Archive for June, 2008
LATHAM – Two New York Army National Guard Soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan, the Department of Defense announced Sunday.
Sergeant First Class Joseph McKay, 51, of Cambria Heights, Queens; and Specialist Mark Palmateer, 38, of Poughkeepsie; were killed shortly after 1 p.m. Afghan time.
Their humvee was struck by an improvised explosive device, small arms fire and rocket propelled grenades, while operating near Forward Operating Base Shank in Logar Province in eastern Afghanistan.
Both men were members of B Troop 2nd Squadron 101st Cavalry (Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition) which is based in Jamestown, Chautauqua County. Their unit was assigned to Afghan Regional Security Integration Command- East, (ARSIC-EAST) which is responsible for training the Afghan National Army in eastern Afghanistan.
A third Soldier, belonging to the Minnesota Army National Guard, Sergeant First Class Matthew Hilton, aged 37, of Livonia, Minnesota, was also killed in the attack.
Troop Scoop |
Posted: 30 Jun 2008 08:20 AM CDT
It’s nice to read about our coalition mates, the Brits, helping in Basra. Note the young Iraqi soldier playing soccer barefoot. Gen. Petraeus visits our troops and bestows special coins on a few of our outstanding troops. “Team Metallico” helps to restore Rusafa. Huge weapons and munition caches seized, and many criminals captured.
Joanna
________________________________
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
June 30, 2008
British, Iraqi Army Soldiers build camaraderie through soccer
BASRA – Members of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and members of the 4 Bn, Royal Regiment of Scotland teamed up to take on Iraqi soldiers in a friendly soccer game in Basra, June 26.
The soldiers spend most of their days sweating it out in vehicles or on checkpoints in various parts of Basra, but the game gave them a chance to sweat it out in a less stressful environment and have some fun together. The event drew a large crowd of spectators made up of officers and enlisted soldiers from both forces.
The Iraqis won the match 3 to 0 on the field and were awarded a trophy for their efforts. Afterwards, the players from both teams were treated to a barbecue where British and Iraqi officers served the players.
The event gave British and Iraqi Soldiers a chance to get away from daily patrols and checkpoint ops as well as build a closer relationship through sports.
A British Soldier makes a quick break down the wing as an IA soldier attempts to prevent any pass into the middle. The 2 forces work together every day maintaining security in the streets of Basra.
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MNF-I CG visits, recognizes outstanding warfighters in MND-N
TIKRIT – Gen. David Petraeus, the comm. gen. of MNF-Iraq, visited Mosul, June 28. During his visit, Petraeus personally recognized the tremendous work done by 18 servicemembers stationed at FOB Marez and Diamondback. He presented each with one of his commander’s coins.
“Today, the honor is to give you my coin, with my thanks, which reads; ‘not just for excellence, but for excellence in combat,’ because that is what you have all demonstrated,” the general said.
“It was a neat experience,” said Spc. David Nielsen, with 552nd MP Co., 728th MP Bn. “It shows that he cares what we’re doing as Soldiers.”
“This is a first-time experience for me, but it is good to see all the younger guys get recognized for their great work out here,” said Sgt. 1st Class Kirk Chambers, with 7th Bde, 2nd Div IA MiTT.
Gen. David Petraeus prepares to award his coin to Spc. David Nielsen. Nielsen was recognized for his motivation to volunteer and his dedication in improving the IP stations.
(U.S. Army photo by Spc. Karla P. Rodriguez Maciel)
Gen. Patraeus, speaks to a formation of 18 service members about to receive his coin.
Gen. Patraeus presents Sgt. 1st Class Kirk Chambers his coin for excellence in combat.
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NPs, SoI, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons, munitions in Baghdad
BAGHDAD – June 28, Soldiers with the 1st Sqdrn, 2nd Stryker Cav Regt, seized 13 hand grenades, M-4
mags, 5.56 mm tracer rounds and armor-piercing ammo in Adhamiyah at approx. 1 p.m. after a tip by a SoI
member.
Five hours later, Soldiers from the 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div, along with Iraqi NP, seized a variety of materials used by crimminals in multiple locations in the New Baghdad district of Baghdad.
At approx. 9:30 p.m., SoI members in West Rashid turned over a munitions cache to Soldiers from the 1st BCT, 4th ID. The cache was wrapped in plastic and contained 107 mm rockets, 7 RPG propellant sticks, and 82mm mortars.
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ISF arrest seven suspected IED bombers
BALAD – Iraqi SF arrested 4 suspected Special Groups criminals and 3 other suspected criminals around central Iraq, June 24-26. The criminals are believed to be Iranian surrogates responsible for IED, EFP and indirect fire attacks.
One of the criminals is said to be an expert IED builder responsible for killing Sunnis. The other suspect is an Iranian-trained sniper and weapons facilitator for the Special Groups.
Three suspected AQI criminals were detained on warrants issued by the Ministry of Interior. According to
the warrants, the suspects are allegedly responsible for killing Sunnis, IED attacks against Iraqi Security and CF, and local intimidation. The individuals are believed to be some of the last remaining AQI elements in this part of Baghdad.
The Hillah SWAT team arrested a suspected Special Groups criminal in an area approx. 95 km southeast of Baghdad, June 26. The suspect is allegedly responsible for overseeing IED emplacement and attacks against CF in southern Babil. It has been reported that the criminal is also responsible for all Special Groups criminals’ weapons coming into Babil province.
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Iraqi forces detain AQI member, prevent attacks
BALAD – Baqubah Emergency Response Force detained a suspected AQI member in Udaim, approximately 112 km north of Baghdad, during an op in which 2 structures rigged with explosives were destroyed, June 28.
ERF conducted the op to disrupt AQI’s movement and decrease their intimidation attacks on the local Iraqis in the Udaim River Valley area. They detained the suspected terrorist, because he is believed to be part of a mortar and rocket cell that targets Iraqi Security and CF, and local citizens.
During the op, ground intel indicated that 2 buildings were rigged with IEDs and posed a threat to ground forces. ERF cleared the buildings of all occupants before air support fire was requested and destroyed the 2 structures.
Iraqi SF are providing security to the area in efforts to deny AQI from maintaining a sanctuary in the Udaim River valley region.
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National Police seize nearly 200 weapons
BAGHDAD – Iraqi NP seized nearly 200 weapons during search ops in the New Baghdad security district of eastern Baghdad, June 29, including 172 AK-47 rifles, 4 AK-22 rifles, 3 SKS rifles, 3 bolt-action rifles, 2 air-gun rifles, an MP-5 sub-machinegun, an RPK machinegun and 8 pistols.
“The NP are more vigilant than ever in enforcing a weapons free zone to protect the citizens of Baghdad,” said Maj. Joey Sullinger, a spokesperson for 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div (Lt), MND – Baghdad. “Successful missions such as this bolster the people’s confidence in the SF that provide them safety and security, and it sends a message to militants that their days of uninhibited intimidation are over.”
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‘Team Metallica’ Helps Rebuild Rusafa
By Capt. Jabbar Colbert
Spc. Lucas Peterson talks to a group of Iraqi boys during a routine patrol in the Rusafa security district of eastern Baghdad.
FOB LOYALTY — Although they are not who most people would call average war fighters, their mission is just as vital for survival. They conduct patrols, but their primary mission is not combat related. “Team Metallica” is charged with assisting local governance to provide for the welfare of Iraqi citizens throughout the Rusafa security district of eastern Baghdad. The team consists of 3rd Sqdrn, 89th Cav Regt, 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div Soldiers specifically selected to handle reconstruction efforts. A civil affairs team, a tactical ops team and a security element encompasses Team Metallica that allows them to operate independently.
“We mentor, coach and teach the civic leaders on ways to make their neighborhoods a better and safer place to live,” said Maj. John Schulz, civil affairs team leader. “Once we set the conditions, we let the Iraqis work amongst themselves to solve their own issues.”
Under the direction of Capt. Timothy Green, serving as sqdrn effects officer,, Team Metallica plays a vital role in rebuilding Rusafa. According to Green, the team has aided rebuilding efforts in Rusafa, including projects to pave streets, issue business micro-grants and fund SoI) programs. Team Metallica recently helped to coordinate the first Al Fadhl Neighborhood Advisory Council meeting. A direct result of this meeting was a street-curb improvement project conducted a week later, according to Green.
One future project on which Team Metallica is working includes a micro-power generating project for some of Rusafa’s poorest areas. “We were able to start a micro-power generating project in one of the most ignored neighborhoods in Rusafa,” said Schulz. “Thousands of residents from Muhallas 125, 127 and 129 will not have to live in the dark (any longer).” The first of three ribbon cutting ceremonies will occur the second week of July, said Schulz.
Although Team Metallica handles traditional tasks such as giving soccer balls to children, they specialize in long-term projects that assist the Iraqi govt in addressing issues for themselves. “This will allow the US (Soldiers) to return home sooner, knowing that the job of country rebuilding is being done by Iraqis,” said Shulz.
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It was an honor to be able to take part in my first PGR memorial mission honoring Sgt Anthony L. Mangano of Long Island who was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq on June 21, 2008. I am sure that Sergeant Mangano would be pleased at the brave, resolute yet emotional sendoff he received from his family and friends. Representatives of the New York State Police, Suffolk and Nassau County Police, Members of the NY State National Guard, and ourselves, the Patriot Guard were all there.
The long motorcade and ceremony at the National Cemetery came off without a hitch due in no small part to the efforts of the Suffolk County Police and the Army representatives coordinating the services.
Four Fire districts arranged their tower ladders in an impressive display outside the entrance to the National Cemetery with huge flags suspended in air between the ladders. Uniformed firemen and police stood at attention holding salutes while Sgt. Mangano, his family and friends and the entire motorcade passed by. It was a tremendously moving show of respect for our fallen hero that will forever remain in my memory.
My few pictures of the event are here.
I took no pictures during the flag line as it was important to me to dedicate that time in silent prayer for Sgt, Mangano, all of our fallen heroes and all who are standing for us to protect our freedom around the world.
It was also an honor to meet so many of the Patriot Guard who have been standing in respect to honor these men and women.
Rest in Peace Sgt. Mangano, your mission is complete.
Media report from Newsday.
Media report from News12 Long Island.
Dan Maloney
NY State Coordinator
Gathering of Eagles
This is the first annual fund raiser put on by US Veterans MC and will raise funds for Jacob’s Light Foundation, a charitable organization which ships care packages to our troops in harm’s way. If you can make it to Brentwood on a friday night drop in and demonstrate your support for the troops with a great bunch of patriots!
Who: US Veterans MC
What: Fundraiser BBQ
Where: American Legion Post , Brentwood, NY
MapLink: http://tinyurl.com/4wqa3h
When: Friday, August 29, 2008, 7pm
Donation: $15/person
Music by Priority Disorder, DJ-Spock.
50/50 Raffle, Door Prizes, Chinese Auction
Jacob’s Light Foundation sends large care packages to our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
http://www.jacobsprogram.org/
Dear Dan,
The following is an account of a series of conversations and events we thought you might find interesting.
Saturday, shortly before noon on June 21, the North Country Patriots were positioned on the north side of 25A in East Setauket, when they were approached by a woman. She had crossed the street to offer her thanks for the group’s support of our servicemen and women.
As we began to talk she noted that her son had enlisted shortly after high school and was now serving in Iraq. When asked why he joined the woman said there was never anything specific the young man could cite. It just seemed right for him.
Soon the conversation turned to the North Country Peace Group who were demonstrating directly across the road. The mom, certainly more mystified than angry, asked what we thought of them. Our feeling was some may be good people with terribly misguided intentions but that others were simply looking to relive a time in their lives, 40 years ago, when they felt “they had made a difference”. Two things on which we all readily agreed was that their idea of “supporting the troops” was as wrongheaded as their idealistic, fantasyland worldview where sociopathic terrorists can be magically transformed by peace and love.
The woman took some photos of us to send to her son and headed back to her car in a parking lot behind the south side of the road.
In a few minutes we noticed she was engaged in conversation with a small group of about 4 demonstrators from the other side. At one point a woman from the other group became highly agitated and began rather violently thrusting her finger at the soldier’s mom. Mom retreated not at all, but a couple of us decided to head over as a precaution.
We found her remaining calm and focused as she articulated her thoughts. The same could not be said for those with whom she was speaking. A lady, only slightly less unhinged than the finger thruster, claimed that our government was killing people. When it was immediately pointed out that her inartful statement branded the mom’s son a killer the woman tried to say it was just the government. The obvious response, that the soldier signed up to work for the government, apparently hit the mark because she then went into a snit about her taxes paying for this. When advised she could really strike a Ghandi like blow for her cause by refusing to pay her taxes she hurried off claiming she cries every time another one of our servicemen or women die.
Meanwhile our soldier’s mom continued her “face off” with a fellow displaying at least the proper temperament. The discussion came around to serving and she asked him if he had any children. He said he did and her reply was that her son “gave up his Mercedes” so that his child wouldn’t have to serve.
For a brief moment the silence was deafening, until unhinged lady came back. Feeling her input not credible until she disavowed her earlier statement we pressed her on the issue until she finally blurted out, “They are killers!“, and stormed off one final time. Perhaps feeling their precious collective intellect wounded the gentleman, previously mentioned, claimed they had stopped the Vietnam War. He was immediately asked about the millions of Vietnamese and Cambodians who were slaughtered after our abrupt withdrawal from the region. He did not respond until the question was repeated a third time. Finally he looked the questioner dead in the eye and said, “I don’t care about them.”
It took a loving, loyal, courageous mother, simply questioning the motives of those claiming to support her son, about 10 minutes to unmask them as pretenders and hypocrites. Her soldier/son would be as proud of her as she is of him.
Thanks,
Jim
It rained today though not a drop fell from the sky. The moonbats of Long Island had their inaugural stop on their scheduled ‘Mall Tour’ parade of Long Island at the Walt Whitman Shopping Mall in Huntington. Unfortunately for them, eagles arrived early, secured the high ground and commanded the field. When the moonbats tried to pull an end run by sneaking into the mall and doing their cheap street theater the mall security were all over them like white on rice and ejected them from the building. They must have felt the scorn pouring down on them from all sides.
They were exceedingly unhappy with us (yet again) and one of their more rabid loonies came over to our side to pay a visit.
This frothing at the mouth Code Pinko was itching for one of us to start a fight over her provocations. She was such a racist putrid sack of dung that I am not even going to try to document all of the lies and filth that came out of her mouth. After that display one can understand quite clearly how people like her could initiate the assault on the Iraq veteran and his family in Edinboro, Pennsylvania, last month and all the other assaults they have perpetrated on patriots and service members in the past.
In any event she was unable to provoke us into a fight but gained herself the intense interest of the Suffolk County Police who spoke with her a good long time after they escorted her back across the street.
We had Gold Star Dads and Blue Star Moms as well as US Veterans MC members join us today in a productive and rewarding counter point to the despair and angst of the depressed moonbats.
After the moonbats slunk off to wherever they roost, eagles went over to the formerly infested area and applied a little cleanser to quench the stench.
Pamela’s pictures and a few short videos are here.
After our mall foray we joined with the Patriot Guard Riders in the Salute to Veterans party at Point Lookout in Nassau County on the ocean. This was a blast! Some fine veterans were honored and many more were present including four of the Tuscogee airmen from WWII. The presentations were followed by a great concert by Southside Johnny and the Asbury Dukes and capped off with an excellent fireworks display. The Town of Hempstead did an outstanding job putting it all together.
It was a great day in all respects!
Pictures of the presentation portion of the event are here.
Troop Scoop |
Posted: 28 Jun 2008 12:34 PM CDT
Dear Interested Reader,
We honor the Michigan National Guard helping safeguard reconstruction efforts in Ramadi, while medics from the 3-7th Inf. Bn. participated in a combined medical engagement in Farisiyah. Many suspected criminals detained, and large weapons and munitions seized.
Joanna
_____________________________________
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
June 28, 2008
Michigan Guard Members help Safeguard Reconstruction Efforts
Official photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Gary Boucher.
2nd Lt. Stephan Shuster, watches activities near the Ramadi Ministry of Health during a Personnel Security Detail mission.
CAMP RAMADI — Hot wind swirled orange dust around idling Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles as 2nd Lt. Stephan Shuster, plt leader, described the day’s mission to the combat-equipped force. The troops mounted their vehicles and headed for the heart of the provincial capital city of Ramadi. What might have been a hair-raising combat mission just a year ago is today a trip to securely deliver civil-military ops personnel to the Ministry of Health for a meeting with Iraqi officials. And the combat gear? Well, that is a precaution, not a preparation for battle.
Shuster and other Soldiers from B Co, 1st Bn, 125th Inf Regt of the Michigan National Guard, otherwise known as Task Force Viking, make several of these type trips all around Ramadi each week. These Personnel Security Detail (PSD) missions help ensure that reconstruction work continues unabated by safeguarding the servicemembers and civilians working to support the ever-strengthening municipal govt.
According to 1st Lt. Ryan Senn, co. cmdr. in charge of coordinating all the PSD movements, the main role of the PSD ops is to provide security and transportation to the civil-military ops and PRTs at Camp Ramadi. This includes making sure buildings like the Ministry of Health are secure, both inside and out.
The unit has conducted more than 170 PSD missions since arriving and assuming their security responsibilities in late April. “We average 2 destinations per mission. The highest number of destinations we’ve had on one mission has been 8,” said Senn. The missions run 6 days a week with 1 day set aside for equipment maintenance and recuperation, he added.
Although Al Anbar Province and the city of Ramadi have seen a tremendous reduction in violence over the past year, and the ensuing relative peace has been touted as evidence of the defeat of terrorism in the region, the Soldiers stay vigilant. Senn said the reduced threat from AQI has not changed the way the unit operates. “It doesn’t matter if there is a 60% threat or a 1% threat, you still have to have a similar posture and mindset in order to respond properly if or when that threat presents itself,” he said.
The transformation of Iraqi cities like Ramadi has been amazing, though somewhat difficult to fully comprehend for Staff Sgt. Jason Mesner, a veteran of the push through Iraq in 2003 and current member of the Task Force. Then assigned to a unit that initially cleared the Baghdad airport, Mesner’s experience was one of near non-stop combat. He said he has had to alter his mindset from being focused solely on combat and adapt to his current, less-visible role as a military member supporting the progression toward peace and a self-reliant provincial and municipal Iraqi govt.
Not all of the Soldiers in the unit have the experience of previous deployments to Iraq. “This is my first deployment,” said Spc. Brian Qualls, a B Co. medic from Detroit. “I drill in Flint and I’m usually working in a battalion aid station or training with an ambulance.” Qualls is enjoying getting to travel around in the convoys and socialize with the Iraqis and says that little things make his job rewarding. “I like meeting people and knowing we’re doing something to help. Even giving kids a band-aid for a scratch makes them feel good, and that’s cool,” he said. “It’s been really quiet. We haven’t had any (IEDs), and I give (EOD) credit for keeping us safe from them.”
This day’s PSD mission finished as quietly as the hundreds before it, and the meeting between Iraqi officials and civil-military ops personnel concluded another step toward the reconstruction of Ramadi and the self-reliant govt.
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Iraqi Army, Coalition Troops Provide Medical Care at School
By 1st Lt. Travis Hayes
4th Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs
Soldiers from 3-7th Inf Regt usher in residents, June 21, 2008.
U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Rhonda Roth.
FOB ISKAN — More than 200 adults and 80 children received medical care recently during a combined medical engagement at the Al Herea School in Farisiyah.
Eight Iraqi medics and surgeons and medics from the 3rd ID’s 3rd Bn, 7th Inf Regt, 4th BCT, hosted the event for residents of Farisiyah and Jurf as Sahkr.
“It always puts a smile on my face to see people in need receive proper care,” said Army Staff Sgt. Luke Henry, a medic with HHC, 3-7th Inf Regt. “I believe these combined medical engagements are what we need to keep doing, because it’s these children that we treat who will remember us when they’re older and in a position to make decisions.”
In addition to the medical care, the Iraqi medics provided preventive medical classes on the importance of washing hands, boiling water and personal hygiene.
Members of the civil affairs team from FOB Iskan also handed out Beanie Babies to children and distributed more than 500 humanitarian aid packages to families.
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MND-B Soldiers detain known Special Groups criminal in Rashid
BAGHDAD – June 26 in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, Soldiers from the 64th Armor Regt, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained the criminal, a known weapons trafficker, at a checkpoint in the Ghartan community.
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IA, MND-B Soldiers seize munitions north, west of Baghdad
BAGHDAD – IA and MND – Baghdad Soldiers, aided by tips from Iraqi civilians, seized 6 munitions caches north and west of Baghdad, June 26.
Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker BCT, 25th ID, seized a munitions cache near the town of Tarmiyah, north of Baghdad, at approx. 6:30 a.m., June 26. The cache consisted of a 120 mm mortar round, a 100 mm Illumination mortar round, 4 57 mm high-explosive projectiles, 6 107 mm HE rocket warheads, a surface-to-air missile, a 155 mm HE projectile; 11, 82 mm HE mortar rounds; 24, 57 mm rocket motors, an IED, 300 electric blasting caps, empty artillery casings, various small-arms ammo, explosives, propellants and other various IED-making materials.
Soldiers with the 27th Inf. Regt. seized a nitric acid chemical cache west of Camp Taji at approx. 10:20 a.m. consisting of 9 five-gallon jugs of nitric acid.
Iraqi Soldiers along with Soldiers from the 14th Inf. Regt., seized a weapons cache in Tarmiyah Qada at approx. 12:10 p.m., consisting of 9 boxes of heavy machine gun rounds. In Abayachi, north of Baghdad, IA seized 2 120 mm mortar rounds, a 122 mm artillery round, 100 heavy machine gun rounds, a heavy machine gun base plate, an unknown machine gun and a 107 mm rocket motor.
Based on an Iraqi citizen’s tip, Soldiers from the 2nd SBCT, 25th ID, seized a munitions cache north of Abu Ghuraib at approx. 5:45 p.m. The cache consisted of an unknown HME, 24, 82 mm mortar rounds, a blasting cap, bomb-making material, a grenade and fuse.
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Iraqi Army finds weapons cache near Al Latif
BASRA – IA and British soldiers seized a weapons cache northwest of the Al Latif district of Basra, Iraq June 25, consisting of 25 107 mm rockets, homemade rocket launchers, 40 mortar shells, 2 heavy machine guns and a large quantity of ammo.
“The 107 mm rockets were in some form of transit hide, potentially about to be used against a significant target, either an Iraqi SF or CF Base,” said Lieutenant Colonel Simon Browne, a spokesperson for MND – Southeast.
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Mahawil Emergency Response Unit detain 5 during air assault
BAGHDAD – Members of the Mahawil Emergency Response Unit detained 5 suspected criminals near Mahawil, June 23, during air and ground assaults.
Approx. 35 members of the ERU and 100 Soldiers from the 502nd Infantry Regiment assaulted 4 different objectives to disrupt a suspected weapons trafficking cell in the Mahawil area. The individuals detained are accused of trafficking weapons, participating in AQI activities, conducting rocket attacks and murdering a Mahawil policeman. Although the cell was located in Mahawil, their suspected reach was much further, including supplying weapons to criminals as far north as Baghdad.
Members of the ERU led the op, called “Op Yorktown,” and CF secured the outer cordon.
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MND-B Soldiers detain 3 suspected criminals in overnight operations
BAGHDAD – At approx. 9:45 p.m., June 25, Soldiers from the 1st BC, 4th ID, detained a suspected Special Groups criminal cell leader in the Shurta neighborhood.
At approx. 1:15 a.m., June 26, 4th ID Soldiers detained a suspected Sunni criminal in the same area. Less than 2 hours later, 4th ID Soldiers detained a suspected criminal in the Shurta neighborhood, responsible for attacks on Iraqi Security and CF in the Rashid district.
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MND-B Soldiers seize cache in Ameriyah following tip
BAGHDAD – June 26, acting on a tip from an Iraqi civilian, Soldiers from the 10th Cav Regt, attached to 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div, seized 122 mortar rounds, 17 RPGs, 8 rockets, 3 sniper rifles, a machinegun, 3 TNT sticks, 5 mortar tubes, 100 blasting caps, 5 tank rounds and miscellaneous detonation cord, fuses and homemade explosives.
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MND-B Soldiers detain 7 suspected criminals, discover 2 munitions caches
BAGHDAD – MND – Baghdad Soldiers detained 7 suspected criminals and discovered 2 weapons caches June 26 and 27 in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad.
Soldiers from the 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained a suspected criminal at approx. 11:45 a.m., June 26, in the Hadar community. The suspect is allegedly responsible for emplacing a roadside bomb earlier this year.
Approx. 2 hours later, Soldiers from the 22nd Inf Regt, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained 3 criminals in conjunction with a roadside bomb attack in the Zubaida community.
Soldiers from the 64th Armor Regt, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th ID., discovered a munitions cache and detained 3 suspected criminals during the search of a residence at approx. 12:15 a.m., June 27, in the Saydiyah neighborhood consisting of 3 RPGs altered to be remote detonated.
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Troop Scoop |
Posted: 27 Jun 2008 12:08 PM CDT
Dear Interested Reader,
Progress continues by way of the opening of the largest public works substation in Baghdad, and an electrical power station getting ready to open in Basra. Read about further success for Iraqi and UK joint security op in Basra. The leader of an IED cell is captured near FOB Falcon Baghdad. Huge weapons and munition caches continue to be seized with help from Iraqi civilians.
Joanna
______________________________________
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
June 27, 2008
Largest public works substation in Baghdad opens
BAGHDAD – Iraqi SF, civic leaders, local townsmen and CF gathered for a ribbon cutting ceremony in the Ameriyah community in the Mansour district of Baghdad to acknowledge the opening of the biggest public works substation in Baghdad, June 25.
Public works substations provide essential services to local communities such as trash pickup, street cleaning and other services necessary for proper community maintenance.
The opening of the Ameriyah substation marks an important milestone for residents of this area who have not had these services in more than two years.
“These basic services used to be centralized into only one station located in the Eastern Mansour district of Baghdad, creating a deficit in other parts of the city,” said Col. Louis Fazeka, part of the ePRT, 2nd BCT, 101st Abn Div, MND – Baghdad. “The focus of this mission has been to ‘decentralize’ and make substations throughout western Baghdad, making these services more readily available to those neglected parts of the city. These people want these basic essential services that you and I take for granted back home. It boosts the peoples’ confidence in the govt,” said Fazeka.
“This station has brought life back to 15,000 residents due to the reinstatement of these services,” said Salwan Latif, Iraqi public works assistant zone director, and 30-year resident of Ameriyah. “Seven months ago, we were hiding in our houses in fear for our lives. But thanks be to God…all aspects of fear that we had is in the past, and our lives are open now, and so are our opportunities.”
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IA finds weapons cache in Diyala Province
TIKRIT – IA Soldiers found a weapons cache in the Diyala Province, June 26, containing more than 1,000 pounds of homemade explosives, 3 IEDs, 10 anti-tank mines, 4 rockets and various IED-making items..
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ISF continue to clear Amarah of munitions
BAGHDAD – Iraqi SF discovered numerous munitions during Op Basha’er as Salaam in Amarah. The caches, found in homes, businesses and public areas throughout the city from June 19-22 totaled more than 1,700 mortar rounds, 873 mines, 445 artillery rounds, 347 RPGs, 267 rockets, 227 missile launchers, 109 IEDs, 74 grenades; 35, 122 mm rounds; 27 EFPs and 14 missiles.
The ISF led the combined effort, both in planning and execution, located a total of 117 weapons caches
and detained more than 63 criminals since the op began. A 4-day amnesty period was allowed prior to the op for citizens to turn in munitions not counted in the above list. The citizens’ cooperation with the ISF was integral in the success of the mission.
“The op has been a great success,” said Col. Charles A. Flynn, cmdr. of 1st BCT, 82nd Abn Div. “The IP and IA are out in force. They are doing the hard and dangerous work to detain criminals and remove Special Groups from this area. At the same time, they’re providing humanitarian assistance to the citizens of Amarah and creating a safer environment to call home.”
ISF line the collection area with a weapons cache discovered in Amarah.
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MND-B Soldiers detain key criminal leader
BAGHDAD – Soldiers from the 4th Inf Regt, attached to the 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained the leader of an IED criminal cell, June 24 in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad, near FOB Falcon, Baghdad.
“The detainment of this key criminal will keep the residents of Rashid much safer,” said Maj. Dave Olson, 1st BCT Spokesman, 4th ID, MND-B. “The 2nd Bn., 4th Inf. Regt. Soldiers have worked hard to transform the Doura area into a safe and secure environment in a relatively short amount of time.”
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IA Soldiers seize weapons in Sadr City
BAGHDAD – IA Soldiers seized numerous weapons caches in the Sadr City district of Baghdad, June 25.
Since May 20, the IA has uncovered 205 weapons and munitions caches, including more than 150 IEDs and 100 EFPs.
“This is a significant achievement for the Baghdad Ops Command and the IA,” said Lt. Col. Steve Stover, a spokesman for MND – Baghdad. “It shows increased capability, competence and the trust the Sadr City residents have in the IA Soldiers. “A significant number of the caches have been based on tips or citizens pointing the cache locations out,” said Stover.
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Electrical sub-station powers up in Basra
BASRA – A new electrical substation that will provide additional power to the citizens of Basra is scheduled to go online next month. Iraqi electrical workers are installing new lines, inspecting transformers and making final checks throughout the substation in preparation to bring it online in early July.
The GoI is making efforts to bring basic services to Iraqis living in Basra as quickly as possible. “This sub-station will bring several more hours of normal, regulated electricity to this part of the city, ” said Lt. Col. Pau Hettich of the Civil Military Ops Center. “Iraqi engineers are doing a week of final testing to make sure everything is ready to go when they flip the switch.”
Iraqi electrical engineers perform final checks by adding a load to the system at a sub-station. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tim Ortez)
An Iraqi Soldier escorts patrols around transformers.
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Further Success for Iraqi, UK Joint Security Operation in Basra
British and Iraqi officers confirm target locations during an op in Basra. Photo by Corp. Rob Knight, RLC.
BASRA — Op Charge of the Knights, a joint op involving UK Soldiers and the IA, which aims to restore order and improve security in Basra, is making further progress.
The IA continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving the security situation in the city, carrying out a number of vehicle check points in recent days. In addition, numerous house searches were carried out, leading to multiple arrests of suspected militants. 140 rounds of 150mm High Explosive shells were also found in one area of Basra.
Op Charge of the Knights, which began in March, is now into its 14th phase. The op has been one of the key drivers in bringing peace and stability to the streets of Basra in recent months. Elements of the IA and IP, with their US and UK MiTTs, can now be seen working in the city.
The MiTTs are working closely with the Iraqi SF and local contractors as pavements are replaced, sewers cleared and rubbish removed from the streets.
“Once again this op was fully planned and executed by the IA,” said Maj. Tom Holloway, spokesman for the MND – South East. “These ops demonstrate their capability, professionalism and commitment to the residents of Al Basrah Province. It is enormously encouraging to see the progress made by the IA in maintaining the security of the city and its residents. “Iraqi confidence and capabilities are improving by the day with our help,” he continued. “The overall feeling here is upbeat and cautiously optimistic. We will continue to push for security of Basra by helping the IA.”
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Troop Scoop |
Posted: 26 Jun 2008 08:45 AM CDT
Dear Interested Readers,
Iraqi Soldiers gets refresher course in shooting techniques. UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters fly round the clock to aid in missions. Many Special Groups criminals captured or killed, and large weapons and munition caches seized.
Joanna
____________________________________________
Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342
June 26, 2008
Citizen tip leads MND-B forces to seize vehicle with 9 IRAMs
BAGHDAD – MND – Baghdad Soldiers discovered a vehicle with 9 improvised rocket assisted mortars in the bed of a vehicle in the Kadamiyah district of Baghdad, at June 24. The Soldiers discovered the IRAMs based on a tip from a local Iraqi.
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MND-B Soldiers wound four criminals, detain 2, NPs find weapons
FOB FALCON – In Baghdad’s Rashid District, Soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID, engaged 4 criminals after receiving fire from a drive-by shooting in the Aamel neighborhood at approx. 9:30 p.m., June 22. The patrol returned fire at the vehicle.
About 10:30 p.m., Iraqi NP partnered with MND-B Soldiers found the same vehicle in another neighborhood. They took the suspects into custody and evacuated the 4 wounded criminals to a local hospital.
Responding to a tip, Iraqi NP partnered with MND-B Soldiers, found a large cache in an abandoned house in the Risalah area, consisting of 500 kilograms of TNT, 19 bags of C-4 plastic explosives, more than 80 RPG rounds with 6 RPG launchers, 9 60 mm mortar rounds, 82 mm mortar rounds, more than a dozen 120 mm mortar rounds, Katusha rockets, AK-47 assault rifles, SKS assault rifles, 2 sniper rifles, a couple machine guns, roadside bombs, a hand grenade and more than 40 explosive charges.
Soldiers from 1st BCT, 4th ID, detained a suspected criminal in his home in the Hadar community.
Responding to a tip, MND-B Soldiers conducted an op and detained a suspected criminal at approx. 7 p.m., June 23 in the Jihad market area.
“The Iraqi SF in our area have made significant improvements since my last tour in 2006,” said Col. Ted Martin, the 1st BCT cmdr. “The ISF in our area is well-led and ready to assume the lead in parts of our (sector) to provide a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi people.”
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INPs, MND-B Soldiers seize 2 caches in New Baghdad
BAGHDAD – June 25, Iraqi NP along with MND-B Soldiers assigned to their transition teams, and Soldiers from the 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div confiscated weapons during search ops in Muhalla 762 of the Oubaidy area.
The caches contained 21, 81 mm mortar rounds; 12, 120 mm mortar rounds; 11, 60 mm mortar rounds, 11 anti-tank mines, 11 EFPs, 3 120 mm mortars, 2 mortar base plates, 2 152 mm artillery rounds, an 82 mm mortar tube, a complete 81 mm mortar system, 45 fuses, 4 RPGs, 2 propellants, 3 PKC machineguns, 3 AK-47 rifles, an M-4 rifle, an instruction booklet for mortar emplacement, and various other equipment to facilitate attacks.
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MND-B Soldiers kill 3 criminals following attack on convoy
BAGHDAD – At approx. 8:40 a.m., June 25, Soldiers from the 4th BCT, 10th Mtn Div (Lt), were part of a convoy that was stopped on the roadside. The criminals, who were traveling in a northerly direction near Baghdad Int’l Airport fired at the Soldiers. They returned fire, which resulted in the vehicle running off the road and striking a wall, exploding, killing all 3.
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ISF capture five suspected Special Groups criminals in separate operations
BALAD – Iraqi SF captured 5 suspected Special Groups criminals during separate ops in central Iraq, June 21-23. One criminal is suspected to have collaborated with a wide variety of criminal groups, and is sought after in Wasit province for the reported torture and murder of local govt employees, ISF and their families. Another is the suspected leader of a Special Groups criminal network who is suspected of being a financier who directs, coordinates and funds ops in the surrounding cities, including trafficking weapons and providing safe havens for criminals. Reports directly link him to sectarian killings, kidnappings for ransom and coercing the local population into supporting Special Groups criminals. He is also suspected of being associated with IED and EFP attacks on CF.
Three of the detained are suspected Special Groups criminals. One individual is believed to be an Iranian surrogate, reportedly in charge of more than 100 individuals who have conducted IED and indirect fire attacks against Iraqi and CF. Another detainee is suspected of IED, EFP and IDF attacks, and the last captured individual is suspected of being a key financier for Special Groups criminals.
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Iraqi Special Operations Forces capture suspected Special Groups criminal
BALAD – Iraqi SOF captured a suspected Special Groups criminal and detained 2 others in the Shulah area of Baghdad, June 20.
The ISOF conducted an op to capture the suspected criminal and associates allegedly responsible for IED and EFP. The suspected SG criminal is accused of supporting criminal groups with weapons and imported IEDs. Two other suspected criminals were detained during the operation.
“Until recently, Shulah was considered a high-threat area and a stronghold for Special Groups criminals,” said Lt. Col. Neil Harper, a spokesman for MNC – Iraq.
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CF Soldiers train IA on shooting techniques
Staff Sgt. Nick LaPlant, Scout Plt, 1st Bn, 87th Inf Regt, demonstrates proper body positioning to Iraqi Soldiers during a recent training at a range in Hawijah. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Margaret C. Nelson, 1st Bde, 10th Mtn. Div.,)
Staff Sgt. Nick LaPlant and Sgt. Josh Barr prepare to demonstrate how to properly advance on multiple targets while under fire as Iraqi Soldiers look on.
Sgt. Josh Barr fires his M4 assault rifle during a demonstration on the proper technique for engaging multiple targets under fire.
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‘Nightmares’ help capture IED emplacers
TIKRIT – CF helicopters flying in northern Iraq helped capture 4 suspected criminals involved with emplacing
IEDs near Tikrit, June 20.
UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters attached to the “Nightmares” 3rd Assault Helicopter Bn, 1st AR spotted 4 suspicious persons south of Tikrit, and alerted area ground forces. The 4 men were later detained by CF. Further investigation confirmed the individuals were involved in previous IED incidents near Tikrit.
A UH-60 Black Hawk attached to the 3rd Assault Helicopter Bn, 1st AR, lifts off from COB Speicher. The 3-1 AA “Nightmares” air and ground crews work around the clock sustaining air ops, and are part of the CAB, 1st ID, from Fort Riley Kan., flying in support of Task Force Iron, 1st Armored Div in northern Iraq. (Photo by U.S. Army Maj. Enrique T. Vasquez)
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There is nothing I can say that would do justice to CJ’s outstanding commentary. Read this, follow the link to read the rest, and then view the featured video below.
The people who fight for civilization, and those who seek its destruction.
By Christopher Cook
For those of you have yet to see 300
This movie is not just about the past. It’s about today. Right now.
It’s about each one of you who stands in the breach against the enemy.
And it’s about each one of you who stands against the enemy within, who would happily widen that breach.
Today’s enemy is Islamofascism, but it is little different from the hordes following the tyrannical King Xerxes.
Today’s enemy within is the left, both at home and across the globe. And they too are little different from the scheming legislator Theron and the vile Ephori, who were willing—even eager—to see all Sparta kneel before Xerxes, just to gain power.
How is the left today any different? Do they not see their own nation, their own people, their own military as the enemy? Do they not seek to withdraw us from the field, to give the enemy the day?
And just as Sparta was the lynchpin that defended all Greece—that great cradle of democracy—is not the United States today the last bastion of freedom defending Western civilization?
But what care the left for Western civilization? They HATE Western civilization. They hate the men and women who defend it. They hate themselves.
Read the whole thing here.
Gathering of Eagles: NY 