Stepping Into the Past
The News Tribune has an article describing a recent visit by members of the 5/2 SBCT to an old Army fort. Excerpt:
American soldiers fighting a counterinsurgency. The enemy using hit-and-run tactics. Troops struggling at times to determine who’s an ally or an enemy.On this day, we’re not talking about Iraq. Try a century and a half earlier, when soldiers fought off attacks by Indians at Fort Steilacoom.
The similarities between the two conflicts drew 30 Fort Lewis soldiers from the 402nd Brigade Support Battalion to the grounds of the old fort in Lakewood on Thursday. Today, it is better known as Western State Hospital.
Related:
Similarities to past draw Stryker soldiers to Fort Steilacoom - FOB Tacoma
Sniper in Iraq
Here's a nice profile of a 2-25 SBCT soldier written by Nathan Webster when he was embedded with the 1-14 INF. Excerpt:
Unlike most junior soldiers who take orders from team leaders who take orders from squad leaders, Coppeler works almost directly for the company commander himself, as part of Loftis' personal security detachment. One of three snipers with Loftis' group, Coppeler, 31, from Port Clinton, makes sure he pays close attention to the far fringes of their perimeter, so Loftis can do what he needs to do without watching his back.That job is what he would have been doing following the Aug. 10 attack.
"We're perfectly capable of engaging anyone at 300 to 500 meters," Coppeler said. "At 300 meters, I'm 100 percent confident I wouldn't miss."
Most of a sniper's duties are watching everything, he said, often for would-be enemy snipers. In open country like this, there's not much activity. But once in the city, there are always windows, alleys and straight roadways to pay attention to.
‘Operation Sapper Torch’ Denies Terrorist Concealment
By Sgt. Whitney Houston, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Engineers with the 66th Engineers Company, “Sappers,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad conducted a controlled burn on a route used by Iraqi security and coalition forces Aug. 26, 2008.
The flamethrower’s fire was to devour reeds which provided concealment for terrorists that have planted many improvised explosive devices along the route.
“What we’ve done essentially is a controlled burn to get rid of a bunch of reeds in a past enemy engagement area, voiding concealment,” said Capt. Joe Byrnes, native of Boulder, Colo., serving as the executive officer for the 66th Eng. Co., “Sappers,” 2nd SBCT, “Warrior,” 25th Inf. Div., MND-B, as he stood next to a crater in the road made from a previous IED explosion.
World Series ‘trash Talk’ = Pride for Family Members’ Achievements
By Sgt. Whitney Houston, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Over the past couple of weeks, two Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, both of whom serve on the same personal security detachment team, vicariously went head-to-head through their family members, who competed in the Little League World Series held in Williamsport, Va.
In one corner of this rooting challenge is Sgt. 1st Class William Miller, who serves as the PSD platoon sergeant with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, cheers for his 12-year-old stepson, Jordan Ulep, who represents Hawaii’s Waipio Bulls.
In the other corner is his friendly rival, Spc. Manuel Menendez, a native of Tampa, Fla., who is rooting for his cousin, Danoi Lestra, who plays for Citrus Park Little League, representing Florida and the Southeastern United States.
Iraqi Army Soldiers Learn Lifesaving Skills
By Sgt. Whitney Houston, 2/25 SBCT
BAGHDAD - Iraqi army soldiers serving with the 39th Logistics Battalion, 9th IA Division, stationed on Camp Taji, endured two mass casualty combat scenarios, Aug. 20, 2008, as they completed a rigorous 10-day Combat Life Saver course.
The CLS course has been going on now for eight months and more than 100 IA soldiers have been successfully completed the course, which consists of learning how to provide basic first-aid treatment, sustain fallen comrades, and to build self confidence through administering aid.
“We’ve been doing this for the last eight months, and on average, there have been 15 per month,” said Capt. Jody Brown, native of Kingston, N.H., who serves with Company C, Brigade Support Battalion “Mongoose,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
IA, MND-B Soldiers continue to take weapons off streets
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army soldiers and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers confiscated and seized munitions throughout Baghdad Aug. 24.
Soldiers of the 4th Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division confiscated 11 AK-47s, and a Berno Rifle at 6 a.m. in the Kadamiyah district of northwest Baghdad.
Soldiers from Iraq’s 4th Battalion, 22nd Brigade seized 22 AK-47’s, three SKS rifles and three bolt-action rifles at approximately 6:15 a.m. in the Mansour district of western Baghdad.
Members of the 1st Battalion, 54th Brigade, also of the 6th Iraqi Army Division, conducted a weapons sweep in the Mansour district of western Baghdad at 7:45 a.m., netting 75 AK-47s, three pistols and an RPK.
A tip from a Sons of Iraq member led MND-B’s Company C., 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, to a mortar cache containing eleven 100 mm rounds and nine 57 mm rounds located on the northern outskirts of Baghdad at 8:20 a.m.
“Iraqi Security Forces and MND-B Soldiers patrol Baghdad streets daily,” said Maj. Mark Cheadle spokesman for MND-B and the 4th Infantry Division. “While on patrol, the streets are safer and the ISF continue to earn and validate the confidence of the Iraqi people.”
Status of Iraqi Security Forces
The Long War Journal has a nice summary of the current status of Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and what it means for future draw downs of US personnel there.
Soldier Update: Christopher Crank
The Fairfield Echo has a profile of CPL Christopher Crank, who was injured while serving with the 4/2 SBCT in Iraq. Excerpt:
Christopher Crank saw the charge that detonated the bomb before he felt its effects.Driving an eight-wheel Stryker armored vehicle through Iraq's Diyala Province on June 6, 2007, the Fairfield Twp. resident and then-Army PFC used night vision equipment to detect the activation of an improvised explosive device 10 feet ahead a split second before it detonated.
"It went from a dark, black road to all of sudden light-up-the-sky kind of bright," he said. "It was a perfect square."
Mom and dad off to war
Both members of the 56th SBCT, Neill and Kelly Coulbourn will leave their four children behind when the brigade deploys this fall. Excerpt:
Neill and Kelly Coulbourn got married in a red-white-and-blue-themed ceremony in the backyard of their Mount Joy home this past spring.By summer's end, they'll be leaving to go to war in Iraq.
The couple expects to deploy overseas after three months of training in New Jersey, Mississippi and Louisiana.
Their path is all the harder because they'll be leaving their four young children behind.
But they say duty is calling them.
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches north of Baghdad Aug. 22.
Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B seized a weapons cache northwest of Baghdad at approximately 5:30 a.m. The munitions included six 120 mm mortars, a 107 mm rocket, three 85 mm rockets, eight 82 mm mortars, 12 70mm rockets, a 57 mm projectile, nine 40 mm projectiles, 500 7.62 mm rounds and 12 AK-47 magazines.
Later in the afternoon, at approximately 6:30 p.m., an Iraqi citizen informed Soldiers serving with the Military Transition Team from the 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., of a cache north of Baghdad. The items seized included a landmine, two rocket propelled grenades and ten propane tanks.
2nd SCR in Diyala
Reuters has an nice article featuring the work of Fires Squadron, 2nd SCR in Diyala. Excerpt:
U.S. and Iraqi forces launched an offensive here last month, and U.S. Lieutenant-Colonel Bob McAleer of Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, says they have now cleared most major roads and towns in his patch between Baquba and Muqdadiya.A report published by the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War last week about Diyala concluded that progress had definitely been made by U.S. forces and it was now important for them to work with Iraqis to maintain the gains.
"The perception of the government of Iraq is that this is a 10 foot enemy giant. But it really is not now," said McAleer.
He says there are about 1,000 U.S. and Iraqi soldiers and police in his area. But that will mushroom to 7,000 as Iraqi army and police units sweep in to hold the gains, ferret out insurgents, take on the militias and let families return home.
ISF, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Police and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized several weapons caches during operations to increase security throughout Baghdad Aug. 20.
At approximately 4 a.m., Iraqi Police with the 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division, seized 10 60 mm mortar rounds, nine rocket-propelled boosters, a rocket-propelled grenade warhead and an anti-personnel grenade north of Baghdad.
Soldiers with Task Force 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and Iraqi Army soldiers with the 11th IA Division, seized 76 120 mm mortars in the Sadr City district of Baghdad at approximately 7:30 a.m.
During cache clearance missions, Soldiers with Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a .30-caliber rifle, an anti-aircraft gun mount, seven .50-caliber machine guns, four 14.5 mm anti-aircraft rounds, an SKS assault rifle, four M86 Russian-manufactured light machine guns, five M86 barrels and two M240 barrels at approximately 10:30 a.m. northwest of Baghdad.
“Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers remain diligent in removing these dangerous weapons from the streets of the greater Baghdad area,” said Maj. Mark Cheadle, spokesman, MND-B and the 4th Inf. Div. “Together, we strive to safeguard the lives of the citizens of Iraq.”
Webster Article
Also at The Long War Journal is another article by Nathan Webster from his time with the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT. Excerpt:
For the $300 a month the US pays the Sons of Iraq members in the Tarmiyah area, and across Iraq, there does come accountability.Nightly post-curfew recon patrols by American soldiers from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division make sure the Sons of Iraq checkpoints are being manned as they are paid to be.
“It’s their town. They can sit at these checkpoints,” said Staff Sergeant Christopher Wessling, one of Alpha Company’s platoon sergeants. “That’s the one thing they can do.”
Non-Lethal Stryker Soldiers
Bill Murray at The Long War Journal has written a very interesting article about a group of 3rd Squadron, 2nd SCR soldiers transitioning to a non-lethal role. Excerpt:
The 3rd Squadron of the 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment, located in the Diyala province north of Baghdad, has created a “non-lethal” platoon whose sole job is to help the local governments and tribal councils register voters, administer micro grants to businesses, and take pictures and biometric data for new members of the neighborhood watch programs.“At first I thought that it was silly, but it seems to be working,” said US Army Captain Eric Owens, commander of the Squadron’s non-lethal platoon. “I like the flexibility to handle a mission the way I want. The biggest thing for us now is to help these people realize that they are the chief authority and they can ask for things that they need.”
The platoon functions as a hybrid, melding civil affairs and psychological operations troops with crew members of a Stryker armored vehicle that replaces a second gun-mount with a speaker system to make Arabic announcements while traveling down the road. The team is augmented by an Arabic-speaking State Department employee with a background in construction management.
MND-B Soldiers confiscate weapons caches throughout Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons throughout the Baghdad area Aug. 17.
IA soldiers from the 4th Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division and Soldiers from Company B, 1st Squadron, 75 Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, seized 28 AK-47s, a British rifle and two Simonov rifles in a sweep of a neighborhood in the Kadamiyah district of northern Baghdad at approximately 6 a.m.
Police with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division and MND-B Soldiers from Company D., 1st Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, confiscated an AK-47 and a 155mm artillery shell at approximately 10:45 a.m. in the New Baghdad district of eastern Baghdad.
At approximately 2:15 p.m., a local Iraqi led a patrol from Company C, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, to a munitions cache north of Baghdad. The cache contained an anti-tank mine, two 120 mm mortar rounds, an 80 mm mortar round, two training bombs, 50 57 mm projectiles, one 120 mm and one 70 mm projectile.
Leaders in Tarmiyah Reaffirm Their Stand Against Extremists, Militants
By Sgt. Whitney Houston, 2/25 SBCT
BAGHDAD – Sheiks, local government officials and Iraqi security forces from the Tarmiyah area banded together to publicly reaffirm their stance against al-Qaida in Iraq at the Bukhari Hall in Tarmiyah, Aug. 14, 2008.
The reaffirmation was a reaction to a recent attack by AQI forces in the area that killed five people, to include women, children and a Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier.
“Al-Qaida has tried to terrorize the population and make them cower with these attacks invoking their grip of fear on them,” said Lt. Col. Thomas Boccardi, a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., who is the commander of 1st Battalion 14th Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division –Baghdad.
Webster Article
Nathan Webster has a new article published at The Long War Journal. He is currently embedded with the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT. Excerpt:
Abu Abad, not his real name, said he was one of the first members to sign up with Sheikh Imad’s Sons of Iraq group when it was set up last October to help protect the streets of Tarmiyah, a mostly Sunni city about 25 miles north of Baghdad.Now a captain in the 500-strong local Sons of Iraq membership, Abad is responsible for about 25 Iraqi men who occupy checkpoints near the Joint Security Station operated by the US Army’s Alpha Company, 1st/14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division.
Neither army nor police, the Sons of Iraq are made up local citizens, paid about $300 a month by the US, though not armed by the US. The money comes in the form of brand-new $100 bills, listed and accounted for by specific serial numbers.
MND-B Soldiers seize numerous weapons, munitions caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers confiscated weapons and munitions caches throughout Baghdad Aug. 16.
Based on a tip from a local resident, soldiers of the 4th Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, located a cache in Kadhamiyah at approximately 11:15 a.m. The cache consisted of a rocket propelled grenade launcher, two SPG-9 rounds, two RPG propellants, four magazines for sniper rifles, a silencer, two license plates, a registration card and various bomb-making materials.
While seizing the cache, soldiers from the same unit found a secondary cache in the same vicinity. The IA soldiers seized two RPG-7 rounds, four anti-armor RPG-7 rounds, two blocks of TNT, two RPG propellants, 300 PKC rounds, an Egyptian grenade and various bomb-making and propaganda material.
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches throughout Baghdad Aug. 15 and 16.
At approximately 3 a.m., Soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, during a combined operation with soldiers with the 36th Brigade, 9th Iraq Army Division, found five AK-47 rifles, three AK-47 magazines loaded with ammunition, two Siminov rifles and a hand grenade near the Amir joint security station in Baghdad Aug. 15.
Iraqis help MND-B soldiers take weapons off Baghdad streets
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers seized munitions caches throughout Baghdad, Aug. 14.
Acting on a tip from a local resident, at approximately 10 a.m., soldiers with Company C, 1st Infantry Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized five 40 mm rockets, three PG-7 rockets, a bag of loose small-arms ammunition, 21 cans of 12.7 mm ammunition, 19 82 mm mortars and eight 120 mm mortars in the Mushada area northwest of Baghdad. The munitions were transported to a Coalition Forces base and destroyed by Explosive Ordnance Detachment soldiers in a controlled detonation.
Approximately one-half hour later, a local sheik turned in two PG-7 rockets to MND-B soldiers from the same unit in the al-Awad area northwest of Baghdad.
Warrior News - August 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 - August 2008 Edition (PDF)
Oreskovics on C-Span
Long-time visitors will be familiar with the story of Michael Oreskovic, who was seriously injured during the 3/2 SBCT's first deployment in 2003-2004. During his recovery at Walter Reed he was interviewed by C-SPAN in 2005. The network recently decided to visit all of the veterans they interviewed back then to see how they were doing. Michael's follow-up interview aired Monday night on C-SPAN, but is now available online. The interview includes a segment with his father Mike, who was one of the founders of this site. Summary from C-SPAN:
Michael Oreskovic was born in Medford, Oregon in 1981. He attended high school in Eugene, Oregon, graduating in 2000. He joined the Army in 2001. As part of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, he fought in both Afghanistan and Iraq. On his last mission in Iraq, he was injured when a car bomb went off while he was on patrol in a stryker vehicle. He lost his left arm. Michael Oreskovic recuperated at Walter Reed for 13 months before returning to his home in Oregon. He retired from the Amy in November 2005. He is currently attending Lane Community College working towards a master's degree in education. He plans to become a middle school history teacher.
Warrior Soldiers Train IA on Vehicle Maintenance Skills
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers from the Automotive Platoon, Maintenance Company, 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, kicked off the first of several vehicle maintenance classes, Aug. 9, 2008.
The classes provided an opportunity for the MND-B Soldiers to share their maintenance knowledge with Iraqi army soldiers from the 34th, 36th and 37th Logistics Battalions, 9th Iraqi Army Logistics Division, and an engineer company.
The course was created to not only educate the Soldiers on vehicle maintenance but to continue the “train the trainer” initiative, where MND-B. Soldiers train Iraqi Soldiers and then test them on their ability to train their fellow soldiers.
Summer Youth Program – Safeguard for Teens
By Sgt. Whitney Houston, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Youths from Taji teamed up, Aug. 11, 2008, as part of a summer youth hire program to clean up the Taji market, northwest of Baghdad.
The youth program was kicked off by the embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior” 25th Infantry Division, Multi- National Division – Baghdad to assist adolescents appreciate their community and engage them in a good cause rather than leave them to outside influences.
The summer youth program began, Aug. 1, 2008, and employs male youths for two months during their summer holiday from school, said Capt. Timothy Cho, native of Oakland, Calif., and a member of the 2nd SBCT ePRT.
Golden Dragons Train IA Soldiers
By Capt. Justin Disher, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – During the month of July, the Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company “Hellhounds” 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, “Golden Dragons,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, trained more than 30 Iraqi army soldiers on vital military skills, at Joint Security Station Sheik Hamad Village, northwest of Baghdad, during the month of July.
The training included close quarters marksmanship, room clearing, escalation of force, searching and medical training.
The IA Soldiers are part of 3rd Battalion, 46th Brigade, 12th Iraqi Army Division, and have one company stationed at the Karh Water Treatment Plant in the northern Baghdad region.
MND-B Soldiers take weapons off streets
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered weapons caches in and around Baghdad Aug. 11-12.
Acting on a tip from a local citizen, Soldiers with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, attached to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B, found a 60 mm mortar and an 82 mm mortar in the East Rashid area of Baghdad at approximately 12 p.m. Aug. 11.
On Aug. 12, Soldiers with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a 130 mm projectile, an 82 mm mortar and a 1.5 pound block of TNT northwest of Baghdad at approximately 1 a.m.
Sipping Tea in Miqdadiyah
Efforts by 3rd Squadron, 2nd SCR to revive the local economy in Miqdadiyah are highlighted in a new article by Bill Murray at The Long War Journal. Excerpt:
“A year ago, this guy wouldn’t be open selling kabobs, and we would have been sprinting from building to building, trying not to get shot by snipers – six months ago even,” said First Lieutenant Casey Campbell, commander of the White Platoon, Hawk Company, 3rd Squadron of the 2nd Stryker Calvary Regiment during a visit to the Suk. “Al Qaeda would coming into town in almost platoon formation and would shoot everyone, police included, chopping off heads, it was awful.” [...]Now some furniture stores and a couple a coffee shops have returned. The U.S. State Department and the Iraq government are spending $1 million to help fix the Suk in the next year, while security has return to such a degree that Petreaus himself visited at the end of last month without his helmet and a Kevlar vest. Security was so poor during his last visit to the area in December that he couldn’t leave the nearby US military base.
SGT Kenneth B. Gibson
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Kenneth B. Gibson, 25, of Christiansburg, Va., died of wounds suffered Aug. 10 in Tarmiyah, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his position during dismounted operations. 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.
Related:
Army Sergeant From Virginia Dies of Bomb Injuries in Iraq - Washington Post
Schofield soldier killed by bomb - Honolulu Star Bulletin
Family and friends mourn local soldier - The Roanoke Times
Soldier dreamed of starting a family - Honolulu Advertiser
MND-B Soldiers seize cache northwest of Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers confiscated a weapons cache northwest of Baghdad Aug. 9.
Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a weapons cache northwest of Baghdad at approximately 10 a.m. consisting of twelve 120 mm mortar rounds, three 122 mm mortar rounds, four 60 mm mortar rounds, a 152 mm mortar round, 106 various fuses and 80 12.7 mm projectiles.
“U.S. Soldiers partnered with the Iraqi security forces are making a positive impact on the lives of the Iraqi people,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover. “Together were protecting the Iraqi people where they live, work and gather.”
MND-B Soldiers discover multiple munitions caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered multiple munitions caches in Baghdad Aug. 8,
At approximately 10 a.m., soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th Iraq Army Division, found six 82 mm mortars, two rocket propelled grenades and two improvised explosive device fuses in the Kadamiyah district of Baghdad.
Later, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Iraqi police with the 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division, found five 125 mm mortars and six 120 mm mortars in the Adhamiyah district of Baghdad.
Iraqi Army, MND-N Soldiers assist more than 150 families
Multi-National Division – North PAO
DIYALA, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – North Soldiers assisted more than 150 Iraqi families during a humanitarian assistance distribution.
Members of the Iraqi Army and 4th Platoon, Fox Company, 4th Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment distributed 1,250 pounds of food and water to citizens of Baqubah, Iraq, Aug. 5.
“This event demonstrates that the Iraqi Security Forces and the Government of Iraq are committed to providing essential services and needed supplies to the local populace,” said Maj. Jon Pendell, a 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment spokesperson.
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons cache in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized a weapons cache in the eastern Baghdad district of New Baghdad Aug. 6.
At approximately 10 p.m., Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, attached to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, seized a cache consisting of an Iranian-manufactured 120 mm mortar, 16 Iranian-manufactured 81 mm mortars, 39 82 mm mortars, seven 60 mm mortars, a 73 mm projectile, four 40 mm rifle smoke grenades, two 107 mm Chinese rockets, three anti-personnel mines, 115 Iraqi hand grenades, 200 boosters, 120 12.7 mm rounds, 50 5.56 mm rounds, 11 primer cartridges, 60 M6 fuses, 50 M5 fuses and a blasting cap.
“MND-B Soldiers are constantly out on the streets of Baghdad, partnering with the Iraqi Security Forces and talking to the Iraqi people,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, MND-B and the 4th Infantry Division. “The result of our partnership and engagements, as well as aggressive patrolling, is recovering weapons and munitions caches that terrorists and criminal elements are trying to hide. Our message is simple: We will not rest in our endeavors to provide safe neighborhoods for the residents of Baghdad.”
Golden Dragons Remember Comrade, Why They Stand ‘Right of the Line’
Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, humbly stood in formation outside their headquarters at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, for a ceremony to honor a fallen comrade, July 30, 2008.
The Golden Dragons renamed their headquarters Daggett Hall to honor the memory of Sgt. John Kyle Daggett, a native of Scottsdale, Ariz.
Daggett was injured May 1, 2008, when he was struck by shrapnel from a rocket-propelled grenade in Sadr City. He succumbed to injuries, May 15, 2008. He was the first Golden Dragons Soldier lost on this deployment.
Progress Continues on Construction of Tarmiyah Schools
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – During the past five years, Soldiers have assisted residents in building, refurbishing and supplying schools with better resources with the hopes of providing a better education.
Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, “Golden Dragons,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, visited two schools July 31, 2008, to check the progress of the Qadasiya Primary School and al Sadiq Secondary School in Tarmiyah Qada, northwest of Baghdad.
Construction on both schools began in June.
4/2 SBCT Leadership
A leadership transition for the 4/2 SBCT is underway - Mike Gilbert at FOB Tacoma has all the details.
Soldiers continue seizing weapons caches in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered a weapons cache northwest of Baghdad Aug. 6.
At approximately 10:15 a.m., Soldiers with Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a weapons cache during a route-clearance mission northwest of Baghdad. The munitions included four Bulgarian OG-7 40 mm rounds; three PG-9s; two PG-7s; two 120 mm rocket warheads, a 130 mm Iraqi projectile, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher; 35, 12 gauge rounds; 35, 7.62 mm rounds and 20 feet of time fuse.
“Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers remain vigilant in taking these deadly weapons off the streets as they strive to safeguard the people of Baghdad,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, MND-B and the 4th Infantry Division. “Along with our Iraqi Security Forces partners, we are actively engaged in providing safe neighborhoods for the Iraqi people.”
Diyala Update
The Long War Journal has a lengthy update on Operation Omens of Prosperity in the Diyala province. The 2nd SCR is operating in the region, but I have yet to see confirmation that its soldiers are participating in the operation. Excerpt:
More than 375 insurgents and al Qaeda operatives have been captured during the first week of Operation Omens of Prosperity in Diyala province. Six senior al Qaeda in Iraqi leaders in the province have been captured during the province-wide operation.The Iraqi military announced it captured 265 suspected al Qaeda fighters during operations from July 29 through Aug. 2. Five members of al Qaeda's provincial shura, or executive council, were captured during this timeframe. [...]
Operation Omens of Prosperity is currently broken down into three smaller operations: Sabre Pursuit, Iron Pursuit, and Bastogne Pursuit. An estimated 30,000 to 50,000 Iraqi soldiers and police, backed by about 3,000 US troops, are participating in the operation.
Rock Soldiers Provides Stability to Citizens of Mushada
By 1st Lt. Jesse Ozbat, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Prior to the arrival of Company C “Rock,” 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, Soldiers to the area of Mushada, northwest of Baghdad, there were few shops open and with very limited hours.
Many of the residents remained in their homes, and the local government was unable to function as it should. It became the goal of the Soldiers of Co. C to change the previous state of the area and make it safe for everyone that lives in Mushada.
“Our goal is to provide a secure environment so the Iraqi government can take control and we can transition home,” said Spc. Justin Scully, a native of Cincinnati.
Strykehorse Soldiers Find History
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The cavalry has always played an integral role in the world’s militaries. Traveling and fighting on horseback gave them an advantage to regular ground troops, as it made them faster, more mobile and a more lethal force.
Throughout the years times changed and Cavalry units eventually gave up their horses and replaced them with armored vehicles.
One of those armored vehicles, used in WWII was found on Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, in a vehicle boneyard.
Maj. John Highfill, a native of Otis, Kan., and previous executive officer 2nd Battalion, 14th Cavalry Regiment, “Strykehorse,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, a self-proclaimed history buff, discovered the antique while researching his unit’s history.
Warrior Soldiers Rock Out in Iraq
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The sound of rock music hangs in the dry, dusty air at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad.
It is an ambiance that many enjoy as they pass an abandoned warehouse where six Soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, practice their music.
“The Barn” as it is affectionately referred to by the Soldiers of the band Dead Reckoning is a spot of inspiration the bands members:
Staff Sgt. Michael Billingsley, the band’s drummer, is a native of Winfield, Ala., and serves as a Joint Network Node operator; Sgt. Corey Burk, a guitarist, is a native of Fitzgerald, Ga., and also serves as a JNN operator; Sgt. First Class Tim Casper, a bassist, is a native of Warba, Minn., and serves as a communication security custodian; Staff Sgt. Shawn Magone, a guitarist, is a native of Missoula, Mont., and serves as a signal frequency manager; and for Spc. Joseph Ray, the lead guitarist, is a native of Rock Hill, S.C., and serves as a JNN operator. These Soldiers are all assigned to the 556th Signal Company, 2nd SBCT.
Webster Articles
Nathan Webster, currently embedded with the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT, has two new articles.
Shreveporter shares his Iraq experiences - The Times
Cutchall, with Alpha Company, 1st/14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, said he can't hold a conversation in Arabic and his language skills don't rise above basic pleasantries. The Iraqis, on the other end, have about the same level of English skills — not much, but it's something."I can ask hello, how are you, things like that. Basic stuff," Cutchall said. "If they start asking me questions, I probably can't answer them."
"Shaku-maku," is a favorite Arabic greeting, he said — basically, an informal "what's up?"
In Pictures: US and Iraqis in Tarmiyah - The Long War Journal
Soldiers with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion/14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division interacted with Iraqis in Tarmiyah, Iraq, in a variety of settings during the month of June. The company commander engaged the local tribal leader at dinner. Enlisted soldiers talked to Sons of Iraq members during patrols of their citywide positions, but still searched and questioned those Iraqis they encountered in the less-stable countryside. Most of their days are not spent on typical infantry missions, but as one Alpha Company platoon sergeant put it, “infantrymen haven’t been doing typical infantrymen’s jobs for a long time.”
Soldier Update
The Lawrence Journal has a long update on the condition of Spc. John Humphrey, who was seriously injured last month and is now recovering at Walter Reed. Excerpt:
John now is recovering in the Walter Reed Army Hospital in Washington, D.C. On Thursday, he had his fourth surgery; the explosion caused damage that required partial amputation of both his right arm and left leg.The reality of the situation had been a blow to his parents; his mother, Denise, is a cheerleading coach at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School and Sean Humphrey is a Lawrence firefighter who formerly served as a volunteer firefighter for the Shawnee Fire Department.
“People say they’re caught up in a whirlwind, and that’s exactly how it feels right now,” Sean said. “It’s my business to help people, but I don’t know what to do right now. You can’t prepare for this.”
4/2 SBCT Memorial
The city of Lakewood near Ft. Lewis will unveil a memorial for the 4/2 SBCT this Monday. The festivities are open to the public.
IA, MND-B Soldiers bring medical aid to village
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Medics from 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, with support from Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, provided medical care to the citizens of the Kharnabat area west of Baghdad July 29.
Iraqi Army and 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division medics converted the Al Manasir School into a temporary clinic and treated more than 170 people for various medical ailments ranging from a simple cough and toothaches to stomach infections and chicken pox.
“We are so thankful for the U.S. and the IA for what they are doing, said one patient after being treated by an IA medic. “I have been sick for many days, and they gave me medicine for free that will help me get better”
The IA medics tended to the majority of the patients, while 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div. medics treated a few immediate and complex cases.
“Today was great,” said Staff Sgt Amos Salas, a medic. “There were a lot of people who came and saw the IA working with local personnel. I believe this is a step in the right direction for the Iraqi people.”
ISF, MND-B Soldiers seize multiple caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized multiple weapons caches in Baghdad Aug.1.
At approximately 11 a.m., Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found a cache north of Baghdad containing a partial improvised explosive device with three tubes of UBE explosive material; a 120 mm rocket; four 120 mm rocket warheads; three 107 mm warheads; four 120 mm mortars; an anti-tank land mine; 25, 120 mm projectiles; three155 mm projectiles and two 105 mm projectiles.
At approximately 3:30 p.m., Sons of Iraq members turned in a weapons cache to Soldiers with 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div. consisting of five projectiles, three 130 mm projectiles, two 155 mm projectiles and a 155 mm mortar that was expended north of Baghdad.
Technical Difficulties
Apparently there was a bug in the software we use to track statistics that prevented anyone using Internet Explorer from accessing our site earlier today. Thousands of sites were affected from what I hear. I think everything has been repaired, but feel free to leave a comment if you are still having issues.
Apologies,
SBN Team
Army Times Solider of the Year
Via FOB Tacoma we learn that First Sgt. William C. Harlan of the 4-9 INF, 4/2 SBCT has been named the Army Times 2008 Solider of the Year. He also deployed with the 172nd SBCT when it was stationed in Alaska.
Related: SSG Randy D. Eoute of the 1-21 INF, 2/25 SBCT was an honorable mention (see sidebar of story).
Related:
Army Times honors Stryker brigade soldier - The News Tribune
Warriors, Iraqi Army Work Together
By Cpl. Dustin Weidman, 2/25 SBCT
BAGHDAD – Working alongside one another, military members from Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, “Gimlets,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad and 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division used shared intelligence to take a terrorist off the streets in Aqur Quf, northwest of Baghdad, July 19, 2008.
“This was a very successful operation, not the first that the 24th Bde. has conducted, and certainly not the last that will demonstrate the Iraqi army’s increased potential to conduct unilateral operations,” said Capt. Jonathan O’Dea, a Providence, R.I., native, and Gimlet Iraqi security forces coordinator.
“Our battalion has made partnership with the Iraqi security forces – specifically the 24th Bde., a priority since beginning operations in January. The last months of combined training and coordination has set the conditions for partnered operations.”
