Hero Dog

"Hero Dog
Photo by Spc. Daniel Bearl

February 06, 2007

Eddie hops aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, along with Iraqi security forces and Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division.
Related:
Hero Dog"

FOB Loyalty

'Head Fobbit' Works for Quality of Life at Forward Operating Base

By Jim Garamone American Forces Press Service

A swimming pool, started during Saddam Hussein's regime and finished after his overthrow, provides a respite from the desert heat for servicemembers at Forward Operating Base Loyalty, Iraq. Photos by Jim Garamone

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq, Dec. 16, 2005 – Life on the FOB is a little bit different from life in your typical neighborhood.

A FOB is a forward operating base. These are interspersed throughout Iraq, and are the bases that coalition soldiers use as home during their year-long deployments to the country. The "mayor" of FOB Loyalty is Army Capt. Melissa Ringhisen. "Anything that has to do with feeding, bunking or caring for the troops comes under my office," she said. "We try very hard to make it a good place to work out of." Servicemembers on the base patrol areas of East Baghdad, including Sadr City. Going off the FOB can be uncertain. Improvised explosive devices, car bombs, suicide bombers and mortar and rocket attacks are the main threats.

Those who don't leave the base are called "fobbits." Going "back to the FOB" means going back to safety. And being "the head fobbit" means being the mayor - a term Ringhisen enjoys. FOB Loyalty is located in what was Saddam Hussein's directorate of internal security. There are a couple of monuments to U.S. Air Force accuracy on the grounds of the FOB. The main building took three or four precision-guided bombs, and another precision bomb wiped out the house Saddam used when he visited the base.

Contractor Kellogg Brown & Root runs the dining facility, or DFAC. The chow is excellent, with a wide variety of choices and even ice cream. Each week features a steak and seafood night. It's tough having to eat crab legs in Iraq. All that good food means that there needs to be a way to work it off. The gym on the FOB has weight machines and free weights. There are treadmills for those who don't care to run in 120-degree heat in the summer.

There is even a roofed pool started by Saddam's men and completed by KBR for the soldiers, Marines and airmen to use. At the POB laundry, "if you drop off your clothes before 9 a.m., you can get them back that afternoon," Ringhisen said. A dayroom open around the clock has a large-screen television, two pool tables, pingpong and a library of books donated by Americans from all over the United States.

The FOB is not large enough for Army and Air Force Exchange Service store, but the mayor has a store stocked with sundry things servicemembers need on a daily basis. "We make a bulk order with AAFES weekly," the captain said. "There is always the AAFES catalogue, and we can pick up special orders if needed." It's not home, but Ringhisen and her "head fobbit" counterparts throughout Iraq do everything they can to make life on the FOB as comfortable as possible for servicemembers.

n.b. This article is over a year old and it has been reported that the new growth of the camp with the additional troops now qualifies FOB Loyalty for a full AAFES

An update from Company B

Dear Friends and Family of Bravo Company,

Greetings from FOB Loyalty,
Iraq. We hope that this letter finds all of you doing well and in good health. The last three weeks have been incredibly busy, but you would be proud of the great work that your loved ones in the Bravo Company have accomplished. We were happy to get out of Kuwait and begin the journey north to our final destination. Since our arrival, the men have been busy at work in preparation to begin our mission. All Platoons have been training hard, preparing their equipment, and getting ready mentally for the upcoming operations. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Platoons have focused hard on their individual skills as well as getting used to operating out of and with vehicles.
HQ platoon meanwhile has continued to do an outstanding job supporting the company in all aspects. Finally, SSG Jensen needs to be congratulated for reenlisting here at FOB Loyalty. In addition to the platoons mentioned above, we have had the good fortune to have Delta Company’s 3rd AT Platoon, as well as a Reconnaissance Squad from the Battalion Scouts added to our ranks. These are great Paratroopers and are being incorporated in all aspects of Bravo Company. The living conditions at FOB Loyalty are steadily improving as your loved ones are starting to move into converted
apartment buildings. In addition, FOB Loyalty is equipped with an outstanding Mess Hall, Internet Services, and Phone Center. The men are in good spirits and ready to do the job so that we can get home to our loved ones.
You can be sure that you are on our minds and in our prayers constantly.
Please continue to send packages and mail as they are a huge boost to morale and greatly appreciated. We miss you all very much

- CPT DAVID PRESTON and 1SG JORGE ORTIZ

The world we live in

Mama....The precious first Words: The world we live in:
Our troops will fight. We will fight because we can understand better than the sheep, the dangers the wolf presents. We as the troops entered into our line of work knowing we could die. We entered our work knowing we were willing to put the lives of the people we protect above our own. We are willing to make that sacrifice so other may not have to lose their lives, and although the sheep may not understand the sheepdog's reasoning for doing this, the sheepdog will continue to protect the flock. We are willing to do our jobs and serve our country. It's time the country stepped aside, and let us do our job.

-Private Jeremy Hill 2nd Royal Canadian Regiment"

n.b. This is a small excerpt from a wonderful article. Click the heading to read it in its entirety.

Bragg general to lead in Afghanistan

2/2/2007 9:49 AM
By: Ilin Chen, News 14 Carolina

FAYETTEVILLE -- The commanding general of Fort Bragg's 82nd Airborne Division is taking on a new role Friday. Gen. David Rodriguez is taking over as the commander of U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
Rodriguez took over command of the 82nd Airborne in April, and now, as he's getting ready to take charge of American forces, he's been meeting with military and government leaders in Afghanistan. He says he expects his troops to encounter more suicide attacks this year.

Rodriguez won’t be the only one from Fort Bragg in Afghanistan. About 5,000 paratroopers, including soldiers from the newly formed 4th Brigade combat team, left just a few weeks ago. They are scheduled to be gone for about a year.

All four brigade combat teams are scheduled to be deployed at some point in time this year."

82nd Airborne Accepts Responsibility for Afghanistan Task Force

By Pfc. Anna K. Perry,


USA Special to American Forces Press Service



BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, Feb. 2, 2007 – The 82nd Airborne Division accepted responsibility for Combined Joint Task Force 76 from the 10th Mountain Division in a transfer-of-authority ceremony here today.
The task force supports NATO operations in eastern Afghanistan. The 10th Mountain Division has been in Afghanistan for about a year, conducting missions such as Operation Mountain Lion, Operation Mountain Thrust, Operation Mountain Fury and Operation Mountain Eagle. "This has been a noble endeavor for the 10th Mountain Division, and we are honored to have been a part of this ... As we depart, we leave behind 3,200 battle-hardened soldiers to serve with the 201st and 203rd Corps under the great command of the 82nd Airborne Division," said Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley, commanding general for CJTF 76 and the 10th Mountain Division. "We know that they will work hard to continue the efforts that have been put forward over the past five years." However, those efforts did not come without a significant price, the general noted. The Afghan and coalition servicemembers who gave their lives for the freedom of Afghanistan will forever be remembered and honored for their great sacrifice, Freakley said. Thousands of 82nd Airborne paratroopers will be deployed throughout Afghanistan for more than year, continuing the combat, combat service and combat service support operations of their predecessors. "I would like to thank the 10th Mountain Division for their significant progress over the past year. We accept this mission and the partnership with the Afghan people, the Afghan security forces and the Afghan government," said Army Maj. Gen. David M. Rodriguez, commanding general for the 82nd Airborne Division and the incoming commander of CJTF 76. "I look forward to our partnership in advancing governance, security and infrastructure development." Soldiers of the 82nd Airborne Division plan on a year-long deployment to Afghanistan.

Photo:Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin Freakley (left), commander of the 10th Mountain
Division, furls the division's colors with the help of outgoing Combined Joint
Task Force 76 command sergeant major Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Borja during a
transfer-of-authority ceremony at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan, Feb. 2. Photo by
Sgt. Jim Wilt, USA 'high-resolution image available.

(Army Pfc. Anna K. Perry is assigned to the 19th Public Affairs Detachment.)

Other Canadians in Iraq

"Chilliwack man fighting with U.S. army in Iraq

Former Chilliwack resident Terry Foster is now serving with the U.S. military in Iraq.

By Robert Freeman
The Progress
Jan 30 2007

Terry Foster, a former Chilliwack resident and infantryman in the Canadian Armed Forces, is now serving with a U.S. Army combat team in Iraq.
“I just like it,” Foster, 36, said about the army life in both countries during a satellite telephone interview Friday. “Knowing what you have to do in the morning ... and being with a group of guys you can count on no matter what, through thick and thin.”
Foster developed a taste for military life after serving for three years with Canada’s special airborne forces. But with the downsizing of the Canadian military in the 1990s, he decided his future lay elsewhere.
He worked at the Canadian Corps of Commissioners for a short time, dealing with security and immigration matters, and was considering a career with the RCMP when he decided it was going to be too hard on his family.
The idea of joining the U.S army was always simmering in the back of his mind, he said.
“It’s always appealed to me ... because the opportunities are outstanding in the U.S.,” he said.
So he enlisted in 2004, knowing full well that deployment to Iraq was a distinct possibility. "

Citrus Students Box Supplies for Troops

"Citrus students box supplies for troops

By COLLEEN WIXON
January 31, 2007

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Citrus Elementary third-grade teacher Sue Fredrickson wanted to send some hometown support to Vero Beach High School graduate Ryan Testa, now serving overseas in Iraq.
She discussed the idea of sending him items with her young students.
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But then someone in the class suggested expanding the project to all 50 members of Testa's platoon.
Testa, 27, is a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne, stationed in Fort Bragg, N.C., said his mother, Irene Testa, a second-grade teacher at Dodgertown. Fredrickson worked with Irene Testa and has known her son since he was young.
Fredrickson sent home letters about the project and for the past couple of weeks, students in her class collected donations each morning.
'The kids are really into it,' she said.
She said she is surprised at the amount of items being donated and that almost everything is brand new.
'It's very, very heartwarming,' she said. "

Twelve Combat badges awarded to 82nd Airborne Soldiers

"Twelve Combat badges awarded to 82nd Airborne Soldiers
By Multi-National Division - North PAO
Jan 31, 2007 - 5:26:14 AM

Blackanthem Military News, SAMARRA, Iraq - Prestigious combat badges were awarded here Sunday to Soldiers from the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, who have faced enemy contact in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

'There’s no doubt in my mind that this group of [Soldiers] is top-notch,' said Command Sgt. Maj. Brent Hagel-Pitt, the command sergeant major for 2-505th PIR. 'They’re just Soldiers doing what they’re good at. The least we can do is reward them for that.'

Col. Bryan Owens, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division commander, presented each of the Soldiers their badge. 'I am very proud of all of you and of what you do here day in and day out,' Owens said.

Ten Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment from Fort Bragg, NC, and two Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment from Fort Hood, Texas, received the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), the Combat Action Badge (CAB), and Combat Medical Badge (CMB) in a ceremony at Forward Operating Base Brassfield-Mora.

The CIB is awarded to infantrymen who have faced the enemy in combat. The CAB is awarded to Soldiers in support positions, such as truck drivers, who have engaged in enemy contact. The CMB is designated for Soldiers who are medics, and have performed life-saving procedures while in combat situations."

Paratroopers Go to Combat with More Than Equipment

Spc. Benjamin West, an infantryman with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, fits a piece of colored cloth embroidered with the Star of David into the flap of his body armor. West carries the cloth, sent to him by his aunt, with him on all his patrols. Photo by Sgt. Mike Pryor

"Paratroopers Go to Combat with More Than Equipment
Jan 25, 2007
BY Sgt. Mike Pryor
2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division

CAMP TAJI, Iraq (Army News Service, Jan. 25, 2007) - The Army makes sure that every Soldier going into combat has the best hardware and equipment money can buy. But hidden away somewhere underneath all the gear, most Soldiers also carry an item or two that their supply sergeants didn't issue.

As they readied vehicles and equipment for combat recently, paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team, based at Camp Taji, also filled their rucks and pockets with some extra personal items. The items ranged from the obvious, like extra ammo and batteries, to the bizarre, like a lucky Sesame Street doll."