The Department of Defense announced today the implementation of traumatic injury protection insurance under the Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) program as enacted by section 1032 of Public Law 109-13.
The program, which will be known as TSGLI, is designed to provide financial assistance to service members during their recovery period from a serious traumatic injury.
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, The News-Miner
Soldiers from two battalions of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team from Fort Wainwright Army Post participated in a large offensive operation earlier this month to root out insurgents and secure the Syrian border in Iraq.
Soldiers from the 4th Squadron, 14th Cavalry and the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry participated along with nearly 2,500 other members of U.S. military forces, according to Lt. Col. Mark Freitag, who spoke from Iraq with reporters Tuesday. Operation Steel Curtain began Nov. 4 and lasted 18 days.
Link to Full Article
KTVA-TV, Anchorage
According to the Associated Press, the Fort Wainwright community will gather for two services of prayer and remembrance this week to honor soldiers who died in Iraq.
The service honoring Staff Sergeant Stephen Sutherland will be held at two o'clock Wednesday afternoon at Southern Lights Chapel. He was killed in action November 12th when the Stryker in which he was riding rolled.
A second service honoring Private First Class Christopher Alcozer will be held Thursday afternoon at two o'clock, also at the Southern Lights Chapel. he died of gunshot wounds November 19th.
Link to Full Article
By Sean Doogan, KTUU-TV, Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska - Alaska Army troops are keeping busy in Iraq.
Elements of Fort Wainwright's 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team recently cleared 11 Iraqi towns of insurgents, according to a U.S. Army spokesperson. From Nov. 18 to 22, in fighting along the western Iraq border with Syria, Alaska troops captured 96 suspected insurants. According to the Alaska unit's commander, many of those captured in the sweep tested positive for TNT and other chemicals used in explosives. [...]
Link to Full Article
By Amanda Keister, The Daily Item
BETHESDA, Md. — A Middleburg soldier is in intensive care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center after being injured in an ambush in northern Iraq Nov. 19.
Wayne Landis, 25, of the 172nd Stryker Brigade, suffered injuries to his head, chest and hip, his mother, Kay Landis, said Tuesday. She said doctors believe his wounds were the results of a grenade and gun shots.
Here are two recent image galleries from the DVIDS site, each containing 10 photos.
172nd SBCT
FOB Courage - contains photos from the memorial service for PFC Alcozer and MSG Yost.
Here is one new photo of the 172nd SBCT, posted today on Army Images.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (November 28, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 50 suspected terrorists, killed seven, and seized multiple weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq Nov. 19-26.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division along with Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment detained five individuals suspected of terrorist activity while conducting joint operations east of Tal Afar Nov. 20-25. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade along side Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 3rd ACR detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity and seized a weapons cache during operations in Tal Afar Nov. 20. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade along side Soldiers from 4th Squadron, 3rd ACR detained three individuals suspected of terrorist activity during operations near the Syrian border Nov. 20.
Link to Full Article
By STEVE MAYNARD; The News Tribune
Pfc. Mikel Jones smiled with gratitude Monday as he became one of the first Fort Lewis soldiers given a Christmas tree through a new program called Trees for Troops.
Link to Full Article
By Staff Sgt. Carmen Burgess, Army News Service
BAGHDAD, Iraq (Army News Service, Nov. 28, 2005) – Secretary of the Army Francis Harvey said he believes that high troop morale is a key contributor to the Army’s success in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
This came at the end of a Thanksgiving holiday trip to Iraq where the Army’s top executive spent time visiting with Soldiers in or attached to the 3rd Infantry and 101st Airborne divisions and Task Force Freedom.
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, The News-Miner
A soldier with the 172nd Stryker Combat Team injured in a fire fight last week in Iraq is on the road to recovering.
According to Maxine Barrera, her husband, Staff Sgt. Mike Barrera suffered five gunshot wounds Nov. 19 in Mosul, Iraq after a gun battle with insurgents. The clash injured about a dozen U.S. soldiers, including Barrera, and killed one, Pvt. Christopher Alcozer.
Maxine Barrera received word of her husbands' injuries from him directly.
Link to Full Article with photos and video link
by Doug Grindle, KTUU TV, Anchorage
Forward Operating Base Marez, Iraq - Soldiers from Fort Richardson work long hours, in hot and dusty conditions. They are gone for a year and miss their families, but there are compensations.
Each day is a long day for soldiers from Anchorage who go out on patrol or work full time at their base, called Forward Operating Base Marez.
Link to Full Article
By Sarah Baxter, The Sunday Times, London
ANGERED by negative portrayals of the conflict in Iraq, Bruce Willis, the Hollywood star, is to make a pro-war film in which American soldiers will be depicted as brave fighters for freedom and democracy.
It will be based on the exploits of the heavily decorated members of Deuce Four, the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry, which has spent the past year battling insurgents in the northern Iraqi town of Mosul.
Link to Full Article
By Alex Fryer, Seattle Times
The Army is set to employ the services of a new ally in its efforts to train troops headed to Iraq.
Although civilians, these friends of the military are certain not to spill the beans about their mission, unless, of course, you happen to be a sheep whisperer.
Next month, a group of Fort Lewis-based soldiers will arrive at the Ewe-topia farm in Roy, Pierce County, to conduct what they call Search and Sensitive Site Exploitation. In police jargon, it's like a crime-scene investigation, an Army captain explained to Linda Leeman, co-owner of Ewe-topia Herddog Training, a 10-acre business that teaches dogs to corral sheep and ducks, among other tricks.
Link to Full Article
By William Cole, Honolulu Advertiser
As part of the biggest reorganization of the Army since World War II, Schofield Barracks will add 1,000 soldiers for its Stryker Brigade and another 1,000 for other new units, and more troops will likely be on the way to Hawai'i for years to come.
The Schofield troop arrivals are in conjunction with plans for bringing 300 Stryker armored vehicles to Hawai'i, a new Iraq deployment, a major housing renovation and dozens of unit deactivations and activations under a drive to give brigades more self-contained firepower and enable them to be more expeditionary like the Marines.
Link to Full Article
By MARY BETH SMETZER, Staff Writer
All Staff Sgt. James Jeane wants to do while he’s home on a two-week leave from Iraq is hang out with his family. James’ wife, Sunshine, and their four sons are happily complying.
“Just being here is enough,” James said.
Army Staff Sgt. Mike Barrera suffered five gunshot wounds Nov. 19 in Mosul, Iraq, after a gun battle with insurgents.
Barrera's mother, Lori, said her son underwent successful surgery in Ramstein, Germany, last Saturday and he may return to the United States as early as this weekend.
Link to Full Article (Opinion)
By Michelle Cuthrell, The News-Miner
"In sickness and in health" used to be my very favorite part of our wedding vows.
Maybe it was because I'd never been really sick, or maybe because I could count on one hand the number of times I'd seen a doctor for anything but a regular checkup. I've generally been a pretty healthy girl--I've never even so much as broken a bone or chipped a tooth. So the idea of this magical guy promising to hold a cold washcloth to my forehead and massage my feet as I lay home in bed sick seemed like this lovely, romantic idea to me. After all, every princess needs a prince to take care of her. [...]
Link to Full Article with photos and video link
by Doug Grindle, KTUU TV, Anchorage
Forward Operating Base Marez, Iraq - Soldiers from Anchorage are working to raise the level of the Iraq security forces so they can go home.
Soldiers stop in at an Iraqi police station at the southeastern corner of Mosul. The soldiers are inspecting a detonating device that was used to trigger roadside bombs set against passing American vehicles
Link to Full Article with photos
by Doug Grindle, KTUU TV, Anchorage
Mosul, Iraq - Soldiers from an infantry battalion of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team have been on the ground for about two months now. The soldiers continue to patrol the streets of Mosul in northern Iraq.
The Department of Defense announced yesterday the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
SGT Denis J. Gallardo, 22, of St. Petersburg, Fla., died in Tal Afar, Iraq, on Nov. 22, from a non-combat related illness. Gallardo was assigned to the Army's 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, CO.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones he leaves behind. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
Link to Full Article with Photos
Tracey Murray
Fort Wainwright PAO
LIVONIA, Mich. — Stephanie Julian was putting together a package to send to her son serving in Iraq in October when a co-worker asked about the items she had piled on her desk.
Julian had no idea mentioning this package to co-workers would have such a huge impact.
Link to Full Article with Photo
1st Lt. Matthew Yutzey
172nd Brigade Support Battalion
With Thanksgiving on the horizon, the Distribution Company (DC) Gators of the 172d Brigade Support Battalion are as busy as ever.
Link to Full Article
By REBECCA ADLER, The Daily Democrat
Brandon Huff making plans for his future
Wounded Army Sgt. Brandon Huff said he has nothing to be more thankful for this Thanksgiving than being home with his family.
"I'm grateful to be home," he said. "It's pretty simple, I know, but it's just nice to sleep in my own bed again."
Link to Full Article
By WILLIAM SWEET, Masslive.com
BRIMFIELD - The colony of "Support Our Troops" signs at this back-road home in Brimfield means more than just a show of patriotism.
It means a welcome home for one son who is likely feeling more thankful than most today. Spc. Michael R. Coan, 21, is back for two weeks from Iraq, where he has been serving since August.
"It was great," he said of his welcome, which included banners strung by well-wishers over the Massachusetts Turnpike and Route 20.
Link to Full Article
By SAM BISHOP, News-Miner
WASHINGTON--Army officers in Alaska and Iraq say they have heard no word of any early return of soldiers with the Fort Wainwright-based 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld told different media over the weekend and earlier this week that the overall force in Iraq may be reduced during the next several months.
Soldiers with the 172nd brigade left Fort Wainwright in August and are scheduled to return in August of 2006, if all goes well. [...]
Link to Full Article
By DIANA CAMPBELL, News-Miner
Fourth-grader Alyssa Weiss knows without a doubt what her father does in Iraq as part of the 172nd Stryker Brigade.
"He hands out candy to kids in Iraq," said the 10-year-old girl at Arctic Light Elementary School on Fort Wainwright.
She and her family keep the sugar pipeline from home full so Sgt. Kenneth Weiss won't run out of sweets. As thanks, a little girl in Iraq presented the sergeant with a yellow rose, Alyssa reported.
Link to Full Article (Opinion)
The News-Miner
The news of the day Wednesday was rampant about the U.S. military deployment in Iraq. One news outlet after another, following a story by the Washington Post, reported on the government's plans for a large-scale reduction of U.S. forces next year.
U.S. government officials, both military and civilian, are now saying that the U.S. forces could number fewer than 100,000 by November 2006. That would be a one-third decrease from the 155,000 now in the country. [...]
Here are two new photos recently posted on Army Images and one from the DOD website:
2-1 INF Photo
4-11 FA Photo
4-23 INF Photo
CAMP BLUE DIAMOND, AR RAMADI, Iraq –Iraqi Army Soldiers and Marines, Soldiers and Sailors with Regimental Combat Team –2 wrapped up Operation Al Hajip Elfulathi (Steel Curtain) today near the Syrian border.
The 17-day offensive, which took place in the cities of Husaybah, Karabilah and Ubaydi, was part of the larger Operation Sayaid (Hunter) designed to prevent al Qaeda in Iraq-led terrorists from operating in the Euphrates River Valley and throughout al Anbar province. The operation made way for the establishment of a permanent Iraqi Army security presence in the al Qaim region and set the conditions for local citizens to vote in the upcoming Dec.15 elections.
Link to Full Article
by Steve Mac Donald, KTUU-TV, Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska - New details were released tonight about the circumstances surrounding the death of a Fairbanks soldier who was killed in Iraq. At first the U.S. Army said Pvt. Christopher Alcozer was killed when his patrol unit was ambushed early last Saturday morning, but today Alcozer's commanding officer set the record straight.
Link to Full Article
by Doug Grindle, KYUU-TV, Anchorage
Mosul, Iraq - Soldiers from the 4th Battalion of the 23rd Infantry at Fort Richardson are living and working in Mosul, a city in northern Iraq. These soldiers are running patrols in the city looking for insurgents. A patrol of soldiers from Fort Richardson pushes its way through the streets of Mosul, Iraq. It is a quiet day, no one shoots at the armored vehicles with an assault rifle and no roadside bomb is discovered. But these things do happen here on a regular basis.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
MSG Anthony R. C. Yost, 39, of Flint, Mich., died in Mosul, Iraq on Nov. 19, when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated near his position during combat operations. MSG Yost was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg, N.C.
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.
This article will remain at the top of our page today. Please scroll down for more news.
Link to Full Article
By Spc. Jeremy D. Crisp
MOSUL, Iraq, Nov. 22, 2005 —They’re the new guys on the block, and they’re not hard to spot. Not because they rumble through the streets in their Stryker light-armored vehicles, for those have been there before. It’s a new attitude; it’s a new uniform on smiling faces with determination to get the job done.
The soldiers of Company B have assumed responsibility for one sector of the streets of Mosul. They smile at the Iraqi citizens on the streets, but at the same time they will kick the doors in on the insurgents who plan to spread upheaval.
Link to Full Article
By Dermot Cole, The News-Miner
HELPING MEDICS: A Fort Wainwright medic's family is raising money to buy more accessible packs for the medics carrying emergency medical supplies in Iraq.
Ohio resident Nancy Jordan, whose son Kyle is serving in Iraq as a medic with the 172nd Brigade Combat Team, has been collecting funds for several months, mostly from relatives around the country.
Through this campaign they've managed to buy and ship 39 of the vests with more than $8,000 donated by the extended family and other supporters, she wrote in an e-mail. The vests are custom made and cost $210 each.
Link to Full Article
PR Newswire
HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Representatives of Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Pennsylvania National Guard today urged federal lawmakers in Washington D.C. to support a continued, significant, military presence at Willow Grove through the guard's proposed future-use plan.
The key to Willow Grove's future as a military installation is maintaining the airfield. The plan creates a robust military presence with more than 3,700 personnel, including the addition of more than 1,000 Army National Guard soldiers from the 56th Stryker Brigade. [....]
Link to Full Article
By MIKE STARK, Gazette
The phone rang at 2:45 a.m. Julie Mathiason caught it before the second ring.
By then, she and her husband, Kim, had become accustomed to calls at all hours from their son, Army Sgt. Mackay Mathiason, a Stryker Brigade commander in Iraq.
But instead of Mackay on the other end, a lieutenant spoke up. He introduced himself and then got to the point in a conversation that Julie said is burned in her memory.
"Mackay just wanted to let you know he was OK."
"OK. What happened?"
"Well, he's been shot."
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
PVT Christopher M. Alcozer, 21, of DeKalb, IL, died in Mosul, Iraq, on Nov. 19, when his unit was attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire and grenades. PVT Alcozer was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry. It will remain at the top of the page today. Please scroll down for more news.
Link to Full Article
By SGT Dennis Gravelle
MOSUL, Iraq (Army News Service, Nov. 21, 2005.) -- Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 65 suspected terrorists and seized weapons during operations in northern Iraq Nov 14-19.
Winds of Change has published its weekly Iraq Report, with links to news and analysis of recent events.
Link to Full Article
By The Associated Press
Officials said they don't know if one of the dead could be terror leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- U.S. forces sealed off a house in the northern city of Mosul where eight suspected al-Qaida members died in a gunfight — some by their own hand to avoid capture. A U.S. official said Sunday that efforts were under way to determine if terror leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi was among the dead. [...]
The Associated Press has put together a very nice multimedia presentation regarding SGT Walt Gaya (previous entry) of the 1/25 SBCT. It features photos and audio content from Gaya, who suffered an eye injury while serving in Iraq.
(TFF Press Release)
This is the first press release forwarded to SBN by our new point of contact at the Task Force Freedom PAO, SGT Dennis Gravelle. Join me in welcoming SGT Gravelle to our news community. He is assigned to the 138th MPAD out of Albany, NY.
MOSUL, IRAQ (November 19, 2005) –Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 65 suspected terrorists and seized weapons during operations in northern Iraq Nov 14-19.
For quite some time now, my day has started off early in the morning by looking for email from SGT John Franzen, the Public Affairs NCO for the 366th MPAD. His unit is redeploying in the near future. I want to take this opportunity to thank him and his staff for keeping SBN up-to-date on the activities of the soldiers comprising Task Force Freedom. Without his press releases, SBN would not be the news outlet of choice for the many soldiers, family, and friends who come here for news about Stryker Brigade Combat teams.
Thank you SGT Franzen for your service to SBN and our country.
safetypro
Members of the 4-14 CAV can be seen working alongside soldiers of the Iraqi Army in this Defend America Photo Essay.
Army chief asks troops, families for more OpSec.
Link to Full Article - includes additional link to Gen. Schoomaker's video message
Gary Sheftick
Army News Service
WASHINGTON — This is not your father’s war, Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter J. Schoomaker tells troops in a videotaped message emphasizing proper Operations Security procedures and responsible use of the Internet.
The video is part of the Army’s comprehensive OPSEC Action Plan that has Mobile Training Teams visiting deploying units to teach how improper information and photographs posted on the World Wide Web could endanger lives.
Link to Full Article with Photo
Tracey Murray
Fort Wainwright PAO
Military families are tested every day, especially during the times of deployment.
Link to Full Article with Photos
2nd Lt. James Snoddy
Co. A, 1-17th Infantry
MOSUL, IRAQ — A young boy named Mohammad Abdullah Ahmad, of Tal al Ruman, had a tumor in his skull.
Link to Full Article
News Staff Reporter
Putting on his Spiderman shoes always made Clayton Chenoweth feel like a superhero.
It was a sad day when his feet grew too big for them, but the 9-year-old is happy again, knowing that his sneakers could someday make an Iraqi child feel the same way.
Link to Full Article
By MICHAEL DOYLE
WASHINGTON - Brian Turner found the poetry in war.
In the burned flesh, and the bullet's hiss. In the surgeon's red eyes, and the rounds striking home.
Now, the 38-year-old Iraq war veteran is finding something else. Turns out, there's fame and even a little fortune in poetry. Especially when, like Turner, you're both breaking new ground and upholding a long tradition.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (November 18, 2005) – Iraqi Army Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, along with Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, successfully distributed school supplies to numerous families during a medical screening in the Tal Ruman neighborhood of Mosul Nov. 12. With the help of U.S. donors, three children with special needs received wheelchairs during the operation.
The community is very supportive of the hard work put in by both the IA and 1-17th Soldiers. The Iraqi families were exceptionally grateful for the generosity and shared their thanks with Coalition Forces. The operation was a complete success.
Link to Full Article with photos
1st Lt. Anthony Fennell
Co. C, 4-23rd Infantry
MOSUL, Iraq — On Nov. 6, less than two years from its official stand-up date, the 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment donned the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team combat patch.
Ten Soldiers also received medals for their valor, one of which was a Bronze Star, demonstrating their steadfast courage and resolve towards their nation’s committed goal of a free Iraq.
These valor awards were the first of their type the Tomahawks and the 172nd have received since Vietnam.
Link to Full Article with photo
The information in this U.S. Army Alaska story has been previously reported, however, it contains a new photo of SSG Salelea Tuiolemotu of the 2-1 INF.
Link to Full Article (Opinion)
By Michelle Cuthrell, The News-Miner
I can still remember the awkwardness I felt a year ago last week when I stumbled into a Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Ithaca, N.Y.
I've never felt comfortable around large groups of men, especially large groups of military men, and standing in my high heels and power suit with a pen tucked behind my ear in the middle of a canteen filled with large Vietnam vets in Harley-Davidson T-shirts didn't exactly allow me to blend in and feel at home. [...]
Link to Blog Entry
By Michael Yon
After a hard year of fighting and nation-building in northern Iraq, the Deuce Four has finally and completely returned home to the United States, where they threw a party to mark the occasion. Distinguished guests flew in to attend what was officially called the Redeployment Ball. [...]
Link to Full Article
The Associated Press and News Tribune staff
COLUMBUS, N.M. – The Border Patrol says a monthlong mission with Stryker brigade troops from Fort Lewis doing round-the-clock reconnaissance was a success in helping deter people coming into the country illegally from Mexico.
Sgt. Melvin Clark, from Company A, 2-1 INF, is seen in this photo posted today on Army Images.
Here is one photo from last week's ceremony where 21 Stryker Brigade soldiers became U.S. citizens.
Link to Full Article
By MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
The Fisher brothers – Robert and Donald – spent much of the past year in Iraq with separate Army units from Fort Lewis.
They hoped their paths would cross over there, but they never quite managed it, and Robert returned home in late September.
Now Robert is on his way to meet his kid brother, but under circumstances their Army family hoped would never come to pass.
He’s going to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware, the waypoint for returning U.S. casualties, and he will escort Donald’s remains home to Parkland.
Link to Full Article
The Arizona Republic
Sweetwater Elementary School students' performance of patriotic music will be aired on the Defense Department's Pentagon Channel, which is seen in 177 countries.
On Thursday a Pentagon Channel crew filmed the hour-long program, which will be broadcast at more than 230 stateside military bases and on commercial cable and satellite providers nationwide including Peoria's Channel 11. In addition, the event can be seen via Webcast at www.pentagon channel.mil. [...]
The Department of Defense has announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
SGT Tyrone L. Chisholm, 27, of Savannah, GA, died in Tal Afar, Iraq, on Nov. 11, when multiple improvised explosive devices detonated near his M1A2 Abrams Tank. SGT Chisholm was assigned to the 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, CO.
Please join us in offering our sincere condolences to the loved ones he leaves behind.
We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry. It will remain at the top of the page today. Please scroll down for more news.
The Department of Defense has announced the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
SSG Stephen J. Sutherland, 33, of West Deptford, NJ, died in Al Qadisiyah, Iraq, on Nov. 12, when his Stryker military vehicle accidentally rolled over. SSG Sutherland was assigned to the 4th Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Fort Wainwright, AK.
We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry. It will remain at the top of the page today. Please scroll down for more news.
Link to Full Article
By RACHEL D'ORO, Associated Press
President Bush on Monday reminded a cheering, flag-waving audience at Elmendorf Air Force Base of his close ties to Alaska, then slammed critics of the Iraq war. [...]
Bill Roggio continues his coverage of Operation Steel Curtain as fighting moves to the city of Ubaydi.
Link to Blog Entry
By Michael Yon
I had yelled goodbye to Walt just before the mission, and some hours later when a bomb tore through the bottom of his Stryker vehicle, every man in it--including Walt--was wounded.
Lying in the hospital, still in Iraq, Walt Gaya was in the United States Army, but he was not an American. Not on paper, anyway: Walt was born in Argentina. He survived the blast, but his new wounds would preclude his flight from Mosul to Baghdad in time to participate in a swearing-in ceremony that would have been his official welcome as a new American. [...]
Winds of Change has published its weekly Iraq Report, with links to news and analysis of recent events.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (November 14, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 76 suspected terrorists and seized a number of weapons during operations in northern Iraq Nov. 9-14.
SPC Ryan Crabtree of the 2-1 INF is featured in this photo titled Like a Soldier in a Candy Shop
Photo by SSG James L. Harper Jr., U.S. Air Force
Link to Full Article
1st Lt. Kurt J. Lohwasser
A Troop, 4-14th Cavalry
MOSUL, Iraq — Iraq’s recent elections were similar to ours in America in that the voting sites were mainly located in local schools.
Officials spent days establishing the sites and preparing for voters. One drawback of this operation was that the children missed a week of school.
Link to Full Article with photo
2nd Lt. James Snoddy
Co. A, 1-17th Infantry
MOSUL, Iraq — The Soldier medics of Company A, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment, play a dual role in the Army.
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, The News-Miner
Col. James Horton voiced his concern at the age of his audience during Veterans Day events at Friday at the Alaska Centennial Center for the Arts.
"I hate to say I'm preaching to the choir, but I am," Horton said as he looked out on a graying audience.
We would like to take a moment to thank all of the veterans, past and present, who have sacrificed so much on our behalf. Your efforts represent a debt that cannot easily be repaid, if at all. During this time of conflict let's not forget those still in harm's way, or who have been injured and are fighting to recover. A special thanks to all the families supporting each and every servicemember - you are "veterans" as well. Finally, to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, know that you will never be forgotten. Thank you.
Provided below are additional sources commemorating Veterans Day.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (November 11, 2005) – Secretary of State Condelezza Rice visited Mosul, Iraq today to inaugurate the Nineveh Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) headquartered here. Secretary Rice was hosted by Task Force Freedom Commander Major General David Rodriguez and Embassy Deputy Regional Coordinator Clarence Hudson. During her visit she met with the Provincial Government leadership including the Governor, Deputy Governor, the chairman of the Provincial Council, and the chairman of the Provincial Reconstruction Development Team (PRDC). In her comments to the audience she applauded the efforts of the local government leaders and spoke of circumstances that once seemed impossible that now seem inevitable in terms of the growth and development of governments. She also addressed a group of Soldiers from Multi National Force – Northwest in a Veterans Day Celebration. The Secretary of State was accompanied by Ambassador Khalilzade.
Link to Full Article
KTUU-TV News
Anchorage, Alaska - Alaskan soldiers with the Stryker Brigade have made a major capture in Mosul, Iraq.
Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment from Fort Wainwright detained one of the principal financiers of the al-Qaeda cell in Mosul.
Lt. Col. Charles Webster, who spoke to KTUU-TV by phone from Mosul, says they got a tip while questioning suspects detained by Iraqi police. [...]
Link to Full Article
CNN.com
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice arrived in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul on a surprise visit during a tour of the Middle East to promote democracy.
Arriving early Friday from Bahrain, she appealed for Iraqis to bridge their sectarian differences before the elections, five weeks away, on December 15. [...]
Link to Full Article
By MARGARET FRIEDENAUER, The News-Miner
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team have been bringing down some big names in the terrorist organization al-Qaida.
The 2-1 is stationed mainly in Mosul and have captured more than 180 suspected terrorists in the nearly three months since the brigade left Alaska. Lt. Col. Charles Webster, commander of the 2-1, spoke with reporters Thursday from Iraq and described a recent operation that he said crippled an al-Qaida cell in Mosul.
Link to Full Article (Opinion)
By Michelle Cuthrell, The News-Miner
When my husband left for Iraq three months ago, the optimist inside typed a list in classic obsessive-compulsive style of all the positive aspects of deployment.
Just above positive aspect No. 3, "The toilet seat will be forever down," and positive aspect No. 2, "I can decorate the bedroom in my favorite bright colors without Matt mentioning for the fourth time, 'Oh, did a rainbow throw up on our bed?'" was positive aspect No. 1: "I will have more time to invest in relationships."
Link to Full Article
By Michael Gilbert, The News-Tribune
Fresh from a year in Iraq, Staff Sgt. Daniel Garcia and his fellow soldiers went to Boze Elementary School in Tacoma on Thursday to meet students who were their pen pals.
Garcia’s unit was among dozens of Fort Lewis troops that have fanned out all week to meet the more than 40 requests for soldiers to appear at Veterans Day events.
“It’s great. There’s definitely a lot of warmth,” said Garcia, 33.
Link to Full Article
BY CHRISTIAN HILL, THE OLYMPIAN
FORT LEWIS -- Soldiers with the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, who returned last month from a yearlong deployment to Iraq are preparing for a move to Germany.
Between 1,000 and 1,500 brigade soldiers and their families would begin leaving next spring to form the nucleus of a new Stryker brigade forming in Vilseck, Germany, suggested Brig. Gen. Mark Hertling, operations officer for U.S. Army Europe.
The exact number isn't yet known, he said.
Two individuals close to the Stryker Brigade community will be appearing on television and radio today and tomorrow.
Bil Roggio has a number of recent articles devoted to coverage of Operation Steel Curtain, a recently initiated coalition operation in western Iraq. Start at the top and work your way down.
Link to Full Article
By Hal Bernton, Seattle Times
Back in February, one month into his stay in Iraq, writer Michael Yon almost ended his attempt to chronicle the war in an online blog. He lacked the backing of a newspaper, magazine or book publisher, and grew weary of the risks of life in a combat zone as he embedded with U.S. troops.
"I was ready to get out. I wasn't getting paid, and it was damn dangerous," Yon said. "Every day I was thinking 'Is this the day I might get killed or get my legs blown off?' "
By MELANTHIA MITCHELL, ASSOCIATED PRESS
SEATTLE -- As far as Nicaraguan immigrant Jean Zamora is concerned, the United States has always been his home. So after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, he wanted to serve and fight for a country that, legally, was not his own.
Until now.
Zamora and at least 20 other Stryker Brigade soldiers are to be granted citizenship during a ceremony Thursday at the Army's Fort Lewis, 40 miles south of here.
(TFF Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (November 9, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 49 suspected terrorists and seized a number of weapons caches during operations in northern Iraq Nov. 5-9.
Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a cordon and search near the Syrian border Nov. 5. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division detained two individuals with a weapon after receiving small arms fire in Tal Afar Nov. 7. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2/1/3 also detained five individuals for hiding a weapon and being positively identified as terrorists. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in northern Mosul Nov. 9. Iraqi Police alongside Multi-National Forces discovered a 500-pound bomb in Avgani Nov. 8. The bomb was reduced without incident. Iraqi Police also detained two individuals suspected of terrorist activity after receiving small arms fire in central Mosul Nov. 8. Suspects are in custody with no ISF injuries reported.
Here are three new photos recently posted on Army Images:
Spc. Nick Faneuff of the 4-14 CAV
2-1 INF night raid
Spc. Kirk B. Hubbard of the 4-23 INF
Link to Full Article
By Mike Barber, The Seattle P-I
It's official.
Fort Lewis' 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, the nation's first Stryker Brigade Combat Team, is in the mix to return to Iraq next year.
The 4,000-member brigade, developed at Fort Lewis as part of the Army's "transformation" to 21st-century warfare, is among eight major units from around the nation that will be sent to Iraq beginning in mid-2006 in a regular rotation to relieve others.
Here is a link to 100+ Stryker related videos on the DVIDS site, dating back to Jan., 2005. Many of the recent videos are interviews with 172nd SBCT soldiers. There are also additional videos of 172nd SBCT operations in Rawah and Mosul. A number of new 1-25 SBCT videos can also be seen.
Company A, 2-1 INF is featured in this Defend America Photo Essay.
Photos by SSG James L. Harper Jr., U.S. Air Force.
(DoD Press Release)
The Department of Defense announced today the major units scheduled to deploy as part of the next Operation Iraqi Freedom rotation. This announcement involves several combat brigades, headquarters elements, and combat support and combat service support units and approximately 92,000 service members as presently envisioned. The scheduled rotation for these forces will begin in mid-2006. Decisions made by the Secretary of Defense at the recommendation of military commanders in Iraq may result in changes to this rotation and may affect units now being identified and advised to prepare to deploy.
Link to Full Article
PRN Newswire
STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich., Nov. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The U.S. Army TACOM Lifecycle Management Command has awarded General Dynamics Land Systems, a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), a $69 million contract for Stryker eight-wheeled combat vehicle sustainment or "reset" work. Through this contract, General Dynamics will service, repair and modify 265 Stryker infantry combat vehicles which are returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom, restoring them to a pre-combat, like-new condition in advance of reissuing the vehicles prior to their next deployment. These vehicles have been in service in Iraq since October 2003, supporting two 3,900-soldier Stryker Brigade Combat Team rotations.
Winds of Change has published its weekly Iraq Report, with links to news and analysis of recent events there.
Greetings everyone. Well, after a very long year in Iraq and an even longer thirteen months at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, my son is on his way home. YIPPEEEEEE
We got the call a few days ago and since the Army did not process his extension in a timely manner, they decided to finalize his paperwork and get him on the next available flight to Oregon. God bless the bureauracrat that shuffled the paperwork. :-) Needless to say it was a very emotional moment for Michael, taking off his uniform for the last time and packing it away. He is officially a civilian again, with many new challenges ahead of him. I know he will do well.
Link to Full Article
Silver Star goes to Stryker soldiers tested in Iraq
MICHAEL GILBERT
Massive truck bomb had turned much of the Fort Lewis soldiers’ outpost to rubble. One of their own lay dying and many others wounded.
Some 50 al-Qaida fighters were attacking from several directions with machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades.
It was obvious that the insurgents had come to drive the platoon of Stryker brigade troops out of Combat Outpost Tampa, a four-story concrete building overlooking a major highway through western Mosul, Iraq.
Actor Bruce Willis attended a formal homecoming ball Saturday night for members of the 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment at the Greater Tacoma Convention & Trade Center.
Willis praised the soldiers of “Deuce Four” and sat at the head table with Lt. Col. Erik Kurilla, the battalion’s commander, and Col. Robert Brown, the departing commander of Fort Lewis’ second Stryker brigade.
We've been a long time supporter of the Soldiers' Angels organization. One of their latest campaigns is Project Valour IT, which is working to provide "voice-controlled software and laptop computers to wounded Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand and arm injuries or amputations at major military medical centers." We've learned first hand how important these computers can be during the recovery process. Soldiers' Angels is holding a friendly fundraising contest for this project through Veterans Day, November 11. Please visit their site to learn more about this project or to donate to the cause.
DVIDS has a video of 2-1 INF conducting patrols recently in Mosul. Thanks to Missy for the link.
Here is one photo of 2-1 INF soldiers on patrol in Mosul, Nov. 2, 2005.
DOD photo by SSG James L. Harper Jr., U.S. Air Force.
USARAK provides us with this photo from the memorial ceremony for Spc. Lucas Frantz at Fort Wainwright's Northern Lights Chapel.
Photo by Tracey Murray
For those of you that would like to explore the rapidly expanding network of military blogs (milblogs), there are two new directories to visit and bookmark.
Link to Full Article
By Jim Hook, Daily Southtown
The military came Friday to Argo Community High School in Summit.
They weren't recruiters hoping to persuade seniors uncertain of their futures to sign on the dotted line.
These were proud military veterans who spent time serving their country in wars from Korea to Iraq.
And they shared their experiences with Argo students as part of the school's 16th annual Veterans Day observance. [...]
Link to Full Article
The Olympian
A Stryker brigade that recently returned from Iraq has a new commander.
Col. John S. RisCassi assumed control of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, on Friday during a change of command ceremony at the post. He replaces Col. Robert Brown, who is being reassigned to U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii.
TFF Press Release
Iraqi Security Forces along with Multi-National Forces from Task Force Freedom detained 46 suspected terrorists and seized weapons caches Oct. 31-Nov. 4.
Iraqi Army Soldiers detained 12 individuals suspected of terrorist activity in response to a shooting in a neighborhood in Tal Afar Nov. 2. Iraqi Police detained 11 individuals suspected of terrorist activity during operations in Tal Afar Nov. 4. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 2nd Brigade, 1st Division along with Multi-National Forces detained 11 individuals suspected of terrorist activity during a series of raids in Mosul Nov. 1. Iraqi Police seized a cache of 57-millimeter rockets and 122-millimeter artillery rounds in Qayarrah Nov. 1. Iraqi Police detained three more individuals suspected of conducting terrorist activity in Jamessia Nov. 2. Iraqi Army Soldiers from 1st Brigade, 3rd Division detained one individual suspected of terrorist activity during a raid in eastern Mosul Nov. 3. Iraqi Police along with Soldiers from 65th Military Police detained nine individuals suspected of terrorist activity in northern Mosul Nov. 4.
Link to Full Article
DoD Press Release
The Department of Defense announced today the recent implementation of a Post Deployment Health Reassessment Program that reaches out to servicemembers three to six months after returning from deployment.
Link to Full Article with photos
Tracey Murray
Fort Wainwright PAO
FORT WAINWRIGHT — While families and Soldiers alike still enjoy receiving packages and letters through the mail, technology is helping deployed Soldiers feel much closer to home.
Here is a 4-11 FA photo taken on FOB Courage, courtesy of USARAK.
Link to Full Article with photo
Maj. Craig Triscari
1-17th Infantry
MOSUL, Iraq – An insurgent’s attempt to disrupt U.S. patrols in the western part of the city Sept. 28 left one suicide car bomber dead and his vehicle destroyed with no coalition casualties sustained.
Company B, 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment were attacked by a suicide bomber who attempted to ram his small car into a Stryker vehicle and detonate an improvised explosive device with the goal of disabling the Stryker and killing American Soldiers.
Link to Full Story with photo
from USARAK e-post
BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Quick Reaction Force from 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry Regiment, aided in the operation that killed an al-Qaeda terrorist cell leader and his assistant during a coalition raid of a suspected safe house in Mosul Oct. 22.
Link to Full Article
By ROGER W. HOSKINS, Modesto Bee
"We had an angel watching over us, and his name was Oscar."
That was the sentiment of the buddies Oscar Sanchez saved and of their families, who gathered about 500 strong at the Fort Lewis amphitheater in Washington state to honor their fallen comrade one more time last week.
Link to Full Article
By MICHELLE CUTHRELL, News-Miner
He's been staring at her pictures on the Internet and watching her from the other side of a Web camera for weeks. He's called her, sent her kisses and adored her from thousands of miles away. But this week, he will finally get to meet the little angel he's fallen in love with for the last 2 1/2 months.
This week, Sgt. Adam Worthington will meet his baby girl for the very first time.
