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| A-1-8 Chapter of the 4th Infantry Division |
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Bob Babcock - "Deeds not Words"
President, Americans Remembered, Inc. - http://www.americansremembered.org
President, 22nd Inf Regt Society - http://www.22ndinfantry.org
Past President/Historian - Nat'l 4th Inf Div Assn - http://www.4thinfantry.org
babcock224@aol.com
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Maj. Gen. Odierno's Veterans' Day Message
As we honor the veterans of past conflicts and the current global war on terrorism, I would like to thank you, the soldiers of Task Force Ironhorse. And as important, I would like to thank your families for the sacrifices and contributions you both have made to this war.
You face danger and hardship every day as you conduct combat operations to defeat the enemies of democracy in Iraq. Just as the veterans of the 4th Infantry Division did in the Meuse-Argonne, we are making a stand against forces that would like to see the liberties we enjoy destroyed.
Our fathers and grandfathers made history on Utah Beach and in the Central Highlands of Vietnam; the spirit of these heroes is alive in Task Force Ironhorse and you continue the tradition of the Ivy Division in every mission you perform.
No challenge has ever stood in the way of the Ironhorse, and we will complete our task and free the Iraqi people from their history of tyranny and we will destroy terrorists forces here before they can bring the fight to American shores and threaten our families.
On this Veterans' Day we need to reflect on the legacy of our predecessors and remember those who gave their hearts and their lives to our nation's defense. Many have made that sacrifice here; we will never forget our brethern from this or past wars.
Their loss is a loss to all of us, but their contribution to preserving the lives and liberties of America will be remembered and appreciated by our nation and all of us who fight together in Task Force Ironhorse.
We will continue to fight for our families, for our country, and for each other. God bless the soldiers and families of Task Force Ironhorse and God bless America.
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General Warns Iraqis Attacks Must Stop
By SLOBODAN LEKIC
Associated Press Writer
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP)--....... a top U.S. general sat down with local leaders in Iraq's most dangerous region to tell them attacks must stop......
Gen. John Abizaid, head of the U.S. Central Command, met over the weekend with mayors and tribal leaders of Anbar province - where the so-called ``Sunni Triangle,'' scene of the heaviest anti-U.S. resistance is located--an Iraqi who attended the meeting said Monday.
Abizaid pointed to Fallujah, one of the main towns in the Sunni Triangle, as a 'hot area'' and warned that if the city refuses to cooperate 'in the rebuilding process,'' there `'ight be another policy,'' Fallujah Mayor Taha Bedawi told The Associated Press. The general did not specify the new measures, but told the local leaders in Saturday's meeting, "Irresponsible behavior such as explosions and strikes against coalition forces are prohibited and we will take measures. We have the capabilities and equipment,'' Bedawi said.
Elsewhere, U.S. forces seized nearly 1,000 rockets during weekend raids in Tikrit and Beiji, north of Baghdad, the 4th Infantry Division said Monday. Soldiers from the division's 3rd Brigade also confiscated 1,500 rounds of 155 mm artillery shells in Balad, south of Tikrit, division spokeswoman Maj. Josslyn Aberle said.
Also, about 40 people were detained for various offenses in overnight patrols around Tikrit, she said........
And from another Associated Press Article
by BASSEM MROUE
Associated Press
..... U.S. officials have blamed supporters of Saddam Hussein and foreign fighters for the violence. However, a U.S. officer in Saddam's hometown, Tikrit, said Monday there were no signs foreign radicals have gained a foothold there.
Lt. Col. Steve Russell, a battalion commander with the 4th Infantry Division, said gunmen killed or captured during recent attacks against coalition forces were Saddam loyalists and "we have yet to kill or capture a foreign fighter in Tikrit."....
Copyright 2003, The Associated Press.
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Nov. 9, 2003
Soldiers to get body armor by Christmas
BY DEBBIE STEVENSON
Herald Staff Writer
Fort Hood troops in Iraq are expected to have the Army's upgraded body armor by December, but some will have to wait until summer for armored humvees.
"It's a requirement we have to fill, and we're going as fast as we can," said Maj. Gary Tallman, an Army spokesman at the Pentagon.
The requests for additional M-1114 armored humvees and intercepter bulletproof vests for all soldiers in Iraq came as attacks on U.S. troops ramped up this summer.
"Everyone had something, but given the increased need for protection as the summer wore on, the decision was made for everyone to have intercepter body armor," Tallman said. "The field commanders had stated their needs and we're doing whatever we can to meet them."
Tallman could not comment on why all U.S. forces were sent in without the upgraded equipment. Pentagon officials said delays in funding and production were the cause.
However, Democrats in Washington have suggested that the postwar hostilities were not anticipated by the administration. Congressional members from both parties also blamed the Pentagon for what they viewed as an inadequate supply chain.
Production had been boosted for troops in Afghanistan when the lead-up to the Iraq war began. As of mid-October, nearly a quarter of the 130,000 troops in Iraq were without the new vests.
Introduced four years ago, each vest and its plates weighs about 16 pounds and costs more than $1,500.
"It's not a question of money; it's a question of capacity to manufacture these devices," Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told a Senate committee in September.
"The decision to issue interceptor body armor to everyone (in Iraq) created an immediate requirement, and we don't have it on hand," Tallman said. "We are in the process of increasing production to meet the increased requirement."
In an interview from the 4th Infantry Division's base in Tikrit, Lt. Col. Bill MacDonald said the soldiers who are likely to have contact with the enemy have the improved vests and "up-armored" humvees.
"Without getting too specific because of security concerns, it is fair to say a majority of our soldiers do have the new body armor and ceramic plates," MacDonald said.
Who gets the armor first is based on priority, MacDonald said.
"When we get them in, the priority goes to the soldiers who would need the equipment the most, i.e. those on raids, patrols, civil affairs activities or convoys supporting the combat troops," he said.
The goal, though, is to have all soldiers in the armor, MacDonald said. "And that goal is being worked on every day."
Noting that the Army has doubled to six the number of manufacturers working on the body armor, Tallman said production is churning out 25,000 sets a month and is expected to meet the December target date.
The Army had been pushing for a rate of 50,000 a month. That goal won't be met until the availability of spectra shield, the ceramic material that stops the bullets, is improved, Tallman said.
It also will be at least summer before the Army gets the 3,000 armored humvees it has requested for Iraq.
The armored humvees are being produced at a rate of 80 a month by AM General and O'Gara, Hess and Eisenhardt in Fairfield, Ohio, Tallman said.
"That is expected to increase to 220 a month over the next six months," Tallman said.
In the meantime, troops already in Iraq are coming up with their own innovations.
MacDonald said 4th Infantry troops in the soft-sided humvees have been given Kevlar blankets that can be cut to fit the vehicle. Some troops also have placed sandbags on the floors of the vehicles.
"The use of sandbags has been very effective," MacDonald said. (Editor's Note: Sandbags in vehicles date back at least to WWII, Korea, and Vietnam - this is nothing new but a great way to protect vehicles).
Tallman said $177 million of President Bush's $87 billion package for Iraq had been set aside for the production of the improved body armor and armored humvees.
"The (Defense Department) gave us $59 million more on top of the increase we received in last year's supplemental," Tallman said.
Emphasizing that no system is fail-proof, MacDonald said feedback from the field about the new equipment has been good.
"The staff of one of our brigades feels the equipment has saved at least seven lives in their particular brigade alone," MacDonald said. "Other leaders feel the same way.
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VA Launches 'Kids Page' Web Site
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2003 – The Department of Veterans Affairs announced the launch of "VA Kids" today, a new Web page designed to help young people understand what it means to be a veteran.
"The ideals of military service and patriotism can be unfamiliar to some children and young adults," said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi. "The VA Kids Web page supports President Bush's initiatives on education and volunteerism by providing an entertaining and informative way for young people to learn why veterans are special."
The site, http://www.va.gov/kids/ contains areas for students in kindergarten through Grade 5, for Grades 6 through 12, and for teachers. VA Kids also has information about VA, Veterans Day, scholarships, student volunteer opportunities, rehabilitative and special events for disabled veterans and links to veteran-related sites.
For younger students, the site has interactive activities such as puzzles, coloring pages, matching contests and age-appropriate language to describe a number of patriotic topics. For older students, the page has information on volunteer programs, scholarships and more sophisticated educational resources, games and reference links. The teachers' section contains more information, links and suggested classroom activities.
"The title 'veteran' is bestowed by a grateful nation on citizens willing to sacrifice everything to preserve our freedom," Principi said. "It is our responsibility to honor these heroes by ensuring that each American generation understands what this prestigious title means."
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Another one to get your Kleenex out for - but too good to not use:
A Mother Buys a Christmas Tree
Well, I pulled up my boot straps and went shopping today for a Christmas tree to send to my son in Iraq. I wandered up and down the aisles looking for just the best stuff. Tree couldn't be too big, he is in a container now and I know he doesn't have much room. I picked out cute little ornaments and some footballs and things I know he would put on a tree that he was decorating for himself.
I struggled looking at each ornament wondering what he would be thinking as he got them and wondering if he knew how much love and thought went into every item I picked. Having this our first Christmas apart in 21 years it will be tough for all. As I was standing in the store, my mind kept wandering to Christmas morning and I won't hear him telling his little sister to, "go back to bed, it's only 4 in the morning. Santa probably hasn't even been yet." Hearing her saying, "come on Dus, hurry, get up".
I finally decided on the right size of tree and some of those silky looking ornaments so they wouldn't get smashed, got the colored lights, he doesn't like just one color.
I did really well until I got to the checkstand and the girls there know that my son is in Iraq. I rarely let anyone forget, but they know and asked me how he was, is this going over to him? And I stood there not even being able to answer and started to cry. Not for myself, but knowing that they all are going to be there without us, have we sent them enough to have a Christmas remotely as nice as the one we'll have here without them? Did we get enough names of the soldiers who aren't getting anything and will they have something?
I shouldn't be allowed out in public, I tell ya...Anyway, remember to get the stuff off before the 13th is what they are saying now. Love you guys and thanks for all the prayers and support.
(Wipe the tears from your eyes and remember - according to the postal service, the last day to ship things to Iraq to insure they get there by Christmas is this Thursday, November 13).
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59 Years Ago Today - 4ID in Germany's Hurtgen Forest:
11 November 1944 - D+159
Our advances were contested stubbornly; the enemy was even counterattacking at every opportunity in strength varying from platoon to company. At least three such counterattacks were preceded by heavy artillery preparation. In addition to the formal counterattacks, the enemy aggressively attempted to infiltrate our line and attack our forces from the rear. Shelling by enemy artillery was constant throughout the period. Tanks and self-propelled guns were seen mostly in the vicinity of Hurtgen.
The 2nd Battalion of the 8th Infantry moved to a forward assembly area, dug in and secured itself for the night. The 12th Infantry improved positions beginning at 0800 and efforts were made to clean enemy resistance in the rear areas of the 2nd Battalion. Enemy pressure in this area continued throughout the day and resulted in
Companies E and G being isolated. The 1st Battalion attacked to reach isolated companies but was stopped by heavy machine guns, small arms and 88 mm fire.
The 22nd Infantry continued reconnaissance, planning and coordination for next operations.
Thanks to Philippe Cornil at www.revive-it.com.
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) Hey Bob. just wanted to let you know the latest. My husband of (B CO 1-22 3RD platoon) called me yesterday and I just got off the computer with him. He is in Quatar for R&R until Thursday. He sounds fine. He is just ready to come home. He told me they had a close call the other day. He is a Bradley driver, and one of the Iraqi's placed a homemade bomb on the road and when the Bradley went by the person set it off. The Bradley and all aboard were alright, but he said it was a wake up. He didn't ask for much. He is just glad that he has these few days to rest and talk to his family. I hadn't talked to him on the phone in almost two months so hearing his voice yesterday was music to my ears....
2) I got a much needed phone call from my husband (4MP CO, 5th PLT) Sunday
night. He went back to Iraq from his 15 day leave on the 30th of October and was able to call to let me know that he was back and already working. Then their phone went on a "trip" so I was unable to talk to him for a while. To hear his voice last night was just what I needed to cheer me up. I am very blessed, because with his job he has e-mail and a phone that he is able to use .... He writes letters and e-mails and calls..., depending on their schedule. I was told that his "boss" reads these updates so, Thank you Sir for being the wonderful leader that you are to my husband and all of your team. To all the families that their soldier is not coming home on leave, know that this wife is thinking and praying for you and wants you to know that your sacrifice is noticed by me and many others. May God keep our Soldiers safe and bring them home soon.
3) My husband is with 1-66 AR in Sammarra, it was our anniversary yesterday and he got to call me this morning! It was so nice to hear his voice. He probably won't be coming home on leave either, and we have a new baby, born in Sept. So, to all the wives that can't have their husbands come home for leave, I feel your pain. We had only been married 5 months when he left. I just think to myself that we won't have to say goodbye again, and we'll have longer uninterrupted time together when he gets home! I pray that he gets home safe and soon! God bless all the soldiers and their families while they are away!
4) We welcomed our son home on Friday afternoon for two weeks of R & R. He is with the 229th Engr CSE attached to the 223rd, 555, 4th ID based in Tikrit. There was no more beautiful sight for this mother or his wife as when we saw him walking towards us in the airport. He has adjusted well to the obvious culture shock. He is enjoying eating his favorite foods and spending time with family and friends. We are so blessed that he is with us now. We are planning an early Thanksgiving dinner for family while he is here.
5) I feel so bad that there are soldiers that do not get to see their families. My soldier had to come home on emergency leave for our newborn and had to stay due to our 17 months old developing problems. So I was lucky in a way. I would have gladly given up the last month for the happiness of another family if I could have. I believe that all the soldiers should get to come home, but we do not make the rules. I pray for ALL the soldiers every night. And when my soldier returns back to Iraq next week I will have to worry again, but I know in my heart he will return safely to my side in April. He is with 46th Chemical Company out of Fort Hood, TX.
6) I am grateful that I hear from my husband, with 4/42 FA quite often (at least once a week). Hearing his voice feels great and is comforting, and it carries me through until the next time, to know he is alright. Just as I do, he has his ups & downs, good and bad days, but overall seems to be doing ok. MAIL is the key word here. He writes me everyday - says it's his therapy. (I think the oreos are too!). I have a rubbermaid box under our bed full of letters & pictures from Iraq. Someday we will enjoy going through them all. I make sure that he also gets a steady flow of letters & packages from me. As crazy as it may sound, I feel we have bonded even closer through all of this. We have definitely decided that we will no longer take for granted the simple, small things in life and our relationship with each other. I miss him dearly and pray daily for his and the others' safe return home - He's the hero in my life and I'm so proud of him and the job they are doing over there. Hooah Highlanders!
7) Just an update on hearing from our son who is with 1-68 Armor, Charlie Company. He has called weekly for the past 3 weeks and we're SO spoiled. The calls may last only for 10 minutes, but it's the best 10 minutes of our day, even during the middle of the night. He was in Kirkuk for the day so he hit the PX and Internet Cafe. He said by the time he logs on and trys to open his military mail, his time is up and it's time to log off. He keeps telling us he is in the same location, but we still have no idea where that is! I guess that may be a good thing. He did say he is now sleeping in a trailor with air and heat. He said he really doesn't need the air at this point, I guess it can be quite chilly there. Still one hot meal a day which is breakfast and he usually misses it so it's MREs and our junk food that we send for the remainder of the day. He was happy I was able to tell him that Ohio State beat Michigan State on Saturday. He loves to hear how the Buckeyes are doing. He is a platoon leader and as we spoke, he was waiting for two of his men to return from R&R to the States. He sent 4 rolls of film home with his gunner went he went on R&R, so we were hoping for more pictures. He said he hasn't been taking many these days because it's the same thing every day and the sights are getting old....
8) On Friday, 11-8, we heard from our grandson stationed in Balad, Iraq with 4ID, 978MP, 3rd Platoon, 18th Brigade from Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX. He is on his mid-tour R&R in Germany. His mother and sister (our daughter & granddaughter) are joining him there. He sounded wonderful and so grateful to be out of the fire for a while. He was stationed in Germany for two years just prior to deploying to Iraq, so they should have a great time. He called from a hotel in Wiesbaden. Said he had a big room all to himself, a big bed, a hot shower and a toilet that would flush paper!! He and his mother called later that they had found each other and were off to a fun week together.
9) My girlfriend, who is with the 720th, asked for a squeegee to clean her HummV windows. I sent it and she said it works great and that other soldiers wanted one. I thought you could post this to let folks know it might be a good item to send. I found them at Target for four dollars.
10) I heard from my boyfriend again Friday morning, (A Co. 2-8 IN). He called as I was running out the door for work. He is doing well. Tired.. not getting any R & R til he gets home. They have been doing raids and all kinds of things but said all is well. He was positive.. and that's all that matters. He will be back at the camp on Monday, so I'm hoping we will all hear from him a little more. He sent me a few cameras and some other things the beginning of October and they still aren't here yet.. can't wait to open my mailbox with those in there! God Bless all the troops and bring them home safe! Hooah!
11) I heard from my husband yesterday and we spoke for 40 min. I also got a gorgeous floral arrangement from him for our anniv. He is with the 418th Civil Affairs BN in Tikrit. He speaks little of what he's doing exactly but assures me of his safety and I know that God's listening every time I ask for protection of our Troops and for their families.
12) This morning (Saturday) we received an email from our son with the 704th. He said he is fine. He shared this will likely be the last time we hear from him in a while as he's going out again. Another comment he wrote was that life with the Cav is somethin else. (Not sure what that means?) He thanked us for all the letters, packages, and love..... We are so proud of the fine young man he has become. After all he turned 19 while in Iraq..... GOD BLESS OUR MEN AND WOMEN
13) Here is what a friend and I are doing for Christmas presents. We are doing our version of the 12 days of Christmas - 1 picture CD, 3 calling cards, 5 magaiznes, 7 books for reading, 9 candy canes, 10 pictures of myself, 11 stciks of beef jerky, 12 flavored coffees/cocoas are some of what we came up with. I am sending 1-6 in a box and the other six in a separate box. All presents are wrapped individually, decorated with a tag on the outside with a number on it so he knows what order to go in. Be creative and fit the items to what your soldier enjoys! I also bought a few other items such as football shaped summer sausage that he can open on Christmas day. I'm sending a stocking of things that will all be wrapped too. Even wrapping every item you send in a every package for the month of December can be fun for them. My husband is going to be showered with presents if he can't be home for Christmas.
(No unit given, but great idea).
14) Life without that of one who serves their country proudly, freely, and valantly would be a life void of love, dreams, freedom, a life void of the many treasures so many of us call life. Children, mates, cars, boats, planes, photos, books, stories, smiles, all a part of life. To those of you who wear the uniform of your country with pride today, and for those of you who wore the uniform in days past, these few words go out to you, and I hope they bring life in its fullness unto you and yours. You gave of yourself, to protect and keep that life which you had learned and begun to love. You gave of your family, you gave of your life, some came home, some never did, some live in our memories, some in our tears, taken in life both young and old, no score card to determine who went and who returned. So accept these simple words of thanks. Thank You...
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Happy Veterans Day! Celebrate this day - Enjoy it - Hug a Vet - Go to a parade - Thank a Vet - Tell others about the significance of this day - Remember fallen comrades - Smile - Be Proud - Have Fun - Above all, Thank God for our Veterans...they have paid, and continue to pay today, the price for the Freedom we are enjoying in our lives.
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