News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.
In their own words:
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd): MV-22 Osprey continues successes in Iraq - AL ASAD, Iraq (June 5, 2008) – As the second MV-22 Osprey squadron to deploy to a combat zone, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), continues to build on the Osprey’s strengths and versatility in Iraq. The MV-22 Osprey is the Marine Corps’ newest airframe and is poised to shoulder the responsibility as the Marine Corps’ sole medium lift helicopter platform in the future. “When you have an aircraft with the lift capacity that the MV-22 has, and that can move troops or cargo in a safe and timely manner to your entire area of responsibility, your stock value tends to go up exponentially,” said Maj. Craig Leflore, MV-22 pilot and aircraft maintenance officer, VMM-162. (READ MORE)
3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Fwd): Ironmen ensure safety of Al Asad Air Base through mounted security patrols - AL ASAD, Iraq (June 13, 2008) – With guns mounted and engines idling, the Marines of 2nd platoon, Bravo Company, Marine Wing Support Squadron 274, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing (Forward), prepare to roll out on a mounted security patrol. MWSS-274 conducts mounted security patrols to ensure hostile activity never reaches the protective wire around the air base and surrounding local villages. The patrols are designed to create a constant Marine presence in the surrounding area, deterring insurgent activity and protecting the personnel stationed aboard Al Asad Air Base, explained Sgt. Aaron W. Baisden, squad leader, 2nd platoon. During their patrols, the Marines cover different sectors outside al-Asad, attaining maximum coverage of the area of operation. The Marines watch for anything unusual, from hostile threats to Iraqi civilians traveling through the desert. (READ MORE)
1st Marine Logistics Group: Maddux Marines strengthen the bond of brotherhood in Iraq - CAMP TAQADDUM, Iraq (June 28, 2008) - The bond between brothers is unbreakable. They grow up together, learning everything about life along the way. Putting those brothers in the Marine Corps and shipping them to Iraq takes that relationship to a whole new level. The Maddux brothers are prime examples of the bond of brotherhood that transcends the blood they share. 1st Lt. Joseph K. Maddux, staff secretary and protocol officer for the 1st Marine Logistics Group and his older brother, First Sgt. Dave L. Maddux, first sergeant for Tango Battery, 5th Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, have a strong connection between themselves and their families only further strengthened by the Corps. “It’s not just a band of brothers in the Marine Corps, it’s also in the family,” Dave said, the oldest by two-and-a-half years and first to join the Corps. (READ MORE)
Mike T: Back to War, a poetic rant - So we sit, in the middle of NJ, I listen to everything that happens around me. I have Dead Kennedys and One Republic, Cicero. I have something in my life. There’s something in combat that you lose. You look at the flowers, the literature. You look at your life. There are things that you see that no one else can find. You grow old, you grow tired. You find happiness. You call in an air strike. You watch as somebody grows upon you. You just wanted her to know how you felt. You’re tired of feeling like some used up bag of war. I am ready to stop and come home. (READ MORE)
IraqPundit: Yes, things are better in Baghdad - Iraq's government has neglected its veterans, according to the NYT. The wounded servicemen, are "coping with severe injuries, and often amputations, they have been forced to pay for private doctors or turn to Iraq’s failing public hospitals, which as recently as a year ago were controlled by militias that kidnapped and killed patients — particularly security personnel from rival units." There are a couple of different ways to look at the story. The government of Nouri Al Maliki should be ashamed of itself for failing its veterans. What is described in the article is horrific. But this story should not be used as another reason in the argument that we should leave Iraq to its own misery. The soldiers, both Iraqi and American, have worked hard to return the country to some level of normality. (READ MORE)
Bill Roggio: Ex-Guantanamo detainee suicide bomber fought at Tora Bora - On the morning of March 23, 2008, an Easter Sunday, a massive blast rocked the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. Eight kilometers away at Forward Operating Base Marez, the US Military Transition Team for the 6th Brigade, 2nd Iraqi Army Division, prepared for the worst. The blast was so large many thought incoming rounds landed close by inside the base. But a large plume rising in the distance in the northwest made it clear a very large suicide vehicle attack just occurred inside Mosul. The US adviser team, led by Lieutenant Colonel Jeff Meeker, immediately spun up and accompanied Brigadier General Taha to the blast site – Combat Outpost Inman in the western sector of the city. The team, accompanied by this reporter, arrived at the scene of the attack within one hour of the bombing. (READ MORE)
Nathan Webster: Iraqi soldiers and Sons of Iraq secure market in Tarmiyah as Americans watch - TARMIYAH, IRAQ: Iraqi children play afternoon soccer in the dusty field almost directly below the rooftop positions of Checkpoint 121, a sign of how far the city of Tarmiyah has come. In 2007, when al Qaeda controlled this area 25 miles north of Baghdad, this same field was used for executions by beheading as shariah law was enforced. Painted-over graffiti on an unused water tower once threatened Coalition forces and the Iraqis who helped them. American soldiers from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division, actually enjoy their rotations at this checkpoint in downtown Tarmiyah. Unlike the six days of straight-out missions and duties when they’re back at the Joint Security Station just a half-mile away, here they have time to sit back and relax, sort of. (READ MORE)
Matel-in-Iraq: COPS - Meeting with Rutbah Police Chief. The Police Chief says that he tells everybody about his problems in hopes that the weight of his persistence will convince someone to solve them. The Rutbah region that is his area of responsibly is vast and thinly populated. It includes the Syrian and Jordanian border areas and the POEs at Waleed and Trabil, the village of Akashat, Nukhayb as well as the Saudi border region and POE Ar-Ar. It takes a lot of police officers, vehicles and fuel to patrol a place like this. Unfortunately, Iraqi government resource allocation decisions are based on population w/o sufficient concern for area. The chief says he has only 280 IP out of authorized strength of 620. He doesn't expect to see more any time soon. His patrol fleet consists of sixty-one pickup trucks of various sizes, Chevys and Fords. Even when there is fuel to keep the trucks rolling, they are often inoperable. (READ MORE)
Big Tobacco: A Lot To Learn - I did not smoke while composing this. I am extraneous. The rest of my platoon is conducting a training exercise on FOB security operations. I have no job except to hang out with the medics and smoke cigars at the casualty collection point. I can handle this job. I give the place atmosphere. One of the bad parts about running the headquarters platoon is that when everybody is doing their job, you don’t have a job. You make sure that everybody is where they are supposed to be, and then for the rest of the shift, it’s Miller Time. I sit on the on the air conditioner at the CCP*, a structure that is half modular shipping container and half air-conditioned tent. I smoke a Maravilloso Robusto. Two of the medics talk about their civilian jobs. The air is surprisingly cool. It’s only 82 degrees and I’m not even sweating. I debate whether to go back to my tent and take a nap. (READ MORE)
Back and still writing:
Bill and Bob's Excellent Adventure: Stone Cold And The Silver Leaves - Ever notice that sometimes when you see people with whom you have a bond after a fair amount of time has gone by that it seems like none has passed at all? I got to experience that this weekend on a small pilgrimage that I took to celebrate one of the Army’s newest Lieutenant Colonels, LTC Stone Cold. There was a gathering of his friends; stateside co-workers, family, and Afghanistan buddies commingled at a soirée held at a local establishment for a few hours. Seeing LTC Cold and SFC O again was a real treat! That wasn’t the end of the treats, though; I got to meet some folks that seemed only myth in Afghanistan; Mrs. O and Mrs. Cold, the stalwarts of homeland defense at Ft Livingroom. I also got to meet Mr. and Mrs. Stone Cold Sr; the people responsible for raising the man. (READ MORE)
Fun With Hand Grenades: Finito - After three and a half years of updating this blog I simply don’t know how to put my thoughts into words anymore. While on leave I learned that over the course of two deployments my ability for self expression has been shattered; apparently it applies to my writing as well. Years ago I said I’d write a book or two about my experiences… consider it on the back burner for the foreseeable future. Simply put, I’m tired of writing (correction: trying to write and failing) with the knowledge that people won’t understand. Writing is no longer cathartic for me; the emotional rollercoaster of two deployments as a grunt has done nothing but put me in a position where I can barely control my anger and blind rage anymore. Attempting to write does nothing but further those problems. Unless you’ve been in my shoes you won’t get it and you never will. (READ MORE)
James Aalan Bernsen: Random Pictures Part IV - One last batch of random photos from Iraq: An old Iraqi T-72 tank. This tank and three others were left over from the initial invasion. They had been towed into a heap and left to rot. The "hill" that this picture was taken from is actually another tank, with only a section of its top turret hatch sticking up, like the entrance to a cave. A mosque at Camp Slayer. That same mosque, with a civilian jet landing at Baghdad International Airport behind it. Me and my friend from the Tongan Marines, David. David and his fellow Tongans provided us with security for the 10 months of my deployment. To all the Tongans in the world, I simply say, "Malo!" (READ MORE)
Danjel Bout: Sacramento Host Breakfast - It has been a very, very long time since I have had the opportunity to write in this online journal. Truth be told I have had the opportunity - I just lacked the ability. Although I wanted to bring some kind of closure to this journal it has always been - and will always remain - a war journal. And when you aren't immersed in the blowtorch reality of combat it can be a little difficult to write about the emotions those situations give birth to. Then early last month I was asked to put together a speech for the 82nd Annual Sacramento Host Breakfast, a gathering of California's Business and Community leaders. My tasking was straightforward, put together a short speech that would provide a glimmer of insight into the military before their recognition of California's Servicemen and Servicewomen. I am including the text of my speech below because it serves as an appropriate last posting. (READ MORE)
JP Borda: Many Milbloggers stop writing once they return home - Military blogs from the frontlines of Iraq and Afghanistan provide a perspective of war not offered any where else. Unfortunately, the trend for some military bloggers once they return home from deployment, is to stop writing. The latest Milblog to come to an abrupt end after returning home is The Unlikely Short-Timer who recently posted a farewell entry to readers. Here’s an excerpt: “‘I've always appreciated all of the support more than words can say, but for the time being, a true hiatus is necessary. A drunk post here and there leads everyone to think that I/We are fucked for life and that's not my AIM. Sure, everything is bizarre and weird and we're (some of us) trying to find the math in it all, but the truth is that too damn many people know who I am and what's going on, and I'm not comfortable sharing anything anymore’” I can only speculate why some milbloggers stop. As I got back from my first deployment to Afghanistan, coming home and continuing to blog was more of a task. (READ MORE)
From the Home Front:
KABOOM: News - Well, LT G got the order from his chain-of-command to delete his blog. I guess no longer posting wasn't good enough. Luckily though, our friend MadBeard (the computer programmer who lives in Poland) archived it first, for posterity's sake. After all, the internet is forever! Here: and here: After he deleted his blog, I registered this domain site in my name. LT G is doing fine, and is still with the Gravediggers. I will do my best to keep all his loyal readers up-to-date on their happenings, when I have the time. Even though I'm not in the Army, I promise to follow OPSEC, I know how important that acronym is. Thank you for everyone's kind words and support, both with our engagement and my fiancé's blog situation. LT G wants everyone to know he's still writing in his free time! In the mean time, I will do what I can. (READ MORE)
News from the Front:
Iraq:
ISOF, elite ISF units continue clean up operations in Amarah - BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Special Operations Forces, the Hillah Special Weapons and Tactics team and the Baghdad National Emergency Response Unit are playing key roles in the Government of Iraq’s massive campaign to disrupt the criminal elements in the city of Amarah. With the cooperation of tribal leaders and many of the local citizens, Iraqi Security Forces began setting the foundation to enforce the rule of law in the city June 19. ISOF, Hillah SWAT and the Baghdad National ERU conducted several precision operations throughout the city targeting Special Groups criminals and abettors. (READ MORE)
ISF detain nine suspected AQI members throughout northern Iraq (Balad) - BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi Security Forces detained nine suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq members in an operation to disrupt criminal activities throughout northern Iraq, June 23 – 28. The 3rd Iraqi Army Division detained five suspected AQI believed to be leaders of a large-scale smuggling operation, June 28. The suspects were detained at a suspected smuggling safe house in a village on the Syrian border northwest of Mosul. (READ MORE)
Iraqi citizens receive chance to start new lives - BAGHDAD – Iraqi citizens were released from the Jisr Diyala Joint Security Station following a reconciliation ceremony June 25. The ceremony, which is held once a month, is a chance for the former detainees to reunite with their families and celebrate returning to their villages. Eighteen men were detained after being found guilty of criminal acts. The reintegration process offers these citizens the chance to make amends for the mistakes of their past and start fresh. (READ MORE)
12/3 Brigade graduates from Unit Set Fielding - Besmaya, Iraq – A graduation ceremony filled with music, marching, speeches, and blowing dust marked another new brigade for the Iraqi Army when the 12th Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, graduated from the Unit Set Fielding program at Combat Training Center – Besmaya, June 30. The brigade is equipped and trained to join the fight because of Unit Set Fielding, a process that builds an entire army brigade and gives soldiers the equipment and training they will need to fight. The soldiers will deploy soon to Ninewa Province. (READ MORE)
MND-B Soldiers seize caches throughout Baghdad – BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers seized munitions as they conducted operations to increase security in Baghdad June 29. Soldiers with the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, attached to 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, seized three smoke grenades and three hand grenades in the Adhamiyah area of Baghdad at approximately 3:45 p.m. Approximately three hours later, Soldiers with the 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div., seized an improvised explosive device constructed from a 122 mm artillery shell north of Baghdad. The IED find was reported to the Soldiers by Iraqi National Police. (READ MORE)
MND-B Soldiers, NPs discover weapons caches - BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers and Iraqi National Police discovered two weapons caches June 29 in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad. At approximately 12:45 p.m., police from the 5th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division discovered five 107 mm rockets, five 120 mm mortar rounds, six 81 mm mortar rounds; 20, 60 mm mortar rounds; 10 blocks of plastic explosives, three rocket propelled grenades and four rocket fuses in the Risalah neighborhood. The police moved the munitions to their compound where an explosives ordnance disposal unit handled the cache. (READ MORE)
NPs seize cache in New Baghdad - BAGHDAD – Iraqi National Police seized a cache in the New Baghdad security district of eastern Baghdad June 29. While conducting a dismounted patrol in Muhalla 748, NPs assigned to the 8th Brigade, 2nd National Police Division received a tip from an area resident that led them to a cache. The NPs uncovered a cache containing improvised explosive devices, 21 60 mm mortars, 12 mortar fuses, mortar charges, 9 mm pistols and an 11 mm pistol. (READ MORE)
Tons of Supplies, Thousands of Desert Miles - KIRKUK — The night is quiet and the desert floor is still, but serenity can quickly turn into turmoil for the Convoy Security Element with the 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division’s, 10th Brigade Support Battalion in northeastern Iraq. Soldiers, of Task Force Warrior’s 10th BSB, have been responsible for re-supplying remote Forward Operating Bases, and Patrol Bases in an area approximately the size of Rhode Island in Kirkuk, Iraq, since September. (READ MORE)
U.S. Ambassador Cites Positive Changes in Iraq - WASHINGTON — Iraq is enjoying some substantial political, and economic progress in addition to better security, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq said during an interview on CNN’s “Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer” June 29. “As security has improved, the environment has changed for the better,” Ryan C. Crocker said from Baghdad. “That allows for compromises to emerge that simply were not possible before.” He pointed to better budget execution as one piece of evidence pointing toward Iraq’s changes for the better, and also noted provincial elections are coming up. “Those elections, in the latter part of this year, will be a very significant step,” he said. (READ MORE)
New Children’s Playground Opens in Saydiyah - BAGHDAD — As daylights last remaining hours set over the horizon, and the summertime heat of Baghdad’s Rashid District lost the spike of its intensity; a crowd could be seen forming even from a distance. It was a special day for the gathering of citizens and children from Saydiyah, a community located in the southern part of the Iraqi capital, as they gathered for the long-awaited official opening of a new playground in their neighborhood. (READ MORE)
Enemy Neutralized in Iraq’s Anbar Province, Colonel Says - WASHINGTON — The enemy in the eastern portion of Iraq’s Anbar province has been neutralized, the coalition commander in the area said June 30. Al-Qaida in Iraq still can launch occasional horrific attacks, but in Ramadi and Fallujah - once strongholds of the terror group - security is allowing the region to transfer to provincial Iraqi control, Marine Corps Col. Lewis Craparotta, the area’s coalition commander, told Pentagon reporters in a briefing via satellite from Camp Fallujah. (READ MORE)
Afghanistan:
Coalition medics host VMO to train, vaccinate villagers in Parwan province - BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (June 30, 2008) – An Airman and Sailor from Combined Joint Task Force-101, teamed up with Afghan doctors and other Coalition medics, June 26, and hosted a village medical outreach in the Nilay Village of the Kohe Safi District, Parawan province, Afghanistan. The VMO was held to help foster relationships between Coalition forces, local governments and local doctors – and aimed at improving the health of Afghans living in the province. When VMOs are held, the command tries to include female providers, interpreters and veterinarians. (READ MORE)
Kyrgyz media visits Afghanistan, brings new 'Manas' perspective home - PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan (June 30, 2008) -- Last year, a Kyrgyzstan journalist wanted to go to Afghanistan to see how Manas Air Base, in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, fits into the picture of Operation Enduring Freedom and International Security and Assistance Force efforts. This past week, four Kyrgyz journalists were able to do just that. Respected journalists from four major news media outlets in Kyrgyzstan, with an audience of up to eight million, traveled from their homes near Manas Air Base to visit the Panjshir Provincial Reconstruction Team based in northeastern Afghanistan from June 22 - 25. (READ MORE)
Medical classes teach Kapisa women hygiene, family planning - BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (June 28, 2008) Women from Mahmood Raqi and Kohistan gather at the Women’s Affairs building on the Governor’s Compound in the Mahmood Raqi District, Kapisa province, June 25, for a personal hygiene and family planning class. The two classes were given by Air Force Staff Sgt. Melanie Denison, the Medical non-commissioned officer for the Parwan and Kapisa Provincial Reconstruction Team and Cmdr. Beth Myhre, Cooperative Medical Assistant Team officer in charge. (READ MORE)
Coalition forces evacuate bazaar rocket-attack victim - FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan (June 30, 2008) – A Coalition helicopter evacuated a 22-year-old Afghan civilian male, who was seriously injured today during a rocket attack at the Margha bazaar in the Bermel District, Paktika province. Anti-Afghan forces fired three rockets, one of which impacted the bazaar and injured the non-combatant. The injured was in stable condition at an ISAF military hospital. (READ MORE)
Militants killed, detained in Nimroz province - BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan (June 30, 2008) – Several militants were killed and one was detained Sunday during a Coalition forces operation to disrupt militant activities in Nimroz province. Coalition forces searched compounds in Khash Rod District targeting a Taliban leader known to facilitate suicide IED attacks. Coalition forces identified numerous militants armed with AK-47s, rocket-propelled grenades and hand grenades. Multiple militant groups engaged the force in a compound and in nearby areas. Coalition forces then killed them using small-arms fire. (READ MORE)
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