FOB SUMMERALL BAYJI IRAQ NEWS

Troops at forward base mark Independence Day with burgers, hot dogs and sports

By Gina Cavallaro
Times staff writer

PFC Chris Czarnecki, 26, of Dundee, Ore., of Service Battery for Task Force 1-7, 1st Infantry Division, fires up the grill at forward operating base Summerall near Bayji, Iraq for an Independence Day celebration barbeque. — M. Scott Mahaskey / Army Times

BAYJI, Iraq — It didn’t feel much like a classic 4th of July, but soldiers living at forward operating base Summerall, outside this city 155 kilometers north of Baghdad, were able to enjoy some of the typical trappings and show some of their traditional games to the Iraqis they work with everyday.
Across the sprawling FOB — an airfield where the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division lives now — soldiers wore their black physical training shorts and a special T-shirt made up for the occasion bearing the words “Task Force 1-7, Freedom isn’t free.”

On their heads, soldiers wore everything from ball caps to do-rags to the distinctive Stetsons worn by members of the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, who have been attached to Task Force 1-7 for two months.

The soldiers knew the members of the Iraqi National Guard would easily beat them in soccer because it is their national sport.

But that didn’t deter the U.S. soldiers from getting out onto the dirt field under a blazing mid-summer sun to battle it out.

The volleyball court was a proving ground for the Iraqis, many of whom scored points with aggressive moves and savored victory by raising fisted hands and shouting out a traditional American “Whooooooooo!”

Off the court in a shady mechanic’s shop a few feet away, two soldiers quietly played chess with a makeshift board and pieces fashioned out of nuts and bolts. Another group of soldiers tossed a football, and two-man teams played rounds of horseshoes.

On a nearby basketball court, some of the battalion’s most seasoned soldiers lost the ball to wily Iraqi players more than once, but the Iraqis mostly ran with the ball and often tossed it frantically clear over the basket’s backboard.
But when the Iraqis scored, the crowd cheered generously for them, many of whom scooted around on the gym’s shiny floor in leather boots or dress shoes with long pants.
The food was traditional — and the highlight of the day for everyone — a plentiful lunch of barbecued ribs, hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken with watermelon, corn and baked beans.
The cooks slaved over double the heat everyone else was experiencing, but managed to churn out more than enough food for about 600 people.
Music played, soldiers sucked down six-packs of non-alcoholic beer and a hot wind blew sand over the lunch.
The day ended with an awards ceremony and a Karaoke competition.
“It’s good that everybody’s getting together, but it’s just not the same,” said Sgt. John Mastronardi, a mechanic with Alpha Company who spoke of the kind of Independence Day he remembers back home in Waynesboro, Pa.

“Back home we could go out on the lake and relax, do a barbeque, have a cold beer. The 4th of July for me is getting together with family

DELTA BATTERY COMMENTS- July 2004

Thank you to all of the great volunteers who put time and effort into the Battalion FRG fundraiser at the Independence Day Celebration.Each of you made a difference. The FRG made over $445. That money will be split over each of the battery level FRGs. Special thanks to Amy Lennox, Uschi Ebbs, Helene Minzer, Theresa Bland, Alyce Pena, Jo Williams, and Hope Rodgers, who all donated at least six hours each this weekend.

Congratulations are in order for two newly promoted Dragons. SGT Spsher completed PLDC during the last week of June and returned to the unit in time to be promoted on o1 July. The Soldiers of Dragon Batter believe SGT Apsher's rank is finally catching up to his performance and potential. Originally slated as the command driver, SGT Apsher quickly became a "go to" guy for any task we have to accomplish.

SPC Smith was also promoted on 01 July. SPC Smith is in the MEB process and will be leaving us soon. His recent effort and performance left no doubt in any of our minds that he needed to be promoted, prior to his departure. SPC Smith is the battery armorer and our "DVD Creator". He is also a "go to" guy and frequently volunteers for taskings at the elementary school and to make the long drives to and from LRMC or Frankfurt.

Congratulations are also in order for SSG and Mrs. Brown on the birth of their new baby girl, Tatiana. Tatiana was born on 25 June, was 18.5 inches long, and 6 lbs, 10 ozs. Mother and baby are doing well.

Delta Battery hs been very busy the last two months, outside of our daily business. Among our greater accomplishments, we sent four NCOs and a M109A6 Paladin to Czech for their Armed Forces Weekend. SSG Brown, SSG Hernandez, SGT Crooks, and SGT Villarreal enjoyed their time in Czech, showing off their trade, despite almost starving on bread and water. SSG Hernandez and SGT Villarreal also led our section of the First Infantry Division Salute Battery. These two NCOs, as well as SGT Vanattia and SPC Wright, drove to and from Bamberg about seven times over two weeks to rehearse for the Division Independence Day Celebration. The celebration, on 01 July, included firing volleys for each State, as its name was called out, and firing during the 1812 Overture. None of our four Soldiers had heard or rehearsed their part in the overture, prior to the performance. Hands down, 1-7 FA had the top section in the battery. In another event, Delta Battery fielded over fifty percent of the community softball team that played against the semi-professional team that visited Schweinfurt in early June. Further, the battery participated in the Schweinfurt Elementary School Field Day, by sending 12 Soldiers over to the school to support the different athletic events. All in all, it has been a great and very busy two months.

As always, we ask you to keep the battery in mind, when and if you ever need anything. We are here to support the unit forward and its most precious resource, the families. Our phone number is 09721-96-6484 (from the German economy), 011-49-9721-96-6484 (from the United States), or 354-6484 (DSN).

Dragons!

Matthew Lennox
CPT, FA
Commanding

W. Lee Ebbs
1SG, USA
First Sergeant

SVC BATTERY COMMENTS-July 2004

To The Serpent Family,

First and foremost, I would like to thank you all for the support that has been given so far. Your mail, care packages, and other methods of support continues to bring smiles on the faces of your Soldiers as they continue to support the task force as we move closer to the transitional government tkaing control of their country. Up to this point, we have conducted over 165 combat logistical patrols that are becoming more diverse. All in all, the standard mission is still being performed and we continue to do both very well.

As I mentioned last month, there will be a Soldier that will provide a view of what they think. I believe that if you want to know the truth, ask a Soldier. Here is SSG(P) Garcia's thoughts on the living conditions on FOB Summerall versus what he dealt with when he participated in Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

"Life on FOB Summerall is not as bad as it seems for some. We have come a long way since yesteryear. How, you ask? Well, let me take a minute or so to tell you.

During Desert Shield and Desert Storm, I can remember arriving into tent city and having to sleep on top of our duffle bags lined up shoulder to shoulder. This was largely due to the lack of sleeping quarters. Many of us got dysentery, which added to the less than adequate conditions. We were there a little more than one week.

Shortly thereafter, we loaded our equipment on flatbeds and boarded some buses in the middle of the night. We traveled for a few hours. When the buses finally stopped we downloaded all of our equipment, set up a perimeter, and, of course, guard duty. In the morning when we awoke, the sun was out and it must have been at least 110 degrees. I thought to myself it must be around 1000 hours as I looked at my watch, it was only 0620. I looked around me as far as the eye could see........nothing, nothing but sand and more sand. This was the beginning of life in the desert on our own. We didn't hve air conditioners, microwaves, refrigerators, much less KBR. Our living quarters consisted of cots out in the open next to our guns. We built overhead cover from ponchos and poncho liners to block the sun's rays. We would take our showers in front of the M548 Ammo Carrier where we had set up an Australian Shower. Until we received materials to build our outhouses, we had to walk a good distance away from the perimeter where field sanitation reps had set up our cat holes. After 2 months our conditions got a whole lot better. We received tents and wood to build floors for our tents. These tents would be our home for the next 6 months.

Our Dining Facility consisted of 2 MKT's where our cooks would prepare some rather delicious entrees. Truly, I am not joking, our cooks could really cook, however, the A's did not last that long. We ran out of food and, at times, all we had for dinner was one microwavable lunch bucket. No bread, no salad, and definitely no ice cream.

Why am I sharing this with you? Not because I wish we could go back to those times, but simply to help some of you understand how good you really have it here in Summerall in today's Army. So we need to be a little more patient when the power goes down, or when the phones are not available. You don't have to look back so far either, just look at FOB Tinderbox today, look at their living conditions, and it would make you appreciate the things we have and sometimes have to do without."

Today, we are currently improving our living areas. We are in the process of building a battery MWR facility that will consist of TVs, phones, computer with internet, and a fooseball table. Once the construction is complete, we will continue to improve the facility with table tennis, X-box, and a video/audio library.

The Rest and Recuperation Program is now in full swing and we have successfully provided the opportunity for over 10 Soldiers to participate so far. The Fighter Management Program is also in full swing; a total of 12 Soldiers have already participated.

Before closing, the Soldiers of Service Battery would like to congratulate the Cintrons for their new addition to the family. It is always a blessing to bring new life into the world. On 1 July, we are going to have some newly promoted Soldiers in Service Battery. PFC Thomas, PFC Wisdom, and PFC Hinajosa are being promoted to the rank of Specialist. PV2 Bland, PV2 Guzman, and PV2 Ivanhof will be promoted to the rank of Private First Class. Congratulations are in order and I have faith that these Soldiers will continue to step to the plate and do great things.

Again, I would like to again thank all families and friends for their neverending support and prayers as Service Battery continues to do great things. SPERPENTS!!

Christopher A. Washington
CPT, FA
Commanding

Marvin C. Cromartie
1SG, USA
First Sergeant

HHB Comments-July 2004

Another hardworking, diverse, and increasingly WARM month for the hurricanes. First, thank you to all the families, friends, and our dedicated FRG for giving each of our Soldiers the support they need to continue this mission. The morale boost we get from mail, packages, email, phone calls, and pictures cannot be measured by any means. The impacts of our support structure have an enormous affect on the daily lives of our Soldiers. THANK YOU and please keep it up. The First Sergeant and I have visited COLT, Brigade FSE, 1-18 FSE, and 1-26 FSE this month, all the troops are all positive and doing great things in support of the mission.

The Iraqi National Guard (formerly ICDC) Liason Team (Tsunami) has taken great strides this month. They have trained our Iraqi counterparts the basics of defending a compound, conducting Check Points, and providing Convoy Security. We have continued this success by incorporating trained Iraqi soldiers into our missions and patrols. By continuing this process, we are building a competent Army to take over for Coalition Forces when we leave. Special recognition goes to all of the Team Tsunami for their excellent work: 2LT Joseph, SFC Kalama, SSG Lucas, SGT Plautz, SGT Smith, SGT Viera, SGT Giesbrecht, SGT Hofmann, SGT Youngblood, SGT Fisher, and SPC Carter.

Congratulations to SSG Krman, SGT Larson, SGT Kimber, SPC Jones, SPC McIntyre, SPC Ripsam, SPC Williams, Isom, PFC Walter, and PFC Gillespie for their recent promotions. The following Soldiers received a Battery Command Team Coin in recognition of their exceptionally hard work and dedication during this operation: PFC Ogburn (Sappers), PFC Busha (PSD), PFC Williams, Isom (Commo), SPC Bennet (Maintenance), SPC Williams, Daniel (Mortars), and SPC Patel (S-1). Finally, recognition goes out to the Hurricane Maintenance Team; our mechanics have matched our OPTEMPO with know-how, hard work, and sweat to keep our vehicles at the highest readiness rate in the Task Force. We roll with confidence, knowing that our vehicles are maintained by the best.

Around the Hurricane Pad, we continue to maintain and improve. Supply is nearly complete with teh new supply room, we are beginning to replace the sandbag protection around our CHUs with more sturdy HESCO bastion protection, and the Sappers have build dip bars, pullup bars, and a horseshoe pit. maintenance has added internet service, satellite TV, Playstation, carpet, and couches to their dayroom. KBR is still building a high quality DFAC which will open early in July and significantly improve the quality and availability of our food. Please continue to stay i touch with your Soldiers, use the First Lightning website, the Camp Summerall website, email, and write. Hurricanes!!

Ride the Storm !!
Brian D. Vaughan
CPT, FA
Commanding

Hurricanes!
Howard C. Patrick
1SG, USA
First Sergeant

Charlie Company Comments- July 2004

Dear Cobra Family,

June has been a great month with many improvements on the way to our small post and improved relations with the city of Bayji. The company recently sat down with the Task Force Commander, LTC McClelland, and Command Sergeant Major Sanders to discuss issues for the FOB and improvements for quality of life. We've recently learned that our dining facility will close in the next two weeks to be replaced by a larger building with better food catered by Kellogg Brown and Root. The Soldiers are eagerly the grand opening which will surely have a positive effect on morale. Our old dining facility will likely turn into an MWR room, replete with a small movie theater, pool table, games, popcorn machine, and AT&T phones.

Our main building is in the process of new paint job (trimmed in Artillery Red). We are expecting new CHUs (small metal buildings to house 2-3 Soldiers) to be added to the 2nd and 3rd Platoon areas to alleviate some space problems. 4th Platoon recently added 8 new CHUs, one of which is a Day Room complete with a TV and DVD player.

We are in the process of changing our operations to coincide with the June 30th Iraqi Transfer of Sovereignty. While we will continue to have a marked impact on the city of Bayji and surrounding areas, it is our intent to introduce the Iraqi National Police and Iraqi National Guard (previously the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps) to play a more significant role in the security of the region. We are conducting more joint patrols with both groups and it seems that these Iraqi law enforcement officials are excited about their new responsibility. We finished a recent mission in which we went door to door througout the city passing out information on the Transfer of Sovereignty. The citizens seem sincerely happy about their new freedom and our work on their behalf. We realize, of course, that there are still obstacles in the path of Iraqi freedom. Therefore, we are not backing down from our aggressive posture and will not hesitate to defend ourselves from those that may attempt to thwart our success.

Our Soldiers have achieved individual success recently. SGT Jeff LaFrance was accepted into the Warrant Officer Flight School and will leave us soon for training in Ft. Rucker, Alabama. His wife, SPC Amy LaFrance remains in Iraq with 299th Support. PV2 Brandon Nance received a Battalion Certificate of Achievement for his recent efforts. PFC Brandon Sims and SPC Stephen Wagasky will soon receive the Army Commendation Medal with "V" device. This is an extraordinary award which is only given for heroism in combat and is well deserved. WE are excited about our upcoming "hail and farewell" BBQ on June 30th to welcome several new Soldiers and celebrate the hard work of those that are leaving. This includes our 1st Platoon Leader, 1LT Dave Alvarey, who will become the A Company Executive Officer (XO), the 3rd Platoon, 1LT Steve Johnson, who will become the Battalion Ammunition Officer, and our current XO, 1LT Brendan Dignan, who will move to 1-4 Cavalry as a Fire Supporter and Iraqi National Guard coordinator. The 2nd Platoon Leader, 1LT Jim Starling, will become our new XO. I am thankful to all of our Lieutenants for the hard work and leadership they have given to our Soldiers.

Unfortunately, I am leaving as well and this will be my last newsletter to you as Company Commander. The last year and a half have been the most fulfilling of my military career and I am grateful to our Soldiers and NCOs for their untiring work ethic. I am also grateful to the wives and children of Charlie Company who continue to support us despite the difficulty of distance. Jessica and I have loved our time in C Company, but we are happy to leave it in the good hands of CPT Michael Byard, who assumes command on July 5th. Lastly, I would like to thank 1SG Grinston and his wife, Alexandra, for thier love and support for our Soldiers and their immense help during my command. Happy 4th of July to everyone and best of luck. Cobra Strike!

Sincerely,

William L. Kirby
Captain, U.S. Army
Commanding.

Bravo Battery Comments - July 2004

Bravo Bulls

Before I begin, I would love to take this time to say thanks to all the fine Soldiers, NCOs, Officers, family members, and friends of the Mighty Bull Battery. It's truly a blessing and a humbling experience to be a part of an outstanding and superior performing battery such as this. Never have I seen a better bunch of Redlegs in the Army.

As you all know, there has been some changes in the battery since the last newsletter. The Bulls conducted a Change of Command Ceremony on 3 June 04 in which the reins of the battery was entrusted to CPT Graham. He brings with him his wife, Sandra, and daughter, Shoncire'. The former commander, CPT Hodo and his family will surely be missed as he has been assigned to the Division Artillery S-3 shop in his quest to continue to do great things. 1LT Osewalt was promoted to Captain on the same day and is now assigned to TF 9E as the Fire Support Officer. He was replaced by 1LT Purcell, whom was handed an excellent platoon and has not lost a step in maintaining what his predecessor started. In addition, we're gaining another fine Platoon leader whose no stranger to the battalion, 1LT Bradley, who will continue the excellence of 1st Platoon at FOB Paliwoda. Once again, we're all thankful to be a part of this fantastic family.

As always, our workload has been heavy and shows no signs of letting up while we continue our mission of providing timely and accurate fires to the Dagger Brigade. In addition, the battery is conducting force protection, convoys, supervising MWR and DFACs, patrolling with PYSOPS, and still maintaining world-class artillery fires on a daily basis. We've got a world class maintenance team, signal team, and supply team that deliver like no other. Also, we have a Radar section and a METRO section that brings even more combat readiness to the Bulls and have fallen right in and are performing superbly.

We have started to focus once again on individual skills and section skills to keep our warrior edge. But we're not all work and no play; the battery recently was a part of a basketball tournament on LSA ANACONDA and will also be competing against the entire 9E battalion in a Decathalon. Wish us God Speed and good luck as we represent the Mighty Bulls.

The R&R and FMPP program is back again and in full swing. For the month of June, the Bulls have 4 FMPP slots and 9 R&R slots. All soldiers in the battery have been given a timeframe for the month they could expect to go on R&R. The dates are not set in stone and are subject to change due to mission requirements and arising demands that must be met.

1SG Carter and I would like to congratulate a few Soldiers and familes. Overall, we would like to thank the entire Bull family for the support and packages that has been sent to Iraq. We're deeply indebted to you for all the support. SPC Haney and his wife, Mrs. Tonja Haney are the proud parents of twins, Terrell and Anastasia, born 20 April. The two are doing fine and we welcome our two newcomers to the Bull Pen. SSG Perez and SGT Gregory have each won the NCO of the Month for TF 9E and will be competing for the NCO of the Quarter soon. SPC Itiliong reenlisted for 4 additional years to continue doing his part for his country. Last but certainly not least, the Bulls have some personnel that just recently been entrusted with increased responsibility with promotions. Promotions are a big event in a Soldier's life and his family and our congratulations go to the following individuals:

SPC Holder PFC Robinson PV2 Whitmeyer PFC Obiaka SPC Hill

In closing, I ask that the Bull Family continue to be safe and to be aware of your surroundings. Summer is here and along with it comes the fun, but also, unfortunately, the hazards. I beg that each of you be careful and safe during the following months and to have as much fun as possible. There are plenty of places to enjoy for families and I ask that you all take full advantage of them. It would make you feel much better and the Soldiers serving here in Operation Iraqi Freedom II, would feel better knowing that their loved ones are still coping with the deployment by having fun and travelling. Remember, that you, the family members, are the most vital asset to the Soldier.

Eric Graham
CPT, FA
Commanding

Alpha Companty Comments - July 2004

" A Time of Change"

As the approach for Iraqi Sovereignty grows near, the Steel Knights are meeting the challenge to maintain security in our region. We are staying focused on our tasks and continuing to complete our missions. Despite what seems to be an increase of activity on the news, our sector remains secure. This can all be directly attributed to the hard work of every Soldier, every day.

The entire Task Force has started to make some leadership changes and the Steel Knights were affected by these moves. We are losing some great leaders, but also gaining some great leaders as well. These leadership changes were part of a planned rotation within the Task Force. The company will lose 1LT Hansen, 1LT Lambert, 1LT Murphy, and SFC Ogle. They are being replaced by 1LT Ebert, 1LT Fanto, 1LT Alvery, and SFC Monegro respectively. With these changes, I would like to personally and publically thank each of these men for their hard work and dedication to the Steel Knight team as well as welcome the families of our newest Steel Knight members.

Some operational changes have also occurred. One platoon of our Steel Knights has finally assumed our tradtional role as Field Artillerymen. After weeks of training and certification, our Red Platoon is back inside our Paladins providing lethal and non-lethal fires covering FOB Summerall and the Task Force's sector. The motorized platoons have also gained even more ground to secure and some additional security tasks as well. These changes are good for all because they are breaking up the "average days" into something with a little more variety.

The company is also beginning to push for some additional training time. We are trying to give each platoon 1 day a week where the platoon can train and sharpen their combat skills to keep them fresh and proficient on their wartime skills. This training time will also allow the motorized infantry platoons to cross train on artillery tasks ensuring they will be ready to jump back on their Paladins and fight as artillerymen once we return back to Germany.

All of our Steel Knights continue to do great work in our sector. I truly believe we are making a difference here in Iraq. One quick example of these differences I've personally seen are the Iraqi children. When we first arrived in country, the children would run back in their houses because they were afraid of our overpowering posture. Now, however, with a few smiles and waves, the children actually run to us when we arrive in a residential area for a security patrol. They have started to see the transition from wartime occupier to caring, yet heavily armed, supporter. We shake hands, smile, and take pictures with the kids and have actually started building good friendships with a few. These children's friendly actions in turn bring out some of their parents, now curious as to the new change occurring in the streets of their hometown. I know it is hard to do, however, we must remember that we can not let one day's bad news about another car bomb or another kidnapping discourage the hundreds of smiles and ideas of hope that our Steel Knights are beginning to continuously give the Iraqi people.

I would like to close this update with another thank you for all our support. The amount of boxes and mail that we receive is truly impressive. It is always a pleasure to see our mail truck arrive in front of the command post with boxes stacked 5 high and 5 deep. Our command post NCOs and Soldiers help separate the boxes into platoon areas and the Soldiers know immediately of the truck's arrival. In one minute there are 50 boxes outside the command post, and the next minute they are gone and in the hands of Soldiers enjoying their newest surprise and letter. Mail day is always a great day and a true morale booster. Please keep them coming.

Please keep your heads high and your hearts strong. you are all in our prayers and thoughts. We will be together again soon.

STEEL KNIGHT SIX, OUT

Respectfully,
CPT Deric Holbrook
First Sergeant Roger Jacobs

Lightning 7 Comments - July 2004

Hello Family and Friends,

The Soldiers of Task Force 1-7 (First Lightning) would like to say thanks for your support and thoughts. Many Americans back home will be gathering to celebrate this country's 228th year of freedom. Here on FOB Summerall, we will host a celebration not only for our independence, but for our fellow brother Iraqi National Guard Soldiers. This will consist of several sporting activities such as horseshoes, volleyball, basketball, and a shooting competition. The sporting events will end with a friendly competition between Task Force 1-7 Soldiers and an Iraqi National Guard Team. We will complete the event with an awards ceremony to recognize the winners of each event and to give out awards to Soldiers for achievements during combat operations. Later that evening, we will host a Karaoke Show, in which individual Soldiers will be able to display their talents. We will show a video presentation, "Freedom isn't Free", and close with a fireworks demonstration.

On 7 July, Task Force 1-7 will sponsor its first MWR show, the country and western band "Stars and Stripes". This will consist of a one time show at 1900 hrs, free to all soldiers on FOB Summerall.

FOB Summerall has also just opened a new education center. The center will offer several college courses to include online correspondence and tuition assistance.

The new proposed opening of the KBR DFAC is 7 July.

As you are all aware, we have transferred government authority back to the Iraqi people. This has shifted more to the building of the infrastructure and goodwill to humanity. The people of Iraq, especially the children, have many basic needs, including school supplies and youth activities. If you want to contribute donations, you can send these items to the Task Force Commander. Again, I would like to personally thank you for your support during this deployment.

Command Sergeant Major Wayne L. Sanders - CSM Task Force 1-7

The Lightning Bolt - July 2004

Lightning 6 Comments...

Team Lightning Family,

Let FREEDOM ring!! On 28 June 2004, the transition occurred. Iraq is now free and you can all be proud that you had something to do with that historic event. You should be proud of your accomplishments and those of your Soldiers; WE are making a difference everyday. The task force continues to amaze me everyday - focused, dedicated, confident, professional, and a team of teams that I am proud to be associated with. Rest assured that we are also proud of your accomplishments and realize that this mission's success includes your overwhelming successes. We thank you for what you do everyday!! I hope that you are all enjoying the summer!!

So, what does this thing called - - Irai Freedom -- mean to us here in Bayji and Sharqat? It has not really changed our day to day operations. We continue to provide security for our sector and will continue this important misson until we can faithfully discharge the task to the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF - local police, Iraqi National Guard, and the new Iraqi Army). Will we accomplish that before we re-deploy? That is our goal and we focus on that goal everyday. Iraqi Freedom means that we now conduct daily joint patrols with the ISF. As we take to the streets in unison with the ISF, the initial feedback from the people is very positive. Smiles and waves can now be seen on a majority of the locals' faces - this was not always the norm in the recent past. The people of Bayji and Sharqat do not ask for much, they only wish for security, employment opportunities, reliable electricity, and potable drinking water.... anything else is a bonus! Some of our initial projects are nearing completion, showing forward progress to a people that have been forgotten for 35 years by the old regime. We are here to help the Iraqi people help themselves with this new thing called "democracy"....so far, it is being met with positive results....only time will tell.

Updates since last report -- the KBR dining facility will open this week!! Our Lucky 7 "team of teams" will lose E/4 CAV (BRT) back to the BCT shortly. They have accomplished every mission to the highest standards and truly are part of our family...I am sure that we will see them again. As we prepare to celebrate our 228th year of freedom as Americans, we will share that joy with the Iraqi people, as they begin their first year!! R&R is in full swing and we are doing extremely well on allocations. We are projecting an 85% success rate with the goal remaining at 100%. The FMPP improves with every iteration and is a critical tool to assist us in fighting complacency.

I, again, thank you for the sacrifices that you and your families make in support of our mission. I would ask you to focus on the "positive" of what we are accomplishing, we are making a difference and this can be seen on the faces of smiling Iraqis everyday. Thank you for your unending display of support and caring - we thank you for what you do!!! All gave some, but some gave all!!!

LTC Kyle M. McClelland - Commander, Task Force 1-7