Dear Interested Reader,
Vietnam Medal of Honor Vets visit troops at Camp Liberty. Combined forces conduct Op Bein Al-Nahrein. Iron Bde, IA Commandos secure Owesat in Op Al-Sakar. New MND-S HQ stands fully equipped. Iraqis take custody of high level suspected terrorist.
In Afghan, militants killed, one suspect detained. Targeted op in Logar Province. Capt. Susan McCormick provides care in the air.
Joanna
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April 23, 2009
MCN-I PAO
Medal of Honor Recipients Visit Troops
By Sgt. Rebekah Malone, 225th Engineer Brigade
Medal of Honor recipients retired Command Sgt. Maj. Gary Littrell (center) and retired Col. Robert Howard (right), watch as Spc. Mikah Appleman operates a gyro-cam inside a Buffalo vehicle.
(Photo by Sgt. Rebekah Malone)
BAGHDAD — With only 97 Medal of Honor holders living, meeting a recipient of America’s highest military decoration is not something that happens every day. Recently, Soldiers from the 225th Engr Bde got the chance to meet 2 living heroes during their visit to Camp Liberty, April 15.
The veterans received the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and fearlessness in action while risking their lives during the Vietnam War. Howard and Littrell retired with 36 and 24 years of service respectively, but their Army service didn't stop there. Now on their 6th visit to Iraq, the best friend duo said they feel "called" to visit troops, and show their support for what they call the most professional Soldiers in the history of the American Armed Forces.
"I have a great appreciation for Americans serving this great country. It's our privilege to be here with you," said Howard. "You're very privileged to have the greatest leaders that we've had in our services, especially in the U.S. Army in the past 235 years, because of your level of professionalism. But it's more than professionalism," Howard continued, "it’s dedication and love of your country, or you wouldn't be here. I applaud you."
Among the Soldiers meeting the American heroes was a fellow Soldier drafted during Vietnam, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Wilson Quebedeaux, 225th Engr Bde. Quebedeaux has served in Desert Storm, Op Enduring Freedom (OEF), and now Op Iraqi Freedom (OIF). "It's always an honor to be able to visit with any retired veteran and a distinguished Medal of Honor recipient; few people ever get to do this, because most that have received this medal have died for their heroic actions and their family received the medal in their honor," Quebedeaux explained. "Any time you have an opportunity to talk to veterans of foreign wars, it always brings back memories when you were there as well."
More than 200 Soldiers filled the small Engr Chapel at Camp Liberty to listen to the living legends give advice, encouragement and more than anything, just to be in the presence of 2 Americans having displayed acts of the highest caliber of courage in defense of their nation and fellow Soldiers.
"I was humbled and honored to meet true American heroes," said MSgt. Lisa Bates. "It was a privilege to get to meet them, and something I will always remember. It's not every day you get to meet Soldiers like that."
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2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Public Affairs RSS
MND-Baghdad Soldiers and 17th IA Div Conduct Op Bein Al-Nahrein
Story by Spc. Kevin Holde
Pvt. Johnathon Strain (left), Pvt Lamont Raynor (center), and Cpl. Kevin Graham, dig for suspected weapons caches in the Qarghuli village of the Mahmudiyah Qada during Op Bein Al-Nahrein, April 11 - 14.
BAGHDAD – Soldiers from Co A, 1st CAB, 63rd AR, and Co A, 40th Engrs, 2nd 'Iron' BCT, 1st Armored Div, partnered with Iraqi Soldiers to clear weapons caches in order to disrupt al Qaida attacks in Baghdad, and demonstrate to the local population the capability of the IA to provide a stable and secure environment. The area has a history of insurgents smuggling weapons and stockpiling explosives.
The combined op was conducted with the agreement of the GoI and was fully coordinated with IA leaders. "1-63 CAB, Co A and the IA rehearsed the mission objective 3 days prior to the op that included tactical maneuver, order of march, and actions on contact. Working with IA cmdrs on combined ops has been excellent," said Capt. Eric Evans, cmdr, Co. A.
The local Qarghuli village residents cooperated with the MND-B and Iraqi Soldiers during the combined op, as they searched homes and property in the village of Garaghuli. The locals were eager to speak with the IA Soldiers and share info. According to IA troops like Cpl. Kusay Hady, the IA Soldiers hope to win the support of the populace, isolate the insurgents from the populace, and seek to deny the ability of al Qaida to intimidate the local population. "The combined op went well, even though we found no weapons or explosives. We were well trained and prepared to clear the area of caches and insurgents," said Hady.
The finding of no new weapon stockpiles is a sign of success for the IA and MND-B units, because it's evidence the insurgents have lost the ability to control the area, according to Evans. Both Armies also wanted to disrupt the free movement of insurgents and deny them sanctuary in the area.
"Working on op Bein Al-Nahrein with the IA was a success and the mission was well planned and executed by the CF and IA Soldiers. During the patrol the IA objective was to search the homes, while CF searched property and provided security", said 1st Lt. Chris Fluellen, 3rd platoon leader of Co. A.
The combined op enabled the 17th IA Div., and MND-B to establish a security presence in the area to ensure insurgent weapons and explosives are not stored and then used in attacks on the streets of Baghdad. The increased security presence will allow permanent reforms to be implemented for the citizens of the area.
Pvt. Lamont Raynor (foreground), with Co A, 40th Engrs searches for weapons caches with mine detection equipment, April13.
IA Soldiers march with troops from Co A, 1st CAB, 63rd AR, on a dismounted patrol. This was the largest combined op the 2 forces have conducted to date, and demonstrated the ever increasing professionalism of the IA to conduct ops.
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2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Public Affairs RSS
Iron Bde and IA Commando Bn Secure Owesat in Op Al-Sakar
Story by Pfc. Evan Loyd
Spc. Robert Cooper (kneeling), and Maj. Travis Thompson, members of the 1st Bn, 6th Inf Regt, assist in searching the Owesat area for insurgents, weapons and explosive caches during Op Al Sakar, April 12.
BAGHDAD – The purpose of the counter insurgency op was to clear weapons and explosives caches, and capture insurgents in the Owesat area. The IA with support from Soldiers of the 1st Bn, 6th Inf Regt, 2nd 'Iron' BCT, 1st Armored Div, also sought to establish security in the area for the people of Owesat, in order to implement permanent reforms in security and quality of life.
"The Owesat area is void of a CF presence, and is a potential location to move accelerants into the Baghdad area," said Lt. Col. Brian Eifler, cmdr, 1-6 Inf. "The objective of this mission was to destabilize any AQI and other terrorist org. ops in the Owesat area."
The cornerstone of any counter insurgency effort is establishing security for the local population and controlling the area. Once security is stable, a long-term presence can be implemented to facilitate the basic needs of the people. The joint TFs began the op in the early morning hours of April 12 with an air-assault insertion to secure and defend the objective in the Owesat area. "We wanted to surprise any insurgents and show them that nowhere is safe from the combined ISF and CF," said Eifler. "We can surround an area in minutes with little to no warning and that we can do it anytime."
During the mission the joint TFs cleared a total of 6 square km and found one cache consisting of 5 152-mm rounds and detained several individuals. A successful counter insurgency op depends on thoroughly understanding the society and culture within which the op is being conducted, and building support of the local population. The 17th IA Bde., made a point in engaging the local population.
"Today's mission was a success not only in what we found, but in our building relationships with the local citizens of Owesat," said Lt. Col. Ayoob, cmdr, Commando Bn. "It's important that the people of the area can see the IA as a positive influence they can trust to keep them safe."
Beyond securing weapons, explosives and detaining insurgents, the goal was also to show the local Iraqi citizens that the IA and MND-B Forces were there to meet their needs and improve the quality of life in the area. One of the goodwill projects carried out during the op was the handing out of backpacks and school supplies to the local children.
"The local populace didn't feel threatened by us; instead they felt secure against an AQI presence being built up in their area," said Eifler. "We showed the local Iraqis that the IA and CF still care about them."
Leaders in both TF 1-6 Inf and the Commando Bn trained their troops for the joint air assault and ground mission through joint rehearsals and simulations since TF 1-6 Infantry's arrival at FOB Falcon from Sadr City in early March.
"I've ridden in helicopters before, but the coalition's attention to detail is something different," said Ayoob. "I hope that the IA will continue to improve in all areas until we are equal to the CF."
The Iraqi headmaster (left) of the local school in Owesat greets Lt. Col. Brian Eifler (right), cmdr.
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Multi-National Division - South PAO
MND-S headquarters stands fully equipped
Spc. Robert Heller, 10th Mtn. Div. G6 info system analyst and operator, installs wiring, allowing connectivity within MND-S HQ. Heller and the other Soldiers working on the new buildings on COB Basra worked more than 14 hours daily in order to complete the project on time, and ran nearly 40 miles of networking wires.
(Army photo by Spc. Darryl L. Montgomery)
COB BASRA - Construction on the new MND-S HQ building has finally concluded after 6 months of work, April 8.
The work began in Nov. with Airmen from the 819th Rapid Engr Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Sqdrn Engrs (Red Horse) and contractors from KBR laying concrete, constructing walls and installing wiring, said MSgt. Rob Schoon, G6 Div Automation Mgt Office NCO-in-charge.
The 'cube farm' in the new MND-S HQ prior to opening for MND-S staff, April 8. The building will accommodate approx. 1,000 personnel when it is fully occupied.
(Army photo by Maj. Page Baldwin)
Capt. Douglas Ingold, MND-S G1 Plans and Ops officer, works at his new desk inside the new MND-S HQ building. Ingold said he's very impressed with the work done in the building and looks forward to working in it.
(Army photo by Spc. Darryl L. Montgomery)
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Multi-National Corps - Iraq PAO
Iraqis take custody of detainee
AL ASAD - The Haditha SWAT team took custody of a suspected terrorist April 7 in Haditha, to process
him through the Iraqi judicial system. The suspect, arrested in a SWAT-led op, March 31 in Fallujah, was kept in custody by CF in accordance with the 2009 Security Agreement. U.S. SOF transferred custody of the detainee to Haditha SWAT, to be tried in the Iraqi judicial system. "We're glad to have him back to face justice under the court system," said an Iraqi present for the transfer.
The suspect, arrested under the authority of a Ramadi judicial warrant, is suspected to be a facilitator of roadside bomb attacks. He's also allegedly responsible for coordinating VBIED and IED attacks against IP and CF, facilitating the smuggling in and movement of IED initiators, and targeting local Iraqi leaders.
"The transfer of this suspect for prosecution under the jurisdiction of the Haditha court demonstrates the commitment of the GoI to provide a system of justice to determine guilt, and ensure fairness in an effort to restore and maintain the safety and security of Iraq," said Army Maj. Robert Bockholt, Combined Joint Special Ops TF - Arabian Peninsula spokesperson. "This also demonstrates the support of the local community and their belief in the judicial system, as many are willing and eager to participate in the judicial process and testify."
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Quiz Bowl
Iraqi girls discuss the correct answer during the 2nd Annual Quiz Bowl at the Ministry of Youth Sports Center in Kut, April 15, 2009.
(Photo by SSgt. Rasheen Douglas)
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U.S. Forces Afghanistan RSS
Unknown Number of Militants Killed, One Suspect Detained
KABUL - Afghan and CF killed an unknown number of militants and detained one suspect during an early morning op to capture a senior Taliban cmdr known to operate throughout northern Kandahar province, April 18.
In Maywand district, approx. 60 km northwest of Kandahar, forces conducted an attack on multiple compounds to locate and capture a militant closely associated with the anti-Afghan forces leadership in Pakistan. In an isolated area of Maywand district, Afghan and CF carried out an assault that turned deadly for militants who engaged the assault force.
Shortly after arriving at their primary target area, the force was engaged by several militants hiding in an underground bunker that appear to be an abandoned well. Afghan forces attempted to secure the surrender of the militants by calling for them to come out peacefully, but they refused to comply. Despite an escalation by the assault force, the militants remained barricaded. On 2 attempts to clear the structure, the assault force was engaged by the armed militants. Assessing that all non-lethal options were exhausted and that no civilians would be endangered, the cmdr of the force called for close air support to end the engagement. CF dropped precision munitions on the bunker that held the barricaded militants, with no collateral damage. Due to structural instability of the bunker, the force was unable to verify the number of militants killed, but assessed that at least 2 armed combatants had engaged the force during the clash.
At compounds located a short distance from the barricaded militants, a combined force conducted a concurrent op. Afghan forces called for civilians to exit their buildings and all complied. With residents moved to safety, Afghan and CF searched multiple buildings and compounds without incident, detaining 1 suspected militant and protecting 19 men, 18 women and 21 children.
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Int'l Security Assistance Force HQ Public Affairs RSS
Afghan NSF, ISAF Targeted Op in Mohammed Agha District, Logar Province
KABUL – Afghan NSF and Int'l Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops conducted a targeted op in Deh-e-Manakah village, in the morning April 18, aimed at detaining insurgent cmdrs hiding in the village. The op is the latest in a targeted campaign against insurgent networks and cmdrs in Logar province over the past 3 months.
ANSF and ISAF troops entered Deh-e-Manakah village in Logar province, made possible by intel provided by local Afghan citizens. ANSF/ISAF troops were attacked as they attempted to conduct a "tactical call out", procedure which offers insurgents the opportunity to surrender to lawful detention without shots being fired. Three insurgents were killed during the ensuing fire fight.
Intel provided to ANSF and ISAF indicates that insurgent propaganda organisers are attempting to organise protest groups in response in Mohammed Agha district this morning. An emerging insurgent tactic in Logar province has been for locals to be forced to protest at gunpoint against the actions of SF.
ANSF/ISAF ops in Logar province have been increasingly successful during 2009. ANSF and ISAF cmdrs meet with key local figures, after each targeted op, to discuss the intel behind ops, results of the op, and listen to advice from local elders and govt figures on how to conduct future ops.
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Blackanthem Military News
Flight Nurse Provides Care in the Air
By Senior Airman Erik Cardenas
Capt. Susan McCormick gives medicine to Airman 1st Class Brent Noah, March 26 during an aeromedical evacuation flight to Bagram Airfield. Airman Noah, assigned to the 376th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Sqdrn at Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, dislocated his hip and was being flown to Bagram Airfield for treatment. Captain McCormick is a flight nurse with the 455th Expeditionary Aeromedical Evacuation Flight at Bagram.
(AF photo/Senior Airman Erik Cardenas)
BAGHRAM AIR FIELD - While troops on the ground are risking their lives fighting terrorism, Capt. Susan McCormick feels it's her mission to provide the best emergency care to wounded troops, so they can return to the fight or return to their families back home. "I couldn't picture myself doing anything but this, giving someone the chance to survive when they risk their lives everyday for us," said the captain.
The 33-year-old captain enlisted as a reserve medical technician in the aeromedical evacuation career field in 1994. As a technical sgt in 2003, she received her commission to become a licensed flight nurse. With 2 deployments under her belt and the 3rd one here, her 6 years as a nurse in the operating and ERs at St. Vincent's Hospital, Worcester, Mass., are coming full circle. "Each deployment has helped me better myself and my training," said Captain McCormick. "The skills we use in flight need to be practiced daily. My experience in the OR and ER, has helped me become a better nurse."
Members of the 455th EAEF are on call 24-hours-per-day, 7 days per week, covering Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan. The unit has 3 types of missions: an alpha alert with a 1-hour response time for critically injured patients; bravo alert, with a 2-hour response time, for patients who do not need immediate evacuation; and a scheduled flight twice a week for patients who need care or treatment that cannot be provided at their deployed location.
Each alert, depending on the situation, requires a different number of personnel. On an alpha alert there is a 3-person crew, consisting of a nurse and 2 medical techs. This allows the team to quickly respond and get airborne. A bravo alert crew has either a 3 or 5-person medical crew depending on the number of patients and their acuity. On a scheduled flight, there is a 5-person crew on board, with 2 nurses and 3 medical technicians.
Before each mission, Captain McCormick has to physically prepare by arranging equipment and configuring the aircraft for the medical mission. She also mentally prepares by visualizing what the patient's condition is and how it could progress during the flight. She relies on the report given by the ground medical team at a FOB, and the training she received at flight school regarding the stresses of flight and how they could affect the patient's condition at altitude.
"I try to think about the worst, but really we have no idea what the patient will look like when (he or she arrives)," said McCormick. "With all the years I've been doing this, nothing can really prepare you to see a child who has devastating blast injuries." Sometimes at an FOB, the medical staff's limited access to medical equipment leads to the patient not being diagnosed accurately or completely, she said. "My crew had one patient who was status post-IED explosion and was stable until they took off," said McCormick. "At altitude, the patient's oxygen level decreased drastically and with the diagnoses given to them by the people at the FOB, they didn't understand what was happening with the patient. They treated the condition and kept the patient stable until he was re-evaluated at Bagram, and diagnosed with a hemo-pneumo thorax that wasn't found at the FOB. "
"I'll fly anywhere on any plane in order to evacuate our men and women who are sick or injured, and make sure they get the care they need," she said.
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