Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq
February 23rd, 2005
Family and Friends of the Sledgehammer BCT,
Greeting from Iraq! On Monday, February 21st the
Sledgehammer Brigade Headquarters conducted it's long awaited
Transfer of Authority Ceremony with the 1st Infantry Division's
Dukes. The ceremony was similar to a Change of Command
Ceremony and marked the official start of 3rd Brigade's mission
here in Iraq. Our mission is to assist the Iraqi Government in
establishing peace and stability in the Diyala Province. There are
positive signs of progress throughout the province. The people of
Diyala chose freedom and democracy in the January 30 elections.
The Iraqi Police and Army units are getting better everyday.
Every day Iraqis are coming forward with information on insurgents
and the Iraqi Police and Army units are aggressively apprehending
them.
Some of you may have heard that the 1-15's Can Do
Battalion now falls under the tactical control of 1st Brigade. I want
to assure everyone that although the great soldiers of 1-15 are
tactically controlled by 1st Brigade, they are still part of the 3rd
Brigade family. Nothing will change. Although they will receive
their tactical missions from 1st Brigade, family readiness groups
and information flow will be as steady as ever through the rear
detachment. I have visited LTC Brito and the great Can Do
soldiers regularly and I am pleased to report that they are doing
magnificently. Their morale and focus is as high as ever and they
are conducting their mission as only Sledgehammer soldiers can.
CAN DO!
We have all worked hard and sacrificed much to get where we
are today. The tragic, tragic loss of Sergeant First Class David
Salie, Specialist Justin Carter, and Specialist Jacob Palmatier
broke our collective hart. They gave the full measure for our
Nation and our mission. Their sacrifice, along with all of the
Brigade's accomplishments, has been for our Nation and for our
mission here in central Iraq.
Our mission, is one of three elements that make our Brigade
what it is. The other two elements are soldiers and teamwork.
Your Soldiers execute the mission, but without the teamwork
that you bring, we couldn't do it. Now that we are in Iraq, your
contribution to the team is more important then ever. You have all
supported us so well over the last year. You have volunteered for
FRG duties, organized phone trees, conducted fundraisers, and
generally boosted morale. Your efforts have been the cement that
keeps our team together. As we move forward, we all have to
work even harder to keep the foundations of our team solid.
I urge you all to continue supporting the Sledgehammer team.
Stay in touch with your Soldier, even if he or she has trouble
staying in touch with you. Continue to communicate with each
other, with your FRG, and with the rear detachment. Remember
that none of you are alone and that we are all in this operation
together; Soldiers and families alike. We are a team, and as a
team we are unbeatable.
As always, you all remain in our thoughts and prayers. May
God bless each and every one of you, the Sledgehammer Brigade
Combat Team, and may God bless America.
Very Respectfully,
Hammer 6
Sledgehammer!
Rock of the Marne!
Never Forget!
Monday, February 28, 2005
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Pictures of my Neighborhood
Hello,
So you wanna see some pictures of my new neighorhood. Well then just open up and say "ahhh." As in "ahhh how pretty." My building is nice, but I just thought you might like these. These pictures were taken literally right outside of the compund. One of these pictures is for Isaiah. See if you can figure out why. It should be obvious. Now, try not to get to jealous of me when you see where I am living. I know you have always wanted to live in a place this beautiful, just remember that in a few months, this place will be even nicer once the temps reach 120 or so. Anywho, I just wanted to share these photos. I will try to call you soon.
I love you more
So you wanna see some pictures of my new neighorhood. Well then just open up and say "ahhh." As in "ahhh how pretty." My building is nice, but I just thought you might like these. These pictures were taken literally right outside of the compund. One of these pictures is for Isaiah. See if you can figure out why. It should be obvious. Now, try not to get to jealous of me when you see where I am living. I know you have always wanted to live in a place this beautiful, just remember that in a few months, this place will be even nicer once the temps reach 120 or so. Anywho, I just wanted to share these photos. I will try to call you soon.
I love you more
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Good Day
Niki,
Well I had an interesting day. There was a large protest today in the town. About 1000 people, but it had nothing to do with America or the Army. It was students protesting the new Saturday holiday. The Prime Minister decided to make Saturday a day off for all government offices. Basically, the Iraqi weekend used to consist of Friday. So he added Satruday. Problem is Saturday is the Jewish Sabbath, so that upset pretty much every Muslim in Iraq, and you might not know this, but there are a few Muslims here. Anywho, they wanted their weekend to be Thursday and Friday. Thursday is already kind of a holiday anyway here, it is their traditional wedding day, so it makes sense. Anyway, after it was all said and done, me and some of the guys here on the compound got a chance to talk to 3 of the protestors. Ibrahim, Yaz and Jhazan were all students and were really excited about being able to have a protest. That is a freedom the never had before. It was great to sit and talk to some young men about the future of Iraq and stuff (we talked about soccer too). They were great. I am attaching a photo of us from the left is me, Yaz, Jhazan, Ibrahim and SFC Coons (Civil Affairs). It was great to see democracy in action, and the young people excited about making a difference. We gave them the soccer balls. We definately made some friends, they were impressed how nice the "American Soldiers" were. It was cool.Oh well, have to keep working, just wanted to share more of the good stuff you are not going to see in the news.
I love and miss you very much.
Rob
Well I had an interesting day. There was a large protest today in the town. About 1000 people, but it had nothing to do with America or the Army. It was students protesting the new Saturday holiday. The Prime Minister decided to make Saturday a day off for all government offices. Basically, the Iraqi weekend used to consist of Friday. So he added Satruday. Problem is Saturday is the Jewish Sabbath, so that upset pretty much every Muslim in Iraq, and you might not know this, but there are a few Muslims here. Anywho, they wanted their weekend to be Thursday and Friday. Thursday is already kind of a holiday anyway here, it is their traditional wedding day, so it makes sense. Anyway, after it was all said and done, me and some of the guys here on the compound got a chance to talk to 3 of the protestors. Ibrahim, Yaz and Jhazan were all students and were really excited about being able to have a protest. That is a freedom the never had before. It was great to sit and talk to some young men about the future of Iraq and stuff (we talked about soccer too). They were great. I am attaching a photo of us from the left is me, Yaz, Jhazan, Ibrahim and SFC Coons (Civil Affairs). It was great to see democracy in action, and the young people excited about making a difference. We gave them the soccer balls. We definately made some friends, they were impressed how nice the "American Soldiers" were. It was cool.Oh well, have to keep working, just wanted to share more of the good stuff you are not going to see in the news.
I love and miss you very much.
Rob
Newsletter from Iraq
Dear Hurricane Friends and Families, 23 FEB 05
We’ve come a long way in our first month (+) in theater. We spent almost three weeks in Camp Buehring, Kuwait marshalling and preparing our equipment. We also conducted numerous weapons ranges to give everyone confidence in their weapon systems. In preparation for the ground approach march into Iraq, we also conducted a convoy live fire. This provided the Hurricanes from staff, maintenance, and company HQ with excellent training in Close Quarters Marksmanship and how to fight from a vehicle.
About two thirds of the company traveled to our new home, FOB Warhorse, by air. The other third made the 354 mile trek in what we called the “approach march.” We had a couple flat tires and a few breakdowns along the way, but with the mechanics at our side we repaired ourselves as we went and every vehicle completed the approach march under it’s own power.
The Battalion Commander recently recognized the efforts of two Hurricanes in making the approach march a success. LTC Spellmon presented SPC Piarowski with a Battalion Coin for fabricating a supplemental weapons mount for two of our up-armored HMMWVs. These two trucks are now capable of mounting a Mk-19 Grenade Launcher as well as either a light or medium machine gun. LTC Spellmon also presented a Battalion Coin to SPC Flinn for replacing the starter on one of our large cargo trucks during the approach march. At one of the Convoy Support Centers, he changed out this starter in the dark and cold at 0230 in the morning after going 23 hours without sleep. Well done, SPC Piarowski and SPC Flinn.
Additional congratulations go to newly promoted Sergeants Dubose, Haltom, Richardson, and Robertson. We held their promotion ceremony on 2 FEB at Camp Buehring.
On 21 FEB 05, the Sledgehammer Brigade officially took over from the Dukes of 3d Brigade, 1st ID. We are now busy helping send these soldiers and their equipment back to Germany. The Dukes had a great year and made a lot of progress in Diyala Province. Now it’s our turn to make a difference.
You should be proud of your soldier. He/she is on the frontier of freedom continuing the difficult and vital work that has sustained our great nation for over 225 years.
Hurricane!
Best Wishes,
John H. O’Brien
Captain, U.S. Army
We’ve come a long way in our first month (+) in theater. We spent almost three weeks in Camp Buehring, Kuwait marshalling and preparing our equipment. We also conducted numerous weapons ranges to give everyone confidence in their weapon systems. In preparation for the ground approach march into Iraq, we also conducted a convoy live fire. This provided the Hurricanes from staff, maintenance, and company HQ with excellent training in Close Quarters Marksmanship and how to fight from a vehicle.
About two thirds of the company traveled to our new home, FOB Warhorse, by air. The other third made the 354 mile trek in what we called the “approach march.” We had a couple flat tires and a few breakdowns along the way, but with the mechanics at our side we repaired ourselves as we went and every vehicle completed the approach march under it’s own power.
The Battalion Commander recently recognized the efforts of two Hurricanes in making the approach march a success. LTC Spellmon presented SPC Piarowski with a Battalion Coin for fabricating a supplemental weapons mount for two of our up-armored HMMWVs. These two trucks are now capable of mounting a Mk-19 Grenade Launcher as well as either a light or medium machine gun. LTC Spellmon also presented a Battalion Coin to SPC Flinn for replacing the starter on one of our large cargo trucks during the approach march. At one of the Convoy Support Centers, he changed out this starter in the dark and cold at 0230 in the morning after going 23 hours without sleep. Well done, SPC Piarowski and SPC Flinn.
Additional congratulations go to newly promoted Sergeants Dubose, Haltom, Richardson, and Robertson. We held their promotion ceremony on 2 FEB at Camp Buehring.
On 21 FEB 05, the Sledgehammer Brigade officially took over from the Dukes of 3d Brigade, 1st ID. We are now busy helping send these soldiers and their equipment back to Germany. The Dukes had a great year and made a lot of progress in Diyala Province. Now it’s our turn to make a difference.
You should be proud of your soldier. He/she is on the frontier of freedom continuing the difficult and vital work that has sustained our great nation for over 225 years.
Hurricane!
Best Wishes,
John H. O’Brien
Captain, U.S. Army
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Death of the "stache"
Hello,
The "stache" is no more. It was part of the Insurgency, so I killed it. It was leaking info about me to the terrorists. Things had been very quiet here at the CMOC until the "stache" showed up. All of the sudden we were getting hit all the time. Everyone here was convinced it was an insider. I started with anaylizing everyone. I even had to rough up a few little kids and old women. No one was giving me the info I wanted so I went back to the drawing board. I started studying the photos of all the known terrorists, when the answer came to me. It was like what the five fingers said to the face. "SLAP." All the bad guys had moustaches. I had been infiltrated, compromised, bamboozled even. So I took matters in to my own hands. I locked the "stache" in a room all by itself for about 2 hours. I learned from watching "Hill Street Blues" that if you give the suspect lots to drink and them make the suspect wait a few hours, the punk will give up his own grandmother just for a chance to pee. So that is what I did. Unfortunetly for me, the "stache" didn't drink anything, I on the other hand drank 13 diet cokes, and had to pee like crazy. So once I took care of that I really let the "stache" have a piece of my mind, but the "stache" had obviously been well trained at his al-Queda camp. He didn't even break a sweat. So I tried a little good cop/bad cop on the "stache." Problem was I was the only guy there, so it looked more like a dog chasing his tail. I continued to put the squeeze on, but the "stache" wasn't giving away any details. Well, anyway, by the end of the night, I just decided to get rid of the "stache." I had enough of his mind warfare, and frankly was tired of losing at mind warfare to the "stache." Then in a flash of excitiment, all of which is still kind of hazy to me, the razor just went off, and when I looked the "stache" was just lying on the floor. It was like I was there, but I wasn't. I could see myself doing it, but I don't remember doing it. I made certain to destroy all the evidence and cover my tracks, so don't worry there is no way this can be traced back to me. Well the point of the story is that today, no activity at the CMOC. The rat was ousted. The insider is gone, and we all safe again.
Love,
Rob
The "stache" is no more. It was part of the Insurgency, so I killed it. It was leaking info about me to the terrorists. Things had been very quiet here at the CMOC until the "stache" showed up. All of the sudden we were getting hit all the time. Everyone here was convinced it was an insider. I started with anaylizing everyone. I even had to rough up a few little kids and old women. No one was giving me the info I wanted so I went back to the drawing board. I started studying the photos of all the known terrorists, when the answer came to me. It was like what the five fingers said to the face. "SLAP." All the bad guys had moustaches. I had been infiltrated, compromised, bamboozled even. So I took matters in to my own hands. I locked the "stache" in a room all by itself for about 2 hours. I learned from watching "Hill Street Blues" that if you give the suspect lots to drink and them make the suspect wait a few hours, the punk will give up his own grandmother just for a chance to pee. So that is what I did. Unfortunetly for me, the "stache" didn't drink anything, I on the other hand drank 13 diet cokes, and had to pee like crazy. So once I took care of that I really let the "stache" have a piece of my mind, but the "stache" had obviously been well trained at his al-Queda camp. He didn't even break a sweat. So I tried a little good cop/bad cop on the "stache." Problem was I was the only guy there, so it looked more like a dog chasing his tail. I continued to put the squeeze on, but the "stache" wasn't giving away any details. Well, anyway, by the end of the night, I just decided to get rid of the "stache." I had enough of his mind warfare, and frankly was tired of losing at mind warfare to the "stache." Then in a flash of excitiment, all of which is still kind of hazy to me, the razor just went off, and when I looked the "stache" was just lying on the floor. It was like I was there, but I wasn't. I could see myself doing it, but I don't remember doing it. I made certain to destroy all the evidence and cover my tracks, so don't worry there is no way this can be traced back to me. Well the point of the story is that today, no activity at the CMOC. The rat was ousted. The insider is gone, and we all safe again.
Love,
Rob
Monday, February 21, 2005
Thank You
Nik,
Well, I now have the internet at my desk, and I just checked out the website, that is really cool. Thank you for making it. Although, now I feel obligated to send you more pictures, so I will do my best. As far as the password, you keep it. I kind of like seeing what you choose to represent me with. It is kind of cool to be on a website. I know it might just be something you are doing to help kill the time but I really enjoy looking at it.
Things are really getting exciting here. There is always something going on. Things blowing up, things shooting, power outtages. The power goes out a lot here. The US has actually improved the power situation in Iraq a lot. Before the war started the average citizen of Baqubah got about 8-10 hours of power a day. Now there are about 20. I got a haircut today from one of the locals. His name is Hassan, not only did he do a good job cutting my hair he also gave me a few language lessons.
I am constantly amazed how much I feel God's protection here. So far, in the 5 days I have here, this compound has had 3 major attacks (either indirect fire or suicide bombers) and numerous small attacks (gun shots, etc.) yet we have not even had an injury. For some reason our people are not harmed. I don't, by any means, think this makes us invincible, but I think it shows God's hand. He is a great protector. I, coincidentally began reading 2 Corinthians the first day I moved here, and it is like it was written just for me here in this place. I am finding a great deal of use out of it so far. I am still in the 1st chapter, but already there is so much about how stressful and bad sitiuations are really chances for us to show God's strength. The worse the situation, the more God can use it. If we choose his power, instead of our own, to get us through though times, it shows to others and acts as a powerful ministry tool. There is a verse in chapter 1 (forgive me but I don't recall exactly, but I think it is 16) that says God has put his "seal on us." He owns us, and will guide us through everything this world can through our way, if we get out of his way. I really feel this right now. I am at peace, and whatever God has planned for me over here, he will give me the strength to get through. 2 Corinthinans chapter 1 also talks about how God always keeps his promise. He never lets us down. If he says something, he sees it through. We, especially we Christians, need to take this to heart. I am over here not because I want to be seperated from all of you, but because I made a commitment to my country, and I will follow my Savior, and follow thorugh on my committments. I have really been touched by Paul's words in 2 Corinthians. Maybe you should start reading it, this way we can do something together, from 5000 miles apart.
I love you more than you love me.
Rob
Well, I now have the internet at my desk, and I just checked out the website, that is really cool. Thank you for making it. Although, now I feel obligated to send you more pictures, so I will do my best. As far as the password, you keep it. I kind of like seeing what you choose to represent me with. It is kind of cool to be on a website. I know it might just be something you are doing to help kill the time but I really enjoy looking at it.
Things are really getting exciting here. There is always something going on. Things blowing up, things shooting, power outtages. The power goes out a lot here. The US has actually improved the power situation in Iraq a lot. Before the war started the average citizen of Baqubah got about 8-10 hours of power a day. Now there are about 20. I got a haircut today from one of the locals. His name is Hassan, not only did he do a good job cutting my hair he also gave me a few language lessons.
I am constantly amazed how much I feel God's protection here. So far, in the 5 days I have here, this compound has had 3 major attacks (either indirect fire or suicide bombers) and numerous small attacks (gun shots, etc.) yet we have not even had an injury. For some reason our people are not harmed. I don't, by any means, think this makes us invincible, but I think it shows God's hand. He is a great protector. I, coincidentally began reading 2 Corinthians the first day I moved here, and it is like it was written just for me here in this place. I am finding a great deal of use out of it so far. I am still in the 1st chapter, but already there is so much about how stressful and bad sitiuations are really chances for us to show God's strength. The worse the situation, the more God can use it. If we choose his power, instead of our own, to get us through though times, it shows to others and acts as a powerful ministry tool. There is a verse in chapter 1 (forgive me but I don't recall exactly, but I think it is 16) that says God has put his "seal on us." He owns us, and will guide us through everything this world can through our way, if we get out of his way. I really feel this right now. I am at peace, and whatever God has planned for me over here, he will give me the strength to get through. 2 Corinthinans chapter 1 also talks about how God always keeps his promise. He never lets us down. If he says something, he sees it through. We, especially we Christians, need to take this to heart. I am over here not because I want to be seperated from all of you, but because I made a commitment to my country, and I will follow my Savior, and follow thorugh on my committments. I have really been touched by Paul's words in 2 Corinthians. Maybe you should start reading it, this way we can do something together, from 5000 miles apart.
I love you more than you love me.
Rob
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Lauryn's Birthday (and the "stache")
There was supposed to be a movie, but it won't attach. So I guess the picture will have to do. It was for Lauryn, but I thought others might want to see it. As you can see from the photo, I am growing the in-country "stache." The movie gave a much better view of the "stache," but no can do. I will try to send it again later, when someone who is a lot smater on computers than I will be around, or awake. I will of course keep you all up to date on all the latest significant events related to the "stache." I encourage all men to grow facial hair in support of the deployed "stache." Show your support for your troops' "stache."
Love,
Rob
Love,
Rob
Thursday, February 17, 2005
Email from Iraq
This is an email Rob sent me today from Iraq:
Niki,
I am now living at the CMOC, little Ms. Impatient. Sorry it took me so loooonnng to move here, I didn't mean to inconvience you. Please forgive me. Just kidding. I attached a picture of me. It was taken a few days ago. The Humvee in the backgound is the one I have been machine-gunning for a lot these days. It is quite something to drive around in the top of an up-armored HUMMVEE, with a Machine Gun in your hands, going 70 MPH, weaving through traffic, that makes NYC look like Edgewater. I am getting settled in here and will try to call soon, definately for Lauryn's b-day, if not sooner. I put your pictures on my wall, and yes I did get your letter. Tell everyone that I love them, and that I pray for all of you. Also, I have begun to grow a moustache. I am also letting my hair grow out, so I can blend a little more. I ate Iraqi food yesterday with the Governor and the Provincial Council. It was roasted chicken, flat bread and there were a bunch of toppings/spreads. An interpretor got me to eat Hummus and somekind of cucumber salad. Why do people eat Hummus, it has no taste. It was like eating nothing. Anyway, I liked it. I was able to meet a really great person. A woman named Kadija. She is the reason we are here. She is probably in her mid-30's. She was on the Provincial Council, but she was just elected to the National Council to draft the constitution. She is Kurdish, very intelligent, and you can just see in her eyes a fire to make this country great. You know that with the old regime in power she would have never stood a chance to live a great life, but now she does. She is not afraid to die for her beilef that Iraq can really make a difference and become a great nation. It was like meeting one of our country's founders (Washington, Jefferson, Franklin), very inspiring, and very satisfying. Please share what I just told you with all those who question our being here. There is a good reason and people like her deserve a chance to make a country they can be proud of. This country is so messed up, without us here they wouldn't stand a chance. You guys have no idea how much these people need our help building their security to a point where the whole country won't rip apart in a week after we leave. I am actually proud of what I am doing over here (that doesn't mean I won't get out as soon as possible).Oh well I have to go. I love you more.
Rob
Niki,
I am now living at the CMOC, little Ms. Impatient. Sorry it took me so loooonnng to move here, I didn't mean to inconvience you. Please forgive me. Just kidding. I attached a picture of me. It was taken a few days ago. The Humvee in the backgound is the one I have been machine-gunning for a lot these days. It is quite something to drive around in the top of an up-armored HUMMVEE, with a Machine Gun in your hands, going 70 MPH, weaving through traffic, that makes NYC look like Edgewater. I am getting settled in here and will try to call soon, definately for Lauryn's b-day, if not sooner. I put your pictures on my wall, and yes I did get your letter. Tell everyone that I love them, and that I pray for all of you. Also, I have begun to grow a moustache. I am also letting my hair grow out, so I can blend a little more. I ate Iraqi food yesterday with the Governor and the Provincial Council. It was roasted chicken, flat bread and there were a bunch of toppings/spreads. An interpretor got me to eat Hummus and somekind of cucumber salad. Why do people eat Hummus, it has no taste. It was like eating nothing. Anyway, I liked it. I was able to meet a really great person. A woman named Kadija. She is the reason we are here. She is probably in her mid-30's. She was on the Provincial Council, but she was just elected to the National Council to draft the constitution. She is Kurdish, very intelligent, and you can just see in her eyes a fire to make this country great. You know that with the old regime in power she would have never stood a chance to live a great life, but now she does. She is not afraid to die for her beilef that Iraq can really make a difference and become a great nation. It was like meeting one of our country's founders (Washington, Jefferson, Franklin), very inspiring, and very satisfying. Please share what I just told you with all those who question our being here. There is a good reason and people like her deserve a chance to make a country they can be proud of. This country is so messed up, without us here they wouldn't stand a chance. You guys have no idea how much these people need our help building their security to a point where the whole country won't rip apart in a week after we leave. I am actually proud of what I am doing over here (that doesn't mean I won't get out as soon as possible).Oh well I have to go. I love you more.
Rob
Monday, February 14, 2005
Letter from Rob's commander
February 2005Family and Friends of the 3-3rd Brigade Troops Battalion:Greetings from Forward Operating Base Warhorse, Iraq. Earlier this week, all 880+ soldiers of 3-3rd BTB, now Task Force 3-3 “Buffalo”, safely arrived to their bases inside Iraq. Our battalion’s 350-mile ground convoy from Kuwait was conducted professionally and safely, and most importantly, without incident. Our soldiers’ performance over a continuous two-day/two-night movement was magnificent.
Over the past 7 days, we have been task organizing the battalion for the important work ahead. In addition to our own organic units from Fort Benning, our team now includes elements of 1-30 Infantry, 2-69 Armor, 467th Engineers, 411th Civil Affairs, 629th Military Intelligence, 17th Signal, 716th Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and the 350th Psychological Operations. These units form a great team of just under 900 soldiers who are committed to improving security throughout our region, while also building on the recent success of the first-ever elections held in Iraq. It is a historic time to serve in this country. Our predecessors, the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division, have been serving in the Baquba / Diyala region for over the past 12 months. Their officers, NCOs, and soldiers have given us outstanding advice and training as we prepare to assume our mission on the same ground they have walked for the past year. We all wish them all good luck and Godspeed for a safe redeployment home, and thank them for their exemplary service across the Diyala Province.
I want to thank each of you again for the strong support you give our soldiers each and every day. Our days here are long, the work is challenging, and conducted under demanding conditions. But, our soldiers always excel to accomplish the mission at hand – much due to the support they receive from you at home.
Please continue to keep these fine men and women in your thoughts and prayers as we continue with this historic work.
Sincerely,
LTC Scott Spellmon Commander, TF 3-3 “Buffalo”
Over the past 7 days, we have been task organizing the battalion for the important work ahead. In addition to our own organic units from Fort Benning, our team now includes elements of 1-30 Infantry, 2-69 Armor, 467th Engineers, 411th Civil Affairs, 629th Military Intelligence, 17th Signal, 716th Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and the 350th Psychological Operations. These units form a great team of just under 900 soldiers who are committed to improving security throughout our region, while also building on the recent success of the first-ever elections held in Iraq. It is a historic time to serve in this country. Our predecessors, the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division, have been serving in the Baquba / Diyala region for over the past 12 months. Their officers, NCOs, and soldiers have given us outstanding advice and training as we prepare to assume our mission on the same ground they have walked for the past year. We all wish them all good luck and Godspeed for a safe redeployment home, and thank them for their exemplary service across the Diyala Province.
I want to thank each of you again for the strong support you give our soldiers each and every day. Our days here are long, the work is challenging, and conducted under demanding conditions. But, our soldiers always excel to accomplish the mission at hand – much due to the support they receive from you at home.
Please continue to keep these fine men and women in your thoughts and prayers as we continue with this historic work.
Sincerely,
LTC Scott Spellmon Commander, TF 3-3 “Buffalo”
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
Hello from Iraq
Well,
I am here. I got here Monday at 1200 (our time.) The trip up was very exciting. Lots of traffic and crazy drivers. Iraqi drive on both sides of the highway going in both directions. We drove for 23 hours, rested for 5, then drove for about 5 more.
Five minutes into Iraq the first of our five breakdowns happened. I ended up pulling security on an intersection. This happened a lot more on the rest of the way. I am sure you all saw the footage of the Baqubah suicide bomber on the news (at the JCC it killed 15 young Iraqi men). Very gruesome photos which I will spare you all, suffice to say they are harsh. This is the real deal, but the unit we are replacing has done an outstanding job over the last year, and we are going to improve on what they have done.
As for me, I am great. I have a good job, that will be very difficult but good.
I will not really be able to call or have e-mail access, eventhough there is some access, my job will be keeping too busy. Once I move into my home for the next year I will be able to write and call more frequently.
Thank you all for the prayers and e-mails. I know you are all thinking about me and praying for me.
Gotta go,
Rob
I am here. I got here Monday at 1200 (our time.) The trip up was very exciting. Lots of traffic and crazy drivers. Iraqi drive on both sides of the highway going in both directions. We drove for 23 hours, rested for 5, then drove for about 5 more.
Five minutes into Iraq the first of our five breakdowns happened. I ended up pulling security on an intersection. This happened a lot more on the rest of the way. I am sure you all saw the footage of the Baqubah suicide bomber on the news (at the JCC it killed 15 young Iraqi men). Very gruesome photos which I will spare you all, suffice to say they are harsh. This is the real deal, but the unit we are replacing has done an outstanding job over the last year, and we are going to improve on what they have done.
As for me, I am great. I have a good job, that will be very difficult but good.
I will not really be able to call or have e-mail access, eventhough there is some access, my job will be keeping too busy. Once I move into my home for the next year I will be able to write and call more frequently.
Thank you all for the prayers and e-mails. I know you are all thinking about me and praying for me.
Gotta go,
Rob
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