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Two news releases from CentCom dated 11-23-03:
ONE SOLDIER KILLED, TWO WOUNDED IN IED ATTACK
BAGHDAD, Iraq – A 4th Infantry Division soldier was killed and two wounded, when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device near Baqubah at approximately 7:40 a.m. Nov. 23.
They were traveling in a convoy when the attack occurred.
The wounded soldiers were evacuated to a nearby military medical facility for treatment. One soldier returned to duty and the other is in stable condition.
The names of the soldiers are being withheld pending next-of-kin notification.
This incident is under investigation.
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IRAQI POLICE STATIONS ATTACKED
TIKRIT, IRAQ— In two separate incidents, car bombs were detonated near police stations in Ba’Qubah and Kahnbanisad Nov 22.
Initial reports indicate that seven Iraqi police officers and two civilians were killed and 20 people were wounded in the 8:10 a.m. explosion in Ba’qubah. In the other incident, six police officers and three civilians, including a four-year-old girl, were killed and 10 were wounded in the 8:30 a.m. explosion in Kahnbanisad. Three police officers are still missing in Ba’qubah. No Coalition soldiers were injured.
Maj. Gen. Raymond Odierno, commanding general of the 4th Infantry Division and Task Force Ironhorse, expressed his deepest condolences to the families and friends of the murdered police officers and civilians and voiced his outrage, calling the attack a “criminal act.”
“The people responsible for this Iraqi-on-Iraqi violence have no regard for innocent lives,” Odierno said. “The families of the police officers killed, along with tens of thousands of other police officers who have taken an oath to bring security and stability to Iraq can take solace in the fact that because of their sacrifice, Iraq will know peaceful freedom and enduring democracy.”
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>From Rocky Mountain News:
Report from Iraq
By Rep. Bob Beauprez
November 22, 2003
It's a funny thing being in Iraq. The sky is as clear as a bright Colorado morning. The buzz of people and commerce is all about you. The autumn breeze is warm and dry.Before stepping outside, don't forget to put on your body armor.
When I was in Iraq a few days ago, GIs and Iraqis alike said that today the nation is hardly the picture of extremes it was just months ago. There is still a long way to go, but they are committed to the mission.
Take for example the hospital we visited in Kirkuk. Formerly Saddam General Hospital, it is now Azadi - or Freedom - General Hospital. Peeling paint, flying insects, no central oxygen systems, no monitoring equipment; yet this 6-story hospital sees around 500 patients per day. Last time this hospital had a new piece of equipment? 1986.
Since coming home I keep getting asked the same question - did it change your mind about how things are over there?
Well, yes and no. From the beginning I've said that removing Saddam was in the best interest of our national security as well as the security of the world. But can one really comprehend the weight of that statement without seeing the widespread destruction he wrought on his own land? Saddam's name has been linked to other infamous tyrants of the 20th century - Hitler and Stalin. Evidence was everywhere that he funded his madness and excess while perpetrating economic and cultural terrorism on his own people and nation.
So I left with three questions: First, how are our troops holding up? Second, what do the Iraqi people think? And, third, what can we do better?
First to the most important concern - the condition of our troops. Not long after we arrived in Baghdad on Saturday, word spread that two American Blackhawk helicopters had gone down in Mosul. This hit especially close to home because the following day we were to take similar Blackhawks on a tour of that city.
So as I met soldiers throughout the day, I asked how they were doing. Fully expecting to find some frustration and angst, I found instead that these young people are filled with a will to complete their mission. Even over dinner, with their M-16s close at hand, they spoke with determination and resolve.
They're not idealists, mind you. They speak candidly of the tough parts. That there are zones where the people throw rocks at them. That it gets to them when they hear of people back home saying they're failing, or that this is an unjust mission.
But with that in mind, they speak boldly about staying the course, finishing the job they were sent there to do and giving the Iraqi people hope. They smile when talking about the outpouring of love from many Iraqis. And they asked directly if Congress will let them stay and finish the job, or if the sacrifice to date would be meaningless.
In the words of one female soldier who is in the thick of it, this action is as serious to them as World War II was to its generation. Their generation was defined by Sept. 11, 2001, just as Pearl Harbor defined the generation of 1941.
So I am proud of our soldiers. One moment they might be literally in a life-or-death battle, and the next painting a school or repairing an irrigation system. They see the progress being made - and are determined to make more.
Speaking of progress, it is amazing what some American ingenuity can do to improve a neglected nation. In the Sunni Triangle, Col. William Mayville of the 173rd Airborne is on the phone daily bringing in businesses from around the world to build the economy and create jobs. To date, this one soldier's efforts have employed more than 35,000 Iraqis.
The hospital I mentioned earlier serves as a perfect example of the state of affairs in Iraq. On another occasion, we visited a Baghdad power plant responsible for 20 percent of the nation's electricity. Only one of four boilers is operational, and smoke leaks from its sides. The plant is fueled directly by crude oil, and spews pollutants across the region.
But again, there is optimism. American solders and Iraqi citizens are repairing the boilers, increasing capacity and converting the plant to natural gas - far cleaner than the crude currently used.
The oil market, subject of much worry in the media just weeks ago, will soon top the highest output ever reached before the war. Credit our military for protecting this infrastructure from the destruction experienced during the 1991 Desert Storm.
Unemployment today has fallen to 25 percent to 30 percent. While that would be intolerable in the United States, u
nder Saddam it was 50 percent to 60 percent. Iraqis are going to work.
Our delegation of eight was bipartisan and definitely had a lot of political differences. Among the eight representatives I traveled with was chairman of the Financial Services Committee Michael Oxley, outspoken liberal Sheila Jackson-Lee of Texas and Steny Hoyer, the second ranking Democrat in the House.
So the tough questions were asked from divergent perspectives. Among them, do you need more troops? Maj. Gen. Raymond Odierno, commander of the 4th Infantry Division in much of the Sunni Triangle, says no. He persuaded us that they need better intelligence, not more troops. They have the firepower, he insisted. They just need to know where to point it. Specifically, he is scrambling for linguists. Translators who can be trusted are in high demand.
Odierno emphasized that with improved intelligence we are now going on the offensive and with great success through Operation Iron Hammer. His troops have apprehended more than 3,500 suspects and uncovered 3,000 caches of weapons.
For the folks at home, it's important to know that there is good news in Iraq. We don't often get it from the police blotter reports of the latest casualties. While we mourn the tragic loss of life, we must not lose sight that we are at war.
That war began on Sept. 11, 2001. It will go on until the job is done and the enemy is defeated.
Prosecuting that war are young men and women from 33 freedom-loving nations across the globe who are going bravely into a difficult situation, determined to stay the course and defeat the enemy on the enemy's home turf. May God bless them, their families, and our nation.
Republican Rep. Bob Beauprez is in his first term representing Colorado's 7th Congressional District.
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From a Soldier to His Wife:
Heard from my soldier Saturday...wanted to share...Unit is: BRAVO, 1-67 AR, Camp Scrunion, Baqubah...
I am very sorry that I have not written for a long time. I have been very busy for the last month. Things have been much more active this last month than we have been for a while. The Iraqis have been active too.
The days fly by, but it seems that time is still dragging on. We are over the half way mark, but still have a long time to go.
We have been doing a lot of patrolling and guard. We have also been working with the Iraqi Civil Defense Forces guarding a checkpoint...We are also training another class of ICDC soldiers.
On TV, I am sure you are seeing how crazy things are here, but they dramatize a lot of stuff and always play up the bad news and play down the good news. We are getting the police forces back in action, the hospitals, schools, and public utilities are improving, but you do not hear that on TV. When we first got here they were shooting everywhere. But now only occasionally. There have been more attacks against US forces during the last month, but in our area they have not been common.
Everyone is doing fine and morale is good. I am proud of you, I really appreciate all that you are doing at home. You really work very hard to take care of everyone. Just take care of yourself, too. I know the soldiers really appreciate what you do.
Thanks for the blanket and pillow, they make my bunk much more comfortable and I sleep much better (when I can get in it). Your loving husband...
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I'm aware of a few readers in parts of western Europe but this is the only one I'm aware of from Africa.
A Father Writes From Kenya
My son, "Kenya" is serving somewhere in the Sunni Triangle with the 1-66 AR Bn. I am working in the middle of a tribal African game reserve in the remotest part of Kenya, East Africa. There no phone, post, telegram or internet service between here and anywhere, just a solitary HF radio link by which I can sent very slow "radio emails" and occasionally, text messages by mobile phone, depending on conditions.
Things are tough and tense for all our troops in Iraq and the 4th ID is in the worst part of it. I wish to send my best to all parents of US service members and especially our infantry and armor, the pride and spear of the Army. Most of all to the 4th I D, 1-66 Ar Bn and to anyone who knows my son, I send thoughts, best wishes and prayers.
It is odd being so utterly remote from communications, though we do have a satellite TV down here so the bad news gets through - and until I joined this site, little of the good.
How does someone from Kenya end up fighting in Iraq? My son is a US citizen born and brought up in Kenya and fluent in Swahili and English. As you know, Kenya suffered devastating Al Qaeda attacks in 1998, with the equivalent (adjusted for US size of population) of 2500 killed and 50,000 wounded in a single attack, had it been in a country the size of the USA. As it was, 250 killed and 5000 wounded in one attack was bad enough. There have been some others. These made a deep impression on my son at the time.
He decided, after 9-11 and as he was now old enough, to join up even though he had spent very little actual time in the USA and was schooled entirely abroad. Still, he always felt a pull for the USA. As a Dad, I was surprised he would really jump in the deep end and enlist - one of the very few soldiers in the US Army without a US home address or relatives apart from cousins he had met once! But he did and passed basic. He spent quite some time among wild animals on safari and we hope his bush skills will help in keeping safe, and Swahili which he speaks has many Arabic words in it though one doubts he has time to learn more, with all the action.
His mother is British and so it is a joyful thing that Britain has so strongly supported the USA in Operation Iraqi Freedom - the Prime Minister of Britain has a crystal vision of the new threats to democracy and we must always be grateful for the British war effort and the Churchillian courage of Tony Blair.
Well, this little posting is not to boast, because every single soldier in the struggle in Iraq is a unique person who has made sacrifices, and every story is interesting and different. It's just perhaps a little off the regular and mum's will forgive me for a "Dad's story".
I have not spoken to my son for 9 months, but I get regular letters from Iraq except it seems he can't buy US Postage stamps and they are hard to come by. I would have thought combat soldiers in a fighting Army should be handed out stamps or pre-stamped envelopes like bubble-gum, free.... I'd like to send him some phone cards, but what kinds/brands work in Iraq and are best, can anyone post some ideas? (AT&T seems to always work).
Being a parent, mother or father, is nerve wracking at a time like this. I can't express my feelings for those who have lost soldiers to fatalities or even casualties of wounds, the words won't come out, because we all know the shudder when the TV announces another casualty in Iraq, and the dread of the area or town being one a son or daughter is in. Sympathy would have to be as deep as an ocean to express my thoughts sometimes.
The 4th ID may have many other interesting backgrounds and even nationalities who have come to join up. Tonight a fierce tropical storm rages around me, in this remote and beautiful part of Africa inhabited by proud Maasai tribesmen with spears and not a few lions.
I also know Iraq is temporarily inhabited by proud warriors from the Ironhorse tribe with guns, and they are all lions."
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) Thank you for sending this update out on "securtiy and common sense". This has always been a big concern for us....I was very pleased to see that you addressed this issue today in your update. It is very important to remember the safety of all our soldiers and families. You definetely hit it on the head with your points....
2) What a wonderful surprise -- I got my first call today from our son 4th 1/8 Charlie out of Ft. Carson since he left last March. In fact my first words were "ARE YOU OK?" He is fine, cold due to weather change and not having all of his gear as he is away from the main group on Hwy 1, but hopes to get that remedied this week. The call was via the satellite phone which was very clear at times and cut us off at other times. There were many soldiers lined up for calls. I was so thrilled as his 35th birthday is this coming Saturday. I was sad because his dad was not home when the call came in but to hear his voice was the best medicine for this mom for sure. I had forwarded his birthday present and in fact sent out a fiber optics Christmas Tree and lots of gifts, games, etc. for him and his men. He stated the thermals were very welcomed as was the blanket. I told him how proud we were of him and all the soldiers and we would be there when they got back to Ft. Carson.
3) When friends want to send some items or cards to my step son they give me the items. I check it out and then I send it on to my step son. I do not give out his address to anyone other than family. This might be a helpful idea for others. Thanks for watching over all the troops safety in this matter. GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS
4) We received word yesterday that our son, (unit information withheld for security reasons), was injured when the vehicle he was in hit a landmine. He apparently has bruises, scratches and a fractured arm. The driver unfortunately was injured rather severely and may lose a leg. They were evacuated to Landstuhl in Germany. No word on any other individuals involved. My heart aches as I watch the increasing violence our soldiers face every day and I know I am not alone. I realize I am preaching to the choir but we must continue our steadfast and unwavering support of every one of our soldiers and those who are making the decisions.
5) Many companies such as Surefire are willing to give discounts to and in behalf of our soldiers serving in Iraq and elsewhere. Surefire will give a 25% discount. Even businesses that sell non-military items are willing to do their part by providing extra discounts. So don't be afraid or ashamed to ask if they give special discounts to our soldiers. We can do our part by giving them recognition/notoriety and then by patronizing them.
6) I am feeling quite lucky right now. My husband, 1/68AR, HHC Medic, is on his way to Kuwait, where he is to remain until his units return next year. He is going to be providing medical support down there (I prefer not to mention location, if you don't mind). This has been, by far, the most difficult assignment he has been through. He has seen a lot, and I want him to know that, when he is ready, he can tell me everything. I took your advice and kept a trunk of items for him to go through in the
future. But right now, I am just thankful that he is on his way down to Kuwait. Once he arrives there, I can breath more freely, although it is not completely safe, it is a safer location than Iraq.
7) .... My son is not the best at keeping in touch, and all your efforts really helps, especially since we don't live near a military base either. National news just doesn't cut it when your child is there. My son was home for his 2 week leave. It was a whirlwind but wonderful visit. My son came to our house to visit since his little brother and I hadn't seen him in 1 1/2 years. We brought his 8 week old son and (now wife) here to Ohio so we could all meet and spend time together. My son proposed to his girlfriend the second day he was here. We planned a very small wedding the next weekend and we were able to have a four generation picture taken for my husband's and my immediate family. So much happened while he was here but it was so great to have all of them. You can imagine for me to see my son and my first grandchild and then to welcome a daughter-in-law to our family.( We had not met her until she and our grandson arrived).....I'm exhausted but very proud of my son. I tried to keep it together while he was here but there were times like the standing ovation at our church and then at the airport to have strangers come up and shake my son's hand and hug me with support - the tears just couldn't be avoided. Many of my friends and patients ask how morale is over there and if the soldiers think they are doing any good for the (both countries). It reminds me how little info the public really gets about the good we are doing there but I was pleased with the support I saw while he was home. My son is in B Co. 4th En Bn 1-8 task force out of Ft Carson.
8) From the journal of one of our wives: I'm reading an update on Iraq from Bob Babcock. I am reading of a 21-year-old male soldier who was burned severely on 14 NOV 03 in Iraq. His journey then took him to San Antonio's Brooke Army medical Center where he dies of his wounds on 20 NOV 03. I don't know how God chooses who lives or dies, or even if he does, but I am riddled with grief for young lives lost and yet filled with tremendous - not joy - I think gratitude. Yes, I'm so thankful it is not my husband. It is a terrible thing - war. And, no one who's not had a loved one serve while they were knowledgeable of the ultimate sacrifice that could be given may not understand the anxiety and stress the person back home goes through, sometimes daily, with the stress of when will be the next time you will communicate with your loved one or not. Oh God forbid the latter! I prayed! I had a good cry. It always helps! (No unit given)
9) Just wanted to let you know my nephew is statined at Fort Sill and he made it home Saturday. My sister knew he was coming home but for security reasons she was not sure of what day he would be coming ...so, sad to say, I was not able to attend his homecoming. She kept me updated every 15 minutes from her cell phone .I was finally able to talk to him around 3:30 in the afternoon. This will be a very Happy Thanksgiving for all of us, he had been gone since April 7, it was so good to hear his voice. (No unit given - reminder, please include your soldier's unit in your notes).
10) I knew there was a reason I got up early on a Sunday morning! Our son, 2LT from 1-68 Armor, Charlie Company, called from an internet cafe! We got to speak for almost 1/2 hour before the phone went dead. He first talked about the OSU/Michigan game :( He watched it on Armed Forces TV on Saturday night and cried himself to sleep! He is a huge Buckeye fan, class of '02. He's been able to get online with a lot of his OSU friends lately, so they've been kind enough to keep us up to date on news from Iraq just in case we don't hear from our son. He sounded good, said it was cold but he did bring a lot of his cold weather gear with him when he left in April, so he is prepared. He said we can stop sending him clothes, i.e. socks, T-shirts etc., because there is someone who does his laundry, lucky him! ..... Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone, we have a lot to give thanks for!
11) It was great to hear from my husband (4th ID, DIV ENG) at 6.30 this morning (Saturday). It was the first call in a month and a half and it was great to hear his voice. Although tired, his voice was bright. He got to talk with the children and heard his little 5 month old girl gurgle down the phone. Although I am currently with family right now in England, it has been somewhat trying to deal with some of the anti-war media and protests which are either anti-American or at least anti-Bush. For those of you who are surrounded by other military - take the time to thank those who are supporting you right now - who aid your sanity or give you an ear to vent to. Thanks for the updates - without them I would be in the dark and worrying constantly. Happy Thanksgiving.
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