The Changing Role of an Infantry Soldier
By Pfc. Alisha Nye, 14th Public Affairs Detachment
Normally, the role an Infantry Soldier plays can be summed up simply: Infantry Soldiers are Soldiers who are primarily trained for fighting on foot. However, with ever-changing modern warfare and the enhancements made to the country of Iraq by the efforts of coalition forces and Iraqi security forces, the role of the Infantry Soldier is undergoing changes of its own.
“It’s changes from us, primarily, spearheading just about every operation,” said Staff Sgt. Brian McDermott, weapons squad leader, 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. “That’s leveled off considerably and the majority of those responsibilities are falling on our counterparts here in Iraq – the Iraqi police and the Iraqi army.”
McDermott – who has been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Saudi Arabia – explained that, although implemented differently, his responsibilities as an infantry Soldier in Afghanistan and during his first deployment to Iraq were the same.
Wolfhounds Capture Criminal, Then Celebrate Second Christmas in Iraq
By Staff Sgt. JB Jaso III, Multi-National Division-Baghdad
ISTAQLAL, Iraq – As a fifteen-month deployment comes to a close for Wolfhound Soldiers they remain focused at continuing their mission, even during the holiday season.
The Wolfhounds, who are more formally known as 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, currently attached to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, celebrated their second consecutive Christmas in Iraq, but the holiday celebrations didn’t stop Soldiers from the Headquarters and Headquarters Company from capturing one of the area’s most wanted terrorists.
An early Christmas morning combined operation with the 2nd Brigade, 1st Iraqi National Police Division resulted in the capture of an individual associated with improvised explosive devices and planning attacks with suicide vest bombs stated the Wolfhounds assistant intelligence officer, 1st Lt. Joseph McKinney, of Stafford, Va.
Stryker Repair Facility Shifts Focus
By Dustin Senger, Area Support Group-Qatar
CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar – “We want to work ourselves out of a job,” said Rick Hunt, from Newark, Ohio, inside the Stryker battle damage repair facility at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, Dec. 23. “When we don’t get damaged vehicles, it means people are going home in one piece.” Hunt is the General Dynamics Land Systems site manager at the Qatar site, responsible for receiving, repairing and returning Stryker combat vehicles protecting U.S. Central Command war fighters.
A recent decrease in combat-damaged Strykers led to discussions about the fate of the repair facility at the U.S. military installation in Qatar. A new mission was needed to retain the team of experienced mechanics, welders and material controllers. In November, discussions between U.S. government and GDLS officials shifted the focus of the site to refurbishing, or “resetting,” worn out Strykers on the battlefield.
Strykers urgently needing the reset service were removed from combat operations and sent to Camp As Sayliyah. Recent shipments of the light-armored combat vehicle contained a mixture of eight Stryker variants: infantry carrier (most common), motor carrier, medical evacuation, engineer support, fire support, command, reconnaissance, and anti-tank guided missile vehicles.
Operation Archangel Pursuit III Smokes Out Threats
By Pfc. Alisha Nye, 14th Public Affairs Detachment
NAQIB, Iraq - In theology, an archangel is a heavenly being who is meant to protect humankind by serving in the army of God. Conserving and protecting the wellbeing of their fellow men is an ideal that Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, as well as their Iraqi army counterparts, took to heart during the appropriately named Operation Archangel Pursuit III.
“The purpose of the mission was to go into the town of Naqib and conserve it,” said 1st Sgt. Dean Johnson, Battery A, 2nd Bn., 8th Field Artillery Regt. “Enemy forces came in the area and forced the families who lived there out.”
The importance of saving this area is great. The town of Naqib, which is located in the Diyala province of Iraq, is an agricultural area that once provided the majority of the families in the vicinity with an income, Johnson explained.
Cash for Trash
By Spc. Opal Vaughn, 14th Public Affairs Detachment
There is a popular saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” And it is as true today as it was in the past.
At Forward Operating Base Warhorse, one unit is taking it to heart and really getting down and dirty for the good of the community as well as creating jobs and new opportunities for local nationals along the way. Since arriving to Warhorse, Forward Maintenance Company, 25th Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, has been hastily staying busy by creating new job opportunities for young male local nationals looking for work, Dec. 16.
As part of their ongoing program with Iraqi-Based Industrial Zone, Soldiers with FMC, 25th BSB, 1st SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., have created several jobs to include filling recycled burlap bags with sand, construction work, plumbing and even scrap metal work at a dump site.
Walking the Line
By Spc. Opal Vaughn, 14th Public Affairs Detachment
“Sergeant, line ‘em up,” yells Amarillo, Texas, native 2nd Lt. Mark Herrmann, platoon leader, 73rd Engineers Company, 25th Brigade Troops Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, as he draws an imaginary line with his finger in the air.
“Roger sir. Line it up guys,” hollers Big Fork, Mich., native, Staff Sgt. Peter Johnson, a combat engineer squad leader with 73rd Eng. Co., 25th BTB, 1st SBCT, 25th Inf. Div. And just as quickly as the command is called, several engineer Soldiers form a line to sweep an open field of any possible improvised explosive devices in the Southern Legion Area of Operations during a route clearance mission, Dec. 21.
Slowly but surely the 73rd Engineers have been clearing the Southern Legion AO of IEDs and munitions threat in the area over the past months.
Soldier in Focus – Capt Bryan Williams
By Capt. Katherine Lubinski, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Today’s Soldier in focus is Capt. Bryan Williams, a native of Redland, Calif., who is the company commander of Company A "Comanche," 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
Williams’ company provides logistical support to the Warrior Brigade, delivering food, water, fuel and other essential supplies to the combat outposts.
“Ever since I enlisted in the Army, I wanted to be a company commander,” Williams said. “Commanding the Comanche fulfills my dream of positively impacting Soldiers and their Families.”
When he returns to Hawaii early next year, Williams said he will continue to command for another 10 months before attending the Logistics Captains’ Career Course.
Wolfhounds, Iraqi National Police Search for Illegal Weapons
By Staff Sgt. JB Jaso III, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division
ISTAQLAL, Iraq – Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, attached to 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., Multi-National Division – Baghdad, and members of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Iraqi National Police Division, weathered the high winds and cold winter temperatures in search of illegal weapons caches Dec. 22 during Operation Gunslinger Bonzai XXVI.
The search led the combined forces to the Hussaniyah town of the Istaqlal Qada, where they searched the open fields, empty compounds and historic cache locations for any signs of illegal weapons.
In the past, the Wolfhounds have found mortar rounds, improvised-explosive device making material and weapons in the area that could’ve been used to harm Iraqi security forces, civilians and coalition forces.
Forward Area Support Team Makes Rounds
By Spc. Opal Vaughn, 14th Public Affairs Detachment
DIYALA, Iraq - A vital role in today’s military is logistical resupply for troops in the battlefield.
In Diyala province, there are several outposts scattered across the battle space which are not capable of housing or distributing supplies for themselves.
Having the manpower to push supplies out to troops on mission has become a priority of the Forward Area Support Team, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. And in order to ensure all unit outposts have a constant supply of goods for the Soldiers, the FAS Team continues to make rounds every week.
“We are one of the main outlets; we support several locations including Forward Operating Base Gabe, Contingency Operating Base Old Baquba, COB Tarear and COB Khatoon, just to name a few,” said Greensboro, N.C. native, 1st Lt. Karoline Hood, FAST officer in charge, 1-5 Inf., 1st SBCT, 25th Inf. Div. “We resupply the FOBs and COBs with food, water, fuel and even construction supplies.”
Husband, Wife: United Even in Battle
By Spc. Opal Vaughn, 14th Public Affairs Detachment
Despite already having served a combined service of 17 years to their country, husband and wife team, Sgt. Danielle Stephens with 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, 98th Chemical, and Cpl. Clayton Stephens with Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, re-enlisted together to be closer to each other.
With their hands raised, standing side by side, the Stephens’ began to recite the Oath of Enlistment during a re-enlistment ceremony at Forward Operating Base Mosul, located in Ninuea, Iraq, Dec. 10.
According to Clayton, he and his wife met on their first deployment to Baghdad in September 2005. The following year, they married in August. Unfortunately, Danielle already had orders set for Fort Hood, Texas and Clayton was being sent to Fort Wainwright, Alaska.
Preparation = Success for Honolulu Marathon at Camp Taji
By Maj. Al Hing, 2/25 SBCT PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – A collective sigh rose from the support team members, who spent months preparing for the Satellite Honolulu Marathon after 168 participants began the race Dec. 14 in Iraq at Camp Taji.
The sound of the starting air horn marked a moment of success – the success which months of preparation resulted a professionally executed marathon.
Simultaneously, 168 runners inhaled deeply and began the marathon across Camp Taji. The moment of truth arrived. Most spent months training for this run. Some trained alone while others trained with partners who were thousands of miles away in Hawaii.
Soldiers Make Strong Showing at Honolulu Marathon Iraq Satellite Race
By Sgt. Jason Dangel, Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Despite a field of competitors heavily dominated by 25th Infantry Division Soldiers representing their home state of Hawaii, a small contingent of the “Lone Star” state Soldiers made their presence felt, respectively claiming a first and second place finish during the annual Honolulu Marathon Iraq satellite race held at Camp Taji on Dec. 14.
With Iraqi winter temperatures hovering around the mid-40s, Maj. Frederick Dufault, operations officer, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, from San Antonio, claimed a second place finish right behind Maj. Kurt Kinney, battalion surgeon assigned to the 2nd Brigade Stryker Team, 25th Inf. Div.
Both men were virtually neck and neck coming down the final leg of the 26.2 mile course, but Kinney, who originally hails from Utica, N.Y., managed to pull ahead for the victory, posting a time of 3:04:02. Dufault finished at 3:05:41.
Road to Recovery
Asbury Park Press has an article describing the recovery of SGT Michael Minard, a former 2nd SCR soldier who was seriously injured in Iraq in October 2007.
Awesome could also describe Minard's story and his attitude toward recovery. On Sunday, the 26-year-old father of two girls spoke about how he is looking to the future, learning to use his prosthetic legs and thanking the community for the support he's received.The money will go toward fixing a ranch house Minard bought in Union Beach for his young family.
"What I was thinking about was my family, and getting a house was a start," Minard said. "I want a little stability in my life." [...]
Minard's legs were severely injured by an improvised explosive device detonated by the Stryker armored vehicle he was in while on a reconnaissance mission in the Sadr City section of Baghdad in October 2007. The explosion blew off the side of the Stryker, he said.
PA Soldiers Prepare for Deployment
The Intelligencer has an article about a local PA Guard soldier preparing to deploy with the 56th SBCT. The 56th is on leave right now, but will be deploying to Iraq in the new year.
Army National Guard Sgt. Richard Brauer is looking forward to being in Iraq in January.For now, though, the 23-year-old Bedminster man is happy to be home with his family and boxer dog, Joe.
Brauer and thousands of other members of the 56th Stryker Brigade activated in September received 10 days leave after months of training at Camp Shelby, Miss., and Fort Polk, La.
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches throughout Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi soldiers, Iraqi Police and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches in the Baghdad area Dec 26.
Iraqi Army soldiers serving with 53rd Brigade, 14th Iraqi Army Division and Soldiers serving with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B, discovered a weapons cache containing three 100 mm high-explosive projectiles, five 115 mm projectiles and an empty 152 mm projectile at approximately 12:40 p.m. northwest of Baghdad.
An Iraqi citizen turned in a cache found at his home to Iraqi Army soldiers serving with 4th Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, at approximately 7 p.m. north of Baghdad. The weapons seized included two silencers, four grenade fuses, 2.5 pounds of propellant, two 60 mm high-explosive mortars, a heavy machine gun body and a machine gun bolt.
At approximately 7 p.m., Iraqi National Policemen turned in a weapons cache they found to Soldiers serving with Company A, 1st Bn., 14th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf.Div., MND-B. The cache contained two 57 mm mortars
At approximately 11 p.m., an Iraqi citizen turned in a 57 mm and a high-explosive anti-armor round to Soldiers serving with Co A, 1st Bn., 14th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div, MND-B.
IP find weapons cache in Diyala
Multi-National Division – North PAO
DIYALA, Iraq – Iraqi Police working with Coalition forces found a cache of weapons and protective equipment while conducting a joint operation in Iraq’s Diyala province Dec. 24.
The cache consisted of 13 automatic weapons magazines, six ballistic vests, five body armor plates, four bayonets, three Kevlar helmets, two grenade fuses, two black balaclavas and one automatic weapon as well as Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police uniforms and over 100 rounds for automatic and semi-automatic weapons.
“The finding of this cache should send a message to terrorists and criminals in the area,” said 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division spokesman, Maj. Chris Hyde. “The partnership between local Iraqi Police and Coalition forces represents a formidable force and opposition to those who would do harm to the people of Diyala.”
Warrior Receives Purple Heart
A local paper has a nice story about a 2/25 SBCT soldier who received a Purple Heart at Walter Reed after being injured in Iraq.
WOODBRIDGE — A soldier with ties to both Stafford and Prince William counties received a Purple Heart during a Dec. 19 ceremony at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.Army PFC Derek Derose 20, of Stafford County, was injured by an improvised explosive device while on patrol with his unit near Beni Zaid, Iraq on Oct. 17, 2008.
“People are always telling me I’m lucky,” he said. “Lucky doesn’t cut it. I’m straight up blessed. This is the fourth time I’ve been involved in an IED. This is definitely the ace of spades.”
A New Role
The News Tribune provides an update on a former 1/25 SBCT soldier, Armando Mejia, who is now the military outreach director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound.
The 31-year-old father of three clearly relished watching the Christmas play last week at an auditorium at Fort Lewis’ Madigan Army Medical Center. The Spanaway resident is the military outreach director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound.Mejia’s job has become a bit of salvation for the former Fort Lewis soldier who nearly died four years ago when a roadside bomb exploded under his Humvee in Iraq. He struggled with a grueling physical recovery and a severe case of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Today, he helps coordinate programs for the hundreds of children in the area – from as far west as Belfair and Bremerton and eastward to Spanaway and Graham – whose parents serve in the armed forces.
“Working with these kids,” he said, “has helped turn everything around for me.”
Tips lead IA, NP, MND-B Soldiers to seize weapons
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Tips led Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers to weapons caches in Baghdad Dec 22.
A tip from a concerned citizen led Iraqi Army soldiers serving with 2nd Battalion 53rd Brigade, 6th Division, and Coalition force Soldiers with 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B, to a cache at approximately 10 a.m. northwest of Baghdad. The cache contained three 60 mm mortars and a high-explosive projectile.
Another tip from a concerned citizen led to the seizure of a munitions cache by Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B, at approximately 3 p.m. west of Baghdad. The munitions included a home-made rocket and three fuses.
Policemen with the 1st Battalion, 7th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division along with an Iraqi explosive ordnance disposal team removed four 60 mm mortars at approximately 6 p.m. in southern Baghdad. The NPs were alerted to the area by an Iraqi citizen.
Forum Issues
Update II 12/21/08: The upgrade was successful, so please let us know in the comments if this clears up any issues you were having.
Update 12/21/08: We are going to upgrade the forum software this afternoon (Sunday). We will be disabling the forum while we make the transition. We'll post another update once we're done.
*****
A number of people have emailed us recently having experienced problems accessing the forum area of our website. It seems when they try to access the main forum page they are redirected to what appears to be a spam website. A quick security scan didn't turn up any obvious problems, so we will likely try and upgrade the forum software sometime this week and that will hopefully fix the issue.
Apologies for the inconvenience. We appreciate your patience while we resolve this.
Thanks,
SBN Team
Christmas in Iraq
The Honolulu Advertiser has a nice story about helping the 2/25 SBCT celebrate its second Christmas in Iraq.
The "Warriors" of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team at least are trying to get into the spirit on what is their second Christmas away from family for this deployment.At Camp Taji just north of Baghdad, a live pine tree arrived from Tennessee.
A group of women who call themselves "Moms on a Mission" from Marshal County, Tenn., purchased the tree, wrapped it up and express-mailed the gift to Iraq on Nov. 29.
After 11 days of travel it arrived, bringing a still-piney smell with it.
IA, NP, MND-B Soldiers seized weapons in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army soldiers, National Police and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches in Baghdad Dec. 18 and 19.
Soldiers serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armor Division, MND-B, discovered a cache containing eight propane tanks wrapped in detonation cord at approximately noon.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. Soldiers serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B, discovered a large cache north of Baghdad. The cache included 28 82 mm mortars, seven grenades of various sizes, a 60 mm mortar, a 82 mm mortar tube and stand, 14 high-explosive rockets of various sizes, two 57 mm projectiles, 19 39.5 mm mortar fuses, 2,640 rounds of 12.7 mm ammunition, 20 sticks of TNT, 20 pounds of PE-4 explosive material, and various bomb making materials.
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons throughout Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers found weapons caches in the Baghdad area Dec. 19.
Soldier serving with 5th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, seized six AK-47s, a pistol, a box containing an undetermined amount of ammunition at approximately 4:15 a.m. in Baghdad’s Ghazaliyah neighborhood.
At approximately 9:15 a.m. Soldiers serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 35th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armor Division, MND-B, found eight 57 mm projectiles south of Baghdad. An explosives ordnance disposal team responded to the area and destroyed the munitions.
Acting on a tip from a concerned citizen Soldiers serving with Company C, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B, discovered a cache north of Baghdad containing eight 125 mm mortars and two 42 mm mortars and five 40 mm high explosive anti-tank rounds at approximately 10:30 a.m. The seized munitions, found north of Baghdad, were later destroyed on site by and EOD team.
Baghdad terrorist leader apprehended in Diyala
Multi-National Division – North PAO
TIKRIT, Iraq – A suspected terrorists was apprehended and detained by Soldiers from1st Battalion, 24thInfantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, in Khan Bani Sab, Iraq, Dec. 18.
The successful capture and detainment of the alleged terrorist involved coordination with multiple Iraqi Security Forces elements.
The individual detained is suspected to be involved in weapons trafficking, indirect fire attacks, and other acts of terrorism.
“The capture of this suspected terrorist represents a tremendous success for the combined efforts of Coalition Forces and Iraqi Security Forces alike,” said 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division spokesman Maj. Chris Hyde. “This effort also speaks to the enormous amount of cooperation and teamwork necessary to carry out any long-term, complicated, but ultimately rewarding operation to apprehend terrorists and criminals.”
Snowball Express
The News Tribune has a nice story about the nonprofit, Snowball Express, that sends the families of fallen soldiers on holiday trips to Disneyland. A Stryker family is a regular participant.
Talking and playing with other children in a similar situation has also helped the children of Staff Sgt. Christopher Bunda, a Fort Lewis Stryker Brigade soldier who died in January 2004 when a police boat capsized in the Tigris River.Bunda’s widow, Michele, is making her third Snowball Express trip with 11-year-old daughter, Chrizchele, and 8-year-old son, Christian. The family lives in Bremerton.
“It was tough” for the kids after their father died, Bunda said. “And this made it easier on them.”
Update: CPT Patrick Horan
CPT Horan, a member of the 3/2 SBCT, was seriously injured in the summer of 2007 and has been recovering ever since. According to his brother, "Patrick and his wife Patty were recently interviewed on a national talk show for Veterans Day and below are a couple of links to the video from the show on youtube."
Citizens’ tips lead MND-B Soldiers to weapons in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Tips from concerned citizens led Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers to weapons caches in the Baghdad area Dec 16.
A local citizen turned in unexploded ordnance to Soldiers serving with the 411th Military Police, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, north of Baghdad at approximately 10:40 a.m. Soldiers serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and an EOD assessed the munitions to include a 120 mm projectile and a hand grenade.
At approximately 2 p.m., a tip from a local Iraqi citizen guided Soldiers serving with Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, to a hand grenade and a trip flare north of Baghdad.
Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found a weapons cache west of Baghdad at approximately 2:30 p.m. The munitions included two OS-56 projectiles, a 122 mm projectile, a 130 mm projectile, a 155 mm projectile and a 462 projectile.
MND-B Soldiers find weapons cache
Multi-National Division - Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD - Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers found a weapons cache west of Baghdad Dec. 15.
At approximately 9:50 a.m., Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found six 57 mm mortar rounds, 13 pounds of unknown powder, two pounds of propellant, three boosters, 20 feet of detonation cord and 10 blasting caps west of the Abu Ghuraib of Baghdad.
ISF, MND-B Soldiers patrol Abu Ghuraib
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad patrolled streets in Baghdad’s Abu Ghuraib district Dec. 13.
IA soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 24th Brigade, 6th IA Division searched houses in the district’s Abu Nasir neighborhood with Coalition force Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B.
Increasingly, Coalition forces have begun to step back and assume more of a support role as the ISF step towards operational independence.
“We have been working with this unit for several months, but we haven’t been working this close until recently,” said 1st Lt. Maxwell Pappas, platoon leader for Company B, 1st Bde., 21st Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B.
IP, IA, MND-B Soldiers find weapons caches throughout Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Police and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers found weapons caches throughout Baghdad Dec. 13.
At approximately 9:30 a.m., Soldiers from Company D, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, seized three 130 mm mortar rounds, three 120 mm illumination rounds and various bomb-making material in Baghdad’s East Rashid district.
Soldiers with 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, working with soldiers from 4th Battalion, 36th Brigade, 9th Iraq Army Division, found three 130 mm projectiles, four 73 mm booster charges and a 2.75-inch expended rocket motor northwest of Baghdad at approximately 1:15 p.m.
Approximately 10 minutes later, Iraqi National Policemen from 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st NP Division, along with Soldiers serving with 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, found a 10-inch copper plated explosively formed projectile, a 57 mm rocket, a rocket fuse and a bag of control wire inside a garbage bag in Baghdad’s New Baghdad district.
Maintaining Security in Balad Ruz, Diyala
By Spc. Opal Vaughn, 14th Public Affairs Detachment
Some people might have noticed there’s a new unit in town. But that makes no difference at all.
Even though 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division has only been in country for a short while, the mission still remains the same; maintain security while transitioning the return of Iraq to its people.
Alpha Troop, 5th Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 1st SBCT, 25th Inf. Div. has taken the lead on maintaining security for Forward Operating Base Caldwell located in Diyala, Iraq, by making it their mission, one day at a time.
Forward Operating Base Caldwell, formally inhabited by 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment and recently turned over to 5-1 Cav., has already begun creating sand storms throughout Diyala and Balad Ruz by ensuring the local Iraqi police, Iraqi army, Sons of Iraq and emergency relief forces continue to stay on task for the betterment of Iraq.
Mechanics Help Soldiers Stay Mission Ready
By Spc. Opal Vaughn, 14th Public Affairs Detachment
No one ever likes taking their vehicle to the shop.
Often, a person will take their car in to get something simple like the brake pads replaced; a job that will only cost them around $35 or so.
By the end of the initial consultation, they’ll drive out of the shop needing several other parts and pieces replaced, repaired or added to the vehicle, costing them far more than they originally bargained for.
Good or bad, vehicle maintenance is a necessity which cannot always be avoided. Even in the military, all vehicles and aircraft must be maintained in order to continue supporting missions.
The U.S. military employs a great variety of vehicles and every one must be maintained, especially while deployed. This is particularly true at Forward Operating Base Caldwell, Iraq, where there is an entire team of unit mechanics on the job.
Comanche Troops Check on Iraqi School
By Cpl. Cerone Waddy, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – After recent renovations, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers returned to an area school on Dec. 2 to assess its continued success.
Soldiers from Troop C, “Comanche,” 2nd Squadron 14th Cavalry Regiment, “Strykehorse,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, MND-B, visited the Bata Primary School, northwest of Baghdad.
Capt. Travis Shain, a native of Victoria, Texas, and Comanche Troop commander, personally visited the all the classrooms with the school’s principal.
“The school is right on course with where we had thought it would be,” Shain said. “The large number of students in attendance is obviously a great sign.”
Lightning Strikes Twice
By Task Force Lightning Public Affairs
TIKRIT, Iraq — The event on stage at Contingency Operating Base Speicher’s main gym must have looked very familiar to many Iraqi and U.S. leaders, military members and civilians in attendance. Only this time the team roles were reversed.
The 25th Infantry Division officially took charge of Multi-National Division – North from the 1st Armored Division during a ceremony, Dec. 9. The proverbial passing of the baton between these two distinguished U.S. Army divisions was a reversal of roles, as the 1AD, “Iron Soldiers,” began their deployment in Northern Iraq in 2007 by replacing the “Tropic Lightning” warfighters of the 25th ID.
“This Transition of Authority, like all TOAs, is about the departing unit handing off the relay baton while at full speed. No drops of mission, or tasks,” said Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commanding general, Multi-National Corps – Iraq. “The teamwork both division headquarters displayed during this transition is indicative of the race we are all in together, the race towards a stable and prosperous Iraq,” said Austin.
Forward Area Support Team Cooks Ensure Soldiers Eat Well
By Capt. Katharine Lubinski, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – At many of the combat outposts and joint security stations north of Baghdad, Soldiers enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving meal Nov. 28 thanks to a few dedicated cooks and other support personnel.
Forward Area Support Team Soldiers from the 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, worked tirelessly to prepare a home-style Thanksgiving meal for Soldiers throughout the Warrior Brigade battle space.
More than half of the Warrior Brigade spent Thanksgiving at their combat outposts and joint security stations. To prepare for the meal, Warrant Officer Reginald Lemon, the 2nd Stryker Brigade food service advisor, coordinated with the cooks to provide food to each site. Sites requested the food more than a month in advance. One week prior to Thanksgiving, the logistics convoys began delivering the supplies to the sites.
New Workforce of the Military
By Spc. Opal Vaughn, 14th Public Affairs Detachment
Due to the demands of today’s competitive workforce, many Soldiers have found themselves reassigned from their trained military occupational specialty and tasked with new job responsibilities at Forward Operating Base Caldwell, located in Diyala, Iraq, Nov. 26.
But re-tasking is not something the Army has just recently begun.
Retraining in an unfamiliar MOS can either be done by a Soldier choosing to re-class or if there is a need for a Soldier to fill a job slot which is important for the needs of the Army. “Re-classing” may seem a bit drastic, but it allows many Soldiers an opportunity for advancement as well as the opportunity to become certified or trained in another specialty.
The numbers of dually-trained Soldiers are a growing trend in today’s military. In fact, it is becoming even more popular in order for personnel to become more competitive in today’s workforce.
Marathon Runners
A group of 2/25 SBCT spouses will run in the Honolulu Marathon on Sunday while their deployed loved ones participate in a satellite marathon in Iraq.
The couples will endure the 26.2-mile run, much like they've endured their time apart and life's responsibilities — their careers, raising children — since the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division deployed a year ago.The wives will be running in the 36th Honolulu Marathon while their husbands will be running in the marathon's Iraq satellite event.
"My husband said he would not have kept it (running) up if I had not been running," first-time marathoner Genny Collins, 33, said of Lt. Commander Mark Collins.
MND-B Soldiers find weapons caches in the Baghdad area
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers found weapons caches in Baghdad Dec. 10.
At approximately 7:45 a.m., Soldiers serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division found 48 mortar primers, three rocket fuses and eight mortar cheese charges in the Abu Ghuraib area west of Baghdad.
Later in the afternoon at approximately 3:55 p.m., Soldiers serving with 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, working with Iraqi Army soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 53rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, seized 67 81 mm projectiles and 35 57 mm projectiles in the Sab Al Bour area of Baghdad.
1/25 SBCT Commander Interviewed
The commander of the 1/25 SBCT, COL Burdett Thompson, was recently interviewed by KTUU News. Follow the link for video as well.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Members of Alaska's 1st Stryker Brigade are in high spirits, extremely motivated and dedicated to the cause, according to the commander of the brigade's 4,200 soldiers serving in Iraq.The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division deployed to Iraq in September, and the brigade is making great strides with helping Iraq become a safer place said its commander, Col. Burdett Thompson.
The 25th Infantry Division has been very busy in Iraq, Thompson said.
"Iraq is a very dynamic place right now," he said in a phone interview.
MND-B Soldiers detain suspected criminals in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army soldiers and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained five suspected special group criminals throughout Baghdad Dec. 7-8.
At 3 p.m. Dec. 7, Soldiers serving with Task Force 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, detained two men in Sadr City who are suspected in a botched attack on Iraqi Security Forces involving an explosively formed penetrator.
One suspected criminal was detained after Soldiers serving with Company E, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, made an arrest in Adhamiyah at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7.
Soldiers serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, detained an alleged al- Qaida member west of Baghdad at approximately 8 p.m. that same day.
IA soldiers serving with 4th Battalion, 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, along with Soldiers of Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, arrested a suspected Special Groups criminal at approximately 2 a.m. Dec. 8.
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches north of Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized three weapons and munitions caches north of Baghdad Dec. 8.
Soldiers serving with 2nd Battalion, 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division and Soldiers of 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, confiscated a cache at 11 a.m. The cache consisted of an 80 mm rocket, two 82 mm mortars and a 120 mm mortar.
At approximately 12:30 p.m., Soldiers serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found two 120 mm mortars and two 122 mm projectiles.
Soldiers serving with Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, discovered a cache at 2 p.m. The cache consisted of 49 82 mm mortars, a 120 mm mortar, an 82 mm mortar, two 60 mm illumination mortars, an 85 mm rocket, a 57 mm projectile, an electric blasting cap, an 82 mm mortar tube and a 60 mm mortar tube.
Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized more than 2,300 weapons and munitions caches since the 4th Infantry Division’s arrival nearly a year ago. The cumulative caches contained 566 improvised explosive devices, 1,387 rockets, 12,788 mortar and artillery rounds, 1,960 pounds of C4, 2,571 RPGs, 555 explosively-formed penetrators and 12 and 414 rifles.
Invisible Wounds
Oregon Public Broadcasting (NPR) has an article and audio story featuring a former 1/25 SBCT soldier, John Blaufus, who is still struggling in the aftermath of his deployment.
For Blaufus, the war became an endless cycle of missions, house-to-house searches, supply work — anything to avoid thinking too much about what was happening. [...]Blaufus' mother, Anne, says things changed when her son was discharged. [...]
Blaufus says one thing keeps him going.
"Persistence. If I had trouble with it yesterday, I'll try it again today," he says. "And that just goes with anything, from getting up to take a shower to playing songs."
Holiday Celebration
The Olympian reports on a 4/2 SBCT soldier and his family who won a "Decorated Soldiers" contest to have their home decorated for the holidays.
FORT LEWIS – Christmas for Spc. Matthew Goldsmith and his family will be special in more ways than one.Goldsmith, 25, will spend the holidays with his family in his own home for the first time in five years after several deployments.
And an Olympia-based company added to the Goldsmiths' holiday cheer Friday by decorating their home on post for free to recognize Goldsmith's service.
"It just really makes it a holiday," said his wife, Dana, 23. "I'm huge on Christmas. It's so neat to have the house decorated."
Tips lead SOI, IP, MND-B Soldiers to weapons caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Sons of Iraq, Iraqi Police and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized three weapons and munitions caches in the greater Baghdad area Dec. 6.
Sons of Iraq and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, recovered an AK-47 rifle and ten full magazines north of Baghdad at approximately 11:30 a.m.
A tip led Soldiers serving with Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cav. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., to a cache north of Baghdad at approximately 12:30 p.m. The cache included 51 57 mm mortars, five 60 mm mortars and an anti-personnel mine.
At about 2:15 p.m., Iraqi Police, along with Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., followed up on a tip from a citizen and seized a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and six RPG warheads in Risalah.
Strykers Return
Long after the soldiers have returned the 2nd SCR's Stryker vehicles finally come home.
VILSECK, Germany — They survived 15 months of combat, roadside bomb attacks, small arms fire and countless patrols on the dangerous streets of Baghdad and the dusty farm tracks of Diyala Province.On Saturday, dozens of Stryker armored personnel carriers arrived home to Vilseck, 19 months after they left for the desert. Recently returned soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, who relied on the eight-wheeled behemoths to keep them safe in the war zone, were at the railhead to meet them.
One of them, Stryker driver Spc. Thomas Mayberry, 27, of Cabot, Ark., said the vehicles looked naked without the protective cages they wore downrange to guard against rocket propelled grenades.
Sons of Iraq registration kicks off in Diyala
Multi-National Division – North PAO
Diyala, Iraq – Local Iraqi nationals lined up and waited for hours to become registered members of the Sons of Iraq while at a registration station at Forward Operating Base Gabe, in Diyala, Iraq, Dec. 4.
More than 300 local Iraqis showed up for the registration, put together by Coalition forces and the Iraqi Army.
“It’s been a great turn out,” said Col. Burt Thompson, brigade commander, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. “And it’s really good to see both U.S. forces and the Iraqi Army working together as a joint force to ensure the registration of as many local Iraqi nationals to become registered members of the Sons of Iraq.”
Not too long after the registration commenced, local Iraqi nationals began to flood the registration site wanting to register themselves as SoI members.
“I think it’s great,” said Maj. Erick Salisbury, 18-5 Brigade Military Transition Team chief at FOB Gabe. “We’re definitely on the road toward transferring the SoI over to the Iraqi army.”
The SoI registration is implemented by CF leaders Brig. Gen. James Boozer, Brig. Gen. James Nixon and Col. Burt Thompson, along with Staff Lt. Gen. Abdul Kareem Khalaf and 5th IA Division deputy commander Brig. Gen. Bayaz Ahmed Ramaden, which they spoke about at a pre-registration rehearsal and meeting held Nov. 26.
Task Force Iron Gimlet takes shape
BAGHDAD – A new task force began operation west of Baghdad Nov. 7.
Task Force Iron Gimlet is a combined effort between the 926th Engineer Brigade and 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, and is responsible for Abu Ghraib, Nassar Wa Salaam and other surrounding areas.
The Iron Gimlet team has contracted Iraqi citizens to paint barriers and repair schools. Many projects such as trash removal and multiple school repairs will start in the near future.
“The kinetic line of effort was focused in downtown Baghdad for the earlier part of this year, particularly east of the river, creating a vulnerable access point in the rural area west of Baghdad for the flow of terrorist personnel and supplies into the Baghdad area,” said Capt. Matthew Slyder, Task Force Iron Gimlet project officer, 926th Eng. Bde. “The terrorist cells used intimidation tactics to ensure freedom of movement in this area for the last five years, until recent efforts have complicated their movement in this battle space.”
Manchu Memorial
The Northwest Guardian has a nice feature an a memorial the 4-9 INF, 4/2 SBCT ("Manchus") built for the fallen soldiers from its recent deployment.
The Manchus of 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment honored the seven Soldiers who lost their lives during its deployment to Iraq by dedicating last week a unique memorial to their sacrifice. An A Company Soldier, Sgt. Lee Gorzen, built the wooden concave wall at the end of a headquarters hallway where photos of the seven now hang.“We gather to honor their memory and say quietly in our own way, ‘We will never forget,’” said battalion commander, Lt. Col. Mark Bieger Nov. 26 from a lectern in front of 4-9 Inf. headquarters.
The battalion was arrayed in a horseshoe before him, with family members of the fallen and distinguished guests to the side.
MND-B Soldiers seize munitions in Baghdad area
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, discovered a cache northwest of Baghdad at approximately 10 a.m. Dec. 4.
The cache included 10 82 mm mortar rounds, a rocket-propelled grenade charge, computer equipment and propaganda.
Approximately two hours later, Soldiers serving with 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found a 105 mm projectile and an improvised launcher west of Baghdad.
Holidays at Ft. Wainwright
The Daily News Miner has a nice article about preparations for the holidays at Fr. Wainwright.
FAIRBANKS — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Fort Wainwright.Almost 800 members of the Fort Wainwright community showed up at the Physical Fitness Center on Friday night for the 16th annual Christmas tree lighting.
With the 9th Army Band playing “O Christmas Tree” in the background and with the assistance of a countdown from the crowd, 5-year-old Timberly Kneebone officially rang in the start of the holiday season by flipping the big red switch that lights the 24-foot-tall tree.
56th SBCT Training
Rob sent us the following article and photo album from The Philadelphia Inquirer featuring the 56th SBCT as it prepares for deployment.
FORT POLK, La. - Simulated bombs were going off noisily. Smoke grenades were exploding. Blank rifle shots were popping all around.This was just a training exercise amid the pines of Louisiana, but it felt very real. And for a platoon of Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers headed to Iraq, it was about to teach a lesson.
Sgt. First Class William King jumped from the rear of an armored Stryker vehicle and started to lead his men into the woods to pick up a wounded soldier. Abruptly, an instructor shouted out, "Hey! Hey! Come back here!"
General Ham Interview
FOB Tacoma points us to an article last week in USA Today featuring General Carter Ham, who was the commander of Task Force Olympia in Mosul during 2003-2004. Ham, who now commands all American forces in Europe, talks about his decision to seek counseling for PTSD.
"You need somebody to assure you that it's not abnormal," Ham says. "It's not abnormal to have difficulty sleeping. It's not abnormal to be jumpy at loud sounds. It's not abnormal to find yourself with mood swings at seemingly trivial matters. More than anything else, just to be able to say that out loud."The willingness of Ham, one of the military's top officers, to speak candidly with USA TODAY for the first time about post-traumatic stress represents a tectonic shift for a military system in which seeking such help has long been seen as a sign of weakness.
It's also a recognition of the seriousness of combat stress, which can often worsen to become post-traumatic stress disorder.
Mental Health Resources
Over the weekend The Olympian and The News Tribune published a series of articles on the difficult subject of suicide in the military. This also provides an opportunity to pass along the suicide hotline number if you or someone you know is in crisis: 1-800-273-TALK.
The Army and the VA have redoubled their efforts to prevent suicides. Both have expanded services and launched initiatives aimed at suicide prevention.The Army is hiring dozens of counselors and has developed an interactive video so soldiers can identify warning signs and help a distraught colleague through various scenarios. The Army and the National Institute of Mental Health recently announced a five-year, $50 million research program into the factors behind soldier suicides.
The VA, meanwhile, is taking steps to improve its screening among veterans diagnosed with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, and increase training so chaplains can look for warning signs. In July 2007, it launched a national suicide hotline, which receives thousands of calls each month, Blow said.
‘Ace High’ Soldiers Strike Gold During Cache Sweep
By Sgt. 1st Class Brian Addis, 2/25 SBCT
JOINT SECURITY STATION SHEIK AMIR, Iraq – Soldiers from Troop A “Ace High,” 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment “Strykehorse,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, conducted a cache sweep in Dhabtiya, a village northwest of Baghdad, Nov. 24-25.
The two-day operation resulted in eleven cache finds.
Platoons from Ace High Troop, with the help of approximately 50 Sons of Iraq (Abna al Iraq) and Iraqi army soldiers conducted a deliberate east-to-west search along the north side of the Grand Canal Nov. 24. The search initially turned up an unknown type rocket and a 60mm mortar. An ensuing search resulted in four additional separate caches. The cache find was expected, but the size and contents of some of these caches were surprising.
“The size of the heavy weapons caches was not what we had expected,” said Capt. Matt Clark, commander, Ace High Troop, who is a native of Tucson, Ariz. “The discovery of the SA-13 missile [Strella] pod was definitely not something we had envisioned in the beginning.”
Warriors Bid Farewell to Macedonian Army Partners
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – After 11 rotations since the beginning months of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the Macedonian soldiers are ending their part of the coalition forces mission.
The end of mission ceremony was “bittersweet” for coalition forces as this longtime partner was closing a chapter on its partnership in Iraq.
“Around 450 troops have passed through this mission, and a lot of experience has been brought to the republic of Macedonia and the soldiers of Macedonia,” said Col. Krume Velkov, director of the general staff of the armed forces of Republic of the Macedonia. “This is certainly a very significant chapter of our history.”
In the past five years, the Macedonian soldiers have fought side by side with the coalition and have experienced the progress in Iraq.
Golden Dragons Takes Pride in Quest
TARMIYAH, Iraq — A masked, nervous man walked into the joint security station, scared for his life, with the kind of information a commander might pray for: he knew where an al Qaeda in Iraq leader was hiding – and was willing to tell.
Abu Ghazwan, the al-Qaeda in Iraq northern belt emir, had been dead nearly two weeks, and his subordinates were scrambling to fill his shoes while Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons” tracked their nearly every move and prepared to kill or capture anyone who stepped up.
“These guys are smart. They’re wily, and they’re good at hiding … but they can’t hide indefinitely,” said Capt. Kurt Pressell, a Simone, Ohio, native, who commands Company A, 1-14th Inf. Regt., 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.
And he should know. Thanks to informants like the mystery Iraqi citizen and other intelligence methods, his unit has made life a living hell for the extremists. Company A alone has captured 265 extremists since arriving in December. Tarmiyah used to be an extremist stronghold, but AQI is finding more and more that they’re unwelcome – as evidenced by the growing number of citizens coming forward with information.
Face of Defense: Soldiers Truly Are 'Brothers in Arms'
By Army Spc. Curtis Riffle, AFPS
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Serving in the Army can be a long, difficult road. For many, the best way to survive is to embrace friends and co-workers along the way, and soldiers often consider their comrades as brothers and sisters. But two Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers are brothers in the literal sense.
Army Capt. Lionel Macklin and Army Sgt. Donnell Macklin were happily reunited here on Nov. 7 to commemorate the sergeant's commitment to remain a part of the Army team.
Sgt. Macklin serves as a forward signal support non-commissioned officer with the 25th Infantry Division's Company B, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, based out of Hawaii. His older brother serves as a platoon leader with the 4th Infantry Division's Company A, 3rd Battalion, 4th Aviation Squadron, Combat Aviation Brigade, based out of Fort Hood, Texas.
The two are natives of Ozark, Ala., and are intimately aware of the bonds that bring "brothers in arms" together. They were able to take advantage of the opportunity for the captain to administer the re-enlistment oath to his younger brother.
