56th SBCT Deployment Announcement
The 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard officially received its deployment announcement today from the DoD. The unit will deploy to Iraq in early 2009.
Memorials for Dolan & Pursel Unveiled
The Hilltop Times has a very nice story covering the dedication of bronze statues honoring three Utah soldiers killed in Iraq. Two of those soldiers, SPC Daniel G. Dolan and CPL Michael A. Pursel, were members of the 3/2 SBCT. Excerpt:
Friends and family of the fallen soldiers paid homage to their memory and witnessed the unveiling of the bronze likenesses of their personal heroes. Among the crowd were six special guests -- the platoon-mates of Dolan, flown in from Fort Lewis, Wash., with the help of Lt. Col. Jeremy Horn and Lidia McClung of Hill Air Force Base. Horn, McClung, members of the American Legion Post 134 and other volunteers arranged for the fallen soldiers' platoon-mates to fly into Hill AFB and stay at hotels without cost."It takes away a lot of the barriers, and it gives closure for the troops," said Horn, who helped arrange for a C-17 to fly the platoon-mates out of McChord Air Force Base, Wash.
Thanks to Tim Dolan, Daniel's father, for sending us this article.
Embedded With the Golden Dragons
Nathan Webster is an independent journalist currently embedded with the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2/25 SBCT in Iraq. He is publishing his reports at The Long War Journal. Here's an excerpt from his first dispatch:
TARMIYAH, IRAQ: Destroying a nondescript hut, made of mud and thatched straw, might have seemed a devastating overstatement. But according to US Army Captain Christopher Loftis, its destruction will show the local residents “Al Qaeda isn’t coming back.”Loftis commands Alpha Company 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division, based in Tarmiyah, Iraq, about 25 miles north of Baghdad. On June 7, members of the 66th Engineer Company, part of the 25th Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade, used nearly 150 pounds of C-4 explosives to destroy the former al Qaeda cache house in the farmland area north of Tarmiyah.
Back in 2007, when al Qaeda in Iraq was dominant here, this was one of the worst areas for the insurgency.
Remembering 4/2 SBCT's Fallen Heroes
Christian Hill with The Olympian has compiled profiles of all of the soldiers the brigade lost during its deployment. Excerpt:
On Tuesday, the approximately 4,000 soldiers of the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, and their families will attend the unit's formal welcome-home ceremony after spending 14 months in Iraq. Thirty-seven soldiers assigned to the brigade didn't return from the deployment.These are brief stories to highlight the personalities and qualities of these men.
4/2 SBCT Homecoming Celebration
Mike Gilbert of The News Tribune has all the details regarding the homecoming ceremony for the 4/2 SBCT taking place tomorrow at Ft. Lewis.
IA, MND-B Soldiers seize munitions
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, aided by tips from Iraqi civilians, seized six munitions caches north and west of Baghdad June 26.
MND-B Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a munitions cache near the town of Tarmiyah, north of Baghdad, at approximately 6:30 a.m. June 26. The cache consisted of a 120 mm mortar round, a 100 mm Illumination mortar round, four 57 mm high-explosive projectiles, six 107 mm HE rocket warheads, a surface-to-air missile, a 155 mm HE projectile; 11, 82 mm HE mortar rounds; 24, 57 mm rocket motors, an improvised explosive device, 300 electric blasting caps, empty artillery casings, various small-arms ammunition, explosives, propellants and other various IED-making materials.
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons, munitions in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Police, Sons of Iraq, and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized a series of weapons and munitions in Baghdad June 28.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers with the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, seized 13 hand grenades, M-4 magazines, and 5.56 mm tracer rounds and armor-piercing ammunition in Adhamiyah at approximately 1 p.m. after the cache was reported by a SoI member.
Wolfhounds, IA Work Together to Search for Weapons
Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Clearing the area of weapons caches is a vital mission for Iraqi army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers.
In fact, it is so important they combine their efforts as they scour the streets in an attempt to safeguard the Iraqi people from the devastation caused by extremist weapons and munitions.
So it was with this in mind that Soldiers from 1st Platoon, Company B, 52nd Infantry Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, worked side-by-side with their Iraqi Army partners as they conducted a cache clearance mission in Al Awad, northwest of Baghdad, June 25.
SSG Scott Thorne's Retirement Announcement
The following announcement was provided by Steve Thorne, Scott Thorne's father. Long time readers will remember how Steve documented Scott's long recovery from a traumatic brain injury he suffered while deployed in 2003-2004 with the 1-14 CAV, 3/2 SBCT. Really good to have an update.
Dear Friends,
I know a lot of you are "out of town" and others have family plans made long ago, but you are invited to attend a party in honor of Staff Sergeant Scott Thorne's permanent retirement from the United States Army. The event will be held July 4th starting at 1100 hours to about dusk at his home, 2242 Mark Place, Escondido, California. There will be a jumper (courtesy A&A Jumpers) and water slide for the kids, so feel free to bring them along. The Zip Code is 92027, if you'd like to send him a card. If you think you can attend and stay a while, please RSVP by July 1st at 760-533-1336 (ask for Julie). If you'd just like to stop by for a few minutes on your way to some other event, please feel free to do so. Since Scott owns the home (thanks again, Madalyn!), where he lives is a matter of public record. So, I'll be charitable and save the one person who harasses him the time and the $7.95 to do the Internet search to get it herself.
172nd SBCT Memorial Dedicated
The Daily News-Miner has an article describing the recent dedication of a new memorial honoring fallen soldiers from the 172nd SBCT. Excerpt:
FAIRBANKS — Hundreds of veterans, active-duty soldiers and family members of those killed in action gathered on Fort Wainwright on Wednesday afternoon for the dedication of a new memorial.The Monterey Lake Memorial Park features 30 black granite plaques and trees along a winding path along the lake. Each plaque and tree is dedicated to the 26 members of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team and the four members of the Alaska National Guard killed during the unit’s deployment to Iraq from August 2005 through December 2006.
MND-B Soldiers, INPs confiscate weapons caches in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and Iraqi National Police seized weapons caches in Baghdad June 26.
At approximately 6:30 a.m., Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a weapons cache northwest of Baghdad consisting of three 82 mm mortar rounds, two base plates, a rocket propelled grenade, a surface-to-air missile, a rocket head, blasting caps, three anti-tank mines and rocket propellant.
Police with the 2nd 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division, confiscated munitions in two separate finds in the New Baghdad district of Baghdad at approximately 1:30 p.m. The items confiscated included a total of 23 AK-47’s, three SKS’s, a rifle, an RPK machine gun and two MP-5 magazines.
IA finds weapons cache in Diyala Province
Multi-National Division – North PAO
TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers found a weapons cache in the Diyala Province, June 26.
The cache contained more than 1,000 pounds of homemade explosives, three improvised explosive devices, 10 anti-tank mines, four rockets and various IED-making items.
“This was a cache found by the Iraqi Army, independently,” said Capt. Kevin Ryan, a spokesman with 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. “We assisted with security. This is a great example of the capabilities of the Iraqi Army. They are able to operate on their own.”
Soldiers Say Goodbye to Macedonian Friends
By Pfc. Lyndsey Davensport, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The Soldiers of 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, bade farewell to their Macedonian partners and welcomed two new Macedonian platoons during a Transfer of Authority Ceremony at the Sgt. John M. Schoolcraft III Pavilion June 23.
After six months of partnership with Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons,” and 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, “On Time,” both from 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., the Macedonian soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade and a Ranger platoon, are going home.
They are replaced by soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade and a new Ranger platoon.
Soldier Continues Family Legacy
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Palumbo wanted to do something exciting, serve his country and not walk too much. These requirements are what the San Diego native told his recruiter before joining the Army. That conversation led him to enlist as an armor Soldier.
His enlistment began another generation of military service for his family.
Today, Palumbo serves as a mobile gun system platoon sergeant assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
The seeds of service were planted by his grandfather, who served in the United States Navy during World War II, and his stepfather, who served in Vietnam.
SSG Du Hai Tran
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedoom.
Staff Sgt. Du Hai Tran, 30, of Reseda, Calif., died Jun. 20 in Baqubah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit while on patrol during combat operations. He was assigned to the Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
Related Articles:
56th SBCT Trains at Camp Shelby
Spc. Shawn Miller & Spc. Matthew E. Jones
Pennsylvania National Guard Public Affairs
CAMP SHELBY, Miss., -- If it ain’t raining, you ain’t training. Or so the saying goes in the military, but don’t tell that to these Pennsylvania National Guardsmen. During their annual training at Camp Shelby, the Soldiers of the 2-112th Infantry, 56th Stryker Brigade withstood three weeks of temperatures topping 100 degrees (before factoring in the heat index), with barely a cloud in the hot Mississippi sky on many days.
These Soldiers, in addition to the rest of the commonwealth’s unique 56th Stryker Brigade, will be heading down to Camp Shelby for their mobilization training prior to being deployed to Iraq by the end of the year.
They knew that deployment was inevitable as soon as it was announced that the brigade would be transitioning to a Stryker unit. They have responded by gearing up their operational tempo and training.
Mongoose Soldiers Sustain Fight
Be sure to click through for a number of photos as well.
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Success of sustained ground operations is dependent upon far more than the mere ability to close-in and destroy the enemy. Leaders face the issue of troop morale, along with other issues that must be balanced in order to maintain the fight.
Supply channels can influence troop morale.
The 225th Brigade Support Battalion “Mongoose,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division–Baghdad, is the support element for the maneuver units of the 2nd SBCT, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Injured Soldier Returns Home
The Capital Times has a story about SPC Andrew Howard visiting his hometown while recovering from injuries he suffered in Iraq. I believe he was with the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT. Excerpt:
He was burned on April 29 in Sadr City when he went to the aid of a tanker that had been hit by a rocket propelled grenade. On the way to help, Howard's Stryker armored combat vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device that sent three projectiles into the vehicle. One hit the fuel tank.He escaped the Stryker by jumping out of the top, but landed in fuel burning around the vehicle. He received second- and third-degree burns on 14 percent of his body, and has received skin grafts to his hands, arms and lower back.
After initial treatment in Baghdad and elsewhere, Howard has been cared for at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, which is well known for its burn treatment expertise.
Micro Grants Help Business in Abu Ghuraib Grow
By 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Starting a business in Iraq is a complicated and complex process. It takes more than just a dream, which is where the micro-grant program comes in to play – to help the Iraqi people achieve their dreams.
The Soldiers of the 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, patrolled through the Abu Ghuraib market, northwest of Baghdad, June 18, to talk to business owners about the program and to encourage them to apply for a grant. The visit also provided them an opportunity to check on those who already received funds.
Meeting with the people on the streets was also the first opportunity for the Soldiers directly talk to the local residents about the benefits of the program and observe how effective it has been to date.
Iraqi Army, MND-B Soldiers seize munitions
2/25 SBCT mentioned towards the end of this release.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers continued seizing weapons caches in Baghdad June 21.
At approximately 11 a.m., Soldiers with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, seized an explosively formed projectile, six 60 mm mortar rounds and a 105 mm artillery round north of Baghdad.
In the Sadr City district of Baghdad, soldiers with the 38th Brigade, 10th Iraqi Army Division, seized a weapons cache at approximately 7 a.m. consisting of ten AK 47s and two sniper rifles.
Book: Behind the Blue-Star Banner
The Olympian has an interview with author Michelle Cuthrell, who wrote a book about her experience while her husband was deployed with the 172nd SBCT. Excerpt:
Michelle Cuthrell has a message for military families with loved ones who are overseas: "If you're having a hard time with deployment, that's OK," she said. "That's normal."The 25-year-old Ohio native has spent three deployments away from her husband, Army Captain Matthew Cuthrell, a battalion medical plans officer who is based at Fort Lewis.
"You get used to the routine that you fall into, but you never get used to having your husband away," she said. "You always miss him like crazy."
Update: Baqubah DVD
The Northwest Guardian explains why the DVD they mentioned last week, Lessons of Baqubah, is not available to the general public.
MND-B Soldiers Confiscate Munitions
Multi-National Division – Baghdad Public Affairs Office
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers confiscated munitions in and around Baghdad, June19.
Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized two handheld grenades north of Baghdad at approximately 4 a.m.
At approximately 9 a.m., Soldiers with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division uncovered a 155 mm round, a 60 mm mortar tube and two artillery fuses in the East Rashid district of Bagdad.
Soldiers from 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., also seized 20, 60mm mortars and four artillery rounds northwest of Bagdad at approximately noon.
Gimlets Train Iraqi Police First Aid Skills
By Cpl. Dustin Weidman, 1-21 INF, 2/25 SBCT
BAGHDAD – It’s a phrase that has been ingrained into the heads of all Soldiers: “We train the way we fight.”
The Soldiers of the Mortar Platoon, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment “Gimlets,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, are ingraining that phrase into the Iraqi policemen, whom they train.
Soldiers of the platoon have dedicated their time to ensure the Iraqi police are well trained to ensure safety in their area. In the month of June, the training focus included first aid.
Joint Chief's Visit to Ft. Lewis
Provided below are links to a number of articles and blog entries related to Adm. Mike Mullen's, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visit to Ft. Lewis.
- Fort Lewis troops question chairman of Joint Chiefs - Seattle P-I
- Joint chiefs chairman visits Fort Lewis – next up, McChord - The News Tribune
- Mullen visit: Fort Lewis barracks all a matter of perspective - FOB Tacoma
- Mullen visit: Health care a big deal - FOB Tacoma
Committee Builds Relations in Tarmiyah
By 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – As an elected official, it is important to support all of the people who live and work within the political boundaries of responsibility.
Hussein al-Tahan, governor of Baghdad, proved his dedication to the areas of Mushada and Tarmiyah, northwest of Baghdad, June 13, with visits in the area and attendance to the first Joint Rural Planning Committee at Bukhari Hall in Tarmiyah.
The meeting brought together leaders from the Tarmiyah Qada, members of the Provincial Council and a special visit from al-Tahan. It served as a forum for local leaders in the area to discuss specific issues and get feedback directly from the decision makers in Baghdad.
“This (meeting) was very successful,” Maj. Todd Woodruff, a native of Bollingbrook, Ill., said.
Woodruff, the executive officer for 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, “Golden Dragons,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad said this meeting was mostly about relationship building, mentioning that the Qada council members have met with Baghdad officials in Bagdad, but this meeting was the first time those officials were invited to Tarmiyah to meet.
Palin tours Fort Wainwright, signs legislation
Gov. Sarah Palin was in Fairbanks Friday to sign two pieces of legislation that will help military veterans as well as the spouses of soldiers killed in combat.
The governor visited Fort Wainwright in the morning to sign House Bill 285, which gives cities the option of creating property tax exemptions for homes owned by the spouse of a soldier killed in combat. The bill takes effect in September, about the time of the expected deployment of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
Runners hit Tacoma streets
A unit of the 5/2 SBCT from Ft. Lewis took part in a recent road race.
SCOTT FONTAINE, The News Tribune
Some say distance running is a young man’s activity. Rich Wall disagrees.
The Lakewood man easily finished the Sound to Narrows 12-kilometer race Saturday morning – two weeks before his 69th birthday.
It’s the 15th time Wall has competed in the Sound to Narrows. And it was a tough 12 kilometers. The course winds through Tacoma’s West End and Point Defiance Park before finishing with a grueling run up Vassault Hill.
More than 5,000 people ran or walked during this year’s annual event, which included 5- and 12-kilometer courses, a 1.2-mile children’s race and a 20-yard “diaper dash.” [...]
Iraqi Army, MND-B seize four caches throughout Baghdad
2/25 SBCT mentioned towards the bottom of this release.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army seized a huge weapons cache in West Rashid and, along with Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized three additional weapons and munitions caches throughout Baghdad, June 14.
At approximately 3 p.m., IA soldiers from the 25th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, discovered a huge cache in West Rashid. The cache contained 90 122mm Soviet rockets, four 81mm Iranian mortars, two 60mm Iranian mortars, an RPG-22 launcher, 13 improvised claymores, eight 40mm Bulgarian grenades, three 60mm Yugoslav mortars, 16 rolls of detonation cord, 11 half-pound blocks of TNT, 32 blocks of Iranian C-4 explosive, five 12.5-inch explosively formed projectile bodies, five complete EFP improvised explosive devices, 87 11-inch EFP bodies, a 7-inch EFP body, 74 5-inch EFP bodies, a 4-inch EFP body, 39 3.5-inch EFP bodies, an unmanned aerial vehicle, six electronic timers, two passive infrared switches, 500 pounds of ball bearings, 100 toggle switches, 88 Bulgarian fuses, nine 12-volt batteries, 10 camera flashes, eight digital timers with magnets, 200 CDs, 100 flyers, two mortar aiming stakes, 12 digital timers, and an odometer. The munitions were transported to a nearby Coalition forces combat outpost for disposal.
Warrior News - June 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)
Boonville's Star Spangled Thursday
Found the following story via Blog-Ah!.
by Bruce Anderson, Anderson Valley Advertiser
A thousand people in Boonville is fifty thousand in San Francisco, and there were more than a thousand people in Boonville by five o'clock last Thursday waiting for Sgt. Jesse Slotte to come home.
Boonville has never seen anything like it, not even at fair time when the town swells to several thousand visitors, most of them dispersed throughout the Fairground's 20 acres. Last Thursday, there were people everywhere until there were so many people on both sides of the highway between the Fairgrounds office and the Live Oak Building that the road seemed to narrow, seemed to become almost tunnel-like.
"This is amazing," said Harold Hulbert, born and raised in Boonville. "People are clear down to Mountain View Road, all kinds of people, and they're still coming." [...]
Found: Memorial Bracelet
Mike Gilbert of The News Tribune is allowing us to re-print this entry from his site in the hope that the rightful owner of this bracelet can be located. Mike's email is mike.gilbert@thenewstribune.com.
Allie Krizmanich of Raleigh, N.C., is hoping the readers might be able to help.She was in Chicago this week for work and during her off time, went to the beach on the shores of Lake Michigan. There, sticking out of the sand, was one of those memorial bracelets, the kind people wear to remember a fallen soldier or one who is MIA.
"I nearly stepped on it," Krizmanich said.
It was inscribed with the name of Cpl. Billy Farris, a 20-year-old scout with the 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment who was killed Dec. 3, 2006, at Taji. He was part of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division Strykers from Fort Lewis.
Farris was from Bapchule, Ariz., where he grew up in the Gila River Indian Community. He also attended school in Salem, Ore., and left an infant son. There's a tribute to him here.
Krizmanich figures whoever lost the bracelet in the sand probably wants it back. Her brother, Gregory, served a tour in Iraq with an Army Reserve unit and she is grateful that he came home safe and sound.
That his name isn't on one of those bracelets.
If this is your lost bracelet please send me a note and I will put you in touch with Allie. Feel free to repost this item if you think it might help.
Lessons of Baqubah now on DVD
By Don Kramer, Northwest Guardian
For most of Sykes’ Regulars, Baqubah was the source of their greatest pride and their worst nightmares.
The battle for the capital of Diyala Province during the U.S. troop surge of 2007, is already a topic of discussion among military analysts and historians.
“Baqubah was arguably the most significant campaign of the war in Iraq after the initial invasion was completed,” said Dr. Bill Reeder, the chief of leader development at the I Corps Battle Command Training Center.
Army’s No. 2 general visits Fort Lewis
MICHAEL GILBERT, The News Tribune
The Army’s No. 2 general hooah’d his way through one more visit to Fort Lewis this week.
Gen. Richard Cody, completing his term as vice chief of staff, presided over promotions, awards and re-enlistments and delivered the keynote speech at Thursday night’s Army birthday ball.
The 57-year-old helicopter pilot is retiring after 36 years in the Army, to be succeeded by Gen. Peter Chiarelli.
MND-B Soldiers continue to rid Baghdad of weapons
2/25 SBCT soldiers mentioned at the end of this press release.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Policemen, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and local Iraqis all pitched in to help rid the streets in Baghdad of weapons June 11.
At approximately 10:40 a.m., a local Iraqi resident turned in 30 57 mm anti-aircraft projectiles to a combat outpost northwest of Baghdad.
Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division seized an improvised explosive device and three Iraqi Army body armor vests at approximately 1:45 p.m. in Sadr City.
Community Heals Through Education
Click through for some nice photos as well.
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – It was a picturesque day in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, perfect for the opening of al Thoha school, June 5.
There was a jovial feeling in the air and it was evident in the faces of the young and old alike on the clear sky afternoon.
The headmaster of al Thoha School, Akmed Salmin Hussein, stated, “Al Qaida destroyed this school (two years ago), but with the help of coalition forces this school was rebuilt. This area has been made safe by the Iraqi army and the presence of coalition forces.”
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad work to secure this area of the Taji Qada and have had a presence for over six months.
One year later, General Lee rides again
Found this article via Michael Yon's website. We've mentioned the General Lee before here and here.
By Spc. Lindsey M. Bradford, I Corps Public Affairs Office
A little more than a year after the anti-tank guided missile Stryker dubbed General Lee was retired from Operation Iraqi Freedom, it made its return to Fort Lewis where Soldiers from 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division had been eagerly awaiting its arrival.
General Lee once belonged to Soldiers from 2nd Platoon, C Company, 52nd Infantry Regiment (Anti-Tank), 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. But on April 15, 2007, while conducting operations just south of the Shiek Hamed village in Iraq, the Stryker was hit by a deeply buried improvised explosive device.
Although the General had survived previous blasts in Iraq it was no match for the DBIED, and after returning its crew home from one last mission, it was retired and sent to Balad, where it was later shipped to General Dynamics, in Alabama, to receive some much-needed work.
“I actually processed (the General Lee) when it was at Balad,” recalled Joe Griffiths, material fielding manager for the Stryker program at Fort Lewis. “This thing was completely blown on its side. It needed new armor, a new engine and a good cleaning.”
General Lee arrived in Aniston, Ala., on May 17, 2007, and on May 21, 2008, it was inventoried and handed off to Soldiers in 2nd Squad, A Company, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 5th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. [...]
Video: Unloading Strykers in Alaska
Latanya sent us a link to a video showing the unloading of the 1/25 SBCT Strykers at the Port of Anchorage.
800 Stryker soldiers return to Fort Lewis Tuesday
More than 800 soldiers are expected to return to Fort Lewis on Tuesday, on three flights.
Then, all 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division units, will have returned, completing the return of the brigades’ “main body.” [...]
Approximately 400 soldiers remain deployed as part of the brigade’s “trail party.” Most of those soldiers will return later this month.
NPs, MND-B Soldiers remove weapons from Baghdad streets
2/25 SBCT mentioned below.
Multi-National Division – North
BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Police and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized a number of weapons in Baghdad June 9.
Iraqi National Police from the 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division found 47 AK-47s, three sniper rifles and a Mauser rifle at approximately 6:30 a.m. in the Ur area of Adhamiyah.
At approximately 10 a.m. north of Baghdad, NPs from 2nd Brigade, 1st NP Div. seized two 155 mm artillery rounds with improvised-explosive device fuses, two 122 mm artillery rounds attached to two propane tanks, four rocket-propelled grenades, an RPG launcher, 21 AK-47s, three SKS rifles, three enfield rifles, a roll of command detonation wire and a tripod.
He loved Ruston Way
MATT MISTEREK, The News Tribune
There was no 21-gun salute, no chaplain giving a message of God’s provision, no bagpipes playing “Amazing Grace.”
The formal benedictions for Cpl. Jared Crouch were taken care of a year ago at a joint Fort Lewis memorial service for three soldiers. The Stryker cavalryman was killed June 2, 2007, while serving in Iraq with the 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.
Instead, on Saturday evening, Crouch was honored with a come-as-you-are memorial just for him at the north end of Ruston Way in Tacoma.
General addresses Iraq war, Strykers
By Chris Freiberg, Daily News Miner
The commanding general of the U.S. Army in the Pacific said Thursday that he sees the lack of media attention for the Iraq War as a sign progress is being made in the country.
“It’s interesting the amount of media attention there was while we were, quite frankly, struggling with the insurgency,” Lt. Gen Benjamin Mixon said at a Fairbanks meeting of the Association of the United States Army, a civilian support organization. “But all of a sudden there’s not a lot of coverage, and I attribute that to the current success in Iraq.”
Mixon, who assumed command in February, was in Fairbanks to review the progress of the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The brigade is in the process of shipping equipment and vehicles to California for training. It is scheduled to deploy to Iraq in the fall.
“They’re very confident,” he said. “Their equipment is in good shape. They’re looking very good.” [...]
Entire brigade to deploy with Land Warrior
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.
Stryker vehicles leave for California ahead of troops
Click through for a number of photos as well.
By Chris Freiberg, Daily News Miner
When Lt. Nicolas Duimet was transferred to Fort Wainwright this time last year, he knew it meant a deployment to Iraq was imminent.
But the first visible sign of the deployment of the 1st Brigade 25th Infantry Stryker Brigade Combat Team has become more apparent to the rest of Fairbanks this week as thousands of tons of Army vehicles have been loaded onto rails, eventually destined for the desert sands of Iraq.
Brigade deployment schedule changed to meet surge needs
By Don Kramer, Northwest Guardian
The 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division was caught squarely in the troop surge of 2007 that turned U.S. fortunes in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Originally programmed to deploy in May, the brigade was not only accelerated by a month to join surge forces in Operation Iraqi Freedom in April, but extended three months to serve a 15-month combat tour.
The one-month adjustment in its arrival date, however, required a major shift in the brigade’s Mission Readiness Exercise plans. The site shifted from the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, Calif. to Fort Lewis.
Raiders, Dragoons Conclude Transition
By Ryan Eliott, 14th Public Affairs Detachment
FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARHORSE - The 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment took the reins of responsibility for the Diyala region from the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division during a Transition of Authority ceremony held in Sgt. 1st Class David J. Salie Fitness Center on Forward Operating Base Warhorse, June 1.
“It’s a great day to be in the cavalry and a great day to be a Dragoon,” said Lt. Col. Bryan Denny, deputy commander, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
“The 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team gave the Iraqi people of the Diyala province hope,” said Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, commander of Task Force Iron and Multi-National Division - North.
Wolfhound Multi-tasks to Keep Iraq Safe
By Cpt. Brian Sweigart, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Since September 11, 2001, New Yorkers have been at the epicenter of the war on terror, and a Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldier is continuing that tradition.
The Soldier is Spc. Michael Ortiz, a native of Riverhead, N.Y., who deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and is conducting missions daily to secure the citizens of Iraq; he is an infantryman assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division.
Close to 2.5 years ago, Ortiz enlisted in the Army to serve as an infantryman. He said his father and his step-father’s service as a Seabee and infantrymen influenced him to join the military. Upon arriving at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, in Dec. 2005, he was assigned to Co. A and immediately began training and taking in the island life.
SPC Justin R. Mixon
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Justin R. Mixon, 22, of Bogalusa, La., died June 1 in Baghdad Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, Vilseck, Germany.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and fellow soldiers.
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Military kids tell how tough deployments can be
Be sure to click through to read the entire article.
MICHAEL GILBERT, The News Tribune
Emi Geye likely knows at least as much about how combat deployments affect soldiers’ children as the psychiatrists, school counselors and pediatricians who filled the room around her Monday.
Her Army dad has been deployed three times since 2002 – twice for 15 months, and once for 12 – and he just left their DuPont home Monday morning for another three-week assignment in Iraq.
So the experts who gathered at McChord Air Force Base for a three-day summit on behavioral health issues for military children and teens hung on the 16-year-old’s every word.
More Stryker soldiers back Tuesday
FORT LEWIS -– The 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division’s command team and nearly 300 of the brigade’s soldiers will return to Fort Lewis Tuesday.
Col. Jon S. Lehr and Command Sgt. Major John W. Troxell, along with about 275 of their soldiers, are expected to be welcomed home by family and friends in a ceremony scheduled for 3:30 a.m. at Soldiers Field House.
The majority of 4/2 soldiers will return by mid-June. The 4-2 Stryker brigade will formally observe its redeployment by uncasing the brigade colors in a ceremony at Watkins Field July 1. [...]
MND-B Soldiers capture key criminal
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers captured the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team’s number two key criminal in Tarmiyah, northwest of Baghdad, May 31.
The Soldiers from 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B,captured the criminal during operations in the Tarmiyah area.
The criminal is the suspected head of an improvised explosive device manufacturing and emplacing cell that operated near Taji and is responsible for the deaths of numerous Iraqi civilians and members of the Iraqi Security Force.
He is also linked to the bombing destruction of the Taji Bridge over the Grand Canal that killed several and wounded more Iraqi civilians.
“The Golden Dragon Soldiers went after and captured this [criminal], whose murderous past has finally caught up with him,” said Maj. Al Hing, spokesperson for 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior.” “We are continuing to bring those criminals to justice to face the Iraqi people for their atrocities they inflicted on the people of Iraq. His past actions have deliberately tried to hurt leaders and prevent Iraq from moving toward success. The continuing efforts to remove [these criminals] are crucial to provide a safe, secure Tarmiyah and Iraq. “
The captured criminal is currently being held for questioning.
Iraqi Army, Coalition forces conduct clearing operation
Multi-National Division – North PAO
TIKRIT, Iraq – Battery C, Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, along with Soldiers from the Iraqi Army took part in a clearing operation outside of Combat Out-Post Zaganiyah in the densely packed palm groves May 28.
IA Soldiers, along with members of the Sons of Iraq from three different Iraqi towns took part in the palm grove clearing operation, said Capt. Charles Knoll, Battery C, Fires Squadron, 2nd SCR.
“The city of Bukais used to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq stronghold in northern Iraq,” said 1st Sgt. Richard Perez, Battery C, Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
Brigade Stabilizes Iraqi Province, Moves Into Support Role
By Kristen Noel, American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON — Iraq’s Diyala province is now secure and stable enough for people to return to work and for the government and civil services to conduct business, an official there told online journalists and bloggers last week.
“Operations in concert with the Iraqi security forces have made the province a safer and more stable area, providing a place for the government and civil services to conduct business and for the Iraqi people to live and work,” said Army Col. Jon Lehr, commander of the 2nd Infantry Division’s 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, which has occupied Diyala province for the past 14 months.
“Overall, Diyala has seen a 70 percent reduction in violence over the past year,” Lehr said.
Knights in Armor Help Orphaned Children
By Spc. Dustin Weidman, 2/25 SBCT
BAGHDAD – No conflict is without tragedies and this one is no different. In the midst of war, children sometimes get overlooked.
Iraq has many orphanages filled with children, but for one in Ibrahim Bin Ali, their “knights” in armor arrived.
The “Knights” of 3rd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, “Gimlets,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-Nation Division – Baghdad have taken a special interest in the orphanage and its children since their arrival in the area in January.
A Family Tradition Continued in Warhorse
By Spc. Ryan Elliott, 14th Public Affairs Detachment
FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARHORSE, Iraq- Capt. Joseph Shorr, 2nd Platoon Leader for Bravo Battery, Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment, replaced his older brother Cpt. Geoffrey Shorr fire support officer with Bravo Company, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division in Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq. The brothers don’t hold the same position in their units as each other, but both are Field Artillery officers.
The two soldiers’ units recently crossed paths while conducting a Relief in Place operation, in FOB Warhorse this month. A RIP is the process when a unit trains to take over another unit’s positions and duties.
“It was a great feeling knowing I was replacing my brother over here,” said Joseph, “My arrival allowed my brother to go home and that gave me a good feeling.”
Iraqi Army, Gimlets Work to Provide Aid
By Capt. Benjamin Roark, 2/25 SBCT PAO
BAGHDAD – The line extended out the gate, around the corner and disappeared up the narrow street. The residents of Dehna Village, west of Baghdad, lined up waiting for aid May 29.
The mood was the same at any point in the line; excitement, relief and gratitude. Whether it was a woman, there for her family, or one of the scores of children waiting for a free toy and maybe some candy, all were very grateful to the soldiers who brought with them help and hope.
Commando soldiers of the 6th Company, 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division conducted a humanitarian assistance food distribution with Soldiers from their partnered unit, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment “Gimlets,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
