d o g f a c
e s o
l d i e r s A photographic
journey of the
Third Signal Co. of the 15th Regt of the U.S. Third
Infantry Division-
WWII
by Denis Toomey
Troops' Return Marks End of
3rd Infantry Tour in Iraq The Associated Press - January 26, 2006 - SAVANNAH, Ga.
Closing a month booked solid with day-and-night arrivals of thousands of
Army troops from Iraq, Fort Stewart prepared Wednesday for its final large
homecoming for the 3rd Infantry Division. The return of about 240 soldiers
scheduled late Wednesday marked, at least symbolically, the end of the
19,000-soldier division's yearlong deployment to Iraq _ its second tour
since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.
"It's a milestone," said Lt. Col. Clifford Kent, a Fort Stewart spokesman.
"This flight represents the soldiers who make up the end of what we call the
main body." In other words, not quite everybody's home. Not quite
everybody's home. Major General William Webster, the division commander,
says about 100 Third Infantry troops remain in Kuwait preparing the
division's equipment to be shipped home. They should be back in early
February.
Ceremonies reuniting soldiers with their families have
been an almost daily ritual at Fort Stewart, about 40 miles southwest of
Savannah, since soldiers began returning by the hundreds two days after
Christmas. Families packed the bleachers at the southeast Georgia Army
post's parade grounds, cheering and waving flags as the troops marched onto
the field in formation just after 9:20 p-m. It was Fort Stewart's 60th
homecoming celebration in the past month.
The 3rd Infantry, which helped lead the 2003 invasion that toppled Saddam
Hussein, was the first Army division tapped by the Pentagon for a second
Iraq tour. Most of its soldiers, including an infantry brigade based at Fort
Benning in Columbus, deployed in January 2005. The division's core mission
was to secure Baghdad during a landmark year in which Iraqi voters approved
a national constitution and elected a permanent government.
It also proved to be a violent period. At least 105 soldiers of the 3rd
Infantry died during its yearlong deployment.
Russ Bynum has covered the military based in Georgia since 2001. Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
4th BCT takes charge in
‘International Zone’ By Pfc. Jason Dangel, 4th BCT PAO, 4ID
BAGHDAD –Jan.14,
2006- After a successful transition with the 4th Brigade Combat Team,
3rd Infantry Division, the 4th Infantry Division’s Cobra Brigade is
ready for its first mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Commanders Share
a Moment
U.S. Army Photo by Pfc. Jason Dangel (4BCT, 4ID PAO)
Col. Michael F.
Beech, Commander, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division and
Col. Edward Cardon, Commander, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry
Division share a moment after a Transfer of Authority ceremony Jan. 14
at Forward Operating Base Prosperity. The ceremony marked the official
hand-over of responsibilities from the 3rd Infantry Division’s
“Vanguard” Brigade to the “Cobra” Brigade.
The 4th Brigade Combat Team took
command of central and southern Baghdad as Col. Michael Beech, 4th BCT,
commander, and Command Sergeant Major John Moody, Jr., unfurled the
brigade colors during a Transfer of Authority ceremony at Forward
Operating Base Prosperity January 14. The ceremony marked the start of
Task Force Cobra’s first deployment since its activation Dec. 16, 2004.
“This unit was formed specifically for this mission a year ago,”
explained Beech, a native of Worchester, Mass. “We spent the last 12
months prior to this deployment focused on coming to Iraq to do this
mission. After a year of preparing for this operation and building this
brigade, it is a phenomenal thing to see it all come together here in
Iraq.”
As the battalions of Task Force Cobra execute their missions, their
primary focuses will be: securing a key infrastructure of Iraq’s new
government, the International Zone, partnering and developing Iraqi
Security Forces and helping the ISF defeat Anti-Iraqi Forces. “During
the short time the U.S. Army has been here, we’ve seen great strides in
the Iraqi Security Forces’ ability to defeat the Anti-Iraqi Forces and
secure the population,” Beech said. “During our time here, their ability
will increase.”
Over the last few days, he said, the Soldiers on the ground have been
extraordinarily successful identifying a variety of threats. “Every
day,” said Beech, “there are dozens of examples where our Soldiers and
leaders on the ground are making a huge difference, getting this country
closer to a self-sustaining, independent democracy.
Created as a unit of action under the U.S. Army’s force restructuring,
the 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div., manned, equipped and trained nearly 4,000
Soldiers in less than one year and began deploying personnel to Camp
Buehring, Kuwait late November. Each Cobra Soldier completed additional
training focused on improvised-explosive devices, cultural awareness,
conducting preventive maintenance checks and perform pre-combat
inspections before leaving for Baghdad.
After fine tuning their weapons and combat knowledge, the Cobra Brigade
began its trek into Baghdad, arriving just in time for the holiday
season where many Soldiers celebrated Christmas and the New Year at
their assigned forward operating bases.
Shortly after the holiday festivities subsided, leaders from the 4th BCT,
3rd Inf. Div., the “Vanguard Brigade” from Fort Stewart, Ga., helped
their replacements take the lead in daily operations as a final
transition between the two brigades. “I feel that our transition with
the 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. was absolutely superb,” Beech said. “It
really served as the capstone event and put the finishing touches on
this brigade as we ready ourselves for this mission.”
As the Vanguard Brigade returns to its home station, Task Force Cobra
has assumed responsibility of building upon, and adding to, its
accomplishments in Iraq. “The 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. had a very
successful rotation,” said Moody, a native of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
“Many Soldiers from their units lost their lives while they were here,”
he said. “They gave their lives for a great cause, and we intend to
build upon all the success they achieved.” The Cobra Brigade will play a
critical role in the success of the new Iraqi government as the people
of Iraq work to make history, he concluded.
Nearly All 3rd ID Soldiers Home
Staff Sgt. Alexander Collier, of the 3rd Aviation
Regiment, hugs 3-year-old daughter Kiana
at a Hunter Army Airfield homecoming ceremony Saturday. U.S. Army Photos
Col. Ronald Tuggle, Aviation Brigade commander, is
welcomed home as he departs the commercial aircraft
that brought about 200 soldiers back to Hunter Army Airfield Saturday. U.S.
Army Photo
Savannah Morning News-January 16, 2006
About 800 3rd Infantry Division soldiers returned to Fort Stewart and Hunter
Army Airfield during the weekend after a year in Iraq. Soldiers from the
division's 2nd Brigade, 4th Brigade, Division Support Brigade and Aviation
Brigade were among those returning. Since the 3rd ID began its redeployment
last month, about 16,750, or nearly 90 percent of the division, has
returned.
Baby Noor: Getting her from Iraq to America
10th Mountain Div. takes care of the details
BY Pfc. Jason Jordan
1st BCT, 10th Mountain Div PAO
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq –Jan.16,
2006- The world has been intrigued over the last several days with the
touching story about young Baby Noor – an Iraqi child suffering from spina
bifida taken into care by American Soldiers.
The Soldiers found Baby Noor during a cordon and knock in Abu Ghraib and
took her under care, providing for her and asking for a collective effort
to get the child to the United States for a life-saving surgery.
Baby Noor has since arrived in America and began receiving professional
care, but the process of how she got from Iraq to America is both touching
and complex.
After the Soldiers decided to take young Noor into their care and get her
help in America, they faced several legal and logistical challenges that
had to be taken care of immediately.
“The Soldiers of Company C, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry were prepared to
get Baby Noor from Kuwait to the U.S., but getting her to Kuwait required
some hurdles to be crossed,” said Maj. Olga Anderson, judge advocate, 1st
Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, who coordinated the legal
effort to get Noor help. The two biggest challenges faced were getting
permission to fly Iraqi citizens on a military plane to the United States
and acquiring passports in a short amount of time, she said. The executive
officer for the 1st Brigade Combat Team put together a team that was in
charge of working through the logistics of getting Baby Noor from Iraq to
Kuwait.
This team worked fervently around the clock, coordinating with numerous
organizations for a collective effort to get things done quickly and
proficiently, said Maj. Jimmy Bradford, executive officer, 1st BCT. During
this process, Soldiers cared for Baby Noor and her family in their living
quarters, provided them food, clothing and medical examinations to ensure
the baby was physically fit to make the journey.
Because of the regulations on who is allowed to fly on military flights,
special permission had to be granted from higher headquarters. “Providing
care for Baby Noor is in the best interest of Multi-National Division –
Baghdad and operations in Iraq because it facilitates our continued
resolve to assist the Iraqi population and ensure they are provided with
adequate healthcare,” said Bradford, in a memo to 3rd Inf. Div.
headquarters command.
The Soldiers would discover, however, that gaining support and approval
would not be a problem at all for it was clear that everyone wanted to
help, said Anderson. “The number of people that dedicated time and effort
to allowing (Baby Noor) to fly on a military plane to get help in the U.S.
is phenomenal,” said Anderson. Not long after the request was sent higher,
3rd Inf. Div. sent back a memo allowing Baby Noor and her family to
fly on the military flight.
“Allowing (Baby Noor) to fly on our plane was related to our mission in
Iraq and furthers the Department of Defense interests to rebuild the Iraqi
nation,” said Gen. George Casey, commanding general, Multi-National Forces
- Iraq.
Once permission to fly Baby Noor and her family on a military flight was
granted, the Soldiers then had to work on getting the family a visa or
passport in order to get into the United States, said Anderson.
The Embassy needed a point of contact with the Soldiers to gather
information about the family and their background in order to produce
Public Benefit Parole documents that would work as passports for the
family. “The coordination and effort that occurred throughout this process
is amazing,” said Anderson. “This family received passports in less than
48 hours.”
Due to the fact that the Soldiers could not be home with their families
for the holidays, they seem to have put together a truly great effort to
help the family of Baby Noor, she said.
The world-wide interest in Baby Noor and her family was a positive event
for the Soldiers involved, said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Sonen, platoon
leader, Company C, 1-121 Inf., the unit that initially discovered Baby
Noor. Soldiers do the same things for Iraqi families each day, he said,
but without such attention from the media. “I think it is great that
Soldiers have the opportunity to assist local national individuals in this
way and have a positive impact,” said Anderson.
3ID passes responsibility to 4ID during
‘Transfer of Authority’
By Master Sgt. Eric Lobsinger
Task Force Ironhorse PAO
Maj. Gen. William Webster Jr., commanding general, 3rd
inf. Div. (left); Lt. Gen. John Vines, commanding general,
Multi-National Corps-Iraq; and Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman, commanding general,
4th inf. Div., salute the flag during the
Transfer of Authority ceremony held at Camp Liberty, Iraq, Saturday.
(Army photo by Sgt. Ann Drier, 363rd Mobile Public
Affairs Detachment).
BAGHDAD –Jan.7, 2006- As Iraqi Army and coalition partners
looked on, the 3rd and 4th Infantry Divisions commemorated the completion
of their “Transfer of Authority” during a ceremony at the Multi-National
Division-Baghdad headquarters at 10 a.m. Saturday. Maj. Gen. William Webster Jr., the commanding general of 3rd
Inf. Div., along with Command Sgt. Maj. William Grant, officially
cased the “Marne” Division’s colors, signifying the successful completion
of the division’s mission as the Multi-National Division-Baghdad from Feb.
28, 2005 through Jan. 7, 2006. The division colors will again be uncased
during a ceremony after its redeployment back to Fort Stewart, Ga.
Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman, the commanding general of 4th Inf. Div., along
with Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Riling, uncased the “Ironhorse” Division’s
colors, signifying the division assuming the mantle of responsibility as
Multi-National Division-Baghdad. The division cased its colors before
deploying from Fort Hood, Texas, during a ceremony Oct. 28.
Lt. Gen. John Vines, the commanding general of Multi-National Corps-Iraq,
served as the reviewing officer for the ceremony. Also attending were
several senior Army leaders from throughout the theater as well as Gen.
Babader Zebari, the Chief of Staff of Iraqi Armed Forces; Lt. Gen. Abadi,
the Deputy Chief of Staff, Iraqi Joint Staff; and Maj. Gen. Mobdir,
commander of the 6th Iraqi Army Division.
Maj. Gen. William Webster Jr., commanding general, 3rd
inf. Div. (left), and Command Sgt. Maj. William Grant
furl the division’s colors during the Transfer of Authority ceremony held
at Camp Liberty, Iraq, Saturday.
The ceremony signifies mission completion as the division redeploys back
to Fort Stewart, Ga.
(Army photo by Sgt. Ann Drier, 363rd Mobile Public
Affairs Detachment).
“This ceremony symbolizes the transfer of authority.
There’s another symbolism of course – the Soldiers who serve under those
colors are conducting operations throughout the Multi-National
Division-Baghdad sector,” said Vines, commenting on the fact the 3rd and
4th Infantry Division Soldiers were continuing to conduct operations even
as the ceremony progressed.
Baghdad is the most complex environment in the world, he continued, as it
steadily moves toward democracy. The two divisions have served brilliantly
in the Iraqi theater.
“The 3rd Infantry Division is the first U.S. division to serve two
complete tours in Iraq, he said. “No unit in the United States Army has
been busier, more deployed or has seen as much combat as the 3rd Infantry
Division.
As they return home to their families and loved ones, he said, they go
with the thanks of a grateful nation of Iraq, and the United States, and
with the knowledge that they have done their duties brilliantly.
The ceremony signifies a day marked with both happiness and sadness, said
Webster, after casing the Marne Division’s colors.
“We are happy to have shared in the successes of the Iraqi people this
year and proud to have served the cause of freedom alongside so many brave
Iraqi men and women,” he said.
Much has been accomplished between the coalition and Iraqi forces
together, he added.
“We have worked together to fight within the rules of law to beat these
terrorists and to put them in jail,” he said. “Together we will win this
fight for democracy.
“We wish you well in the year ahead. Freedom, peace and prosperity will
come with continued hard work and sacrifice. We are proud to have been a
part of it. Thank you. Rock of the Marne!”
Thurman followed Webster at the podium and said it was an honor to be in
the great country of Iraq and the historic city of Baghdad and an honor to
assume command of the 30,000 Soldiers of Multi-National Division-Baghdad
from his close friend, Maj. Gen. Webster.
“To Maj. Gen. Webster and the Marne Division Soldiers: We have watched
your selfless service and professionalism from afar,” he said. “On behalf
of the 4th Infantry Division, I want to thank you for the magnificent job
you have done over the past 12 months. I also want to thank you for the
seamless transition between our two divisions.
“We will never forget the sacrifices made by Marne Division Soldiers and
the people of Iraq. We admire the courage of the Soldiers and police
patrolling the streets and villages, and we admire the courage of the
Iraqi citizens who bravely went to the polls to vote.”
Over the next year, he added, Task Force Ironhorse Soldiers will continue
to build on the Marne Divisions successes and will continue to foster the
partnership with its Iraqi brothers as it continues to move forward.
“This year will be the decisive period for the campaign in Iraq. I look
forward to working with the newly elected government, the Iraqi Army and
the Iraqi Police. Together, we will be successful.
“On October 28, 2005, we cased our division’s colors at Fort Hood, Texas,
signifying the start of our deployment to Iraq. Today we uncase those
colors and assume the responsibility for the Multinational Division –
Baghdad Area of Operations. Ironhorse! Steadfast and Loyal!”
Band of Brothers Reunite in Iraq By Spc. Karl Johnson
363 MPAD
Baghdad-January
12, 2006“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers: For
he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother,” wrote William
Shakespeare in Henry V.
Shakespeare described the lifelong bond formed between Soldiers who stand
together in battle. He called that bond brotherhood. In Iraq today,
brothers quite literally serve together. Often kept apart by their
different missions, they find themselves separated by their in common
profession – as Soldiers. The transfer of command from the 3rd Infantry
Division to the 4th Infantry Division brought with it the happy
reunion of some brothers. Three sets of brothers who got together again in
Iraq are the Hurons, the Martells and the Pooles.
“My brother and I are so close that we can be apart for many years, and
when we get back together, it is like we were never gone,” said Lt. Col.
Mark A. Huron, 4th Inf. Div. inspector general. Growing up in close
quarters, often times sharing the same space, brothers can develop bonds
that neither years nor separation can break.
Those bonds are as unique and individual as that old, perfect-fitting
baseball mitt you’ve had for years.
“We grew up in the same room,” he said. “We attended the same college and
took the same classes.”
When Huron joined the Army over 20 years ago, that closeness was put the
test. Following right behind him though was his younger brother, Lt. Col.
Gilbert G. Huron, 3rd Inf. Div. comptroller.
“I’ve been in for 19 years, and he has been in for 20 and a half and
unfortunately, this is the first time in 19 years that we’ve been
stationed in the same place,” said Gilbert. “It’s been nice spending this
time with him and getting the opportunity to talk about the good old
days.”
For the Martell brothers, serving in the same place, even for a short
while, has been a positive experience.
“The transition was a lot easier because he was here,” said 1st Sgt.
Osvaldo Martell, 4th Inf. Div. Troops Company first sergeant.
His older brother, Master Sgt. Angel Martell, 4th Inf. Div. G-1 sergeant
major, said the brothers often envisioned themselves as G.I. Joes when
they were children.
“This Christmas and New Years was the one of the greatest we’ve had in
years,” said Osvaldo Martell.
Not all brothers have been kept apart by their careers in the Army. Capt.
Daniel Poole, S-4 for 8th Battalion, 10th Calvary Squadron, 4th Brigade
Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, and his older brother, Capt. John
Poole, Commander, DTC, 4th Infantry Division, said they have been
fortunate during their careers.
“Because of the Army, I’ve seen my brother more than if I had not been
in,” said Daniel. “We really try to look out for each other.”
“We are really fortunate to be able to share our love of Soldiers, the
Army and our Country”, said John. “It makes my commitment that much more
special knowing my brother is doing the same thing I am.”
Regardless of how often these Soldier brothers have gotten to see each
other, they all agree that is it hard for them to watch each other go.
It’s with a heavy heart that these brothers say goodbye.
“In a lot of ways, he’s still just my little brother,” said Mark Huron.
“When he leaves, I’ll be very disappointed.”
1/15 Inf Returns
From
Operation Iraqi Freedom January 4th and 9th, 2006
January 9, 2006
Soldier meeting new member of family
Daniel Scott family reunited
Soldiers chow down on goodies,
compliments of 15th Infantry Regiment Association
Families and troops reunited
Troops marching in to ceremony area
Parents and son reunite
Troops turning in weapons
January 4th
Happy Couple
SGM Yancey, Opns SGM, directing operation
Greeting at Lawson AAF
Unmarried soldiers receiving barracks assignments
One of tables w/ Assoc items
First Large Homecoming from Iraq
Planned for Fort Stewart Troops by
RUSS BYNUM
Associated Press
SAVANNAH, Ga. Dec. 02, 2005- About 250
Fort Stewart soldiers were scheduled to return from Iraq late Friday in the
Army post's first major homecoming since the 3rd Infantry Division deployed
for its second tour almost a year ago. While Fort Stewart expects to welcome
back a few hundred more troops before the holidays, most of the 3rd
Infantry's 19,000 soldiers won't return until after New Year's Day. Most of
the returning troops belong to the Division Support Brigade, which handles
maintenance, transportation, medical and supply services for the division.
They're coming early to help the Army post prepare for the crush of arrivals
early next year.
News of the Friday flight created a buzz of excitement among spouses of the
returning soldiers, said Ella Layer, wife of brigade commander Col. Brian
Layer. "They're just beside themselves," Mrs. Layer said Friday afternoon.
"They've got five or six outfits laid on the bed, not sure what they're
going to wear. They've been cooking all day, getting all their spouses'
favorite foods ready, getting their nails done, their hair done." Though her
own husband won't be back until next year, Layer said she planned to gather
with families of returning troops for their reunions at the Fort Stewart
parade grounds well after dark. "There will be a lot of people out there who
won't have spouses coming back, just because they're so excited it's the
first group back," she said.
After helping lead the charge to Baghdad that toppled Saddam Hussein's
regime in 2003, the 3rd Infantry became the first Army division tapped to
return for a second tour. Most of its soldiers deployed in January. The 3rd
Infantry's commander, Maj. Gen. William G. Webster, said last month he
expects the vast majority of his troops will be home by Feb. 1.
The division still has a major role to play in safeguarding Iraqi elections
Dec. 15. It's also preparing the recently deployed 4th Infantry Division
from Fort Hood, Texas, to take over its mission in Baghdad.
However, Webster said he planned to send home an advance party of several
hundred division soldiers before the holidays.
"Assuming nothing significant changes on the ground (in Iraq), we anticipate
seeing some more of them coming home prior to Christmas," said Lt. Col.
Clifford Kent, a Fort Stewart spokesman. "The bulk of the division will stay
in that window for a January redeployment." Russ Bynum has covered the military based in Georgia since
2001.
Task Force Baghdad/3ID
Marne Soldiers Fulfill Dream of Citizenship
By Spc. Jennifer D. Atkinson
100th MPAD
CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq –December 30, 2005- “one
Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” With
their right hands over their hearts, approximately 80 of America’s newest
citizens completed the Pledge of Allegiance during a naturalization
ceremony at the 3rd Infantry Division chapel Dec. 17.
For many of the Soldiers, who traveled to Camp Liberty from all over the
3rd Inf. Div. area of operations, the ceremony marked the
realization of their long awaited dreams to become citizens of the country
they already serve.
Today, naturalization is a lengthy undertaking, but originally it was a
simple two-step process. An immigrant who wished to become a naturalized
citizen had to swear that he had lived in the United States for a
specified period of time and that he bore a “favorable disposition” toward
the country.
On July 17, 1862, an exception to the two-step process was granted to
veterans who served honorably in the U.S. Army during wartime. This “one
paper” process was extended to veterans of the Navy and Marine Corps in
1894.
President Theodore Roosevelt once said “anyone who is good enough to shed
their blood for the country is good enough to be given a square deal
afterwards.”
Each of the Soldiers participating in the Dec. 17 naturalization ceremony
earned that “square deal,” said Brig. Gen. Mark O’Neill, assistant
division commander-support, 3rd Inf. Div.
Praising the Soldiers’ commitment to their new nation, O’Neill told the
Soldiers they each brought a unique energy to America and that they had
“already shouldered a heavy burden on behalf of your fellow Americans” by
serving in the military.
O’Neill reminded the soon-to-be-citizens that “citizenship bears rights,
but also responsibilities.” Although each Soldier is already part of
history, and participating in American democracy by joining the military
before becoming a citizen, O’Neill said the responsibility of citizenship
would always be there.
Pfc. Habiba Chowdhurry recites the oath of citizenship at the Marne
Division chapel here Dec. 17.
Spc. Sakpraneth Khim, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 3rd
Aviation Regiment (General Support Aviation Battalion), said serving
in the Army wasn’t shouldering a burden, but a way to “repay a debt of
gratitude to a good country.”
Originally from Cambodia, Khim was a child when his family came to the
United States as refugees 18 years ago. “I’ve always wanted to be a
citizen,” said Khim, “but it’s a long process.” Soldiers who are deployed
can take advantage of a “streamlined” process, said Khim, and that helps.
After applicants make sure “all the Ts are crossed and all the Is are
dotted,” it becomes a waiting game, said Khim. Originally, Khim’s
interview was scheduled for May of next year, “but this is better,” he
said. Pfc. Habiba Chowdhurry, of Company A, 3rd Soldier Support Battalion,
is the first in her family to become a U.S. citizen. In 1992 her parents
brought their two children to the United States from Bangladesh for better
education opportunities.“I wanted to become a citizen of the country I
serve. I’m fighting for it and I took an oath,” Chowdhurry said. She, like
Khim, was pursuing her citizenship back in the States, but was lucky
enough to be interviewed in Iraq. Chowdhurry also had a pragmatic reason
for wanting to be naturalized. “If anything happens here (in Iraq),” she
said, “I want my mother to be able to say ‘My daughter was a United States
citizen and she was serving her country.” Chowdhurry said her family is
excited about her citizenship, and so is she. “I’m very proud that I’m not
the only one who wanted this,” she said as she looked at fellow Soldiers
waiting to take their oath. “I’m having a great day!”
August 22, 2005
DoD Identifies Army Casualties
The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on August 18, 2005, in
Samarra, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near their
HMMWV following a mine assessing mission. The soldiers were assigned to
the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd
Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
Killed were: Sgt. Nathan K. Bouchard, 24, of Wildomar, Calif. Staff Sgt. Jeremy W. Doyle, 24, of
Chesterton, Md. Spc. Ray M. Fuhrmann, II, 28, of
Novato, Calif. Pfc. Timothy J. Seamans, 20, of
Jacksonville, Fla.
August 24, 2005
1st Lt. Carlos J. Diaz, 27, of Juana Diaz, P.R., died on Aug. 23, 2005, in
Baqubah, Iraq, when enemy forces detonated an explosion near his position.
Diaz was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade,
3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
September 2, 2005
Sgt. Monta S. Ruth, 26, of Winston-Salem, N.C., died on Aug. 31, 2005, in Samarra, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near his
military vehicle during security patrol operations. Ruth was assigned to
the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry
Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
September 5, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on Sept. 1, 2005, in
Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their
HMMWV during patrol operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the Army
National Guard's 108th Cavalry Regiment, 48th Infantry Brigade, Griffin,
Ga.
Killed were: Staff Sgt. George R. Draughn Jr., 29, of Decatur, Ga. Sgt. 1st Class Robert L. Hollar Jr., 35, of Griffin, Ga.
Sgt. 1st Class Lonnie J. Parson, 39, of Norcross, Ga.,
died on Sept. 2, 2005, in Baghdad, Iraq, when his M3A2 Bradley Fighting
Vehicle was struck by an enemy explosive device. Parson was assigned to
the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry
Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
September 6, 2005
Spc. Luke C. Williams, 35, of Knoxville, Tenn., died on Sept. 5, 2005 in
Baghdad, Iraq, when the HMMWV he was riding in accidentally rolled over
into a ditch. Williams was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry
Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
September 7, 2005
Sgt. Matthew C. Bohling, 22, of Eagle
River, Alaska, died on Sept. 5, 2005, in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, where an
improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during combat
operations. Bohling was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor
Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
September 8, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died on Sept. 6, 2005, in
Baghdad, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device detonated near their
HMMWV causing it to rollover. Both soldiers were assigned to the Brigade
Troops Battalion, Division Support Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort
Stewart, Ga.
Killed were: Staff Sgt. Jude R. Jonaus, 27, of Miami, Fla. Sgt. Franklin R. Vilorio, 26, of Miami, Fla.
September 14, 2005
Sgt.Kurtis D. K. Arcala, 22, of Palmer, Alaska, died on
Sept. 11, 2005, in Tikrit, Iraq, where an improvised explosive device
detonated near his position during convoy escort operations. Arcala was
assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry
Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
September 20, 2005
Sgt. Deckard dies in action
FORT STEWART, Ga.-- The Department of Defense announced today the death of
a 3rd Infantry Division Soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Sgt Matthew Lynn Deckard, 29, of Elizabethtown, KY, died Sept. 16, 2005 in
Baghdad, Iraq where an improvised explosive device detonated near his
position while he was on patrol operations. Deckard was assigned to
Company C, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment; 4th Brigade, 3rd Inf. Div.,
as an M1 armor crewman.
Sgt Deckard entered the Army Jan. 20, 1995. He arrived at Fort Stewart,
“Home of the 3rd Inf. Div.,” Feb. 24, 2001.
September 21, 2005
Two Marne Soldiers die in action supporting OIF
FORT STEWART, Ga.-- The Department of Defense announced today the death of
two 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi
Freedom. They died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 16, when an improvised
explosive device detonated near their M1A1 Abrams tank during patrol
operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor
Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart,
Ga.
1st Sgt. Alan N. Gifford, 39, of Tallahassee, Fla., entered the Army Feb.
4, 1986. He arrived Sept. 10, 2003 at Fort Stewart, Home of the 3rd
Infantry Division. 1st Sgt. Gifford was a Senior Armored Cavalry Sergeant
assigned to Co. C, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat
Team.
Spc. David H. Ford IV, 20, of Ironton, Ohio, entered the Army July 1,
2003. He arrived Nov. 18, 2003 at Fort Stewart, Home of the 3rd Infantry
Division. Spc. Ford was an M1A1 Armor Crewman assigned to Co. C, 4th
Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.
September 26, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died of injuries sustained
in Baghdad, Iraq, on Sept. 23, when an improvised explosive device
detonated near their M113 armored personnel carrier. They also were
attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire. Both soldiers were
assigned to the Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry
Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Oakdale, Calif.
Killed were:
Staff Sgt. Daniel R. Scheile, 37, of Antioch, Calif., who died on Sept.
24.
Sgt. Paul C. Neubauer, 40, of Oceanside, Calif., who died on Sept. 23.
September 29, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was
supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Staff Sgt. Jason A. Benford, 30, of Toledo, Ohio, died in Ar Ramadi, Iraq,
on Sept. 27, when his patrol was attacked by enemy forces using small arms
fire. Benford was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd
Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
October 5, 2005
Staff Sgt. Jens E. Schelbert, 31, of New Orleans, La., died in Ar Ramadi,
Iraq, on Oct. 1, when his forward operating base was attacked by enemy
forces using indirect fire. Schelbert was assigned to the 2nd Battalion,
69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
October 12, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on
Oct. 10, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their M2A2
Bradley Fighting Vehicle during combat operations. Both soldiers were
assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd
Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
Killed were:
Sgt. 1st Class Brandon K. Sneed, 33, of Norman, Okla. Sgt. Leon M. Johnson, 28, of Jacksonville, Fla.
October 21, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of three Soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Balad, Iraq, on Oct.
19, when their HMMWV was struck by enemy indirect fire during patrol
operations. The Soldiers were assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry
Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart,
Ga.
Killed were: Sgt. Arthur A. Mora Jr., 23, of Pico Rivera, Calif. Spc. Russell H. Nahvi, 24, of Arlington, Texas.
Spc. Jose E. Rosario, 20, of St. Croix, Virgin Islands.
October 25, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a
soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Staff Sgt. George T. Alexander, Jr., 34, of Clanton, Ala., died at Brooke
Army Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, on Oct. 22, of injuries sustained
in Samarra, Iraq, on Oct. 17, when an improvised explosive device
detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Alexander was assigned to the
1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division,
Fort Benning, Ga.
October 25, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of five soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Ar Ramadi, Iraq, on
Oct. 15, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their M2A2
Bradley Fighting Vehicle during combat operations. The soldiers were
assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd
Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
Killed were: Staff Sgt. Vincent E. Summers, 38, of South Haven, Mich. Spc. Thomas H. Byrd, 21, of Cochise, Ariz. Spc. Jeffrey W. Corban, 30, of Elkhart, Ind. Spc. Richard A. Hardy, 24, of Newcomerstown, Ohio. Spc. Timothy D. Watkins, 24, of San Bernardino, Calif.
October 28, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of four soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Capt. Michael J. Mackinnon, 30, of Helena, Mont., died on Oct. 27, in
Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV during convoy operations. Mackinnon was assigned to the Army's 4th
Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry
Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Rustamiyah, Iraq, on
Oct. 26, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV.
Both Soldiers were assigned to the Army's 3rd Forward Support Battalion,
Division Support Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
Killed were: Master Sgt. Thomas A. Wallsmith, 38, of Carthage, Mo. Sgt. 1st Class Ramon A. Acevedoaponte, 51, of Watertown, N.Y.
Sgt. Michael T. Robertson, 28, of Houston, Texas, died at Brooke Army
Medical Center, San Antonio, Texas, on Oct. 25, of injuries sustained in Samarra, Iraq, on Oct. 17, when an improvised explosive device detonated
near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. The incident fatally injured another
soldier and was reported on Oct. 25. Robertson was assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division,
Fort Benning, Ga.
October 31, 2005
Pfc. Dillon M. Jutras, 20, of Fairfax Station, Va., died in Al Anbar
Province, Iraq, on Oct. 28, from injuries sustained while conducting
combat operations. Jutras was assigned to the Army's 3rd Battalion, 75th
Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga.
November 2, 2005
Pfc Rojas dies in action
FORT STEWART, Ga. -- The Department of Defense announced
yesterday the death of a 3rd Infantry Division soldier who was supporting
Operation Iraqi Freedom. Private First Class Kenny D. Rojas, 21, of Pembroke Pines, Fla., died near Bayji, Iraq on Oct. 29 when his unit was conducting a combat patrol and a
landmine exploded near his HMMWV.
Rojas entered the military January 28, 2004 and arrived at Fort Stewart,
Home of the 3rd Infantry Division on July 29, 2004.
Private First Class Rojas was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry
Regiment, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga., as an
Infantryman.
November 2, 2005
Col. Wood dies in action
FORT STEWART, Ga.-- The Department of Defense announced Oct. 31 the death
of a 3rd Infantry Division Soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi
Freedom. Colonel William W. Wood, 44, of Panama City, Fla., died Oct. 27 in
Baghdad, Iraq when he was directing security operations in response to the
detonation of an improvised explosive device. During this response, a
second improvised explosive device detonated near his position.
Col. Wood entered the Army May 20, 1984 and arrived June 16, 2004 to Fort
Stewart, Home of the 3rd Infantry Division as an Infantry Officer. While
here he served as the deputy chief of staff and deputy commander of the
2nd Brigade Combat Team.
During Operation Iraqi Freedom 3, Col. Wood was assigned to and thereby
assumed command in July 2005 of the 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment
(Air Assault) of Modesto, Calif.
November 3, 2005
Spc. Dennis J. Ferderer Jr., 20, of New Salem, N.D., died in Ad
Duluiyah, Iraq, on Nov. 2, when enemy forces threw a hand grenade at his
HMMWV during convoy operations. Ferderer was assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division,
Fort Benning, Ga.
November 7, 2005
Spc. Darren D. Howe, 21, of Beatrice, Neb., died at Brooke Army
Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, on Nov. 3, of injuries sustained in
Samarra, Iraq, on Oct. 17, when an improvised explosive device detonated
near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle. Howe was assigned to the 1st Battalion,
15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning,
Ga.
The Department of Defense announced today the deaths of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Baghdad, Iraq, on
Nov. 4, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV
during convoy operations. The soldiers were assigned to the 26th Forward
Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
Killed were: Capt. James M. Gurbisz, 25, of Eatontown, N.J. Pfc. Dustin A. Yancey, 22, of Goose Creek, S.C.
November 8, 2005
Capt. Joel E. Cahill, 34, of Norwood, Mass., died in Ad Dawr, Iraq,
on Nov. 6, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV.
Cahill was assigned to the Army's 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment,
3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
November 17, 2005
Pvt. Dylan R. Paytas, 20, of Freedom, Pa., died in Baqubah, Iraq,
on Nov. 16, from injuries sustained from multiple gunshot wounds. Paytas
was assigned to the 3rd Brigade Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division,
Fort Benning, Ga.
November 21, 2005
Staff Sgt. Ivan V. Alarcon, 23, of Jerome, Idaho, died in Tal Afar,
Iraq, on Nov. 17, when his HMMWV accidentally rolled over during combat
operations. Alarcon was assigned to the Army's 473rd Quartermaster
Company, Hunter Army Airfield, Ga.
November 28, 2005
Pfc. Ryan D. Christensen, 22, of Spring Lake Heights, N.J., died at
the Medical University of Charleston in Charleston, S.C., on Nov. 24, of a
non-combat related illness identified in Balad, Iraq, on Nov. 10.
Christensen was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd
Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
December 5, 2005
Sgt. Grzegorz Jakoniuk, 25, of Schiller Park, Ill., died in Taji,
Iraq, on Nov. 30, from non-combat related injuries. Jakoniuk was assigned
to the 4th Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort
Campbell, Ky. The incident is under investigation.
December 9, 2005
1st Lt. Kevin J. Smith, 28, of Brandon, Fla., died in Baghdad,
Iraq, on Dec. 8, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his
HMMWV. Smith was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 76th Field Artillery, 4th
Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
December 13, 2005
Spc. Lex S. Nelson, 21, of Salt Lake City, Utah, died in Tikrit,
Iraq on Dec. 12, when he fell from a guard tower. Nelson was assigned to
the 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery, 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry
Division, Fort Stewart, Ga. The incident is under investigation.
December 14, 2005
Staff Sgt. Curtis A. Mitchell, 28, of Malta, Ohio, died in
Baghdad, Iraq, on Dec. 12, when an improvised explosive device detonated
near his M1A1 Abrams tank during combat operations. Mitchell was assigned
to the 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort
Stewart, Ga.
December 17, 2005
Spc. Joseph A. Lucas, 23, of Augusta, Ga., died in Balad, Iraq on
Dec. 15, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his HMMWV
during combat operations. Lucas was assigned to the 5th Squadron, 7th
Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort
Stewart, Ga.
December 22, 2005
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Taji, Iraq on Dec.
20, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during
combat operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st Battalion 15th
Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.
Killed were: 1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary, 24, of Dallas, Pa. Spc. Richard Junior D. Naputi, 24, of Talofofo, Guam.
December 27, 2005
Spc. Anthony O. Cardinal, 20, of Muskegon, Mich., died in Baghdad,
Iraq, on Dec. 25, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his
HMMWV during combat operations. Cardinal was assigned to the 3rd Squadron,
7th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart,
Ga.
December 27, 2005
Spc. Sergio Gudino, 22, of Pomona, Calif., died in Baghdad, Iraq,
on Dec. 25, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his M1A1
tank during combat operations. Gudino was assigned to the 1st Battalion,
64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort
Stewart, Ga.
January 6, 2006
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who
were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in Baghdad, Iraq, on
Jan. 5, when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV
during convoy operations. Both soldiers were assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 76th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd
Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga.
Killed were: Sgt. Jason Lopezreyes, 29, of Hatillo, Puerto Rico. Spc. Ryan D. Walker, 25, of Stayton, Ore.
Free Packing Materials
from the US Postal Service
The United States Postal Service is offering free
packing materials to spouses
and families of military members who are deployed overseas.
To take advantage of this service call:1-800-610-8734 and press 1 (for
English &
then 3 for an operator), alternate direct line 1-800-527-1950 and they
will send you
free boxes, packing materials, tape and mailing labels. These products are
to be
used to mail care packages to service members. Make sure you ask for CARE
KIT 4.
You will receive:
5 - 7"x7"x6" boxes
5 - 12"x12"x8" boxes
1 - Roll of tape
15 custom forms
10 address labels
5 - tyvek bags (water proof and non tear)
Call this number to order: 1-800-610-8734
(Press 1 for English and then 3 for operator).
3ID Support is a soldier and family site developed to support our
troops and families during deployment.
Here you can come to share stories, keep in contact and support one
another. http://www.3id-support.com/
.jpg)
