Volume Four, Number 17 - 8-15-09
Mission - Soldier - Family - Team
For the latest news, pictures, and information from 4ID, regularly check:
http://www.hood.army.mil/4ID
(Note from Bob - work is underway to transition this 4ID web site to Fort Carson. Once it is complete, I will give you the new address. In the meantime, this is still the official 4ID web site).
Seven Day Weather Forecast:
Sorry I forgot the weather forecast in the last update - I bet it was sunny and hot in both Iraq and Afghanistan. It will be hot and sunny every day this coming week.
Baghdad, Iraq - Sun, Hi - 112, Lo - 86; Mon, Hi - 113, Lo - 82; Tues, Hi - 115, Lo - 82; Wed, Hi - 116, Lo - 84; Thur, Hi - 116, Lo - 85; Fri, Hi - 114, Lo - 84; Sat, Hi - 113, Lo - 83.
Kabul, Afghanistan - Sun, Hi - 93, Lo - 68; Mon, Hi - 91, Lo - 66; Tues, Hi - 89, Lo - 63; Wed, Hi - 88, Lo - 63; Thur, Hi - 89, Lo - 64; Fri, Hi - 90, Lo - 64; Sat, Hi - 89, Lo - 64.
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65 Years Ago This Week - 4ID in France - August 16-22, 1944
16 August 1944 - D+71
In front of a formation made of one enlisted man of each company, battery, troop and detachment of the Division, Lieutenant General Courtney Hodges, Commanding General First Army, awarded the Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Raymond Barton. MG Barton was awarded the Silver Star Medal by Major General Collins, Commanding General VII Corps. LTG Hodges awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) to LTC Arthur Teague 22nd Infantry, LTC John Welborn 70th Tank Battalion and MAJ George Mabry 8th Infantry (Editor's Note: Mabry later earned the Medal of Honor in the Hurtgen Forest). 45 officers and enlisted men received the Silver Star. Among them were BG Harold Blakeley, COL James Luckett 12th Infantry CO and COL Charles Lanham 22nd Infantry CO. Combat Infantry Badges (CIB) were also awarded. All units remained in assembly areas, conducting necessary training (scouting, patrolling and familiarization firing) and maintenance.
(I think the Normandy campaign is about over and the Northern France campaign has started)
17 August 1944 - D+72
The 4th Division completed movement from vicinity of Le Teilleul to the vicinity of Carrouges.
18 August 1944 - D+73
The Division remained in assembly areas. 8th near Carrouges, 12th near Les Villettes and 22nd near L'Oisonnière. The 4th Reconnaissance Troop reconnoitered routes for possible movement to the vicinity of Alençon.
19 August 1944 - D+74
The Division remained in assembly areas and conducted tactical and technical training, maintenance of vehicles, and cleaning of personnel, clothing and equipment.
20 August 1944 - D+75
No change in the activities. (But stay tuned - in five more days, the 4ID will do something that will always be one of the key events of our history).
21 August 1944 - D+76
The Division prepared for possible movement.
22 August 1944 - D+77
The Division was alerted and prepared for movement east to Chartres. The 4th Division Artillery and 377th Antiaircraft Artillery moved at 1350 to the vicinity of Châteauneuf en Thymerais and were alerted to rejoin the Division on its route to Chartres.
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Thanks to Philippe Cornil for providing these for us. You can find this information, plus pictures from the WWII action, at his website at http://www.ordinateurslaval.ca/Normandie .
And, if you're visiting Normandy and need a great place to stay, or a guide who loves the 4ID and can show you all the highlights, check out his bed and breakfast site at Chambres d'hôtes - Guest House Normandy : http://www.lamaisondeshotes.com Deeds, not words.
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And 64 Years Ago Today - V-J Day - August 15, 1945
Aug. 15, 1945 is the official date of V-J Day, or Victory over Japan Day. V-J Day followed Victory in Europe Day by three months, and with the surrender of Japan who was the last axis power remaining, V-J Day marks the end of World War II.
At noon Japan standard time, Aug. 15, 1945, the Imperial Rescript on Surrender speech by Emperor Hirohito stated Japan's acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration and was broadcast to the Japanese people via radio. The declaration stated that if Japan did not surrender and agree to the terms, "They would face prompt and utter destruction." Earlier the same day, the Japanese advised the Allies of their surrender by sending a cable to U.S. President Harry S. Truman. (Note: In U.S. time zones the date was Aug. 14th.)
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Another Historic Date Coming Up this Week - August 20, 2009
The Afghanistan elections are being held on this Thursday, August 20. Keep our Soldiers and the Afghan people in your prayers. Hopefully this election will be as successful and non-violent as the Iraqi Provincial elections were on January 31, 2009.
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News from 2BCT, 4ID in Iraq is virtually non-existent, as is news from 2HBCT, 1ID - but, the good news, 2BCT, 4ID is returning home to Fort Carson on a daily basis. Here is the latest information from the Fort Carson web site:
Fort Carson - Welcome Home for returning troops
Fort Carson will be welcoming home troops deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Unless otherwise noted, all welcome home ceremonies will be held at the Special Events Center
and are open to the public. All people traveling in non-DOD-decaled vehicles must go through Gate 1, provide current, valid government-issued photo ID for all adults, proof of vehicle insurance and current vehicle
registration. Cars are also subject to inspection.
The next ceremonies are scheduled to be held:
Aug. 15 at 3:40 p.m. for 320th PO and 2nd BCT, 4th ID.
Aug. 16 at 6:50 p.m. for 445 CA and 2nd BCT, 4th ID.
Aug. 18 at 2:40 p.m. for 2nd BCT, 4th ID.
Aug. 18 at 8:50 p.m. for 2nd BCT, 4th ID.
Aug. 21 at 5:40 a.m. for 445th CA and 2nd BCT, 4th ID.
Aug. 21 at 9:15 p.m. for 2nd BCT, 4th ID.
As the schedule may change, you can call 719-526-3400 prior to the scheduled time to ensure that the ceremony is still on track. Information concerning specific personnel on flights cannot be given out.
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Greetings from Mountain Warriors - August 12, 2009
Dear Friends of TF Mountain Warrior,
I hope this note finds you all well. It has been a very busy time within our Task Force since my last note. Our units are doing incredible things in "N2KL" (Nangahar, Nuristan, Kunar and Laghman), despite the heat, determined enemy and other tough conditions that persist. I have yet to hear a complaint about our "work environment", but rather listen to our troopers recount remarkable actions almost daily as if they are ordinary events for them. We've already had close to two dozen valorous awards approved within the Task Force - reminds me that I need to highlight their names and heroic actions in our next MTN Warrior publication.
We hit the ground in the middle of a very tough summer fight and are now preparing for the upcoming Afghan Elections on 20 August. These elections are historic and strategically important. This fact is not lost on anyone within our formation - the usually long days have been even longer as a result, based primarily on the initiative our troopers are taking with their Afghan counterparts to ensure the Afghans "Rock the Vote"! I've been extremely proud of how our intense training back at Carson allowed our units to jump right in and take the offensive - whether conducting missions against insurgents or conducting dismounted patrols to connect to the people of the local villages and towns.
Unfortunately, we've also had some tragic days - we've paid tribute over here to our nine Heroes that have made the ultimate sacrifice to their country; most often in direct support of their beloved comrades serving
alongside of them. We sincerely appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers for the Families of our fallen and for all of our troopers who continue to pour their hearts into this mission.
Attached is our recent "publication" for your reading enjoyment, which highlights just a few of the extra- ordinary things our troopers and leaders are doing in the eastern region of Afghanistan.
All the best to you and your families. God bless you all.
Randy
Colonel Randy George
CDR, TF Mountain Warrior
4-4ID, CJTF82
FOB Fenty, Afghanistan
"Led by Love of Country"
(Note from Bob - following are some of the articles from the Mountain Warriors publication, without pictures. If any of you Mountain Warrior Families are not getting this direct, contact your FRG to insure you are on that distribution list).
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Brigade Commander and Command Sergeant Major’s letter
To the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Civilians of Task Force Mountain Warrior:
With the pace of current operations, it’s hard to believe the vast majority of TF Mountain Warrior has just arrived within the past six weeks. I’ve been privileged to meet many of you, but to those I haven’t met, I would like to welcome you to our team. Our expertise comes from across the military and Department of State. I’ve quickly learned that our diversity and broad backgrounds are what makes this team so strong and so incredibly talented. Another reason for our immediate successes during our first six weeks are the phenomenal units, such as Chosin (1-32 IN) and Palehorse (7-17 CAV), our Embedded Training Teams (ETTs), and several key civilians who remained on board to assist us through a busy and eventful transition period. Thanks to all of you for humbly passing on your experiences and tough lessons learned – your extra efforts have made the difference in helping the entire MTN Warrior team hit the ground running.
We have already seen how the heroics of one trooper or the actions of one leader can make the difference in mission accomplishment. I spoke with countless Soldiers, NCOs and officers who describe their tough conditions and harrowing missions like they’re average occurrences – in every case I’m in awe at what our troopers accomplish on what to them, is “just a normal day” here in Afghanistan. We appreciate the talent, courage and devotion you show daily. These qualities serve as an example for both the Afghan National Security Forces and the Afghan people. I’ve yet to meet one Afghan who doesn’t remark in amazement about how hard each of you works to improve the lives of ordinary Afghans.
As we gain momentum in this endeavor, we must constantly remember that we are here to do more than just defeat the enemy; we are here to protect the Afghan people and help their government build the capacity to stand on their own. We all recognize it is oftentimes easier for us to just complete a task on our own rather than teaching the Afghanis how to complete that task. However, we must remember that the mark of our success lies in our ability to build our Afghan partner’s capacity to act independently. I ask that you make your Afghan counterparts part of every solution because this type of mentoring will truly move them toward developing into the strong and independent force they must become in order for their entire country to succeed.
In August, our primary mission will be assisting our Afghan partners through their second free election. This is a historic event that will be watched around the world. The next few weeks of election preparation will be complex and demanding; it will take all of our combined efforts to successfully support the Afghan government through the election process. We all understand the importance and significance of a free election, and I am confident that our tireless efforts will ensure the Afghans of N2KL will be able to safely exercise their right to vote.
In the past month, six troopers from our Task Force made the ultimate sacrifice. These great American Soldiers will be deeply missed and always remembered. The stories of how these men were willing to sacrifice themselves for their buddies and for our country remind me why our military men and women are respected around the world. These men are the truest of American heroes.
Thank you for all that you do and thanks to your Families for their own sacrifice and commitment to our mission here in Afghanistan. It is an honor to serve on this team with each of you. Together we form a most formidable team; one that will accomplish a tremendous amount over this next crucial year.
Led By Love of Country!
Colonel Randy George
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To the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Civilians of Task Force Mountain Warrior:
I want to thank you all for the hard work you’ve put in so far to make our first couple of months in N2KL a success. As a team I would ask each of you to look out for each other. Take pride in the fact that we are making history by helping people that have seen decades of war and oppression. We have the ability to make a change for the better, to give a nation a chance at a peaceful way of life. As we all move along at a very fast pace I challenge everyone to keep safety as a top priority. Maintain your edge and your equipment along with your physical, mental, and spiritual stamina. Use all the resources available to you at every level from small gyms to Internet cafes to chaplains to a free magazine or book.
Tons of things we do on a daily bases will be easier said than done. That’s why it’s important that to know we can count on everyone. The way we do that is by our daily actions and interactions with our counterparts, fellow troopers, and leaders. Stay Mountain Warrior Strong!
-CSM Charles V. Sasser, Jr.
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Most of the stories from the Mountain Warriors newsletter have previously been reported in these updates so I won't repeat them here.
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Chaplain's Corner
MAJ Paul Madej
Throughout our lives, many of us will find ourselves in the desert: some, by entering a period of challenge and struggle; some, by heading to war and experiencing the heat of combat. For many of us in the Task Force Mountain Warrior family, we experience both. Leaving loved ones behind is never an easy thing, and war does not take the place of, or make us forget those we love. If anything, war forces us to examine what is really important in our lives and realize that little annoyances and petty issues do not represent fully our relationships.
Today, let us resolve to be thankful for this time in the desert, where we have an opportunity to review and rebuild those broken relationships. May we resolve to work for peace, not only throughout the world, but in our communities and Families as well.
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Patience Needed to Beat Taliban, McChrystal Says
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 11, 2009 - The Taliban will not win the war in Afghanistan, the commander of NATO and U.S. forces there said in Kabul today. "We will win. The Taliban won't win," Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal said during an interview on National Public Radio's "Morning Edition."
Still, he acknowledged, the struggle against the Taliban and their al-Qaida allies will be long and hard, with good and bad days, good and bad months, and the tragedy of civilian and coalition casualties.
The International Security Assistance Force is facing an aggressive enemy, NATO officials in Kabul said. The Taliban are employing complex tactics, and are gaining momentum in some parts of Afghanistan. "However, in those areas and others, insurgents face their own problems in terms of public support, cohesiveness and their ability to sustain their morale and fighting capacity," said Air Force Lt. Col. Tadd Sholtis, an ISAF spokesman.
The insurgents have achieved some momentum in recent years in southern and eastern Afghanistan. But recent ISAF operations in Helmand province have reversed some of these gains, officials said. Northern and western Afghanistan and the area around the capital of Kabul are relatively stable, he added.
"The fact that we've witnessed recent attacks in those areas underscores the fact that we cannot adopt a static approach to counterinsurgency operations against an adaptive enemy," Sholtis said. "We need to partner with the Afghan government to reinforce success in the areas we hold in order to build lasting foundations for stability. But we also need to be able to help the developing Afghan national security forces establish control of contested areas."
Patience is needed, as the effort in Afghanistan will take years, and one key to it is growing the Afghan security forces, McChrystal said. "This is a job that takes not only resolve, it takes patience and courage – it takes military and political courage to do this," he said.
The effort in Afghanistan will not be won by military force alone, and certainly won't be over by taking an enemy capital, the general noted. "You are actually fighting to convince people to support their government," he explained.
Afghan forces are key to the effort. Commanders in Regional Command South, an area of intense effort against the Taliban, want more Afghan soldiers. American, British and Danish forces are fighting alongside Afghan soldiers and believe they are doing well, McChrystal said.
The general also told NPR that he will delay the strategic assessment he's conducting for Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates until after Afghanistan's Aug. 20 national election. "I asked to delay that so that I'd be informed of what happened in the elections, because I thought it was such a data point," he said. "My overall read of the situation here would be much better if I could have that in the rear view mirror to look at."
McChrystal also said he will look at areas where insurgents are setting up, or attempting to set up, shadow governments. Other "data points" include levels of violence, the growth of Afghan security forces, support for governance, the number of children in school, commerce and so on. "It's extraordinarily complex to try to put together a clear picture," the general said.
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NATO Approves Intermediate Headquarters for Afghanistan
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2009 - NATO has approved the idea of an intermediate military headquarters in Afghanistan, Pentagon officials said today. The headquarters is a corps-level organization that will oversee the tactical, day-to-day operations in the country.
U.S. officials would like to see Army Lt. Gen. David M. Rodriguez, deputy commander of U.S. Forces Afghanistan, (Editor's note: LTG Rodriguez served in 4ID as an ADC during the initial attack into Iraq in 2003) in the post.
The new headquarters would allow the four-star commander of NATO forces in Afghanistan, Army Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, to concentrate on the big-picture parts of the conflict, including building relationships and coordinating with the Afghan and Pakistani governments, as well as nongovernmental and international agencies, and overseeing training for Afghan security forces.
The intermediate headquarters would coordinate NATO and allied efforts in Afghanistan where about 64,500 service members from 42 nations serve in NATO's International Security Assistance Force. Nearly 30,000 of that total are American. An additional 28,000 Americans are serving in Afghanistan outside of ISAF.
Most of the troops assigned to the intermediate headquarters would come from the U.S. Army's 5th Corps based in Germany, officials said. Still, other NATO and NATO-allied nations would contribute to manning the organization. The command arrangement is similar to that used by coalition forces in Iraq, with a four-star Multinational Force Iraq commander and a three-star Multinational Corps Iraq commander working together.
NATO-aspirant Georgia has volunteered to send a battalion to work with NATO forces in Afghanistan next year, officials said. U.S. Marines have deployed to the nation to train the 750-person unit. During that six-month training cycle, the number of Marines deployed will fluctuate "from a handful to 60 or 70," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said.
The Marines have a history of training with the Georgians. Marine noncommissioned officers deployed to the Georgian capital of Tbilisi in the 1990s under NATO's Partnership for Peace program.
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One of the last 15 month deployment units, and one of the last long time teammates of 4ID during their time as the lead elements of MND-B is finally headed for home...
After 15 months, engineers prep for home
By 1st Lt. Janeene Yarber
46th ECB (H) PAO, 225 Eng. Bde.
August 10, 2009
BAGHDAD – The “Bravo Beasts” of B Company, 46th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), 225th Engineer Brigade, based in Fort Rucker, Ala., are wrapping up their 15-month deployment to Iraq.
During their tour the engineers conducted numerous reconstruction projects, security missions, and joint construction projects with Iraqi Army Engineers, while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom 08-10 and 09-11.
“We have performed as a division asset and touched every corner of this growing city,” said Capt. Christopher Beal, commander, B Company, 46th ECB (H), a native of Sealy, Texas. “The bonds and relationships that we have built here will never be lost."
As soon as their boots touched foreign sand, back in June 2008, the Soldiers were on the move to several different projects throughout Baghdad. Their first mission was to construct a Battalion Supply/Logistical Operations building on the Victory Base Complex. At the same time, Earthmoving Platoon was busy pounding the hot pavement as a security team operating with the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, as members of Task Force Gold.
“Task Force Gold [conducted] mounted and dismounted security operations for a Quality Assurance/ Quality Control Team,” said Capt. Jeremy Atkinson, former platoon leader for EM Plt., a native of New Orleans, La. “After every mission the QA/QC Soldiers [offered] thanks and praise for the job well done by the 46th Soldiers.”
After eight months of providing security for teams ensuring Iraqi contractors’ construction projects were up to standards and escorting VIPs throughout the city, Soldiers of the EM Plt. went back to work as heavy equipment operators and construction engineers. “It’s nice to be back on equipment,” said Staff Sgt. Thomas Schwenkler, of Santa Cruz, Calif. “Some Soldiers had not operated equipment previous to the deployment. They had to get in there and learn – they had to get their stick time.”
The carpenters, masonry specialists, plumbers, and electricians of B Company, were also expanding their skill set, while improving the living conditions of U.S. troops throughout Multi-National Division Baghdad. “We rewired buildings, put outlets in the rooms, and installed lights in the rooms and hallways,” stated Sgt. Carlene Davis, a Co. B electrician, a native of Manhattan, N.Y. “We also fixed their air conditioners.”
According to Staff Sgt. Ian Jones, a squad leader from Newport, N.Y., Soldiers at Joint Security Station Istiqlal were moving into the engineers’ newly-finished buildings ‘less than 24 hours after the final nail was pounded.’ The same happened in southern Baghdad at Combat Outpost Carver where engineers were building ahead of the surge of Soldiers moving to the outskirts of town in accordance to the Security Agreement with Iraq.
“Every project we touched and every site we visited, the other units were always appreciative and amazed at the efficiency of our Soldiers,” said 1st Sgt. Gregory Williams, of Buena Vista, Ga. During their time in theater Co. B, engineers built gyms, dining facilities, aid stations, helicopter landing zones, weapons ranges, entry control points, and much more to enhance living conditions, and increase force protection.
“Bravo Beast” Soldiers also provided security for engineer supply missions throughout Baghdad, enhanced operations for both battalion and brigade sized units, participated in numerous joint construction missions with Iraqi Army Engineers, and held joint mechanic training workshops for Iraqi Army mechanics. “We wanted to train the IAs to be as proficient as possible,” said Sgt. 1st Class Cornelius Nalls, Co. B motor sergeant from Fayette, Ala. “We were usually scheduled seven days to complete the training, but the IA mechanics learned very quickly. We spent the last two days fellowshipping, with the help of the interpreters,” added Nalls.
With approximately three weeks remaining in Iraq, the “Beasts” are gearing up to properly train their replacements. "This is my second deployment to Baghdad,” added Beal. “As a company commander, I couldn't have asked for a better company or a better mission.”
The Soldiers of B Company, 46th ECB (H) are scheduled to return to Fort Rucker, Ala. the first week of September.
(Welcome home - you did a super job for both 4ID and 1st CAV - we're proud of you).
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This will be my last report on 4BCT of 1st CAV - it has been an honor working with the Families and Soldiers of the unit. Remember - many of you are veterans of and have ties to 4ID so I encourage you to stick with me and continue to get these updates and stay in touch with what's going on in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Battaglia discusses Soldiers’ successes
Posted On: Wednesday, Aug. 12 2009 08:40 AM
By Amanda Kim Stairrett and Sgt. 1st Class Damian Steptore
Fort Hood Herald and 1st Cavalry Division public affairs
Amid extensive reintegration and efforts to restart training, the 1st Cavalry Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team hosted an uncasing and change of command ceremony Thursday at Fort Hood. Col. Philip Battaglia, who led the brigade during its latest deployment to Iraq, was replaced by Col. Brian Winski.
Battaglia handed the brigade's area of operations, which included Southern Iraq's Dhi Qar, Maysan and Muthanna, over to Col. Peter Newell, commander of 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, June 4. He and his Soldiers then began a series of returns back to Fort Hood.
"As the brigade commander for the past two years, I have been extremely fortunate to have what I call the 'Dream Team' working for me," Battaglia said. "The commanders, leaders, NCOs and troopers you see here today are key members of that team, and I must publicly recognize them for they are the ones who truly make this brigade so successful."
A day before the ceremony, Battaglia talked about the brigade and the Soldiers' accomplishments during their time in an area of Southern Iraq that had never seen American troops before. When a unit takes over an area of operations, there is typically a wealth of knowledge about the area and its people passed to the new command. That wasn't the case for the brigade.
Another challenge Battaglia faced was being apart from the 1st Cavalry. The division was at Fort Hood for most of 4th Brigade's deployment, later deploying the rest of its brigades to Baghdad and Northern Iraq.
The 4th Brigade worked under the 10th Mountain Division during much of its deployment and worked as one of the first advise and assist brigades in Iraq. It was an opportunity to do something new and serve as a prototype for the Army, working alongside Iraq Security Forces and training them to take the lead in operations, Battaglia said. The Americans, Iraqis and a Romanian battalion worked to keep insurgents out of the area and crack down on smuggling across the border with Iran. The goal was to get the Iraqi forces to take care of their own people, and the brigade succeeded in that mission, Battaglia said.
He also talked about his family, which includes wife and fellow colonel, Diane. She is candid with her husband and often a tough critic, he said. "She keeps me straight," Battaglia said. Having a partner like her is a humbling experience because she provides tremendous, sound advice, especially when it comes to dealing with families, he added.
Winski comes to Fort Hood from Fort Campbell, Ky., where he served as the chief of Joint Task Force 101st Airborne Division during a deployment to Afghanistan.
"I am incredibly honored to be a part of the 'First Team' and most importantly the Long Knife Brigade," Winski said. "As newcomers, my family and I are very excited about serving at the 'Great Place' and being part of the community." Winski and his wife, Kimberly, have two children, Kathryn and Andrew.
Copyright 2009 - Fort Hood Herald
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General Calls for Quicker Fielding of Unmanned Systems
By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 12, 2009 - The Defense Department and unmanned systems developers must do a better job fielding unmanned capabilities to service members on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan, a senior military officer said here yesterday.
Army Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, commanding general of the Army's 3rd Corps and Fort Hood, Texas, voiced this concern during a speech to defense contractors at the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International's Unmanned Systems North America 2009 Convention. More than 5,000 people from 30 countries are taking part in the conference that began Aug. 9 and ends tomorrow at the Washington Convention Center.
The convention is the world's largest exhibition of robots and unmanned systems capabilities. More than 320 unmanned aerial, maritime and ground systems were on display, offering the industry's latest products and innovations.
"Every day, we try to make the lives of our Soldiers and their Families better," Lynch said. "And advocating unmanned systems technology is all part of it."
Lynch has been an advocate for unmanned ground systems since 1985, just after he graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a master's degree in mechanical engineering focused on robotics, he said.
His passion continued as a young captain at Fort Knox, Ky., where he was the robotics project officer in the directorate of combat development at the Army's Armor Center, he added. "I have pursued with a passion unmanned ground vehicle technology every day since then," the general said, "because in my mind, it is about saving lives."
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Google Voice Answers Nation's Call
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2009 - Google is tinkering with a new service that could transform the way troops on the frontlines communicate with their Families on the homefront.
Google Voice assigns users a single U.S. phone number that can ring at phones in multiple locations like the home, office or on a cellular device -- all at the same time. Coupled with a feature that stores and transcribes voicemail in e-mail form, Google Voice can relieve some of the technical hassles that come with staying connected.
"Google Voice can help keep people connected, can help service members worry less about missing a call or not getting in touch with people they need to, and focus more on getting the mission done," said Army Sgt. Dale Sweetnam, who the U.S. Army is loaning to Google for a year to help the company coordinate its military outreach efforts.
Sweetnam, who spent 13 months deployed in Iraq with Task Force 49, provides Google a window into service members' experiences downrange where keeping contact with Family and friends back home competes with the demands of daily military objectives. "With the operation tempo of the military and the intense nature of accomplishing a mission, to make communication just one less thing you have to worry about is a great tool," he said in an interview.
As Google puts the final touches on Google Voice, the service is available in limited capacity and only by requesting an invitation from the company. But given its recognition that military deployments are often fraught with communication lags, Google is giving priority invites to active members of the military.
Earlier this month, the company announced that troops with a .mil e-mail address can visit www.google.com/militaryinvite to sign up for a free Google Voice account.
While the service has real-world applicability for many people, Google Voice is an especially useful tool for service members, both deployed and at home. "It is often hard or near impossible to receive calls when deployed abroad, due to limited access to phones and time zone differences," Sweetnam said in an e-mail. "With Google Voice, you can listen to and read voicemail online, so you can hear messages from Family members more often and keep up with what is going on back home."
Having one, unchanging phone number could also be a welcome constant in a military career filled with frequent moves. Keeping a single phone number that travels with service members amid permanent changes of station means no more need for new numbers or missed calls to old numbers along the way.
An additional kicker is that because Google Voice is free, phone calls between friends and Family who live overseas or in another state won't cost a small fortune. "Military service members often don't live in the same states and countries as their friends and Family or other buddies they met in the military," Sweetnam said. "Google Voice helps save money by offering free calls in the continental U.S. and low-priced international calls."
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers
1) Zero - zip - nada - that's what I heard from you this week. C'mon, folks - let me hear from you.
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That concludes this update. News is very sparse - but don't dismay, it will pick up again as we go forward. Continue to pray for our Soldiers and their Families - especially on Thursday, August 20, the day of the elections in Afghanistan.
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Bob Babcock - "Deeds not Words"
President, Deeds Publishing - www.deedspublishing.com
President, Americans Remembered - www.americansremembered.org
Past President, 22nd Infantry Regiment Society - www.22ndinfantry.org
Past President, Historian, National 4th Infantry Div Assn - www.4thinfantry.org
PO Box 682222, Marietta, GA 30068 - Phone 678-480-4422 (cell)
