Volume 2, Number 17 - 1-20-06
 

This is not the type of update I like to write, but it is the reality of those who stand tall in defense of the American way of life.  Losing Soldiers is always difficult to
read about, and difficult to report.  A big part of our job is to never forget those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom of the Iraqi people and ultimately
to preserve our way of life in the Global War on Terror.

DoD Identifies Army Casualties

The Department of Defense announced today (January 19) the death of two Soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

They died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Jan. 16 when their AH64D (Apache) helicoptor was shot down while they were conducting aerial patrols.   Both pilots were
assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment (Attack), Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Killed were:

Chief Warrant Officer 3 Rex C. Kenyon, 34, of El Segundo, Calif.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Ruel Mamaril, 34, of Wahiawa, Hawaii.

-------------------
The Department of Defense announced today (January 17) the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Dustin L. Kendall, 21, of Conway, Ark., died in Baqubah, Iraq on Jan. 15, when his HMMVW accidentally struck an M1A2 Abrams tank and rolled over.
Kendall was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

The incident is under investigation.
--------------
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today (January 20) the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pfc. Adam R. Shepherd, 21, of Somerville, Ohio, died in Baghdad, Iraq, on Jan. 17 from a non-combat-related illness.  Shepherd was assigned to the Army's 2nd
Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky. (attached to 4ID/TF Ironhorse).

The incident is under investigation.
--------------

Let us keep the families and fellow Soldiers of CW3 Kenyon, CW2 Mamaril, SPC Kendall, and PFC Shepherd in our thoughts and prayers.
===============

The four Soldiers listed above are in addition to the eleven 4ID Soldiers honored in a memorial ceremony at Fort Hood on Thursday, 19 January:

4th ID honors soldiers killed in Iraq

By Emily Baker
Killeen Daily Herald

January 20, 2006

FORT HOOD - Sgt. Johnny J. Peralez Jr. fought the urge to faint and struggled across the tarmac to an airplane ready to fly him to the Middle East.

He was terrified of flying. But he found the strength to get on the plane.

The thing is, he did not have to go in the first place.

Peralez, who was killed Jan. 5 near Baghdad, Iraq, when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle, had a heart condition that exempted him from deploying with
the rest of the 4th Infantry Division.

But he pleaded to join his comrades in battle, said Capt. Aaron Horn, a friend who spoke about Peralez and four others at a memorial service honoring the 4th
Infantry soldiers who have been killed during the division's second deployment to Iraq.

Eleven warriors have fallen, said Col. Gary Salmon, the division's rear detachment chaplain, during the service Thursday afternoon at the division's chapel.

The 4th Infantry took over command of Multinational Division-Baghdad early this month. Three more 4th Infantry soldiers, two of them from Fort Hood, have been
killed since then.

Many of the fallen soldiers honored Thursday were beginning their second tour in region Iraq. Thursday's service remembered each soldier the way he
would have wanted it, friends said.

Chief Warrant Officer-4 Richard Matt Salter was known to pull practical jokes on all his friends, including Michael Dell, founder of Dell Computers, where Salter
worked for about a year.

Because Salters friends couldn't allow him to have the last laugh, Capt. Allen Hahn told a story he said would make Salter proud.

After a Jan. 6 graveside service at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Salters coffin was wrapped in a Texas flag and taken back to the funeral home in a
1982 Scottsdale pickup with a police escort. Hahn imagined people thought they had driven up to a redneck funeral, or these two guys had stolen a casket.

Chief Warrant Officer-2 Isaias E. Santos died with Salter when their AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopter crashed Dec. 26 near Baghdad.

Santos best friend, Chief Warrant Officer-2 James Spire, said Santos would want someone to tell the truth at his memorial service.

He was the best guy in the world to be around, Spire said. It was hard not to like him. He is totally irreplaceable. I will never in my entire life find another friend like
him.

Cpl. Lance S. Sage and Pvt. Joshua M. Morberg, who died Dec. 27 when a roadside bomb exploded near their foot patrol, were remembered as smart, positive,
caring soldiers. Sage enjoyed architecture, all kinds of music from opera to country and computers. Morberg was a chess player and a fan of the Minnesota Vikings.

Cpl. Aaron M. Forbes was known for his heart of gold. He was killed Dec. 28 when a roadside bomb exploded near his Humvee.

He was always up to the task, Capt. Scott McGrath said. No matter what it was, he would always try.

Maj. William F. Hecker, Capt. Christopher P. Petty, Sgt. 1st Class Stephen J. White and Pvt. Robbie M. Mariano were killed alongside Peralez. They were known
for enduring harsh weather, exhaustion and other problems not only to accomplish the mission, but to make life a little easier for others.

Hecker was a published author who gave generously to his family, friends, church and ultimately, he gave his life for his nation, Capt. Aaron Horn said.

Petty was in harm's way out of dedication to his comrades and soldiers, his father, Paul, wrote in a letter to family and friends after Petty was killed. He loved his
family deeply. But he also loved his troops ... there was absolutely no question in his mind that he had to go back with his Soldiers for the second deployment. He
would never expect them to do anything that he wouldn't do himself.

Though my heart ached to see him go for a second time, I could never bring myself to pressure him not to do what he did, the letter reads. It was his choice as it is
the choice of all of our Soldiers. The level of dedication and selflessness among them is unequaled and almost unfathomable in our society.

Sgt. Radhames Camilo-Matos, who died Jan. 7 in Taji of non-combat injuries, was known for being fair and sympathetic to soldiers needs, Staff Sgt. Matthew
Leasau said.

The division's rear detachment commander, Col. Dick Francey, said the number of Soldiers honored Thursday is evidence of the danger in Iraq.

But there is lots of goodness going on over there, Francey said, citing the growing strength of the country's military and the willingness of the Iraqi people to take
control of their country.

Contact Emily Baker at ebaker@kdhnews.com

Copyright 2006 - Killeen Daily Herald
 

===============

Early-morning mission nets seven terrorists

2nd BCT PAO

January 20, 2006

HASWAH, Iraq Iraqi army Soldiers and Multi National Division  Baghdad Soldiers conducted a pre-dawn mission that resulted in the capture of seven
suspected terrorists east of Haswah today.

Soldiers from 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division cordoned off the area as Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th
Infantry Division air assaulted in and detained the suspects who were trying to flee the area.
 

===============
 
 

IP (Iraqi Police) grads positive sign for future
 
 

Story and photo by Spc. C. Terrell Turner

4th Inf. Div. Public Affairs

January 20, 2006
 
 

BAGHDAD -- Amid cheers and enthusiastic chants of support, the most recent graduating class of Iraqi Police stood proudly in front of Coalition Force leaders, the
Iraqi Minister of Defense and the Iraqi Minister of Interior during Iraqi Police Day Jan 11.
 

Demonstrating their professionalism and dedication to a unified, democratic Iraq, the Iraqi Police conducted numerous exhibitions on tactical operations in front of
the distinguished guests in attendance.  This included police dog-assisted captures and hand-to-hand combat skills.

This is a blessed day for everybody, said Baqr Jabr Al-Zabeidi, Iraqi Minister of the Interior. Today is the 84th memorial of the establishment of the Iraqi
Police. This vital establishment assumes a very sensitive duty, which is to protect the Iraqi spirit from the evil power of the terrorists and murderers.

The rebuilding of Iraqâ police force continues to be an ongoing process.  Large numbers of officers and enlisted members of the police forces were called back into
service by their old departments. Beginning in 2003, the police directorate fell under the command of the reestablished Iraqi Ministry of Interior.

The police force consists of several agencies, specially designed to address the difficulties facing the Iraqi people as they work to stabilize and secure the country.
Along with the Iraqi Police Service, they include the rapid response Special Police Forces, the Department of Border Enforcement, the Iraqi Highway Patrol, and
the Bureau of Dignitary Protectio

Currently, there are five police academies, teaching a ten-week basic police training, working together to produce 3,000 police officers a month.
 

Upon graduation, new police officers are required to take the Ministry of Interior Oath:

I do solemnly swear by Almighty God that I will bear true faith and allegiance to

the Iraqi people and my homeland of Iraq; that I will serve my nation and its
 constitution in all fields, and protect the lives of all citizens, as God is my witness.

The Iraqi police force has a long and rich history.  It was originally created in 1920 under Police Notice #72 and officially established by the government in 1921 by
the Iraqi Ministry of Interior. The first police chiefs and staffs for the brigades were appointed in 1922. The training was a joint effort conducted with the British until
1927. For several years after this, Iraqi delegations continued to travel to England to attend high-level police training.

Minister Al-Zubeidi is the third minister of the interior since the MOI reactivated.

 The achievements made by our civil police in this short period makes this year deserve to (be called) 2006, The Year of the Police, because of all the
successes being made by our brothers and sons in the Iraqi Police, he said. This change in democracy in our country, after a long suffering and patience, has
good results for the Iraqi people.
 

===============
 

3-16 FA "Thunder Pride" Newsletter  19 Jan 06
 

HQ, 3-16 FA
FOB Duke

AN NAJAF, Iraq
19 January 2006
 

Dear Family and Friends of the Thunder Battalion:
 

First, I want to thank you all for the out pouring of support and prayers in what has been a tough few days for our battalion, for our leaders and for five families of
our Soldiers who were killed on 5 January here in Iraq.  The five men killed on that day were all tremendous fathers, sons, brothers, husbands and warriors.  They
were tough, disciplined and dedicated men who took their oath of office as a Soldier seriously and without reservation.  Please continue to keep these Soldiers and
their families in your prayers.  They were all loved and appreciated deeply in the profession of arms.  We will continue to be very focused here, our desire for victory
runs deep and our resolve is strong.  We will continue to execute our mission through these great men.
 

Again, thanks for your tremendous support and prayers during these challenging times.  I cannot express through these words alone, my deep appreciation for all of
your prayers and support.

The Battalion continues to remain as busy as ever since we have arrived here at FOB DUKE in the AN NAJAF province.  Our primary focus remains developing
Iraqi Security Forces in our Area of Operations so that they become self-sufficient.  We have a tremendous relationship with our Iraqi partnership battalion. Our
military transition team, led by MAJ Tim Knowles and the rest of the MiTT team has developed a great working relationship with our IA battalion partners…
 

In the beginning days of January, we executed a combined operation with our Iraqi partners to locate and destroy caches of enemy ammunition and explosives in our
area.  The operation was tremendously successful and netted the destruction of hundreds of artillery and mortar rounds as well as rockets.  The operation, led by our
Iraqi partners and assisted by A Battery, was a great first step towards what will be a productive year of combined security operations in our area of operations.
 

Bravo Battery has focused its attention on a Police Partnership Program in Najaf and supporting our governmental and economic improvement program in the
province.  As they work to bridge our working relationship with the local police, we await the arrival of a dedicated Military Police company to assist us in our
effort.  They will provide a tremendous amount of expertise in this area.
 

Our mechanics and logistics folks are working extremely hard in keeping our equipment running as well as helping to make our living and working conditions better
each day.  It takes a tremendous amount of work to keep our vehicles rolling in these tough desert conditions and our mechanics are simply the best.  Our great
troopers in our Golf Forward Support Company are providing first-rate support at every turn.
 

On the first of February, we will begin our Rest and Recuperation (R&R) Leave program.  Soldiers and families can anticipate a 21 day time frame from departure
at our FOB and then return back to the FOB.  In other words, if a Soldier departs FOB Duke for leave on 1 Feb, he will be expected to be back on FOB Duke
after his/her leave around the 22nd of Feb.  The R&R program is expected to run from 1February until 30 September.  Once a Soldier departs theater (Kuwait City
International Airport), he/she will arrive at one of three gateway airports; Frankfurt, Germany, Atlanta International or Dallas-Fort Worth International.  Soldiers
will disembark at one of these three gateways depending on their final destination.  At one of the three gateways, each Soldier will receive a round trip ticket at
government expense, to the commercial airport nearest their approved R&R leave destination.  Rental cars, buses, trains, private aircraft or any other mode of
transportation will not be funded or reimbursed by the government.  A Soldier 15 day leave begins when they reach one of the three approved gateways and
ends when they return back to that gateway in order to return to Kuwait City International Airport.  If you have any questions regarding R&R leave, please contact
your FRG leader.
 

Again, from CSM Ed Trentzsch and me, we want to thank you for your tremendous support during the past month.  Please continue to keep us in your hearts and
prayers and know that the Thunder leaders are taking care of your special Soldier.  We love and miss you all very much.

THUNDER PRIDE!

LTC Mike Hilliard
Thunder 6

--------------------

V Corps is now in command of Army forces in Iraq and is the next senior headquarters to 4ID/TF Ironhorse.  There are several Fort Hood connections in V Corps

- LTG Peter Chiarelli commanded 1st Cavalry Division during their last Iraq deployment and the V Corps Chief of Staff, BG Don Campbell, was Chief of Staff of
4ID/TF Ironhorse during their first deployment to Iraq.
 

18th Airborne Corps Says Goodbye to Iraq
American Forces Press Service

BAGHDAD, Jan. 19, 2006 – Army Lt. Gen. Peter W. Chiarelli accepted authority as the commander of Multinational Corps Iraq from Army Lt. Gen. John R.
Vines in a transfer-of-authority ceremony at Camp Victory here today.

Vines served as the commanding general of the 18th Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, N.C., before replacing Lt. Gen. Thomas Metz as the MNCI commander in
2005. From Iraq, Vines will return to his previous position as commander of the 18th Airborne Corps, at Fort Bragg.

Chiarelli comes to MNCI from his position as the commander of Task Force Victory, from Heidelberg, Germany.

During the ceremony, Army Gen. George W. Casey, commanding general of Multinational Force Iraq, commented on changes
in Iraq during Vines's command of MNCI.

"It's been a pretty amazing year for the Multinational Corps," Casey said. "If you think about where you were and what you were thinking about Iraq on the 19th of
January last year, I think you'll admit that the prospects of completing three national polls and building the security forces to well over 200,000 might have looked
dim to you.

"But the fact of the matter is, over the course of 2005, the people of Iraq have had three national polls," he added. "And in each case, the participation has gotten
greater and violence got lower.

"I attribute that, in large measure, to the spirit of teamwork and partnership between the Multinational Corps, Multinational Force, the Iraqi security force and the
government of Iraq," Casey said. "To the departing soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines of the 18th Airborne Corps -- well done."

Casey welcomed the incoming MNCI commander and expressed his gratitude to the families of the troops who were a part of MNCI for the past year.

"We couldn't do what we do here, without your support," he said. "And we thank you for your daily sacrifices on our behalf.

"The year 2005 was a historic time in an ancient land," Vines said during his farewell speech. "Although, history is ancient here, a new history began in 2005 as Iraq
chose its own government, wrote its own constitution, and decided who would lead it into a new era."

Vines also addressed the recently arrived troops who will replace the 18th Airborne Corps.

"We will return to friends, family and loved ones," Vines said. "But we will never forget you; we will never forget Iraq; we will never forget what has happened here;
and we will say a prayer for you, those of us that pray. We will say a prayer for your safety, peace and success, because much rides on this."

"This transfer of authority demonstrates the commitment of the United States to our coalition allies and to the people of Iraq as we continue to partner in every
aspect and every respect of this historic mission to achieve a free, democratic and secure w:st="on">Iraq." Chiarelli said during his first speech as the MNCI
commander.

"My soldiers and I are honored to serve shoulder to shoulder with you in history in a historic land," he added. "In the months ahead, you will find that our soldiers of
the Victory Corps are disciplined, well-trained and committed to continue the excellent work done by Lieutenant General Vines and the soldiers of the 18th
Airborne Corps," Chiarelli said.

"Never again will the forces of terror and tyranny be permitted to rule in this great country," he said.

(From a Multinational Force Iraq news release.)

-------------------

Funeral of CPT Chris Petty, 3-16 FA
 

From the father of CPT Chris Petty:
 

Dear Friends and Family,
 

    This morning, 17 January 2006, a cold, windy, rainy, gray day in Washington, D.C., Chris was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetary with other soldiers
fallen in Afghanistan and Iraq, in a plot of ground within sight of the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.  The Army accorded him full military honors: a
memorial service at the Ft. Meyer Post Chapel, a caisson drawn by six horses, the full Army band, a squad of soldiers in dress blues, a gun salute, and a lone
trumpeter playing taps.  The event was moving, solemn, impressive and terribly, terribly sad for all of us.

    Many of Chris' fellow officers, soldiers and former commanders were present, along with the largest gathering of family, friends and colleagues of Kathy's and
mine that any of us have seen at one time.  The chapel was filled to overflowing, standing room only.  I spoke about Chris' life and character--his dedication to
service, family, his fellow soldiers, loyalty, honor, hard work, and his selfless nature.
 

    During the morning, National Public Radio broadcast a 4 minute report nationwide about Chris' life and his death.  My brother Ralph and Chris' father-in-law
were interviewed.  It was a very touching piece.  You can listen to it and read the text on the following link:
 

www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5160126

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers during this terrible time.

Love, Paul Petty

-------------------

Forwarded to me by the FRG team leader at Fort Hood:

Information on R&R Flights to Atlanta and Dallas

Just wanted to redistribute this information to a large audience as the 4th Infantry Division R&R leave program will pick up soon.

Soldiers returning CONUS on R&R leave will fly into either Atlanta Hartsfield or Dallas Ft. Worth airports.  While the Soldiers will be arriving on commercial flights,
since they are contracted flights, they won't have a flight number as with traditional flights.  Instead, there are flight information update phone numbers for each
airport.  They are as follows:

Dallas/Fort Worth - 972-574-0392

Hartsfield - 800-276-5809
 

Keep in mind the information available at these numbers is updated once every 24 hours and in some cases, depending on a variety of factors, a Soldier may provide
more current information to the party who will be meeting the Soldier upon his or her arrival.  As is the case anytime we await a loved one home on a flight -
patience and flexibility is a virtue.  Possibility for delays exists with movement of planes and hundreds of people.
 

On a related note: Both Dallas Ft. Worth and Atlanta Hartsfield airports have nice USO facilities for Soldiers who may be awaiting connecting flights.  Details at the
sites below.
 
 

http://www.uso.org/dfw/

http://www.usogeorgia.org/html/locations.html
 

More info on R&R flights:
 

There are two gateways to take R&R Leave for US Service-members in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Soldiers can fly into Atlanta and Dallas/Fort Worth.
Soldier's participating in the R&R leave program will fly via contract air travel from the Kuwait gateway to either Atlanta or Dallas/Fort Worth. Commercial air travel
will be used from their gateway location to the travelers leave address and return. This travel is fully funded by the government and will be coordinated while the
Soldier is in Kuwait awaiting travel to Atlanta or Dallas/Fort Worth. The government will not reimburse individuals who purchase their own tickets.

(Editor's Note from Bob: As a volunteer who works at the Atlanta USO at least once a month, I can confirm that the Atlanta USO is very supportive of our Soldiers
and families.  We volunteers man a booth at the top of the escalator coming up from the trains that all passengers ride from the terminals to baggage claim.  If you are
waiting for the Atlanta flight, feel free to ask the volunteers about the flight status, we get updates fairly regularly on when the plane will arrive.  A different group of
volunteers is there every day but we all have the same mission of helping the troops and their families.  Also of interest, one of the key leaders at the Atlanta USO is
a retired general who served two tours with 4ID in Vietnam - a great supporter of the 4ID and all our military).

==============

Iraqi Army conducts cordon, search mission

1st BCT PAO, Multi-National Division  Baghdad
 
 

January 18, 2006

TAJI, Iraq  The 1st Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division, supported by 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, conducted a cordon and search operation north of
Baghdad Tuesday.

The Iraqi Soldiers searched 50 houses, finding one small-arms weapons cache and detained seven local nationals.  Brig. Gen. Nazzal Kassim, the Iraqi brigade
commander, personally led this operation to defeat local terrorist cells.

The Iraqi Army planned  and executed this operation in under 24 hours, said Col. James Pasquarette, commander, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry
Division. The Iraqi Army increases in quality every day.
 

===============
 
 

Better Body Armor Meets Changing Threat, Army Official Says
By Sgt. Sara Wood, USA
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18, 2006  Soldier protection is one of the Army's highest priorities, and body armor has been continuously improved to meet the
changing threat in the war on terror, Army Secretary Francis J. Harvey said here today.

"Soldier protection clearly is a key element, and it's very important to the Army in general and me personally," Harvey said at a Pentagon news briefing. "We have
continuously improved the armor that we provide for the soldiers from the beginning."

The first improvement to body armor came with the development of the small-arms protection inserts, and then, without a definite threat, the material was upgraded
to ESAPI plates for better protection, Harvey said. The Army then developed deltoid axillary protectors for the shoulder area, and side plates are being fielded next
month, he said.

The side plates will add extra weight to the armor, but Harvey said he believes it's in the best interest of the soldiers to add them.

"What we're trying to do here is balance the mobility with protection," he said.

The evidence does not show injuries to the side to be a major threat, but the side plates are still being fielded to prepare for the changing nature of the enemy,
Harvey said.

"We're trying to anticipate and adapt to the enemy, and we're trying to prevent injuries to the soldiers," he said.

The Army will continue to take lessons learned from the battlefield and continue improving body armor and vehicle armor, Harvey said.

Almost 700,000 sets of interceptor body armor and more than 170,000 sets of additional protection for shoulder and upper-arm areas have been fielded since the
beginning of the war, he said. More than 4,400 new up-armored Humvees, and more than 16,000 add-on armor kits were fielded in Iraq and Afghanistan in 2005,
he added.
 

This concludes another update.  My trip to Oklahoma was long and tiring but uneventful.  My daughter and granddaughter are safely relocated back in Oklahoma.
The next update will come out next Monday.
 

===============
 

Bob Babcock - "Deeds not Words"
President, Americans Remembered - www.americansremembered.org
Past President, 22nd Infantry Regiment Society - www.22ndinfantry.org
Past President, Historian, National 4th Infantry Div Assn - www.4thinfantry.org
PO Box 682222, Marietta, GA 30068 - Phone 678-480-4422 (cell)
 

  --------------
 
 

Volume 2, Number 16 - 1-17-06
 
 

We start with more sad news today - two more TF Ironhorse Soldiers have been killed.

====================

Two Soldiers die in helicopter crash

Task Force Ironhorse PAO

January 16, 2006
 
 

BAGHDAD  Two Task Force Ironhorse Soldiers were killed today when their AH-64 Apache helicopter crashed in a swampy area north of Taji at approximately
8:20 a.m.

The aircraft was conducting a combat air patrol.  It is premature to determine the cause of the crash.
 

The names of the Soldiers are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The area where the aircraft went down has been known for terrorist activity.  The incident is under investigation.

(Editor's Note from Bob:  Since it has been over 24 hours since this incident happened, it is highly probable that the next of kin have been notified by now.  I have
heard no further news since this announcement came out.  I will hopefully have more information for the next update.  Let us keep the families and fellow Soldiers of
these pilots in our prayers).

==================

Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces detain nine suspects in combined mission; murder victim discovered
Task Force Ironhorse

January 16, 2006

BAGHDAD, Iraq  Iraqi Security Forces and the 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 4th Infantry Division detained nine individuals suspected of making improvised
explosive devices Sunday.
 

Elements of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi Army Division, the Hamiyah Police Department and 1-67 AR combined forces to cordon off a region near
Musayib to search for known terrorists.
 

The units worked together, moving from house to house to detain those suspected of terrorist activity in the area.  Eight suspects are being held for questioning by
Coalition Forces.  One was identified as a known terrorist and remains in ISF custody.
 

The 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment found the dead body of a male Iraqi Sunday in Al Hillah.

The Al Hillah Police transported the body to the hospital morgue and are attempting to identify it with their missing-persons list. The body was found with his hands
tied behind his back, blind-folded and shot in the head.
 

Both incidents are currently under investigation.
 

==================

Soldiers discover large cache of weapons, munitions

1BCT, 10th Mountain Division PAO

January 16, 2006
 

BAGHDAD  Task Force Ironhorse Soldiers, using metal detectors, discovered a large weapons cache Saturday in the rural Abu Ghraib area buried and spread out
for 150 meters along a canal.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry (part of 1BCT, 10th Mountain Division  part of TF Ironhorse) discovered 15 82mm mortars, 24 60mm mortars, 30
25mm anti-personnel rounds, one Russian sub-machine gun, two U.S. maps, 12 rolls of detonation cord with blasting caps, one 155mm artillery round, 20 pounds
of homemade explosive powder, one rocket propelled grenade launcher with nine RPG rounds, and one Russian 30mm grenade launcher.

Soldiers also found 3,000 rounds of 12.7mm rounds, 20 boxes of 120mm mortar charges and 11 boxes of other assorted mortar charges. One 7.62mm machinegun
barrel, four RPG scopes, five hand grenades, 400 7.62mm rounds, two mortar sights, one recoilless rifle, four recoilless rounds, one belt of 9mm rounds, one rifle
butt stock, one black mask, multiple improvised explosive device material (timers, batteries, remote devices, spools of wire) and assorted propaganda.

=================

A Tribute to a Fallen Comrade

(Written by a 4ID Captain serving in Iraq, forwarded to me by his wife)

To Whom It May Concern:                                                                      13 January 2006
 
 

... I would like to tell you a little bit about my experiences and in particular, my experiences with one of the best officers I have ever had the pleasure of serving with.
In the past 3 weeks, I have seen more war related deaths of people close to me than I did during my entire 12.5 month deployment to Iraq in 2003.  On 27 Dec
2005, my battalion lost two Soldiers on a foot patrol to IED (Improvised Explosive Device) explosions.  On 5 Jan 2006, five of my Field Artillery brothers were
killed by a catastrophic IED while they were traveling in an up-armored HMVEE.  As tragic as these losses were, this letter is not intent on portraying my sorrow,
but rather showing the incredible and enduring character of an American Soldier.

When I was home in between deployments, and even while deployed, I often read the newspaper each day of another name from Anytown, USA that was killed in
Iraq or Afghanistan.  I knew these patriots had given their lives for my freedom, but it still felt so distant, so far away, even for a fellow Soldier like me.  I did not
know most of these names personally (thankfully), so it was difficult for me to grasp the full extent of their sacrifice.  I often felt guilty for this.  My intent with this
letter is to pay tribute to just one of my fallen comrades in attempt to let you know him personally, as I was fortunate enough to do, so that at least once, we might
understand and honor a name that we might otherwise have only read in a newspaper from Anytown, USA, who was killed in Iraq.

MAJ William Hecker was born in Colorado Spring, Colorado.  He was a West Point grad, class of 1991.  I was privileged to know MAJ Hecker as my boss and
mentor for about a year and a half.  MAJ Hecker was a great leader.  He used to write out the worst scribble you have ever seen onto a dry erase board or butcher
block paper, but by the time he was done explaining it, it was some of the best guidance any boss had ever given me.  My buddy and I nicknamed him the H-train
(Of course we never called him this to his face!) because he was constantly in motion, always trying to get out ahead of the next major training event, and looking on
to the next one.  MAJ Hecker taught me the importance of giving clear guidance to subordinates in order to set them up for success.

MAJ Hecker was an unbelievably intelligent leader, who actually got his Master thesis published into a book about Edgar Allen Poe days at West
Point.  But he didn't want anybody to know about that; he much preferred to be known as a Soldier than an author.  When I first met him, I asked him if he was
an English professor from West Point (he was), he answered that he was not an English professor, but a Field Artillery officer who happened to teach English at one
point in his career.  He taught English at West Point before coming to FT Hood, TX and he had plans to go back there to teach later in his career.  He loved West
Point and was one of the first people I would call after the Army team won a football game.

MAJ Hecker loved his family very much.  He has an amazing wife, three little girls, and a baby boy.  MAJ Hecker would wake up each morning before work at 5
AM to the smell of Mrs. Hecker cooking breakfast.  This was very important, not only for him, but for all of us who worked with him because he was a real bear
before he had his coffee. You always knew whether he had his breakfast or not.  Mrs. Hecker, thank you for helping make him bearable for all of us in the
morning!   He would always tell us the story of how his oldest daughter threw a baseball so hard in the backyard that it knocked the fence over.  I swear I heard him
tell that story at least nine different times over a six month span.  Each Saturday he would take one of his children out for a Dad Breakfast, on a rotating
basis.  He was obviously a very proud and loving Father and Husband.

MAJ Hecker also really liked the St. Louis Cardinals.  He would take a satellite radio with him to the field so that he could listen to spring training games!  He
actually took several days of leave from work to drive from FT Hood, TX to St. Louis with his wife and watch the Cardinals get beat by the Red Sox in game two
of the 2004 World Series.    After returning from this trip, he was convinced that he and the Busch Stadium crowd were able to get inside Pedro Martinez
head for the first few innings.  (My friend) and I knew this was ludicrous, but being huge sports fans ourselves, we absolutely respected his dedication to a team
despite their dismal circumstances.

MAJ Hecker would probably have several things to say about me writing this short tribute to him.  First, he'd tell me that my grammar and writing skills were
awful.  Then, he'd wonder why I was using my time to write this when there are so many other things that a good Field Artillery officer could be doing with his
time.  That is just the kind of guy MAJ Hecker was; he would not want us to spend one second of time on him that could be spent on accomplishing the mission.
Hence, I feel blessed that I can honor him by simply doing my job to the best of my ability, and continuing the mission with all of my brothers and sisters in arms.

How MAJ William Hecker, born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, was killed in action in Iraq is not nearly as important as how he lived.  MAJ Hecker was an
invaluable mentor to me and to many others.  He was a brilliant leader of Soldiers.  He was a loving Husband and a proud Father.  He was passionate about his St.
Louis Cardinals.  He believed in our mission here in Iraq.  He believed in helping those who were striving to help themselves, but weren't quite ready to defend
their new freedoms.  He believed in Duty, Honor, Country.  More than anything, he believed in selfless service to our nation.  He did so much more than die for
these values on 5 January 2006.  He lived for them.
 

==================
 

448th CAB aids Iraqis during MEDCAP
 

Story and photos by Spc. C. Terrell Turner

4th Inf. Div. Public Affairs

January 16, 2006
 

AQURQUF, Iraq -- The residents in Aqurquf, a small village in the Abu Ghreib area of Baghdad, recently received medical assistance from Soldiers in the 448th
Civil Affairs Battalion and the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment during a joint medical-civil affairs program.

Using the school as a makeshift field clinic, the 448th CAB and Triple Deuce secured the area before announcing, via loud speaker, the opportunity for local
residents to receive health care as well as much-needed blankets, shoes and school supplies.

More than 60 Soldiers worked together as dozens of residents and their children came to receive help from the medics and doctors on location to assist those in
need.  The process began with medics, assisted by translators, assessing the patients.

A lot of these local areas are not in close proximity to a hospital, pointed out Capt. Mark Rieves, commander, Company D, 2-22nd Inf. Reg. Normally we patrol areas and search for anti-Iraqi forces, then we go to peoples houses and farms and see what kinds of help they need, what they grow, basically their agricultural logistics.

The 2-22nd Inf. Reg. provided security for the operation and the 448th selected an ideal location for the event. We came here before and spoke to the
headmaster and teachers to get permission to do this, said Maj. Kathy Champion, company commander, Company A, 448th CAB. We work with units
who are willing to do this to find a good location for them. Hopefully, in the future, Iraqis will do all these (MEDCAPS). We can provide security while they do the
rest.

The numbers we've received today are very good, Champion said. We were hoping for about one hundred people and we got a hundred. During the
summer, when it's warmer, we've had over a thousand people show up. This is a holiday time and not a lot of people are in the area.

Each patient received an evaluation, treatment, as-needed medicine and humanitarian assistance items, donated by various organizations. Our mission is to
provide medical assistance to the local populace, focusing on the youth, said Maj. Gustavus Walters, team leader, Company A, 448th CAB. We try to do
these as often as possible. These small operations yield high-impact results, and it's a good way to let the people know we're here to help. To them it
means a lot.  The Iraqis received everything from medicine and blankets to shoes and wheelchairs.

 We are very happy, and we thank them for their aid, said one woman, who was helped by the doctors.  In a display of cooperation, an Iraqi doctor participated
in seeing and treating patients at the MEDCAP.

I like the Army, said 1st Lt. Dr. Abd Ali Shannan, a doctor with 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. I was a military doctor under Saddam as well. This is a
happy day for me.  Every day I work and give support to the people makes me happy.

As supplies began to run low, the troops ended the event and made sure the remaining patients in the school compound were taken care of with medicine and
blankets before they departed the area.

 I love this, said Sgt. Cory Smith, senior line medic, Company D, 2-22nd Inf. Reg. This is the part of the job I like. In Afghanistan, they really didn't have
access to medicine as much as here in Iraq. This is my first (MEDCAP) here, and it went pretty smooth. We gave a lot of vitamins out today and there seemed to be
a lot of upset stomachs.

==================
 

A Few Words From Bob

I had hoped I could work out a system where I could do these updates without spending as much time as I did on the last deployment.  That hasn't proven to be the
case.  This is again turning into a full time job.  In addition to the daily searches for information about 4ID/TF Ironhorse, I am regularly responding to questions from
our readers, updating my distribution list, and doing other necessary tasks to provide you the information that you deserve to see.  Doing these only every two or
three days instead of daily like I did during the last deployment has helped some but I still need your help so I can continue to spend the necessary time supporting
this effort.

What can you do to help?  As I explained in two December updates, I need financial help from those who can afford to buy my book, or are willing to make a
monetary donation to this effort.  I can't afford to spend another year working full time for no pay like I did during the last deployment.

I've included a book order form below.  You can mail your book order or donation to me at PO Box 682222, Marietta, GA 30068.  You can always download a
book order form from my son's web page at MailScanner has detected a possible fraud attempt from "www.babcockmetalworks.netm" claiming to be
www.babcockmetalworks.net and clicking on the 4ID button on the lower left hand side of his home page.  Response from readers who say they will buy a book
has been promising, but orders to date are still less than needed.  If you already have a book or don't want one, monetary donations are always appreciated.

What else can you do to help?  I want to hear what you're hearing from your deployed Soldiers.  Our most popular feature during the last deployment and so far in
this one is "What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq".  If you get a call, email, or letter from your Soldier and would like to share some of that
information with others, send it to me in an email note.  I'll never use the names of Soldiers or family members (for privacy and security reasons) but would like to
know the unit your Soldier is in.  I'll use as many of your notes as I can in each update.  Also, if there are other topics you would like to see covered in the updates,
let me know and I'll see what I can do.

Book Order Form - For those who haven't yet ordered the history of the first 4ID/TF Ironhorse deployment to Iraq, now's a great time to do
it.  As I've mentioned in previous updates, you buying my book (and your donations sent to the same mailing address) are what will allow me to spend the amount of
time needed to do these updates like I did during the last deployment.  Here is an order form if you don't have one:

Name___________________________________________________________________
 
 

Address_________________________________________________________________
 
 

City__________________________________State________Zip___________________
 
 

Email address:____________________________________________________________

Please send me:

Operation Iraqi Freedom I: A Year in the Sunni Triangle

The 4th Infantry Division and Task Force Ironhorse in Iraq

April 2003 to April 2004 (Available Now)

Prices include postage:

12pt; COLOR: black; FONT-STYLE: italic

1 Book for $29  ______________  2 Books for $58 _____________

3 Books for $80______________  5 Books for $125 ____________

l books at $22 each __________

Case of 12 books for $270____________  Case of 24 books for $540____________

Make checks payable to "TF Ironhorse Book" and mail to:

 Ironhorse Book, PO Box 682222, Marietta, GA 30068

I can accept Visa and Master Card now (not American Express or Discover) - if you prefer to charge the book, pleasee complete the following:

Visa___ Master Card____   Card Number__________________________________________

Exp Date__________ Name on Credit Card_________________________________________

Signature__________________________________________________________________

If you want the book personalized for orders received by 1-15-06, please include:

Name of Soldier _________________________________________________________

Did he/she serve with TF Ironhorse in OIF I:   Yes_____  No______
 

Unit of Soldier in OIF I_________________________________________________
 

======================

That concludes this update.  I will be a very busy man the next few days so the next update won't be out until Friday of this week.  My daughter and granddaughter
are moving to Oklahoma and I'm their primary loader and rental truck driver.  We load today and drive tomorrow and I fly home late on Thursday so I won't have
much access to my computer.  I'll catch up as quickly as I can when I return home.  Continue to pray for our Soldiers and their families.

----------------

Bob Babcock - "Deeds not Words"
President, Americans Remembered - www.americansremembered.org
Past President, 22nd Infantry Regiment Society - www.22ndinfantry.org>Past President, Historian, National 4th Infantry Div Assn - www.4thinfantry.org
PO Box 682222, Marietta, GA 30068 - Phone 678-480-4422 (cell)

-----------------------
 

Volume 2, Number 14 - 1-13-06
 
 

=================
 

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. Radhames Camilomatos, 24, of Carolina, Puerto Rico, died in Taji, Iraq, on Jan. 7, from non-combat related injuries.  Camilomatos was assigned to the 1st
Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

His death is under investigation.

-------------------

This is our first non-combat death of this deployment.  Sadly, these happen just like hostile fire deaths do.  Let us keep the family and fellow Soldiers of SGT
Camilomatos in our prayers.

==============

Just in as I was ready to send out this update, this came in ...

Coalition Forces find, destroy large weapons caches

Task Force Ironhorse PAO, 13 January 2006

BAGHDAD  Coalition Forces Soldiers found several large weapons caches southwest of Baghdad yesterday.

The first cache consisted of 12 122mm rounds, 127 60mm and 82mm rounds. The second contained two 82mm mortars, an 82mm bipod, two radios, 200 82mm
rounds and 25 70mm rockets. The third cache contained two 107mm rocket warheads.

In Babil Province, Coalition Forces Soldiers found and destroyed a large roadside bomb-making cache. The cache consisted of six propane tanks with wire ready
to be emplaced. EOD was called and detonated the cache on site.

==============

Iraqi and Ironhorse Soldiers rescue French hostage
 

January 9, 2006

BAGHDAD (Army News Service, Jan. 9, 2006)  Soldiers from 3rd Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division Task Force Ironhorse Soldiers
liberated a French hostage Jan. 7 in the Abu Ghraib area of western Baghdad.

The Iraqi Army Soldiers were searching farm houses for weapons caches while U.S. Soldiers from Task Force Ironhorse manned a checkpoint as part of an outer
cordon. As the Iraqi Army closed in on their location, the kidnappers fled from a nearby farmhouse and left the French hostage.

After the kidnappers fled, the hostage, Bernard Planche, a 52-year-old employee of a French non-governmental Organization, ran up to a checkpoint manned by
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 22 Infantry (1BCT, 10th Mountain Division - now part of TF Ironhorse).

Planche was first reported kidnapped in western Baghdad on Dec 5.

Iraqi Army and Coalition forces are continuing to search the area for the kidnappers, officials said.

(Editor's note from Army News Service: Information provided by 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs and Task Force Ironhorse.)

(Editor's note from Bob: This is an especially proud report for me to include. 2-22 IN is part of the 22nd Infantry Regiment, as is my old unit - 1-22 IN.  Since the
transfer of 2-22 IN from 4ID to 25ID in Vietnam on 1 Aug 67 in Vietnam, "Triple Deuce" has not served with 4ID.  It's great to have them back on our 4ID team,
even while still wearing the 10th Mtn Division patch... Deeds not Words!)

=================

Iraq Maps on the Internet

Being the "Deeds not Words" kind of people that many of our readers are, I got the following responses that should help you get an Iraq map off the internet:

1) You requested a link for maps of Iraq.  Global Security has about the best I've seen and in all sorts of styles.  Here's the link for main Iraq site:
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/iraq_reconstruction.htm.
 

I recommend looking at Ongoing Military Operations Maps and US Occupation Facilities.  The later is very helpful for determining where a specific FOB or Camp
is situated.
 

2) Bob--this is a pretty good web site for maps of Iraq.  http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/iraq.html

3) I have had for several years a map I purchased at Barnes and Nobel titled "Iraq".  It has the names of the major cities in Arabic as well as English.

4) http://www.estripes.com   This link will take you to the Stars and Stripes web page and then around the middle on the left is a link to a map of Iraq. It comes up
in PDF format. You can use the magnification feature to clearly zoom in on the area you want to see. It is one of the more detailed maps showing the current FOBs.

5) There is now an Iraq map that you can click on on the 4th Infantry Division web site.  It does not show FOBs but does show province boundaries and major
cities in Iraq.  That address is:  http://www.hood.army.mil/4id/ - you can also magnify that map.

This should give you a good start on understanding the geography of Iraq.  If your Soldier's FOB or Camp is not shown on the maps that show FOBs/Camps - ask
your Soldier the name of a larger FOB close by and that will give you a better feel for where your Soldier is.  By understanding the geography, it can save you much
worry when you hear about casualties.  Most Soldiers operate in an area pretty close to their FOB so you probably don't need to worry about casualty
announcements from locations far away from where your Soldier is based. (We hurt and grieve with them, but you don't have the personal worry about your special
Soldier if you understand it wasn't in his/her AO).

=================

Iraqi, U.S. Soldiers Detain Terror Suspects, Secure Weapons Caches

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Jan. 12, 2006  Iraqi and U.S. soldiers detained terror suspects and seized weapons caches in operations throughout Iraq yesterday and today,
military officials reported today.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 6th Iraqi Army Division, detained a suspected terrorist and discovered a weapons cache during an early morning raid north of
Baghdad today. U.S. troops from Task Force Ironhorse, a military training team with the 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, supported the Iraqi soldiers.
The soldiers took fire from the insurgents, but quickly suppressed the firefight and captured a suspected terrorist.

The Iraqi soldiers also discovered a wide variety of weapons, including improvised explosive devices, mortar tubes, mortar rounds, rocket propelled grenade
launchers and rounds, AK-47 assault rifles, rockets and rocket launchers, grenades a machine gun, C-4 explosives, TNT, a 152mm round, a tazer, and Iraqi Army
uniforms and ID cards...

Also yesterday, Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, captured three suspected terrorists near a weapons cache in the Tikrit area.
The cache had mortar rounds and rockets and was discovered near an area where numerous rocket and mortar attacks had originated, officials said.  (Editor's
Note: This is not a 4ID/TF Ironhorse action but is of interest to many readers since 4ID served in Tikrit on the last deployment).

Finally, an ineffective rocket attack against a base near Balad led to the capture of three terrorist suspects yesterday. Soldiers from the 3rd Heavy Brigade
Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stopped the suspects' vehicle after coalition aircraft observed them the suspects trying to flee the area, officials said.

(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq, Multinational Security Transition Command Iraq and Task Force Ironhorse news releases.)

=================

Iraqi Police celebrate successes

Blackanthem Military News,

FOB KALSU, Iraq, January 12, 2006 12:38

The Iraqi Police Force in the Babil Province celebrated a year of success in a ribbon cutting and formal ceremony at the Hillah Police Compound Jan. 9.

Brig. Gen. Qais Hamza, the Babil Provincial Police chief, gathered distinguished guests and city and government leaders together as well as the leadership of 2nd
Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, to review the success of the Iraqi Police and the way ahead for 2006.

Qais welcomed Col. John Tully, commander, 2nd BCT; Lt. Col. James Love, commander, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment; and Lt. Col. Richard Muraski,
commander, Special Troops Battalion, with many thanks for the help coalition forces provided.

Qais said the coalition made it possible for them to renovate all the police stations throughout the province, acquire much needed equipment, receive superior training
and provide support to the families of the current force and students in the academy.

The Iraqi chief gave his Warhorse (Editor's Note from Bob: Warhorse is nickname for 2nd Brigade Combat Team) guests and VIPs a tour of the newest addition to
the compound, a historical area displaying photographs of the Iraqi Police and the coalition training together. Qais opened the area by cutting a red ribbon signifying
yet another step toward a strong and independent police force.

Tully commemorated the occasion by being one of the first to sign the guest book.

The main event was a formal ceremony held in the multi-purpose building at the center of the compound. Numerous community, religious and security leaders
expounded on the triumphs
of the force. They lauded Qais for his leadership and vision and voiced their support for his continued tenure.

As one of the keynote speakers, Tully remarked on the peaceful national government elections.

He said the election was very successful in large part because the police of the Babil Province, in coordination with the Iraqi army, protected the polling sites,
allowing the people of Babil to exercise their right to vote.

"The police are interested in helping the people of Iraq, they are the future for Iraq," Tully said. "They bring security and security leads to stability which leads to
investment, tourism, and jobs which ultimately leads to prosperity and a wealthy Iraq."

Tully concluded with a request for the continued support of the Iraqi Police.

"Remember, a free and democratic Iraq requires a strong, independent and honorable police force, please support the police," Tully said.

Supporting Tully's statements, Muraski said he believes the police force truly has the security of the people at the heart of its mission.

"The people of the Babil Province must believe in the integrity and effectiveness of the police force, and by the show of support of the local leaders and citizens at the
IP day ceremony, they are well on their way," Muraski said.

Hasim Asseheif, the head instructor at the academy, spoke of how well trained the force was, and how it was through their efforts that the province is a safer place
to live.

Sheik Amed, a local community leader, thanked the Iraqi Police and security forces for their efforts. He emphasized that the police force is an organization that is
there for the people and he is confident the province will remain a secure area.

The formal portion of the ceremony was concluded with a cake cutting, gifts to distinguished guests and entertainment by local artists, followed by a luncheon.

By Maj. Anna Friederich, 2nd BCT PAO, 4ID

=================

Update from HHD, 1BCT Commander

Life here in Taji is pretty good.  There's been a lot of rain, so there's a lot of mud.  Other than that, Soldiers seem happy and settling in to the mission at hand.  Our
mail room is up and running and many Soldiers have already received your letters and packages.  Please keep writing, there's no words to describe how nice it is to
get mail when you're deployed.

The mid-tour leave program will start in February and run through Oct.  I know it seems early for people to go on leave.  We just got here last month.  But we have
to start it that early to ensure everyone gets to go.

=================

Quiet ceremony makes history
 

By Spc. Allison Churchill

Fires Bde. PAO, 4ID

12 January 2006

BAGHGDAD  With the quiet uncasing of their colors Jan. 8, Soldiers in the Army's Fires Brigade marked a new day in the role of division and corps level fire
support.

Part of the 4th Infantry Division, the Fires Brigade now flies its colors outside its Camp Liberty headquarters.

This was a historic occasion, signifying the first deployment of a fires brigade into the combat theater, said Col. Allen Batschelet, commander, Fires Bde.

The Fires Brigade formerly held all of the 4th Inf. Div's. artillery assets and was known as the Division Artillery.  When the division modularized in December
2004, most of DIVARTY's direct fire assets were dispersed to other brigades.

The Fires Brigade officially stood up in June 2005.  At that time, it gained a support battalion, the 589th Brigade Support Battalion; a communications company, the
324th Network Support Company; and a target-acquisition battery, Battery A, 26th Field Artillery Regiment. The brigade's independence allows it to support
other divisions as well as 4th Inf. Div., said Batschelet.

Currently one battery is supporting a Marine unit and another is supporting the 101st Airborne Division.

Soldiers say they are proud to serve in the newly formed brigade.

We're able to do more in less time, observed Sgt. 1st Class Dwight Richard, operations non-commissioned officer in charge, Fires Bde.

Richard, who deployed to the first Operation Iraqi Freedom when Fires Bde. was still DIVARTY, said he is proud of what the unit has accomplished since its
conversion in a short period of time.  I saw the unit lose direct fire units, gain support units, said Richard. I saw it become what it is today.

One of the Fires Brigade's newest assets is the guided multiple-launch rocket system, employed by the 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery.

Use of field artillery in counter-insurgency operations is a relatively new concept, said Batschelet, and procedures are constantly being updated to meet the demands
of combat.  Weapons systems are being used in different ways than originally anticipated because as the enemy adapts, we adapt, said Batschelet.

While the Army irons out the role of artillery in the newest warfare concept, the 4th Inf. Div.'s Fires Bde. will be setting the example.

Other divisions will be assigned fires brigades as they reach the ready and available phase of modularity, said Lt. Col. Samuel White in The Fires
Brigade: Not Your Daddy's FFA HQ, Field Artillery Magazine, November/December 2005.  Some think it's still a concept  but it's a
reality, said Richard. We made it happen.

=================

Band of Brothers Reunite in Iraq

By Spc. Karl Johnson

363 MPAD, 12 January 2006

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers: For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother," wrote William Shakespeare in Henry V.

Shakespeare described the lifelong bond formed between Soldiers who stand together in battle. He called that bond brotherhood.

In Iraq today, brothers quite literally serve together. Often kept apart by their different missions, they find themselves separated by their in common profession - as
Soldiers.

The transfer of command from the 3rd Infantry Division to the 4th Infantry Division brought with it the happy reunion of some brothers. Three sets of brothers who
got together again in Iraq are the Hurons, the Martells and the Pooles.

"My brother and I are so close that we can be apart for many years, and when we get back together, it is like we were never gone," said Lt. Col. Mark A. Huron,
4th Inf. Div. inspector general.

Growing up in close quarters, often times sharing the same space, brothers can develop bonds that neither years nor separation can break. Those bonds are as
unique and individual as that old, perfect-fitting baseball mitt you've had for years.

"We grew up in the same room," he said. "We attended the same college and took the same classes."

When Huron joined the Army over 20 years ago, that closeness was put the test. Following right behind him though was his younger brother, Lt. Col. Gilbert G.
Huron, 3rd Inf. Div. comptroller.

I've been in for 19 years, and he has been in for 20 and a half and unfortunately, this is the first time in 19 years that we've been stationed in the same place,"
said Gilbert. "It's been nice spending this time with him and getting the opportunity to talk about the good old days."

For the Martell brothers, serving in the same place, even for a short while, has been a positive experience.

"The transition was a lot easier because he was here," said 1st Sgt. Osvaldo Martell, 4th Inf. Div. Troops Company first sergeant.

His older brother, Master Sgt. Angel Martell, 4th Inf. Div. G-1 sergeant major, said the brothers often envisioned themselves as G.I. Joes when they were children.

"This Christmas and New Years was the one of the greatest we've had in years," said Osvaldo Martell.

Not all brothers have been kept apart by their careers in the Army. Capt. Daniel Poole, S-4 for 8th Battalion, 10th Calvary Squadron, 4th Brigade Combat Team,
4th Infantry Division, and his older brother, Capt. John Poole, Commander, DTC, 4th Infantry Division, said they have been fortunate during their careers.

"Because of the Army, I've seen my brother more than if I had not been in," said Daniel. "We really try to look out for each other."

"We are really fortunate to be able to share our love of Soldiers, the Army and our Country", said John. "It makes my commitment that much more
special knowing my brother is doing the same thing I am."

Regardless of how often these Soldier brothers have gotten to see each other, they all agree that is it hard for them to watch each other go. It's with a heavy heart
that these brothers say goodbye.

"In a lot of ways, he's still just my little brother," said Mark Huron. "When he leaves, I'll be very disappointed."

=================
 

A Few Words From Bob
 

In Monday's update, I told you I would be traveling this week, thus the reason I haven't put an update out for four days.  What I didn't tell you was that I was
traveling to Fort Hood to attend the funeral of CPL Aaron Forbes of E/1-67 AR who was killed by an IED in Iraq on 28 Dec 05.  The trip was a bittersweet
experience, Aaron was a friend.  As you would expect, going to the funeral for a Soldier that I knew and admired was difficult.  It was an honor to be there.  I will
always cherish the small role I played in paying the respects due to this American Soldier and patriot, his wife, his son, and his family.

In addition to spending time with Aaron's family members and fellow Soldiers and wives, there were other good things that came from my trip.  I spent time with the
key rear detachment commanders from 4ID HQ and each brigade, and several wives of our deployed leaders.  That will be beneficial to all of us.  We discussed
how I can work to help in a small way with the challenges and opportunities they deal with on a much larger scale than anything I do.  As part of the home front
support team for the next year, it is always good to know the players on the team - and I got to start that process this week, very worthwhile meetings for me.  I also
spent time at the 4ID Museum talking with Ceilia Stratton, the museum director, to insure we are both doing all we can to help preserve the history of this
deployment.

I also was privileged to spend some quality time with a Soldier who was wounded when CPL Forbes was killed.  I will always cherish the time spent in Darnell
Army Hospital with that Soldier, his parents, and his girl friend.  In talking to him, and to many other Soldiers and wives during the two days spent at Fort Hood, I
can only echo what BG John F. Campbell, the Assistant Division Commander of 1st Cavalry Division, said to me while standing at the back of the chapel before the
funeral, "Where do we find these great Soldiers and family members?"

If anyone ever questions the quality of the American Soldier and their wives -  or their caring for each other, their families, and the mission that has been given to
them - they should spend some time around an Army post and just observe these great American patriots.

Several of you have asked how you can pay honor to CPL Aaron Forbes.  His wife will be packing and sending care packages to the Soldiers of E/1-67 AR who
were serving with Aaron in Iraq.  Her goal is to continue to do this throughout their deployment.  To make a donation:  Call USAA at 800-531-2265 (ask for a
representative).  Make the donation to Member #012652170  Account #30804914.  You can use a debit card, a Visa, or a Mastercard.
 

================
 
 

That concludes this update.  Next update will come out sometime this weekend, either Saturday or Sunday.  For those who will be traveling over the long Martin
Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend, drive carefully.  Continue to pray for our Soldiers and their families - and keep passing the news you hear from your Soldier and
your unit along to me.

----------------

Bob Babcock - "Deeds not Words"
President, Americans Remembered - www.americansremembered.org
Past President, 22nd Infantry Regiment Society - www.22ndinfantry.org
Past President, Historian, National 4th Infantry Div Assn - www.4thinfantry.org
PO Box 682222, Marietta, GA 30068 - Phone 678-480-4422 (cell)
 
 
 

Volume 2, Number 12 - 1-7-06
 

It has been a difficult three days in Iraq since my last update. Eleven Soldiers and Marines were killed in Iraq on Thursday, 5 January, along with many Iraqi citizens.
Five of the Soldiers killed were assigned to 4ID, the other six were not part of the 4ID.
 

DoD Identifies Army Casualties
 

The Department of Defense announced today the death of five soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died in An Najaf, Iraq, on Jan. 5,
when an improvised explosive device detonated near their HMMWV during convoy operations. The soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery,
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood, Texas.

Killed were:

Maj. William F. Hecker, III, 37, of St. Louis, Mo.

Capt. Christopher P. Petty, 33, of Vienna, Va.

Sgt. 1st Class Stephen J. White, 39, of Talladega, Ala.

Sgt. Johnny J. Peralez, Jr., 25, of Kingsville, Texas.

Pvt. Robbie M. Mariano, 21, of Stockton, Calif.
Let's all pray and give our support to the families and friends of these 4ID Soldiers.

=================

(Corpus Christi) Area man, 25, killed in Iraq

Army sergeant played in Falfurrias HS band
By MARI SAUGIER - Corpus Christi Caller Times
 

January 7, 2006

Army Sgt. Johnny Joe Peralez, a 1998 graduate of Falfurrias High School, died in An Najaf, Iraq, on Thursday, a family spokeswoman said. He was 25.

Peralez, who played the alto saxophone in the Falfurrias High School band, was a combat medic in the 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade Combat
Team, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Hood. He would have turned 26 in February.

Peralez was one of five soldiers killed when a roadside bomb exploded near their vehicle during convoy operations...
Copyright 2006, Caller.com. All Rights Reserved

=================

By the time you read this, the Transfer of Responsibility has most likely already taken place. I will have more details about the ceremony in the next update but didn't
want to wait for that story to hit the news before getting this update out.

Military Prepares for Transfer American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 6, 2006 – Two Army divisions are preparing for a transfer of responsibility in Baghdad tomorrow (Saturday)...  The 3rd Infantry Division
will turn over authority for Multinational Division Baghdad to the 4th Infantry Division.  Army Maj. Gen. William Webster Jr., 3rd ID commander, will case the
"Marne" Division's colors during the transfer ceremony, and Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman, 4th ID commander, will uncase the "Ironhorse" Division's colors.
=================

'Warhorse Brigade' grieves loss

FOB Kalsu, Iraq, January 04, 2006 11:10
Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, mourned the death of two Soldiers in a memorial ceremony
Dec. 29.

The memorial honored Pvt. Joshua Morberg, 20, from Sparks, Nev., and Spc. Lance Sage, 26, from Hempstead, N.Y., who were killed by improvised explosive
devices during combat operations Dec. 27.

Their deaths mark the brigade's first loss since its arrival in Iraq in early December.

With the intent to the disrupt terrorist activity in the area of operation, the battalion's Soldiers carried on the mission alongside their Iraqi partners in spite of the
setback, said Lt. Col. James Howard, commander, 2-8 Inf.

"We continued to clear our objectives and then began an orderly exfiltration. This is exactly how we will handle our loss of two fine men and how we will pay tribute
to them," Howard said. "We will continue the mission, committed to our objectives and to our end state, without wavering."

The Soldiers shared many outstanding qualities, said Capt. Ralph Overland, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-8 Inf. "They were the best
our country has to offer. They always gave 100 percent without a complaint. They were tough. They were disciplined. And most of all, they lifted our spirits in the
darkest of days," Overland said.

Overland described Morberg as a Soldier who loved being a scout and who was always positive about what he was doing and where he was going. His
(Morberg's) teammates liked him because he was a good listener, easy going, and had a great sense of humor, but most of all "because he cared for them."

The company commander described Sage as very smart, especially with computers. He said that he liked imitating people, especially Sgt. 1st Class Michael
Mancuso, scout platoon sergeant, HHC, 2-8 Inf. But after his time in the HHC training room, the "first sergeant and I sent him back to the scouts because we knew
he needed them as much as they needed him for this mission."

"We did not lose Sage and Morberg. They will be with us throughout our mission. They will give us strength, and they will watch over us."

Overland said the best way to honor Sage, Morberg and their families is to pick each other up and to accomplish "this complex mission together as a team. We owe
that to them."

By Sgt. Jorge Gomez
2nd BCT PAO, 4ID

=================

We have three very good and very informative unit reports in this update.

I would recommend that all of you read them all as you can pick up a better view of what
the entire 4ID is doing. Also, tidbits of information included for one unit very likely is important to you and your unit as well.

1-67 AR "Dealers" Update - 4 Jan 06
HQ, 1-67 AR
In the Field
FOB Iskandariyah, Iraq
04 January 2006

Dealer Families and Friends:

It is with great sadness that I begin this battalion update with the news that the Dealers suffered the loss of two of our own on the 28th of December. Specialist
Aaron Forbes of E Company and one of the company's Iraqi interpreters, Eto, were killed in an IED attack on their patrol at 1900 hours along a route in our area of
operations. (Two Soldiers) were wounded in the attack and have since returned to Fort Hood where they are recovering from their wounds.

The battalion held a memorial service at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Iskandariyah on the 2nd of January. Brigadier General Halverson, the Assistant Division
Commander for Support, Colonel Tully, Warhorse Brigade Commander and Command Sergeant Major King, Warhorse 7, and all of the battalion commanders in
the brigade attended along with many friends of the battalion. We were also honored to have two cousins of Eto attend the ceremony. We displayed the traditional
rifle with bayonet point down and a Kevlar helmet set on the butt stock. Two pairs of desert boots were placed on the black platform and photos of Aaron and Eto
along with the American and Iraqi flags were prominent. Sergeant Webster from Eliminator gave a moving tribute to his friend and fellow Sapper which was
followed by the senior interpreter's spoken words eulogizing Eto.
 

Captain Jamie Sturm, Eliminator 6, spoke words of comfort and inspiration and I followed with a short speech about the sacrifice of good men in pursuit of a good
cause and the need to pick ourselves up to continue the mission. The ceremony ended with the playing of taps by a bugler flown in with the General, the firing of
volleys, and the playing of Amazing Grace on bagpipes as each Soldier present filed by and saluted their fallen comrades. The next day CSM Barnett and I were
also able to attend Eto's funeral near Hillah and express the battalion's condolences on his loss.

Sadly, Aaron was on his second tour in Iraq and was one of the "old hands" in Eliminator. We miss him greatly and are sadly, more steeled to our mission here. All
the Dealers have Aaron's family in our thoughts and prayers.

I would like to thank all of you who have kept the Forbes family and the Dealer family in your thoughts and prayers this past week. Your support has been widely
felt and very much appreciated. I would like to especially thank all of the Family Readiness Group volunteers who made the very difficult phone calls to family
members to notify them of the casualty in the battalion. The purpose of these calls is to share the information with the families of the battalion before it is disseminated
through the media or through the rumor mill. This ensures that families receive the information first-hand and are not frightened when they hear something from a
neighbor or on the nightly news...

The battalion conducted a "relief in place" on the 30th of December, replacing the 1st Battalion of the 155th Infantry Regiment of the Mississippi National Guard so
they could return home after a year in Iraq. LTC John Rhodes and CSM Marlow of the "Mississippi Rifles" made great progress in this area of operations and left us
in an area that is steadily improving. Our task is to capitalize on the inertia they generated and to keep working to improve the situation here.

On a much lighter note, the battalion celebrated Christmas with a turkey and ham dinner and Fury hosted a New Year's Eve Party... The battalion was inundated
with packages from friends and families, and much of what was received was shared.

The companies are very busy. Every day, each company is out of the FOB operating in its Area. Carnivore has rolled out and is living in the desert for the next two
weeks or so conducting continuous operations in support of the mission. Archangel is working very closely with the Iraqi Police in Hamiya and Jurf as Sakhr.
Bushmaster is operating in and around Karbala, and Dog is active in the city of Musayyib. Eliminator continues to patrol east of the Euphrates. Fury conducts daily
logistics runs to companies outside the wire and conducts patrols to logistics bases in the Division's area of operations. Hellcat is consumed with running the FOB
and increasing force protection while medics, mortars and scouts continue their specialized missions. (Editors note from Bob: It is common for company sized units
to adopt a nickname - and in many cases, you can take the first letter of the nickname and be pretty confident it is the letter associated with the company - such as
Dog is most likely D/1-67 AR).

Life on the FOB continues to improve. The contractor-run Dining Facility is currently being set up and should serve its first meal in mid-January. We have been
visited by a number of FOB assessment teams from Division and Corps and have been assured that additional resources will be committed to improving FOB
Iskandariyah.

The battalion continues to press the enemy and is operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can be proud of your Dealer who is working long and hard to
support the Iraqi people, the Iraqi Police, the Iraqi Army and each other.

Thank you for your continued support of the Dealer family.

LTC Pat Donahoe, Dealer 6

==================

Update from 4ID STB (Special Troops Battalion) - 4 Jan 06

Greetings from Iraq. The soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division's Special Troops Battalion have been doing a great job transitioning from our counterparts in the
3rd Infantry Division's STB. We are a few days away from our Transfer of Authority, but already performing many of the critical functions in support of the
mission here. We have a new addition to the Battalion  A Company, 1-22 Infantry, 1st Brigade Combat Team, from Fort Hood is now attached and performing
security missions for the Battalion. Now on for some news from the companies

Headquarters and Headquarters Company Innkeepers have completed their transition to Iraq and all is moving along nicely. The Soldiers are doing a
tremendous job learning and replacing the 3ID STB. Quality of life here in Iraq is much better than what we experienced in Kuwait. They are all living in trailers (no
more tents) with real beds and linen. There are also two gyms available for their use with a variety of aerobics classes available. There is a couple of phone centers
available to call back to the States. Internet connectivity should become more available once 3ID departs. The Dining Facility section has been doing a great job
assuming duties in the Dining Facility. The Transportation Section has been engaged daily running bus missions to the military side of Baghdad International Airport.
The Fuelers are making daily fuel runs in support of the Division Headquarters. The Medics are operating an Aide Station full time as well as supporting the
Personnel Security Detachments. The Maintenance section has a never-ending mission with all of the vehicles we brought with us and those that were left back here
for us. And as always, the Battalion Staff and Company Headquarters are working tirelessly every day to ensure all missions are well planned and executed...

The Division Troops Company, over the past two weeks, has been conducting transition training with our counterparts in the 3rd Infantry Division staff. They have
been knee-deep in learning about our areas of responsibility (Baghdad and the surrounding communities). As you see the Division Troops Company soldiers next to
their 3rd Infantry Division counterparts, you can feel confident in the knowledge that we are thoroughly trained and ready to execute our mission when we assume
full responsibility from the 3rd Infantry Division. Moving on to simpler things, DTC's soldiers have been settling into their new homes here on Camp Liberty.
Their living accommodations are comfortable, with air conditioning, electricity, and all the other amenities which you would not normally expect in a deployed
theater. Mail is beginning to flow regularly, with the standing up of the company mail room. Our dining facility, the soon to be renamed Rock of the Marne
Oasis, is outstanding. The quality of food served at this establishment has exceeded not only our expectations and our best hopes as well, with varied cuisine that
fits any taste. Still, with all of these amenities, our soldiers deeply miss their loved ones...

All of Alpha Company (Signal Company) has now safely arrived in Iraq. The Company has successfully completed its Transfer of Authority (TOA) with 3rd Signal
Company, 3ID, and is currently providing the primary means of data and voice communications to the 4th Infantry Division Headquarters. Their Electronic
Maintenance Facility is fully operational and has begun operations; and the Cable Platoon has already started numerous projects to improve connectivity on the
Forward Operating Base. Alpha Company Soldiers conducted the TOA professionally, and with great success. Morale is high, and everyone is looking forward to
completing the mission in the year ahead. Part of the high morale is also due to the motivation provided by our Division Band. Here are a few words about the best
Band in the Army...

The 4ID Band has landed safely and is ready to accomplish the given tasks that have been directed by the Division. They started by performing a holiday season
concert for the troops in Kuwait and Iraq, topping it off with a televised Fox News New Year's Eve performance. Although the upcoming year will have many
endeavors, the spirits and moral of the Soldiers is extremely high and they are ready to face the challenges. The Soldiers of the 4ID Band are the most talented
musicians our Band Commander has served with in his almost 20 years of military service. Now for our Intel update from Delta Company...

D Company (Intelligence Company) Soldiers are doing great things and remain focused on the mission at hand  providing the division with accurate, timely, and
targetable intelligence. Although I am not at liberty to tell you what your husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, and friends have been doing, I can tell you that you
should be extremely proud of their accomplishments, achievements and continued outstanding performance. Now I'd like to introduce the 363rd Military Public
Affairs Detachment, a unit that I mentioned briefly in an FRG note from Kuwait.

The 363rd is an Army Reserve Public Affairs unit attached to the Division Public Affairs shop. They have 18 members here at Camp Liberty with two more on the
way. The unit's home is located in St Louis but they have members assigned from many other Reserve units in New York, Georgia, Colorado, Kansas,
Nebraska and Pennsylvania. One of their missions here is to support the Division Commander by publishing his newspaper, THE IVY LEAF it will be
posted on the 4ID website for all of you to check out. They will also be producing the popular Shout Outs and many other news video productions for you
to see back at home. They are proud to be part of the Iron Horse Division. Steadfast and Loyal!! Next up is a new unit that became attached to the Special Troops
Battalion just recently

We welcomed A Company, 1-22 Infantry over the last week. The Gators of A Company (Editor's Note: in this case, they call themselves the Alpha Gators, thus the
connection of the name to A/1-22 IN), are proud to be serving alongside their comrades in the 4th Infantry Division's Special Troops Battalion. They have been
quickly integrated into the battalion and already feel like a part of the team. The company is based at Camp Liberty here in Baghdad with the rest of the STB. Along
their journey, they made a stop in Kuwait for a couple of weeks to work on some things that will help to ensure their success throughout our deployment. They spent
numerous days preparing their Bradley Fighting Vehicles, improving their marksmanship on small arms ranges, and training on the missions they are sure to encounter
many times over the next year. Throughout it all, the soldiers of Alpha Company have maintained high morale and the focus that is required to stay safe and healthy.
A few of the Soldiers have experienced the bothersome coughs and congestion that are common when moving to a new region of the world, but it's nothing that
some common medications can't remedy.

That's all for this note. As you can read, we have a big and diverse team to accomplish our very big and very diverse mission. I want to thank all of you for the
support you are giving us. The mail and Email has been flowing. Many soldiers had packages that got here to Liberty before they arrived. Please continue to look
after one another... Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers, just as we are keeping you in ours.

Sincerely, LTC John Baker

=====================

Deep Strike Tribune (2-20 FA)

January 2006

From the Battalion Commander
Greetings from surprisingly cold Iraq! Despite the preconceived notions that many have of the climate here in Southwest Asia, fortunately we arrived here at a time
of year other than when the thermometer reads well above 100 degrees on a daily basis. Although it was difficult leaving loved ones behind  a task even more
difficult during the holiday season  the Soldiers of Task Force Deep Strike deployed and arrived here in Southwest Asia over a period of little over a week.
Everyone arrived safely, and we were able to conduct some training and receive our equipment in Kuwait before crossing the berm and deploying to
forward operating locations in Iraq. As the commander of this great organization, perhaps the thing that best struck me as we deployed was the commitment,
motivation and focus of our Soldiers. Furthermore, I was struck by the support and understanding of the families and loved ones we left behind as we deployed. I
could not be prouder to be associated with the great men and women that comprise Task Force Deep Strike; and likewise I could not be humbled more than I am in
appreciation of the sacrifices that our families make while we answer the call to duty.

To the spouses, the children, the parents, the brothers and sisters, the aunts and uncles, and others reading this  know that your loved one is the best trained and
equipped that they possibly could be. While it's true that there is no shortage of bad guys in this country, rest assured that we have the upper hand and
that the training, proficiency and sheer will demonstrated by your loved one will serve them well over the course of the year we are here.

The task force (what the battalion is called with the integration of the forward support company into our ranks) is deployed principally to two locations in Iraq. The
Alpha Battery Renegades, to include some Soldiers attached from Headquarters Battery, and C/589th FSC (now known as 67th FSC) are located in the western
part of Iraq. The remainder of the task force is deployed to the northern part of Iraq. Given the different environments, missions assigned, and different units being
supported by our Soldiers each of our batteries or companies lives in different conditions and will have vastly different experiences in terms of quality of life as well
as ability for frequent communication back home. Currently Alpha Battery is operating in a much more austere location, with vastly different living conditions and less
frequent access to amenities (such as regular Internet, e-mail, or telephone use) than the rest of the battalion. This is not because the Renegades are being punished
 but is simply because that's the state of affairs in this war-torn country. Rest assured that we're doing everything we can to upgrade and improve the
location Alpha Battery occupies  but also realize that they have a tough, yet important mission to accomplish in winning this fight we're engaged in. Likewise,
understand that we may find ourselves moving to different locations from where we are currently located during some point throughout our time here as we ensure
we are located in the best positions to accomplish our mission.

I tell you this because each Soldier is going to have a different experience over here. Some Soldiers will be able to phone or e-mail home more frequently than
others. Some Soldiers will have better living conditions than others. None of it is intentional, or because we care more about some Soldiers than others
it's simply a fact of the situation here in Iraq. CSM Morrisey probably best summed it up when listening to a group of Soldiers talk about how one place is
better than another when he said whether you're at this camp or that camp it doesn't matter you're still in Iraq (In other words no
matter the living conditions, or access to modern amenities, we're all still away from you  our loved ones).

So what can you do to support your Soldier? While some may say send cookies, or send toothpaste, I'd say skip those two  the food in
the mess hall is in ample supply and readily available, and there's more tubes of toothpaste, dental floss, and shaving cream floating around than you can shake a
stick at. What you can really do is to stay in touch  whether by e-mail, letter, or phone calls your Soldier makes back home. Nothing makes our day brighter than
that contact from friends and loved ones. Getting a letter, opening an e-mail, or seeing a picture goes a long way to boosting a Soldier's morale. Likewise, tell
your loved one over here to drop a note back to you as well. While some might not say it outwardly, we all know that those of you on the home front need the
support and encouragement as well  for we're in this together...

Listed below are a few items I'm passing on to either ask for your support, to brag about, or simply to keep you abreast of change:

Operational Security and Prohibitions. Just a brief reminder that there are certain things you should not discuss with your Soldier while we're over here.
Discussing over the telephone or via e-mail such things as when we move locations, where we're moving to, routes we're taking, or facets of the operations
that we're undertaking all violate operational security (OPSEC). Discussions of this nature could result in your loved one facing disciplinary issue but more
importantly, these types of discussions put all of us at risk, as there's a capable threat out there waiting to exploit this information and use it against us. Some
family members have asked about cell phones. Again, to reiterate things  our Soldiers are not allowed to possess a cell phone over here, so please don't mail
them one in hopes it will make communication easier. (Editor's note from Bob: I have added the emphasis here - it applies to all units, not just to 2-20 FA - OPSEC
is critical to us all - and personal cell phones are prohibited).

...Unit Redesignation. As part of the Army’s reorganization efforts, our forward support company has received a new name. The unit once known as C/589th
Forward Support Company is now known as the 67th Forward Support Company (67th FSC). For a brief time it appeared that the unit was going to be
redesignated the 575th Forward Support Company, but that was brief-lived. Regardless of the name, however, we've still got the same great Soldiers and
we'll still call em Crazy Horse.

In closing, thanks for your support and understanding, and let me brag one more time when I say that you ought to be proud of your Soldier  for he or she truly
epitomizes the greatness of our nation. You've got every reason to be proud of your Soldier I know I am.

LTC Mark Johnson
Deep Strike!

=====================

January 06, 2006

Family, friends, say farewell to Sparks soldier
ASSOCIATED PRESS
SPARKS, Nev. (AP) - A Sparks soldier was remembered as a fun-loving and curious youth who gave his life to protect his comrades.

About 250 people crammed into the Sparks Christian Fellowship church on Thursday to remember and say farewell to Army Pvt. Joshua Michael Morberg, who
was killed in Iraq on Dec. 27.

"Private Joshua Michael Morberg's last words to his fellow soldiers were 'I've got your back,'" said Lt. Col. William Roherer, a chaplain with the Nevada Army
National Guard. "A terrorist didn't take his life. Private Morberg gave it to save others."

Family members, former teachers and friends recalled how Morberg enjoyed trying and learning new things, and always had questions.

Growing up, he learned to play the violin. As a student at Reed High School in Sparks, Morberg learned to speak Japanese.

"I called him 'Scooter,'" said his uncle, Leslie Plasschaert, who took Morberg fishing during summer vacations in Minnesota.

"As we rowed along, he would sing and hum," Plasschaert said. "He would ask, 'Where do fish go in the winter? What are scales made of? How far can fish see?'"

Morberg's best friend, Mikaal Zaidi, recalled with fondness his friend's shortcomings.
"The only reason I never had a radio was because of Josh," Zaidi said as he spoke at the service. "He'd take it apart and never quite put it back together again.

"He enjoyed life, his family and friends most of all," Zaidi said. Even with all these memories to remind me, I will always miss him."

Morberg, 20, joined the Army shortly after graduating from Washoe High in 2004. He had been in Iraq for about a week when he was killed.

Morberg was a combat scout in the 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division, based at Fort Hood, Texas.

Morberg was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
He was the 16th Nevadan to have died in Iraq since the war started in 2003.
"I just hope people realize how lucky we are," Victoria Morberg, Joshua's mother, told the Reno Gazette-Journal after the funeral.

"My son and many others have given their lives so we can have what we have here."

===============

Panamanian family buries Soldier killed in Iraq

PANAMA CITY, Panama -- His voice cracking with grief, Jose Santos bid farewell Friday to his son, saying he was proud of the Panamanian-born U.S. Soldier
who was killed last month in Iraq.

U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Isaias E. Santos, 28, died Dec. 26 in a helicopter accident in Baghdad. Santos was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 4th Aviation
Regiment, Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, Texas.

"I know my son did not live in vain," said Jose Santos, holding back tears during the U.S. military funeral at the Corozal cemetery in front of the Panama Canal.

Jose Santos, who served for the United States during the Vietnam War, wore a U.S. military uniform at the ceremony.
"When we gave our son to the Army, we did it with love," he said. "He asked for the support of his father and mother, and we gave it to him with love."

Isaias Santos joined the U.S. army in 1995 after graduating from high school in Panama City. He was sent to Iraq in November.

He received numerous medals during his military career, among them a medal for Service in the Global War Against Terror. After his death, he was honored with the
Bronze Star.

"The people of the United States are eternally grateful to Isaias for having offered his life to defend the world against terrorism," U.S. ambassador to Panama William
A. Eaton said at Friday's service.

Brigadier Gen. Purl Keen, who also attended the funeral, said Santos was a leader among his fellow Soldiers and was considered one of the best young helicopter
pilots in his brigade.

"He was an exceptional warrior, picked by his commander to fly with the best and in the most important missions," Keen said.

Friends remembered Isaias as a young, energetic man with a great sense of humor.
Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

====================

============
A Few Words from Bob

1) I don't like this part of my job - an update with more death and funeral notices than anything else. But, we have to take the bad with the good and I'll continue to
search for good news while reporting the inevitable sad things that we all need to know about.

As we've said before, and as we very likely will have to say again, we have to remember that our Soldiers and our family members have the most important job in
the world today and there is a level of danger associated with it. We have to continue to band together and provide our unwavering support to our Soldiers as they
continue to complete the mission that has been given to them. As we grieve for those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we must remain strong and positive for the
living.

2) A positive thing happened yesterday for me. I spent the entire day at the Atlanta airport working for the USO. We worked with troops coming in from Iraq and
Afghanistan on R&R, those going back at the end of their R&R, and even got to help some wide eyed recruits who were on their way to Fort Benning to begin their
Basic Training. I talked to lots of Soldiers and Marines and had a great time with those great Americans. It's an honor to be able to talk to everyone from a two star
general who was passing through the airport on his way to a meeting at FORSCOM through all the ranks down to a PFC returning to Iraq after R&R.

I only saw one 4ID combat patch (a female Soldier who served with 4ID at Camp Speicher in last deployment) but expect I'll start seeing a lot more 4ID people on
future volunteer days with the USO. Our 4ID troops will start their R&R process in the next weeks and months. I especially enjoyed talking to two 173rd Airborne
Soldiers who were part of TF Ironhorse on the last deployment and had participated in the airborne assault into Bashur Airfield in northern Iraq in late March 2003.
They were both proud of the combat jump star on their Airborne wings. The 173rd is now serving in Afghanistan.

All the troops I talked to are positive and proud of what they are accomplishing. They believe in their mission and were ready to return to it without any regrets. I
also spent some time with a retired two star general friend who is on the USO board of directors - a 4ID vet who served as G-3, 2-8 IN CO, 2BCT CO, and 4ID
Chief of Staff during his two tours in Vietnam. He shares my pride in what the current 4ID vets are accomplishing and sends his best wishes to all our Soldiers and
families.

If you ever have a chance to go to the Atlanta or Dallas airports to volunteer with the USO to greet troops coming and going from R&R, I'd highly recommend it -
you'll love the experience and get even better insight into the quality of our troops.

All in all, yesterday was a positive day - until I got home and saw the DoD notice of our 4ID casualties.

===============

That completes this update. After a couple of days recovering from my college football watching (and I'm happy with most of the results except for UGA losing), I'm
ready to watch the pro football wildcard games today while keeping my eyes open for new news to report on the 4ID in Iraq. Next update will most likely come out
on Monday or Tuesday.

Have a good weekend.