Articles 8.16.2005 - 8.22.2005

An Army Public Affairs article features 2nd BCT Soldiers visiting the Denver Broncos training camp on 8.15.2005. The article describes the interactions between the Soldiers and football players over the course of their visit.
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The Magic Valley Times, ID, has an article on Spc. Rebeca Tarango, of the 44th Eng, who was back in her hometown on leave. Spc. Tarango describes her experiences in Iraq, including working at a Traffic Control Point that was attacked by insurgents. She also discusses the agony of losing her sister, who was killed in a murder-suicide in January.
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The Petersburg, VA, Progress-Index has an article on Spc. Phillip Harris Jr, a medic in the 1-9th, who is part of the rap duo "So Heated" along with Spc. Chandra Sullivan. While on vacation, the two performed a concert. He describes his impressions of serving in Iraq, discusses some of the wounds he treated, and said about their music: "we put on patriotic shows with audiences of 400 to 500 at our camp," Harris says. "Even the camp commander supported our performances. And he was an older guy."
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The Ft. Collins Coloradoan has an article on the funeral for Pfc. Stephen Sherwood, of the 2-17th, who killed his wife and himself in a murder-suicide after after returning from Iraq. Several friends are quoted trying to come to grips with his life and tragic ending. His wife, Sara Sherwood, was buried last week.

A portrait of the fallen 2nd BCT servicemen

Over the 12 months the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, was deployed in and around Ramadi and Habbaniyah, Iraq, 68 Soldiers of the 2nd Infantry Division, at least 28 attached or supporting Marines, and at least 4 supporting National Guardsmen died while serving our country. The accounts of these 100 military deaths testify to a fighting force that was in a heated and sustained war zone with an enemy that wasn’t always visible. 49 of these Soldiers and Marines were reportedly killed by roadside bombs (IEDs), car bombs (VBIEDs), or suicide car bombs (SVBIEDs). 34 were killed by enemy small arms fire, and 7 others died in incidents described only as “combat operations.” 4 were killed by indirect fire (rocket or mortar attack), and 4 died in vehicle accidents. The remainder died in non-combat incidents that were never publicly described. 55 of the deaths occurred in the first 6 months and 45 in the last 6 months, a pattern that suggests the threat was constant over the entire deployment.

Based on newspaper and television reports, it is clear that these 100 servicemen had only a few common links: they each had voluntarily committed themselves to the service of our country, and gave everything in that service. They may have worn the same uniforms, had the same haircuts, and spoke the same strange language of acronyms, but they were each and every one unique individuals, each a man with his own history, family, interests and philosophies. It is these individual men that we should remember, not just the uniform, or worse, the statistic. This brief portrait of the fallen servicemen is extracted from the news reports following their deaths, with the aim of providing a tiny glimpse into the personal worlds these individual men knew before they died.

The average age of the fallen 2nd BCT and supporting servicemen was 25 years old. The oldest, SSG Gary Valliant of the 2-72nd Armor, was 41 years old. He was the first 2nd ID Soldier killed in combat, on September 5th, 2004. The youngest, at 18 years of age, was Lance Cpl. Jonathan Flores of the 1/5 Marines, who died in an IED attack in June, 2005. 18 were over the age of 30. Over 70 were in their 20s. Lance Cpl. Flores and 19 others were younger than the legal drinking age when they died.

At least 29 of the servicemen were married, and 5 others were engaged. Spc. Michael Smith of the 1-503rd Infantry met his wife in Korea, and they were married one month before his deployment to Iraq. His family met his wife for the first time at his funeral. Another Soldier in the 1-503rd, 19 year old Pfc. Jesus Fonseca, was killed by a car bomb on January 17th, 2005. He was buried in Degollado, Mexico, in the town where his wife lives. Pfc. Dennis Miller of the 2-72nd Armor had just received his R&R schedule when he was killed after a rocket struck his tank in November, 2004, and he had been eagerly making plans with his wife during their last phone conversation just days earlier. Spc. Louis Niedermeier of the 2-17th Field Artillery was killed by a sniper on June 1, 2005. His fiancée learned of his death while serving in the Navy aboard the USS Fitzgerald, a warship stationed in Japan. They had been engaged since 2003, and had planned to marry as soon as they could align their leave schedules.

At least 28 of the fallen servicemen were fathers, with at least 46 children between them, and one of them, Sgt Angelo Lozada of the 2-17th FA, had recently become a grandfather when he was killed in April, 2005. Sgt Antawn Walker, of the 2nd Forward Support Battalion, was a single parent of 3 children - two year old twins and a 4 year old - and relatives had been taking care of them when he was killed by an IED on May 18, 2005. Staff Sgt. Sean Huey of the 1-506th Infantry saw his infant son only once, during the Brigade's block leave in June, 2004, 5 months before he was killed by a car bomb in Khalidiyah. PV2 Jeungjin Kim of the 2-17th FA never got such a chance. His son was born in September 2004, after he had deployed, and he was killed by small arms fire while on a patrol in Ramadi a month later.

Their backgrounds varied greatly. Some earned GEDs in order to enlist, while others earned their commissions through University ROTC programs, such as 1st Lt. Luke Wullenwaber of the 1-506th and Capt. James Edge of the 1/5 Marines, both graduates of the prestigious Virginia Military Institute. Eight of the fallen servicemen were born in foreign countries. Cpl. Garrywesley Rimes of the 1/5 Marines was born in the Philippines. SSG Gary Valliant of the 2-72nd Armor was native to Puerto Rico. PV2 Jeungjin Kim was a Korean citizen until he received a posthumous U.S. citizenship. Spc. Sergio Diaz-Velera and Pfc. Jesus Fonseca of the 1-503rd, and SSG Juan De Dios Garcia-Arana of the 5th Air Defense Artillery, were from Mexico. Capt. Patrick Rapicault of the 1/5 Marines and SSG Alexander Crackel of the 1-9th Infantry were native Europeans, coming to the U.S. from France and England, respectively. The 100 Soldiers and Marines identified their hometowns residing in 30 different states spread far across the country - from Washington to Wisconsin to New York, Nevada to Missouri to Virginia, California to Alabama to Florida - with the most from any given state being California (12), followed by Texas (10).

Their military service was also broad. 10 were officers. 90 were enlisted, including 39 NCOs. 23 were Privates. 5 were Captains. The longest serving was possibly SFC Donald Eacho of the 1-9th Infantry, who joined the Army in 1988 and previously served in Operation Desert Storm and in Kosovo. The newest Serviceman was 19 year old Pfc. Jason Sparks of the 1-503rd. He enlisted exactly 218 days - just over 7 months - before he was killed by small arms fire while on a patrol near Fallujah on September 8, 2004. Some, such as SSG Michael Shackelford of the 1-503rd and 1st Lt. Tyler Brown of the 1-9th, turned down prestigious assignments (Special Forces and the “Old Guard”, respectively) in order to deploy to Iraq with the units they had trained with. Others, like SSG Marvin Trost of the 1-506th, had previously served in Iraq before deploying with the 2nd BCT. He took part in the initial invasion with the 3rd ID in March, 2003.

Several came from military families. 1st Lt. Matthew Lynch of the 2/5 Marines served in Iraq at the same time as his only sibling. Cpl. Jesse Jaime was killed on June 15, 2005. He and his twin brother both served in the 1/5 Marines, and his brother escorted his body home from Ramadi over the entire route. Spc. George Geer of the 1-503rd came from a family lineage that had served in every war since the American Revolution. Several joined the military straight out of High School. Lance Cpl. Chad Maynard of the 1/5 Marines even graduated a semester early so that he could attend boot camp. Others, like Spc. Edwin Roodhouse of the 1-506th, arrived in the military later in life. He left a Silicon Valley job as a networking engineer to join the Army at the age of 34, two years before he was killed by an IED on December 5, 2004.

News coverage of the fallen servicemen was wide-ranging. Cpl. Jeremiah Baro and Lance Cpl. Jared Hubbard of the 2/5 Marines were killed from the same explosion in November, 2004. The two had been best friends since childhood, and their tragic story was featured on CNN shortly after their deaths. Capt. Patrick Rapicault, a company commander in the 2/5 Marines, was featured on a segment of 60 Minutes after he was killed by an IED the same month. 1st Lt. Tyler Brown was remembered on National Public Radio after he was shot by a sniper in September, 2004. Other deaths were presented more quietly. Sgt. Bennie Washington of the 44th Engineers died of injuries at the Brook Army Hospital in San Antonio on January 4th, 2005, 81 days after he suffered severe burns over 70% of his body from an IED explosion in Ramadi the previous October.

For some families, the death of a son was only the start of the heartache. Spc. Robert Unruh of the 44th Eng was killed in September 2004. His mother died of an aneurysm the following week. Spc. Casey Byers, of the 224th Engineer Battalion of the Iowa National Guard, was killed by an IED in early June, 2005. His younger brother died in a highway accident 9 days later.

Many, like 19-year-old Lance Cpl. Richard “Chad” Clifton of the 2/5 Marines, 23-year-old Spc. Nicholas Idalski of the 1-9th, and 31-year-old SSG Omer Hawkins of the 44th Eng, intended to make the military a career, while others discussed their post-military plans. Lance Cpl. Dion Whitley, of the 1/5 Marines, had hoped to start a barbeque catering business, and Spc. Randy Stevens of the 2-17th FA dreamed of opening an auto body repair shop. Pfc. Daniel Guastaferro of the 1-503rd and Cpl. Jesse Jaime of the 1/5 Marines aimed to become policemen, while Pfc. Stephen Benish of the 1-503rd wanted to become a firefighter in his hometown. Lance Cpl. Erik Heldt of the 1/5 Marines wished to become a football coach. Pfc. James Miller, a medic in the 1-503rd, planned to work with trauma patients. Spc. Bradley Beard of the 44th Eng left a college engineering scholarship to join the Army, while Sgt. Arthur Williams of the 44th Eng hoped to study engineering after leaving the military. Pfc. Dennis Miller of the 2-72nd Armor had planned to return to school and finish his degree in history. His college awarded him the degree posthumously.

Based on the accounts of family and friends provided in news articles, some of these men explicitly expressed support for the mission, while a few were openly skeptical. For most, though, individual geo-political opinions were never made public. Rather, they were remembered for their love of cars or motorcycles, for traveling or video games or sports, and almost always for love of their families. Some were noted for their gregariousness, others for their quietness, some for their sense of humor or their sense of duty. Some were noted men of faith, while others never mentioned their personal beliefs. Some wrote poetry. Some kept blogs. Some told their families and friends they were willing to die for this country. Others only talked of returning home and said everything would be fine.

These 100 Soldiers and Marines, like all of the fallen service members in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, were born of many races and grew up in a wide breadth of environments, but they all volunteered to serve our country without knowing where that service might take them. These 100 men gave the final irrevocable sacrifice they knew was possible when they joined. For this huge commitment of service and this unalterable sacrifice, they deserve our deepest respect regardless of our personal opinions and perspectives. Clearly, though, these men were much more than members of the U.S. Military, and we owe it to them to learn their unique stories and seek the inspiration of their lives, just as we owe it to them to lift up their families through these tragic losses any way we know how. May they inspire us all to serve others and be dedicated towards the causes we believe in, and may these 100 unique men who died while associated with the 2nd BCT never be forgotten.

One civilian's tribute to the 2nd BCT

I started this blog in Sept 2004 to share news about my brother's unit in Iraq with my extended family. When Clint (aka MAJ Howard C. Kirk IV) called me from Korea in May 2004 with the news that he'd miss being the Best Man at my wedding due to the deployment, I had no clue what division he was in, let alone battalion. All I knew was that he was a 2nd-generation West Point graduate, Ranger, Airborne & Air Assault qualified, a battalion S-3 (whatever that was) somewhere in Korea, and that he missed his wife and young son dearly. It was then that I did my first Google search on his battalion, the 1-503rd Infantry. My guess is that hundreds - who knows, maybe thousands - of family members of 2nd BCT soldiers did the same thing in those early months. Korea may have been a genuine threat, but Iraq was the real deal. When starting the blog, I followed a hunch and generalized the scope and presentation with the hopes that it might be useful for other families beyond my own. It has since become my small, meager way of saying thanks to the troops.

My first glimpse into 2nd BCT life came from the old (now off-line) beerforsoldiers.com site and initial Stars & Stripes articles. I read about soldiers who were serious and motivated, but who still smiled for the cameras and told jokes. I also sensed the undercurrent of anxiety and frustration, especially with the Stop-Loss orders and sad resignation of being away from families for yet another year. It seems we all felt that these were thousands of soldiers who collectively got screwed by a cold, calculated decision from the bowels of the Pentagon. Clearly, though, necessity won over and the restructured BCT rose to the challenge. My amazement started early as I read about artillerymen becoming infantrymen, infantrymen becoming policemen and detectives, engineers becoming prison guards, and on and on – a batch of rural fighters from the mountains becoming urban fighters in the desert, all in a matter of weeks. The transformation was nothing less than astounding.

From my comfortable confines in America, the living and working conditions in western Iraq appeared beyond surreal. Iraq had been taken over border-to-border two years earlier, yet many of these soldiers still had to pull regular duty burning their own feces? The most mobile fighting force ever assembled, and still only one hot meal a day in many instances, and weeks and weeks without a shower? On top of that, the insurgents appeared to hit their stride as the 2nd BCT was assuming command. They had long been there, of course, but who predicted the extent of offensive and defensive operations the 2nd BCT would end up conducting? One battalion later reported having up to 10 firefights per day in Oct and Nov, 2004. 10 per day! Even more, there was no traditional front line of combat, which meant the only true days off most of these soldiers would see over the 12 months were the two-week R&R leave periods. Combine such hardships with the ubiquitous presence of DVDs and video games, Instant Messaging and Internet shopping, and a care package junk food diet, and it’s clear that such a living environment has never been seen before in the history of the world.

I have only ever known one 2nd BCT Soldier - my older brother - and Clint made it through the tour unscathed. For his safe return, particularly given the randomness of insurgent attacks, our family feels extremely lucky. I never met any of the servicemen who died, but I have read all of their stories with a sad heart. By my count (based on media reports), 68 2nd ID Soldiers and a combined total of 100 Soldiers, Marines, and National Guard soldiers lost their lives while under 2nd BCT command or directly supporting 2nd BCT units in Iraq, all of them sons, many of them brothers and fathers and husbands. These Soldiers and Marines called 30 different states home, and 8 were born in foreign countries. At least 46 children of these men will be raised without their fathers now. Their families and friends have only memories now, and hopefully a heartfelt, if bittersweet, pride in the deep honor of their son’s service. There are few words we can offer, but we can lift them up with our thoughts, prayers, and support. The published estimate of the number of 2nd BCT Soldiers who received or are nominated for Purple Hearts is well over 500. I don’t know how many of those servicemen and women are still receiving treatment, but I can safely guess that those wounds will be carried for a lifetime.

The 2nd BCT is comprised of about 4000 Soldiers (plus or minus depending on the source) who joined the Army for at least 4000 different complex mix of reasons. Maybe it was for cultural heritage, for cash or college funds, for seeking discipline, for serving our country in a pre- or post-9/11 world, or maybe it was for lack of an alternative. I can’t even guess at the spectrum of opinions you Soldiers must have on the war, the U.S. Military, the geo-politics of the region, or on the local culture, but I’m sure the range is as broad as your deployment was long. I read every article, letter to the editor and posting on public discussion forums that I could find, and I was able to track down and religiously follow several servicemember mil-blogs and family support sites. The large picture painted by these many individual anecdotes showed that while the opinions and emotions may have been wide reaching, the exhausting yet unrelenting effort never lacked.

It's easy to wax poetic from the bleacher seats where I sit, but I in no way want to glamorize what you Soldiers have been through. We civilians can only imagine how bad it really was many days, and to you it was probably worse at times than our wildest imaginations would dream up. I do hope that you can appreciate that you have contributed with your sweat and blood to historical events, from the role in the assault on Fallujah to safeguarding the first free elections in Iraq in 50 years. Operation Iraqi Freedom looks to be joining the list of forever-debated wars, but that is immaterial here (this blog always strove to be apolitical). You Soldiers and Marines as individuals signed the dotted line to serve our country, and for that alone you have my respect. For what you have given this past year, for the persistence and dedication you have shown in light of the extraordinary burden placed upon you, you now have my eternal admiration. For the sacrifices you have made, you have inspired me to work harder and be a better citizen. You have clearly and undoubtedly left your mark on Iraq, but I hope you realize that you have also left your mark on those of us paying attention.

I wish you all the very best in your future lives and careers, that you may find peace with your experiences in Iraq, and that the legacy and inspiration of your fallen comrades live forever on.

Again, thanks for your service to our country,
Ryan Kirk
Minneapolis, MN

Articles 8.15.2005

The Atlanta Journal Constitution (reg req'd) has an article on the Georgia citizens who have died in Iraq this year. Featured in the article is the family of Sgt. Bennie J. Washington of the 44th Engineers, who died on 1.4.2005 at a hospital in Texas 12 weeks after his Humvee struck an IED, causing second-degree burns over 70 percent of his body. He underwent 27 operations in two months, but died of infection. Sgt. Washington was the father of two children. He was 25 years old.
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KRDO News has an article on the arrival of Flight #17, the final 2nd BCT flight. According to the article, "this particular group was the last to return because these soldiers volunteered to remain behind to make sure all of the unit's equipment came back."
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The Hindustan Times has an article on an Indian-American soldier returning home with the 2nd BCT. Major Raj Butani, who's unit wasn't given, but is possibly the 1-9th, held a medical position in Iraq. His best-friend in the brigade, Cpt. Sean Grimes was killed by an IED on 3.9.2005, and Maj. Butani gave the eulogy at his memorial service. The article describes his families excitement at the arrival ceremony at Ft. Carson.
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Radar Magazine has a long alternative-media article and slideshow with a 3rd Platoon, C Company, of the 1-506th in Iraq, dated only "Summer 2005." A few quotes and anecdotes:
- "The regiment’s battle space sees 10 times the national average of attacks on Americans."
- "The 500-man 506th takes mortar fire, sniper fire, rocket-propelled grenades, and bursts of small-arms fire every day, but, as [Anthony Cruz, who's rank wasn't given] says, things have quieted considerably since last year. Last year the soldiers of the 506th got shot at or blown up every time they ventured out. Now they freely patrol on foot. Their local polling station had a turnout of 55 percent in Iraq’s January election — three times Iraq’s Sunni average. The 506th’s officers attribute the 75 percent decline in violence on their turf to the retaking of Fallujah, the insurgent stronghold 15 miles away."
- "The 3rd Platoon has been in Iraq since August. Before that it was based in Korea. The average soldier in the unit has spent only two or three weeks in the States over the past two years. Out of nine wounded soldiers in the platoon, one is still an invalid, four chose never to leave the base, three returned home, and four are trying to get back to the unit."
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The Colorado Springs Gazette has an article on the financial benefits of military service when factoring base pay, housing and other benefits. One quote from the article: "For unmarried soldiers, a year in Iraq can net them an extra $10,000 per year in bonus pay and tax savings. For married soldiers, a year deployment can net an extra $12,500, including $250 per month in family separation pay."
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The Washington Post has an article on local citizens rising up in Ramadi to fight foreign fighters. According to the article, "Rising up against insurgent leader Abu Musab Zarqawi, Iraqi Sunni Muslims in Ramadi fought with grenade launchers and automatic weapons Saturday to defend their Shiite neighbors against a bid to drive them from the western city, Sunni leaders and Shiite residents said. [...] Masked men distributed leaflets that declared the city's tribes would fight "Zarqawi's attempt to turn Ramadi into a second Fallujah."

Articles 8.12.2005

KOAA News has a brief report on a couple who has attended all of the 2nd BCT Welcome Home Ceremony. More than that, "Bill and Martha Reed have attended every homecoming ceremony for the past two years." According to the article, "Bill manages the Fort Carson Events Center. Martha volunteers for every event."
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KKTV News has a video segment on the arrival of Flight #16. Look for the video link entitled "Another Batch of 2nd BCT Arrives Home." According to the video, 3400 Soldiers have arrived. Several soldiers are quoted describing the improvements they saw in Iraq over the year they were deployed.
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The Department of Defense announced the death of a 1/5 Marine in Ramadi. Lance Cpl. Evenor Herrera was killed by an IED on 8.10.2005. Lance Cpl. Herrera, of Gypsum, CO, was 22 years old. He is the 16th Marine of the 1/5 Marines to die in Iraq during this tour, and the 3rd since the 2nd BCT turned over command. Our hearts go out to his family.

Articles 8.11.2005

The Pueblo Chieftain has an article on Ft. Carson officials saying 'thank you' to Colorado State-Pueblo for the large effort of temporarily housing arriving 2nd BCT soldiers. The Ft. Carson Garrison Commander contacted the university with only 3-days notice. Not only did the university rise to the occassion, but "the public overwhelmed the university with cookies, cakes, drinks, food, offers of home-cooked meals and standing offers to drive soldiers anywhere."
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The Department of Defense announced the death of a 1/5 Marine in Ramadi. Staff Sgt. Ramon Gonzales Cordova was killed by small-arms fire on 9.8.2005. According to the Miami Herald, he joined the Marines in 1994. He was 30 years old. SSG Gonzales Cordova is the 15th Marine of the 1/5 Marines to die in Iraq during this tour, and the 2nd since the 2nd BCT turned over command. Our hearts go out to his family.

Articles 8.10.2005

KOAA News has a video report on the debriefing and reintegration process of 2nd BCT Soldiers at Ft. Carson. Several soldiers are quoted.
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The Ft. Carson Mountaineer has several pictures and an article on the arrival of 2nd BCT units. The current edition (Aug 5) is available in both pdf and txt formats, with the article starting on page 3.
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USA Today has an article on the process of trying insurgents through the Iraqi Judicial System. Several Marines of the 1/5 Marines are quoted in the article.

Articles 8.9.2005

The Fwd Detachment site lists Flight #16 landing today (not on Aug 8 as I incorrectly reported yesterday.) The welcome ceremony is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
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The Denver Post has an article on the reintegration efforts of the 2nd BCT. One quote: "Screenings include three face-to-face interviews - one with a military chaplain, one with a physician's assistant and one with a doctor, said Dee McNutt, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Army base. Soldiers also receive a variety of other services, from dental care to "reintegration training" with their families, she said. About 3,000 returning soldiers have completed the screening at Fort Carson, McNutt said. About 700 to 800 are still to go." The press conference followed the murder-suicide committed by Pfc. Stephen Sherwood against his wife on 8.4.2005. The Colorado Springs Gazette reports that Pfc. Sherwood wasn't deemed a risk during his reintegration process. According to the article, "Nearly 100 of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team’s soldiers, who began coming home in July, have been ruled highrisk in the screening process. Of those, 80 are getting regular mental health care and one has been committed for inpatient care. [...] Soldiers with the most serious problems are referred to psychiatrists for immediate treatment, Terrio said. Those who are considered a danger to themselves or others are restricted during their treatment and can’t leave until they are deemed safe. Others, considered to be at risk of trouble, are closely monitored with frequent checks from social workers but are allowed to reunite with their families." The Ft. Collins Coloradoan reports on the funeral for Sara Sherwood. She was 30 years old.
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CBS4 News has an article on the training camp for the Denver Broncos. According to the article, "The Broncos paid tribute to soldiers fighting all over the world by hosting 16 soldiers from Fort Carson during the Monday morning workout. The soldiers wre from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. Most had just returned from a one year tour of duty in Iraq."
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The Colorado Springs Gazette reports on the efforts of Colorado Springs school districts to attract children of 2nd BCT soldiers moving to the area. According to the article, "the brigade includes about 3,700 soldiers, and about 1,200 military families are expected to move to the region."
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The North County Times, CA reports on a ceremony held at Camp Pendleton for 12 Marines of the 2/5 Marines who received medals for their service in Ramadi from Aug 2004 to Feb 2005, most of that serving under the 2nd BCT. Several accounts of action in Ramadi are provided. Also, the article says that "the battalion [is preparing] to deploy again for seven months in December -- possibly for another mission in Iraq."

Articles 8.8.2005

The Fwd Detachment site lists Flight #16 scheduled to land tomorrow, Aug 9, with the welcome ceremony set for 7:05 p.m. The flight contains soldiers of the 44th Eng, 1-9th, 1-506th, 2-17th FA, 2nd FSB, and the 1-503rd. A 17th flight has been added, scheduled to land on 8.14.2005.
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The Colorado Springs Gazette has an article on the widespread spending spree of 2nd BCT soldiers around Colorado Springs. According to the article, the most popular purchases are "cars or trucks, cell phones, motorcycles and electronics of all types."

Articles 8.7.2005

The Journal News, NY, has an article on Pfc. Michael Arciola, of the 1-503rd, who was killed in Ramadi on 2.15.2005. A tribute was held at a local church yesterday during "Community Guest Day" to recognize local citizens in uniform.
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The Asbury Park Press, NJ, published a letter written by SFC John Lewis Williams, of the 44th Eng. In the letter, SFC Williams describes a car bomb attack at a checkpoint in Ramadi on 3.7.2005- the same attack in which Sgt. Andrew Bossert and Pfc. Michael Franklin were killed. A third unidentified soldier was evacuated. The soldiers had all been working hard to help get the car started after it wouldn't respond, and the driver had been joking with them just minutes before. "No one was searching for medals or glory on the 7th of March," Williams said. "They were just doing their job. They were being kind-hearted American soldiers who can defeat the enemy but see that the locals are people in need of help, whether it's with their car or another mundane daily activity. Our enemy preys on our American good nature. "

Articles 8.6.2005

The Colorado Springs Gazette and the Ft. Collins Coloradan report on the alleged murder-suicide of a 2nd BCT Soldier and his wife in Ft. Collins two days ago. The article explores some of the motives that may have led Pfc. Stephen Sherwood to kill his wife, Sara, and himself while their 15-month-old daughter was at a neighbors house. Family and friends are quoted as saying the main motives are the stresses from Iraq and an alleged affair.
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One separate quote from the Gazette article: "Tanaka said of 2,700 soldiers screened at [Ft. Carson] for mental health, family and alcohol problems, 80 have been deemed to be high risk."
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The Western Nevada County Union, CA and Sacramento Bee report on the death of a 1/5 Marine in Ramadi. Lance Cpl. Adam J. Strain was killed on 8.3.2005 from small arms fire. He was engaged to be married, and would have turned 21 later this month. Lance Cpl. Strain is the 13th Marine of the 1/5 Marines killed during this present tour in Iraq, and the first serviceman killed in Ramadi since the 2nd BCT turned over command. Our hearts go out to his family.
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The Associated Press follows up on a previous article on a controversy over the name of the conflict to include in a memorial for Pfc. Mark Barbret, of the 44th Eng, who was killed in Ramadi on 10.14.2004. The memorial will simple say "Iraq." A dedication ceremony is scheduled for 10.14.2005.
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The Colorado Springs Gazette (via MSNBC) has an article on 2nd BCT Commander Col. Gary Patton after his arrival at Ft. carson. He describes his impressions of returning home and pride in his brigade. One quote: "The brigade killed or captured 2,100 insurgents. Along with thousands of mortar and artillery shells, the brigade seized 300,000 rounds of ammunition in searches and raids."
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The St. George Spectrum, UT has an article on Lt. Col. Justin Gubler, commander of the 1-503rd, who visited family in the area on leave. Some quotes:
- ""We literally fought street to street and house to house for October, November and half of December," he said. "Fighting in a city is very intense. ... It's a much more intense battlefield." Gubler said cities provide more hiding places and firing places, creating a more dangerous situation than in the rural countryside. His battalion shared Ar Ramadi with a battalion of Marines and the two finally were able to drive many of the enemy fighters from the city by mid-December. They went from about 10 fire-fights per day to only one or two. The number of fire-fights decreased even more after the Iraqi elections, Gubler said."
- "Gubler described the city as a ghost town when he arrived because of the enemy presence. But when he left, schools were open for both boys and girls, shops stayed open until 10 p.m., freight trucks were moving goods and many of the utilities had been repaired."
- "Gubler said there are three main groups opposing coalition and Iraqi security forces. The first group comprises terrorists, which are usually fundamentalist Muslims, many of whom are only interested in fighting Americans. They recruit globally and have made Iraq a focus of a global jihad, he said. The second group is local to Iraq and often referred to as resistance fighters. Gubler said they are fighting just because foreigners invaded their country, meaning that they are not interested in destroying Iraq or killing Iraqis like the terrorists. Because of this, coalition forces sometimes are able to negotiate with them, he said. The third group is the criminal element, which may act as a support group for the other two groups depending on how much money they will make. Gubler said this group is similar to organized crime in the United States, committing kidnappings and murders for money."
- "Though mentions of the "insurgency" in Iraq often bring connotations of Vietnam, Gubler said the variety of enemies is the big difference between Iraq and Vietnam. With Vietnam, there was a single enemy and a single ideology, in Iraq there are many. "Iraq is not Vietnam," he said. "Actually it's not like anything we've experienced as a military since the Philippines at the turn of the century in the Spanish American War." During that war, the United States eliminated the Spanish government in the Philippines and installed a Filipino government friendly to the United States. Gubler said that is what the United States is trying to do in Iraq: Install a peaceful government that will not sponsor terrorism. "That's a very difficult task," he said. "The Iraqis will figure out what democracy means to them.""
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The Pueblo Chieftain reports that another 100 2nd BCT soldiers will be housed at Colorado State University-Pueblo until Aug 13, following the 300 soldiers who stayed their earlier this month.
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A Department of Defense news article explores the use of Virtual Family Readiness Groups (vFRGs). The 2nd BCT Desert Strike FRG site was the first, and seems to be considered a pilot study. More improvements are described in the articles.

2nd BCT Soldier kills wife, self

The Colorado Springs Gazette, Ft. Collins Coloradan, Denver Post, and Rocky Mountain News report that a recently returned 2nd BCT Soldier is believed to have killed his wife and himself in northern Colorado yesterday. Pfc. Stephen Sherwood, of the 2/17th FA, and his wife were found dead after neighbors reported hearing gunshots at their home in Ft. Collins, which the police are investigating as a murder-suicide. The couple's infant child was at a neighbor's house at the time. Pfc. Sherwood was 35. His wife, Sara Sherwood, was 30.

Pfc. Sherwood was quoted in a Stars & Stripes article last August during training in Kuwait. He enlisted in the Army after working as a paramedic for 10 years. Our hearts go out to the families and child in this terrible event.

Articles 8.4.2005

The Fwd Detachment lists Flight #15 scheduled to arrive at Ft. Carson today, containing Soldiers of the 5-5 ADA, 2FSB, Bde HHC, and the 2-17th FA. The Welcome Ceremony is scheduled for 5:15 p.m. A 16th Flight has been added, scheduled to land on Aug 9.
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The Saint George Spectrum, UT, has an article on the change of command ceremony in Iraq. The 2nd BCT of the 28th Infantry Division took over command from the 2nd BCT, 2nd ID, on 7.28.2005.
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Other Articles from the region:
- Reuters: Iraq's national psyche traumatised -- doctor
- NY Times (reg req'd): Insurgents Using Bigger, More Lethal Bombs, U.S. Officers Say
- Newsweek: Drawing Down Iraq

Articles 8.3.2005

The Stars & Stripes has a 4 part series on the experiences of the 2nd BCT as it went from Korea to Iraq to Colorado. The 4th article discusses the planned transformation of the 2nd BCT at Ft. Carson. Some quotes:
- "Under the Pentagon’s plan to transform the Army into a lighter, more easily deployable force, 2nd Brigade will become what’s called a Unit of Action. Some of its units will be dissolved and reconstituted, and many of its soldiers will leave the Army or move on to new assignments."
- "One-third of the troops will probably move again within six months."
- "Some 800 of the brigade’s soldiers chose to re-enlist while in Iraq, said Master Sgt. Robert Ahern, the brigade retention noncommissioned officer."
- "The 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry, for example, will cease to exist. It will reorganize as a reconnaissance and surveillance cavalry squadron with about half the personnel of the existing unit. The entire brigade will become a "light" unit of action, a big difference from the "light/heavy" unit it was in South Korea."
- "Officials from 2nd Brigade say five Iraqi battalions are already operating in Ramadi. At least two more will be sent there, perhaps eventually a full division."
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Other Articles from the region:
- Christian Science Monitor: Special Briefing: Jihad: Who's joining, and why?
- NY Times (reg req'd): Worry Grows as Iraq's Defense Ministry Falls Short of Expectations
- Knight Ridder: Insurgents using more powerful roadside bombs, military panel says

So Heated -- 2nd BCT Rap Duo

Spc. Phillip Harris and Spc. Chandra Sullivan of the 1-9th were featured in a Stars & Stripes article on a music studio they set up at Camp Ramadi, providing some much needed entertainment and a social outlet at the base. The two go by the names P-Nyce and Dre, respectively, with the group named "So Heated." Their web-site with music samples is at www.soheated.com. Their album, "War Stories", is due out in Oct 2005, and they are scheduled to play at the "Strike Week" celebration in mid-Sept, as well as a few other shows. According to the article, they hope to continue with careers in music.

Articles 8.2.2005

The Detroit News reports on efforts to create a memorial in Michigan for Pfc. Mark Barbret, of the 44th Eng, who was killed in Ramadi on 10.14.2004. The local planners for the Veterans Memorial are caught in the middle of a national debate on what to call the name of the conflict on the memorial. According to the article, "Soldiers stationed in Iraq are officially fighting in the War on Terror, the Global War on Terrorism, and Operation Iraqi Freedom," and various groups are arguing over which is appropriate. His Mother's opinion: ""Honoring my son's memory is what's important, not the name of the war he died in."
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The Fwd Detachment site lists the 15th and final flight scheduled to land on Thursday, Aug 4, with the welcome ceremony at 5:15 p.m.
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The Stars & Stripes has a 4 part series on the experiences of the 2nd BCT as it went from Korea to Iraq to Colorado. The 3rd article features Soldiers at Camp Ramadi who created a makeshift studio and recorded rap songs about their experiences. The effort led to two talent shows for Soldiers from across the musical spectrum, plus a feature album by Spc. Phillip Harris and Spc. Chandra Sullivan of the 1-9th, who call their rap group "So Heated." They have been booked for at least 3 concerts in the US, including the "Strike Week" celebration at Ft. Carson in September. A separate S&S article features interviews with several Korea-based 2nd ID Soldiers who helped train the 2nd BCT and followed the progress of their friends in Iraq.
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Other Articles from the region:
- USA Today: Report raises concerns about Iraqi reconstruction
- Washington Post: High Expectations of Independence
- NY Times: U.S. and Iraq to Plan Military Transfer; Iraqis Push to Meet Constitution Deadline

Articles 8.1.2005

The Fwd Detachment site lists Flights #13 landing today, containing soldiers of the 122 SIG, BDE HHC, 1-9th, and the 2-17th FA. The Welcome Ceremony is scheduled for 11:15 a.m.
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The Stars & Stripes has a 4 part series on the experiences of the 2nd BCT as it went from Korea to Iraq to Colorado. The 2nd article features the memorial built at Camp Ramadi to honor the fallen 2nd BCT Soldiers. A separate Stars & Stripes article reports on a 2nd memorial for the fallen 2nd BCT Soldiers that was built at Camp Casey, Korea, funded entirely by Soldiers who knew or worked with the Strike Force, and built by base workers during their spare time.
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The Colorado Springs Gazette has an article on 2nd BCT Soldiers transitioning out of a warzone mentality at Ft. Carson. Four Soldiers share anecdotes of their experiences and challenges of readjusting.
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Other Articles from the region:
- Associated Press: Iraq Hopes to Finish Constitution on Time
- AFP: Iraq draft constitution to go to parliament Aug 15
- Associated Press: U.S. Relies on Local Leaders in Rural Iraq
- Washington Post: Audit Urges Better Training of Iraqis
- Washington Post: The Space Between Battlefield and Home