Gimlet Soldier Honored
Sgt. Scott Kenyon, a soldier with the 2/25 SBCT, was awarded the Silver Star on Friday at Schofield Barracks.
Kenyon on Friday will receive the Silver Star at Schofield Barracks for actions that "undoubtedly prevented the loss of life within his squad and platoon," the medal citation says.The Silver Star is the third highest military decoration that can be awarded to U.S. armed services personnel.
Related:
Sergeant earns Silver Star - Honolulu Advertiser
Warrior Memorial
The 2/25 SBCT recently unveiled a memorial to the brigade's fallen soldiers. Provided below are articles covering the ceremony.
- Warrior Brigade unveils memorial to its fallen at Schofield - Honolulu Advertiser
- Memorial honors 18 who died in Iraq - Honolulu Star-Bulletin
- Schofield Barracks Dedicates Memorial to Fallen Soldiers - KGMB9
Bronze Star for Stryker Soldier
Both the Honolulu Advertiser and the Honolulu Star Bulletin have articles regarding 2/25 SBCT officer CPT Logan Veath, who received the Bronze Star with Valor at the brigade's recent homecoming ceremony. From the Advertiser:
An ambush had been sprung, and enemy small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire rained in from multiple points.Capt. Logan Veath, a company commander with the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, helped pull out the wounded tank crewman, then saw his Stryker vehicle get hit.
"I started running toward my Stryker, saying a silent prayer, 'Please don't let my men burn up in there,' " the 31-year-old Veath recalled saying.
But Spc. Andrew Howard was on fire, screaming and running toward the enemy, according to accounts from the firefight.
Welcome Home!
The 2/25 SBCT had its official homecoming celebration at Schofield Barracks today. Congratulations!
Related:
2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division Comes Home - KHON2 News
Honoring success, losses (Includes photos) - Honolulu Advertiser
Community Welcomes Stryker Brigade’s Return From Iraq - 8th Theater Sustainment Command
2/25 Memorial
The brigade is in the process of raising money for a memorial honoring its fallen soldiers, according to the Honolulu Star Bulletin. The articles includes donation instructions.
Spouses and soldiers of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team based at Schofield Barracks want an 8-foot-high memorial honoring the unit's soldiers who died in Iraq.They hope to raise $45,000 so the memorial can be dedicated on May 21 before the returning Stryker soldiers move on to other assignments.
The 4,000-member Stryker brigade began arriving home from Iraq yesterday following a 15-month deployment, during which 11 soldiers died.
A welcome-home ceremony is planned for 10 a.m. March 12 at Schofield Barracks' Sill Field. This is the unit's second deployment to northern Iraq.
Brigades Swapping Roles
According to the Lebanon Daily News, the 56th SBCT is taking over for the 2/25 SBCT as it redeploys to Hawaii.
Most of the soldiers from Pennsylvania’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team are now at their base in Iraq after spending several weeks in Kuwait.And they are ready to take a seat, so to speak.
The brigade will be based at Camp Taji, about 12 miles north of Baghdad, according to brigade spokesman Capt. Cory Angell. It will replace the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team from the 25th Infantry Division out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, which has spent the past 15 months there. The 56th Stryker Brigade comprises 4,122 soldiers, about 130 of whom hail from Lebanon County.
Angell said the two units are preparing to do their “right-seat, left-seat” transition.
Advance Party Returns
The first elements of the 2/25 SBCT are returning home to Hawaii. We hope to see many more stories like this in the near future. Congratulations on a job well done.
- Stryker brigade is returning from Iraq - Honolulu Star-Bulletin
- Troops return to Schofield after 15 months in Iraq - Honolulu Advertiser
- Hawaii Stryker brigade makes way home - ArmyTimes.com
DoD News Briefing with Col. Mccaffrey from Baghdad
The commander of the 2/25 SBCT, Col. Todd Mccaffrey, gave a press briefing today from Iraq. You can read the entire transcript at the DoD website. Excerpt:
Good morning. I appreciate the opportunity today to comment on the situation, as we see it, in our area of operations, and discuss some of the progress we've seen, over nearly 14 months, and then to answer your questions. Our brigade operates on the northwest side of Baghdad, from the town of Tarmiya in the north, along the Tigris River, and then stretching southwest to Abu Ghraib on Baghdad's west side. The area, while of mixed sectarian background, is principally Sunni and it's generally rural. Over the last 14 months, we've seen a remarkable drop in violence, and a corresponding development of economic growth and Iraqi security force capabilities. And as you all are very much aware, we find ourselves poised on historic provincial elections later this week. In my mind, being here to watch the Iraqis conduct these elections is a perfect conclusion to this tour, and marks an important milestone on this nation's continuing development in democracy and freedom for its people. While the upcoming elections are a culmination of our tour, there has been much progress that's brought us to this point. And I'd like to comment on a couple of major changes we've seen over the last several months and our continuing priorities as we look toward passing our area off to another coalition force element next month.
IP, SoI degrade IED cell in Tarmiyah
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Police officers and members of the Sons of Iraq thwarted an improvised-explosive device attack and arrested five suspected terrorists Jan. 24 during a joint operation in Tarmiyah, northwest of Baghdad.
IP and SoI apprehended two suspects attempting to emplace explosive devices that were strapped to a bicycle near a funeral site.
After questioning the suspects, IP and SoI were led to a nearby cache containing propaganda, magnets, timers, homemade explosives, mortar fuses and batteries.
The suspects also led the IP and SoI to a site suspected of housing other members of the IED cell where three more individuals were arrested.
Their combined efforts to proceed on actionable intelligence helped to remove five suspected terrorist off the streets, three of which were accused of killing Lt. Col. Ismail on Jan. 23, the leader of the IP force in Tarmiyah.
“The degradation of this cell is a clear victory for the Iraqi Security Forces in Tarmiyah and a demonstration of their increasing ability to ensure security and stability for the local population,” said Col. Todd McCaffrey, commander, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
All suspects are currently in the custody of the IP and Coalition forces disposed of the munitions.
Profile: Spc. David Denson
The Honolulu Advertiser has a nice profile of Spc. David Denson.
ISTAQLAL, Iraq Overcoming challenges and defying the odds is nothing new to Spc. David Denson.The 37-year-old infantryman with Multi-National Division Baghdad's Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, currently attached to the 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., has spent his life doing what others said that he couldn't do.
Those people said this Oceanside, Calif., native, couldn't surf the Southern Californian waves with the professionals. However, Denson dedicated his young life to surfing. He surfed hard and began his professional surfing career riding for the Hobie, Life's a Beach, Body Glove and Rip Curl surf teams.
IA, IP, MND-B Soldier seize weapons cache in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi policemen, Iraqi Army soldiers and MND-B Soldiers seized weapons caches in the Baghdad area Jan 22-23.
With a tip from a local citizen, policemen serving with the 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division discovered a cache on a rooftop in the New Baghdad district of Baghdad at approximately 3 p.m. Jan. 22. The weapons included seven 60mm high explosive mortar rounds with fuses, a 60mm mortar round, three 85mm heat rocket PG-7s, a 85mm heat rocket, two 70mm heat rocket PG-7Ms, a 9mm weapons slide, two 60mm mortar tubes, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and a training RPG launcher.
Acting on a tip, Iraqi Army soldiers serving with 4th Battalion, 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division and MND-B Soldiers serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., found a cache that contained approximately 33 pounds of explosive material at approximately 12:14 p.m., west of Baghdad. An explosive ordnance disposal team destroyed the explosives on site.
Iraqi Army soldiers serving with 4th Bn., 24th Bde., 6th IA Div., working alongside MND-B Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., discovered a cache at approximately 1 p.m. northwest of Baghdad. The seized munitions consisted of 27 130mm projectiles.
Iraqi Army soldiers serving with 4th Bn., 24th Bde., 6th IA Div., working in with MND-B Solders serving with Company A, 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., uncovered a cache that contained a rocket launcher, three 122mm projectiles, 14 hand grenades and approximately 300 pounds of explosive material at approximately 3:15 p.m. west of Baghdad. An explosive ordnance disposal team destroyed the munitions on site.
Embedded with the Golden Dragons
Update 01/26: Here's one more from Tritten.
Travis J. Tritten with Stars and Stripes has a few new articles featuring the 2/25 SBCT.
- Meal with a sheik seals friendship
- Piecing together a battered Iraqi city
- Bombings drop as security tightens in Abu Ghraib
IA, INP, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi army Soldiers, Iraqi national policemen and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches throughout Baghdad Jan. 20.
Policemen with 3rd Battalion, 7th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division working with Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment attached to 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division seized a 155 mm round and a 130 mm round in the Rashid area of Baghdad at approximately 11:10 a.m.
Policemen serving with 1st Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division working with Soldiers from 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regt., 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division seized five OG7 rockets, a 120 mm mortar fuse, two blasting caps and initiators in the Rashid area of Baghdad at approximately 12:25 p.m.
Later at approximately 1 p.m., a tip from an Iraqi citizen led Soldiers with 3rd Battalion, 53rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division working with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 14th Calvary Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, to seize a 125 mm projectile, a 130 mm projectile and two 152 mm projectiles near Taji north of Baghdad.
MND-B Soldiers kick start sanitation program
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
JOINT SECURITY STATION SAB AL BOUR, Iraq – Cleaning up the streets of Sab al Bour is a priority for the city.
To help get the mission done, Iraqi Police from the Sab al Bour IP station, along with Soldiers from Troop B, 2nd Squadron 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B, helped local sanitation workers distribute trash cans along two of the busiest markets streets in Sab al Bour, northwest of Baghdad, Jan. 13 - 14.
A total of 500 trash cans were signed over from the local city officials to individual shop owners during the two-day span.
“I am proud of this,” said Iraq Police Pvt. Majeed, an IP assigned to the Sab al Bour IP station. “I live here and am so very proud of our clean streets.”
ISF, MND-B Soldiers discover weapons caches, arrest suspected criminal
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered weapons caches and arrest a suspected criminal in the Baghdad area Jan. 16.
At approximately 8:30 a.m., Iraqi Army Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, working with Iraqi National Police from 5th Bde., 2nd NP Div., partnered with Company B, 1st Bn., 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, confiscated 18 AK-47 assault rifles while conducting clearing operations in the Saydiyah community.
Meanwhile at approximately 9:30 a.m., IA Soldiers from the 1st Bn., 24th Bde., 6th IA Div., partnered with Co. B, 1st Bn., 22nd Inf. Regt., 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B, detained a suspected criminal in the Saydiyah community.
Iraqi Army Soldiers serving with 4th Battalion, 36th Brigade, 1st Iraq Army Division and Soldiers serving with Company B, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found a large cache north of Baghdad at approximately 11:45 a.m.
The cache consisted of eight 37 mm projectiles, 19 73 mm mortars, ten 60 mm mortars, three 82 mm mortars, a 75 mm rocket, two rocket propelled grenades, 200 12.7 mm rounds, 20 mortar primers, 200 7.62 mm rounds, a 155 mm projectile and a 60 mm warhead north of Baghdad.
Responding to a tip Soldiers from Troop C, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B, partnered with 1st Bn., 3rd Abu Risha NP Bde., discovered two improvised explosive devices in an abandoned home in the Abu T’shir community at approximately 2:15 p.m.
2/25 SBCT Operations
Travis J. Tritten with Stars and Stripes has two new articles featuring the 2/25 SBCT.
- Refugees return to transformed Saab al Boor, Iraq
- Iraqis learn the efficiency, complexity of U.S. logistics
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches throughout Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army Soldiers, Iraqi policemen, Sons of Iraq and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches in Baghdad Jan. 6 - 8.
Sons of Iraq members seized 19 57 mm projectiles in Baghdad’s Tarmiyah area Jan 6. They transferred the projectiles to the local Iraqi Police.
Iraqi Army Soldiers serving with the 4th Battalion, 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, and Soldiers serving with Company B, 52nd Infantry Regiment, and 2nd Troop, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, discovered a cache that contained two 155 mm projectiles, a 107 mm rocket, 17 57 mm rockets, 12 60 mm mortars, two 60 mm mortar tubes, 12 rocket-propelled grenades, approximately 8,000 rounds of various calibers of small arm ammunition, 12 blasting caps, a radio and 200 feet of detonation cord at approximately 1 p.m. Jan 7, north of Baghdad.
At approximately 11:15 a.m. Jan. 8, Soldiers with 4th Battalion, 36th Brigade, 9th Iraq Army Division working with Soldiers from Company B, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division working on a tip from a local citizen seized four 60 mm rockets and three warheads in Baghdad’s Al-Raood area.
Approximately an hour later at 12:30 p.m., Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division seized a 107 mm rocket, a bag of improvised explosive making materials and an assortment of small arms near Taji north of Baghdad Jan 8.
Lifeblood of Iraqi farms returns
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – For thousands of years, the people in the rural areas surrounding Baghdad relied on canals to distribute water from the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers to farms in the area. It is these farms which sustain the people and provide fresh food to the city.
Since the 1960s the irrigation infrastructure fell into disrepair due to lack of maintenance and illegal tapping, said Capt. Mark Gillman, an engineer assigned to the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
When violence struck the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad in 2003, irrigation systems were further degraded and the people who lived and worked on the land suffered. The hardest blow to the infrastructure hit in 2007 when a mortar round destroyed Pump Station 1. This pump station lies directly between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers and pumps water to nearly all the farms along the canal systems.
2/25 Memorial
The Neighborhood Star has a nice story about the spouse of a deployed 2/25 SBCT soldier who is working to create a memorial for the brigade's fallen soldiers.
Elizabeth Severin has lived without her husband for a year since he was deployed to Iraq.While he tends to the wounded as a medic, Severin has found a way to contribute to the cause back home in Hawaii - the 2/25 Stryker Brigade Combat Team Memorial Association. The group is hard at work designing a memorial for the brigade's fallen, which will be unveiled this summer. [...]
When the brigade's memorial association approached Severin this summer about joining the board, she jumped at the chance. Severin designed the group's Web site, www.warriormemorial.com, and she's been hard at work planning fundraisers to reach the memorial association's $45,000 goal.
"I personally wouldn't be able to go over to Iraq, so this is one of the most important ways I can contribute," she said.
Improvements in Mushada
Stars & Stripes has a long article on the security improvements in Mushada, where elements of the 2/25 SBCT have been operating for the past year.
Violence in Mushada and Tarmiyah along northwest Baghdad — greatly diminished over the past year — has recently turned from security forces toward individuals, largely targeting those still tangled in the al-Qaida networks that once terrorized the area, according to 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. [...]Fighting was intense when the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment — a Stryker battalion — moved into the area 13 months ago. But by early 2008, the local population was weary of the al-Qaida presence and a major offensive helped clear the group from the area, said Maj. Todd Woodruff, the battalion executive officer.
"It is hard to have a conversation with someone who doesn’t say they had a family member killed by al-Qaida," Woodruff said.
Today, the battalion has a variety of reconstruction success stories from Mushada and Tarmiyah.
IA, MND-B Soldiers find weapons caches west of Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized a large weapons caches north of Abu Ghuraib, west of Baghdad Dec. 30.
At approximately 10:46 a.m., IA Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 36th Brigade, 9th IA Division, along with Soldiers with Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a large cache including 177 73 mm heat rockets, 19 73 mm projectiles, 119 rocket mortars, a 106 mm illumination mortar, an 82 mm mortar, three 40 mm projectile grenades, 20 120 mm mortar primers, six mortar fuses, 40 rocket point detonating fuses, 200 14.5 mm cartridges, a partially constructed improvised-explosive device, and a variety of bomb-making materials.
Later in the day, at approximately 1:20 p.m., soldiers from the same units seized 22 120 mm mortars and a 155 mm mortar north of Abu Ghuraib in west Baghdad.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
‘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.
MND-B Soldiers detain 8 suspected criminals
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained eight wanted criminals throughout Baghdad Nov. 27-28.
Task Force 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment attached to 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, captured a suspected criminal at approximately 1:10 a.m., Nov. 27 after receiving a tip from an informant on a suspect’s house located in Sadr City’s Thawra neighborhood.
The detainee is an alleged Special Groups member, IED emplacer, and participant in terrorist activities. The individual was taken to the joint security station in Sadr City, and then later to Taji detainee holding area.
At approximately 9 a.m., Soldiers from Company D, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND – B working with 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, detained five suspected criminals in the Adhamiyah district of northern Baghdad.
The five individuals are suspected of involvement in a recent string of improvised explosive device attacks and assassination attempts in eastern Baghdad.
On Nov 28 at approximately 1:40 a.m,, Soldiers from the 2nd Platoon, Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND – B detained a known criminal in North Baghdad’s Tarmiyah joint security station. The detainee is responsible for emplacing IEDs on military routes. The individual was later transported to Camp Taji for detention.
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons, munitions
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi soldiers and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches throughout Baghdad Nov. 24.
Iraqi Army soldiers serving with 1st Battalion, 25th Brigade, 17th Iraq Army Division and Soldiers of Company D, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 63rd Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armor Division, discovered a weapons cache south of Baghdad at 9:30 a.m. The cache included 11 artillery rounds, 34 57 mm rockets, two boxes of 25 mm and 30 mm ammunition, a can of pellets, two spools of TNT and 44 various artillery rounds.
At 10 a.m. soldiers serving with 1st Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th Iraq Army Division received a tip leading them to a cache in Karkh. They found two mortars, a fuse and an illumination round hidden in a trash pile in front of an apartment building. The IA turned the cache over to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division.
At approximately noon, Soldiers serving with 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division found weapons north of Baghdad. The cache consisted of two anti-aircraft guns with two additional barrels and a tripod.
Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, received a cache north of Baghdad at approximately 7:30 p.m. IA soldiers turned over a weapons cache that included seven machine guns, six rifles, seven rocket-propelled grenade launchers, six RPG warheads, 15 RPG boosters, two RPG sights, 30 half-loaded AK-47 magazines, a mortar sight, 1,000 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, ten MK-19 rounds, seven sticks of professional grade TNT, a feed sack full of TNT sticks, 300 meters of detonation cord, two improvised explosive devices, a remote control device, 20 hand grenades, nine 57 mm projectiles, various rocket components and a bag of fuses.
“Throughout the Baghdad province, MND-B Soldiers, in full partnership with Iraqi Security Forces are taking weapons and munitions out of hands of terrorists and extremists in order to protect the Iraqi people,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, MND-B and the 4th Infantry Division. “Together, with the [Government of Iraq] and ISF, we will deny the enemy safe haven and rest, encourage displaced Iraqis to return, and transition the [Sons of Iraq] leading up to successful provincial elections.”
MND-B Soldiers find hidden weapons during patrols
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized caches in Baghdad Nov. 19 and 20.
While conducting a dismounted patrol northwest of Baghdad, Soldiers from Company C, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found a small cache hidden in a field at approximately 11:45 a.m. Nov. 19.
Their find consisted of three 122 mm high explosive rounds. An explosive ordnance detachment collected the rounds for disposal.
MND-B Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., located a weapons cache containing 22 57 mm rounds at approximately 9:30 a.m. Nov. 20.
Later that day, Troop C of the same cavalry squadron found another cache buried underground in Taji at approximately 1 p.m.
This cache consisted of nine grenades of various types, 50 linked 5.56 mm rounds and 100 linked 7.56 mm rounds.
Tips, turn-ins get weapons off Baghdad streets
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces continue to make the streets of Baghdad safe by seizing weapons and munitions Nov. 17.
An Iraqi citizen turned a cache of weapons to Iraqi Police serving at Combat Outpost Falahat at approximately 11 a.m.
An explosive ordnance team assessed the munitions consisting of three 120 mm rounds, five detonators, two 120 mm high explosive rounds, three warheads and 150 7.62 mm rounds
At approximately 11:15 a.m., Soldiers serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found two rifles and a mortar round north of Baghdad.
Hammer Co. Transitions to Over-watch
By Sgt. 1st Class Brian Addis and Spc. Curtis Riffel, 2/25 SBCT
JOINT SECURITY STATION HOR AL BASH, Iraq - The government of Iraq didn’t let their Sons of Iraq members down as payday operations at Joint Security Station Hor al Bosh, northwest of Baghdad, kicked off, Nov. 10.
Another page in Iraqi history was written as the first of 343 payments of 354,000 Iraqi Dinar went to Sons of Iraq members in the Hor al Bosh area. Prior to the payday activity, coalition forces made equal payments of $300 to each SoI.
Soldiers from Company B “Hammer,” 52nd Infantry attached to 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment “Strykehorse,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, were responsible overall for scrubbing rosters, drawing money and then paying it out.
MND-B Soldiers find weapons in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers found weapons caches in the Baghdad area Nov. 13.
Soldier serving with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, found a weapons cache in Adhamiyah at approximately 8:30 a.m. The cache contained two rocket-propelled grenade canisters, two RPG rounds, two RPG launchers, two recoilless rifles, eight 60mm mortar rounds, 43 81mm mortar rounds and an unknown number of canisters of recoilless-rifle propellant
At approximately 7:45 p.m., Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found a cache of various bomb-making materials, which included 10 electrical blasting caps, two Motorola radios with timers, seven Motorola radios, five washing machine timers, three radio-controlled transmitters, a passive infrared device, two Nokia cell batteries, a radio receiver, two battery packs, an unknown circuit board, two pairs of scissors, a set of tweezers, a box cutter and a box of misc. electrical parts.
“Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers excel in removing these dangerous war implements from the hands of those who would harm innocent Iraqi civilians,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, MND-B and the 4th Inf. Div. “We are diligent in providing a safe environment for the Iraqi people.”
MND-B Troop participates in historic SOI payday
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
PATROL BASE SOUTH, Iraq – The Sons of Iraq now receive their payments from the Iraqi government.
As such, the 53rd Iraqi Army Brigade conducted its first Government of Iraq-funded payday operations Nov. 10 at Patrol Base South, northwest of Baghdad.
Soldiers from Comanche Troop, 2nd Squadron 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, along with the 53-14 Military Transition Team, assisted the 53rd Iraqi Army soldiers in processing 506 paychecks.
Soldiers in Tarmiyah Provide ‘for Common Defense’
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, Multi-National Division - Baghdad
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Most people go through a daily routine. Whether it is in a career, as a student or even as a parent, they traverse through life in the best possible manner, hoping to simplify things along the way.
Along those same lines, Soldiers in Tarmiyah, an area located northwest of Baghdad, seek the same simplicity. On a preplanned basis, they rotate through the vital duties of pulling base security, checkpoint security, patrolling the streets of Tarmiyah and serving as the quick reaction force.
While the Soldiers have succeeded in performing their missions during the rotations, they have also witnessed Tarmiyah gradually change from a city torn by war and violence to a city full of possibility and growth.
“We’re not just out here to protect ourselves. We’re also here to protect the people,” said Spc. Daniel Twomey. “We are here trying to rebuild this city and make it better than what it was when we got here,” he added.
Gen. Odierno visits MND-B Soldiers, Sab al Bour
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Gen. Ray Odierno, the commanding general of Multi-National Forces – Iraq, along with Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, visited the neighborhood of Sab al Bour, northwest of Baghdad, Nov. 5.
“I’ve been to Sab al Bour before, a couple years ago, and this is my third trip back,” said Odierno. “The first couple times it was deserted and there was fighting on every block for a ghost town.”
What the MNF-I commander saw during this visit was vastly different from his previous experience as the MND-B Soldiers showed him the successes made in the area in the economic areas, essential services and quality of life for local residents.
Odierno’s visit began at the local area’s electrical substation. Capt. Mark Gillman, who serves as the brigade’s engineer in charge of electric reconstruction, along with Jassem Muhammed Saliem, the Taji director of electricity, discussed electrical improvement.
Sab Al Bour Residents Emerge from Darkness
CAMP TAJI — Only a year ago, reliable electricity in Sab al Bour was just a dream. The city, just north of Baghdad along the Grand Canal, was practically deserted, with only diehard residents and pockets of insurgents sticking around in the dark.
As of Nov. 8, residents in this small agricultural city are literally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, according to sheik Nadeem Hatem al Tamimi, an influential leader in the area. Outside the city’s new electrical substation, the sheik spoke literally and metaphorically about the town’s emergence from darkness.
“We had evil forces trying to kill Iraqis … and they destroyed all essential services,” he said, describing insurgent attempts to control the city and population. “Today, we are calling for unity between all people of Iraq.”
The top Coalition forces leader in the Taji area said he believes peace and stability starts with electricity, and was at the event to congratulate Sab al Bour on its achievement.
MND-B Soldiers seize various caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi soldiers, Iraqi policemen and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches in the Baghdad area Nov. 6.
Soldiers serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found a concrete block with wires coming out of it north of Baghdad at approximately 9:10 a.m. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team inspected the concrete block and found a Russian-manufactured OF-26 high-explosive 125 mm projectile, an Italian-manufactured land mine and approximately 20 rounds of 14.5 mm small arms ammunition.
Approximately two hours later, Soldiers serving with the same unit on a joint patrol with Iraqi National Policemen found a cache in a house believed to belong to an improvised explosive device maker north of Baghdad. The munitions included an Italian-manufactured land mine, four factory sealed bags of Iranian-manufactured 7.62 mm rounds, nine 40 mm Iranian-manufactured PG-7 launch motors, nine AK-47 magazines, 2,000 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, propaganda material, two cell phone, two circuit boards, three computer memory cards, two spools of coated copper wire, a clock with toggle switch, a cell phone battery charger, a 9-volt battery, four protective masks, an Iraqi Police uniform with body armor. The weapons and small arms ammunition was found in the Ba’qubah district.
MND-B Soldiers help recruit new IP officers
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers from Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, hosted a recruiting drive at Combat Out Post Falahat, northwest of Baghdad, Oct. 30 for Sons of Iraq members.
Since the Government of Iraq took control of the SoI, many of its members look to pursue positions with the local Iraqi Police or elsewhere within the Iraqi Security Forces.
Coalition forces, along with the GoI, came to an agreement to transition many SoI guards into ISF positions. Local leaders were asked to select potential candidates for the selection process.
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army soldiers, Iraqi policemen, Sons of Iraq and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches in Baghdad Nov. 2.
Soldiers serving with 4th Battalion, 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, found a cache west of Baghdad at approximately 2 p.m. The munitions include four RPG-7 rocket motors, 19 flares, two hand grenades, a bag of AK-47 ammunition, and two bags of PKM ammunition.
A tip from a local SoI shaykh led MND-B Soldiers from Company B, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, to a cache north of Baghdad at approximately 3:15 p.m. The weapons seized included a 120 mm high-explosive mortar round, 15 57 mm anti-aircraft projectiles, a can of 14.5 DSHKA rounds, three 82 mm mortars, a 73 mm high-explosive projectile, a 100 mm APC-T projectile, two 100 mm projectiles and two rocket motors.
At approximately the same times Soldiers serving in Company C,1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found three PG-7s, a 82mm mortar round and a rocket war head north of Baghdad.
While on patrol, policemen serving with 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division, found a 10-inch explosively formed penetrator and an 82mm rifle round on the side of the road in the New Baghdad district of Baghdad.
“Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers continue to sweep more harmful munitions and weapons from the hands of those who would use them to harm the Iraqi people,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, 4th Infantry Division and Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
'Coin of the Realm' Powers Iraqi Citizens
CAMP TAJI — In early January 2008 a U.S. military brigade’s tour began by focusing on the importance of essential services to the Iraqi people with electricity at the top of the list. Ten months later, Coalition forces and the Ministry of Electricity have made significant strides with their efforts.
“Electricity is the coin of the realm; without it, water for the crops doesn’t flow, lights aren’t on and people don’t have quality of life,” said Col. Todd McCaffrey, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
Improvements have brought better electrical systems to the residents of Sab al Bour, Tarmiyah, Nassir Wa Salam, Abu Ghuraib and Taji.
IA, MND-B Soldiers find caches north of Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD –Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches throughout Baghdad Nov. 1.
At approximately 10 p.m., Iraqi Army soldiers from the 37th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, along with Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a cache north of Baghdad. The cache included four 90 mm projectiles, three 122 mm projectiles, a 120 mm mortar, 20 pounds of powdered aluminum, approximately 30 pounds of explosives, 10 pounds of sulfur, four washing machine timers, six batteries, four radios, 10 feet of red detonation cord, and an assortment of insulated wires.
Less than an hour later, IA soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th IA Division, and Soldiers serving with the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), responded to a tip from a concerned citizen in Kadhamiyah. Located in the courtyard of a house was an AK-47 rifle with eight full magazines, 50 loose 7.62 mm rounds, a pair of binoculars, an Iraqi Army flak vest, a rocket-propelled grenade booster, three grenades with fuses, and five radios with chargers.
“Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers continue to combine their efforts to safeguard the Iraqi people,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, 4th Infantry Division and MND-B. “Together, they are serving to make all of Baghdad a safer place.”
Gimlets Send Aloha to Mighty Mules
By Capt Benjamin Roark, 2/25 SBCT
BAGHDAD – Over the rustle of the windward breeze through the pineapple fields and the hum of the stadium lights, the sound of a referee’s whistle cuts the night air. It’s Friday night and the Leilehua High School Mighty Mules, take the field in their quest for gridiron victory and pursuit of another state title.
Thousands of miles beyond the roar of the cheers and the clash of helmets, fans of a different sort are cheering with the rest of the crowd. The Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment “Gimlets,” share a close tie with the students and families at Leilehua High School because many are in fact just that: Family.
Leilehua’s close proximity to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, the home of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division and the Gimlet Battalion, plays a large part in the make-up of its student body and fan base. Nearly 25 percent of the students who attend are from military families. Several Gimlet Soldiers have sons or daughters who attend the school.
Soldier in Focus
By Sgt. 1st Class Christina Bhatti, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – A company commander’s success is based on the accomplishments of their Soldiers.
For Capt. Brian Sweigart, a native of San Antonio, and commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, “Wolfhounds,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, that is an idea he takes seriously.
“I take personal pride in what my Soldiers do,” he said. “My job is to talk to them and mentor them. It’s great to know that I have a hand in shaping their successes. If they are successful that means I am successful.”
Sweigart received his commission eight years ago after graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in West Point, N.Y. He followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who also served in the military.
Record Number of ‘Warriors’ Choose to Remain Army Strong
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers from Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, have reenlisted to “stay Army” at record rates during fiscal 2008.
In fact, so many Warriors committed to remaining with the team, they broke the U.S. Army’s reenlistment record for Soldiers in a deployed brigade.
The brigade’s Soldiers kicked off the deployment strong as Soldiers began lining up to reenlist when they arrived in Kuwait in December. By the end of the fiscal year, 1,263 Warriors had reenlisted to remain part of the Army’s Team. The previous record had been 1,253 reenlisting Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, which is based out of Fort Lewis, Wash.
Tips lead INP, MND-B Soldiers to seize weapons throughout Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Tips led Iraqi National Policemen and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers to weapons caches in Baghdad Oct 28.
A tip from a concerned citizen led to the seizure of a munitions cache by Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B west of Baghdad at approximately 3:30 p.m. The items seized include two 60 mm mortar base plates.
At approximately 7 p.m. policemen serving with the 1st Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, found 18 60 mm rusty projectiles in a building that is being renovated to become a mosque in the West Rashid district of Baghdad.
After receiving a tip, Iraqi Policemen serving with the 1st Battalion, 8th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, found a cache in the New Baghdad district of Baghdad. The IPs transported the munitions, which consisted of three 60 mm high explosive mortar rounds, three 81 mm high explosive mortar rounds, four rocket-propelled grenade launchers, five RPG9 warheads, three RPG fuse assemblies, a bag containing approximately 400 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, and turned them in to Soldiers serving with Company B, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Brigade, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, MND-B, at approximately 10:50 p.m.
“Iraqi citizens continue to provide valuable assistance to Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces in the seizure of these dangerous weapons and munitions,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, 4th Infantry Division and Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
MND-B Soldiers find caches north of Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi police, Iraqi Army soldiers and Coalition force Soldiers seized weapons caches north of Baghdad Oct 25.
At approximately 11:45 a.m., Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized 10 rocket-propelled grenades. An explosive ordnance detachment team destroyed the weapons in a controlled detonation.
Iraqi soldiers serving with the 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division seized a 120 mm mortar round, a 100 mm mortar round, five 82 mm mortar rounds and 50 pounds of propellant at approximately 7 p.m.
Approximately 30 minutes later, Iraqi Policemen turned over seven 20-liter jugs of ammonium nitrate fuel oil to Soldiers from Company C, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div.
A ‘Vision of Hope’ in Tarmiyah
CAMP TAJI — Residents of Tarmiyah, a small city on the Tigris River northwest of Baghdad, stood tall with smiles on their faces Oct. 22, as they spoke words of hope and reconciliation.
According to those gathered, the date was yet another dramatic turning point in their recent history.
Led by Sheik Sa’ed Jassim al-Mashadani, chairman of the Municipality Committee of al Tarmiyah Qada, Tarmiyah’s local officials hosted a number of provincial and government of Iraq representatives at their first Civic Expo.
City residents hope to accomplish a number of tasks in the future, and they chose a unique, effective way to accomplish their goals, such as bringing government of Iraq officials to them so they could show, firsthand, the economic and political progress they’ve made in the area.
“Two years ago, an event like this would not have been possible,” said Capt. Calvin Kline, an information operations officer with 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad. “Even one year ago, the security situation would not have allowed it.”
MND-B Soldiers find weapons in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers find weapons caches in the Baghdad area Oct. 22.
Soldier serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B, found 1,500 rounds of 7.62 ammunition, four 85 mm rockets, a 75 mm rocket, a machine gun and two washing machine timers north of Baghdad at approximately 9:30 a.m.
At approximately 1:30 p.m., Soldiers serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found two 57 mm rockets with wires, and a spool with approximately 1,000 yards of copper wire in the Abu Ghraib district of Baghdad.
Soldiers help plan to rebuild historical landmarks
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Plans are in the works to help restore one of Aqur Quf’s oldest landmark: the Ziggurat.
The Ziggurat of Aqur Quf, which lies west of Baghdad, is one of the best preserved religious landmarks of its kind in Iraq. It dates back to 1400 B.C. and was built as a monument to the local religion.
Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, are working in conjunction with the citizens of Iraq and branches of the Government of Iraq to rebuild and repair the site and buildings in an effort to reopen the Ziggurat as a tourist attraction.
Warrior News - October 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 - October 2008 Edition (PDF)
Stryker Construction Resumes
The Honolulu Advertiser outlines the various construction projects underway after years of litigation.
As part of the overall $1.5 billion effort to base the brigade here, the Army plans to build 71 miles of private trails on O'ahu and the Big Island for Stryker vehicles, as well as new firing ranges.Land purchases included $21 million for 1,402 acres south of Schofield for a firing range and motor pool, and $30 million for 24,000 acres of Parker Ranch land next to the 109,000-acre Pohakuloa Training Area for Stryker maneuvers on the Big Island.
The Army plans to also conduct Stryker training at Kahuku and Kawailoa training areas and Dillingham Military Reservation on O'ahu.
Additional projects, some still unfunded by Congress, are expected to continue as far into the future as 2017, officials said.
Tip, detainee lead NP, MND-B Soldiers to weapons caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – An Iraqi citizen’s confidence in Iraqi National Police and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and information from a detainee led to the seizure of several weapons caches in the Baghdad area Oct. 16.
A tip from an Iraqi citizen led to the seizure of a munitions cache by Soldiers serving with A Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, at approximately 10:30 a.m. north of Baghdad.
The munitions included approximately 65 pounds of TNT, six cans of 14.5 mm ammunition, a damaged rocket-propelled grenade launcher, an empty RPG rocket, a 155 mm manufactured projectile and a hand grenade. A bag of sulfur and a bag of sodium carbonate were also seized at the scene.
MND-B Soldiers, GoI work to rebuild education
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Leaders from Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, joined officials from the Government of Iraq’s Ministry of Education, community leaders, Iraqi National Police and more than 500 students at the Bilal School in Baghdad’s Adhamiyah security district, Oct. 11.
The large crowd gathered to celebrate the opening of the area’s largest school, which recently received a much needed facelift.
“Just three months ago, the school was uninhabitable; it was in disarray,” said 1st Lt. John Busuego, 1st Bn. 27th Inf. Regt. essential services coordinator.
Construction workers braved the summer heat and completed the nearly $200,000 worth of projects in only three months.
INP, MND-B Soldiers find weapons
BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Police and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers took weapons of the streets of the Baghdad area in two separate operations Oct. 17.
A Sheik turned in a cache to Soldiers serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B, north of Baghdad at approximately 10 a.m.
The munitions turned in included two projectiles, a 76 mm round, an Iraqi-manufactured 130 mm round and detonation cord with blasting caps. An explosive ordnance detachment responded and disposed of the ordnance.
At approximately 1:15 p.m., Policemen serving with the 7th Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division informed Soldiers serving with Troop B, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B, where to find two speed bump-type IEDs a local national found in his house when he was cleaning to move back in. An EOD team was called in to dispose of the ordnance.
ISF, MND-B Soldiers find caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and Iraqi Security Forces seized weapons caches throughout Baghdad Oct 18 and 19.
At approximately 12:30 p.m. Oct., 18 Iraqi Policemen seized two rocket-propelled grenades at a technical college in Karadah. The RPGs, determined to be unserviceable, were turned over to Soldiers serving with 5th Battalion, 25th Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (Light).
Iraqi Army soldiers provided a tip to Soldiers serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, resulting in the discovery of a weapons cache north of Baghdad at approximately 4 p.m. Oct. 18. The cache contained two foreign army assault packs with flags on them and TNT attached. Inside the packs were five sticks of PE-4 explosives, five electric caps, a grenade fuse, approximately 200 rounds of small arms ammunition, 25 feet of detonation cord and a 10-round magazine for an SVD rifle.
Policemen serving with 2nd Battalion, 8th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, along with Soldiers of Company A, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Brigade, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, seized a weapons cache in New Baghdad at approximately 2 a.m. Oct. 19. The cache included two AK-47 rifles with five magazines, five knives, 50 7.62 mm rounds of ammunition, five bulletproof vests with two plates, two sets of handcuffs, and two uniforms.
“Iraqi Security Forces are increasingly taking the lead in securing Baghdad,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division. “MND-B Soldiers remain steadfast and loyal in supporting the ISF.”
PFC Christopher A. McCraw
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Christopher A. McCraw, 23, of Columbia, Miss., died Oct. 14 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when he encountered small arms fire while on dismounted patrol in Nasar Wa Salam. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
Related:
Area soldier killed in Iraq - Hattiesburg American
Schofield soldier killed in Baghdad - Honolulu Advertiser
Slain Schofield soldier was new father - Honolulu Star Bulletin
Hawaii-based soldier's funeral set for Friday - KPUA News
Columbia pays its respects to soldier - Clarion Ledger
Munitions seized throughout Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches and confiscated multiple weapons in Baghdad October 11 and 12.
Soldiers serving with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, discovered a weapons cache in the courtyard of a New Baghdad home. The Soldiers arrived at the home at approximately 4:30 p.m. Oct. 11 while pursuing a man suspected of shooting at a checkpoint manned by Iraqi National Police. The cache contained seven rocket rails, an AK-47 rifle and six AK-47 magazines.
An Iraqi citizen’s tip led national policemen from 2nd Battalion, 8th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, to the seizure of an RPK, two AK-47s, three grenade fuses and bodies, approximately 2,000 rounds of 7.62mm linked ammunition, a PKC, and a coax machine gun at approximately 7 a.m. Oct. 12.
Approximately 40 minutes later, Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., seized found five anti-personnel mines and two grenade fuses while on patrol in Adhamiyah.
An hour later, national policemen with 2nd Bn., 8th Bde., 2nd NP Div., confiscated 52 AK47s, an SKS, a 9mm pistol, a revolver, a bolt-action rifle and a video tape with extremist propaganda during an operation in the New Baghdad district of Baghdad.
At approximately 11:30 a.m., based on a tip from a Sons of Iraq member, Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, working with Iraqi Army soldiers from 24th Brigade, 6th IA Division, seized a weapons cache west of Baghdad. The cache consisted of twenty-five pounds of propellant, two 125mm rounds, five 82mm mortar shells, two cans of 23mm projectiles, 16 rocket fuses of various manufacture, approximately 1,000 rounds of 14.5mm small-arms ammunition and four motorcycle batteries.
MND-B Soldiers detain suspected criminals
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers captured three men suspected of terrorist and criminal activity Oct. 9.
At approximately 2:30 a.m., Soldiers from Task Force Spear, attached to 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B, detained a suspected Special Groups member in Hussaniyah, northeast of Baghdad. The suspect is accused of emplacing improvised explosive devices in the area and having ties with numerous SG members.
Later, at approximately 3:50 a.m., Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd SBCT, detained a suspected criminal in Tarmiyah, northwest of Baghdad. The suspect is accused of having ties to three separate IED attacks in the area.
“These captures show terrorists and criminals that if you attack innocent people, you will be caught and held accountable,” said Lt. Col. Glen Blumhardt, executive officer, 2nd SBCT. “We’ll continue to work with Iraqi Security Forces and the Sons of Iraq to keep our area safe.”
Tip leads MND-B Soldiers to large munitions cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – A tip by a concerned local citizen provided valuable information that led Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers to the seizure of a large munitions cache Oct. 9 near Thamir Village, which is located near Abu Ghuraib, west of Baghdad.
The munitions seizure is the second large cache find in the same general area in the past five days by the MND-B Soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.
After receiving the tip, Soldiers of Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div.,conducted a combat patrol to verify the information. Upon arriving at the site, they seized 269 122 mm rockets and more than 200,000 heavy machine gun rounds.
“Because of the size and condition of this cache, this will significantly degrade the enemy’s ability to conduct attacks against the Iraqi Security Forces, the local populace and Coalition forces,” said Lt. Col. Glen Blumhardt, the executive officer for 2nd SBCT. “This continues to reduce the enemy’s ability to conduct improvised-explosive device and indirect fire attacks. It improves the overall security situation.”
IP Officers Qualify to Train Their Peers
By Cpl. Dustin Weidman, 2/25 SBCT
BAGHDAD – Twenty Iraqi police officers graduated the “Steel Trainer” program in Nasser Wa Salam, west of Baghdad, Sept. 25, 2008.
The Soldiers of Mortar Platoon “Steel,” 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, began “Steel Trainer” as a train-the-trainer program. Only the best officers from local stations are selected to attend the six-week program.
“These were the best IPs from Abu Ghraib,” said Staff Sgt. Gary Strickland, a native of Rochester, Texas, and section sergeant for the Mortar Pltn. “Now that they have graduated Steel Trainer, they are even better.”
IP, SoI, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi policemen, Sons of Iraq and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches in Baghdad Oct. 6.
At approximately 9:15 a.m., an SoI member found munitions in a rubble pile in the Adhamiyah district of Baghdad. MND-B Soldiers serving with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, responded and seized two Iranian hand grenades and six other hand grenades.
Soldiers serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division found two improvised rocket launchers and miscellaneous parts north of Baghdad at approximately 10:30 a.m.
At 12:40 p.m, Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B found three 155 mm projectiles, 13 rocket-propelled grenade warheads and a 32 mm rocket northwest of Baghdad.
U.S. Soldiers Host Iftar Dinner
By Ken Griffin, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team
CAMP TAJI — Warrior Brigade continued its tradition of eliminating cultural divides by hosting an recent Iftar dinner here.
Col. Todd McCaffrey, commander, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, and other senior leaders hosted Iraqi Army (IA), Police (IP) and National Police (NP) commanders during the traditional meal, which Muslims have at the end of daily fasting during Ramadan.
“The colonel ate dates and drank water to break the fast, just like one of us,” said NP Col. Ahmed Mohammed Mohammed Saleh, commander, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, referring to the Quran verse “When one of you breaks his fast he should do so with dates for they provide blessing, but if he cannot get any he should break his fast with water for it is purifying.”
MND-B Soldiers seize 20 munitions caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized 20 weapons caches during an operation known as “Gimlet Tidal Wave” west of Baghdad Oct. 4.
Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized the mass array of caches while conducting clearance operations at approximately 10:30 a.m. near Joint Security Station Nasir Wa Salam in west Baghdad.
The munitions seized included more than1,700 mortar rounds, 503 mortar fuses, three rocket launchers, six rockets, a 107mm rocket, a 76mm rocket, 52 Dishka rounds, 20 .50-cal. rounds, six five-gallon buckets of homemade explosive material, a 55 gallon of unknown substance, an unknown improvised explosive device, an IED made from two 133mm mortars, a high-explosive dual purpose 40mm round, a cell phone and nine SA-7 heat-seeking, shoulder-fired antiaircraft missiles.
“As a result of the dedication and professionalism of the Soldiers from Co. C, 1st Bn., 21st Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., a huge amount of dangerous munitions were taken from the streets west of Baghdad,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, MND-B and the 4th Infantry Division. “The Soldiers remain steadfast and loyal in their resolve to safeguard the Iraqi people as they remove these deadly weapons as a potential threat against the Iraqi people.”
Sons of Iraq Remain on the Job
By Ken Griffin, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team
CAMP TAJI — It’s business as usual for the volunteer security force known as the Sons of Iraq (Abna al Iraq) in Tarmiyah, northwest of Baghdad, as they patrol their city streets day and night.
As Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, “Golden Dragons,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad conducted a routine SoI checkpoint recon, Sept. 29, 2008, they saw what they always see: SoI guards manning their posts, doing their jobs.
“There hasn’t been any change,” according to Spc. Bryan Austin, a 23-year-old Golden Dragon squad leader from Sandusky, Ohio. “They don’t seem to mind that they’ll be paid by the Iraqi Army instead of us, and they’re still out providing security.”
Although the entire SoI organization is in a transition phase, their mission remains the same and is unlikely to change in the near future, said Capt. Jeremy Clardy, brigade planner, 2nd SBCT. Next month, the security force will fall under government of Iraq (GoI) control, drawing pay from the Iraqi Army rather than U.S. forces.
Citizen tip leads IA to HBIED in Abu Ghuraib
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army soldiers from the 24th Brigade, 6th IA Division acted on a tip from local residents in Abu Ghuraib, west of Baghdad, and discovered a house rigged with explosives, Oct. 4.
After the Soldiers cordoned off the area, they discovered a large amount of homemade explosives rigged to destroy the home.
With the support of Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 21st infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, the IA soldiers seized the explosives and removed them from the area for safe disposal.
Throughout the month of October, the 24th Bde., 6th IA Div. is conducting Operation Khahfahsh in Abu Ghuraib. The operation is focused on targeting and capturing terrorists and criminals responsible for violence directed against displaced families returning to the Abu Ghuraib area.
"We will continue to work with the good people of Abu Ghuraib as we drive the terrorists from our land,” said Iraqi Staff Brig. Gen. Nassir, commander, 24th Bde., 6th IA Div. “We will not allow the acts of cowards to intimidate those who wish to return to Abu Ghuraib and we thank the brave Iraqis who report terrorists and their crimes."
Tips lead IA, MND-B Soldiers to seize weapons
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Tips led Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers to weapons caches in Baghdad Oct 2.
IA soldiers serving with the 1st Battalion, 54th Brigade, 6th IA Division, found nine mortar rounds and 35 pounds of TNT in the Kadhamiyah district of Baghdad at approximately 9 a.m.
A tip from a concerned citizen led to the seizure of a munitions cache by soldiers serving with the 4th Battalion, 54th Bde., 6th IA Div., at approximately 2 p.m. in the Mansour district of Baghdad. The munitions included two rocket-propelled grenade launchers, an RPG round, 11 anti-personnel rockets, five 60 mm mortar rounds, three 82 mm mortar rounds, nine grenades, a remote control device and approximately a half pound of C4,150 PKC rounds, and a variety of small-arms rounds.
A tip from a local sheik led MND-B Soldiers from the 1st Battalion 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, to the seizure of one 155 mm round and two 100 mm rounds west of Baghdad at approximately 6:30 p.m.
“The Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers work diligently, 24 hours a day, to remove these dangerous weapons from the area and safeguard the Iraqi people,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division. “The tips provided by concerned citizens are instrumental in accomplishing this.”
DVIDS Stories
We got a bit behind in posting stories from DVIDS about the 2/25 SBCT, 3/2 SBCT & 2nd SCR. Rather than try and post them all now I'll just provide links the stories on their site so you can browse through them yourself.
- Motor Pool Soldiers Keep the Infantry Fighting
- Former MLB Players Boost Morale
- Gimlets, IA Act With Kindness During Ramadan
- Army Private Put Navy Dad ‘through Hell’
- Soldier Turns Passion Into Army Career
- 32 Soldiers Participate in Honolulu Century Ride in Iraq
- Soldiers Work to Power Sab Al Bour
- Iraq Ministry of Agriculture Conference at Forward Operating Base Warhorse
- Fourth of July Festivities on Forward Operating Base Warhorse
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches throughout Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches in Baghdad Sept. 27.
Iraqi Army soldiers found a rocket head and six mortars in a trash pile in Karkh at noon and turned the cache over to Soldiers serving with the 4th Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division.
Approximately 30 minutes later, Soldiers serving with Task Force 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, which is currently attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division discovered four explosively formed penetrators and three Bulgarian grenades in the Sadr City district of Baghdad.
NP, SoI, local resident lead MND-B Soldiers to weapons cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – A tip from a local resident and weapons turned in by the National Police and Sons of Iraq led Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers to the seizure of munitions in Baghdad Sept. 29.
Policemen with the 2nd Brigade, 1st National Police Division turned in a Russian-manufactured F1 grenade, three Iraqi-manufactured grenades, a rocket-propelled grenade and a tail boom for an RPG to Soldiers serving with Company B, 1st Battalion 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B, north of Baghdad at approximately 5 p.m.
After receiving a tip from a concerned citizen, Soldiers serving with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., found a cache north of Baghdad at approximately 6:15 p.m. The munitions included a 60 mm mortar tube, a 7 mm pistol and other bomb-making materials.
'They brought me back to life'
FORT LEWIS, Wash - Spc. Wesley Hixon never set out to get a Purple Heart or to be a hero when he left for Iraq. But on Sept. 18, hundreds of his family members, friends, fellow Soldiers and medical staff packed into the Letterman Auditorium at Fort Lewis' Madigan Army Medical Center to hear the story of how he ended up fighting for his life while fighting for his country.
On Feb. 8, 2008, Hixon, a Soldier with 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, was driving his Stryker through streets in Iraq when it was struck by a 500-pound improvised explosive device.
The IED ripped through the cab of the vehicle, killing four of the five Soldiers riding inside. Hixon, left dangling upside down in the twisted remains of the Stryker, was the only one left alive.
Two hours later, he was freed and on his way to Balad.
IA, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches in greater Baghdad area
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches in the West Rashid district of Baghdad Sept. 25.
Soldiers serving with Company C, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a rocket, three 60 mm mortar rounds, five 120 mm mortar rounds and eight rocket-propelled grenade warheads north of Baghdad at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Later in the evening, soldiers serving with the 4th Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, found a 60 mm mortar round, a hand grenade and an RPG while on patrol in the Kadhamiyah district of Baghdad at approximately 9:20 p.m.
Engineers partner with infantry Soldiers to clear caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi- National Division – Baghdad Soldiers conducted a weapons cache search on the east bank of the Tigris River Sept. 14, near Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad.
The mission was conducted by a platoon with the 66th Engineer Company, along with a squad of infantry Soldiers assigned to Company B, 52nd Infantry Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, both units from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division. Joining them were two canine teams from the 34th Military Police Detachment.
This mission was not typical for a platoon from an engineer company. Their major responsibility is extracting improvised-explosive devices and other ordnances from tactical routes.
Tip leads MND-B Soldiers to weapons cache in the Baghdad area
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches in the Baghdad area Sept 22.
Information from a Sons of Iraq (led Soldiers serving with Company A, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, to a cache north of Baghdad at approximately 1:45 p.m. The munitions included a 120 mm mortar round, six 57 mm projectiles, two improvised explosive devices, seven blasting caps, a hand grenade, a jug of unknown bulk explosives with detonation cord, a propane tank, four blocks of Russian-manufactured TNT and other bomb-making material.
Another tip from an Iraqi citizen led Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B to a 25 mm round, a grenade and an SKS rifle in the West Rashid district of Baghdad at approximately 6:30 p.m.
“SoI and the citizens of Iraq play a key part in the improved security environment in Baghdad,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, MND-B and the 4th Infantry Division. “Their informative tips prove a great partnership with Coalition Forces.
Wolfhounds Plow Through Blizzard
By Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – There is a blizzard hitting Husayniyah town, northeast of Baghdad, Iraq.
This blizzard isn’t cooling the summer temperatures, nor is it blowing snow. Rather Soldiers from Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, are weathering the 110-degree, end of summer heat and severe dust storms in an effort to rid the area of terrorist activities as part of Operation Wolfhound Blizzard.
The operation began Sept. 1, 2008 and is an ongoing effort between the Wolfhounds and the 2nd Brigade, 1st Iraqi national police Division, to ensure the safety of residents in the area.
Operation Blizzard increased a presence of NP and Wolfhounds in the Istaqlal Qada. The NP and Soldiers informed residents about criminals in the area and highlighted recent essential service gains.
Iraqi Army Soldiers Tackle New Mission
By Sgt. Michael Moody, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Iraq has seen remarkable gains in security during the last nine months, due in part to the hard work of the Iraqi army.
Until recently the IA only dealt with kinetic-type missions such as kicking in doors, serving arrest warrants, patrolling and defending security sites. However, the continued growth of the IA, both in terms of numbers and operational experience, allows them to take on missions formerly handled exclusively by coalition forces.
Now, due to the increased confidence and experience of IA soldiers, and their leaders, they are beginning to tackle missions through diplomacy, public relations and engaging local leaders.
Woldfhound Leader Is Part of Team
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – During a World War II battle in Holtzwihr, France, Audie Murphy, a wounded U.S. Soldier, climbed inside of a burning tank, took a spot behind a .50-caliber machine gun and fired until the enemy was vanquished.
At the age of 19, he was awarded the Medal of Honor and, to this day, is an inspiration to military leaders, Soldiers – and Sgt. 1st Class Ernest Oberst.
“As a kid, I used to watch the Audie Murphy Biography ‘To Hell and Back’ on TV, and I wanted to be a Soldier, said Oberst, native of Gladstone, Mich., who joined the Army three months after graduating high school. “He was my hero.”
Oberst is a platoon sergeant with 1st Platoon, Company B, 52nd Infantry Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
Reconstruction improves Tarmiyah infrastructure
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Reconstruction projects are underway to return essential services like schools, potable water, sewers and banks, to the region of Tarmiyah, northwest of Baghdad.
“The bottom line is that increased capacity is what every Iraqi needs right now,” said 1st Lt. Eric Peterson, platoon leader assigned to Company A,1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. “Their infrastructure ha0s decayed a little bit because of conflict over the years, so we’re trying to counteract those effects by really getting into these reconstruction projects as heavy and as hard as we can to give them this capacity.”
A major focus has been placed on completing education buildings first.
2/25 SBCT in Taji
According to an article in Stars & Stripes the reduction in violence in the 2/25 SBCT area of operations can make it difficult to focus. Excerpt:
Col. Todd McCaffrey, commander for the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division based at Camp Taji, insists U.S. forces still have an aggressive security role in the region."But we are asking questions like, ‘Why do we patrol?’ " he said. "We’re doing it to conduct reconnaissance, to answer questions on the ground. [...]
But the changing role has left many soldiers scratching their heads.
"Don’t get me wrong; I’m really happy it’s been quiet," said Spc. Joe Lorenz, a medic attached to the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Division. "If I’m busy and working, it means bad stuff has happened. But if I’m not busy, it makes me wonder what I’m doing here."
Warrior News - September 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 - September 2008 Edition (PDF)
Tip leads MND-B Soldiers to munitions
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – A Sons of Iraq member and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers combined their efforts to secure the Baghdad area and uncover weapons caches Sept. 16.
A tip from a Sheik, who serves as a SoI member, led Soldiers serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, to the seizure of seven 57 mm rockets northwest of Baghdad at approximately 10:30 a.m.
At approximately 12:30 p.m., Soldiers serving with Company B, 1st Battalion, 14th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., found a munitions cache north of Baghdad. The munitions included a 152 mm high-explosive projectile, five sticks of TNT, 15 pounds of TNT charges, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and a rifle.
“The Soldiers of 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, continue to diligently scour the areas north and northwest of Baghdad to remove these dangerous weapons as threats to the Iraqi people,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, MND-B and the 4th Infantry Division. “Working with the Sheiks, Sons of Iraq and Iraqi Security Forces in their areas, they are truly making a difference every day.”
IA, MND-B Soldiers help rid Baghdad of deadly munitions
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army soldiers and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers continued to take weapons off the streets of Baghdad Sept. 15-16.
Soldiers serving with Company B, 1st Battalion 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B, found a 64 mm rocket propelled grenade-18 launcher north of Baghdad at approximately 6:15 a.m Sept. 15.
While on patrol in the Kadamiyah district of Baghdad, soldiers serving with 4th Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division found two hand grenades, a hand grenade and an Iranian 81 mm high explosive mortar round at approximately 11:15 a.m.
Later that evening at approximately 9 p.m., a tip led Soldiers serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), to a cache. The munitions included 20 multi-array explosively formed penetrators of various sizes, a shape charge, a machine gun, a Mauser rifle, two Dragonov sniper rifles, 18 Iranian manufactured RPG war heads and two RPG launchers.
Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, discovered seven 60 mm mortars inside a bag in a courtyard in the West Rashid district of Baghdad at approximately 12:30 a.m. Sept. 16.
“American and Iraqi soldiers are persistent in their pursuit of the enemy and in removing its weapons and munitions,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, 4th Infantry Div. and MND-B. “We will not cease in our efforts to successfully bring criminals and terrorists to justice.”
Citizen’s tip leads MND-B Soldiers to weapons cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized a weapon cache northwest of Baghdad Sept. 14.
A tip from a local concerned citizen led Soldiers serving with Troop C, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division,MND-B, to a cache northwest of Baghdad at approximately 8 p.m.
The Soldiers seized six PG-7s, six rocket-propelled grenades, 12 PG-7Cs, 16 60 mm mortars and a 60 mm mortar tube.
“Thanks to a tip provided by a local concerned citizen, MND-B Soldiers were able to remove these potentially harmful weapons and munitions,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, MND-B and the 4th Infantry Division. “Concerned citizens are increasingly stepping up and helping to provide for a safer environment for their fellow Iraqis.”
MND-B Soldiers find two caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers found weapons caches throughout Baghdad Sept. 14.
Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, were led to a cache west of Baghdad by a concerned citizen at approximately 5:45 a.m. The cache included a 60 mm mortar, 19 82 mm mortars, 100 40 mm grenades, an SA-14 missile, a GPS system and various bomb-making materials.
Soldiers from the same company found a 60 mm mortar during an operation to capture a suspected Special Groups member in the same area at 6 a.m.
“It is the American Soldier whose daily selfless service and sacrifice is making a positive difference in the lives of all Iraqis,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division. “Each day they put themselves in harm’s way to protect the people of Iraq and increase stability and security in full partnership with their Iraqi brothers and sisters.”
IA, MND-B Soldiers seize munitions in Baghdad area
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers found several weapons caches in Baghdad Sept. 11.
Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B, found a cache northwest of Baghdad at approximately 11:45 a.m. The munitions included 15 120 mm mortars, three 130 mm rounds, five 57 mm rounds, three rocket-propelled grenades, two magnet improvised-explosive devices, four hand grenades, an IED, 50 7.62 ammunition, 30 fuses, and IED-making materials and various communication gear.
At approximately the same time on a separate mission, Iraqi soldiers serving with 2nd Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, seized two 120 mm tank rounds in the Kadhamiyah district of Baghdad.
Two local citizens notified Soldiers serving with 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, about the location of munitions in the East Rashid district of Baghdad at approximately 4:30 p.m. Soldiers from Company B, 7th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Regt. investigated the area and seized two 57 mm unarmed rocket-propelled grenades
At approximately 9 p.m., a local sheik, who is also a Sons of Iraq member, turned in 22 fuse heads and a pistol to Soldiers serving with Troop B, 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., who were on a patrol northwest of Baghdad.
“Multi-National Division Baghdad Soldiers and Iraqi Security Forces continue to see great strides in providing a safer, more secure area for the residents of Baghdad and the surrounding area,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, MND-B and the 4th Inf. Div. “Together, their efforts are making a difference each and every day.”
Strykehorse Leader Leads With Laughter
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – All leaders have their unique thoughts on what it is and means to be a leader. One “Strykehorse” Soldier explained what being a leader is to him recently.
“Leadership is being that guy,” said 1st Sgt. William Burford. “Everybody likes a professional Soldier. Even if you disagree with him, you admire the principles he stands on.”
Burford, a native of Slidell, La., and first sergeant of Headquarters and Headquarter Troop, 2nd Battalion 14th Cavalry Regiment “Strykehorse,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad joined the U.S. Army in 1987 as a tanker, and although it was years ago, he remembers what it’s like as a young Soldier in the Army and learn from his leaders.
“I wasn’t born with this first sergeant rank,” he said.
MND-B Soldiers Awarded for Excellence at Detainee Facility
By Sgt. Whitney Houston, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Two Soldiers who work at the Detainee Holding Area Annex at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad were awarded Army Achievement Medals Sept. 6, 2008.
Spc. Denver Hankis, native of Calico Rock, Ark., and Spc. David Misicka, a native of Chicago, both assigned to Company B, 225th Brigade Support Battalion, “Mongoose,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi- National Division – Baghdad, were recognized for their consistency and excellence in performing their daily duties.
“There are a lot of rules and regulations these guys have to follow,” said Master Sgt. Nicanor Mendez, a native of San Antonio, Texas, and Military Police liaison officer to 2nd SBCT, assigned to the 411th MP Company. “These guys get here every day, do monotonous work, and they continuously do their duties, without skipping steps which could cause a mishap.”
Flag From Hell’s Kitchen Firehouse Flies True
By Sgt. 1st Class Brian Addis, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The flag of the United States of America is one of the most widely recognized symbols in the world – it is the symbol of freedom and democracy.
And one flag in particular has a special meaning for the Soldiers of Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.
On a fateful day in American history, September 11, 2001, the bright red, white and blue flag was dulled by a coverage of dust following the collapse of the World Trade Center in New York.
Peering closely at this particular flag, which now resides at Camp Taji, you can see the many small burn holes where hot ash fell on it – and burned through.
MND-B Infantry Soldier Leads Way
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – To be an infantry Soldier; a person has to be technically and tactically proficient, in great physical shape, ready to move at a moment’s notice, and must constantly maintain discipline and motivation.
It’s not a job just anyone can do.
Many Soldiers join the Army shortly after high school with the desire to make something of themselves and provide opportunity for their future.
Sgt. 1st Class Glen DeMarcus, native of San Diego, platoon sergeant assigned to Headquarters Platoon, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, joined the Army, but the journey to enlistment took 10 years.
IA, MND-B Soldiers seize munitions in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers continue seizing weapons caches in Baghdad Sept. 5.
At approximately 9 a.m., while searching a street in the Mansour district of Baghdad, soldiers serving with 1st Battalion, 54th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division found nine blocks of TNT inside an empty store.
While acting on a tip from a local Sheik, Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division seized a cache northwest of Baghdad at approximately 11:45 a.m. The munitions included 12 cases of 14.5 ammunition, two 122 mm charge canisters, 500 .50 caliber ammunition and a DSHKA heavy machine gun barrel.
“The Iraqi community is taking a stand against terrorist and Special Groups criminals,” said Maj. Mark Cheadle, spokesman for MND-B and the 4th Infantry Division. “Through our partnership with Iraqi Security Forces and help of Iraqi citizens, we are creating a safer Baghdad.”
Power in Taji
Stars & Stripes also has an article on efforts by the 2-11 FA, 2/25 SBCT to bring more electricity to the Baghdad suburb of Taji. Excerpt:
TAJI, Iraq — Residents living around this northern Baghdad suburb have begun complaining about the two- to four-hour blackouts that happen here daily. U.S. soldiers consider it a huge success.That’s because in some areas south, especially in parts of the Iraqi capital, one or two hours of electricity a day from the national power grid is the norm.
While not ideal, the 14-plus hours of electricity residents of Taji receive — and even more in the areas in the more rural north — is a testament to how far the region has progressed, according to Maj. Anthony Barbina, brigade engineer for the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.
NFL Kickoff
According to Stars & Stripes the time difference didn't stop some football fans with the 2/25 SBCT from staying up to watch the first regular season NFL game of season. Excerpt:
CAMP TAJI, Iraq — When New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs plowed into Washington safety LaRon Landry in the first quarter, Staff Sgt. Tom Smarr leaped out of his chair."Oh, he just got run over!" the soldier said, laughing. "This game is going to be over before the third quarter."
Smarr, a soldier with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, said he didn’t really care how Thursday’s NFL opener turned out. As a Dallas Cowboys fan, he was rooting against both teams.
IA, NP, local citizens combine efforts to seize munitions in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Iraqi National Police continue seizing weapons caches in Baghdad Sept. 3 and 4.
At approximately 5:30 p.m. Sept 3, police serving with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, discovered a cache buried in a garden in the al-Aamel neighborhood in the West Rashid district of Baghdad. The munitions included 256 pounds of manufactured explosives, three mortar rounds, an 82 mm mortar round and a 60 mm high explosive mortar round.
A local citizen provided a tip on the location of a cache northwest of Baghdad to Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. The Soldiers passed the information to Iraqi soldiers serving with the 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, who went to the site and seized the weapons at approximately 2 p.m. Sept 4. The cache included three .50-caliber machine guns, a rocket-propelled grenade, four tripods, 30 DSHKA 12.7 mm rounds, three spare barrels, a 2.75-inch rocket tube with explosives and an 180 mm projectile. An MND-B Explosives Ordnance Detachment destroyed the weapons and munitions in a controlled detonation.
“Local citizens, along with Iraqi Army soldiers and the National Police, continue to make a difference in combining their efforts to take these dangerous weapons off the streets,” said Maj. Mark Cheadle, spokesman, MND-B and the 4th Infantry Division. “They are united in their efforts to provide safe neighborhoods for their families and friends.”
MND-B Soldiers seize munitions caches in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized munitions while conducting operations to increase security Sept. 3 and 4.
At approximately 9:30 a.m. Sept. 3, Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B found a cache northwest of Baghdad. The munitions seized included six pounds of unidentified bulk explosives, a DSHKA gun mount, two DSHKA heavy machine guns, a rifle stock, two rifle barrels and an anti-aircraft gun mount.
While on patrol Sept. 4, Soldiers serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, attached to the 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B found a 155 mm round, a 120 mm round and two Italian manufactured anti-tank mines in the East Rashid district of Baghdad at approximately 12:30 a.m.
Two Warriors Achieve New Levels of Responsibility in Careers
By Maj. Al Hing, 2/25 SBCT PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – One Warrior was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel and a fellow Warrior was promoted to chief warrant officer five, the highest level of warrant officer, in front of the headquarters of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad on Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, Sept.1, 2008.
Col. Todd McCaffrey, a native of Hudson, Ohio, the 2nd SBCT commander, promoted Chaplain Mark Knox from major to lieutenant colonel.
“In the Army, Chaplain Knox exemplifies the best of all chaplains,” said McCaffrey. “The duty of care for the living, nurture the injured and honor the deceased – he does it all with the air of a quiet professional. The [special forces] tab on his shoulder of the quiet professionals is merely an indicator of this chaplain’s quiet professionalism.”
Warrior Transforms Minds, Bodies Into Steel
By Sgt. Whitney Houston, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The vibrant and multi-talented Soldier leads many Soldiers to reach their full potential through instruction and example.
It is his mission, as an Army combatives instructor for his battalion, to help his fellow Soldiers overcome the many physical and psychological barriers associated with these combat systems.
The combatant instructor who so diligently commits his time to guiding his fellow Soldiers is Staff Sgt. Lonny Steele, a native of Honolulu, who serves with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Brigade Support Battalion “Mongoose,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
Soldier-skateboarder Grinds in Iraq
By Sgt. Brad Willeford, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – A native of Port Huron, Mich., he has come a long way from his days of skate boarding, playing football and working at a local home improvement store. An avid skateboarder who loves to “grind,” his days of “ollies” and “tail drags” are now days of patrols and finding ways to assist the people of Iraq.
It is a challenge that Spc. Bradley Cook, Cook an infantryman serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, meets heads on.
When he joined the U.S. Army in January 2006, his request was quite simple – he desired to be an infantryman.
“When I told the recruiter what I wanted to do, he told me there is no doubt that I would be coming to Iraq,” said Cook.
Wolfhound Pup Fights Terrorist Activity
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Known as “Havoc,” he is the youngest Soldier in his company and is affectionately known as the company “pup.”
Havoc’s real name is Pfc. Robert Hatala, and he is a reconnaissance scout assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division- Baghdad,
Hatala joined the Army in July 2007, just three days after graduating high school in Ottawa, Ill. His goal, he said, is to do his part and better his life and joining the Army is a stepping stone for future aspirations. Ultimately, he plans to pursue a career in special weapons and tactics law enforcement after using his college benefits from the Army.
Warrior Soldiers Build Camaraderie Through Stress Relief
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Barbecue, karaoke, Baggo … all seem out of place in Iraq and perhaps feel somewhat strange to the digitally camouflaged Soldiers.
“Where you’re going 100 miles an hour, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, you can appreciate when you can get some down time and relax,” said Maj. Silas Calhoun, of Washington D.C., who serves as a signal officer for 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. “There’s a stress breaker when you get to watch your battle buddies relax.”
Karaoke was the center point of the informal gathering, where a Playstation 2 was brought out and hooked up to a Soldier’s TV, allowing Soldiers to belt out “Hammer Time” by M.C. Hammer and match notes on “I Wanna Dance with Someone” by Whitney Houston, Soldiers responded with either hearty laughter or encouragement for the microphone holder. Some just danced and enjoyed the moment.
‘Operation Sapper Torch’ Denies Terrorist Concealment
By Sgt. Whitney Houston, 2/25 SBCT Public Affairs Office
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.
IA, MND-B Soldiers seize munitions in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers continue seizing weapons caches in Baghdad Sept. 1 and 2.
Iraqi soldiers serving with the 2nd Battalion, 34th Brigade, 9th Iraq Army Division seized weapons in the Sadr City district of Baghdad at approximately 6:30 p.m. Sept 1. The munitions included a 160 mm high explosive mortar, a 82 mm high explosive mortar with fuse and a high explosive mortar with fuse.
Approximately two hours later, Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 27st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B found a weapons cache northwest of Baghdad. The cache included 31 82 mm high explosive projectiles, a 82 mm white phosphorous projectile and 150 12.7 mm anti-personnel small arms projectiles.
Soldiers serving with Company D, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B seized a weapons cache in the East Rashid district of Baghdad at approximately 12:30 a.m. Sept 2. The cache contained 300 7.62 rounds, three fuses and a half a block of C4.
Local resident turns in munitions, MND-B Soldiers find cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – A local resident turned in munitions and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered a weapons cache in Baghdad Aug. 28.
At approximately 5 p.m., a local resident brought six mortar rounds to an entry control point north of Baghdad. Soldiers serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, called in an explosive ordnance disposal team to assess the munitions. The EOD team identified the munitions as a 120 mm high-explosive mortar rounds.
At approximately 6 p.m., Soldiers serving with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 153rd Infantry Battalion, Quick Reaction Force, found a weapons cache in the West Rashid district of Baghdad. The cache consisted of 24 124 mm rounds without fuses. An EOD team conducted a controlled detonation and destroyed the munitions.
“Local residents continue to turn in these dangerous weapons as they strive to create safer neighborhoods for their Families and friends,” said Maj. Mark Cheadle, spokesman, Multi-Natinonal Division-Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division. “Along with our Iraqi Security Forces partners, the Soldiers of Multi-National Division – Baghdad strive to provide them that safer environment.”
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.”
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.
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.”
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
Wolfhounds, GoI Bring Water Back
By Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1-27 INF, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Just over a year ago, residents in the East Anbar province had potable drinking water, but terrorists destroyed the main source of potable water in an attack on a nearby school.
“The CWTU (Compact Water Treatment Unit) was originally built by the Army Corps of Engineers,” said Capt. Brian Sweigart, a San Antonio native, and embedded Local Reconstruction Team leader for 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad. “The day it opened-up in June 2007, terrorists blew-up the school next to it, which caused severe damage (to the CWTU).”
The $2 million-project was disabled, cutting off water supply to more than 10,000 residents. Residents were left without the most essential human need.
Wolfhounds Continue Their Search for Weapons
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Cache search operations in the Taji Qada is an ongoing effort. This area, northwest of Baghdad, is dotted with occasional houses, farms, growing businesses, and vast amounts of barren land travelled by goat herders and the occasional terrorist.
It is those terrorists who bury caches that the Soldiers of Company B, 52nd Infantry Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, are working diligently to protect the local citizens against.
Operation Hammer Bonzai XI, conducted on July 22, focused on the tedious task of systematically clearing and either recovering or destroying weapons caches buried in the Taji Qada countryside using metal detectors and shovels.
Wolfhound Joined Army for Excitement
By Sgt. Brad Willeford, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Pfc. Tommy Smith, a Rome, Ga., native, joined the U.S. Army in 2006. He said he joined the Infantry looking for excitement and adventure, because that is “where all the fun is at.”
Smith is deployed with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, and is having the adventure he always looked for.
Before joining the Army, Smith worked construction and in his spare time practiced his martial arts which he learned from his father. In high school Smith played football and spent his weekends working on his truck and hanging out with friends. But that sense of adventure was not there, that is when he decided to see what the Army had to offer.
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraq Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered weapons caches as they continued operations to increase security in Baghdad July 25.
Soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division found a 155 mm mortar round and two 120 mm rounds north of Baghdad at approximately 1:10 p.m.
Later, Soldiers with the 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., found five rocket propelled grenade rounds, a RPG launcher and a 155 mm mortar round north of Baghdad at approximately 1:50 p.m..
The same Soldiers also found a separate cache in the same area containing six 85 mm mortars, four 60 mm mortars, a 122 mm projectile, three fuses, an RPG launcher, six AK-47 magazines, more than 25 loose 7.62 mm rounds and various bomb-making materials.
At approximately 5: 30 p.m., Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division found three rocket launch tubes in the Kadamiyah district of Baghdad.
Soldier Blog Shut Down
According to the Washington Post the Army just shut down a blog written by a CPT with the 2-14 CAV, 2/25 SBCT. Excerpt:
Lt. Col. Steve Stover, a military spokesman, said in an e-mail that Kaboom was "deemed by the commander to be counter to good order and discipline of his unit." He added that the blog had not been registered with the military, an assertion Dennis Gallagher disputes.Lt. G wrote in his last dispatch that all postings, except for the one about the promotion talk, had been vetted by a supervisor. On June 27, he wrote one last entry, titled "A Tactical Pause":
"I'm a soldier first, and orders are orders. So it is.
MND-B Soldiers uncover multiple caches in Baghdad area
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers uncovered multiple weapons caches July 24 while working to secure the Baghdad area.
At approximately 9 a.m., Soldiers with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division seized two AK-47s, four AK-47 magazines and 246 7.62 mm rounds in the East Rashid area of Baghdad.
Later, at approximately 11:30 a.m., acting on a tip from a local citizen, Soldiers with the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., found an improvised explosive device-making workshop. The cache included personal mobile radios, base stations, batteries, power sources, garage door openers, circuit boards, programmers, a cable, LCD screens, assorted tools, wire, plastic bags, a global positioning system device, assorted electrical components, miscellaneous documents, identification cards and propaganda tapes.
Sons of Iraq turned a cache into Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, consisting of three 57 mm rockets and a 106 mm recoilless rifle round in the Abu Grhiab area of Baghdad at approximately 1:45 p.m.
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Police and Iraqi Army soldiers working to secure the area in Baghdad seized weapons caches July 21-22.
Acting on a tip, police with the 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division and Soldiers from the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division seized 13 improvised explosive devices with blasting caps attached and 300 PKC machine gun rounds at approximately 10 p.m. July 21, in the New Baghdad district of Baghdad.
At approximately 11 a.m. July 22, Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division seized a cache northwest of Baghdad. The munitions included 50 25 mm rounds; two rocket propelled grenades; 2,000 7.76 rounds; 150 14.5 mm rounds and three pounds of unknown powder.
“In conjunction with our Iraqi brothers-in-arms, we will not relinquish the offensive, nor momentum achieved through our blood, sweat and tears,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman for MND-B and the 4th Infantry division. “Our commitment to both the Iraqi and American people is to remain steadfast and loyal in our fight against criminal elements.”
Wolfhounds, GoI Work to Rebuild Education
By Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The schoolhouse is run down.
Water leaks through numerous cracks in the roof and air conditioners do not operate, effectively causing temperatures inside the building to climb to unbearable lengths.
The walls covered with mold, no doors to the classrooms, broken windows, and cracks in the walls large enough to see the surrounding farmlands.
Despite all this, approximately 600 students at the Al Abbas primary school, located in northwest Baghdad’s remote New Taji Nahia, continued to study and garner their education despite these difficult conditions.
New Leader Supports SOI Program
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – During the past few weeks there have been several transitions and changes, not only with coalition forces, but the Iraqi forces as well.
There are rumors circulating the Soldiers from 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division are moving into the Tarmiyah area. This rumor is not true, however the 37th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, who currently operate in Tarmiyah are being replaced by the 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division.
Leaders of 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad met with leaders from both IA units as well as Iraqi police and Sons of Iraq (Abna al Iraq) at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, July 14.
MND-B Soldiers detain key suspected criminal in Taji
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained a highly sought after suspected criminal in Taji, northwest of Baghdad, July 18.
Soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, detained the suspected Special Groups criminal, accused of supporting the insurgency in Iraq by supplying intelligence reports with the means to target U.S. installations with rockets.
“We will continue to hunt down these suspected criminals and bring them to justice,” said Maj. Al Hing, spokesperson for 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. “Our Soldiers will continue to target those criminals who pose a threat to Iraqi security and disrupt their networks.”
MND-B Soldiers seize multiple caches in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches in Baghdad July 15.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division found seven 155 mm artillery rounds, 26 120 mm mortars, two PG-7 machine guns, a PG-9 machine gun, a 57 mm rocket, a 2.75 inch rocket warhead, a five-gallon can of UBE explosive material, 22 100 mm mortars and 26 82 mm mortars north of Baghdad.
Later, Soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division found ten mortar fuses at approximately 10 p.m., in the West Rashid area of Baghdad.
Soldiers from the 18th Military Police Brigade found five one pound blocks of C-4 explosive material at approximately 2 p.m., in the Kadamiyah area of Baghdad.
“Since May 20, in full partnership with Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Soldiers in Baghdad have seized more than 450 weapons and munitions caches,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman, MND-B and the 4th Inf. Div. “Dubbed Operation Ironhorse Tempest, we have seized 275 explosively-formed penetrators, 336 improvised explosive devices, 245 rockets, 478 artillery rounds, 2,159 mortar rounds, 972 rocket propelled grenades and 5,320 rifles – a very significant achievement and good news for both the Iraqi and American people.”
Warrior News - July 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 - July 2008 Edition (PDF)
IA Soldiers Provide for the Future of Iraq
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Taking care of children orphaned by war seems an insurmountable task. The Government of Iraq reported in Dec. 2007, approximately five million children are now orphans as a result of the war.
To help orphaned children in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, the 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi army division combined efforts with 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” Multi-National Division – Baghdad and developed a program called Children of God (Anbag Alah).
The Children of God began as an initiative to collect money and necessary amenities for orphans and widows with children.
The inspiration behind this program is 10-year-old Ahmed.
GoI, MND-B Soldiers Discuss Water Treatment Plant Repairs
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and water engineers visited three insolvent compact water treatment units in Al Raood, Dhabtiya, and Um Najim, small cities in the rural areas northwest of Baghdad, July 8, to locate problems and determine how to fix them.
Since 2004 nearly 400 water treatment facilities have been built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with the intent of providing residents clean water.
Sustaining newly built or rehabilitated Iraqi water and sewage facilities is just as imperative as providing them, and regrettably many of the small rural water projects lacked the provisions and the knowledge to preserve the units.
Capt. Brian Sweigart, native of San Antonio, and commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division and Dr. Natik Joudi, a bi-cultural advisor who has a doctorate in water engineering, have developed an arrangement with Iraqi government officials to get these units back up and running.
FAST Ensures Comfortable Daily Life
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – While most Soldiers on Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, are rubbing the remnants of sleep from their eyes, one group of Soldiers is up in the early morning light, preparing to rollout on a convoy.
They each perform their pre-combat checks and inspections to ensure they haven’t forgotten anything, and proceed to gather around in a circle for a group prayer.
The moment the prayer ends, the Soldiers put one hand into the middle of the circle and shout their company motto in unison, “Let it rain!”
That is exactly what the Soldiers from the Forward Area Support Team, Company A “Comanche,” 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, do; let it rain supplies.
MND-B Soldiers, IA Soldiers Build Friendships Through Soccer
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers Iraqi army soldiers joined together at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, July 10, for a friendly soccer game, followed by a dinner.
Soldiers from the Ammunition Transfer Holding Point, Company A, 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division and Iraqi army soldiers from the Logistics Battalion, 35th Brigade, 9th IA Division participated in the days activities.
As the MND-B Soldiers warmed up with practice shots and stretches, the IA soldiers arrived at the field looking as though they had just come from competing in the World Cup.
“They’re not going to win, but at least they’re getting better,” Mohand Taleb, an IA soldier from Log Bn., 35th Bde., said about the MND-B Soldiers as he watched the game begin from the sidelines.
Concerned Citizens Turn in Munitions
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD — Local nationals turned in munitions and weapons to Multi-National Division Soldiers north of Baghdad July 14.
At approximately 10:30 a.m., Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found a pound of unknown bulk explosive material, two fuses and four rocket-propelled grenades north of Baghdad.
At approximately 7:45 p.m., a concerned citizen turned in two sniper rifles, a SA-7 rocket, eight bags of explosive material, a fuse and miscellaneous electronics to Soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, north of Baghdad.
IA, MND-B Soldiers, local citizen take weapons off streets
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army soldiers, Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers and a local citizen uncovered weapons caches in Baghdad July 15.
Iraqi Army soldiers with the 3rd Brigade, 1st IA Division, discovered a weapons cache in the Sadr City district of Baghdad at approximately 6:30 a.m.
The cache consisted of two rocket propelled grenade-7 launchers, two AK-47’s, five RPG-7 anti-tank rockets, two RPG-7 anti-personnel rockets, five AK-47 magazines, two grenades, two load bearing vests, a radio with charger, eight light machine gun round drums, explosive initiation wire and 14 explosive initiation devices.
A local citizen found a cache while digging in his garden and turned the items in to the local Iraqi Police station in the Mansour district of Baghdad at approximately 11 a.m. The items included a 60 mm round and 4 fuses.
At approximately the same time, Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a 106 mm round, a 122 mm projectile, two 82 mm mortars and 500 feet of detonation cord. The cache was turned into the local Iraqi Police station west of Baghdad.
NP, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Police and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches as they continued operations to increase security in Baghdad July 10.
Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found a weapons cache consisting of six 100 mm mortars, over 100 82 mm mortars, nine 120 mm mortars, a German mortar, multiple 100 mm rockets, five 57 mm rockets, two 85 mm RPG-7s, two mines, nine 60 mm mortars, a few 85 mm RPGs, a 57 mm projectile, two 40 mm grenades, a 40 mm star cluster, 88 20 mm projectiles and a recoilless rifle system north of Baghdad at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Later in the day, Soldiers with the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., found three 55 mm rockets, an AK-47, a training manual on how to make an IED and various bomb making materials in the West Rashid area of Baghdad at approximately 5:40 p.m.
At approximately 6:30 p.m., Soldiers from the same battalion 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., found an RPG launcher, an RPG booster and a pair of binoculars in West Rashid.
Lastly, Soldiers from1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div., found a cache of explosives at approximately a quarter after midnight on July 11 in the East Rashid area of Baghdad. The cache consisted of two 155 mm rounds, multiple 60 mm mortar rounds, a 57 mm mortar, an RPG round, a mortar tube, a box of detonators and two pounds of homemade explosives.
“U.S Soldiers are greatly encouraged by the capability and dedication of our Iraqi counterparts,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman for MND-B and the 4th Inf. Div. “Along with the Iraqi people we will depilate terrorist and criminals who have plagued this city.”
SPC William L. McMillan III
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. William L. McMillan III, 22, of Lexington, Ky., died July 8 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his patrol was struck by an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
All of us here would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones he leaves behind.
Stryker Soldier Injured
The Times has an article updating the condition of a Stryker soldier, Sgt. Robert Barthel, who was wounded recently in Iraq. It's unclear whether this was the same incident that claimed the life of Spc. William McMillan. Excerpt:
PORTAGE | Robert Barthel stayed close to the telephone Thursday morning awaiting word of his son's condition.The news wasn't good.
His son, U.S. Army Sgt. Robert Barthel, was severely wounded Tuesday morning when the Stryker Infantry Carrier Vehicle in which he was riding was struck by an improvised explosive device while he was on combat patrol near the joint security site in Nasser Wa Salem, Iraq.
Webster Articles
Nathan Webster continues his high-volume reporting with the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT in Tarmiyah. He has two new articles.
Former New Carlisle soldier sees change for the good - Springfield News-Sun
TARMIYAH, Iraq — Now serving his second tour in Iraq, Army Staff Sgt. Phillip St. Pierre's combat experience began almost at the beginning of his seven-year Army career, during Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan in 2002.The former New Carlisle man plans to make the Army a career, despite the hard life that requires. Serving here with Alpha Company, 1st/14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, he sees progress in Iraq.
"We're doing a lot of good things. I'm safe, I'm motivated and doing well," and, he says, the relative quiet of this deployment is a welcome change. As he wryly puts it, "I've been mortared, shot at, RPG'd, everything you can think of. I'll go anywhere they ask me, but I'm not asking to go."
Rising hopes in Tarmiyah tempered by recent violent past - The Long War Journal
TARMIYAH, IRAQ: Not much lingers of this youth center’s former role in the city of Tarmiyah. An entrance to the building, now bracketed by T-wall barriers and a weapon’s clearing barrel, shows an old mural of children at play.Refurbished and rededicated in August 2006, the youth center was a source of Army civil affairs pride before grim setbacks six months later.
Now, in 2008, the center has become a Joint Security Station (JSS), manned by US soldiers with Iraqi Army and police operating from a new police station next door. A company of US infantrymen use this place as their residence and headquarters.
Hopes are rising here, but now they’re based on painful experience.
Webster Profiles Stryker Soldier
Nathan Webster has another article about the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT, this one in the Springfield News-Sun. Excerpt:
Of all the troops in Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division, St. Pierre is the only soldier wearing a combat patch of the 101st Airborne Division, the unit chronicled in the book, which he earned for service in the March 2003 invasion.It was an awful long time ago, and one of five deployments by the 30-year-old squad leader: Two to Afghanistan, one to the Philippines, and counting this one, two to Iraq. All in just seven years of active duty.
Stationed in this Sunni city about 40 miles north of Baghdad, St. Pierre watches over a squad of about a dozen men, and while the 101st used helicopters, for this deployment, his unit operates from Stryker infantry vehicles — eight-wheeled, heavily-armored troop carriers. Infantry tactics and the war have evolved.
Webster in Worcester Telegram
Nathan Webster, currently embedded with the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT, has another report. This one was published in the Worcester Telegram. Excerpt:
TARMIYAH, Iraq— The object looked suspicious and out of place — cylindrical and strange, and an odd thing to be wrapped in a white sandbag off a dirt road in the farmland north of this Sunni city, 25 miles north of Baghdad.Army Pfc. Edward Beaupre, 24, of North Brookfield, Mass., looked hard at it, concern and questions evident from his facial expression . Of the three people out ahead of the main squad, he was the only one who paid it any mind.
“Hey, Sergeant,” he called out to his team leader, Sgt. Chad Ward, 28, from Virginia Beach. “I’m not sure what this is, but it’s like it’s got something round in it. Doesn’t look right.”
Nathan Webster Dispatch
Webster published another dispatch at The Long War Journal. He is currently embedded with the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT. Excerpt:
TARMIYAH, IRAQ: A “keystone moment” in the recent turnaround to a relative calm in Tarmiyah was the February release of local tribal leader Sheikh Sa’ed Jassim, held for 11 months in US detention.US Army Captain Christopher Loftis helped make the decision to free Jassim, but only after Jassim’s son persuaded Loftis that his father would improve the relationship between Americans and Iraqis in this area 25 miles north of Baghdad.
Letting Jassim go home was a risk. It appears to have paid off.
MND-B Soldiers seize caches throughout Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons caches throughout Baghdad July 2.
Soldiers serving with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found two rocket-propelled grenades, an RPK machine gun, two containers of propellant, 1,500 7.62 mm rounds and command wires west of Baghdad at approximately noon.
Approximately three hours later, Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), seized a weapons cache of 11 anti-tank mines, a 152 mm artillery round, three 107 mm rockets and eight 60 mm mortar rounds in the Kadamiyah area of Baghdad.
Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, found two 122 mm Chinese-made rockets in the West Rashid area of Baghdad at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Nathan Webster Dispatch
Webster has published a new dispatch at The Long War Journal. He is currently embedded with the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT. Excerpt:
Sons of Iraq groups in Tarmiyah are succeeding “because they’re starting to assert themselves,” according to US Army Capt. Christopher Loftis, commander of Alpha Company, 1st battalion/14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.Loftis’ unit has manned a Joint Security Station here in Tarmiyah since December, and they’ve seen how its complicated politics works.
Now, because of tips from the Sons of Iraq members, many weapons caches have been discovered and reported throughout the region. In some cases Sons of Iraq members, many of whom are former insurgents, probably revealed their own caches to gain credibility or reward money, US soldiers say, but weapons off the market are a small victory all the same.
Healthcare Providers in Taji Get Hands-on Training
By Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Three Soldiers from the 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, paid a necessary visit to the doctors, nurses and physicians at the Taji Health Clinic, June 30.
Due to the devastating consequences of war, healthcare in Iraq has suffered severely over the past seven years.
Coalition forces have joined with the Department of State and United States Agency for International Development to help put an end to the poor health conditions by providing health clinics with much needed repairs, supplies, education and up-to-date equipment.
IA Medics Sustain Healthy Fighting Force
By Sgt. Michael Moody, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – A Soldier of passing importance once remarked that “an army marches on its stomach.” While the primacy of the gastronomical can be debated, the underlying idea, that it takes more than bullet-slingers to fight a war, is unassailable.
This necessity for logistics and support has not gone unnoticed by senior Army officials, both coalition forces and Iraqi. There is a concerted effort to work with the Iraqi army to increase its ability to be self-reliant. The soldiers, or Jundi’s as they’re called, of the 3rd Battalion, 37th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, are working toward that self-reliance by going through medical training.
"The emphasis needs to be on the Iraqi army, on what they do,” said Capt. Dustin Cathcart, a native of Indianapolis, and commander, Military Transition Team, 1st Battalion 14th Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
New School Symbolizes Beacon of Change
By Cpl. Dustin Weidman, 2/25 SBCT
BAGHDAD – Buildings are important part any culture, whether it is an office building, restaurant or a coffee shop. However, one of the most important buildings to any society is a building that will be used to give children a good education.
Leaders, local residents of the Karmah Nahia, northwest of Baghdad, gathered with Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, “Gimlets,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, at the future site of the Mossab Bin Omer school for a groundbreaking ceremony, June 24.
IP Training Helps Build Trust in the Community
By Sgt. 1st Class Christina Bhatti, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Getting the Iraqi police on their feet and operating as the main effort of law enforcement in the country has been a priority of the U.S. Army.
Since the force began to rebuild after the U.S. led invasion in 2003, they have been the center of controversy, often accused of rogue tactics, corruption and working for powerful political forces instead of the people. Citizens deeply distrusted those commissioned to protect them.
The daunting task of rebuilding a force and putting a trusting face on the policemen fell on the shoulders of American forces.
Nathan Webster Dispatch
Webster has published another embedded dispatch with the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT. Excerpt:
TARMIYAH, IRAQ: Iraqi children play afternoon soccer in the dusty field almost directly below the rooftop positions of Checkpoint 121, a sign of how far the city of Tarmiyah has come.In 2007, when al Qaeda controlled this area 25 miles north of Baghdad, this same field was used for executions by beheading as shariah law was enforced. Painted-over graffiti on an unused water tower once threatened Coalition forces and the Iraqis who helped them.
American soldiers from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, actually enjoy their rotations at this checkpoint in downtown Tarmiyah. Unlike the six days of straight-out missions and duties when they’re back at the Joint Security Station just a half-mile away, here they have time to sit back and relax, sort of.
Embedded With the Golden Dragons
Nathan Webster is an independent journalist currently embedded with the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2/25 SBCT in Iraq. He is publishing his reports at The Long War Journal. Here's an excerpt from his first dispatch:
TARMIYAH, IRAQ: Destroying a nondescript hut, made of mud and thatched straw, might have seemed a devastating overstatement. But according to US Army Captain Christopher Loftis, its destruction will show the local residents “Al Qaeda isn’t coming back.”Loftis commands Alpha Company 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division, based in Tarmiyah, Iraq, about 25 miles north of Baghdad. On June 7, members of the 66th Engineer Company, part of the 25th Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade, used nearly 150 pounds of C-4 explosives to destroy the former al Qaeda cache house in the farmland area north of Tarmiyah.
Back in 2007, when al Qaeda in Iraq was dominant here, this was one of the worst areas for the insurgency.
IA, MND-B Soldiers seize munitions
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, aided by tips from Iraqi civilians, seized six munitions caches north and west of Baghdad June 26.
MND-B Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a munitions cache near the town of Tarmiyah, north of Baghdad, at approximately 6:30 a.m. June 26. The cache consisted of a 120 mm mortar round, a 100 mm Illumination mortar round, four 57 mm high-explosive projectiles, six 107 mm HE rocket warheads, a surface-to-air missile, a 155 mm HE projectile; 11, 82 mm HE mortar rounds; 24, 57 mm rocket motors, an improvised explosive device, 300 electric blasting caps, empty artillery casings, various small-arms ammunition, explosives, propellants and other various IED-making materials.
Wolfhounds, IA Work Together to Search for Weapons
Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield, 2/25 SBCT PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Clearing the area of weapons caches is a vital mission for Iraqi army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers.
In fact, it is so important they combine their efforts as they scour the streets in an attempt to safeguard the Iraqi people from the devastation caused by extremist weapons and munitions.
So it was with this in mind that Soldiers from 1st Platoon, Company B, 52nd Infantry Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, worked side-by-side with their Iraqi Army partners as they conducted a cache clearance mission in Al Awad, northwest of Baghdad, June 25.
MND-B Soldiers, INPs confiscate weapons caches in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and Iraqi National Police seized weapons caches in Baghdad June 26.
At approximately 6:30 a.m., Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a weapons cache northwest of Baghdad consisting of three 82 mm mortar rounds, two base plates, a rocket propelled grenade, a surface-to-air missile, a rocket head, blasting caps, three anti-tank mines and rocket propellant.
Police with the 2nd 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division, confiscated munitions in two separate finds in the New Baghdad district of Baghdad at approximately 1:30 p.m. The items confiscated included a total of 23 AK-47’s, three SKS’s, a rifle, an RPK machine gun and two MP-5 magazines.
Soldiers Say Goodbye to Macedonian Friends
By Pfc. Lyndsey Davensport, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The Soldiers of 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, bade farewell to their Macedonian partners and welcomed two new Macedonian platoons during a Transfer of Authority Ceremony at the Sgt. John M. Schoolcraft III Pavilion June 23.
After six months of partnership with Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons,” and 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, “On Time,” both from 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., the Macedonian soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade and a Ranger platoon, are going home.
They are replaced by soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade and a new Ranger platoon.
Soldier Continues Family Legacy
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Sgt. 1st Class Kenneth Palumbo wanted to do something exciting, serve his country and not walk too much. These requirements are what the San Diego native told his recruiter before joining the Army. That conversation led him to enlist as an armor Soldier.
His enlistment began another generation of military service for his family.
Today, Palumbo serves as a mobile gun system platoon sergeant assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
The seeds of service were planted by his grandfather, who served in the United States Navy during World War II, and his stepfather, who served in Vietnam.
Mongoose Soldiers Sustain Fight
Be sure to click through for a number of photos as well.
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Success of sustained ground operations is dependent upon far more than the mere ability to close-in and destroy the enemy. Leaders face the issue of troop morale, along with other issues that must be balanced in order to maintain the fight.
Supply channels can influence troop morale.
The 225th Brigade Support Battalion “Mongoose,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division–Baghdad, is the support element for the maneuver units of the 2nd SBCT, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Injured Soldier Returns Home
The Capital Times has a story about SPC Andrew Howard visiting his hometown while recovering from injuries he suffered in Iraq. I believe he was with the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT. Excerpt:
He was burned on April 29 in Sadr City when he went to the aid of a tanker that had been hit by a rocket propelled grenade. On the way to help, Howard's Stryker armored combat vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device that sent three projectiles into the vehicle. One hit the fuel tank.He escaped the Stryker by jumping out of the top, but landed in fuel burning around the vehicle. He received second- and third-degree burns on 14 percent of his body, and has received skin grafts to his hands, arms and lower back.
After initial treatment in Baghdad and elsewhere, Howard has been cared for at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, which is well known for its burn treatment expertise.
Micro Grants Help Business in Abu Ghuraib Grow
By 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Starting a business in Iraq is a complicated and complex process. It takes more than just a dream, which is where the micro-grant program comes in to play – to help the Iraqi people achieve their dreams.
The Soldiers of the 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, patrolled through the Abu Ghuraib market, northwest of Baghdad, June 18, to talk to business owners about the program and to encourage them to apply for a grant. The visit also provided them an opportunity to check on those who already received funds.
Meeting with the people on the streets was also the first opportunity for the Soldiers directly talk to the local residents about the benefits of the program and observe how effective it has been to date.
Iraqi Army, MND-B Soldiers seize munitions
2/25 SBCT mentioned towards the end of this release.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers continued seizing weapons caches in Baghdad June 21.
At approximately 11 a.m., Soldiers with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, seized an explosively formed projectile, six 60 mm mortar rounds and a 105 mm artillery round north of Baghdad.
In the Sadr City district of Baghdad, soldiers with the 38th Brigade, 10th Iraqi Army Division, seized a weapons cache at approximately 7 a.m. consisting of ten AK 47s and two sniper rifles.
MND-B Soldiers Confiscate Munitions
Multi-National Division – Baghdad Public Affairs Office
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers confiscated munitions in and around Baghdad, June19.
Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized two handheld grenades north of Baghdad at approximately 4 a.m.
At approximately 9 a.m., Soldiers with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division uncovered a 155 mm round, a 60 mm mortar tube and two artillery fuses in the East Rashid district of Bagdad.
Soldiers from 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., also seized 20, 60mm mortars and four artillery rounds northwest of Bagdad at approximately noon.
Gimlets Train Iraqi Police First Aid Skills
By Cpl. Dustin Weidman, 1-21 INF, 2/25 SBCT
BAGHDAD – It’s a phrase that has been ingrained into the heads of all Soldiers: “We train the way we fight.”
The Soldiers of the Mortar Platoon, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment “Gimlets,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, are ingraining that phrase into the Iraqi policemen, whom they train.
Soldiers of the platoon have dedicated their time to ensure the Iraqi police are well trained to ensure safety in their area. In the month of June, the training focus included first aid.
Committee Builds Relations in Tarmiyah
By 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – As an elected official, it is important to support all of the people who live and work within the political boundaries of responsibility.
Hussein al-Tahan, governor of Baghdad, proved his dedication to the areas of Mushada and Tarmiyah, northwest of Baghdad, June 13, with visits in the area and attendance to the first Joint Rural Planning Committee at Bukhari Hall in Tarmiyah.
The meeting brought together leaders from the Tarmiyah Qada, members of the Provincial Council and a special visit from al-Tahan. It served as a forum for local leaders in the area to discuss specific issues and get feedback directly from the decision makers in Baghdad.
“This (meeting) was very successful,” Maj. Todd Woodruff, a native of Bollingbrook, Ill., said.
Woodruff, the executive officer for 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, “Golden Dragons,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad said this meeting was mostly about relationship building, mentioning that the Qada council members have met with Baghdad officials in Bagdad, but this meeting was the first time those officials were invited to Tarmiyah to meet.
Iraqi Army, MND-B seize four caches throughout Baghdad
2/25 SBCT mentioned towards the bottom of this release.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army seized a huge weapons cache in West Rashid and, along with Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized three additional weapons and munitions caches throughout Baghdad, June 14.
At approximately 3 p.m., IA soldiers from the 25th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, discovered a huge cache in West Rashid. The cache contained 90 122mm Soviet rockets, four 81mm Iranian mortars, two 60mm Iranian mortars, an RPG-22 launcher, 13 improvised claymores, eight 40mm Bulgarian grenades, three 60mm Yugoslav mortars, 16 rolls of detonation cord, 11 half-pound blocks of TNT, 32 blocks of Iranian C-4 explosive, five 12.5-inch explosively formed projectile bodies, five complete EFP improvised explosive devices, 87 11-inch EFP bodies, a 7-inch EFP body, 74 5-inch EFP bodies, a 4-inch EFP body, 39 3.5-inch EFP bodies, an unmanned aerial vehicle, six electronic timers, two passive infrared switches, 500 pounds of ball bearings, 100 toggle switches, 88 Bulgarian fuses, nine 12-volt batteries, 10 camera flashes, eight digital timers with magnets, 200 CDs, 100 flyers, two mortar aiming stakes, 12 digital timers, and an odometer. The munitions were transported to a nearby Coalition forces combat outpost for disposal.
Warrior News - June 2008
Warrior News is a monthly publication distributed by the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division public affairs office. It features photos, articles and other items of interest to the 2/25 SBCT community.
Provided below is a link to the most recent edition. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to open the document, but it is available for free if you need it.
- Warrior News - May 2008 Edition (PDF)
MND-B Soldiers continue to rid Baghdad of weapons
2/25 SBCT soldiers mentioned at the end of this press release.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Policemen, Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and local Iraqis all pitched in to help rid the streets in Baghdad of weapons June 11.
At approximately 10:40 a.m., a local Iraqi resident turned in 30 57 mm anti-aircraft projectiles to a combat outpost northwest of Baghdad.
Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division seized an improvised explosive device and three Iraqi Army body armor vests at approximately 1:45 p.m. in Sadr City.
Community Heals Through Education
Click through for some nice photos as well.
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – It was a picturesque day in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, perfect for the opening of al Thoha school, June 5.
There was a jovial feeling in the air and it was evident in the faces of the young and old alike on the clear sky afternoon.
The headmaster of al Thoha School, Akmed Salmin Hussein, stated, “Al Qaida destroyed this school (two years ago), but with the help of coalition forces this school was rebuilt. This area has been made safe by the Iraqi army and the presence of coalition forces.”
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad work to secure this area of the Taji Qada and have had a presence for over six months.
NPs, MND-B Soldiers remove weapons from Baghdad streets
2/25 SBCT mentioned below.
Multi-National Division – North
BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Police and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized a number of weapons in Baghdad June 9.
Iraqi National Police from the 4th Brigade, 1st National Police Division found 47 AK-47s, three sniper rifles and a Mauser rifle at approximately 6:30 a.m. in the Ur area of Adhamiyah.
At approximately 10 a.m. north of Baghdad, NPs from 2nd Brigade, 1st NP Div. seized two 155 mm artillery rounds with improvised-explosive device fuses, two 122 mm artillery rounds attached to two propane tanks, four rocket-propelled grenades, an RPG launcher, 21 AK-47s, three SKS rifles, three enfield rifles, a roll of command detonation wire and a tripod.
Wolfhound Multi-tasks to Keep Iraq Safe
By Cpt. Brian Sweigart, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Since September 11, 2001, New Yorkers have been at the epicenter of the war on terror, and a Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldier is continuing that tradition.
The Soldier is Spc. Michael Ortiz, a native of Riverhead, N.Y., who deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and is conducting missions daily to secure the citizens of Iraq; he is an infantryman assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division.
Close to 2.5 years ago, Ortiz enlisted in the Army to serve as an infantryman. He said his father and his step-father’s service as a Seabee and infantrymen influenced him to join the military. Upon arriving at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, in Dec. 2005, he was assigned to Co. A and immediately began training and taking in the island life.
MND-B Soldiers capture key criminal
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers captured the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team’s number two key criminal in Tarmiyah, northwest of Baghdad, May 31.
The Soldiers from 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B,captured the criminal during operations in the Tarmiyah area.
The criminal is the suspected head of an improvised explosive device manufacturing and emplacing cell that operated near Taji and is responsible for the deaths of numerous Iraqi civilians and members of the Iraqi Security Force.
He is also linked to the bombing destruction of the Taji Bridge over the Grand Canal that killed several and wounded more Iraqi civilians.
“The Golden Dragon Soldiers went after and captured this [criminal], whose murderous past has finally caught up with him,” said Maj. Al Hing, spokesperson for 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior.” “We are continuing to bring those criminals to justice to face the Iraqi people for their atrocities they inflicted on the people of Iraq. His past actions have deliberately tried to hurt leaders and prevent Iraq from moving toward success. The continuing efforts to remove [these criminals] are crucial to provide a safe, secure Tarmiyah and Iraq. “
The captured criminal is currently being held for questioning.
Iraqi Army, Coalition forces conduct clearing operation
Multi-National Division – North PAO
TIKRIT, Iraq – Battery C, Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, along with Soldiers from the Iraqi Army took part in a clearing operation outside of Combat Out-Post Zaganiyah in the densely packed palm groves May 28.
IA Soldiers, along with members of the Sons of Iraq from three different Iraqi towns took part in the palm grove clearing operation, said Capt. Charles Knoll, Battery C, Fires Squadron, 2nd SCR.
“The city of Bukais used to be an al-Qaeda in Iraq stronghold in northern Iraq,” said 1st Sgt. Richard Perez, Battery C, Fires Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
Knights in Armor Help Orphaned Children
By Spc. Dustin Weidman, 2/25 SBCT
BAGHDAD – No conflict is without tragedies and this one is no different. In the midst of war, children sometimes get overlooked.
Iraq has many orphanages filled with children, but for one in Ibrahim Bin Ali, their “knights” in armor arrived.
The “Knights” of 3rd Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, “Gimlets,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-Nation Division – Baghdad have taken a special interest in the orphanage and its children since their arrival in the area in January.
Iraqi Army, Gimlets Work to Provide Aid
By Capt. Benjamin Roark, 2/25 SBCT PAO
BAGHDAD – The line extended out the gate, around the corner and disappeared up the narrow street. The residents of Dehna Village, west of Baghdad, lined up waiting for aid May 29.
The mood was the same at any point in the line; excitement, relief and gratitude. Whether it was a woman, there for her family, or one of the scores of children waiting for a free toy and maybe some candy, all were very grateful to the soldiers who brought with them help and hope.
Commando soldiers of the 6th Company, 24th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division conducted a humanitarian assistance food distribution with Soldiers from their partnered unit, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment “Gimlets,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
IA, MND-B Soldiers seize munitions
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized a number of munitions May 30 across Baghdad.
The IA Soldiers from the 43rd Brigade, 11th IA Division, and Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, seized four mortar rounds and an indeterminate number of PKC rifle rounds at approximately 8:30 a.m. in the Shurta area of Rashid.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. on the outskirts of Sadr City, Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div., seized 12, 60mm high-explosive mortar rounds; two 60mm mortars, two 82mm high-explosive rounds, two PG-7 rocket mortar rounds, a 57mm rocket and a 40mm mortar round.
At approximately 5:15 p.m., Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found five 81mm mortar rounds, a 60mm mortar round and a grenade northwest of Baghdad.
Soldier Helps Iraqis Take Charge
By Army Spc. John Ahn, Special to American Forces Press Service
CAMP TAJI — U.S. soldiers working together with their Iraqi counterparts is an important step toward Iraqis taking charge of their nation.
A fire team at a joint security station near Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, is a model for a successful transition from a dependent Iraq to a sovereign nation that can secure the people.
The fire team consists of both Multi-National Division - Baghdad soldiers and Iraqi soldiers from 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division. U.S. Army Sgt. Michael Rios, a native of Sebastian, Texas, serves as the team chief. He is assigned to the 25th Infantry Division’s 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors.”
Iraqi Army detain suspects, seize munitions in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi Army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers continue to conduct operations to increase security in the Baghdad area. During operations May 30, the combined forces detained five suspects and seized various munitions.
In the Mansour district of Baghdad, Iraqi Army Soldiers with the 4th Company, 1st Battalion, 54th Brigade, 6th IA Division, after receiving a tip from a local citizen, seized a rocket at approximately 1:30 p.m. The Soldiers detained two suspects believed to be connected to the found rocket.
“Dead Reckoning” Debuts at Camp Taji Mud House
By Spc. Michele Meadows, 1st Sustainment Brigade
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Monotony…for some this is just a word but for Soldiers deployed to Iraq, it can be taken to a whole new level. While some tend to gravitate towards sports or video games to break the tension, a group of six Soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, found their ease in music.
They call themselves, Dead Reckoning, after a term used by the military for navigation.
“I thought it was cool to use,” said Spc. Joseph Ray, a Rock Hill, S.C., native, and lead guitarist and vocalist. “It just kind of says, hey, we know where we are, and we know what we want to do; (it) just seemed to fit,” he continued.
MND-B Soldiers engage RPG team, seize munitions
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers killed 2 criminals and seized munitions during operations in Baghdad May 28.
Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, discovered 240 57 mm rocket warheads at approximately 2:10 p.m. northwest of Baghdad.
Soldiers from 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, found five grenades, four rocket-propelled grenades, four RPG propelling fuses, three grenade fuses, 35 non-electric blasting caps, two boosters, and 30 feet of timing fuse at approximately 5:45 p.m. in the Shaab area of Adhamiyah.
At approximately 7:20 p.m. northwest of Baghdad, Soldiers from 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div. found four RPG rounds, a grenade, and a mine with detonation cord and blasting caps.
At approximately 11 p.m. in the Mashtal area of New Baghdad, Soldiers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, spotted individuals armed with loaded RPG launchers advancing toward them. The Soldiers engaged them with small-arms fire and killed two.
MND-B Soldiers conduct operations to increase safety in Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons throughout Baghdad May 28 as they conducted operations to secure the area.
MND-B Soldiers serving with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division seized a 155 mm projectile round with a detonation cord attached, a 120 mm mortar round, and a bag of TNT northwest of Baghdad at approximately 11:28 a.m.
MND-B Soldiers Detain Terror Suspect
By 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained a suspected terrorist in Tarmiyah, northwest of Baghdad, May 26.
Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, detained the suspect, who is accused of recruiting juveniles in the area to carry out attacks on Iraqi security forces and coalition forces.
The suspect is also accused of being linked to an explosion at an Iraqi security checkpoint in the Tarmiyah area where four ISF persons were killed, May 26.
The suspect is being held for questioning.
Hawaii Second Graders Donated Cell Phones For Soldiers
HONOLULU (KHNL) -- Eight hundred hours of talk time. That's what one Army unit in Iraq will get thanks to a group of Hawaii second graders.
Carson Risdon's Dad is in Iraq, and everytime the phone rings he hopes it will be his father on the other end.
"I just like my dad calling, it's really fun I don't get to talk to him much because theres a web cam thing that won't work," Risdon said. [...]
During February and March, his second grade class at Holy Family Catholic Academy collected 60 cell phones for the non-profit group, Cell Phones for Soldiers. Its founders Massachusetts teens Robbie and Brittany Berquist started the group and they're in Hawaii now on vacation. It takes old cell phones, recycles them for cash, and buys calling cards. [...]
Wolfhound Soldier Makes Difference Training Iraqi Army
Story by Spc. John Ahn, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI — Working together with the Iraqi Army (IA) is an important step in the success of this war – and an important step toward Iraqis taking charge of their nation.
A fire team showing a unified Coalition front line force at a Joint Security Station near Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, is a model for a successful transition from a dependent Iraq to a sovereign nation that can secure its people.
The fire team consists of both Multi-National Division – Baghdad and IA Soldiers from the 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division. Sgt. Michael Rios, a native of Sebastian, Texas, serves as the team chief. He is assigned to 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division.
Iraqis, MND-B Soldiers discover weapons caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – A Sons of Iraq member and a local citizen teamed up with Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers to discover three weapons caches May 25 in Baghdad.
Soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, seized a single barrel ,12-gauge shotgun, an AK-47, 21 .22 center-fire rounds, 19 .38 mm rounds, 25 9 mm rounds, four AK-47 magazines, several 12-gauge buckshot shells and 400 7.62 mm rounds at approximately 7:50 a.m. in Sadr City.
At approximately 6:40 p.m., Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, acting on a tip from a local citizen, seized a laser-guided 85 mm missile and a 155 mm mortar round northwest of Baghdad.
At approximately 8:10 p.m. northwest of Baghdad, a Sons of Iraq member turned in eight 60 mm mortars to Soldiers from 2nd SBCT 25th Inf. Div. at Joint Security Station Al Awad north of Baghdad.
Wolfhound Makes Difference Training Iraqi Army Soldiers
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Working together with the Iraqi army is an important step in the success of this war – and an important step in Iraqis taking charge of their nation.
A fire team showing a unified coalition front line force at a Joint Security Station near Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, is a model for a successful transition from a dependent Iraq to a sovereign nation that can secure the people.
The fire team consists of both Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and IA soldiers from the 36th Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division. Sgt. Michael Rios, a native of Sebastian, Texas, serves as the team chief. He is assigned to 2nd Platoon, Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division.
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons caches, detain two criminals
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered several weapons caches and detained two criminals in Baghdad May 24.
Soldiers with 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, seized three 60 mm mortar rounds at approximately 6:45 a.m. in West Rashid.
Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, discovered a weapons cache northwest of Baghdad at approximately 12:30 p.m.
The cache consisted of two 122 mm mortar rounds, five 105 mm projectile rounds, four 85 mm mortar rounds, three 82 mm mortar rounds, a 60 mm mortar round, an 80 mm mortar round, a 106 mm inert projectile, a .50-caliber machine gun, an MG42 machine gun and the remnants of an anti-tank mine.
ISF, MND-B Soldiers take deadly weapons off streets of Baghdad
2/25 SBCT soldiers mentioned below.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers discovered weapons caches and prevented a potential deadly attack May 21 in Baghdad.
Soldiers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, found a weapons cache at approximately 12:05 p.m. in the Kamaliya area of New Baghdad. Soldiers discovered 16 mortar charges; 26 shotgun shells; a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher scope; an RPG round and 35, 5.56mm rounds.
At approximately 1:30 p.m. in Kadhamiyah, Iraqi Army Soldiers from 5th Battalion, 22nd Brigade, 6th IA Division, found a 155mm artillery round rigged to be used as an improvised-explosive device; an RPG round; five AK-47s; a 60mm mortar tube with bipod; 1,000, 7.62mm rounds and several electric components.
Iraqi Army presses into Sadr City
By Bill Roggio, The Long War Journal
The Iraqi security forces have entered the northern regions of Sadr City on Tuesday. Dubbed Operation Salam, or Peace, thousands of Iraqi troops moved into the Mahdi Army stronghold just before dawn and took up positions at strategic points throughout Sadr City.
"Operation Salam is going in accordance with well-planned and organized steps," Major General Qassem Atta told Voices of Iraq. Iraqi troops are tasked with securing the neighborhoods, arresting wanted individuals, and searching and seizing unlicensed weapons.
"The forces aim at maintaining security and stability to implement the remaining three stages of the ceasefire agreement with the Sadrist movement," Atta said. The agreement states there will be no use of "illegal weapons," the Iraqi Army would dismantle roadside bombs set up by the Mahdi Army, and security forces can arrest wanted individuals if a warrant has been issued. Security forces may also target anyone attacking them. The Iraqi Army has found and destroyed more than 100 roadside bombs since the operation began. [...]
Iraqi Troops Push Deep Into Sadr City
Here's another from Gordon. Although US troops were not involved in this operation, elements of the 2nd SCR and 2/25 SBCT are operating elsewhere in Sadr City.
By MICHAEL R. GORDON, The New York Times
BAGHDAD — Iraqi troops pushed deep into Sadr City Tuesday as the Iraqi government sought to establish control over the densely populated Shia enclave in the Iraqi capital.
By midday, Iraqi forces had driven to a key thoroughfare that bisects Sadr City and taken up positions near hospitals, police stations and the political headquarters of Moktada al-Sadr, the rebel cleric. There was no significant resistance and no American ground forces were involved in the operation.
The long-awaited military operation was the first determined effort by the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to assert control over the neighborhood, which has been a bastion of support for Mr. Sadr, and comes in the wake of the government’s offensive in Basra.
Warrior News - May 2008
Warrior News is a monthly publication distributed by the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division public affairs office. It features photos, articles and other items of interest to the 2/25 SBCT community.
Provided below is a link to the most recent edition. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to open the document, but it is available for free if you need it.
- Warrior News - May 2008 Edition (PDF)
Water Treatment Facility on Way to Recovery
By Sgt. Waldemar Rivera, 2/25 SBCT Public Affairs
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The Karkh water treatment plant in Taji, northwest of Baghdad, has been under construction and undergoing upgrades since its near destruction in 2005.
Lt. Col. Paul Williams, an Iuka, Miss., native, who is the officer in charge of the United States Army Corps of Engineers Taji Area, visited the Karkh Water Treatment Plant to check progress on the work taking place May 14.
He was joined by Lt. Col. David Davidson, a Lewisburg, Tenn., native, who serves as the deputy commander for 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. The two leaders are in charge of overseeing the progress of the work being done at the water treatment plant.
MND-B soldiers kill two criminals, seize munitions caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers killed two Special Groups criminals, who conducted attacks on Coalition force soldiers, and discovered two weapons caches, one with the help of a Sons of Iraq (Abna al-Iraq) member, in Baghdad May 16.
The SoI member led Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division to a munitions cache consisting of 155 mm mortar rounds west of Baghdad at approximately 12:20 p.m.
SGT John K. Daggett
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. John K. Daggett, 21, of Phoenix, Ariz., died May 15 in Halifax, Canada, of wounds suffered May 1 in Baghdad, Iraq, when a rocket-propelled grenade struck his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow soldiers.
Sadr City Update
The Long War Journal indicates that the pace of fighting in Sadr City has slowed ("Attacks decrease in Sadr City; fighting shifts to western Baghdad"). Excerpt:
With the cease-fire agreement between the Sadrist movement and the Iraqi government now in full effect after the four-day grace period that began on May 11, the fighting in Sadr City has decreased, but has not halted. The Mahdi Army continues to attack US and Iraqi troops as they work to complete the barrier along Qods Street in Sadr City, but the attack tempo has slowed, according to Multinational Forces Iraq. The US military believes the fighting has shifted to western Baghdad to deflect attention from Sadr City.From March 25 until last weekend, US and Iraqi security forces were engaged in major battles in Sadr City. Mahdi Army fighters were killed at a rate of nearly 20 per day, during which it was not uncommon for 20 to 30 Mahdi Army fighters to be killed in a single engagement.
Sadr City Update
Despite the announcement of a cease fire in Sadr City the fighting continues. The Long War Journal has a new update on the situation (Clashes continue in Sadr City). Excerpt:
Mahdi Army fighters continue to attack US and Iraqi units as they work to complete the barrier along Qods Street in Sadr City. These attacks are occurring despite the truce agreed upon by the Sadrist political block and the Iraqi government. Iraqi and US forces said 10 Mahdi Army fighters during clashes in Sadr City and three more Mahdi fighters were killed elsewhere in Baghdad. Iraqi troops have also begun reinforcing the Shula neighborhood in Baghdad.The Iraqi military said it killed eight “gunmen” inside Sadr City over the past 24 hours. The US military said it killed two Mahdi Army fighters from the night of May 12 to the morning of May 13 during five separate engagements. Three more Mahdi Army fighters were killed in the Mahdi-influenced neighborhood in New Baghdad and in northwestern Baghdad as they planted roadside bombs.
MND-B Soldiers seize munitions, detain criminals
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained five criminals and 13 suspected criminals in separate events in the West Rashid and Kadhamiyah districts of Baghdad May 11.
At approximately 7 a.m., Soldiers with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, detained a known criminal and six other suspected criminals while conducting a population engagement operation in Kadhamiyah.
At approximately 7:45 a.m., Soldiers with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, detained a suspect and three other individuals during Operation Tusker Chamberlain in West Rashid.
At approximately 8:00 a.m., MND-B Soldiers detained another suspect and three other individuals allegedly involved in planning improvised-explosives device attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition forces.
At approximately 11:20 a.m., Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a munitions cache, west of Baghdad. The cache consisted of a 55-gallon drum filled with more than 300 pounds of homemade explosives. The area was cleared and the munitions were detonated on site.
MND-B soldiers rescue kidnap victim
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers rescued a kidnapped Iraqi citizen May 8 near Ibrahim Bin Ali, northwest of Baghdad.
Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment “Gimlets,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, acted on tips from Iraqi Army soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 1st Iraqi Army Division, in addition to tips provided by Iraqi Police and Sons of Iraq (Abna al-Iraq) members.
The suspected kidnappers were detained and are being held for further questioning.
“U.S. soldiers, in full partnership with Iraqi Security Forces, are aggressively pursuing criminals and terrorists, especially those who directly threaten the lives of Iraqi citizens,” said Col. Bill Buckner, MNC-I spokesman. “With the restoration of security, we see the Government of Iraq more able to provide essential services for the people – and that’s the goal.”
Sadr City Cease Fire
The Long War Journal is reporting that a cease fire has been negotiated between militia forces and the Iraqi military/government. Excerpt:
After over six weeks of heavy fighting in and around the Mahdi Army stronghold Sadr City, where Mahdi Army forces took lopsided casualties in the fighting, the government and the Sadrist political bloc have signed an agreement to end the fighting. The agreement will allow for the Iraqi military to operate freely inside Sadr City while the Mahdi Army must halt its fighting.The negotiations, which took place over the course of the last several days, culminated in the signing of a 14-point agreement. Both Iraqi government spokesman Ali al Dabbagh and Sadrist spokesman Sheikh Salih al Ubaydi confirmed an agreement was reached.
Related:
Operations continue in Sadr City
Warrior Sappers Lead Way for Engineers
By Sgt. 1st Class Christina Bhatti, 2/25 SBCT PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The engineers from the 66th Engineer Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, are the 2007 winners of the Lt. Gen. Emerson C. Itschner award, recognizing them as the best engineer company in the Army.
“It feels good,” said Spc. Jose Diaz, about the recognition. “The last two years of training were hard, and now we are being recognized by the Army as being the best engineer company.”
Diaz, a native of Arlington, Texas, who is a combat engineer with the 66th Eng. Co., joined the Army two years ago as a combat engineer. He said the job wasn’t really what he wanted to do, but it was a good option and he doesn’t regret the decision.
ISF, MND-B soldiers engage IED emplacers and armed criminals
2/25 SBCT and 2nd SCR soldiers were involved in the following operations.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces and Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers kept the pressure on rogue criminal elements in the greater Baghdad area May 7-8, engaging IED emplacers and armed individuals and discovering weapons caches.
At approximately 10:40 a.m. May 7, Iraqi Police from 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 1st Iraqi National Police Division, and soldiers from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, were attacked by criminals using rocket-propelled grenades and small-arms fire in Adhamiyah. An aerial weapons team was called in to assist. The AWT fired one Hellfire missile and killed two Special Groups criminals.
At approximately 11:40 a.m., west of Baghdad, soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, discovered three mortar rounds, four grenades, a land mine and numerous blasting caps.
MND-B soldiers detain multiple criminals in Baghdad
2/25 SBCT were involved in the following operations.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division detained a suspected criminal linked to a foiled explosively-formed penetrator attack, in the eastern Baghdad neighborhood of Fadailliyah May 7.
The soldiers, attached to 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, who are conducting operations in support of Iraqi Security Forces, traced a command wire from an EFP back to the criminal’s location in the New Baghdad district of Baghdad.
Sadr City Update
See The Long War Journal for another update on current coalition operations in Sadr City. Excerpt:
Clashes between the Mahdi Army and US and Iraqi forces continued in Baghdad over the weekend as efforts to complete the security barriers separating the southern portion of Sadr City from the Mahdi Army-controlled north. The US military has moved another battalion of Strykers into the Sadr City. In the South, Iraqi troops cleared another militia-controlled neighborhood in Basrah.
Sadr City Update
The Long War Journal continues its coverage of coalition operations in Sadr City with a new report. Excerpt:
The large majority of the direct attacks by the Mahdi Army against US and Iraqi forces in Sadr City are occurring on Qods Street, where a barrier is being erected to separate the Iraqi Army and US controlled sections in the south from the northern portion of the district, the US military told The Long War Journal. The Mahdi Army is attempting to stop the building of the barrier. [...]The Mahdi Army is trying desperately to stop the barrier from being built, and is focusing its attacks on US engineers and patrols as they work to complete it. The Mahdi Army has launched complex attacks and ambushes using small-arms, machine guns, rocket-propelled grenades, and roadside bombs.
MND-B, ISF find several weapons caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, along with their Iraqi Security Forces partners and Iraqi citizens, confiscated multiple caches of improvised-explosive devices, bomb-making materials and weapons across Baghdad May 1.
At approximately 8:40 a.m. in southern Baghdad, Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, seized two Dragonov sniper rifles, an Explosively Formed Penetrator IED, and an MP-5 machine gun from the back of a vehicle.
At approximately 12:30 p.m., Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, discovered a weapons cache west of Baghdad, hidden in a field that contained a bag of unknown explosives, two 122 mm mortar rounds, 120 rocket boosters, 544 antitank rounds, seven Russian made rockets of various sizes, 100 .50-caliber rounds, a box of miscellaneous IED-making materials, two command detonation wires, 100 blasting caps, detonation cord and four unknown rocket caps.
Sadr City Order of Battle
The Long War Journal has just published another update on the current fighting in Sadr City, which involves elements of both the 2/25 SBCT and the 2nd SCR. Bill Roggio also confirms exactly which units are involved in the recent operations. Excerpt:
The US and Iraqi military have rapidly built up their forces in and around Sadr City over the past several weeks. Two Iraqi Army brigades and elements from an Iraqi armored brigade and an Iraqi National Police brigade, along with eight US Army battalions have been reported in military press releases to be operating inside Sadr City over the past several weeks. In early April, only two US Army battalions, and Iraqi Army brigade, and elements from an Iraqi National Police brigade were known to be operating inside Sadr City.A US Army brigade, three Iraqi National Police brigades, and an Iraqi Army brigade are also operating in the neighborhoods adjacent to Sadr City. This unprecedented buildup of forces indicates the Iraqi government and the US military are serious about advancing into Sadr City beyond the southern third of the district being hemmed in by the security barriers being erected.
MND-B Soldiers Deliver Law Books at Tarmiyah Courthouse
By Sgt. Waldemar Rivera, 2/25 SBCT PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division’s Office of the Staff Judge Advocate helped the growing legal processes of Iraq April 24 by dropping off 50 Arabic-language law books to the courthouse in the town of Tarmiyah, northwest of Baghdad.
The books, donated by the High Court in Baghdad, were dropped off in conjunction with a visit with the judge at the courthouse to check progress and address any issues they may have, said Capt. Harrison Kennedy, a native of San Diego, California, who serves as an attorney with 2nd SBCT.
Sons of Iraq Capture Key Terrorist
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD — The strong working relationship between Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the Sons of Iraq (Abna al-Iraq) led directly to the capture of key terrorist at approximately 9 p.m. on April 28.
During a meeting with a local sheik and other citizens, a Sons of Iraq member indicated that a known key terrorist was nearby. The SoI member detained two suspects and turned them over to MND-B soldiers for further identification.
More on Sadr City
Again, The Long War Journal has a multiple updates on the current fighting in Sadr City between coalition forces and militia members.
- US troops kill 28 Mahdi fighters during Sadr City ambush - April 29
- US, Iraqi troops killed 41 Mahdi Army fighters in Baghdad clashes - April 28
Sadr City Updates
The Long War Journal has number of recent articles examining the situation in Sadr City.
- Maliki offers Sadr an out: disarm the Mahdi Army - April 26th
- Sadr calls for freeze in fighting - April 25th
- US, Iraqi forces engage Mahdi Army - April 24th
Amid Sadr City Chaos, American Medics Tend to Iraq’s Wounded
By MICHAEL R. GORDON, The New York Times
BAGHDAD — Shortly before 1 a.m. Thursday, there was a desperate wail at the back gate of B Company’s compound in Sadr City. A woman had been badly burned and her relatives were begging for help.
With little in the way of emergency services and travel hampered by blocked streets, nightly curfews and sporadic firefights, a steady trickle of Iraqis has been turning to the American soldiers here for medical care.
Medics who have trained for combat have attended to a seizure victim, an infant brought in by an anxious father and a boy wounded by gunfire. On Thursday, they cared for Samera Tula, who had been seared over much of her body when a propane tank accidentally exploded.
Ultimatum issued to Mahdi Army
The article also provides an update on operations in Sadr City involving elements of the 2/25 SBCT & 2nd SCR.
By Bill Roggio, The Long War Journal
The senior-most Iraqi general in charge of the security operation in Basrah has issued an ultimatum for wanted Mahdi Army leaders and fighters to surrender in the next 24 hours as the Iraqi and US military ignore Muqtada al Sadr's threat to conduct a third uprising. US troops killed 15 Mahdi Army fighters in Baghdad yesterday and have killed 56 fighters since Sadr issued his threat last weekend.
In Basrah, General Mohan al Freiji, the chief of the Basrah Operational Commander and leader of the security operation in the province, has issued warrants "for 81 people, including senior leaders of the Mahdi militia, and they have 24 hours to give up," The Associated Press reported. [...]
IA, Warriors Search for Caches
By Sgt. Waldemar Rivera, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from 3rd Platoon, Company B, 52nd Infantry Regiment, attached to 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, worked alongside Iraqi army soldiers from the 36th Mechanized Brigade to search for weapons caches Apr. 17 in Fahad Fadhil, northwest of Baghdad.
The purpose of the mission was to follow-up on reports that indicated the presence of cache sites in the area, to clear the area of possible caches, and show the people of the town the IA is there to protect them.
GIs in Sadr City caught between warring Iraqi sides
Story via FOB Tacoma. Here's the first part - click through to read the whole article.
By Leila Fadel, McClatchy Newspapers
BAGHDAD — Three weeks after U.S. troops were ordered into the sprawling Shiite Muslim slum of Sadr City to stop rockets from raining down on the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad's Green Zone, they're caught in crossfire between Shiite militiamen and the mostly Shiite Iraqi army.
American soldiers who try to move around this urban area, even in the U.S. Army's state-of-the-art Stryker armored vehicles, risk being ambushed. The soldiers in a platoon from the 25th Infantry Division quickly learned that holding a position puts them in the line of fire from both the Mahdi Army militia and the U.S.-backed Iraqi forces.
IA, Warrior Soldiers Hand Out Toys, School Supplies
By Sgt. Waldemar Rivera, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, and Iraqi army soldiers from 1st Battalion, 34th Brigade, 9th Infantry Division, handed out school supplies and toys Apr. 13 to the children at the Asim Bin Omar school in Sab al Bour, northwest of Baghdad.
The purpose of Operation Bounty Hunter Pencil was to bring school supplies and toys to students of two schools near the city of Taji, said 2nd Lt. Lauren Bowen, a native of Roscoe, Ill., and platoon leader with Company A, 225th BSB.
Taji Pavilion Dedicated to Fallen Soldier
CAMP TAJI, IRAQ – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from 3rd Platoon Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, MND-B, stood on the front stage of the Taji pavilion, pulled the lanyards that dropped the covering over the commemorative memorial to Sgt. Jon M. Schoolcraft, III, April 15.
Schoolcraft died of injuries when the vehicle he was riding was destroyed by an improvised explosive device, Jan. 18. He was the first Soldier lost for this deployment of the 2nd SBCT.
“This was absolutely the right thing to do,” said Col. Brian Harris of Loganville, Ga., and Camp Taji garrison commander. Harris’ comments honoring Schoolcraft who meant so much to his comrades and the command.
MND-B Deputy Commander Stops to Smell Flowers, Flour
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Brig. Gen. Mike Milano, deputy commanding general, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, visited the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, to see a local greenhouse project and the Taji flour mill April 5.
It was an opportunity to see parts of the agricultural progress in the rural area and a chance to stop and smell the roses.
Lt. Col. Harvey Fitzgerald, from Hermosa S.D., provided insight on the visit. Fitzgerald serves as the senior agricultural advisor of the embedded Provincial Reconstruction Team – Baghdad 5, attached to 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, MND-B,
“Working with our Inma partners, we are identifying areas that are critical areas of the value chain.”
Iraqi Unit Flees Post, Despite American’s Plea
An embedded report with the 1-14 INF, 2/25 SBCT in Sadr City. Thanks to Dan for the link.
By MICHAEL R. GORDON, The New York Times
BAGHDAD — A company of Iraqi soldiers abandoned their positions on Tuesday night in Sadr City, defying American soldiers who implored them to hold the line against Shiite militias.
The retreat left a crucial stretch of road on the front lines undefended for hours and led to a tense series of exchanges between American soldiers and about 50 Iraqi troops who were fleeing.
Capt. Logan Veath, a company commander in the 25th Infantry Division, pleaded with the Iraqi major who was leading his troops away from the Sadr City fight, urging him to return to the front.
Iraqi, US troops press forward against the Mahdi Army
By Bill Roggio, The Long War Journal
[...] The Iraqi government signaled that it was willing to take on the Mahdi Army inside its Baghdad stronghold of Sadr City and the outlying neighborhoods since Muqtada al Sadr ordered his militia to cease fighting six days after the Basrah operation began in March. Last weekend, Ali al Dabbagh, the spokesman for the government of Iraq, said Iraqi and US forces would "continue [operations] until we secure Sadr City." Multinational Forces Iraq said it was backing the Iraqi government and the military in its efforts.
The operation involves more than military operations, as the Iraqi government seeks to wrest control of the Mahdi Army's grip on public services inside Sadr City. "The aim now is to launch an ambitious plan of 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day public works and services -- improvement projects designed to convince the local population that the Iraqi government -– and not Sadr's Mahdi Army militia – is best able to improve the quality of life in an impoverished expanse of pot-holed streets, open sewers, and joblessness," the Christian Science Monitor reported. "US and Iraqi military are now set up and living among the Sadr City residents in the 'demonstration' area of the southern third of the sector."
Stryker Brigade will be based in Hawaii
By William Cole, Honolulu Advertiser
The Army today announced it had formalized its decision to permanently station the Stryker brigade in Hawai'i, officials said.
The decision, which has been expected for months, ends questions about the long-term location of the $1.5 billion fast-strike unit, whose 4,000 soldiers and 325 Stryker vehicles are deployed to Iraq.
Although the Army in 2001 decided to base one of the units in Hawai'i, and proceeded with more than $700 million in construction projects, a federal appeals court ruled in 2006 that the service had not adequately examined alternative locations.
Warrior News - April 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 - April 2008 Edition (PDF, 1.7 MB)
Audio: NPR in Sadr City
NPR's Eric Westervelt reports today from Sadr City and mentions the Stryker units. Summary:
In fighting in Sadr City that left hundreds of Iraqis dead over the past two weeks, U.S. soldiers in support roles observed Iraqi forces firing weapons indiscriminately. They also say communication was lacking and logistics were poor.
Combat tours take toll on families
By William Cole, Honolulu Advertiser
When the nation's top-ranking military commanders talk about the Army being stressed nearly to the breaking point by repeat combat deployments, a lot of that concern doesn't have to do with the battlefield. It has to do with home.
Gen. Richard Cody, the Army's vice chief of staff, reiterated the mantra again on April 1 before a Senate Armed Services subcommittee.
Cody said the Army today is out of balance.
US, Iraqi troops prepare the battlefield in Sadr City
The Long War Journal provides the following update on the situation in Sadr City, including confirmation that at least two Stryker battalions are operating there.
By Bill Roggio, The Long War Journal
Three weeks after the Iraqi government initiated Operation Knights Assault in Basrah, US and Iraqi forces have squared off against the Mahdi Army daily in the Shia slums of Sadr City. Additional US and Iraqi forces have moved into northeastern Baghdad to prepare for a possible major engagement against the Mahdi Army.
While Muqtada al Sadr, the leader of the Mahdi Army and the Sadrist political movement, has called for his fighters to pull off the streets on March 30, the Mahdi Army has continued to attack US and Iraqi forces in Sadr City and northeastern Baghdad. The Mahdi Army began seeding the streets of Sadr City with roadside bombs just days after Sadr declared the unilateral ceasefire. "Outlaw groups have planted roadside bombs and other explosives in most of the streets of Sadr City," the Baghdad Operational Command reported. [...]
The Iraqi and US military have also moved additional forces into the region around Sadr City in northeastern Baghdad. At least on Iraqi Army brigade and a National Police brigade are operating in the northeast, while two additional Army brigades are adjacent to the region. At least nine US Army combat battalions - the equivalent of about three brigades, are operating in or near Sadr City. At least three US battalions, including two Stryker battalions, have been identified operating inside Sadr City alongside Iraqi troops. [...]
Related Article:
Iraqi government: "We will continue until we secure Sadr City" - The Long War Journal
SPC Jeremiah C. Hughes
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Jeremiah C. Hughes, 26, of Jacksonville, Fla., died April 9 in Balad Iraq, of injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident in Abu Gharab, Iraq. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Stryker), 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
We'd like to offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Related Articles:
Friends, family recall soldier as a 'real patriot' - Florida Times Union
Soldier's Body Arrives Back on the First Coast - First Coast News
A city salutes for a soldier - Florida Times Union
Casualty Of Iraq War Honored At Homecoming - News4Jax.com
Schofield soldiers stay in Sadr City
By William Cole, Honolulu Advertiser
A 96-hour assignment has turned into an open-ended mission for some Hawai'i Stryker brigade soldiers in Baghdad as fighting continues in Sadr City against militants loyal to anti-American Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.
About 150 soldiers with the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry "Gimlets" out of Schofield Barracks were sent into the Baghdad slum on March 26.
Al-Sadr's Mahdi Army has fought battles with U.S. and Iraqi forces in Sadr City after Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki launched a crackdown on militias loyal to al-Sadr in Basra in the south. The fighting has spilled over into the capital.
"We had some significant contact when we first arrived," Capt. Scott Bailey, a Schofield soldier, said in an Army release. [...]
Soldiers Teach Iraqi Soldiers Valuable Skills
By Sgt. Jerome Bishop, 2/25 SBCT Public Affairs
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers take to the roads daily around Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, to search for improvised explosive devices to ensure the safety of Iraqi security and coalition forces and the people of Iraq.
The Soldiers from the 66th Engineer Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, MND-B, who conduct route-clearance missions, took steps April 5 and 6 to teach their Iraqi army counterparts what it takes to make their own roads safe.
U.S. sergeant's weapon in Iraq is cash
A 2/25 SBCT SGT is featured in the following article. There's also video if you follow the link.
TAJI, Iraq (CNN) -- In Iraq, even being a Good Samaritan can prove deadly.
Before heading back to base, the 25th Infantry Division platoon must complete a patrol along Route Tampa. Tampa is the code name for a well-traveled convoy route between Balad and Baghdad.
Coalition vehicles are regularly on the road and often the target for insurgents. So it surprised everyone when the only incident we came across was a traffic accident. [...]
Isle Stryker brigade does a bit of everything in Iraq
By William Cole, Honolulu Advertiser
Hawai'i's Stryker brigade operates in a region of Iraq that employs more than 9,000 "Sons of Iraq," or armed militiamen, to help keep the peace, a commander said.
That translates to U.S. payments of at least $2.7 million a month.
More than five of the brigade's 19-ton Stryker vehicles have been damaged or destroyed by roadside bombs over the past four months that the fast-strike unit has been in Iraq.
Article: Stryker Concept
Paula McLeary has a new article published in Defense Technology International featuring the 2/25 SBCT's use of the Stryker vehicle. The article is in a format that doesn't allow me to excerpt, so click on over and read the whole thing.
Injured soldier returns to Aliquippa
Injured 2/25 SBCT soldier is on the mend. There's video if you follow the link.
By Michael Pound, Beaver County Times
ALIQUIPPA — Even with twin plastic boots protecting his shattered ankles and purple scars weaving along his right thigh, P.J. Gennaro looks about as relaxed as one could expect of a soldier home on a monthlong leave.
This isn’t just a visit for the 26-year-old Aliquippa native, though. The scars, the boots and the wheelchair tell a different story. Gennaro, a corporal in the Army’s 25th Infantry Division, was nearly killed when his Stryker — an 11-ton wheeled armored vehicle used by infantry units on patrol — ran over a 500-pound bomb that had been planted in the middle of a road in northern Iraq on Feb. 8.
Sons of Iraq discover, turn in large cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
TARMIYA, Iraq – In cooperation with the local sheik, Abna al-Iraq members, or Sons of Iraq, notified Multi-National Division – Baghdad of a substantial munitions cache northwest of Baghdad April 1.
The Soldiers from 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team searched the area and discovered the cache consisting of more than 100 68 mm rockets, rocket fuses, helicopter rockets, 82 mm mortars, and mortar fuses. The cache also contained more than 500 artillery fuses, empty rocket bodies, 155 mm artillery shells, 75 boxes containing hundreds of 14.5 mm heavy machine gun ammunition, and nine large boxes containing loose 14.5 mm heavy machine gun ammunition. Fifty plastic green tubes containing an unknown substance, M-88 anti-tank mines attached to detonating cord, rocket-propelled grenades, AK-47 magazines, numerous loose small arms rounds and one copper cone-shaped charge were all found in the large cache.
An explosive ordnance disposal team evaluated the find and assumed control of the munitions cache.
“The Abna al-Iraq are the heroes of the day. They found this very large cache and took it out of the hands of the terrorists,” said Maj. Al Hing, a 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team spokesperson. “Looking at the sheer amount of munitions that will not be used against Iraqi Security Forces, Coalition forces and the people of Iraq, terrorists are going to have a harder time doing their ugly business. The partnership that worked together to remove this cache makes for a safer and more stable Iraq.”
Stryker Soldier writes new chapter in Family history
By Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - As some 19 year-old males are going to college, hanging out with friends and beginning their adult life, one Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldier is beginning his adulthood assisting in securing Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pvt. Derk Hayes, a Peru, Ind., native, is the youngest soldier in his unit, Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, MNB-D.
From a very young age, Hayes knew he wanted to be a Soldier in the Army.
SPC Gregory B. Rundell
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Gregory B. Rundell, 21, of Ramsey, Minn., died March 26 in Taji Iraq, of wounds suffered from small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones he leaves behind.
Related Articles:
North St. Paul soldier killed by sniper in Iraq - Star Tribune
Schofield-based soldier dies in Iraq - Honolulu Advertiser
Schofield Barracks soldier dies in Iraq - Associated Press
Army Nurse Strives to Make a Difference
By SFC Christina Bhatti, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – She stands out like a sore thumb. Her barely five-foot-tall stature easily dwarfed by the sea of infantrymen. Her body armor and Army combat helmet make her look childlike and her M4 is more than half her size.
“Come here. I want a picture,” said Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier Capt. Jody Brown, a native of Kingston, N.H.. Her fellow MND-B medic reluctantly poses with her for a picture before they load into Strykers on their way to Batta Village, northwest of Baghdad, for a combined medical effort March 17.
Soldiers capture key individual
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers captured a key individual in Sab al Bour, northwest of Baghdad, March 23.
The Soldiers, an element of the 25th Infantry Division’s 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, captured the high-value individual who is a suspected terrorist linked to a March 19 explosively-formed projectile attack in Sab al Bour.
“The detention of this individual is a significant blow to the terrorist elements operating in the Sab al Bour area,” said Lt Col. David S. Davidson, the Brigade’s deputy commander.
“His detention means that the people living in this area are safer than they were several days ago, and he can no longer stand in the way of progress toward peace and prosperity for the Iraqi people,” Davidson said.
Warrior News - March 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 - March 2008 Edition (PDF, 5 MB)
Soldiers Take Time Out to Seek God
By Spc. Andrea Merritt, 1st Sustainment Brigade
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Leaders and Soldiers of the 1st Sustainment Brigade rose early in the morning to join together for the brigade’s first prayer breakfast held at the Cantigny Dining Facility March 18.
At the beginning of the program, guests enjoyed a medley of praise songs from the Praise and Worship Team, a praise team on Taji.
During the event, guests heard an inspirational message from guest speaker Maj. Mark Knox, the chaplain for the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.
PHOTOS: Warriors Host Congressional Delegates
Photos of the 2-25 Warriors can be found here.
Chickens fly the coop, and U.S. troops move in
By James Warden, Stars and Stripes
TARMIYAH, IRAQ — Most soldiers call this growing patrol base simply “The Chicken Coop.”
That’s not just colorful military lingo. About a week ago, the base was exactly that. Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment arrived here to find feathers, feeding troughs and other chicken waste.
Rough as The Chicken Coop is, it’s an important part of the battalion’s expansion into the rural areas northeast of Taji, said 1st Lt. Calvin Kline, the battalion’s information and operations officer. This area is a longtime refuge for insurgents “dubbed the arms room of al-Qaida.” Prior units saw fierce fighting here. The insurgents even managed to shoot down an Apache helicopter in 2005.
Paul McLeary Dispatch
Embedded journalist Paul McLeary has published a new dispatch titled, "The Enemy of My Enemy," which features the 2/25 SBCT. Excerpt:
Captain Christopher Loftis, commanding officer of C company, 2/25 in Tarmiya, was trying to feel out a group of Iraqi men who hoped to join the Sons of Iraq movement. The men were standing around a checkpoint that flew the yellow flag of the Anbar Awakening movement at an intersection a few miles outside of town, and he was asking them how things were going.The response was the same each time: “more weapons” to fight the insurgents. Loftis would smile, shake the man’s hand, and move on. It was the usual request, always denied, but given that these men weren’t even under contract to provide security, the plea was a little premature. The captain had come out to this checkpoint in front of a former Saddam-era uranium processing plant not just to meet these men, but the men who organized them, along with about six hundred others who wanted a contract with the American Army to provide security.
Baghdad Troops Sweep Junkyard for Potential Munitions
By Sgt. Jerome Bishop, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers from 4th Platoon, Company B, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, along with members of the Iraqi army, began a five-day operation, March 11, near a vital route to secure all possible improvised-explosive device parts from a junkyard.
The goal is to remove munitions available to enemy forces.
“The bad guys tend to go to the junk yard and take a lot of empty rounds along with them,” said Staff Sgt. Ralph Haney, a native of Syracuse, N.Y., who serves as a squad leader for 4th Pltn., Co B. “It makes it easy for them to grab a couple, take them back to their houses, pack them full of explosives and put them back on the road.”
SOI lead Soldiers to 2 weapons caches in Tarmiya
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons and munitions during ongoing security and stability operations in Tarmiya, northwest of Baghdad, March 11.
Soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized the cache during a search. Abna al Iraq, or Sons of Iraq, members provided information to the Soldiers to help them locate the cache.
“The Abna al Iraq are truly stepping forward to ensure the safety of people of Iraq in their area,” said Maj. Al Hing, spokesperson for 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team. “They provide safety with tips of weapons caches, allowing Coalition forces to remove the tools of the terrorists.”
The munitions seized included a Dishka machinegun, AK-47 rifles, more than 40 sticks of TNT, a rocket propelled grenade launcher with rounds and fuses, and various improvised explosive device making materials.
The SOI led Soldiers to another cache of homemade explosives in the same area March 10.
An explosive ordnance disposal team performed a controlled detonation at the site.
Paul McLeary Dispatches
Embedded journalist Paul McLeary has two new dispatches featuring soldiers from the 2/25 SBCT.
‘Operation Warrior Wake Up’ Brings Taste of Hawaii to Iraq
By Sgt. Jerome Bishop, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Every morning, thousands of Soldiers wake up to a steaming cup of “Joe” – whether it's black as midnight or mostly cream and sugar, it's part of their daily routine.
In association with the Hawaii Gathering of Eagles organization, coffee farmers from the big island of Hawaii launched “Operation Warrior Wake Up” to provide Hawaii-based Soldiers deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom a little taste of the isles.
Senior NCO Keeps Promise to Daughter
By Sgt. Jerome Bishop, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Keeping a promise can sometimes be an insurmountable task, especially when a person is thousands of miles away; but one Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldier made sure he'd keep a promise he made to his daughter back in Hawaii.
Before the Soldiers of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, received notice of deployment to Iraq, Sgt. Maj. Berk Parsons, a Fayetteville, N.C., native, told the eldest of his three children, 16-year-old Emily, that he'd participate alongside her for a school run, which took place March 4.
Paul McLeary Dispatch
Paul McLeary has published another dispatch titled, "Part II: The Suicide Bomber," from his time with the 2/25 SBCT. Excerpt:
Within thirty minutes of the blast, two Army helicopters actually landed on the small patch of land inside the base to ferry the most badly wounded Iraqis to an Army hospital, a risky move that impressed Cox, and one he hoped impressed the Iraqis, as well. It showed the Iraqis, he believes, that while groups like al Qaeda want to sow death, the Americans are willing to risk their lives to save Iraqi lives.The attack came at a time of increasing al Qaeda attacks on Sons of Iraq checkpoints, a gambit that doesn’t seem to be accomplishing its objective of getting Iraqis to quit the groups.
Soldier Inspired By Grandfather's WWII Service
By Spc. Brian Pierce, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Pvt. Edward Robinson, a native of Saint Albans, W. Va., had his grandfather in mind when he joined the Army in 2007.
Robinson's late grandfather, a World War II veteran, served in the Army as an infantryman. That service is what inspired Robinson to follow in his grandfather's footsteps.
"When you think of the Army, you think of the Infantry," said Robinson.
Robinson is currently assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds," 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad. He is a member of the Brigade's tactical reserve which rapidly responds to significant activities and events within the brigade's area of operations.
Paul McLeary Dsipatch
Paul McLeary has published a new dispatch on his site from his time embedded with the 2/25 SBCT. It's called, "Part I: The Farmhouse." Excerpt:
“Looks like most of this stuff has been placed here pretty recently,” Captain Jeffrey Higgins observed as we walked a reed line along a canal with Sergeant Jamie Giles, inspecting a weapons cache 1st platoon found there earlier that morning. The two noted that the jugs of homemade explosives, 155mm and 120mm projectiles, blasting caps, and command wire (commonly used for IEDs) looked relatively clean, meaning they hadn’t been sitting outside for very long. They also found a Soviet DSHK (“Dishka”) rifle, a mounted heavy machine gun that can burn through several hundred rounds a minute, which is a pretty heavy-duty piece of weaponry to have lying around.
MND-B Soldiers seize weapons cache in Tarmiyah
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized weapons and munitions during ongoing operations in Tarmiyah, located north of Baghdad, March 8.
Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized the weapons cache near Joint Security Station Tarmiyah.
The munitions seized included SK5 rockets, PG7 rockets, type-69 rockets, 160 mm mortars, 120 mm mortars, rocket-propelled grenade launchers, projectiles, Iraqi hand grenades, and various other munitions and weapons.
An explosive ordnance disposal team performed a controlled detonation at the cache site.
Taji Rail Lines Open for First Time Since 2003
Soldiers from 2-11 FA, 2/25 SBCT participated in this operation - click through for a nice photo.
By Sgt. Jerome Bishop, 25th Infantry Division Public Affairs
CAMP TAJI — The railroad lines of the Taji Qada, north of Baghdad, have laid dormant since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, but as a result of the efforts of Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, the first train let loose a thunderous blast of its horn March. 5, as it slowly rolled through the gates of Camp Taji.
"This particular train … is part of a proof of principle,” said Cpt. James Kerns, a Harrison County, Ky., native, who serves as the assistant operations officer for the Base Defense Operations Command (BDOC), Multi-National Division – Baghdad. "(This mission was executed) to facilitate the Iraqi railroad infrastructure improvement so they can, in the future, utilize the train and rail system to carry goods."
MND-B Soldiers discover cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
TAJI, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, discovered a munitions cache on a routine patrol March 3.
The Soldiers found 20 artillery rounds of various calibers; four AK-47s; 90 artillery fuses; six motor rockets; three anti tank mines; six hand grenades; 1,000 7.62mm rounds; a rocket propelled grenade; 20 anti-aircraft rounds; five anti-tank rocket rounds and a rifle west of Taji.
The weapons and munitions were consolidated and controlled by explosive ordnance disposal personnel for disposal.
“Our Soldiers continue to seek out and destroy the tools of the terrorists,” said Maj. Al Hing, spokesperson for the 2nd SBCT. “Finding these caches is hard work and their work is paying off in two ways. The tools of terrorism are going away and the people of Iraq are safer today. Our Soldiers work hard every day to make Iraq a safer place.”
This is part of Operation Phantom Phoenix the on going efforts operation to kill or capture al Qaeda in Iraq and Shia/Sunni criminals to deny them rest and sanctuary in Baghdad and the surrounding rural areas.
Paul McLeary Dispatch
Paul McLeary, embedded with the 2/25 SBCT, has published a new dispatch on his site titled, "Forgiveness for the greater good." Excerpt:
After a few days at combat outpost Courage embedded with C company, I was able to hitch a ride a little bit further north and west to another company-sized combat outpost, named Warrior (it has since been renamed combat outpost Ibrahim Bin Ali—IBA for short—which is the name of a town a few kilometers south of the base.) Manned by the men of company B of the of the 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, in many respects Courage and IBA are similar in setup and in the Spartan lives the soldiers live. They’re each ringed by high blast walls that enclose a large farmhouse converted into a headquarters, the soldiers live in large communal tents, and each outpost has a mobile mess unit for hot meals, a couple of shower and toilet trailers, and a handful of computers for Internet use and phones to call home. In total, it’s maybe two city blocks large, if that. Also like Courage, IBA is situated out in the flat farmlands of rural Iraq, where farms are cut into squares by irrigation canals overgrown with high reeds, making excellent hiding places for insurgents to hide weapons and explosives.
Massachusetts Soldier Proud to Be Part of War Effort
By Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Eight-months ago, Pfc. Steven Murphy, a native of Westford, Mass., married his wife Sarah, in front of family and friends. Now he is thousands of miles away from his wife, and serves with Company B, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“I was sick of not being a part of the war efforts,” the 22-year-old infantryman said.
He joined the Army in 2007 to deploy.
Hawaii is ideal for Stryker unit according to the Army
By Gregg K. Kakesako, Honolulu Star Bulletin
Despite the insistence by local environmental groups that Fort Lewis is a better location than Schofield Barracks, Army planners say there is no room at the Washington state base for another 4,000-member Stryker Brigade Combat Team and their family members.
Fort Lewis was the home of the Army's first combat unit built around the 320 eight-wheeled, 19-ton vehicles. Opponents like environmental lawyer David Henkin believe the Washington facility has the necessary room and its location near an Air Force transport base makes it a better choice than Schofield Barracks.
Iraqi Sheik turns in weapons cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – A local Tarmiya sheik turned in a weapons cache Feb. 29 to Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, northwest of Baghdad.
The cache consisted of 41 artillery shells of various calibers, artillery casings filled with home made explosives and detonating cord, 13 metal containers filled with home made explosives, seven mortar shells, two missile warheads, three rocket warheads, two jugs of nitric acid and seven detonating fuses.
“This is a convincing commitment to show the forward progress for stability of all people in Iraq,” said Lt Col. Thomas Boccardi, commander of 1st Bn. 14th Inf. Regt. “All the tribes from the Tarmiya area see stability and peace, as is evident by turning in this cache.”
An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team arrived at the site and secured the cache.
Keeping Hot Guns Firing
Click through for a few photos as well.
By Sgt. Jerome Bishop, 2/25 SBCT PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Multi-National Division - Baghdad soldiers rely on multiple factors out in the field, ranging from air support by attack helicopter crews to fire support from artillery crews.
The task of keeping the big guns shooting, however, falls on the shoulders of three soldiers from Company B, 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, MND-B.
The maintenance shop, run by Sgt. Vincent Dulude, a Zanesville, Ohio, native, who serves as a fire control repairman with Co. B, takes on repair missions ranging from the Army’s newest piece of artillery – the M-777 Howitzer – to some of its oldest weapons, like the M-2 .50-caliber machine gun.
MND-B Soldiers, ISF, local residents discover multiple caches
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, Iraqi Security forces and local Iraqis discovered multiple weapon and ammunition caches Feb. 27 northwest of Baghdad.
Soldiers from 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, discovered a 68mm mortar round, a French-made rocket and a 68mm mortar tube during a combat patrol at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Paul McLeary Dispatch
Paul McLeary has published another dispatch titled "The Sunni and the Shia are like the Tigris and the Euphrates” from his time with the 2/25 SBCT. Excerpt:
A slim, slightly weathered-looking man with flecks of gray in his hair, Colonel Ehssan—leader of the local Sons of Iraq group—sat behind his desk, looking unhappy. We had driven from COP Courage this morning to his “office”—a first floor room in an old building set far back from the main road on a narrow dirt strip, only a few miles from the American base. The room, and the building, is typically Iraqi, meaning typically shabby, with sand-caked windows, peeling yellow paint on the walls, and a few long couches turned toward the colonel’s desk. A space heater sits in the middle of the room, providing whatever heat it can muster.With Charlie company’s Stryker vehicles idling out in the courtyard, where I had accidentally kicked a rusted AK-47 clip laying in the dirt on the way in, Captain Helberg and his interpreter settle in for their meeting with the colonel. On the surface, things really aren’t all that bad for Ehssan: his 250 SOIs are all under contract, meaning the American military pays them each $300 a month to man checkpoints in their area and his men have all been entered into the HYDE system, which American forces use to take their biometric information and enter them into a central database. If any prospective SOI member is already in the system, that means that they’d been fingerprinted and photographed doing something that made the Americans unhappy at some point in the past, making them ineligible.
MND-B Soldiers Find Weapons Cache
By Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Soldiers from Multi-National Division – Baghdad discovered a significant weapons cache, Feb. 24, northwest of Baghdad.
During a combat operation, soldiers from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, found nearly 200 artillery projectiles of various sizes; two 82 mm mortar rounds; 70 empty 107 mm rocket tubes; 10, 107 mm empty rockets; 15, 120 mm empty shell casings; five 5-inch rockets and a 105 mm artillery projectile.
National security cited in Hawaii Stryker report
Gregg Kakesako, Honolulu Star Bulletin
Schofield Barracks is the preferred Army post to house its fifth Stryker Brigade Combat Team because "it is best able to meet the Army�s strategic defense and national security needs in the Pacific theater," according to an environmental study.
"The rapid deployment capabilities of the SBCT (Stryker Brigade Combat Team) currently represents the Army's most credible threat of projecting forces in the Pacific region to shape U.S. strategic national security interests," according to the report's executive summary.
"Stationing the 2/25th (2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division) in Hawaii provides the military commanders of the Pacific with two distinct acts of deployment facilities (Alaska and Hawaii) from which to deploy a SBCT to support national security requirements and contingency operations."
Photos: 2/25 SBCT
Paul McLeary has posted a set of photos from his time with the 2/25 SBCT.
MND-B Soldiers detain 2 suspected Special Groups criminals
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers detained two suspected Special Groups criminals near Saba al-Bour, northwest of Baghdad, Feb. 22.
Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 14th Cavalry Regiment, and 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, both from 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, detained the suspects, who are accused of financing Special Groups.
The suspects are being held for questioning.
“The activities of Special Groups criminals who continue to disobey the just-renewed ceasefire pledge by al-Sayyid Muqtada al-Sadr will not be tolerated,” said Lt. Col. Neil Harper, MNC-I spokesman. “Iraqi and Coalition forces are working to disrupt the networks of these criminal elements and bring them to justice.”
Texas Soldier Makes Difference Helping Rid Iraq of Terrorism
By Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso, III, 2/25 SBCT PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The deployment to Iraq marks the first time Pvt. William Gentry has been out of the United States.
The Austin, Texas, native, said he was nervous and anxious to see what Iraq was like when he received his deployment notice.
“My heart was beating so fast that I thought it was going to come out of my chest,” he said.
Soldier Dreams of World Series of Poker Bracelet
By Spc. Aaron Rosencrans, 2/25 SBCT PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The inherent right of every American to follow his or her dreams, in however they want, is part of what makes the U.S. envied by people around the world. For one Multi-National Division – Baghdad officer, his dream extends beyond his commitment to serve his country into a life that is perhaps somewhat off the beaten path.
1st Lt. Jon Still, a native of Union City, Penn., and medical officer with 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, said he dreams of finishing his commitment to the Army and becoming a World Series of Poker champion.
Stryker Soldier Serves Proudly in Iraq
By Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – A long way from his family, friends and hunting, Pvt. Benjamin Raulerson, a native of Jacksonville, Ala., is here helping his unit, Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, rid the northwest Baghdad area of terrorism and criminal activity.
In his first month in Iraq, the 22-year-old infantryman has participated in more than 50 patrols, where he has assisted in identifying and seizing enemy cache sites and helped secure the area in order to provide the government of Iraq the opportunity to provide essential services to the people.
Stryker Soldiers Capture IED Cell Member
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Soldiers with Multi-National Division – Baghdad captured a suspected key member of an improvised explosive device ring Feb. 19.
Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 14th infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, detained the suspect near the Nassir Factory, northwest of Baghdad.
The suspect is allegedly an al-Qaeda member and IED facilitator that is part of a terrorist IED ring.
He is suspected of multiple IED attacks against Coalition and Iraqi Security forces.
The suspect is being held for further questioning.
Paul McLeary Dispatch
Embedded journalist Paul McLeary has a new dispatch on his site called, "The Rejected". Excerpt:
“They’re gonna see us going out, and know that we have to come back this way,” Cpt. Helberg cautioned his men as we walked out of Courage just before nightfall. The message was simple: the enemy studies habits, trends and patterns just as any other military outfit does; so as the platoon left the base, he wanted to make sure that they would not be complacent on the way back in.It was a hell of a way to walk to a neighbor’s house for dinner, but that’s just what we were doing. Sheik Munder, a prominent Shia in the area had invited the captain over for dinner, and despite the fact that his house was less than a mile from the base, we would be walking across open road, with flat, open land on either side, so every precaution would be taken. The area had been an al Qaeda stronghold until just a few months ago—before the Sons of Iraq came out in force—and caution was the name of the game.
MND-B Soldiers seize munitions northwest of Baghdad
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized munitions northwest of Baghdad Feb. 18.
Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, MND-B acted on a tip from an Iraqi citizen and found the munitions.
The munitions consisted of two 132 mm, two 105 mm artillery rounds, one 120 mm round, 17 18-pound bombs, two 90 mm artillery rounds, one 30 mm artillery round and seven speed bump improvised explosive devices.
An explosive ordnance disposal team conducted a controlled detonation of the munitions.
“Finding and destroying these caches continue to degrade terrorist operations,” said Maj. Al Hing, a 2nd SBCT spokesperson. “Every operation we execute brings increased security for the Iraqi people.”
Paul McLeary Dispatch
Journalist Paul McLeary, who is embedded with the 2/25 SBCT, has published a new dispatch on his site called, "The LTC and the Sheik." He let us know that updates from his time with the brigade should become more regular. Excerpt:
In a dim, chilly tent, lit by a single fluorescent tube and the gray winter light creeping in through the flap, Lieutenant Colonel Mario Diaz sits across the table from sheik Hussein al-Tamimi, an influential Shia sheik in the rural region northwest of Baghdad, sipping Pepsi and trading pleasantries.Diaz made the drive to combat outpost Courage for this meeting from his headquarters at Camp Liberty, which is part of the staggeringly vast Baghdad airport military complex southeast of here. The string of American camps that abut the airport house a number of American bases kept running by an army of civilian contractors who are protected by Ugandan guards, all of whom live in a world carved into shape by rows of high concrete T-walls that separate the complex into discrete cells of activity. The place is so cut off from the country that surrounds it that it could be anywhere—Kosovo, Korea, Afghanistan, or Alaska—but out here, at Courage, there’s no such separation. Plopped down in a farm field and ringed simply by a row of T-walls no more than two city blocks in size, Courage is unmistakably part of today’s Iraq.
Army Announces Environmental Impact Notice for Stryker Unit Stationing
Public Affairs Office, U.S. Army Environmental Command
The Department of the Army announced Feb. 15 its intention to release the Final Environmental Impact Statement that evaluates the potential environmental and socioeconomic effects associated with the permanent stationing of the 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division as a Stryker Brigade Combat Team. The Final EIS will be transmitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for publication of a notice of availability in the Federal Register, anticipated to occur on Feb. 22.
This Final EIS identifies Schofield Barracks Military Reservation in Hawaii as the Army's preferred alternative for the stationing location of this brigade. A Record of Decision document will announce the final location decision no earlier than 30 days from the date the EPA notice of availability of the Final EIS appears in the Federal Register.
Wolfhounds capture brigade’s #1 high-value individual
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Elements of 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, detained the brigade’s number-one high-value individual and his brother early Feb. 14.
The two are suspected al Qaeda in Iraq as improvised-explosive device facilitators and are allegedly linked to a fatal IED attack Jan. 29.
“The capture of these individuals will greatly contribute to a safe and secure Iraq,” said Col. Todd McCaffrey, commander, 2nd SBCT.
Five others suspected of facilitating improvised-explosive device activity in Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad were also detained.
All seven suspects are being held for further questioning.
Cody soldier injured
By Buzzy Hassrick, Cody Enterprise
Pfc. Wes Hixon of Cody is in critical condition after his vehicle was struck by a bomb Feb. 8 near Baghdad.
Four other soldiers with him in the cab of the vehicle died. Six others who were in the vehicle's transport area are in critical condition, according to family friend Brenda Marchese and other members of Families on the Frontline.
“We'll just keep praying for him,” said Marchese, who has two sons in the military.
Soldiers Visit Town to Show They Care
By Spc. Aaron Rosencrans, 2/25 SBCT PAO
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, conducted a consequence management mission and visited local leaders of Fourteenth Ramadan, northwest of Baghdad, Feb. 8.
The mission was in response to the recent assassination of one of the town’s local leaders.
“We visited to show our condolences for the loss of their local leader,” said 1st Lt. Marc Dudek, a native of Midlothian, Texas, platoon leader, 2nd Platoon, Company B, 1st Bn. “We did this to let them know we care and want to continue to work with them to bring security and stability to the town.”
Resupply Missions Provide Huge Boost in Morale
By Spc. Aaron Rosencrans, 2/25 SBCT
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Sodas, sweets and fresh chemical toilets are coveted items here.
Making sure Soldiers who live outside the wire within the Taji Qada, which is northwest of Baghdad, get what the need and want is an important mission of the Soldiers of Company A., 225th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
SGT Gary D. Willett
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Gary D. Willett, 34, of Alamogordo, N.M., died Feb. 8 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Manibog was assigned to 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
We hope his loved ones find some measure of comfort in the thoughts and prayers shared by the Strykernews community.
SSG Jerald A. Whisenhunt
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. Jerald A. Whisenhunt, 32, of Orrick, Mo., died Feb. 8 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Whisenhunt was assigned to 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
All of us here extend our deepest sympathies to his family during this difficult time.
SGT Timothy P. Martin
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Timothy P. Martin, 27, of Pixley, Calif., died Feb. 8 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Martin was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the loved ones he leaves behind.
SPC Michael T. Manibog
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Michael T. Manibog, 31, of Alameda, Calif., died Feb. 8 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. Manibog was assigned to 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow soldiers.
Related Articles:
4 isle soldiers killed - Honolulu Star Bulletin
4 Hawaii-based soldiers die in Iraq explosion - Honolulu Advertiser
Fallen soldier dedicated to family - The Daily Review
Michael Manibog of San Leandro killed in Iraq - San Francisco Chronicle
Face of Defense: Infantry Soldier Takes Pride in Iraq Service
By Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, Special to AFPS
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - A long way from his family, friends and hunting, Army Pvt. Benjamin Raulerson, a native of Jacksonville, Ala., is helping his unit rid northwestern Baghdad of terrorism and criminal activity.
In his first month in Iraq, the 22-year-old infantryman has participated in more than 50 patrols, in which he has helped identify and seize enemy weapons cache sites and secure the area to provide the Iraqi government the opportunity to provide essential services to the people.
"(It) feels good knowing that I'm assisting in removing items that can harm the U.S. and (Iraqi citizens)," said Raulerson, who serves in Multi-national Division Baghdad with the 25th Infantry Division's Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, after a patrol that yielded several mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and other items that could be used in improved explosive devices.
New Dispatch
Independent journalist Paul McLeary has another dispatch from his time with the 2/25 SBCT. Excerpt:
On one bitterly cold night patrol run out of COP Courage, we made the usual stops at several SOI-manned checkpoints to see how things were going. Almost every trip outside the base requires stops at the checkpoints to try and gather intelligence and provide some visibility, in order to show the SOI and those potentially watching them that the Americans and their astonishingly mobile Stryker vehicles are around, and can and will drop in anywhere at any given time.The checkpoints run the gamut from nicely constructed HESCO S-turns in the middle of the road to concrete barriers to little more than piles of dirt with shivering Iraqis standing nearby. In the entire 233 square kilometers that falls under Stryker Task Force Gimlet’s control, there are 1580 SOI on the payroll, with 75 checkpoints breaking up the roadways, denying the use of the roads to anyone carrying explosives, heavy weapons or bomb-making materials.
Sons of Iraq turn in cache
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
BAGHDAD – Members of the the Sons of Iraq, turned in a weapons cache to Coalition Forces near Mushada Feb. 6.
The contents of the cache included 67, 80mm projectiles; eight 90mm projectiles; miscellaneous ordinance; four speed-bump-type unfinished improvised-explosive devices; and five homemade rocket launchers.
The contents of the cache were turned over to Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
An explosive ordnance disposal detachment was able to successfully recover and destroy the contents of the cache.
This is part of Operation Phantom Phoenix -- the on-going offensive operation to kill or capture al-Qaeda and Shia/Sunni extremists, to deny them rest and sanctuary in Baghdad, and the surrounding rural areas.
Day in the life - Personal security for 'the man'
By Spc. Aaron Rosencrans, 2/25 SBCT PAO
The mission sounds simple: Protect the colonel and his entourage at all cost.
It may seem easy enough to some, but when you factor in the dynamic battlefield Soldiers face in Iraq - such as moving by foot in a town or city with plenty of buildings for the enemy to hide in and attack from or numerous other unknown variables that threaten the security of a walking patrol - the challenge can prove somewhat daunting.
Accomplishing the mission is just another day at work for Multi-National Division - Baghdad's Sgt. Tyrel Tierney, a native of New Orleans, who serves as a brigade commander Personal Security Detachment shift leader with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division.
Embedded in Iraq
Paul McLeary is an independent journalist currently embedded with the 1-21 INF, 2/25 SBCT in Iraq. He is beginning to post dispatches on his website.
536th Maint. Co. Soldiers Make Vehicles More Secure
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The 536th Maintenance Company, which is based out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, has been in Iraq for about two months and during that time they have been working to help protect the lives of the warfighters.
The Hawaii-based unit is the only direct support maintenance company located on Camp Taji, and they have been tasked to make, at times, life-saving modifications to warfighters’ vehicles – namely, the Stryker and mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicles.
Stryker brigade, Makua key, Mixon says
By William Cole, Honolulu Advertiser
The next commander of the U.S. Army in the Pacific said it's strategically important to have a Stryker brigade in Hawai'i, and that Makua Valley is needed for company-size live-fire exercises.
Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. "Randy" Mixon will gain a third star in the move Friday from commander of the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks to head of U.S. Army Pacific at Fort Shafter.
Soldiers Bring Medicine to Local Iraqis
By Spc. Aaron L. Rosencrans, 2nd SBCT, 25th Infantry Division
CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Multi-National Division – Baghdad and Iraqi soldiers hosted a combined medical engagement Jan. 25 at the Falahat girls school in Taji, which is located north of Baghdad.
The medical engagement was intended to bring medical care to a community that had been overlooked in the past.
“This area is predominantly Sunni, so many of the families have been neglected when it comes to medical care,” said 1st Lt. Jon Still, and native of Union City, Penn., who serves as a medical officer and event coordinator with 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, MND-B.
Battle Flag Flies in Iraq Again
See the previous article we posted regarding the flag.
By Spc. Aaron L. Rosencrans, 2nd SBCT Public Affairs, 25th ID
TAJI, Iraq — The tattered, yet proud American battle flag once again made its way from Hawaii and patrolled the streets of Iraq, Jan. 22, to honor the fallen Soldiers who served with it.
Rather than appearing in combat, the battle flag was shared with the Iraqi army on a humanitarian mission and a mounted patrol in the vicinity of Taji, Iraq.
Soldiers from the 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, brought the flag with them to a new medical clinic outside Taji, where the Iraqi army delivers medical supplies and furniture.
'Just another day at the office'
Here's another article regrading an incident that occurred last week.
By KEITH ROGERS, REVIEW-JOURNAL
A little more than a week ago, Rob Congdon was ducking bullets fired by a sniper while he and other medics tried to rescue five soldiers wounded in a roadside bomb attack on a Stryker armored vehicle.
"It was just a single shooter," Congdon, a Bonanza High School graduate, former local lifeguard and paramedic, said about the Jan. 18 encounter about 20 miles north of Baghdad, near the Tigris River.
"He fired three rounds and we went inside the Stryker," he said Thursday by telephone from Camp Taji, Iraq. "We raised the ramp so he wouldn't have any clear angle.
Tribal Sheik turns in two weapons caches
By 2nd Stryker BCT PAO, 25th Inf. Div.
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and Iraqi Army Soldiers were directed to a weapons cache by a Tribal Sheik leader in Tarmiya Jan. 14.
Contents of the cache included a car bomb, 44 blocks of TNT, four 122mm mortars and seven large containers of home made explosives.
SPC Jon M. Schoolcraft, III
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Jon M. Schoolcraft, III, 26, of Wapakoneta, Ohio, died Jan. 19 in Taji, Iraq, of wounds sustained when his vehicle struck an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow soldiers.
Taji Area Changes Hands
By Spc. Aaron L. Rosencrans, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
CAMP TAJI, Iraq — The past week marked a significant change around the Taji area just north of Baghdad.
Taji has witnessed new units officially take charge of the area of operation, culminating Jan. 15 with the brigade’s transfer of authority ceremony, which symbolized the official handing over of the area to the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division from the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.
Throughout the past 15 months, the 1st Bde. 1st Cav. Div. worked hard to create a secure environment for the local leaders and the government of Iraq to start rebuilding the essential services and the bonds between the leaders in the area.
Military Leader Makes Personal Visit to Local Leader
By Spc. Aaron L. Rosencrans, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
TAJI, Iraq — In a continuing effort to reach out and build stronger relationships with local leaders, Hudson, Ohio, native, Col. Todd B. McCaffrey, commander of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, made a personal stop to visit Sheik Sabah, local leader of Hor al Bash, a community outside Baghdad.
This trip was mostly just a meet and greet, but McCaffrey and Sheik Sabah discussed topics like essential services and traffic in the area.
The major essential service Sheik Sabah brought to the discussion was bringing electricity back to the community. The power lines were damaged a while back, but the community replaced the broken parts. The only thing that needed to be done was have the lines hooked back up.
MEDEVAC Crews Brave Enemy Fire to Save Soldiers
By SFC Thomas Mills, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Aero-medical evacuation crews from Task Force Marne faced down enemy gunfire to deliver five injured Soldiers to safety, Jan. 18.
The MEDEVAC crews from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, were called in when a patrol of Strykers from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division was attacked.
The Black Hawk helicopters flew to the site only to find that the easiest place to land, the road the Stryker vehicles were on, had not been cleared of possible improvised explosive devices. The MEDEVAC crews were unable to contact the ground forces, or an Apache team from 12th Combat Aviation Brigade in the area.
Photos: Strykers in Action
DVIDS has a number of new photo albums featuring all three Stryker Brigades in Iraq right now. Start here and work your way back through the archives.
Hawaii studies on Strykers, Makua done
By William Cole, Honolulu Advertiser
An Army environmental study of where to permanently station Hawai'i's Stryker brigade has been completed, officials said, and expectations are the decision will be made to keep the armored vehicle brigade here.
However, opponents are ready to challenge the decision as soon as it's released publicly — possibly as early as February — saying the Army still hasn't adequately addressed alternative locations, as required by federal environmental law.
Lt. Gen. John M. Brown III, the commander of U.S. Army Pacific, with headquarters at Fort Shafter, recently said at a Chamber of Commerce of Hawai'i meeting that both an environmental impact statement for the Stryker brigade and a long-stalled study of military training in Makua Valley have been completed.
Family Reunion in Combat
By Spc. Aaron L. Rosencrans, 2/25 SBCT Public Affairs
CAMP TAJI, Iraq — Two brothers chose different paths right after high school, but in the end wound up in the same place.
The first joined the Army to see the world, while the other went off to college to study the world.
Years after they said their goodbyes in their hometown of West Frankfort, Ill., their life paths crossed here, 6,692 miles away in the city of Baghdad.
Now, after being separated for more than four years, Sgt. Michael Shaw, field artillery specialist, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, finally had the opportunity to meet up with his brother, Spc. Ronald Shaw, field artillery specialist, Company B, 2nd Battlion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, ‘Warrior.’
Photos: Recent Stryker Operations
Provided below are links to photo albums featuring recent operations by Stryker soldiers.
- Diayla Raid (6 photos) - Alongside the 4/2 SBCT during Operation Iron Harvest
- Operation Raider Harvest Sweeps Diyala Province (4 photos) - Alongside the 4/2 SBCT during Operation Iron Harvest
- Warrior Strykers Start Rolling in Iraq (9 photos) - 2/25 SBCT arrives in Taji
Coalition, IA finds bomb making facility outside Baghdad
2/25 SBCT and 2nd SCR forces were involved in the following operation.
Multi-National Division – Baghdad PAO
AL BAYTARA, ABU GHRAIB, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers from 3d Battalion, 3d Brigade, 6th Division and Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers found different weapons and explosives caches in a suspected bomb making facility in Al Baytara, Abu Ghraib, just outside of Baghdad Jan 7.
Based upon a tip from a local citizen, the Iraqi Army unit found a cache consisting of more than 5,000 rounds of machine gun ammunition, a sniper rifle, rocket propelled grenade launchers, mortar rounds, rockets, rocket tubes, tank rounds, artillery rounds, an artillery round filled with home made explosives, various components for improvised explosive devices, bomb making materials, grenades, and more than 50 galloons of liquid home made explosives and 120 pound of solid home made explosives.
“The discovery of this cache by the Iraqi Army demonstrates that Al- Qaeda in Iraq still poses a dangerous threat to the security of the Abu Ghraib area, but it also highlights the increasing competence and effectiveness of the Iraqi Army,” said Maj. Jon Pendell, spokesperson for the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
The MND-B Soldiers were from Company A, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, ‘Gimlets,’ 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division attached to the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment two.
The cache was recovered by explosive ordnance disposal personnel and destroyed on site.
Banditos Roll Into Iraq With a Bang
Follow the link for photos as well.
By SFC Christina Bhatti, 2nd SBCT Public Affairs
CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The Soldiers from Battery B, “Banditos,” 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii made history, Jan. 2, when they were the first Army unit to fire the 155 mm M777A2 Light Weight Howitzer into the night sky over Baghdad.
“I’m proud to be part of this,” said San German, Puerto Rico native1st Sgt. Ramon Malave, Battery B first sergeant. “My Soldiers are good and they want to fire this system out here.”
The “Banditos” were the first Army unit to receive this cannon system and have trained for 15 months to perfect their skills.
Hawaii soldiers beginning combat deployment in Iraq
By William Cole, Honolulu Advertiser
The majority of Hawai'i's Stryker brigade soldiers are in place at Camp Taji in Iraq, with an official mission turnover from the 1st Ironhorse Brigade Combat Team out of Fort Hood, Texas, scheduled for Jan. 15.
Approximately 4,000 soldiers and 328 of the eight-wheeled Stryker vehicles are part of the unit that will have duty for at least the next year, and possibly longer, in the area of Taji about 15 miles northwest of Baghdad.
It's the first combat deployment for the fast-strike unit.
'Ironhorse' Brigade Officer Reflects on Progress in Iraq
The following in-depth article recounts the activities of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division's during its time in Iraq. The 2/25 SBCT from Schofield will take over their area of operations, so it makes for interesting background reading. Additionally, the 1-37 FA of the 3/2 SBCT is mentioned since it spent some time attached to the brigade.
When the senior leadership and soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Division's 1st "Ironhorse" Brigade Combat Team arrived in Iraq nearly 15 months ago, the security situation here was quite different from the one they now experience as they patrol the streets throughout their area of operations.
According to Maj. Patrick Michaelis, the Ironhorse brigade's operations officer, the brigade has seen a "phenomenal change" from having 150 enemy attacks per week for the first seven to 10 weeks in theater to having only about 10 significant events per week, now mostly involving the finding of weapons caches and improvised explosive devices, with only isolated incidents of coordinated enemy attacks.
Hawaii battle flag will serve again in Iraq
Allen Hoe, a Vietnam veteran, donated an American flag to be taken to Iraq by the 2-14 CAV, 2/25 SBCT. He is the father of 1LT Nainoa Hoe, who was killed in Iraq while serving with the 3-21 INF, 1/25 SBCT. The following articles describe the ceremony, and each is accompanied by photos and video.
By Gordon Y.K. Pang, Honolulu Advertiser
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — A 40-year-old legacy in the form of a tattered yet proud American battle flag is being passed on.
During an emotional ceremony yesterday, Vietnam War veteran Allen Hoe entrusted the flag to leaders of the 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division. The squadron, like other Stryker troops, is leaving Schofield next month for a 15-month deployment in Iraq.
The 400-member squadron is headed by Col. Thomas Mackey, who was once commanding officer to 1st Lt. Nainoa Hoe, Allen Hoe's son. The younger Hoe, 27, a 1995 Kamehameha Schools graduate, was killed by a sniper as he led a patrol in Mosul, Iraq, in January 2005. The flag was with him when he died.
Stryker Brigades: Where Are They Now?
Mike Gilbert of The News Tribune has a nice summary of where each Stryker Brigade is right now (deployed/dwelling), and when each might be called on again to head overseas.
Meaningful Thanksgiving for thousands of Schofield soldiers
Sergeant Jeffery Goodman enjoyed a Thanksgiving meal with his family.
It's likely his last with them for two years.
That's because Goodman is part of a 4,000 soldier stryker brigade getting ready to ship out to Iraq in just a matter of days.
"We will actually start deploying our advanced party soldiers next week. And within the next two weeks many of these soldiers will be on airplanes on their way to Kuwait and into Iraq," said Colonel Todd McCaffrey, who heads up the brigade.
Hawaii Stryker tour in Iraq might shorten
Doubtful, but possible - that's the bottom line from the following story.
By William Cole, Honolulu Advertiser
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE — The top U.S. military commander in the Pacific said it's possible Hawai'i's Stryker brigade won't have to be in Iraq for a full 15 months after he returned upbeat from a stop in the country.
"I think it's feasible (that it could be slightly shorter)," Adm. Timothy J. Keating said yesterday after completing a six-day trip that included a visit to see U.S. military aid to Bangladesh after a devastating cyclone struck the nation last week.
It was Keating's first visit to Iraq after becoming head of U.S. Pacific Command at Camp Smith in March.
Hawaii Stryker brigade prepares for Iraq duty
If you click through you will find photos and video related to this story as well. Thanks to Shauna for the link.
By William Cole, Honolulu Advertiser
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS — The Stryker brigade and its 4,000 soldiers received a send-off yesterday for 15 months in Iraq amid uncertainty over whether the unit will return to Hawai'i afterward.
The ceremony at Sills Field repeated a scene that has become familiar since early 2004 — when the same unit, the 2nd Brigade, which was then a light infantry brigade — prepared for Schofield's first big deployment to Iraq.
The last of more than 7,000 other Schofield soldiers who spent the past 15 months in northern Iraq, meanwhile, returned home yesterday. With them was 25th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. "Randy" Mixon.
Stryker Brigade meetings in Hawaii start next week
The Army will next week convene the first of five public meetings on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the permanent stationing of the 2/25th Stryker Brigade Combat Team (SBCT).
This EIS examines several alternative Army installations capable of supporting the permanent stationing of the 2/25th SBCT. It includes analysis of all activities (equipment fielding, training, facilities construction, and Soldier and Family support) required to permanently station the 2/25th SBCT. The public comment period, which began July 20, will end Oct. 30.
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Change unlikely for Hawaii forces
The following article mentions the upcoming deployment of the 2-25 SBCT.
By William Cole, Honolulu Advertiser
The long-awaited report from Army Gen. David Petraeus on the "surge" of 30,000 extra troops to Iraq that President Bush ordered in January probably won't have much of an impact on Hawai'i troops.
Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, briefs Congress tomorrow and Tuesday on progress in Iraq and whether it would be wise to begin pulling back the troops sent there as part of the surge.
While there are nearly 8,000 Hawai'i-based soldiers and Marines in Iraq, none was part of the troop surge, so it is unlikely their deployments will be directly affected by Petraeus' report.
Iraq-bound Strykers get High Desert training
By TATIANA PROPHET, Desert Dispatch
No matter how much gear they wear or how protected their Stryker combat vehicle, Iraq-bound soldiers must encounter the desert sand one way or the other — in their teeth, in their eyes and under their clothing.
The sky grew dark and the sand whipped up in the desert of Victorville Monday, as a helicopter hovered above a mock Iraqi village at the former George Air Force Base, conducting reconnaissance and sending radio messages to the soldiers on the ground.