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!
