articles 9.22.2004

First off, the invaluable reporting from Seth Robson of the Stars & Stripes, who has been the best source of information to date:

1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment might be active in Fallujah, 9.21.2004.

2BCT offensive in Ramadi. 9.20.2004

1st Battalion, 506th infantry conducts raids. 9.16.2004.

Ramadi will be core 2BCT area of operation. 9.11.2004 No positive confirmation, but 9.11.2004 is likely the start date of the 12-month tour.

Seth Robson reports on the man behind www.beerforsoldiers.com , Sgt. Dale Rogers.

A link to articles (most cross-posted here) from the 1-506th infantry "Curahee" Page.

An 08.01.2004 Washington Times article discusses the preparations for deployment.
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1st combat fatality and 2nd combat fatality. There is a powerful eulogy article on Pfc. Sparks from The Toledo Blade Newspaper, and another from Ohio News Network. Information on Staff Sgt. Vaillant is on Nashville's WKRN News Channel and the Hardin County, KY, News-Enterprise.

The 3rd 2nd BCT fatality in Iraq was Spc. Omead Razani, 19, of Los Angeles. Spc. Razani, who was assigned to the 1-506th Battalion, died of non-combat related injuries. No details were made public.

Pfc. Jason Sparks, Staff Sgt. Gary Vaillant, and Spc. Omead Razani our hearts go out to your families.