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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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Six die in U.S. helicopter crash near Tikrit...
By Jim Gomez, Associated Press,
11/7/2003 06:52
TIKRIT, Iraq (AP) An Army helicopter crashed Friday into a riverbank near Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit, killing six U.S. soldiers, the military said. .... It was not immediately clear whether the chopper was brought down by hostile fire or a mechanical failure, a spokeswoman said.....
''Six soldiers were on board and all of them were killed,'' said Maj. Josslyn Aberle, a spokeswoman for the 4th Infantry Division based in Tikrit. They were all from the 101st Airborne Division, she said.
(Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and fellow soldiers of these 101st soldiers).
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Iraqis Graduate at Civilian Force School
Thursday November 6, 2003 10:16 PM
By JIM GOMEZ Associated Press Writer
TIKRIT, Iraq (AP) - In a chandelier-lit former palace of Saddam Hussein, U.S. soldiers presented 87 Iraqis with daggers and certificates Thursday marking their graduation as members of a civilian force expected to assume some security functions from U.S. forces stretched thin in the country. The graduates, almost half of them former soldiers in Saddam's army, are members of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps, which will help guard public buildings and carry out patrols.
The guards will be armed with AK-47 assault rifles seized from the Iraqi army or Saddam sympathizers.
Iraqi guards "can see things that we cannot, they can hear things we don't hear,'' said Lt. Col. Steve Russell of the 4th Infantry Division, which conducted the 21-day training course. The training took place in Saddam's hometown of Tikrit, a hotbed of anti-American sentiment.
The first class of guards graduated in Tikrit in September. U.S. soldiers said they were hopeful the guards could help maintain stability in the country once U.S. forces are withdrawn.
"Someday, I'm going home and I want to be able to train these guys to the level where they can take care of their own,'' said Capt. Jason Deel of Haysi, Va., who led the training. ``Today is a big day, it's a huge day for Tikrit.''
Abdullah Hussein Mohammed, a former Iraqi general who now serves as a military adviser to Iraqi officials in charge of the region that covers Tikrit, said training local civil guards would pave the way for the withdrawal of U.S. forces. "The main thing is we want to dominate our country, that's what we want,'' he said. "The American forces came for their goal and they have to go one day. We'll stay here so we have to prepare ourselves.''
>From CentCom News Release on November 5:
TASKFORCE IRONHORSE CONDUCTS RAIDS, NETS RESULTS
AL HADID, Iraq –In the afternoon of Nov. 4, Task Force Ironhorse soldiers conducted a raid at a location near Al Hadid, believed to be a safe house for people suspected of involvement in mortar attacks against forward operating base Warhorse. The residence was searched and an important weapons cache was located and confiscated. The cache included: 33 blocks of dangerous explosives, 98 ft. of detonation cord, 20 blasting caps, and abundant volatile munitions used in improvised explosive devices.
Additionally, soldiers discovered two rifles, eight fragmentation grenades, a machine gun, one rocket propelled grenade launcher, 300 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and three rounds of 14.5mm anti-aircraft ammunition.
No one was detained as a result of the raid but a terrain model of forward operating bases Warhorse and Scunion, found in the building, indicated that the raided location had been used for planning attacks against coalition forces.
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From an AP Article on November 6:
....Two rockets were fired Wednesday evening at a U.S. civil-military operations center in Samara north of Baghdad but caused no damage or casualties, Maj. Jossyln Aberle, spokeswoman of the 4th Infantry Division, said Thursday.
Troops from the division also arrested 14 people, including a suspected member of a local terrorist cell and a weapons dealer, during at least seven raids north of Baghdad, Aberle said.....
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59 Years Ago Today - 4ID in Germany:
7 November 1944 - D+155
The 8th Infantry sent 50 vehicles with reconnaissance personnel to the new assembly area and they closed at 1920. The remainder of the 8th Infantry remained in the vicinity of Hunningen until 2200 at which time movement was initiated. The 12th Infantry completed movement and closed in assembly area in the vicinity of Zweifall. Upon arrival, it was attached to the 28th Infantry Division and completed relief of the 109th Infantry Regiment at 1300. The 22nd Infantry sent 50 vehicles with reconnaissance personnel to the new assembly area and the remainder, still assembled in the vicinity of Krinkelt, continued preparation for movement 8 November. Division HQ moved at 0900 and opened the new CP in Zweifall at 1300.
(Tomorrow, November 8, 1944, marks the beginning of the most epic battle in the long and proud history of the 4th Infantry Division. Most of you have never heard of the Hurtgen Forest. Over the next month you will read more about it and see why our WWII vets of the 4ID always refer to it as "Bloody Hurtgen" or "Hell in Hurtgen Forest").
Thanks to Philippe Cornil at www.revive-it.com.
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) My husband is now into his first week of being home for the R and R and it has been a really neat experience..he is with 1-67 AR Charlie company..It was really overwhelming the first 3-4 days of having him home. He has adjusted really good to being home which has been awesome. Tomorow is his birthday so we are excited that we are going to be able to spend it with him and Saturday is our daughter's birthday so we have a big party planned. As I type this his mother, step dad, and brother are on their way here from Missouri to surprise him and should be arriving tonight sometime. Really exciting. He is in a way ready to go back so he can help get the mission done so they can all come home for good. He is really in amazament of the support we families are getting back here and from people we do not know. He has said over and over that they are really doing a good job there in Iraq even if we don't hear about it on the news. If you have a loved one coming home - cherish every minute with them. It is wonderful.
2) Hi Bob, just wanted to tell everyone a funny story. My son is a medic with 1/22 4th ID in Tikrit. Their aid station is at Sadaams Main palace. The medics are having to pull guard tower duty because they are short of help. Well one night last week he was in the tower and they radioed him and told him to be on the lookout for some Iraqis who lost their cow and they didn't want to be shot looking for it. Well my son kept looking and finally he saw them. He kept calling down to them, "cow, cow". Well not undersanding English they didn't know what he was asking them. So finally he yelled, "moo, moo" to them and they said yes they found the cow right by the guard tower. My son called back to the base and said I got cow. Everyone laughed. I thought it was funny. I can see my son doing that, it is good to know he still has a sense of humor. Hoorah God Bless our soldiers
3) I finally got some letters and some GOOD news from my boyfriend (A co. 2-8 IN).. He is a huge Dean Koontz fan. He has read all his books. His mother wrote Mr. Koontz explaining that she had sent him some books and that he was sharing them with the other soldiers and thought he would like to know how much the soldiers in Iraq were enjoying his books. In return Mr. Koontz sent him a letter.. explaining how proud he was of him and the other troops there and how he supports them and sent 25 books for him to give to the other soldiers. He was SO excited to get a letter from someone he has looked up to for so long. It lifted his spirits more than Dean Koontz probably could have imagined.. not to mention his mom's.. who had to keep it a secret for almost 2-1/2 months ! (GOOD JOB Mrs. S!) He also said its getting cooler there and it RAINED!!! He's not coming home on leave but its the best choice for him. God Bless them all and bring them home safe!
4) I got a call from my husband on Monday (1/68 Armor, 3 BCT out of Ft Carson). He seemed pretty upbeat considering everything that's going on. Seven months down and five to go! My friends & coworkers are already planning the homecoming party. The guys say "don't worry" but I picture something from "Animal House"! Unfortunately, he won't get a chance for mid-tour leave ... Oh well, two remote tours in five years... I'm used to it. But look out come next spring! Let's thank God for keeping an eye on our soldiers and keep them all safe!
5) Recently heard from my husband with 534th Sig Co in Tikrit as of now. He spent last week filling sand bags and was really feeling it (he had been repairing computers). Although our retirement has been revoked once again his spirits are good (working 14 hours a day helps keep his mind occupied). Once again he is missing his youngest daughters birthday but has promised to call for the occassion (that is going to be her favorite present she has already told me).
6) A couple days ago I signed into Yahoo messenger to see what friends or family were online. We are from California and the messenger services online are the main point of contact between us and our friends and family. To my suprise my husband who is with HHC 1-22 4th ID. We only got to talk for about 10 minutes (if that) online. But during that time I hooked up our webcam and my dear husband got to see me, our 18 month old little girl, our 5 month old baby boy, and our two dogs....He really enjoyed it for the time being till he had to go! We both have been told different time frames for him to come home for the midtour leave, but we'll see. Keep our fingers crossed.
7) My Hubbys (4th MP) last phone call was full of great news! They now have a free internet cafe set up in Balad right by his tent. Also they just opened a phone center (again right near the tent)..... He had broken his toe & says it feels much better now also. He asked me to burn some CDs for him & send Country Time Strawberry Lemaonade.
8) I just wanted to reply to the wife who made the comment about her husband not coming home on mid-tour leave. It's about time someone mentioned it. My husband as well will not be one of the lucky ones. We are all okay with it but it's true you do get upset every once in a while. Especially when they do things like come meet my husband, it's hard to see them functioning as a family. I have a four year old who doesn't understand why others daddies have gotten to come home and hers hasn't. I know these ladies are excited to have their husbands back but please think of others as well. We won't all get to be the "lucky ones". I do wish all of them well though.
9) When I read the update today, and saw that story from the mother of 3 who's husband isn't coming home, it made me cry! That could have been me writing that. My husband is in B Co. 1/68 and he isn't coming home. He has been gone going on 2 years now. He left in Dec. 2001 for Korea, came back for leave in June 2002, came home from Korea December 2002, went to school January 2003, came to Ft. Carson in March 2003. I was in WA state about to have our 3rd child. He came to Washington 2 days after I had the baby and brought us all to Colorado. His unit left that week, but they let him stay until a later date. He left for Iraq, May 21. He doesn't fit into any of the categories to come home. He didn't JUST get back from Korea, he didn't get to Iraq until 2 months after everyone else and even though we have a new baby (well, he is almost 8 months old now) he saw him for the first 2 months. He was at the very bottom of the list. He gave up his slot, because if he would have stayed on the list, he wouldn't be able to to go Qatar for R&R. I too, understand how that woman is so happy for the others, but at the same ttime sooooo envious! We would love to see him, but it would be so hard to say goodbye after our time together....
10) My husband called me about 4 am this morning. He is in 1/67 C Co. .... He sounded really excited about coming home on leave the end of Dec or early Jan. We both figure by that time his return to Iraq will constitute mainly the redeployment preparations. I have not told our three year old son and my daughter doesn't know him. He left when she was just an infant- Now potty training and having a mind of her own! He'll just love her. Our son has always been a Daddy's Boy. He is a faithful picture drawer for him and prays dililigently for his return and saftey. As far as the lady asking about good gifts to send- my husband has enjoyed a chance to catch up on quite a bit of reading. He is mainly reading books about relationships with his family. He has had enough thriller and action! Also, most stores have candy on 75 percent off. A great time to send a box of individually wrapped goodies to all the soldiers in the unit.
11) I heard from my husband today! The first time in nearly 2 weeks. He's with the 204th FSB in Baqubah. It was such a relief to hear his voice and know he is ok for another day. He told me about their Halloween - they got dressed up in whatever they could find and ran around camp trick or treating! He said everyone has an excess of candy that the families have been sending so basically everyone just exchanged candy that night (some better candy than what they had and some worse). He told me about how they are living in sea huts now (not sure what those are) and that the living conditions are at least improving some. He said it's nice to have 4 walls around him again. That's about it for his update this week besides the normal mushy stuff but ya' all don't want to hear that.
12) We rec'd a call from our godson, Monday night and he said he would not be coming home before March 2004. He also said that it is cold in Tikrit.. When he called it was 4:48 AM Tues (his time) and he didn't talk long because he was tired and said he had to get some rest. It was such a thrill to hear his voice although it was tired, it was a beautiful sound. The reason I am sending this to you attached to your update is because I want to say that the last note in the mid-term leave advice was great and my prayers will always include that lady and her children to continue with their strength and soon to have the happiness they deserve.
13) My son is with the 733rd Transportation Co in Tikrit. I have only talked on the phone with him once since his arrival in April, and that was in July. I’ve gotten a few letters, a few emails, the most recent after they announced the two-week R&R..... Prior to the R&R announcement, our son had asked us to send him catalogs so he could get Christmas gifts for everyone at home as well as thank you gifts for all of our friends who have been faithful in sending care packages to him. This past week the first catalog order from him arrived at our door. There it sits, waiting for instructions from our soldier. Every day as I eye that box I think, “maybe today we’ll get a letter with instructions!” (Some of you anticipate phone calls – for me, a letter will do!) So far each day has been disappointing, but the box reminds me to have hope. A letter will come, and someday, soon, I hope, so will my son.
14) I was extremely excited this morning to get a wake up call from my husband. B co 1-22, Bayji. I have not had a real conversation (longer than 4 minutes) in over 10 months!!! In my book, that is way too long. We got to talk for about 20 minutes and it still wasn't long enough. He said that the phnoes have just been replaced but now require a phone card. At least now i know that we can talk. I was sad to hear that my husband was in the same Bradley with spc. Powell. That scares me to think how close he is to all of the danger. I just pray that they all stay safe. My husband also said that everything is now slowing down. With the start or Ramadan, raids have also been more quiet for them.... Over all, it was a great conversation. He won't be coming home for leave unfortunately. But hopefully they'll all be coming back soon and we won't need that.....
15) Here is an update on my son who is with the 1/44 ADA who is in the palace in Tikrit. First, I have to say what a great daughter in law we have, when my son called her the first thing she said to him was, "You need to call your Mama!" And yes, she gave up precious time talking to her husband to have him call home. Am I lucky or what!!! Anyway my son told us he is fine, although he needs more alergy pills. He says he guards the headquarters at the palace and if you look outside the window you can see the town. And while we were talking, he kept saying, did you hear that? Well, there were gun shots in the background, kind of scarey. He did say that they don't fire mortars at the camp anymore. And he also told us that he goes on a weekly convoy but that he drives the Avenger and the Iraqis are afraid of the Avenger because of the missles. Well, this puts my mind at ease a little......
16) My son and now his wife are in Iraq. So my wife and I are raising their 8 month old son for the next 6 to 8 months. It has not been easy, a real adjustment to our lifestyle, but, a true blessing. When my wife and I sometimes are very tired and drained, we stop and realize what our son and his wife are having to sacrifice. I am so proud of both of them and all of our military men and women who serve this courntry and protect our freedoms we enjoy. (No units given).
17) Bob, this is for the lady in the update today whose husband isn't coming home for R & R. I just want to tell her I know how she feels. My husband isn't coming home either and probably for the same reason that her's isn't. It is tough and I do so understand the pain and heartache when she gets asked "when is your husband coming home".
18) This e-mail is in response to the person needing gift ideas for their son. There are many things that soldiers have asked for that would make good gifts such as cds, if they don't have a cd walkman then get him that too, GameBoy Advance, with games, travel games if you can't afford the game boy advance. I know here in Texas at the PX they have magnetic travel games that my husband just loved. But I think cds and a cd walkman would be the best bet because I see in my husbands pictures that some of the people listen to the walkman while they work. But it also all depends on what type of job your son has. Cause my husband is a humvee mechanic so that works out okay listening to walkmans while you work. I heard that its getting real cold out there and so sending a blanket would be good. If he doesn't have a pillow send that as well. Stockings with cigarrettes if he smokes, candy canes...i'm sure the cds would fit as well in the stocking. I personally sent my husband a few things mentioned along with a Santa Hat. Hope I was some help!
19) My husband called last night and I was so surprised! The man with the satellite phone was reassigned to another location so I wasn't expecting to hear from him for a long time. He is in Samarra attached to 1-66 AR (from HHB 4-42 FA). He said that things have been extremely tense the past month. The attacks haven't slowed down in the least and everyone is grieving over the loss of their friends and comrades. He raved about the loaves of bread I sent him...I bought Pepperidge Farms and they arrived in perfect shape....he made grilled cheese on his hot plate and also had PB&J. They had a close call with a mortar round a couple days ago and he said his
ears are still ringing from the blast. He is taking it one day at a time and he told me he is praying constantly for the safety of the troops. He thanked me for Mr. Babcock's 4ID book "War Stories" and told me that it is making the rounds with the other soldiers and has become quite the topic of conversation! He told me to hug his babies and appreciate every second I spend with them. That's about it.....Pray for our troops. God Bless, from a Proud Army Wife.
(Editor's Note: For anyone wanting a copy of my book, "War Stories - Utah Beach to Pleiku" a few copies are still available through the 4ID museum gift shop. Their online url is: http://www.4thinfantrydivisiongiftshop.com/)
20) Heard from my soldier son with the 223rd Eng Bn MSNG, at Camp Warhorse in
Baquabah. He called at a time that I was feeling low and I choked up when I heard his voice. We assured each other, though, that we were okay. They were watching a movie and so he was a little distracted. He said he was fine and didn't need anything. Then I heard a lot of noise and he commented that he hated it when that happened. He said there were mortars coming in. I asked if they have any warning. He said "Yea, when they go boom." Always the humor. Or is it Mom with the silly questions? :) They were running to the bunkers and said he would lose me when he got in there and would call me back. Of course, I had a good cry while waiting for him to call back, which he did pretty quickly. He said that it was not mortars, but they had found an IED on the side of the road and had exploded it. I had to try to clear
those emotions out of my head with humor, too, so I asked him if they paused their movie. He laughed and said they usually didn't bother with that. Sorry, this sounds so gloomy, it's just one of those days for me. I know I'm not the only one, but at times I feel like if I don't get my hands on him soon, I'm going to explode! May God be with me and the rest of us especially at these low times. God, please grant them all protection and comfort for those who have lost loved ones.
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