Recent Stories re: 1-501st

Geronimo Battalion With ‘Partners’ Bring Joy to Musayyib
By Maj. Craig Whiteside, 1st Bn., 501st PIR, 4th BCT (ABN)
April 24, 2007

BAGHDAD – The Geronimo’s of 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, brought a surprise to the Ibn Saif al Janabi Hospital for Maternity and Children in Musayyib.
Article


Flood thanks community for support of son
Monday, April 23, 2007
Metro Council member Madonna Flood, D-24th District, today released a letter thanking the community for its support after her son was injured in Iraq.

Her son, Army Sgt. Brandon Sword, was hurt in an explosion while on patrol in southern Iraq March 16, with the 1st Battalion of the 501st Airborne Division.
Here is Flood’s letter:
Article


J.D. Johannes gets ground truth
April 19, 2007
Here's another example of how establishment press does a lousy job reporting the war in Iraq, while pushing a defeatist agenda. Meanwhile, independent writers and filmmakers are telling ground-truth better than anyone.

On March 26, United States troops manning an observation post (OP) in Karmah, just outside Fallujah, were hit with a "complex attack." Suicide bombers tried to blast their way into the post, while insurgents fired from the perimeter. Here's the official Coalition release...
Article
Outside The Wire article


Swedish Meat Balls, or the biggest newspaper in Sweden reports on Iraq
Friday, April 6, 2007
FOB ISKAN, pictured here, where a Swedish journalist I meet claimed that all the soldiers keep the toilet seats in the up position "because they are so disciplined."
Article


This article isn't about the 501st, but I thought it was worth looking at...

Dolls, posters keep U.S. soldiers close
April 3, 2007
FORT RILEY, Kan. --For 2-year-old Anna Pribyla, it can be difficult to understand what it means for her dad to be in Iraq.
Every soldier looks like him. Even the neighbor's car looks like her father's.
But like thousands of other military children, Anna has something to cling to. She has her Daddy Doll, a small pillow, shaped like a person, with a digital picture of her dad, Capt. Eric Pribyla, printed on the front...
Article

Jill spoke with Nick

Jill spoke with Nick yesterday and he is doing well. He is still in the Rapid Response Team so spending more time at the FOB. He has been able to use Skype (www.skype.com) to make phone calls for free - this seems to be working very well for him. Makes it much easier to make phone calls and doesn't require a calling card. We recently sent him a "Family Guy" dart board, which he received recently - now if only they had beer, they could put together a pub.

Just the Facts, Ma'am

This morning I read an excellent review of the current Iraq war on The Belmont Club's blog titled; "Surge and Counter-surge". Its very difficult to find unbiased reporting regarding Iraq, but this seems to be very close. Wretchard seems to pull in the facts from a few key legitimate sources (also referenced with links) and gives an explanation of the situation that I can understand better - kind of like a documentary or history book would. It is a bit long, but well worth the read - I think (this coming from someone who NEVER reads a book). I plan to start reading back through his other entries as they seem to be about all types of current world events.

http://fallbackbelmont.blogspot.com/2007/04/surge-and-counter-surge.html

Spoken with Nick

I have spoken with Nick over the past few days - he is doing fine. As everyone is probably aware, the tour has been extended to 15 months, so Nick won't be coming home until sometime during 1Q2008.

Nick's unit is now doing their rotation as the Rapid Response Team. This means that instead of going on missions to Jurf, they remain at the FOB to respond to any situation that requires them. This could last for a few weeks.

1-501st Recent News Articles

A little boat ride
April 4, 2007

Paratroopers from the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division use boats on the Euphrates river near Jurf as Sahkr, Iraq, to patrol the area and provide security to the residents of the town south of Baghdad April 4. (U.S. Army photo by 1st Sgt. James McGann, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment)
Link to Article



Joint Police Force Works Toward a More Secure Iraq
March 31, 2007

ISKANDARIYAH, Iraq, — The future security of Iraq starts at the ground level with the Iraqi security forces. In order to prepare the Iraqis for this responsibility, soldiers in transition teams have been working around the clock all over Iraq. Soldiers of the 127th Military Police Company are ready for this challenge.

Based out of Forward Operating Base Kalsu, the headquarters for the 127th has platoons throughout the battle space for the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division.

One platoon in particular, 3rd Platoon "Wolf Pack" is operating in Iskandaryiah, Iraq, home to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division. The Wolf Pack arrived at Forward Operating Base Iskan approximately four months ago fully knowing their mission.
Article


U.S. Army Soldiers ward off attack by Al Qaeda
March 27, 2007

FALLUJAH, Iraq – Soldiers from Regimental Combat Team 6 repelled a coordinated attack on a Coalition post, including two suicide truck bombs, approximately 4 km north of Karmah March 26.

The attack started at about 2 p.m. when a Soldier from 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment (Airborne), attached to 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry Regiment (Airborne), engaged a water truck attempting to enter the compound without authorization, causing it to detonate.

Immediately following the explosion, approximately 30 terrorist fighters engaged the compound with small-arms fire, rocket propelled grenades and mortars.

The Soldiers returned fire with small arms, mortars and artillery from Regimental Combat Team 6.

Approximately five minutes into the attack, Soldiers engaged a dump truck following the same path as the previous suicide attacker, causing it to also detonate.

Initial estimates indicate as many as 15 terrorists were killed.

Eight U.S. Soldiers were wounded in the attack. One was evacuated to a nearby Coalition medical facility and the remaining seven were treated on site and returned to duty.
Article


IRAQI, U.S. SECURITY FORCES ATTACKED FROM MOSQUE
3/26/2007

KALSU, Iraq – Coalition and Iraqi forces received gunfire and rocket-propelled grenade fire from insurgents inside a mosque near Iskandariyah, Iraq March 26.

Company D, 3rd Battalion, 309th Parachute Infantry Regiment and Iraqi security force personnel positively identified that the attack was coming from the Al Wasafa mosque and minaret and requested an AH-64 Apache attack helicopter from the 4th Squadron, 227th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion to engage the insurgents in the mosque.

No significant damage was done to the mosque, but bullet holes can be seen in the mosque walls.

Iraqi forces entered the mosque to pursue the insurgents and the U.S. forces secured the area outside.

A military transition team from Forward Operating Base Iskan assisted in the pursuit of insurgents following the attack.
The Iraqi Security Forces and paratroopers respect the sanctity of mosques by taking precautions to minimize damage to property and disruption of legitimate activities when operating around such sites.

Injured insurgents were given immediate medical care by Iraqi security forces and taken to area hospitals. One insurgent was killed and two were wounded.
Article


Rule of Law Finds a Home in Musayyib
21 March

KALSU —The Musayyib courthouse held a grand re-opening March 13 showing off the improvements of the structure and the technology inside.

A joint effort between Iraqis, Civil Affairs team soldiers, and paratroopers of the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division continued this history of law in the region with the completion of the three-month long renovation project.
Article

Congratulations to Jonathan and Stephanie

Baby boy Octavian Lee Schriefer was born on April 1, 2007 at 5:43 PM in Fort Carson, CO. Octavian came in at 6 lbs 15.6 oz and 20 inches. Everyone is back at home now and doing well. Click for the first few pictures - more will follow.

TV: Alaska troops battle sectarian violence

KTUU TV, Anchorage, Alaska
Tuesday, March 27, 2007

They might be cities you've probably never heard of; Iskandariyah, Haswah and Eskan, but they're seeing a surge in sectarian violence with attacks on religious mosques.

A battalion of Fort Richardson paratroopers have found themselves right in the middle of the violence.

In the town of Haswah, a suicide truck bomber blew up a Shi'a mosque on Saturday. It left 11 dead and 44 hurt. Among those killed were 3 Iraqi police officers.

Shi'as struck back, attacking a Sunni mosque with rocket-propelled grenades. A second Sunni mosque was attacked as well.

The First Battalion of the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment from Fort Richardson is in Iraq, backing up local forces.

The commander of the 1-501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, Col. Bo Balcavage said the situation in Iraq will take some work.

"I think it will take some patience and some determination by an Iraqi police force and Iraqi army that has not yet been challenged like this in this area," Balcavage said.

He said hostile sectarian terrorists may be moving out of Baghdad because of increased security and the troop surge.

Troops are moving into places like Iskandariyah where the battalion is working to bolster Iraqi forces.

Balcavage said police units remain infiltrated by Shi'a militias and the war's ultimate success remains with them.

"We can kill terrorists here all day long, unless we increase the capabilities of the Iraqi Police and the Iraqi Army, we won't continue to move the mission forward," Balcavage said.

The recent surge in violence south of Baghdad has not claimed any U.S. troops, but Balcavage said it will likely get worse before it gets better.

The 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment is part of the 4th Brigade, which has lost 25 soldiers since being deployed to Iraq last fall.
http://www.ktuu.com/Global/story.asp?S=6289900

IM'd with Nick Last Night

Jill and I IM'd with Nick for a while last night. He crushed half of his right middle finger when a buddy accidentally dropped a 90 pound weight on it. He said that it popped all the blood vessels in the finger. He was going to see the medic again before leaving for Jurf for the next 8 days. He said its not going to stop him, he'll just be hate'n life for a while.

Jill sent Nick some battery operated fans a few weeks ago, both hand-held and desktop. He got them and is taking them with him to Jurf. He said its really hot there now. He took the portable showers we shipped last year and is now able to use them (couldn't use them when it was cold).

That's all for now.

Just spoke with Nick

Just spoke with Nick for a while. He is back from a mission for a few days and is doing OK. More info to come later.

1-501st Casualty

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the soldiers and family from the 1-501st for their recent casualty.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher R. Brevard, 31, of Phoenix, died Mar. 16 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit. Brevard was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Airborne Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=10631

Update from Nick

I spoke with Nick yesterday. He had just returned from a Jurf and said things had really changed since he was there last. This was his first time there in over 30 days. He said that one of his buddies refers to it as Camelot (but without the mote). The FOB is much bigger now and has increased sleeping areas so it can handle a lot more troops (Iraqi and American). They have built a guard tower that is the tallest thing around and overlooks everything in the area. Some of the buildings have electricity now (from generators) and he thinks his building will have power next time he goes there - but none have A/C. With the new schedule, he has been able to find more time to sleep - but now its getting hot and the insects are coming out. He said the mosquitoes are getting really bad and they are very big. Also the ants - which Nick says are about the size of a quarter.

Nick said they bought some chickens from a local farmer and brought them back to the FOB where the IA prepped and cooked them - it tasted very good. He said that he was carring a chicken by its feet in one hand and his weapon in the other hand. The chicken kept pecking at his hand to try and get loose. Next time, he said they are thinking of buying a lamb.

One item he can use is sunflower seeds (in the hull). They go fast there because they all sit around and eat them. I've noticed that Planters sells a 7 oz bag that is recloseable.

New Baby Coming Soon!

I spoke with Jon this past Sunday. He said the baby is doing fine and they are expecting their baby boy to be born in 2 - 4 weeks. Jon, Stephanie and Phoebe are all sick with a bug that's going around Fort Carson, but other than that everyone is good. They have registered at Wal-Mart's Baby Registry (http://www.walmart.com/baby). You can either print it out and take into a store, or shop on-line. Good Luck to Jon and Stef - your about to have TWICE as much fun now!!

Spoke with Nick this morning

He is back at his FOB and will be going on a mission for several days.

Nick back in Iraq

Nick is now back in Iraq. We IM'd for a while this evening and he is in Baghdad waiting on transport to his FOB.

Nick on way back to Iraq

I spoke with Nick this morning. He is now in Kuwait and waiting for a flight to BIAP (Baghdad International Airport). They had a stop in Hungary, but weren't able to get off the plane. After a few hours layover, they proceeded on to Kuwait.

Pictures of Nick's R&R and Jon's Visit

Click on the picture to go to the collection of pictures from Nick's R&R visit. Jon, Stephanie, Phoebe and Crash came in from Colorado to visit as well and we all got the family together for a party.

Nick is home for R&R

Nick just got home for two weeks of R&R. Click to view a couple pics and video of the soldiers arriving at DFW. Check back on this link - more pictures will be added when available.

Tavis, Staci, Nick and Jill

Nick on way home for R&R

I spoke with Nick early this morning. He is on his way home for R&R. He will likely arrive within the next five days.

Jon & Family coming to visit

Jonathan, Stephanie, Pheobe and Crash (dog) will be coming to Dallas to visit for a week. They plan to be here around 20 Feb. It will be good to have them home for a visit and great that they will be able to visit Nick while he is here on R&R as well.

Recent Article: Paratroopers go amphibious

Paratroopers here have added another element to their arsenal of maneuver capabilities: amphibious transportation. The Scout Platoon for the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, will use the aluminum utility boat to conduct reconnaissance throughout their area of operation.

Full Article

Voicemail from Nick

I received a VM from Nick. He said he was OK and that he would be coming home for R&R mid-month.

Story from Chaplain Dan Hardin of the 501st

Here is a story I read from Chaplain Dan Hardin about Christmas 2006. He is one of the Chaplains for the 1-501st, Nick's unit.
http://www.christiannewstoday.com/CWN_3063.html

Additional Casualties

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the soldiers from the 4th Brigade who have lost their lives.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Jan 20 in Karma, Iraq, of wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near their Humvee. The soldiers were assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 509th Infantry (Airborne), 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. link

Sgt. Sean P. Fennerty, 25, of Corvallis, Ore.
Sgt. Phillip D. McNeill, 22, of Sunrise, Fla.
Spc. Jeffrey D. Bisson, 22, of Vista, Calif.
Spc. Toby R. Olsen, 28, of Manchester, N.H.
One additional soldier was injured.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of four soldiers who were supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. They died Jan 20 in Karbala, Iraq, from wounds sustained when their patrol was ambushed while conducting dismounted operations. The soldiers were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska. link

1st Lt. Jacob N. Fritz, 25, of Verdon, Neb.
Spc. Johnathan B. Chism, 22, of Gonzales, La.
Pfc. Shawn P. Falter, 25, of Cortland, N.Y.
Pvt. Johnathon M. Millican, 20, of Trafford, Ala.

Paratrooper Casualty

A military spokesman announced Sunday that a paratrooper from Fort Richardson was killed in Iraq on Monday (January 15th).

The Pentagon identifies him as 23-year-old Specialist Jason Corbett of Casper, Wyoming. Specialist Corbett was assigned to the First Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Brigade Combat Team (airborne), 25th Infantry Division at Fort Richardson.

His mounted patrol was in Karmah battling enemy forces that were using small arms fire. Corbett's family has been notified of his death.

http://www.defenselink.mil/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=10418

Rumors of Nick's extension are false

I received an email this evening with the following message from Lt. Yaw:

All,
After President Bush’s speech on Iraq last week, you may have heard rumors circulating about our brigade’s combat tour being extended. I want you to know that there is no truth to these rumors. I’m not promising that in the future our unit will not get extended. After spending more than 15 years in the Army, and being in countless rapid deployment units, I can tell you that any unit is susceptible to an extension. However, our brigade has not received any notice to date that our deployment will be affected by President Bush’s planned troop increases.

There is a website that you can access to check on the extensions that are taking place in the Army. The website is as follows:
http://www.defenselink.mil/Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=10387

Spoke with Nick this morning

Nick called this morning (3:45 PM Baghdad) and we spoke for about 10 minutes. He received his laptop today, but hasn't had a chance to open it yet. (FYI - It took 18 days for him to get it, but he could have been out on a mission that delayed his final receipt)

He said that they have a new Commander and that when they returned to FOB Iskan from their mission last night, they had to clean all their equipment and prepare for an inspection the next morning. They spent all night preparing for the inspection. In the morning, while some of the Sgts were doing some pre-inspections, the Post at Jurf As Sahkr came under attack. Everyone had to load up the equipment and gear to leave for the Post. A few soldiers stayed behind and Nick was one of them, so he had an opportunity to call me for a few minutes.

He has heard that a lot of troops have arrived in Kuwait, on their way to Iraq (probably Baghdad). There is now word that his unit will be relocated to Baghdad. There are rumors that he may be extended until February 2008. He has said that he is really tired and hasn't been able to get much sleep last few days. They are short handed due to casualties, injuries and soldiers on R&R.

That's all I have for the moment.



Jurf As Sahkr



Area


Alternate View

Recent articles mentioning Nick's Regiment and City

Jan. 15, 2007
MND-B Soldiers receive small arms fire, detain three suspects
KALSU, Iraq – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers detained three suspected insurgents while on patrol in a town, 35 miles southwest of Baghdad Jan. 14.

Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division received small arms fire from a squad-size insurgent team while on patrol of the Jurf As Sahkr water treatment plant.

The patrol witnessed insurgents stripping a vehicle suspected for use as a potential vehicle-borne explosive device. As the insurgents flee, dispersing in different directions, the patrol received small arms fire from two nearby houses.

Three insurgents were detained and the two houses were searched. Nothing was found.

There were no injuries sustained from the incident. The detainees are being held for further questioning.
link


16-Jan-2007
Kalsu conference: Focused on provincial transition to Iraqi control
"...Lt. Col. Bo Balcavage, commander of the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th BCT (ABN), 25th Inf. Div., praised the effectiveness of the Iraqi soldiers that his unit has fought alongside near Jurf as Sakhr, a town approximately 35 miles southwest of Baghdad..."
link

Recent Articles on the Web

Iraqi Police and Paratroopers arrest two
KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi Police along with Coalition force members worked together and executed arrest warrants near Hay Al Askeri Jan. 9.

After serving the warrants on the two suspects, paratroopers of Company A, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment and the police conducted a cordon and search of the area.
article


Joint operation finds, secures improvised explosive device south of Baghdad
KALSU, Iraq – A joint operation south of the Iraqi capital uncovered an improvised explosive device near Iskandariyah, Iraq Jan. 7.

Iraqi troops working with a military transition team and paratroopers from the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, were patrolling the Fish Farm area west of Iskandariyah when they discovered the device.

Iraqi troops were contacted and recovered the IED. An explosive ordnance disposal team performed a controlled detonation at the site.
article


Paratroopers find, disable multiple-round roadside bomb south of Baghdad
Paratroopers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, discovered an improvised explosive device Dec. 24 near Jurf as Sakhr, south of the Iraqi capital.

An explosive ordnance disposal detachment was notified immediately and investigated the find. The detachment secured the rounds for controlled detonation.
article

Spoke with Nick

Just a quick note to say that I spoke with Nick for a while late Sunday / early Monday. He is back from a long mission and is doing fine. They are still looking at mid-Feb for R&R. They may be getting wireless internet soon, so maybe when he gets his new laptop in the mail, he will be able to communicate more often. He told me a few stories, but I will have to talk about them later - I'm at CES in Vegas right now and time is pretty short.

Jon and Family - Quick Pics

On my way to Vegas, I was lucky to be able to stop by and visit Jon and family in Colorado. They are all doing great and I was able to snap a couple pictures.


(click to launch)

News from another Company in Nick's Regiment

"Paratroopers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division found a large amount of rounds and propellant Jan. 2 while on patrol near Bahbahani, Iraq, approximately 30 miles south of Baghdad.

The cache consisted of 33 propellant sticks, 20 40mm mortar rounds, and three mortar training rounds.

An explosive ordnance detachment arrived and conducted a controlled detonation, destroying the munitions. "
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8788&Itemid=21

More info from Dec 20 incident

I haven't spoken to Nick since Dec 24, but I hope to hear from him sometime this week. I read a news article today on the web that has a few more details about the Dec 20 incident which resulted in one death and several injuries. The article is from the hometown newspaper of one of the soldiers injured. Below is an exerpt and a link to the article.

"Spc. Drew Ashby, a member of 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, was wounded in action [Dec 20] in Jurf Assukhr, Iraq.

Ashby’s squad was investigating an explosion when a mortar round blew up three feet behind him. Shrapnel penetrated his bulletproof vest, leaving Ashby with several wounds, including a chipped bone in his arm.

Drew was sent to Elmendorf 3rd Medical Group Hospital near Anchorage, Alaska, Dec. 28. He currently is recuperating at home at Fort Richardson, also in Anchorage."

"Another soldier in Drew’s squad was severely wounded and was in a coma in intensive care, while another soldier send to check on Ashby’s squad was killed about an hour after Drew was injured."

http://www.enidnews.com/localnews/local_story_003002907.html

Finally 2007 is Here!!

I have a Google Alert setup to send me emails with any news on the web containing "1-501", "501st" and other key words in its text. This has been very useful for me to keep track of news in Iraq related to Nick and the area he is in. However, the past month has been filled with "501st" news that had nothing to do with our 501st Brigade in Iraq. Instead, it seems there is another group called Vader's First 501st Legion (www.501st.com). These Storm Troopers were featured in this year's Tournament of Roses Parade. So for the past 30 days, I have received over 200 emails of news articles pertaining to them.

Finally, 2007 is here and the parade has come and gone.

Now if we could only get these Storm Troopers to join our 501st in Iraq - they need all the help they can get.

Article: Paratroopers provide city council security

Capt. Scott Nelson, commander, Company Apache, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, listens to one of the council representatives as he explains what the people he represents needs during the first meeting of the Jurf as Sakhr City Council. This council meeting was held at an Iraqi police station in the town of Tahirr, Iraq.
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8652&Itemid=109

Sgt Santa's Sleigh at FOB Iskan

On Christmas Eve, when I spoke with Nick, he said that some guys fixed up a track vehicle to be Santa's Sleigh and was driving it around the base. Today I found this blog on the web...

The Paratroopers of Company D, 1st “Geronimo” Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division brightened up the holidays for their fellow Geronimos with their Christmas parade entry: a humvee with antlers in place of reindeer and an armored personnel carrier as a sleigh, connected by engineer tape for reins. The award-winning float earned three Company D troops well-deserved passes for some rest and relaxation in Qatar.
http://iraqpictures.blogspot.com/

Spoke with Nick on Christmas Eve

While I was in Houston for Christmas, I was lucky to get a call from Nick. Due to unforeseen delays, he didn't go out on a mission that he was scheduled for, and so he was able to spend some time on the phone. I was out shopping at the time, but after I spoke with him a few minutes, I handed to phone to Dakota and Jill. They were able to speak with him while we drove back to Lisa's house. He still had time available and then spoke with his Grandmother and his Aunt Lisa and Gary. After that, he called and talked with his Grandfather and Nancy. We feel very fortunate that all of us got to speak with him.

We wish him to be safe this Christmas season.

DoD Identifies Army Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Spc. Scott D. Dykman, 27, of Helena, Mont., died Dec. 20 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries suffered from an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

http://www.defenselink.mil//Releases/Release.aspx?ReleaseID=10317

A Difficult Day

Yesterday was a difficult day, as some of you know. While selfish, I take a small comfort in knowing that Nick is OK. No matter how difficult my day was, I know it cannot compare to the challenges facing Nick and all of the 501st. Please take a moment to think of the men serving in the 501st and let us not forget that while we celebrate Christmas, there are some that cannot.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Apache Company of the 1-501st PIR.
(1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, A Company)

501st Related Press Releases

Here are some recent military press releases I found related to the 501st. (Nick is in A Company)

Dec. 20, 2006
Paratroopers discover large weapons cache in Hamiyah
HAMIYAH, Iraq – Iraqi Police and paratroopers from Company C, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team 25th Infantry Division, discovered a weapons cache near the Iraqi Police Station in Hamiyah, a town south of Baghdad, Dec. 19.
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8244&Itemid=21

Dec. 18, 2006
Paratroopers detain 18, secure cache at possible safe house
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Paratroopers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, detained 18 suspected insurgents and a weapons cache while searching a house near Jurf As Sakhr Dec 17.
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8199&Itemid=21

Dec. 6, 2006
...Wednesday, paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, found a bomb along a road near the village of Bahbahani, south of Baghdad. An explosive ordnance disposal team dealt with the explosive.
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7892&Itemid=109

Paratroopers find and an IED near Bahbahani
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division found an improvised explosive device (IED) along a road near the village of Bahbahani, Iraq, south of Baghdad, Tuesday. The IED was secured by an explosive ordnance disposal team.
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7818&Itemid=21

Staci Spoke to Nick

Staci spoke to Nick briefly yesterday. He was back from a 3-day mission and was leaving on another one today. He only had a couple minutes to talk and wasn't sure if he would have another chance until after the first of the year, because he has another longer mission coming up. She said he sounded pretty tired and not in a good mood. He mentioned that they had a lot of paperwork to finish up, before leaving again. He also said that he received NINE boxes in the mail and one other guy received two letters - that was all the mail for their group. Apparently, guys had to help Nick get the boxes to his room. I think Nick will be pretty popular for a while now. Many of these boxes are from Staci and friends. She has several networks of friends from the various clubs/organizations she is involved with, and they are all pulling stuff together to send to Nick's unit. Staci has a pretty impressive operation going there - maybe the USO should give her a call ;)

Nick's Christmas Plans

I spoke with Nick yesterday. He was leaving on a 3-day mission, then back at FOB for a few days. He will be leaving again on Christmas Eve for a 10+ day mission. During our holiday, please take a moment to think of all our soldiers that are unable to be with their families.

Right now, Nick is still hoping to be home sometime in February for R&R.

(I'm sorry that I have not kept up with the Blog over the past few weeks. I will be adding some previous conversations to catch up)

Staci spoke with Nick

Staci spoke with Nick today and he is OK. This was first contact in around nine days. He said he was really tired because he had been up all night helping to fix the Humvee before they had to go out on another mission. He said that they are staying very busy with missions, some of them are going to be lasting ten days at a time. He is hoping to call again in the next few days before he leaves again.

I don't have details, but I understand he was nearby when a mortar hit on their base - but he is fine. They found the two men that fired the mortar and they apparently worked at the power plant. I also heard that their Humvee was overturned on a mission recently and it took them a while to get it out of the mud - no other details on it. He mentioned that communications were shut down for a while because somthing happened, but now they are back up.

I hear that morale is not too great right now, so if everyone would send a small something for Christmas, that could help.

I hear that he will be moving to the Conex units (transformed cargo containers) in the near future, which will give him more space. (see picture here)

There is a change in the mailing address. If you send something to the old address, he will still get it, but they are asking that we begin using this new address:

PFC Nicholas Schriefer
A Company, 1-501
#40576
APO AE 09312-0576

Remembering Our Heros on Veteran's Day

Our thoughts and prayers are with our family, their brothers in arms and all those who serve.




If you can spare a moment, here are a few videos that have been compiled by other soldiers.








And a special video from Spc. Alan Burgess (I did not know this soldier, but I was moved by his pictures and video)
During the deployment of the 2/197th FA MP's to Mosul, Iraq, unit members took time out from their daily patrols to play with, aid, and make friends with the local children. Most of the videos and pictures were taken by Spc. Alan Burgess who was killed by a car bomb on October 15, 2004.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzflKJTvjlw

Nick's back at the FOB

Spoke with Nick last night and he is fine. He is back from the mission he went out on last Friday. At the moment, he won't say what all happend, but did say that there was plenty of action. I did read this article this morning though, and this city is very nearby: http://www.blackanthem.com/News/military200610_1965.shtml

Nick's camera got broken as well. He said that it was pretty amazing that the camera survived all the action of the last week, but got broke while it was in his pocket and he slept on it. So, I'm going to be buying him a new camera, this time the ruggedized model so it can hold up to Iraq abuse - and more importantly, Nick abuse!

He said that its been raining a lot there and its getting cold at night. He now has a Surefire flashlight and he said it is REALLY bright and will light up an entire room. (for anyone interested, it is the C2 Centurion)

He did tell me a story of how brave (I would say stupid) many of the Iraqi boys are - they don't seem to be afraid of the GIs at all. He said that one of the boys almost got killed because he snuck up on Nick's buddy who was manning the turret on the Humvee. The boy threw a firecracker next to the GI and when it went off, the GI swung around ready to shoot him with the 50 Cal. I think the kid was pretty lucky.

Nick said he got to take a hot shower when he got back - first bath since Friday - it felt really good.

He mentioned that many of the young Iraqi boys working in the markets speak good English.

All for now.

Nick's Address

Here is Nick's address. However, I spoke with him last night and he said that they currently don't have a mail guy - so they don't know how long mail will take at the moment. he also stressed that they don't have very much personal space, so for the moment he asked that everyone only send small amounts of stuff.

PFC NICHOLAS SCHRIEFER
A Company, 1-501
FOB Iskan
APO, AE 09312-0506

No alcohol (including mouthwash, Jack Daniels, Rock n Rye, etc).

Any fresh baked or homemade foods should be vacuum sealed and will take ten travel days to arrive.

All mail should be sent via US Postal. FedEx, UPS, etc. are not allowed. Postage for APO mail only needs to cover deliver to the APO point - somewhere on the US Eastern coast. From there, the USPS and military handle the delivery. Read more about shipping to APOs and specifics regarding Christmas shipping here.

Here are some quick notes:

• Cards and letters can just be sent regular mail with no extra postage and no special forms.
• Packages need to have PS Form 2976-A customs form attatched (see picture right)
  
• Packages must be handed in at the post office in person.
  
• It is recommended that packages be sent Priority Mail.
  
• Paying extra for tracking numbers will only support tracking up to the East coast and not the remaining trip overseas.
• Express Mail is not supported for Nick's location
• For Christmas letters and packages, Priority Mail must be shipped by 4-Dec at the latest

Free Priority Mail boxes and forms can be picked up at your local post office, or you can order a large selection of them for free here. Here are some items you might want to order and have on hand:

• Priority Mail Box Flat Rate Box-O-FRB2 (Any weight, $8.10 postage) Great for over 4 lbs
  
• Priority Mail Box Flat Rate Box-O-FRB1 (Any weight, $8.10 postage) Great for over 4 lbs
• Priority Mail Envelope (MILI-PAC)
  
• Priority Mail Address Label
• Priority Mail Sticker (12 X 2) Great for securing boxes
  
• Priority Mail Sticker (440 Sticker Roll) Great for securing boxes
• Customs Declaration and Dispatch Note (FORM 2976-A)
• Customs Form Envelope 2976E
  

There are also a large range of shapes and sizes for other Priority Mail boxes - all free. The Flat Rate boxes are great for shipping heavy stuff (if it can fit), because it costs $8.10 - no matter what. This will save you money if your package is over 4 lbs.

The USPS also has a Military Care Kit, or “Mili-kit” to make it easier for military families and friends to send care packages to their loved ones stationed overseas. Each kit contains two Priority Mail boxes, six Priority Mail Flat Rate boxes, eight Priority Mail labels, one roll of Priority Mail tape and eight customs forms with envelopes. This kit may be ordered by calling the USPS Expedited Package Supply Center at 1-800-610-8734 and requesting a Military Care Kit. There is no charge for the kit.

Reminder: Pictures of Nick in Iraq

Just a reminder - I am keeping an online album of pictures I receive while Nick is deployed. You can view them here on Snapfish.com and order any prints you like. As I receive more, I will add them.

Stories from Nick

I spoke with Nick this past Friday (3-Nov), sorry just now getting it posted. Nick is doing fine.
Here's another picture of Nick and his squad - of course there always has to be one of them with thier finger up - they can't help themselves.


In the early morning Friday, before Sunrise, a small fire started outside the FOB - they think it was unintentional. Pretty soon a palm tree caught fire and he said it was like a fireball. They were trying to look around the area with their NODS to see if there were any people around, but the fire was too intense and all they saw was white. The locals kept saying that the fire department was coming, but they never showed up - so it just burned. When I spoke with him, it was 10:30PM in Iskan and he said the fire was still smoldering. I guess that was the excitement of the day - at least what he would share. He did say that their base is under attack quite a bit, but he sluffed it off saying "they learn to ignore it".

He also told me about a guy in a row boat (homemade) paddling on the Euphrates river. The guy was having trouble because he was paddling upstream and the current was pulling him East, towards the FOB. They have orders to shoot anyone reaching the halfway point, so they kept yelling at the guy telling him to go back. He said the guy was paddling and struggling, but just couldn't overcome the current - so finally the guy jumped off the boat and swam back to the Western shore, letting his boat drift on.

Staci sent me a couple pictures that Nick took. One picture is of a bomb that exploaded during one of their missions. He said that the bomb exploded before their convoy got there. The Iraqi military discovered it and apparently detonated it unintentionally. Nick said that they tend to find what they think might be bombs and then they poke at them with sticks to see if they are real (insert your own comments here). He said when his convoy passed, he saw the soldiers getting up from the ground, dazed and walking around it.

Nick said there are dogs everywhere. When they go out on missions, he said that dogs will begin to cluster together and follow the patrol around, barking at them. This is especially dangerous at night. One of the guys was almost attacked recently. Nick said today was the first day they had hot water since he's been there - and his first bath in 4 days. He said it felt soooo good to take a hot shower.

Nick will be out of contact for the next week or so. They've implemented nighttime curfews in the area - maybe having to do with the Saddam trial, but I don't know. Nick also said that he got my letter, so the address is good. He said they now have a guy handling mail, so a bunch of guys finally got stuff. I will post his address and instructions in a seperate entry.

Story from another Alaska Soldier

I found this story from another Fort Richardson soldier named Kevin who is at FOB Iskan. I don't know if Nick knows him or not, but the story provides a small glimpse of the life.
http://blog.myspace.com/kevinthib

Here's a Pic of Nick

In the past few days, Nick has IM'd and spoken with Staci, and IM'd with me. He is using the rental computers at their communications room and apparently they have many problems. Nick is doing fine and he has sent us a picture. He says that the FOB he's at "is a shit, hole trash grows on trees and from the grass in this place". I'm thinking this is mold or something, because from what I've read, there are all kinds of hazardous waste and sewage around. I asked him if there was a lot of activity there and he said "yea this place is pretty happenin".

I read an article this week from a Texas newspaper who interviewed a soldier just returning from FOB Iskan. In the article, the soldier said, "We had heavy fighting pretty much every day." He said that in his duties, "they run combat operations, man missiles and conduct raids on suspected terrorist sites." I don't know exactly what Nick is doing though, and While this article doesn't say that the soldier was based at FOB Iskan, it does say he was based in Iskandariyah which I think is the same location. The story is available at http://thefacts.com/story.lasso?ewcd=f4f2b6ba9b36c32c

Spoke with Nick this morning

Spoke with Nick for a while this morning. He is now at his new home; FOB Iskan. FOB stands for Forward Operating Base. FOB Iskan is also known as Camp Iskandariyah. It took them a while to get there because of attacks - he said that insurgents were dropping mortars into their drop zone.

Nick says that the base is big, but very crude (he had a more colorful expression). He describes their living quarters is an old concrete one-story building with a long hall and concrete rooms on each side. There are nine guys in his room, all sleeping on cots, and he said its the size of his bedroom here at home. When they arrived, there was no power to the building and of course, no A/C. They have now bought several window A/C units and many power extension cables, running them from somewhere else. He said they now have 2 outlets for all 9 people and have to be careful how much stuff is running at once, so they don't overload it. This is somewhat ironic, since I've read that FOB Iskan surrounds a power plant that provides a third of all Iraq's power. He said that the building has a BIG mouse problem and with the rotted ceilings, the mice were literally falling from the rafters. They secured a bunch of trash bags to the ceiling to keep the mice from falling on to the floor. The buildings have tall concrete blast walls surrounding them and in between all walkways, to block shrapnel from mortars.

Nick said its a 30 minute walk to the chow hall, which is about the size of our upstairs. There is no PX - instead, you give a guy some money and a list, and they go to a PX to get it. However, there is an Iraqi market on the FOB and you can buy stuff from them (that's where they got the A/C units). Nick was most impressed by the massive selection of DVD movies. He said you can get a single DVD that has up to 4 full movies on it, all for about $3.

Nick says the area looks like an old Mexican town, with dilapidated concrete buildings, lots of palm trees and jungle type vegetation.

I have shipped a package to Nick to verify the address. He has been told that packages take about 10 days, but for some reason letters take 30 days. Nick asked me to wait on giving his address out, until we know for sure it is correct.

Nick is using an AT&T AAFES calling card when calling home. He is able to use other calling cards as well, but this card is rechargable. It costs $0.25/min to call home from Iraq. Staci has given me the calling card info so that I can recharge it for him. If anyone would like to donate money to his calling card, let me know. While I'm sure everyone would like to get calls from him, I hope you understand that he may have few opportunities to make calls. There is one building with 10 phones and 10 computers w/Internet for the whole FOB. Plus, he will be going on missions quite a bit, some lasting a week at a time.

I don't know when Nick will have opportunity to send any pictures to us, but in the meantime, I have found some pictures of FOB Iskan from someone else posted on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAqT3sUz_VM

Jon Taking On Snow

Spoke with Jon yesterday. Colorado Springs has been getting quite a bit of snow. The base was shut down because of a blizzard. Here's a picture of Phoebe in the snow.

Nick in Baghdad

Spoke with Nick for a few minutes this morning. He has landed in Baghdad, but they are currently unable to continue to their FOB (Forward Operating Base). Each of the other groups going there have come under attack by machine gun and mortar rounds, so they have suspended the rest until its taken care of. He mentioned that he saw a Humvee come through the gates ridden with bullet holes down the side and burn marks from blasts and he thought, "wonder how many missions it took to look like that".

Not in Iraq Yet...

Spoke with Nick this morning. He still hasn't left Kuwait - will be leaving anytime though. He may not go straight to his new base though. He said they may be diverted to help some other guys out on the way. More news when available.

Spoke with Nick today

I IM'd with Nick briefly early this morning, then spoke with him by phone in the afternoon. This is probably the last contact until he makes it to his new location. Nick gave me an address, but they aren't sure if its correct or not. He asked me to mail him a letter and see if he gets it, before giving it out to everyone. His computer has died, but so far he hasn't used it to access the internet - they have only been allowed to use the internet cafe and use those machines (paying a per minute charge). He has taken a couple pictures, but he said everything pretty much looks the same... sand. Plus, he hasn't figured out a way to send them successfully yet. They've been told that at some point, they should be staying in "containers" or "cans". From what I've read on the web, these are modular aluminum units with a window A/C and they have a real bed (pictured)

IM'd and spoke with Nick this morning

IM'd with Nick early this morning. This time, he had a computer with a camera so I was able to snap a few pictures (click the pic to see them all).

He is doing fine. Got his high-and-tight haircut. He said he has heard that they may be getting their mailing address soon. He's been doing a lot of running and its pretty hot. Before he left, we signed him up for Vonage service, hoping that he could use it as an Internet phone while he was gone - but he said that so far, the internet isn't good enough to use it.

He will be leaving Kuwait and going to Iraq sometime next week - not aloud to say exactly where. Anyone wanting more specifics on this, please contact me - not going to put these type of details on the Blog. But he said its going to be a location with "lots of bunnies", implying it will be all friendly and pleasant (don't believe it). One of the jobs they will be doing will be picking up trash around the towns and spray painting over the anti-government and anti-American graffiti. They will also be paying locals to do same. The idea is to make things look better so hopefully the people will feel better too. I guess this is their "hobby" job, in between fighting insurgents.

Nick said he is currently carrying an M-4, M-16 and a M-240. Seems like a pretty heavy load to me. He especially liked his M-4 because its brand new. As for the M-16, apparently they've nicknamed it "The Musket" - guess they don't like it too much. He said that he will be walking most of the time, but when in the HMMWV (Humvee), he will be one of those riding in the turret (but they switch out). He said he recently spent some time in the new HMMWVs and that they were pretty cool (literally). They have A/C and he said it has a "Pope Dome" because the turret is incased in protective glass. He is going to try and get some pics of it for me.

That's about it for now. Click on the pic and see the various snaps I got from the IM session.

-Tavis

Pictures during Nick's visit in September

I finally got these pictures posted on to SnapFish. These are the pictures that were taken while Nick was here on leave, prior to shipping out to Kuwait. Pictures include:

• A small party we had for Nick, with family and few friends
• Dinner at Babe's with Stacy's family - We told the waitress it was Nick's Birthday, hence the chicken on the head
• Nick showing off his new uniform
  
  Click on the picture to see the album
  

Nick in Kuwait

I spoke with Nick this morning (6AM my time, 2PM his time). He has arrived at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Kuwait. He said that he arrived in early morning and the sun was just rising - the air was dry and the perfect temp. Then the afternoon came and it was much hotter, but he said its still not too bad - sort of like at the beach, but no water. On the drive to the base, all you could see was sand in all directions, then an area with bright lights appeared - this was their destination.

Nick said the base has some of the best chow he's had, plus they have all types of restaurants there; Taco Bell, Baskin Robins, even a Panda Express type restaurant. And to top it off, the PX (Post Exchange, like a Military WalMart) had Monster Drinks -- YEA!! It sounds like he would rather be stationed in Kuwait than in Alaska ;)

After they got off the plane, they all loaded on to a nice big bus and headed through the desert to the base. They made a stop along the way for everyone to get out and stretch their legs, and get some water / Gatoraide. Nick stepped off the bus and looked around - sand everywhere - and got back on the bus to continue playing is PSP (Personal Sony PlayStation) game. The bus driver, a Kuwaiti, came up to him with a water bottle and made hand-gestures asking if he could cut the top of the bottle with a knife to make a glass. Nick pulls out his knife and waits for the bus driver to hand him the bottle. The driver wants to take the knife and do it himself. Nick said they stood there for a moment and he thought, "Oh, HELL no". So he took the bottle from the guy and cut the top off, then gave it back to the driver. Nick said, "We were the only two on the boss, don't know who the Hell this is, I'm not going to hand him my knife!".

They will be in Kuwait for 3-4 weeks doing additional training, so we will probably here from him again. He is using a calling card to call us ($0.21/min) and he can get on a computer with internet access for $5/hr. If anyone is interested in purchasing pre-paid calling cards for Nick, the cheapest I found for calling from Kuwait / Iraq is the AT&T AAFES card (https://thor.aafes.com/scs/default.aspx).

Jonathan's address and pictures

Jonathan's new address at Fort Carson:

SPC Jonathan Schriefer
5901C Heurtgen Forest Rd.
Fort Carson, CO 80913

Pictures of Jonathan and Stephanie's wedding (click)



http://www1.snapfish.com/share/p=40071160243305365/l=213059424/g=9664036/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

Starting back up the Blog

Well, its been a while, but now time to start the Blog back up. The last time I typed here was in January 2006 - Nick was stationed in Alaska and Jon was safely back at home, living in Irving, TX. Time seems to have gone by fast.

Jonathan has transferred from the Texas National Guard to active duty US Army, and is now stationed at Fort Carson in Colarodo Springs, CO. (http://www.carson.army.mil/). Jon is happily married to Stephanie and has a 2 year old daughter, Phoebe.

Nicholas has just been deployed to Iraq and shipped out from Alaska today. Nick is engaged to Staci McAdams and they plan to marry after he returns in about 15 months.

So, there's the 60-second update. Now its time to keep up with this thing again, so that others can stay up-to-date with the happen'ns.

For those that are new to my blog, I invite you to read through the history of the boys. I started the blog in January 2005 and followed Jon through his tour in Iraq, and Nick through his boot camp, training and first duty station in Alaska. When possible, I put links in the blog to pictures, so that if anyone wants to get copies, they can pretty easy. I invite any feedback or suggestions to make the blog better and please feel free to add your own comments to the blog entries.

-Tavis

Volcano Augustine in Alaska

Volcano Augustine began to erupt on 11-JAN about 175 miles from Anchorage.

Augustine is on a small uninhabited island in the Cook Inlet, off the inland coast near Anchorage, across from the Mud Flats.

Current webcam pictures and seismic activity can be seen at http://www.avo.alaska.edu/activity/Augustine.php

Here is a link to the satelite view of the volcano and surounding area (Google Maps)
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&q=59.364508,+-153.433136+(Volcano+Augustine)&btnG=Search&t=k&ll=59.368543,-153.435402&spn=0.102158,0.309677&t=h

Jon's Homecoming

Here are pictures from Jon's homecoming at Baylor University's stadium 10-DEC-2005. There is a video as well, but I don't have it ready yet - will let you know. (click on the picture to see the album)

WELCOM BACK JONATHAN !!!

Jonathan in the USA

Jonathan called. He has landed in Maine and should be arriving in Ft. Hood around 8:30AM.

WELCOME HOME !!!

Texas National Guard Homecoming - 10 December

Below is the press release for the homecoming in Waco. At this moment, I do not know if Jon will be back in country by then. He left me a voicemail on 4 Dec and said he would not be able to speak with me for a couple days. My assumption is that he has not yet reached Kuwait. Will update when I know more.

-Tavis


Welcome Home Ceremony Dec. 10 for 56th Brigade
Nov. 28, 2005

Media: See important contact information below.

Baylor media contact: Lori Fogleman (254) 710-6275 or mobile (254) 709-5959


For more on the Jan. 1, 2005, sendoff ceremony, please click on this link.


Soldiers of the 56th Brigade Combat Team will receive their official welcome home at Baylor University's Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 10, starting at 2:00 p.m.

While the return of some units and rear detachments of the 56th BCT may be delayed until after Dec. 10, members of main body can anticipate reunion with their families and the demonstrated appreciation of a crowd that may exceed 30,000 well-wishers.

Approximately 3,000 soldiers comprise the brigade, which is part of the Texas National Guard's 36th Infantry Division. Although headquartered in Fort Worth, brigade members come from all regions of Texas.

They will be returning to the same site where family, friends and community said good-bye to them Jan. 1. The brigade was mobilized for Operation Iraqi Freedom Aug. 15, 2004, and trained during the months leading up to their deployment. Following the Dec. 10 event, the soldiers will demobilize and return to their homes, families and civilian jobs.

"The men and women of the 56th Brigade Combat Team have made a significant contribution to the Global War on Terrorism, and now it is time for them to resume their lives in the civilian world," said Maj. Gen. Charles G. Rodriguez, Adjutant General of Texas, who commands the state's military forces. "We will be happy to have them back home in Texas. We know their friends and family will cherish their return home -- a very special holiday homecoming."

Among the returning soldiers are 29 who at the time of deployment were not American citizens yet, but who loved their chosen country so much that they decided to serve it. Also on Dec. 10, they will be sworn in as American citizens by U.S. District Judge Walter Smith Jr., and will stand together with their fellow citizens to receive thanks from their fellow Americans.

The 56th Brigade Combat Team consists of the following units:


•Abilene - Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 111th Engineer Battalion; Company A, 111th Engineer Battalion;
•Amarillo - Company A, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry;
•Arlington - Company B, 2nd Battalion, 112th Armor;
•Big Spring - Detachment 1, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry;
•Brady - Company C, 3rd Battalion, 112th Armor;
•Brownwood - 3rd Battalion, 112th Armor; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 112th Armor;
•Coleman - Detachment 1, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 112th Armor;
•Denton - Company A, 2nd Battalion, 112th Armor;•El Paso - 3rd Battalion, 133rd Field Artillery;
•Fort Worth - Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 56th Brigade; H Troop, 124th Cavalry; Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 112th Armor;
•Irving - Company C, 111th Engineer Battalion;
•Lubbock - Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion (Mechanized), 142nd Infantry;
•Midland - Company C, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry;
•Mineral Wells - Company B, 111th Engineer Battalion;
•Odessa - Battery B, 3rd Battalion, 133rd Field Artillery;
•Pampa - Detachment 1, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry;
•Plainview - Detachment 1, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry;
•San Angelo - Company A, 3rd Battalion, 112th Armor;
•Snyder - Detachment 1, Company A, 111th Engineer Battalion;
•Stephenville - Company B, 3rd Battalion, 112th Armor;
•Weatherford - Company C, 2nd Battalion, 112th Armor;
•Wellington - Company B, 2nd Battalion, 142nd Infantry.


In addition, individuals from other units throughout Texas - although not their entire units, were deployed as members of the 56th Brigade Combat Team.


Baylor campus map: http://www.baylor.edu/map/

Stadium Seating/gate chart: http://graphics.fansonly.com/photos/schools/bay/sports/m-foo
tbl/auto_pdf/floyd-caseyseatingchart.pdf

Driving directions to Floyd Casey Stadium: http://baylorbears.collegesports.com/trads/bay-findingstadiu
m.html


Media Information

News media representatives are invited to cover the official welcome ceremony for members of the Texas National Guard 56th Brigade Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division, who deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom on Jan. 1, 2005, and will officially be welcomed back Dec. 10, 2005.

The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. at Baylor University's Floyd Casey Stadium in Waco, Texas. Access the venue from Interstate Highway 35 by exiting Valley Mills Drive east to the stadium. Please be at the stadium no later than 11:30 a.m. to avoid traffic jams. Public Affairs representatives will meet media at the designated visitors' parking lot.

The press box will be made available for print media.

Information Regarding Jonathan's Return

Below is a link to the 56th Brigade Combat Team website. Once you are on this page, click on [CMDR's "DEMOB" PLAN] on the left side of the page for a letter from the Commander.

56 Brigade Combat Team

Great article on the rebuilding efforts - Kevin Sites in the Hot Zone From Yahoo! News

I read this article this morning along with some of the feedback given by readers. I think its very well written and points to the good we are doing in Iraq. Almost everything we see in media is the bad that's going on, because for whatever reason, the media thinks thats what we want to know about.

Kevin Sites in the Hot Zone From Yahoo! News