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| A-1-8 Chapter of the 4th Infantry Division |
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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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AP News Clips:
>From AP articles on 12-23-03:
.....The Army’s 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry took out a front-page advertisement in Tuesday editions of the local Arabic Azzaman newspaper that showed a mocking photo of the deposed Iraqi dictator with his beard whitened and wearing a Santa hat.
Near the western border with Syria, coalition troops dubbed an ongoing series of raids in the town of Rawah as ‘‘Operation Santa Claws.’’
North of Baghdad, in the city of Tikrit, soldiers from the U.S. Army’s 4th Infantry Division — which captured Saddam — were planning brass band concerts and talent contests for Christmas.
Asked who received the best Christmas present, Sgt. Gilbert Nail from Fort Hood, Texas quipped, ‘‘Of course, Saddam. He received free food and boarding for the rest of his life.’’
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.........A U.S. task force in Baqouba, 30 miles northwest of Baghdad, arrested five Iraqis Tuesday, including one suspected of recruiting guerrillas, said Maj. Josselyn Aberle of the 4th Infantry Division.
Two other military sources said the other four were believed to be associates of former Vice President Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, the top remaining figure from the U.S. list of 55 most wanted Iraqis. U.S. commanders say he could be organizing anti-American resistance. Thirteen fugitives from the list remain at large, with al-Douri at No. 6 in the original ranking.
In an earlier raid in Baqouba, U.S. troops detained a former Iraqi army colonel suspected of recruiting ex-Iraqi soldiers to fight the U.S. military. Aberle said the ex-colonel was believed to be connected to a local businessman helping to finance the insurgency.
The former officer "is a midlevel in the national scheme, but quite important in the area," the major said.
Another task force in the area arrested two Iraqis discovered digging up a cache of 100 82mm mortar rounds and 20 rockets, Aberle said.......
Copyright 2003 The Associated Press.
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Saddam Claus Father Christmas or Former Dictator?
Tue December 23, 2003 10:13 AM ET
TIKRIT, Iraq (Reuters) - Christmas came early this year for some 30,000 U.S. troops in Tikrit who caught ousted president Saddam Hussein near his own home town a week ago -- and how better to celebrate than with a captivating card?
The Saddam Santa card features a picture of the heavily bearded former dictator as he looked when he was pulled from his hiding hole last weekend -- except Saddam is dolled up in a Father Christmas hat and his whiskers are whiter than white.
This photograph and others like it are springing up as decorations around the barracks of a U.S. army unit in Iraq and have become popular as greeting cards. "First Battalion, 22nd Infantry wishes you a very Merry Christmas!" reads the card which is also decorated with the battalion's insignia.
Pictures of Saddam taken after he was pulled out of a hole in the ground nine miles south of Tikrit drew criticism from the Vatican which said they were degrading, but have proven an easy target for soldiers who regard him as an evil dictator.
"The fact that we have captured Saddam makes the ending of the year a lot better than the uncertainty of the beginning," said battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Steven Russell who sent one of the cards back home to Oklahoma. His card may not arrive in time as post from the northern Iraqi town takes around three weeks to reach the United States.
Mail from loved ones, back home at bases in Fort Hood, Texas and Fort Carson, Colorado, has poured in for several days in the run up to the holidays.
Copyright Reuters.
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Ohio reservists take care of the dirty work
Story by Staff Sgt. David Bennett, 367th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Dec. 9, 2003
LOGISTICS SUPPLY AREA ANACONDA, Iraq – The old adage ‘An army travels on its stomach’ has been expanded in recent time to include a hot shower and a clean uniform.
Bearing this in mind, the members of 1001st Quartermaster Company, an Army Reserve unit based in Chillicothe, Ohio, have been busy doing the dirty work keeping solders assigned to Logistics Supply Area Anaconda clean and tailored.
At peak periods the quartermaster unit handles an average load of 14,000 pieces of laundry per week
“We were handling the bulk for whole entire base,” said Spc. Paul Calhoun, a laundry, bath and renovation specialist from Columbus, Ohio.
The 1001st also runs the camp’s sole military sewing shop, plus numerous shower points. Besides their regular responsibilities, the reservists provide other needed services in the Task Force Ironhorse area such as convoy escort.
The workload on the unit has been reduced during the last three months since a civilian company set up shop at LSA Anaconda. However, with more than 17,000 soldiers based here, there is plenty of work to go around.
“We’re starting to get more business in the mornings because we have heaters in the showers,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Hair, first sergeant of the 1001st.
The unit’s collective skills go beyond soap and water, extending into renovations where the Ohioans sew uniforms, plus any other items that soldiers may require, according to Sgt. 1st Class Andrew J. Kruger, a Green Bay, Wis. native who is charge of the renovations shop.
“We repair Humvee seat covers, make dust covers for equipment,” he said. “We can pretty much do it all.”
Having arrived in theater in April, the reservists are looking forward to the time when they will return to Ohio again. For now, they continue to support the troops the best they can.
“It looks like we’re doing something simple – laundry, shower, or sewing, but the soldiers highly appreciate it,” Calhoun said.
(Staff Sgt. David Bennett is a member of the 367th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, an Army Reserve unit from Columbus, Ohio. He is currently deployed to Southwest Asia with the 4th Infantry Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom)
Editor's Note: For more stories about the 4th Infantry Division and TF Ironhorse, go to the 4ID web page at http://pao.hood.army.mil/4id/
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A Special Thank You
>From a spouse who asked me to pass on a special thank you:
We want to extend a great big 'Thank You' to Mr and Mrs Shultz. They have supported our Battalion (3/67 AR) above and beyond, and we are all very proud to have them as part of our family.
Mr and Mrs Shultz: To you both... may the Lord give you some measure of peace. You have given so much of yourselves and continue to support all of us here on the ground.
You are both in our collective thoughts and prayers as we know we are in yours. Thank you again for the Merry Christmas!!!
Respectfully Yours,
The Soldiers, Spouses and Family members of 3/67 ARMOR in Ba'qubah, Fort Hood and everywhere.
(SPC Christian Shultz was killed in July, and his parents continue to not only support but thoroughly spoil our Battalion. We love them more than they know.)
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59 Years Ago Today - 4ID in Luxembourg - Battle of Bulge:
24 December 1944 - D+202
Again visibility was excellent and the skies were clear. All elements contained the enemy until 1100 at which time the 5th Infantry Division, in conjunction with the 10th Armored Division on its left, launched a coordinated attack to the north through our lines. They relieved elements of the 12th Infantry and Task Force Luckett. A new and greatly reduced sector was assigned the 4th Infantry Division.
The 12th Infantry supported by fire the attack of the 5th Infantry Division. At 1645, it was relieved and its 1st and 2nd Battalions moved to new assemby areas, closing therein respectively at 2030 and 2230. The 3rd Battalion made plans to be relieved by elements of the 22nd Infantry.
The 22nd Infantry assumed responsibility for its new zone of action at 1100. The 1st Battalion which reverted to regimental control at 1920, moved to its new assembly area in the vicinity of Herborn, closing therein at 2045.
The 10th Regimental Combat Team continued its attack in the direction of Echternach where prisoners of war reported that a strong American force still held out, and at 1000, reverted to the control of the 5th Infantry Division.
Task Force Luckett was passed through by elements of the 5th Division at 1200 and at 1645 was relieved of responsibility and dissolved.
Thanks to Philippe Cornil at www.revive-it.com. And Merry Christmas - my good friend. Thanks for all you do to keep our 4ID history alive in Normandy.
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) What a great start to the day our son (4-42FA) gave us a wake up call at 5:30am!!!!!! Yesterday he tried calling but the connection was bad and kept cutting off. He sounds good and even tho he didnt say I know he is missing being home for Christmas. But just to hear his voice and know he is ok is all I need. Then to get your update and see we are finally at the "two digit midgit" (which a sweet friend just explained to me last week what it meant)....I just wanted to pass along something that we do for the holidays.....at dinner we set an extra place for our soldier and all soldiers who can't be with their families for the holiday. We started this a few years ago when our son was in Korea and we will again(did it for Thanksgiving) be setting an extra place this Christmas. We have so many brave men/women who won't be with their families this year but they are in our hearts. May God Bless them and keep them safe and bring them home soon to their loved ones.
2) I just put my son on the plane back to Iraq. I was dreading that moment, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. Then I just got your update for today - I've been waiting for the day we went under 100!! We had a wonderful visit with my son (1/68 AR, C co), it was the best Christmas present I could ever have received. We kept so busy, I think I need another week of vacation to rest up! Hoping that everyone has the best Christmas they can under the circumstances and hopefully the next 99 days will fly by!
3) My birthday was also on December 14th. I knew in advance that my son (SSG B Co 1-22, 4ID) would make every effort to call his mom. When I was awakened by a phone call a little after 5am on Sunday, I thought it would be him. My daughter-in-law was saying that, "They got him!" over and over and to turn on the TV. It turns out her identical twin sister who is in Irag with CSG, called to tell her. I remember thinking what a wonderful birthday present and the icing on the cake was when my son got thru around 8:30am. You could tell he was excited but it was tempered with being tired from all of the raids that they go on. Merry Christmas to all and Happy Holidays. May the New Year see our soldiers returning home to us healthy and well.
4) To the mother who took a picture of her son's boots and uniform in the closet, those memories will last forever. I am putting a book together for my son's son that was born while his dad is in IRAQ. I took a picture of him and his son's first meeting, words could not explain the moment, but the picture told it all. I keep a copy of it at my desk and every time I look at that photo it brings a smile to my face. Keep taking those special photos. When my son got ready to return to IRAQ we packed his clothes and put downey sheets in his bag so that he would have the smell of home for a while. I also send him downey sheets for when after he has washed his clothes in IRAQ he can fold them and put them in his bag with a downey sheet. I too commend TIME magazine for recognizing our soldiers and naming them PEOPLE of the year!!!!
5) When I first started receiving your updates from my brother's FRG leader (Fox Troop 10th Cav), I would look at the 'days and a wakeup' and wonder to myself why in the world you included the number of days until our soldier returns. It just served as a reminder as to how long Jonathan would be in Iraq. Well, as you can imagine the past few weeks have brought whole new meaning to the 'days and a wakeup'. When I opened this morning's update and saw 99 days I couldn't stop the tears. Now, it does seem like April really will get here. With a 12 year age difference, my own child might as well be in Iraq. I'm certain that you realize how hard it is to find the balance between pride and fear. "I'm so short, I may be able to sleep again after all!!!"
6) My husband is in B/ 1-10 Cav. When he left, he had one request and that was if he didn't come home by Christmas that my daughter and I go visit his family for the holidays. You see, we had just gotten married and we didn't get a chance to meet them together. So, I packed up and drove from Ft Hood, TX to West Virgina. I have been here just over a week and it has been great. But the greatest thing that we could have gotten from him came yesterday. I came in to check my e-mail and it popped up and said that I got an e-mail from him. I checked it and e-mailed him back. Well, to my surprise, another came. I returned it saying that I wish he could get on messager so that we could talk. The next thing I know he popped up. It was so great. I called his dad and his grandmother (who was at work) and we all got on and he was able to talk to all of us for about 2 hrs. I turned on our web cam and he was able to see us here at the house. He sounded so good and was so happy to see me and his grandmother together...... This was the best Christmas present we could have gotten. A proud soldiers Wife
7) Our family got an early XMAS gift from our son (3rd Brigade, 2ID, HHT 1/14 CAV Strykers - part of TF Ironhorse). He stated all was well and he had finally received his packages that were sent over (1) month ago. This was welcome news for us since we had not heard from him in a while. It was even more special since insurgents had launched a rocket/mortar attack a few days ago on their base camp. Our artillery and a squad of Strykers put their next barrage on hold by kicking some major butt! We would like to thank all those that suggested items to ship over in earlier postings. We were able to send quite a sampling of goodies and sorely needed items. He and his fellow scouts ate well together. We are so proud of our soldier and all the countless other soldiers, sailors, airmen, coast guard, and marines who are working so hard for our freedoms we enjoy each and every day. This same thanks goes out to the families of these same service men and women who are sacrificing at this time of year also..... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to your family and all others who read this.
8) This morning I was really surprised to receive an early morning call. I was expecting one for tomorrow, my wedding anniversary, but not today. My husband was calling to say Happy Anniversary. I thought he was a day early, but today really is my Anniversary. I forgot the date. He's with HHC 1/12 from Ft. Carson. It was so good to hear his voice saying he loved me and that he was glad he'd married me 2 yrs. ago. He was really excited because he drove the truck to pick up mail earlier and said there was so much that it filled 3/4 of the flat bed. He said all the guys are
so excited to know that they will be receiving X-mas boxes later. He was a bit down because his box only contained 2 sausage and 2 cheese and a letter addresssed to one of my sisters (no wonder she never got it!). I told him that was one of 3 boxes and that the other 2 had much better stuff in them along with 2 X-mas gifts and an anniversary gift too. Although, I miss him lots I am glad he is there. The Army has
taught him a lot about being a soldier, man, and husband. I am thrilled that he is "short" and will soon be home with me though. Merry X-mas everyone!
9) A short word about my Daughter, she is in the Army reserves and was attached to the 4th ID when she went over in April. She is with the 705th Transportation unit. They where extended for a year, she has been very homesick, and at times she wants no more of it. Then others times she is more positive about staying in the Army. While being in Iraq she has decided to go on for her Sergeant stripe. She discussed this with me and of course I told her I would stand behind her whatever decision she made. The Mother in me was asking how much longer will you have to give to do this? (While thinking they could send her away again). She is the first grandchild on both sides and everyone's favorite, the one that makes everyone laugh, so there is a huge void here without her. Just this last week on her return from a mission, she was promoted to sergeant. Bob, I don't have to tell you how proud I am right now! The holidays are difficult, I miss her so much, but I try to remain strong as she has asked me to. After all, I still have all my freedoms here, while she is there doing what she was trained to do, so this is the least I can do for her. Watching her and hearing the stories of others she is serving with amazes me at the resolve and pride that all our soldiers have. No matter what your personal or political opinions are, they are the best America has to offer. They deserve complete support and respect! Thank you again, Proud Mom.
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Families Share R&R Moments
1) My husband called last night Dec 22nd and received 2 weeks of R&R, and he should be here Dec 24th. I couldn't ask for nothing more than to have my husband home for christmas. This is the greatest gift my 3 year old daughter could receive. Christmas Miracles.
2) Your updates have been a constant source of strength. I especially love the way the countdown looks better and better each day! I married my soldier (2nd BDE, Recon TRP) while he was home on his R&R and I am so proud to join the military family. I am so happy that I have married my best friend and soul mate! We had a wonderful 15 days that we both will cherish for the rest of our lives. It was filled with the most amazing moment when we first layed on eyes on one another in the airport. After 8 months, to have his arms around me again was magical. All I could do was touch his face to make sure that he really was right in front of me. We had so much fun spending time with family and friends. He was overwhelmed at the support and thanks that he received throughout the 2 weeks. Especially all the thanks he received from strangers... it was touching to have people come up to him and shake his hand. He always says that he "is just doing his job." But, I always tell him that it is the most honorable and respected job. He truly is my hero! I wasn't prepared for how extremelly hard it would be to see him off at the end of his break. But, the depression didn't last as long this time! I remind myself that we only a little over 3 months to go....
3) I haven't had much of a life outside of work since my fiance (HHC 1-8) left for Iraq back in April. Last night was just like any other and I was working until 10, I even decided to stay late since I had nothing to go home for. My dad called and told me he REALLY needed me to come home and help him with one of my mother's Xmas presents so I went ahead and left work around 11:30pm. When I got home he met me in the front living room and told me to be quiet because mom was asleep and we needed to be sneaky. As I rounded the corner and looked through the kitchen into the den I saw my grandparents and my aunts holding cameras and video cameras and as I walked closer I saw Jason sitting on the couch next to my mother. He'd pulled off a complete surprise (which is extremely hard to do with me) and shocked my entire family. The only one who knew was my aunt who had driven to pick him up in Dallas. So far it's been wonderful. Lots of tears and lots of laughing! This is definitely the best Xmas present EVER! Thought I'd share!
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