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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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DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was
supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Pfc. Rayshawn S. Johnson, 20, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was killed on Nov. 3, 2003, in
Tikrit, Iraq. Johnson was on patrol when his vehicle hit a landmine. The soldier died as a result of his injuries. Johnson was assigned to the 299th Engineer Battalion, 4th Infantry Division (Mech), based in Fort Hood, Texas.
The incident is under investigation.
(Our prayers are with the family and fellow soldiers of PFC Johnson).
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US forces say detain four in Iraq Chinook attack
TIKRIT, Iraq (Reuters) - U.S. forces raided locations in Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit Thursday and detained four people believed to be behind the downing of a U.S. Chinook helicopter in Falluja, an American military official said.
"We were targeting individuals believed to be involved in the downing of U.S. aircraft," said Lt. Col. Steve Russell, referring specifically to the Chinook transport helicopter brought down west of Baghdad on Nov. 2, which killed 16 Americans.
Russell, commander of the 1/22 Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division, said the four may also be linked to the downing of a Black Hawk helicopter on Nov. 7 near Tikrit.
Six U.S. personnel were killed aboard the Black Hawk.
"We were looking for four specific individuals and we found all four. We're going to take in a few other people for questioning in relation to the event and we will only know the exact information they possess once we've had a chance to interview them," Russell said.
The raid, which took about 90 minutes, targeted four houses in the northern part of Tikrit, he said.
Tikrit, which is 106 miles north of Baghdad, and Falluja, about 40 miles west of the capital, form two points of the Sunni Triangle where U.S. forces have encountered frequent deadly attacks.
Russell said one of those detained had a police identification badge issued by U.S. authorities in Iraq.
Asked about this, he said it was not uncommon for insurgents to try to use official cover. He said the suspect appeared to have been a policeman before the regime fell and had applied to be a policeman since the United States had taken over.
Earlier Thursday, U.S. troops detained two men suspected of taking part in the Black Hawk attack.
Col. James Hickey, commander of the First Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division, told MSNBC television 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.
11/13/03 18:25 ET
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited.
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>From Scotsman.com (from the UK):
Fri 14 Nov 2003
11:45am (UK)
Saddam Rocket Attack Team Blitzed by U.S
A US Apache helicopter killed seven Iraqis believed to be followers of Saddam Hussein who were preparing to launch a rocket attack on an American military base, a military official said today.
US soldiers later found hundreds of rockets and missiles in the area.
One other Iraqi was wounded and captured while another escaped after being fired on by the Apache late yesterday in an encampment with bunkers about 20 miles north of Saddam’s hometown of Tikrit, said Major Josslyn Aberle, spokeswoman of the 4th Infantry Division.
US soldiers later went to the area and discovered more than 600 missiles and rockets in two bunkers and on a flatbed truck, one of three vehicles destroyed by the Apache fire, Aberle said.
The Iraqis were setting up a rocket to be fired toward the US forward operating base called Speicher, about six miles to the north, when they were spotted by the Apache, which was on a reconnaissance mission, Aberle said.
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U.S. Civilian Contractor Killed in Iraq
By JIM GOMEZ
Associated Press Writer
TIKRIT, Iraq (AP)--Suspected insurgents raked a convoy with automatic gunfire, killing a U.S. civilian contractor and wounding another American, a U.S. military official said Friday. The attack happened Thursday west of Balad, 45 miles north of Baghdad, said Maj. Josslyn Aberle, spokeswoman of the 4th Infantry Division.
The victims were traveling to the north of Iraq in a convoy when the gunmen, who were believed to be loyalists of ousted leader Saddam Hussein, approached from the rear and opened fire at them, Aberle said. After the attack, a U.S. military rapid response team arrived, secured the area and brought the wounded to a medical facility for treatment. The wounded American was in stable condition, Aberle said.
She did not identify the dead American or his employer pending notification of relatives.
The attack underscores the danger of travel along highways in Iraq, where many robbers, carjackers, insurgents and other armed groups roam.
Separately, the U.S. military also is looking into the reported disappearance of an American contractor, Kirk von Ackermann, 37, of Moss Beach, Calif., who went missing last month while driving between Saddam's hometown of Tikrit and Kirkuk.
Von Ackermann's car was found abandoned on Oct. 9 on a roadside with his satellite phone, a laptop computer and a briefcase containing around $40,000, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. Von Ackerman is employed by Ultra Services, an Istanbul-based company that provides supplies and logistics assistance for U.S. Army bases in Iraq.
Lt. Col. Steven Russell, a battalion commander in the 4th ID, said he was told by von Ackerman's companions that the American apparently stopped on the road to change a flat tire. There was speculation that he was kidnapped but the military has not come up with any evidence of that so far, he said.
AP-NY-11-14-03 0653EST
Copyright 2003, The Associated Press
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For those who watched Dayside with Linda Vester on 11/13 on FoxNews:
Our two ladies, mother (Brigid) and aunt (Monica) of a B/2-8 soldier, were on Dayside with Linda Vester today - late in the show. Here is what they sent me about the experience:
OK, we went to the show, they treated us so great. They sat us in a spot that was easy to get to. They couldn't get Phil on the phone (from Iraq) but what they did was have Brigid do an interview and they are going to send Phil a tape of the show. They put his picture up on the screen and said if anyone knows this man tell him someone wants to say hello to him. We laughed, we cried, and walked out of there on cloud nine. We brought Christmas cards with us and some of the audience signed cards, then the staff said they wanted to keep the rest of the cards because they where going to send them from the office. We gave the name of the SFC so they could send to him also and then he could hand out the cards to anyone he thinks needs mail. It was great, I am so happy that they did this for her. They told us not to say anything that could jeopardize security. Like his unit or any other pertinent information. We brought today's update with us and the staff read it. They came and told us that they had a lot of respect for you Bob and what a great guy you have to be. It was so nice - people from the audience were shaking Brigid's hand and telling her to say Thank You to her son. A lot of them took his address because they wanted to write to him. Thank You Linda Vester and Staff. God Bless our troops.
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>From Deep Strike Tribune, newsletter of 2-20 FA - VOL XVII - 12 Nov 03
Why We Hope
By CH (CPT) Kenneth Sharpe, HHS/2-20 FA
What Does Hope Do For Mankind? Let's answer that question because that word "hope" is such a powerful word that can change individual lives if not a whole nation.
" Hope shines brightest when the hour is darkest.
" Hope motivates when discouragement comes.
" Hope energizes when the body is tired.
" Hope sweetens while bitterness bites.
" Hope sings when all melodies are gone.
" Hope believes when evidence is eliminated.
" Hope listens for answers when no one is talking.
" Hope climbs over obstacles when no one is helping.
" Hope endures hardship when no one is caring.
" Hope smiles confidently when no one is laughing.
" Hope reaches for answers when no one is asking.
" Hope presses toward victory when no one is encouraging.
" Hope dares to give when no one is sharing.
" Hope brings the victory when no one is winning.
So, don't lose hope for it is your strength to carry on even when the future is questionable. Americans must hope.
Blessings,
CH Ken Sharpe
(Thanks, Chaplain Sharpe, for an inspirational message to all of us).
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59 Years Ago Today - 4ID in Germany's Hurtgen Forest:
14 November 1944 - D+162
The Assistant G-1 First Army visited the division to check on casualties and replacements. The hazards of fighting were intensified by the dense forest and the lack of roads. Medical aid men found it necessary to carry litter cases up to two miles over rough terrain and through extensive mine fields. The casualty rate among aid men and litter bearers was extremely high and replacements were difficult to obtain. It was necessary to use other means for this purpose and to utilize personnel from rear installations.
The enemy defended its same front line with heavy artillery and mortar barrages. Only one other action, a single patrol; which withdrew hastily upon engagement with the 298 Engineer Combat Battalion was reported. No change of activities for the 8th and 22nd Infantry. The 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry relieved the 2nd Battalion on the main line of resistance and the 2nd Battalion moved to an assembly area, closing
therein by 1700.
---------------
59 years ago this Sunday, on 16 November 1944, the remainder of the 4ID attacked into the Hurtgen Forest to join the 12th Infantry Regiment. For the remainder of November and into the first few days of December, the 4ID slugged it out yard by yard with the Germans in the toughest battle of our history. June 1944 was hard on the 4ID, November 1944 in the Hurtgen Forest is the one battle that our WWII vets talk about the most.
If you are a real 4ID WWII history buff, let me highly recommend that you buy the book, "Hell in Hurtgen Forest" by Robert Sterling Rush. CSM (Ret) Rob Rush was CSM of 1-22 in the late 1980's and later CSM of 1st Army. Rob completed his PhD in military history at Ohio State University and now works in the Center of Military History. "Hell in Hurtgen Forest" is a detailed account of the 22nd Infantry Regiment of the 4th Infantry Division and covers a day by day and blow by blow account of their fight from 16 Nov 44 to 3 Dec 44. Overall, the Regiment suffered more than 2,800 casualties - or about 86% of its normal strength. After three days of fighting, the Regiment had lost all three battalion commanders. After seven days, rifle company strengths stood at 50%, and by battle's end each had suffered nearly 140% casualties.
The book is available from Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and can be ordered through your local book store. The book is published by University Press of Kansas, ISBN is 0-7006-1128-2. It ranks as one of the the best military books I have ever read about a specific battle, if not THE best I've ever read (of course it's my Regiment and my Division so I am biased).
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) Just wanted to share the news that I finally got an email and a phone call from my son yesterday, B CO 299 ENG BN. He sounded great! Wanted more jokes sent by email to share with his buddies. There was an energy in his voice that was great to hear. It's not so much the words, but the feeling you get that comforts you. I told him his Christmas in a box was on the way..and he can't wait to decorate his "redneck" tree. I hope the guys around him have a sense of humor as I'm sure the tree will look horrible when he's thru with it. Just in case, I sent the First Sgt. one, too, along with lights, decorations and many, many goodies.... He did mention they lost a soldier from their Battalion last week and they had a memorial service for him. I won't go into detail but he needed to share with me the story of this young soldier. He didn't know him personally, as he was in a different company, but he spoke of him like a brother. I didn't want him to know I was crying, so I quickly changed the subject. This time of year especially, let us count our blessings and remember those less fortunate than us. For the lost soldier's family, no words can comfort them, but I am keeping them in my prayers. I hope they know he was our son too.
2) I got two responses on the 5 cent per minute phone call deals. Here are both answers, I think they are consistent:
The five cent phones are part of a commercial internet package. They are not in all areas yet. The phone the 1-10 CAV Soldier used was at Camp Spiecher. 2-4 AVN got the first commercial internet package in our Brigade (4th). We received 20 computers and six phones with the 5 cents a minute deal. They even have a web address for minutes to be purchased by those at home in case the soldier doesn't have his credit card. (From a FRG Leader)
This info was listed on the front page of the latest Desert Dealer newsletter, 1-67AR, came out 01 Nov (last week). I do not know if it is a total 4th ID program, or just Camp Scunion or what. Maybe check with rear detachment so you know if this applies to everyone. I did all the steps it said to do (on line) yesterday and it was easy. I now have a PIN number for my son to input when he tries to call home, whenever they stop the use of the satellite phone and have the phone banks totally installed I guess. His girlfriend now has the PIN number, also as he is more likely to call his sweetheart than his Mom (I am ok with that, she calls me right away with the news). Directions from the Desert Dealer newsletter dated Nov 1: The Internet and phone package arrived today (Yea!). We will begin installing it tomorrow. Internet will be free. The phones require an account for each user (each minute will cost just less than 5 cents). Now anyone from the soldier to the spouse to the parent can set up the soldier’s account but I am going to explain the set up procedures as if one of you were trying to set up the account from the United States. To begin, you will need a credit card and access to the Internet. Step one: access the following site: https://app1.idt.net/debit/segovia/signup/signup.asp Step two: follow the instructions on the web page and after successful registration you will have a pin number for the soldier to use while calling. Step three: send the pin number to the soldier so he/she can use it when calling you. When the soldier exhausts the minutes in the account, you go back to the same website above and refill it using a credit card. As an additional piece of info, I could set it up to automatically charge my credit card when the balance drops below $10 on his minutes, so I did that, I would hate to think he could not call just cause it ran out!!!!
3) Hi Bob, my son is with HHC 1/22, 4th IN, he is a medic. In response to the wonders of what to send our Soldiers, besides food and snacks being on top of the list, an air mattress would be the next best thing to their bed at home, a big fluffy towel as the one they have is small and hard, put a dryer sheet in it when shipping it out, a home movie of everyone in the family and as many friends as possible. Have them all say something special to your Soldier. Your local Newspaper as often as possible. This way they will know everything that has been going on since they have been gone and won't feel so out of it when they come back. DVD'S of new releases, again, they won't feel they've missed out on so much. Anything us "mom's" can think of that have always put a smile on our kids faces. This could be anything as little as candy they liked as a kid and haven't seen for some time now, to their own personal, portable DVD player. Just a little info, Walmart.Com will ship to a APO address. I ordered my son a Portable DVD player for Christmas last night. The shipping cost was only $6.25 and there was NO tax to be paid. Of course, don't forget to fill a stocking with your Soldiers name on it from St. Nick! Bob, although this has been hard on all of us, I must say, I am so happy that we are able to send our Soldiers items to make them feel comfortable. It is also great that we are able to speak to them via AT & T cards. I know all of us parents, wives, husbands, friends & who ever else I may have missed have been feeling a bit overwhelmed with our Soldiers being gone. I know we are all feeling a bit overwhelmed, yet we need to all realize that times have changed. If this was 30 years ago, we sure wouldn't have this kind of communication, and parents could not afford to send all these wonderful things to our Soldiers. Thank God we all have it like this!
4) Just thought I'd let you know that several times I've been able to talk to my son and asked him what it is he misses in Iraq his response was "TACO BELL". Low and behold last week I was shopping at the local Wal-Mart and they now have vaccum packed pre-cooked taco filling located where the vaccum packed tuna etc is. So I was able to buy him several packages, packages of Taco Bell soft taco shells in the box with sauce and went by Taco Bell and asked for wrappers to send in the box to him. After they heard this they were very happy to give me several wrappers to send to him so he could have his very own "Taco Bell" for he and his unit. Just thought your readers may want to know. My son is with 1-12 INF REGT out of Fort Carson. His unit is gonna love his fast food, lol.... (Editor's Note: The power of suggestion... after reading this note, I had to go to Taco Bell to get three tacos for my lunch...)
5) As you all know it's difficult to know what to send to our soldiers for Christmas. My son is with C-Co 1-22 in Tikrit, a medic so his girlfriend and I went Christmas shopping and we bought things for the Iraqi children. Were sending them to my son and he can play Santa to the children. We sent a Christmas tree decorated with battery operated lights and wooden ornaments that won't break, along with a Santa hat. That went out on Monday. We will follow up with the gifts. We got some holiday cello-bags and put candy canes, little wind up toys, gum, cards, jax, cute soap with a toy in it, little footballs, rubber ducks (we live in Oregon go "Ducks"). The idea is to be able to give a little something to the kids. We also bought bigger things but still under $5.00 and wrapped them with Christmas wrap. Crayola Crayon sets, books, school supplies and so on. My son will get a kick out of handing these things out to the kids or pass them on to a hospital or orphanage. Its all good will toward men. I want my son home...Peace on Earth.
6) My husband is serving with HHC 1-12 3BCT. I send my husband many of the foods already mentioned, and in addition, I've sent the Boboli pizza crusts, sauce, pepperoni, chicken in a pouch and hard cheese - all unrefrigerated items. Other winners are: summer sausage, cheese, crackers and mustard / taco kits, tortillas (Old El Paso with a long shelf life), salsa in a plastic bottle, minute rice, chicken in a pouch and fully cooked hamburger in a pouch / the off the shelf microwavable meals / just add water microwavable pastas / cereal has been a big hit! / Rice Chex mix variations / flavored pretzels / and tortilla chips, fully cooked hamburger and velveeta cheese for nachos. Recently our guys obtained a microwave, so our options of what to send have really increased, and in good time, because FOOD seems to be what is desired most since they receive just one hot meal per day. I am focusing more on actual meal items and some snacks. Beef jerky is always a staple and so are nuts. The favorite new discovery is the already cooked hamburger in a pouch. (I received word back that many of the soldiers enjoyed this!) I found this at Super Wal-Mart, in the same section as the pouched tuna, chicken, ham and turkey. It was a little further down and is made by Jack Link's. They have seasoned, plain and mexican style ground beef. I have also sent the inexpensive reuse or dispose of microwavable containers with lids made by Ziploc or Rubbermaid, measuring cups, paper plates and plastic utensils. Palmolive makes dishwashing detergent in dishwipe form - just add water and one wipe washes a full load, so I sent those as well.
7) Thanksgiving is almost here. Today, I want to take the time to thank you and my fellow readers for the updates I receive. I realize the families in other Units do not have the advantage of updates of this caliber. I have a son in a National Guard Unit deployed and there are no regular updates such as these. The historical background along with the current reports from the media and my fellow Taskforce Ironhorse family members makes me all the prouder to be an American and the mother of 3 American Soldiers. I am thankful to all of the families who write in with hints and tips and news. I wish you all the most blessed Thanksgivings.
8) Here’s what we’re doing for our son with the 3rd platoon/D battery/1-44 ADA, stationed at the palace in Tikrit: We’ve sent him an 18” tall artificial Christmas tree (bought at Walmart), plus small wooden ornaments to hang on the tree. We’ve already bought his Christmas gifts, took photographs of them, and are wrapping the photos in small boxes. We are sending the wrapped boxes to him to place under his tree. That way, on Christmas morning (if he waits until then), he can open his “gifts” and see what is waiting for him back in the states. Plus, we sent him a stocking full of small, individually wrapped gifts, such as: Two electronic games (Wheel of Fortune and Basketball, both bought at WalMart for approx. $14.00 each), a M&M’s figure filled with candy, a Snoopy figure filled with candy, his favorite Wrestling magazine, etc. – just some small things that he can use while he’s there and then throw away or hand on to someone else when he leaves.
9) Just a note to tell you that we have heard from our grandson (HHC 1/67 AR 4ID, Baquaba). He now has access to email and as soon as I get this laptop programmed to chat, I will soon be able to visit with him more. He seems to be in great shape. He has asked us not to send him any more junk food. He did ask for us to send him his laptop. .... We pray for his and all of the troops in not only Iraq but Afganistan as well to be able to return safely. GOD BLESS AMERICA AND ALL OF THE MILITARY TROOPS WORLD WIDE TRYING TO MAKE THIS WORLD A SAFER PLACE TO LIVE. Proud Grandparents.
10) I received an anniversary card and some pictures from my husband , A.CO 2-8 INF from Fort Hood today ! And it was only a day late! He also sent a few great pictures of himself! It was just what I needed. It was the most beatiful card he's ever given me!! He says they are all doing well, and working hard. He was also able to send back the tic-tac-toe game he and our daughter have been playing for months now. By the time this deployment is over, we should have a winner! ( or a draw lol ) Thank You again BOB. GODBLESS AND GODSPEED TO ALL OUR TROOPS!!!!!
11) Big Event in Bayji, where B Co. 1-22, 3-66 AR and some other units are operating -- the "Internet cafe" has been resurrected! They had installed one with ten computers in Sept., but when they started up the generators, a power spike fried their electronics. The "cafe" has been out of commission ever since, so we were dazzled to get an email from our son on Tuesday -- here's part of what he said:
Well, I'm back in Bayji (he had called us from Qatar on R&R a couple of weeks ago). Lots has been going on -- seems Ramadan is getting the natives all riled up. I happened upon the internet "cafe" when it was actually working, which must mean it's going to snow soon... They have set up a dining facility here, so we should be squeezing some decent meals out of these Army Emerils. Most likely, though, they'll just pour the food into pans, instead of serving straight from the package or can like normal, but,hey, it's the little things. Well, I'm going to keep this short as this network has a tendency to crash about a second before I click the "send" button, so I'll write again ASAP...
12) My son is with the 1/67 HHC stationed in Ba'qubah at Fort Scunion. He called this morning to let me know that they are getting internet service within the next couple of days! I've been lucky enough to get a phone call every other week, but having the ability to e-mail (letters and pictures) will be awesome! The thing I prize the most is current information... "how are you, where are you, are you ok?" :::laughing:::: Typical mother, I suppose. God bless our loved ones serving this wonderful country!! Hooooraaahh!
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