2nd BCT Media Links

2BCT on 2nd deployment to Iraq

2006-12-09T13:22:00.000-08:00

The 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Infantry Division is back in Iraq, with most of the brigade in the vicinity of Baghdad, including Sadr City, and one battalion (1/9 INF) back in Ramadi. This 2nd deployment began in Oct 2006. Early details of the deployment are provided by the Colorado Springs Gazette.

The official web-site and Family Readiness Group site is www.carson.army.mil/2BCT/.

Since my brother has left the brigade for another assignment, this blog will not be updated for this 2nd deployment. If anyone is interested in taking over the role here of providing centralized news links, I will gladly turn over all administration control.

To the soldiers of the 2BCT, Godspeed on this 2nd tour, stay safe, and stay strong.

Articles 12.1.2005 - 12.17.2005

2005-12-17T10:05:00.000-08:00

By all accounts, the election in Ramadi was a large success. ( and on a personal note, this is the most optimistic update on Ramadi that I recall ever having posted in the 15 month life of this blog, although, sadly, 6 soldiers and Marines have been killed in Ramadi and Habbaniyah this month.)

A Multi-National Force Iraq Press Release discusses the turnout in Ramadi and the Anbar Province: "In the provincial capital of Ramadi, where only several thousand citizens took part in the [October] Referendum, tens of thousands of voters lined the streets to vote today. Residents were observed dancing, singing and waving the Iraqi flag in a rare display of national pride. Members of both the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Police provided security throughout the city while Coalition Forces remained largely on the outskirts in the event they were needed for an emergency. It is still too early to tell what percentage of voters in the city actually voted, but the numbers are expected to be much higher than they were during the Referendum."

"No one can look at what happened in Al Anbar today and still deny progress is being made," said [General] Williams. "Overall, attacks against local citizens and Iraqi and Coalition Forces are down, voter turnout is much higher than before and the people are finally beginning to see the fruitlessness of supporting the insurgency. Credit has to also be given to the bravery of Governor Ma’moun, Governor of Al-Anbar Province, to encourage his Sunni population to vote through their tribal leaders’ encouragement. While we still have a long way to go, we have made remarkable strides since last January’s elections, and now have the potential to establish a real measure of order and security in the Province."
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Columnist Oliver North is back in the city with the 3/7 Marines and has his trademark positive outlook: "The election began at 7 a.m. with a bang, and the Marines were ready. They responded to the improvised explosive device (IED) and afterwards, for a time, the streets were nearly empty. But imams, sheiks and local leaders urged people to get out and vote, and because they did, the turnout was dramatic. One local imam told his followers, “God will bless you with a great life if you go out and vote.” That and similar messages were broadcast from mosques all around town. At the end of this historic day, there was not a sound of gunfire, but instead, as the polls closed, there was a call to prayer. It was even an occasion for celebration as the neighborhood children were out in the streets, after dark, playing soccer with equipment that was given to them by Americans in uniform." He concludes that "it is that kind of steady, persistent progress that American troops are making over here that accounted for the successful election today."
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A 5th "disruption" offensive (Operation Shank) was conducted in Ramadi during the lead-up to the election. According to the release, "The operation primarily involved targeted raids conducted by Iraqi Army soldiers and U.S. Forces against insurgent safe houses in the area. The raids resulted in the detention of four suspected members of Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) who were held for questioning." A 6th offensive (Operation Rams) resulted "in four weapons caches seized and at least five arrests." A 7th offensive (Operation Skinner) "netted four weapons caches and several detainees, and also two command-initiated rocket systems designed to ambush passing convoys in central Ramadi. U.S. officials also said the troops had discovered a “bomb-making factory” in the main shopping district. That discovery yielded artillery and mortar rounds, timers and remote detonators, a Marine official said."
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Reuters had an article on 12.6.2005 claiming "undreds of families have fled Ramadi, capital of the western Anbar Province, amidst fierce fighting between US military forces and Iraqi insurgents, according to aid agencies." However, US officials said the incidents were minor, including one rocket launched at a US base. A separate Reuters article discusses the voter turnout: "The demand for ballot papers suggests turnout in the province will be far higher than the two percent recorded in the January 30 vote for an interim assembly, when most Sunni Arabs stayed at home because they opposed the ballot or were too scared to vote."
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An Institute of War & Peace Reporting article discussed the determination of the Sunni Arabs to vote in the election. A Reuters article discusses how guerilla fighters were also urging citizens to vote.
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The New York Times (reg req'd) reports that security for the election in Ramadi was left predominantly up to Iraqi forces. Key quotes:
- "In the elections for an interim government in January, the percentage of registered voters who went to the polls in Ramadi was close to nil. Turnout in October's constitutional referendum was not much better, with only about 2,000 people - in a city of roughly 290,000 residents - casting ballots. Most of those were poll workers and Iraqi Army soldiers from other places."
- "American military officials say security in Ramadi appears to be improving, if marginally, and a series of small sweeps here recently uncovered dozens of arms caches. Officers with the Second Brigade combat team, which oversees security in greater Ramadi, say they have seen a drop in the frequency of road bombs, mortar attacks and small arms fire in the last two months. Several thousand Iraqi Army troops have arrived in Ramadi this year to complement the American forces."
- "In an indication of an improving political climate, walls in Ramadi are, for the first time, plastered with campaign posters. Locally hired poll workers, in defiance of death threats, took ballots to polling places on Wednesday in flatbed trucks unaccompanied by security guards."
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Reuters reported that one prominent Sunni candidate was killed while campaining in Ramadi, during the run up to the election.
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A Marine Corps News Release reports that Cpt. Patrick Rapicault, of the 2/5 Marines, was awarded a posthumous Silver Star. According to the report, "As company commander, Rapicault led his Marines through 50 firefights and 27 improvised explosive device ambushes between the time he took command of the unit and until he was killed Nov. 15, 2004. [...] Despite being the first Marine wounded in his Battalion and his company suffering the heaviest casualties during the street fighting, Captain Rapicault always displayed an infectious enthusiasm that motivated every Marine to fight hard and recover quickly from battle." His widowed wife accepted the medal on his behalf.
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A separate Marine Corp News Release reports on a high level general visiting the 3/7 Marines in Ramadi. One key quote: "He went on to say that U.S. forces might be ready to hand over all of Ramadi to the Iraqis by the end of 2nd BCT’s tour this coming summer. But if the Iraqis aren’t ready by then, they’ll most certainly be strong enough for American forces to leave the city following year, he added."
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A DoD News Article discusses how local citizens turned over a wanted terrorist in Ramadi. According to the article, "Amir Khalaf Fanus -- listed third on a "high-value individuals" list of terrorists wanted by the 28th Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team -- was wanted for criminal activities including murder and kidnapping. Ramadi citizens brought him to an Iraqi and U.S. forces military base in Ramadi, where he was taken into custody."
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A Sundbury Daily Item article discusses the duties of Army snipers with the 3/103rd Armor presently in Ramadi. A separate article also discusses the sniper teams.
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The official website of the 2nd BCT, 28th ID is at ironsoldiers.army.mil. The site contains pictures and newsletters.
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The Ft. Carson Mountaineer Newsletter reports that Col Gary Patton turned over command of the 2nd BCT, 2nd ID to Col. Jeffrey Bannister. The report also indicated that the 2nd BCT is slated for a National Training Center rotation in summer, 2006.
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globalsecurity.org indicates that 4 soldiers and 2 Marines have been killed in Ramadi and Habbaniyah in December. Our hearts go out to their families.

Articles 11.22.2005 - 11.30.2005

2005-11-30T13:35:00.000-08:00

The Lufkin Daily News, TX, reports that a scholarship at Sam Houston State University has been established in the memory of SFC Todd Gibbs, of the 1-506th, who was killed in Khalidiyah in December, 2004. SFC Gibbs was a graduate of Sam Houston State, and the Todd Gibbs Memorial Scholarship will be based in the school's criminal justice department.
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Updates on Ramadi:

The Washington Post reports on a meeting in Ramadi between Marines and Sunni tribal leaders. The article described the meeting as "the largest meeting yet between those suspected of supporting the Iraqi insurgency and the U.S. forces battling them." The Sunni's wanted withdrawal, and "We're committed to withdrawing," responded Brig. Gen. James L. Williams of the 2nd Marine Division, "as soon as we have strong units" in the Iraqi army to replace U.S.-led forces."
A few quotes:
- "[General] Williams said he had discussed the planned gathering since July with Mamoun Sami Rashid Alwani, the third governor of Anbar to take office so far this year. One of Rashid Alwani's predecessors was killed in a U.S. firefight with insurgents; the other quit after his sons were kidnapped.
- "The American pitch was simple: Encourage tribal members to join the military, so that Iraq's national forces can build to a strength that would allow U.S. forces to withdraw, and to discourage attacks on American and Iraqi forces. The Anbar elders' demands were equally straightforward: Allow the tribes to build up their own army division for Anbar. Leave, and the attacks will stop."
- "Thus prodded, Marines and tribal leaders reached an agreement: Anbar's elders would come up with a plan that would satisfy U.S. conditions for security and allow U.S. troops to pull out of Ramadi, and Williams would try to pitch it to Baghdad. Despite the disconnect, both sides had gotten across enough of their points to satisfy, at least to a degree."

The St. George Daily Spectrum, UT has an article on the 2nd Bn, 22nd Field Artillery of the Utah National Guard, which is based at Camp Blue Diamond near Ramadi. A few quotes:
- "Coalition civil affairs units have had key successes restoring telephone and Internet service to the city (the insurgents had cut the lines), and re-opening a glass factory that was one of Ramadi's major employers and is now again providing 2,300 jobs."
- "It's also clear from military statements that coalition forces have accelerated the "ops-tempo" around Ramadi in the last couple of months, mounting a series of local operations to destroy the insurgent network and clean out the toughest sections of the city. Operation Mountaineers in October, then Operations Panther, Bruins and Bowie, and now Operation Tigers, have essentially merged into a continuous push."

Articles 11.21.2005

2005-11-22T12:42:00.000-08:00

The Stars & Stripes has an article on operations in Ramadi, including Operation Bruins. Several quotes:
- "U.S. and Iraqi forces have launched "disruption operations" in northern Ramadi, seeking to dislodge insurgents in one of the most heavily entrenched cities in Anbar province. Some 150 Iraqi soldiers and 300 Marines and soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Marine Division launched Operation Bruins late Saturday, officials said. The operation is "part of a series of disruption operations in Ramadi and is designed to set the conditions for successful elections in December."
- "But U.S. officials said Operation Bruins was part of a larger string, including Operation Panthers, which targeted the Sophia district of eastern Ramadi. Bruins also follows a Nov. 17 incident, not reported at the time, in which U.S. forces fended off an attack and said they killed 32 insurgents in a downtown battle. While violence flares in the city, U.S. officials say attacks against Iraqi and U.S. troops in the city have decreased 60 percent over the past month."

Articles 10.26.2005 - 11.21.2005

2005-11-11T14:16:00.000-08:00

KKTV News, CO, the Army Times and the Colorado Springs Gazette report that a 2nd BCT Soldiers was killed during a fight at Ft. Carson. Spc Piotr Szczypka, died Friday, 11.11.2005, after being struck with a fireplace poker by Spc. Timothy Parker of the 3rd BCT. The two had gotten in an argument outside of an apartment complex. Spc. Parker has been charged with 2nd Degree Murder. Spc Szczypka was 21 years old. According to the AP, his family emigrated from Poland in 1999. He served with B Company of the 44th Eng in Iraq. Our hearts go out to his family.
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The Winona Daily News, WI, has an article on a Veteran's Day tribute at a school. One of the honored soldiers was Sgt. Andrew Bossart, of the 44th Eng. Sgt. Bossart was killed by a car bomb on 3.7.2005 in Ramadi. His family established a scholarship in his name to be given to basketball players "who exemplifies the qualities Andy Bossert possessed: "teamwork, leadership, confidence, pride, integrity and honor."
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The Fresno Bee (reg req'd) has an article on a former 2nd BCT Soldier scheduled to return to Iraq. Cpt. Charles Romero was a battle captain with the 2nd BCT HHC at camp Ramadi (according to the stars & Stripes). He began training Iraqi soldiers in April 2005. Cpt. Romero is presently with an unspecified Hawaii-based unit, and expects to return to Iraq next summer.
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the Daily Item, PA, has a reporter embedded with National Guard troops in Ramadi. He regularly reports on the newspaper's web-site, and also has a personal blog and picture gallery. One of the articles describes upgrades at Camp Corregidor, Ramadi. Many of the National Guard Soldiers at the base have professional construction skills, which have proved invaluable in improving the Camp. The camp now has indoor heated showers, improved electrical systems, satellite dishes, a kitchen, and a small store operated by an Iraqi citizen. There are still no indoor toilets or a PX. Other articles describe various missions.
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The Fayette County Review has an article on A National Guard soldier on leave from Iraq who describes his impressions of the currect situation in Ramadi. WCAX News, VT, has an article describing NG Soldier's duties at Observation Posts in Ramadi.
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The Gulf Times, Qatar, reports that the woman who confessed to an attempted suicide bombing in Jordan last week came from Ramadi. In the article, Ramadi citizens describe their reactions, which were dominated by "doubts and disgust."
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In a NY Times (reg req'd) article on the pace of reconstruction, officials describe reconstruction in the Anbar province:
-"In Ramadi, the capital of Anbar Province in western Iraq, virtually all Iraqi contractors are being brought in from other cities, primarily Baghdad, because local people in those roles have been tracked down and killed."
-"In Anbar, many projects have slowed or stopped because of insurgent attacks, Brig. Gen. James L. Williams of the Second Marine Division in Ramadi, the capital, said in an interview last month. General Williams said work had stopped on 19 projects. A spokeswoman for the American military in the province, Maj. Juliet Chelkowski, said the projects represented a "small slice" of the projects in Anbar, but General Williams said attacks had affected a large number of projects there. Mr. Speckhard said that $300 million had been spent in Anbar and that the projects "had not had trouble."
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The Department of Defense announced that 2 National Guard Soldiers of the 2nd BCT, 28th ID were killed by enemy forces using small arms fire in Khalidiyah on 11.10.2005. Our hearts go out to their families.

Articles 10.18.2005 - 10.25.2005

2005-10-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

CNN.com reports that the Iraqi draft constitution passed. Only two provinces voted no by having at least 2/3 of voters voting no. According to the article, "The western province of Anbar -- with a large Sunni population -- overwhelmingly voted against the document, with a "no" vote of 96 percent. In Salaheddin province, 82 percent rejected the charter."
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The NY Times (reg req'd) has a lengthy feature on the current situation in Ramadi titled "Unseen Enemy Is at Its Fiercest in a Sunni City." Several Marines of the 3/7 Marines are quoted. Several quotes from the article:
- "Here in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar Province, Sunni Arab insurgents are waging their fiercest war against American troops, attacking with relative impunity just blocks from Marine-controlled territory. Every day, the Americans fight to hold their turf in a war against an enemy who seems to be everywhere but is not often seen. The cost has been high: in the last six weeks, 21 Americans have been killed here, far more than in any other city in Iraq and double the number of deaths in Baghdad, a city with a population 15 times as large."
- "Ramadi is an important indicator of just how long it may be before an American withdrawal.The city has long been a haven for insurgents, but it has never fallen fully into enemy hands, as Falluja did last fall, when marines could not even patrol before an invasion in November. Senior commanders here will not rule out a full invasion, but for now, the checkpoints and street patrols continue. [...] Still, more than two years after the American invasion, this city of 400,000 people is just barely within American control. The deputy governor of Anbar was shot to death on Tuesday; the day before, the governor's car was fired on. There is no police force. A Baghdad cellphone company has refused to put up towers here. American bases are regularly pelted with rockets and mortar shells, and when troops here get out of their vehicles to patrol, they are almost always running."
- "Commanders remain hopeful that Iraqi soldiers will soon be able to take full responsibility for the city. The number of Iraqi Army soldiers here has doubled in recent months. A city council has begun to work, and a local police force is being trained. But the relentlessness of the insurgent violence here ties the American units to the streets, forcing them to focus on the fight."
- "The vast majority of Americans killed here since September have been victims of homemade bombs, what the military calls improvised explosive devices, or I.E.D.'s. Sgt. William Callahan, a member of the bomb disposal team stationed with the Third Battalion, estimated that troops hit four such bombs a day in Ramadi. Most do not result in death or serious injury. Almost all are remotely detonated, which means someone is hiding in wait for coming vehicles."
- "Snipers are a constant plague. In one area of the city, snipers have hit four Americans since late August, and soldiers were obliged to set up blast walls for security for a polling center there last week in the dark. A law school in eastern Ramadi had to be shut down because sniper attacks were coming from it at night."
- "The line between civilians and insurgents is blurry in Ramadi. In a twist that sets it apart from other violent cities, insurgents usually do not attack civilians in large groups. There have been no suicide bombings in recent memory, and I.E.D.'s are rarely placed close to houses. Insurgents have left alone American projects that deliver services that locals want, like the installation of 18 transformers last month for more power. And when the streets empty out, the Americans know an attack is imminent."
- "The most immediate way forward, military commanders here agree, is training and deploying more Iraqi soldiers. Of the seven battalions in Ramadi, three are in eastern Ramadi with their own territory to patrol, said Maj. William R. Fall, the Iraqi Security Force coordinator. Still, only about a company and a half is based inside the central and western parts of the city.
Officers said Iraqi soldiers had vastly improved over the past year. The day of the referendum here was violent, with mortar and rocket-propelled grenade attacks raining down on many of the stations. But Iraqi soldiers stayed at their positions and returned fire when under attack, marines near the sites reported."

Articles 10.7.2005 - 10.17.2005

2005-10-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Australian reports that " A higher than expected turnout by Sunni voters appears to have failed to stop passage of Iraq's draft constitution, with early counts suggesting a yes vote in all but two of the country's 18 provinces." (The AP indicates that it would take 2/3 of voters in 3 provinces voting no to defeat the measure). CNN.com reports that "Most Shiite and Kurdish-dominated provinces were running heavily in favor of the constitution. Anbar province around Ramadi was expected to strongly reject it, as was Salahaddin province, which contains Saddam's hometown of Tikrit, "with partial results pointing to a clear win for the new constitution." Overall, an estimated 63% of eligible voters participated, compared with 58% in the January 2005 elections.

A DoD news article reports that "terrorists caused no major disruptions at the polls in Anbar province." However, several separate coalition actions were reported across the Anbar province that killed an estimated 70 insurgents. In one incident, an F-15 pilot launched a precision guided bond after witnessing 20 men placing an IED in the exact crater in which a separate IED killed 5 servicemen just days earlier. In a separate incident, coalition forces responded to a small-arms attack against the government building in Ramadi. The Washington Post reports on condradictions between the DoD report and accounts from local citizens, who claim many of the casualties were civilians.

The AP indicated that "Though insurgent attacks were few in most of the country on voting day, Ramadi — a stronghold for insurgents — saw violence. Six mortar rounds hit the Hall of Sports, a facility being used as a voting center, then clashes erupted between gunmen and U.S. troops in the city’s center. It was not known if the five soldiers’ deaths were connected to this incident." Reuters reports that "Residents reported heavy gunfire and clashes in central and eastern parts of" Ramadi on Sunday, and says "U.S. forces have conducted a series of operations against insurgents around Ramadi and areas to the west over the past three weeks to try to bring better security ahead of the referendum." A CPIC news release reports that 24 suspected insurgents were detained and 12 killed in Ramadi on 10.15.2005 when "Coalition Forces conducted a series of raids Friday on suspected terrorist safe houses to capture terrorists operating near the town of Ramadi." Several weapons caches were also detained.
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An MNF-Iraq press release reports that 11 Soldiers and Marines have been killed in Ramadi in October. 5 soldiers were killed in an IED attack on 10.15.2005. Our hearts go out to their families.

Articles 9.30.2005 - 10.6.2005

2005-10-06T07:20:00.000-07:00

Colorado 9 News and KRDO News report on the uncasing ceremony on 9.29.2005 for the 2nd BCT at Ft. Carson. According to the 9 News article, in addition to the 68 Soldiers killed in Iraq, "roughly 900" were wounded.
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The Stars & Stripes has an article on a quilting group in Korea that made a memorial quilt with the names of the 68 2nd BCT Soldiers who died in Iraq. They plan to send the quilt to Ft. Carson for display in its museum.
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The Colorado Springs Gazette has an article on the addition of 114 names, etched in stone, to the Ft. Carson war memorial near the front gate. 1500 people attended the dedication ceremony.
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The political blog billroggio.com has a summary of recent actions in Ramadi and other cities along the Euphrates River, including Operation Hiba, a "cordon and search operation today in and around Ar Ramadi’s southern district of Tammin." The Islamic month-long period of Ramadan began on Oct 4. The 2nd BCT saw its highest conflict rate and casualty rate during this period one year ago.
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A reporter with the Des Moines Register, John Carlson, is presently embedded with the 224th Eng Btn at Camp Ramadi. He describes several IED incidents as well as life on the base. He also reports that the 224th have 2 months remaining on their tour in Iraq. The 224th Eng is the last Bn in Iraq that the 2nd BCT, 2ID directly worked with during it's tour. The LA Times reports on the return of the 1/5 Marines to Camp Pendelton during the last week in September. 15 Marines in the Bn were killed in 2005 during their 3rd tour in Iraq (about 100 of the 1100 Marines served in all 3 tours), and 80 were reported wounded during the first half of the 7-month tour.
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1 Soldier of the 3rd ID and 1 Marine of the 3/7 Marines have been killed in Ramadi in October, and 14 Marines and Soldiers were killed in Ramadi in September. Our hearts go out to their families.

Articles 9.25.2005 - 9.29.2005

2005-09-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Springs Gazette and the Rocky Mountain News report on a memorial service held at Ft. Carson for 4 fallen Soldiers of the 1-9th Infantry. Spc. Brian Vaughn, Spc. Nicholas Idalski, Spc. Nicholas Wilson, and Spc. Christopher Hoskins were eulogized by fellow Soldiers. Over 500 people attended the ceremony, including the 1-9th battalion commander, Lt. Col. Joseph Southwell. This was the final memorial for the 68 fallen 2nd BCT Soldiers.
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The Westchester Journal News, NY, has an article on a memorial built by the father of fallen 1-503rd Soldier Pfc. Michael Arciola, who was killed on 2.15.2005 in Ramadi. Robert Arciola built a 4-foot-high rock memorial with a bronze plaque on top with the names of all local fallen Soldiers and Marines killed in Afganistan and Iraq. The memorial is located in his back yard. Mr. Arciola, who is unable to travel, built the memorial so that he could pay tribute to his youngest son. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for Veterans Day, Nov 11, 2005, and the local Mayor is helping coordinate the ceremony.
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The Colorado Springs Gazette and Denver Channel 7 report that a 2nd BCT soldier was killed in a hiking accident on 9.25.2005. Sgt. David Paredes and a friend were hiking in Cheyenne Canyon near Colorado Springs when he fell more than 100 yards to his death. He had recently returned to Colorado after spending block leave with his family near Chicago. Sgt. Paredes received his promotion to Sgt. posthumously. According to an 8.4.2005 Stars & Stripes article, Sgt. Paredes was with HHC, 1-9th Infantry. Our hearts go out to his family.
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There are more reports that Ramadi has been a deadly war zone in recent weeks. The Associated Press reports that "the U.S. military announced the deaths of five U.S. soldiers Wednesday in a roadside bombing during combat in Ramadi" on Thursday, 9.29.2005. The Salt Lake Tribune has two reporters embedded with Utah National Guard Units, and they have a very informative feature on the present situation in the Anbar Province. A few quotes:
- "Gunbattles have erupted here [in Ramadi] lately, at least once a week. Mortar and rocket attacks are common. Meanwhile, the work of building a government continues inside walls protected by the U.S. Marine Corps. A City Council has been formed. Tribal sheiks meet with military and municipal officials once a week. And the provincial governor of Al Anbar Province, one of the most heavily guarded - and targeted - men in the nation, each day arrives at work to try to restore order to a land that is, by all accounts, in chaos."
- "So even as patience wears thin in the United States, Al Anbar Governor Ma'amoun Sami Rashid al-Awani won't so much as entertain the thought of an American pullout. Even the idea of an American withdrawal, without a substitute, somebody to replace it, this is not good idea at all," al-Awani said in an interview in his Ramadi Government Center office. "They cannot withdraw."
- " The Iraqi Security Force is seeking to place 5,000 soldiers in Al Anbar. But two years into the building of this nation's new military, it has met less than two-fifths of that goal."

Articles 9.16.2005 - 9.24.2005

2005-09-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

The Associated Press reports on "heavy fighting" this week in Ramadi: "Heavy fighting surged Friday in the Euphrates River city of Ramadi, police and hospital officials said, and the U.S. military reported the deaths of two more soldiers around the militant stronghold, scene of nearly one-quarter of 29 American deaths this month. [...] The U.S. military declined to say if it was conducting a large offensive against Ramadi, but police and residents have reported heavy fighting there during the past week. Seven service members have died in or near the city, located 70 miles west of Baghdad, since Sept. 1."

Six of the 7 fallen service members were part of the 28th ID of the Pennsylvania National Guard and it's attached units. The 2nd BCT, 28th ID, replaced the 2nd BCT, 2nd ID in Ramadi. One Marine from the 3/7 Marines (which is presently replacing the 1/5 Marines) was also killed in Ramadi on 9.15.2005. Our hearts go out to their families.

Articles 9.8.2005 - 9.15.2005

2005-09-15T15:43:00.000-07:00

The Associated Press has an article on the ongoing legal custody battle that arose over the remains of SSG Jason Hendrix of the 1-9th, who was killed on 2.16.2005 near Ramadi and buried in Oklahoma near his father's house. His mother is challenging the process that granted custody to SSG Hendrix's father. A civil court trial is schedule for October. An appeal by his mother's lawyer to remove the Judge due to alleged bias was turned down.
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The Spartansburg Herald-Journal has an article on one of the 2nd BCT soldiers in the rap duo "So Heated." Spc. Chandra Sullivan (aka "Dre"), a fuel specialist in the 1-9th, describes his motivations for and experiences with rapping in Ramadi. He plans to attend college and continue rapping after leaving the Army.
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I-Newswire has an article on the 2nd BCT, 28th ID, that replaced the 2nd BCT (2ID) in Ramadi. The article describes the history of the unit as they received their combat patches in Iraq. One quote: "The company assumed control of the Al Anbar Province from the 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division during the Transfer of Authority ceremony on July 28, 2005, at Camp Ramadi, Iraq." Thus, the 2nd BCT assumed command in a ceremony on 9.11.2004 and turned over command on 7.28.2005. Although 2nd BCT units were reported to be in Iraq from late Aug 2004 to early Aug 2005, these appear to be the official dates of command in OIF.
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A separate I-Newswire report discusses coalition efforts in Ramadi to gather feedback from Sunni Iraqis regarding an constitutional referendum scheduled for vote on 10.15.2005.
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The Stars & Stripes has an article on the shipment of 11,000 lbs of 2nd ID memorabilia to its new home at Ft Carson.
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Knight Ridder News has an article with a dire perspective of the insurgent situation in the Al Anbar province. One quote: "Insurgents attack about 77 times a day in Iraq, according to Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, the top military spokesman in Iraq. In the Ramadi area alone, which has about 400,000 people, there are eight to 10 attacks daily, according to the office of Col. John Gronski, 49, of Moosic, Pa., who commands the Army task force that's responsible for Ramadi."
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A US Army Corps of Engineer press release indicates that "Construction will soon start on Ramadi’s new $8.4 million waste water treatment plant." According to the article, The waste water treatment plant will be capable of treating 30,000 cubic meters per day of effluent - large enough to serve both Ramadi (in excess of 200,000 people) and Tameem (with a 100,000 population) on the other side of the river."

Articles 8.23.2005 - 9.7.2005

2005-09-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

Pittsburgh Live reports on a 2nd BCT Soldier visiting a factory while on leave "to thank the employees for their efforts to turn out life-saving "transparent armor" windows for Humvee vehicles." Spc. Nathaniel Cornman, of the 1-503rd, visited the plant, where his uncle works, and brought along a baseball cap signed by Soldiers in his unit. Spc. Cornman describes several incidents, including 8 IED attacks on his vehicle, in which the glass provided safety for the Soldiers. One other quote: "the unit has been guaranteed a year stateside. But, "After that, it's up for grabs."
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The NY Post (via lockergnome.com) has an commentary article that mentions reenlistment numbers of selected units, including the 2nd BCT: "Every one of the Army's 10 divisions — its key combat organizations — has exceeded its re-enlistment goal for the year to date. Those with the most intense experience in Iraq have the best rates. The 1st Cavalry Division is at 136 percent of its target, the 3rd Infantry Division at 117 percent. Among separate combat brigades, the figures are even more startling, with the 2nd Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division at 178 percent of its goal and the 3rd Brigade of the 4th Mech right behind at 174 percent of its re-enlistment target."
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The Stars & Stripes has an article evaluating the learning experiences of the 2nd BCT FRG site, which was the first virtual FRG site in the Army.
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Update on the 1/5 Marines in Ramadi, the company attached to the 2nd BCT from Mar-July 2005:

The North Country Times, CA, describes the current situation the 1/5 Marines are facing: "Gunmen have recently opened fire on Sunni Muslim leaders in the Iraqi city. Agents of al-Qaida in Iraq have posted threats on Ramadi's mosques vowing to attack anyone who participates in the October referendum to ratify the constitution, the drafting of which has already missed two deadlines in recent weeks. About 5,000 residents filled Ramadi's streets last weekend to protest the draft constitution, which they say excludes them, and Sunni tribal leaders have ordered Ramadi residents to attack Sunni extremists in the city who oppose the upcoming vote.Three car bombs targeting U.S. forces exploded in Ramadi on Wednesday, according to the Reuters news agency." One quote on the continuing mission in the town: "Despite the insurgency's grip on Ramadi, Nicholson said the Marines' mission will remain one of supporting the Iraqis so that maybe they can defeat the insurgency or at least sap its steam themselves."If we can keep the pressure off there, allowing the government to sink some roots, that's probably the only way they'll survive," Nicholson said. "The more the people of Ramadi see the Marines and the Iraqi forces working together, the more I think you'll see change."
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A MNF-Iraq news release from 8.23.2005 reports that "Multi-national forces raided a suspected terrorist hideout in Ramadi Aug. 23 and captured a pair of known terrorists based in Ramadi."

Articles 8.16.2005 - 8.22.2005

2005-08-22T06:09:00.000-07:00

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

2005-08-17T15:21:00.000-07:00

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

2005-08-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

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

2005-08-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

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

2005-08-12T07:46:00.000-07:00

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

2005-08-11T06:39:00.000-07:00

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

2005-08-10T05:54:00.000-07:00

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

2005-08-09T05:53:00.000-07:00

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

2005-08-08T05:40:00.000-07:00

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

2005-08-07T06:41:00.000-07:00

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

2005-08-06T06:55:00.000-07:00

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.""
==========
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.
==========
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

2005-08-05T05:41:00.000-07:00

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

2005-08-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

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.
==========
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.
==========
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

2005-08-03T05:32:00.000-07:00

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."
==========
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

2005-08-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

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

2005-08-02T05:44:00.000-07:00

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.
==========
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.
==========
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

2005-08-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

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.
==========
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.
==========
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.
==========
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

Articles 7.31.2005

2005-07-31T06:52:00.000-07:00

The Fwd Detachment site lists Flights #11 & #12 scheduled for today. The Welcome Ceremony for Flight #11, containing soldiers of the 1-9th, occured at 2 a.m. Flight #12, containing soldiers of the 1-9th, 44th Eng, 1-506th, 2-72nd AR, 2-17th FA, and Bde HHC, has the welcome ceremony set for 2:30 p.m. There are now 15 flights scheduled, with the last scheduled to land on Aug 4.
==========
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 first article describes some of the changes that occured over they year for soldiers in the 1-9th, as well as sharing some personal anecdotes. Some quotes:
- "The blockades, along with a change in tactics, have produced results in Tamin, a district along Ramadi’s western edge. [...] “Between May and June, when we started the (Iraqi Security Force) patrols, there’s been a 65 percent decrease” in the number of homemade bombs, [Capt. Kevin Capozzoli] said. Between July 2 and July 20, there was only one detonation in Tamin."
- "the five Iraqi National Guard battalions that had been imported for election security were disbanded. They were inept and unorganized, so 2nd Brigade leaders cut them loose. [...] In May, the brigade started receiving and training new Iraqi army soldiers. Through July, 2nd Brigade soldiers said, the new Iraqi units have performed much better than the first group."
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The Pueblo Chieftain, CO, has an article on returning 2nd BCT soldiers adjusting to "normal lives." Soldiers staying at the Colorado State University-Pueblo campus describe the huge amounts of donations they've received and the simple things they've been enjoying, such as going for walks.
==========
Other Articles from the region:
- Associated Press: Iraqi Panel Asks for Delay on Constitution
- Reuters: Iraq constitution writers mull delay
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Iraq Faces Deadlock On Charter

2 Soldiers Awarded Posthumous Silvers Stars

2005-07-30T17:01:00.000-07:00

The Stars & Stripes reports that two Soldiers of the 1-503rd were awarded Silver Stars posthumously for action under fire. Pfc. Harrison J. Meyer and Staff Sgt. Thomas Vitagliano were both killed in Ramadi, and were credited with knowingly placing themselves in harm's way in an effort to save their fellow Soldier's lives. The Silver Star is the 3rd highest medal of valor bestowed in the Army.

Pfc. Meyer, a medic in 3rd Platoon, D Company, was on a patrol on 11.26.2005, when a sniper shot Pvt. Brian Grant. Pfc. Meyer provided aid and comforted Pvt. Grant until he was evacuated, although he later died in a hospital. After the evacuation, the patrol moved to find the sniper. As they ran across a street, five soldiers were shot in the legs by a machine gunner. Pfc. Meyer, who was shot in the calf and abdomen, found cover, but four soldiers were exposed in the street. Without order, Pfc. Meyer ran back out to move his wounded comrades, and was shot several times and mortally wounded. He was 20 years old.

SSG Vitagliano, of 5th Platoon, C Company, was with several soldiers on a patrol in Ramadi on 1.17.2005 when they were attacked by RPG and machine-gun fire. During the fight, a taxi drove up, and the soldiers ordered all of the occupants out. The driver stayed in the vehicle and made strange movements. According to the after action report, SSG Vitagliano "placed himself between the vehicle and [another soldier] by pushing him out of the way of the vehicle... As the vehicle detonated, SSG Vitagliano was killed instantly." Two other soldiers also were killed. But the soldier Vitagliano pushed out of the way survived with wounds and internal bleeding." Pfc. George R. Geer and Pfc. Jesus Fonseca were the other two soldiers killed. SSG Vitagliano was 33 years old.

The article also has several statistics on the 2nd BCT:
- Number of soldiers in the 2nd brigade: 3900
- Number of 2nd Brigade soldiers killed: 68
- Purple Hearts awarded: 498, with "several hundred more pending"
- Silver Stars awarded to date: 2
- Bronze Stars awarded to date: 12
- Suspected insurgents captured or killed: 2100

Articles 7.30.2005

2005-07-30T06:18:00.000-07:00

The Grand Junction Sentinel reports that a widow of a 1/5 Marine killed in action gave birth on Tuesday, 7.26.2005. Becky Maynard, the widow of Lance Cpl. Chad Maynard (who was killed in Ramadi on 6.14.2005), gave birth to a baby girl, named Lanae Raelyn Maynard. The baby weighed 6 lbs, 5 oz, and mother and daugter are "are doing fine." According to the article, the First National Bank of Montrose, CO (look for Montrose Office), has established the Chad Maynard Memorial Fund for donations for Lanae's college funds.
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The Fwd Detachment site lists the flight #10 welcome ceremony at 1:00 p.m. today, containing soldiers of the 1-9th, 1-506th, 2-72nd AR, and one soldier of the 2-17th.
==========
Independent Journalist Christopher Allbritton keeps a blog called "Back in Iraq," and his most recent post is the text to a dispatch that was intended for TIME Magazine, but was never published. The dispatch discusses the situation the 1/5 Marines faced in Ramadi in May. There is also a very brief mention of the 1-503rd: "the Army’s 1st Battalion of the 503rd Infantry Regiment has the eastern half" of the city.
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The Colorado Springs Gazette reports on 6 2nd BCT soldiers who followed up on a dream they held for several months while living in Iraq: visiting a day spa after their plane landed for massages, facials, pedicures, and for one soldier, even a back wax.
==========
A Marine Corps News Article discusses the continued success of using "snap" vehicle control points to conduct searches in Ramadi. The new tactic has led to several finds, including on sniper rifle in the trunk of a car.
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Other articles from the region:
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Security Costs Slow Iraq Reconstruction

Articles 7.29.2005

2005-07-29T06:41:00.000-07:00

The Forward Detachment site lists the 9th flight returning today, with the welcome ceremony at 1 p.m. The flight contains soldiers of the 1-506th.
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KOAA News has a video report on one of the welcome ceremonieswelcome ceremonies at Ft. Carson. Once the video starts, look in the "video menu" on the left side of the page for at least 4 segments on 2nd BCT arrivals.
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KKTV News has video segments of arrivals listed on the right side of the page. Additional segments are found with this archive search on "2nd brigade".
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The Salem Statesman Journal, OR, has an article on a wounded Marine in the 1/5 Marines. Sgt. Erik Sphoon was shot in his left arm and hand by a sniper while on a patrol in Ramadi on 6.12.2005. He has undergone more than a dozen surgeries, with more expected. He is married and the father of a daughter, and his wife helps him each day with "range-of-motion" exercises.
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USA Today has a long, powerful article and an interactive flash video report on 150 Marines of the 1/5 Marines who are on their 3rd tour in Iraq. Some of their family members and friends are also quoted.
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Other articles from the region:
- BBC: US troops may protect Iraq envoys

Articles 7.28.2005

2005-07-28T06:17:00.000-07:00

The Fwd Detachment indicates that Flight #8 is scheduled to arrive at 7:15 p.m. tonight, carrying Soldiers in the 44th Eng, 102 MI, and 1-506th.
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The Pueblo Chieftain, CO, and Colorado 9 News have articles on 2nd BCT Soldiers temporarily staying in the dorms at Colorado State University-Pueblo. About 300 Soldiers of the 2-17th FA are staying there until released for their 30-day leave period. The university was contacted by Ft. Carson because of the Colorado State Games are being held in Colorado Springs, creating a shortage of hotel space.
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KRDO News has an article on the previously announced news that the 4th ID will move from Ft. Hood to Ft. Carson, likely in the spring of 2007 after a 12 month tour in Iraq which starts this fall. The article mentions that "TODAY’S NEWS COMES ON THE HEELS OF THIS WEEK’S CONTINUED ARRIVAL OF THE 2ND BRIGADE COMBAT TEAM. THERE'S A POSSIBILITY THAT UNIT, CURRENTLY PART OF THE 2ND I-D, WILL BECOME PART OF THE 4TH I-D."
=========
A Department of Defense news transcript discusses the restructuring of the Army's Modular Brigade Combat Teams and increase in number of BCTs from 33 to 43. Army Vice Chief of Staff Richard Cody mentioned the 2nd BCT three times:
- "You all have heard about Secretary Rumsfeld's Integrated Global Presence and Basing Strategy. So the second strategic initiative that's knit together in this restationing announcement are the initial stages of the return to the United States from overseas of Army units, some 50,000 soldiers; from Germany, 1st ID and 1st AD -- 1st Infantry Division, 1st Armored Division, and from Korea, the 2nd Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division."
- "We're going to re-station some of these units coming off of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Operations -- Operation Enduring Freedom, as they rotate back to the United States. One in particular is the 2nd Brigade of the 2nd Infantry Division from Korea, which is now in Iraq, will not return to Korea."
- "And BRAC allowed us also, as Mr. DuBois said, to be able to optimize all the posts, camps and stations that have maneuver training and get the footprint of the Army, as it comes back from Europe and as parts of the Army comes back from Korea and as we grow to 43 maneuver brigades. It affords the opportunity to put the right formations at the right posts, camps and stations for training, for quality of life for the families, for power projection, for a(n) Army expeditionary force, to sustain a global war on terrorism. [...] As Mr. DuBois said, this used to be two brigades. That brigade's 2nd of the 2nd. That's the one that we put into Operation Iraqi Freedom, rotation number three. They have already started redeploying. Those soldiers came from Korea, fully trained, and moved right into Iraq and, as you know, have fought there for 12 months and done a super job. Their families are all over the United States. Usually those soldiers would come back to another post, camp or station and rejoin their old outfit. Now that we're moving the whole brigade back, we had to find a place for -- because the 3rd -- because of our studies, we looked at all the different posts, and because the 3rd Army Cav Regiment was deployed, we elected to put them here, at Fort Carson. And there was a good reason for it. We looked at everything else. So they're already coming home. Their families are already moving there. That unit will change its flag over time and become a brigade of the 4th Infantry Division. And we'll stabilize that formation."
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Other articles from the region:
- Associated Press: Iraq Builds Up Military, Police Forces
- Associated Press: Iraq Urges Neighbors to Stop Infiltrators
- Washington Post: Iraqi Charter to Give Religion a Big Role

Articles 7.27.2005

2005-07-27T05:16:00.000-07:00

The Fwd Detachment lists flights through Aug 1, 2005. The last flight (#13) contains Soldiers of the Brigade Headquarters, including 2nd BCT Commander Col. Gary Patton, possibly indicating the final flight. Flight number 7 is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. today, carrying Soldiers in the 2-17th FA and 102 MI.
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Other articles from the region:
- Reuters: US may sharply cut Iraq force within year: general
- AFP: Iraq constitution drafters convene emergency meeting of leaders: report
- BBC: Iraq PM urges 'speedy' US pullout
- Knight Ridder: Drafters of Iraq's constitution grapple with dual citizenship

Articles 7.26.2005

2005-07-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

The Fwd Detachment has new flights listed with Soldiers of the 1-506th Infantry, 2-72nd Armor, 1-9th Infantry, 44th Engineers, and 122nd Signal Battalion. Flight number 6 is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. tonight, carrying Soldiers from the 2-17th FA, 44th Eng, 102 MI, 1-506th INF, and 122 SIG.
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Other articles from the region:
- BBC: Insurgents 'joining Iraqi police'
- London Guardian: Iraqi police recruits not up to scratch, says US report
- AP: Constitution draft worries Iraqi women
- AP: U.S. Report Faults Iraqi Police Screening
- Knight Ridder: Report finds significant problems with Iraqi police training

Pictures of arrival ceremonies

2005-07-25T17:29:00.000-07:00

There was a request in a comment to post pictures of the arrival ceremonies. The 1-503rd B Company web-site (run by Wayne Creek) has several great pictures from the first arrival ceremony. My father, LTC (Ret) Howard Kirk, took pictures of the 2nd Flight ceremony (also from the 1-503rd), and some of his pictures (along with my commentary) are found here. If anyone has additional pictures (or takes them at future ceremonies) or written descriptions of the several flight arrivals, please let me know (rkirk@gis.umn.edu) or add them to comments here.

Once all of the soldiers are home, this blog will transition from daily news searches to a sporadically updated tribute and historical repository site. Thanks for the kind comments and e-mails that several people have sent. It's been my pleasure to be a small part of this huge support community (which is inspiring in it's own right), and my great pleasure to watch these troops inspire us all with their relentless effort and determination in such trying times. I wish I knew how to share their stories with more people in this world, because they are truly remarkable.
~ Ryan

Articles 7.25.2005

2005-07-25T06:57:00.000-07:00

The Fwd Detachment lists flights scheduled every day through July 29, with more expected. Four flights have landed, with another scheduled today containing Soldiers of the 2-17th FA, 102nd MI, and 2nd FSB.
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Other articles from the region:
- Associated Press: Sunnis Rejoin Iraqi Constitional Panel
- Christian Science Monitor: The rise of a jihadi suicide culture
- Reuters: Iraq Sunnis to End Constitution Committee Boycott

Articles 7.24.2005

2005-07-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

KRDO News briefly mentions the arrival of Soldiers at Ft. Carson over the weekend.
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Other articles from the region:
- Detroit Free Press: Iraqi troop division unready, Marine says
- NY Times (reg req'd): Defying U.S. Efforts, Guerrillas in Iraq Refocus and Strengthen
- Chicago Tribune (reg req'd): Iraqi security forces still lag, Pentagon says
- BBC: Sunnis quit Iraq constitution body
- USA Today: Pentagon report: Insurgency failing to disrupt democracy
- LA Times (reg req'd): Sunnis to Rejoin Iraqi Constitutional Committee
- LA Times (reg req'd): Rebels Banking on U.S. Pullout, Official Says
- NY Times (reg req'd): Thorny Issues Remain on Draft of New Constitution for Iraq
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Work on Iraqi Constitution Is Stalled by Sunni Delegates' Boycott
- Knight Ridder: U.S. military looking at two new devices to defeat roadside bombs in Iraq

Articles 7.23.2005

2005-07-23T05:38:00.000-07:00

The Fwd Detachment site now has flight manifests posted for Soldiers in the 1-506th.
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Blog author's note: I was able to attend the welcoming ceremony for the 2nd flight of Soldiers arriving at Ft. Carson. Several hundred people were in attendance, including many 2nd ID Soldiers who had previously arrived at Ft. Carson. Also in attendance were several wounded Soldiers who were receiving treatment at either the Brook Army Hospital or Walter Reed Hospital. Volunteer groups such as impactahero.net provided free flights and accomodations for the wounded Soldiers so that they could greet their returning comrades. In the Special Events center, the several hundred Soldiers marched in to thunderous applause. A general spoke for less than 5 minutes to express his appreciation, welcome the Soldiers to Ft. Carson, and pay tribute to the fallen Soldiers. Then a declaration of "Dismissed!" was yelled, and the families and friends rushed to meet their Soldiers. Personally, I witnessed two separate fathers who met a child for the first time (neither related to me in anyway). I saw returning Soldiers rushing over to greet wounded Soldiers. I saw Soldiers being interviewed for the local news who couldn't have cared less about the camera but just wanted to stare at and touch and hug their wives and children. And, of course, the smiles and tears were everywhere.

Articles 7.22.2005

2005-07-22T05:42:00.000-07:00

The Peublo Chieftain, CO, has an article on the arrival of the 1st Flight of 2nd BCT Soldiers. Several family members are quoted at the welcome reception.
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Blog author's note: I am updating this blog following the arrival of the 2nd Flight and before the welcome ceremony. About 150 people were waiting outside the main gate of Ft. Carson at 5:30 a.m. Welcome signs hung from trees along the route. Four charter buses passed through the gate with police escorts, each of the buses painted to announce the arrival of the 2nd BCT. Families cheered and jumped up and down and took pictures of the Soldiers, and some of the Soldiers waved and took pictures right back at us. Of the few faces I could see on the buses, tiredness and relief were the emotions that were most evident. After enterting the gate, fire engines shot water in big arcs across the road in tribute. We have been told that there will be about two additional hours of in-processing, and then the welcome ceremony will be held. The 3rd flight is scheduled to land this evening, with the ceremony expected to be held shortly after midnight.
==========
Other articles from the region:
- Associated Press: Pentagon Cites Progress in Iraq Democracy
- NY Times (reg req'd): Iraqis Not Ready to Fight Rebels on Their Own, U.S. Says
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Sunni Faction Halts Work on Iraqi Charter

Articles 7.21.2005

2005-07-21T07:32:00.000-07:00

The Ft. Carson Fwd Detachment has flight manifests listed for the 2-17th FA. Also, the 2nd scheduled flight containing Soldiers of the 1-503rd has been delayed from Thursday mid-day to Friday morning, apparently due to mechanical difficulty with the plane. The reception is currently scheduled for 8:45 a.m. (this has changed from the 6:45 time posted yesterday). The 3rd flight is still scheduled for 9 p.m. tonight.
============
No articles on 2nd BCT units or their area of operations were found today.

Articles 7.20.2005

2005-07-20T05:45:00.000-07:00

The Denver Post, KRDO News, the Colorado Springs Gazette, and the Grand Junction Sentinel have articles on the arrival at Ft. Carson of the first 213 Soldiers of the 2nd BCT.

An estimated 1000 family members, friends and Soldiers attended the reception. In addition to families, fellow Soldiers were waiting for their buddies. One quoted Soldier was Pfc. Matt Pederson, of the 1-503rd, who was seriously wounded in the 11.6.2005 suicide attack on a 7-ton truck that wounded 19 Soldiers. Pfc. Pederson is in a wheelchair. "I haven't seen my buddies in nine months," he said. "It's been hard. It's a relief to know that everyone is all right now."

The Gazette article notes that there will be more than 20 separate arrival flights and receptions. Some family members have vowed to attend all of them to show their support.
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Other articles from the region:
- Reuters: Iraq constitution body in turmoil
- LA Times (reg req'd): Sunni on Constitution Panel Slain

Articles 7.19.2005

2005-07-19T05:51:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Springs Gazette has an article on the arrival today of the 1st scheduled flight of 2nd BCT soldiers, containing more than 200 Soldiers (the Fwd Detachment site lists them all being in the 1-503rd). The flight is scheduled to land at 12:30 p.m., with the welcome reception set for 4 p.m.
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Other articles from the region:
- Associated Press: Iraq, Neighbors Discuss Border Control
- AFP: Iraq constitution may be ready by end-July: Talabani
- Christian Science Monitor: Iraqis race to finish constitution

Flight Manifests for 2FSB, 122 SIG, & 177th FIN

2005-07-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

The 2nd BCT Forward Detachment Site has flight manifests posted for the Ft. Carson arrival of Soldiers in the 2nd Forward Support Battalion, 122nd Signal Battalion, and the 177th Finance Battalion (in addition to the previously posted 1-503rd). Overall, the flights have been scheduled to land every 1-2 days, starting on Tuesday, 7.19.2005.

The posting of the manifests appears to follows the 7-day advance notice mentioned in the 2nd BCT redeployment plan. The plan states that these 7-day notices are 90% accurate, and are locked by 3-days before arrival.

Articles 7.18.2005

2005-07-18T05:34:00.000-07:00

A Marine Corps news article reports on an operation by the 1/5 Marines in Ramadi to create temporary vehicle checkpoints to search for insurgents and weapons. This type of operation is new to the battalion, and resulted in the detainment of 7 suspected insurgents.
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Other articles from the region:
- BBC: Iraqi PM in landmark Iran visit
- NY Times (reg req'd): Iraqi Boy's Journey to Erase the Scars of War
- USA Today: Soldiers re-enlist beyond U.S. goal
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Iran, Iraq Herald 'New Chapter' in Shiite-Led Alliance

Articles 7.17.2005

2005-07-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

The Olean Times Herald, NY, has an article from a Soldier in the 1-503rd who is a world class runner and continued his training while in Ramadi. In the article, Sgt Joshua Butts describes the challenges of training while serving in Iraq and the effects the war and training have had on him. Sgt. Butts plans to leave the Army, and hopes to run for Tulsa University, with a dream of competing in the 2008 Olympics.
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A Marine Corp news article features a night patrol of Marines in the 1/5 Marines. On this mission, they located and detained an insurgent believed to be a cell leader.
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Other articles from the region:
- Reuters: Iraqis helpless against new wave of suicide attacks
- Christian Science Monitor: After Iraq attacks, calls for militias grow
- Knight Ridder: Iraqi muslim sects' antagonism grows

Articles 7.16.2005

2005-07-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

The Rocky Mountain News has an article on preparation for the arrival of the 2nd BCT. Several quotes:
- "They are moving southward out of Iraq to Kuwait. By Tuesday... soldiers will begin arriving at Fort Carson."
- "Their tour [in Iraq] was punishing. The unit was assigned to Ramadi, one of the country's worst combat zones, where 68 of its soldiers were killed and approximately 400 were wounded."
- "About 54 percent of 2nd Brigade soldiers are married."
- "Less than 200 families have moved to Fort Carson so far. Woolley doesn't expect many to arrive until fall."
- "About 90 Korean spouses are waiting to join their husbands when the brigade lands in Colorado Springs. All must go through immigration proceedings to come to the United States, and the 2nd Division in Korea is helping them with that process."
- "Single soldiers and about 10 percent of the families will be able to live on post immediately, with the rest living in the city."
- "Frontier Airlines donated 10 round-trip tickets to a local support group, The Home Front Cares, to bring some of the brigade's wounded soldiers from hospitals in Bethesda, Md., and San Antonio, Texas, for their unit's arrival, said the group's director, Bob Carlone."
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The Colorado Springs Gazette carries an article on the welcome ceremonies planned for the arrival of the 2nd BCT. Several quotes:
- "The big homecomings for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team will start Tuesday at Fort Carson, when 200 soldiers are expected to arrive after a year of fighting in Iraq. The Tuesday event will kick off more than a month of welcome ceremonies at the post for more than 3,600 soldiers from the brigade."
- "After the first 200 soldiers are welcomed Tuesday, their comrades won’t be far behind. Five flights of soldiers are due next week."
- "The last of the brigade’s soldiers should be at Fort Carson within six weeks, Johnson said."
- "In the next few weeks, Fort Carson also is expecting an influx of families from the brigade. As many as 900 families are expected to join the 300 who have moved to Colorado Springs."
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Other articles from the region:
- Financial Times, UK: Suicide bombers step up role in Iraq

Articles 7.15.2005

2005-07-15T05:45:00.000-07:00

The Norwich Bulletin, CT, and Washington Post (reg req'd) have articles on the funeral service for Spc. Christopher Hoskins, of the 1-9th, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.21.2005. Spc. Hoskins had reenlisted in the Army in May. He was remembered for his lifelong interest in caring for others. Spc. Hoskins was buried at the Arlington National Cemetery. His family has started a campaign to raise funds to provide lights for all flagpoles at schools in Connecticut, so that the flag does not have to be taken down each day. The Norwich Bulletin article provides donation information on the right side-bar of the page. Spc. Hoskins was 21 years old.
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Fox News Commentator Oliver North has an article on his definitions of terrorists and heroes. One of his examples of heroes is a 2nd BCT soldier: "U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jonathan Holsey really is a hero. A nine-year Army veteran, Staff Sgt. Holsey was serving in the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment -- one of the units I've been privileged to cover in Iraq for FOX News. A roadside bomb -- placed by a terrorist, not an insurgent, not a "bomber," a terrorist -- so severely wounded him that his left leg had to be removed below the knee at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He now wears a prosthetic leg -- yet he plans to stay in the Army. When I asked him why, he replied, "because my soldiers need me. We have a war to win -- and my country needs me."
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The Washington Post (reg req'd) mentions an arrest of an terrorist leader in Ramadi: "Khamis Farhan Khalaf Abdul Fahdawi, known as Abu Seba, was captured Saturday in Ramadi, 60 miles west of Baghdad, the military said in a statement. Described in the statement as a member of al Qaeda in Iraq's leadership cell, Abdul Fahdawi was allegedly involved in the abduction of Ihab Sherif, Egypt's top diplomat in Iraq, in Baghdad on July 2 and Sherif's subsequent killing. He also played a role in attacks on diplomats from Bahrain and Pakistan on July 5, the statement said." The NY Times (reg req'd) reports that "Fahdawi was among the "close confidantes" of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi."
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Other articles from the region:
- NY Times (reg req'd): 8 Months After U.S.-Led Siege, Insurgents Rise Again in Falluja

2nd BCT arrival flight manifests

2005-07-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

The Ft. Carson forwarded detachment web-site has posted the manifests for flights of returning soldiers in the 1-503rd. Also given are the expected reception ceremony times.

Articles 7.14.2005

2005-07-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

The Wilson Daily Times indicates that a U.S. Congressman read a poem on the floor of the House of Representatives that was written by fallen 2nd BCT soldier Cpl. Phillip C. Edmundson. Cpl. Edmundson, of the 1-9th, was killed on on 6.1.2005. The poem, which was also read at his funeral, is reprinted here:

"A Soldier's Reflections"
by Cpl. Phillip Edmundson

I was that which others did not want to be.
I went where others feared to go
and did what others failed to do.
I asked nothing from those who gave nothing
and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness ...
Should I fail, I have seen the face of terror;
Felt the stinging cold of fear;
and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love.
I have cried, pained, and hoped ...
but most of all, I have lived times others would say
were best forgotten.
At least someday I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was ...
"A Soldier."
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The Colorado Springs Gazette reports on a memorial service held yesterday at Ft. Carson for 10 2nd BCT Soldiers. Staff Sgt. Jason Hendrix, Staff Sgt. Juan D. Garcia-Arana, Sgt. Larry Kuhns, Sgt. 1st Class Neil Prince, Spc. Anthony Kinslow, Spc. Nicolas Messmer, Staff Sgt. Thor Ingraham, Spc. Louis Niedermeier, Sgt. Antwan Walker, and Cpl. Phillip Edmundson were eulogized by fellow Soldiers during the ceremony at the Soldiers’ Memorial Chapel.
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Other articles from the region:
- Associated Press: Some Sunni Leaders Urge Community to Vote
- LA Times (reg req'd): New U.S. Envoy to Rethink Reconstruction
- Christian Science Monitor: Why Iraq oil money hasn't fueled rebuilding

Articles 7.13.2005

2005-07-13T05:13:00.000-07:00

There are no articles today on 2nd BCT units or their area of operations.
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Other articles from the region:
- Knight Ridder: Foreign troops could soon leave some cities, Iraq official says
- Washington Post: U.S. Says Zarqawi Aide Caught
- NY Times (reg req'd): Iraqi Leader Says Iraqis Can Secure Some Cities

Articles 7.12.2005

2005-07-12T05:22:00.000-07:00

The Massachussetts Republican has an article on Capt. John W. Maloney, of the 1/5 Marines, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.16.2005. His family expressed their gratitude for the support the community provided after his death and during his 6.29.2005 memorial service, which was attended by 800 people. Capt. Maloney has two brothers who are also Marines who have served in the middle east. Hewas 36 years old.
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The Ashland Daily Tidings, OR, has an article on a wounded Marine of the 1/5 Marines. Lance Cpl. Marshall Spring suffered shrapnel wounds and a ruptured ear drum when an IED exploded near his vehicle. Lance Cpl. Spring is a dog handler repsonsible for finding explosives and weapons. He and his dog, Rex, located "15 improvised explosive devices, as well as hidden Soviet firearms." Rex was not injured in the explosion.
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Other articles from the region:
- Reuters: Iraq prime minister defends U.S. troop presence
- Reuters: Saddam's secret police still have long reach
- Christian Science Monitor: Iraq, Internet fuel growth of global jihad
- Knight Ridder: Sunni-Shiite Muslim conflict in Iraq invades the home

Articles 7.11.2005

2005-07-11T05:41:00.000-07:00

The Stars & Stripes has an article on the transformation of the 2nd ID in Korea to a new 'Unit of Execution'. Part of the transformation was the inactivation of the Engineer Brigade, which contained the 44th Eng before it was redeployed to Korea. The Engineer Brigade had been heavily involved with training the 2nd BCT for its redeployment and closing several bases around Korea.
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The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports on several attacks across Iraq, including one in Ramadi: "In the fifth suicide attack only the bomber died when he detonated his car bomb near a US-manned checkpoint in Ramadi, also west of Baghdad, the military said."
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Other articles from the region:
- NY Times (reg req'd): Part-Time Forces on Active Duty Decline Steeply

Articles 7.10.2005

2005-07-10T07:41:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Springs Gazette reports on the efforts of the Army to ease the transition of the 2nd BCT as is it permanently restationed following a wartime deployment, the first time such a transition has ever occured in the U.S. military. Some quotes:
- "The first large contingents of the brigade are expected to arrive as soon as next week."
- "Most of its soldiers had spent a year in South Korea without their families when they got orders to ship to Iraq, where they spent another year... the extra time apart will make bringing families back together more difficult, requiring more care and counseling."
- "The brigade’s high casualty rate is the result of some of the toughest combat of the war. Its soldiers patrol Ramadi, one of Iraq’s most dangerous cities, and have been attacked on a daily basis, said the brigade’s commander, Col. Gary Patton."
- "About 60 [2nd BCT] families include South Korean spouses, some of whom are coming to the United States for the first time."
- "Of the 1,200 families tied to the brigade, about a quarter will wind up living on post and the rest will live off-post."
- "About a quarter of the families have arrived in Colorado. Most of the rest are expected after the brigade comes home."
- "Up to 1,000 soldiers from the brigade will leave the Army or be transferred in the coming months." [400 leaving the Army, 600 transferring]
- "The big welcoming events are scheduled for September, after the brigade’s soldiers have returned from leave. A barbecue, a week of family activities and a ceremony for the brigade are planned."
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Other articles from the region:
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Marines, Iraqi Forces Raid Insurgent Strongholds
- NY Times (reg req'd): Marines and Iraqi Troops Start Push Against Rebels

Articles 7.9.2005

2005-07-09T07:14:00.000-07:00

The Guam Pacific Daily News has an article on a wounded 2nd BCT Soldier. 1st. Lt. Frederick Babauta (who's unit wasn't given, but is based in Ramadi and was scheduled to leave Iraq for Colorado 21 days after he was wounded) suffered serious shrapnel wounds down the ride side of his face and body when a bomb exploded as they prepared to clear a house around 1 a.m. on the night of June 24. 1LT Babauta was evacuated, and is presently undergoing treatment at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research Burn Center in San Antonio, TX. He was recently removed from ICU. He hopes the wounds are not so severe to keep him from his goal of being a career Soldier. He is married with 3 daughters, who left Guam to be at his side. Another unidentified Soldier was also wounded in the blast, but no details were provided.
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The AP and Reuters report on a new operation in the Anbar province that does not appear to involve any 2nd BCT units. Operation Scimitar is being conducted by 500 Marines and 100 Iraqi troops in the village of Zaidon, SE of Fallujah. This is the 4th offensive in the province over the past month. 2nd BCT units were reportedly involved in the 3rd, Operation Sword.
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Other articles from the region:
- LA Times (reg req'd): Iraqis Worry That Diplomats May Flee Violence
- NY Times (reg req'd): Iraq Asks Muslim States for Support After Envoy's Killing
- Washington Post (reg req'd): General Says Insurgency Weakened in Baghdad

Articles 7.8.2005

2005-07-08T05:28:00.000-07:00

A Marine Corps news article features a night patrol of the 1/5 Marines as they locate and detain several insurgents previously identified through human intelligence.
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A separate Marine Corps news article follows a patrol of the 1/5 Marines as they search for a sniper that had been operating in the area. While not finding the sniper, they identified several buildings where the sniper might fire from.
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Other articles from the region:
- LA Times (reg req'd): Fallouja's Role in Insurgency Sets Back Native Sons
- Knight Ridder: Experts: No good options for Iraq

Articles 7.7.2005

2005-07-07T05:14:00.000-07:00

There are no articles on the 2nd BCT, its related units, or area of operations today.
===========
Other articles from the region:
- Reuters: Iraq signs military pact with Iran
- Reuters: Police force often the only hope for jobless Iraqis
- LA Times (reg req'd): It's Stop and Go for Iraq's Charter Panel

Articles 7.6.2005

2005-07-06T05:14:00.000-07:00

A Multi-National Force-Iraq news release reports the conclusion of Operation Sword. According to the article, "There were no fatalities among Iraqi or American forces" and "No major battles or air strikes occurred." Marines and Iraqi Security Forces will remain at Camp Hit on the outskirts of the town, "the first time the ISF and Marines will live and work continuously within the city." It was never fully reported which 2nd BCT units were involved in the operation.
===========
An Associated Press article mentions an incident in Ramadi: "Another mortar attack killed two sisters, ages 20 and 30, doctors said, in an area just north of Ramadi, the capital of the volatile western Anbar province. It was not known who fired the mortar."
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A Department of Defense news release reports on a helicopter fire in Ramadi: "The military is investigating a fire that destroyed a CH-47 Chinook helicopter near Camp Ramadi July 2. All crew and passengers exited the aircraft safely, officials said. One crewman suffered minor injuries and was treated. The aircraft was assigned to Multinational Force Iraq and was used for resupply operations."
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Other articles from the region:
- Christian Science Monitor: Steady violence threatens Iraq's diplomatic relations
- Washington Post (reg req'd): U.S. Taking More Direct Role on Iraq Crime
- Knight Ridder: Insurgents in Iraq target high-ranking Muslim diplomats

Articles 6.30.2005 - 7.5.2005

2005-07-05T09:43:00.000-07:00

The Associated Press reports on the funeral for Spc. Christopher Lee Hoskins, of the 1-9th, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.21.2005. More than 300 people attended a memorial service, including a U.S. Senator and a Congressman. Spc. Hoskins was 21 years old.
==========
The Washington Post (reg req'd) carries a long article on the 1/5 Marines during their 3rd tour in Iraq, and features Lance Cpl. Marty G. Mortenson, who was killed in Ramadi on 4.20.2005. E-mails from Lance Cpl. Mortenson to his family are quoted, and several fellow Marines are quoted. He was planning to leave the Marines at the end of his enlistment in less than a year, and "was interested in joining the National Guard, working as a firefighter or attending community college to learn auto body work." Lance CpPl. Moretenson was 22 years old.
==========
The New Haven Register and WFSB News have articles on the dedication of a memorial honoring Staff Sgt. Thomas E. Vitagliano, of the 1-503rd, who was killed in Ramadi on 1.17.2005. The granite memorial was placed near an Armistice Memorial in Sgt. Vitagliano's home town, and there are plans to add his name to a flagpole at a veteran's memorial.
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The Wasington Post (reg req/d) reported on 7.4.2005 that "Near the western city of Ramadi, a suicide car bomb was detonated at a checkpoint run by U.S. Marines and Iraqi troops. Police said at least four Iraqi soldiers were killed and five Marines were wounded, but subsequent casualty counts compiled by news services listed only two wounded Marines and no deaths." Reuters briefly notes the incident: "A suicide car bomber drove at a U.S. checkpoint in Ramadi, west of Baghdad, and swerved away into a house after U.S. troops opened fire, the U.S. military said. The military said two soldiers were wounded. Eyewitnesses said four civilians were also hurt."
==========
A Multi-National Force-Iraq news release from 7.2.2005 (and from 6.3.2005) report on Operation Sword. There have been no casualties of U.S. or Iraqi forces. A 6.29.2005 MNF-Iraq news release incidates that 100 Iraqi soldiers are integrated with the 1000 U.S. troops in the operation. The Washington Post (reg req'd) reported on 7.1.2005 that coalition forces "have seized thousands of pounds of explosives and arrested dozens of suspected insurgents". There has been no indication on an ending date for Operation Sword.
==========
A separate Multi-National Force-Iraq news release on 7.2.2005 reports that Iraqi Forces and soldiers of the 1-503rd "uncovered seven weapons caches, a car-bomb factory and a roadside bomb making factory late afternoon on June 30 in the Industrial area, northeast of the Saddam Mosque" in Ramadi. According to the release, this was the first combat operation in Ramadi for the 600-soldier 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 1st Division of the Iraqi Security Forces since their arrival from Baghdad on 6.28.2005. Local citizens provided information to the Iraqi forces that led to the find.
==========
A Marine Corps News Article features a Marine assisting with the training of Iraqi forces. Lance Cpl. Benjamin Griffith is an instructor with the Combined Action Platoon, responsible for training ISF soldiers. He describes his impressions of the progress of the Iraqi forces. The article also follows a joint US/Iraqi patrol.
==========
The Chicago Daily Herald has an article on the family of Sgt. Joshua Dimitri (who's unit isn't given beyond 2nd ID). Sgt. Dimitri told his family that his return date to Ft. Carson was rescheduled from 7.26.2005 to 7.19.2005. Several families members had booked flights, and are talking to their airline about avoiding the large penalties for changing dates. There is no reported reply from the airline. The article also mentions that Sgt. Dimitri will be meeting his child for the first time upon his return home.
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The Ft. Carson Mountaineer (pdf or text file) has an article on the Purple Heart ceremony held at Ft. Carson on June 28.2005. 25 Soldiers received Purple Hearts. Pfc. Joseph Peterson of the 1-506th, who was wounded on 5.14.2005, is quoted.
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Other articles from the region:
- USA Today: Troops put lives on line to be called Americans
- LA Times (reg req'd): The Puzzle of Sunnis' Leadership Vacuum
- LA Times (reg req'd): Shiites Wary of U.S. Overtures to Sunni Rebels
- Christian Science Monitor: Noncitizen soldiers: the quandaries of foreign-born troops

(Thanks to Bob Kirkpatrick and an anonymous contributor for forwarding several of the links above)

2nd BCT involved in Operation Sword

2005-06-29T06:34:00.000-07:00

updated 3:45 est. More updates courtesy of Bob Kirkpatrick:

Xinhua news reports that "Nine people were killed in Iraq's western town of Hit on Wednesday...Local residents said US and Iraqi forces surrounded the town and imposed curfew as dozens of soldiers took the roofs of high buildings for sniper positions...US and Iraqi forces gave the residents of the Haditha town a period of two days to hand over insurgents, otherwise their town would be attacked, Muhammed al-Hadithi, a local resident told Xinhua." (side note: some reports from Xinhua during the Oct/Nov assault on Fallujah later proved to be inaccurate, but of course it's too early to know in this instance.)

The Associated Press reports that "The new campaign is focusing on communities along the Euphrates River between the towns of Hit and Haditha." CNN reports that "U.S. and Iraqi forces conducting a military offensive in western Iraq have detained 13 people and killed an insurgent amid light resistance, the Marines said Wednesday." Munitions and roadside bombs have been found during searches.

There is no indication of which 2nd BCT units are involved.
===========
Posted 09:00 est
Bob Kirkpatrick forwarded the link to a MNF-Iraq news release: "Iraq Security Forces and approximately 1,000 Marines, Sailors and Soldiers from Regimental Combat Team-2 , comprised of elements of 2nd Marine Regiment and 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 2nd Marine Division began conducting security operations... Operation Saif (Sword) began early June 28 to clear the area along the Euphrates to clear the area along the Euphrates River between the cities of Haditha and Hit of terrorists and foreign fighters... The majority of the units are conducting cordon and knock operations in and around Hit... No major battles or air strikes have occurred during the course of the day's operations."

A previous MNF-Iraq news release said "Operation Saif (Sword) builds upon the successes of Operations Romhe (Spear), Matador, New Market and River Sweep" and "An ISF infantry company, approximately 100 soldiers, are fully integrated with Marine and Army units in Operation Saif."

Articles quick links: 6.27.2005 - 7.2.2005

2005-06-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

Note from the 2nd BCT FRG Site: "2nd Brigade Combat Team Soldiers in Iraq will not be able to receive incoming mail after July 3 2005. Please plan accordingly and do not send any mail/packages after 23 June 2005 that are intended for receipt in Iraq."

Articles 6.28.2005 - 6.29.2005
- Norwich Bulletin, CT: Memorial service planned for soldier from Danielson killed while serving in Iraq (Spc. Christopher L. Hoskins)
- Gary Post Tribune: Goodbye to friend — Mourners gather to share memories of Spc. Nick Idalski
- Journal News: Slain soldier stays on dad's mind (Pfc. Michael Arciola)
- Quad Cities Online: Former East Moliner dies from bomb in Iraq (Lance Cpl. Dion Whitley)
- Denver Post: Injured GIs earn honors (21 2nd BCT soldiers receive Purple Hearts at Ft. Carson ceremony)
- Rocky Mountain News: Purple Hearts awarded
- Grand Junction Sentinel: Troops honored with Purple Hearts in Fort Carson ceremony
- Lassen County News: A close call doesn't faze local Marine
- Marine Corps news article: Tracey, Calif., Marine serves in Iraq despite brother’s death
- AFP file photo on Yahoo news: "File picture shows two US women soldiers listening to a briefing in Ramadi, west of Baghdad" - A 2nd ID patch is visible.

2nd BCT & Area of Operation Articles, 6.27.2005
- Marine Corps news article: 1/5 commemorate gallant, Hermann, Mo., Marine
- Gary Post-Tribune, IN: Coming Home — Crown Point salutes soldier’s final journey
- Orange County Register (reg req'd): Alpha 1/5 Marines' painful return
- Stars & Stripes:
- Marine Corps news article: Sangar, Calif., natives are true brothers in arms.
- Marine Corps news article: Tracey, Calif., Marine serves in Iraq despite brother’s death
- NY Times (reg req'd): Dodging Mortars and Donkeys Outside a Turbulent Iraqi City (about the Al Asad airbase, and includes quotes from 1/9th soldiers Cpl. Elijah Lindbo and Pfc. Corey Winters, and the accompanying picture is of Spc. Angelita Acosta and Pfc. Joy Chang, who wear the 2nd ID patch.)
- Associated Press: Attacks target security forces (mortars kill civilians in Ramadi)
- Fox News: Back From the Front Lines in Iraq (interview with Oliver North)

Sporadic blog updates until 7.5.2005

2005-06-26T03:53:00.001-07:00

This blog will be be updated only occasionally and sporadically over the next 9 days. Between postings, news can be found from the following links, which usually provide over 90% of the stories posted here.

News searches:
- "2nd infantry": Google News, Yahoo News
- 503rd OR 503d: Google News, Yahoo News
- 506th: Google News, Yahoo News
- "9th infantry": Google News, Yahoo News
- 44th Engineer: Google News, Yahoo News
- 17th Artillery: Google News, Yahoo News
- "2nd Forward Support": Google News, Yahoo News
- "2nd Battalion" "5th Marine": Google News, Yahoo News
- "1st Battalion" "5th Marine": Google News, Yahoo News
- Khalidiya OR Khalidiyah: Google News, Yahoo News
- Habbaniya OR Habbaniyah: Google News, Yahoo News
- Ramadi: Google News, Yahoo News

(please note that these "news" searches often give results from several dubious sites that regularly post information that is proven wrong or questionable with time, and in some cases the stories are extreme propaganda with no factual basis).

News Releases:
- Multi-National Forces Iraq
- Marine Corps News
- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)
- Department of Defense

Articles 6.26.2005

2005-06-26T03:53:00.000-07:00

The Norwich Bulletin, CT, and the New London Day, CT, have articles on Spc. Christopher Hoskins, of the 1-9th, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.21.2005. Spc. Hoskins was able to return home on R&R in January, and he had sent care packages to his comrades while home. His mother remembered his athletic and caring nature and high energy. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery, but a date has not been set.
=========
The Gary Post-Tribune, IN, reports on the funeral details for Spc. Nick Idalski, of the 1-9th, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.21.2005. Details of the arrival of his body from Dover were published, with residents asked to line up along Main Street of his home town of Crown Point. A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, 6.28.2005, with the funeral the following day.
=========
The LA Times (reg req'd) provides more details on the deadly insurgent attack on an Iraqi police station in Ramadi: "five carloads of armed men attacked a local police station Saturday morning, killing eight police officers and wounding seven, local hospital officials said. Witnesses said about 20 men had battled police officers for an hour, leaving three squad cars destroyed. "The weapons that we have are not enough to face such attacks of the armed groups," said Abbas Mahmoud, a police officer at the station who hadn't been on duty Saturday.
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Other articles from the region:
- AP: Report: U.S. Secretly Met With Insurgents
- London Times: Promise of martyrdom and fame lures Western recruits
- London Times: Following the trail of death: how foreigners flock to join holy war
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Woman Soldier Wins Silver Star
- Washington Post (reg req'd): 20 Iraqis Killed as Insurgents Take Aim at Police
- NY Times (reg req'd): Safer Vehicles for Soldiers: A Tale of Delays and Glitches
- NY Times (reg req'd): Along the Syria-Iraq Border, Victory Is Fleeting in an Effort to Rout Out Foreign Fighters
- NY Times (reg req'd): Troops Will Carry General's 'Common Sense' Rules on Wallet-Size Cards
- LA Times (reg req'd): U.S. Plans Expansion of Crowded Iraq Prisons

Articles 6.25.2005

2005-06-25T07:19:00.000-07:00

The Birmingham News, AL, and The Pell City Daily Home, AL, have articles on Spc. Brian "Alex" Vaughn, of the 1-9th, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.21.2005. Spc. Vaughn was a combat medic. He joined the Army in 2003. He was remembered as providing aid to others his whole life, and his stepfather said ""He patched up more insurgents than soldiers" while in Iraq. Spc. Vaughn was 23 years old.
========
Denver 7 News and the Rocky Mountain News, and The Denver Post report on the funeral for Lance Cpl. Chad Maynard, of the 1/5 Marines, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.15.2005. About 100 people attended the service, including Colorado's Lt Governer. He was remembered for his since of humor, his love of his wife and family, and a strong dedication to the Marine Corp that blossomed in high school ROTC. Lance Cpl. Maynard even graduated a semester early so that he could attend boot camp. He was 19 years old.
========
The San Antonio Express has an article on the funeral for Lance Cpl. Jonathan Flores, of the 1/5 Marines, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.15.2005. Several hundred attended the memorial, including the Mayor of San Antonio. Lance Cpl. Flores was 18 years old. He was described as courageous and loving, and was engaged to be married.
========
The Akron Beacon Journal, OH, has an article on the grandparents of Spc. Christopher Hoskins, of the 1-9th, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.21.2005. Both sets of parents live near each other in Ohio. They remembered their tall grandson as a shy and helpful person. Spc. Hoskins joined the Army out of high school. He was 21 years old.
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Al Jazeera indicates that 8 Iraqi policeman were killed and 10 wounded at a police station checkpoint in Ramadi after they were ambushed by insurgents. Reuters reported that around 20 insurgents attacked the police station. The Al Jazeeraarticle also mentions that "In the Zankura area of Ramadi, Iraqi soldiers backed by US forces arrested Jubair al-Jilbawi, an alleged partisan of Iraq's most wanted man Abu Musab al-Zarqawi during a raid on his home, said the same statement."
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Other articles from the region:
- Fox News: Four Women Are Among Six U.S. Servicemen Killed in Fallujah Attack
- Associated Press: Attack Focuses Attention on Women in Iraq
- BBC: Iraq's power struggle as supplies falter

Upcoming Fox News Segment in Ramadi

2005-06-24T12:48:00.000-07:00

Fox News has a show this coming Sunday hosted by Oliver North entitled "The New Face of War in Iraq." The announcement indicates that the show will follow both Marines and Soldiers, and one segment will "Go inside joint raids in the city of Ramadi where tips from local citizens are contributing to the seizures of weapon caches and terrorist propaganda." The word through the FRG grapevine is that soldiers of the 1-503rd are interviewed, and previous Marine Blog posts indicated Oliver North also spent time with the 1/5 Marines.

Channel: Fox News
Date: Sunday, June 26
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern
Series: "War Stories with Oliver North"
Episode: "The New Face of War in Iraq"

Also, CBS's 60 Minutes is re-airing the segment on the 2/5 Marines in Ramadi that was filmed in November 2004 and January 2005. The show is scheduled for 7 p.m., Sunday, June 26.

Articles 6.24.2005

2005-06-24T05:38:00.000-07:00

The Northwest Indiana Times and the Merrillville Post-Tribune have articles on Spc. Nick Idalski, of the 1-9th, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.21.2005. Spc. Idalski's step-brother, an Army Sgt. preparing to deploy to Iraq in October, was granted permission to escort his body home after it arrives in the U.S.
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The Akron Beacon Journal, OH, reports on the funeral service for Spc. Anthony Kinslow, of the 2-17th, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.13.2005. Spc. Kinslow was remembered as a polite and quiet student in high school.

The Youngstown Vindicator, OH, and The Tribune-Chronicle, OH, have articles on the funeral service for Sgt. Larry Kuhns Jr., who was killed in the same attack as Spc. Kinslow. Sgt. Kuhns joined the Army seven years ago. He was remembered as a compassionate and jokester. He was married and had a daughter that will turn 2 years old next month.
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Other articles from the region:
- Associated Press: Furious surge seen in car bombs
- LA Times (reg req'd): Iraqis Fear Era of Relentless Chaos, Cruelty
- Christian Science Monitor: CIA report says Iraq is becoming an urban warfare training ground for terrorists.
- Boston Globe: US general says troops question support

Combat Fatalities

2005-06-23T13:40:00.000-07:00

The Department of Defense announced the deaths of two 2nd BCT soldiers.

Spc. Christopher L. Hoskins and Spc. Brian A. Vaughn, of the 1-9th, were killed on 6.21.2005 in Ramadi "where their unit was conducting combat operations, and were attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire." It is not immediately clear whether Spc. Hoskins and Spc. Vaughn were killed in the same battle in which Spc. Nicholas Idalski was killed.

Spc. Hoskins was from Danielson, CT. According to the Associated Press and The Norich Bulletin, CT, he joined the Army in 2003, and had recently reenlisted. Spc. Hoskins was 21 years old.

Spc. Vaughn was from Pell City, AL. He was 23 years old.

Spc. Hoskins and Spc. Vaughn were the 13th and 14th Soldiers of the 1-9th, and the 99th and 100th servicemen under 2nd BCT command, to die in Iraq while serving our country. Our deepest sympathies go out to their families.

Combat Fatality

2005-06-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

The Department of Defense announced the death of a 2nd BCT soldier.

Spc Nicholas R. Idalski, of the 1-9th, was killed on 6.21.2005 in Ramadi "where his unit was conducting combat operations and were attacked by enemy forces using small arms fire." Spc Idalski was from Crown Point, IN. According to Associated Press, Gary Post-Tribune, IN, CBS2 news (with video report), the Chicago Tribune, and NBC5 news (with video report) he joined the Army two years ago after previously working in construction and as an EMT. He had hoped to make a career out of the Army. Spc. Idalksi was 23 years old.

Spc. Idalski was the 12th Soldier of the 1-9th, and 98th 2nd BCT serviceman, to die in Iraq while serving our country. Our hearts go out to his family.

Articles 6.23.2005

2005-06-23T05:38:00.000-07:00

The Las Vegas Review-Journal has an article on the funeral for Cpl. Jesse Jaime, of the 1/5 Marines, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.15.2005. His twin brother, Cpl. Joel Jaime, is also in the 1/5 Marines. They were both in Alpha Company, but in differenct squads. Cpl Joel Jaime said his brother and four other Marines were in the 5th Humvee in a convoy returning from a mission when it was struck by an IED. Cpl Jesse Jaime attended a technical college after high school, but then followed in his brothers footsteps in joining the Marines. Both brothers were planning to leave the Marines and work for the Las Vegas Police Department.
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An Associated Press summary of violence in Iraq briefly mentions that "An Iraqi civilian was killed and three more were wounded when a roadside bomb meant for a U.S. military convoy exploded west of Ramadi."
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The Rocky Mountain news and KOAA News indicate that more troop shifts are scheduled for Ft. Carson, with the net gain almost doubling the number of troops compared with current levels. The entire 4th Infantry Division will likely be moving to Ft. Carson upon its return from Iraq - the 4th ID is scheduled to deploy this fall. The 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, presently serving in Iraq, will likely be leaving Ft. Carson for Ft. Hood upon it's return. These new changes will not affect the arrival of the 2nd BCT "when they leave Iraq beginning next month."
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Other articles from the region:
- BBC: Annan hails Iraq 'turning point'
- Financial Times: Annan calls for faster progress on Iraq
- BBC: Iraq rebuilding fails to deliver
- US News and World Report: National Security Watch: Iraq insurgency vital to al Qaeda
- Christian Science Monitor: A new show of support for Iraq

Articles 6.22.2005

2005-06-22T06:11:00.000-07:00

The Washington Post and the Baltimore Sun carry articles on the funeral for Sgt. 1st Class Neil Prince, of the 2-17th, who was killed on 6.11.2005 in Al Taqaddum. SFC Prince was buried at the Arlington National Cemetery. He was a "chief fire control sergeant" in Iraq. SFC was married and the father of a 4 year old son. He was 35 years old.
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The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that the funeral service for Lance Cpl. Erik Heldt, of the 1/5 Marines, will be held Friday, 6.24.2005. Lance Cpl. Heldt was killed in Ramadi on 6.15.2005. He grew up on a farm in Missouri, and was married with a daughter. He was 26 years old.
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Other articles from the region:
- AFP: World vows support for violence-wracked Iraq
- London Times: Appeal goes out for aid after rebels turn off power and water
- BBC: Iraq leaders seek rebuilding aid
- LA Times (reg req'd): Normalcy Amid the Violence
- LA Times (reg req'd): No Troop Reduction for Now, Commander Says
- NY Times (reg req'd): Iraqi Rebels Refine Bomb Skills, Pushing Toll of G.I.'s Higher
- Washington Post (reg req'd): After Striking Rebel Route, Marines and Iraqis Pull Back
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Little Change in Troop Levels Expected Soon

Articles 6.21.2005

2005-06-21T05:37:00.000-07:00

Updated 11:30 cst
The Associated Press reports that the tragedy has become much worse for the family of Spc Casey Byers, of the 224th Eng, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.11.2005. Last night, on 6.20.2005, his younger brother Justin, 19, was killed when he walked out of a ditch near a highway in Iowa and was struck by a vehicle. No other details are known. A separate Associated Press article indicated that Spc. Byers funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, 6.22.2005. The two brothers are survived by a sister and their parents. Our sympathies go out to the Byers family.
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The Modesto Bee reports on a Marine wounded in Ramadi. Cpl. Joseph Tellez (who's unit wasn't given but a google search links him with the 1/5 Marines) was shot in the chest by a sniper on 6.7.2005 while on a foot patrol. According to his father, "the wound was serious, but not life-threatening." He is "spending his recovery time in a Marine infirmary and is expected to be able to rejoin his unit in July." Cpl. Tellez told his father that "the worst day of his life" happened a week after getting shot when his fellow Marines Lance Cpl. Chad Maynard, Lance Cpl. Jonathan Flores, Cpl. Jesse Jaime, Cpl. Tyler Trovillion, and Lance Cpl. Dion Whitley where killed by an IED.
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Posted 07:30 cst
KSDK news, MO, has an article and video report on Lance Cpl. Erik Heldt, of the 1/5 Marines, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.15.2005. Lance Cpl. Heldt joined the Marines two years ago. He was married and the father of a young daughter. He had hoped to become a mechanic and a football coach after leaving the military. Lance Cpl. Heldt was 26 years old.
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The Denver Post and Grand Junction Sentinel have articles on a memorial service for Lance Cpl. Chad Maynard of the 1/5 Marines, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.15.2005. Lance CPl. Maynard had graduated from High School a semester early so that he could enlist in the Marines and follow in the footsteps of his older brother and father. He was married, and his widow is pregnant with their first child. Lance Cpl. Maynard's funeral will be held this Friday in Denver.
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Other articles from the region:
- AFP: New US ambassador vows to crush Iraq's insurgency
- Christian Science Monitor: US strategy in Iraq: Is it working?

Articles 6.20.2005

2005-06-20T05:20:00.000-07:00

The San Antonio Express-News has an article on Lance Cpl. Jonathan R. Flores, of the 1/5 Marines, who was killed on 6.15.2005 near Ramadi. Cpl Flores joined the Marines last year straight out of High School. He had been a member of his high school's JROTC program. On a visit home last October, he returned to the school and spoke to the JROTC program about his experiences in basic training and career plans. Cpl. Flores was 18 years old.
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A long Washington Post article (reg req'd) features the dangers and tragedy of a platoon of the 224th Engineers of the Iowa National Guard as they work withe 2nd ID units in Ramadi. According to the article, one fifth of the 224th Soldiers (6 of 31) in the platoon have been wounded or killed. The article describes their living and working conditions in Ramadi as they search for IEDs, and provide full details of the mission in which Sgt. John Miller was killed on 4.12.2005. Separately, 2nd Lt. Richard Gienau and Seth Garceau were killed after an IED exploded near their vehicle on 2.27.2005. Soldiers in the platoon discuss the stresses they face in dealing with the conditions and the loss of their comrades.

Other miscellaneuos quotes:
- On the dangers in Ramadi: "More than 120 troops have been killed and hundreds more wounded since the summer of 2003 -- proportionally more than in Baghdad."
- On spending a night at the "austere" base Combat Outpost: "The base has no running water, only a few wooden latrines, and is regularly pounded by mortars."
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A Marine Corps news article follows a patrol of the 1/5 Marines in Ramadi. An IED exploded near the patrol, but there were no casualties or damage to vehicles. The Marines searched several houses looking for insurgents or material for three hours, but did not find anything.
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Other articles from the region:
- NY Times (reg req'd): Iraqis Found in Torture House Tell of Brutality of Insurgents
- NY Times (reg req'd): U.S. and Allies Capture More Foreign Fighters
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Tackling Another Major Challenge in Iraq: Unemployment

Articles 6.19.2005

2005-06-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

The North County Times, CA and the Massachusetts Republican have articles on the two Marines killed near Ramadi on 6.16.2005. Lance Cpl. Erik Heldt, and Capt. John Maloney, of the 1/5 Marines, died when an IED exploded near their vehicle as they traveled towards the location of a mission. Three other unidentified Marines were wounded in the blast.

Lance Cpl. Heldt joined the Marines in 2003. He was 26 years old.

Capt. Maloney was a company commander in the 1/5th. He joined the Marines in 1987, and served during Operation Desert Storm. He was married and the father of a 6-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter. Capt. Maloney has a brother, Jason, who is a 1st Lt. in the Marines, and served in Iraq from Sept 2004 through March 2005. The two brothers were able to meet for a few hours as they transitioned in and out of the country. A third brother, Justin, is a Lance Cpl. in the Marine Reserves. Capt. Maloney was 36 years old.
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Other Articles from the region:
- Associated Press: Forces pound foreign fighters [along Syrian border]
- LA Times (reg req'd): Iraqi Security Tactics Evoke the Hussein Era
- LA Times (reg req'd): Insurgents Under Pressure in Western Iraq
- Newsweek: The Enemy Spies
- Knight Ridder: 2nd wave of U.S. offensive in Anbar province draws Sunnis' ire

Articles 6.18.2005

2005-06-18T04:41:00.000-07:00

The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel has an article on Lance Cpl. Chad Maynard, of the 1/5 Marines, who was killed near Ramadi on 6.16.2005. Lance Cpl. Maynard got married last December, and his wife is pregnant with their first child. His father also served in the Marines, including a deployment ot Vietnam, and his brother is presently serving on the Marines.
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The Washington Post (reg req'd) has an article on the funeral service for Spc. Louis Niedermeier, of the 2-17th FA, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.1.2005. Spc. Niedermeier was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, and more than 80 mourners traveled to Washington following a memorial service held in Florida. Spc. Niedermeier received a posthumous promotion from Pfc. He was engaged to a women in the Navy, and they had planned to get married later this year.
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A Marine Corps news article describes enemy contact on a patrol of the 1/5 Marines in a "bad neighborhood" of Ramadi. During the patrol, a sniper fired a single bullet at a gunner in a humvee. The bullet richocheted off of the metal plate protecting the gunner. While continuing the mission, an IED exploded between two vehicles. No one was injured, and neither the sniper nor the IED triggarman was found.
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The Minot Daily News, ND, has an article on Cpl. Kelly Baker, who was recently featured in a Marine Corps news article. Cpl. Baker had requested and received a transfer from a non-deployable unit in order to serve in Iraq. He joined the Marines after graduating from high school, and is a third generation Marine. His brother is presenlty re-enlisting in the Army, and previously had served in Afganistan.
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The Associated Press briefly mentions that "Clashes broke out between Iraqi forces and insurgents in Ramadi" on 6.17.2005. No other details were provided. Reuters and the AP (via Yahoo News Photos) has several pictures of insurgents in Ramadi, with one of the captions reading: "Masked gunmen, calling themselves the al-Haq Army, surround the main mosque in Ramadi, Iraq, to block entrance Thursday June 16, 2005. The armed men blocked the entrance to the mosque to stop city officials and tribal elders who planned a conference to select representatives to meet with coalition forces." A London Guardian article claims "insurgents have taken over much of the Iraqi city of Ramadi," but the lone article does not appear to provide any new evidence for such a claim beyond the long-reported, on-going insurgent activity in the city.
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The Stars & Stripes has an article on the casing (i.e., ending) of the 2-72nd Armored Regiment at Camp Casey, Korea. Two of the battalion's companies were deployed to Iraq with the 2nd BCT last summer, and the remaining companies were rolled into a "Unit of Execution" along with two infantry companies from the 2-9th Infantry.
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Other articles from the region:
- Associated Press: Marines, Iraqi Troops Launch 2nd Offensive
- Reuters: Iraqi doctors strike over police harassment
- Knight Ridder: U.S. anti-terror sweeps could stoke Sunni rage
- NY Times (reg req'd): Sunnis to Accept Offer of a Role in Constitution

Combat Fatalities

2005-06-18T03:47:00.000-07:00

The Department of Defense announced the deaths of two 2nd BCT Marines.

Lance Cpl. Erik R. Heldt, and Capt. John W. Maloney, of the 1/5 Marines, were killed near Ramadi on 6.16.2005 "when their vehicle hit an improvised
explosive device while conducting combat operations." Lance Cpl. Heldt, of Hermann, MO, was 26 years old. Cpt. Maloney, of Chicopee, MA, was 36 years old.

Lancep Cpl. Heldt and Capt. Maloney are the 11th and 12th Marines of the 1/5 Marines, and the 95th 2nd BCT Serviceman, to die in Iraq while serving our country. Our hearts go out to their families.

Combat Fatality

2005-06-17T20:43:00.000-07:00

The Department of Defense announced the death of a 2nd BCT Marine.

Lance Cpl. Chad B. Maynard, of the 1/5 Marines, was killed near Ramadi on 6.15.2005 when "his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations." According to A Multi-National Force-Iraq news release, 5 Marines were killed during the 6.15.2005 attack, infering that Lance Cpl. Maynard was in the same vehicle as Lance Cpl. Jonathan Flores, Cpl. Jesse Jaime, Cpl. Tyler Trovillion, and Lance Cpl. Dion Whitley. Lance Cpl. Maynard was from Montrose, CO. He was 19 years old.

Lance Cpl. Maynard is the 10th 1/5 Marine, and the 94th 2nd BCT serviceman, to die in Iraq while serving our country. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.

Articles 6.17.2005

2005-06-17T04:31:00.000-07:00

The North County Times, CA, reports on the death of 1/5 Marines Cpl. Jesse Jaime, Cpl. Tyler Trovillion, Lance Cpl. Dion Whitley and Lance Cpl. Jonathan Flores. The four Marines were killed on 6.15.2005 when an IED exploded near their vehicle.

The Las Vegas Review Journal has an article on Cpl. Jaime. His twin brother is also with the 1/5 Marines, and will be escorting his body home.

The Dallas Morning New (reg req'd) has an article on Cpl. Trovillion. He graduated from High School in 2000, where he was on the wrestling program.

The Pasadena Star News has an article on Lance Cpl. Whitley. He joined the Marines after High School to earn money for college and serve his country, in spite of several friends and family members trying to talk him out of it. He was the gunner in the Humvee that was attacked. Lance Cpl. Whitley had hoped to start a barbeque catering business with his brother.
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The Associated Press briefly mentions an incident in Ramadi: "Elsewhere, dozens of hooded insurgents surrounded a downtown mosque in Ramadi, 70 miles west of Baghdad, to prevent a meeting Thursday of local politicians and tribal leaders on the country's new charter and reconciliation efforts."
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Other articles from the region:
- Associated Press: U.S. Launches Major Operation in West Iraq
- NY Times (reg req'd): Sunnis to Accept Offer of a Role in Constitution
- LA Times (reg req'd): More Sunnis to Join Constitution Panel
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Sunnis Added to Iraq Constitution Panel

Combat Fatalities

2005-06-16T13:34:00.000-07:00

The Department of Defense announced the deaths of four 2nd BCT Marines.

Lance Cpl. Jonathan R. Flores, Cpl. Jesse Jaime, Cpl. Tyler S. Trovillion, and Lance Cpl. Dion M. Whitley, of the 1-5 Marines, were killed near Ramadi on 6.15.2005 "when their vehicle hit an improvised explosive device while conducting combat operations." Lance Cpl. Flores, of San Antonio, TX, was 18 years old. Cpl. Jaime, of Henderson, NV, was 22 years old. Cpl. Trovillion, of Richardson, TX, was 23 years old. Lance Cpl. Whitley, of Los Angeles, CA, was 21 years old.

Lance Cpl. Flores, Cpl. Jaime, Cpl. Trovillion, and Lance Cpl. Whitley are the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th Marines of the 1/5, and 90th, 91st, 92nd, and 93rd 2nd BCT Servicemen, to die in Iraq while serving our country. Our deepest sympathies go out to their families.

Articles 6.16.2005

2005-06-16T04:44:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Springs Gazette, the Associated Press, WTOL News, and the Warren Tribune Chronicle, OH, have articles on Sgt. Larry Kuhns Jr. and Spc. Anthony Kinslow, of the 2-17th, who were killed in Ramadi on 6.13.2005.

Sgt. Kuhns was on his second deployment in Iraq. He joined the Army after high school, and was recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He was married and the father of a 2 year old girl. Sgt. Kuhns was 24 years old.

Spc. Kinslow enlisted in the Army after graduating from high school. He was 21 years old.
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The Stars & Stripes has an article on the dedication of the 2nd ID, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team (1HBCT) at Camp Casey, Korea. According to the article, "There was a sense of déjà vu at the ceremony. Ten months ago, 2nd ID’s 2nd Brigade Combat Team (Strike Force) paraded in the same place for the last time before deploying to Iraq. The only difference this time was the color of the uniforms: green instead of desert tan." The 1HBCT is scheduled to stay in Korea. A separate Stars & Stripes article discusses the evolution of the aviation units in Korea, some of whom used to train with the 1=503rd and 1-506th Air Assault Battalions.
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Other articles from the region:
- LA Times (reg req'd): Food Shortages Gnaw at Iraqis' Stomachs, Morale
- NY Times (reg req'd): Magnet for Iraq Insurgents Is a Crucial Test of New U.S. Strategy

Combat Fatalities

2005-06-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

The Department of Defense announced the deaths of two 2nd BCT Soldiers.

Sgt Larry R. Kuhns, Jr. and Spc. Anthony D. Kinslow, of the 2-17th FA, were killed in Ramadi on 6.13.2005 when "their military vehicle came under a grenade attack while conducting combat operations." Sgt. Kuhns was from Austintown, OH. He was 24 years old. Spc. Kinslow was from Westerville, OH. He was 21 years old.

Sgt. Kuhns and Spc. Kinslow are the 12th and 13th Soldiers of the 2-17th, and the 88th and 89th 2nd BCT servicemen, to die in Iraq while serving our country. Our hearts go out to their families.

Articles 6.15.2005

2005-06-15T05:28:00.000-07:00

The Washington Post has an article on Sgt 1st Class Neil Prince, of the 2-17th FA, who was killed in Al Taqaddum on 6.11.2005. The convoy he was with was traveling between Ramadi and Habbaniyah. SFC Prince also served in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, two years after he enlisted. He had been married 10 years, to a former Army Medic, and is the father of a 4 year old son.
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The St. Petersburg Times and Tampa Bay 10 News (with video report) have articles on a memorial service at an area park honoring Pfc Louis Niedermeier, of the 2-17th FA, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.1.2005. More than 300 attended the tribute at the Military Court of Honor at Largo Central Park. Several attendees also met at a local American Legion afterwards. Pfc Niedermeier will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on Friday.
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The Associated Press reports on a deadly clash at a checkpoint in Ramadi on 6.14.2005. A suicide bomber exploded his vehicle at a checkpoint, killing one Iraqi soldier. Shortly after, two vehicles sped towards the checkpoint and were fired upon by Marines and Iraqi soldiers. Conflicting reports indicated that 5 or 6 Iraqi civilians were killed in one of the vehicles. In the past, insurgents have used multiple suicide bombers in coordinated attacks. The article also mentions that mortars were lobbed at US forces in Ramadi, with Marines returning fire. No injuries were reported.
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A Marine Corps News Article features a Marine of the 1/5 Marines who detained a suspected insurgent at a marketplace in Ramadi. Lance Cpl. James Hilliard was on a foot patrol in the crowded market when he say a person wearing two layers of clothing and tennis shoes. The man was quickly detained and brought to a detention center for questioning. In the past, insurgents have fired at coalition forces, and then stripped off a layer of clothes before running away or merging into crowds.
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Other news from the region:
- BBC: Iraq 'no more safe than in 2003'
- London Telegraph: Iraq 'statistically' no safer, Rumsfeld says
- London Guardian: Iraq and US draft amnesty for insurgents
- Associated Press: U.S., Iraq Consider Amnesty for Insurgents

Overview of 224th Eng working with 2nd BCT

2005-06-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

The 224th Engineer Battalion of the Iowa National Guard has been linked to the 2nd BCT several times in the past several weeks. The 224th consists of 500 Soldiers who were mobilized in October 2004, and arrived in Iraq in January 2005. The Battalion web-site, with pictures, newsletters, and other information, is found at www.224engineers.com.

LTC Todd Jacobus, the 224th Eng Battalion Commander, writes regular newsletters on the site. A few of the newsletters mention working with the 2nd BCT (click on "Bn HQ/HHC" and then "Commander Notes"):
- Newsletter #48, 5.30.2005 (Memorial Day): discusses ceremony with 2nd BCT Commander Col. Gary Patton at Camp Ramadi to remember the Soldiers and Marines based at Camp Ramadi since August 2004 and to dedicate the Strike Force Memorial. Soldiers of the 224th helped construct the memorial.
- Newletter #40, 4.22.2005: mentions that the 2nd BCT is "an organization with whom we work very closely when executing missions in Ar Ramadi."
- Newsletter #34, 3.17.2005: discusses the join nature of Soldiers and Marines working together under the 1st and 2nd Marine Divisions.
- Newsletter #33, 3.14.2005: mentions one of the Companies working closely with 2nd BCT units in Ramadi.
- Newsletter #32, 3.6.2005: describes construction tasks at Camp Ramadi working with the 44th Eng, including drainage, grading ad gravel fills to address the mud problems when it rains.

Four Soldiers of the 224th Eng have been killed in Iraq. 2nd Lt Richard “Brian” Gienau and Specialist Seth Kristian Garceau were killed on 3.8.2005 when an IED exploded near their vehicle south of Ramadi. Specialist John Wayne Miller was killed by a sniper on 4.12.2005 while conducting a route clearing operation with the 1-503rd Infantry in Ramadi. Spc. Casey Byers was killed on 6.11.2005 when an IED exploded near his vehicle. These Soldiers were remembered by Col Patton during the 2nd BCT Memorial Day Service at Camp Ramadi.

Based on numbers given in the Commanders notes, the 224th ENG is scheduled to remain deployed for five more months.

Articles 6.14.2005

2005-06-14T05:33:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Springs Gazette and the Cedar Falls Courier, IA report on the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Spc. Casey Byers, of the 22th Eng Bn, and Sgt. 1st Class Neil Prince, of the 2-17th FA. The two Soldiers were in an unarmoured humvee as part of a 25-vehicle convoy "moving equipment and Soldiers" when an IED exploded, although not injuring anyone. As the convoy secured the area, two more IEDs exploded. The third explosion was right underneath their vehicle and killed the two. A third soldier, Spc. James Migues of the 224th Eng, was on foot in front of the vehicle when the explosion occured, and suffered "shrapnel and other blast injuries." Spc. Migues is receiving treatment in Germany. The attack occured in Al Taqaddum, near Habbaniyah.

According to the the Cedar Falls Courier, IA, and the Sioux City Journal, IA, and a separate Sioux City Journal article, when Spc Byers heard that the 224th Eng was being deployed, he volunteered and completed a combat engineering course in order to join the unit, transferring from an infantry unit. He enlisted in the National Guard in 1999, and had previously deployed to the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt in mid 2003 to early 2004. Spc Byers is the father of an infant girl. He was 22 years old.

According to the Baltimore Sun and BWAL News, MD, SFC Prince was traveling with the convoy to reach another unnamed city. He was born in Jamaica and moved to Baltimore when he was 10. He enlisted in the Army in 1989 after graduating from college. He was married and had a 4 year old son. SFC Prince was 35 years old.
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Other news from the region:
- Chicago Tribune: A dam in the deserts of Iraq
- Christian Science Monitor: US troops, security contractors increasingly at odds in Iraq
- USA Today: Iraqis at impasse over drafting of constitution
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Battle-Hard G.I.'s Learn To Release Their Pain - Team Helps Soldiers Beat Trauma

Combat Fatalities

2005-06-13T19:39:00.000-07:00

The Department of Defense announced the death of two 2nd BCT soldiers.

Spc. Casey Byers, of the 224th Eng Bn of the Iowa National Guard, and Sgt. 1st Class Neil A. Prince, of the 2-17th FA, were killed in Al Taqaddum on 6.11.2005 "when an improvised explosive device detonated near their military vehicle." Spc. Byers, of Schleswig, IA, was 22 years old. SFC Prince, of Baltimore, MD, was 35 years old.

Spc Byers was the 4th Soldier of the 224th Eng, and the 86th 2nd BCT serviceman, to die in Iraq while serving our country. SFC Prince was the 11th Soldier of the 2-17th FA, and the 87th 2nd BCT Serviceman to die in Iraq while serving our country. Our hearts go out to their families.

Articles 6.13.2005

2005-06-13T05:42:00.000-07:00

The Associated Press has an article on the funeral service for Cpl Phillip Edmundson, of the 1-9th, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.1.2005. Cpl. Edmundson was on his second tour in Iraq. The article speculates that he was the gunner in a Bradley Fighting Vehicle when it was struck by an IED. More than 500 people attended the funeral service.
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Other news from the region:
- NY Times (reg req'd): Sunni-Shiite Quarrel Edges Closer to Political Stalemate
- NY Times (reg req'd): As Iraqi Army Trains, Word in the Field Is It May Take Years
- Knight Ridder: Military action won't end insurgency, growing number of U.S. officers believe

Articles 6.12.2005

2005-06-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

The Wilson Daily, NC, has an article on the funeral services for Cpl. Phillip Charles Edmundson, of the 1-9th, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.1.2005. The town's mayor spoke at the service, and a U.S. Representative was in attendance. Cpl. Edmundson was remembered as being "quiet and gentle", and having a great amount of love for his family. He was 22 years old.
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A Marine Corps News Article and a separate Marine Corps News Article feature dog handling teams with the 1/5 Marines in Ramadi. Three dogs and their handlers search vehicles at the control points around Hurricane Point, normally conducting searches of 40-50 randomly selected cars per day. The dogs are able to sniff out explosives, including "IEDs, grenades, rockets, and even rifles and ammunition" -- as well as residual odors. The articles discuss several successful finds by the dogs, and describes the care they receive.
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Other articles from the region:
- Associated Press: Iraq Struggles to Draft New Constitution
- LA Times (reg req'd): The Time Seems Ripe to Tie the Knot in Iraq
- Newsweek: The Family Business [fathers and sons serving in the military]
- Washington Post (reg req'd): In Politics, Sunnis Speak With Many Voices

Articles 6.11.2005

2005-06-11T07:31:00.000-07:00

The Wilson Daily, NC, has an article on Cpl. Phillip Edmundson (he received a posthumous promotion from Specialist), of the 1-9th, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.1.2005. His parents joined military officials as they received his flag-draped coffin in North Carolina. A visitation is being held today, and Cpl. Edmundson's funeral is being held tomorrow. His best friend in Iraq, Spc. Ricky Frazier, wrote an e-mail to Cpl. Edmundson's family, and said: "I was Phillip's best friend, his other brother. "I am so sorry. I loved him so much. He helped me through hard times the past two years. I am honored just to be part of his life. "... You did a hell of a job raising him. You would have been proud to watch him in action. But I'm sure you are already proud of him."
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A Marine Corp News Article reports on the Memorial Service held in Ramadi for Cpl. Jeff B. Starr, of the 1/5 Marines, who was killed on 5.30.2005. Cpl. Starr, a team leader on his 3rd tour in Iraq, was eulogized by his close friend, Cpl. Donald W. Ball, as an intellectual and "firm but understanding" leader. During his down time, he built a dojo at one of their observation posts and taught his fellow marines as part of the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. Cpl. Starr's enlistment was scheduled to end soon, and he was planning on leaving the Marines.
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The Associated Press has an article on the Endeavor Games, "a three-day event that gives anyone with a physical disability a chance to compete on an even field with peers." The event is sponsored by Disabled Sports USA, the United Spinal Association's Wounded Warrior Project, and The Wounded Warrior Disabled Sports Project. One of the wounded veterans quoted is Spc Oscar Olguin, of the 1-503rd, who was wounded on 10.18.2004. Spc Olguin, who lost a piece of his right leg, muscles in his left leg and a ligament in his right elbow in an attack near Ramadi, Iraq, plans to compete in the javelin, the air rifle and the air pistol." He was previously reported to be involved with several other sporting events.
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Other articles from the region:
- LA Times (reg req'd): Disputed Iraq Raids Blamed on Bad Intelligence
- Washington Post (reg req'd): E.U. Pushes Iraq on Constitution
- Knight Ridder: More Americans dying from roadside bombs in Iraq

Articles 6.10.2005

2005-06-10T06:38:00.000-07:00

The Home News Tribune, NJ, has an article on Pfc. Louis Niedermeier, of the 2-17th, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.1.2005. According to his parents, Pfc Neidermeier decided to join the Army on the day of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. At the time, he was 17 years old, and his parents made him wait to enlist until he was 18. Pfc Neidermeier will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on 6.17.2005. The "MJ Morning Show", FL, is soliciting donations for Pfc. Niedermeier's family.
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globalsecurity.org has a report on IEDs in Iraq. Included in the report is map of all the IED attacks between Baghdad and Ramadi "as of mid-May 2004," well before the 2nd BCT arrived, but indicative of the likely pattern. Presumably, the distribution of points has likely densified along those corridors.
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Other articles from the region:
- Reuters: Iraq Sunnis reject compromise on constitution body
- USA Today: Iraq has forced Army to reorganize on the go
- NY Times (reg req'd): As Africans Join Iraqi Insurgency, U.S. Counters With Military Training in Their Lands
- LA Times (reg req'd): NATO to Expand Training of Iraqis
- Boston Globe: Insurgency seen forcing change in Iraq strategy
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Building Iraq's Army: Mission Improbable

Articles 6.9.2005

2005-06-09T05:59:00.000-07:00

The Wilson Daily Times, NC, reports that the funeral for Cpl. Phillip C. Edmundson will be held on Saturday, 6.11.2005. Visitation will be held on Friday. Cpl. Edmundson, of the 1-9th, was killed in Ramadi on 5.30.2005.
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The Herald Net, WA, has an article on the memorial service for Cpl. Jeffrey Starr, of the 1/5 Marines, who was killed in Ramadi on 5.30.2005. "Several hundred" people attended the 90-minute ceremony. Several friends and family members spoke, sharing memories, all of which "portrayed his playfulness, his confidence, his courage and his sense of duty." Cpl. Starr was 22 years old.
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The Newport News Times, OR, has an article on three wounded 2nd BCT Soldiers. Pfc. Joseph Peterson, of the A/Tank Company (attached to the 1-506th) and two fellow Soldiers were wounded in Habbaniyah on 5.14.2005 when a "Soviet 'pineapple' grenade" was thrown into their tank turret, possibly from a rooftop. Pfc. Peterson, who was trying to crawl out of the tank when he saw the grenade, yelled out. The gunner (who wasn't identified) grabbed the grenade and tried to put it in the gun tube, but it exploded, tearing his hand off. Another unidentified Soldier suffered severe shrapnel wounds to the side of his head, losing an ear and an eye. The tank driver was protected by the hatch cover and escaped uninjured. Pfc. Peterson suffered severe shrapnel along his side and legs. He has undergone several surgeries, and is presently at Ft. Carson undergoing rehabilitation. There was no report on the recovery of the other two wounded Soldiers.
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A Marine Corps News Article reports on a patrol of the 1/5 Marines. The patrol stopped a suspicious vehicle, and found four men wearing two sets of clothes and driving a vehicle with stolen plates. One of the men was holding a pigeon. Pigeons and doves have been used as military signals in the past. The four men were detained, and the Marines are unsure of what to do with the bird. One Marine suggested it might become a mascot.
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The LA Times (reg req'd) reports on indirect talks between U.S. officials and rebels. One of the article sources is an insurgent leader in Ramadi, who indicated that talks, often through religious leaders or politicians, started 6 to 8 weeks ago. According to the article, " Among [the insurgents] demands are an end to U.S. troops' raids on homes, an amnesty for fighters and the release of prisoners. The Americans say their message is that the longer the insurgents fight, the longer U.S. troops will stay." The article indicates that "Deep disagreements complicate any potential settlement between insurgents and Americans and their Iraqi allies," and that "that not all insurgents are interested in talks."
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Other articles from the region:
- Reuters: Sunnis offered greater role in Iraqi politics
- Associated Press: Sunnis Given 25 Seats on Iraqi Committee
- Knight Ridder: Sunnis claim Shiite militia carries out campaign of threats, murde
- Reuters: Marines detain 16 U.S. contractors in Falluja
- Reuters: Iraq Sunnis set terms for cooperation
- LA Times (reg req'd): Shiite Party Praises Militia Hated by Sunni Arabs

Articles 6.8.2005

2005-06-08T05:44:00.000-07:00

The Associated Press reports on a an insurgent ambush on a "convoy of trucks believed to be carrying supplies to a U.S. military base" near Habbaniyah on 6.7.2005. Witnesses said at least seven Iraqi citizens were killed in the attack. A British security firm announced that a "a convoy of trucks its employees were escorting had been ambushed," and that the location of some of those employees are not known. A Multi-National Force-Iraq news release reported that the attack occured at 11:30 a.m., and "A Coalition forces quick reaction force responded to the scene of the attack and secured the area."
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Other articles from the region:
- AFP: Iraqi Shiite leader wants greater security role for militia
- Associated Press: Iraqi Claims Insurgents Ready to Talk
- LA Times (reg req'd): Iraq Officials Hammer Out Constitution -- Delicately
- USA Today: Soldiers' divorce rates up sharply
- Washington Post: A Smuggler of Insurgents Reveals Syria's Influential, Changing Role

Articles 6.7.2005

2005-06-07T06:12:00.000-07:00

The Wilson Daily, NC, has an article on Spc. Phillip C. Edmundson, of the 1-9th, who was killed in Ramadi on 5.30.2005. Local American Legion veterans report that Spc Edmundson is the first area serviceman to die in combat since Vietnam. The group has contacted the family to offer their assistance. The article also reports that funeral arrangements are pending.
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A Marine Corps news article follows a "civil/military operation" of the 1/5 Marines at a school in Ramadi. They surveyed the school for damage and supply needs, and talked with the headmaster. The Marines plan to return with supplies and hire a local contractor to make the needed repairs.
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Several Reuters and Associated Press photos [Warning: Graphic Pictures] show civilian damage in Ramadi. One photo's caption indicates that two civilians were killed, with neighbors claiming their deaths occured during a combined US/Iraqi Forces raid on 6.6.2005. The BBC cites a TV report that the two civilians were teachers in the Tamin district of Ramadi, and that they "were caught up in a raid against insurgents". A separate caption shows a damaged building, with civilians claiming it was destroyed during an air strike on 6.6.2005.
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Other articles from the region:
- BBC: One Day in Iraq: At-a-glance
- LA Times (reg req'd): Other Iraq Hot Spots May Flare
- Christian Science Monitor: Iraqi reality-TV hit takes fear factor to another level
- Knight Ridder News: Speed, technology have reduced mortality dramatically among U.S. troops
- CNN.com: U.S., Iraqi troops launch Tal Afar offensive [50 miles west of Mosul]

Articles 6.6.2005

2005-06-06T05:50:00.000-07:00

The Shelby Township Source News, MI, reports on the local Memorial Day parade. A Michigan state senator spoke at the event and recognized the families of fallen soldiers in attendance, including the parents of Pfc. Mark Barbret, of the 44th Engineers, who was killed in Ramadi on 10.14.2004. Pfc Barbret's family walked to his grave site following the ceremony. A memorial monument in the cemetery will be dedicated on 6.12.2004 in his honor.
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A Marine Corps news article features a patrol of the 1/5 Marines in Ramadi. The article discusses the diplomatic side of interacting with civilians.
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A separate Marine Corps news article follows a patrol of 1/5 Marines designed "to stifle insurgent activity and inform citizens why coalition forces are operating here." During the four hour patrol, Marines moved quickly to show their presence and remove insurgent propoganda written on walls. While passing through a city market, one of the Marines noted that "the marketplace has become increasingly busier since 1st Battalion, 5th Marines arrived here three months ago."
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Other articles from the region:
- AFP: US military destroys insurgent bunkers in Iraq
- AFP: Major Iraq power station back online
- NY Times (reg req'd): Dozens of Sunnis Expected to Help Draft Iraq Constitution
- NY Times (reg req'd): Iraq's Ho Chi Minh Trail
- Knight Ridder News: Troops proud of the job they do

Articles 6.5.2005

2005-06-05T07:51:00.000-07:00

The Ft. Carson Mountaineer has a few articles on the 2nd BCT. The June 3rd edition describes the arrival of the advance party. The Soldiers marched into the Special Events Center, where their families were waiting. The May 20th issue discusses the on-going construction projects for the arrival of the 2nd BCT. Col. Michael Resty Jr., the Ft. Carson garrison commander, said "“We have renovation projects under way for 2nd BCT when they arrive so we will not have any barracks issues once the 2nd BCT gets here.” The May 6th issue reports on a April monthly meeting of the 2nd BCT FRG. Gen. Dan K. McNeil, commanding general of U.S. Army Forces Command, attended the meeting and addressed the groups concerns. The April 29th edition features the farewell ceremony for 37 Soldiers of the 3rd Replacement Company, 2nd BCT, as they deployed for Iraq.

KMGH News, CO, reprinted and Associated Press article on the arrival of the 2nd BCT advance party at Ft. Carson, with all of the information previously reported.
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- NY Times (reg req'd): U.S. Uncovers Vast Hide-Out of Iraqi Rebels [east of Fallujah]
- Reuters: Iraq too dependent on oil, must diversify - govt
- LA Times (reg req'd): 'Combat Linguists' Battle on Two Fronts

Articles 6.4.2005

2005-06-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

The Tampa Tribune, St. Petersburg Times, and WFTS News have articles on Pfc. Louis Niedermeier, of the 2-17th FA, who was killed in Ramadi on 6.1.2005. According to his father, he was a scout with the 2-17th and was killed by a sniper. Pfc Niedermeier joined the Army after graduating from High School in 2003, following in the footsteps of his father. He also has two cousins who served or will be serving in Iraq, one of whom was wounded and is recovering at Walter Reed. A third cousin is expected to be deployed overseas soon. Upon returning from Iraq, Pfc Niedermeier was planning to marry his high-school girlfriend, who is serving in the Navy. Memorial Services will be held on 6.14.2005, and Pfc Niedermeier will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery on 6.17.2005. He was 20 years old.
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The News & Observer, NC, Wilson Daily, NC and The Associated Press have articles on Spc. Phillip C. Edmundson, of the 1-9th, who was killed by an IED in Ramadi on 6.1.2005. Spc. Edmundson enlisted in the Army in 2003, and had recently reenlisted for another 4 years. While home on R&R leave in April, he took his mother out to look at new houses. When she found one she liked, he bought it for her, completing the paperwork before returning to Iraq. He told family friends that he had joined the Army to do something for himself, serve his country, continue his education, and make his family proud. "He sure did. He made all of us proud," his uncle, Charles Edmundson, said Friday. Spc Edmundson was 22 years old.
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The Everett Daily-Herald, WA, reports on the funeral arrangements for Cpl. Jeffrey Brian Starr, of the 1/5 Marines, who was killed in Ramadi on 5.30.2005. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, 6.8.2005, in the local high school gymnasium.
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The Desert Strike FRG site has 6 pictures posted from the arrival of the 2nd BCT advance party at Ft Carson.
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The Army Times followed up on the recent Colorado Springs Gazette article that evaluated the expected economic costs and benefits of the expansion of Ft. Carson.
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Other articles from the region:
- NY Times (reg req'd): New Attacks Highlight Growing Sectarian Divisions in Iraq
- Chicago Tribune (reg req'd): 4,000 Marines, 30,000 hostile square miles
- Washington Post (reg req'd): U.S. Doubts Zarqawi Went to Syria

Articles 6.3.2005

2005-06-03T05:49:00.000-07:00

The South Tampa City-Times, FL, has an article on the city of Tampa's policy on renaming streets and parks. The leading example is a call by several citizens to change the name of a local park to honor Sgt Antwan Walker, of the 2nd FSB, who was killed in Ramadi on 5.18.2005.
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A Marine Corps news article features the 40-member Combat Action Platoon of the 1/5 Marines who are responsible for training Iraqi Security Forces in Ramadi. The 12-day course is based on the Marine School of Infantry, where recruits learn "fundamentals of patrolling, marksmanship and how to conduct hasty vehicle control points while on patrol. The soldiers are also taught detainee handling procedures and how to set up security positions." To date, 600 ISF troops have been trained in the program.
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Fox News Commentator Oliver North has an article griping about the U.S. Congress. As an example of commitment with a overwhelming work load, he cites the 1-503rd in Iraq: "Now that they [Congress] are back from their five-day "Memorial Day Weekend," they have just 30 days left on their legislative calendar (meaning, "work") before they "recess" until after Labor Day! Hopefully, the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry don't get wind of this "grueling" schedule. They are on a 13-month tour in Iraq, having reported to the war from a 13-month tour of duty in Korea. Unlike members of Congress, these soldiers don't have the option of shirking their duties, arguing over procedural technicalities, throwing tantrums when things don't go their way, blaming others for failures then proclaiming it all "successful," while collecting their paychecks."
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The Colorado Springs Gazette has an article on the increasing number of troops at the post, including the 2nd BCT. City officials discuss the expected economic impacts and infrastructure update and expansion requirements.
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Other articles from the region:
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Wounded Iraqis Left Broken and Burdened
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Iraq Puts Civilian Toll at 12,000
- NY Times (reg req'd): Growing Problem for Military Recruiters: Parents
- Washington Post (reg req'd): Iraqi Official Appeals for Greater U.S. Role

Combat Fatality

2005-06-02T20:37:00.000-07:00

The Department of Defense announced the death of a 2nd BCT soldier.

Pfc. Louis E. Niedermeier, of the 2-17th FA, was killed on 6.1.2005 in Ramadi "when his unit was conducting combat operations and he came under enemy small arms fire." Pfc. Niedermeier, of Largo, FL, was 20 years old.

Pfc. Niedermeier is the 10th Soldier of the 2-17th, and the 85th 2nd BCT serviceman, to die in Iraq while serving our country. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family.

Combat Fatality

2005-06-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

The Department of Defense announced the death of a 2nd BCT soldier.

Spc. Phillip C. Edmundson, of the 1-9th, was killed in Ramadi on 6.1.2005 "when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle during combat operations." Spc. Edmundson was from Wilson, NC. He was 22 years old.

Spc. Edmundson is the 11th soldier of the 1-9th, and the 84th 2nd BCT serviceman, to die in Iraq while serving our country. Our hearts go out to his family.

Articles 6.2.2005

2005-06-02T06:13:00.000-07:00

The Clark Eagle, NJ, has an article on a local high-school paying tribute to a fallen 2nd BCT soldier. Pfc. Stephen Benish, of the 1-503rd, who was killed in Ramadi on 11.28.2005, was an alumnus of the school. On 5.28.2005, the school held a ceremony to dedicated a "Liberty Tree" in his honor. Local leaders and former teachers spoke at the ceremony. An new road in the area will also be named in his honor, dubbed "Benish Drive."
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The Flint Journal, MI, reports on a tribute for a fallen 2nd BCT soldier at a Detroit Pistons basketball game. The parents of Spc. Randy Lee Stevens were given the team's "Michigan Heroes Award" before a playoff game against the Miami Heat, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. Spc Stevens, of the 2-17th FA, was killed in Ramadi on 4.16.2005.
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The American Spectator magazine has an article on volunteers at the Arlington National Cemetery. Leading in the article was a description of the funeral for Pfc. Michael Arciola, of the 1-503rd, who was killed in Ramadi on 2.15.2005. Over 200 people attended the burial at the cemetery, and over 1,000 had attended his memorial service the day before in Elmsford, NY. The article then describes 16 other burial at Arlington on that day, some of which were much smaller in size. A group of volunteer women are featured in the article. Called the "Arlington Ladies," they quitely and respectfully attend every funeral "to ensure, first and foremost, that no soldier is ever buried with no one in attendance, and second, to serve the needs of family members, whether they are present at the funeral or not."
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The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, GA, reprinted an e-mail story from a medic in Ramadi that his father had sent to the paper. SSG Stephen Sellers, a medic who's unit wasn't given, describes a memorable event on 5.21.2005 at an aid station. After treating two Iraqi civilians for gunshot wounds, another woman arrived, pregnant and in labor. With no time to transport her or find additional help, the men at the aid station delivered a baby girl.
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Other articles from the region:
- Christian Science Monitor: A higher profile for Iraqi troops?
- BBC: Iraqi FM concerned over US troops [pulling out]
- LA Times (reg req'd): Suicide Attacks Rising Rapidly

2BCT advance party arrives at Ft. Carson

2005-06-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

The Colorado Springs Gazette reports on the arrival of the 1st 100 Soldiers of the 2nd BCT to Ft. Carson. The Soldiers "will arrange for the arrival of the rest of the brigade, expected to begin next month." More than 200 families have moved to Ft. Carson to date. The article indicates that "The 2nd Brigade is the first unit in Army history to deploy to war from one post and return to another location." Several soldiers are quoted, sharing their joy for being "home" and their concern for their comrades still in Iraq. The article also breaks down the reported size of the brigade:

- 1-503rd -> 667 soldiers
- 1-506th -> 667 soldiers
- 1-9th -> 776 soldiers
- 44th Eng -> 444 soldiers
- 5th ADA -> 100 soldiers
- 2nd FSB -> 375 soldiers
- 2-17th FA -> 652 soldiers
- bde hq -> 81 soldiers

KKTV News has a 2-minute video report of the arrival entitled "2nd BCT Begins to Arrive" (listed in red on the lower right side of the page). A few soldiers are interviewed, and the reporter indicated that "the remainder of the 2nd BCT should be arriving in July or August".

The Ft. Carson 2nd BCT Forward Detachment site provided planning information for the welcome ceremony, and has a map that showed the route the Soldiers took from the airport to the new base, along which civilians showed their appreciation.