Volume Four, Number 22 - 9-19-09
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: Sunny all week in Baghdad and Kabul. And, in Baghdad on Monday, we'll see the first day with temperatures below 100 for the first time since mid May.
Baghdad, Iraq - Sun, Hi - 100, Lo - 79; Mon, Hi - 98, Lo - 72; Tues, Hi - 97, Lo - 72; Wed, Hi - 96, Lo - 72; Thur, Hi - 96, Lo - 71; Fri, Hi - 97, Lo - 71; Sat, Hi - 98, Lo - 71.
Kabul, Afghanistan - Sun, Hi - 89, Lo - 59; Mon, Hi - 88, Lo - 60; Tues, Hi - 87, Lo - 59; Wed, Hi - 87, Lo - 59; Thur, Hi - 86, Lo - 52; Fri, Hi - 85, Lo - 52; Sat, Hi - 85, Lo - 57.
A Note from Bob: This week marked an all time low in news I have to report. For some reason unknown to me, I am not receiving the press releases being sent out by 4BCT of 4ID (MAJ Taylor and I are working to figure out and fix that problem). From Iraq, we're down to 2HBCT of 1ID as the last unit I am tracking, and they are winding down their operations as they prepare to return home to Fort Riley, KS.
With that said, I will give you two comments:
1) Never forget my old adage - no news is good news because bad news travels fast. Always remember that when you start to worry. If anything bad was happening, the mainstream media would be all over it.
2) Stick with me - I'll keep digging and we'll get this lack of news situation turned around as quickly as I can do it - hopefully by the next update - with good news to report.
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We do start with bad news from a unit attached to 4BCT/4ID...
DoD Identifies Army Casualty
The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Soldier who was supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. Pfc. Jeremiah J. Monroe, 31, of Niskayuna, N.Y., died Sept. 17 in Kandahar, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, N.Y (attached to 4BCT/4ID).
Let us keep the Family and fellow Soldiers of PFC Monroe in our thoughts and prayers.
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64 Years Ago This Week - 4ID in Germany - 20-26 Sept 1944:
20 September 1944 - D+106
After an attack in the vicinity of Wascheid, the 1st and 3rd companies of the Deutschland Regiment withdrew and reorganized for a second attack. This attack, like the first, was also repulsed with many losses being inflicted upon the enemy. The 2nd Company of the Deutschland Regiment succeeded in infiltrating our lines and later withdrew under the cover of darkness. The 4th Infantry Division continued to mop up enemy pockets and destroy captured pillboxes in the gap made in the Siegfried Line, readjusting and improving its positions. The 2nd Battalion 22nd Infantry continued a fire fight with an enemy pocket throughout the day.
21 September 1944 - D+107
Enemy estimated at 300 to 400 troops, at 0700 attacked against the right flank of the 8th Infantry. At 1000, CT 8 in coordination with elements of CT 22, counterattacked and by 1725, reports from prisoners of war stated that one-half of the enemy had been eliminated. Thick underbrush, well protected with machine guns and riflemen, prevented the entire annihilation of this force. At 1830, the commanding officer of CT 8 suspended action and consolidated for the night. The 12th Infantry continued to secure and consolidate more favorable positions. Vigorous patrolling was continued to the east. The 22nd Infantry sent patrols from the 3rd Battalion toward Brandscheid. The 1st and 2nd Battalions coordinated with CT 8 to eliminate the enemy groups.
22 September 1944 - D+108
The 8th Infantry resumed the attack with 1st and 2nd Battalions to eliminate a small enemy salient and by 0945 were meeting strong resistance. Enemy had strongly entrenched during the night, succeeded in bringing up small reinforcements and used heavy caliber rocket fire and 40 mm AA weapons to resist our advance. Vigorous patrolling was conducted throughout the day by other elements of the CT. The 12th Infantry placed interdictory fires upon enemy observation posts and installations located during its continuous patrolling. The 22nd encountered increased enemy patrol activity in the early hours. Aggressive patrolling was continued with use of mortar and machine gun fires to disperse enemy patrols.
23 September 1944 - D+109
The enemy employed strong patrols in an attempt to probe our lines at various points. The 4th Division dispatched strong combat patrols, eliminating the small pocket of resistance in CT 8's zone of action and at the end of the day was fully consolidated on its main line of resistance.
24 September 1944 - D+110
The enemy remained for the most part on the defensive and there was a notable decline in aggressiveness and patrol activity. Considerable enemy movement noted in the vicinity of Hontheim. Strong combat patrols were sent to reconnoiter roads, dispositions and activities to prevent enemy infiltration and if possible to direct artillery fire on enemy installations.
25 September 1944 - D+111
The enemy continued to patrol towards our right and left flanks while in the center of the line it continued to improve its defensive positions. On the whole, enemy activity showed considerable decline. The 4th Division maintained and improved its positions within the outer defenses of the Siegfried Line, aggressively patrolled to the front and prepared to continue the advance to the east.
26 September 1944 - D+112
The enemy remained on the defensive. Strong points along the enemy front appeared to be mutually supporting and tied in with patrols. Extensive and aggressive patrolling for all the units continued.
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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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PRT engineers evaluate Kerala village power, Asadabad road
By Air Force Capt. Tony Wickman
Provincial Reconstruction Team-Kunar Public Affairs
September 19, 2009
CAMP WRIGHT, Afghanistan – Provincial Reconstruction Team-Kunar engineers conducted a foot patrol Sept. 19 with Afghan National Police to do a power assessment in Kerala village and a quality control check of an Asadabad street project.
The PRT is working with the regional government to validate power requirements and improve roads for residents living in the Kunar provincial capital. According to Navy Lt. j.g. Thomas Hecker, PRT engineer officer and native of Miami, Fla., the foot patrol allowed the PRT to check the electrical equipment delivering power to residents and find out what people need for power.
“We’re paying for fuel for the 1-megawatt diesel generator in Asadabad to operate 12 hours a day so we wanted to check on the power situation. On the way to (a canal gate) on the Pesh River, we made a brief stop in an industrial yard and car repair area to discuss power issues with shop owners and electrical consumers,” said the lieutenant. “One shop owner said business was good and that he was waiting for city electricity to come to the area.”
Shahab, who like many Afghans goes by one name, runs a car repair shop that services six to seven vehicles a week. He uses a 10-kilowatt generator to power a welding machine, lathe, grinder, miscellaneous tools and lights. “Before Ramadan there was no power, but now there is power,” he said.
Shahab said he thought city power would be a better option for him than working off his own generator. “It would be better to pay 35 Afghanis for electricity rather than 65 Afghanis per liter for fuel. Even if you use too much power, it will not compare to the fuel you use,” he said.
For Rohullah, a piston repair shop owner, he too wants city power. “I want city power because I would not have to have the noise of the generator or buy the fuel…just pay the electric bill,” he said.
The overall goal for the local government and the PRT is for sustainable, reliable power to the residents in and around Asadabad. “We consult with Abdullah (provincial power director) regularly and make sure he is working with us on these projects,” Hecker said. “Today’s assessment will validate our micro-hydro power plant refurbishment project for Asadabad and give the PRT engineers data on future distribution projects.”
Another purpose of the foot patrol was to do a quality control and quality assurance check on a two kilometer section of a five kilometer road the PRT contracted to pave. “The quality was good with only minor erosion issues that we will bring up to the contractor to fix,” the lieutenant said. “Overall the population is very pleased with the work.”
These power initiatives and road projects are part of the ongoing PRT effort to legitimatize the Government of Afghanistan by strengthening security, enhancing governance and increasing development.
“I just spoke to a contractor about a well down south and he said the Taliban starts where the road ends,” Hecker said. “So, building up residential infrastructure really promotes governance and pushes out anti-Afghanistan forces. It also legitimizes the government because they can collect revenue and maintain a system to take care of the people…that commands respect from their residents.”
Now that the assessment is done in Kerala, the PRT engineers can consult with local officials for the best way ahead to continue to build the power infrastructure in Asadabad.
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PRT SECFOR, Afghan counterparts patrol jointly in Dam Kalay
By Air Force Capt. Tony Wickman
Provincial Reconstruction Team-Kunar Public Affairs
September 16, 2009
CAMP WRIGHT, Afghanistan – A recent Provincial Reconstruction Team-Kunar power assessment in Dam Kalay village in Asadabad served a secondary purpose of providing the unit’s security force members the opportunity to jointly patrol with their Afghan counterparts. This was the first time the PRT conducted a walking foot patrol through the village with their Afghanistan National Police counterparts. It was an interaction that was beneficial to both units.
“The patrol went well and it was a good experience. My job is security, so when locals see our ANP counterparts and us out together, it gives them confidence,” said U.S. Army 2nd Lt. Stewart Brough, PRT-Kunar security force platoon leader and native of Fruit Heights, Utah. “This was a great opportunity to work with our Afghan counterparts.”
The lieutenant said the effort had the additional benefit of disrupting any possible anti-Afghanistan forces that may be in the area. “If AAF is in the area, then we disrupted their operations and freedom of movement with this joint patrol. The foot patrol gets us out of our vehicles and puts a face to us,” he said.
Brough said part of the PRT-Kunar commander’s intent is to make sure there is an Afghan face to the government’s efforts in the province, and that includes security.
“Commander (Leonard) Remias coordinated with Maj. Robert Routzong from the Afghan Police Mentor Team to have the local ANP work with us on this patrol,” said Brough. “I was then able to brief Brig. Gen. Haji May Gull Jun (Asadabad chief of police) on what we wanted to do and he was very agreeable to help us out. He assigned several policemen to conduct the joint foot patrol.”
U.S. Army Pvt. Daniel Hancock, PRT SECFOR member from Las Vegas, N.V., agreed it was good to work with the local police. “This patrol will help us integrate better with the ANP and them with us,” said Hancock. “It also gives people confidence in their local police to protect them.”
Hancock said an example of how the ANP assists the SECFOR was increased awareness to local conditions. “The ANP was able to point out that the village elders didn’t like where we were crossing a river that women were using to get water. So, on the patrol the ANP was able to tell us so we could hold up until the women were gone to keep everyone safe and happy,” he said.
Hancock also said the SECFOR was able to use the ANP to help them at their objective points. “When we got to the objective points, we were able to tell our ANP counterparts where we needed them to help provide security for our patrol,” he said.
At the end of the day the patrol was deemed a success.
“In the end, I was able to interact with my counterpart and he was comfortable working with me,” said Brough. “We have an appreciation for what they do and treat them as professionals. After this, we’ll do a lot more patrols with the ANP now that we see how easy it is to integrate with them.”
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US General warning not to forget Iraq
BBC
September 15, 2009
The senior American commander in Iraq has told the BBC that he is concerned that the country will be forgotten, amid the current focus on Afghanistan. GEN Ray Odierno said troop numbers in Iraq would stay at that level until after elections in January next year. He suggested there was always a risk that the security situation in Iraq could deteriorate and said he wanted to finish what had been started.
The US has 130,000 troops in Iraq, almost twice the number in Afghanistan. The US troop count is due to drop quickly to about 50,000 by this time next year.
"The endemic corruption within the Iraqi system - not only the security forces, but the system - is still probably the biggest problem facing Iraq " said GEN Ray Odierno.
"We have spent a lot of money here. We've spent a lot of lives here, both the US and the UK. So we have an opportunity. It's important to see this through," Gen Odierno said. "I concern myself that people don't forget about Iraq, and what we're trying to accomplish here, but I am confident in the leadership that I have - that they understand the importance of Iraq."
BBC Baghdad correspondent Andrew North says that GEN Odierno was choosing his words with care. But he was giving a clear message, that with the situation still fragile here, the US cannot leave Iraq early.
GEN Odierno said risks remained though Iraqis had rejected al-Qaeda, the militias and "ethno-sectarian violence".
"The problem is, there's still attacks on the civilians here in Iraq, there's attacks against the government of Iraq, all aimed at destabilizing the government itself, and the political process."
The general said he was particularly concerned also about corruption. "The endemic corruption within the Iraqi system - not only the security forces, but the system - is still probably the biggest problem facing
Iraq. I think the ministry of defense and ministry of interior probably are taking more action than most other ministries right now, so I'm confident that they're on the right path."
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An excellent human interest story, even though it has nothing to do with 4ID.
From enemies to brothers: an 18-year odyssey
By Sgt. Frank Vaughn, MND-S
September 17, 2009
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – The moon was full the night of Jan. 17, 1991. It was the second night of Operation Desert Storm, a U.S.-led combat operation in opposition to Saddam Hussein’s forces, and U.S. Air Force Capt. Bill Iuliano, an F-111 bomber weapon systems officer, was in the air.
“We were flying from Incirlik Air Force Base in Turkey that night to take out some targets in northern Iraq,” Iuliano recalled. “We flew south down the border between Iraq and Iran, turned southeast toward Baghdad, and were going to head back north to hit our targets on the way back to Turkey.”
Iuliano said they detected “bandits” in the area, which turned out to be Iraqi IL-76 transport aircraft, heading east toward Iran. The F-15 fighter jets accompanying the F-111s were scrambled to intercept them. “They came in behind the IL-76s and locked them in as targets,” Iuliano said. “Each of the two jets fired two missiles apiece at the Iraqi planes, but something went wrong. Due to a maintenance issue, all four missiles hung and never fired. It turns out they were loaded wrong.”
Iuliano, now a lieutenant colonel and commander of 84th Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron and air liaison officer for Multi-National Division – South, said he was upset when he didn’t get to see Iraqi planes shot down that night. It was a feeling that would stay with him for 18 years.
“I arrived in Iraq about 4 months ago,” said Iuliano, a native of Boise, Idaho. “I took an interest in helping strengthen the Iraqi Air Force any way I could, and it was through that effort that I met Col. Sami.”
Sami, who commands the 70th Iraqi Air Force Squadron stationed at Contingency Operating Base Basra, made fast friends with Iuliano. They have worked together and enjoyed each other’s company for three months now, but only knew each other about a month when Sami told Iuliano a story that shook him.
“He told me about being on a mission back during Desert Storm,” Iuliano said. “When he told me the moon was full on the night he was talking about, I put two and two together and realized he was talking about that same night. He was piloting one of the planes we engaged that night.”
Iuliano said he didn’t want to say anything about being in the air that night and he didn’t tell Sami the jets fired on him. “We had such a good friendship and I didn’t want this to get in the way of our work,” Iuliano said. “Some of the pilots in the 70th Squadron have asked me if I flew in Desert Storm and I told them I didn’t. I just thought it would be better that way.”
Iuliano, who is now at the end of his tour in Iraq, knew he couldn’t leave the country without telling Sami. He had a plaque made to present to Sami and prepared to tell him the truth about that night. “I’m going to get emotional when I tell him,” Iuliano said with a sigh. “I don’t know how this is going to go, but I’m ready.”
The men met at Sami’s office building Sept. 14 to present gifts to each other in a brief ceremony. Sami presented Iuliano and two other service members with tokens of appreciation, then Iuliano took the floor. He cleared his throat, looked around the room, and began with his story – the part of Sami’s story he didn’t know.
“A lot of you have asked me if I flew in the war in 1991,” Iuliano said to Sami and other Iraqi Air Force officers in the room. “I told you at the time that I hadn’t, but that wasn’t exactly the truth. I said that at the time because I didn’t really know how to answer your question, but now I do. On the night of Jan. 17th, under a full moon…” Iuliano began.
Sami looked at him in surprise, but allowed Iuliano to continue.
“…I flew in an F-111 bomber as part of a package sent to destroy targets in northern Iraq,” Iuliano continued. When Iuliano got to the part about IL-76s flying east toward Iran, Sami put his hand on his chest and simply said, “Me?!”
Iuliano looked him in the eye and nodded. The next thing he said caused his voice to catch in a brief display of emotion. “The F-15s were sent to intercept you. They locked you in and fired, but due to a maintenance malfunction, the missiles hung. You are alive today because they were loaded wrong.”
Sami said he was never aware he was engaged by the U.S. Air Force during that mission. “I had no idea I was being fired on,” he said in amazement.
After Iuliano finished telling his story, he presented Sami with a plaque that read, “Praise Allah for faulty maintenance. Major Sami, 17 Jan 1991, my enemy. Colonel Sami, 17 Jul 2009, my friend. LTC Bill “Julio” Iuliano, USAF.”
The two men shook hands and embraced following the presentation, and Sami told Iuliano, “Don’t worry. Please don’t worry about that.”
Sami said he was very fortunate to live that night, though he didn’t know it at the time. He has certainly lived life to the fullest since then, though he hasn’t always understood the way things sometimes are.
“When I took off on my mission that night, I was father to a six-month-old son, Ali,” Sami said. “Now I am father to four children. I also have a daughter, Noor, another daughter, Sama, and another son, Muhammad. Life is good because of them, but it has sometimes been hard.”
Sami said he has seen his wife shot in the neck while hanging clothes out to dry, been thrown in jail by an associate of Saddam Hussein and been forced to participate in three separate wars as a result of Hussein’s administration. “I could not understand why we were always at war with Saddam in charge,” Sami said. “The Americans have always tried to help the people of Iraq and he had to make it hard for all of us.”
Iuliano agreed with Sami, saying, “The last people who ever want to see war are those of us in uniform.”
However, it was war – two, actually – that brought the two men together. The first war, though neither man knew it at the time, made them enemies. The second has made them more than friends.
“We are now brothers,” Sami said with a smile.
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Excellent Trip to Fort Carson ...
I enjoyed my trip to Fort Carson this past week. After fourteen years of visiting 4ID at Fort Hood, it is different to start learning my way around Fort Carson and Colorado Springs. I saw some old friends from 4ID in their Fort Hood days, now part of 4ID at Fort Carson, plus met a number of new players that I'll be working with over the coming months and years.
Among other things, I visited the 4ID Gift Shop, located in the FRG building across from the on post junior high school. For those at Fort Carson needing 4ID memorabilia, go check them out. They are open from 10-2 Mon-Fri. Thus far, they don't offer mail order or a web site but I believe that is in the not too distant future.
My trip highlight was the two hours on Wednesday when I had the honor of talking to the officers and NCOs of 1-22 IN about our Regimental history and about leadership. I've said this often but I'll say it again, I'm a lucky man. I can't think of a better thrill than to look across a room full of great American Soldiers, especially when they are part of the same unit I had the honor to serve in over 40 years ago.
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Sent by a friend – a good reminder for some, and new news for those who aren’t aware of this. I’ve had ICE in my cell phone for several years now.
ICE - 'In Case of Emergency'
Apparently this is a standard procedure all paramedics follow at the scene of an accident when they come across your cell phone.
We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest Family or friends.
If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this 'ICE' (In Case of Emergency) Campaign
The concept of 'ICE' is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell (mobile) phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name 'ICE' (In Case Of Emergency).
The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as 'ICE.'
For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference!
Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our Mobile phones today! Please forward this. It won't take too many 'forwards' before everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest. ICE will speak for you when you are not able to.
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers
1) Thank you for all the information that you have provided. Sometimes it makes me a little angry that the news media wouldn't report on the good things going on in Iraq and Afghanistan. My son has served his country and is now being discharged from the Army. I am very grateful that he has returned safely after two tours in Iraq and as a family we pray for those who are serving in the Armed Forces, especially those who are in harm's way.Take care and thanks for the information you pass along.
2) Dear Bob, Thanks for this latest update. We watched a lot of Fox News yesterday. They focused on remembering 9 - 11 most of the day! It is good for folks to remember what precipitated where we are today in the Global War on Terrorism, and to thank God that we have not had a similar attack on America's shores since then, (thanks in large part to the courage, commitment and dedication of our former President and his administration, and the support and honor he gave to our beloved military men and women.) You will be in our prayers this next week as you spend time with the folks out at Fort Carson.
3) I'm still needing to hear from more of you.
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Stick with me - we'll have more news in future updates. As I said at the top, I'm working hard to find news to report, it just isn't out there. Always remember - no news is good news because bad news travels fast.
Continue to pray for our Soldiers and their Families. I'm into an afternoon of watching football games, and will most likely continue to do so well into the evening.
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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)
