Archive for May, 2008
Troop Scoop |
Posted: 26 May 2008 02:25 PM CDT
Dear Interested Readers,
We have a special Memorial Day story, honoring the life and memory of a fallen Marine. We also have an array of special stories, including teaching safe driving to Iraqi Soldiers; a very special ophthalmologist; and physical therapists dedicated to caring for the well-being of our troops. Large weapons caches seized, and criminals captured or killed.
Joanna
_________________________________
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
May 26, 2008
IA Soldiers seize caches in Sadr City
BAGHDAD – IA discovered a number of caches in Baghdad’s northeastern district of Sadr City, May 24.
The caches consisted of a 155 mm artillery round, 10 rocket-propelled grenades, 21 AK-47 assault rifle, 2 Simonov automatic rifles, a 122 mm tank round, and 5 EFPs.
“Iraqi SF remain focused on securing the streets of Baghdad and the Sadr City district,” said Col. Allen Batschelet, MND-Baghdad chief of staff. “All of these efforts are Iraqi led, planned, and executed showing the precise ability to independently carry out complex police missions.”
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Iraqi Army seizes caches in mosque, hospital
BAGHDAD – 3 weapons caches were found in a mosque and a hospital during Op Peace in Baghdad, May 23.
The 2 caches contained more than 360 AK-47 assault rifles, approx. 12 Dragonov sniper rifles, anti-tank mines, flak vests, more than 100 RPG rounds, and multiple RPG launchers.
The third weapons cache found in a local hospital in Sadr City, contained more than 100 RPG rounds, rocket sleds, more than 60 home-made grenades, more than 50 fuses, TNT with cortex, hundreds of rounds of ammo and several mortar tubes corresponding to multiple mortar sizes.
To date, Op Peace in Sadr City has seized 38 caches.
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MND-SE holds memorial for fallen Marine
CAMP FALLUJAH – More than 400 Coalition Soldiers and Marines paid their respect to a fallen Marine at Basra Air Base, May 23.
Marine 1st Lt. Matthew R. Vandegrift, was honored in a memorial plaque dedication service. The service was presided over by Marine Maj. Gen. George J. Flynn, the dep. comm. gen. of MNC-Iraq, and Reverend Padre Mark Christian, the chaplain to the forces at MND-South East.
Lt. Vandegrift was killed while conducting combat ops in Basra. He was assigned to the MiTT in support of the 1st Bn, 1st Bde, 1st IA Div.
A plaque commemorating the selfless service of Lt. Vandegrift was placed on the memorial wall in front of MND- Southeast HQ honoring British and CF killed in Southern Iraq.
The gravity of the ceremony was all the more reflected in the eyes of the Marines as Memorial weekend approaches. “It is heartening to know that, back in the States, there will be that moment in time where people get together and reflect on the sacrifices made by those who have gone before us,” said Marine Maj. Andrew S. Burchfield, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force Liaison Officer to 1st IA Div MiTT.
Marine Maj. Gen. George Flynn, Maj. Gen. John Kelly, comm. gen. of MNF-West, Brig. Gen. Julian Free, British Cmdr., 4 (Mechanized) Bde, Dep. Cmdr of Ops, MND-South East, and Col. Justin Maciejewski, British Army Chief of Staff, MND-South East.
Two Scots Guards pipers play “Amazing Grace” during memorial ceremony.
A lone Marine pays his respects to a fallen comrade.
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Delaware MPs heading home as KY Guard MPs take over
Delaware National Guardsmen from the 153rd MP Co stand tall and proud as the unit cases the guidon during a Transfer of Authority Ceremony at Camp Liberty in Baghdad, May 24. After a 12-month deployment, the 153rd prepares to return home after completing the unit’s mission of training IP. The unit is part of a Police Transition Team assigned to the 18th MP Bde in Iraq.
Kentucky National Guardsman from the 223rd MP Co salutes the American Flag as the U.S. National Anthem is played. The 223rd will take over the mission from the 153rd MP Co. of training IP and participating in Police Transition Team ops.
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MND-N Soldiers host driver training course for Iraqi Army Soldiers
By Spc. Rick Rzepka
1st BCT, 101st Abn Div (AA)
TIKRIT – Soldiers from 426th BSB, 1st BCT, 101st Abn Div (AA) teamed up recently with the IA for a driver training course at FOB Dagger.
As the IA begins to assume a larger role in securing the people of the province, they are looking more and more to their Coalition partners as mentors and teachers.
The “Taskmaster” decided its mentorship and teaching contribution would be to hold the driver training course after witnessing a few accidents in the motor pool, according to Master Sgt. Derek Cook, 426th BSB. “We’re here to give them the tools they need to become safe, successful drivers,” said Cook as he watched Iraqi Soldiers practicing their parking skills. “The biggest challenge is getting their attention. They pick things up better doing it hands-on.” Accident prevention and humvee familiarization are critical to helping the IA mature, said Cook.
“We are getting good instruction from our American teachers,” said Cpl. Beston, an IA Soldier.
Staff Sgt. Calvin Avant, watches an IA Soldier practice hand and arm signals.
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ISF, 1st BCT, 4th ID. Soldiers seize multiple munitions caches in southern Baghdad
BAGHDAD – Soldiers from Co A, 1st Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st BCT, 4th ID, discovered a munitions cache at approx. 3:30 a.m. May 23 in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad. The Soldiers seized 107 mm rockets, plastic explosives and fuses inside an abandoned house in the Bayaa community.
Iraqi NP seized RPGs with a launcher, an RPG booster, hand grenades, AK-47 rifles, and a PKC machinegun.
Soldiers from Co A, seized a weapons cache at 2:15 p.m. in the Bayaa community, consisting of RPGs, approx. 600 rounds of 7.62 mm ammo, an AK-47 rifle, various IED-making materials, and detonation cord and firing wire.
“The 1st ‘Raider’ Brigade Soldiers work day in and day out with their Iraqi counterparts enforcing the Rule of Law on behalf of the citizens of the Rashid district,” said Olson.
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U.S., Iraqi ophthalmologists administer eye care to locals
By Sgt. 1st Class Gary L. Qualls Jr.
1st BCT, 82nd Abn Div
COB ADDER – U.S. and Iraqi ophthalmologists teamed up to provide eye care to approx. 100 Iraqi citizens as part of a U.S. and Iraqi medical engagement at Camp Mittica, May 19-20.
Dr. Stephen G. Waller, an ophthalmologist from Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio led a team of local Iraqi and Aegis Defense Services medical personnel in administering care to the Iraqi people.
The team performed surgeries on the surface of the eye, such as cancers and other growths as well as eyelid deformities during the medical engagement. The team also provided eye check-ups and handed out scores of prescription glasses, sunglasses and bottles of artificial tears.
Waller is a retired Air Force colonel, who, among many other duties in his 31-year career, was a flight surgeon in Korea and the Philippines. He performed the first refractive laser surgery in the Air Force.
Waller was impressed with his Iraqi counterparts, ophthalmologists from Nasiriyah Hospital. “They are in every way my peers,” Waller said. Stavros Yiannakis, a reconstruction team liaison officer, said it was a good experience working with the Iraqi doctors because of their skill. These doctors often have to work without the all resources they need in their job.
Khalid Shaheed, an anesthesiologist from Nasiriyah, said it was also a good experience to work with Waller because of his “professionalism,” saying that it was additionally beneficial to be able to work with some tools they do not have at Nasiriyah Hospital.
“I hope they see us working here and see that we have good hearts – that Christians can be good people, too,” Waller said.
Dr. Stephen G. Waller and his Iraqi team partner up to perform surgery. Waller has performed eye surgery in 15 countries and on four continents throughout the world.
Ophthalmologist Dr. Stephen G. Waller examines the eyes of a young Iraqi girl.
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Iraqi Security Forces seize weapons cache
BAGHDAD – May 23, Iraqi SF discovered a weapons cache in the Bayaa area of Rashid consisting of 4 EFPs, 4 claymore mines, 10 RPGs, an AK-47 and 600 AK-47 rounds, 50 pounds of homemade explosives, a 152 mm Yugoslavian projectile, a detonation cord, and firing wire and caps for IEDs.
Northwest of Baghdad, MND-B Soldiers acted on a tip from a local citizen and found a weapons cache, seizing 4 81 mm mortar rounds and a 120 mm mortar round.
Criminals attacked MND-B Soldiers with RPGs in the Shawra area of New Baghdad. The Soldiers called in an AWT, fired a Hellfire missile, killing 4 criminals. Soldiers from the same unit later spotted armed criminals approaching a JSS and killed one criminal.
MND-B Soldiers found an additional weapons cache May 24 in the Risala area of Rashid, seizing 180 mortar rounds, a 105 mm mortar round, an Iranian 107 mm rocket, shot gun shells, fuses and 2 grenades.
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Bastogne physical therapists keep soldiers on their feet
By Spc. Rick Rzepka
1st BCT, 101st Abn Div (AA)
TIKRIT – It is not a game, it’s combat. Yet many of the physical tolls professional athletes face are mirrored in professional Soldiers. Pulled muscles, back pains and sprains are just a few injuries Soldiers face while conducting day-to-day ops in Iraq.
Enter the Army physical therapist, a mobile, hands-on medical professional, who works with Soldiers to alleviate Soldier’s neuro-musculoskeletal problems in the thick of the fight here.
“We see our guys on the line as professional athletes,” said Capt. Christine Iverson, a physical therapist with the 1st BCT, 101st Abn Div. Iverson, who has been an Army physical therapist since April 2006, earned a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Baylor University, and has been helping the Screaming Eagle Soldiers reach their peak performance ever since.
She and her mobile physical therapy team have helped more than 2,500 Soldiers get back on their feet since being deployed here in September 2007. Iverson said her team spends an average of 20 days a month traveling to FOBs here providing treatment and giving advice to Soldiers on how to avoid injuries.
A large portion of the cases Iverson’s team deals with is back pain. As Soldiers are being asked to carry a heavy burden here, so too they carry equally heavy loads on their backs.
“It’s awesome because you don’t have to go through a whole deployment in pain,” said Spc. Thomas Heppler, who is suffering from chronic back pain. Heppler said that he appreciates having a physical therapist at the brigade level instead of having to seek help elsewhere. “It makes it easier on me to have them here,” he said. “They make themselves real accessible.”
For Iverson, there is no better place for a physical therapist to be, than at the heart of the fight. “We belong down at the line units,” she said. “We owe them that.”
Staff Sgt. Rebecca Gaither, physical therapist NCOIC, 1st BCT, 101st Abn Div (AA), helps a Soldier stretch out his foot.
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National Police seize weapons cache
FOB LOYALTY – In eastern Baghdad, May 22, Iraqi NP found the cache while patrolling New Baghdad to clear the area of illegal weapons and bomb-making materials. The cache included more than 20 AK-47 assault rifles and a long rifle. Additionally, NPs detained a suspect and seized an Iranian passport belonging to the detainee’s brother.
Following the op, NPs detained 3 suspected IED emplacers.
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The First Annual Walk for the Troops will be held in Saratoga Spa State Park on Saturday, June 28th, 2008, at 9:00am. The 5K walk will raise funds to allow Operation Adopt A Soldier to continue its good work in shipping care packages to our troops serving overseas. This event is open to both adults and children. Walkers must be sponsored by friends, families or organizations. Minimum adult sponsorship is $30. Minimum child sponsorship is $15. Water will be provided during the walk and lunch will be served afterwards.
Operation Adopt A Soldier has been sending packages to our troops overseas for over five years and has raised nearly all of the $100,000 it has spent on these mailing operations through donations, fundraisers and benefits. To visit their website go here.
Who: Operation Adopt A Soldier
What: First Annual Walk for the Troops
Where: Saratoga Spa State Park. Registration will take place at the Saratoga State Park Warming Hut on Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga, NY, 12866.
MapLink: http://tinyurl.com/5svaew
When: Saturday, June 28, 2008, 9:00am
Registration/Check In will start promptly at 9:00am.
To obtain a Registration Form to fill out go here.
Consider making a weekend out of it and visit the historic battlefield and museums which abound in the area:
Saratoga National Historical Park
Saratoga National Historical Park
New York State Military Museum
Saratoga Auto Museum
The Saratoga Springs History Museum
National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame
Troop Scoop |
Posted: 25 May 2008 03:55 PM CDT
Dear Interested Readers,
We have a special Memorial Day story from a soldier in Iraq. Also, Uthman Feed Mill renovations are complete, which will improve production, and a most interesting story of Coalition Forces providing medical assistance and supplies. Mid-level Terrorist cell leader captured, as well as a wanted financier. Large weapons caches seized.
Joanna
___________________________________
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
May 25, 2008
Iraqi Special Operations Forces capture mid-level terrorist cell leader in Mosul
BALAD – May 23, ISOF conducted an op to capture the AQI terrorists responsible for numerous VBIED attacks and for forcing others to emplace IEDs against their will. Three other suspected terrorists, one believed to be immediately subordinate to the cell leader, were also captured. During the op, ISOF also confiscated IED materials.
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Uthman Feed Mill renovations complete
By Sgt. 1st Class Kerensa Hardy
BAGHDAD – After months of planning and hard work, the Uthman Feed Mill celebrated its completion of refurbishments in Mahmudiyah, about 26 km south of Baghdad, May 21.
The finished feed mill now boasts a sound-proof generator and increased ability to provide pelletized feed for the re-energized poultry and fish industries.
“My feed mill shows the continued commitment of American forces to the area,” said Uthman Daheesh, the owner. “Without their assistance this would not be possible.” The feed mill also now has the dyes it previously lacked to pelletize feed. “(Other nations) have dyes that are able to produce fish and chicken food, but these are (some of) the first to enter Iraq,” Daheesh said. “This is a very important day for Iraq.”
Feed in pelletized form allows growers to control the amount of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in their feed. “Controlling the diet can ensure the birds reach optimal growth before slaughter,” said 2nd Lt. Bronson Hayes, Uthman Feed Mill project mgr. with 3rd Bn, 320th FA, 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (AASLT).
The area poultry association worked with Dept. of State agricultural experts in the embedded PRT attached to the 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. (AASLT), to identify needs for the Uthman Feed Mill and ensure necessary
improvements were made.
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Iraqi Army, CF seize weapons caches in separate operations
BAGHDAD – May 23, IA soldiers seized a weapons cache in a mosque in the Kadamiyah district of Bagdad, consisting of RPG launchers, RPGs, an AK47, a machine gun, a PKC ammo canister, a flak vest, a mortar tube and a sniper scope.
Earlier that morning, Soldiers with the 3rd BCT, 4th ID, seized a weapons cache north of Baghdad containing approx. 30 60 mm Iranian mortars with a manufacturing date of 2007, and approx. a dozen 60 mm mortars of unknown origin, plus 82 mm illumination rounds, a 60 mm mortar tube, and various bomb-making materials and assorted ammo.
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Coalition forces provide aid in Zuwarijat
By Sgt. Daniel T. West, 214th FB
FOBASE DELTA – CF provided medical care and supplies to more than 200 people during a medical assistance visit in the Zuwarijat district of al-Kut, May 19.
Medical care was provided by local Iraqi doctors, Georgian doctors, a Salvadoran doctor and dentist, along with paramedics from the Cuscatlan Bn and medics from Co C, 26th BSB, from Fort Stewart, Ga.
Iraqi SF and Soldiers of the 511th MP Co, from Fort Drum, N.Y., provided security.
“It is difficult to put together that big of an op,” said Sgt. Gopal Singh, one of the pre-screening medics, and the NCO in charge of the Co C element. “There was a wide variety of conditions sent through, and the Coalition doctors really came together to treat them.” Singh’s impression of the people was one of hope. “It didn’t matter what they’d been told before,” he said. “They thought we could help them. They were very friendly, and even when we couldn’t help, they weren’t hostile. One old gentleman even reached in to where I was handing out medicine and gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek.”
The Zuwarijat district has not always been so welcoming, though. “Historically, it was a Jaysh al-Mahdi stronghold,” said Maj. Stacy Gerber, 214th Fires Bde civil and military ops officer. “Iraqi SF recently opened 3 security stations there, reaching out to residents who had been threatened by criminal elements and neglected by the GoI.”
Adnan said at first citizens were afraid, but soon they saw how the ISF was securing their area and began bringing them water, tea and food.
Singh agreed to the event success. “Firsthand, this was the most amazing thing I’ve seen,” Singh
said. “Today, we couldn’t tell that this had been a hostile area. If this is what it takes to get the Iraqi infrastructure going, I’ll do as many I need to do.”
Maj. Stacy Gerber, cradles a child awaiting treatment.
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So which one is Memorial Day?
By Sgt. Jerome Bishop
CAMP LIBERTY – Not long ago while I was sitting at my desk at work, a Soldier presented an interesting question, not because of what it was, but what made it interesting is why it was asked.
“So what’s Memorial Day, again?” the Soldier asked. This kind of disturbed me. As it turns out, the confusion came from the difference between Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. While both are federal holidays to remember our nation’s servicemembers past and present, only one commemorates the living. The one that doesn’t is May 26, the last Monday in May. That one would be Memorial Day. I just never thought I’d have to explain that to someone.
Commemoration ceremonies and remembrances take place all over the United States on Memorial Day. We all know it’s a holiday. It’s a day off work, and it’s got something to do with wars. Most people my age won’t be seen at events like those. I know I’ve never been to my town’s festivities – not often at least.
Four years ago, I would have been the last one to say I wanted to take time during the day commonly referred to as the beginning of summer to fill my head with sad memories of how too many of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines, never made it home. That was then. Three years ago, I was about 60 km north of here on LSA Anaconda near Balad for Memorial Day, and this year, I’m in Baghdad.
To me and a lot of other service members braving the sand, heat and bullets in Iraq, Memorial Day carries a new meaning – to remember not those service members we only knew by the name on their tombstone at
Arlington, but the ones whom we’ve shared meals and laughs with while trying to make the best of discomfort.
I’m fortunate enough to say I haven’t lost a friend over here, but as my job takes me from unit to unit, the list of acquaintances grows – and more than a few might not make it home.
Three years ago, I knew Memorial Day would have a whole new meaning for me – and it truly does – because it could just as easily have been my name stretched across a banner for home town heroes lost in battle.
One day, I’m sure I’ll hear that question again: “Which one is Memorial Day?” or something of the sort. Unlike most people, I’ll have a unique story to tell – just as we all do.
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IA Soldiers remove dangerous weapons from streets of Sadr City
BAGHDAD – IA Soldiers found multiple weapons caches and IEDs in Sadr City as Op Peace continued
May 22.
At approx. 5 p.m., IA Soldiers received info on a weapons cache from a local citizen and seized 4 IEDs, 5 propane tanks, a box of TNT, ball bearings rigged with wires, an RPK rifle, 20 liters of explosive material and RPG propellant.
Minutes later, IA Soldiers discovered a weapons cache consisting of 7 EFPs, 5 60 mm mortar rounds, more than a dozen RPGs, hand grenades, a mortar sight, a BKC machine gun and 1,200 BKC rounds, a Kalashnikov rifle and 5 Kalashnikov magazines, igniters, indicators, command wire, charges, detonators, 8 radios and 4 battery chargers.
At approx. 12:05 a.m. May 23, IA Soldiers found an 82 mm mortar round, 3 SKS rifles, an AK-47 assault rifle, 4 RPG rockets,and 2 IEDs while conducting dismounted patrols throughout the city.
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Iraqi Special Operations Forces capture wanted financier
BALAD – In Az-Zubayr, 17 km southwest of Basrah, May 21, the ISOF acted on an arrest warrant for the financier, who is suspected of conducting weapon smuggling ops along the Iraq-Iran border.
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The Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall will be at the Sears Shopping Center on Rte 106/107 from June 6th to June 8th. The 240 foot long, 8 foot high replica will be open to the public 24 hours a day for the three days. There is no admission charge.
Program of events will be listed as they become available.
What: Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall
Where: Sears Shopping Center, Rte 106/107, Hicksville, NY
Maplink: http://tinyurl.com/3v2bqf
When: Friday May 16th through Sunday May 18th, 24 hours.
If you want to take part in the escort of the wall from Staten Island to Hicksville on June 3rd please contact:
Tim Glover 516-241-4983
or Dan Rysanek 516-578-1079
If you can lend a hand in the assembly and landscaping of the wall from June 3rd to June 5th, or as a volunteer to provide information and direction to visitors from June 6th to June 8th, please contact the Town of Oyster Bay’s Division of Veteran’s Services at 516-797-7900.
This is a guest report from Alicia who assisted with the placing of flags marking the graves of veterans at Calverton National Cemetery here on Long Island.
Today Bernie, Eva, Bryan, Fran and I went to Calverton to place flags at the graves. It was such an awesome experience. It was so amazing to see everyone placing the flags and to see so many children there. Today, it was not only a place were people grieve, but it was almost a happy place. Seeing all the children smiling and happy reminded me of what these people fought for, our future. I am confident they were all at peace today, grateful that so many remembered what they had done and seeing all those children, I am sure they were looking down with smiles on their faces as well. I was overwhelmed seeing so many graves…and these people are just a small portion of all of those who have served. I attached some pictures only because everyone knows about Arlington National Cemetery and we often forget the one right near us.
Happy Memorial Day weekend.
This is the type of volunteer effort to honor our heroes that often goes unreported in the main stream media.
Thank you, Alicia, and everyone that participated in making this Memorial Day as outstanding as it deserves to be.
Alicia’s pictures are here.
LATHAM – The commander of the New York National Guard will spend Memorial Day in Afghanistan with New York Army National Guard Soldiers, who are deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Major General Joseph Taluto, the Adjutant General of New York, said that spending Memorial Day in a combat zone makes the holiday an especially moving experience.
“I’m reminded of the sacrifice our Soldiers make on a daily basis when I’m with them,” Taluto said. “Since 9/11, 23 members of the New York Army National Guard have made the ultimate sacrifice. I’m reminded of that every day when I walk past their pictures in the lobby of our New York National Guard headquarters.”
For the rest go here.
We came, we saw, we triumphed!
Some very irate moonbats stormed away from Jones Beach on Saturday after Eagles warned the unwary visitors to the Memorial Day weekend Airshow that treasonous misfits were disrespecting our fallen heroes. Eagles preceded the moonbats down the boardwalk, educating the many people there as to the disrespect the anti-war crowd were showing to our fallen heroes, their families and to America.
Whenever they stopped to read the names, they were surrounded by a cacaphony of shouts “Shame on You!”.
Another IVAW fraud was outed by Chaplain Dez after he claimed to be a sergeant in the U.S. Army, yet could not tell her his MOS. Fraud and deceit are the stock in trade of the entire anti-war movement and goes hand in glove with their policy of using the names of our fallen heroes for their own craven political theater even when asked by gold star families (who have lost a loved one) to stop using those names.
At one point an amazing increase in volume of prerecorded music from a recruiter vehicle helped drown out the moonbat litany and saved our voices for their next stop. At another stop they read the name of the son of a gold star father, Mo Fletcher, who was with us. When I turned to him he made a single comment “They aren’t fit to lick his boots”.
By the end of their parade they had gained exactly zero converts and had been booed, birded and looked upon with scorn by the vast majority of those who saw them.
When the hapless moonbats abandoned the field of action the Eagles finally got to watch the great airshow already in progress!
A winning day all around!
Here are links to Pamela’s outstanding photos:
Early pictures when we first set up at the beach.
News12 Long Island covered the event and gave us surprisingly good coverage. It has been airing every hour at about ten past the hour tonight. As soon as I have a link to the video I will post it here.
Troop Scoop |
Posted: 24 May 2008 07:26 AM CDT
Major story of over 140 criminals turning themselves over to the Iraqi Special Forces. Iraqis celebrate opening of a govt. center, and a small-arms repair facility, while C Co medics train with Iraqi medics. A high ranking AQI is captured in Mosul, as well as another AQI intel cell leader and many members of his group in Bakubah. Huge weapons caches are seized, and many more criminals killed or captured.
Joanna
__________________________________
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
May 23, 2008
Over 140 Suspected Criminals turn themselves over to ISF
BALAD – More than 140 suspected criminals turned themselves into the Joint Coordination Center in the city of Balad, May 22. Three tribal leaders from the area ended their standoff with U.S. and Iraqi forces by bringing in all men under their influence who have a criminal history.
“Today’s reconciliation is an example of local leaders taking a broad step forward in the future security and in the legitimacy of the legal process,” said Maj. Ramiro Salazar, an EO of 1st BCT, 101st Abn Div. “This is the first step of initiating the process for reconciliation with the GoI, as well as Iraqi SF and CF.”
The mass reconciliation comes on the heels of several ops designed to put an end to the insurgency that has crippled the area since 2006. The ops targeted key individuals and peripheral fighters resulting in 3 key individuals being killed. According to CF, the news of these individuals’ deaths prompted fighters in the area to give up their arms and contact local SF to surrender.
One local sheik taking part with the other members of his tribe said, “We are tired of fighting and want peace.”
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Hillah Special Weapons and Tactics team captures terrorist in Mosul
BALAD – An Iraqi SWAT team captured a high ranking AQI leader in Mosul, May 21.
The Ministry of Interior issued an arrest warrant for the man they believe leads a large contingent of AQI, and is responsible for IED attacks against Iraqi and CF in Mosul. One additional suspect, also on an MOI warrant, was arrested and confessed to committing IED attacks against CF.
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Officials Celebrate Habbaniyah Government Center Groundbreaking
HABBANIYAH, ANBAR PROVINCE – “This is a step in the right direction; a place for people to go
if they need help from their govt,” Hussein, the Mayor of Habbaniyah, said. “We are all very grateful for the hard work that everyone has put into these projects, as well as the help that we have received from the Marines in improving the area.”
Among those in attendance were Lt Col Francis Charlonis, bn cmdr. of 2d Bn, 24th Marines, whose area
of ops includes Habbaniyah.
During the groundbreaking, Mayor Hussein announced the awarding of several contracts to local nationals that will result in improvements in basic services and infrastructure in the greater Habbaniyah area.
Khalidiyah will also host 2 new courthouses (one for criminal cases, the other for civil action and other matters), as well as a new IP station, serving as the area’s anchor for law enforcement and jurisprudence.
Renovations are also being planned for the Khalidiyah Water Treatment Facility as part of efforts to improve the area’s delivery of basic services by the city in partnership with Fox Company.
“The people here have long expressed improvements in water and other critical infrastructure,” said Major Guillermo Rosales, comm. officer of Co F, who are working closely with Iraqi SF in Husaybah, Jazeera and Habbaniyah to achieve Provincial Iraqi Control.
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Small-arms repair facility dedicated at Taji National Depot
Lt. Gen. James Dubik (right), the comm. gen. of MN Security Transition Command-Iraq, gestures to Dr. al-Rubaie, the Iraqi national security advisor, to assist him in cutting a red ribbon, thus signifying the grand opening of the Small Arms Repair Facility located at the Taji National Depot here May 21. “This facility is a sign that the Iraqi Army is getting better and better,” said al-Rubaie. “We are taking responsibility for ourselves.”
An IA Soldier trains on small-arms repair inside the state-of-the-art Small Arms Repair Facility. This facility is the first of 20 new sustainment-type facilities slated to be built over the upcoming year. “It’s exciting to see the progress,” said Lt. Col. Mark Meyer, the senior advisor, logistics military advisory team. “I can remember this building with no roof and now it’s a brand-new facility.”
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Baqubah SWAT team captures 15 terrorists, detains 14
BALAD – In the al-Naghar village of Baqubah, approx. 50 km northeast of Baghdad, May 20, Baquba ISWAT conducted the op to capture cell leaders and members of AQI and ISI.
A leader of an AQI intel cell and 4 cell members were among those captured. Numerous other fighters and support personnel were detained including an ISI leader from the Mullah Eid area. Several vehicles were seized from the location and destroyed.
The AQI in the al-Naghar village are responsible for emplacing IEDs and conducting attacks against local SoI and Iraqi and CF.
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Charlie Med trains with Iraqi Army medics
A medic with Co. C, 307th Bde Special Troops Bn, 1st BCT, 82nd Abn Div helps an IA medic apply a sling on another IA medic with a simulated wound. Medics with Co. C “Witch Doctors” trained IA medics in basic combat life savor skills at Camp Mittica, May 20. This is part of the ongoing training the 307th BSB has been conducting with the IA. The 307th BSB has conducted everything from vehicle maintenance training to medical training in the 11 months they have been here.
A medic with C Co. 307th BSB gives an IA medic the thumbs up after inspecting a sling the IA medic applied on another IA medic with a simulated wound.
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MND-B Soldiers detain suspected criminals in Abu T’shir
FOB FALCON – At 2 a.m. May 21 in the Abu T’shir neighborhood of southern Baghdad, Soldiers from the 2nd Bn, 4th Inf Regt, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained a known criminal allegedly responsible for killing innocent Iraqi citizens, planting IEDs and launching indirect fire onto CF bases. Two others were detained and are allegedly affiliated with the known criminal.
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Air assault mission disrupts terrorist activity, establishes relationships with Iraqi citizens
Kirkuk – Soldiers with the 1st Bde, 10th Mtn Div, conducted an air assault mission May 11-13 designed to disrupt terrorist activity and establish relationships with local citizens.
Working alongside members of the IA, the 1st Bde. cordoned the village of Garhaf Gharzan, located in
the Kirkuk Province of northeastern Iraq, and began thorough searches for weapons and terrorist activity while consulting with the local citizens for any info they were willing to give.
“Those who conduct attacks against the Americans and Iraqis are a small part of our people, and they don’t represent the collective voice of our country,” said Gharzan villager Muhammed, who was more than willing to cooperate with the Soldiers.
The 1st Bde. are determined to continue similar missions along with the IA to prove that they will have
a lasting presence in the area, which will provide a sense of security for the local citizens while putting pressure on the terrorist cells.
“Our goal is to put constant pressure on terrorist forces in the area, letting them know that is no safe haven for them,” said Capt. Blake Witherell, a co. cmdr. in 1st Bde. “The IA continues to prove their resolve in their fight, demonstrating their capability to push onward with the fight even after our forces have left the country.”
Staff Sgt. Travis Spade, with the 2nd Bn, 22nd Inf Regt, 1st Bde asks an Iraqi citizen about terrorist activity.
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ISF, MND-B Soldiers take deadly weapons off streets of Baghdad
BAGHDAD – May 21 in Baghdad, Soldiers from 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, found a weapons cache at approx. 12:05 p.m. in the Kamaliya area of New Baghdad. Soldiers discovered 16 mortar charges; 26 shotgun
shells; a RPG launcher scope; an RPG round and 35, 5.56mm rounds.
At approx. 1:30 p.m. in Kadhamiyah, IA Soldiers found a 155mm artillery round rigged to be used as an IED; an RPG round; 5 AK-47s; a 60mm mortar tube with bipod; 1,000 7.62mm rounds and several electric components.
A SoI member alerted Soldiers from 4th BCT, about a weapons cache in the Umar area of Rusafa at approx. 1:30 p.m. The Soldiers seized 3 60mm mortar rounds; 2 82mm mortar rounds; an RPG launcher with an RPG attached; an AK-47 and 2 fuses.
At approx. 2 p.m. in the Karkh district, IA Soldiers found a vehicle rigged with more than 80 pounds of explosives to be used as a car bomb. The IA Soldiers cordoned off the area to safeguard innocent locals. The car detonated 15 minutes later, apparently as a result of terrorists realizing that the IA had discovered the vehicle they were planning to use to kill innocent Iraqis. No one was injured as a result of the explosion.
Soldiers from 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, found 2 Katusha rockets and 2 rocket tubes west of Baghdad at approx. 5 p.m.
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It was a wonderful day at the Coast Guard Academy. We arrived a tad late to find the perennially early Vermonters already present and established on the high ground. We quickly set up our own flags to complement theirs and their banner and got right to work cheering and waving to the parents and graduates entering the Academy for their graduation. I couldn’t count the number of thumbs up and thank yous we received from the buses, cars and passersby.
Later a group of moonbats marched up the road and took up their position across the entrance on the narrow strip of land we held last year. They tried to maintain silence (after all it was supposed to be a silent vigil) but Jim, Larry and Rob managed to goad them into breaking that several times which were quickly met with a roar of “Silence!” from Carolyn, Ron and others. It was hilarious to watch them stew when that happened! Hey, they wrote their rules of engagement and they suffered for it.
Then they tried to do a little street theater. Honestly, they need many more acting lessons and someone with a clue as a director. There was no one who would have understood what they were trying to present unless they were as intimately familiar with moonbat paradigms as we have become from seeing them so many times. It was, frankly, a pathetic effort, and in the worst sin against drama, boring!
When the last moonbats marched away in their silent procession we thankfully packed our gear and headed out to the highlight of the day, the wonderful lunch Ted treated us to!
For Pamela’s wonderful pictures go here and here.
For her videos go here.
For pictures of the victory lunch go here.
Troop Scoop |
Posted: 23 May 2008 03:40 PM CDT
Dear Interested Readers,
Security improves greatly in Ninawa, and Basra is now the new city of hope. A successful air assault captures the senior and mid-level AQI leaders in Mullah Eid area. Iraqi firemen train in first aid and vehicle maintenance. Huge weapons caches uncovered, and criminals captured or killed.
Joanna
_____________________________________
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
May 22, 2008
Security improves in Ninawa
TIKRIT – Maj. Gen. Mark P. Hertling, cmdr of Task Force Iron and MND-North, spoke at a press conference about the positive outcomes of the Iraqi-led and Coalition-supported ops focused on AQI and other terrorist threats in the Ninawa province, May 21.
Since May 10, the Ninawa Ops Command reports the detention of over 1,200 individuals. Many of them were mid-level or proclaimed senior level leaders of AQI, the ISI, Ansar al-Sunna, Nasqabandi and other terrorist groups. Attacks in the Ninawa province have significantly decreased since the beginning of ops.
Iraqi Soldiers and the 3rd ACR and the 1st ID CAB, joined by the Iraqi NP, Iraqi Border Patrol Forces, the Iraqi Air Force, Iraqi and U.S. SOF, and a variety of other organizations, have worked together to rid Ninawa of terrorist activity.
Together, these elements under Iraqi leadership, have significantly affected the capabilities of terrorist and criminal organizations in Mosul and the Ninawa Province. The people of Ninawa are encouraged by the actions of the IP and IA, but are also encouraged by the actions of the GoI in fighting threats to their security.
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Iraqi Security Forces seize munitions during Sadr City operation
BAGHDAD – May 21, at approx. 7:50 a.m., IA Soldiers seized 2 RPGs and a 155 mm artillery round.
At approx. 9 a.m., IA Soldiers discovered a weapons cache containing 100 home-made grenades. And at approx. 9:30 a.m., IA Soldiers seized an IED made from a 155 mm artillery round.
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Air assault nets 29 suspected terrorists
TIKRIT – An air assault utilizing Coalition UH-60 Black Hawks ended with the detention of 29 suspects with ties to AQI, May 20, including the senior and mid-level AQI leaders in the Mullah Eid area.
Several Black Hawks belonging to 3rd Assault Helicopter Bn, 1st Aviation Regt, inserted Iraqi SWAT and U.S. SF Soldiers into a village, located 16 km northeast of Baghdad.
UH-60 Black Hawks filled with Iraqi and American Soldiers return to base after an air assault in northern Iraq.
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National Police detain four in operation
COP CASHE – May 20, the Jisr Diyala detentions, approx. 16 km southeast of Baghdad, were made after the NP received a tip leading to the locations of the suspects. The 4 detainees had outstanding warrants for terrorist activities.
“This is only the beginning,” said IA 1st Lt. Dhafur, an intel officer with the 3rd Bde. “We hope to continue this success as we continue ops in the Jisr Diyala area.”
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Tip leads MND-C Soldiers to huge cache
CAMP VICTORY – A local sheik, informed by a SoI member, gave a tip to CF, leading them to a huge munitions cache approx. 13 km south of Baghdad, May 21.
Soldiers from 3rd BCT, 101st Abn Div (AASLT), retrieved the cache containing 268, 57 mm mortar rounds;
2, 82 mm mortars and 4, 107 mm rocket casings.
None of the rounds were serviceable, but they could have been alternately used as IEDs.
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Firemen practice first aid and maintain vehicles
A 1st BCT Soldier waits at the entrance of FOB Danger, for the arrival of Tikrit’s Fire Dept. members, May 19. Soldiers reiterated the importance of first aid and vehicle maintenance with the firemen.
An Iraqi Fireman supports the head of a Task Force Iron Soldier that is acting as a casualty while a Soldier explains the process of assessing a casualty. Constant first aid training is vital in preparing the firemen for execution if needed while responding to an emergency.
An Iraqi Fireman supports the head of a Task Force Iron Soldier, while proper rolling of the casualty is taught.
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Basra is now new city of hope
By Capt. Penny N. Zamora
BASRA – A sense of calm prevails in Basra as Iraqi forces continue to walk the streets. Since the beginning of Op Charge of the Knights March 25, citizens have embraced the IA presence as humanitarian aide continues alongside its clean up and reconstruction efforts.
Since the initial push to rid the region of criminal elements, searches have resulted in the discovery of more than 2,700 mortar rounds, 650 rockets, 10 surface to air missiles, 130 RPG rounds, and 160 RPG launchers.
More and more citizens of Basra are approaching the IA and Iraqi SF to identify cache locations.
There have been 5 cooperative medical engagements within several communities of Basra. In Tannumah, bilingual bicultural advisors, former Iraqi citizens who are now Americans, provided much needed medical care and coaching mentorship to the community providers.
The overwhelming response resulted in more than 550 patients treated and more than ten patients identified to receive extended care through the National Iraqi Assistance Center.
In Hyyaniyah, the 1st IA led a medical civil action program, at the Al Risala public health clinic, treating more than 400 patients with its surgeon and a staff of 10 medics. CF assisted with a joint cooperative planning session and the procurement of supplies.
“This is the model, and the way ahead, of how we want to win the hearts and minds within the Iraqi theater of ops,” said Maj. Raymond J. Jablonka, Medical Ops officer, MNC-Iraq.
“Future agricultural ops are underway in the Calf Fattening project. CF have provided a facility to house
cattle and to train farmers to look at techniques to better the quality of cattle for meat and dairy purposes,” said UK Royal Navy Lt. Shatadeep Chatterjee, the Joint Civil Military Ops, Agriculture and Water Sector officer.
The Basra Law Academy Library building is complete and awaiting opening ceremonies soon.
The IA and ISF led ops, with CF assisting, have brought a new peace to the region of Basra in southern Iraq.
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Suspected IED maker detained in al-Wahida
FOB HAMMER – Early on May 19, Using information from a tip provided by a local citizen, CF comprised of Georgian soldiers and U.S. Soldiers from the 2nd BCT, 1st Armored Div., conducted the successful mission. Al-Wahida is approx. 25 km southeast of Baghdad.
The detainee is believed to be involved in an IED attack that killed 2 Georgian soldiers earlier this month.
“No longer will this cell leader be able to order attacks and move weapons across Iraq. His networks are rendered ineffective and the people of al-Wahida will be safer because of his capture,” said Capt. Don Makay, Task Force Petro cmdr.
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MND-B Soldiers find separate caches in Rashid
BAGHDAD – May 20, Soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID, received a tip from a concerned Iraqi citizen and seized a cache at approx. 4 p.m. in the Jihad community, consisting of an EFP, a dozen EFP shell casings and assorted EFP-making materials. The Soldiers detained 5 suspects who own the house where the cache was seized.
At approx. 4:30 p.m., Soldiers from 10th Cav Regt, 1st BCT, acted on a tip from a previous op and seized 81mm and 60mm mortar rounds.
Another unit attached to the 1st BCT, discovered an abandoned vehicle with a weapons cache inside, consisting of a RPG with launcher, more than 500 feet of shock tube and a mortar fuse.
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Iraqi Army Soldiers find multiple IEDs in Sadr City
BAGHDAD – IA Soldiers found multiple IEDs and other munitions during the initial stages of Op Peace
in Sadr City May 20.
IA Soldiers discovered 27 IEDs while clearing the streets of Sadr City throughout the day. They also discovered a Katusha rocket firing base and multiple lengths of wire, 3 152 mm mortar rounds and 2 155 mm mortar rounds.
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Iraqi National Police discover large cache
BAGHDAD – Iraqi NP discovered a large weapons cache in the Kadamiyah district of Baghdad, May 21.
The cache contained approx. 50 AK-47s, approx. 40 AK-47 magazines, an unknown rifle, an SKS sub-machinegun, a couple unknown handguns, bullet-proof vests, spools of wire with blasting caps, smoke grenades, approx. 200 miscellaneous fuses and approx. 2,000 7.62mm rounds.
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Gathering of Eagles: NY 