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