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US nets suspects in Iraq helicopter downing
Thu 13 November, 2003 11:30
TIKRIT, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. troops have detained two people suspected of taking part in last week's shooting down of a Black Hawk helicopter near ousted leader Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit, a U.S. officer says.
Colonel James Hickey, commander of the First Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division, told MSNBC television on Thursday the men were among 36 people detained during overnight raids near Tikrit.
"We captured two people we believe were responsible for shooting down our aircraft last week," he said, referring to a Black Hawk military helicopter brought down on November 7, killing all six U.S. personnel on board.
"Working on the basis of human intelligence and from speaking to one particular source, we were able to carry out a very targeted raid," Hickey said. "We set out to get a certain group of folks by name and we got about half of them."
He described the detainees as loyalists of Saddam, but gave no details.
The U.S. military has used tougher tactics, including air strikes, against its guerrilla foes since the shooting down of the Black Hawk and of a Chinook transport helicopter downed five days earlier with the loss of 16 lives.
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Iraq Cops Search for Helicopter Suspects
By JIM GOMEZ
.c The Associated Press
QADISIYAH, Iraq (AP) - Hundreds of Iraqi police searched door-to-door Wednesday in a dusty suburb of Saddam Hussein's hometown, looking for weapons and insurgents in an area near where a U.S. helicopter went down.
An American military force watched, but stayed back letting the Iraqis handle the search themselves.
Nearly the entire 500-member police force of Tikrit, north of Baghdad, conducted the searches in the northern suburb of Qadisiyah starting after dawn, initially discovering mortars and a homemade bomb but making no arrests.
Brandishing Kalashnikov rifles, the Iraqi policemen knocked on doors, shook the hands of residents and uttered Islamic greetings before searching the sandstone homes.
A convoy of U.S. troops in Humvees and Bradley fighting vehicles stood ready to provide firepower a few blocks away.
``I think it's fantastic, it's a very positive step,'' said Lt. Col. Steven Russell of the 4th Infantry Division who led the U.S. backup force. ``It's the first time that we have seen them actually take the lead on a large-scale operation, plan it and execute it.''
Hamed Muzhir, the police chief of Salahuddin, said he asked the Americans to provide a backup force in case of an emergency but wanted to show that his police could control their own town.
``We work together with American forces but maybe we don't need their forces because we have forces, we have weapons,'' he told reporters.
``This is our country,'' he added.
Tikrit, a desert town of about 120,000 people 120 miles north of Baghdad, has been a hotbed of anti-American sentiments. Attacks against coalition forces have intensified in recent weeks in the region.
The area that was searched is near where a U.S. Black Hawk helicopter went down Friday, killing six U.S. soldiers. U.S. officers believe it was shot down.
Following the crash, U.S. forces dropped bombs and fired mortars at the region near the crash site in a show of force aimed at discouraging future attacks. Three buildings which insurgents were believed to use for shelter were destroyed.
As the search got underway, Iraqi policemen set up roadblocks.
``You see a lot of police out here, but I just don't see them searching,'' Russell said, as his convoy passed by one neighborhood. Then he lightened up when he saw some Iraqi policemen stop a truck.
``They're getting good. They are searching the trucks too,'' he said.
11/12/03 07:09 EST
Copyright 2003 The Associated Press.
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Watch Dayside on FoxNews Today - 11-13-03
1:00 to 3:00 PM EST
>From one of our readers: Just thought you would like to know that Fox News called us today and they are trying to get Brigid's son, B/2-8 Infantry, on so that when we are at the show they can talk to each other. So watch Dayside with Linda Vester Thursday, November 13 (1-3PM EST). I don't know if they will be able to get him but they have been talking to the Army all day trying to set it up. If you want you can put it in your update. Next week is her birthday and this is going to be the best present she could ever get.
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Even after the Holidays, there will be a need for sending things to our troops. Almost every day, I get requests from Americans who want the name of a soldier to send packages to. Because of security reasons, I won't pass any names out (and you shouldn't do it either unless you are certain you know the person and their intentions).
But, a solution to the problem is the program that Chaplain LTC Dewayne Brewer, rear detachment chaplain of 4ID at Fort Hood, announced back in September. He will continue to receive and forward packages to our troops as long as you send them to him. I first included this announcement in the September 17 update, here it is again - and feel free to pass this on to those who ask about sending packages to our troops. They'll be happy to receive things in January or February just like they will in December.
Some of you have seen this, others have not. It answers questions many of you have about how you can help other soldiers and the Iraqi people:
Operation Peace and Joy through Gifts of Love
Hello to All,
I have received numerous requests from friends, churches, schools, and other agencies to seek a way to support our soldiers during their deployment and in particular, during the upcoming holiday season. It is so moving to know of the support for our soldiers and their families during such a difficult time and of the continued prayers offered on their behalf - and the desire to put substance behind those voices of support and prayer.
Our soldiers continue to bravely do the job asked of them by our country and their leadership in defending the freedoms we cherish and seek to offer to others. Our armed forces are the best in the world and the best equipped, as well, they have the necessary equipment to do the job asked of them. I want to also ensure you of this fact and to also let you know steady progress is being made in their quality of life and meeting personal comfort needs for them in Iraq. Your desire to help in some way is a true credit to your patriotism and love for our soldiers and country. I want to thank you in advance for your sacrifices and to let you know of at least two ways you can be a part of the great support be given to our soldiers in the field.
I work for the 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) Rear Detachment at Ft. Hood, Texas, the home base for this division and also the base for the larger Taskforce Ironhorse the 4th Infantry Division is leading in Iraq. Ours is not the only taskforce supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and you may have loved ones assigned to the other units serving our great nation and the people of Iraq at this time, so these steps outlined in this letter could be done for your loved ones assigned to those units as well. You will just have to obtain a suitable point of contact and address for them to mail the packages for distribution.
Our Rear Detachment would like to keep the costs down for you in mailing your packages and would be available to collect them and distribute them to the units assigned to Taskforce Ironhorse - with the unit commanders, first sergeants, and chaplains distributing the packages to our soldiers. We are prohibited from giving out individual soldier names and addresses due to privacy reasons and also all packages must be x-rayed due to safety precautions for our soldiers in Iraq - and here at Ft. Hood.
I am providing a list of suggested items for you to include in the holiday packages and also size restrictions for the boxes to assist in ease of mailing and keeping the costs down for you. My wife and I went to our local WAL-MART and procured these items at a reasonable cost and I believe could fit easily into your holiday shopping budget if you seek to send a package for one of our soldiers. I recommend each family adopt a soldier and send one package and hopefully we will have enough families to adopt a soldier to give a Gift of Love during this time of peace and joy.
Thank you again for your support and love for our soldiers.
DeWayne L. Brewer, CH (LTC), USAR and Pastor, Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church
Suggested Package Materials for Operation Peace and Joy:
1. Holiday Decorations - electric lights, ornament, and cards (homemade the best)
(Probably getting too late for holiday decorations, especially if sent after November 15)
2. Books - Variety of reading material, paper-backs, magazines (suitable for all)
3. Toiletries - Personal items such as oral hygiene kits, toilet paper packets, tissue packets, sanitary cleansing packets, small containers of shampoo, lotion, shaving kits, baby wipes, and so on. Bug Repellant - need 100 % DEET in liquid form, not lotion due to sand.
4. Plastic trash bags - small rolls of the 20-gallon kitchen or outdoor variety.
5. Snacks of all kinds - need the ones pre-packaged that can hold up in the heat and take a pounding, powdered drink mixes such as Gatorade, lemonade, kool-aid mix with sugar, breakfast snack items are a big hit.
6. Batteries - size double AA, but others needed too. Phone Cards - must be able to use from Iraq/Kuwait
7. Games - card games, small game sets, board games, hand-held games popular. Sports Stuff - Frisbees, balls, memorabilia, and so on.
Mailing Requirements:
Note: All mailing costs to Ft. Hood, TX are your responsibility. Also important to follow the instructions below.
1. Please address all packages to the following address:
Commander, 4ID
ATTN: 4ID Rear Detachment Chaplain
Bldg 410
Ft. Hood, Texas 76544-5056.
Please include two pre-stamped post cards with your address label on the addressee portion for us to let you know we received your package and also to send with your package for the soldiers to write you.
2. Boxes can be no more than 72" in diameter. Add the length across the top and round the box to get the diameter. The box cannot exceed 30 pounds. All boxes must be brown in color with no writing on it. You may wrap a colored box in brown paper with clear packing tape. Labels must be legible, preferably typed. There must be a label for both the address listed above and your return address.
3. There must be a Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note, PS Form 2976-A, attached to the front of all packages. The addressee and sender's name must be filled out on the PS Form 2976-A. List all contents, quantity of contents, and the value of the contents. You may use more than one customs slip if needed. The form must be signed and dated.
4. The following dates are suggested guides to use in gathering your materials and shipping the packages to Ft. Hood, Texas:
a. (Omitted - this time period has passed).
b. September through October for collecting the holiday items, however, Rosh Hashanah begins on 27 September, Hanukah on 29 Dec and Christmas, 25 Dec..
c. Packages need to be mailed from Ft. Hood by 1 December (minimum of two week delivery time frame from Ft. Hood to Iraq). We need your packages by Nov 15th. (Remember - this was the original note - Chaplain Brewer will run this through January/February if there are still things coming in for our troops).
Editors Note: Chaplain Brewer said he would love to be challenged to find enough personnel to process all the packages and school supplies he might receive. This is a legitimate program - participate if you are so inclined.
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59 Years Ago Today - 4ID in Germany's Hurtgen Forest:
13 November 1944 - D+161
The 12th Infantry was engaged in fierce fighting in the Hurtgen Forest. Casualties were high and it was necessary to unify all efforts to obtain necessary replacements.
The enemy remained relatively inactive. Its defense was organized along the same front lines from which patrols operated to probe our positions and to determine our strength. Twenty-one shellings were reported by the 4th Infantry Division units. It was estimated that there were three battalions of enemy artillery capable of firing into the sector held by CT 12. All battalions of the 8th and 22nd Infantry conducted instructions for all officers in adjustment of artillery fire. Beginning at 0730, isolated companies A, C, F and G, 12th Infantry, initiated a short withdrawal to reestablish contact. By mid-afternoon, while being harassed by small arms and artillery fire, the operation had been completed successfully.
Thanks to Philippe Cornil at www.revive-it.com.
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) Great News, the best call a mother can get before heading off to work. I got a call from my son this morning and he will be home on Sunday 11/16/03 (Fort Hood). I am so excited and making travel plans to be with him and his wife, our new grandson and granddaughters for Thanksgiving. What a time we are go to have and give God all the thanks.
2) I AM THE PROUD MOTHER OF A SOLDIER WHO IS CURRENTLY IN IRAQ BUT HOME ON 15 DAYS R&R, WHILE HOME HIS LOVELY WIFE GAVE BIRTH ON VETERANS DAY TO A BABY BOY, 8LBS 14OZ AND 20 INCHES TALL. WE ARE SO GLAD HE IS HOME IF NOT FOR JUST A SHORT TIME AND I FOR ONE AM
GLAD HE COULD BE HERE FOR HIS SON'S BIRTH! THEY HAVE ANOTHER SON WHO WILL TURN 1 YR OLD ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 14TH. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR UPDATES AND ENCOURAGEMENT YOU GIVE US, IT HELPS MORE THAN YOU KNOW!
3) Yesterday morning did not start out a joyful day for me. I was another year older! But with friends and family giving me their birthday wishes, it did get better. Then I got a call about 1:30 pm from my son (223rd Eng Bn of MS, Camp Warhorse in Baqubah). He said "Happy Birthday" and my day was brighter still. We got to talk for 30-40 minutes. He immediately told me that if I heard a loud boom, not to worry. They were firing a tank. He was not sure if they had a target or what. About that time I heard it. He said that was about the 9th one. He said they were watching a movie when the first one went off. He had his flip flops on and when it went off, he said "I just curled my toes and ran!" We had a good laugh. They had been busy that day moving, cleaning, and taking down some tents. He and others had moved into the trailers. They had also had a bad night and day the day before when a lot of wind came through and blew down some tents, had rain also. He was excited still about the Ole Miss win over Auburn, stayed up in the early Sunday morning hours to watch it. I told him Happy Veteran's Day, and he said "Yeah, I guess I'm a Vet now." Said they had Steak and Lobster for supper that night. God bless the ones serving now, and the ones that are no longer with us.
4) This is for the lady who is wondering what our soldiers are asking for this winter. I am the proud wife to a Golf Troop, 10th Cav. soldier. He has requested from me: a hat with ear covers, thin (water resistant and wind proof) gloves, a wind proof mask, a wind proof scarf type thing, thick socks, and dark long johns. I am also going to send him: telephone calling cards (they always need those) and some hot packs (you squeeze them which breaks something inside and they get warm). God bless all of ours soldiers and bring them home safely. Hooah!!!
5) Last Friday, we received a videotape from our son who is with C Co, 1/8, from Fort Carson, currently in Balad. What an incredible gift that was! Our son and his friend took the videocamera around with them for several days so he could show us where he's living, where he works, etc. He also introduced us to all his friends and made them all "say hi to Mom, Dad, and Sean," even one of his buddies over the radio. After he took us to all the places he wanted us to see, he just sat down with the camera on and talked to us. It was amazing and so wonderful to actually see his face while listening to his voice. We are very proud of our son and our "other son" who is in Balad with him. They have grown up so much and matured and they really won't be boys when they come back home - they will be MEN! God bless all of our soldiers and bring them home to us soon. They are working hard over there and doing lots of good, positive stuff, not just all the negative things the press seems to write about. Please, everyone, keep our young men and women in your prayers.
6) I received a much needed phone call from my husband this morning around 3:30am, he is with A Co 1-66 out of Ft Hood, TX. He sounded great and we were able to talk about 45 minutes. We have been able to talk almost every other day but this time it had been about 10 days ..... The thing that seemed to bother him the most was that he has missed so much time with both of our kids. He left for Korea in September 2001 and returned home late in March 2003 and went to Iraq in July. So in all he has been gone for over 2 yrs and he is one that will not be getting to come home for 2 wks, so as he put it the 3rd holiday season being missed again. But he is very up beat and says "we" will make it through.
7) My husband is in D Troop, 1-10 Cav, 4 ID. They are at Streicher Airfield in Tikrit. He phoned several times over the weekend because he COULD. Although they are back to primitive conditions and living in tents, they have access to FOUR HOT MEALS a day, which is something they haven't enjoyed since deploying last March. He said he was able to talk for so long because he bought minutes from a company online for FIVE CENTS PER MINUTE!!! A far cry from the $1/minute calls he's been making for the last several months! He sounded good, and we are anticipating news about his midtour date within the next few weeks. We are hoping it will be mid-December, and I can't imagine a better Christmas gift! Our 9 month-old has just begun walking--he was 8 weeks old when Daddy deployed. I am so very proud of my hubby and all of the soldiers serving abroad!!! (Editor's Note: This is the second time I've heard of a 5 cents a minute phone card from Iraq - if anyone has any specifics on where to get it and if there are any hidden "gotcha's" with it, let me know and I'll pass it on).
8) I got a call from my husband, A 204th attached to C - 2\8 a little before 7:00 this morning (which gave me a great reason for the kids missing the bus .... lol). He said that he is doing good and so are his guys. All three of the kids got to talk to him for a minute or two so they are happier now. No matter how many times he calls or writes or emails he always tells us he loves us and will be home as soon as he can and for us not to worry. Says he has the best group of guys watching his back.
9) I wanted to write and say how wonderful it was to hear my husband's voice this morning. Fortunatly we have had the luxury of knowing approximatley when they would be calling so I have tried to make myself available. We are a dual military family, him an Engineer, me Medical ( both prior 4ID Soldiers). This morning after pulling a 24 hour call and assisting with 2 c-sections (one, a soldier home for mid-tour) I was in "Consideration of Others" training and my phone rang...I knew it was my husband...so I ran out of the room to get a better signal... His "Hi baby" is what I live to hear. He said that it has been getting cool at night and asked me to try to find some warm gloves that he would still be able to move his fingers with. So...What I have done is found a pair of scuba diving gloves for cold water. They are made of a thin poly material and fit like a second skin. Those are going over in the package today to Charlie CO 5th EN. I just thought this might be able to help someone whose Soldier asks for warm gloves that fit! The Army issue is very bulky.
10) My husband is with HHC 1-8 and we had a wonderful R&R time together (he went back yesterday). I did want to share that our 2 year old daughter had a very difficult time adjusting to his visit and it wasn't until the last few days that she was completely at ease with him. I could see that it broke his heart that he was no longer able to comfort her by just picking her up. The two of us are able to deal with the separation through letters and late night phone calls, but their bond has definitely been affected by this. Just as she got back into the routines with him, he had to leave and she was up all night crying for her daddy. I can't imagine being in his shoes, coming home as a stranger to his own child. He came home really skinny but I managed to send him back with a little more meat on his bones. We had a great time just sitting and talking, although I didn't press him to share stories of his experience. Goodbye was extremely difficult but it will only be a few months now. I escorted him to the gate by asking for a pass from the ticket agent. I believe you can ask to be there during arrivals as well. Just a few extra moments can mean so much. I'm sure my daughter will be fine and I will stop crying in a day or so, but he needed the break so badly and it was great to see him asleep in his easy chair while football was on. So I would definitely say it was well worth it and I wish everyone could experience a homecoming, no matter how short it may be.
11) From a reader in HHC/1-8 Infantry - In response to the woman who is trying to put together a list of things to send over. My brother has been requesting the following of late; trail mix, dried fruit, those all inclusive make your own tuna fish and chicken salad kits, instant pancake mix (the just add water kind) and syrup (you need to send him a pan to cook them in though), pocket games, pudding, fruit cups, also at the recommendation of another reader I sent him a mattress topper from overstock.com, he LOVED it - said it was so comfortable and perfect now that the weather is cooling down, I also sent over the El Paso burrito and taco kits with the chicken in a bag, extra velveeta cheese and salsa- that was a HUGE hit also. He is also likes magazines current affairs, sports and those mens magazines like FHM and Maxim. Not enought time to read a book but enought time to flip through a magazine. Hope this helps.
12) I am a sister of a soldier in B Co. 1-4 AVN based at Camp Anaconda. Just
thought I would let those of you who have soldiers at Camp Anaconda know that they are set with xmas trees. Thanks to the Brownies #608 here in Utica, MI and the local Meijers, and Nurseries, we were able to ship 10 prelit trees and ornaments. We were also able to purchase an Xbox with 3 controllers and some games for them. The CO said in an update to the families that it was a real stress reliever for them and they were having a blast playing the Madden football game. .....To the lady about what to send, the jerky I get from the jerky outlet has been the biggest requested item. I ship out 10 lbs at a time and they run out quickly. They also need food items such as turkey spam, beef stew, coffee singles, breakfast items, and still gatoraide. I am now sending hot chocolate but haven't had any feedback on that yet. Dinty Moore makes great dinners that don't require refrigeration..... I have sent my brother flannel shirts that he can wear in his down time and socks that are warm and water proof. He has also requested lots of mouse traps, not sure if anyone else is having that problem yet. Also sent out lots of fleece blankets for the guys....As you read this my brother will be on his 3 day R&R and I will be able to sleep a little better for the next few days.
13) I heard from my son today (11/11). He is 4ID 1-22 HHC. We got to talk for almost 25 minutes today. He is number 282 on the leave list, so won't be home before April. He said they have a chow hall and if he gets a chance to get to it, they have lots of nutritious tasteless food! I told him a cub scout troop is sending packages to soldiers in Iraq and for suggestions. He said vienna sausages with hot sauce, koolade, oreos, twinkies, ritz crackers and canned cheese are all good items. I asked if he was under a lot of stress and he said they were all just anxious to get home. He was promoted to E4 recently and sounded proud of that. He did say he is able to play chess a lot and they have a satellite radio and also TV with a DVD player. It has been almost 3 weeks since I've heard from him, so was really glad he was able to call today. We were able to joke around which really helped me, and I think him too.
14) The only thing my husband has requested so far was a poncho liner, AKA Woobie. He said it helps him stay warm when he is pulling guard etc. It was around $40 at the army store. Thanks for the posts, I enjoy reading all of them. Proud wife of A CO. 1-22
15) Just wanted to let you know that my husband (A Co 404 ASB) made it back to Camp Speicher on Monday, after having spent his 2 week R&R with me back here in the states. He called to let me know he made it back safe and sound. He also told me that on his flight from Charlotte to Baltimore, he had a gentleman in First Class ask him to exchange seats with him. My husband was floored by the offer, and excepted graciously. He told me he was amazed by how thankful the gentleman was about his serving over in Iraq. I also want to take this chance to thank that gentleman, whom ever he is, for lifting up my husband's spirits. Throughout his visit home, he felt as though no one cared that he was serving over in Iraq -- and then out of the blue this man went out of his way to thank him for his service.
16) am putting together..almost completed a photo book, complete with stories and memoirs from family and friends for my son. After I have the pictures picked out and pasted on to paper, I will photo copy them at Kinkos so the originals will be here not in Iraq. Space being a premium in Iraq.
Other great ideas for the holidays - Favorite cookies, Compact polaroid camera,
whoopi cushion, Survival Cards. (5 X 7 Cards with crazy stuff written on them. These are homemade and the soldier can pull one out as needed. For example:
*Pray..NOW., *READ Psalm 91., *W.O.W. (Way of Warrior card...to be given to a fellow soldier when they need special recognition.), *DUCK! Mortar round hit near-by., *Time-Out Pull out when you need to escape......Be creative, use your imagination. LOL Blessings and God Bless our Soldiers.
17) From a soldier in 4ID HQ in Iraq: Here are a few ideas for your consolidated list that I know soldiers can use. A very cheap, fleece throw or small blanket. The throw is a perfect size for cots and soft and cuddly. I say cheap because most of us won't
have room in our luggage to bring them back when we redeploy this Spring. I'll give mine to my replacement on the ground. Slippers with a hard sole or slipper socks. Quite a few soldiers have communal shower trailers set up near their living quarters and slippers are great for running back and forth when it's cold. Used music CD's and DVDs, they get passed around alot, but perhaps folks could organize little Used DVD collection drives to send to their solder to cut down on costs, a t-shirt or jersey with their favorite team on it, Christmas decorations and Christmas music, board games, tobacco products, (worry about them quitting after they get back), magazines, double A batteries, little "pinch light" flashlights that clip to your uniform.
They are flat and about an inch and 1/2 long. I found mine at the clothing sales stores but I thinlk they sell them in the hunting/fishing sections of the stores, pictures of family, friend and pets, letters, letters and more letters, phone cards, beef jerkey, tostitos or other types of tortilla chips, salsa and cheese dip and little cans of chilli (you can make some great nachos), snack pack puddings travel great, mac n cheese, ramen, cup of noodles, peanut M&Ms or other mini chocolate candy (it doesn't melt in shipment anymore), coco mix, poptarts and mixed nuts. As for home made goodies: My family uses a vacuum sealer to package cookies and peanut
brittle and they arrive fresh and unbroken. I think many deli's will do this for you if you don't have a vacuum sealer at home. Oh, and never pack food with soap items, no matter how well wrapped, everything in the package will taste like soap! Hope this helps.
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