Paratroopers Capture Cell Leader

KALSU, Iraq – Task Force Geronimo paratroopers captured a cell leader responsible for conducting rocket and improvised explosive device attacks in Iskandariyah, July 9, near Mussayyib.

Paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, conducted a raid on the man’s house and arrested him without incident. The man was responsible for conducting attacks against the residents and security forces of Iskandariyah.

The cell leader is being held for further questioning.
http://www.dvidshub.net/index.php?script=news/news_show.php&id=11219

driFIRE Shirts - UPDATE

Here is a quick update on the contributions for the driFIRE shirts. So far we have received $683 towards our goal of $2784. I also hear that additional contributions are on the way. Thank you so much for everyone's help on this and we hope to achieve our goal soon.

Details about the driFIRE Shirt Contributions

Article: Troops’ Focus, Motivation Remains Rock-Solid, Says Senior Enlisted Advisor

While the buzz at home centers on benchmarks measuring progress in Iraq, troops on the ground are focusing on their mission and what they’re accomplishing, a senior enlisted advisor said today.
Army Command Sgt. Maj. Bernie Knight said via conference call from Iraq he seldom hears his soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division’s 4th Brigade Combat Team talk on a big scale about whether “we are going to win this thing or not win this thing.”

Rather, he said, they’re looking at their own slice of the action – in their case, security operations in Iskandariyah – and focusing on the changes they’re making there.

“North Babil (province) has changed quite a bit in the past eight months we have been here. It’s a tribute to what the men are doing,” Knight said of his Fort Richardson, Alaska-based troops. “I think they are motivated to try to see the difference here, and get (the Iraqis) to do it on their own.” ...

Read the entire article

UPDATED: Two Al-Qaeda Militants Captured in Jurf al-Sakhr

2 Captured During Operation Geronimo Strike III
4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division

KALSU, Iraq – Paratroopers from Strike Force Geronimo detained two suspected al-Qaida insurgents during an air assault and raid, July 10, northwest of Iskandariyah.

Paratroopers from Company A, 3rd Battalion, 509th Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division conducted Operation Geronimo Strike III in order to capture members of an al-Qaida cell wanted in connection with the kidnapping of three American Soldiers and other attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces.

“Tonight, we conducted an air assault into the Jurf As Sukr area looking for two high level targets - some of the guys involved in the missing Soldiers incident,” said Capt. Matthew Gregory, commander of Company A and a Charlotte, N.C., native. “This is an area that coalition forces had not been to in a little while. This shows them we have the ability to get in places they thought they were safe and get them where they live.”

In addition to capturing the cell members, the operation netted two AK-47 assault rifles, eight fully loaded magazines, two hand grenades and a ski mask.

“Going after the worst of the worst is what Operation Geronimo Strike was designed to do,” said 1st Lt. John Lafferty, a platoon leader with Company A, from Valdese, N.C. “There are guys who are on the fence, and when they hear we’re capturing their leadership, we have a better chance of stabilizing the government and legitimizing the security forces here.”

The insurgents are being held for further questioning.

The weapons and ammunition were confiscated for use in the investigation.

Picture Caption: 1st Lt. John Lafferty, a platoon leader with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 509th Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division searches the inside of a target house during Operation Geronimo Strike III.

http://www.dvidshub.net/index.php?script=news/news_show.php&id=11239

Contribution request for Nick's Platoon - driFIRE Shirts

UPDATED 24-July

10-July

Everyone,

People have been great at sending care packages to Nick's unit, and they really appreciate it. I don't like asking people for money, but I think this is worth it and I can't do it alone.

I am asking for contributions to send driFIRE shirts to Nick's platoon in Iraq. The 3rd Platoon, Alpha Company, 1-501st PIR can benefit substantially from our help. Right now, temperatures in Iraq are reaching 120 degrees and more, and it isn't the hottest part of the year yet.

While some of the soldiers already have moisture wicking undershirts like Under Armor and others, these shirts can be harmful in case of an incident. If exposed to fire or extreme heat, these shirts can melt to the skin and increase the injury to the soldier.

driFIRE shirts are fire retardant. Additionally, they are reported to perform better and cooling soldiers down than the other brands. I was introduced to driFIRE shirts thanks to Jay C., a father of another soldier in Iraq. Jay was succesful in pulling contributions together to provide 180 shirts to his son's Company in the 425th. He was fortunate to get coverage in their local newspaper. Please read their story:
http://www.fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2007/062007/06192007/293392

More info about driFIRE shirts are available here: www.driFIRE.com

We are able to get these shirts for $24 each including shipping. My goal is to receive $2784 in contributions ASAP to cover shirts for all the soldiers in Nick's platoon (4 shirts each for 29 soldiers).

Please help by contributing some money towards this cause. 100% of the money received will be used for these shirts. If you have any questions, please contact me at 501stSoldierFund@gmail.com.

If you would like to send a check, please make it payable to:
501st Soldier Fund
PO Box 116955
Carrollton, TX 75011

You can also make your contribution by credit card securely through PayPal by clicking on the "donate" button below:

Thanks,
Tavis

Article: OP Geronimo Strike Finds AL Qaeda Safe Houses

UPDATED

A paratrooper with Company B, 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, searches the area outside one of the al-Qaida safe houses discovered during Operation Geronimo Strike.
Link


KALSU, Iraq - Paratroopers discovered, then destroyed, three al Qaeda safe houses during an early-morning raid near Jurf As Sukhr July 3.

Operation Geronimo Strike, conducted to prevent anti-Iraqi operations and attacks, was an air assault raid on Kalsu's Fish Farms area.

Company B, 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division Paratroopers discovered several houses used by al Qaeda to meet, train and hide weapons.

"Tonight we did an air assault raid into an area used by the insurgency. Basically, we did a search on what we thought were safe houses for terrorists," said Capt. Charles Canon, Company B commander.

While the Paratroopers were searching the area, they discovered two houses filled with weapons and explosives. A third house was booby trapped.

"In one of the buildings, we found an IED in the process of being made, we found a terrorist safe house, and in a third building, we found a bunch of propaganda and materials, CDs, and some cameras and things like that," continued the Orlando, Fla., native. "It definitely seemed like a propaganda publishing house, or something of that sort."

Because one of the houses was also booby trapped, the commander called in AH-64 Apache helicopters to destroy the three buildings. Paratroopers found two anti-aircraft rounds in a fourth house, which was not destroyed.

With the area searched and the safe houses destroyed, the Paratroopers returned to Forward Operating Base Kalsu.

"This was our first company air assault in this sector. I think we did a very good job," Canon said. "The aviation, the (tactical operations center) and the men of Blackfoot did a great job and the mission went very well."

Link

Information about Jurf as Sakhr

This morning, I read an interesting article that describes Jurf, the area and the polotics. Keep in mind that the article is one year old and refers to the the First Battalion, 67th Armor, based at Fort Hood, TX. These are the soldiers that Nick's unit, 1-501st PIR, replaced late last year. I wonder just how different a follow-up article would be if the same reporter went back now.

Excerpts

"...Jurf as-Sakhr, also known as Jurf, is 40 miles south of Baghdad. It is a community of crumbly dirt farms and dilapidated weapons factories and boys selling fluffy white chickens alongside the road. It sits right on a sectarian fault line that in the past few months has cracked wide open..."

"...The battalion returned to Iraq in December 2005 and is now thinly spread over 2,700 square miles between Iskandariya to the north and Karbala to the south. Because of all the insurgent activity, the military includes this area in what it refers to as the Triangle of Death.

One of the hottest spots is Jurf, once home to lush date plantations, a Scud missile testing site and the Medina Division of Saddam Hussein's Republican Guard. After the invasion, Jurf, with its concentration of former officers, Baathists, weapons experts and leaders of the powerful Janabi tribe, predictably festered, becoming a terrorist sanctuary.

Just south of Jurf is Hamiya, a mostly Shiite farming town that never enjoyed Jurf's whiff of privilege. While Jurf farmers drove tractors, Hamiya farmers swung hoes, and in an atmosphere of rising sectarian tensions, these deep-seated class rivalries eventually exploded. South of Hamiya are the almost purely Shiite towns of Musayyib and Sedda..."

Full Article

Joint raid captures insurgents in Jurf As Sakhr

Iraqi Army and Coalition Soldiers conducted a joint raid and captured two insurgents in Jurf As Sakhr, Saturday night.

Iraqi Army soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 4th Brigade, 8th Iraqi army division conducted the raid, while Paratroopers with the 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division provided a cordon and security for the soldiers.

The men were wanted in connection with attacks against the local Iraqi Security Forces in the area.

After the arrests were made, the Iraqi army turned over the detainees to the Iraqi Police for further questioning and to await trial.
Link

Pro Ballers Hoop It Up At FOB Iskan

Three men, averaging 7 feet in height, stood out among the Solders at Forward Operating Base Iskandariyah June 15.

Shawn Bradley from the Dallas Mavericks, Thurl Bailey from the Utah Jazz, and Greg Minor from the Boston Celtics, visited the Geronimos of 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, during their “Hoops for Troops” tour of Iraq

“We came out to here to have some fun with everyone and to let you know that we support everything you all are doing, and that everyone we talk to supports you as well,” Thurl Bailey said, addressing Soldiers in the Morale, Welfare and Recreation facility.

Full Article

A Moment of Silence

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the soldiers and families of the 25th Infantry. Please take a moment of silence for SGT Trista Moretti.

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

Sgt. Trista L. Moretti, 27, of South Plainfield, N.J., died June 25 in Nasir Lafitah, Iraq, when her unit was attacked by insurgents using indirect fire. She was assigned to the 425th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=11063

SGT Trista Moretti died in Iraq on June 25th, 2007, from an indirect rocket (mortar, rocket, etc) attack in the vicinity of the village of Nasir Laftah southeast of Iskandariyah in Babil Province. "I got a horrible phone call early this morning from someone I used to work with. A friend of mine, who was stationed in Iraq, was killed yesterday in her sleep when her trailer was hit.
http://blogunta.blogspot.com/2007/06/very-bad-day-today.html

Interview on CNN with another Fort Richardson Soldier

Spc. Townsend describes the incident when their Humvee hit an IED in Baghdad. I'm not sure when this occured, but it is a recent story on CNN. I don't know what unit he is with, only that he is from Fort Richardson and he appears to have a 25th Infantry patch on his arm.

click to play

Spoke with Jonathan

Yesterday I spoke with Jonathan. He is enjoying the family life and the Army life too. Jon is moving to a "line company", meaning he will be back in a unit for the Combat Engineering job he's been trained for. He is going to be a squad leader, so guess its time to dish out some to others ;)

Jon goes in today for oral surgery on all four of his wisdom teeth - I guess life won't be that great afterall, at least the next couple of days.

Geronimo Newsletter Now Available

Today we recieved the June issue of the Geronimo Newsletter. This is the monthly newsletter for the 1-501st PIR. I will not be posting it on the blog. If you would like a copy, email me and I will send it to you. (tavis.schriefer@gmail.com)

Article: In Iraq, it's a honeymoon with differences

Stephen and Tiffany Brock, who met at Fort Richardson, are spending their honeymoon year of marriage on the U.S. Army's dime.

"An all-expenses paid honeymoon to the Middle East," jokes Stephen, a private first class with Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 377th Parachute Field Artillery at Forward Operating Base Iskan south of Baghdad.

Stephen and Tiffany -- who is also a private first class -- were married in September before shipping out to Iraq. Because of available housing and support from their commanders, they are living and serving together at war.

Full Article

Spoke with Nick

Spoke with Nick for a while yesterday morning. He is doing alright. Says its been very active around there. He has a new weapon to add to his inventory now - a Javeline. I recall he trained with this before he deployed - so now has a chance to use it. In case you haven't seen it before, see the video below.

Nick will be doing some training in the near future, then back again to the normal schedule.

Here are some items Nick could use:
- "D" batteries for his fan
- Sunflower seeds (He likes the Planters bags that zip closed). He goes through pretty fast.
- Kool-Aid or Chrystal Light packets (the single serving type that you can add to a bottl of water). He said that with no refrig, the water is pretty hot and this makes it easier to drink.

I found a soft-sided electric cooler on the web (link) that might make things a little easier for the guys when they are at Jurf. Its portable so they can fold it down and pack it in the Humvee and wouldn't require ice (which they don't have out there). The downside is its $60 each and just one may not be enough.

All for now... Tavis

Nick - Target Practice

Here is a quick video from last January.

Flag Day -- June 14, 2007

The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as 'Flag Birthday'. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as 'Flag Birthday', or 'Flag Day'.

http://www.usflag.org/history/flagday.html

Octavian - Quick Video

Here's a quick video from Jon of his son, Octavian.

Article: Warring factions see common enemy in U.S. troops

Once quiet area of Mussayid, Iraq, heats up as insurgents flee ‘surge’ in Baghdad
By Teri Weaver, Stars and Stripes
Mideast edition, Tuesday, June 12, 2007

MUSSAYID, Iraq — Word went out among soldiers patrolling this small city just east of the Euphrates River they had lost the one soldier they thought they’d never lose.

Sgt. Bruce E. Horner, 43, was the one who always said hello, who always made time for fellowship, the one — along with his wife, Erin — who hosted cookouts for his unit, the 127th Military Police Company out of Baumholder, Germany.

Horner was a victim of an upsurge of violence in Mussayid, a small Shiite city that lies at a crossroads of sectarian violence, militia soldiers and coalition forces south of Baghdad. He was shot by small-arms fire while on a mission to find three Fort Drum-based soldiers who went missing in early May after an early-morning ambush south of Baghdad.

The military police unit works alongside the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, and when the regiment first arrived in the area last fall, the mood was quiet...
Full article

Article: Operation Brutus nabs six

Paratroopers from 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division and Iraqi army soldiers wait to load onto a UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter Monday at a landing zone on Forward Operating Base Iskandariyah, Iraq. The paratroopers and IA are part of Operation Brutus an air assault mission targeted for the area of Jurf as Sakhr, Iraq.
Full Article

Article from Stars and Stripes

Problems stacked against Iraqi power plant
Soldiers conduct security and share compound with crippled electric works


FORWARD OPERATING BASE ISKANDARIYAH, Iraq — The struggle for power throughout Iraq motivates militias and crowds morgues. But as this U.S. military-controlled base on the Euphrates River south of Baghdad has found, the struggle for power can create a tiny oasis. The Musayyib Power Plant sits in the midst of the home of the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment at Iskandariyah...
Full article

Pictures of Jon at the Explosives Demo Range

Here's a few pics of Jon when he was out at the demo range recently. (Fort Carson, CO)

Click to view all

Short List from Nick

The last time I spoke with Nick, He gave me a list of items that he and his buddies could really use - in case someone is interested in sending any stuff.

• Sunflower seeds (regular salted version, not hulled)
• Fans (This kind works great, because it is rechargeable and battery / AC powered. At Wal-Mart stores, theres a smaller version that works even better.)
• Super Soakers and water balloons.
  

He said that they enjoyed an escape from the norm by getting into a water gun / balloon fight with other soldiers on the FOB. In 110+ temperatures, this can really help out. He said that the Super Soakers that take ice are great and they do have access to ice.

IM'd with Nick

I IM'd with Nick for a few minutes today. He is doing OK. He said that he has not been involved with the search because they are already fully tasked.

Remembering the heros of the 1-501st

Video for the 1-501st

Thanks to Jay Chamberlain and his son for this video.

Pictures from Jonathan

Jonathan has uploaded pictures of Phoebe and Octavian to his Snapfish account. Take a look here.

A Moment of Silence

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the soldiers and families of the 1-501st. Please take a moment of silence for Cpl. Ryan Collins.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Cpl. Ryan D. Collins, 20, of Vernon, Texas, died May 19, in Hamiyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire May 18. The circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation. Collins 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=10909

A Chopper Shield - Popular Science Invention Awards

Maybe I'm working on the wrong inventions. This Chopper Shield could have promise. -Tavis

INVENTION AWARDS - A Chopper Shield
Firing massive Kevlar and steel nets at inbound rocket-propelled grenades could save helicopters in combat New Jersey inventor Richard Glasson thinks he can stop [RPG] attacks. He’s designed the first-ever anti-RPG system for aircraft: a volley of nets that catch the grenades before they hit. Glasson was inspired by Mark Bowden’s best seller Black Hawk Down, which recounts the 1993 killing of 18 U.S. soldiers in Somalia after an RPG brought down their chopper. “I couldn’t believe that such a low-tech weapon could take down a several-million-dollar aircraft,” he says. “That’s a spectacular outcome for a 40-year-old technology.”
Full Article

(UPDATED) Confusion About the Mahmudiyah Incident

I read this compilation today and felt it might be of interest. Keep in mind that all of this occurred just a few miles from where Nick was. I have heard that Nick is OK and that the 501st was not involved with the incident itself. I don't know if they are part of the 4,000 troop search team, but would assume so.

*** Updated info available here: Update on the Mahmudiyah Incident ***


The recent attack on a US patrol west of Mahmudiyah, in which four US soldiers and an Iraqi interpreter was killed and three more soldiers were apparently captured by Iraqi Al Qaeda, is garnering quite a bit of press these days. The attack took place in a region called the Triangle of Death south of Baghdad. What do we know for sure...
Read Robert Lindsay's blog

1-501st Geronimo T-shirts for sale

I received an email from the Family Rediness Group. They have 1-501st Geronimo T-shirts for sale. The shirts have the logos of all six (6) Companies on the front and the battalion symbol on the back. If you are interested in ordering any of these shirts, let me know quickly. Deadline for all orders is June 15, 2007. Let me know type, size, color and qty.

(No colored trim around collar or sleeves like the sample)

Long sleeve $22 - black, grey or white

Short sleeve $15 - black, grey, or white

Youth short sleeve $12 - black, grey, or white

Size: S M L XL / KS KM KL

Please add $4 to ship to each address or no charge if picked up in Anchorage area.

Nick OK

Just a quick note... I spoke with Staci yesterday. She said Nick is doing OK.

Our Thoughts Are With Additional Families

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the soldiers and families of the 1-501st. Please take a moment of silence for Spc. Matthew T. Bolar, 1st Lt. Colby Umbrell and two additional soldiers were seriously injured.

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Spc. Matthew T. Bolar, 24, of Montgomery, Ala., died May 3 in Baghdad, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat operations. Bolar was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=10828


The Department of Defense announced today the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1st Lt. Colby J. Umbrell, 26, of Doylestown, Pa., died May 3 in Musayyib, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.
http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=10828

Moment of Silence

Please take a moment of silence for Sgt Hullender. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the soldiers and families of the 1-501st.

The Department of Defense announced Monday the death of a soldier who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sergeant Michael R. Hullender, 29-years-old, of Little Falls, N.J., died April 28, in Iskandariyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his unit during combat patrol operations. Hullender was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 501st Airborne Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Richardson, Alaska.

http://www.ktva.com/topstory/ci_5788060
http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=10810

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