Volume Three, Number 49 - 5-12-08
Mission - Soldier - Family - Team
For the latest news, pictures, and information from 4ID, regularly check: http://pao.hood.army.mil/4ID/index.html
Baghdad 4 Day weather forecast - beginning May 13: Tues, Hi - 99, Lo - 77, sunny; Wed, Hi - 98, Lo - 71, sunny; Thur, Hi - 99, Lo - 71, sunny; Fri, Hi - 101, Lo - 73, partly cloudy - remainder of ten day forecast calls for highs in the low 100s each day, it's warming up in Baghdad...
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MND-B Soldier attacked by IED
Multi-National Division - Baghdad PAO
May 12, 2008
BAGHDAD - A Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldier was killed after being
struck by an improvised explosive device during a route clearance patrol at
approximately 9:20 p.m. May 11 in northwestern Baghdad. The Soldier
was quickly transported to the medical facility where he later died of his
wounds.
The Soldier's name is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin.
Multi-National Division - Baghdad is not the release authority for the names of
U.S. service members who have died while serving in Iraq. The names of the
service members are announced through the U.S.
Department of Defense Official Website at http://www.defenselink.mil/
. The announcements are made on the Website no earlier than 24 hours after
notification of the service member's primary next of kin.
---------
Let us keep the Family and fellow Soldiers of this as yet unnamed Soldier in our thoughts and prayers.
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CG Letter to Soldiers and Families - 8 May 2008
To all Multi-National Division-Baghdad Soldiers,
Sailors, Airmen and Marines:
– Mission – Soldier – Family – Team –
It is a
distinct privilege and honor to serve with you at such a defining moment in our
country’s history, as well as a crucial time for the Iraqi people. I continually see firsthand your selfless
service and courage in the face of a heartless and evil enemy. Since March 31, there have been 36 Bronze
Star Medals presented; nine of those for valor.
Together,
with our Iraqi brothers in arms, you are serving with great distinction
protecting the people of
Together, as a Team, we will continue targeting Special Group criminal elements with precision targeting to secure the Iraqi people against an enemy who fire rockets and mortars, small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades with no thought to the welfare and wellbeing of the innocent.
We define
our current enemy as Special Groups Criminals; those who are not in compliance
with Muqtada al-Sadr's freeze. They are
involved in kidnapping, murder, intimidation, smuggling, EFP, and indirect fire
(rocket and mortar) attacks against the GoI, Iraqi people and their security
forces and MND-B Soldiers – in short they are murderers, thugs, criminals, and
basely evil. They have different
networks with different criminal specialties.
Before the
uptick in violence that began on March 23 these SG criminals conducted their
nefarious activities. Since then, during
the uptick in violence following the GoI’s operations in
Because of
this,
Of note,
attacks targeting the population have dramatically declined since June
2007. Even during the recent uptick in
violence, attack levels and civilian casualties in April were at their lowest
point in over 12 months.
Your
selfless service and sacrifice and that of your Families back home are making a
difference in the lives of the innocent.
More importantly, you are giving the Iraqi people time; critical time
essential for the Government of Iraqi and the Iraqi Security Forces. Continue to lead, mentor and teach your Iraqi
partners. There must be no slack
given. Enforce high standards and discipline
as they represent the future of
My warmest
regards and accolades to the MND-B Soldiers
– warriors, peacemakers, and humanitarians
– in south
Throughout
Also, MND-B
Soldiers recently established a Combined Civil-Military Operations Center (with
representatives from GoI) in the Thawra 1 Joint Security Station to provide a
central point for citizens in the Safe Neighborhood/Safe Market Area to process
claims, meet immediate essential service needs, coordinate projects for trash
and rubble removal, street repair, local lighting, micro-grants for small
businesses, etc.
In closing,
I want to reiterate what a privilege it is to serve along side of you. You each represent the very best our Nation
has to offer. Volunteers one and all,
selflessly serving – all of you are all-American heroes.
May God
bless each one of you, our country and the people of
Ironhorse
6
“Steadfast
and Loyal”
============
Iraqi Security Forces, MND-B Soldiers capture weapons, terrorists
1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div.
Multi-National Division - Baghdad PAO
May 10, 2008
BAGHDAD - Iraqi Security Forces and Soldiers of the 1st Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad
captured terrorists and seized multiple weapons and ordnance May 9 during
clearing operations in the West Rashid district of southern Baghdad. At
2:15 p.m., Iraqi Army soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 43rd Brigade, 11th Iraqi
Army Division, seized an AK-47 rifle with 152 rounds, an RPK machine gun with
250 rounds and 60 mortar fuses.
MND-B Soldiers from Company B, 4th Bn., 64th Armor Regiment
confiscated a rocket-propelled grenade, a PKC machine gun with 600 rounds, a
hand grenade, a 60 mm mortar round and four homemade
explosives in a house located in Risalah. The munitions were taken to a nearby
combat outpost for disposal by an explosive ordnance disposal team.
Also, Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment,
wounded a suspected terrorist and detained two others after the group attacked
Soldiers with small-arms fire at approximately 3:50 p.m. The wounded suspect
was turned over to Iraqi authorities. At 4:15 p.m., the same patrol from
Co. A, 1-22 Inf. Regt., seized an explosively formed projectile, two RPG
launchers and three RPG rounds in the Jihad neighborhood.
"Iraqi Security Forces in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, along
with Raider Brigade Soldiers are keeping the terrorists off balance by
uncovering these caches, disrupting the terrorists' networks and detaining
them," said Maj. Dave Olson, spokesman, 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div.,
MND-B. "The ISF continue to work alongside the 1st BCT, providing
security for the district and its neighborhoods and preventing the terrorists
and criminals from conducting acts of violence against the citizens of
Iraq."
============
MiTT Soldiers assist, mentor Iraqi Army leaders
Spc.
David Hodge
1st
BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B
May
12, 2008
FORWARD
OPERATING BASE FALCON, Iraq – Military Transition Team (MiTT) Soldiers play an
integral part in helping form the future of Iraqi Security Forces in the
Multi-National Division – Baghdad operational environment by assisting and
providing guidance daily to the staff sections at the brigade and battalion
levels.
These
select officers and enlisted Soldiers from the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, operate from Joint
Security Station Jihad and interacts daily with the staff sections of the 43rd
Brigade, 11th Iraqi Army Division. “The whole purpose of us being here is not
to make the brigade MiTT successful, it’s to make the Iraqi brigade
successful,” said Lt. Col. Rick Caya,
the MiTT chief and executive officer with 43rd Bde., 11th IA Div., who is
assigned to 1st BCT. (Note from Bob: LTC Caya was Rear Detachment CO of
1BCT during the last deployment and served with 1-22 IN during OIF I).
In
the past, MiTT teams dealt more with hands-on training but now focus on the
staff sections because the Iraqi Security Forces have become a more
self-sustainable entity, added Caya. “It’s important for the staff to work
together properly because that is how it works in a military organization,”
said Caya, who hails from
When
the MiTT assumed the area of northwest Rashid April 13, the IA staff had
coordination issues with each other, said Caya. It is vital that the staff and
commander have to work together to make sure the unit functions properly over
periods of months and years, he said, adding that each staff section leader’s
goal is to provide information to the IA commander to reach the best decision
possible given a time constraint.
That
is why Caya and his team of 15 1st BCT “Raider” Soldiers spend hours each day
with individual engagements among the staff members and their sections and
offer suggestions when the IA soldiers, or jundis, have any issues. “We coach,
teach and mentor our counterparts in our respective areas to enable them to
operate smoothly in this difficult environment,” said Warrant Officer Paul Franks, effects trainer, 43rd Bde., 11th IA Div.,
MiTT. “It is the interpersonal relations between the American team member
and his counterpart that will make them successful.”
During
his interactions with the IA, Franks said he believes that it is imperative to
conduct himself in a professional manner at all times. “The Iraqis look to us
as the most professional army in the world,” said Franks, a
Franks
has been deployed to
Also
at JSS Jihad, a battalion-level MiTT team works to assist all operations for
their Iraqi counterpart, the 2nd Battalion, 43rd Bde., 11th IA Div. Similar to
Caya’s team, the 1st Battalion, 22nd
Infantry Regiment, 1st BCT MiTT assesses and evaluates its battalion
counterparts in every aspect of their tactical and administrative performance,
said Capt. Nate Rawlings, maneuver trainer,
2nd Bn., 43rd Bde., 11th IA Div., MiTT. “We
coordinate combined operations and accompany the units on patrols and raids to
assess the strengths and weaknesses of the battalion,” said Rawlings, a native
of
Rawlings
and his six fellow “Regulars” Battalion Soldiers enjoy developing strong
working relationships with the Iraqi soldiers and often eat some local foods
with the jundis at lunch time. “I enjoy working with the IA and seeing how they
actually function,” said Sgt. Christopher
Hardt, a tanker from
When
training is not scheduled by the 43rd Bde, it is scheduled by the 11th IA Div.
or the Ministry of Defense and on occasion, the MiTT Soldiers provide training
for the IA, said Caya. The training events are first taught to the IA lead
instructor by the MiTT Soldiers. Then, the MiTT takes a step back and provides
over-watch as the lead instructor teaches the battalion and company
instructors, who in turn teach the material down to the lowest level, the
jundis. In the near future, Caya said, the IA will be conducting Warrior Leaders
Course training, combat life saver training and weapons training on the M16,
which are now being issued to the IA.
With
the ISF gaining more control of
============
Multiple caches discovered, seven suspected AQI detained in Mosul
Multi-National Division - North PAO
May 12, 2008
MOSUL, Iraq - Iraqi Army and Coalition force Soldiers discovered four weapon
caches and detained seven suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq members during operations
in Mosul, May 12. The caches consisted of more than a dozen pipe bombs,
improvised explosive devices, mortar rounds, a mortar fuse, multiple circuit
boards, over 200 pounds of explosives, detonators, several blasting caps, fuses
and a timer. Seven suspected AQI members were also detained in a house
where one of the caches was discovered.
"This operation in Mosul continues to show the resolve of the Iraqi people
as they continue to take the lead in contributing to a safer Iraq," said Maj.
Peggy Kageleiry, spokesperson for Multi-National Division - North.
(Mosul and MND-N is where 1-8 IN of 3BCT/4ID is attached - not sure if they
were involved here or not but knew that our 1-8 Families would like to read
this).
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MND-B Soldiers return fire, engage bomb emplacers
Multi-National Division - Baghdad PAO
May 11, 2008
BAGHDAD - Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers continue to deny criminals
freedom of movement in and around the Adhamiyah and Sadr City districts of
Baghdad May 10-11. At approximately 7:30 a.m. May 10, MND-B Soldiers with Company
D, 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, returned precision fire and
killed a criminal who attacked them with small-arms fire in Adhamiyah.
At approximately 10:50 a.m., Soldiers from Company C, 1st Combined Arms
Battalion, 68th Infantry Regiment, returned precision fire and killed
a criminal who attacked them with small-arms fire in
Adhamiyah. At approximately 4 p.m. May 10, Soldiers from Company
E, 1-68 CAB, engaged and killed four criminals after a failed
explosively formed penetrator attack. The Soldiers positively identified the
triggerman and his fellow criminals, returned precision fire and killed the
four attackers in Sadr City.
At approximately 10:20 p.m. May 10, Soldiers from Co. E, 1-68 CAB,
who while on a patrol interacting with the local populace, were provided a tip
about two criminals emplacing a roadside bomb. The Soldiers moved to intercept
the bomb emplacers. The soldiers engaged the criminals and killed one. The
second fled the scene in Adhamiyah. At approximately 12:15 a.m. May 11, an
MND-B aerial weapons team responded to the site of a roadside
bomb attack. The AWT positively identified the two triggermen and engaged the
pair with a Hellfire missile. One criminal was killed, their vehicle was
destroyed, and the second criminal fled into a surrounding neighborhood in
Adhamiyah.
"Our Soldiers, along with the Iraqi Security Forces, continue to meet with
the local populace to identify these criminal elements and eliminate the threat
they pose," said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, spokesman
for MND-B and the 4th Infantry Division. "We will
continue to use precision fire to defend the Iraqi people and ourselves against
these criminal elements."
============
MND-B Soldiers rescue
kidnap victim
Multi-National
Division -
May
11, 2008
"
============
Soldiers of 4th Inf.
Div.’s DSTB rides waves of change, remain focused on mission
by
Spc. Elvyn Nieves
MND-B
PAO
May
12, 2008
CAMP
“We’re
flexible,” said Lt. Col. Dale Buckner,
a native of
Buckner
said the primary function of the DSTB is to support the division main from
behind the scenes to provide whatever it takes to make the division main
functional in supporting the command group. The DSTB provides full-spectrum
support for the division main. This includes, among a myriad of other tasks: providing
all the battle squad support and personal security detachments for the command
group; providing communication support directly to the command group; providing
logistical support; providing all the administrative support; and for other
tasks such as handling Soldiers promotion boards, etc.
“The
primary mission of the DSTB is all the behind-the-scenes goings on so the
Soldiers can focus on the battlefield,” said Buckner.
Having
14 units to keep track of, and having 2,200 Soldiers in 19 different forward
operation bases in Iraq, Kuwait and Qatar, is a daunting task – and one of the
main challenges the DSTB has to face.
Buckner
said none of the 14 units are the same or mutually supporting. “Infantry,
armored and artillery units have some degree of unity and focus,” said Buckner.
“We don’t have that here; everybody here is different. The only thing we have
in common is administrative actions and policies; but operationally, everyone
is completely different, which means as a commander, I can’t treat everybody
the same. Every single company I’ve got to look at in its individual way
because it has different requirements. That is challenging.”
And
as challenging as the missions can be, his company commanders say they are
pleased to be serving in the DTSB. Capt.
Jonathan Johnson, a
“I
can tell you that this battalion keeps getting better and better,” said
Johnson. “I’m very happy to be here and command. It’s a great organization –
and I’m very happy to be a part of it.”
============
MND-B kill criminals,
seize, destroy weapons
Multi-National
Division -
May
11, 2008
At approximately 3 p.m., Soldiers from the
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, killed three armed
criminals with small-arms fire. A tank also engaged after the Soldiers were
attacked by criminals while on a barrier emplacement mission in
"MND-B Soldiers, in full partnership with Iraqi Security Forces, will not
cease in our efforts to seek out the enemy who would do the Iraqi people
harm," said Col. Allen Batschelet,
chief of staff of the MND-B and 4th Infantry Division. "If we see
illegal activity, rocket or mortar teams, those carrying rocket-propelled
grenades or improvised-explosive device emplacers, we will engage them with
precision fire."
============
Officials Hope Agreement Can Reduce Sadr City ViolenceBy Donna Miles |
|
WASHINGTON, May 12, 2008 -
U.S. military officials in Iraq expressed optimism yesterday that a truce
being worked out between the Iraqi government and Shiite cleric Muqtada
al-Sadr's militia will help reduce violence in Baghdad's Sadr City
section. "We welcome an end to violence and putting an end to
criminal activity, so we are obviously in support of the government of Iraq
as they move forward in a dialog with elements of the Sadr Trend," Navy
Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, spokesman for Multinational Force Iraq,
said at a news conference. |
============
Small maintenance crew
performs critical mission at Camp Taji
By
Spc. Meadows, Michele
1st
Sust. Bde, PAO, in support of MND-B
May
12, 2008
A
great deal of that support on Camp Taji falls under the purview of the
maintenance crew of the 297th Inland
Cargo Transfer Company, which is attached to the 41st Transportation Company,
165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Sustainment Brigade, in support
of MND-B. The unit, which is based out of Fort Hood, Texas, arrived to Camp
Taji seven months ago and fell in on a large group of vehicles and equipment –
much of which was broken or in need of repair.
After
assessing its new environment, the crew rolled up its sleeves and went to work
fixing the non-functional vehicles and equipment. “My guys have put in a lot of
hours at the shop and have done an excellent job as far as keeping our overall
readiness rating above 95 percent,” stated Sgt.
Casey Tucker, a
Since
the small maintenance crew has been together, the team has repaired every piece
of equipment that has come its way, making sure it runs the way it’s supposed
to. The Soldiers double check each other’s work to ensure it’s done right.
“It’s better to have at least 18 eyes instead of two. We all check behind each
other to do the job right the first time,” said Staff Sgt. Douglas Darden, a native of
With
100- to 120-degree temperatures quickly approaching, a new set of challenges is
on the mind of the maintenance crew – equipment overheating. One of the pieces
of equipment that is critical to the 297th ICTC’s mission is the
It
is with this in mind that the Soldiers strive to keep proper maintenance and
care of their own equipment as well as taking care of their fellow Soldiers.
“The Kalmars are an electrical nightmare when it comes to the heat,” stated Spc. James Meadows, a
Because
the company is one of the only cargo companies on post, if the vehicles aren’t
running, they would not able to complete their mission successfully. Keeping
equipment, like the
The
mission of the eight Soldiers who make up the maintenance team encompasses one
that is the equivalent of what a company-sized platoon would normally do, said
Darden. “I haven’t seen any maintenance section that can do what we can do. We
have the knowledge; we have the experience. There may be some late hours, but
we get the job done,” Darden said.
“The
team does not understand the meaning of ‘can’t,’ nor do they ever give up,
added Tucker. “These guys, they come up with outside-the-box stuff just to keep
the mission running – it’s truly a sight to see. They just find a way to make
it happen.”
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MND-B Soldiers seize
munitions, detain criminals
Multi-National
Division -
May
12, 2008
At approximately 7:45 a.m., Soldiers with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, detained a suspect
and three other individuals during Operation Tusker Chamberlain in
At approximately 11:20 a.m., Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, seized a
munitions cache, west of
At
approximately noon, Iraqi Police with the 2nd National Police Division detained
two individuals. Both are suspected of criminal activities in the area in
Kadhamiyah. At approximately 2:50 p.m., Soldiers with the 18th Military Police Brigade seized a cache of 122 mm rockets in
"U.S. Soldiers, in full partnership with the Iraqi Security Forces, will
never cease in the efforts to protect the people of
============
Warrior Sappers lead way
for engineers
Multi-National
Division -
May
12, 2008
BAGHDAD - The engineers from the 66th
Engineer Company, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team "Warrior," 25th
Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, are the 2007 winners
of the Lt. Gen. Emerson C. Itschner award, recognizing them as the best
engineer company in the Army.
"It feels good," said Spc.
Jose Diaz, about the recognition. "The last two years of training were
hard, and now we are being recognized by the Army as being the best engineer
company." Diaz, a native of
To prepare for the competition, Diaz said the unit did a lot of demolition
training, improvised explosive device classes, unexploded-ordinance classes and
tactical movements. In truth, there is no preparation for the competition, said
1st Sgt. Jonathan White, the company's
senior enlisted leader, who added that his unit was being recognized for
their professionalism. "You just do your mission," said White, a
native of
The prestige of the award is something which will travel throughout the
engineer regiment. "Every year, you hear about the unit who
won the Itscher Award, and they are a unique company or a company who has done
awesome things," said Maj. Anthony
Barbina, a native of
To
be considered for the competition, each engineer company was required to submit
a book highlighting the unit's accomplishments. For the 66th En.
Being
recognized is similar to the "cherry on the ice cream cone," White
said, adding that it is a great way to acknowledge what his Soldiers are all
about. Their achievement marks the first time an engineer company from the 25th
Inf. Div. has been recognized with this award. "This is a once in a career
achievement for most engineers," said Maj. Barbina.
While deployed to
============
Flying UAVs not a game for Soldiers of Task Force XII
By
Sgt. 1st Class Chris Seaton
Task
Force XII PAO, MND-B
May
9, 2008
Games
like the popular “Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon - Advanced Warfighter” even let
players fly a simulated UAV through a digital battlefield – discovering the
pending threats before they discover you. And, according to the actual UAV
operators, the virtual video versions are pretty realistic.
Those
who’ve played them say they get the eerie feeling that they’re back at work.
“Operating the UAV, you’re not in the aircraft so you’re looking at the
computer and you’re opening menus and putting in numbers; it is kind of like a
video game,” said Spc. Samuel McKamey,
a Cloverdale,
McKamey
is a UAV operator for 2nd Brigade Combat
Team, 101st Airborne Division. For now, he’s attached to Company G, Task
Force XII, which is comprised of operators from six brigade combat teams.
His company launches and recovers the Army’s Shadow UAV for units throughout
MND-B. “With video games, you always push it ‘till you crash and have to
restart the game,” he laughed. “Out here we try to make it a point not to
crash the airplanes.”
The
23-year-old McKamey says he’s never really considered himself a gamer, although
he played some video games in high school, such as “Madden” football and “Grand
Theft Auto,” but he concentrated mostly on sports and cars. “I hit up the
arcade at the mall a few times when I was a kid,” he said. “Once I got my car
though, video games were pretty much out the window.”
Still,
with only 1.5 years in the career field, leaders from his chain of command said
he has done well for himself. In fact, after seven months in
So
while the propensity for gaming may be relative, McKamey said his attention to
detail far outweighs his technological aptitude. “I don’t think this job is
technically outside the limits of most people who currently serve,” he
said. “This job is the future, but you don’t have to be a ‘techie’ to do
it. A lot of guys will sit in the shelter for 12 hours straight looking at that
camera. They take it very seriously; and if they don’t find something at the
end of the day, they’re disappointed. Those are the guys who find a lot
of stuff and help out the most.”
The
most attentive UAV operators have proven especially useful in the current fight
in
And
while the interest in UAV operations has grown considerably – both from ground
commanders as they recognize the potential and from would-be operators seeking
work in a growing field – McKamey’s eyes are elsewhere. Controlling the
aircraft from the ground isn’t enough for him. He says the next logical step
for him is putting in a packet to become a helicopter pilot – he wants to fly
the old-fashioned way.
Operators
at the site say potential replacements show up at the gates all the time
wanting more information about the career field … but gamers beware, says
McKamey. “This is a great job,” he says. “but they wouldn’t sell a lot of games
if all you could do was (fly around) and take pictures.”
============
By TOM ROEDER
May 12, 2008 - 1:16AM
A group of Fort Carson Soldiers
spent last week fighting a mock war in the
For the troops, it's a graduation exercise that proves their readiness for war
service. "They will do everything from a cordon and search to area
patrols," said Col. Butch Kievenaar,
in a telephone interview.
Originally designed to get troops ready for tank battles in World War III, the
training center in the Mojave Desert, has radically changed its regimen in
recent years to reflect the counter insurgency fight in
A prime example of the change is the threats troops face at
At the same time, the commanders have to meet and work with simulated Iraqi
leaders to rebuild the mock communities they patrol in the exercise. If the
leaders, at all levels, don't work well with their Iraqi counterparts, the mock
war would go badly for the
The 2nd Brigade is heading for its first trip back to
The unit also has plenty of green troops, so Kievenaar is happy with the
leavening of veterans. “They can explain to the younger soldiers why we do what
we do," he said.
The brigade could head to
============
Ironhorse Chapter - 4ID Association Website
Hi,
Bob: I’m happy to announce that the Ironhorse Chapter (of the National 4th
Infantry Division Association (4IDA)) has a new website:
http://4idforthood.org/index.html
One of our
great NCOs, SGT Regalado, has put this together from scratch. There’s
still room to build, but I wanted to let you know so you can publicize it.
At the
homepage (which plays the 4ID song as the words appear, so you can sing along),
you can choose to enter the Gift Shop (top option) or the Chapter (bottom
option). Bob Hardesty has a growing array of items for sale at the Gift
Shop, and buying them online is the perfect option for LOTS of the folks from
both the National Association and your newsletter readership. (and a great idea
for Father's Day upcoming next month).
Do you
think you might be able to put a plug for that in your newsletter? Would
it be appropriate to include in the "Ivy Leaves"? (Yes to
both, here is it and we'll get it into the next newsletter of the 4IDA).
Thanks for your tireless work in connecting the greater 4ID Family in all the ways you do. Take care, sir,
Steadfast and Loyal, MAJ Michael Brough, President, Ironhorse Chapter
============
Battle Hymn (AWESOME!)
Sent to me by a Cold War vet from my church, and also by a 4ID wife. Well worth the 3-5 minutes it takes to listen to it, you'll be glad you did.
You've heard it before--but here it is again. A great performance of the Battle Hymn. Turn Up speakers. This is good.----- This will give you goose bumps. (It brought tears to my eyes...)
After the page first opens,
and after you read it, just click your mouse on any area of it to make it
open.
Turn up
your music and ENJOY!!
http://www.greatdanepromilitary.com/Battle%20Hymn/index.htm
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Bush Salutes Mothers' Sacrifices in War on TerrorAmerican Forces Press Service |
|
WASHINGTON, May 11, 2008 - President Bush praised America's mothers, especially those who've lost sons or daughters during the war on terror and those who gave their lives in service to their country, during his weekly radio address yesterday. An excerpt from the president's remarks follows: "On this Mother's Day weekend, we
think of the many mothers who raised the brave men and women serving our
country in uniform. And to those mothers, I offer the thanks of a grateful
nation. Your sons and daughters are defending our freedom with dignity and
honor, and America appreciates the sacrifices that your families make in the
name of duty. |
============
What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq
1) Bob, thanks for the picture of Jesus and the Soldier, I received it yesterday. I also want to let you know how appreciated your updates are. I feel that they truly help keep us connected to what our Soldiers are actually doing "over there." I especially appreciated the article on the Medics at Fob Falcon. Our daughter is a medic there. We tend to hear from her once a week. This is her first deployment. While my husband and I are both vets, (we served 1976-80), nothing compares to having a child in the war zone. All three of our children attempted to enlist, but the boys, for medical reasons, were denied. She is our only daughter, and while we are all scared out of our wits for her, we couldn't be prouder. I refer to her as a "freedom fighter." Today's Soldiers are true Patriots. My family of prayer warriors pray for our daughter and her comrades every day, and sometimes more. Thanks Bob for the wonderful work you do!
2) Bob, I just got to finish reading your latest update. It was
great and I actually laughed out loud when I read the mother tribute at the
end. Today has been a good day. I got an email and a phone call
from my son. He said he is living in a box in the desert and he doesn’t
even have a microwave. He had jock itch and went to the medic because he
thought he had some kind of terrible disease. He has been searching
houses and said someone took pot shots at them a couple of times but nobody was
hit. While they were sleeping at their COP (I think that is right) an IED
went off beside them. Again, nobody was hurt but it took out their satellite so
they weren’t able to use the computers provided at their little MWR (again I
think that is right). He doesn’t ask for much to be sent to him except a
computer, another iPod (he broke his) and some games for his
PSP. Congratulations on your son’s graduation. I know you must be
proud.
In
response to your comment about understanding your parents worries – don’t worry
about how many times you have said it. It helps this mother to know that
another mother’s son appreciates and understands what she went through for him.
It gives me hope that someday the same thing will happen with my son just
like it happened with me and my parents.Again, thank you! God Bless You and
Congratulations on the new graduate. Travel safely. There are a lot
of people out here who count on you for a lot of things!
3) Thank you so much for the updates. They are very informative. Could you please send me a copy of the picture of Jesus with the Soldier? My son is in the Comanche Troop 7-10 CAV, 4ID.
4) I just wanted to say thank you for your updates. This is our first deployment, my husband is in 1-22 IN and he seldom gets to tell me a lot about what goes on there and most times doesn't want to talk about it...so I don't know much of his situation. When I read your emails it makes me feel like I understand a little more. I also enjoying reading different things people write you. To read their uplifting words and know there are many people going through the same situations puts my mind at ease. I really appreciate the tremendous service you provide to all of us... thank you for all your hard work!
PS - the survey about moms from your church bulletin was great!
5) Bob, Thought this might be of use to folks:
Combat Pay Can Count Toward Economic Stimulus
Payment Eligibility
Military personnel serving in combat zones have the option of including their
nontaxable combat pay on their 2007 or 2008 income tax returns if it helps
their eligibility for the 2008 economic stimulus payments. To receive the
stimulus payment this year, combat zone personnel or their spouses must file a
2007 income tax return by Oct. 15. Otherwise, they can claim the economic
stimulus payment on next year's income tax return. More information about this
topic is available from the IRS website: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=180334,00.html.
Foundation Offers Vacations for Vets Program
The Maryland-based Greenwell Foundation has a respite program for disabled
veterans undergoing treatment in the Washington, DC area. The Foundation
provides weekend stays for Soldiers and their Families with outdoor activities
such as horseback riding, kayaking, hiking, fishing, and sailing. Soldiers who
would like to participate in the Vacations for Vets program may contact
301-373-9775 or vacationsforvets@greenwellfoundation.org.
The Vacations for Vets program also needs volunteers to support its work. For
information on volunteering please call 301-373-9775 or e-mail vacationsforvets@greenwellfoundation.org.
Volunteer applications can be downloaded from Greenwell's website: http://www.greenwellfoundation
Hope this helps a few folks. (This was sent by a lady who knows a lot about military life - her father, father-in-law, husband, and three of her children are veterans or soon to be vets - she's spent her entire lifetime in the Army).
6) A letter I received: Please send me your three books, "Operation Iraqi Freedom I", "War Stories", and "What Now, Lieutenant?". I am enclosing a check for books and postage, use the balance to help with the updates. Will you please sign the books (I will). Your updates help me to know what is going on at FOB Falcon. Our son emails us about two lines and says, "Thanks for the cake, it didn't last but 30 minutes." So you can see I enjoy reading your updates.
7) I need to hear from more of you - everyone enjoys the notes from Family members - send them to me so I can pass them on...
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Thanks to all of you who wished our son and us congratulations on his graduation from the University of Georgia. We had a fabulous weekend with our Family, his Wife, and her Family. The weather was great, the commencement speaker was US Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and Jan and I were/are extremely proud of our son - just as you are of your kids. As soon as I can get a picture up on my web site (hopefully by noon on Tuesday), at www.deedspublishing.com, you can take a look at what our proud Family looked like after the ceremony - click on the 4th Infantry Division button.
Hopefully Mother's Day was good for our Mother's reading this - I know it was tough for many of you, hopefully many of our Soldiers will be home by next Mother's Day, or soon after.
This concludes this update, next one will be on Friday. I have an interesting week planned - Atlanta is hosting a Medal of Honor event where 37 of the 105 living Medal of Honor recipients will be in attendance. I will be escorting 1SG (Ret) David McNerney, our only living 4ID MOH recipient, from Wednesday through Saturday. All the escorts are being provided by our Atlanta Vietnam Veterans Business Association. We are all very proud to be able to meet these great Americans (I've known David for several years and consider him a good friend, we 4ID vets stick together, we'll have a great time). Continue to pray for our Soldiers and their Families.
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Bob Babcock - "Deeds not Words"
President, Deeds Publishing - www.deedspublishing.com
President, Americans Remembered - www.americansremembered.org
Past President, 22nd Infantry Regiment Society - www.22ndinfantry.org
Past President, Historian, National 4th Infantry Div Assn - www.4thinfantry.org
PO Box 682222, Marietta, GA 30068 - Phone 678-480-4422 (cell)