"Camera Boy" Book Signing
Last night I had the pleasure of attending a reading and book signing by Fred Minnick, author of Camera Boy: An Army Journalist's War in Iraq
I've corresponded periodically with Fred, but never had the chance to meet him in person until last night. His reading opened with the following quote from General George Washington.
The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation. - George Washington
This set the stage for the book passage he subsequently read, which described a series of post-deployment events that slowly and painfully made him realize that he needed help to deal with the PTSD he was suffering from. That was four years ago. Minnick made it clear that writing the book and speaking about it are part of the continuing healing process. I'm looking forward to reading the book.
Fred's book tour will take him to Springfield, MO, Oklahoma City and Tulsa, OK this week. Definitely attend a reading if you're in the area.
Related:
- Buy Camera Boy: An Army Journalist's War in Iraq
- Visit Fred's website
- Become a fan on Facebook
Camera Boy: An Army Journalist's War in Iraq
Many long time readers will recognize the name Fred Minnick. He has written a book about his experiences covering the war, including two Stryker Brigades in Northern Iraq, as an army photojournalist (view his story archives). The book, titled Camera Boy: An Army Journalist's War in Iraq, will come out in November, but is available for pre-order now. Description:
Fred Minnick spent more than a year in Iraq as a U.S. Army public affairs photojournalist, covering the good, bad and ugly sides of the conflict. With a Nikon in one hand and an M-16 in the other, he accompanied combat troops on missions ranging from raids on suspected terrorist strongholds to public relations events including the opening of a school for girls. Some of the stories made it back home, most did not.Camera Boy offers an eyewitness account of the Iraq War from a soldier with a different POV--from behind a camera and typewriter. Unfortunately, being assigned to public affairs did not shield Staff Sergeant Minnick from the horrors of war--including the deaths of two close friends--or from the devastating effects of PTSD upon his return home.
It is a story of courage, frustration (with both the military and the mainstream media), dedication and redemption. Includes 32 pages of photos taken by the author.
Chaplain (Major) Henry T. Vakoc, Retired
The News Tribune reports the sad news that U.S. Army Chaplain Fr. Tim Vakoc passed away on June 20, 2009, more than five years after being seriously injured while serving alongside the 3/2 SBCT in Iraq.
Godspeed Fr. Vakoc. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Related:
Five years later, Iraq war claims a priest's life - FOB Tacoma
Chaplain dies from 2004 Iraq war injuries - The News Tribune
Brave Catholic Army chaplain dies from injuries suffered in Iraq - Catholic News Agency
CaringBridge.com journal maintained by relatives
Priest gravely wounded in Iraq in 2004 dies - Star Tribune
Chaplain Vakoc leaves legacy of care - Northwest Guardian
General Ham Interview
FOB Tacoma points us to an article last week in USA Today featuring General Carter Ham, who was the commander of Task Force Olympia in Mosul during 2003-2004. Ham, who now commands all American forces in Europe, talks about his decision to seek counseling for PTSD.
"You need somebody to assure you that it's not abnormal," Ham says. "It's not abnormal to have difficulty sleeping. It's not abnormal to be jumpy at loud sounds. It's not abnormal to find yourself with mood swings at seemingly trivial matters. More than anything else, just to be able to say that out loud."The willingness of Ham, one of the military's top officers, to speak candidly with USA TODAY for the first time about post-traumatic stress represents a tectonic shift for a military system in which seeking such help has long been seen as a sign of weakness.
It's also a recognition of the seriousness of combat stress, which can often worsen to become post-traumatic stress disorder.
Ham Gets Fourth Star
Mike Gilbert at FOB Tacoma alerts us that Lt. Gen. Carter Ham, who commanded Task Force Olympia in Northern Iraq when the 3/2 SBCT was on its first deployment, was just nominated for his fourth star. If confirmed he will lead US Army forces in Europe.
Army priest accepts his cross
The following article provides an update on the continuing recovery of Father Tim Vakoc, an Army chaplain who was seriously wounded in Mosul in 2004.
BY JEREMY OLSON, Pioneer Press
A friend lowered a microphone so the Rev. Tim Vakoc could address attendees of the award banquet at Benilde-St. Margaret's, his old high school, from his wheelchair.
For 20 seconds, only the gymnasium lights hummed in the quiet.
"Thank you," Vakoc said.
Silence returned as he labored for breath.
"And," he whispered, "God … love … you."
SGT Sanchez Interview
SGT Joseph Sanchez used to provide us with daily press releases from Mosul as part of Task Force Olympia. He recently conducted an interview with CBS Radio that was broadcast nationally. In it he talks about his time in Iraq.
Provided below is a link to an .mp3 audio file. The best way to listen is to right-click on the link and select "Save Target as..." from the menu. This will save the file to your computer.
SGT Sanchez Interview (.mp3 file, 3.5 MB)
Bowman discusses time spent in Iraq
The following is an informative article profiling an officer with the 139th MPAD, which was deployed to Mosul as part of Task Force Olympia.
Link to Full Article
By Dennis Hines, The MidWeek
Several local students and school officials recently received some important information about cultural diversity.
Captain Angela Bowman of the Illinois Army National Guard gave a presentation during the 16th annual DeKalb County Partnership for a Safe, Active and Family Environment (DCP/SAFE) assembly in which she talked about her experiences in Iraq and about the Iraqi culture.
'There was a lot of death'
Soldiers from Maine's 133rd reflect on their time in Mosul.
Link to Full Article
BY NICK SAMBIDES, OF THE NEWS STAFF
John Nelson has a small hunk of shrapnel that needs to be cut out of his neck, and it probably will be in a few weeks. Other flecks of ball-bearing-gauge metal float in the flesh on his shoulder blades like tiny steel pins, so numerous and difficult for surgeons to find and remove that they'll probably stay in him for the rest of his life.
MilBlogs in Army Times
The cover story on Army Times this week is about military blogs. Colby Buzzell of the 3/2 SBCT (My War) is featured, and LTC Paul Hastings of Task Force Olympia is quoted.
- The blogs of war
- A penny for their thoughts
- Blogs of War - Editorial
(via Blackfive)
TFO Units Return Home
Provided below are a few articles describing the homecoming of two Task Force Olympia units.
- Thrill of relief as Maine unit returns from Iraq - The Boston Globe
- A welcome home decades overdue - Portland Press Herald
- Troops come home to cheers, hugs, thanks - Coalfield.com
- Surprise! Families scramble to unfurl red carpet when 133rd group catches an early bus - Kennebec Journal
Task force commander leaves for Pentagon
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
Brig. Gen. Carter Ham’s first and only assignment at Fort Lewis didn’t last long. He was here four months before the Army shipped him off to Mosul, Iraq, last January.
But he played a major part in the fortunes of Fort Lewis troops, thousands of whom worked under his leadership in northern Iraq the past 13 months.
First of 133rd troops touch down in U.S.
By BILL NEMITZ, Portland Press Herald Writer
FORT DRUM, N.Y. — The first wave of soldiers from the Maine Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion returned to U.S. soil late Wednesday, ending a year-long deployment in the often-hostile city of Mosul, Iraq. "It's like a dream come true. It doesn't feel real," said Spc. San Pao of Portland moments after stepping off the chartered MD11 aircraft. "Hopefully we'll wake up tomorrow morning and it will still be real."
Maine battalion due back soon
Link to Full Article
By JOHN RICHARDSON, Portland Press Herald Writer
The largest Maine-based military unit sent to Iraq, and the only one currently stationed there, is expected to return to the United States next week.
The Maine Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion, which has about 500 members primarily from southern Maine, is pulling out of Mosul, Iraq, slightly ahead of schedule, said Maj. Peter Rogers, Guard spokesman in Maine.
Reflecting on a Historical Year of Building
The first edition of The Freedom Ring newsletter has been released by Task Force Freedom, and includes the following article regarding the efforts of its predecessor, Task Force Olympia.
Link to Article
By SPC Nunn, 366th MPAD
FORWARD OPERATING BASE FREEDOM, Iraq – After leading the U.S. Army presence in the northern Ninawa province of Iraq, Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company I Corps Forward Task Force Olympia (TFO), of Fort Lewis, WA, reflect upon a successful year long mission, as they depart for home.
Fort welcomes Task Force Olympia home
I apologize for not posting this until today. Welcome home and thank you!
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT AND BILL HUTCHENS; The News Tribune
Fort Lewis offered a formal welcome home Friday to the men and women of Task Force Olympia, back from a year of running U.S. military operations across northern Iraq.
The 100 or so soldiers arrived in Iraq in January 2004 in time to replace a much larger division headquarters, and left as Iraqis held their historic election last month.
In Iraq For 365
If you haven't already, I highly recommend reading In Iraq For 365, which is a blog written by an Army journalist who just returned from a year in Mosul. Children Are The Future and Collection of Memories are excellent recent entries, but be sure sure to browse his entire archive.
War general is summoned to the Pentagon
BG Carter Ham, commander of Task Force Olympia, will have a new assignment at the Pentagon.
Link to Full Article
By UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL
WASHINGTON -- A U.S. general who has had strong success against the Iraqi insurgency in Mosul, Iraq, is being brought back to the Pentagon for a wider role in the war.
Task Force Freedom
The past few days press releases from Multi-National Forces in Northern Iraq have been sent by Task Force Freedom, rather than Task Force Olympia. While I haven't seen an official statement regarding a transfer of authority, we can assume that a new command element is, or will be shortly, in control of coalition forces in that part of the country. Consequently, we added a new category, and all future news from the Mosul region that is not Stryker Brigade related will go there. As a reminder, all coalition forces (Active, Reserve, National Guard, Air Force, Marines etc.) in the area are part of this Task Force - the Stryker Brigade is one of many units operating under the command of Task Force Freedom.
New technology launches to help locate origin of insurgent attacks
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 29, 2005) – Military officials in northern Iraq have announced the launch of J-LENS.
The Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensors System, J-LENS, has made its much anticipated debut in northern Iraq. The system will help Multi-National Forces in the Ninewah Province determine where anti-Iraqi insurgent attacks originate from, thus enabling them to more easily track down the insurgents.
113th a part of history securing Iraqi elections
Q&A with embedded reporter.
Dear Steve,
Do the soldiers have a work schedule everyday? What do they do afterward for entertainment? Do they have to wake up early?
Words From War -- 'Life here isn't too bad'
Link to Full Article
BY JERRY DAVICH
While his teenage friends play shoot 'em up video games in their bedrooms, Michael Brunsman dodges insurgent gunfire in Iraq.
The 2004 Portage High School graduate left his family late last year to serve Uncle Sam in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Wanted: Election volunteers
Link to Full Article
BY DIONNE SEARCEY, Newsday
MOSUL, Iraq - Iraqi election officials kicked off a media blitz yesterday in this terror-gripped city aimed at hiring nearly 1,000 election workers in the next six days to help set up and monitor Sunday's landmark vote.
Members of public affairs unit celebrate return home
Link to Full Article
By CHRIS WETTERICH, STAFF WRITER
Threatened by bullets, mortar attacks and suicide bombings while trying to bring home good news about the U.S. presence in Iraq and the soldiers' stories, a few members of the Army National Guard's 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment started a rock radio station.
One Task Force Olympia Solider killed
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 23, 2005) – One Task Force Olympia Soldier was killed by small arms fire while on patrol in eastern Mosul yesterday.
The attack occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m.
The name of the soldier killed is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
This entry will remain at the top of the page today. Scroll down for newer entries.
General tries to build new Iraqi army
Link to Full Article
By Trudy Rubin
MOSUL, Iraq - Gen. David Petraeus is flying in a C-130 transport plane back to the place he once made into a model of U.S.-Iraqi cooperation.
Iraq's third-largest city warmed to Petraeus because he reached out to Sunni Arab leaders during a yearlong assignment as commander of the 101st Airborne. [...]
U.S. Attempts To Build Trust, Leaders in Iraq
Link to Full Article
By Steve Fainaru, Washington Post
MOSUL, Iraq -- A dozen U.S. and Iraqi military officers dropped in on the Mosul police chief last week. After arriving at his headquarters in their armored Humvees, the men crowded into the chief's office to discuss security for the Jan. 30 parliamentary elections.
12 Guard members set to come home today
The 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD) of the Illinois National Guard recently returned home after working with Task Force Olympia for a year. The unit was responsible for the TFO press releases we have come to rely on, as well as producing the many videos we link to, among other things. Thank you and welcome home!
SPRINGFIELD - A dozen members of an Illinois Army National Guard unit are scheduled to return to central Illinois this evening after a year in Iraq.
Ethnic Tensions Rise in Mosul
NPR aired the following audio segment yesterday. To listen, follow the link and click the "Listen" icon at the top of the page.
Link to Audio Report
By Ivan Watson
The northern Iraqi city of Mosul is seeing growing ethnic tensions and violence, and Kurdish militiamen have joined American forces trying to suppress the insurgency by Sunni Muslim militants. The Kurdish fighters, known as Pesh Merga, are filling a security vacuum left after Mosul's police force collapsed in the face of an insurgent offensive last November.
Iraqi, U.S. Leaders Assess Security Situation in Mosul
Link to Article (Photos included)
By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
MOSUL, Iraq, Jan. 21, 2005 – It's the rainy season in Ninewa province, and the mud sticks to your boots the way old ideas stick in your mind.
But rain also washes away the mud, and officials hope the elections Jan. 30 will wash away the old ideas governing this country.
Soldiers: E-phone home
Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh, Post-Tribune staff writer
MOSUL, IRAQ — Staff Sgt. John Sykora surfs the Internet while listening to a Web-based radio station on his headphones.
For $2 an hour, he can go online with his wife, Toni, in Crown Point and talk about their 4-month-old son, Christopher.
Public Affairs Videos
Provided below are links to, and descriptions of, recent video clips from the Task Force Olympia Public Affairs Office. Some of the videos are quite long and may take a while to download. You will also need Windows Media Player to play them.
Fighting Jointly Now Norm for U.S. Military
Link to Article
By Jim Garamone, American Forces Press Service
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Jan. 19, 2005 – Servicemembers joining the military today are not joining just the Army, Navy, Air Force or Marine Corps – they are joining a truly joint force.
The American military has reached unprecedented levels of joint operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom, military officials here said.
Can Iraq's Election Be Saved?
A number of 1/25 SBCT and TFO officers are quoted in the following story.
Link to Full Article
Time Magazine
In the bustling city of Mosul in northern Iraq, there are few hints of the historic election that is about to take place. There are no candidates on the stump making speeches. No supporters handing out leaflets. No rallies, rope lines or debates. Many voters, in fact, don't even know who is on the ballot. Instead, on the streets of the country's third largest city, there is heavy armor--Bradley fighting vehicles, Abrams tanks--and 10,000 weapons-toting U.S. troops, reinforced by almost as many Iraqi government soldiers.
U.S. forces launch quick raids in northern Iraq
Link To Full Article
By Jason Keyser, Associated Press
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) U.S. forces carried out a series of raids in Iraq's troubled northern city of Mosul, the military said Sunday, as American and Iraqi authorities scramble to prepare for elections there in the face of mass resignations of polling staff and police.
Injured Army reservist recalls suicide bomber's eyes
Link to Full Article
By Maria C. Johnson, Staff Writer News & Record
What Connie Spinks remembers about the suicide bomber is his eyes.
She was riding in a convoy of three armored Humvees heading home to Camp Freedom in northern Iraq when she saw a small pickup drive from between two homes, coming straight for them.
Iraqi Army arrives at Al Kisik
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 16, 2005) – Iraqi Security Forces have doubled in size to keep pace with Multi-National Forces in northern Iraq who have also doubled in size.
Joint raid leads to detention of two and confiscation
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 16, 2005) – Soldiers from the Iraqi Army and Multi-National Forces detained two suspected anti-Iraqi insurgents and confiscated a large amount of bomb-making materials and weapons January 14 in northern Iraq.
A pair of Purple Hearts for 113th soldiers
Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh / Post-Tribune staff writer
MOSUL, Iraq — Two soldiers of the Indiana National Guard 113th Engineering Battalion were awarded Purple Hearts after their convoy was attacked north of Mosul.
DoD Update on Ongoing Security Operations in NW Iraq
Brig. Gen. Carter Ham conducted a lengthy press briefing today to discuss the situation in Mosul and the upcoming elections. Worth reading in full.
MODERATOR: Thank you for joining us today from Baghdad, general. Most of you I think know our briefer here today is Brigadier General Carter Ham. He's the commander of the Multinational Brigade-Northwest, and he's also the commander of Task Force Olympia. General Ham and his troops are responsible for the ongoing security operations in northwestern Iraq, and he's here today to update us on those efforts. And I think he has a few comments that he'd like to make, and then we'll start with some questions in Baghdad, and perhaps a few here. General.
GEN. HAM: Okay, well thank you, Brian. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen -- and I guess good morning for those of you who are in Washington. It is indeed a privilege for me to be here today, representing the men and women of the Multinational Brigade-Northwest. We're headquartered in Mosul, I think as most of you know.
Fighting to the Polls in Mosul
Link to Full Article (Registration required)
By Louise Roug, Times Staff Writer
MOSUL, Iraq — On a recent morning, a stream of armored vehicles brought American and Albanian soldiers here to lock down the Mosul airfield.
A few hours later, U.S. Ambassador John D. Negroponte and top American military commanders Gen. George W. Casey and Lt. Gen. Thomas Metz arrived in a swarm of helicopters to meet with Iraqi election officials. Introductions didn't take long. The commission overseeing elections in Iraq's third-largest city numbers two people.
One TFO solider killed, three wounded
The following is an official press release from Task Force Olympia confirming earlier news reports.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 14, 2005) – One Task Force Olympia soldier was killed and three were wounded after their patrol was hit by a roadside bomb January 13.
The attack occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m.
The wounded Soldiers were transported to a military hospital in Mosul.
The soldiers of Task Force Olympia send their condolences to the family of the deceased.
Project to ease overcrowding in Dahok
Link to Article (Full text provided below)
By Nicole Dalrymple, Gulf Region Northern District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
MOSUL, Iraq -- The construction of four brand-new schools for the children of Iraq’s northern-most province, Dahok, began in early January.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with local government officials, awarded $1.3 million for the construction of two 12-room two-story schools, one six-room kindergarten, and one nine-room secondary school on Dec. 28. All work will be done by Dahok province contractors.
Army Specialist From Nampa Narrowly Escaped Deadly Attack
Link to Full Article
By Hailie Brook
MERIDIAN - Last month an army specialist from Nampa - stationed in Mosul - narrowly escaped the deadliest attack on U.S. troops in Iraq. More than 80 were killed that day - but he survived and now he's back in town.
Insurgents use mosque as battle grounds
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 14, 2005) –Multi-National Forces came under attack by anti-Iraqi insurgents firing from a mosque in northern Iraq today.
The Multi-National Force troops were patrolling in eastern Mosul when they were hit by rocket propelled grenades and small arms fire from anti-Iraqi insurgents shooting from the Rashan Mosque. MNF reported no injuries during the incident.
The Olympia Observer
The December 27 edition of The Olympia Observer, the official newsletter of Task Force Olympia, is available for download.
THREE OF FOUR KEY TALHA LEADERS CAPTURED IN MOSUL
I don't think we've posted this yet. If we have, I apologize for the repeat.
BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Multi-National Forces detained a key leader of the al Qaida-linked Abu Musab al-Zarqawi terrorist network in Mosul on Dec. 22.
Following a thorough investigation, the individual detained was positively identified as Abdul Aziz Sa’dun Ahmed Hamduni, aka Abu Ahmed.
Task Force Olympia E-Magazines
We wanted to bring this entry back to the top in case people missed it yesterday. The public affairs detachment with Task Force Olympia has put together two "Special Edition E-Magazines" highlighting the efforts of the 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (3/2 SBCT) and the 416th Civil Affairs Battalion.
While both are very large PDF files to download, they are definitely worth the effort. You will need Adobe's Acrobat Reader software (free) to display the magazines. I would suggest right-clicking the links below and selecting "Save Target As...", which will allow you to download the file to your computer.
- 3-2 SBCT Arrowhead Magazine - 36 pages
- 416th Civil Affairs Battalion - 28 pages
Base like gun range
Link to Full Article
By Steve Walsh, Post-Tribune staff writer
MOSUL, IRAQ — The Army base at Mosul looks like it fell from an episode of M*A*S*H. The roads swim in puddles of mud. Grime covers the trucks and Humvees. The crumbling buildings of the former Iraqi base and the quickly assembled offices, nailed together by the Americans, play into the disheveled look.
The only thing that looks really new are the rows of concrete barriers being hauled into place to improve security.
Iraqi soldiers awarded ARCOM for heroism
Link to Article (Full text provided below)
By By Staff Sgt. Fred Minnick
MOSUL, Iraq (Army News Service Jan. 7, 2005) --Two Iraqi National Guard soldiers were awarded the Army Commendation Medal Jan. 3 for their heroic acts after a suicide bomber attacked the Forward Operating Base Marez dining facility in southwest Mosul Dec. 21.
The two Iraqis saved the life of an American Soldier suffering severe wounds and carried several other wounded to safety.
Task Force Olympia soldier killed
The following article is a summary of recent events in Mosul by reporter Michael Gilbert.
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
A Task Force Olympia soldier was killed and two were wounded Tuesday when Iraqi insurgents attacked their patrol with gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades, the U.S. military said.
The attack occurred about 2 p.m. Iraq time in Tal Afar, 40 miles west of Mosul. The wounded soldiers were taken to an Army hospital at Mosul Airfield, according to a task force news release.
For their families back home
Link to Full Article
BY JEREMY REDMON PHOTOS BY DEAN HOFFMEYER
Editor's Note: The Times-Dispatch has changed the names of the Turkish businessmen in this article for their safety and the safety of their families.
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq -- Kemal sips from a small cup of tea. He drags heavily on his cigarette. Then the Turkish restaurateur calls his next customer.
U.S. May Add Advisers to Aid Iraq's Military
Link to Full Article
By ERIC SCHMITT
WASHINGTON, Jan. 3 - Gen. George W. Casey Jr., the top commander in Iraq, is reviewing a proposal to add hundreds of American military advisers to work directly with Iraqi units, whose disappointing performance could jeopardize the long-term American exit strategy from Iraq, senior military officials said Monday. [...]
Warm farewell tour
By BILL NEMITZ, Staff Writer
DIYANAH, Iraq - The sun has not yet touched the snowy peak of Korek, the 6,943-foot mountain that towers over Forward Operating Base Round Top. But already Staff Sgt. Steve Bond is up preparing breakfast for his Charlie Company platoon.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" says Bond, who has been here nearly seven months and still starts each day in awe of the postcard-perfect scenery - unlike anything he'd see back home in Waterford, Maine. "I haven't minded this one bit."
Elements of 82nd Airborne Division arrive in Mosul
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (January 2, 2005) – Elements of the 82nd Airborne Division arrived in Mosul yesterday in an effort to provide enhanced security and stability for the January 30 elections.
The 82nd will operate under the command and control of Task Force Olympia within Multi-National Brigade Northwest area of operations.
The increase in U.S. Soldiers will provide added security during the elections.
U.S. Soldier, 25 Insurgents Killed in Mosul Battle
By Maher al-Thanoon
MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - A frontal assault on U.S. troops by dozens of Iraqi insurgents in Mosul left an American soldier and about 25 guerrillas dead in one of the boldest attacks yet on occupying forces in Iraq.
Battle raged late on Wednesday as President Bush said his forces would do all they could to make it possible to hold next month's election in Mosul and other violent cities. But many residents of Mosul say they are too afraid to vote.
The soldier died of wounds, the military said on Thursday.
He had been on a patrol that was hit by a suicide car bomb close to a U.S. outpost. Gunmen tried to overrun the area, sending in another suicide truck bomber and firing mortars and rockets in an apparent bid to wipe out an entire U.S. unit.
US army kills 25 insurgents in Mosul
MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - American troops backed by warplanes have battled insurgents in the Iraqi city of Mosul, killing around 25 guerrillas in fierce clashes after being attacked by suicide bombs and rocket-propelled grenades.
Military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Paul Hastings said on Wednesday a suicide vehicle bomb exploded near a U.S. military outpost in Mosul, and a second suicide attack targeted a U.S. patrol responding to the first blast.
Mosul In Depth
The Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Portland Press Herald both have reporter/photographer teams in Mosul to cover National Guard units from their respective home states. Each paper has an online section devoted to Iraq coverage, inlcuding numerous stories and photo galleries that we haven't posted yet.
Recovering
Provided below are a number of articles featuring those wounded in the attack last week. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they begin the long road to recovery. If any of you know a wounded soldier personally, please let us know if there is anything we as a group can do to help.
Weekend Articles
The following are a number of articles that were published over the holiday weekend. I apologize if any of these are repeats.
Three Maine soldiers injured by roadside bomb in Iraq
By Associated Press
Three Maine soldiers were injured when their convoy was struck by a roadside bomb in Iraq, officials said Monday.
The attack early Sunday in Mosul injured three members of the 133rd Engineer Battalion of the Maine Army National Guard, according to a statement by Gov. John Baldacci and Maine National Guard Adjutant General John W. Libby. [...]
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
We will be creating individual entries for each of these soldiers in the near future, but we wanted to post this information as soon as it became available. Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families of these men during this trying time.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of thirteen soldiers supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Dec. 21 in Mosul, Iraq, when their dining facility was attacked. Killed were:
Rumsfeld makes surprise visit
Link to Full Article
By Robert Burns, Associated Press
MOSUL, Iraq (AP) U.S. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld visited wounded soldiers and brought holiday greetings on Christmas Eve amid tight security at an air base in northern Iraq where an insurgent's attack killed 14 U.S. troops and eight other people earlier this week.
Commander: Mess hall bomber may have worn Iraqi uniform
BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- The person who attacked a U.S. military base in Mosul was likely wearing an Iraqi military uniform and carried a bomb in a vest, Brig. Gen. Carter Ham, U.S. commander in Mosul, told CNN Thursday.
The Olympia Observer
The December 7, December 13, and December 20 editions of The Olympia Observer, the official newsletter of Task Force Olympia, are available for download.
Defense Department Operational Update Briefing
The transcript is worth reading in full. Excerpt below.
GEN. MYERS: Thank you, Mr. Secretary, and good afternoon.
I wish to also extend my sincere condolences to the families of our forces who have lost their lives throughout this conflict and this war against extremism. Of course, most recently we regret the loss of life in yesterday's attack in Mosul.
And here's what we know about the attack.
Afternoon Updates
Once again the news is coming very quickly, so we're switching back to quick links to try and get information out as fast as possible.
- A time for grief, prayers and thoughts of home - Portland Press Herald, embedded reporter Bill Nemitz
- Fort Lewis Awaits Word on Stryker Brigade Toll - The Olympian
- Governor releases names of two Guard members killed in Iraq - Associated Press
- Iraqi City in Lockdown After U.S. Base Blasted - Reuters
- Pentagon Probes Cause of Mosul Attack - Audio report from NPR
- Fort Lewis waits for news of its own - The Seattle Times
- Report: Mosul Attack Was a Suicide Bombing - ABC News
- Readers respond to Mosul attack - The News Tribune
- Tears and tributes at Fort Lewis - The News Tribune
- Mosul, Iraq, Strike Was Suicide Attack, Myers Says (Update1) - Bloomberg News
- Homicide Bomb Suspected in Mosul Attack - Fox News
- Soldiers Spread Out Across Mosul After Deadly Attack - KWTX TV News
- Mosul wounded begin arriving at Ramstein - Army Times
- Mosul attack kills 22, injures 72 - Army Public Affairs
- U.S. relying on Iraqis for Mosul stability - Washington Times
- A Somber Wait at a Base South of Seattle - New York Times
- Mosul blast hits home hard - Newsday.com
Carnage in Mosul
From embedded reporter Bill Nemitz.
Link to Full Article
By Staff Columnist, BILL NEMITZ
MOSUL, Iraq — A powerful explosion ripped through a crowded dining facility at Forward Operating Base Marez during the noon lunch hour Tuesday, killing 22 people and wounding 66. Two of the dead and 12 of the wounded were members of the Maine Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion. A military spokesman in Baghdad said 20 Americans were killed, 15 of them soldiers, in what was the deadliest single attack against Americans here since the start of the war. Names of the casualties were being withheld pending notification of relatives.
Wounded soldier: 'When I came to . . . I saw open sky'
Link to Full Article
BY JEREMY REDMON PHOTOS BY DEAN HOFFMEYER
MOSUL, Iraq - Sgt. Kyle Wright was about to take a bite of chocolate cake when the blast knocked him out of his chair.
Two other Virginia National Guardsmen picked him up and rushed him out of the chow-hall tent on Forward Operating Base Marez.
Massacre in Mosul: Blast claims ‘many brave souls’
Link to Full Article
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
The explosion rocked Forward Operating Base Marez at its most vulnerable point – the huge plastic-and-aluminum chow hall, where thousands of soldiers converge for meals four times each day.
The structure is a good mile inside the base perimeter, as big as a football field and surrounded by 10-foot concrete barriers. The only thing shielding its big white roof against the near-daily incoming rockets and mortars has been the Iraqi insurgency’s erratic marksmanship.
Updates 12/21
We'll add articles to this entry that provide new information regarding today's attack.
- Mosul attack kills 24, wounds 64 - Times-Dispatch (includes link to photo slideshow)
- More than 20 killed in attack on U.S. base in Iraq - CNN News
- Experts Investigating Source of Mosul Explosion - American Forces Press Service
- Death Toll at 24 in Attack on Mosul Base - The Associated Press
- Ansar al-Sunna Claims Responsibility for Attack at U.S. Military Base - Washington Post
- U.S. troops killed in attack on base in Mosul - Boston Globe
- Mosul Attack Kills More Than 20; Halliburton Workers Among Dead - Bloomberg
- Attack on U.S. military base kills at least 24 - The News Tribune
- Governor confirms Maine Guard casualties in Mosul - Portland Press Herald
- Portland Press Herald Photo Slideshow - By embedded photographer Gregory Rec
- Fort Lewis awaiting word on casualties from Mosul attack - The Associated Press
- Explosion at Big American Base in Mosul Kills 24 - The New York Times
On the Scene
Reporter Jeremy Redmon and photographer Dean Hoffmeyer of the Times-Dispatch have been embedded with the 276th Engineer Battalion of the Virginia National Guard in Mosul. Redmon filed the following story from the scene of today's attack, which has since been picked up by the Associated Press.
Casualty figures are still in dispute, but BG Carter Ham, commander of Task Force Olympia, confirms many of the details in an interview with CNN.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of these men and women, and their families.
Link to Full Article
BY JEREMY REDMON, TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, Iraq – Insurgents hit a dining hall tent at a U.S. military base in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul today with a suspected rocket attack, killing 24, including two soldiers from the Richmond-based 276th Engineer Battalion.
As of 11:15 a.m. EST, 64 were reported wounded; civilians may have been among them. It was around noon and hundreds of soldiers had just sat down for lunch.
News From Mosul
There have been numerous stories published by news organizations this morning regarding the incident in Mosul. The information I've seen so far has been contradictory, and some reported facts have been disputed by spokesmen for Task Force Olympia. Therefore, we won't be posting any stories until a clearer picture emerges.
Love conquers all, even Iraq
Link to Article
Story by Spc. Jessika Ross
MOSUL, Iraq- For many military couples, deployment means not seeing a beloved spouse for as long as a year while they serve in a foreign land. Not so for four couples in the 67th Combat Support Hospital from Giebelstadt Military Base, Wurzburg, Germany. It means a time to grow as a couple and learn how to adapt and overcome with the power of love while doing their job to serve the United States Army.
There are more than 20,000 dual-military couples serving in today’s United States Army. Each couple has their own unique story and Sgt. Miriam Scott and Master Sgt. David Scott are one of those couples.
Engineers give shelter to ING soldiers
Link to Full Article (Photos included)
By Sgt. 1st Class Julie Friedman, The 133rd Engineer Battalion
MOSUL, Iraq ‚ Soldiers of the Iraqi National Guard's 104th Battalion will enjoy warm and dry living quarters this winter, thanks to the efforts of a Multinational Forces engineer unit.
The 133rd Engineer Battalion, an Army National Guard unit from Maine, recently built 18 wood structures with electrical wiring for lights, heat and air conditioning. The engineers are now delivering the buildings to 16 traffic control checkpoints on the main highway between Mosul and Dahuk, where the ING soldiers currently live in tents.
US Bombs Mosul Rebels
Link to Full Article
By Maher al-Thanoon
MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - A U.S. aircraft dropped a half-ton(500 lb) bomb on the northern Iraqi city of Mosul on Saturday after guerrillas attacked a U.S. patrol that was trying to capture an insurgent arms dump, a military spokesman said.
The powerful blast shook the west of the city. There was an "unknown number of enemy casualties" and eight soldiers were slightly wounded, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Hastings said.
First Lt. Andrew C. Shields
South Carolina military officials confirmed on Friday that First Lt. Andrew C. Shields was the second soldier killed on Thursday at the Mosul airfield. 1LT Shields was assigned to S.C. Army National Guard’s Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 151st Aviation, stationed at McEntire Air National Guard Station. Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones he leaves behind.
Chief Warrant Officer Patrick Leach
Relatives have confirmed to the press that Chief Warrant Officer Patrick Leach was one of the two Task Force Olympia soldiers killed in the helicopter collision Thursday evening in Mosul. CWO Leach was assigned to S.C. Army National Guard’s Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 151st Aviation, stationed at McEntire Air National Guard Station.
Leach was originally from Federal Way, WA. We'd like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
Two TFO Soldiers killed following helicopter accident
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (December 10, 2004) – Two Task Force Olympia Soldiers were killed and four TFO Soldiers were wounded following an accident involving two Multinational Forces helicopters yesterday.
The accident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m., December 9.
The wounded Soldiers have all been returned to duty.
The names of the soldiers killed are being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
UPDATE: Washington Times carries this UPI article with additional details about the incident.
MNF, US citizens contribute to the progress in Iraq
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (December 9, 2004) – Multi-National Forces, as part of Task Force Olympia, have worked hard to complete projects throughout the northern region that will benefit local citizens, improve the education system and the nation’s security capabilities.
Taking on 138 projects in November alone, the 133rd Engineer Battalion, an Army National Guard unit based in Portland, Maine has committed more than $13 million to improvements in the Ninevah, Irbil and Dahuk provinces.
Soldiers return to eager loved ones
3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment of the Tenth Mountain Division, which worked alongside the 3/2 SBCT in Mosul, recently returned home to Ft. Drum. Welcome home! If you haven't already, I recommend viewing the unit's album in our gallery. MAJ Kaufmann contributed some of the most stunning photos I've ever seen.
Link to Full Article (Video clip included)
By: Amy Ohler
Families filed in all smiles, excited to welcome back their loved ones. Heidi Starke didn't let anything stop her from attending Tuesday's ceremony.
"I drove it took me like three days to drive here so I'm finally here though," she said.
It's been a year long deployment for soldiers from the Tenth Mountain Division, third Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment.
Six men, one unit; two combat patches decades apart
Link to Article
By Spc. Autumn Grimsley
QAYARRAH, Iraq -- Earning two combat patches from two different wars is quite a feat. Earning them nearly four decades apart is even more amazing.
Many Soldiers serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom II weren’t born until after 1970; however, six Soldiers from the Army National Guard’s Columbia, S.C.-based 1st Battalion, 151st Aviation Regiment were not only alive, but had served at least one tour in Vietnam by then.
Holiday Greetings Archive
Su Ring at KING 5 News has been kind enough to provide us with a schedule of when holiday greetings from deployed soldiers would air on television. I saw on the news last night that the station now has an online archive of ALL of the video greetings. FYI - you will need to register for the site to access the archive. Thank you KING 5!
An Auburn-Iraq intersection
Link to Full Article
by Jamie Swift, Journal Reporter
AUBURN -- Laura Philpot, the city's traffic engineer, knows plenty about street signs. But she never dreamed there would be a street named after her in Iraq.
``I was shocked,'' Philpot said Monday night after learning that one of the newest streets in Mosul, Iraq, is called Philpot Avenue.
She was given the honor by Master Sgt. Ed Johnson, an Auburn resident who is a member of the Army National Guard and the acting deputy mayor of Mosul Airfield.
Paramedic deployed in Iraq receives local recognition
Here's the full text of another article from The Olympia Observer.
Link to Article
Story and Photo by Spc. Gretel Sharpee
MOSUL, Iraq- Soldiers at Forward Operating Base Freedom have an award winning Paramedic on staff at their Aid Station. The Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Aid Station, Staff Sgt. Kevin Robischeau, was awarded the title of Massachusetts Paramedic of the Year on Oct. 28 by peer nomination and committee selection.
Robischeau, a Massachusetts National Guardsman, is a full-time paramedic in the state of Massachusetts for Fallon Ambulance Service. However this year, the one he has spent in Iraq, he won the title of Paramedic of the Year.
The Soldiers protecting TFO’s top leaders
This article was included in the recent edition of The Olympia Observer, but we thought it would be helpful to post the full text here in case you missed it.
Link to Article
Story and photos by Spc. Blair Larson
As senior leaders travel through Iraq’s dangerous streets, they are always well protected by the Soldiers in their Personal Security Detail (PSD). Often these Soldiers go unnoticed, working behind the scenes to ensure the safety of their passengers, playing an important role in accomplishing the Multinational Forces’ mission.
Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 107th Field Artillery (MP), an Army National Guard unit from New Castle, Pa., have spent the last nine months escorting Task Force Olympia’s top officers throughout northern Iraq. Teams of Soldiers are assigned to protect the task force commanding general, the deputy commanding general and the provost marshal.
Operation Spit Shine puts pride into homecoming
Maine Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion is part of Task Force Olympia.
Link to Full Article
By Bill Nemitz
On any other time and place, this would be just another Saturday morning paint job. But as they rolled and brushed fresh white latex onto the interior walls of the Stevens Avenue Armory in Portland, members of the Maine Army National Guard's 133rd Engineer Battalion said to a man and woman that this detail was truly special.
"It's like cleaning the house before the parents show up," said Staff Sgt. Pete Charron, his arm in a sling from the surgery he had last week on his wrist. "You have a lot of guys here who wish they had a chance to go over there."
Soldiers Greetings from Mosul/TFO
Su Ring from King 5 TV sent me the latest list of Soldier's Greetings that will be aired tomorrow. Check it out if you are in the area.
Friday, Dec 3:
SMAJ Steven Selman - KING 5 Morning News (5AM)
SSG Richmond Slan - KING 5 Morning News (6AM)
SFC Andre Williams - SEATTLE LIVE - 7AM (on KONG 6/16)
SFC Donmario Ynostroza - KING 5 News at 5pm
SPC Joshua Yuse - KING 5 News at 6:30pm
SSG Trevor Zonneveld - KING 5 News at 11pm
UPDATE:Tomorrow morning on SEATTLE LIVE, we are going
to reunite a Stryker Brigade soldier with his wife, through the
magic of satellite!
CAPT Robert Lacey will be live in Mosul.
His wife Whitney will be in our studio.
They got married one month before he deployed!
SEATTLE LIVE runs from 7-9am on KONG 6/16.
If I'm not mistaken, I think they are going to try to do a LIVE Stryker reunion every Friday morning.
Media Roundtable on Troop Extensions
The Pentagon announced plans today to extend the deployment of certain units now in Iraq. According to the following transcript, the command element of Task Force Olympia will remain in Mosul through the January elections, which is slightly longer than originally planned. Correct me if I'm wrong, but this group is comprised of I Corps staff based at Ft. Lewis.
GEN. RODRIGUEZ: The 1st Infantry Division Headquarters, and also Task Force Olympia, which is the headquarters up in MNB North, as well as the MNC-I headquarters, which is built around the 3rd Corps, we delayed the replacement of those forces a couple of weeks so that they could remain through the elections, for the same reason, so that they had the most experienced personnel there through the election period.
U.S. Officials Look Toward Iraq Elections
NPR has another audio report featuring BG Carter Ham in Mosul. Follow the link and click the "Listen" icon to hear the segment. Summary:
The U.S. steps up efforts to ensure the January elections for a transitional assembly are held on time, despite the intensifying insurgency in Iraq's Sunni Muslim heartland. NPR's Philip Reeves reports.
The Olympia Observer
The November 29 edition of The Olympia Observer is available for download.
Minnesota soldier recovering from wound
Our prayers are with this soldier and his family as he recovers.
Link to Full Article
Associated Press
ALBERT LEA, Minn. -- A soldier from Albert Lea was recovering at a stateside hospital Tuesday after being seriously wounded in Iraq.
Sgt. Scott Heilman, 36, is a paratrooper with the 194th Infantry Detachment of the Iowa Army National Guard based in Johnston, Iowa. He was stationed in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul when he was shot in the head by a sniper Friday.
After surgery in Iraq, he was taken to a military hospital in Germany, then transferred to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington.
Holiday Greeting Schedule
Many of you who live in the Puget Sound region have probably seen the holiday greetings from soldiers in Iraq currently airing on local television stations. Su Ring at KING 5 was kind enough to forward a list of scheduled appearances for this week (see below). If you see your loved one's name, but miss the clip, let us know and she can forward the clip to you via email. As new schedules are compiled she will send them to us. Thanks Su!
The Olympia Observer
The November 22 edition of The Olympia Observer, the official newsletter of Task Force Olympia, is available for download. As always, there are a number of in depth articles provided by the public affairs office.
A holiday from Iraq--then back
This article profiles a Task Force Olympia soldier home on leave.
Link to Full Article
By ROB DAVIS
The first explosion came close to the cargo plane lifting off into the moonless Iraqi night.
Then came another jolt. And another. And a fourth.
The soldiers inside the pitch-black belly of the aircraft were silent, packed shoulder-to-shoulder in full gear, camouflage and Kevlar.
Potholes, an officer said.
Fighting to return to normal
The following is a lengthy article describing the ordeal of one Task Force Olympia soldier to recover from his wounds at Walter Reed.
Link to Full Article
BY MICHAEL MARTZ, TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER
The physical-therapy room was filling up when Dean W. Schwartz walked in, a slight hitch in his gait from the blue titanium leg fitted to his left thigh.
The leg was temporary. So was his time here, six months after a rocket-propelled grenade blew off his leg on a bomb-pocked road in Mosul, in northern Iraq.
Sgt. Robert Faulk motioned toward an empty cot next to an older veteran with graying temples and no right leg. "You can have a spot here if you like, next to Superman," Faulk said.
Iraq elections 'challenge' in parts of Mosul
MOSUL, Iraq (AFP) - Holding elections in parts of Mosul could be a challenge, a US military commander for northern Iraq admitted, saying that insurgents are bent on targeting Iraqi forces and fomenting ethnic strife.
"I think clearly there are some areas in the city where elections can be held today. There are some parts of the city where we have significant challenges ahead of us before elections could be conducted," Brigadier General Carter Ham told AFP at the main US base in the city.
"We have a lot of work to do. I am more optimistic in areas out in the province, outside the city," he said Friday.
401st Transportation Co. Homecoming
There have been a number of articles covering the unit's homecoming yesterday in Michigan (see below). Welcome home!
Guardian Articles
The following are two recent articles from The Guardian, which currently has a correspondent in Mosul.
- US general sounds election warning - Michael Howard
- Insurgents step up the battle for Mosul - Michael Howard
Guard soldiers in battle for Mosul
Link to Full Article
By JEFF LESTER, Senior Writer
Dozens of Southwest Virginia National Guard soldiers took on a crucial mission as U.S. Army and Iraqi forces retook government buildings occupied by anti-government fighters in the northern city of Mosul.
Three members of the 276th Engineer Battalion were wounded slightly but returned to duty quickly, according to Capt. Chris Doss of the battalion's Bravo Company.
Reservist company to arrive home on Thanksgiving
Here is some welcome news regarding the 401st Transportation Company, which served alongside the 3/2 SBCT as part of Task Force Olympia. Welcome home!
BATTLE CREEK, Mich. The Thanksgiving holiday will also serve as a long-awaited homecoming for some western Michigan military families.
The 401st Transportation Company out of Battle Creek is coming home Thursday after more than 15 months away -- including a year overseas in Iraq...
The soldiers are scheduled to fly into Detroit on Thursday. They'll take a bus -- complete with police escort-- to the base, arriving late in the afternoon.
Haiti native serves her beloved country, United States
Link to Article
By Staff Sgt. Fred Minnick
MOSUL, Iraq – Spc. Darline Davis grew up in the Western Hemisphere’s poorest country – Haiti. Surrounded by poverty and living in a country where more than 60 percent of the people are unemployed, Davis’ mother wanted her child to have opportunity, to get an education and enjoy a country that stood for freedom. When Davis was 14, her mother died and she began to take the steps to honor her mother’s wishes.
Her father, David Madere, had moved to Miami, Fla., when she was a young child, so she already had a connection in the United States.
Soldiers keep supply trucks on the road
This article was featured in the last edition of The Olympia Observer, but we wanted to include the full text here in case you missed it.
Link to Article
By Staff Sgt. Fred Minnick
MOSUL, Iraq – On the Iraq-Turkey border, thousands of trucks come through the Habur gate border crossing as they travel between the two countries. So many trucks wait to enter Iraq or Turkey on a daily basis that the main route is often backed up as far as 50 miles with bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Some trucks carry supplies for Iraqi and Turkish businesses. Others haul construction materials, fuel and food for Multinational Forces in northern Iraq.
Two Military Branches Grieve As One For Fallen Heroes
[Link to Full Article]
By Keith Eldridge
FORT LEWIS - The Army and the Air Force came together Tuesday to grieve the loss of two men who served together and died together in Iraq.
Army Major Gary Moore and Air Force Master Sergeant Steven Auchman are being remembered as men who were proud of serving their country, and chose to be in Iraq.
Army green and Air Force blue were all mixed as one inside the Fort Lewis Chapel.
Soldier assigned to TFO dies following small arms fire attack
This brief press release was sent out by Army Public Affairs this morning.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (November 12, 2004) – A soldier assigned to Task Force Olympia was killed by small arms fire during combat operations in Mosul yesterday.
The soldier’s name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
Insurgent violence mounting in the north
[Link to Full Article]
Borzou Daragahi, Chronicle Foreign Service
[...] U.S. military spokeswoman Capt. Angela Bowman rejected claims by some residents that parts of Mosul had fallen under insurgent control, saying that guerrillas "have not taken any parts of the city. The operations are still ongoing and probably will be for some time until we fully secure the city." [...]
U.S. analysts say the comparison with the insurgency in the Sunni triangle city may be overblown.
"I don't think Mosul will play the same role, in large part because of the significant number of Kurds and Turkomans who have little interest in coddling a Sunni insurgency," said Steven Metz, director of research at the U. S. Army War College's Strategic Studies Institute.
Unlike the ethnically homogenous cities of the Sunni triangle -- Fallujah, Samarra and Ramadi -- Mosul is in a Kurdish area, though with an Arab majority that is both Shiite and Sunni. There are also Assyrian Christians, Nestorian Christians, Armenians and Turkomans.
Mosul Update on NPR
NPR has an audio segment featuring a brief conversation with Lt. Col. Paul Hastings regarding the situation in Mosul. Follow the link, and in the upper-left corner is a "Listen" icon - click that to hear the segment.
Master Sgt. Steven E. Auchman
The DoD has identified Master Sgt. Steven E. Auchman as one of the two Task Force Olympia members killed yesterday in Mosul (see below). MSG Auchman, an airman, was assigned to the 5th Air Support Operations Squadron, Fort Lewis, WA. Our thoughts and prayers are with those he leaves behind.
We will add any additional articles we find to this entry.
Mortar attack on base kills two U.S. soldiers
Michael Gilbert provides an update on the current situation in Mosul. He also explains the difference between the Stryker Brigade and Task Force Olympia, a distinction that is often missed by other local media outlets.
[Link to Full Article]
MICHAEL GILBERT; The News Tribune
Two soldiers were killed and a civilian contractor was wounded Tuesday in a mortar attack on a U.S. base in Mosul, where thousands of Fort Lewis-based troops are stationed, the military reported.
The soldiers were assigned to Task Force Olympia, the Fort Lewis-led command in charge of coalition forces across northern Iraq, including the 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division.
News releases by military authorities in Mosul and Baghdad said one soldier was killed during the mortar attack about 10 a.m. Tuesday, and that the second died later of wounds. The contractor was taken to a military hospital in Baghdad.
Two Task Force Olympia military personnel die following mortar attack
We just received this press release from the Public Affairs office. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these individuals.
(TFO Press Release)
MOSUL, IRAQ (November 9, 2004) – One Task Force Olympia Soldier was killed and a second service member later died of wounds following a mortar attack on a Multi-National Base in Mosul at approximately 10 a.m. today.
The names of the service members killed in the attack are withheld pending notification of next of kin.
A civilian contractor also wounded in the attack was evacuated to the military hospital in Baghdad.
Spc. Alan J. Burgess
We also learn that Spc. Alan J. Burgess was the soldier who died yesterday in Mosul. Spc. Burgess was assigned to the Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Brigade. Our hearts go out to his family and friends as we grieve the loss of another Task Force Olympia soldier.
Maj. Charles R. Soltes, Jr.
The DoD identified Maj. Charles R. Soltes, Jr. as the second soldier killed in Mosul last Wednesday. Maj. Soltes was assigned to the Army Reserve's 426th Civil Affairs Battalion. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and his fellow soldiers he leaves behind. If we find any additional information we will add it to this entry.
Lt. Col. Mark P. Phelan
The DoD has identified Lt. Col. Mark P. Phelan as one of the two soldiers killed in Mosul last Wednesday. Phelan was assigned to the Army Reserve's 416th Civil Affairs Battalion. I'd like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time. Please check this entry for updates as we find additional information.
Airman 1st Class Carl L. Anderson Jr.
The DoD has indentified the Task Force Olympia airman killed on Sunday as Airman 1st Class Carl L. Anderson Jr., who was assigned to 3rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska (see below). We would like to pass along our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Rest in peace.
Any subsequent articles will be added to this entry.
2nd Lt. Matthew R. Stovall
The DOD has identified the soldier killed in Mosul yesterday as 2nd Lt. Matthew R. Stovall with the Army National Guard’s 367th Maintenance Company, 298th Corps Support Battalion (see below). Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
Sgt. 1st Class David A. Hartman
The DoD has confirmed that Sgt. 1st Class David A. Hartman was the Task Force Olympia soldier killed last Saturday near Bayji, Iraq. Hartman was assigned to the Army Reserve’s 401st Transportation Company from Battle Creek, Michigan.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. We will include any additional articles we find in this entry.
Staff Sgt. Dustin W. Peters
It has been confrimed that Staff Sgt. Dustin W. Peters was the member of Task Force Olympia killed Sunday by a roadside bomb. Peters was
assigned to the 314th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time. Provided below is the press release from the DOD. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
Staff Sgt. Stephen G. Martin
The Associated Press is reporting that Staff Sgt. Stephen G. Martin has died from injuries suffered in the same attack that took the life of Staff Sgt. Charles Kiser (see article below). Martin had been flown to Walter Reed hospital last week. Like Kiser, he was a member of the Army Reserve’s 330th Military Police Detachment operating in the Mosul region.
We offer our deepest sympathies to his family and friends during this difficult time. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
Sgt. Christopher Wagener
Family members confirmed to a local newspaper that the soldier killed near Mosul yesterday was Sgt. Christopher Wagener, a helicopter mechanic from St. Louis (see article below). Our thoughts and prayers are with is family and friends. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
Staff Sgt. Charles A. Kiser
The DOD has confirmed the indentity of the Task Force Olympia soldier killed yesterday as Staff Sgt. Charles Kiser of the Army Reserve’s 330th Military Police Detachment. Our deepest condolences to his family and friends. We will add any subsequent articles we find to this entry.
Pfc. Andrew Tuazon
Provided below is an article regarding the death of Pfc. Andrew Tuazon. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. If we find additional information we will include it in this entry.
UPDATE: A memorial service was held today for Pfc. Tuazon. Articles describing the ceremony are included below.
PFC Andrew L. Tuazon
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Andrew L. Tuazon, 21, of Chesapeake, Va., died May 10, in Mosul, Iraq, from hostile fire while on guard duty. Pfc. Tuazon was assigned to the Armys 293rd Military Police Company, 3rd Military Police Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow soldiers he leaves behind.
SGT Joshua S. Ladd
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. Joshua S. Ladd, 20, of Port Gibson, Miss, died May 1 in Mosul, Iraq, when his convoy vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. Ladd was assigned to the Army National Guards 367th Maintenance Company, DeKalb, Miss.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow soldiers he leaves behind.
SPC Christopher D. Gelineau
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Spc. Christopher D. Gelineau, 23 of Portland, Maine, died April 20 in Mosul, Iraq, when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. Gelineau was assigned to the Army National Guards 133rd Engineer Battalion, Gardiner, Maine.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow soldiers he leaves behind.
1st Lt. Adam G. Mooney
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
1st Lt. Adam G. Mooney, 28, of Cambridge, Md., died from non-hostile injuries when his helicopter went down in the Tigris River during a search for a missing soldier. Mooney was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 10th Aviation (Fort Drum), however, in support of mission requirements, he was attached to 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow soldiers he leaves behind.
CW2 Michael T. Blaise
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of a soldier supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
CW2 Michael T. Blaise, 29, from Tenn., was killed Jan 23 when his OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter crashed on its way back from a combat mission near Mosul in northern Iraq. Blaise was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Aviation Brigade based at Fort Campbell, Ky.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow soldiers he leaves behind.
CW2 Brian D. Hazelgrove
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of a soldier supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Chief Warrant Officer (CW2) Brian D. Hazelgrove, 29, of Fort Rucker, Ala., was killed Jan 23 when his OH-58 Kiowa Warrior helicopter crashed on its way back from a combat mission near Mosul in northern Iraq. Hazelgrove was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 10th Aviation Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) based at Fort Drum, N.Y.
We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and fellow soldiers he leaves behind.
