Lightning 6 Comments...
Well, it is that time again....it seems like just yesterday that I was preparing the last note for inclusion in the Lightning Bolt Newsletter!! I hope that this update finds you all doing well in Schweinfurt and getting excited about the end of the school year and the arrival of summer. We all thank you for your continued and unending love and support...we could not do this without you!! Thank you!!
We are doing extremely well here and everyday is an improvement over the last, for us and the people of Bayji and Ash Sharqat. We are adjusting our focus from kinetic to non-kinetic operations. The sector is becoming more stable and secure and it is time to move forward with re-building a new and free democracy here in sector. As 30 June 2004 approaches, we will shift our focus to helping the Iraqis help and govern themselves. We are well on our way to achieving this goal and we are making a positive impact. We have committed several million dollars towards projects to imporove security, infrastructure (water, sewage, irrigation, bridges, roads), education, and health care. Our efforts are well received and it is what the Iraqi people expect from us after more than a year of liberation. You can take pride in the efforts that First Lightning Soldiers are putting forth on a daily basis. We are also making great strides in our Operation I CAN program. I would like to publicly thank the efforts of Teresa Bland (Schweinfurt Elementary School), the Wanish/Walsh families and the community of Hyde Park, NY (Hyde Park and Havilland Schools), and LTC's Tom Eisiminger and John Long (two fellow commanders and friends in the States whose units and families have been great supporters of our efforts). The efforts of these folks, those that they represent, and numerous others have made an immediate impact on the daily lives of children here in Iraq and their sponsorship of our Task Force Soldiers is admirable and appreciated. Thank you!!
We are also making tremendous strides in improving the quality of life here at Forward Operating Base Summerall. The Fighter Management Pass Program (FMPP) and R&R are both underway. Soldiers have provided positive feedback on FMPP and we continue to take their recommendations to improve the programs in Qatar and Lake Dokan. R&R is back on track and you can expect roughtly 80% of our unit to have the opportunity to participate in R&R. The division leadership is working this hard, with the goal being a 100%, and we will continue to strive to achieve that goal. I would ask families to coordinate with the RD for Soldiers returning to Germany on R&R and follow their instructions to ensure a smooth return. Families are highly discouraged from meeting returning Soldiers at Rhein-Main Airbase, transportation has been arranged to get them back to Schweinfurt and accountability is critical. I ask this to make sure that you are not disappointed if you make that journey to Frankfurt, because the quality time available with your Soldier will be minimal.
We are only a few weeks away from having our own KBR dining facility here at FOB. Our cooks have been providing great chow, so the KBR folks will have a tough standard meet and achieve! We will convert our current dining facility into an MWR area and CSM Sanders is personally working that project, so you can expect nothing but the best (we will send photos!). Each unit now has its own internal internet capability. We continue to receive add-on armor kits for our vehicles to improve our protection. I would be remised if I did not mention the positive impact that the Rear Detachment has on our operations here in Iraq. The RD and FRG are the real heros and we will not forget how much your unheralded efforts effect us daily....Thank you!!! You are doing a GREAT job!!
Our look will again change shortly. We have had the priviledge of having E/4 CAV (the BCT Reconnaissance Troop) and B/1-4 CAV attached to us for the past 45 days. Their efforts in sector have been tremendous in providing security and defeating the Anti-Coalition Forces (AIF). These two great units will be missed as they move to their new sectors.
The enemy changes daily and we do too; we maintain the edge and stay on the offense. We will change our set in sector to compensate for the changes in our task oraganization, to include 1/A/1-7 standing up a firing platoon capability with equipment drawn from Pre-positioned Equipment Sets in Kuwait. They will be ready to fire in support of the Dagger BCT in a week or so. We received a tank platoon (1/C/1-77) from TF 1-77 and they are a tremendous combat multiplier in sector. We will conduct a Change of Command on 3 June for B/1-7 (CPT Linnen Hodo to CPT Eric Graham). B/1-7 still maintains firing platoons at FOB Paliwoda and Remagen. C/1-7 will change command next month with CPT Mike Byard taking the helm from CPT Bill Kirby. CPTs Hodo and Kirby will move up to the division staff in Tikrit. The upcoming months will also see a major change in the officer slate. Almost all officers, with the exception of TF FSOs, will change duty positions.
Significant activities since the last newsletter -- We have conducted over 300 combat patrols, detained 26 AIF, conducted three raids, executed daily fuel escorts and combat logistics patrols, awarded six Purple Hearts, dedicated the Battalion Aid Station in Memoriam of SGT Peter G. Enos, and selected six Specialists for promotion to Sergeant during the last board. We have continued to distribute the Operation I CAN supplies and we held a ground breaking ceremony for an elementary school in Ash Sharqat. On 31 May, we held Memorial Day ceremonies across the division to remember those fallen comrades that have gone before us. All gave some, some gave all!
On 6 June, across the division, we will conduct a "Combat Patch" ceremony, which recognizes all Soldiers deployed in support of OIF II. The combat patch will be awarded to all Soldiers who have served over 30 days in the Iraqi Theater of Operation. The combat patch awarded will be the standard Class A uniform patch (with the red 1). So, yes, we are keeping busy with our daily battle rhythm and recognizing the tremendous efforts of this amazingly talented "team of teams". CSM Sanders and I could not be prouder to be leading such an outstanding "band of brothers".
In closing, let me address a few rumors that are looming out there. One, we will be here until our mission is complete. Returning anytime prior to 15 March 2005 would be great, but we are here until relieved by the next unit. So use 15 March 2005 as a planning factor, not a guarantee, and do not be completely surprised if that date is extended to meet the mission requirements. Second, R&R is a hot topic for all, trust me when I say that we are working it hard and making it as fair as possible. It is a critical aspect of our counter-complacency program. Lastly, if you have heard rumors, please bring them to the attention of CPT Lennox, 1SG Ebbs, Michele Zeeman, or Roxsana Sanders and we will address them accordingly. The worst thing for all is to have unfounded rumors causing a concern for you or us.
If you are heading back to the States for a break this summer, please notify the RD, be safe, enjoy yourselves, and spread the positive message of what "your" Soldiers are doing to keep the United States of America the greatest country in the free world! Freedom is NOT free and many Soldiers have made the ultimate sacrifice here in OIF II. They will NEVER be forgotten!!!
We need the continued support of everyone and the message is that we are making a difference to the people of Iraq on a daily basis. Please maintain contact with the RD and surf the websites to keep abreast of the most current press releases, news, and photos of the Dagger Brigade Combat Team in action. God Bless America and your families. First Lightning!!!
LTC Kyle M. McClelland- Commander, Task Force 1-7
Lightning 7 Comments...
Hello First Lighting Families and Friends,
As I stated in the last newsletter, Fire Base Laramore-Matthews is always improving. Everything from force protection to quality of life. This month brings the on-going construction of the KBR dining facilities. Its proposed Grand Opening will be on 15 June 2004, with a scheduled menu of steak, shrimp, lobster, and, of course, my favorite, ice cream. We are also in the planning stage of reconstructing the old dining facilities into the MWR (Lucky 7). It will consist of a state-of-the-art 50-person Movie Theater, Game Room, Food Parlor, and many more activities. The completion of the New 60-unit living quarters located by the Battalion TOC is almost finished. Once this is complete, we will finally be able to meet the three Soldiers per unit requirement. The opening of the KBR laundry service is scheduled for next week. This service allows Soldiers to turn-in and pick-up free laundry twice a week.
The push for R&R and FMPP has started. Since May, we have had 20 Soldiers go on R&R (two weeks leave). FMPP (three days), either in Qatar or in Dokan -- military secured sites that gives Soldiers the opportunity to enjoy numerous activities (most of them free). The ultimate goal is for every Soldier to get both of these programs. The FMPP will be met and possibly exceed its goal. As for R&R, this may be an unrealistic goal. It may be more suited to say about 80% of all Soldiers will have this opportunity. The Chain of Command is working this issue and is making improvements to the get maximum out of it. So, as you can see, we are making great strides. Thank you for your support from the Soldiers of the Task Force 1-7.
Command Sergeant Major Wayne L. Sanders --CSM Task Force 1-7
Good News Story...
In the land where murder and terrorism keeps eeryone looking over their shoulder, 3rd Platton was able to bring a little joy into he lives of a few Iraqi children. During a patrol of the town of Ash Sharqat, 3rd Platton dismounted and took to the streets. Our patrol led us to the center of town to a road known as Market Street. This narrow road is lined with small stores selling everything from vegetables to refrigerators. The deeper we went into Market Street, it was as if the news spread of our presence and the sidewalks became lined with curious little children hoping to catch a glimpse of the American Soldier. Not having a source of entertainment like American children, watching Soldiers walk through their streets looking like Robocop, gives Iraqi children a highlight they can talk about for the next couple of weeks.
Seeing an opportunity to brighten up the day of the kids of Ash Sharqat, CPL Evers suggested we spend some cash and buy something to give out to all of the children. We found a little store filled with candy and toys and decided to purchase several dozen soccer balls from the local vendor. Amazingly, what would cost the average American at least $20-$30, cost us only $4 here in Iraq. SPC Martinez and PVT Palmer were amazed by the reception the Iraqi children gave them as they began to distribute the plastic balls around town. Some kids came running towards us chanting, "America good, Saddam bad!", while others cowered away from us, still in disbelief that someone could be capable of a kind act. When the kids received the plastic balls, they grinned from ear to ear. It seemed these kids were not accustomed to kindness from their own people, much less Soldiers from a foreign country. Funny how only $4 worth of plastic soccer balls could bring a little joy into the lives of kids living in a war torn country.
Sean Lambert
1LT, FA
Platoon Leader, 3rd Platton, Alpha Company, TF 1-7
Alpha Company Comments...
As the Steel Knights continue their rough and demanding mission here in Bayji, I have come to realize that this company is doing much more than just fighting the Global War on Terrorism. Two main ideas come to mind. First, we are affecting how many Iraqi people view the United States of America and , secondly, we are participating in a huge transformation of the United States Army.
The first idea of affecting the view of Iraqi people hits me everyday as we walk through the cities and drive on the roads. Always ready to defend ourselves with personal weapons at the ready and aggressive dominating any area with our crew serve machine guns mounted on our vehicles, it's amazing that just the slightest movement of a Soldiers hand in the air to wave to a local national puts a smile on their face and brings a wave right back. We are the most powerful Army in the world and we have occupied this country for over a year now. However, now we are starting to show the Iraqi people another side to our great nation and Army, the side of compassion, understanding, and support.
Our Soldiers, while securing this country and ensuring its future success as a free nation, are also showing the people of Iraq that we are a country and Army of compassionate people. we purchase the smallest material items like soccer balls or school supplies and give them to children on the streets. We reassure local farmers that our heavy equipment will not damage their crops or farmland. We converse with children and let them know we are not just aggressive occupiers, but caring men as well. These few examples are taken from some stories I had the Platoon Leaders write explaining missions that have occered recently that fell into the "Support" operations instead of the "Combat" operations. It is important that you know just how much your Soldiers are doing here and what great results come of their work.
The second idea of how this company is participating in a huge transformation of the Army is exemplified by our 1st Platton. These men had trained for 6 months and executed missions as an infantry platoon only to be asked to revert back to their original jobs as artillerymen. The response, "Hooah! Too easy!". The flexibility to adapt to so many changing environments (Kosovo to Germany to Iraq) and the ability to accomplish any assigned tasks given (become infantrymen then revert to artillermen) is a prime example of the transformation army. "Any mission. Anywhere. Any time." is how we say it. The Steel Knights epitomize the new Army. Our company is made up of an artillery platoon (Paladins), a motorized infantry platoon (HMMWVs), a mechanized infantry platoon (Bradley Fighting Vehicles), a scout platoon (long rand HMMWVs with special optics), and a headquarters platoon with maintenance, commo, supply, and two Abrams tanks!
That is truly an amazing array of equipment and personnel at the company level. And our Steel Knights manage it perfectly. Again, we are continually amazed by the performance of our great Soldiers with all the hard work they do and all that they accomplish.
I have attached the good news stories written by the platoon leaders of the Steel Knights. I hope they give you an understanding of just how grat all our guys are doing as well as how powerful we are... with and without using our weapons.
Please continue to give the amazing support to your Soldiers. We are continually receiving your boxes and letters, and it brings a smile on all our faces to seem them stacked up inside the command post. Three are very few things better in a Soldiers life than to receive mail and boxes. Thanks.
We will leave you with one idea and a picture. The picture is of SPC Whitfield and some Iraqi children. The idea is that it is truly a priviledge to miss someone.
STEEL KNIGHT SIX, OUT
Respectfully,
CPT Deric Holbrook
First Sergeant Roger Jacobs
Bravo Batter Comments...
Hello family and friends of Team Bull! I would like to thank you up front for supporting us during our deployment. Your letters,emails, care packages, and words of encouragement have brought much comfort to us in our time of need. Our time in country continues to be very memorable as we bring better opportunities and stability to the citizens of Iraq. Our workload has become more predictable as we continue to provide Field Artillery Fires in support of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team. To date, we have fired over 500 rounds in support of the BCT. Morale is high and the Soldiers are committed to accomplishing the mission.
As always, I know you have questions about our standards of living. Disparities in living accommodations still exist between Forward Operating Bases (FOBs); however, there have been no complaints because we all work daily to improve our standards of living. Just recently, FOB Remagen celebrated the grand opening of a new MWR center that features 3 big screen televisions, computers with internet access, a Play Station game center, and recreation center. The quality of life continues to improve at FOB Paliwoda. All living containers have been completely hardened with sandbags and concrete barriers. Additionally, a mini-PX was opened to compliment the already extremely popular Salas Supermarket, which now features a short order restaurant that serves local cuisine.
Congratulation go out to CPL Postnikov, SPC Hammond, SPC Sallade, SPC Holder, SPC Laufau, PFC Emard, PFC Jackson, PFC Suarez, PFC Schotter, and PV2 Holloway for their recent promotions. SSG Perez is the TF 9E NCO of the month and SPC Hammond received the Gila Battalion Coin for excellence. Additionally, SPC Alexander reenlisted and received his duty assignment of choice. Last but not least, congratulations are in order for SPC Haney and his wife, Tanja, on the birth of twins, Anastacia and Terrell.
Thus far, four Soldiers have had the opportunity to take R&R and reunite with family members and friends. The Fighter Management Pass Program (FMPP) is off to a great start. In addition to Qatar, we now have another FMPP site at Lake Dokan. To date, fourteen Soldiers have received a four-day pass and taken some much needed time off. We hope that these numbers will increase in the near future.
Last month the Soldiers were busy conducting Change of Command inventories in prepartation for this month's Change of Command ceremony. On 3 June 2004, I will relinquish command to CPT Eric Graham. CPT Graham is no stranger to leadership and deployments. Welcome to CPT Graham, his wife, Sandra, and their daughter, Schoncire' Alee. To the friends, family members, and supporters of Bravo Battery, thanks for helping me take care of your loved ones for the past 18 months. Without question, your contributions have helped immensely. Finally, a heartfelt thanks goes out to Hope Rodgers and SGT Crooks for investing considerable time in making the Bravo Battery FRG self-sufficient.
Linnen E. Hodo
CPT, FA
Commanding
Charlie Company Comments...
Dear Cobra Family,
Since I last wrote, we have made life on the FOB more comfortable for the Soldiers to relax and feel safe at "home." With the addition of "pleather" chairs and couches in our common room, computer stands, water pumps for the laundry, sinks, showers, and a large screen TV and DVD player for the 4th platoon area, life seems a little better. Excess air condition units and refridgerators arrived just in time, as the temperature guage reached over 100 for the first time this past week. We have even installed barriers around all living areas for extra protection against the occassional mortar round.
Members of the International Police Agency (US police officers here to help rebuild the Iraqi security structure) have joined us as residents in our main building. As we transition to a stable Iraqi government on June 30, these gentlemen are helping us transform the Iraqi National Police into a more stable body. If this is successful, the Bayji Police will be able to protect the citizens of Bayji with limited help from our Soldiers. Although C Company will remain in Iraq for the duration of the year, we anticipate that the police and the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps will become more proactive in the local protection of their country. This will allow us to stand back and watch as much as possible and only lend a hand when necessary.
Last week, we bestowed honors on several of our Soldiers for their tireless effort in this campaign. 1LT Alvarey, SGT Romero, SPC Davis, SPC Covington, and SPC Pierre were awarded the Purple Heart for wounds inflicted in combat by MG John R. S. Batiste, the Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division. He also awarded PFC LaLande a coin for his expert medical assistance and knowledge. PFC Schmitt was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his quick use of combat life saving procedures. PFC Lopez and SPC Woldemedhin were awarded Certificates of Achievement for their hard work over the past two months. The Assistant Division Commander - Support (BG Steve Mundt) visited our living area and remarked how impressed he was with the hard work of our maintenance team, lead by SSG Swartz. The "Cobra Pit Crew" work day and night keeping our fleet of vehicles running smoothly. In particular, the ADC-S awarded coins to SSG Swartz, SGT McDowell, SPC Cantrell, and PFC Whiteaker. SPC Evangelista was awarded a coin by the Task Force Commander. Lastly, PFC Nance was awarded a Battalion Certificate of Achievement for his courage and efforts during a particular mission earlier this month.
The "Cobras" appreciate the videos we received of some of our smiling wives and children back in Schweinfurt. Though our separation is always difficult, your greetings by letter, phone, email, or video make every day a little better. We hope everyone at home is having a great Spring wherever you are. Many thanks for your thoughts and prayers which keep our Soldiers motivated to ultimate success in this operation.
Cobra Strike!
CPT William Kirby
CPT, FA
Commanding
HHB Comments...
The Hurricanes have had a great month. Our missions hae become more diverse, and we are busy doing more things than ever before. Our convoy security element is now under the operational control of the Steel Knights, conducting missions along the highways and in the towns. The COLT platoon has moved from FOB Summerall to ASP Tinderbox conducting route security missions. We have created a seperate unit within HHB to serve as a liasion to our ICDC Company, C Co/201 ICDC, the team's call sign is "Tsunami", and they are made up of 9 x NCOs and 1 x Officer. "Tsunami" is building a solid unit from the Iraqis by daily training, coaching, and mentoring. The First Sergeant and I have visited with COLTs, TF 1-18 FSE, and the TF 1-77 FSE this month, everyone has a unique benefit from his location, and the troops are all positive and doing well.
Thank you for all the hard work the FRG and Delta Battery have been doing in support of our troops and families. Please continue to use your FRG POCs to get accurate information out to the families, they are the absolute best link for the truth. We would like to send special recognition to the FRG groups for our Sapper and Mortarmen. WE are extremely happy to have these great Soldiers and families with the Hurricane team. The Soldiers have performed amazingly well out here and have impressed everyone with their skills and professionalism. We are excited about the continued cooperation, information sharing, and involvement of all members of our team.
Congratulations to SFC Wade, SPC Villapondo, SPC Cranston, SGT Evers, SGT Hillyer, SGT Hawkins, and SPC Lombard for their recent promotions. Also, congratulations to SPC Aparicio, who was promoted last month, but I accidentally left him off the list. The following Soldiers each received a Battery Command Team Coin in recognition of their exceptionally hard work and dedication during this operation: PFC Watson, SPC Donahoo, and SPC German. SSg Safewright, the mortar section chief was awarded a coin from the ADC-S, Brigadier General Mundt. SSG Jackson, from the Sappers, was awarded the Battalion Command Team Coin. SGT Brunick, from the TF 1-26 FSE, was awarded the Purple Heat for a shrapnel injury during an RPG attack (he has fully recovered from his wound). Finally, a special recognition goes to PFC Walter, who with quick reaction, and in performance of his duty as SAW gunner for CSE, prevented an enemy RPG attack on his wingman. Hurricanes protect each other during all circumstances.
The Hurricane Pad continues to improve. Supply is building a new supply room, every CHU has sandbag protection, and we have started a DVD library at the CP so that everyone can share their movies. Our more remote Soldiers have also been making improvements. Maintenance is living near Service Battery and has recently completed their own dayroom. Soon they will add internet service, satellite TV, and some couches. Mail flow has improved dramatically this month with deliveries nearly every day. KBR is building a high quality DFAC which will open early in June and significantly improve the quality and availability of our food. The new DFAC will include a 24-hour sandwich bar, sodas, and even ice cream.
Several families have been using a website to stay in touch with families on FOB Summerall. This site was created and is operated by the mother of a Soldier in 1-33 FA. Brenda has gone out of her way to help Task Force Lightning stay in touch with families and friends. Her contribution to the morale of our Soldiers and families is immeasurable. Please take some time to visit the site and see for yourself. The address is:
http://campsummerall.typepad.com
Ride the Storm!!
Brian D. Vaughan
CPT, FA
Commanding
Hurricanes!!
Howard C. Patrick
1SG, USA
First Sergeant
SVC Battery Comments...
Greetings from the Mighty Serpents!! I would like to thank all who have provided support in their chosen form to the Soldiers of our battery. Your support is greatly appreciated by all and your efforts will not be forgotten.
The Serpents continue to provide support in all aspects of logistics on different Forward Operating Bases throughout the Salah Ad Din province. Soldiers are consistently stepping up to different tasks everyday and perform them very well. I appreciate all of the work that has been done to this point.
For this issue, we are going to try something different. A Soldier has been selected to write on whatever he wants to write about in this issue. If this receives good feedback, there will be a Soldier that will write what they want the spouses, parents, and significant others to know about their life in Iraq. SPC Curtis Schlies wrote the article below. He calls it, "Life In Iraq":
I feel that there are some positive and negative sides to every situation. Since I have been on FOB Summerall supporting OIF II, I have noticed some positive and negatives. I'm not going to complain and moan too much because there are Soldiers that are new to the Army and may get the wrong impression.
The life here in Iraq is not bad. I have the opportunity to go to the gym, without doing PT as a platoon or as a unit - giving myself time to work out at my own pace to pass PT tests. Having the time to use the phone and internet. Giving the time to write and send out letters to loved ones. Mostly, it is the little things that make me happy here in Iraq.
There are down sides. Leaving the wire to go to different Forward Operation Bases to get supplies can be mentally tiring due to the fact that you could gain enemy contact at any given moment. Seeing your friends die or finding out he had be shot and killed on a patrol can cause serious heartache. Spending a year away from your spouse (in my case, my fiance' who is waiting for my safe arrival),which can be challenging for both parties involved. Some Soldiers just have their parents and friends back at their home of record to worry about them.
The quality of life is getting better here. At first, we had to burn the residue of latrines twice a day, but now we have port-a-johns. Workers come out everyday and empty them. Initially, we had to burn our trash. We now have a trash receptacle that gets emptied on a regular basis. Each unit is building or trying to build MWR buildings for Soldiers that will include computers with internet, TV and telephones. Along with the TV will be a satellite and DVD player. Bunk beds with mattresses have been issued to Soldiers so they don't have to sleep on cots. Almost every room has a refridgerator, air conditioning, and a microwave. Soon crowded rooms will no longer be crowded so Soldiers will have room to store personal things such as care packages.
Soldiers are continuing to improve their living areas to make the quality of life better here of FOB Summerall. We are now receiving mail on a fairly constant basis and that is a definite morale booster. The Service Battery Family Readiness Group is working on a project that is focusing on the single Soldier. For more details, please contact the Service Battery FRG Leader, Kimberly Washington.
Before closing, I would like to congratulate PFC Denis Alexander on his reenlistment. He made a great decision and the Army has kept another great Soldier. PFC Acevedo, PFC Lloyd, PFC Luker, and PFC Majors just became some of the newest Private First Class in the Army. Finally, we would like to congratulate SPC Maluefil and SPC Vallederes for their promotions to Specialist. Again, thank you all for your support and we will keep you all in our thoughts.
Christopher A. Washington
CPT, FA
Commanding
Marvin C. Cromartie
1SG, USA
First Sergeant
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