Here is one new photo of the 4-14 CAV in Rawah, Iraq.
U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. Andy Dunaway
Here are four new photos of the 2-1 INF conducting operations in Anah and Reehana, Iraq.
(one, two, three, four).
U.S. Air Force Photos by Tech. Sgt. Andy Dunaway
Here is one new photo of the 1-17 INF uncasing their colors, as they take over duties from the 1-24 INF in Mosul.
Link to Full Article with photo
Submitted by
1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment
AL JEDEHA, Iraq - In this town where the biblical prophet Jonah once preached human kindness, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Battalion conducted a medical screening for women, children and men in this neighborhood within Mosul.
A team that included medical professionals, interpreters, Soldiers, coalition forces and a religious support team screened 234 people and provided medical treatment when necessary.
Thanks to a tip by a bulletin board member we found out that the 2-1 INF, 172nd SBCT is featured in a video segment on CNN. Click the link to launch the video.
Related Article:
Military ready to raid five western towns - Washington Times
Link to Full Article
By: George E. Beetham Jr.
During the Gulf War of 1991, then Capt. H.R. McMaster commanded Eagle Troop of the Second Squadron of the Second Armored Cavalry Division.
His troop led the armored advance into Iraq, driving in advance of the main armored divisions across miles of desert in a traditional cavalry scouting role.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 30, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 44 suspected terrorists and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq Sep. 26-30.
Link to Full Article
By U.S. Army Spc. Amanda Richardson, Defend America
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii, Sept. 29, 2005 — U.S. Army soldiers assigned to the 536th Maintenance Company (Direct Support) arrived home recently after a year long deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The troops were welcomed home by family members holding signs with various greetings, including "We've missed you! Welcome Home! I love you and we're proud of you!"
Thunderous applause filled the gymnasium as the soldiers marched inside for their redeployment ceremony. [...]
Link to Full Article
By JEAN BRAITHWAITE, Tribune Correspondent
ELK GARDEN - When Joshua Gank of Elk Garden was just about to graduate from Keyser High School in 2001, he wrote an essay for a public speaking class, telling of the desire to be part of the United States Army.
Included in the essay, Joshua told of his grandfathers and other relatives that had served their country by being in the military. He wrote, "I feel that I should continue with this tradition." [...]
Soldiers from Bravo Company, 2-1 INF, can be seen conducting operations in Anah, Iraq in this DOD photo.
Dod Photo by Tech. Sgt. Andy Dunaway, U.S. Air Force
This Defend America Photo Essay contains 9 new photos of the 4-14 CAV in Rawah.
U.S. Air Force Photos by Tech. Sgt. Andy Dunaway
Link to Full Article
Army News Service
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Sept. 28, 2005) – More than 20,000 runners and 600 teams from around the world are registered for the 21st annual Army Ten-Miler beginning at 8 a.m., Oct. 2 at the Pentagon. [...]
‘Ponch’ Avila inspiring Lewis team - While assigned to 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division operating near Mosul in Iraq less than a year ago, Sgt. 1st Class Gerardo Avila was hurt in an Improvised Explosive Device blast.
The vehicle’s driver lost both legs while Avila was injured in the face, eye, and has lost much of his hearing in one ear. Several operations are still pending, yet he has maintained his fitness and his training, inspiring a very fast men’s team from Fort Lewis, Wash., as its fastest runner.
Mr. Tim Cullen, the Director of Media Technology at Senator Chris Dodd's office, sent me the following message. I have verified the source of this message and I'm reproducing it here with Mr. Cullen's permission. SBN has no editorial position regarding this matter. I have posted this solely in the public interest.
Mr. Cullen wrote:
I noticed that the Stryker Brigade News had blogged about the Defense Department's failure to implement the law authored by Senator Dodd which requires the DoD to reimburse members of the U.S. Armed Forces for their purchases of body armor and other safety equipment:
SBN Article
I'd like to take a moment to let you know how the Senator and his staff are following up on this; I think it might be of use to all the SBCT's who are currently deployed, or who have returned from service overseas.
Link to Full Article
Matt Misterek, The News Tribune
A group of military mothers founded in Flint, Mich., during World War II has launched a state chapter and will meet in Tacoma next month.
The Blue Star Mothers of America is made up of mothers or stepmothers who have had, or do have, children in the military. Fathers, stepfathers and other family members can join as associate members. [...]
With the referendum on Iraq's draft constitution coming next month, a 1/25 SBCT soldier recounts irregularities in the previous election process.
Link to Full Article
By Gareth Porter, Asia Times
WASHINGTON - If the referendum on Iraq's draft constitution next month is conducted fairly, it now appears very likely that the document will be defeated by a two-thirds majority in the three Sunni-dominated provinces of Anbar, Salahadeen and Nineveh, plunging Iraq into a new political crisis.
Link to Blog Entry
By Michael Yon
Much world travel has convinced me that the “average American” is a good person. But even a good person needs information in order to act effectively on their best impulses. Oftentimes, good things do not happen simply because information does not make it to the right people.
I believe this was the case for a sick little Iraqi girl named Rhma. American “Deuce Four” soldiers found Rhma one night in Mosul. She needed serious medical attention. Doctors, nurses and others back in America, along with the soldiers in Mosul, worked diligently on behalf of this child, and eventually they generated the support required to get Rhma the treatment she desperately needed. But it wasn’t just Americans: I also saw offers come in from the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Italy, among others. [...]
Here are two photos (one, two) of 2nd Platoon, 4-14 CAV, conducting operations in Rawah, Iraq.
DOD Photos by Tech. Sgt. Andy Dunaway, U.S. Air Force
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 28, 2005) –Iraqi Army and Coalition Forces Soldiers responded to a suicide bomber attack in Tal Afar on the morning of September 28.
Iraqi citizens filing for compensation at a Civil Military Operations Center, were the target of the attack. Five civilians were killed and 30 wounded in the explosion. The wounded were evacuated to local civilian and military hospitals for treatment.
Link to Full Article
By Jill Carroll and Dan Murphy, Christian Science Monitor
BAGHDAD AND CAIRO – In a succession of intelligence breaks, the US says it has killed two key members of Al Qaeda in Iraq in recent days, including the organization's No. 2 man who is suspected of orchestrating a series of suicide bombings in Baghdad since April.
According to American military officials, the US has either made key arrests or developed informants who have led to a cascade of actionable intelligence over the past month. Since the middle of August, the US has reported killing or capturing at least 16 members of Al Qaeda in Iraq, led by the Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
Link to Full Article
By Patricia Wolff, of The Northwestern
POY SIPPI – U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Joseph Anderson stepped off a plane from Iraq Friday and saw his face on the cover of TIME Magazine.
“He just got off a plane in an airport in Maine and his buddy said, “Isn’t that you?’” said Laura Heeren, Anderson’s mother.
The picture shows an intense, though tired, Anderson on guard duty. The caption identifies him as a U.S. soldier with Alpha Company 3-21 Stryker Brigade searching for insurgents in Mosul, Iraq. Anderson, 22, did not know he would be pictured. [...]
Link to Full Article
By SHAWBONG FOK, Democrat staff Writer
Sgt. Brandon Huff of Woodland, whose left leg was taken by a hidden explosive in Mosul, Iraq last April, is still being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.
He has been receiving physical and occupational therapy five times week. The physical therapy has strengthened him to walk again while using a prosthetic leg. And the occupational therapy addresses his weaknesses incurred from a stroke he suffered as a result of blood clots. Doctors haven't yet figured out precisely when the blood clot happened.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 27, 2005) – Over a five day period more than 600 young men stood in line to volunteer for the Tal Afar police force. Two hundred twenty-four of those men were recruited and will attend police training. Within the next two months more than 800 Iraqi policemen will be on the Tal Afar police force operating out of six new or renovated police stations. This is an increase of more than 450 new policemen over the current force.
Link to Full Article
By JAMES BURGER, Bakersfield Californian
The Bakersfield Police Department was poised to toss a pile of old equipment in the dumpster.
Then training officer Jim Moore had an interesting idea.
Why not send it to Iraq?
The gun belts, baby-blue riot helmets and leather radio holders are out of date for Bakersfield police.
But they’d work just fine for fledgling police departments in Iraq.
So Moore called up a buddy.
Moore went to South High with Major Joe Gann of the Stryker Brigade out of Fort Lewis, Washington.
Gann has contacts in Mosul, Iraq.
Together they crafted a deal to get the equipment from Bakersfield to the law enforcement forces near Mosul. [...]
Winds of Change has published its latest Iraq Report, with links to news and analysis of recent events there.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 26, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 33 suspected terrorists and seized three weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq today and Saturday.
Link to Full Article
By Nicole Geary, Lansing State Journal
It's a few minutes after 9 a.m. on a typical weekday in mid-Michigan.
There's an eight-hour difference and thousands of miles between Maj. Darren Klemens in Mosul, Iraq, and his hometown of Mason.
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, News-Miner
It's rainy, chilly in Interior Alaska, and the long dark days of winter are fast approaching. But the 3,800 soldiers of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team from Forts Wainwright and Richardson have acclimated to scorching sun and 100-degree temperatures as they settle into their yearlong deployment in northern Iraq.
Coincidentally, they have found that the Arctic training they underwent in Alaska readied them for the rigors of the desert.
Link to Full Article
By Robert Weisman, Boston Globe
CAMBRIDGE -- BBN Technologies built the forerunner of today's Internet, employed the @ sign to send the first e-mail, and even designed the acoustics for the UN General Assembly Hall in Manhattan. But the company didn't get rich off of any of those milestones. [...]
But military research still represents more than 80 percent of BBN's revenue, and most of the cutting-edge technologies coming out of its labs today, from distributed software to artificial intelligence, are focused on aiding the US armed forces fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I'm a bit tardy in posting this information, but there is a new television documentary called "Kiowa Down" that chronicles the rescue of a helicopter crew by 5-20 INF, 3/2 SBCT last September in Tal Afar. The operation was detailed in a long article last November by Matthew Cox that is a must read. Provided below is the full text of an email I received from the film's producer regarding upcoming viewings on the Military Channel and Video On Demand.
One of the nice things we were able to do last year when the 3/2 SBCT redeployed was create an album in the gallery with various photos of the homecoming ceremonies. If you attend one of the 1/25 SBCT ceremonies and have pictures it would be great to share them with other family members that perhaps were not able to attend in person.
If you are already a gallery contributor you can simply create a new album on the main photo page and we will consolidate them in one album. If you have photos to share, but need an account, you can send an email to photos (at) strykernews (dot) com and we will forward instructions.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 25, 2005) –Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom conducted civil affairs missions in Tal Afar and Rawah Saturday.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 24, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom seized four weapons caches, detained 13 suspected terrorists, killed one and injured two terrorists during operations Friday and today.
Iraqi Police engaged and wounded two terrorists after receiving small arms fire in Mosul Friday. One individual fled and the other was transported to a local hospital.
Link to Full Article
By Alex Fryer, Seattle Times
Amid the handmade "Welcome Home!" signs, low-cut jeans and high expectations, there was Jamie Dillard in a white sweater and floral dress, waiting for her husband in a Fort Lewis gymnasium yesterday.
It had been a year since Spc. Charlie Dillard left for Iraq, along with about 3,800 others in the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. Thirty four weren't coming home, the victims of enemy fire, roadside bombings and other violence.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 23, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom have killed three terrorists and detained 72 others since Wednesday.
Link to Full Article (Updated w/ photos)
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
Nearly 300 Stryker soldiers got a loud, joyous welcome home Friday afternoon at Fort Lewis as the first waves of troops from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division returned from their year in Iraq.
By late Friday – when two more flights were due – more than 1,000 of the Lancer Brigade’s 4,200 soldiers were expected to have made it home. The rest will arrive daily through next weekend.
Link to Full Article
By Michael Gilbert, The News-Tribune
Nearly 300 Stryker soldiers got a loud, joyous welcome home Friday afternoon at Fort Lewis as the first waves of troops from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division return from their year in Iraq.
By late Friday – when two more flights were due, including one with the brigade's commander – more than 1,000 of the Lancer Brigade's 4,200 soldiers will have made it home. The rest will arrive daily through next weekend. [...]
BG Bergner is the Deputy Commander, Multinational Force-Northwest. He spoke today on conditions in Tal Afar.
[...] GEN. BERGNER: Okay. Bryan, thanks again. Most of you have probably heard from or talked to my boss, Major General Dave Rodriguez. And so I am his deputy commanding general, and it's my pleasure to give you a quick update this afternoon from Mosul.
I'll talk about three main topics: recent trends in security, operations in Tall Afar, and I'll talk a little bit about preparations for the constitutional referendum here. And I'll be glad to take your questions.
First, in terms of recent trends in security, I'd say it's important to note that we continue to make significant progress in taking down the al Qaeda network that has plagued the citizens of northern Iraq. And we are probably at the point of impacting about 80 percent of that network in terms of detaining, capturing, killing the leadership and disrupting their resources and disrupting their support bases and neutralizing their capability to conduct operations against the Iraqi people and against Iraqi security forces and our own forces. [...]
Link to Full Article
By Jonathan Finer, The Washington Post
TAL AFAR, Iraq — The Iraqi soldiers had already searched the house, according to a sticker plastered across its gate.
But when their commanding general and a U.S. colonel arrived one afternoon last week to praise their performance and observe them in action, the troops wanted to give a demonstration. With theatrical intensity, they charged the two-story structure on the nearly deserted block, rifles at the ready, while other soldiers and two reporters watched.
Link to Blog Entry
By Michael Yon
“Deuce Four,” is on its way home.
I attended their departure ceremony, presided over by the much respected Brigade Commander, Colonel Robert Brown. Purple Hearts were awarded to soldiers wounded in action. The commander of the Deuce Four, LTC Erik Kurilla, was not there to pin the medals on his soldiers; Kurilla was the last Deuce Four solider wounded in Iraq, and was recovering from three gunshot wounds. All told, the 1-24th infantry regiment earned over 157 Purple Hearts during their mission in Mosul. [...]
The Sept. 25, 2005 edition of Anaconda Times, published by Stars and Stripes, contains an article and cover photo on the 4-14 CAV operating in Iraq. The article is on page 8.
I'm hoping this note will clear up some of the confusion regarding the usernames and password required to access certain areas of this site. When this site was originally created, the only operational part was the page you're reading now, the news section. Over time we've added the Forum and the Photo Gallery. However, each area is run by a separate piece of software, all of which require a unique username/password combination. Provided below is a quick summary of the different areas of the site, and what you'll need to access each.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 22, 2005) – As part of the ongoing Operation Restoring Rights citizens of Tal Afar received further aid from the Iraqi government with the arrival of more essential food items there Sep. 21.
Over 250,000 pounds of food was delivered to Tal Afar by Iraqi workers as the second instillation of over $10 million of immediate reconstruction projects and aid to begin the rebuilding process there.
The Belmont Club and Bill Roggio both have an in depth analysis of recent operations in Iraq, including those in Tal Afar and Mosul.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 21, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom have killed 11 terrorists, detained 52 others and seized several weapons caches since Monday.
Soldiers from Task Force Freedom killed three terrorists after receiving small arms fire in Mosul Tuesday. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment and Multi-National Forces also killed eight terrorists, wounded one, detained one and seized a weapons cache of small arms and ammunition during separate raids in Mosul Monday. Soldiers from 2-1 Infantry detained 21 individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search in Mosul Tuesday. The unit also seized a weapons cache consisting of small arms and multiple rounds of ammunition in Mosul Tuesday. An Explosive Ordinance Team reduced the cache without incident. Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment detained five individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized a weapon with silencer and ammunition during a raid in Mosul Monday Suspects are in custody with no MNF injuries reported.
Link to Full Article
By Audrey McAvoy, Associated Press
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — The last unit of Schofield-based soldiers to return from Iraq flew home yesterday after spending the past year fixing trucks and escorting supply convoys in the Middle East.
Hundreds of family members and friends greeted 151 soldiers of the 536th Maintenance Company with loud cheers during a welcome ceremony at a Schofield Barracks gymnasium.
Link to Full Article
By TATABOLINE BRANT, Anchorage Daily News
Nine Stryker brigade soldiers from Fort Richardson and Fort Wainwright were injured in two separate attacks in Iraq in recent days, Army officials said Tuesday.
The casualties bring to 13 the number of troops from the 172 Stryker Brigade Combat Team that have been wounded since the 3,800-person unit arrived in Iraq earlier this month.
Link to Full Article
By Bradley Graham, Washington Post
BAGHDAD, Sept. 20 -- U.S. and Iraqi commanders have begun bolstering forces in western Iraq's Euphrates River valley, hoping to choke the flow of foreign fighters along what intelligence officers say has become the primary infiltration route from Syria toward Baghdad.
The buildup, called Operation Sayaid, is aimed at securing the border area around the restive town of Qaim and suppressing other insurgent activity in the villages that hug the winding banks of the Euphrates west of Baghdad.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 20, 2005) –Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom have detained 57 suspected terrorists and seized four weapons caches since Sunday.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment detained 14 individuals suspected of terrorist activity after receiving small arms fire in Mosul Monday. Also on Monday, Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment detained an individual suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in Mosul. Soldiers from 2-1 Infantry also detained 21 individuals suspected of terrorist activity after receiving small arms fire in Mosul today.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 20, 2005) – Governor Duraid Kashmula, governor of Nineveh province announced yesterday that operations in Tal Afar, aimed at restoring the rights of citizens and removing terrorists have been highly successful. As a result of those success the government, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces are turning their focus toward reconstruction and rebuilding.
Operation Restoring Rights in Tal Afar has resulted in at least 151 terrorists killed, 683 terrorists captured, 64 weapons caches seized, and 33 improvised explosive devices found since August 26th.
Link to Full Article
By Jeff Schogol, Stars and Stripes
ARLINGTON, Va. — New armor for the Army’s Stryker fighting vehicles is still being developed and it is not known when it will be made available, military officials said.
The equipment is “taking some time” in development, with the aim being to keep the weight down while maintaining effectiveness, said Col. Robert B. Brown, commander of the 1st Brigade 25th Infantry Division Stryker Brigade in Iraq.
Winds of Change has published its weekly Iraq Report, with links to news and analysis of recent events there.
News photos of our Stryker Brigades have been few and far between of late. Here is one photo, however, of the 56th Stryker Brigade (Pa. National Guard), which is providing support in New Orleans.
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, News-Miner
Col. Robert Brown gave some insight Wednesday into what the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team may face during the next 12 months of its deployment in Iraq.
Brown is the commander of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, which will return to Fort Lewis, Wash., after 11 months in Iraq. The 172nd is taking over operations and duties in northern Iraq from the 1/25th.
Dave has posted a new Dispatch From Iraq on his site written by his friend with the 1/25 SBCT in Mosul. Previous Dispatches are linked to as well.
Link to Full Article
BY MEGAN WALDE, The Patriot-News
It has been two weeks since the Pennsylvania National Guard's 56th Stryker Brigade began its plodding way south to Louisiana, and the troops finally have hit a comfortable routine in the relief effort.
Operating from bases in Alexandria, Hammond and Belle Chasse, La., the brigade's six battalions have taken over the food distribution network around New Orleans. Units operate 10 distribution centers, giving residents MREs, water and ice at each location and receiving thanks, homemade food and Mardi Gras beads in return. [...]
Link to Full Article
By Ben Murray, Stars and Stripes
Workers at the Grafenwöhr, Germany, training area, home of Europe’s biggest Army base expansion, put spade to dirt Friday on a key element of the garrison’s building projects: a sprawling $38 million shopping center.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 18, 2005) – Multi-National forces from 172nd Infantry Brigade (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) and 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained 37 suspected terrorists and killed two terrorists during operations in northern Iraq Saturday.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 17, 2005) –Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed a terrorist, detained 13 suspected terrorists, and seized explosives Friday and today.
(TFF Press release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 17, 2005) – Multi-National forces from 172nd Infantry Brigade (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) and 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained one suspected terrorist and seized six weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq today.
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Coalition forces have arrested two alleged leaders of the al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist group, the U.S. military said Saturday.
The two men were identified as Taha Ibrahim Yasin Becher, whose alias was Abu Fatima, and Hamed Saeed Ismael Mustafa, also known as Abu Shahed. The statement said the two men, who were holding a meeting at the time of their capture, headed al-Qaida's organization in Iraq's third-largest city. ...
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 16, 2005) – Iraqi Security forces and Multi-National forces from 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and 172nd Infantry Brigade (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) detained seven suspected terrorists, killed two terrorists, and seized three weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq today.
As a part of Operation Restoring Rights Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division Iraqi Army and Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment killed two terrorists following an attack on their patrol in Tal Afar. In other operations there, Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained six individuals suspected of terrorist activity and seized three weapons caches during search operations. The weapons were confiscated for future destruction.
Link to Full Article
Anchorage Daily News
Four Fort Wainwright soldiers suffered minor injuries in three separate attacks in Iraq last week, Army officials said Friday.
All four soldiers were part of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, which left Alaska last month for a yearlong assignment in the Middle East. The 3,800- person brigade started arriving in Iraq in early September after first going to Kuwait.
Link to Full Article
by Lance Cpl. Bernadette L. Ainsworth
Army News Service
Scores of insurgents were reportedly killed, detained or fled from the town of Tal Afar Sept. 11 as Coalition forces launched an offensive into the city, located about 30 miles west of Mosul in northern Iraq.
Now reconstruction and re-establishment of infrastructure in the city has been turned over to the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment's 401st Civil Affairs Battalion.
The civil affairs Soldiers have already been working on short-term projects in Tal Afar, including school refurbishments, supplying food, road repair, fixing electrical problems, digging wells for drinking water and starting a local newspaper.
The following is a very nice column regarding Laurie Whitham, who has been a frequent visitor to this site. Her son, SPC Chase Whitham, died in Mosul in May, 2004.
Link to Full Article
By Bob Welch, The Register-Guard
SPRINGFIELD - It goes away for the rest of us, the war in Iraq. But not for the woman at Springfield Memorial Gardens on Tuesday afternoon.
Our grief is the Monopoly equivalent of landing on "Jail" without having drawn the ominous ``Go directly to ...'' card. We're just visiting. Another roll of the dice, and we're off and playing again.
Link to Full Article
By MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
Down to his last days in Iraq before his troops return to Fort Lewis, Stryker brigade commander Col. Bob Brown gave a final interview Wednesday via teleconference from the Pentagon. Among his subjects:
Homecoming: Brown’s 4,200 troops from the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division are due to begin arriving early next week, officials at Fort Lewis say. They’ve been in Iraq since October, operating mainly in and around the northern city of Mosul.
Portions of the previous article were based on a recent press briefing from Iraq by Colonel Robert Brown, Commander of the 1/25 SBCT in Mosul.
UPDATE: There is video of his briefing available at The Pentagon Channel website as well.
MR. WHITMAN: I can hear you fine here in the Pentagon briefing room in the Pentagon. Thank you very much for joining this morning. We know that you're very busy, but we also know that you're about to come to the end of your tour in Iraq with your unit, and we appreciate the opportunity to get some perspectives from the commander that's been on the ground for some time now.
Link to Press Release
By Gerry J. Gilmore, American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Sept. 14, 2005 – Eighty percent of al Qaeda's network in northern Iraq "has been devastated" since January due to the capture or killing of key leaders and the outrage of Iraqi citizens, a U.S. troop commander told Pentagon reporters today.
Army Col. Robert B. Brown, commander of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division's Stryker Brigade Combat Team, reported from Mosul, Iraq, during a videoteleconference that things are looking up in northern Iraq, where "the Iraqi army is being rebuilt" and citizens clearly "want freedom."
Colonel H. R. McMaster, commander of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Tal Afar, briefs the Pentagon press corps from Iraq on recent operations there.
COL. MCMASTER: Great. Okay, I'll begin by talking about the purpose of the operation and then describe the enemy that we're facing here, and then summarize the effects I think we've had on the enemy over the past couple of weeks.
First of all, the purpose of this operation is the secure the population of Tall Afar from the terrorists who have infiltrated this city and set up a safe haven support base here in Tall Afar. The whole purpose of the operation is to secure the population so that we can lift the enemy's campaign of intimidation and population -- intimidation and coercion over the population and allow economic and political development to proceed here and to return, really, to normal life.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 13, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from 172nd Infantry Brigade (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) and 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment seized three weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq today.
Arthur Chrenkoff has published his final Good News From Iraq entry, with in depth coverage of positive developments there. A new site, Good News from the Front, will carry on what Arthur started.
(TF Press Release)
UPDATE: Additional information at the bottom.
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 13, 2005) – As a part of the ongoing Operation Restoring Rights in Tal Afar Multi-National forces from Task Force Freedom detained 78 suspected terrorists during operations there Monday.
Link to Full Article
By J.M. SIMPSON, The News-Miner
MOSUL, Iraq--The lives of Capt. Patrick Williams, Sgt. 1st Class Karl Zaglauer and Staff Sgt. Nick Malich intersected several nights ago in this northern Iraq town during a patrol.
Malich might be dead had he not met the two soldiers from Alaska.
The following articles/summaries describe in depth the recent operations in Tal Afar, which lies west of Mosul. Although (to my knowledge) no Stryker Brigade units are currently operating there, they have in the past. Additionally, the coalition troops operating there are part of Task Force Freedom, which the Stryker Brigade is part of as well.
Link to Full Article
By J.M. Simpson
MOSUL, Iraq--Over the next several weeks, members of the 4th Battalion, 11th Field Artillery, 172nd Stryker Brigade will assume combat operations at Forward Operating Base QWest in northern Iraq as its predecessor returns to Fort Lewis in Washington.
Departing soldiers have been giving members of Alaska's Stryker Brigade "right-seat rides" in their Stryker vehicles to prepare them for their mission over the next year.
"The thunder rolls and we are ready to go," said the unit's commander, Lt. Col. Scott Wuestner, as he took off his body armor following a right-seat ride through his area of operations with Lt. Col. Bradley Becker, commander of Fort Lewis' 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery.
Michael Yon has updated his blog and has changed the format of his entries. It is worth the time to read the latest entry and look around the new site.
Link to Full Article
By Antony Barnett and Mark Townsend, The Observer
British intelligence officials in Iraq are questioning an al-Qaeda operative after information relating to the 7 July London bombings was allegedly found on his computer drive.
The man, who has not been named, was captured by US forces last month. He is understood to have had a portable computer drive on him that showed 'knowledge' of the attacks that killed 56 people.
A timely reminder From U.S. Army Alaska.
Link to Full Article
Mark Hazard
Garrison Operations
U.S. ARMY ALASKA – Operations Security by definition is an analytic process used to deny an adversary information about our intentions and capabilities. We do this by identifying, controlling and protecting indicators associated with our planning processes or operations. OPSEC does not replace other security disciplines - it supplements them.
OPSEC needs to be taken seriously, and we must be cautious of what we put on the Internet. The enemy is a pro at exploiting OPSEC vulnerabilities. He reads the information we provide on open sources that knowledge against us.
Link to Full Article
By Heather Woodward, The Olympian
LACEY — It’s nearing the end of a long year for Misty Robinson, whose husband has been deployed to Iraq since last September as part of a Fort Lewis-based Stryker Brigade.
He’ll be coming home in a few weeks, making today's Military Family Support March an emotional but festive occasion.
“I’ve got a lot of joy in my heart today,” said Robinson, who carried a sign above her head during the march that read, “I love my soldier.”
Link to Full Article
By Maj. William Thurmond,Army News Seervice
Richmond, Va. (Army News Service, September 10, 2005) – As the popularity of NASCAR continues to explode, one Army wife and fan has decided to share her racing passion with the world.
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- U.S. and Iraqi soldiers have been going from house to house in the restive northern city of Tal Afar to ferret out militants in an operation that will continue until it is "freed from insurgents," military officials said.
U.S. and Iraqi forces, traveling in Humvees and Bradley Fighting Vehicles, on Saturday swept through one-third of the city, where U.S. and Iraqi forces have been sparring with militants in recent weeks.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 10, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 44 suspected terrorists and seized weapons caches Friday and 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:
Iraqi Army Preserves Security of Ninewah Province, MNF-NW DCG Meets with Local Leaders from the Tigris River Valley, Local Leaders from Al Hadr Meet to Discuss Issues in their Village, Medical Clinic Treats 30 Iraqis, NCO Academy Completes Room Clearing Phase, Civil Affairs Team Continues CMOC Opportunities for Iraqis, Qayarrah Begins Construction of Medical Clinic
Link to Full Article
BY MEGAN WALDE,The Patriot-News
HAMMOND, La. - The Pennsylvania National Guard's 56th Stryker Brigade has a mission, but it hasn't moved very far forward since it got its orders Thursday night.
That should change in the next 24 hours, as more military units head to food distribution points around New Orleans, brigade officials said last night. [...]
This Sunday the volunteers from Hero to Hero will team up with the Tacoma Fire Department to honor the victims of 9/11 and kick off their '06 campaign. The event is open to the public - all of the details are provided in the email below.
Hero to Hero has sent shirts to a number of Stryker Brigade units the past two years, and hopefully units from the 172nd will sign up as well.
UPDATE: There are revised driving directions to the event if you are planning on attending. Send an email to todd (at) strykernews (dot) com and I will forward them to you.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 9, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed 11 terrorists and detained 13 suspected terrorists Thursday and today.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division along with MNF Soldiers detained seven individuals suspected of terrorist activity after receiving small arms fire in Ganus Thursday.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
SPC Jeffrey A. Williams, 20, of Warrenville, Ill., died on Sept. 5,
2005, in Tal Afar, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near his combat patrol. SPC Williams was assigned to the Support 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.
In the middle of a major Coalition and Iraqi Army action against anti-Iraqi insurgents in northwestern Iraq, Lt. Col. Cecil Nance of the North Carolina National Guard intervened to see a grandmother, mother and newborn baby to safety.
Midmorning on this particular early June day, soldiers reported "civilians on the battlefield," and described two adult females carrying a "package." Because this region was already a hotbed of insurgent activity and reports of suicide bombers (even using women) were on the rise, extreme caution was advised. When Nance arrived on the scene, he discovered the "package" to be a newborn baby.
Link to Full Article
By MEGAN WALDE, The Patriot-News
Col. Joel Wierenga gave the word last night.
The commander of the Pennsylvania National Guard's 56th Stryker Brigade announced at an evening briefing that the brigade was to begin moving south this morning to Hammond, La., in Tangipahoa Parish, across Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans.
(TFF Press Release)
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait (September 8, 2005) –On August 26th the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) conducted a re-enlistment ceremony for 210 soldiers, which is roughly five percent of the brigade. This is the largest re-enlistment ceremony held in the history of the unit.
“The big thing for this is about half of the soldiers here re-enlisted to stay in Alaska. To me, that means when they return they have been combat seasoned for the next life cycle of the unit,” said Command Sergeant Major William J. Ulibarri, senior enlisted advisor of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. He added, “This is patriotism.”
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 8, 2005) –Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed seven terrorists and detained another seven Wednesday and today.
Link to Full Article
By Timothy McNulty, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
ALEXANDRIA, La. -- Frustration set in among 2,300 Pennsylvania Army National Guard troops yesterday as they spent another day far from New Orleans, doing essentially nothing to aid hurricane victims.
Here are two recent photos (one, two) of the 3-21 INF in Rawah, Iraq.
U.S. Army Photos by SSG Kyle Davis.
Link to Full Article
By PAM HESS, UPI
QAYYARAH, Iraq, Sept. 7 (UPI) -- When Lt. Col. Bradley Becker stepped forward, it was to offer a valedictory message to a room full of Sunni and Kurdish shieks and imams gathered at Forward Operating Base Key West for a regional security meeting.
It was, in some strange way, very much like a graduation.
Lakewood Police and Crime Stoppers are asking for assistance in locating a suspect in connection with the murder of two individuals early Monday morning near Ft. Lewis. Both individuals, one a soldier, had connections to Ft. Lewis and the Stryker Brigades. Our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by this tragedy.
UPDATE: As soon as we posted this a new press release indicates that a suspect has been taken into custody.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 7, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained eight more suspected terrorists and seized weapons caches today.
(TFF Press Release)
TAL AFAR, IRAQ (September 7, 2005) – Citizens of Tal Afar held a peaceful demonstration Monday to show their courage as they denounced terrorism and voiced support for Iraqi Security Forces backed by Coalition Forces. Government officials also voiced their opposition to the negative affects the terrorists are having on peace and security in the area.
TFF Press Release
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 7, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained three suspected terrorists and seized weapons caches Tuesday and today.
Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search in northern Mosul today. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment seized a weapons cache of mortars in eastern Mosul Tuesday. An Explosive Ordinance Disposal team reduced the cache without incident.
SBCT Operations in Rawah
Link to Full Article
By Maher al-Thanoon, Reuters
MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - The northern Iraqi town of Tal Afar was on edge on Tuesday after at least seven civilians were killed during an operation by Iraqi and U.S. troops against insurgents there.
In Baghdad, a parliamentary panel drafting a new constitution said last-minute efforts to fine-tune the text to overcome objections from minority Sunni Arabs had failed.
Link to Full Article
By Timothy McNulty, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
LONDON, Ky. -- Forty-two soldiers lugged body armor, rifles and water onto a charter bus outside Butler yesterday, following the hard path south of thousands of other troops going to the hurricane disaster area.
Link to Full Article
By Dave Albee
After returning from his visit to Iraq last week, Ron Barr was safe and sound but not sedentary back home in Strawberry. He was limping noticeably around the kitchen. His right ankle was badly swollen and in a splint and he was in plenty of discomfort.
A war wound? Not exactly.
Embedded freelance journalist Michael Yon was kind enough to particpiate in a question and answer session via email from Mosul. Provided below is the full transcript of our conversation. These questions were submitted prior to the publication of his recent dispatch, Gates of Fire.
We would like to thank Michael for taking time out of his busy schedule to respond. If you would like to support his efforts you can sponsor his dispatches by making a donation via PayPal.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 6, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed three terrorists and detained 11 more Monday.
Link to Full Article
By TRAVIS DUNN,Daily Press
You could think of Army Spc. Angelo Jaramillo as a kind of an exotic truck driver.
But first consider that the cargo he carries is human, that the vehicle he drives is armed to the teeth, and that hidden in the villages he visits are insurgents who want nothing more than to kill him.
Winds of Change has published its weekly Iraq Report, with links to news and analysis of recent events.
Dave has posted a new dispatch on his site from his friend Matt, a SGT with the 1-25 SBCT in Mosul.
Link to Full Article
By Peter Boylan, Honolulu Advertiser
WAHIAWA — More than 200 Native Hawaiian activists and others rallied yesterday against the military's plans to station a Stryker brigade in Hawai'i.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (September 5, 2005) – Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom killed a terrorist and detained 12 others Sunday and today.
Link to Full Article
By PAMELA HESS, UPI
MOSUL, Iraq, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- A man captured in August north of al-Qaim, Iraq, had a computer "thumb drive" that contained planning information about the July 7 London suicide bombings, a U.S. military officer has revealed.
Col. Robert Brown, commander of the 1st Brigade 25th Infantry Division in Mosul told United Press International the man was connected to the al-Qaida terrorist network.
He declined to discuss the specific nature of the information on the small computer drive, variants of which store between 8 and 256 megabytes of data, but said it indicated al-Qaida involvement in the attacks on London's bus and subway system.
