren, Times Staff Writer
BAGHDAD — American troops have established the first long-term military base along a major smuggling route near the Syrian border in a new effort to block potential suicide bombers from reaching targets in Baghdad and other major Iraqi cities.
A force of 1,800 U.S. troops, responding to continuing concerns that foreign fighters are crossing the Syrian border into Iraq, recently began an operation that includes setting up the base, three miles from the crossroads town of Rawah....
This is a very long article, but well worth reading in full.
Link to Full Article
Reality meets fiction on a new show about Iraq conflict
By Kirsten Scharnberg, Tribune national correspondent. Reporter Kirsten Scharnberg was embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq and has reported extensively on the war
NEW YORK -- A much-touted television drama about the war in Iraq made its debut in living rooms across America last week. In the show's final scene, a convoy of military vehicles rolls over a roadside bomb, and a young man who had joined the Army with the hope of eventually being able to afford college writhes in pain, one leg nearly severed.
About the same time, in a very real war zone several thousand miles away, in a place where no director can yell "Cut!" or request another take when something goes wrong, an explosion shook a northern Baghdad neighborhood. According to news reports, fire and searing shrapnel ripped through Humvees and flesh, and two U.S. soldiers lay dead when the smoke and chaos had cleared....
On televisions in Seattle on Wednesday, actor-soldiers detained a dozen insurgents; on the streets of Mosul, Iraq, soldiers from the base in Ft. Lewis, Wash., detained 11 suspected terrorists. On TV screens in America, a young Army wife cheats on her deployed husband; on bases all across Iraq, troops are finding that time away from home has contributed to divorce rates among Army officers and enlisted personnel nearly doubling. On previews for this week's "Over There" episode, a panicked wife gets the dreaded call that her husband was gravely wounded in combat; in Indiana last week, the family of Spec. Adam Harting received the visit every military family prays will never come--from grim-faced Army officials informing them that their 21-year-old son had been killed in Samarra...
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 30, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 11 suspected terrorists and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq today and Friday.
Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained five individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation northwest of Tal Afar today. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized a number of weapons during a cordon and search operation in southeastern Mosul Friday. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation in eastern Mosul today. Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity at a checkpoint in Rawah today. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Link to Full Article
Jed Boal Reporting
In addition to the war against Iraqi insurgents, American troops continue to help rebuild the country. The news media is often accused of not telling the story of the reconstruction, the positive stories, but a Utah man is on his way to Iraq to spread that story.
Returning troops, soldiers in Iraq, and the Department of Defense often claim negative stories and pictures are the only images you get to see from the war. They say their success stories rarely make it to air or print. Public Affairs Specialist Claude McKinney packed up his office at the 96th Regional Readiness Command at Fort Douglas; he's headed over to help out. [...]
Link to Article (Photos included)
By Army Forward Support Brigade, South West Asia News Release
CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Iraq (Army News Service, July 29, 2005) – The Army’s Stryker combat vehicles are back in fight now that the first Stryker repair facility is operating in Qatar.
The Stryker forward repair activity, run by General Dynamics Land Systems under direction of the Army Materiel Command’s Army Field Support Battalion-Qatar, presented the first two refurbished Strykers to Army inspectors recently.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 29, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 12 suspected terrorists and seized two weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq today.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division detained 10 individuals suspected of terrorist activity at a checkpoint in northern Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
Michael Yon has a new dispatch from Mosul posted on his site. This time he covers the recent ceremony that welcomed 12 members of Deuce Four as American citizens.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 29, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 10 suspected terrorists and seized a weapons cache during operations in northern Iraq today and Thursday.
Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained six individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in Tal Afar Thursday. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity while patrolling in Rawah today. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in southern Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 29, 2005) – Twenty Iraqi civilians were killed and another 25 were injured when a suicide bomber detonated outside an Iraqi Police station in Rabiya, near the Syrian border today. The injured civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment. The attack site is still under investigation.
UPDATE:
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 29, 2005) – After preliminary investigations it was found that 10 Iraqi civilian were killed, another 20 were injured, and one Iraqi Army Soldier injured in the suicide bomb attack that took place in Rabiya, a town west of Tal Afar near the Syrian border, today. Initial reports had indicated a higher number of deaths and injuries. The attack and the site will continue to be investigated.
Army Times has two photos from Mosul in today's gallery - you can start here and scroll forward.
There are a number of new photos of operations in Mosul at Yahoo! News.
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, News-Miner
The 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team will get an official send-off today from Army officials, families, friends and the public when the 3,800 soldiers assigned to the brigade gather today at the Fort Wainwright Army Post.
The ceremony marks the deployment of the brigade, comprised of 3,100 soldiers stationed at Fort Wainwright and 700 at Fort Richardson in Anchorage. Waves of troops from the brigade begin leaving for Iraq in early August. The 172nd is relieving the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division--another Stryker Brigade from Fort Lewis, Wash., that has been serving in Iraq since September.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 28, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 49 suspected terrorists during operations in northern Iraq today and Wednesday.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade alongside Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained 10 individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation in southeastern Mosul today. Iraqi Police alongside Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment detained 10 individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in southern Mosul today. Suspects are in custody with no ISF or MNF injuries reported.
The Army today officially announced its realignment plans, which will affect many of the Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCTs). Some of the information released is confusing, and conflicting, but we've provided all the links below so you can read the source documents yourselves.
According to the Pentagon, the realignment will result in 3 SBCTs stationed at Ft. Lewis, each of which will be part of the 2nd Infantry Division. The 2nd Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division will be tranformed into a SBCT, and be stationed at Schofield in Hawaii. The 172nd SBCT will return to Alaska following its upcoming deployment and be reflagged as a SBCT of the 25th Infantry Division. Finally, according to Special Assistant to The Secetary of the Army, Ray Bubois, the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division:
will come back to Fort Lewis. The complexity of this is, as it comes back we will refit it, reset it. And the aggregation of the Stryker population here, in June of '06 we will move this organization lock, stock and barrel, and it will come over here [to Germany] and reflag itself as the 2nd Cav Regiment to replace the 3/1 out of 1st Infantry Division and start setting ourselves up for the final footprint in Europe.
Overall there will be 6 active duty SBCTs and 1 reserve SBCT (based in PA) for a total of 7. Please feel free to post any clarifications in the comments section.
Provided below are a number of recent articles written by 1LT Dana Scott highlighting recent operations by the 2-8 FA, 1/25 SBCT.
Headlines:
Medical Visist in Jedellah, Local Leaders from Al Hadr Meet to Discuss Issues in their Village, Da Bombs, Sewage Treatment Plant Completion Ceremony
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 26, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained seven suspected terrorists and seized a weapons cache during operations in northern Iraq Monday.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained six individuals suspected of terrorist activity during two cordon and search operations in eastern Mosul. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in western Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
The following article highlights the activities of Army medical staff stationed in Mosul.
Link to Full Article
By Michael Moran, MSNBC
It was 3 a.m. when Dr. Tamarin McCartin’s pager went off. Three severely injured children, the survivors of an Iraqi family ripped apart by mortar fire the prior evening, had been driven around the dangerous, post-curfew Iraqi night by their teen-aged brother for more than seven hours in search of urgent medical help. Eventually, having been turned away from several facilities and the Syrian border, the boy convinced an American unit to break Army regulations and arrange helicopter transport to the U.S. Army’s 228th Combat Support Hospital in Mosul for his dying siblings.
There are a few photos of 1/25 SBCT soldiers at the Army Times website. Start here and go forward through the gallery to see them all (three total).
Winds of Change has published its weekly Iraq Report, with links to news and analysis of recent events there.
Destination Harley, which hosted The Ride Home, has created an online gallery of photos from this year's event. Take a look.
Oh his site Dave has posted the third Dispatch From Iraq written by his friend with the 1/25 SBCT in Mosul.
Yahoo! News has a number of new photos featuring Stryker Brigade soldiers operating in Mosul.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 23, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 17 suspected terrorists and defused a mine during operations in northern Iraq today and Friday.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation in northeastern Mosul Friday. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division detained one individual after they dropped a box with a mine in it near their checkpoint in Qayyarah Friday. The IA Soldiers had the mine defused. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Brigade also detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity while patrolling in Qayyarah Friday. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
Provided below are a number of recent articles written by 1LT Dana Scott highlighting recent operations by the 2-8 FA, 1/25 SBCT.
Headlines:
Doctor Mohammad Brings in Hachow, TF Automatic Captures High Value Target, Successful Mission Conducted by Iraqi Army, 3/3rd IA Detains Three Suspected Terrorists, Iraqi Army BCT Graduates Over 60 Soldiers, Automatic 6 Meets with Local Shieks, Qayarrah Comes Together for Area Security Council Meeting
Provided below is a note from the brigade that includes a long list of stories highlighting the good work the brigade is doing in Iraq. Many of the articles we've featured before, but it's nice to have them all in one spot.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 22, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained nine suspected terrorists and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq Thursday.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division alongside Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained four individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation in eastern Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no ISF or MNF injuries reported.
Members of the 3-21 INF and the 94th ENG can be seen in today's edition of Frontline Photos conducting operations in and around Rawah, Iraq. Start here and page forward to view 4 photos.
Photos by James J. Lee, Military Times staff
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 21, 2005) – Iraqi Police traveling in civilian clothes and a civilian vehicle were attacked with small arms fire by terrorists in western Mosul today. Iraqi Police alongside Multi-National Force Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) repelled the attack killing one terrorist and detaining six others. No IP or MNF injuries were reported in the attack.
Coordinated efforts of Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom 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 (July 21, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained 29 suspected terrorists and seized two weapons caches in northern Iraq Wednesday.
Iraqi Police detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized a weapons cache during a cordon and search operation in northern Mosul. The cache included a number of improvised explosive devices and detonators. Suspects are in custody with no IP injuries reported. The weapons were confiscated for future destruction.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division detained five individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized a number of weapons during two separate operations in eastern Mosul. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation south of Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
Link to Full Article
From Jane Arraf, CNN
MOSUL, Iraq (CNN) -- As U.S. soldiers construct a wall around the troubled city of Tal Afar to keep out fighters and weapons, residents are fleeing in fear of an imminent military attack by American and Iraqi forces against insurgents still in the city, according to a senior military commander.
"It's not a mass exodus right now, but people have moved out of the city along kinship lines," Col. H.R. McMaster, commander of the Army's 3rd Armored Cavalry, which is responsible for security in Tal Afar, told CNN.
MOSUL, Iraq (CNN) -- Four separate attacks in and around the city of Mosul killed eight people and wounded four others, including two U.S. soldiers.
Wednesday's deadliest attack came when an Iraqi police patrol moving toward western Mosul was ambushed at about 2 p.m. (6 a.m. EDT). Gunmen using machine guns killed seven officers and wounded one.[...]
The 3-21 INF's operations in Rawah, Iraq continue to be documented in today's edition of Frontline Photos. Page forward to view the first 6 photos.
Photos by James J. Lee, Military Times Staff
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 20, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 36 suspected terrorists, killed two terrorists, and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq Tuesday.
Iraqi Police detained 19 individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized a weapons cache during three separate operations in and near Mosul. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division Iraqi Army detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in western Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported. Weapons were confiscated for future destruction.
(From the A Co. FRG)
The Alpha Company, 1-24 Infantry's Family Readiness Group (FRG) has created an email account for all Apache families and friends to contact in order to receive official updates regarding homecoming information, including upcoming fundraisers, The Single Soldier Project and various other activities. For more information, please contact apaches1_24@msn.com.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Army Times reporter Matthew Cox is maintaining a blog while he is in Iraq. There are only a couple entries at this point, but hopefully he'll add to it as time goes on.
Link to Full Article
By Matthew Cox, Army Times
RAWAH, Iraq – U.S. forces destroyed a suspected terrorist safe house with a 500-pound bomb today after shooting dead two insurgents during a brief gun battle.
This is the third day of violent clashes between insurgents and soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (SBCT), since the U.S. troops set up a camp Sunday outside this remote city in west-central Iraq near the Syrian border.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 19, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 20 suspected terrorists and seized two weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq Monday.
Iraq Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division Iraqi Army seized a weapons cache during a search operation south of Mosul. The cache consisted of thousands of pounds of explosives. The munitions were confiscated for future destruction.
Editor's Note: Due to incorrect information in a Monday story, portions of the following story are repeated in an effort to avoid further confusion.
Staff Report
The Army said Monday that its public affairs office passed along erroneous information about the deployment ceremony for the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team that is deploying next month for Iraq.
The formal ceremony will be open to the public and officials will be anticipating a large turnout.
Earlier information had the ceremony closed to the public. "We just had the wrong information," said Maj. Kirk Gohlke with U.S. Army Alaska. "It's unfortunate."
The ceremony takes place on July 28 at 2 p.m. where Hangar 6 used to stand on Fort Wainwright.
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
Troops from the second Fort Lewis Stryker brigade, with their Iraqi counterparts, found an underground weapons stash in Mosul on Monday that might be the biggest since they arrived in the city 10 months ago, brigade officials said.
The find – it included thousands of mortars and artillery rounds and rocket-propelled grenades, as well as 26 shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles – was another instance of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division’s recent good fortune.
Things are going well for the Fort Lewis troops as they head into what will likely be the final two months of their yearlong deployment in Iraq.
The 3-21 INF's push into Rawah, Iraq is documented in 11 photographs in today's edition of Frontline Photos. As always, page forward through the gallery to see all the photos.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 18, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom seized a large weapons cache, detained eight suspected terrorists, and killed five terrorists during operations in northern Iraq today and Sunday.
Iraqi Police with support of Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment seized a large weapons cache during a raid operation in western Mosul today. The cache consisted of over 1,000 mortar rounds, over 25 mortar firing systems, 150 rockets, 450 rocket propelled grenade rounds, 26 RPG launchers, numerous missile firing systems, shape charges, improvised explosive devices, and over 30 assorted rifles. The weapons were confiscated for future destruction.
A new entry in the Good News from Iraq blog.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 17, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained eight suspected terrorists during operations in northern Iraq today.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division detained three individuals after being attacked with small arms fire in northern Mosul. The individuals were believed to have initiated the attack.
Link to Full Article
By Richard A. Oppel and Jr.
QABR ABED, Iraq — These days, this town in northern Iraq is relatively safe, at least compared to other Sunni Arab-dominated areas of Iraq. For a village that held folk status among Iraqis as one of the most sinister places in the country, that is quite a change.
As the insurgency gathered strength last year, Qabr Abed served as a weapons depot and safe haven for a large number of home-grown insurgent commanders, including Mohammed Shakara, the al-Qaida leader for northern Iraq and its biggest city, Mosul.
Here's a great chance to help with the homecoming for the 1st Brigade 25th Infantry Division (1/25).
MAKE A BED FOR A SOLDIER - The Chamber of Eastern Pierce County, as part of its Community Connector program with the 1/25 Stryker Brigade, is working with the businesses in the community to support the single soldiers who are returning from deployment. We are starting a campaign called "Make A Bed For A Soldier" to collect donations of new twin-sized sheets, light weight blankets, pillows and cases, as well as Welcome Home cards. The 1/25 Stryker Brigade has approximately 2,000 single soldiers that will be coming home late this summer. Please help us in saying Thank You to them for their dedicated service and sacrifice. If you are a business that would like to be a drop off point, please call The Chamber and we will provide boxes and a sign to hang advertising that you are a participant. If you are unable to do the shopping, we can do it for you! To sponsor a soldier, please send your donation of $25 per soldier to The Chamber of Eastern Pierce County, PO Box 1298, Puyallup, 98371. Please call the office to donate using a credit card. For more information, please contact Connie Buschman at: 253-845-6755. All items and monetary donations are needed by August 31st. Campaign Sponsors: Wal-Mart Store #2403, Holiday Inn Express, Apex Moving & Storage, LLC, Candace Blancher, Korum Automotive Group. Drop locations: Western Washington Fair, Holiday Inn Express, AustinCina Architects, Valley Bank – Main Street Branch, Harborstone Credit Union, The Chamber office, Korum Automotive Group, ERA Premier Realty, The Building – Family Fun Center in Orting, Trout Lodge U-Fish, Carl W, Youngquist – DDS PS, Around The Corner Café, Jones Family Chiropractic, Valley Signs, Northstone Real Estate.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 16, 2005) – Six Iraqi Police were killed and another 10 were injured when a suicide bomber detonated at a police station in Hammam Al Alil, south of Mosul today. The injured policemen were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Terrorist attacks continue to target citizens of Iraq, Iraqi Police, and other Iraqi Security Forces working to improve the safety and security of the country.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 16, 2005) – Multi-National Force Soldiers from Task Force Freedom detained nine suspected terrorists and seized a weapons cache during operations in northern Iraq today.
Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained nine individuals suspected of terrorist activity during three separate operations in Tal Afar. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Link to Full Article
By Crystal Beckett
Daniel Suiter, son of Mark and Sherry Suiter of Crawfordsville, returned to Iraq Thursday to conclude his year-long deployment oversees.
Suiter, a 1995 graduate of North Montgomery High School, has served three and a half years of a four-year term in the Army.
This is a very sad story from Ft. Lewis. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
U.S. military authorities have charged a 19-year-old Fort Lewis soldier with premeditated murder in the death of his 18-year-old wife, officials said Thursday.
Spc. Brandon Bare, an infantryman who was wounded in Iraq, was being held in the Army post’s Regional Correctional Facility, a Fort Lewis news release said.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 15, 2005) – Over 250 Iraqi children and their mothers received medical screenings from Multi-National Force Soldiers from Task Force Freedom during an operation in western Mosul Thursday.
Soldiers and medics from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment along with Soldiers from the 25th BSB and 113th Engineer Battalion participated in an operation highly supported by a local mukhtar who helped bring the mothers and children together for the medical screenings. The citizens were pleased with the care provided by the medics.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 15, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 21 terror suspects and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq today and Thursday.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in western Mosul Thursday. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division alongside Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation south of Mosul Thursday. Suspects are in custody with no ISF or MNF injuries reported.
Some helpful tips for family members from the Ft. Wainwright PAO.
Link to Full Article with Photos
Linda Douglass
Fort Wainwright PAO
FORT WAINWRIGHT– Spouses of deployed Soldiers will be the focus of media attention in the coming weeks.
Next month’s deployment is the largest group of Soldiers stationed in Alaska sent to a combat zone since Vietnam, and it is big news for Alaska.
As most of you know Stryker Brigade News (SBN) is maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers, but the cost of hosting and managing the site, in terms of time and money, can be significant for our contributors. Consequently, since many people have asked what they can do to support the effort we thought it would be helpful to put together the following list.
We recieved an email from Jane informing us that her sprint race car was damaged in a crash on July 2nd. Provided below is her update, and you can read our previous entry for the full story. They are working to get the car up and running again. If you'd like to contact Jane directly you can send an email to ladybug105us@yahoo.com.
The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
PFC Eric P. Woods, 26, of Omaha, Neb., died on July 9 in Tal Afar,
Iraq. His HMMWV struck an improvised explosive device that caused the vehicle to overturn. PFC Woods was in the area to evacuate another soldier who had been wounded. PFC Woods was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
SPC Hoby F. Bradfield Jr., 22, of The Woodlands, Texas, died July 9 in Tal Afar, Iraq while he was conducting a dismounted cordon search. SPC Bradfield was assigned to the Army's 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colo.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
By 1LT Dana Scott
2-8 FA, 1/25 ID
ALIBAH, Iraq – Task Force (TF) Automatic medics conducted a medical visit in Alibah, 20 kilometers west of the Tigris River, with 1/C/2-8 Field Artillery on June 27th.
By 1LT Dana Scott
2-8 FA, 1/25 ID
QAYARRAH, Iraq – At 9:00 AM on July 2nd, over 1,000 citizens, including influential sheiks and mukhtars, and 500 Iraqi security forces (ISF) from numerous villages in Southern Nineveh Province participated in a March Against Terror.
We've provided links to a couple more recent videos below.
Task Force Freedom has published a new Freedom Post, with a number of stories regarding recent activities in northern Iraq. There are also quite a few video additions to browse.
Today's edition of Frontline Photos contains 6 new images of 3-21 INF soldiers in Mosul.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 12, 2005) – Iraqi Police and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained three suspected terrorists and killed four terrorists during operations in northern Iraq today.
Iraqi Police alongside Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment detained three individuals who policemen had seen emplacing an improvised explosive device earlier in the day in western Mosul. While en route back to their station, the Iraqi Police were attacked by terrorists. The ensuing battle left four terrorists and one policeman dead, and another policeman injured. The injured officer was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Coordinated efforts of Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom 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.
Cpl. Andy Choi, a soldier from 1-24 INF, 1/25 SBCT was an honored guest at a recent parade in Washington D.C.
Link to Article
By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, July 11, 2005 – President Franklin D. Roosevelt said that the generation that survived the Depression and fought World War II had a "rendezvous with destiny."
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
What the Army calls its biggest, most complicated acquisition project ever employs more than 600 workers at Boeing facilities in Kent, with another 100 jobs due by the end of next year.
And that’s just a tenth of the total number of engineers, software developers and others across the country who are working on the Army’s Future Combat System, project officials said in a media briefing Monday.
The local jobs could grow if the Army designates Fort Lewis as home for an experimental combat brigade. Beginning in 2008, the unit would be the first to try out the array of unmanned and manned ground and aerial vehicles, computer networks and other equipment.[...]
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 12, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed five terrorists, injured another, and detained 11 suspected terrorists during operations in northern Iraq Monday.
Soldiers from 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment engaged and killed five armed terrorists and injured another while patrolling in Tal Afar. The injured terrorist will be detained following treatment.
Iraqi Police detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity during two cordon and search operations in Mosul. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division Iraqi Army detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity while patrolling northwest of Mosul. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 12, 2005) – One Iraqi civilian was killed and another nine were injured in a terrorist attack in Tal Afar today. The injured civilians were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Local citizens reported an individual placed an object in the trunk of a vehicle and fled the area shortly before the explosion. The type of explosive is under investigation.
Terrorist attacks have continually targeted innocent civilians killing 15 and injuring 64 in the over the past two weeks in northern Iraq.
Winds of Change has published its weekly Iraq Report, with links to news and analysis of recent events there. One of the links included is an analysis of recent armor added to certain Stryker variants in Iraq.
They have also updated their long list of resources for those looking to support the coalition forces. To their list I'd like to add a few of our own.
Provided below are links to, and descriptions of, recent public affairs videos from Task Force Freedom in Iraq.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 11, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed 14 terrorists and detained five suspected terrorists during operations in northern Iraq today and Sunday.
Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment killed 10 terrorists during an attack in Tal Afar today. In a separate operation Soldiers from the 2nd Squadron killed four terrorists after being attacked with small arms fire in Tal Afar Sunday. No MNF injuries were reported during the operations.
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
They haven’t come up with a catchy nickname for it, like “Operation Desert Stork,” but there’s a baby boom on the way at Madigan Army Medical Center.
The hospital is preparing for a 20 percent increase in the number of births – 25 to 30 more babies over the monthly average of 148.
They expect the increase to begin next month and to last at least through November, said Lt. Col. Wendy Ma, an Army doctor and chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Madigan.
Officials haven’t examined the pending population explosion to pinpoint exactly where all the babies are coming from. But they assume at least some are the result of many happy reunions when several Fort Lewis units returned home last fall from Iraq. [...]
The 2nd Annual Ride & Rally for the Troops drew approximately 3,000 riders this morning, all in an effort to raise money for the troops and to show appreciation for their efforts. I was able to attend the "Rally" portion of the event, and snapped a few photos of the riders' return. Another personal highlight was being able to meet Mike "Oreo" Oreskovic in person...finally. Mike, one of the co-founders of this site, made the long trip up from Eugene, OR this morning to participate.
Provided below are links to additional information regarding the event.
By 1LT Dana Scott
2-8 FA, 1/25 ID
FOB ENDURANCE, Iraq – Dan Terrell of IAP and Loren Stoddard of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) were the distinguished speakers for this month’s Regional Security Council meeting. The meeting, taking place on Forward Operating Base (FOB) Endurance on June 28th, gathered together over 300 key leaders of Ninewah Province and Mosul.
Brig. Gen. Ali Atala Malowh, 1/3rd Iraqi Army (IA) Battalion Commander, and Lt. Col. Bradley Becker, Task Force (TF) Automatic Commander, opened the meeting with a welcome speech and a short video. The video demonstrated to those in attendance the great deal of progress Coalition and Iraqi forces were making in local civil affairs projects.
Dave has posted a new dispatch on his site from his friend Matt, currently serving with the 1/25 SBCT in Mosul. He also has a link to his previous dispatch.
By 1LT Dana Scott
2-8 FA, 1/25 ID
MAKHMUR, Iraq – Today marks the 12th day in the last two weeks C/113 Engineers (EN), of Task Force (TF) Automatic, have gone out to Makhmur with the mission to improve the force protection measures of 3rd Iraqi Army (IA) Battalion headquarters.
The 2nd Platoon of C/113 EN, led by First Lt. Matthew Flaherty and Sgt. First Class James Robinson, have loaded, transported and unloaded 309 cement barriers for this mission. The barriers now line the front perimeter of the IA headquarters building.
By 1LT Dana Scott
2-8 FA, 1/25 ID
ASH SHURA, Iraq – A suspected terrorist turned himself in yesterday at the Ash Shura combat outpost (COP). Well known for setting IEDs along main roads used by Coalition and Iraq forces, the individual was encouraged by his relatives to turn himself into authorities.
Provided below are two press releases from Task Force Freedom.
For the fourth day in a row, Frontline Photos contains images of 1-25 SBCT soldiers in Mosul. Today's photos show members of 2nd Platoon, Company A, 3-21 INF. Start here and page forward to see 4 new photos.
REMINDER: This event is taking place on Sunday...
Destination Harley in Tacoma will be sponsoring the Second Annual Ride & Rally For The Troops: The Ride Home on Sunday, July 10th. Last year's event drew thousands of riders and spectators, and this year they are hoping for an even bigger turnout. All proceeds from the ride will go to benefit the Family Readiness Groups at Ft. Lewis.
Provided below is an email from Tom at Destination Harley with all the details. Read about last year's ride in this previous entry.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 8, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed three terrorists, detained 11 suspected terrorists, and seized weapons during operations in northern Iraq today and Thursday.
Thanks to a tip provided by an Iraqi citizen, troops from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division Iraqi Army detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation outside Mosul Thursday. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
Members of the 3-21 INF can be seen conducting operations in Mosul in the first six photos of today's edition of Frontline Photos. Start here and page forward through the gallery to view all six photos.
We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those killed in the London bombings today. To the hundreds injured we will pray for your speedy and complete recoveries. It's hard to find sufficient words, but the world certainly seems like a much smaller place during times like this.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 7, 2005) – Soldiers from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) were able to defuse five improvised explosive devices and detain three suspected terrorists thanks to leads provided by Iraqi citizens during operations in northern Iraq Wednesday.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 7, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed one terrorist and detained 24 suspected terrorists during operations in northern Iraq Wednesday.
Troops from 4th Battalion, 1st Brigade, 2nd Division Iraqi Army alongside Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation in northern Mosul. Troops from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division Iraqi Army alongside Multi-National Force Soldiers detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search operation west of Tal Afar. Suspects are in custody with no ISF or MNF injuries reported.
The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
SSG Jeremy A. Brown, 26, of Mabscott, W.Va., died July 3 in Mosul Iraq, from injuries sustained earlier that day in Tal Afar, Iraq, where the HMMWV in which he was riding accidentally rolled over. Brown was assigned to the Army's 66th Military Intelligence Company, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, CO.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
The first photos of 1-25 SBCT soldiers to appear in several weeks can be found at Frontline Photos. The 2-8 FA is featured in the July 5th edition while members of the 3-21 INF can be seen in the July 6th edition. As always, page forward through the galleries to find all the photos.
Link to Full Article
BY HEATHER WOODWARD, THE OLYMPIAN
FORT LEWIS -- The sun was out, the air smelled of funnel cakes and the sound of children's delighted shrieks echoed across the U.S. Army post.
But as carloads of families arrived at Fort Lewis on Monday for Freedom Fest -- a daylong festival to celebrate the Fourth of July -- many couldn't help but think about those who were absent.
"My husband is deployed this year in Iraq," said Jennifer Finch, a 32-year-old Lakewood resident who came with her 4-year-old daughter and who was deployed in Iraq herself last year.
Link to Full Article
Kara Lusk, WNCT-TV 9
July Fourth is an especially emotional day for military families with loved ones fighting overseas. The very thing we are celebrating here – they are trying to achieve in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Monday – it was a special reunion between an Army soldier and his wife -- half-a-world apart.
Greetings everyone,
Well, it is time for me to head back to Oregon. It is a bittersweet time for me as I feel I am needed in both places at the same time. Michael is doing well on his own, I knew he would, and I am comfortable in leaving the rest of paperwork and rehab for him to handle. He is still having issues with the electric arm, but other than that, he is good to go. That being said, I will try to catch everyone up on what has been happening these past many weeks since the last update.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (July 2, 2005) – Over 1,000 citizens and 500 Iraqi Police from numerous villages in southern Ninewah Province participated in a historic event today. This was the first March Against Terrorism and was conducted in the town of Qayyarah south of Mosul today. This was a strong demonstration which indicated citizens have had enough.
Many influential sheiks, mukhtars and imams took the lead to support and rally together citizens from all backgrounds, including Arabs and a large contingent of Kurds from east of the Tigris.
Major General David Rodriguez, Commander of Task Force Freedom, conducted a lengthy bress briefing this morning.
Excerpt:
GEN. RODRIGUEZ: Well, I appreciate the opportunity to provide an update on the combined efforts of the Iraqi and coalition operations in the Multinational Force Northwest Area of Operations.Some of you have been here and seen firsthand the great courage of the Iraqi people and the heroic efforts of the soldiers in the 1st 25th Stryker Brigade, the 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment, and the 11th Armored Calvary Regimental Headquarters. It is an honor for me to represent all of them to you today.
Author Michael Yon was interviewed yesterday by phone on the Hugh Hewitt radio program, and the complete transcript is available online. He talks extensively about his time in Northern Iraq.
(via Blackfive)
By 1LT Dana Scott
2-8 FA, 1/25 ID
QAYARRAH, Iraq – Task Force (TF) Automatic and representatives of the two civilian construction firms met with local sheiks to discuss and plan major projects in the Tigris River Valley on June 24th. The two companies represented were IAP from the United States and PetroLand Middle East Energy Petroleum Engineering Construction Industry and Trade Ltd., a subcontractor for IAP.
By 1LT Dana Scott
2-8 FA, 1/25 ID
Q-WEST, IRAQ – “As we all know, the Iraqi Army Non-Commissioned Officer Corps is the backbone of the Iraqi Army,” stated Brig. Gen. Ali, 1/3rd Iraqi Army (IA) Battalion (BN) Commander. “We are grateful to be trained by the United States Army’s non-commissioned officers.”
On the morning of June 13th, the second IA Non-Commissioned Officer Academy (NCOA) class graduated at the MWR Center on Q-West.
By 1LT Dana Scott
2-8 FA, 1/25 ID
HAMADIYAH SHARQI, IRAQ – A generator was delivered to Hamadiyah Sharqi by the 1/3/2nd Iraqi Army (IA) and TF Automatic on Tuesday, June 14th. Once the generator is wired into the town’s electrical system it will provide electricity for the entire village.
The massive piece of equipment was delivered to the house of the Mukhtar, Abd Ibrahim Garaf. The townspeople were very excited to receive the generator, knowing it meant they would soon have power.
B/2-8 Field Artillery, led by Cpt. Jeff Cullen and First Sgt. Joseph Torres, continue to work with the IA and key leaders of Hamadiyah Sharqi to improve their safety, economy and living conditions.