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| A-1-8 Chapter of the 4th Infantry Division |
Active Unit News
Bob Babcock - "Deeds not Words"
President, Americans Remembered, Inc. - http://www.americansremembered.org
President, 22nd Inf Regt Society - http://www.22ndinfantry.org
Past President/Historian - Nat'l 4th Inf Div Assn - http://www.4thinfantry.org
babcock224@aol.com
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>From a CentCom news release dated 2-17-04:
4TH INFANTRY OPERATIONS FOR THE PAST 24 HOURS
TIKRIT, IRAQ - Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment captured two individuals suspected of attacking Coalition forces with rocket propelled grenades Sunday morning. The soldiers located and confiscated three AK-47 assault rifles and one bolt-action rifle.
A quick-reaction force from 3rd Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment responded to a rocket attack on a forward operating base. The soldiers went to the enemy firing position and found five rocket-propelled grenades, an electrical firing mechanism, four long tubes and one 120 mm rocket casing with batteries connected to the tubes. They also discovered two firing positions for tubes that were dug in with aiming stakes using the water tower on the FOB for reference. The patrol encountered a local man who had been in the area at the time of the attack, and he agreed to show them where he thought one of the attackers lived. The soldiers did not find the attacker at the identified house, but they did discover a second firing position that had five modified brackets for firing rockets. The brackets appeared to have been recently emplaced, and there was evidence that rockets had been fired from the position. The soldiers destroyed all the make-shift firing equipment.
An Iraqi citizen led a patrol from 555th Engineer Group to a location northwest of Duluiyah, where it found a 107 mm rocket set to detonate as an improvised explosive device. The soldiers also located three 120 mm rockets , one of which was wired for detonation. Other items confiscated included 11 blasting caps, one drum of AK-47 ammunition and a small amount of artillery powder. An explosive ordinance disposal team disarmed the IEDs and scheduled them for destruction.
Soldiers from C Company, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division captured eight individuals, five of whom are suspected of being members of the Fedayeen, northwest of Kirkuk. The captured individuals are suspected of involvement in attacks on the airbase in Kirkuk. Soldiers located and confiscated one AK-47 assault rifle, one musket and documents from the former Ba'ath party.
In another incident 19 kilometers west of Kirkuk, soldiers from 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment of the 25th Infantry Division located and confiscated a weapons cache of 100 81 mm mortar rounds. The munitions are scheduled for destruction.
In a palm grove outside of the village of Mukisa, soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment discovered and confiscated one container of artillery propellant, one roll of detonation cord, one grenade, two blasting caps and nine magazines filled with 7.62mm ammunition.
Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment killed an attacker after he fired an automatic weapon at them from an adjacent rooftop while they were searching a house they had just raided in Muqdadiyah. They returned fire in response to the attack. The soldiers searched an additional two houses and detained three enemy known to be selling weapons. Soldiers confiscated four AK-47s and one shotgun in the raids.
An unmanned observation aircraft identified three individuals loitering approximately 15 kilometers north of Ba'qubah in a palm grove previously used by the enemy to fire mortars at Forward Operating Base Warhorse. The three individuals were joined by seven other men and began to emplace what appeared to be a rocket or mortar. An AH-64 Apache helicopter sent to investigate at approximately 8:50 p.m. observed the individuals attempting to flee. 2nd Brigade Combat Team artillery fired at the location, killing at least one enemy. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment went to the site and found one complete 120 mm mortar system, one mortar base plate and one 120 mm mortar round. The remains of the attacker were turned over to Iraqi police. Soldiers are assessing whether there were additional casualties.
(Thanks to 4ID PAO for providing these updates on actions to Central Command for us to read).
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More T-Shirts Available
>From the people who brought us the "I Hate Sand and Camels" T-shirts, they now have a new selection. Here is what they have to say:
T's To Go, Inc.- had several requests for a new 4 ID "Welcome Home "shirt...so we added it along with a few others. "Tanks! for our Freedom" , " Need a Lift", "Any Questions?"... Youth sizes also available!\ -All for $5 plus shipping - www.TsToGo.com
Owned and Operated by: The T Room, Ft. Hood, Texas
Home of the Free Because of the BRAVE!
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Change of Locations for 299 ENGR and 1-66 AR Family Briefings:
299 Engr Bn is meeting this Friday, FEB. 20th at 6:30 pm at 4th ID Memorial Chapel. If it's not too much trouble, would you please put this out tomorrow, since so many family members read the daily report? We do have some family members traveling from out of town and I don't want them to be confused.
1-66 Armor has changed our place for our redeployment briefing. We have sent an email out to all of our FRG leaders - but just in case someone never gets the info, I would hate for them to miss out on all of the great information, refreshments and door prizes. . .here's the particulars:
1-66 Armor Battalion (Iron Knights)
FEB 19th at 1830
Commanche Chapel on post
More from 1-66 Armor: Many Thanks! By the way, we are starting to make the welcome home baskets for each of our single soldiers. It will be waiting for them in their clean room that has their beds already made. We are also fortunate enough to provide each single soldier with some very extra special goodies. The rear detachment has been working on the barracks and they are getting closer to completion. I would like to thank our rear detachment (1-66 AR BN). We are truly blessed to have such a great team and I can't say enough good things about them, they are amazing. I remember joking around that it was like they were married to 500 wives. Who in their right mind would want to take that on? Day in and day out, through craziness and tears you guys toughed it out. So a big HOOAH to you, the Rear Detachment.... (Amen, the rear detachments of most units have done great jobs and are to be saluted).
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59 Years Ago Today - 4ID in Germany:
18 February 1945 - D+258
Information was received from G 1 VIII Corps, requesting names of officers who desired to take infantry training or to attend a refresher course in infantry tactics at training camps. A negative report was submitted. (This is the funniest item I've seen yet in the After Action Report. Don't think they needed the extra training after what they'd been through for 258 days).
Light harassing and interdictory shelling by the enemy continued.
Each combat battalion sent a combat patrol out as a diversion from the attack of the 90th Infantry Division.
A new boundary between the 4th Infantry Division and the 90th Infantry Division became effective at 2000 and there was also a shifting of regimental boundaries due to the new right division boundary.
Thanks to Philippe Cornil at www.revive-it.com.
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) I received the best Valentine on Saturday, an email from my son. He is with the Fightin 5th out of Fort Leonard Wood. He made it safely to Kuwait, and is expecting to return home within 30 days. I can’t tell you what a relief it was to hear. The worst thing he has to face right now is having his wisdom tooth pulled over here! I know with God's blessing this war will come to end but this WAR is not over until our last soldier is home.
2) I attended the 4 ID advance party’s homecoming yesterday. It was such an emotional experience. Knowing that my husband (HHC, 1-67 AR) will not be home until the very end, I struggled with being happy for those home and sad that I still had a month to wait. But only a month! What’s one more, right? He told me in my latest email that they are packing up as we speak. I also got to meet two of his fellow “death dealers” that came home with the advon. It was really great to meet them and talk with them knowing that they just saw my husband a few days ago. Going to the event was so exciting, because they are really coming home!! I suggest to anyone who can to attend the homecoming ceremonies. We should support everyone that comes home and it is truly an experience like no other.
3) Our son is coming home to Ft. Carson next month. Ironically we, being a Texas family live by Ft. Hood. We are proud of all of the 4th ID soldiers. We have missed our son and are so happy he will be with us soon. He has been in Samarra with the 3/29 FA. His Army time is up in May and what an amazing three years it has been!
4) For the first time during this deploymentmy husband was able to Instant Message me Valentine's evening! I was so excited. Unfortunately, he only had 5 minutes left before his time was up. But it was wonderful to "talk" to him in real time. And even more of a surprise, he was able to get to a phone shortly after that and call. He said the lines had been horrible all day. Our connection was worse than it's been in several months but we were just so happy to hear each other's voices that it really didn't matter. As usual he expressed excitement about coming home soon and that "it can't get here soon enough" for him. He said things have been pretty calm there although they are on their guard for anything that may be wrong just in case. He was sad that he'll be missing his daughter's birthday in two days but at least he'll be home to celebrate it a few weeks late. Bob, I also wanted to mention -- a lot of units are doing fundraisers to raise money for welcome home celebrations for the soldiers and special touches for the single soldiers. Please, everyone, consider buying that trinket, magnet, banner, or another item being sold, because it is really going to make a difference to those soldiers. This money isn't just wasted away - we want to make this homecoming for 4th ID the best ever. These guys deserve it!
5) We wanted to thank the family of the 1-10 Cav in Military Intel and the A/1-12 IN, which we read about who volunteered to travel to Kuwait to be of assisstance for the process back to the U.S.A. Our Daughter is NE of Balad, welding and getting vehicles safe to convoy to Kuwait. Our prayers are for their safe return. Our prayers are also for peace and strength for the family and friends of Josh Knowles, we
extend our deepest sympathy. Proud Parents of a 204th Soldier.
6) Thank you for putting the information about the Iraqi 4ID memorial in your update. I definitely want to contribute to that. After reading about it I started to cry knowing that I will visit it and the impact of seeing the plaques of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Though it's just stone and metal, those memorials are so important to all of us, especially the soldiers. I was with my father the first time he was able to visit the "Wall" in Washington, D.C. and it was a sobering experience to see his reaction as he searched for the names of his fallen friends. This memorial will be the same to our husbands and sons and is just as important.....With that said, I heard from my husband the other morning and he sounded very excited about redeploying so soon. He said he was given a "no later than" date for his departure from Kuwait, so his spirits were up. We were almost giddy making our plans of having 2 weeks ALONE in Texas while my in-laws watch our kids. God bless the troops from the 1st Cav. who are just beginning their journey and God bless all our weary, but strong guys and gals from the 4th ID!!!
7) I spoke with my husband (C Co., 299 Eng) yesterday morning. He sounded upbeat and ready to head back home, which he is hearing will be soon. He mentioned that the satellite was out on their regular phones, so they had driven somewhere else to call. He's only been back in Iraq for just over a week since his R and R, and yet he's preparing to redeploy. He talked about how strange it was to return to Kuwait and convoy back up through Iraq to Tikrit after having spent two weeks here feeling so safe. He said that going back through a second time was much more disheartening just because at least the first time everything was new and unknown to him, this time he knew perfectly well what he was going back into. He's very thankful he doesn't have much longer to go until he's home for good, and so am I (of course). This was his first deployment since he enlisted and it has been a long, hard process for him and I. You know ... working full time, being both parents, being solely responsible for maintaining our household and finances, and walking around with constant underlying panic for the man I love and knowing whatever I am going through he's got it worse times ten in the life he is living. I now have more respect then ever for 'seasoned' military wives. But had we been given a choice you better bet he'd have gone just the same. I think the pro's outweigh the con's in the long run, and I am so proud of him (and all of our soldiers) for being a part of this.
8) One reason for less contributions is, for some of our troops the well of ink in their hearts has run dry. Though we do correspond by e-mail, details are scarce if at all. It is mainly, the expressing of deep and intimate feelings. And our responses mainly, from the promises of God. War leaves no one unchanged. Ten months back we said it then. All I could say to those with loved ones just now deploying, keep your alter moistened with tears; and your Bible close at hand -- I've come to cherish the Living Bible rendition. Latch on to those promises with bulldog like tenacity. (1/8 IN)
9) Just a quick note to let you know my son, 173rd ABN BDE and Liaison Officer with the 4thID, has made it to Kuwait safely. He is working long hours to get the soldiers in his unit home. As such, he’s one of the soldiers who will be last to leave but at least he’s in friendly territory. It’s been a very long year but one which has been an awakening to me and many I know, one of faith, pride, patriotism, and one of appreciation for the sacrifices our soldiers and their families give for our freedom. How can we not give all we can to support our military?
10) You have posted wonderful information about the soldiers' return to Ft. Hood, the meetings for families, etc. Just wondering whether we can get more information about Ft. Carson. I am the mother of a soldier so of course, wouldn't be able to attend any redeployment meetings, but thought it might be helpful to others who are in the Ft. Carson area. I guess I am just so anxious for any news, even if it doesn't really apply to me. I'm so happy for those whose soldiers have already returned and can't wait to read homecoming stories!! I have to keep a box of kleenex close to my computer! Thanks so much for your help and all your work to keep us informed. (Editor's Note: I will do my best to get more redeployment information for Fort Carson, Fort Sill, Fort Lewis, Fort Leonard Wood - all our redeployment places around the country. I have great contacts at Fort Hood that I count on, not as many to feed me info from other locations. I'll keep looking).
11) I have had the best 2 weeks of my life. My husband who is with Discom has been able to chat with me every day in the past 2 weeks. Even though he will be home soon it sure does a heart good to be able to chat with him. You are right about letting the Soldier decide on who is to be there at the homecoming. My in-laws and I do not get along at all and I really did not want them there but I am putting my differences aside for a day and letting them be there. It is what my husband wants, and what he wants he gets. It is important to let things go for the sake of the soldier. Even though the spouses have been thru a lot, the soldiers have been thru more than any of us would ever understand. It is very important to understand that they as well as you will not be the same. Like you said before Bob, EVERYTHING changes. May God Bless all the soldiers coming and going and keep them safe till they can all be home safe and sound.
12) Just thought I'd let you & the 4th Infantry families know that my soldier (1133rd Transportation Company based out of Mason City, Iowa); said they deliver things for virtually everyone over in Iraq, and that he was just 100 ft. away from the attack the other day that was aimed at the General in Fallujah & there were a couple other times of fire fighting in that area that day also. He said the ones shooting at them couldn't hit the ground if they were aiming at it - we just hope that holds true until everyone is home safe. We really need to keep praying for all of our transport units to remain safe since everyone rides with them to where they need to be - even if
it's their final trip to the airport to come back to the U.S., 4th I.D. soldiers included.
P.S. The funeral for Spc. Josh Knowles from our unit was last weekend & just wanted to offer my condolences one last time. It was hard being there but have an even greater respect for all of those who are in the service protecting MY freedom.
13) Today is my husband's birthday. Our three children and I plan on meeting him this afternoon on webcam to sing Happy Birthday to him with a chocolate cake in front of the camera. All at one time, we will blow out the candles together; which I am sure our 18 month old will get a kick out of. We are all getting anxious for his return to Ft. Hood in the upcoming month. We still do not have a date, but we do plan to celebrate his return with family by our side. I did ask him how he felt about family being there for his return. He welcomes anyone who is willing to be there. We have planned to rent several hotel rooms for the family and friends who come see him. I could never exclude his family or mine who have been extremely supportive during the entire deployment. I have offered our spare rooms to them, but they have insisted they will stay in a hotel nearby so we can be a family in our own house and they will see us at the gym (return location) and for a bite to eat. After that, they were going to leave us for family time. I am thankful to hear that the advanced party arrived safely at Ft Hood and I pray for the safe return of all of our 4ID soliers. Thank you for the continuous updates Bob, as I too have days of tears streaming down my face. The one silk rose story was very touching. Despite what all our soldiers are doing over there, they have time to think of us. Godspeed to all of them! 1-4 AVN BN
14) I have just recently got online so I could communicate with my son a little more often. I got a call from him today at work and he said he would be back at Ft. Hood (soon). He is really looking forward to being back on American soil. His dad and I would love to be there when his airplane lands, but I don't know if that is possible. We live in Indiana so I am not sure we will have enough notice in time to drive to Ft. Hood. He is stationed with the 46 CHEM CO in Taji. We are so proud of all the soldiers and will continue to pray for them.
15) Hi Bob!!! I couldn't help but smile, the story about your grandson and his good introduction. I, like your self, always mention that the 4ID captured Saddam when I talk about my boyfriend. And I don't believe it's an obsession, it's just that the pride and honor shines right through. I'm sure that's what your grandson notices....My boyfriend is with the 1-22 Scouts and communication right now is kinda hitting a dry moment. I did get an email on the 13th and he just apologized for not being here on Valentines Day. That was the least of my worries. While my friends were excited about getting candy, flowers, stuffed animals, I was excited for my EMAIL from him. To me that's far more important right now because I know he's fine and doing good. But like most I'm just anxious to get the news on exact dates for them to come home. I know we still have 40 some odd days but its good to see those numbers decrease. Let's just keep our soldiers in our prayers and SOON enough they will be home!!!!!
16) We heard from our son (1/12 IN 3rd BCT) on Sunday, 2/15/04. Each time the phone rings my heart stops...... I don't want to say too much because as you say, "Loose lips sink ships." My husband, having retired from the Navy, understands exactly what that means. Our son sounds well and my heart fills with pride so much it brings tears to my eyes, not only for him but for all our military. I have been reading all your updates and things you are saying about the redeployment. It all sounds good but I'm with the mom and dad that say nothing will keep them away. He is my only son and talking with his wife and him they have no problem with me coming out for a couple of days. I understand though that they will need their time so I'll only be staying a few days after his return, long enough to really know that he is home and safe. Also wanted to mention that at first our son said not to worry about coming to see him, though deep down he wanted us there (we found that out later from his wife because he felt it would be too much money - so I say read between the lines when they tell you not to come and, like I said, a pack of wild horses couldn't keep me away)....... I still have to pinch myself to realize that it will only be a few more weeks and he'll be home..... Each time I hear of another soldier dying my heart hurts for those families and our prayers are with them. Please continue to pray for our military even after your son or daughter comes home. As a mom, I know what other moms are feeling. May God keep the path safe as they start their journey home, Godspeed to all and above all God Bless America!
17) My son is with the 173rd ABN BDE and I don't have much news, but the little I have is GREAT!!! The 173rd is on their way outta there - yippee!!!! Back to Italy and then (hopefully soon), the good old USA.
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Families Share R&R Moments:
1) I would like to share our family’s R&R moments with you and all the great 4th ID supporters out there. My husband (4th ID, HHC, Div Surg Sec) finally had the opportunity to come home for his R&R in January. It was a bittersweet reunion because, yes, he was home to be with the kids and me, but then he had to leave and go back to a very dangerous place. On a happier note, we had the best moments during those two weeks. Nobody knew he was coming home, except for me. It was all planned out so our two children can have this wonderful surprise. I was elated when I first saw him come through the airport door. It has been 9 whole months since I last saw him. My first thoughts were, “Wow! It’s really my husband.” I wanted to cry, but all I could do was smile the whole time we were hugging each other. It seemed like the longest hug we had ever. It felt wonderful to be in his arms again. I listened while he spoke about his flight home. I sensed he was not ready to talk about anything else, so I did not push him. When we finally arrived home, I asked him to go up to the door and ring the bell. He did and the children opened the door with the biggest smiles on their faces. The dual chorus of “Daddy” was heard throughout our whole block. Then, all the hugs and kisses came. It was a beautiful sight! The whole two weeks was a great family affair. We spent most of the time just sitting around or playing with the kids, having a picnic in the backyard, visiting family, and even getting sick together. The first week went by slow, but then the second seemed to be lightning-fast. But the joy it brought my husband, my children, and me is forever etched in our hearts and memories. I am very thankful that my husband was given the opportunity to come home to be with his family. I could not have asked for more. Thank you for letting me share!
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Redeployment Tips:
1) I have one more redeployment tip. Don't expect your loved one to tell you everything about where he has been and what he has done and what he has felt. My husband is a Korean and Vietnam Vet, and I am still, 50+ years later, hearing some of his experiences for the first time. Most of the experiences that I have learned about, he was not telling to me, I heard him telling other male friends. Now that we are 70+ I am just beginning to hear about some of his feelings while he was in those Godawful places. (Editor's Note: A WWII wife told me the same thing after she looked at the videotape I gave them after interviewing him for the Veterans History Project - she had never heard most of what he told me in the interview).
2) Here at Carson we see a lot of news about 3rd ACR and very little about 4th ID in the local media. It does get discouraging at times. Over the past almost year, I've had many wives call me up in tears wondering why people here around Colorado Springs don't acknowledge the soldiers in 4th ID.... I guess what I'm trying to say is don't get discouraged by the lack of 4th ID news in our local media. Over the next few weeks we will more than likely see a lot of 3rd ACR news - don't let it get to
you. We as families know what our loved ones in 4th ID have done and been through. That is what is important. Not who gets the headlines in Colorado
Springs.
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And we'll wrap up today's update with this note from a reader: "I took my 4 year old, with infant in tow, to get his haircut over the weekend. While we were there a Soldier asked me how old my baby was and I told him 8 months. He told me that his wife was due in a couple months, but that he would be leaving before then to head to Iraq. I told him how my husband had left 2 months before our son was born and wasn't able to come home for R&R to meet him and they would meet in the Gym the day he returns. ..... We talked a little longer until he had to go and as he was leaving I told him to stay safe and that I would pray for him. He said to me, "Thank you and thank you for all that you have sacrificed and done for us so we may go off to war. God Bless You." I couldn't believe that this Soldier was thanking ME as he was about to go off to war!! I stood up, tears POURING down, and gave him a hug and told him 'NO, Thank You for what you are doing. God Bless you and Godspeed". After we finally let go of each other I looked around to see that there wasn't a dry eye in that Barber Shop as that Soldier left. My 4 year old broke the silence with his wondering out loud if the lady was going to finish HIS haircut which helped us all to dry our eyes and carry on. Our Soldiers are truly amazing. Not only do they fight for our freedom and for the world, but even as they head off to war, they thank us... They thank us when it is US who could never be able to pay THEM back for what they have given and done. I didn't get his name or unit, but he is in my prayers every night! GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIERS, OUR VETS, and THANK YOU FOR WHAT YOU DO, WILL DO, AND HAVE DONE!!!"
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