1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment

Regulars, by God!

 

Volume 1, Issue 11                 

November 15, 2006

 


FROM THE COMMANDER

     Hello again from western Baghdad – for the last time!  As we pass our eleventh month of deployment, the temperatures continue to fall and we look forward to redeployment to Fort Hood with great anticipation.  Although our mission is not done here, it is difficult to not realize how close we are to being reunited with family and friends in a matter of days.

     The past couple of months, we have been in a daily fight with members of Al-Qaeda Iraq and our Soldiers are continuing to destroy or detain insurgents with greater skill and precision.  As we approach the end of our time in Iraq, the pace of our operations has accelerated and we have captured more insurgents in the past month than any other time since we left Fort Hood.  Every insurgent cell in our area knows who we are and has been disrupted through our efforts.  Due to our continuous offensive operations – including a battalion attack two weeks ago – we have maintained the initiative and clearly dictate action in our area.

     As I wrote last month, Team Bear continues to serve with distinction while attached to 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry of the 10th Mountain Division at Forward Operating Base Mahmudiyah.  They continue to do great things to our south and we are eager to gather everyone back together before we redeploy.   

     Throughout the past year, the battalion has clearly earned a name for itself in virtually every facet of combat.  We have detained more insurgents than any battalion in our brigade, found more caches of enemy munitions and weapons than any other battalion in the division, conducted the best air assaults across the division, developed the best lethal targeting in the brigade, and we seem to do “more with less” than anyone thought possible.  For example, over the last six months, our battalion area of operations has been greater in size than the combined areas of the other five battalions in the brigade combined…yet we still have been incredibly successful.

     The Regulars have achieved great successes in every endeavor.  No other battalion has served in five different brigades like we have done during this deployment and Major General Thurman personally thanked the battalion for our versatility in responding to changing circumstances and achieving effects wherever we have been sent.  He specifically mentioned the battalion and highlighted our accomplishments to members of President Bush’s National Security Team during a recent meeting. 

     Our civil affairs efforts throughout the year have helped the people of both southern and western Baghdad achieve a better life and hope for the future.  We have renovated schools, paved roads, installed fresh water networks, repaired water mains, cleaned canals, repaired electrical systems, installed generators, picked-up trash, repaired hospitals, and developed farmers co-op programs.  Our efforts not only raised the quality of life for the Iraqi citizens, but also provided jobs for the people, infused money into their economy, and weakened the grip that the insurgency once had on the population.

    

     As we have learned in the past, taking the fight to the enemy does not come without cost and this past month was no different.  The past 30 days have been a tough stretch for our battalion – we have lost eight of our heroes and have had several others wounded since our last newsletter.  Second Lieutenant Johnny Craver died on October 13th when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle was attacked with an IED.  In the early morning of October 17th, Second Lieutenant Christopher Loudon, Corporal Russell Culbertson, Corporal Joseph Dumas, and Corporal David Unger passed away in a catastrophic IED attack.  Corporal Nathan Aguirre and Corporal Matthew Creed fell as a result of sniper fire on October 22nd, and Private First Class Kevin Ellenburg died when the Bradley Fighting Vehicle he was driving was destroyed by an IED.  Memorial services here in Iraq accompanied the passing of each of our heroes and they were revered in a most fitting manner.

     The hardest thing we will ever do is lose one of our own.  We grieve for the loss that we feel, we grieve for the potential that will never be realized, and we grieve for the families that will be broken because a loved one will not be returning to them.  Our hearts go out to each family in the states – they will never be far from our thoughts and they will always be part of the Regulars family.  It is my sincere hope that the knowledge that they are in our constant thoughts and prayers will, in some small measure, provide them a degree of comfort.

     Our mission must continue here and we must do so with even greater dedication and devotion to what must be done.  The memories of our fallen brothers will spur us on to achieve greater successes than we have attained thus far – anything less would denigrate their lives and sacrifices.  If for nothing else, we will serve with distinction and courage to honor the memories of our fallen.

     I realize that many of you are now looking forward to our return – we are too – but we must not lose focus on our task at hand.  As we prepare to receive our brothers and sisters from 2nd Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment of the First Cavalry Division, we will continue our operations at or above our current level and ensure that the transition does not provide the enemy any respite or opportunity to gain an advantage on us.  It is our responsibility to ensure that our replacements are properly prepared to execute operations immediately upon assumption of the battlespace and we are accountable for their initial successes. 

     Although we remain focused on combat and civil military operations, we must also now accomplish specific tasks to prepare our Soldiers and equipment for movement back to Texas.  For example, our advanced party is already at Fort Hood and making preparations for our return.  As specific flight information becomes available, it will be disseminated to you through the rear detachment and appropriate web sites. 

     If you have any concerns or issues during the remaining days, please contact Captain Warren Litherland.  He is our Rear Detachment Commander at Fort Hood and his duty is to assist our loved ones in the states while we conduct our mission here and return home.  The Brigade’s Rear Detachment phone number can be found on the last page of this newsletter.  Throughout the deployment, Captain Litherland has done a fantastic job for all of us – especially during the trying days when the battalion suffers casualties and his personal presence is required to comfort family members.  His efforts have allowed us – and me personally – to focus the majority of our efforts on the fight in Iraq, confident that he is taking care of so many things for us at Fort Hood and elsewhere.  I could not have found a better Rear Detachment Commander and I owe him and other Soldiers on the Rear Detachment a debt of gratitude that will be impossible to repay.

     I also want to thank all of the ladies involved in our Family Readiness Group who help us take care of the home front.  They have selflessly given of themselves in countless ways – especially as we try to take care of grieving families of our fallen and wounded.  They have my undying thanks and I want to thank each one of them publicly now and personally when I return.

     Our Soldiers continue to set the standard in Iraq and I am extremely proud of each one of them – you should be immeasurably proud of them as well.  We have truly made a difference in the world and have lived by our motto of “Deeds, Not Words.”  Please keep all of the Regulars in your thoughts and prayers as we complete our mission with pride and with honor and soon return to you in the states.

      Regulars, by God!  Deeds, Not Words.

—     Lieutenant Colonel Craig A. Osborne (Regular 6)

 

FROM THE COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR

Hello folks,

     With this final dispatch from Iraq, we will close out our tour of duty here and return home.  Our advance party of Soldiers is already back at Fort Hood and is in the process of preparing our new facilities for our arrival and establishing systems and accounts for the unit.  Within a short time of this writing, we will conclude our mission here and also return home.  This will be the first time in twelve months that the whole battalion is reunited after so many separations and detachments encountered during this deployment.  It will be nice to finally get everyone together for awhile after being separated for so long.

     With our year here almost over, I look back upon the last twelve months and can easily see how much the unit changed since we first departed Fort Hood in December last year.  With each passing day, we have changed just a little bit, learned just a little bit more, and have grown just a little bit more too.  The experiences we have shared this past year have molded this unit into a great team that still continues to fight and apply pressure to the enemy – and will do so until the day we depart.

     There is no doubt that our Soldiers are anxious to get home and reunite with loved ones and enjoy some much-deserved time off.  Their dedication to the unit and the mission has been incredible, but there’s no holding back the excitement of finally heading home.  Even with this on their minds, they continue to perform their missions daily, contributing their efforts and talents to set the conditions for the follow-on unit to succeed from their first day.

     Our tour in Iraq has been filled with many successes.  The Soldiers have worked incredibly hard and can leave this place proud of what the unit has been able to achieve during our year.  Each day that passed taught us new lessons that we shared across the battalion in order to improve all aspects of our fighting force.  The Soldiers have refined their skills, improved teamwork, and now operate at peak levels – able to accomplish anything asked of them at a moments notice.  It is an incredible experience to see them functioning so proficiently and I am honored to have been witness to their achievements.

     As we prepare to depart here, we also look back at our fallen comrades – those who gave everything of themselves performing their mission here in Iraq.  We grieve with the families over their loss.  They were our friends, comrades, fellow Soldiers, and now – honored members of the regiment, and we miss every one of them.  No matter what future history says about our time here in this land, those of us who were here with these Soldiers in the year 2006, know that these Soldiers died trying to make life better for other people.  They were not conquerors or occupiers; they were not crusaders; they were not instruments of a misguided foreign policy.  They were U.S. Army Soldiers – doing their jobs to the best of their ability in order for our army to complete its mission and return home.

     To all of our friends, family, loved ones, and supporters from all across our great country – a big “Regulars, by God” thank you for your love and support of our Soldiers.  Our days went by just a bit easier knowing that we had your support and encouragement from home.  From Iraq, November 2006 – goodbye; God bless all of you; and God bless America!

     Regulars, By God!

     —Command Sergeant Major Richard Beal (Regular 7)

 

A COMPANY – GATOR

     We are less than a month away from redeployment and the Soldiers remain focused and committed to the fight ahead.  Although eager to get home, all understand what is expected of us in the remaining weeks.  We will continue to execute strike operations and deny the enemy a chance to breathe.  Additionally, we are preparing for the upcoming Relief in Place/Transfer of Authority (RIP/TOA) by B Company, 2nd Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment beginning in late November.  This is an extremely important event and one that we will not take lightly.  It is our responsibility to show the incoming unit all that we have learned about the enemy and the specific ways that he fights inside of our area, about the people and tribes that will either make you successful or hinder your operations, and also the techniques and procedures we could have done better in the beginning of our time in this area.  We will ensure we have done all we can to prepare them so that they will not start from scratch and make the same mistakes we did and to further the success in this area and defeat the insurgents.      

     I would also like to let you know of the remarkable impact that these Soldiers have had on this area and our mission in Iraq over the last six months in particular.  Upon our arrival, the insurgents were driving out the Shia families.  Insurgents were attempting to establish a footprint and secure their area as a sanctuary where they lived, planned, and projected attacks in our area.  Before our arrival, the insurgency had displaced over 100 Shia families.  Since then, the Soldiers of this company have won over the population – allowing us to gather detailed intelligence and take the fight directly to the enemy – in a quick and decisive manner.  This resulted in over 100 families moving back to their homes, the killing of several insurgents, the detention of 60 targeted and 25 non-targeted insurgents, and numerous weapon caches found by each platoon. 

     These are not my accomplishments, but that of the Soldiers and their Platoon and Squad Leaders.  Everyone who knows about counter-insurgency will tell you that this type of war is fought and won at the lowest level – the squad and platoon.  Rarely, do we mass more than one platoon of combat power in any one location at the same time.  Their aggressive attitude and dedication to the mission is demonstrated daily in their actions at the lowest level, and is subsequently why the people of this area have helped us. 

     Since June 20th 2006, these Soldiers have been out in our area 24 hours a day, every day.  They have executed 72-hour continuous operations during the July-August time period in 120 degree heat, coming into enemy contact almost every day.  It is these Soldiers and equally important, the platoon-level leadership, which has aggressively made the enemy withdraw to other areas.  I have watched your Soldiers chase insurgents over a mile and a half on foot – wearing 100 pounds of gear – and detain them.  They have executed twelve hour combat patrols, and then four hours later conducted a raid and detained a High Value Target because the mission required the extra combat power.  No matter how great the physical and mental demand of the mission, each Soldier has done everything asked of him and has exceeded all standards and expectations in the process.  These Soldiers are heroes, and First Sergeant Willis and I are extremely proud to be in the company of such great men.  Soldiers like these are the reason this company and battalion stand out amongst those in Multinational Division – Baghdad.    

     Lastly, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the families and friends back home for your continuous support shown to our Soldiers over the last year.  Any Soldier who has deployed to this war before knows that deployment is harder on the loved ones back home than it is on us.  The ones who don’t know will likely figure it out pretty quickly after reuniting with their families.  We understand – but also sometimes lose sight of the fact – that not seeing or hearing about what is happening from day to day is extremely stressful to say the least.  However, the support you provided through the letters, packages, phone calls, and ability to handle problems in our absence has allowed our Soldiers to remain focused on the day to day missions, which in turn keeps everyone safer when executing operations outside the wire.  I cannot thank you enough and eagerly anticipate getting the company back to the States to reunite with our family and friends.

     —Captain Drew Conover (Gator 6)

B COMPANY – BEAR                                               

     I hope this letter finds you and your loved ones well as the holiday season approaches and we are now less than 30 days from our return home. 

     The past month has been a difficult one with the loss of our fallen comrades – Second Lieutenant Johnny Craver on October 13th and Private First Class Kevin Ellenburg on November 1st.  The company gathered on October 20th and November 6th, respectively, to celebrate their lives, service, and to say goodbye.  Second Lieutenant Craver is survived by his wife, Natalie, and his children, Casondra, Savanah, Caelen, and Emma.  Private First Class Ellenburg is survived by his father, Kenneth, his mother, Julie Nethery, and his brother, Andrew.  Please keep them in your prayers.

     Continuing the mission for which they sacrificed, the Soldiers of Team Bear have been successful in preventing IED attacks on Coalition Forces operating along key routes in the Yusafiyah area this past month.  Due to the Soldiers’ vigilance, attacks along these routes have decreased greatly over the six weeks since our arrival to Task Force Polar Bear. 

     Additionally, we are now well into the redeployment process and have completed numerous tasks to include barracks closeout, medical screening, and container packing and inspection.  Our advanced party of two Soldiers departed theater recently and will assist the rear detachment in final preparations for our arrival back at Fort Hood.  Our replacement company is set arrive Mahmudiyah in a few short days and we will begin our final tasks of transferring equipment and sharing the information and lessons learned we have learned over the past year.   

    Congratulations to Private Kyle and his wife, Jennifer, on the birth of their healthy daughter, Kiara on November 1st.

     Congratulations also to the following Soldiers who have earned recent promotions:

 

    Finally, I’d like to congratulate our four Soldiers who have reenlisted since the last newsletter – Sergeant First Class Reginald Porcher, Sergeant Jaysan Arnote, Sergeant James Blaylock, and Specialist Thomas Tonar.  Thank you to them and their loved ones for their continued commitment and sacrifice.

    Thank you for your continued support, thoughts, and prayers.  I appreciate your understanding and patience through what has been a challenging year for us all.  As we prepare to meet our replacements from the 1st Cavalry Division, we anticipate completion of our current mission so we may return home to enjoy the holiday season with our loved ones. 

     —Captain Matthew Weber (Bear 6)

 

C COMPANY – COPPERHEAD

Family and Friends of Copperhead Company,

     Our mission in Iraq may be coming to a close soon, but the company remains focused on the fight and there are still a few key things that we want to accomplish before we hand off the battle.  This past month we have had some great success while at the same time we have suffered some tragic blows. Despite the losses we have received, the company has continued to perform extremely well in the face of a persistent enemy and will have truly earned a heroes welcome when they return.

     On October 17, 2006, an IED strike occurred that resulted in Second Lieutenant Christopher Loudon, Corporal Russell Culbertson, and Corporal Joseph Dumas of Second Platoon, Corporal David Unger from Headquarters Platoon, and our interpreter Jack being killed in action.  Sadly that was not the only casualties we felt this month as on November 1st we suffered another tragic loss with the death of Private First Class Kevin Ellenburg from our attached mechanized infantry platoon from B Company.  We held extremely emotional memorial services here for our fallen heroes that were attended by members of their platoons, friends and chains of command who all came to pay their final respects.  Personally kneeling in front of the pictures of our Soldiers with their dog tags in my hand is a feeling I never care to experience again.

     Please note that although the enemy hit us hard on those two days it has not gotten the best of us, as the company continues to take the fight to the enemy and we will not let him defeat us, if for no other reason that to honor our fallen comrades.

     As for some specifics on how we have been taking the fight to the enemy, we have had great success finding IEDs before they detonated; found six large caches of enemy military munitions, weapons and IED making material; and made several key arrests.  On November 3rd, our mechanized Infantry platoon (Bear Red) and our Third Platoon (Copperhead Blue) both played an integral part in the killing and capturing of insurgents that were establishing illegal checkpoints in one of our villages.  Since that day when three of the insurgents were killed and several others were detained…we have not had another instance of an illegal checkpoint.

     It has also taken some time, but we are starting to get some people to talk about the insurgents and the other night the Company Headquarters, Mortar Platoon, and Third Platoon conducted a series of raids on several target houses that resulted in detaining eleven insurgents ranging from IED emplacer to the cell financier.  Some of the intelligence used to detain a high level weapons trafficker was based on information gathered by Second Platoon during a raid on a target house just a few days before.  This was a great series of operations – huge successes – and the local nationals in the area were very happy to be rid of such bad people.  Third Platoon was also able to detain the IED triggerman responsible for the attack on October 17th.  Most recently we conducted an operation to cordon off the entire town of Khan Dari then clear house to house with the Iraqi Army.  The mission was a success and the people of the town feel much safer now as a result of our efforts to help secure their area.  Again, I could not be more proud of the way the company and all the attachments have performed this month and since I took command. 

     First Platoon continues to do great things in Mahmudiyah as they serve with Team Bear...rolling out the gate in their tanks and engaging the enemy with lethal accuracy on several occasions.  While it is never easy to give up one of your platoons to another company, I know that they are in good hands and they are doing a great job representing the company well.  I know Team Bear is treating them well but I look forward to getting them back as part of the company soon.

     This month we have had the opportunity to promote Sergeant Matthew Krepp from Specialist to Sergeant.  Sergeant Krepp has been doing a fantastic job as the senior line medic for the company and it was a great honor to be able to promote such a well deserving Soldier.  Two other well deserving Soldiers that I promoted this month were Specialist Branden Thompson and Private First Class Rogelim DosSantos.  Both men have contributed so much to the company and were ready for the next level of responsibility. 

     This month several Soldiers have also taken the opportunity to reenlist for continued service while still in Iraq.  On November 3rd, Major General Thurman reenlisted Private First Class Bryan Ortega to be a Blackhawk crew chief.  The impromptu speech he gave that day on why he wanted to reenlist really caught Major General Thurman’s attention and renewed my enthusiasm for being a part of such a great organization when I get to work with such great Soldiers.  On November 10th I was honored to reenlist another great Soldier with a lot of potential in Private First Class Shawn Campbell.  He will also change his occupation and became a Blackhawk mechanic.  I applaud both of these Soldiers for making the effort to renew their commitment to the Army and continue to serve our country in this time of war.

     In closing I want to thank everyone for your support from back in the states throughout this entire deployment.  There are many times that we think we have it tough – and the men have gone through some hard times – but we sometimes forget or overlook the sacrifices you all have made back there.  I just want to make sure you know we all appreciate your support and your efforts to take care of everything while we are gone.  I look forward to meeting you all very soon and continuing to work with you as we redeploy.

—Captain Ed Kennedy (Snake 6)

 

 

D COMPANY – DEATH DEALER

     Hello once again to all of the families and supporters of D Company and 1-22 Infantry Regiment on the home front.  The final month is here and Team Dealer is busy preparing all necessary equipment for redeployment.  All of our Soldiers are looking forward to returning home to their loved ones.  The excitement comes with hard work as there are many things we need to do to set our replacements up for success.  We also have to stay focused on the mission until our transfer of authority to avoid becoming complacent

    We have been working constantly on developing our area of operations in order to identify the enemy’s courses of action for the area, disrupt his movement and operations, develop a rapport with the locals, and assess the area for future civil military projects.  Since we now operate in an area recently added to the battalion’s area of operations, we wanted to develop it enough to have something tangible to give to our replacements.  The Soldiers of Team Delta have been working hard to get to know the locals and find where the enemy is hiding in our area and the population has thanked me on numerous occasions for the security our Soldiers have brought to them.

     Team Dealer has also conducted numerous missions with our Iraqi Army counterparts in Abu Ghraib to disrupt the enemy’s activities in the city.  We participated in a battalion operation to clear enemy activity out of the town of Khan Dari with Team Copperhead and the Iraqi Army – resulting in no friendly casualties and the citizens of Khan Dari pleased with how the operation was handled.  Everyone in the company was directly of indirectly involved in the operation.

 

     With redeployment comes a lot of hard work to inspect and pack all of our equipment and to maintain the equipment that we will sign over to our replacements.  We have also begun our redeployment training to prepare ourselves to return to home and normal activities.  Redeployment can be stressful and enjoyable at the same time; classes will be available for our Soldiers and our families who are encouraged to participate.

     I would like to take this time to thank all of the Soldiers who have served with Team Dealer during this deployment – the company and battalion would not be as successful without them.  Each Soldier would not have been successful without the support from home, too.  I hope each of you is as proud of your Soldier as I am to have served with them during such a decisive period of Iraq’s future.  Thank you and we look forward to seeing you when we get home.

     —Captain Jared Rudacille (Dealer 6)

 

E COMPANY – KILLER

From the Commander…

Dear Friends and Family,

     The days of intense heat are now behind us and a recent nip in the air means that fall has indeed come to Baghdad.  Along with the more seasonal temperatures and the usual busy mission schedule, the Killers have been busy preparing their equipment for redeployment.  Before too long, we will be coming home!

     The past month has been a very busy and tough one, but throughout the many challenges, the Killers have continued to perform exceptionally in every assigned mission. Both First and Second Platoons have been at the top of their games – finding more IEDs than any similar force in all of Baghdad.  Every time the Killers find an IED they potentially save a life, meaning that the Killers have potentially saved the lives of hundreds of coalition Soldiers and Iraqi civilians throughout our tour.  Each and every Soldier should be exceptionally proud of his contributions to the great mission over the past few months in particular.

     I recently had the pleasure to reenlist Staff Sergeant Omar Perez.  I would like to thank him for allowing me that honor, and thank all of the Killers who reenlisted over the past year to continue to serve their fellow Americans during tumultuous times.  Reenlisting in a combat zone bears with it additional responsibilities and the Killers met this challenge as they have met every other challenge – head-on and with unbelievable effort.

     As we near the end of the deployment, I must thank you all for your love and support from home.  Thank you for the dozens of care packages, the opening of which always turned into a small event as the troops passed out candy, gum and other goodies to their mates.  The arrival of boxes and letters boosted morale more than I can say, and knowing that regardless of whether times were easy or difficult, having your love and support made the difference when that difference was needed.

     As we make our final preparations for the redeployment home, I would like to thank you again for the honor and the privilege to command your loved ones in this fight.  It has truly been one of the pleasures of my life, and I look forward to continued good times with the Killers back in the Lone Star State.

     —Captain Sam Olan (Killer 6)

 

From the First Sergeant…

Friends and Family,

     The past month has been another great one for the Killers.  Along with the execution of missions all over Western and Central Baghdad, the Killers have been working very hard to prepare the company for redeployment.  All of the Soldiers are looking forward to coming home after a year in which they have accomplished so much for the people of Iraq.

     We conducted several promotion and reenlistment ceremonies in the past month.  Specialist Willard Peterson was recently promoted to Sergeant – becoming the company’s newest noncommissioned officer.  Sergeant Omar Perez was promoted to Staff Sergeant and also reenlisted to complete his career in the Army.  Congratulations to both outstanding Noncommissioned Officers.

     We have been working closely with two units from Germany – the 40th Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Division and, more recently, the 9th Engineer Battalion, 1st Infantry Division.  The latter unit will be taking over part of our mission and they have shown an eagerness and intense effort in the assumption of the IED hunting responsibility.  As we welcome the troopers from 2nd Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, the Soldiers of E Company continue to perform very well in their missions and daily activities.  I am very proud of them all.

     It has been a great pleasure to serve the Soldiers and you as your First Sergeant this past year. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your love, support and for the steady stream of packages and letters from home.  The troops benefited greatly from your care and support and they are greatly looking forward to seeing you soon.  If I can be of any help in these final days, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  Get ready, we’ll be home soon!

     —First Sergeant Willie Hogan (Killer 7)

 

 

E COMPANY/4TH SUPPORT BATTALION – ELIMINATOR

     Our Soldiers have been incredibly busy over the past eleven months and without a whole lot of thought…redeployment is upon us.  We look forward to being reunited with our friends and family and are counting the days to our departure.  We all feel incredibly fortunate to know that we will spend the Christmas holidays with our loved ones. 

     Congratulations and thank you to the following Soldiers for continuing their commitment to defending our great nation and reenlisting:

·         Sergeant Damon Ferguson

·         Specialist Lucas Credeur

·         Specialist Andrew Dickey

·         Specialist Brandon King

·         Specialist Gregory Metcalfe

 

     The following Soldiers were promoted during the last month:

 

     This past month, we celebrated the following birthdays as a company:

 

     As I reflect on the many accomplishments of our Soldiers, I can not come up with the adequate words to explain the immense pride that I have for simply being associated with these American heroes.  I could not possibly list all accomplishments, but to give you an idea, our Soldiers have:

 

     Although many of these tasks are outside the realm of a typical support company, our Soldiers have always outperformed all standards set.  Their professionalism and willingness to support this task force is something they can be proud of for the rest of their lives.  I am thankful for the opportunity to serve along side these amazing warriors and have cherished every minute of it.  Our Soldiers can leave Iraq knowing that they aided in making Iraq a better place.  There were few easy days, but our Soldiers attitudes and values allowed us to continue on.

     —Captain Jennifer McDonough (Eliminator 6)

 

HEADQUARTERS AND HEADQUARTERS COMPANY – HAMMER

     I hope that all is well with the families and friends of Hammer Company.  Another month has passed, thereby completing eleven months since we left in mid-December.  Does it feel like it has been that long?  Perhaps for some it feels like it has been two years!  The weather here has started getting cooler – daytime highs in 60s and 70s – and we have already had a few rain showers.  Those are minor inconveniences, and we still have a better lifestyle than most of the Iraqis we are here to help. 

 

     October was a very sad month for the Soldiers of Hammer Company and the rest of the battalion.  Two of America’s finest – Corporal Nathaniel Aguirre and Corporal Matthew Creed – were tragically killed by sniper fire while on patrol west of Baghdad on October 22nd.  Their loss affects more companies than just HHC, as Corporal Aguirre had been a line medic in B Company and Corporal Creed had been a dismounted infantryman in A Company.  They were serving together on Lieutenant Colonel Osborne’s Personal Security Detachment when they were killed.

 

     Members of the battalion and special guests throughout the 4th Infantry Division – including Major General Thurman and Command Sergeant Major Riling – celebrated their life in a memorial tribute on October 30th.  Their noble sacrifice will forever be remembered and their names will hold the highest honor in the history of the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment and HHC.  Our condolences are extended to each of their families and close friends.  We mourn their loss ourselves, and can only imagine the pain you are feeling in the loss of your sons, brothers, and husband.  The Soldiers and leaders of Hammer Company pray that you take comfort and pride in the remarkable service that Nathaniel and Matthew displayed each and every day.  They will be with always.

 

     Sergeant Ipatzi’s condition has improved to the point where he was allowed to fly back to the United States from Germany.  He is back in the Ft. Hood area and will continue to recover there.  It is a blessing that he is recovering well from his injuries.

 

     The Scouts have done an incredible job while serving under the command of A Company.  They consistently find enemy ammunition and equipment caches, detain enemy insurgents, and protect the people of Iraq from insurgents and sectarian violence.  Sergeant First Class Brian Snyder took over as their new Platoon Sergeant and Sergeant First Class Gil Nail is now training Iraqi Army Soldiers with the Military Transition Team (MiTT).  Sergeant First Class Snider was a Platoon Sergeant in A Company where I had the pleasure of being his commander for twelve months.  The Scout Platoon will definitely benefit from his experience and leadership abilities.

 

     The Headquarters and staff sections have really gone above and beyond all expectations to run this battalion efficiently and with no disruption to combat operations.  Their efforts will prove to be most important when the order finally comes to get ready and leave Iraq.  We are starting to see some new faces around the battalion area and know that it won’t be much longer.  Our S1 and S4 sections are working hard to get them organized and settled, and we are all moving out of our trailers and into tents to make room for them.

 

     The Medics recently re-located to a new aid station that they share with 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry medics – but their service to Soldiers and workers has not changed.  They still demonstrate their competence each and every day and our detached medics provide the assurance that patrol leaders need in the event they have an injured Soldier.  We don’t like our medics to have a lot of experience, yet they can definitely be counted on in a time of need.

 

     The Mortar Platoon had an extremely productive month.  They found several IEDs – preventing injuries or damage to equipment – and detained numerous insurgents.  They are still attached to Team Copperhead and add a highly skilled platoon of combat power to an already effective and lethal tank company.  It is a pleasure to hear of their successes from Captain Ed Kennedy and I am sure you can read more about the mortar platoon in the Copperhead section of this letter.

 

    The following Soldiers were promoted this month:

 

     The company has had a surge of re-enlistments since the start of the fiscal year on October 1st.  This is due in large part to the availability of options – and the medics have benefited the most.  They are going off to places like White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, and Fort Huachuca, Arizona after we return to Ft. Hood.  Others are changing Military Occupational Specialties to be Military Policemen and Helicopter Mechanics.  I am very proud of all of them for their decision to volunteer a few more years in the defense and service of the United States.  Congratulations to the following Soldiers who have reenlisted since the last newsletter:

·         Specialist Deney Bryant (S4)

·         Specialist Christopher Bussaeus (FECC)

·         Specialist Edward Dinapoli (S2)

·         Specialist Christopher Eckert (S3)

·         Specialist John Ellery (Medics)

·         Specialist Dustin Hartshorn (S2)

·         Specialist Artur Liamin (Medics)

·         Specialist Jacob Lutje (FECC)

·         Specialist Jonathan Nguyen (HQ)

·         Specialist Bryan Ortega (FECC)

·         Specialist Todd Roe (S3)

·         Specialist Larry Splane (Medics)

 

     I hope you all have a wonderful month of November.  Happy Thanksgiving, and please be safe if you travel.  You can be assured that our focus is still on our mission, as it is the best way we can take care of everyone and return home safely.  Thank you for your continued support of Hammer Company.

 

     —Captain Troy Parrish (Hammer 6)

 

 

FROM THE CHAPLAIN

     Emotional excitement and anxiety fill the air as reunion preparations are underway at your house.  We will be home within the month.  The day we have dreamed of for so long is finally within reach.  How wonderful this moment will be when our eyes meet in the gym and, after a few long minutes, we melt into a sea of happy tears and deafening shouts of joy.  This is the event of reunion, but how about the process of reintegrating?  What will it be like at your home as you joyfully struggle to complete your family picture once again?

     Consider for a moment a jigsaw puzzle.  It takes time and energy to put all the pieces of the puzzle together and frustration sets in when we discover that one piece is missing and we cannot complete the picture.  During this deployment your family has been functioning without the “whole picture” complete.  Some families may have deliberately left this “hole” in the family picture alone while others found “stuff” to fill it.  We will all discover the reality that everyone has changed and things will not be as they were.  The piece does not fit into the family picture the same way as it once did.  We want to fit into the picture so we must do some negotiation, compromise, and gentle nudging before things are complete.  The process of reunion will be as smooth or rough as you choose to make it.  Now is the time to begin reversing the mental and emotional process of “dealing with deployment” as your loved one – the missing piece – comes home.

     There are many “tips” for homecoming and reintegration out there.  Take advantage of the wisdom of others.  Please do not try to do it all yourself.  You are not the first person to deal with deployment separation and you are not the only person dealing with reunion.  You do not have to “reinvent the wheel.”  Attend the redeployment briefings offered.  You will gain invaluable insight into what will take place in the coming days, weeks, or months.  Please do not gamble with this high stakes time of reunion and ignore the advice of those who have done this before.

     I close this newsletter article with two questions you need to keep in the forefront of your minds during this time of reunion excitement.  An honest, well thought answer to these questions, every time you ask them, will help ensure a smooth transition as we seek to take our place in the family picture again.  

  1. “What is the most important thing in my relationship?”  This perspective change makes all the difference.  It keeps our values intact and allows for growth.
  2.  “Is what I am about to do going to help or hinder this relationship?”  Remember the pearl is a result of irritation over time!  Your patience will yield a priceless treasure as your family becomes whole again.

     “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” –Matthew 6:33-34

     —Chaplain (Captain) John Hill

 

AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP ON VETERANS DAY

     On November 10, 2006, 72 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines became American citizens during a ceremony at the Al-Faw Palace – six of them are Regulars.  President Bush has recently signed legislation that granted accelerated citizenship to veterans of the armed forces during the Global War on Terror and our Soldiers took advantage of that opportunity to become “American by Choice.”  The ceremony was a dignified and emotional event and celebrated Veterans Day in a most fitting manner. 

     Distinguished guests at the ceremony included the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Dr. Zalmay Khalilzad; the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service Director, Dr. Emilio Gonzalez; the Commanding General of Multi-National Force Iraq, General George Casey; the Commanding General of Multi-National Corps Iraq, Lieutenant General Peter Chiarelli; and the Commanding General of Multi-National Division Baghdad, Major General James D. Thurman.  Dr. Gonzalez administered the oath of citizenship to our Soldiers and they were then presented certificates and American flags to commemorate the event.  It was truly a great day for each of them and everyone present was enriched by having witnessed the ceremony.  Congratulations to the following – they have earned the privilege of being American citizens.

·         Sergeant Claudius Stewart (Bahamas)

·         Sergeant Theophilus Sipley (Liberia)

·         Specialist Artur Liamin (Russia)

·         Specialist Julio Navarro (Mexico)

·         Specialist Soo Om (Korea)

·         Private First Class Jorge Villalobosadrian (Mexico)

 

REENLISTMENTS

     We continue to retain quality Soldiers in our Army through reenlistment.  With the start of the new fiscal year, more options became available to our Soldiers and they immediately started taking advantage of them.  Reenlistment in a combat zone shows a great commitment to our nation and our Army – and the monetary bonuses are tax-free.  Although the money is a nice incentive, our Soldiers continue to reenlist because they believe in what they are doing and want to be a part of something much larger than themselves.  Our reenlistments this month have occurred at a variety of places including Patrol Base Courage, the Al-Faw Palace, and Camp Liberty.  We congratulate and thank the 24 Soldiers and their families that have reenlisted in the past 30 days.  Their names are:

·         Sergeant First Class Reginald Porcher (B CO)

·         Staff Sergeant Omar Perez (E CO)

·         Sergeant Jaysan Arnote (B CO)

·         Sergeant James Blaylock (B CO)

·         Sergeant Damon Ferguson (E/SC)

·         Specialist Deney Bryant (HHC)

·         Specialist Christopher Bussaeus (HHC)

·         Specialist Lucas Credeur (E/SC)

·         Specialist Edward Dinapoli (HHC)

·         Specialist Andrew Dickey (E/SC)

·         Specialist Christopher Eckert (HHC)

·         Specialist John Ellery (HHC)

·         Specialist Gleen Frechin (C CO)

·         Specialist Dustin Hartshorn (HHC)

·         Specialist Brandon King (E/SC)

·         Specialist Artur Liamin (HHC)

·         Specialist Jacob Lutje (HHC)

·         Specialist Gregory Metcalfe (E/SC)

·         Specialist Jonathan Nguyen (HHC)

·         Specialist Bryan Ortega (HHC)

·         Specialist Todd Roe (HHC)

·         Specialist Larry Splane (HHC)

·         Specialist Thomas Tonar (B CO)

·         Private First Class Shawn Campbell (C CO)

 

 

 

HISTORY OF THE 1ST BATTALION, 22ND INFANTRY REGIMENT

     The 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment was originally constituted on May 3rd, 1861 in the Regular Army as Companies A and I, 2nd Battalion, 13th Infantry.  It organized in May 1865 as Companies A and I, 22nd Infantry.

     Companies A and I, 22nd Infantry consolidated on May 4th, 1869 and the consolidated unit was designated as Company A, 22nd Infantry.  The 22nd Infantry was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division on March 24, 1923.  The unit was then inactivated on June 30, 1927 at Fort MacPherson, GA.

     The unit reactivated on June 1, 1940 at Fort McClellan, AL before inactivating again at Camp Butner, NC on March 1, 1946 upon conclusion of World War II. 

     The battalion reactivated on July 15, 1947 at Fort Ord, CA.  It reorganized and was redesignated on April 1, 1957 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battle Group, 22nd Infantry and remained assigned to the 4th Infantry Division.  It was reorganized and redesignated on October 1, 1963 as the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry.  It later inactivated in August of 1984 at Fort Carson, CO.

     The unit reactivated in May 1986 at Fort Drum, NY and was assigned to the 10th Mountain Division (Light).  Relieved from this assignment in February of 1996, the 1st Battalion was reassigned to the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood, TX.

     Soldiers from the battalion have served in combat in nearly every campaign in our nation’s history including the Indian Wars, the Philippine Insurrection, World War I, World War II, Vietnam, Somalia, Bosnia, Haiti, and Iraq.  The men and women of this battalion continue to serve the nation and uphold the standards established by our predecessors.

 

Regulars, by God!  Deeds, Not Words