War News: Voices From The War
~Snooper~
The following information is that which you will never read about in the alleged main stream media now reclassified as the Lame Stream Media. Supporting the Troops and telling their stories is anathema to those that loathe our military as well as to those that pretend to support the Troops. I once wore the Uniform and I did swear the Oath. To hell with the pretend and self-appointed intellectuals. These are what the Troops have accomplished in spite of the moronic left.
Strike Soldiers Visit Clinics in Western Baghdad: MND-B Troops Seek to Help in Life-saving Equipment, Abilities
By Sgt. James HunterSoldiers Assess Iraqi Fish Farms to Gauge Progress
2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office, 101st Airborne Division
BAGHDAD – Women sat quietly in the waiting rooms as their young children curiously gazed around the room. With their white gowns neatly upon them, doctors and nurses moved quickly through the corridors carrying clipboards and charts. Even, an elderly Iraqi woman walked around with a squeegee and a bucket of steaming, hot water. She went room-to-room, cleaning the hospital floors.
It was an interesting place for the Soldiers of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad who were visiting the local medical facilities in their area that day. The facility was oddly quiet, which was strange for a place that had what seemed to be rather new or austere equipment. There was even a new X-ray machine. [...] read the rest...photos here...
By Army Pvt. Christopher McKenna26th BSB Sprints to Finish Build-up of PB Dezil
Special to American Forces Press Service
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq - U.S. civil affairs soldiers assessed fish farms in the Lutifiyah, Iraq, area April 23 to gauge their progress.
"What we are trying to do is set up fish farms that can supply a mass product," said Army Pfc. Timothy Perkins, a communications specialist with Company B, 411th Civil Affairs Battalion.
Three types of carp -- common, grass and silver -- are going to be raised in the farms.
"The government of Iraq is actually working toward setting up a fish farmers agriculture committee," Perkins said. "It is going to be a program used to educate the farmers [on] caring for fish and agricultural requirements that the ponds have." [...] read the rest...photos here
By 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry DivisionMND-C Extends a Hand to Iraqi Children
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq - Soldiers of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team are fast completing work and delivery of equipment and materials for Patrol Base Dezil, the 12th patrol base established by the 2nd BCT, 3rd Infantry Division.
Each patrol base has been a learning experience for the Soldiers of the 26th Brigade Support Battalion who make construction possible through combat logistic patrols.
Chief Warrant Officer Sallyann Burroughs, accountables officer for the 26th BSB, said before any materials or supplies can be consolidated or ordered through her office, engineers responsible for the construction must first receive an estimate of how many Soldiers will be occupying the base. [...] read the rest
By Multi-National Division - CenterArctic-tough Engineers Build Rakkasans’ Capacity
BAGHDAD - Several years ago, the diagnosis of baby Noor's rare congenital condition would have been equal to a death sentence. Today, she is on her way to leading a happy and healthy life, thanks to the Soldiers of Multi-National Division - Center.
Born with certain organs outside her body, Noor's life depended on advanced medical procedures the Iraqi medical system could not provide.
Determined to get her the care she needed, doctors from 948th Forward Surgical Team successfully performed an operation that saved her life.
Soldiers are now making arrangements to send her to the United States for two follow-up surgeries.
Stories like Noor's are increasingly common throughout MND-C's area of operations. Throughout the region, Soldiers are coming to the aid of the often-neglected victims of this conflict - Iraq's children.
From building schools, to distributing toys, to buying wheelchairs, Task Force Marne Soldiers are determined to improve the quality of life for Iraqi youth. [...] read the rest
By Staff Sgt. Tony M. Lindback,Lutifiyah Medical Clinic Gets Two Ambulances
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Public Affairs Office
PATROL BASE YATES, Iraq – In a push to move Rakkasan Soldiers closer to the people they protect, Task Force Marne engineers are constructing a new base southwest of Baghdad.
Company C, 864th Engineer Battalion, is building Patrol Base Yates in support of Operation Marne Piledriver, a capacity-building operation for Multi-National Division – Center. Living at PB Yates are Rakkasans from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
Company C, from Fort Richardson, Alaska, is the only vertical construction engineer company serving MND-C. Since arriving in Iraq, they have been under the command of the 479th Eng. Bn., serving TF Liberty and TF Marne. [...] read the rest
By Pvt. Christopher McKennaSons of Iraq Help Secure Fuhail Village
FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq – The Lutifiyah Medical clinic received two ambulances April 26 through the efforts of coalition forces.
Before this, the clinic had relied on Iraqi Army forces to provide transportation for critically ill or wounded persons.
“We will still provide security for the ambulance movement,” said 1st Lt. Mohammed Mousa, a doctor with 1st Battalion, 25th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. “We know the people need emergency medical care on a regular basis and we are going to make sure the people who can give that care get to the people who need it.”
The nahia council in Lutifiyah, 36 kilometers south of Baghdad, brought the need to the attention of Coalition forces, who facilitated delivery of the ambulances.
“This will increase the capacity and ability of the health clinic to reach a more widespread area and be able to bring care to people in need,” said Capt. Mike Fisher, commander of Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). [...] read the rest...photos here
Staff Sgt. Tony M. LindbackIA Recovers Cache in Abu Hamid
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st AIrborne Division
PATROL BASE YATES, Iraq – As part of their commitment to keeping insurgents away, members of the Sons of Iraq built a checkpoint on a narrow stretch of road through Fuhail Mujeer Village, 25 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, April 25.
As recently as December, Rakkasan Soldiers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), established a presence in the area, which was previously an insurgent safe haven.
Now Soldiers from 2nd Platoon, Company C, 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, assigned to their battalion’s Company D, are living at the newly built Patrol Base Yates and working with the SoI to maintain security in the area.
The first of eight SoI checkpoints was constructed in mid-March approximately 400 meters north of the site where a Rakkasan Soldier was wounded by an improvised explosive device. Working their way toward the patrol base, checkpoints have been placed in strategic locations along the road to deter insurgent activity. [...] read the rest
By 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne DivisionIA, Coalition Troops Meet With Locals About Security
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 25th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division found a cache of multiple mortar rounds near Abu Hamid, about 30 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, May 1.
Acting on a tip, the Soldiers found a cache in two different holes that consisted of 19 120 mm mortar rounds, 17 81 mm mortar rounds, one 120 mm artillery round, two grain sacks filled with 81 mm mortar rounds, 12 boosters, one canister of TNT and various illumination round components.
The items will be destroyed by explosive ordnance disposal personnel. [END]
By Capt. Seth PalmerWholesale Farmers’ Market Reopens in Yusifiyah
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – The Rakkasans conducted a joint security meeting with their partnered Iraqi army battalion and local citizens at Patrol Base Knight, about 15 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, April 29.
Soldiers from Troop A, 1st Squadron, 33rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), and 3rd Battalion, 43rd Brigade, 11th IA Division met to interact with local residents to discuss various issues concerning the area, particularly security.
Security remains a major concern for all Iraqis. One desired outcome from the meeting is the building of trust between area citizens and the IA.
“Initially we saw hesitation from the locals to interact with the Iraqi Army; there just wasn’t much trust between the two,” said Staff Sgt. Adam McMurray, Troop A, 1-33rd Cav. Regt. “These meetings have been a great step towards building that trust.”
One sign that trust in the IA is improving is the increase in tips from residents leading the IA to weapons cache sites. Originally, many of these tips went to U.S. forces, but in the past week there has been an increase of tips given to the IA.
The unit plans to continue these meetings on a regular basis to help maintain reconciliation efforts in the area. [END]
By Staff Sgt. Tony M. LindbackMilitary Wife a Finalist for Mother of the Year
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault)
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – The Yusifiyah Wholesale Farmers’ Market had a grand reopening on April 29 after closing four years ago.
“This was the center of commerce for the city before the war,” said Capt. Steve McGregor, from Longwood, Fla., projects officer for 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). “It shut down because of all the fighting ... It was the main way the farmers in this agrarian society made their money.”
Now, the wholesale market may help turn a profit for local farmers. Regular markets only allow farmers to sell produce or goods a little at a time; at the wholesale market, people come to buy bulk produce by the kilogram. [...] read the rest...photos here
By Spc. Rick RzepkaSoI Recover Cache in Kartani Fahal Village
1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
The military wife is said to have the toughest job in the Army.
One Army wife, living in Clarksville, Tenn., is finally getting the recognition she deserves.
Judy Thomsen is a finalist in the 2008 Mother of the Year competition held by Nashville television station WSMV.
“I don’t know where she finds the time to do anything. It would wear me out,” said her husband, Staff Sgt. Eric Thomsen, who is currently deployed with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, in Iraq. [...] read the rest
By 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101 Airborne DivisionGovernment Officials Meet With Qarghuli Sheikhs
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – A local citizen’s tip led to a cache find in Kartani Fahal village in Sadr al-Yusifiyah, about 25 kilometers southwest of Baghdad, May 3.
After receiving the tip, Soldiers from Company D, 1st Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, arrived on the scene to find Sons of Iraq already recovering the cache, with Iraqi army troops providing security.
The cache contained 16 82 mm mortars, 10 120 mm mortars, six 60 mm mortars, 17 rocket propelled grenade rounds, 300 7.62 mm rounds, 11 RPG launch motors, an improvised rocket launcher, two rockets, four rifle rounds, one hand grenade, seven 50-pound bags of homemade explosives, 29 unknown fuses, 20 electric blasting caps, approximately 400 blasting cap primers, a mortar tripod and three mortar tube sites.
The items were detonated on site by explosive ordnance disposal personnel. [END]
By Pvt. Christopher McKennaCountry Star Visits Bastogne Artillery Soldiers in Iraq
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Local government officials visited tribal leaders of Qarghuli to discuss a number of issues, May 3.
“The government representatives approached us to speak of our concerns,” said Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, who held the meeting in his home. “This is out of the ordinary. We are usually the ones going to them about our concerns and issues.”
Rakkasan leadership of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, attended the meeting but only to observe.
“It’s rare for me to come to a meeting and not have to mediate, but I didn’t have to do that today,” said Col. Dominic Caraccilo, commander of 3rd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. “That just goes to show that the government cares about its people and is taking the steps to move forward in the right direction.” [...] read the rest...photos here
By 1st Lt. Jonathan SpringerCavalry Scouts and Iraqi Security Forces Sweep Golden Hills for Extremists Groups
1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Public Affairs Office
LOGISTICAL SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA, Iraq –Instead of touring the world or recording his next blockbuster album, country singer Toby Keith decided to take a detour from music making and visit with Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) April 28.
During his trip to Logistical Support Area Anaconda, the award-winning music star spent a few hours with Soldiers, and took part in a re-enlistment ceremony that saw five “Redlegs” re-up with the battalion.
“It’s an honor to be here with these fine Americans today; I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” said Keith after the ceremony.
For the Soldiers of the 2-320th FAR, it was an honor to have the opportunity to meet the country music singer and for him to participate in the re-enlistment ceremony. [...] read the rest...photos here
By Sgt. 1st Class Kevin DohenyIraqi, Coalition Leaders Discuss Piledriver Progress
1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) PAO
BALAD, Iraq -- The benefits of the overall increasing security situation in the Balad area over the last few months has yielded an economic surge not seen in many years to the people there.
The swell in security has allowed the city to open up to the local communities, giving farmers an outlet for their crops.
The impending opening of the canning factory near the city also promises incredible potential for the area, increasing the commercial lines of communication throughout the nearby provinces and Iraq.
Ensuring the gains from this surge are sustained without disruption, the Bandit Soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, alongside their Iraqi security counterparts, conducted Operation San Jacinto April 21-25, in an effort to eliminate the enemy extremists from the Golden Hills area. [...] read the rest...photos here.
By Pvt. Christopher McKenna.
3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division Public Affairs
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – Iraqi army, coalition, tribal and government of Iraq leaders met at the IA Compound in Mahmudiyah May 1 to discuss the progress of Operation Marne Piledriver.
Marne Piledriver, a capacity-building operation, kicked-off April 15 with an air assault and dismounted patrols throughout the Mahmudiyah Qada, aimed at disbanding any remaining al-Qaida threat in the area.
“We want to build trust within Mahmudiyah and make sure the terrorist threat is gone for good,” said Sheikh Abu Amar, Mahmudiyah Qada Council chairman. “In gaining trust, however, we expect people to come to the government when they have issues or project ideas.”
Since the start of Piledriver, a series of projects have begun to improve the stability of local governance and economics throughout the qada. [...] read the rest
Photo Gallery:
"No Slack" Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 327th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) stand at parade rest while paying their respects to a fallen brother at Forward Operating Base Summerall, Iraq.
A U.S. Army Soldier from 3-320 Field Artillery, Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion, Lighting 1-6, 101st Airborne Division, monitors a crowd of Shiites on a pilgrimage, Feb. 25, in Mahmudiyah, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. Luke Thornberry)
2nd Lt. Vincent Barber, a native of Toledo, Ohio, talks with an Iraqi man in Rathwaniyah on April 30 after receiving small arms fire. Barber serves as the platoon leader for 1st Platoon, Battery B, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Multi-National Division Baghdad.
Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers with 1st Platoon, Battery B, 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, pull security while on patrol in Rathwaniyah on April 30.
An Iraqi national policeman provides security during the IP Station Road opening in Khadra, Iraq, on Feb. 27. (U.S. Army photo/Sgt. Sharhonda R. McCoy).
Iraqi police officers celebrate the opening of the new Iraqi police station in Yusifiyah on April 30.
Col. Dominic Caraccilo, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division commander is greeting by Qarguli sheikhs prior to a meeting between the tribal leaders and government of Iraq officials, May 3, at Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah's home.
A Soldier from 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, patrols during an operation near Balad, Iraq. (U.S. Army photo/Spc. Rick Rzepka, 1st Brigade Combat Team)
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