Soldiers return to warm family welcome
Another 4/2 SBCT unit arrived home today. Be sure to see the accompanying photo slide show.
The brass band played, the crowd cheered and some cried as soldiers returning from tours in Iraq marched into Fort Lewis' Soldier Field House Saturday morning.
The balloons, flags, and posters filling the auditorium were to celebrate the homecoming of the Washington Army National Guard's 1/168 General Support Aviation Battalion after a year-long deployment to Iraq.
"The great thing is we left with 162 people and we came back with 162 people," said supply Sgt. William Clardy, who arrived into the arms of his wife, Davina, and their four young daughters.
Also returning Saturday were roughly 200 soldiers with the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division after a 15-month deployment to Iraq.
Stryker vehicles start long journey to Middle East
By Chris Freiberg, Daily News Miner
The 1st Brigade 25th Infantry Stryker Brigade Combat Team has begun the long process of shipping its equipment to the Mideast.
This week, the 1,100 vehicles used by the brigade, including the eight-wheeled armored Strykers from which the unit gets its name, were put on trains for the first leg of the journey. The 1-25th is scheduled to deploy to Iraq sometime this fall.
Those trains will travel through Alaska to Anchorage where the vehicles will be loaded on a ship destined for the Mojave Desert in California.
IA, MND-B Soldiers seize munitions
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized a number of munitions May 30 across Baghdad.
The IA Soldiers from the 43rd Brigade, 11th IA Division, and Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, seized four mortar rounds and an indeterminate number of PKC rifle rounds at approximately 8:30 a.m. in the Shurta area of Rashid.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. on the outskirts of Sadr City, Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., seized 12, 60mm high-explosive mortar rounds; two 60mm mortars, two 82mm high-explosive rounds, two PG-7 rocket mortar rounds, a 57mm rocket and a 40mm mortar round.
At approximately 5:15 p.m., Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found five 81mm mortar rounds, a 60mm mortar round and a grenade northwest of Baghdad.
Soldier Helps Iraqis Take Charge
By Army Spc. John Ahn, Special to American Forces Press Service
CAMP TAJI — U.S. soldiers working together with their Iraqi counterparts is an important step toward Iraqis taking charge of their nation.
A fire team at a joint security station near Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, is a model for a successful transition from a dependent Iraq to a sovereign nation that can secure the people.
The fire team consists of both Multi-National Division - Baghdad soldiers and Iraqi soldiers from 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division. U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Rios, a native of Sebastian, Texas, serves as the team chief. He is assigned to the 25th Infantry Division’s 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors.”
Iraqi Army detain suspects, seize munitions in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers continue to conduct operations to increase security in the Baghdad area. During operations May 30, the combined forces detained five suspects and seized various munitions.
In the Mansour district of Baghdad, Iraqi Army Soldiers with the 4th Company, 1st Battalion, 54th Brigade, 6th IA Division, after receiving a tip from a local citizen, seized a rocket at approximately 1:30 p.m. The Soldiers detained two suspects believed to be connected to the found rocket.
Stryker brigade homecoming
Be sure to click through and read the entire article.
MICHAEL GILBERT, The News Tribune
The first wave of Stryker soldiers returned to families Thursday at Fort Lewis, with many more reunions due over the next few weeks as the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division closes its grueling combat tour of nearly 15 months in Iraq.
Once all 4,000 of the brigade’s troops arrive, Fort Lewis for the first time will have all three of its Stryker brigades at home.
Not even car trouble was going to stop Elizabeth Gipe from making it for the occasion from her home in Caldwell, Idaho.
Infantry Soldiers gather to honor fallen comrades
By Rachel Young, Northwest Guardian
President Abraham Lincoln once said that any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure. With that in mind, Soldiers, families and friends of the Arrowhead Brigade gathered May 22 to pay tribute to their fallen brothers and sisters in honor of Memorial Day.
The ceremony centered around recalling the 91 Soldiers of 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division who died while assigned or attached to the unit.
“Today we gather to honor our fallen comrades,” said Maj. Elisabeth Crooks, brigade adjutant and narrator for the ceremony. “These men and women gave their lives in order to protect our nation, our values and our ideals.”
“Dead Reckoning” Debuts at Camp Taji Mud House
By Spc. Michele Meadows, 1st Sustainment Brigade
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Monotony…for some this is just a word but for Soldiers deployed to Iraq, it can be taken to a whole new level. While some tend to gravitate towards sports or video games to break the tension, a group of six Soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, found their ease in music.
They call themselves, Dead Reckoning, after a term used by the military for navigation.
“I thought it was cool to use,” said Spc. Joseph Ray, a Rock Hill, S.C., native, and lead guitarist and vocalist. “It just kind of says, hey, we know where we are, and we know what we want to do; (it) just seemed to fit,” he continued.
MND-B Soldiers engage RPG team, seize munitions
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers killed 2 criminals and seized munitions during operations in Baghdad May 28.
Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, discovered 240 57 mm rocket warheads at approximately 2:10 p.m. northwest of Baghdad.
Soldiers from 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, found five grenades, four rocket-propelled grenades, four RPG propelling fuses, three grenade fuses, 35 non-electric blasting caps, two boosters, and 30 feet of timing fuse at approximately 5:45 p.m. in the Shaab area of Adhamiyah.
At approximately 7:20 p.m. northwest of Baghdad, Soldiers from 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div. found four RPG rounds, a grenade, and a mine with detonation cord and blasting caps.
At approximately 11 p.m. in the Mashtal area of New Baghdad, Soldiers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, spotted individuals armed with loaded RPG launchers advancing toward them. The Soldiers engaged them with small-arms fire and killed two.
Brigade to Get 'Land Warrior' System
by Debi Dawson, Army News Service
FORT BELVOIR, Va. - As Land Warrior reaches its first anniversary in combat, the Army is seeking to equip an entire brigade combat team with the high-tech system which increases mission speed and effectiveness and decreases risks to the warfighter.
The Army has approved an Operational Needs Statement to field the Land Warrior system to the 5th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, in 2009.
During the past year, Soldiers with the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment have faced the challenges of asymmetric warfare in Iraq using Land Warrior, and the battalion's success has prompted others to ask for the system. The 4-9 Infantry is part of the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division from Fort Lewis, Wash.
‘Surge’ Brigade redeploys
Multi-National Corps – Iraq PAO
BAGHDAD – Approximately, 4,000 Soldiers from the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, are redeploying back to Fort Lewis, Wash., next month.
The 4th Stryker Brigade deployed in April 2007 to secure the Diyala Province north of Baghdad to improve the safety and quality of life for the approximately 1.2 million people living there. During this time, the 4th Stryker Brigade was part of the initial surge of five additional brigades into Iraq.
“We have been extremely successful during our 14 months of operations in Taji and Diyala,“ said Col. John Lehr, brigade commander for 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. “Operations in concert with the Iraqi Security Forces have made the province safer and more stable resulting in a place for the government and civil services to conduct business and for the Iraqi people to live and work. “
4/2 SBCT Homecoming Begins
Ft. Lewis public affairs has alerted local media that flights of 4/2 SBCT soldiers will begin arriving tomorrow. If you have a good story or photos to share please let us know. Congrats!
- 4th Brigade is coming home - FOB Tacoma
- 4-2 Stryker brigade homecoming at Fort Lewis - Seattle Times
- About 250 Fort Lewis soldiers expected to return tomorrow - The Olympian
MND-B Soldiers conduct operations to increase safety in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons throughout Baghdad May 28 as they conducted operations to secure the area.
MND-B Soldiers serving with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division seized a 155 mm projectile round with a detonation cord attached, a 120 mm mortar round, and a bag of TNT northwest of Baghdad at approximately 11:28 a.m.
MND-B Soldiers Detain Terror Suspect
By 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained a suspected terrorist in Tarmiyah, northwest of Baghdad, May 26.
Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, detained the suspect, who is accused of recruiting juveniles in the area to carry out attacks on Iraqi security forces and coalition forces.
The suspect is also accused of being linked to an explosion at an Iraqi security checkpoint in the Tarmiyah area where four ISF persons were killed, May 26.
The suspect is being held for questioning.
Hawaii Second Graders Donated Cell Phones For Soldiers
HONOLULU (KHNL) -- Eight hundred hours of talk time. That's what one Army unit in Iraq will get thanks to a group of Hawaii second graders.
Carson Risdon's Dad is in Iraq, and everytime the phone rings he hopes it will be his father on the other end.
"I just like my dad calling, it's really fun I don't get to talk to him much because theres a web cam thing that won't work," Risdon said. [...]
During February and March, his second grade class at Holy Family Catholic Academy collected 60 cell phones for the non-profit group, Cell Phones for Soldiers. Its founders Massachusetts teens Robbie and Brittany Berquist started the group and they're in Hawaii now on vacation. It takes old cell phones, recycles them for cash, and buys calling cards. [...]
Kingsport native commanding Stryker battalion honors young soldiers in Iraq
Commander of 2-23 INF, 4/2 SBCT featured in the following article. There is also a 4 minute video featuring photos of the battalion with audio provided by LTC Landes.
By Kacie Dingus Breeding, Kingsport Times-News
A Kingsport native stationed in Iraq since last fall offers a few words of praise for his battalion as they prepare to rotate back to the United States in about a week's time.
United States Army Lt. Col Mark Landes departed Fort Lewis on Sep. 26, 2007, to assume command of the 2-23 Infantry Stryker battalion in Iraq.
In an emailed update earlier this month, Landes had a few words of praise for those he led to successes in several areas of Iraq. "I can not be more proud of the Soldiers that serve with me. They are the best that our Country has to offer and their performance has been nothing less than fantastic," Landes said. [...]
Wolfhound Soldier Makes Difference Training Iraqi Army
Story by Spc. John Ahn, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI — Working together with the Iraqi Army (IA) is an important step in the success of this war – and an important step toward Iraqis taking charge of their nation.
A fire team showing a unified Coalition front line force at a Joint Security Station near Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, is a model for a successful transition from a dependent Iraq to a sovereign nation that can secure its people.
The fire team consists of both Multi-National Division – Baghdad and IA Soldiers from the 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division. Sgt. Michael Rios, a native of Sebastian, Texas, serves as the team chief. He is assigned to 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division.
Army may spend $102 million for more Land Warrior units
Max Jarman, The Arizona Republic
General Dynamics C4 Systems' $3 billion Land Warrior program is showing signs of life after being terminated by the U.S. Army last year.
The Scottsdale-based General Dynamics Co. subsidiary was the prime contactor on the program and was dealt a significant blow when it was canceled in what the unit's President Chris Marzilli calls a "pre-emptive strike."
But soldiers, who were initially slow to accept the technology, are now clamoring for the high-tech gear.
Local Guard prepares for Iraq
Especially in times of war, most people know Memorial Day is a day set aside for more than firing up the grill with family, friends and neighbors.
This weekend, many soldiers with the local National Guard unit will be doing just that. Hot dogs, hamburgers, parades, ceremonies.
But they, and their families, will have something else in the back of their minds. Those soldiers will soon be serving in Iraq.
The 100 or so members of Battery A of the First Battalion of the 108th Field Artillery, based in Hanover, will be among the 4,000 Pennsylvania Guard members deploying to Iraq with the 56th Stryker Brigade.
Iraqis, MND-B Soldiers discover weapons caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – A Sons of Iraq member and a local citizen teamed up with Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers to discover three weapons caches May 25 in Baghdad.
Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, seized a single barrel ,12-gauge shotgun, an AK-47, 21 .22 center-fire rounds, 19 .38 mm rounds, 25 9 mm rounds, four AK-47 magazines, several 12-gauge buckshot shells and 400 7.62 mm rounds at approximately 7:50 a.m. in Sadr City.
At approximately 6:40 p.m., Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, acting on a tip from a local citizen, seized a laser-guided 85 mm missile and a 155 mm mortar round northwest of Baghdad.
At approximately 8:10 p.m. northwest of Baghdad, a Sons of Iraq member turned in eight 60 mm mortars to Soldiers from 2nd SBCT 25th Inf. Div. at Joint Security Station Al Awad north of Baghdad.
Memories of a Stryker
The family of Cpl. Christopher J. Nelson is profiled in the following article. This is a long piece, so click through to read the full article.
By Erik Lacitis, Seattle Times
ROCHESTER, Thurston County — It's been a bit over six months since Cpl. Christopher J. Nelson was killed in Iraq by a suicide bomber.
This little town of 1,800 just south of Olympia, with pastures and small family farms, was his home.
Some 300 people turned out last fall for the 22-year-old man's memorial service at Rochester High School. He was the community's first local casualty from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. And so far he has been the only one.
Families prepare for return of their soldiers
By Christian Hill | The Olympian
Sgt. James Brinson's long journey home from Iraq will end on tree-lined streets festooned with yellow ribbons.
His wife, Gené, 24, has decorated a stretch of College Street, the driveway of their apartment complex and their apartment door.
It's her way of celebrating her husband's return and reminding people of the sacrifice of thousands of local service members and their families.
A son’s star
3/2 SBCT soldier profiled.
By MIRIAM MOELLER, The Mining Journal
MARQUETTE —Northern Michigan University President Les Wong carefully and protectively picked up a quarter-sized bronze star attached to a red, white and blue striped ribbon.
“Right now it’s typically on my dresser,” he said. “I look at it every day.”
The medal is a Bronze Star — the country’s fourth-highest combat medal, awarded for “meritorious” service while in combat in the United States Army — once belonged to Les’ son Brian, 27.
Memorial Day
"Not only are they commemorated by columns and inscriptions, but there dwells also an unwritten memorial of them, graven not on stone but in the hearts of men." -- Pericles (c. 600 B.C.)
This entry will remain on top through Memorial Day. We will resume our regular news coverage on Tuesday, May 27.
Please take a moment to visit our Memorial Page honoring soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
You might also be interested in reading past entries from our Tributes Category.
U.S. Memorial Day Website - Great launching point for learning more about this holiday.
Memorial Day Quotations - Words for reflection.
Please feel free to share other links of interest in the comments section.
Remembering the soldiers of 1–25
Jack Lewis, a reservist who served alongside the 1/25 SBCT in Iraq, wrote the following tribute.
I saw their faces again the day our local paper decided to run a list of Washington-connected KIA — the military's way of shortening the phrase "Killed in Action" — from 2005. Members of the 1-25 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, they were all stationed at Fort Lewis prior to deployment. Ft. Lewis features a military museum, thousands of housing units, a post exchange (the Army's version of a "big box" store), an artillery brigade, and two Stryker brigades.
Laid out neatly on my desk adjacent to the slapdash piles of notes and software and phones and pens, these faces looked back at me, unchanged from when I last saw them. These men weren't packing for Europe with the rest of their brigade. The brigade had returned from Iraq without them, and it would go to Germany without them.
There was a First Lieutenant from Ohio, remembered better by my gunner (now a Redmond cop) than by me. He was with the 73rd Engineers, a company that spent time with us out in Tal Afar before they were relieved by a National Guard unit that turned out to be a danger to itself and others.
Wolfhound Makes Difference Training Iraqi Army Soldiers
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Working together with the Iraqi army is an important step in the success of this war – and an important step in Iraqis taking charge of their nation.
A fire team showing a unified coalition front line force at a Joint Security Station near Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, is a model for a successful transition from a dependent Iraq to a sovereign nation that can secure the people.
The fire team consists of both Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and IA soldiers from the 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division. Sgt. Michael Rios, a native of Sebastian, Texas, serves as the team chief. He is assigned to 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division.
Stryker Cavalry celebrates 172nd birthday with party at Vilseck
By Seth Robson, Stars and Stripes
VILSECK, Germany — The 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment — the Army’s oldest continuously serving active regiment — celebrated its 172nd birthday Friday with a party at Vilseck.
Members of the regiment’s rear detachment donned Stetson hats and spurs for the party, which was a chance for families of 2nd Cav soldiers deployed to Iraq to let their hair down.
Bouncy castles, face-painting and balloons were the big draws for Ailani Rucobo, 3, according to her mother, Yvonne Rucobo, 34, of El Paso Texas.
Ailani’s dad, Staff Sgt. Hugo Rucobo, is in Iraq with the 3rd Squadron, 2nd Cav, Yvonne Rucobo said, adding that the party is a good chance for her three children to use up some energy.
The person who organized the bash — Capt. Shawn Giacobbe, 26, of Philadelphia — said the regiment celebrates its birthday every year but this year’s party was bigger than normal. [...]
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches, detain two criminals
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered several weapons caches and detained two criminals in Baghdad May 24.
Soldiers with 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, seized three 60 mm mortar rounds at approximately 6:45 a.m. in West Rashid.
Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, discovered a weapons cache northwest of Baghdad at approximately 12:30 p.m.
The cache consisted of two 122 mm mortar rounds, five 105 mm projectile rounds, four 85 mm mortar rounds, three 82 mm mortar rounds, a 60 mm mortar round, an 80 mm mortar round, a 106 mm inert projectile, a .50-caliber machine gun, an MG42 machine gun and the remnants of an anti-tank mine.
Col. Lehr Interviewed
Colonel Jon Lehr, commander of the 4/2 SBCT, must have conducted a press briefing via telephone because two separate outlets are quoting from the session.
- In Diyala Province, Persuasion by Artillery Fire - Wired Magazine
- 'Like A Self-Licking Ice Cream Cone' - The Washington Independent
Training period begins for Arrowhead Brigade
By Rachel Young, Northwest Guardian
The Arrowhead Brigade is reset — and ready to roll.
The reset period has drawn to a close for 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division and the training period has begun in earnest. For the last several months, 3rd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. has been “rebuilding the foundation,” according to Col. David Funk, brigade commander. What the Army calls the reset period, Funk prefers to call a “regeneration” because it better describes the complex period.
With that in mind, he chose the theme of rebuilding the foundation because he likens the reset period to building a house. “If you want to go out and build a house, you can go ahead and throw your walls up, and put the roof on, and put pretty shutters on it, and paint it up really nice, but the first stiff wind that comes by, that thing is going to collapse on you,” Funk said. “You always start out with the foundation.”
Chehalis Tribes Hold Successful Veterans Benefit
Apparently the event will benefit the 4/2 SBCT.
ROCHESTER, Wash., May 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chehalis Confederated Tribes held a highly successful benefit dinner and theater performance for returning combat veterans at the Lucky Eagle Casino Event Center May 17th, tribal officials announced this week. The fundraising effort, appropriately named "The Return To Honor Veterans Benefit," was created to provide much needed support for the Dragoon Raiders Soldier and Family Fund and the Freedoms Foundation's Return To Honor program. Hosted by television personality Grant Goodeve, the event was attended by an enthusiastic crowd of 250 and raised over $65,000.
"We are pleased with the support and participation we received from the community," said Chehalis Tribal Chairman David Burnett. "It was our belief that people would welcome the opportunity to help charitable organizations that serve our returning combat veterans, and that proved to be the case. We are especially grateful to our key corporate sponsors, Pepsi, Wells Fargo, Uhlmann I-5 Auto Group, Reichert's Distributing and the Olympian."
The benefit featured moving speeches by Major Davina French, veteran of the Iraq War and currently the Interagency Coordination Officer for the North Dakota National Guard, Thomas K. Lee, combat veteran who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq, and Major Daniel Dudek, Iraq War combat veteran who served with the Stryker Combat Brigade team (4th Brigade, 2d Infantry Division).
ISF, MND-B Soldiers take deadly weapons off streets of Baghdad
2/25 SBCT soldiers mentioned below.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered weapons caches and prevented a potential deadly attack May 21 in Baghdad.
Soldiers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, found a weapons cache at approximately 12:05 p.m. in the Kamaliya area of New Baghdad. Soldiers discovered 16 mortar charges; 26 shotgun shells; a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher scope; an RPG round and 35, 5.56mm rounds.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. in Kadhamiyah, Iraqi Army Soldiers from 5th Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th IA Division, found a 155mm artillery round rigged to be used as an improvised-explosive device; an RPG round; five AK-47s; a 60mm mortar tube with bipod; 1,000, 7.62mm rounds and several electric components.
Dover native leads Army brigade in Iraq
Commander of 4/2 SBCT interviewed for his hometown paper.
by CHRISTINA KAUFFMAN The York Dispatch
U.S. Army Col. Jon Lehr has found inspiration in a most unusual place: an ATM in Baqubah, Iraq.
The Dover native is a member of the coalition forces that made it possible for the city to open its first private bank, complete with an ATM and electronic funds transfer, he said.
The little cash machine, seen by some Iraqis for the first time, is a big deal there. And electronic funds transfer is equally unusual in a cash-based society where the cash of the provincial budget used to literally take up an entire tractor trailer, Lehr said.
When soldiers reconnect with children they hardly know
2nd SCR soldier profiled in the following story.
By JUSTIN PAPROCKI, McClatchy Newspapers
HILTON HEAD, S.C. -- The first time Army specialist Brian Morel held his daughter was in the Savannah International Airport. He took the 7-month-old from his wife's arms and hoisted her above his head - he in the subdued greens and tans of Army fatigues, and she in a pink and white jumper.
"Hi, there," he said, raising his voice an octave.
She didn't squirm.
Later, he'd recall that he wasn't sure what to expect that first time.
Iraqi Army presses into Sadr City
By Bill Roggio, The Long War Journal
The Iraqi security forces have entered the northern regions of Sadr City on Tuesday. Dubbed Operation Salam, or Peace, thousands of Iraqi troops moved into the Mahdi Army stronghold just before dawn and took up positions at strategic points throughout Sadr City.
"Operation Salam is going in accordance with well-planned and organized steps," Major General Qassem Atta told Voices of Iraq. Iraqi troops are tasked with securing the neighborhoods, arresting wanted individuals, and searching and seizing unlicensed weapons.
"The forces aim at maintaining security and stability to implement the remaining three stages of the ceasefire agreement with the Sadrist movement," Atta said. The agreement states there will be no use of "illegal weapons," the Iraqi Army would dismantle roadside bombs set up by the Mahdi Army, and security forces can arrest wanted individuals if a warrant has been issued. Security forces may also target anyone attacking them. The Iraqi Army has found and destroyed more than 100 roadside bombs since the operation began. [...]
Future Ft. Lewis Deployments
Mike Gilbert at The News Tribune takes a look at the recent rotation announcement and suggests what this might mean for future 3/2 and 5/2 SBCT deployments.
MND-B, Iraqi Army Soldiers find weapons cache, IEDs
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered a munitions cache and several improvised-explosive devices May 20 in Baghdad.
In the Hadar area of East Rashid, Iraqi army Soldiers from the 11th Iraqi Army Division acted on a tip from a citizen in the area and discovered four 82 mm mortar rounds and five 60 mm mortar rounds at approximately 3:45 p.m.
At approximately 5:40 p.m., Soldiers from the 107th Engineer Battalion, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, found an explosively formed projectile and a deep-buried IED on the outskirts of Sadr City as Iraqi Army soldiers ventured inside of Sadr City while conducting Operation Peace.
Iraqi Troops Push Deep Into Sadr City
Here's another from Gordon. Although US troops were not involved in this operation, elements of the 2nd SCR and 2/25 SBCT are operating elsewhere in Sadr City.
By MICHAEL R. GORDON, The New York Times
BAGHDAD — Iraqi troops pushed deep into Sadr City Tuesday as the Iraqi government sought to establish control over the densely populated Shia enclave in the Iraqi capital.
By midday, Iraqi forces had driven to a key thoroughfare that bisects Sadr City and taken up positions near hospitals, police stations and the political headquarters of Moktada al-Sadr, the rebel cleric. There was no significant resistance and no American ground forces were involved in the operation.
The long-awaited military operation was the first determined effort by the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to assert control over the neighborhood, which has been a bastion of support for Mr. Sadr, and comes in the wake of the government’s offensive in Basra.
Iraqi Forces Find Weapons Cache in Baghdad Mosque
It's unclear which Stryker brigade was involved in the following operation, but the author has embedded with 2nd SCR troops before.
By MICHAEL R. GORDON, The New York Times
BAGHDAD — Iraqi troops uncovered a large cache of arms in a raid on a Baghdad mosque on Monday amid signs that Shiite militants had stepped up their attacks outside Sadr City.
The raid occurred in the Shaab neighborhood northwest of Sadr City. After clearing the building of weapons, Iraqi forces closed the mosque and established a police checkpoint outside.
“The size of the cache in such an obvious place says that this group was not afraid of the Iraqi security forces in their area,” said Maj. Brian North, who leads the American military team advising the Iraqi Army’s 42nd Brigade.
From Iraq to Disney World: A Military Resort
I had no idea Disney World had a private resort for military families. Thanks to Susy for the link.
By DONALD G. McNEIL Jr., The New York Times
AS they enter through the Magic Kingdom gates, following signs with the familiar mouse ears, past the sighing of the monorail and the distant screams from Space Mountain, a few visitors take an unusual route, up a driveway just off the entrances to the Disney World golf courses.
There they find, atop an artificial rock formation, the flags of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard flapping in the Florida breeze. Beyond that lies a resort where there are a lot of high-and-tight crew cuts in the lobby, not to mention more lean physiques than elsewhere in Disney World.
Shades of Green, a retreat for military personnel — of all ranks — their families and guests, sits within the expansive Disney World site outside Orlando, Fla. Officially called an Armed Forces Recreation Center, it is one of five retreats around the world that let servicemen and -women reconnect with their families in the precious time they have together.
1/25 SBCT Receives Official Deployment Notice
It's official - the DoD just announced that the 1/25 SBCT (Ft. Wainwright, AK) will be among those units deploying to Iraq next fall. This unit previously deployed to Iraq as the 172nd SBCT, but was renamed following its return to Alaska.
Warrior News - May 2008
Warrior News is a monthly publication distributed by the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division public affairs office. It features photos, articles and other items of interest to the 2/25 SBCT community.
Provided below is a link to the most recent edition. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to open the document, but it is available for free if you need it.
- Warrior News - May 2008 Edition (PDF)
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons cache, detain suspected criminal
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers uncovered a weapons cache and detained one suspected criminal in operations throughout Baghdad May 18.
At approximately 12:10 p.m., Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, were searching a power sub station in West Rashid when they found a weapons cache consisting of two AK-47 assault rifles, three AK-47 magazines, one Dragonov rifle, one PKC rifle, three improvised explosive devices, two initiators, 60 pounds of homemade explosives, other bomb making materials, and one 60 mm mortar with fuse.
At approximately 11:10 a.m., Soldiers with the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, currently attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., detained a criminal suspected of emplacing IEDs after Soldiers received a tip from a local citizen in northeastern Baghdad.
Water Treatment Facility on Way to Recovery
By Sgt. Waldemar Rivera, 2/25 SBCT Public Affairs
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The Karkh water treatment plant in Taji, northwest of Baghdad, has been under construction and undergoing upgrades since its near destruction in 2005.
Lt. Col. Paul Williams, an Iuka, Miss., native, who is the officer in charge of the United States Army Corps of Engineers Taji Area, visited the Karkh Water Treatment Plant to check progress on the work taking place May 14.
He was joined by Lt. Col. David Davidson, a Lewisburg, Tenn., native, who serves as the deputy commander for 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. The two leaders are in charge of overseeing the progress of the work being done at the water treatment plant.
MND-B soldiers kill two criminals, seize munitions caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers killed two Special Groups criminals, who conducted attacks on Coalition force soldiers, and discovered two weapons caches, one with the help of a Sons of Iraq (Abna al-Iraq) member, in Baghdad May 16.
The SoI member led Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division to a munitions cache consisting of 155 mm mortar rounds west of Baghdad at approximately 12:20 p.m.
SGT John K. Daggett
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. John K. Daggett, 21, of Phoenix, Ariz., died May 15 in Halifax, Canada, of wounds suffered May 1 in Baghdad, Iraq, when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow soldiers.
Sadr City Update
The Long War Journal indicates that the pace of fighting in Sadr City has slowed ("Attacks decrease in Sadr City; fighting shifts to western Baghdad"). Excerpt:
With the cease-fire agreement between the Sadrist movement and the Iraqi government now in full effect after the four-day grace period that began on May 11, the fighting in Sadr City has decreased, but has not halted. The Mahdi Army continues to attack US and Iraqi troops as they work to complete the barrier along Qods Street in Sadr City, but the attack tempo has slowed, according to Multinational Forces Iraq. The US military believes the fighting has shifted to western Baghdad to deflect attention from Sadr City.From March 25 until last weekend, US and Iraqi security forces were engaged in major battles in Sadr City. Mahdi Army fighters were killed at a rate of nearly 20 per day, during which it was not uncommon for 20 to 30 Mahdi Army fighters to be killed in a single engagement.
3-21st Inf. Handle Training As Actual Mission
By Spc. Elayseah Woodard-Hinton, 20th Public Affairs Detachment
FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska -- Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company of 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, at Fort Wainwright concluded a two-day Air Assault training exercise at the Yukon training center March 18 and 19.
Air Assault training allows Soldiers to stay abreast of tactics that enable them to effectively seize and hold key terrain from enemy forces in a war zone if necessary; therefore, much planning, preparation and teamwork went into completing this task because Soldiers are trained as if they were on a real mission.
Prior to going into the field, the unit was given time to rehearse and check the equipment used during the field training portion of the exercise.
'They're in Good Hands'
A 4/2 SBCT soldier is briefly interviewed in the following article.
By Lennox Samuels
The young man in the gauzy yellow jumpsuit sits motionless in a reclining chair at the edge of the ward, his knees drawn up in a near-fetal position. His face is puffy from his wounds and he exhibits the stillness of someone who is blind. Indeed, the thick white bandage over his eyes seems to confirm that he is. But a second look takes in a light-brown leather strap that tethers him to the chair, and an American military officer confirms that he is a detainee. There’s nothing wrong with his eyes. The oversized bandage is there to make sure he won’t be able to identify anyone after he is released.
Apprehended because of his actions fighting Coalition forces in Iraq (Only captured or suspected insurgents face such restrictions), the man is a patient at the U.S. Air Force Theater Hospital at Balad Air Base. He is an emblem of the facility’s policy of treating anyone, friend or foe, who arrives there needing medical help. The care is world-class at the hospital, which is renowned for its trauma treatment and the skill of its doctors.
Officers Battle Visa Hurdles for Iraq Aides
Although not Stryker-related I thought the following article was worth sharing.
By CONRAD MULCAHY, The New York Times
When Lt. Col. Michael Zacchea left Iraq in 2005, he was torn. His yearlong mission to train an Iraqi Army battalion had left him wounded and emotionally drained, and he was eager to go. But leaving Iraq also meant leaving Jack, his Iraqi interpreter, to face an insurgency that has made a point of brutalizing those who help the Americans.
In their year together the two had, among other things, thwarted an assassination plot and survived the second battle of Falluja. Even before he departed, Colonel Zacchea began working to ensure that Jack would not be left.
“Once the insurgents get a hold of your name, they never let up until they get you,” Colonel Zacchea said.
US Army Outlines Future Improvements for the Stryker
Here's a short excerpt of the article - click through for a complete rundown of the planned upgrades.
The US Army plans to improve its fleet of Stryker vehicles wit hthe introduction of improved suspension, increased power generation and distribution, implemented by new power management systems. According to COL Christopher Lockhart, TRADOC Capability Manager, Stryker Brigade Combat Team, since the deployment of Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT) in Iraq, Stryker vehicles have been continuously fitted with new electronic systems, including power guzzling Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) jammers and gunshot detection systems. These systems rapidly drain the vehicle's power reserves, particularly when operating 'Silent Watch' with engine turned off. To sustain Silent Watch over extended periods, the introduction of an on-board auxiliary power unit is planned. The suspension will be improved to sustain loads up to 24-27 metric tons (55,000-60,000 lbs.) Lockhart presented the Stryker upgrade path to the audience of the IDGA Tactical Vehicles summit held in Washington DC in April 08. Defense Update was one of the media sponsors of this event. [...]
A new source of mental health care for veterans
By MICHAEL GILBERT, The News Tribune
A group of mental health care providers in Washington is offering free help to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families who either can’t or don’t want to go through traditional channels for care.
The Soldiers Project Northwest is modeled after a similar effort in Los Angeles, where volunteer therapists since 2004 have seen clients without charge for help with their war-related problems.
“The war just feels so big. The problems of the country feel so big. This is something that I can do,” said Tim Mallon, a University Place mental health counselor who is taking part in the Northwest effort. “I’ve got the training to do it, and the need is there. It’s pretty simple, really.”
Sadr City Update
Despite the announcement of a cease fire in Sadr City the fighting continues. The Long War Journal has a new update on the situation (Clashes continue in Sadr City). Excerpt:
Mahdi Army fighters continue to attack US and Iraqi units as they work to complete the barrier along Qods Street in Sadr City. These attacks are occurring despite the truce agreed upon by the Sadrist political block and the Iraqi government. Iraqi and US forces said 10 Mahdi Army fighters during clashes in Sadr City and three more Mahdi fighters were killed elsewhere in Baghdad. Iraqi troops have also begun reinforcing the Shula neighborhood in Baghdad.The Iraqi military said it killed eight “gunmen” inside Sadr City over the past 24 hours. The US military said it killed two Mahdi Army fighters from the night of May 12 to the morning of May 13 during five separate engagements. Three more Mahdi Army fighters were killed in the Mahdi-influenced neighborhood in New Baghdad and in northwestern Baghdad as they planted roadside bombs.
Soldier gets seven months for desertion while on leave from Iraq
By Seth Robson, Stars and Stripes
VILSECK, Germany – A 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment soldier who deserted while on midtour leave from Iraq will spend the next seven months in confinement.
At a court-martial Tuesday in Vilseck, Pfc. Robert J. Weis pleaded guilty to desertion and missing movement.
In an unsworn statement, Weis, 20, told the court he joined the Army motivated by a desire to protect America from Islamic extremists. However, soon after he joined, his sister’s fiance was killed in a fight at a party, he said.
MND-B Soldiers seize munitions, detain criminals
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained five criminals and 13 suspected criminals in separate events in the West Rashid and Kadhamiyah districts of Baghdad May 11.
At approximately 7 a.m., Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, detained a known criminal and six other suspected criminals while conducting a population engagement operation in Kadhamiyah.
At approximately 7:45 a.m., Soldiers with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, detained a suspect and three other individuals during Operation Tusker Chamberlain in West Rashid.
At approximately 8:00 a.m., MND-B Soldiers detained another suspect and three other individuals allegedly involved in planning improvised-explosives device attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition forces.
At approximately 11:20 a.m., Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a munitions cache, west of Baghdad. The cache consisted of a 55-gallon drum filled with more than 300 pounds of homemade explosives. The area was cleared and the munitions were detonated on site.
2-1 CAV Operations in Diyala
One of our readers sent a link to the personal website of Arthur Humphries, who I believe is a State Department representative in the Diyala province. He has a number of photos and blog entries featuring the soldiers of 2-1 CAV, 4/2 SBCT. I highly recommend a visit.
MND-B soldiers rescue kidnap victim
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers rescued a kidnapped Iraqi citizen May 8 near Ibrahim Bin Ali, northwest of Baghdad.
Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment “Gimlets,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, acted on tips from Iraqi Army soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division, in addition to tips provided by Iraqi Police and Sons of Iraq (Abna al-Iraq) members.
The suspected kidnappers were detained and are being held for further questioning.
“U.S. soldiers, in full partnership with Iraqi Security Forces, are aggressively pursuing criminals and terrorists, especially those who directly threaten the lives of Iraqi citizens,” said Col. Bill Buckner, MNC-I spokesman. “With the restoration of security, we see the Government of Iraq more able to provide essential services for the people – and that’s the goal.”
Sadr City Cease Fire
The Long War Journal is reporting that a cease fire has been negotiated between militia forces and the Iraqi military/government. Excerpt:
After over six weeks of heavy fighting in and around the Mahdi Army stronghold Sadr City, where Mahdi Army forces took lopsided casualties in the fighting, the government and the Sadrist political bloc have signed an agreement to end the fighting. The agreement will allow for the Iraqi military to operate freely inside Sadr City while the Mahdi Army must halt its fighting.The negotiations, which took place over the course of the last several days, culminated in the signing of a 14-point agreement. Both Iraqi government spokesman Ali al Dabbagh and Sadrist spokesman Sheikh Salih al Ubaydi confirmed an agreement was reached.
Related:
Operations continue in Sadr City
Warrior Sappers Lead Way for Engineers
By Sgt. 1st Class Christina Bhatti, 2/25 SBCT PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The engineers from the 66th Engineer Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, are the 2007 winners of the Lt. Gen. Emerson C. Itschner award, recognizing them as the best engineer company in the Army.
“It feels good,” said Spc. Jose Diaz, about the recognition. “The last two years of training were hard, and now we are being recognized by the Army as being the best engineer company.”
Diaz, a native of Arlington, Texas, who is a combat engineer with the 66th Eng. Co., joined the Army two years ago as a combat engineer. He said the job wasn’t really what he wanted to do, but it was a good option and he doesn’t regret the decision.
Army will repair barracks, including at Fort Lewis
News Tribune staff and news service reports
The U.S. Army said Friday that it will immediately repair barracks at eight facilities in the wake of inspection at bases worldwide. A small fraction of the rehab money will go to Fort Lewis.
The post south of Tacoma will receive $7.4 million – part of an overall $248 million package of emergency funds announced by Army Secretary Pete Geren.
Blogger & Author Gets Recalled
Those of you who have been following this site for a while no doubt remember Colby Buzzell. Buzzell deployed with the 3/2 SBCT in 2003-2004 and received a fair amount of notoriety for maintaining a very candid blog during his deployment. Following the brigade's redeployment he went on to pen a book ("My War: Killing Time in Iraq") that expanded on those original writings. Via an editorial he wrote last week in the SF Chronicle ("Return to Sender - Iraq Veteran Gets the Call Again") we learn that he has been recalled to active duty and will be heading back to Iraq.
Thanks to Mike for the link.
Stryker unit’s homecoming an event for family, friends
By Spc. Aaron Carpenter, I Corps Public Affairs
It wasn’t breakfast in bed but it was just as sweet for those in attendance at Sheridan Gym for the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division’s homecoming Saturday morning.
Roughly 200 family members and friends of the returning Soldiers packed the gym to welcome them home.
Approximately 110 Soldiers assigned to the 4th Bde. 2nd Inf. Div., came home as part of the advance party. The stands were buzzing as technology made it possible for the crowd to track the arrival.
ISF, MND-B soldiers engage IED emplacers and armed criminals
2/25 SBCT and 2nd SCR soldiers were involved in the following operations.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers kept the pressure on rogue criminal elements in the greater Baghdad area May 7-8, engaging IED emplacers and armed individuals and discovering weapons caches.
At approximately 10:40 a.m. May 7, Iraqi Police from 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi National Police Division, and soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, were attacked by criminals using rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire in Adhamiyah. An aerial weapons team was called in to assist. The AWT fired one Hellfire missile and killed two Special Groups criminals.
At approximately 11:40 a.m., west of Baghdad, soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, discovered three mortar rounds, four grenades, a land mine and numerous blasting caps.
Fort Lewis fixing up old barracks with $2.8 billion
By DONNA GORDON BLANKINSHIP, Associated Press
Soldiers at Fort Lewis live in buildings that date back as far as 1927, but base officials say an ambitious barracks construction and renovation project is keeping soldier housing entirely hospitable.
Fort Lewis, base for about 28,924 soldiers, has been building new barracks and upgrading old ones for the past seven years, mostly to accommodate population growth as new Stryker brigades are formed or moved to Washington state.
Recreating Iraqi warfare in the Far North
Thanks to Latanya for the story, which also includes video.
by Angela Blanchard, KTUU News
FORT WAINWRIGHT, Alaska -- It's not the Middle East but a state-of-the-art training center at Ft. Wainwright comes pretty close.
When all is said and done it provides soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Stryker Brigade the training they'll need when it comes time for the real thing.
The 1st Strykers will soon be deploying to Iraq and to prepare they're enduring a third and final high-intensity training day, in which dozens of men prove their muster and preparedness.
MND-B soldiers detain multiple criminals in Baghdad
2/25 SBCT were involved in the following operations.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division detained a suspected criminal linked to a foiled explosively-formed penetrator attack, in the eastern Baghdad neighborhood of Fadailliyah May 7.
The soldiers, attached to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, who are conducting operations in support of Iraqi Security Forces, traced a command wire from an EFP back to the criminal’s location in the New Baghdad district of Baghdad.
Raid results in more than 21 detainees
Even though there is no specific mention of the brigade I suspect elements of the 4/2 SBCT were involved in this operation.
Multi-National Division – North PAO
TIKRIT, Iraq – An operation for two known insurgent leaders resulted in over 20 Iraqi males being detained, May 7.
The operation was conducted in the Khatoon district of Baqubah during the early morning hours.
“The unit had gathered intelligence that indicated two high-level insurgent leaders were in the home,” said Maj. Mike Garcia, spokesperson for Coalition forces in Diyala.
“When they entered the home shortly after midnight, they found over 20 Iraqi adult males – awake – with several illegal weapons and a notebook containing plans for future attacks against Coalition forces in the home,” said Garcia.
Many of the men claimed to be students, local farmers or local media.
“We’ll identify these (individuals) through further questioning and if it is determined they are not involved in insurgent activity, they’ll be released,” said Garcia.
Pride Week at Fort Lewis puts soldiers to the test
FORT LEWIS — Pride Week traditionally has involved soldiers cleaning the post and removing debris from training areas.
Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby Jr., commanding general of Fort Lewis and I Corps, expanded this year's weeklong event to celebrate what soldiers have done and can do together.
For the first time, Pride Week includes unit-sponsored competition, including marksmanship, boxing and weightlifting, in an effort to build camaraderie and morale.
GI itching to rejoin Iraq unit
Here's a nice update on a 4/2 SBCT (I'm guessing) 2nd SCR soldier injured in Iraq and now recovering in the States.
By ROGER W. HOSKINS, Modesto Bee
WATERFORD -- The rocket exploded just inches from Josh Whitfield's head, leaving him with a concussion and other moderate injuries.
But it isn't how close the Army specialist came to eternity that troubles him today. It's the distance that separates him from his buddies in Iraq.
The blast didn't stop him from ordering the driver of the Stryker armored vehicle he was in to back up to protect U.S. soldiers on the ground. Nor did it stop him from firing his mounted .50-caliber machine gun for nearly a minute before he passed out.
Sadr City Update
See The Long War Journal for another update on current coalition operations in Sadr City. Excerpt:
Clashes between the Mahdi Army and US and Iraqi forces continued in Baghdad over the weekend as efforts to complete the security barriers separating the southern portion of Sadr City from the Mahdi Army-controlled north. The US military has moved another battalion of Strykers into the Sadr City. In the South, Iraqi troops cleared another militia-controlled neighborhood in Basrah.
Brigade executes massive move through Meadville
By Ryan Smith, Meadville Tribune
Meadville’s railroad yard became a mile-long stretch of heavy metal Wednesday.
More than 260 pieces of mobile military equipment — including about 70 cutting-edge Stryker combat vehicles — were moved to a staging area at the yard as Northwest Pennsylvania National Guard troops, including about 100 soldiers from Crawford County, continued preparing to ship out for training and eventual overseas deployment.
“This is the largest (ever) movement of military vehicles in northwestern Pennsylvania,” Capt. John Boyko, Erie-based 1-112 IN(SBCT) Battalion’s logistics officer, said Wednesday.
Stryker soldiers rejoice at home
SCOTT FONTAINE, The News Tribune
It’s been nearly 13 months since Shawnie Salgado’s husband deployed to Iraq.
That’s 13 months of loneliness. Thirteen months of juggling work and motherhood. Thirteen months of apprehension every time someone knocked on the door or called late at night.
Those 13 months ended Saturday.
Her husband, Army Capt. Joseph Salgado, and about 110 other members of an advance party of the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division returned to Fort Lewis, and enthusiastic friends and family members greeted the returning warriors.
The advance party consists of soldiers from each of the brigade’s battalions and companies. Their job is to help prepare for the return of the brigade’s remaining 3,500 to 4,000 soldiers, who will come home in the next few months.
More funding needed for Fort Wainwright memorial
By Chris Freiberg, Daily News-Miner
If everyone in the Fairbanks area donated just $1, the Fairbanks Veterans Association would have enough money to fund a Fort Wainwright memorial to those in the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team who have paid the ultimate cost in defense of freedom.
Contractors who have donated their time and money to the project are putting the finishing touches on the first phase of the Monterey Lake Memorial Park.
The nonprofit organization of about 50 veterans has raised $1,000 internally to pay for the $40,000 memorial, but is now appealing to businesses and the community for additional funding.
Refurbishing the War-Torn Stryker
Army News Service | by Jim Hinnant
CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar - Posters showing a battle-weary combat Soldier adorn the walls of the Stryker Battle Damage Repair Facility here. "Remember - everything we do affects this man. He and his buddies will be the first to pay for our mistakes," the posters warn.
The team of dedicated contractors working here in support of 1st Battalion, 401st Army Field Support Brigade has worked with that thought constantly in mind, says Tim Armstrong, Qatar site manager for General Dynamics Land Systems Division.
"As of April 19th, we have returned 123 Stryker Combat Vehicles, each with varying degrees of battle damage, to service with units in Iraq," said Armstrong. [...]
MND-B soldiers kill 6 criminals in operations in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division - Baghdad soldiers killed six criminals during night operations in Baghdad May 2-3.
Soldiers from 107th Engineers Battalion, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, were attacked with an improvised explosive device at approximately 9 p.m. in northeastern Baghdad. As they secured their vehicles, the soldiers were attacked by criminals using small-arms fire. The MND-B soldiers returned fire and killed two criminals. No soldiers were injured in the IED attack or subsequent engagement.
Battle-tested soldiers return from Iraq this weekend
The arrival of the advance party is always a good sign.
The first wave of Fort Lewis soldiers who served a brutal deployment of nearly 15 months in Iraq are scheduled to come home Saturday.
About 110 soldiers with the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division will return to Fort Lewis Saturday and will be welcomed home by family and friends at a 7 a.m. ceremony at Sheridan Gym, according to a post press release.
The first-arriving soldiers make up the Stryker Brigade's advance party, a select team from each of the unit's battalions and companies who redeploy ahead of the rest to make preparations. The majority of 4th Brigade's roughly 4,000 soldiers are scheduled to begin arriving home in June.
[...]
Sadr City Update
The Long War Journal continues its coverage of coalition operations in Sadr City with a new report. Excerpt:
The large majority of the direct attacks by the Mahdi Army against US and Iraqi forces in Sadr City are occurring on Qods Street, where a barrier is being erected to separate the Iraqi Army and US controlled sections in the south from the northern portion of the district, the US military told The Long War Journal. The Mahdi Army is attempting to stop the building of the barrier. [...]The Mahdi Army is trying desperately to stop the barrier from being built, and is focusing its attacks on US engineers and patrols as they work to complete it. The Mahdi Army has launched complex attacks and ambushes using small-arms, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and roadside bombs.
Books of Interest
Two recently published books have connections to the Stryker brigades.
- Moment of Truth in Iraq
, by Michael Yon: Yon has embedded with numerous Stryker brigades.
- I Lost my Love in Baghdad
AWT kill criminals, destroys criminal strongholds
2nd SCR soldiers were involved in the following operations.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Air weapons teams and Multi-National Division - Baghdad soldiers destroyed criminal strongholds and killed criminals in separate engagements in Sadr City May 1.
At approximately 11:30 a.m., soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 64th Armored Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division were attacked by criminals using small-arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades and sniper fire, while conducting barrier-emplacement operations.
An AWT providing overwatch for the operation engaged the criminals with a Hellfire missile.
MND-B, ISF find several weapons caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, along with their Iraqi Security Forces partners and Iraqi citizens, confiscated multiple caches of improvised-explosive devices, bomb-making materials and weapons across Baghdad May 1.
At approximately 8:40 a.m. in southern Baghdad, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, seized two Dragonov sniper rifles, an Explosively Formed Penetrator IED, and an MP-5 machine gun from the back of a vehicle.
At approximately 12:30 p.m., Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, discovered a weapons cache west of Baghdad, hidden in a field that contained a bag of unknown explosives, two 122 mm mortar rounds, 120 rocket boosters, 544 antitank rounds, seven Russian made rockets of various sizes, 100 .50-caliber rounds, a box of miscellaneous IED-making materials, two command detonation wires, 100 blasting caps, detonation cord and four unknown rocket caps.
ISF leads CF to 3 caches at abandoned building
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – At approximately 5 a.m., Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers conducted a joint operation with the National Police and discovered three separate caches in an abandoned building in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad May 1.
During the operation, soldiers from Company D, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division entered the abandoned building behind their Iraqi counterparts and began to search inside.
The soldiers seized 10 explosively formed penetrator improvised explosive devices, 26 155mm artillery rounds, more than 100 pounds of homemade explosives, 19 mortar rounds, 47 rocket-propelled grenades, seven RRG boosters, seven sticks of TNT, two blocks of plastic explosives, four claymore mines, a 105mm rocket, a bag of mortar boosters and rounds of loose ammunition.
“This is a monumental find,” said Maj. Dave Olson, the spokesman for the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “This tremendous action by the Iraqi Security Forces will hamper the activity of the criminals operating in the East Rashid area.
The Raider Brigade soldiers continue to support the ISF, as they find and destroy enemy munitions to provide a safe and secure environment for innocent Iraqi citizens.”
Sadr City Order of Battle
The Long War Journal has just published another update on the current fighting in Sadr City, which involves elements of both the 2/25 SBCT and the 2nd SCR. Bill Roggio also confirms exactly which units are involved in the recent operations. Excerpt:
The US and Iraqi military have rapidly built up their forces in and around Sadr City over the past several weeks. Two Iraqi Army brigades and elements from an Iraqi armored brigade and an Iraqi National Police brigade, along with eight US Army battalions have been reported in military press releases to be operating inside Sadr City over the past several weeks. In early April, only two US Army battalions, and Iraqi Army brigade, and elements from an Iraqi National Police brigade were known to be operating inside Sadr City.A US Army brigade, three Iraqi National Police brigades, and an Iraqi Army brigade are also operating in the neighborhoods adjacent to Sadr City. This unprecedented buildup of forces indicates the Iraqi government and the US military are serious about advancing into Sadr City beyond the southern third of the district being hemmed in by the security barriers being erected.
The Desert Raider - Final Edition
The Desert Raider magazine is a monthly publication distributed by the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (SBCT) public affairs office. It features photos, articles and other items of interest to the 4/2 SBCT community. According to the brigade this will be the final edition before it redeploys.
Provided below is a link to the most recent edition. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to open the document, but it is available for free if you need it.
- The Desert Raider - May 2008 Edition (PDF, 8 MB)
MND-B Soldiers kill 9 criminals in separate clashes
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division—Baghdad Soldiers killed nine criminals in two separate engagements April 30.
At approximately 3 p.m. in Sadr City, Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division observed criminals loading multiple rockets onto a launch sled.
The Soldiers engaged the criminals before they could fire the rockets and killed five criminals.
MND-B Soldiers Deliver Law Books at Tarmiyah Courthouse
By Sgt. Waldemar Rivera, 2/25 SBCT PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division’s Office of the Staff Judge Advocate helped the growing legal processes of Iraq April 24 by dropping off 50 Arabic-language law books to the courthouse in the town of Tarmiyah, northwest of Baghdad.
The books, donated by the High Court in Baghdad, were dropped off in conjunction with a visit with the judge at the courthouse to check progress and address any issues they may have, said Capt. Harrison Kennedy, a native of San Diego, California, who serves as an attorney with 2nd SBCT.
New Academy Helps Diyala IPs Meet Training Requirements
BAQUBAH, Iraq – As the situation in Diyala continues to improve, the mission is changing from clearing the province of al-Qaida in Iraq, to ensuring it remains secure and free of criminal elements. The improved security has allowed the Iraqi police to focus on other issues. One of the larger issues the force is addressing is the training of newly hired policemen that have not received the schooling required by the Ministry of Interior.
The solution to this training issue is a temporary academy that recently opened on Forward Operating Base Grizzly, near Ashraf, Iraq.
The Multi-National Division–North Regional Training Center, or Al A’athaiem Academy as it is known by the Iraqi police, was built to help fix the backlog of IPs who have not undergone official training. Coalition forces and Iraqi security forces are working to build a permanent academy in the town of Muradiyah, located between Baqubah and Khan Bani Sa’ad.
Diyala Battery on Pace to Decimate OIF Rounds-fired Record
Some nice photos if you follow the link as well.
BAQUBAH, Iraq – Boom … Boom … Boom.
The earth-shaking sound of artillery fire is nothing new to residents of Diyala province. It’s practically a daily occurrence, with rounds fired at all hours of the day and night.
Whether or not those loud booms are comforting or scary depend on who hears them. For the enemies of peace and security, those sounds and the resultant explosions are an anathema, but to coalition and Iraqi security forces, along with civilians working for a stable Iraqi, the sounds of King Battery firing their M109A6 Paladin Self Propelled Howitzers are sweet music.
Battery K, 1st Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (King Battery) arrived in country in November, and immediately began providing artillery support to the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, the coalition unit responsible for Diyala province. In the battery’s first five months, they have already fired just under 5,000 rounds, on pace to decimate the record of most rounds fired by a battery in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In fact, they are only a few hundred shy of the record, one that was set by a battery who was in country for more than a year.
