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