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Roadside Bomb Kills U.S. Soldier in Iraq
.c The Associated Press
TIKRIT, Iraq (AP) - An American soldier was killed Tuesday morning after a roadside bomb exploded while his convoy was passing by, the U.S. military said.
The soldier was the first member of the 1st Infantry Division, which is replacing the 4th Infantry Division, to die in Iraq, said Maj. Debra Stewart.
The soldier was killed after the Humvee he was riding in was hit by the bomb in Balad Ruz, just east of Baqouba in the Sunni Triangle. A second soldier was wounded in the explosion and airlifted the 31st Combat Support Hospital in Baghdad and was listed in stable condition.
The names of both soldiers were withheld pending notification of their families.
``It is a very sad day for the division, we have lost a very valuable team member,'' said Stewart, a Division spokeswoman.
The latest death brings to 553 the number of American service members who have died since the Iraq conflict began March 20. Most of those deaths occurred after President Bush declared an end to major combat May 1.
03/09/04 07:12 EST
Copyright 2004 The Associated Press.
(We will continue to mourn and pray for the families and fellow soldiers of all coalition forces as long as we have a presence overseas protecting our freedom).
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>From CentCom news release dated 3-9-04:
4ID, TF IRONHORSE CAPTURE SUSPECTS, CONFISCATE WEAPONS
TIKRIT, IRAQ - 4th Infantry Division and Task Force Ironhorse conducted 194 patrols and eight raids and captured 49 individuals Sunday and Monday.
Twenty-eight of the patrols were joint operations conducted with the Iraqi police, Iraqi Civil Defense Corps and Border Guard.
Weapons and equipment confiscated in raids and patrols throughout the Task Force Ironhorse area of operations include six AK-47 assault rifles, five machine guns, two pistols, three 60 mm mortar rounds, five 120 and 155 mm mortar rounds, four rocket-propelled-grenade launchers, 20 rocket-propelled-grenade rounds and one light antitank weapon.
4th Infantry Division soldiers with 588th Engineer Battalion captured Abu Omar, a target suspected of attacking coalition forces, during a hasty raid near Ba' qubah Sunday. Omar was captured along with three others. Information obtained from the raid resulted in the capture of 10 individuals during a second raid at approximately 12:10 a.m. Monday. This raid also resulted in the confiscation of a light antitank weapon, four rocket-propelled-grenade launchers, 12 AK-47 assault rifles, four medium machine guns, two computers and several compact discs.
4th Infantry Division soldiers from Charlie Company, 588th Engineer Battalion captured Sheik Mohammed Moriah during a raid near Khalis Sunday. Moriah, who preaches jihad and leads the Wahabi movement in Khalis, is linked to an improvised-explosive-device attack in December.
An Iraqi Civil Defense Corp's traffic-control post discovered five 120 and 155 mm mortar rounds while searching eight trailer trucks south of Sawaat Sunday. The ICDC soldiers discovered the rounds and an unknown number of mortar tubes in the trailers that were allegedly transporting scrap metal. The ICDC soldiers seized the contraband along with eight individuals who were taken to the Khalis jail, where they will remain until soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment can transport them to Forward Operating Base Warhorse for questioning.
4th Infantry Division soldiers and Iraqi National Police conducted a joint raid near Balad Ruz Sunday searching for three individuals suspected of murdering an Iraqi civilian. The Iraqi police captured five individuals. One of the captured Iraqis was wounded during the raid. No injuries to personnel or damage to equipment were sustained.
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Here's the note from one of our readers that accompanied the following article:
The attached is an excerpt from the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Tupelo, Mississippi. The article describes the homecoming of Co B/223rd Engineering Bn from Calhoun City, Mississippi (they were attached to the 4th Id). Our soldiers left from their armory on Feb 1, 2003 and returned on March 4, 2004. Bob, you cannot imagine the support these soldiers have received from their community. Calhoun City is a town that still has a town square. Our soldiers were not scheduled to arrive until 5:30 p.m. When I drove through the square on the way to the armory around 4:15 p.m., the entire square was filled with townspeople waving their flags, banners, etc. I was so filled with emotion that I couldn't hold back the tears.
Appeared originally in the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, 3/5/2004 8:00:00 AM, section A , page 1
Company B, 223rd Engineer Battalion returns to Mississippi
By Jennifer Farish
Daily Journal Oxford Bureau
CALHOUN CITY -- More than a thousand people, many waving American flags, lined the streets here Thursday to welcome home 95 returning National Guardsmen.
"I've just been waiting and smiling all day," said Melinda Gail, wringing her hands at the thought of seeing her husband for the first time in a year. It just broke my heart when he left," she said.
Gail, who waited on the Square with her parents, worked several hours on a sign which covered the windshield of their car. The sign read "Welcome Home Larry" and was decorated with pictures of cars and places he enjoys. "We're just so glad they're back. There's not much more you can say," she said.
Gail and the many others were on hand for the arrival of Company B of the 223rd Combat Engineer Battalion (part of TF Ironhorse), which left for Iraq in April 2003. The returning members are from units in Clarksdale, Bruce, Calhoun City, Webb and Charleston. The 95 Guardsmen, all of whom returned safely, were quartered in Baqubah, about 35 miles northeast of Baghdad, and built roads, buildings, dirt works and mortar protection.
Just minutes before the soldiers' arrival at the National Guard armory just down the road from the Square, 8-year-old Ashley Wooten waited with balloons for her grandfather Jerry Wiggs of Vardaman.
Wooten said she mostly missed just spending time with the man she calls "Papaw."
"We do a lot of fun stuff. We go fishing and play out in the yard," Wooten said.
As Wooten and hundreds of other children danced with excitement, all of the adult eyes were focused on the street.
"I've been trying to get some rest, but I just couldn't," said Sharhonda Gladney, of Coffeeville.
Gladney's father George served with Company B and was in Iraq when she gave birth to his granddaughter on Feb. 12. Gladney told his daughter through letters that he was very excited about seeing little Marniya for the first time.
Applause and cheering filled the air the moment the first of three buses appeared, and many people could not hold back their tears of joy as they rushed to meet the returning men and women.
"We've worried about him for a year," said J.D. Lewis, who came with his wife Ruth to greet their grandson Adam Peacock. Peacock, 24, said his time in Iraq made him more aware of a lot of things most people take for granted. "Just small things, like being able to go to the grocery store when you want to or being able to drive a car that is not a military vehicle," he said. "Just things people take for granted. They were things I took for granted before I went over there," he said.
Soldier Jamie Brunson, who left behind three children to serve in Iraq, was grinning from ear to ear at the sight of her awaiting family. She said she also missed life in America. "You just miss life in general because we are so blessed and they (the Iraqi people) are not," she said.
Calhoun City Mayor Chodie Myers praised the group for their courage and willingness. "You have made a contribution that will never be forgotten," he said. "This afternoon, it is my great pleasure to say welcome home ... welcome home to a country that has been made better by your efforts."
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Families, friends celebrate return of Fort Hood soldiers from Iraq
By Zac Sorensen
Killeen Daily Herald
FORT HOOD — Starker Gym was the scene of another jubilant homecoming for troops returning from Iraq on Tuesday.
The homecoming for troops chiefly from three units marked another celebration of a job well done for Fort Hood soldiers.
Col. Dan Shanahan, rear detachment commander for the 4th Infantry Division, thanked the crowd for attending the ceremony.
"I want us all to remember all those soldiers that are still deployed and appreciate their great sacrifice," Shanahan said.
Family, fellow troops and commanding officers gathered to welcome soldiers from III Corps' 720th Military Police Battalion in addition to members of the 4th Infantry Division......
For Melissa Wortman, her husband's homecoming came one day after their one-year wedding anniversary. "It was really hard having him gone. We're just so excited to be together again. We plan on taking a nice, relaxing cruise," Wortman said.
The troops arriving had varying roles in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sgt. 1st Class John Tatum from the 160th Engineer Detachment helped keep U.S. forces connected in Iraq. "We were in charge of satellite imagery used for planning raids. Every major element of navigation was under our scope," Tatum said.
"Members of the 299th Engineers conducted raids and patrols while clearing roads, constructing barricades and destroying Iraq's caches of weapons," said Lt. Col. William MacDonald, 4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Officer.
"The 124th Signal Battalion's mission was operating the overall communication system used between units. They are called voice of the Iron Horse," MacDonald said.
"The 720th Military Police are a III Corps asset, but they were assigned to be part of the 4th Infantry Division's task force," MacDonald said. "They captured many of the family members harboring Saddam Hussein, made significant discoveries of enemy weapons and held many successful raids on enemy locations among their many duties."
Not all on hand Tuesday were there to welcome home a loved one. Dana Everett was busy hanging banners to show her support for the troops. "My husband is part of the 124th Signal Battalion, but he won't arrive for another few weeks.
"I came here today to show support for our friends," Everett said. "Being here today is very hard for me, but I know my time is coming."
Contact Zac Sorensen at zac@kdhnews.com
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>From Ted Kostich, president of the Ironhorse chapter of the National 4th Infantry Division Association.
4th Infantry Division Iraqi Freedom Memorial Fund - Update
The 4th Infantry Division Iraqi Freedom Memorial fund continues to make significant progress toward achieving our monetary fund-raising goal for the project. Donations of money and services continue to come in from a wide range of corporate and private parties. This weekend, the Austin American Statesman included a flier of our project in the Fort Hood circulation area. Next weekend there will be an ad in the paper's full
circulation area.
Many of the donations are accompanied by personal notes from families and friends outlining the great service of our soldiers and civilians. Several of the notes bring tears to one's eyes when you read about the sacrifices being made and the amount of pride they have in the service of these great Americans. Two of particular interest are the one from a lady in California that sent a $5 money order and wishing she could send more, and the other from the family of a senior NCO who was wounded in an action that killed two of his soldiers. My intent for the letters, pending the approval of the Division leadership and the museum curator, is to offer these letters for display as appropriate in the museum's collection. It really says it all about the compassion this Nation feels for those that are and have given so much.
With this background, I'm very proud to announce that with weather permitting, we will break ground on the Memorial this week. The Memorial Fund has sufficient monies on hand to order and pay for those long lead time items so we do not hold up construction. We are closing in on our overall goal.
The actual dedication date for the Memorial will be decided by the Division leadership, however it is my intent to raise sufficient monies and donations to facilitate a project completion date of 22 April 2004.
For those that may have missed my first update, the Memorial Wall will be built on the current 4th Infantry Division museum grounds, adjacent to the 4th Infantry Division parade field and the 4th ID Medal of Honor Wall. The intent is for the sculpture to be placed upon a granite base within a walled enclosure. In the center of the walled memorial will be an eight foot granite carving of the 4th Infantry Division Crest, with a flagpole in the center flying the 4th Infantry Division Flag that flew in Iraq. On one half of the wall, will be the names of those that made the ultimate sacrifice. On the other half will be the units that participated in the operations.
The community, local businesses, and numerous other individuals and organizations are coming forward with donations to help us reach our goal of funding and completing the Memorial before the division's welcome home ceremony on 22 April 2004. Any and all donations are appreciated. Donations can be mailed to:
Ironhorse Chapter
4th Infantry Division Association, ATTN: Memorial Fund
PO Box 5009, Building 418
Fort Hood, Texas
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59 Years Ago Today - 4ID In Germany:
10 March 1945 - D+278
Major General Troy H. Middleton, VIII Corps Commander, presented the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General H.W. Blakeley, Commanding General, at an informal ceremony.
The 4th Infantry Division began assemblying preparatory to departure from the Third Army sector to the VIII Corps area to the south in the vicinity of Luneville, France.
Thanks to Philippe Cornil at www.revive-it.com.
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) They say the hardest job in the world is being a mother but it's the most rewarding! Watching my son go off to war was the hardest, but my reward is going to Ft Hood tomorrow to see him come home. Planning a week in Texas to spend with my son on his 96 hour pass. His girlfriend and I have made a welcome home banner and I'm bringing along rice krispie treats and a cigar for my son to welcome him back to the greatest nation in the world. Hooah!
2) Our son is due home from Iraq (soon). He is with the 3/67 AR. We are so proud of him and can't wait until he's home. His Dad is in NYC on a business trip and his hotel overlooks the former site of the world trade center. He said seeing this site first hand brings everything into perspective. We can't wait to hold our son, but those people will never hold their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, etc. again. Thanks 4th ID for making this a safer world to live in. Hopefully what you have accomplished in Iraq will ensure that we never have to face another 9/11!!!!
3) Our soldier with 1-10 CAV returned home early this morning. We are so grateful to God for allowing him to return back home safe. This has been the longest year of my life. I have not prayed so much in my life as I prayed this past year. 24/7. We won't see him until April 22 for the Welcome Celebration. That's just fine. This gives him and his wife time together before we show up. Even though I am happy and rejoicing that our son is home, my heart and prayers still go out to the soldiers who are still there, because they are our family too. Regardless of what unit, what base they are from, we are all in this together.
4) Getting these up dates have been the highlight of my week, I check the e-mail daily to find something from my son, as he stated we would be notified by e-mail when he leaves to come home. It was encouraging to read today's update and see some of the soldiers from Ft. Carson are already home... I anxiously await the good news from my son, but this does not stop me from being happy for the families who have already had their son returned...
5) What a great way to start the day, our son (A 1/10 CAV) arrived at Ft. Hood early this morning. It’s been a long year for all of us, we are thankful to have him home safe. Our heart felt thanks to you Bob for the daily updates this past year. They helped us make it through this deployment with the knowledge that we shared a common bond with all the other military folks who had loved ones so far away. Unfortunately, now we have to say farewell to another son who is with the 1st Cav Division and scheduled to leave soon, so it will be another year of separation for our family. We will continue to love and support all of the guys and wait for the time when we can post some “I’m so short messages”, God Bless all our troops.
6) Hi Bob, My husband made it in early this morning, (B 1/10 Cav) It was so exciting, and I am so Happy that he is home safe now! May all of our soldiers return safely to their families!
7) I spoke to my husband this AM via the telephone [HHC-4th ID], he remains in Iraq. Today is his birthday,so I was able to "sing " Happy Birthday to him!! What an exciting time for so many military families, having their loved ones return home! I can only imagine how wonderful that must feel. I have been so touched with the e-mails that people continue to send you. I sit at my computer reading these honest, heart filled messages and shed tears of joy, some times sadness. .... I know my turn will come when I will be waiting to greet my husband at Ft. Hood! At this point I'm so excited for the families whose soldiers are finally home!
8) My son (HHC 1/12 Inf) returned to Ft Carson early morning (Mar 8). What a Glorious God. I thank him every day! I chose not to fly from Ft. Drum, NY to Ft Carson at this time so he can have that rebonding with his wife. He called me (from his wife's cell phone) as soon as he was released, said he flew into Maine before heading on to Colorado and the VFW greeted them gracefully (there in Maine) and it was very nice. Shortly after I talked to my son and knew the Eagle had landed safely, I called my husband's Rear D and asked that they telephone his father and give him the message that his son had arrived home safely. We have a wonderful Rear D group because in less than 30 minutes my husband had me on the line from Afghanistan (10th Mtn Div), wanting the number for our daughter-in-law's cell phone so he could call his son and welcome him home and congratulate them for a job well done. We'll be going to Ft Carson this summer when our daughter gets out of school for summer break. Half of my life is back to normal, just need to get my other half back. Thanks to all soldiers who serve this country and the ones who gave all (past & present). May God always comfort the hearts of their loved ones and know their soldier will never be fogotten----Mom/Wife from Ft Drum, NY
9) If you live in the Ft. Hood area, and you haven't driven down 'Tank Destroyer Rd' (between Clear Creek and 62nd St), 24th Street (next to 4ID Division Headquarters), 19th & Battalion (1-67's home), or 'Hell on Wheels Ave' (on the 4ID end) you are missing the specatular sight of all the WELCOME HOME signs, banners, and 'Dixie cup' art being placed along the bus routes back to the Abrams and Starker Gyms! Check it out! Thanks to several very talented family members and the FRGs, 1-67 ARMOR has some great displays! Those who know me well, KNOW that I use this term sparingly...however, all I can say after viewing all the displays up today is a truly justified...HOOAH! (Editor's Note: Most units have banners and art work up, I include mention of 1-67 Armor because they're the one that sent me the note, not intending to slight the other great art work, some of which I've seen pictures of. I'm looking forward to seeing it when I get to Fort Hood).
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Redeployment Tips:
1) My son is coming home tomorrow to Fort Carson and you can probably understand that I am so excited!! I wanted to pass something on. I have been calling Fort Carson for about a week trying to get information as to when exactly my son would be back. Today Fort Carson put me in touch with my son's FRG leader and she was happy to hear from me. She said that there were about 15 single
soldiers that they had no way to get ahold of their families to let them know when exactly they were coming back so their families could make arragements to be there when they arrived. It would be a good idea for families (like myself) who didn't know to contact their soldier's FRG leader and leave a number they can be reached. This nice woman said they had made signs for the soldiers and they would definitely make them feel welcome but it's not the same as Momma being there!! (Editor's Note: If you don't know how to get in touch with your Family Readiness Group (FRG), send me the name and unit of your soldier (unit name such as 588 Engr Bn, not unit number that you send mail to) and your name and relationship to the soldier. I will forward it on to my contact at Fort Hood who has access to FRG leaders at Fort Hood and Fort Carson, and will do her best to help you across the Army if your soldier is based somewhere else).
2) If you have moved and changed telephone numbers your FRG needs to know! They would hate it if one of you were left out of events because you did not get a call.
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