Here is one new photo of the 3-21 INF in Rawah, Iraq.
U.S. Army photo by SSG Kyle Davis
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 31, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom discovered a weapons cache in Tel Kheif Sunday.
Link to Full Article
By Pamela Hess, United Press International
Reader advisory: The text of this article contains very frank descriptions of military operations in Mosul.
The Department of Defense announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
SPC Joseph L. Martinez, 21, of Las Vegas, Nev., died on Aug. 27, 2005, in Tal Afar, Iraq, where his dismounted patrol was engaged by enemy forces using small arms fire. SPC Martinez 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.
Link to Press Release
PR Newswire
ST. LOUIS, Aug. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Engineered Support Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: EASI) has received a $2.4 million order from General Dynamics Land Systems - Canada for power assisted cupolas. Engineered Support's wholly- owned subsidiary Systems & Electronics Inc. (SEI) will produce 55 cupolas for the reconnaissance and fire support variants of the Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) in their St. Louis and West Plains, Missouri facilities, according to Gerald A. Potthoff, Vice Chairman and CEO.
Link to Full Article
By Adam Lynn, The News Tribune
Dave Bliss of Packwood hopes the gifts and party supplies he delivered Tuesday to Fort Lewis do as much to boost the morale of Stryker brigade families as collecting the loot did for his neighbors and him.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 30, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed one terrorist and detained nine other terrorists today.
Provided below are a number of articles written by 1LT Dana Scott highlighting recent operations by the 2-8 FA, 1/25 SBCT.
Headlines:
A/2-8 Conducts Interdiction Operations, D/52 IN Detains Two Suspected Terrorists, 1/3rd Iraqi Army Detains Five and a Cache, Botha Rogee Celebrates New Road Bridges
Arthur Chrenkoff has published his latest installment of Good News From Iraq, with a long list of positive developments worth exploring.
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, The News-Miner
Change and transformation are the new buzzwords of U.S. Army Alaska, according to commander Maj. Gen. Charles Jacoby Jr.
Jacoby, who took command of USARAK at the end of July, met with reporters at Fort Wainwright on Monday to outline his early observations and goals for the Army and military in Alaska during his two year tenure.
"Alaska, I think, is being rediscovered for its strategic importance," Jacoby said.
Here are two recent photos (one, two) of 3-21 INF soldiers conducting operations in Rawah, Iraq.
U.S. Army photos by SSG Kyle Davis
The 113th Engineers support the 1/25 SBCT
Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh, Post-Tribune
HAMMOND — The front steps of his parents’ home are quieter and cooler than the back seat of a humvee in Mosul in July.
Spc. David Edwards, 22, of Hammond, is legally blind since a roadside motor detonated less than 5 feet from his humvee while he traveled through the often angry Palestine neighborhood of western Mosul.
“I just saw a flash and heard a boom. I was kind of out of it, but I was conscious,” Edwards said.
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, The News-Miner
Sgt. 1st Class Barbara Cash's job is to not leave anything, or anyone, behind. On Sunday, Cash could declare mission accomplished.
Cash and the last four soldiers of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team left to join the rest of their 3,800 fellow brigade soldiers already in Kuwait or Iraq. The five soldiers are part of a 25-member Trail-Von team, which coordinates transportation of soldiers, gear and equipment for deployment. The team is led by Cash, who was relieved she had successfully sent off 15 planeloads of soldiers, a navy ship of more than 300 Strykers and other vehicles, and untold amounts of gear, equipment and supplies for the brigade's estimated yearlong deployment in Iraq. Now it was her turn to head overseas.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 29, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained eleven suspected terrorists Sunday.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 28, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained six additional suspected terrorists and seized another weapons cache today.
Winds of Change has published its weekly Iraq Report, with links to news and analysis of recent events.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 28, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 18 suspected terrorists and seized a weapons cache Saturday and today.
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, The News-Miner
Cheryl Brendell, manager of The Food Factory on College Road, said the restaurant is usually a sea of olive green and khaki during the noon hour, full of soldiers from nearby Fort Wainwright who frequent the establishment for lunch.
"We're constantly having reservations for 20, 30, 40 people," she said.
But talking from the restaurant Thursday afternoon, she said many of the tables were empty because a substantial portion of her customer base is now eating lunch in Iraq.
Link to Full Article
BY CARA HOST, Observer-Reporter
JEFFERSON – The sniper in Iraq had Sgt. Daniel Lama of Jefferson in his sights. He probably took aim at one of the most vulnerable parts of the soldier's body, his neck, and pulled the trigger.
Lama, who helps operate a heavily armored Stryker vehicle, came within a fraction of an inch from almost certain death or debilitating injury on Aug. 19
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 27, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed one terrorist and seized a weapons cache Friday and today.
Soldiers Supporting the 1/25 SBCT
Link to Full Article
By Rick Emert, Stars and Stripes
RAWAH, Iraq — The temporary home of the 535th Engineer Company (Combat Support Equipment) is a dry, dusty place called Forward Operating Base Marez in Mosul.
But the company’s 3rd Platoon “High Rollers,” along with soldiers from Company A, 94th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), have come to see Marez as an oasis after driving four tactical convoys through a desert where the dust surely must be on steroids.
Link to Full Article (subscription; available in the 8/29/05 paper edition)
By Matthew Cox, Army Times
RAWAH, Iraq — Soldiers are beginning to think fighting off suicide car-bombers here was easy compared to convincing the locals to trust coalition forces.
The troops with B Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, patrol the streets daily here in search of insurgent activity, but they also spend a lot of time trying to convince the residents of this town near the Syrian border that they no longer live under the control of terrorists.
Link to Full Article
by Aaron Blake and Rob Hotakainen, Star Tribune
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Army Lt. Col. Michael Erik Kurilla had just been shot three times and his thigh bone had snapped. He came firing -- and shouting orders at the soldiers behind him.
Kurilla, 39, formerly of Minneapolis, was wounded in a firefight in an alley in Mosul, Iraq, on Aug. 19. On Friday, the battalion commander had surgery and was recuperating at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Wash.
Michael Yon was interviewed today by talk show host Hugh Hewitt. You can read the full transcript at the Radio Blogger site. Excerpt:
HH: Michael Yon, yesterday I got a letter, or actually today, from Lamonte Long, whose son is Specialist Craig Killian with your unit. He has said, Lamonte told me, that your dispatches have been crucial lifelines for families of the soldiers you're serving with. Was that your intention starting out? Or what was the intention of the Deuce 4 reporting?MY: No, I never really intended to be, for instance, a lifeline to units, or to families. Although I'm very flattered by that remark. Basically, I just wanted to come over and tell what was going on. But now I realize, too, that there's truly nobody telling the day to day stories. Or if they do, it's very, very rare. Mostly, you know, obviously, we're just getting body counts and bombings and that kind of thing. But it doesn't tell what's going on here on a day to day basis.
(via Blackfive)
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 26, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed another terrorist and detained an additional 16 suspected terrorists Thursday and today.
Task Force Ripper teams foil insurgents by filling Mosul's potholes
Link to Full Article
By Rick Emert, Stars and Stripes
MOSUL, Iraq — With a name like Task Force Ripper, the mission would seem to be some sort of bloody, covert operation that strikes fear into the hearts of enemy forces in Iraq.
The Germany-based 94th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) mission — named for rapid pothole repair, or RPR — does take place under the cover of night, but the purpose is to save lives, not take them.
Link to Full Article
By Alex Fryer, Seattle Times
Lt. Col. Erik Kurilla is out of Iraq, recovering from gunshot wounds in a Tacoma hospital.
Although not well-known, Kurilla — the highest ranking soldier from the Fort Lewis-based Stryker Brigade to be seriously wounded in battle — has a dedicated following on the Internet.
Link to Full Article
By U.S. Army Spc. Jeremy D. Crisp
MOSUL, Iraq, Aug. 25, 2005 – They’re loaded to the hilt with weapons, armor and ammunition. They roll out in their Stryker Light Armored Vehicle to beat the 120-degree-streets, smiling, waiving, and keeping rapport with the locals. They are also searching, detaining, confiscating. Anything to accomplish the mission.
Michael Yon had posted the story describing the wounding of Deuce Four soldiers last week. As usual it is a must read. See his blog for this and other reports from Mosul. Excerpt:
When Kurilla woke in recovery a few hours after surgery, he called CSM Prosser and asked for a Bible and the book: Gates of Fire. Kurilla gives a copy of Gates of Fire to every new officer and orders them to read it. He had given me a copy and told me to read it. In my book, there is a marked passage, which I thought rather flowery. But I have it beside me on the table by the map of Iraq.
"I would be the one. The one to go back and speak. A pain beyond all previous now seized me. Sweet life itself, even the desperately sought chance to tell the tale, suddenly seemed unendurable alongside the pain of having to take leave of these whom I had come so to love."
A short time after he gave me the book, following the death of one of his soldiers,when Kurilla said to me, "I want you to write about my men. You are the only one who might understand," the passage finally registered in my mind.
Here is one additional photo of SPC Zachary Meade searching for weapons along the Euphrates River.
U.S. Army Photo by SSG Kyle Davis
Here are two new Defend America Photo Essays that cover the 3-21 INF conducting operations in and around Mosul.
Euphrates River Weapons Search
Soldiers Secure Iraqi Neighborhoods
There's information at the bottom of the article if you're interested in helping.
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
A program that has helped hundreds of local women cope with the special stresses of life as a military spouse has ceased operations due to lack of money.
The program’s director said she’s optimistic it will resume. But she said she’s being turned away by many potential donors who say they’ve grown weary of supporting military-related causes.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 25, 2005) – Multi-National Forces of Task Force Freedom killed three terrorists and detained four suspected terrorists Wednesday and today.
Link to Full Article
The Associated Press
An Army colonel was given the second-highest award for valor yesterday for his actions during a furious firefight last year in Iraq when he rallied Iraqi commandos caught in an insurgent ambush.
Col. James H. Coffman Jr., who was wounded during the gunbattle in Mosul on Nov. 14, received the Distinguished Service Cross at a ceremony in Baghdad. Last November, insurgents attacked several police stations in Mosul, leading to chaos in parts of the city. According to the military's account of his actions, Coffman was with a group of Iraqi commandos moving to reinforce one police station that was under attack when insurgents ambushed them.
Story by Spc. Jeremy D. Crisp
MNC - I PAO
August 10, 2005
FORWARD OPERATING BASE Q-WEST, Iraq – In the U.S. Army, noncommissioned officers are known as the “backbone of the Army,” and a group of these Soldiers has set up an academy to help the Iraqi army produce its own rigid corps of NCOs.
The Iraqi NCO Academy here is a new training ground for Iraqi troops, and is the brainchild of U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Victor Martinez, sergeant major, 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Lewis, Wash.
Sminklemeyer has posted a new entry in his blog that describes a raid made by the 3/2 in Tall Afar.
An exerpt follows:
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
PFC Elden D. Arcand, 22, of White Bear Lake, MN died on August 21, 2005, in Mosul, Iraq, where his M915A1 tractor pulling a 7,500-gallon tanker accidentally rolled over. PFC Arcand was assigned to the Army's 360th Transportation Company, 68th Corps Support Battalion, 43rd Area Support Group, Fort Carson, CO.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones he leaves behind.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
SSG Brian L. Morris, 38, of Centreville, Mich. died on August 21, 2005, in Mosul, Iraq, where his M915A1 tractor pulling a 7,500-gallon tanker accidentally rolled over. SSG Morris was assigned to the Army's 360th Transportation Company, 68th Corps Support Battalion, 43rd Area Support Group, Fort Carson, CO.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow soldiers. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
This Defend America Photo Essay contains nine photos of 2-14 CAV soldiers conducting operations along the Syrian border.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 24, 2005) –Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 27 suspected terrorists Tuesday and today.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division detained three individuals at a checkpoint in Makuk today.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment detained twelve individuals suspected of terrorist activity in southern and eastern Mosul Tuesday and today. Soldiers from 1-5 Infantry also wounded three suspected terrorists and seized a weapon from their vehicle while responding to small arms fire in Mosul Tuesday. The wounded suspected terrorists were transported to the Combat Support Hospital, and one uninjured suspected terrorist was detained.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 23, 2005) –Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed one terrorist and detained 26 suspected terrorists Monday and today.
Link to Full Article
The News Tribune
Army Lt. Col. Erik Kurilla arrived at Madigan Army Medical Center late Monday for treatment of wounds he suffered Friday in a firefight in Mosul, Iraq.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 22, 2005) –Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained eleven suspected terrorists Sunday and today.
Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment detained four individuals suspected of terrorist activity in northern Mosul. Soldiers from 1st Battalion 5th Infantry Regiment also detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized several weapons from their vehicle while at a checkpoint in southern Mosul today. Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Winds of Change has published its latest Iraq Report, with links to news and analysis of recent events.
Link to Full Article
By Rick Emert, Stars and Stripes
MOSUL, Iraq — With the ability to construct buildings and excavate land, the 94th Engineer Battalion seemed like the ideal choice for the mission at hand — to improve forward operating bases in northwest Iraq.
But by the time the unit arrived, the mission had changed.
Instead of making life better for soldiers on the bases, the 94th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) has spent its first seven months in Iraq doing much of its work outside the wire.
Dave has posted a new dispatch on his site from his friend with the 1/25 SBCT in Mosul. He's provided links to the four previous dispatches as well.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 20, 2005) –Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained nineteen suspected terrorists Saturday and today.
Here are links to three separate photo essays and a couple of photos that we just discovered on the DOD Transformation web site. All are from JRTC in May, 2005. There are 21 photos here.
Stryker Brigade Combat Training
Shadow 200 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (4-14 CAV photos)
Stryker Exercise Training
Photo One, Photo Two
Needless to say, we'll keep watching this site for future photos.
Michael Yon has posted a new entry to his blog.
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, News, Staff Writer
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE--Jeff Morgan, clad in a gray hooded sweat shirt, jeans and gold watch, stood out from the khaki and brown line snaking toward a plane on the tarmac. He was standing among 250 soldiers from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, who all sported newly-shaved heads or buzz cuts and desert fatigues.
Here are several photos from Ft. Richardson and Ft. Wainwright, taken in the last week, and posted on the U.S. Army Alaska web site(one, two, three).
Link to Full Article
By Gordon Trowbridge, Times staff writer
A December suicide attack at an Army dining hall in northern Iraq was likely the work of an Ansar al-Sunna terrorist group member who somehow sneaked through the base perimeter, a senior U.S. officer said Friday.
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:
Third Iraqi Army NCOA Class Graduates, Over 50 Shieks Gather to Meet with TF Automatic and the IA, Successful Cordon and Knock by Iraqi Army, Khalif is Elected as Mayor of Ash Shura
Link to Full Article with photo
PAO staff report
U. S. ARMY ALASKA – Deployment to Iraq began in earnest this week as Soldiers from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team from forts Wainwright and Richardson bid farewell to their families and friends and boarded aircraft for a 12-month tour.
Today's edition of Frontline Photos contains one photo of 4-23 INF soldiers waiting to deploy.
Link to Full Article
By RACHEL D'ORO, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Confidence outweighs fear for Alaska soldiers heading to Middle East
FORT RICHARDSON - Long after the rousing music and ceremonial speeches had faded, after all the emotional farewells with loved ones had been said, 125 uniformed soldiers stood in clusters, waiting Wednesday morning inside a cavernous room at this Army post.
It was time to go to war.
Link to Full Article
Associated Press
FORT LEWIS, Wash. — More than 60 Stryker soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, have returned home after being deployed to Iraq in October. They’re the first of 4,000 Stryker soldiers scheduled to return home from Iraq over the next several weeks.
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
Fort Lewis formally opened its newest building Wednesday, a $21 million digital training center where everyone from privates to generals will practice their piece of the fight.
The 67,000-square-foot Battle Command Training Center consolidates facilities that previously were spread out all over the Army post, officials said at a ribbon-cutting event.
FORT GORDON, Ga. (Army News Service, Aug. 18, 2005) – Members of the New Stryker Brigade Signal Company begins training at Fort Gordon this month.
At Fort Gordon, the command group, as well as Soldiers, are taking part in Stryker Cohesion and Operational Readiness Training, the initial phase of their training.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 17, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 85 suspected terrorists Tuesday and today.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
SPC Jose L. Ruiz, 28, of Brentwood, N.Y., died on August 15, 2005, in Mosul, Iraq, when he was conducting security operations and enemy forces using small arms fire drove by his position in a civilian vehicle. SPC Ruiz was assigned to the Army's 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), Fort Lewis, WA.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones he leaves behind. This entry will remain at the top of the page today, please scroll down for other recent news.
Link to Full Article
By 1st Lt. Teresa Sullivan, i-Newswire
(I-Newswire) - About 20 Airmen from the 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron deployed with the Army’s 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, both stationed at nearby Fort Wainwright.
“Our guys are ready and they’re focused,” said Lt. Col. Russell Smith, 3rd ASOS commander. “We’re deploying with the Stryker brigade and I’d say this is a great partnership. We’re truly a part of one team.”
The following editorial profiles Sema Olson and her son, CPL Bobby Rosendahl. CPL Rosendahl was a member of the 1/25 SBCT who was seriously injured in Mosul in March 2005. He is still recovering at Walter Reed and Sema has moved back there to be with him. The struggle described by this family is one that I've heard many times before, unfortunately. We've put together a list of organizations that offer direct support if you're interested in helping families in similar situations.
Link to Full Editorial
By BOB HERBERT, The New York Times
Sema Olson was in the living room watching television when the phone rang. It was the Department of the Army calling. A voice asked if she'd heard from her son in the past 24 hours.
Ms. Olson tried to ward off the panic. "Is he still alive?" she asked.
After verifying her identity, the man on the phone assured her that her son, Bobby Rosendahl, who was stationed in Iraq, was still alive. But he'd been badly wounded.
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
They call it the torch party – a small group to go ahead and light the way for others to follow – and Tuesday it touched down at Fort Lewis.
Sixty-two Stryker soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division arrived home from Iraq to begin making way for the rest of their 4,000 comrades over the next several weeks.
Link to Full Article
By Christian Hill, The Olympian
FORT LEWIS — As she watched more than 60 soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 25th In-fantry Division, reunite with their families Tuesday, Lynnette Beagle lamented that her own husband’s homecoming is weeks away.
Link to Full Article (editorial)
The News-Miner
Down in Fort Lewis, in Washington state, families and loved ones are preparing for a reunion that many associated with Fort Wainwright are hoping to enjoy a year or so from now. The first soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division could be arriving at Fort Lewis from Iraq any day now, with the bulk of their personnel following after a few more weeks in the combat zone.
The 1/25 SBCT and some of its soldiers are highlighted in this story.
Link to Full Article (Subscription; Available in the 8/22/05 paper edition)
By Jim Tice and Matthew Cox, Times staff writers
Specific assignment opportunities also available
Re-enlistment bonuses and specific assignment opportunities are available to soldiers who volunteer for brigade combat teams at three stateside locations.
Four new photos of U.S. soldiers inspecting the suspected chemical production facility in Mosul can be seen at Getty Images.
Link to Full Article (Photos included)
by Angela Unruh
Anchorage, Alaska - They're headed to one of the deadliest places in the world. Tuesday, 131 soldiers from Bravo Company of the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment at Fort Richardson left Alaska for a year-long deployment to Iraq.
These soldiers are part of a 3,800-person team that makes up the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. They're replacing a Stryker team from Fort Lewis, Wash., which has already lost 32 of its 4,000 soldiers since entering Iraq in October.
Local TV station KING 5 has a video clip of the homecoming tonight at Ft. Lewis for the advance team of the 1/25 SBCT. Registration is required to access most content on the site, but it might be worth it. If you are already registered you can follow this direct link to the clip. Otherwise, visit the home page to register, then navigate to the video section of the site.
Welcome home!
Link to Full Article
By Richard A. Oppel Jr., The New York Times
MOSUL, Iraq The Five West police station, erected over four days in July on a gravel-covered hill in the most violent part of this violent city, is little more than concertina wire, concrete barriers, gun towers and portable sheds. Police officers mill about, some in street clothes or gym shorts, sorting through Glock pistols and machine-gun belts.
The 113rd provided engineer support to both the 3/2 and the 1/25 Stryker Brigades
Link to Full Article
By Darcie Moore, Times Record News
BRUNSWICK - Brunswick Rotary Club admitted Monday that they've been discouraged by media reports about the reconstruction efforts led by American military forces in Iraq. But they received far more encouraging news from one of the hundreds of Mainers sent to Iraq to rebuild the war-stricken country.
Lt. Col. John Jansen of the Maine National Guard 133rd Engineering Battalion attended Monday's Brunswick Rotary Club meeting at the Atrium dressed in camouflage and black boots. He came armed with a slide show.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 16, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained eight suspected terrorists Monday and today.
Link to Full Article (Photos included)
By TATABOLINE BRANT, Anchorage Daily News
Hundreds of Stryker brigade soldiers from Army posts in Anchorage and Fairbanks loaded into commercial airplanes Monday bound for Kuwait in the first leg of what is expected to be a dangerous, yearlong assignment in Iraq.
Alaska's 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team is slated to replace a Stryker team from Fort Lewis, Wash., that has been in Iraq a year and is due to start arriving home today, military officials said.
Arthur Chrenkoff has published his latest edition of Good News From Iraq, which highlights a variety of positive developments not often reported.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 15, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed two terrorists, detained 16 individuals suspected of terrorist activity, and seized weapons and ammunition during operations today and Sunday.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division detained seven individuals suspected of terrorist activity, seized three weapons and a large amount of ammunition during a raid in northern Mosul today. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, News-Miner
Pfc. Matt Albertson killed time with a hand-held PlayStation game Monday as hundreds of soldiers waited to board a plane to the Middle East at the Joint Mobility Complex on Eielson Air Force Base.
He wasn't the only member of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team adding optional high-tech gear to the boots, fatigues and rifles they will carry into action in northern Iraq. Soldiers worked on laptops, listened to digital audio players and brought along DVD players.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 15, 2005) – Over 600 Iraqi children received medical and dental screenings from Multi-National Force Soldiers from 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) and the 113th Engineer Battalion with security support from Coalition Forces during two separate operations in western Mosul Friday and Sunday.
Yahoo! News Photos has several additional pictures of U.S. soldiers inspecting the chemical production facility in Mosul.
Seven photos of the 3-21 INF conducting operations in Rawah, Iraq can be viewed in the Aug. 12, 2005 edition of Frontline Photos.
The Aug. 15, 2005 edition contains photos of 2LT David DeHart, 3-21 INF and MAJ Michael Petrunyak, TFF's Chemical Officer at the clandestine chemical production facility found in Mosul.
Although no soldiers are pictured, this Defend America Photo Essay documents the suspected chemical production facility discovered by members of Task Force Freedom on Aug. 9 in Mosul.
Link to Full Article
By Matthew Cox, Times staff writer
MOSUL, Iraq — The contraption looks like a homemade moonshine distillery fashioned from junk-yard parts, but the Army suspects it is a “clandestine” chemical plant .
Army officials today took reporters here on a brief tour of the facility, which was captured during an Aug. 9 raid along with 1,500 gallons of suspicious chemicals.
For those of you who were not able to hear the Michael Yon interview live last night, you can hear the entire hour-long interview in recorded format at this URL. The recording is courtesy of Pundit Review.
Link to Full Article
By Matthew Cox, Army Times
RAWAH, Iraq — Soldiers are beginning to think fighting off suicide car-bombers here was easy compared to convincing the locals to trust coalition forces.
The troops with B Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, patrol the streets daily here in search of insurgent activity, but they also spend a lot of time trying to convince the residents of this town near the Syrian border that they no longer live under the control of terrorists.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 15, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed two terrorists, detained 16 individuals suspected of terrorist activity, and seized weapons and ammunition during operations today and Sunday.
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:
Iraqi Army Conducts Combined Operation with TF Automatic, Iraqi Army Delivers IED Detonating Device, Iraqi Army and C/2-8 Conduct Combined Cordon and Search
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, News-Miner
About 20 airmen from Eielson Air Force Base left Sunday evening, bound for the Iraqi theater and a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Army.
The 3rd Air Support Operations Squadron is assigned to the 354th Operations Group at Eielson but for the last year and a half has been training with the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team from Fort Wainwright. It will be the first time a joint effort with the Army and Air Force has taken place in combat using the Stryker vehicle.
Link to Full Article (Opinion)
By DEROY MURDOCK, Chicago Sun-Times
Amid roadside bombs, constitutional squabbles and even a blinding sandstorm on Monday, one wonders if anything is going right in Iraq. Plenty is, actually, although the mainstream media rarely mention such good news. [...]
Winds of Change has published its latest Iraq Report, with links to recenet news and analysis.
Link to Full Article
The Olympian
A welcome home ceremony for about 75 Stryker soldiers assigned to the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, was postponed Sunday, Fort Lewis officials said. The new date and time for their arrival ceremony have not been announced.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 14, 2005) –Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces of Task Force Freedom detained 21 individuals suspected of terrorist activity today and Saturday.
The following article profiles a soldier home on leave from Mosul, and also contains a good description of conditions there.
Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh / Post-Tribune staff writer
Even in his desert tan uniform, with pant legs secured in his tight-laced suede boots, there was no adoring crowd to surround Sgt. Major Larry Smith. No one much noticed him. h The Munster soldier was on leave from Mosul, Iraq, where the Indiana National Guard’s 113th Engineer Battalion, based in Gary, has been stationed since late December. He was in Highland this night to address the National Night Out anti-crime awareness event. Smith stood next to a stock car display, waiting for his place in the program. A blond-haired boy, who looked about 10, walked by him and squeezed halfway into the driver’s side window. A few seconds later, he asked Smith if he could sit in the car.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 13, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed one terrorist, injured another four, detained seven suspected terrorists and seized weapons during operations in northern Iraq Friday.
Iraqi Police detained one individual after being attacked with small arms fire in northeastern Mosul Friday. The suspect is in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
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Link to Full Article
Middle East Newsline
BAGHDAD [MENL] -- The U.S. military has achieved major success in developing and training an Iraq Army battalion.
U.S. officials said the success in the training and deployment of the 1st Battalion of the 1st Brigade was demonstrated in operations in the Mosul area. The reconstituted battalion, part of the 3rd Iraqi Army Division, has operated its own personnel, intelligence and logistics sections.
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Coalition forces have found more than 1,500 gallons of various chemicals in what officials believe is an insurgent chemical production facility and storage sites, the U.S. military said Saturday.
Task Force Freedom, which is based in the northern city of Mosul, conducted raids Tuesday using information obtained in detainee interrogations, according to a military news release.
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:
DEO Meeting Held on FOB Endurance, Iraqi Army Reports Partially Detonated IED to TF Automatic, 1/3rd Iraqi Army Battalion Detains 11 Suspected Terrorists, Makhmur Plays IA-TF Automatic Team in New Stadium, Ash Shura Comes Together for Area Security Council Meeting, Third Iraqi Army NCOA Class Begins
Link to Full Article
Jim Kouri
In two staggered columns, one on each side of a busy Mosul street, a group of Iraqi Police Commandos file on foot away from the safety of Forward Operation Base Blickenstaff and into the uncertainty of mid-afternoon rush hour. They make foot patrols through the streets of Mosul a few times a week, wearing body armor vests, weapons always at the ready.
“These are the street fightin’ boys,” says US Army Staff Sgt. Chris Paschel, who works with the commandos of the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade with US Army Sgt. 1st Class Carl Paris. “They are combat tested.”
Michael Yon, who is currently embedded with Deuce Four in Mosul, will be a guest on the WRKO Pundit Review radio program this Sunday. Details:
Michael will be on live from Mosul, Iraq this Sunday evening at 9pm EST. You can stream the show live at WRKO and you can call us toll-free with questions at 877-469-4322.
Visit the Pundit Review site for more information.
UPDATE 8/14: Michael Yon has posted a brief entry on his site regarding the interview as well.
UPDATE 8/15: For those of you who were not able to hear the Michael Yon interview live, you can hear the entire hour-long interview in recorded format at this URL. The recording is courtesy of Pundit Review.
Link To Full Article
By JENNIFER SICKING, Gainesville Daily Register
An Army soldier from Cooke County was injured Monday when his vehicle hit an explosive device in Mosul, Iraq.
Staff Sgt. William "Bill" J. Shaw, with the Striker Brigade out of Fort Lewis, Wash., suffered shrapnel wounds to his left thigh and leg, his mother, Carlotta Barron said Thursday.
Shaw was transported to the 228th Combat Hospital in Mosul, Iraq, for emergency treatment. He was released from the hospital Friday and is on light duty while he recovers.
The following information was approved for release by Stryker Brigade News by 1st Brigade Commanders.
There is much confusion over the Brigade/Battalion’s move to Germany based on some articles in local newspapers. Much of the confusion is from the decision to re-flag (re-name) units.
Here are the simple facts to clarify for everyone:
1. The majority of the Brigade will move to Germany in summer 2006 between June and August. This includes 1-24 Infantry and all assigned battalions.
2. 1st Brigade, 25th ID will most likely re-flag (change unit designations) to become the 2nd Cavalry Regiment. All this means is the patch on the shoulder changes and the name of the Battalion designation changes. Think of when the Houston Oilers moved to Tennessee and became the Tennessee Titans – same players, different name. This will happen either right prior to the deployment to Germany or upon arrival in Germany.
3. Soldiers can re-enlist here in Iraq to stay with the Brigade and go to Germany. A nice bonus is available.
4. New soldiers, NCO’s, and officers who are assigned to the 1st Brigade at Fort Lewis upon redeployment all the way until April 2006 will deploy with the Brigade to Germany.
5. Some current soldiers, NCO’s and officers will be re-assigned to other units or other posts based on needs of the Army (Drill Sergeant School, Recruiter duty, etc.), professional development schools, or individual soldier/NCO requests. Some soldiers that do not have enough time on their current enlistment will move to other units, either on Fort Lewis or throughout the Army to finish out their enlistment. The exact amount of time required to deploy to Germany is still being worked.
I hope this helps and I have not muddied the waters even more but exact timelines and ETS dates for those who deploy to Germany are still being worked.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 12, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained three suspected terrorists and seized a weapons cache during operations in northern Iraq today.
Link to Article (Photo included)
By J.C. Mathews
FORT LEWIS, Wa. (Army News Service, Aug. 12, 2005) - Soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, have been rotating to Yakima Training Center this summer to train on the first Stryker Mortar Carrier version B, the latest variant of the Stryker to arrive for duty.
Brigade units will field the MCV-B, essentially a Stryker with a 120mm mortar mounted in what would normally be the crew compartment, during the fall.
Link to Full Article
'The high-speed transport vessel will ferry the coming Stryker vehicles'
By Gregg K. Kakesako
Hawaii will become the testing ground next year for two of the Army's latest high-technology weapons: the Stryker combat mobile vehicle and a 318-foot high-speed cargo catamaran.
Maj. A.J. Hedeen, Army watercraft combat development spokesman, said yesterday the 700-ton Theater Support Vessel 1X will operate in island waters next year. It is capable of carrying 23 Strykers and their complements of soldiers.
Additional reorganization details provided in this article.
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
The first returning 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division soldiers are due in from Iraq on Sunday night, but they and their families might not be at Fort Lewis for long.
Many will move to Germany next year under an Army-wide shift of its 43 combat brigades.
Link to Full Article
BY CHRISTIAN HILL, THE OLYMPIAN
FORT LEWIS -- Nearly 150 soldiers from the Army's second Stryker Brigade Combat Team return home next week to prepare for the arrival of the unit's remaining soldiers from Iraq.
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, The News-Miner
Spc. Matthew Luhvic has known for almost two years that he would likely be deployed to Iraq this summer. He's only known for six days that he would be a married man when he left.
But there was no hesitation when Luhvic and Stephanie Bruin exchanged vows Thursday evening on the William R. Wood Centennial Bridge over the Chena River in downtown Fairbanks.
Link to Full Article
By Jonathan Finer, Washington Post Staff Writer
On Internet Blogs, Soldiers in Iraq Offer Up Inside Story on the War
BAGHDAD -- There were no reporters riding shotgun on the highway north of Baghdad when a roadside bomb sent Sgt. Elizabeth Le Bel's Humvee lurching into a concrete barrier. The Army released a three-sentence statement about the incident in which her driver, a fellow soldier, was killed. Most news stories that day noted it briefly.
This photo essay, titled "Medical Screening, Mosul, Iraq", shows soldiers assigned to the 1-24 INF and 25th Brigade Support Batallion attending to the medical needs of Iraqi civilians. Start here and page forward for 6 photos.
Link to Full Article
BY CHRISTIAN HILL, THE OLYMPIAN
FORT LEWIS -- The three Stryker brigades stationed here will remain, and there's no intent to move any one of them overseas, the Army's chief executive said Wednesday.
Rumors have been swirling, since the Army announced its unit restructuring plan two weeks ago, that one of the units would move to Germany and that it would likely be the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division soon to return from Iraq.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (August 11, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from 1st Brigade, 25th Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained one suspected terrorists and seized three weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq today.
Link to Full Article (Opinion) (Subscription. Available in the 8/15/05 news stand edition)
By Matthew Cox, Army Times
Army Times reporter Matthew Cox and photographer James J. Lee have been patrolling the Syrian border with troops from Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment.
The 3-21 and 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, are part of a task force under
