One of the eight was Pfc Ryan D. Christensen, 22, of Spring Lake Heights, N.J., who died at the Medical University of Charleston in Charleston, S.C., on Nov. 24, 2005, of a non-combat related illness identified in Balad, Iraq. Christensen was not initially honored at Warriors Walk because an Army medical investigation indicated his fatal illness was not related to his deployment to Iraq. Fort Stewart spokesman Kevin Larson said Christensen's family did not accept this and had remained in contact with the 3rd ID's commanding general, Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, during two subsequent inquiries into the illness. Those investigations, Larson said, revealed a possible link with Christenson's deployment. "So now he is honored here, where he belongs,” Larson said. “This is the right thing to do for Pfc. Christensen and his family." Christensen was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

Buchs skillfully wove personal information about each soldier into his speech, honoring the eight young men who died in connection with Operation Iraqi Freedom. Christensen, Buchs said, had a personal interest in technology and used his skills to help an Iraqi radio station while he was deployed.

Sgt. Lui Tumanuvao Sr., 29, of Fagaalu, American Samoa, died Nov. 7 in Arab Jabour, Iraq, of wounds suffered when he was struck by an improvised explosive device during combat operations. The day of Tumanuvao’s promotion was one of the proudest moments for him and his family, Buchs said. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

Sgt. Mason L. Lewis, 26, of Gloucester, Va., died in Baghdad on Nov. 16, as a result of a non-combat related training accident. Nicknamed as a child “Little Rambo,” Lewis had grown to love the Iraqi people and culture, and had learned to speak Arabic. He was assigned to the 26th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team.

Sgt. Samuel E. Kelsey, 24, of Troup, Texas, died Dec. 13 in Tunnis, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated. Kelsey is remembered as a high school athlete and an outdoorsman. He was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team.

Sgt. Daniel McCall, 24, of Pace, Fla., died Oct. 30 of wounds suffered in Salman Pak, Iraq, when enemy forces engaged his unit with small arms fire and an improvised explosive device. McCall set a record for the 400-meter at his high school in Florida. His record still stands. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, at Fort Benning.

Spc. Rush M. Jenkins, 22, of Clarksville, Tenn., died Oct. 30 of wounds suffered also in Salman Pak, when enemy forces engaged his unit with small arms fire and an improvised explosive device. Jenkins has a twin brother, Michael, who received word of his death on their shared birthday. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, Fort Benning.

Pfc. Cody M. Carver, 19, of Haskell, Okla., died Oct. 30 in Salman Pak, when enemy forces engaged his unit with small arms fire and an improvised explosive device. Carver is remembered as a good soldier, who “joined the Army to make a difference. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, at Fort Benning.

Pfc. Dwane A. Covert, 20, of Tonawanda, N.Y., died Nov 3, in Al-Sahra, Iraq, from injuries suffered in a non-combat related incident. Covert and his wife have a daughter born last month. He was assigned to the 104th Transportation Company, 13th Corps Support Sustainment Battalion, Fort Benning. 
© 2006 Hinesville Publishing - All Rights Reserved

4th BCT deploys first wave of Soldiers in support of OIF
Pvt. Jerome Arp / 4th BCT PA

The first body of Soldiers with the 4th Brigade Combat Team deployed to Kuwait Oct 10.
Approximately 60 Soldiers were part of the Torch Party, which is the first wave of Soldiers to deploy in the Brigade to help with mission-oriented preparations and ease stress of the flow of incoming and outgoing Soldiers in theater.

Spc. Aracelio Perez, a Soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4^th Brigade Combat Team, is surrounded by his loved ones prior to him deploying Oct. 10. His Family members include his wife Hilda, son Bryan, and daughters Zahira and Nushka. Approximately 60 Soldiers were part of the Torch Party, which was the first wave of Soldiers to deploy for the 4^th Brigade Combat Team.

Families and friends of the deploying Soldiers gathered at their respective companies to say goodbye and wish the Soldiers luck.
Although the Soldiers will be thousands of miles away from their Families, 4th BCT offers many different means of communication and assistance.
“We stay in touch through letters, e-mail and the telephone,” said Hilda Perez, wife of Spc. Aracelio Perez, who is assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division. “I prefer talking to him on the phone so I can hear his voice.”

Soldiers with Battery B, 1^st Battalion, 76^th Field Artillery, run through a pre-deployment equipment check Oct. 10. Approximately 60 Soldiers were part of the Torch Party, which was the first wave of Soldiers to deploy for the 4^th Brigade Combat Team.

For many, this isn’t their Family’s first deployment and they’re familiar with the techniques and stress involved with separation.
“This will be his third deployment, and I’ve learned you have to take the good with the bad,” said Wendy Bush, wife of Sgt. 1st Class Terry Bush, an infantryman with HHC. “I’ll write him often and always enjoy holding and re-reading his responses.”

Soldiers with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4^th Brigade Combat Team, form a “chain” to more efficiently load the gear of deploying Soldiers Oct. 10. Approximately 60 Soldiers were part of the Torch Party, which was the first wave of Soldiers to deploy for the 4^th BCT.

The Family Readiness Groups (FRGs) within the Brigade are groups of volunteers responsible for maintaining the critical communication link between Families and the Soldiers during deployment.
4th BCT Soldiers and their Families have attended numerous FRG meetings and are familiar with support the group offers.

Sgt. 1^st Class Terry Bush, an infantryman with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4^th Brigade Combat Team, spends some time with his family before deploying Oct. 10. Approximately 60 Soldiers were part of the Torch Party, which was the first wave of Soldiers to deploy for the 4^th BCT.

The Main Body of 4th BCT is scheduled to deploy in late October and the Trail Party, the remainder of 4th BCT Soldiers, is scheduled to deploy in early November.

Terry Roney, father of Maj. Christine Roney, a Soldier with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4^th Brigade Combat Team, helps his daughter carry her gear as the two spend some time together before her deployment Oct 10. Approximately 60 Soldiers were part of the Torch Party, which was the first wave of Soldiers to deploy for the 4^th BCT.

Family members watch as 4^th Brigade Combat Team Soldiers pre-stage equipment at the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4^th BCT company area Oct 10. Approximately 60 Soldiers were part of the Torch Party, which was the first wave of Soldiers to deploy for the 4^th BCT.
Photos by Pvt. Jerome Arp  

Lynch: Attacks, casualties down in 3rd ID area in Iraq
 October 8, 2007

BAGHDAD - During September I was lucky enough to return to the United States for my R&R. As soon as I returned, my wife, Sarah, and I visited West Point where I addressed my class during our 30th reunion. I also addressed some of the Corps of Cadets - the future of our Army's leadership.

When I returned to Georgia I spent some more time with the family as well as some time with local Savannah and Hinesville media and leadership. I wanted to take the time to tell the story of how well our soldiers are performing in Iraq. I also met with leaders and soldiers of our Fourth Brigade Combat Team, who are expected to join us in Iraq next month.

Before I returned to Iraq, I visited our wounded warriors at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, and at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Being with those soldiers was the most humbling experience I've had while wearing this uniform. Their injuries ranged from wounded hands and legs to double amputees. In every encounter, the soldiers were not complaining about their struggles but thinking of their fellow soldiers. They were asking about their unit, their buddies, and when they could get back in the fight. I was amazed to talk with these young men and women - they are truly America's heroes.

When I returned to Iraq I was absolutely amazed at the progress that had been made in the three weeks I was gone. Attacks have dropped drastically across the entire area and casualties are down. The 3rd Infantry Division suffered two losses in my absence. We also lost Specialist Christian Neff to an IED attack on his tank in Baghdad on Sept. 19. Christian had become the hometown hero in Lima, Ohio, where the town's number one priority is to make tanks to support the war effort. Thousands showed up to his funeral and we keep his parents, William and Nancy, in our prayers.

Sgt. John Mele paid the ultimate sacrifice when he was killed by a pressure plate IED while conducting a dismounted patrol with a concerned citizen. Sgt. Mele was a great American and served under the legendary Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith, one of two medal of honor recipients from Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the initial invasion into Iraq, Paul and John served side by side when Paul paid the ultimate sacrifice. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Jennifer and his daughter, Clarissa.

The concerned citizens program has grown in the 3rd Infantry Division from no concerned citizens in June to over 20,000 recognized volunteers this week. Over 20,000 Iraqis have said they do not approve of violence and have stepped up to secure their local neighborhoods. These 20,000 concerned citizens come from 32 groups that actively oppose al-Qaida. These Iraqis do not only secure their neighborhoods, but clean canals, clear fields, secure critical infrastructure, and train with Iraqi police and Iraqi Army units.

Concerned citizens reach out across sectarian lines - Sunnis and Shiites have joined together to tackle the violence in their communities. In Muellah, a mixed are along the Sunni-Shia fault line 25 miles southeast of Baghdad, Sunni and Shia leaders are planning for combined checkpoints along main route through the center of the area. These leaders are also working together to help resettle both the Shiite and Sunni families that left the area as a result of previous violence.

Most importantly, the concerned citizens are coming forward with actionable intelligence. Because they know they can trust Coalition Forces, they are leading our soldiers to IEDs, caches, and the houses of insurgents. Concerned citizens are responsible for turning in four of the Division's high value targets - insurgents that are now in prison. Also while I was gone, our soldiers worked to build three more patrol bases. By living amongst the Iraqi population with Iraqi Army soldiers, we are working to ensure insurgents have no where to hide.

Rock of the Marne!

Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch is commanding general of the 3rd Infantry Division, which is based at Fort Stewart and is deployed in Iraq. Capt. Allie Weiskopf Chase contributed to this column. http://new.savannahnow.com/node/371342
© 2007 SavannahNOW and the Savannah Morning News.

1-10 Artillery rejoins brigade
Combat unit was guarding detainees at Camp Bucca
BY MICK WALSH-Posted on Sat, Oct. 13, 2007
mwalsh@ledger-enquirer.com

So long, Persian Gulf. Hello, Baghdad.

The 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery Regiment, which has augmented the prison guard staff at the Camp Bucca detention center for the last six months, has been reunited with its brothers in arms, the 3rd Heavy Combat Brigade Team.

Brigade commander Col. Wayne W. Grigsby Jr. was so happy to see the return of one of his main combat battalions from the port city of Umm Qasr that he threw a lobster dinner for them at Forward Operating Base Hammer this week.

"We're so glad to get you guys back here," Grigsby said to his audience. "It's incredible what you've done. I still hear about the great work you guys did down in Bucca."

The 1-10, under the command of Lt. Col. Mark Sullivan, wasn't originally scheduled to go to Bucca, located in the port city of Umm Qasr, tucked on a sliver of land between Kuwait and Iran.

"As late as the fourth week in March, we were programmed to join the rest of the brigade in the Baghdad area," Sullivan said. "We were subsequently redirected and given the mission of detention operations. We certainly hadn't anticipated a job of guarding detainees."

Now that they are back in the fold, they'll soon be doing the job they were trained for.

"Pat yourselves on the back today, tomorrow and maybe the day after that," Grigsby told the 1-10 soldiers. "But get ready to get out there and start doing your job. It's time to get your game faces on."

The brigade will remain in Iraq until next June when it is scheduled to complete its 15-month deployment.

'You can sense the momentum'

By Kimberly Dick · The Herald - Rock Hill, SC
Updated 10/10/07
Special to The Herald

Lt. Col. Randy Martin, a 1985 graduate of Rock Hill High School,
is a public affairs officer of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division.

Lt. Col. Randy Martin's job is to tell the story of the soldiers in Iraq. His second trip to the country has surprised him.
Martin, a public affairs officer of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, is a 1985 graduate of Rock Hill High School.
He's based at Fort Stewart, Ga., where his wife, Amy, and three children call home. In March, Martin started his second tour in Iraq, the fifth deployment in his military career.
He talked with Herald reporter Kimberly Dick by phone from Iraq on Monday.

Q: What's surprised you about this trip in Iraq?

A: "After I returned the first time, I noticed you really didn't have a sense of what was going on watching it on TV. Now that I'm here, beneath all the bad news, there is a glimmer of hope. You can sense the momentum in the right direction.
"The number of attacks on U.S. forces has gone down, and the number of people trying to help us, up. You see more lights; more commercial airplanes departing. You see cars; you see kids that are running around and enjoying life the way kids are supposed to. It's been an enlightening experience this trip."

Q: Why did you join the Army?

A: "Growing up, I was impressed by people who served in the military. I remember going to the Tomb of the Unknown Solider in Arlington, Va., and being so impressed with the soldiers on guard. I remember going through family albums of my dad, who was in the Army in the 1950s and in Korea. Those were my heroes. As soon as I could join the Army, I did. And I have been doing it ever since."

Q: What does your job entail?

A: "I work for Major Gen. Rick Lynch. I am the leader of a team of about 23, responsible for outreach with American and Western media. As director of internal communication, I'm responsible for producing a newspaper, newsletter and Web-based newscast for our divisional task force, totaling about 18,000."

Q: What's your typical day like in Iraq?

A: "It begins about 5:30 a.m. After breakfast, personal hygiene and a visit to the chapel, I go to our operations center and talk to the folks I have manning the battle desk to assess anything that happened overnight that may need to be reported in the news. I take whatever steps necessary to get it on radio, TV, newspapers. That's how I fight my fight for the rest of the day."

Q: So that's pretty similar to how I spend my day?

A: "Except you don't hear explosions; I do."

Q: How did you get a public affairs gig?

A: "For several years, I rode on tankers like my dad. As my career progressed, I reached the point where the Army said, 'We need officers to look at career options.' After several years of doing what they told me to, here the Army was now asking me what I wanted to do."

Q: What's the most interesting situation you've found yourself in since you went to Iraq?

A: "Well, the toughest experience in my Army career thus far is dealing with the real-life drama of having missing soldiers. There was an attack on soldiers who were part of our task force by al-Qaida. In the attack, five men lost their lives, and three weren't accounted for. Five days later, we found one, but two still remain missing -- months later. We commit ourselves to never leaving a fallen comrade behind. Think about their families at home."

Q: When are you coming home?

A: "June or July 2008. I just returned home on leave in September for about three weeks, and that was wonderful and fun. Until you've served, you really don't appreciate all of the goodness you have in America: family, freedom to go where you want, to do what you want to do."

Q: Anything we should be doing as Americans to help?

A: "Never forget why we are doing what we are doing. Continue to support us, and take care of our families while we are gone. Learn as much as you can about why we are fighting."

-- Kimberly Dick

Ambassador Visits Ramadi

August 9, 2007
Press Release: 8-9.1
RAMADI, Iraq – Legislators and citizens of Ramadi were surprised when the top U.S. diplomat in Iraq paid a visit to the capital of Al Anbar province today.
U.S. ambassador Ryan Crocker spent the entire afternoon meeting local legislators including Anbar’s governor and provincial council, Ramadi’s mayor and city council, as well as touring a city market.
This was the first trip to Ramadi as the ambassador and comes approximately one month before he will provide an assessment to the U.S. Congress on Iraq’s state of affairs.
Maj Lee Peters
lee.peters@mnf-wiraq.usmc.mil
 

U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Ryan Crocker, greets Ramadi embedded Provincial Reconstruction
Team leader Kristin Hagerstrom, at the Ramadi Municipal Coordination Center.
 

CAMP RAMADI, Iraq (July 12, 2007) – Troops and civilians alike gathered in the Morale Welfare and Recreation facility for a special concert July 11 at Camp Ramadi. Five Star Iris, an Atlanta, Ga., rock and roll music band, made a special trip to Iraq as part of a four-day MWR concert for military servicemembers operating in the Middle East.
“This was our chance to show our support the best way we could,” said Alex Winfield, Five Star Iris lead singer. “This is our third military tour, and it’s our first time in Iraq. It’s been an unforgettable experience.”

The band was approached by MWR officials during one of their performances in Texas and asked if they’d like to perform overseas for the military. “A few months ago, we were approached by an MWR promoter and asked if we’d go to Southwest Asia and of course we said yes,” Winfield said. “Then they asked if we’d be willing to go to Iraq. We said definitely.”
The current tour was something the members really wanted to do for the troops and themselves as Americans.
“Not many bands can say they’ve been in Iraq,” Winfield said. “The people here have been really welcoming and appreciative of us traveling here for them.”

Although it’s only three shows in Iraq, the band enjoys the time to travel across the country and see what the troops endure and what life’s like for the men and women of the armed forces.
“We all have a different takes about our experiences here,” said Dan Fishman, Five Star Iris drummer.
He said that everyone has a responsibility to each other as human beings to do what we can to help in any way they can.
“It’s a huge sacrifice,” Fishman said. “It’s not easy to come and serve here, so if we can do something to help out and break the monotony … this was something we needed to do.”

Before even arriving overseas to entertain the troops, the band was receiving emails from their fan base to make the performance a special one for the military. “We’d have fans telling us that coming here was something we needed to do,” Winfield said. “They were telling us to make this concert a memorable one. We didn’t know what to expect coming here so we were a bit nervous. This was one of our only concerts where you saw weapons in the crowd.”

The troops attending the show loved the chance to break away from their daily routines and enjoy a concert in a combat zone. “It gets dull here,” said Pfc. Gary Murdock, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Combat Team paralegal. “This concert helped relieve some stress.” He added, “It was a good concert. The band was enthusiastic about being here and created a very fun and uplifting environment for us. Iraq is a very stressful place and having events like this is a great way for servicemembers to have an outlet and escape the reality of what’s going on around them.

When asked what they all thought of their time at Camp Ramadi, the band had one reply, “Awesome. The crowd was really enthusiastic, and appreciative of us. It’s always great to make new fans wherever we go.” -30-
 

Adopt a Soldier Creates Empathy
By The Times-Union
Carol Megathlin is a writer based in Savannah

July 5, 2007 - I know a little bit more than I did three months ago about the war in Iraq. That's when I approached Major Gen. Rick Lynch, commanding general of the Third Infantry Division, with the adopt a soldier idea. At Hunter Army Air Field in Savannah, deploying soldiers sign up to be sponsored by a civilian while they are in Iraq. In the back of my mind, I knew that some of the soldiers who boarded those planes at Hunter would not be coming home. I even thought about it as they lined up before my table to ask for sponsors.

Last week, however, things started to get real. All of the soldiers who have been adopted so far are in the Second Brigade or the Combat Aviation Brigade. And a few days ago, those brigades began to take casualties. These good-hearted people have e-mailed encouragement, sent care packages and prayed for their soldier's safety. The soldiers write back when the war gives them a free moment. A shy love is taking root among them.

Over the weekend, the sponsor's message came. One of the three soldiers killed in combat was hers. I don't know her, I didn't know her soldier. But I held in my hand the last request he had made before he flew off to Iraq. Had I earned the right to sit at my computer and cry? Is she qualified to grieve at Fort Stewart's Warriors Walk, where he will be honored in a tree-dedication ceremony?

Some soldiers don't think so. We have not felt the exhaustion, smelled the sweat, put hand to weapon in the wild chaos of a fire fight. Unbaptized by blood, how dare we stand with the dead warrior's brothers-in-arms and blubber our easy tears.
We civilians bear the ultimate responsibility for sending them off to war. We also own the obligation to look into the eyes of the grieving parents, the heartsick spouse, the confused and frightened children.

We don't show up at the memorial service on crutches, our camouflage pants pinned up where our leg should have been, trying to comfort our fallen buddy's family. There is no way we could qualify to witness that. Yet we owe it to the Americans who stepped forward to fight for our country to cultivate our sensibility to the human cost of war. And to learn humility. Most of all, to learn humility. Perhaps the best place to start is at a memorial service for a soldier we never knew. On the back row, with our heads bowed.
Carol Megathlin is a writer based in Savannah.
To adopt a 3rd Infantry Division soldier, send an e-mail: Carol.Megathlin@savannahnow.com .

Top US Commander Warns
Against Premature Troop Draw Down

(July 6, 2007)--A top US commander in Iraq is warning that drawing down troops too soon would leave the country "a mess." Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of Multinational Division Center and the 3rd Infantry Division, said Friday at a Pentagon news conference that doing that would lead to more violence.

"You'd find the enemy regaining ground, reestablishing sanctuaries, building more IEDs (and) carrying those IEDs to Baghdad, and the violence would escalate," he said. Lynch said “it would be a mess” if surge forces were withdrawn as part of an early pullout. "Those surge forces are giving us the capability we have now to take the fight to the enemy," the general said. "The enemy only responds to force, and we now have that force."

The comments come as more members of Congress push for a new strategy in Iraq. Republican New Mexico Senator Pete Domenici said Thursday he has already decided that he wants to see an end to combat operations and US troops heading home from Iraq by spring.

A White House spokesman says those remarks are just more "thoughtful discussion," and that it's too early to say if the surge is working.

3-1 Cav. finds four weapons caches, detains five
By Sgt. Natalie Rostek, 3rd HBCT Public Affairs
Jul 6, 2007
    

A Soldier from Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, that is currently attached to the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, stands guard during a raid in Jisr Diyala. (Photos by Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment)

One weapons cache found by Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, that is currently attached to the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, July 5, in Jisr Diyala. (Photos by Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment)

Blackanthem Military News, FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq – Soldiers of 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, and Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, detained five suspected insurgents and found four weapons caches July 5 near Jisr Diyala. Each cache found and destroyed decreases the munitions and improvised explosive device making materials available for insurgents to use against the populace and Coalition Forces, said Capt. Jimmy Hathaway, from Columbus, Ga., commander of Headquarters Co., 3-1 Cav.

The operation resulted in the largest cache seizure for the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team since beginning operations southeast of Baghdad in late March. Unit leaders said Soldiers conducted the five-phase operation to deny enemy sanctuaries and seize caches. Soldiers from 3-1 Cav. and Company D, currently attached to 3-1 Cav., secured and searched four target locations simultaneously during the operation.

“Ultimately, this mission was a step in the right direction towards making Iraq a more secure and safe region,” Hathaway said. “The mission established the standard that Coalition Forces are not going to stand for anti-Coalition Force activity,” said 1ST Lt. Donovan Duke, from New Cumberland, Pa., a platoon leader with Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, from Fort Benning, Ga. “We are here to establish a safe environment in cooperation with the Iraqi Security Forces for the Iraqi citizens.”

The following was seized from the four caches: 8 fuses, four artillery rounds, three rockets, nine hand grenades, 56 mortars, 10 rocket propelled grenades, more than 15 pounds of C4 explosives and miscellaneous bomb-making materials and unidentified explosives.

The 3-1 Cav. is assigned to the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, from Fort Benning, Ga.
 

More than 500 troops re-enlist in Iraq; 160 become Americans
By Drew Brown, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Thursday, July 5, 2007

Drew Brown / S&S
Sgt. Jason Mawhorr, 24, of Rockport, Texas and his wife, Sgt. Yelixa Mawhorr, 25, of Brooklyn, N.Y. were among more than
500 U.S. troops who reenlisted Wednesday during a special July Fourth ceremony at Camp Victory, Iraq.


Drew Brown / S&S
More than 500 U.S. servicemen and women reenlisted and more than 160 others
became naturalized U.S. citizens. at Camp Victory in Iraq.

BAGHDAD — When Sgts. Jason Mawhorr and Yelixa Mawhorr first deployed to Iraq in March, they didn’t think they would be seeing much of each other. So when the opportunity came for husband and wife, both soldiers with the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, to re-enlist together, they jumped at the chance. “We didn’t think we would have the chance to deploy together,” said Jason, 24, of Rockport, Texas. “So while we were here, we decided it was something to take advantage of.”
The couple, who have two children at home with Yelixa’s mother, both re-enlisted for six more years in the Army; it was another milestone, they said, in what they both hope will be long and successful careers in uniform.

The husband and wife were among 500 service members who re-enlisted Wednesday at one of Saddam Hussein’s former palaces, at Camp Victory, adjacent to Baghdad International Airport. The massive ceremony, during which 160 troops from 54 countries also became U.S. citizens, was the biggest of its kind to take place in Iraq. The fact that the ceremony took place on July 4, exactly 4½ years to the date when they met at Fort Hood, Texas, also made the day a special one, said Yelixa, 25, of Brooklyn, N.Y. “We believe that the family who re-enlists together stays together,” she said.

Gen. David Petraeus, the top U.S. commander in Iraq, presided over the ceremony. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Lindsay Graham, R-S.C., were guest keynote speakers. McCain, who spent more than six years in captivity during the Vietnam War and who is now seeking the Republican presidential nomination, praised the troops for their sense of duty and their commitment to the U.S. mission in Iraq. “We have incurred a debt today that we can never repay in full,” McCain said. “What you have done for us, we can never do for you.”

Although the country is deeply divided over the war, and Congress is pressuring President Bush to start bringing troops home, support from the American people for its service members has not wavered, McCain told the troops.The war “has divided the American people,” but it has not diminished “America’s admiration for you,” he said.

Graham led the troops as they recited the pledge of allegiance. A videotaped message from Bush called the day “a defining event” for those soldiers who’d just become U.S. citizens. “Today,” Bush noted, “the United States is not only your home; it is your country.” Bush’s message was followed by country singer Lee Greenwood’s classic song “Proud to be an American,” which became famous in 1991, during the first Iraq war.

Soldiers then stood at attention and saluted as a speaker read out the names of each of the 50 states and the dates they joined the union. Cannon fire boomed out over the loudspeakers after each state and date was called out. The troops cheered loudly when their home states were mentioned. Shouts of “Hooah!” echoed throughout the marble-tiled palace.

After the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, moved from one small group of soldiers to another, congratulating those who’d just re-enlisted and those who had just become new citizens. More than 180 soldiers from 3rd Infantry Division re-enlisted in the ceremony; 37 of them gained their citizenship.
“It’s an amazing thing, in the middle of a combat zone, for these guys to raise their right hand and decide to stay in the Army,” Lynch said. “People ask how you do it,” he said. “You do it because it’s important.”
 

Brigade enters fourth month in Iraq
Sledgehammer soldiers building a better Iraq
BY MICK WALSH
mwalsh@ledger-enquirer.com

The 3rd Heavy Combat Brigade Team began its fourth of 15 months in Iraq on July 1 and things are going better than expected, according to its commander. "I'm amazed at what our magnificent Sledgehammer soldiers have been able to accomplish," said Col. Wayne Grigsby Jr. As the third of five brigades called upon by the Pentagon in early January to "surge" forward into Iraq and implement the Baghdad Security Plan, the 3,800 soldiers from Fort Benning have been right in the middle of some of the heaviest fighting of the war.

And they've done it while finding conditions on their arrival to be a bit, uh, spartan. "What's so astonishing is that we have built everything from the ground up," said Grigsby, who pointed out that no coalition forces had ever occupied what is now Forward Operating Base Hammer or any of the smaller Combat Outposts where brigade soldiers are stationed. While much of the brigade's time is spent disrupting the flow of accelerants into Baghdad and either capturing or killing insurgents, terrorists and criminals, Grigsby also points out that his soldiers have already forged bonds between themselves and the local populace. Over the past week, brigade soldiers have been involved with such things as sponsoring a medical clinic, renovating a youth center, fixing a water pump and meeting with local officials.

Here's a look:

Free medical clinic

Brigade soldiers conducted an outdoor medical clinic earlier this week at a school in Nahrwan. Medics set up three treatment stations under a camouflaged net surrounded by concertina wire while the 3rd Battalion, 1st Cavalry Regiment's loud speaker broadcast a message to villagers announcing the opportunity to receive free medical care. During the broadcast, villagers from the area began forming two lines, male and female, waiting to be seen. The separate lines were set to ensure female medics were available to see female patients.

According to Pfc. Kristina Sutton, a medic from Springfield, Mass., some patients stood in line for almost four hours. The medics saw ailments such as back, stomach, head, skin and upper-respiratory problems and were able to treat those with medicine bought from a local pharmacist.
The medics saw approximately 225 patients.

New youth center

Elements of the Fort Benning-based 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team are helping to improve life for Iraqi youth by assisting with a renovation project that will cost up to $500,000. Iraqi contractors, youth center leaders and members of the 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment and the 97th Civil Affairs Battalion, which is currently attached to 3-1 Cav, met last week in Jisr Diyala to discuss the planned improvements. Construction is expected to begin in late July and will include renovations to the weight room, sewing room, library and arts and crafts room. Coalition forces are also expecting new computers and exercise equipment for the center.

"The renovations of the youth center will help show the youth of Jisr Diyala that there are other activities out there that can help improve their lives," said Capt. Jimmy Hathaway of Columbus, the 3-1's Headquarters Company commander. "We are going to turn this youth center into a world class facility."

Meetings

Brigade leaders, the Iraqi Security Force and the Mada'in Qada mayor met at Forward Operating Base Hammer this week to increase communication among the three elements. Meeting in the brigade's new Tactical Operations Center, the group reviewed combined operations, lessons learned and future projects in the Mada'in Qada (qada is equivalent to a county in the United States). "I'm glad we had this meeting," Grigsby, the brigade commander, told the group. "We want to assist all of you in getting the help you need and we will use our contacts in Baghdad to do that."

Al-Rubay'l, the mayor of Mada'in Qada, reported that the people in his province are very supportive of coalition forces. He explained that he had witnessed many young men volunteering to join Iraqi Security Forces so they can help expel al-Qaida from the province. "Soon they will be ready to fight and take the lead in operations," explained Al-Rubay'l through a translator. "The people here are willing to help themselves, but we still need support. The insurgents, we must admit, are well equipped and have military training. They are using innocent women and children as shields. Innocent people would become targets. American help is still needed."

Water pump repair

Lt. Col. Ryan J. Kuhn, the brigade's deputy commander, complimented the Qada mayor for his government's work to refurbish the Al Bawi water pump station this week. The pump station was sabotaged in early March, prior to the arrival of the 3rd Brigade. When fully-operational, the pump station provides more than 90 percent of the water needed in the Mada'in Qada.

"Under the guidance of the mayor, we are almost done with the project," said Kuhn. "The pumps are almost up and ready. This is good, but it also makes the station a target. It has to be protected."
The 3rd Brigade public affairs office contributed to this report.

10 New Trees Mark Fallen Soldiers
Sean Harder | Friday, June 22, 2007

Staff Sgt. Todd Toomey, left, grieves for Spc. Kyle A. Little, a member of his platoon in 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry. Little was one of 10 soldiers honored during a Warriors Walk tree dedication ceremony at Fort Stewart. (Photo: John Carrington)

FORT STEWART - Army Spc. Kyle Little returned home from his pre-Iraq training in February with a mission: Make a baby with his newlywed wife, Tiffany. "I remember he called me all excited and told me he wanted us to get pregnant," said Tiffany Little. "Miraculously, we did before he left." The 20-year-old Massachusetts native deployed to Iraq in March as soon-to-be father.

In Iraq, Little was hand-picked for his brigade commander's personal security team. A roadside bomb killed him and a fellow soldier on May 8- three months and three days into his marriage and too soon to learn he was going to be the father of a girl. Baby Kylee is expected to be born in November. She one day might visit the Eastern Redbud tree and granite marker dedicated Thursday to the father for whom she'll be named.

The names of Little and nine other 3rd Infantry Division soldiers killed in Iraq were read aloud Thursday morning at Warriors' Walk. Each man was 25 years old or younger. The living memorial's 336 trees bookend Fort Stewart's parade grounds. Each tree represents one 3rd ID soldier killed since the Iraq war began in March of 2003. The division is now serving its third combat tour in the conflict.

Soldiers and other guests stand for the national anthem during the Warriors Walk tree dedication ceremony
at Fort Stewart on Thursday. (Photo: John Carrington)

"Young and old, soldier and civilian alike, will walk these paths," said Col. Todd Buchs, Fort Stewart's garrison commander. "They will pause and read their names and reflect on the sacrifice they made for freedom."

Among those honored Thursday was Pfc. David Kirkpatrick, 20, whose interest in the military began at an early age.Growing up on his family's farm in Matthews, Ind., Kirkpatrick dressed in camouflage, played soldier and read everything military-related he could find, said his father, Kenny Kirkpatrick. "I tried to talk him out of joining, but he wouldn't listen," Kirkpatrick said. "He said 'Dad, what did you think I was going to do?' He knew what he was doing, and he wanted to do it." The Army mechanic was killed by a roadside bomb in Fallujah while recovering a damaged vehicle on April 27 - one month before he was due to return home on leave.

Roadside bombs are a "cheap, highly effective way to kill our boys. And I don't know how they can protect against it," Kenny Kirkpatrick said. Kirkpatrick said he, his wife and their four daughters have been devastated by the loss of their only son. They plan to use his life insurance to pay off the family farm, which they have struggled financially to keep.
"That's what David would have wanted us to do," he said.

Tiffany Little, left, and Tonita Gonzalez, her niece Kyra Tso and son Brennen Gonzalez, right, sit with other family members during the Fort Stewart tree dedication ceremony at Warriors Walk. Their husbands, Spc. Kyle A. Little and Sgt. Christopher Gonzalez
were among the 10 fallen soldiers honored Thursday. (Photo: John Carrington)

More than a month of memorial services, tributes, calls from fellow soldiers and military escorts have left the Kirkpatrick family overwhelmed. But they also have been impressed by how many lives their son had touched. "The Army really has been behind us 1,000 percent," Kirkpatrick said. "It's been so wonderful, yet so horrible. You can't imagine how wonderful and horrible something can be at the same time.
"David did a very honorable thing. No one can say it's not an honorable thing."

*******************************************************

A soldier folds the camouflage cloth embroidered with the name of one of 10 fallen soldiers honored
during the Warriors Walk tree dedication ceremony at Fort Stewart on Thursday. (Photo: John Carrington)

WARRIORS WALK

Here are the names of the 10 soldiers honored at Thursday's tree ceremony:

Pfc. David A. Kirkpatrick, 20, of Matthews, Ind.

Pfc. Nicholas E. Riehl, 21, of Shiocton, Wis.

Spc. Eddie D. Tamez, 21, of Galveston, Texas

Pfc. Jay-D H. Ornsby-Adkins, 21, of Australia

Sgt. Dale Hicks, Jr., 21, of Pantego, Texas

Pfc. Cole E. Spencer, 21, of Decatur, Ill.

Sgt. Blake C. Stephens, 25, of Pocatello, Idaho

Spc. Kyle A. Little, 20, of West Boylston, Mass.

Sgt. Allen J. Dunckley, 25, of Yardley, Penn.

Sgt. Christopher N. Gonzalez, 25, of New Mexico

The 3rd ID, which led the invasion of Iraq in 2003, began its third rotation into Iraq earlier this year. The division's 20,000 soldiers will serve extended 15-month tours as part of a troop buildup to stabilize Iraq.
As of Thursday, 28 soldiers from the division have been killed this year in Iraq, according to www.icasualties.org , a Web site that tracks the war's fatalities.

'Warriors Walk' memorial at base expected to grow

By GREGG ZOROYA
Gannett News Service
FORT STEWART, Ga.

(Photo: Carl Elmore)

Wednesday, May 23, 2007-A popular war memorial consisting of dedicated trees -- one planted for every soldier lost to war -- presents commanders with a problem. The memorial is running out of space. Its elaborate design -- requiring sidewalks and buried electrical lighting -- has forced Army officials to prepare expansion plans.

It is a delicate issue at a base where thousands of families are sending loved ones off to war again, in some cases for the third time. "The assumption was, unfortunately, four years ago there wouldn't be but two sidewalks worth of trees, and that just didn't happen to be the case," says Michael Biering, the garrison director of public works. The memorial is filled with eastern redbud trees. Those trees were chosen because their pink-purple blossoms appear in the spring, when soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Division based here first raced to Baghdad in 2003 and suffered their first fatalities. The division has returned to Iraq twice since then.

Now, 326 trees are planted along sidewalks that border the parade ground, where troops assemble before reuniting with their families after a combat tour. Next to each tree is a granite stone engraved with the soldier's name and a small spotlight to illuminate the branches. The memorial is called Warriors Walk.

"It's sort of bittersweet to return (to the memorial), and it gives me comfort and sadness at the same time," says Birgit Smith, the widow of Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith, posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for gallantry during the Iraq invasion. She drives six hours from her home in Hollywood, Fla., five times a year to visit her husband's tree. "It's the most hallowed ground on this installation," says the garrison commander, Col. Todd Buchs. He helps preside over tree dedication ceremonies that are a monthly ritual. Family members come. A color guard is there.

The Fort Stewart memorial differs from other military installations that often honor war dead with names etched onto a remembrance wall. The tree memorial was initially one long sidewalk along the south edge of the parade area. As the division returned to combat in 2005 and fatalities mounted, three more sidewalk phases were built along the parade ground's northern edge. The trees were staggered to economize space.

The division is incurring losses on its third tour, and Biering estimates space will run out in about two months. "Part of it is experience," he says of his estimate, recalling a bad month in 2005 when 40 trees were planted. In his office, he keeps blueprints for at least four more parallel sections of sidewalk. It is, he says, a sensitive topic.
"I don't want to get too much out ahead of this because of the potential adverse impact it may have" on installation families, he says.
Many Army families say they understand the grim reality and how expansion plans for Warriors Walk are necessary.
"We're pretty strong people," says Amy Lambert, whose husband, Sgt. 1st Class Scott Lambert, is in Iraq. "This is a fact of life. More people are going to die. Nobody wants it to happen. But it's going to happen until the war ends."

IP’s recognized for hard work
Staff Sgt. Raymond Piper - 1^st BCT Public Affairs NCOIC

RAMADI, Iraq (May 22, 2007) – It’s arguably one of the toughest law enforcement jobs in the world. Iraqi Police face car and road side bombs, snipers and insurgents bent on breaking there will. Often less equipped than their coalition partners, the policemen are prepared to do their duty on a daily business.
Coalition and Iraqi Police leaders held a ceremony May 20 to recognize the sacrifices and hard work of the Ramadi police.

“Today is a very memorable day and is a day that should make all the people of Ramadi proud of its young men,” said Ramadi Iraqi Police Chief Brig. Gen. Ahmed Khalil. “It is a day for the coalition and Iraq leaders to recognize the brave policemen of Ramadi.”

Col. John Charlton, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division commander, told the gathered policemen that the ceremony was dedicated to the sons of Anbar, who have brought security to the area.
“Every day I see Iraqi police putting their lives on the line to protect the people of this city. It is because of your continued bravery that children can play outside and people can open shops and begin to live normal lives again,” Charlton said.

The path to a more safe and secure Ramadi has not been easy and many officers paid the ultimate sacrifice for security. On the same day as the ceremony, Iraqi Police from the Zangorra station were looking for a truck laden with explosives.
“Those police officers were on patrol looking for the truck bomb because they knew the (terrorists) would attack,” Charlton said. “While they had stopped and were searching the truck, it exploded killing one of the officers and wounding two others.” He added the policemen knew that there would be danger when they stopped the truck, but they set aside personal safety and continued to do their duty. “As a result, no civilians were hurt. Once again the Iraqi Police protected the people of Iraq,” Charlton said.

The Iraqi security forces are one of the primary targets of insurgents because they are what the terrorists fear, Charlton said. “They know the police are the only thing preventing them from coming into the area and taking over.”
Khalil told the gathered police that all of the stations must continue their hard work because they are going through a very critical point of time. He said, “Maintaining victory will be the hardest part, therefore we most continue our hard work during this state of war and stick together as we fight the insurgents.”

More Outposts being Built to Accommodate Troops for ‘Surge’
Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, May 22, 2007

American troops continue to build small, neighborhood outposts to support the troop “surge” in and around Baghdad, while the final extra Army brigade is poised to arrive in Iraq next month.

Units such as the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, of the 3rd Infantry Division’s 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, have moved from larger foward operating bases to combat outposts. In the case of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry, three new outposts named after soldiers from the unit killed in combat have replaced their home at Forward Operating Base Hammer. The combat outposts include Cleary, Cahill, and Cashe, in Wahida, Salman Pak, and Tuwaitha, respectively, officials said. “To live with the populace and experience what they experience, you get a better appreciation for the area,” Maj. John Cushing, the battalion’s operations officer, was quoted as saying in a news release.

In one case, a combat outpost was built in a former government building and a set of greenhouses, officials said. The COPs, as the outposts are known, are being outfitted with showers and dining halls, among other amenities. In another area of Baghdad, the eastern district of Sha’ab, officials are touting successes since February, when Iraqi police trucks with blood-stained beds looked “like they had just come from a butcher shop,” one officer said.

But now, the sectarian murders have largely ended, according to Capt. Will Canda, commander of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment. The battalion patrols an area of the city that includes Sha’ab, Ur, and Sadr City. Some 20 percent of Baghdad’s population lives in the area, giving a ratio of one U.S. soldier for every 26,000 Iraqis, officials said. While acknowledging there is still “a ways to go,” officials have said they’re confronting militias, failed local governments and breakdowns in public services. That unit too operates from a combat outpost, this one named Callahan; it was formerly an upscale shopping center that had been abandoned.

1-15 Infantry Establishes Combat Outposts
By Multi-National Division - Center PAO
May 21, 2007

Spc. Jeff Nutter, 27, Redding, Calif., Pvt. Dillon Bella, 19, Fredrick, Md., and Sgt. Anthony Shuta, 27, Daytona Beach, Fla., all from Company D, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, relax in their living quarters May 2, at Combat Outpost Cashe, Iraq.

Blackanthem Military News, COMBAT OUTPOST CLEARY, Iraq — Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team have established three combat outposts in the unit’s area of operation, all named after their fallen comrades. While in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, V, 1-15 Inf. moved from Forward Operating Base Hammer, where the brigade headquarters is located, to Combat Outposts Cleary, Cahill, and Cashe in the areas of Wahida, Salman Pak, and Tuwaitha, respectively.

According to Maj. John Cushing, of Rochester, Mich., Operations Officer for 1-15 Inf., the battalion was assigned to the outposts to be closer to the communities and people they are here to secure. He said moving closer to the towns where they will be conducting their operations also allows for the battalion to better intermingle with the locals. “To live with the populace and experience what they experience, you get a better appreciation for the area,” Cushing said.

COP Cleary is named after 1st Lt. Michael J. Cleary, 2nd Platoon Leader for Company E, 1-15 Inf., who was killed during an IED strike Dec. 5, 2005 during OIF III in Ad Duliayah, Iraq.

According to Capt. Mathew Garner, of Dallas, Texas., commander for Company C, the unit had moved from a pharmaceutical plant to COP Cleary almost immediately. When they arrived at the former government building and greenhouses, there was nothing but one run-down building. Rubble and broken glass covered the ground, rendering it nearly impossible to maneuver vehicles. “It only took one day, really, for the inside of the building to be cleared,” Garner said, “and about a week or two to get all the glass cleared away.” After hard work and dedication from the Soldiers at COP Cleary, the outpost now has toilets, a shower facility, and the Dragon Inn dining facility area. “It’s gotten so much better here,” said Sgt. 1st Class Quentin Fenderson, of Tuscaloosa, Ala. “Especially with the new chow hall and showers. Most of the Soldiers would rather just stay here than go back to (FOB Hammer) for showers and chow.”

Company D occupies COP Cashe, which is named after Sgt. 1st Class Alwynn Cashe. Cashe was a platoon sergeant in Company A during OIF III. He died on Nov. 8, 2005 from injuries suffered during an IED strike on Oct. 17, 2005 in Ad Duliyah, Iraq.

The outpost is located in the town of Tuwaitha, just north of Salman Pak. Directly next to the building is a fire station where the Soldiers get most of their water. “The firefighters help us out,” said Staff Sgt. Quentin Heard, 33, Lagrange, Ga., tank commander for 2nd Platoon, Company D, 1-15 Inf. “They bring bread; they help us get our water running. We help them too. Like, if one has a headache or something, we will get with our medic to try to help them.” COP Cashe currently has two man-made toilets, a new chow kitchen, and a shower made from ponchos, old lockers, and a fire hose. The living quarters are rooms within the building capable of housing eight to 16 Soldiers.

COP Cahill, named after Capt. Joel Cahill, Commander of Company B, 1-15 Inf. during OIF III, who was killed Nov. 6, 2005 in an IED attack in Ad Dwar, Iraq, is the smallest of the three outposts and is believed to be the former Hunting Club security building for Saddam Hussein’s sons, owned by the Ministry of Agriculture.

“It’s getting better everyday,” said Spc. Anthony Hartley, 22, Delaware, Ohio, Company A, 1-15 Inf. “We have the phones and internet, all we need is a place to wash clothes and I’ll be set.” The COP has one makeshift shower, dining facility, and phone and internet access. According to 1st Lt. Chris Pearson, Executive Officer for Company A, improvements to be made to the outpost includes additional living space and air conditioning.

Although it is not clear how long 1-15 Inf. will be living at their designated outposts, the Soldiers are making tremendous progress with the resources they are given and are prepared for what could be an 18-month deployment. “It’s my job,” Hartley said. “If I wasn’t prepared to do whatever I needed to, I wouldn’t have signed on the dotted line.”

Report from LTC Tim Stoy on his
June 2nd visit to Walter Reed Hospital

Hello Everyone,

I visited our men in the hospital again this weekend. PFC David Foss was doing well, and is departing today, 4 June, for San Diego, California where he will continue his recovery. Has a great attitude going into the future.

PFC Arnold was in outpatient on Saturday so I did not have the opportunity to see him, but he is coming back into inpatient treatment this week for a further operation.

There is a new soldier on Ward 57, PFC Evan McQuislen. He was hit by an IED blast as a driver in a 3-1 CAV HMMWV. They are rebuilding his right arm, he had some blast effect to his face. His mother and stepfather are present. He is a bit frustrated at the moment, but appears to be progressing. Evan is from Florida.

I visited a soldier from 10th MTN whose brigade is under the 3rd Division. PFC Tommy Langseth of the 2-15th FA was hit by an IED blast while on foot patrol He has burns and shrapnel damage to his face, and his eyes were damaged by the blast. He has a great attitude and is progressing very well. The doctors believe they can get his eyesight back, and will do so before he is released for further burn treatment in Texas. His parents were present and were very positive. The family is from Texas. This Soldier turned down a scholarship to Texas A&M to join the Army!

I also had the chance to say goodbye to PFC Saul Martinez, who will be leaving for California and further medical treatment on Wednesday. He lost both legs in a blast which obliterated his HMMWV and killed the other two occupants. He spent one week with 1-15 IN before being pulled up to BDE HQ to serve on the Bde Cdr's Security Detail. The convoy got hit while traveling to an important meeting. They were gunning for the Colonel. Saul said the bomb consisted of four explosive penetrators (shaped charges). His parents and grandparents, brother, and wife were all there. Great attitude on this young man.

SSG Brown continues to work hard to take care of our men.

I met another SSG Brown with a Marne combat patch now on staff at the hospital. He served on a surgical team in support of 2d Bde in OIF I. Hopefully he will sign up as a new member.

While I was there a group of Indonesian officers with their wives visited Foss and McQuislen. It was nice to see that other people also appreciate what our soldiers are doing.

As always, a good trip. Will hopefully make it out next weekend.

Rock of the Marne!

Tim

Baghdad's Karada neighborhood
hints of a better future
By Zeke Minaya, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Wednesday, June 6, 2007


Capt. Joseph Peppers, on loan from the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, shares a laugh with a Karada district council member on Monday.
Zeke Minaya / S&S

BAGHDAD — When Capt. Joseph Peppers rides through the streets of the Karada Peninsula, east of the Green Zone in Baghdad, he catches glimpses of the future. In the crowded commercial district, where merchants stack televisions, air conditioners and refrigerators in front of their busy shops, Peppers sees a hint of the prosperity that is possible in Iraq.
“Think of the peninsula as what Iraq will look like 10 years from now; security is good and people are making money,” Peppers said.

Karada, long one of Baghdad’s safest neighborhoods, has been made more so by the recent security push, military officials in the area say. Having achieved a measure of public safety, troops have shifted more of their focus to building up essential services and coaching local leaders. But even as the improved security in Karada provides hope, it also underscores just how much is left to be done once the violence settles down. Electricity and fuel shortages have hounded residents for years, infrastructure improvements are sorely needed and the nascent democratic institutions of the area are far from mature.

“If we can get the area fixed it could be a pilot program,” Peppers said. “If we can get electricity and sewage fixed we would be heroes. The opportunity is there. It’s going to take a lot of time and effort, but it’s doable.”

Karada was one of Baghdad’s premier neighborhoods under the regime of Saddam Hussein, and it still is. The area, with roughly 250,000 predominantly Shiite residents, is marked by a relative affluence and is home to many government officials as well as Baghdad University.

Peppers, a Chicago native with the 2nd Battalion, 69th Artillery Regiment, on loan from the 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Benning, Ga., helps coordinate civic improvement projects. Last week, there was a rally at the southern tip of the peninsula where residents protested the lack of dependable electricity service, Peppers said. Military officials estimate that it will take more than six years before the region’s power woes can be completely solved.
“Electricity is a big, big issue, and we have made it a priority,” he said.
Other concerns are antiquated sewer systems and the lack of gas stations in the area, Pepper said.
“People wait six hours in line for fuel.”
Unemployment is high in the area, as in Iraq as a whole. Military officials, along with Provincial Reconstruction Teams, are helping build local industry through a mixture of grants and government loans.

“We need to get the economy going,” Maj. Dean Bushnell said. “If you can employ military-aged males, they are less susceptible to terrorists.” Though the commercial district is busy, most of what’s sold is imported and industry native to the area is sorely lacking, Peppers said.
“There’s no Iraqi-made cars, no Iraqi Wal-Mart. So we’re really trying to foster large businesses to employ military-aged people,” he said.

After being under a totalitarian system, local leaders will need more time to grow into the responsibilities of democratic governance, Peppers said. “All decisions were made by one person or few people just a few years ago,” Peppers said. “Now you have different councils and groups; that dichotomy brings about some issues.” Being able to tackle concerns other than public safety means the security plan has begun to pay dividends, Peppers said. “Once [the plan] is done you can focus on quality of life issues and not just on where to place barriers and planning raids. That’s how you can tell you are making a difference,” Peppers said.

It is not clear where other neighborhoods in Baghdad have experienced the same benefits of the security push that Peppers has seen in Karada. On Monday, the New York Times reported that a military assessment of the security plan has shown slow progress. The assessment, which was completed in late May, said coalition forces had control of 146 of the 457 Baghdad neighborhoods, according to the newspaper.

In Karada, Peppers said, the future is close. “Iraqis didn’t progress at all for about 20 years, so now we are taking a whole society and throwing them into the millennium,” he said. “It’s going to take time. What do you expect? The risks are high but so are the rewards.”

© 2007 Stars and Stripes. All Rights Reserved.

Five More Trees for the Fallen
Coastal Empire by Sean Harder |
 Friday, May 18, 2007

Jennifer Lawlor and her child, Brennan, are framed by some of the 326 Eastern Redbud trees now planted on Warriors Walk. Lawlor's husband, Staff Sgt. Brian Lawlor, served with Sgt. Adrian Lewis, one of the slain 3rd Infantry Division soldiers honored Thursday. (Photo: Carl Elmore)

FORT STEWART - A memorial to fallen soldiers was expanded Thursday as soldiers and family gathered to honor the lives of five more 3rd Infantry Division soldiers killed in Iraq. Amid occasional rain and haze from the wildfires in southeast Georgia, they stood as each soldier's name was read aloud and granite markers were uncovered at each Eastern Redbud tree planted for the fallen.

"I'm humbled to speak of five great people, five great soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice," said Col. Todd Buchs, garrison commander at Fort Stewart. "They each answered their nation's call to duty, serving to protect what we all hold dear." The trees dedicated Thursday bring the number of Eastern Redbuds at Fort Stewart's memorial, Warriors Walk, to 326.

3rd Infantry Division soldiers salute Thursday during a ceremony at Fort Stewart honoring five slain soldiers.
(Photo: Carl Elmore)

The first tree dedicated Thursday was in honor of Spc. Forrest J. Waterbury, 25, of Richmond, Texas, who was killed March 14 in Ramadi by enemy fire. He was assigned to Fort Stewart's 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor. Waterbury was on his third deployment to Iraq and had been there only three weeks before he was killed, said his aunt Kathy Hall. He is survived by his wife and step-child. "He always had a smile on his face, no matter the situation," Hall said. "He loved what he was doing and loved being in the Army. He had planned to make the military his career."

Amanda Lewis, widow of slain 3rd Infantry Division Sgt. Adrian Lewis, attended Thursday's tree ceremony at Fort Stewart with several family members, including, from left, daughters Brianna Martin and Lexy Lewis. (Photo: Carl Elmore)

One week after Waterbury's death, another Fort Stewart soldier from 3-69 Armor was killed. Sgt. Adrian J. Lewis, 30, of Greenville, S.C., was killed March 21 by small arms fire in Ramadi. "He didn't want to go this last time," said Amanda Lewis, his wife and mother of four children. "We had just had a baby. She was a month and two weeks old when he left."
As a father of four, Lewis enjoyed spending time with his family and taking the occasional beach vacation to Florida, she said.

A 3rd Infantry Division color guard participated in the ceremony for five fallen soldiers who were honored
at Warriors' Walk on Thursday. (Photo: Carl Elmore)

Three other soldiers from the division's 3rd Brigade at Fort Benning near Columbus were also honored Thursday. They are:

Pfc. Joey T. Sams, 22, of Spartanburg, S.C.

Staff Sgt. Harrison Brown, 31, of Prichard, Ala.

Pfc. David N. Simmons, 20, of Kokomo, Ind.

The 3rd ID, which led the invasion of Iraq in 2003, began its third rotation into Iraq earlier this year. Its soldiers will serve an extended 15-month tour as part of a troop buildup to stabilize the country.

As of Thursday, 20 soldiers from the 3rd ID had been killed this year in Iraq, according to www.icasualties.org , a Web site that tracks the war's fatalities.
© 2007 SavannahNOW and the Savannah Morning News.

Maintaining the Line
For ‘supply-line’ Soldiers job rewards them like never before
Spc. Ricardo Branch-1st BCT Public Affairs

A fork-lift unloads supplies at Camp Blue Diamond during a supply drop off by Soldiers from Company B, 3rd Brigade Support Battalion. (Photo by Spc. Ricardo Branch 1st BCT Public Affairs)

RAMADI, Iraq (May 17, 2007) – On the streets and alleyways of Ramadi, combat units need the tools necessary to maintain the fight and continue the mission. For the troops of Company B, 3rd Brigade Support Battalion, they have to be prepared to live up to their motto “ready to roll” at a moments notice to delivery valuable supplies to the units fighting for stability in the city.
The Soldiers lived up to their motto by bringing five thousand pounds of  bottled water, food and vehicle parts to Company B, 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor May 15 at Camp Blue Diamond. “We have to get this to them so they can continue their mission,” said Spc. Richard Cowling, a mechanic with 3rd BSB. The 21-year-old Havertown, Pa., native said, “Right now 3-69 Armor is our main security here. If they don’t have the supplies and tracks for their vehicles, they can’t do their mission, so it’s important we do these runs to resupply and refit units like them.”

Sgt. Mark York, a truck driver with Co. B, 3rd BSB ties down a container of supplies before the unit travels back to Camp Ramadi.(Photo by Spc. Ricardo Branch 1st BCT Public Affairs)

The Soldiers don’t just see units in nearby Blue Diamond but units in and around Ramadi as well. Company B has driven 10, 860 miles on 85 convoy missions in their effort to resupply units around the city. “There are times where we’ve had to go to Corregidor to drop off jersey barriers for units to improve their security, or push supplies into hostile areas like Albu-Bali,” Cowling said. “We go to where the units are and bring them whatever they need.”

Soldiers from Company B, 3rd Brigade Support Battalion hold a prayer for a safe journey before the start of a mission to 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor May 15 at Camp Ramadi. (Photo by Spc. Ricardo Branch 1st BCT Public Affairs)

Even though they are not on the frontlines, the Soldiers maintaining the supply lines often find themselves in harm’s way while on duty. “While we were going down the roads into Albu-Bali, I was thinking this is a long route, and it was kind of creepy – not scary – but like I was being watched,” Cowling said. “Then while I was scanning a house it exploded.” “It was one of those ‘did that just happen?’ moments,” he said. “I was wondering if EOD did it … but they were in front of us. We also had a couple of Bradley vehicles hit not even ten minutes in front of us during that push.”
Although the Soldiers have not had to deal with small-arms fire, which is a testament of the success in Ramadi, they are always prepared. “We’ve been pretty lucky on our routes because the units securing them have done a real good job,” Cowling said. “(But) It doesn’t stop us from scanning our sectors and being alert for anything suspicious.”

A Soldier directs a truck at the supply drop off point May 15 at Camp Blue Diamond.
(Photo by Spc. Ricardo Branch 1st BCT Public Affairs)

Staff Sgt. Joseph Monroe, the convoy commander, sees the pride the Soldiers have in their job reflected in the way they perform. “The Soldiers are doing real well,” said the 27-year-old Fayetteville, N.C., native. “Each time they go out, they use the operation as an opportunity to get better, so I’m proud of them – They grow more with every mission.”
Monroe said the satisfaction the Soldiers display in their work can be credited to their eagerness for the opportunity to perform something extraordinary – keeping their comrades supplied in combat.
He added, “They love this work. This is something they may never get a chance to do again. Some of them we had to pick for this duty, but most of them volunteered because they knew they could handle it.”
Despite all the dangers, the Soldiers delivering supplies continue to roll out the front gates of the combat outposts in their journey to maintain the line.
“This is my first time being deployed,” Cowling said. “I thought I’d be in a motor pool working 20 hours a day so this is a new experience, and I like it. I wouldn’t give it up for anything.”
-30-

Fort Benning Commander Talks About the Future
WTVM.com

April 24, 2007-Fort Benning is going through a transformation. The military's base realignment will bring thousands of new troops to the area. Fort Bunning's commanding general talked about the growth and the extended deployments of the troops.

Major General Walter Wodjakowski began his command of Fort Benning 20 months ago. He has no plans of leaving just yet and expects to be here for at least another year. "It's a great command Fort Benning is a wonderful place. We love the entire tri community area.," he says.

The general will continue to oversee the growth and addition of thousands of new troops to the base as the base realignment plans move forward. "From the strategic point of view...we have been planning in detail since the brac law was passed," says Wodjakowski.

Just over a week ago the defense department announced that some of the troops serving in Iraq would see longer deployments. Wodjakowski says that was no major surprise to the military community.

"In the case of the 3rd brigade combat team, who this really impacts on. Their families were told by their commander Colonel Grisby and their division commander General Lynch before their deployment that a 12 month deployment was probably not going to happen, they could expect 16 to 18 months to be away from home so there was some preparation of those families. My belief and I say this because we of course support the family readiness of the 3rd brigade combat team group everyday on Fort Benning is that they are doing fine with it." says Maj. Gen. Wodjakowski.

He says he does not expect any major environmental impact connected to Fort Benning growth. But there is going to be a public meeting on the issue at the Columbus Trade Center next month.

3rd ID Commander reports from Iraq
Joe Parker Jr., Coastal Courier

April 24, 2007-Although his soldiers are “exactly where they should be in terms of equipment and training,” the 3rd Infantry Division’s commanding general said, “We are still losing great soldiers.” As Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch spoke to the Coastal Courier in a telephone interview this week, he noted the death of a soldier in a unit attached to the 3rd ID headquarters, and the dedication of another tree Thursday at Fort Stewart’s Warriors Walk, honoring another 3rd ID soldier killed.
“We are in top-of-the-line armored vehicles,” the general said as an example of improved equipment used by the division in Iraq. “As I said before we left Fort Stewart, we will only bring to Iraq soldiers who are trained and ready,” he said.

Noting the recent extension of Iraq tours from 12 to 15 months for all deployed and deploying soldiers, Lynch recalled he had told 3rd ID soldiers and families to be prepared for a potential stay of 18 months. “There are signs of progress,” he said, “but we are in a difficult situation. The cost is high.” Morale is good, the general said, and pointed out several reasons, including, “We know our families are being taken care of back home.” Lynch remains installation commander of Fort Stewart and stays in touch with home station through formal and informal and informal channels. “I talk to my wife,” he said, “just like other soldiers talk to their wives.” The general also has regular teleconferences with Fort Stewart Garrison Commander Col. Todd Buchs.

The infrastructure in Iraq to support morale includes a fitness center “just like the one we have at Fort Stewart,” with another one under construction. Other features include movies, pool, ping-pong, a library and a popular Internet café. Lynch said the recent visit of three National Football League players was an example of Morale, Welfare and Recreation activities that include tours by celebrities and entertainers.
As part of the Gridiron Greats Tour 2007, Chris Harris, a safety with the Chicago Bears, Nick Harper, a cornerback with the Indianapolis Colts and Israel Idonije, a defensive end also with the Chicago Bears, visited soldiers last week.
“These players understand what soldiers are doing and they understand how they are serving and they want to give back to the community, the greater community of the Army,” said Joe Canfield, the players’ manager.
The 3rd ID headquarters, established from scratch since its arrival in Iraq, also commands the 2nd Brigade of the 10th Mountain Division and the 4th Brigade (Airborne) of the 25th Division.

Lynch: 3rd ID Soldiers miss home, but Morale is High
Savannah Morning News

MG Rick Lynch,
Commanding General of the 3rd Infantry Division

April 24, 2007-Like so many of the soldiers I lead, I miss family and friends at home in the Coastal Empire and beyond. There is not a second that goes by that I don't think about the families and the community we left behind. Our reunion will be sweet for sure, but for now we do our duty and focus on the mission at hand.

The Army announced last week that active component, regular Army soldiers deployed and deploying to this region will spend no more than 15 months in theater and no less than 12 months at home. This came as no surprise to our soldiers because we had told them all to expect an 18-month deployment. I still caution them to not be fixated on a set date for returning home. That time will come. We will complete our assigned tasks. Each soldier will be compensated with extra pay each month after the 12 spent here. But we all know that it is still tough to be separated from loved ones. In spite of the delay, they remain motivated and they are doing a magnificent job. Morale is very high across the force.

I want to thank all of you who have expressed your support to us over the course of the last four weeks and longer. Our loved ones at home are comforted by you and we are in your debt. The "Adopt A Soldier" program is in full swing here. Thanks.

In my role as commander of this great division, I travel around Iraq to visit units and gain situational understanding. En route I often look out of the aircraft and see Iraqi children playing soccer in dusty fields and trying to swim in half-filled pools. They remind me of our children in the U.S.A. They want to have fun. And their parents want them to have a better life than they themselves had. For now their dream is just out of reach. They lack the security and resources necessary to have the joy freedom provides. And that's where your division, the 3rd Infantry Division, comes in.

A key to establishing security for the Iraqis is stopping weapons and extremists with their foreign ideologies from entering the city of Baghdad. Today, Dog Face Soldiers, our 1st Brigade (Raiders) and 3rd Brigade (Sledgehammer), are performing that task on both sides of this nation's capitol.

In Ramadi, the Raider Brigade has established numerous outposts in that former bastion of terror. Now, civilians have greater freedom. There are jobs, reconstruction and citywide improvement projects. Our troops have reduced the number of terrorist attacks from 25 per day to four and even zero per day in just three short months. Civilians are joining the political process there and rejecting the insurgents.

Another of our tasks is to help train the Iraqi security forces. In many parts of Iraq, Iraqi security forces operate on their own. In others, they are teamed with U.S. soldiers until they are sufficiently trained and equipped to perform the task independently. I have met many of their leaders and they are a proud lot. Our 1st Brigade Combat Team has hosted recruiting drives and Sunnis are joining the Iraqi Army and police. You would be pleased to know that our great soldiers in the Marne Division are enjoying some success. They are moving into neighborhoods with the Iraqi Security Forces, conducting patrols, serving jointly with the Iraqi Army and police. I am so very proud of our soldiers. They are building schools and they are helping Iraqi citizens to obtain clean water for drinking as well as watering of their crops.

In time, the children in this region will have their security and be able to play, grow and enjoy the freedom we enjoy at home. For now someone must stop the terrorist threat. And that takes courageous young men and women like your friends and neighbors now deployed.

I have had the privilege of awarding soldiers medals for bravery and valor. Pinning these awards on a soldier's chest is the greatest honor a leader can have. May God bless each one. Sadly, I have also attended memorial services for fallen heroes. Staff Sgt. Harrison Brown and PFC. David "Neil" Simmons were assigned to our Third Brigade Combat Team from Fort Benning. They were killed in action here while on patrol. Improvised explosive devices and indirect fire remain our greatest threats and we are working hard to defeat these systems and find the persons responsible for creating them.

Staff Sgt. Brown left behind a wife and three daughters. PFC Simmons' mother told his fellow soldiers that her son had died doing what he wanted to do - what he believed in. Their families can rest assured that they were cherished.

I hug our soldiers in their victories and I am there to console them in their grief. If insurgents are nothing else, they are the breakers of hearts. And I have tired from attending memorial services and tree dedications. As I stare at the photos of soldiers who have fallen, I think of their families at home, their friends left behind, and the dreams they did not fulfill.

Then I pray and resolve myself to honor their memory by doing my duty to the best of my ability so that others may live freely. Rock of the Marne.

Mail comes sooner than later for 3rd Brigade Soldiers

Photo by Sgt. Kevin McSwain

FOB HAMMER, Iraq— An open mailroom puts some 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team Soldiers in contact with family members for the first time since arriving in Iraq. “Soldiers are getting their mail and it feels good to know that I am a part of that,” said. El Paso, Texas, native Cpl. Maria Guardado, a brigade mail clerk. The task was to establish a mailroom for the Soldiers on Forward Operating Base Hammer from the 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.

The mailroom started out with one large storage container and five Soldiers. However, Guardado said that did not provide sufficient space to hold the mail that was coming in, so she had to find other containers for storage. “I talked to the Mayor’s Cell and acquired more storage space to accommodate the incoming mail,” Guardado said. “I am very thankful for all the help the battalions have provided us. We had Soldiers from all over the brigade volunteer to help receive, organize, and distribute the mail.” With the help of the volunteers, Guardado said service members are able to receive their mail within 24 hours of its arrival to the forward operating base.

The base is so new that phones and internet are not readily available for Soldiers. So, for some, this is the first connection to friends and family since their arrival in Iraq. Guardado said mail gives the Soldiers something to look forward to and it has lifted morale around the brigade. “I like to see the smile on a Soldier’s face when I tell them that they have a package,” she said. Guardado said all the mail clerks have become very popular. “Soldiers are always coming up to us and asking if they have any mail for the day,” she said. Soldiers on base emphasized how grateful they were for the hard work and dedication the mail clerks have put in to establish a mailroom.

“It feels good to be receiving mail, and I know it is because of their hard work that this is possible,” said Sgt. Jamie Jones, a personnel specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 203rd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div.
Jones, from Beaumont, Texas, said that out of everything she received in her first package, she cherished the pictures of her infant daughter the most. “Being able to see how much my daughter has grown in such a short time brings me joy and it gives me something to look forward to throughout the deployment,” she said. As one of the designated mail clerks for her battalion, Jones said the mail system has been a way for Soldiers to receive products they are not able to purchase at the local Post Exchange.
“The care packages that have been sent so far have been very helpful for Soldiers,” she said. “It provides them with a little of the comforts of home out here in the desert.”

Guardado, who has not received her first package, said she has one special request for the contents of the box. “When my package arrives, I hope it has a bottle of Louisiana hot sauce,” she said. “But whatever is inside will be greatly appreciated.”

With the establishment of a mail center and other services around base, Soldiers of 3rd HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. have shown how motivation and training can make anything possible.

For queries, contact the Multi-National Division – Center Public Affairs Office by sending an e-mail to Maj. Alayne Conway at alayne.conway@iraq.centcom.mil  or MSG Marcia Triggs at marcia.triggs@iraq.centcom.mil  or by phone at VOIP 822-777.
Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 1st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division sort mail during a recent mail drop on Forward Operating Base Hammer.
This is a story from the 3rd Infantry Public Affairs Office.

Rush to 'adopt' 3rd ID soldiers warms the heart
Carol Megathlin, Savannah Morning News

Requests to sponsor soldiers pouring in. Zeke was the first to volunteer. His message popped into my inbox at 8:58 Sunday morning. I fretted while it trembled there, alone, for 30 minutes. Maybe Easter Sunday wasn't the best time to run a column asking readers to adopt a Third Infantry Division soldier. Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commanding general of the 3rd ID, had his staff ready and waiting to match soldiers in Iraq with sponsors in Savannah. How demoralizing it would be if only Zeke stepped forward.

How could I have doubted you, even for 30 minutes? After the church services and the Easter egg hunts were over, a trickle of responses began to pool in my inbox. Then on Monday, the trickle became a torrent.I scrambled to forward your requests to Maj. Gen. Lynch, send you a list of items for care packages, and gather your e-mail addresses into a listserve.

Now, three weeks after the column appeared, your requests to sponsor a soldier are still slipping into my inbox. You have sent the column so far afield that 3rd ID soldiers are introducing themselves to sponsors in Nevada, Missouri, Maryland, Kentucky and Virginia. I didn't expect your messages to blur my eyes and tighten my throat. When our fingers fly over the keyboard, we reveal our hearts.

These words, from "old soldiers": "Mail call is a lonely time when your name is never called.
"I spent 23 years in the United States Army with two tours of duty in Vietnam. There is no replacement like hearing your name called at mail call and a letter from home."

From newcomers to Savannah: "Our family would LOVE to adopt a soldier. We have recently moved to the Savannah area, and we see how much this community loves their military men and women. "I'd be honored to be in touch with a couple of our soldiers. I'm a Richmond Hill resident now - moved from Long Island a year ago. I have to say the sense of patriotism and pride in our soldiers and country have really had an effect on me ..."

Then, from a home-schooling pastor's wife in Kentucky: "PLEASE can you get our family on the list to adopt. We are studying American History and feel that a personal touch would give our children such a special experience. It makes me so proud to live in such a wonderful country ... so protective and appreciative of the men and women who serve us. We have so much to thank them ALL for, past and present."

The most determined of the respondents had to be Virginia. Eighty-four years old, happily unhampered by the Internet, she had a neighbor send her name to my e-mail address. Later she sent me a letter, written in a beautiful hand on lined yellow paper:  "Thank you so very much for sending a soldier's name to me. Today, I sent his care package and also a letter. I couldn't get all the things I bought in that small box. Maybe he will answer and I can send him some more. I always wanted to write to our boys but just didn't know how.
" P.S. I am 84 years old but I love everybody and especially those boys who are fighting for their country."

Sometimes your stories took my breath away with an unexpected turn. This, from Marty:  "I would be very happy to write to one of our soldiers. Last year I had sent a box of books to soldiers in Baghdad, and one soldier wrote to thank me. We shared e-mails for several months and he even sent some patches from his regiment to me. And suddenly - nothing - and it's haunted me ever since that something might have happened to him."

The most poignant message was from the ex-wife of a soldier. "I have a soldier for you that can use your prayers and care," she said. The soldier had just left for his third deployment, the first since his divorce. Her closing words were these: "Please, the most important thing of all, pray. Pray for him and all the others out there at war that risk their lives every day to keep peace in another country."

We reveal our hearts when we write. Your good hearts are on the way to Iraq.

Survivors dealt 2nd blow with benefit plan
5/2/2007

http://www.postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=12&a=292582
Rochester, MN

By Deanna Salie
Deanna Salie is the widow of Sgt. 1st Class David J. Salie, who was killed in Iraq on Feb. 14, 2005.

My husband was certain that he was going to die in Iraq. Sgt. 1st Class David J. Salie had been an American soldier for almost 17 years. He'd deployed many times, and he'd been to war before. He'd parachuted into Panama with the 82nd Airborne Division, served in the Gulf War and gone to Haiti with the 25th Infantry Division. But he'd never been so certain that he was going to die that he prepared for death. David told me that he wouldn't be coming back. I didn't believe him. I felt that he was just under so much stress thinking of our children and me, and about the 40 soldiers in his platoon who were his responsibility.

In the month before he left for Iraq with B Company, 2nd of the 69th Armor, 3rd Infantry Division, David went over his will with a fine-toothed comb, and he checked out his Survivor's Group Life Insurance, which provides protection for military people. David even gave away some of his personal belongings. He also checked on the death benefits that a soldier's family receives. My husband came home and proudly announced that if he died in Iraq, his family would be taken care of. I tried to tell him that he shouldn't worry about things like that. He said that every soldier going to war worries about his family and wants to make sure that if he's killed, his family will be taken care of just as they would be if he were still alive.

We were "all squared away," David told me. I wish I could say that he was wrong about dying and right about the rest of it. Instead, he was correct in his premonition about his own death, but wrong that we were "squared away."

On the evening of Feb. 14, 2005, a little after 9 p.m., I heard a knock on the front door of our house at Fort Benning, Ga. I got up from the couch in the living room, where I'd been resting with a sick child, and I saw two soldiers in dress green uniforms standing on the front porch. As my 11-year old daughter watched, they informed me that David had been killed that day by a roadside bomb in Baqubah, Iraq. I can't tell you what they said after I heard the words, "... regrets to inform you" because I was crying and screaming too loudly to hear much.

The next week was filled with contacting family members, trying to hold myself together for my three children, making funeral arrangements and dealing with all the red tape that a military death forces upon you. Had it not been for my Casualty Assistance Officer and the Rear Detachment Command of my husband's brigade, I'm not sure I would have made it through those first weeks. I was one of a lucky few who had wonderful help after my husband's death. Many other Army wives are less fortunate.

After making it through my husband's funeral, I was greeted with mountains of paperwork. I was escorted from office to office by my casualty officer as my military identification card was changed and reissued; as I signed up for the Veterans Administration's Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and the military's Survivor's Benefit Plan (SBP).

I reviewed the paperwork after all of these appointments, and I was shocked to discover that David had been wrong: We weren't going to be cared for as if he were still alive. My husband didn't know that dependents' compensation offsets the Survivor's Benefit Plan. If he'd known that, it would have made him very angry.

DIC is a payment made to widows, their children and some parents who've lost a husband, father or son. Widows are entitled to the benefit for the remainder of their lives, unless they remarry. DIC comes from the Department of Veterans Affairs. SBP pays a deceased soldier's income, and it comes from the Department of Defense. The offset, a dollar-for-dollar deduction, is supposedly intended to prevent double dipping from two similar benefit plans. But the Survivors Benefit Plan and Dependents Indemnity Compensation are provided for different reasons, and the offset leaves many military families with no survivors' benefits at all. Others receive only the pittance that's left over after the offset is deducted.

As we try to rebuild our shattered lives, the offset deals us a second blow. Grief and loss are hard enough to handle, but now we have more important worries, such as providing homes, food, clothing and schooling for our families. This is not a partisan political issue. This is not a matter of whether you're for or against the war in Iraq. This is about those who died serving our country, standing between our enemies and us and believing that their families would be cared for if they gave their lives.

It's a shame that that isn't true. There are two bills pending in Congress -- S. 935 in the Senate, sponsored by Sen. Bill Nelson of Florida, and H.R. 1927 in the House of Representatives, sponsored by Rep. Solomon Ortiz of Texas -- that would eliminate the offset and help the families of our fallen. Please contact your senators and representatives and urge them to vote for these bills.

Web links
* Senate bill S. 935
* House bill H.R. 1927

New American heads off to war
Sean Harder, Savannah Morning News

Turkish immigrant, forced to sue to obtain his U.S. citizenship, will soon join the fight in Iraq. Army Spc. John Yasar got his wish to become a citizen of the nation he's going to fight for. The Turkish immigrant raised his right hand in Atlanta on April 20, fulfilling a decade-long quest that temporarily careened off course into a labyrinth of bureaucracy and post-Sept. 11 paranoia about foreigners.

An FBI background check held up Yasar's application for 19 months - longer than most of the 60,000 foreign-born troops serving the United States. Under new rules enacted by President Bush, active-duty immigrants enjoy a streamlined naturalization process that typically lasts only four months.

This weekend, the 29-year-old Apache helicopter technician will deploy to Iraq with the 3rd Infantry Division's Aviation Brigade. "I feel relieved now," he said. "It's all I've been waiting for since I turned 18."

To take his citizen oath, Yasar had to resort to something very American: He sued. Filing a complaint against the federal government apparently did the trick. Just minutes before his first hearing before a judge, immigration officials suddenly approved his application and scheduled his ceremony date.

Yasar was born in Ankara, Turkey. At 14, he would sit transfixed to the green night-vision TV coverage of U.S. bombs being dropped on Baghdad during the first Gulf War. That's when the young Turk decided to become a U.S. pilot.
"That was the year my dad got me a computer," he said. "I started using a flight simulator program. All of a sudden, I'm hooked up on all these things."

After training to fly with a civil air patrol group in Turkey, Yasar saved enough money to come to the U.S. in 1999 and enroll in an Oklahoma flight school. Before he could finish the course, he ran out of money. A fellow Turk-turned-con-man summoned him to New Jersey and bilked him of what money he had left by promising financial help that never came.

Before long, Yasar's visa was set to expire. So he stayed in New Jersey and waited for the one thing that could come into his life and save him: love. If he got married, he could apply for a Green Card, stay as a permanent U.S. resident and pursue his dream to become a pilot."I just worked faithfully, waiting for that right person to come into my life," he said.

She did, in August of 2001, through the Internet. "Jolene found me," he said. "We started talking, writing letters and sending pictures. "It was like an oasis in the desert. With the all the hardships going on, we had a good time." The couple wasted no time making plans to get married. They set a date: Oct. 12.

Then came Sept. 11, 2001.

Yasar was a secular Sunni Muslim in a nation that had just been attacked by Middle Eastern airplane hijackers. He had completed flight training at the very same school that two of the hijackers visited and that Zacarias Moussaoui, the so-called 20th hijacker, attended. None of this dawned on him in the run up to his wedding.

As he was preparing to travel with Jolene to get married at Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, Yasar realized he had lost his wallet. With it, his expired visa and other important papers were missing. So he called his attorney for help and explained who he was to a legal assistant. He told her he was looking for help to get a Green Card, and that he was a pilot.
"Looking back, someone got suspicious and called it in," Yasar said. "Maybe it was the right thing to do for them. I understand."
The next day, two detectives knocked on Yasar's door and said they had his wallet and needed to take him in for questioning. He was arrested for having an expired visa and detained for 42 days before an FBI agent soon saw Yasar for what he was: a victim of circumstance.

He had two choices. He could waive his rights and be deported back to Turkey to apply for a new visa, or he could appeal his case before an immigration judge. He chose the judge, and the judge gave him a second chance. Yasar finally received his Green Card and in May 2005. He enlisted in the Army as an armament, electrical and avionic systems repair specialist for Apache attack helicopters.

Hunter Army Airfield's Apaches will fight throughout Baghdad and beyond on a 15-month deployment. Yasar won't be far behind, repairing and arming the gunships on his first combat deployment. "There's some anxiety," he said. "But it would be more stressful if I wasn't able to be a citizen going into this war. Now I can look forward to getting through it."
With U.S. citizenship, Yasar is able to obtain the security clearance needed to eventually become a pilot.
"My focus is to improve during this deployment," he said. "I want to come back safely and go to warrant officer flight training."

Training the future
3-69 Armor trains Iraqis to save lives
Spc. Ricardo Branch
1st BCT Public Affairs

Spc. Michael Darby, a medic from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment attached to Co. A, 3-69 Armor, watches on as a Provincial Security Force member demonstrates how to administer an air tube to restore breathing in someone’s body.
(Spc. Ricardo Branch 1st BCT Public Affairs)

RAMADI, Iraq (April 27, 2007) – The troops arrive at a small town on the outskirts of Ramadi. They could rush out and engage the enemy at a moments notice, but their job today is different – to train Iraqis to save lives.
For the Soldiers from Company A, 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor, it’s all about helping the Iraqis to help themselves.
The Soldiers latest effort was training local Provincial Security Forces in basic medical care during a visit to one of their stations April 23 at Hamidia.

“We’ve been working with the PSF here for the last two and a half weeks to get them better prepared to handle situations in their area,” said Sgt. Charles Dinkins, a tanker with Co. A, 3-69 Armor. “Today, we’re showing them basic medical aid to help their buddies out on the battlefield.” The Soldiers taught the Iraqis airway movement, the different types of bleeding, how to stop bleeding, and how to administer air tubes to restore oxygen flow in the body.
“They are catching on real quick with airway movement and knowing that oxygen is a valuable part of life,” said Spc. Michael Darby, a medic from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment attached to Co. A, 3-69 Armor.
He said that with the training, Iraqis understood most of the lessons but had an easier time when it was more hands on for them.

Spc. Michael Darby demonstrates how successful the nasal pharyngeal tube can be for someone during medical training with the Provincial Security Forces April 23 at Hamidia. (Spc. Ricardo Branch 1st BCT Public Affairs)

“They were grasping the material real fast, but when we went into the different types of pharyngeal tubes and how to use them, it was a bit difficult until I demonstrated on one of their own,” said the 39-year-old Texas City, Texas, native.
The Soldiers said they view their new mission as a big step forward from how they operated with the Iraqi Security Forces in previous deployments.
“I’ve worked with Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army …, but I’ve never dealt this close before with the Iraqi Security Forces,” Dinkle said. “We’re working on a more personnel basis with these guys over here. We work with them almost every other day and see them just like us minus the training, but they are getting it down very quickly.” Darby said that with this new training he sees lots of hope these days for Iraq in the future.

“If we give them the tools to protect themselves, their family, friends and neighborhood, maybe we won’t have to come back in the future,” said the 24-year-old Memphis, Tenn., native. While the training was being conducted each PSF battalion in Hamidia, sent over their most qualified medical personnel. “We trained 17 personnel today with prospects for another 17 in two to three weeks,” Darby said. “The idea is to have as many security personnel trained in the most basic combat medicine as possible.”

“This is really a two-fold mission,” he said. “One, is ridding the Anbar province of insurgents, and two, is better training and equipping the Iraqi Security Forces we work with, so they can maintain what we’ve done here together.”
As the day came to a close, and the last Iraqi left the training, the Soldiers see their work as part of the growing effort to improve security for Ramadi, one little piece at a time.

Care Packages For Soldiers In Iraq
WSAF.com

A group of soldiers stationed in Ramdai, Iraq will son have a taste of Southern Hospitality.

Montgomery's Young Meadows Presbyterian Church and the Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base sent care packages to the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division Thursday. The packages have everything you can imagine from books to snacks and letters from local schools.

A mother who's son is third in command in the unit spear-headed the project, she wanted them to know that despite their conditions and the controversy surrounding the war in Iraq, people back here in Alabama care for them.

Troops Come Home
WTOC.com

A group of 3rd ID soldiers is home with their families this morning after spending months in Iraq.

About 50 soldiers with the 233rd Transportation Company landed at Hunter Army Airfield around 1am Friday. They were then escorted to Fort Stewart, where family members waited for their first big hug in seven months.

Every soldier in the 233rd Transportation Company made it back safely. Some of these soldiers have been deployed to Iraq as many as six times.

Operation Targets Remaining Hotspot

RAMADI, Iraq – May 3, 2007-Approximately 450 Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces completed Operation Forsythe Park in northern Ramadi Wednesday.

Iraqi Provincial Security Force – 2, Iraqi Army demolition experts and Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division conducted the weeklong clearing operation in Albu Bali, located 15 kilometers northeast of Ramadi, targeting one of the remaining hotspots in the brigade’s area of operations.
“We had seen an increased amount of enemy activity in this region over the last three weeks,” said Col. John Charlton, commanding officer for 1BCT. “Once we set the conditions and built sufficient combat power, we took the fight to the enemy and provided much needed relief to the population.”
The combined forces built a new joint security station during the operation. The JSS will establish a permanent Iraqi police presence in Albu Bali and prevent the terrorists from controlling the area. Local citizens saw the immediate results of the operations and more than 100 Iraqi males immediately requested to join the police force, Charlton said.
The five-day operation discovered multiple weapon caches including 28 improvised explosive devices, two AK-47 assault rifles, 5,000 rounds of ammunition, three 14.5mm anti-aircraft guns, five mortars, 300 pounds of home made explosives, 2200 gallons of nitric acid and 200 blasting caps.
Two coalition service members and six terrorists were killed during the operation.
This marks the sixth large-scale operation for 1BCT this year. Four previous operations focused on clearing terrorists from Ramadi.

General predicts Troop Death Rate likely to Climb
Fort Worth Star Telegram

BAGHDAD -May 7, 2007- A U.S. Army general forecast Sunday a rise in deaths among American forces in the coming months, a prediction underscored by the announcement that roadside bombs killed eight U.S. soldiers and a foreign journalist.
A car bomb also killed 30 people in a wholesale food market in a part of the Iraqi capital where sectarian tensions are on the rise.
In all, at least 95 Iraqis were killed or found dead nationwide Sunday, police reported. They included 12 policemen in Samarra, among them the city's police chief, who died when Sunni insurgents launched a suicide car bombing and other attacks on police headquarters.
Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, said casualties will climb as American troops dig into enemy territory as part of a stepped-up military operation ordered by President Bush in January. Lynch, who oversees a swath of territory to the south and east of Baghdad, gave his bleak prediction on the heels of the deadliest month this year for American forces in Iraq.

In April, 104 troops were killed, only the fourth time since the beginning of 2005 that U.S. deaths exceeded 100 in a month. At least 25 troops have been killed in May, a grim start to a month in which Democrats are expected to keep up pressure on the White House to plan a withdrawal from Iraq.
"There are going to be increased casualties during this surge because we're taking the fight to the enemy," Lynch said.
He said troops in his area are facing a "thinking enemy" that has been on the ground far longer than most U.S. soldiers and has adopted techniques to trip up the Americans, such as planting roadside explosives too deep to be detected by high-tech equipment. "He dominates that terrain," Lynch said, adding that 13 of his troops had been killed since arriving in Iraq in March.
Lynch said most of those died as a result of armor-piercing roadside bombs that U.S. officials allege are coming from Iran.
The deadliest attack against U.S. forces Sunday occurred in Diyala, where six U.S. soldiers and a European journalist were killed when a massive bomb destroyed their vehicle, the U.S. military said. Two U.S. soldiers were wounded
Two other American soldiers died Sunday in separate bombings in Baghdad.

On Sunday, the military also reported three other deaths: two Marines in a blast Saturday in Anbar province and a soldier who died Sunday in a noncombat incident in northern Iraq. Those deaths raised to at least 3,373 the number of U.S. military members who have died since the Iraq war started in March 2003, according to an Associated Press count.

Veterans protest war near Fort Stewart
As 3rd ID heads back to Iraq for third tour, residents and soldiers show support for bringing troops home

Sean Harder | Thursday, March 22, 2007

E. Victor Mereski of Savannah, at right, holds up signs protesting the Iraq war.
Behind him, Harvey Tharp of Cincinatti, traveling with the Veterans For Peace, also protested. (Photo: Carl Elmore)

The Veterans for Peace caravan arrived in Hinesville in two buses advertising the group's message. (Photo: Carl Elmore)

HINESVILLE - They rolled into town in colorfully painted buses reminiscent of author Ken Kessey's psychedelic school bus of the 1960s.
They held up signs that read "Iraq Vets Against the War" and "Bring the Troops Home Now!" Contrary to what you might expect in this military town outside Fort Stewart's front gates, the dozen or so Veterans for Peace protesters received a largely positive response. Several Hinesville residents, military spouses and 3rd Infantry Division soldiers who drove by the protesters honked their horns, some even flashing the peace sign during Wednesday's lunch hour.

Pfc. Omar Figueras, a 3rd Infantry Division soldier, at right, said that he's against the war
and paused to talk with Sandy Kelson of Veterans for Peace. (Photo: Carl Elmore)

Army Pfc. Omar Figueras made a point of stopping his vehicle to say one thing to the demonstrators:  "Peace.""I agree with them," said Figueras, who'll be deploying to Iraq this summer with the 4th Brigade. "I'm against this war. I don't want to go, but that's my job."

Just four years ago, as the 3rd Division led the charge into Baghdad, these demonstrators likely would have received a chillier reception. Now, however, polls show the majority of Americans wants troops to withdraw from Iraq, and that's giving active-duty soldiers the courage to speak out, said Elliot Adams, president of Veterans for Peace and a former Army paratrooper who served in Vietnam. Adams' group, along with Iraq Veterans Against the War and Military Families Speak Out, launched a "peace convoy" to military bases throughout the Southeast this week.
Adams said honking horns and other signs of support aren't unusual outside military installations. It's just one sign of the anti-war movement's growing momentum. "It's a sea change," he said. "People are getting the message. Our government is destroying our military. They're wearing out equipment and wearing out our people. Soldiers are angry about this war, but they don't know how to express it, so we're trying to give them that out."

Bruce Peterson of Savannah carries a sign and flashes a peace sign during a war protest in Hinesville near Fort Stewart.
Some soldiers and residents honked their horns or shouted their support for the anti-war protester. (Photo: Carl Elmore)

The veterans handed out brochures about the GI Rights Hotline and the Appeal for Redress, a petition drive that so far has collected the signatures of more than 1,700 active-duty service members who want Congress to end the U.S. occupation of Iraq. Pfc. Ty Heald, a 2nd Brigade soldier who will deploy to Iraq in May, accepted the information but wasn't sure how he felt about the anti-war message. "I just can't wait to go over there for the extra pay," he said. "Everybody who goes over there has a different take on it. You're really there to make sure your buddy doesn't get killed."

Kevin Benderman met with the protesting veterans in Hinesville.
Benderman, a former 3rd Infantry Division soldier, served in prison after refusing to deploy to Iraq in 2005. (Photo: Carl Elmore)

Kevin Benderman, a former Army sergeant at Fort Stewart who served 13 months in a military brig for refusing to deploy to Iraq a second time with his unit, also attended the protest. He and his wife, Monica, are working on "Benderman's Bridge," a project to help veterans obtain vocational training and transition into civilian life. "Soldiers should be the first ones allowed to exercise their constitutional right to free speech," he said. "There are a lot of talking heads who like to say a lot of things, but it's the soldiers who know better than anyone what's going on in Iraq."

Robert Randall of Brunswick, founder of GlynnPeace, said it helps to have a veterans group leading the call for a troop withdrawal. "It helps dispel that myth that people who are against the war are also against the troops," Randall said. "The people who are really against the troops are the ones who are sending them off to get killed in a counter-productive war."

Elliot Adams, president of Veterans for Peace. (Photo: Carl Elmore)

Despite pending resolutions in Congress to set a time line for withdrawing U.S. troops, several activists predicted politics will prevent Democrats from ending the war. "If you're a Democrat, you can hang the war as a millstone around the Republicans' neck, and come 2008 you might get elected," Adams said. "But we're going to stop the war before then."
Does he really think that will happen?
"Sure it can happen," he said. "It's just a matter of winning over the public."

Ready to shift
Plan has 3,800 soldiers departing in mid-March
BY MICK WALSH, Staff Writer

 

Colonel Wayne Grigsby Jr., commander of the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, discusses the upcoming deployment to Iraq.
Mike Haskey/Ledger-Enquirer

Posted on Tue, Feb. 20, 2007:
Unlike the 2005 send-off at Doughboy Stadium, which was complete with speeches, music and enough tears to fill Upatoi Creek, this year's deployment by the 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team to Iraq will be much more subdued. "Family good-byes at the battalion areas and bus rides to the airport," said brigade commander Col. Wayne Grigsby Jr. as he outlined Monday the timetable for the mid-March departure of his 3,800-soldier outfit.

Just back from four weeks of intense combat training at Fort Irwin, Calif. -- much of it under the critical eye of former brigade boss Col. Steve Salazar -- the 3rd will be making its third trip to Iraq since the invasion of 2003.
"We're ready to go," Grigsby said. "We're very close to full strength, almost 60 percent of our soldiers have combat experience and we're trained for full spectrum operations."In other words, the brigade is ready to tangle with insurgents in Baqouba, Ramadi or downtown Baghdad. "We're strong in all the fundamental skills that we'll need," he added.

So where are they headed? And when? And for how long?
It appears as if the brigade will be stationed in the southeast section of Baghdad, possibly under the umbrella of the 3rd Infantry Division.
"General (Maj. Gen. Rick) Lynch and I are in contact every other day and we have a pretty good relationship," said Grigsby. "It would be great to be part of his team."
Grigsby has already been in touch with another of the division's brigade commanders, Col. John Charlton, who took his unit, the 1st BCT, to Baghdad in January.
"We talk about issues that he's had to address since his arrival in Iraq, things that we may need to focus on in the weeks ahead," Grigsby said. "Keeping those communication lines open is important."

All of the brigade is to be in theater no later than the Ides of March, March 15.
Soldiers could be leaving Fort Benning from Lawson Army Airfield as early as March 9.
"How long will we be gone?" said the colonel. "A minimum of 12 months."
He's already told the Family Readiness Group that tours could be extended for as many as six months.

"It's condition-based," he said, noting that circumstances in Iraq at the time of the scheduled re-deployment dictate whether or not a unit might be extended. Soldiers in the 10th Mountain Division serving in Afghanistan had their tours lengthened by four months recently.

Grigsby, who took the reins of the brigade last June, also spoke on the matter of the Army's controversial "stop-loss" program. "We've had to keep some people longer than they had hoped," he said. "Some enlistments were extended. I don't have an exact number but I believe if you said 'dozens of soldiers,' you'd be right. It was all done on a case by case basis." Lynch, who will be visiting the brigade on Thursday, announced on Feb. 1 that about 350 soldiers in the division would be retained despite retirement or transfer orders.

Almost every brigade soldier can count on one four-day weekend between now and deployment. The rest of the time? More training and packing.

‘Raider Brigade’ takes over Ramadi
Ceremony marks end of 1-1AD’s battle to stabilize volatile city
By Monte Morin, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Monday, February 19, 2007

Monte Morin / S&S
From left to right, Maj. Gen. Walter Gaskin and Cols. Sean B. MacFarland and John W. Charlton sit for an interview Sunday with Fox News correspondent Geraldo Rivera following a formal transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Ramadi, in Iraq.

RAMADI, Iraq — The Germany-bound “Ready First Brigade” of the 1st Armored Division formally relinquished combat authority in and around Ramadi Sunday following a fierce, eight-month campaign that commanders say broke a long and bloody stalemate between U.S. soldiers, Sunni Arab tribes and Islamist militants here. The breakthrough — which occurred when a majority of local tribe leaders decided to ally with coalition forces against Islamist militants — bodes well for the incoming 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division “Raider Brigade,” which is now on its third tour in Iraq.

“We leave here with a great sense of accomplishment,” Col. Sean B. MacFarland, commander of the 1-1AD said at Sunday’s transfer of authority ceremony. “Although there is still work to be done, we take comfort knowing that we are relinquishing our job to the superior soldiers of the Raider Brigade.”

Col. John W. Charlton — commander of the 1-3ID who has served twice before in Iraq — said Sunday that his soldiers were prepared to build on the gains made by the departing 1-1AD. “We’re ready to take on this mission of bringing peace and prosperity to this region,” Charlton said.
© 2006 Stars and Stripes. All Rights Reserved.

Monte Morin / S&S
An Abrams tank with the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, watches over a street corner in downtown Ramadi recently.

Mideast edition, Wednesday, February 21, 2007: RAMADI, Iraq — The 3rd Infantry Division has fought two previous tours in Iraq, but as Lt. Col. Mike Silverman and his “Speed and Power” soldiers are quickly learning, the enemy in this battered city is unlike that of previous tours.

As U.S. troops in Baghdad are attempting to quell a bloody sectarian war between rival Sunni and Shiite religious sects, soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division are squaring off against a determined force of Islamist militants belonging to al-Qaida in Iraq and other terror groups. Unlike insurgents in many other areas of Iraq — who often melt away into the landscape after sudden roadside bomb attacks or drive-by shootings — brazen, sustained attacks appear to be the hallmark of insurgents in Ramadi.

Commanders hope to capitalize on gains made, but are now countering an anticipated surge in enemy attacks. While it is customary for enemy forces to increase attacks on troops who have recently rotated into Iraq, officers here say Islamist fighters have launched a particularly fierce offensive against U.S. troops and cooperating tribes.
“Basically, al-Qaida in Iraq and these other groups have been reading about the surge in Baghdad, and they’ve been hearing what President Bush is saying. We think now that they’re trying their own surge,” Maj. Charles Krumwiede, the battalion operations officer, said.

Monte Morin / S&S
Marine Warrant Officer One James Wright, 32, of Houston, Texas, uses his rifle scope to scan buildings in downtown Ramadi after hearing gunfire recently. Wright, a public affairs officer with the 4th Civil Affairs Group, was visiting a joint security station.

The recent car bomb assassination of a highly skilled Iraqi Police commander and another such attack on an Iraqi Police post Monday were part of this three-pronged enemy offensive, according to commanders. The offensive, they said, was aimed at intimidating local residents from cooperating with new Iraqi Police or U.S. forces, assassinating Iraqi Police and government leaders, and attacking U.S. troops.

Commanders said a series of ongoing, coordinated operations between units throughout Ramadi would help to destabilize the enemy. At the same time however, Silverman said he and other commanders were not about to underestimate their foes. “These guys have been involved since 2003,” Silverman said. “These guys are at their pinnacle. In some ways, they are almost as good as a professional army. Don’t get me wrong — I’m not enamored of the enemy. They are savages, absolutely. But they are not poorly trained savages.”

During the 3rd ID’s 2005 deployment to the areas of Balad, Tikrit, Samarra and Beiji, it was common for groups of 15 or 20 attacking insurgents to flee after two or three of them had been killed. Here, however, the same sized group will press their attack until most of them have been cut down, commanders say. In a vivid example, officers said that U.S. snipers methodically killed 10 insurgent attackers recently as they attempted to crawl up a creek bed toward a combat outpost downtown.

The phenomenon, officers say, is linked to a breakthrough alliance here between U.S. forces and a majority of local tribes who once aided the Islamist groups. Until late last year, more than two-thirds of enemy fighters here were considered to be local Baath Party loyalists and/or from criminal groups. Now many of those local tribe members have opted out of the fight or joined the Iraqi police. Those enemy who remain, officers say, are mostly hard-core Islamists who are increasingly desperate to break the alliance between tribes and the coalition.

As such, units like Silverman’s 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, are encountering an enemy he and other officers describe as highly experienced, religiously zealous and organized along traditional military lines. “It looks to me like they operate very much the way we do,” Silverman said. “There is a battalion-level emir who comes up with a vision for the battlefield. They issue guidance to cell leaders who function fairly autonomously. They would be like company commanders in our operations. Most of the attacks are then committed by lower platoon-level fighters.”

After years of combat in Ramadi, enemy fighters here are among the most experienced in Iraq. They are drawn from a steady pool of local and foreign Islamists attracted to Ramadi because it symbolizes, for them, the center of the fight against the U.S. and the west in general. “For them, Ramadi is jihad land,” said Krumwiede. “They know that if they want to fight the Americans, Ramadi is the place to go.” By the same token, U.S. troops here say they take satisfaction in knowing that those fighters they kill or capture are part of al-Qaida and its many associated groups. “No kidding, when you’re in Ramadi, you’re not just fighting to stabilize Iraq, you’re part of the larger war on terrorism,” Silverman said.

Monte Morin / S&S
Soldiers attached to the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, cross a sewage creek in downtown Ramadi during a recent patrol.

Over the past few years, Ramadi has functioned as a de facto training camp for these Islamist fighters, commanders say. Those who pass the course survive; those who don’t, die. “There’s nothing more Darwinian than an insurgency,” Silverman said. “The gene pool for poorly trained and unthinking insurgents gets cleaned out pretty quickly.” In Silverman’s area of operations, there are perhaps 100 or 200 such fighters, operating in autonomous cells, and communicating via couriers or Internet cafes.

The previous unit in Ramadi, the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, has been credited with significant gains over the past eight months by establishing a network of joint security stations throughout Ramadi’s downtown — an area that was once controlled mostly by the enemy.

The number of police has increased from just over 200 eight months ago to roughly 4,500 today. While this has done much to stabilize western and northern Ramadi, areas like downtown, which lacked a tribal structure, remain contentious.
© 2006 Stars and Stripes. All Rights Reserved.