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| A-1-8 Chapter of the 4th Infantry Division |
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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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With the close ties between 4ID and 1st Cav families, I will include this article from today's Killeen Daily Herald 4-7-04:
1st Cav commander describes Baghdad fighting
By Debbie Stevenson
Killeen Daily Herald
Two days after a fierce fight claimed the lives of seven Fort Hood soldiers, order has been restored in Sadr City, Baghdad's largest Shiite neighborhood, and the families of the fallen 1st Cavalry Division soldiers have been notified of their deaths.
"We are in control of that section of Sadr City," said Maj. Gen. Pete Chiarelli, the 1st Cavalry's commander, in an exclusive interview with the Killeen Daily Herald on Tuesday via telephone from Baghdad.
"There is complete freedom of movement in Sadr City, and our soldiers are continuing the mission," he said.
Sunday's fight, the fiercest of the Iraqi post-war era, erupted after 1st Cavalry soldiers, on a routine patrol, spotted armed Shiite militiamen guarding a building in violation of regulations implemented by the U.S.-led coalition, Chiarelli said.
"It was a normal patrol, kind of like the one they had done the day before," Chiarelli said. "The soldiers approached them and told them what they were doing was illegal, and a firefight ensued."
The Iraqis fired on the soldiers from rooftops and behind buildings, Chiarelli said. Realizing there were more militia in the area, the 1st Cavalry soldiers attempted to leave the area but were ambushed at a makeshift road block.
Under attack from small-arms fire, automatic rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, Chiarelli said the soldiers called for reinforcements.
"A quick reaction force was launched to come in and extricate them. The team came down a parallel route where they, too, ran into another roadblock, where a second firefight ensued," Chiarelli said.
"Additional forces were committed to the fight," Chiarelli said. "The fight lasted fairly intensely for about three to four hours."
The troops took back police stations abandoned by Iraqi police, Chiarelli said. When it was over, seven 1st Cavalry and one 1st Armored Division soldiers were killed. Another 49 Fort Hood soldiers were wounded.
"The al-Mahdi Army set up a very, very intricate ambush in an area they were familiar with, but they paid a price," said Chiarelli of the private militia formed by Muqtada al-Sadr, a Shiite cleric who has urged Iraqis in recent weeks to oust U.S. forces from Iraq.
"We paid a price, but they continue to do so," Chiarelli said. "I will tell you a large number of the enemy were either killed or wounded. We captured 17."
The 1st Cavalry is scheduled to take over control of Baghdad from the 1st Armored troops on Thursday. The troops who were involved in the firefight were among the 1st Cavalry's first arrivals earlier this year.
Chiarelli emphasized that the battle's outcome and the heavy toll paid by his division were not caused by the troops' recent arrival in the Iraqi capital. The dynamics would have been the same had it been against 1st Armored troops who have been there 11 months, he said.
"It was a real, real tough fight," Chiarelli said. "The soldiers have handled themselves absolutely magnificently.
"We have great soldiers doing their mission the way they were trained to do their mission and great leaders," Chiarelli said. "I ran into a second lieutenant who was wounded in the leg. The next morning, he went back down into Sadr City. He was not going to stay at the medical station. He went right back down with his soldiers."
Handling a large number of wounded, Chiarelli said the division's medical teams, doctors and mechanics "did a phenomenal job" supporting the unit involved in the attack.
Several of the wounded were treated for minor shrapnel wounds and returned to duty, Chiarelli said.
"There will be a lot of soldiers who probably will be showing up at Fort Hood or BAMC (Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio) where they will receive medical care and convalescent leave," Chiarelli said.
In a separate incident Monday, Chiarelli confirmed the death of another 1st Cavalry soldier.
Chiarelli said that as of Tuesday, the families of the division's eight casualties had been notified. He could not confirm if all the families of the wounded had been contacted.
Information about the unit and the soldiers' identities will be withheld until those families are notified, Chiarelli said.
Despite continued unrest Tuesday that spread to four other Iraqi cities and Fallujah, the scene of a gruesome attack on four U.S. civilians a week ago, Chiarelli insisted the violence is isolated.
"We believe this is a small faction. By no means is it an uprising of the people," Chiarelli said.
"We had Iraqis on two separate occasions who offered their cars and a bus to assist us in evacuating the wounded," he said.
Contact Debbie Stevenson at deborah@kdhnews.com
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>From CentCom News Release on 4-6-04:
TWELVE DETAINED IN RAID
TIKRIT, Iraq - 1st Infantry Division soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery conducted a raid near Baqubah April 6 at about 4:45 a.m. to capture the leader and members of a insurgent cell.
The soldiers detained 12 individuals, including the leader of the insurgents, suspected of conducting attacks against Coalition forces using improvised explosive devices.
The individuals were transported to a Coalition detention facility.
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>From Killeen Daily Herald 4-6-04:
Soldier, dad tells whole story of war through photos
By Wendy Gragg
Killeen Daily Herald
>From explosions to anti-aircraft bunkers to stolen moments of sleep — Sgt. Jorge Uribe's photos tell the story of his time spent in Iraq, a story he shared Monday with several classes at Fowler Elementary School.
The captions and images in his PowerPoint presentation elicited "oohh"s and "whoah"s from the students, as Uribe, of the 4th Infantry Division's C Company, 299 Engineer Battalion, described life at his home away from home in the Middle East.
Uribe's sons Kevin Fuller and Joshua Uribe, both Fowler students, originally asked their dad to come speak to their support groups at school. His story was a huge hit, and he has been sharing it with the rest of the school since.
His presentation goes beyond headlines, war and weapons and shows people and experiences.
"This is what it's really like," Uribe said.
Some of his photos of places and friends almost had a vacation photo feel, but Uribe's words portrayed the seriousness of the situation.
"Each time, mission after mission, we were always grateful to come back home safe," read Uribe's caption to a picture of the abandoned palace he lived in for half a year.
He spoke of always wearing his gear to stay safe and searching the roads for explosives. His young audience especially responded to the photo of an explosion destroying found ammunition. Uribe explained to them about anti-aircraft bunkers and pointed out a picture of a homemade gun that was found.
"It's pretty sad when people like this, who are so smart, only use their knowledge to hurt other people," he told the children.
Uribe also showed pictures that he thought sent an important message to the students, a message that all Iraqi aren't bad. One photo showed a hungry Iraqi child running with meals she had been given by soldiers. Another shot was an American soldier posing with Iraqi soldiers.
"It's showing that there are people out there that are willing to work with us," Uribe said.
And then there were photos that earned giggles from the crowded cafeteria. They were of soldiers taking naps, soldiers with messy hair and soldiers singing when they got the word they were going home.
Uribe's wife, Tanya Uribe, said her husband's pictures, including the more light-hearted, helped calm her fears when he showed them to her on his mid-tour visit.
"The news just shows the bad stuff," she said. "He came home and showed us the sentimental side of Iraq."
A show of hands at the presentation told of a large amount of children with loved ones still or recently deployed and the support groups at Fowler Elementary have grown in number from seven to 10.
Uribe said he hopes the children take away a little familiarity with the situation in Iraq and understand that it's getting better. And for those children with parents who have just deployed, he hopes his words and pictures can put them at ease.
Fowler counselor Nancy Hoxworth said Uribe's presentation is beneficial to all the students, because it fits perfectly with character education and opens doors to conversation of virtues like citizenship, responsibility and generosity. And Uribe's story may especially strike a note with the children of deployed parents.
"We don't want to paint this rosy picture of the war," she said. "At the same time, we want the kids to have an idea why the adults in their life are making this decision and why what they are doing is so important."
Contact Wendy Gragg at wgragg@kdhnews.com
(Editor's note: I strongly believe in the value of what SGT Uribe is doing. Now is an excellent time for our recently returned veterans to share their experiences with school children, civic groups, churches, and other groups to tell the real and positive stories that the press never carries. Just this week I signed up for my annual visit to talk about my Vietnam experiences to 8th grade students at a local middle school. There is no better way for them to learn about our military and the great benefits that they have because of our military than from the vets who have fought our wars - same applies to many adult audiences. And you can dispel some of the myths that they hear from the press. That's a great and productive use of your time and the pictures you took in Iraq).
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Ironhorse University has Begun:
Bob, The additional training for our Soldiers will be centralized at two sites - Ft Hood and Ft Carson. All Soldiers receive Reintegration Training beginning in Iraq and Kuwait. It continues when they arrive back to their home station or DEMOB site. As a test for the Army, Active duty TF Ironhorse Soldiers from Ft Hood and Ft Carson will receive some additional training. We are trying to determine the validity and usefulness of such additional training. It is called Ironhorse University and it starts today at Ft Hood. DIVARTY Soldiers are the first in the chute this week. Striker
University starts on 26 April at Ft Carson, briefing attached. If Reserve Component units want to participate they are permitted and we will get them scheduled. We have requests for material and we are working to get them on the WEB for Soldier use. Registration continues with Raider Brigade today here at Ft Hood.
Our POC is MAJ Judy Price in Division G3.
V/r COL Dan Shanahan
Spouses are encouraged to attend!
Ironhorse Family Reintegration Program (IFRP)
Affectionately known as "Ironhorse University"
Training Designed to help Soldiers and families communicate, understand change, cope and experience emotional well-being.
IFRP is serving units organic to 4ID and units that served as part of Task Force Ironhorse.
Registration began March 31
Classes run April 5 - May 14
For more information contact your unit chain of command.
CURRENT REGISTRATION SCHEDULE:
4th Infantry Division
* DIVARTY 31 March, 1 April
* 1st BDE 2, 5 April
* HHC, 4ID 6 April
* 4th BDE 7, 8 April
* DISCOM 13, 14 April
* 2nd BDE 15, 16 April
* 64th CSG 19 April
* 720 MP 20 April
* Make-up TBD
Fort Carson education, very similar to that offered at Fort Hood, is called Striker University. It is a three week program from 26 April to 13 May designed to prepare soldiers for some of the challenges they will deal with the coming months. The program is comprised of eight separate classes being given in 16 blocks a day. Spouses are encouraged to attend. Details are available through your unit chain of command. As more details become available, I will include them in future updates.
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Clarification on R&R leave reimbursement policy
At the Town Hall Meeting at Fort Hood, an issue concerning payment for travel during R&R leave was discussed. A question had been received on air on who pays for R&R leave travel.
Congress recently made changes to R&R leave travel payment and reimbursement only for soldiers serving in Opertions Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom as follows:
1. R&R leave travel is now paid for by the U.S. Government to the airport closest to the soldier's leave point.
2. Soldiers who paid out of pocket for authorized R&R travel since 19 December 2003 can submit for reimbursement for the cost of travel to the airport closest to the soldier's leave point.
Soldiers who paid out of pocket for R&R travel should hold onto their receipts. Congress is currently considering allowing reimbursement for out of pocket R&R travel expenses prior to 19 December 2003. A Notice will be publicized if this is approved.
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Some More 4ID Facts:
The 4ID had four Medal of Honor recipients in WWII and eleven Medal of Honor recipients in Vietnam. All of these great Americans are honored on the Wall of Honor outside the 4ID Museum at Fort Hood, adjacent to Cameron Field. Be sure to visit the Wall of Honor while at Fort Hood.
The new 4ID/TF Ironhorse Iraq Memorial is located between Cameron Field and the Wall of Honor at Fort Hood and will be in place by the April 22 Welcome Home Ceremony (if all goes as planned).
The 4ID (HQ) has been stationed at:
WWI = Camp Greene, NC, France, Germany (occupation duty)
WWII = Fort Benning, GA; Camp (now Fort) Gordon, GA; Fort Dix, NJ; Camp Gordon Johnston, FL; Camp Jackson, SC;
France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Camp Butner, NC
Cold War = Fort Ord, CA; Fort Benning, GA; Germany (Cold War occupation duty); Fort Lewis, WA
Vietnam = Pleiku; An Khe
Post Vietnam Cold War = Fort Carson, CO
War on Terror = Fort Hood, TX; Sunni Triangle, Iraq
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59 Years Ago Today - 4ID in Germany:
6 April 1945 - D+305
An enemy front line could not be clearly defined. CT 8 cleared the enemy from the area between Wurzburg, Kitzingen and the Main river. CT 12 and 22 advanced to the south against small scattered pockets of enemy resistance.
The 4th Infantry Division continued the attack, conducting mopping up operations in the left portion of the Division's zone of action, while attacking to the south with the 12th and 22nd Infantry Regiments abreast in the direction of Bad Mergentheim. Prior to the close of the period, the high ground overlooking the town had been secured by the 22nd Infantry Regiment.
The 8th Infantry continued mopping up operations within the zone of action north of Ochsenfurt.
The 12th Infantry continued the attack beginning at 0630 when the 2nd Battalion moved out followed by the 3rd Battalion. Progress was continuous throughout the period against only scattered opposition. By nightfall the 2nd Battalion had advanced five kilometers and cleared Hassau. The 3rd Battalion reached Harthausen with elements reaching Helzbronn.
The 22nd Infantry continued the advance to the south. Prior to the close of the period, the leading elements of the 3rd Battalion had cleared the enemy from Edelfigen. The 2nd Battalion advanced against only light opposition and by 2300, two companies had secured the high ground overlooking the town of Bad Mergentheim from the north. The 1st Battalion mopped up the areas between the attacking battalions.
7 April 1945 - D+306
Enemy front lines remained fluid. The towns of Merkelsheim, Weikersheim, Rotteingen and Bieberehren were believed to be enemy strong points. In CT 8's sector, the enemy remained entirely defensive. In CT 12's sector, the enemy was stubbornly defending the south flank of the Tauber river. In CT 22's sector the enemy was holding the hill southwest of Igersheim from well dug in positions. Between 2015 and 2100 seven JU 88 strafed the Division sector and three of them were shot down by our AA artillery.
The 8th Infantry continued mopping up operations.
The 12th Infantry initiated a coordinated attack at 0700 with the 1st and the 3rd Battalions abreast. Scattered enemy resistance was encountered throughout the day from a well intrenched enemy employing small arms and mortar fire. At the close of the period, the two battalions were along the Tauber river. The small towns of Igersheim, Schaftersheim, Tauberrettersheim and Rottingen were occupied while patrols reported the towns of Wierkersheim and Bieberehren to be strongly defended.
The 22nd Infantry attacked with its 2nd and 3rd Battalions. At an early hour, the 3rd Battalion occupied the town of Bad Mergentheim with only little resistance reported and during the afternoon continued its advance. The 1st Battalion remained in the vicinity of Gerlachsheim in division reserve.
Thanks to Philippe Cornil at www.revive-it.com.
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What Our Families Are Hearing From Our Soldiers in Iraq:
1) Another one from 3-23: The day finally came....my son (B Co, 64 FSB, Fort Carson) is HOME! I left Ohio on Saturday and he returned to Fort Carson on Sunday. I can't begin to tell you how the homecoming touched me. It's very hard to explain to someone that wasn't there the exact feeling that ran through my heart. First of all, my son’s commander's wife called me every few hours from the time I arrived in Colorado Springs to keep me updated on the arrival of the aircraft that would bring my son and his company home. When the call finally came on Sunday that the plane had landed....I was like a new daddy and I ran in circles for about 5 minutes before I could even get my bearing! Our family (from Ohio and Oklahoma) arrived at the Special Activities Center at about 1:00 pm to wait for the celebration. Starting around 2:00, the post Command Sergeant Major started making announcements as to what to expect when the buses arrived. He told us that when we seen the back doors close...the buses were there. At approximately 2:30, the doors closed and the crowd (approximately 1,000) went wild. I thought the roof would blow off! About 15 minutes later...those same doors opened and the crowd went absolutely crazy when 296 soldiers stormed into the facility in perfect formation to the blaring music of Toby Keith! There wasn't a dry eye in the crowd (and of course, I was bawling like a baby). We had flags, signs, and matching t-shirts with my son’s picture on them. After the playing of the National Anthem and the Army Song, one of the post dignitaries had a few words to say and then he released the soldiers to join their families. Oh my goodness, you can only imagine the reaction to that order - ha! I stood tall in the bleachers searching for my son but of course couldn't see anything through the tears of joy. Then I realized my mom had spotted him because she jumped from the stands and went running. I was so crazy with excitement that I just froze and started crying even harder while yelling his name over and over again. At that point, I saw him and I nearly killed myself running down the stairs! Once I reached him I couldn't let go...it was the most unbelievable feeling I've ever had. With the exception of the day my babies were born, I have never felt the way I did at that moment....PROUD, HAPPY, and THANKFUL! After we made our way back to the hotel and my son had time to shower and change into "real clothes"...he told us that whenever those "back" doors opened and they entered into the facility that at least 95% of the soldiers were fighting back the tears of joy themselves. He said it took everything he had to maintain "military bearing". He said the sight of so many people and the "proud" feelings being generated by so many was almost more than he could handle. We took pictures and even filmed the entire event but they will never show anyone what actually happened on that day. Of course, I was saddened by the fact that SO many young soldiers returned and had nobody there to greet them. It was so sad to watch them walk away with nobody by their side. I returned from Colorado today and will sleep soundly tonight (for the first time in a year) knowing my son, my hero, is home safely. However, before I do go to sleep, I'll say yet another prayer for those still in harms way. God Bless our military!!!
2) My husband arrived back from Iraq in time to go to the races at the Texas Motor Speedway this weekend. We were sitting in the stands Sunday for the start of the Nextel Cup Samsung 500. They were doing an Army tribute. Then after it was completed, they introduced MG Raymond T. Odierno, and the crowd applauded. Needless to say, it was overwhelming to see that kind of response and to have complete strangers coming up to my husband thanking him for his service to this country. Governor Rick Perry was there and rooting for Bobby Labonte, but Elliott Sadler won.
3) Our soldier is home! He came in Wednesday at Ft. Sill at appox. 1800. We got to see him march across the pavement to the hanger where everyone was waiting. He was the tallest in the first row and easy to locate amongst his peers. It is still hard to identify all the emotions we felt and feel. Of course we were so proud of him and he looked wonderful. He had gotten a tan and he had put back some of the weight he had lost during the summer months. I thought he looked just perfect! I am very surprised at how well he has adjusted to date. He is actually sleeping through the night and with the exception of a slight cold he appears to be healthy. He is much more mature, but not "old" like I was afraid he would seem. He has reconnected with everyone in the family including his two cats and though I suspect there will be some readjustment problems, for now it is just wonderful having him home. He has already suggested he will be returning to Iraq after a period of time. He believes it is his job and his responsibility to do so.
4) Hello Bob, I am sorry to be this long in sharing the return of my Grandson with the 16 Signal BN to Ft Hood and what an exciting welcome he received!! We had received a most welcome phone call from a wonderful Lady with FRG, she let us know that my grandson would arrive at Ft Hood the next day, March 23rd, at approx. 8 PM. At 3AM on the 23rd we received a call from him saying he was in Ireland and on his way home. The next call was from Bangor, Maine - I received the call and he was so overwhelmed, excited and happy. He said they were surrounded by Veterans from all the wars, who were shaking their hands, hugging them, offering them cell phones to call home, and asking what they could do for them. What a special memory he will carry through life of his welcome by so many hero's from the military family that he is now a part of. Now for his welcome to Ft Hood. As I wrote in a past newsletter, that due to caring for Mother who is 89 YRS old, I was not able to be there to greet him but three wonderful ladies met him for me. They so graciously did this out of the goodness of their Hearts. I will be indebted forever to them - what a Grand Job they did! They met him when he ran into the Gym, with a banner with his name on it. The Colonel's Wife presented him with the huge Balloon Bouquet I bought for him, and the other ladies took pictures for me and sent them shortly after so I could see his face and share in this wonderful homecoming. The Angel Ladies walk around Ft Hood. My thanks to them for caring and making a precious memory for our hero and his family. Bob, thank you for making this possible - your newsletter was how I found the Ladies. .... the updates helped me keep going knowing how many were sharing the same emotions I was every day. ... I continue to read the letter every day. My love and prayers go out to all the families who won't be greeting their soldiers in this life. I cry and grieve for each lost Hero! My prayers will continue until all our Hero's come home.... My prayers for each Soldier and their families will continue. Thank You, Grandma in Seattle
5) I returned home last night after spending the weekend at Ft. Hood. I was there Friday in Starker Gym to welcome home my boyfriend who is a part of the HHC 64th CSG. It was definitely a day that I will not forget. They were getting everyone pumped up about seeing their soldier. The first plane full of soldiers came in, and then left. We were then told that our soldiers were on the next plane. It had just started to rain when their buses were enroute, but no one cared about getting wet. It's hard to describe the feeling of seeing those soldiers run into that gym. ... I also want to say thanks to all the military families. Over the past year and especially this weekend I have gained a deeper respect for you and all you do for our country. Most of all I want to thank God for keeping them safe and will continue to pray for those who have just left. God Bless!
6) Bob, I know most of the 4th ID and the support units are home and we feel a sense of relief now, but I want to remind everyone we still have troops in danger. After the news the past few days I plea with the families to pray, pray, pray for the troops now in harms way and their family members. Just because ours are home we must not forget those still serving our country. As we have said the past year the war is not over until they all come home. (Amen, couldn't agree with you more).
7) My husband is still in Kuwait. The Army has taught me a valuable lesson of not to expect anything; many times over. I had always envisioned a joyful reunion with our buddies all around us, smiling and happy. Though it may not happen the way we want or the way we expect, I know that it is having him here that is and will be most important. It is also a reminder that we are still at war, duty calls at all times of the day still. Let us all give thanks that we are Americans.
8) Just wanted to thank you for your continued updates and to let you know that my husband arrived a couple days earlier than originally scheduled, thanks to all the hard work of the Soldiers from 704th that stayed with him to prepare vehicles and take them to port. They busted their rears to get the job done earlier than anyone expected they could, HOOAH!!! He came in at 0430 on 30 March. Our family was blessed that our soldier did not leave with the first group from 4ID that went out from Ft Hood. He was rear detachment NCOIC (hating life and wishing he was with his troops). Then Dec. 12th he got a call at work that he was leaving on Dec. 20th, five days before Christmas. Well, as you can imagine, there was no Christmas spirit in our house, just lots of praying. I know we were fortunate that he went over for the last three months instead of the entire time but his mission there was as a Convoy Commander making runs on the Sunni Triangle so believe me in his three months there he went through as much as many of the others did. All the Soldiers whether they were there a few weeks, a few months or a year or more deserve the utmost respect and admiration - as do their families who are fighting this conflict with them. We, the family, are the backbone of the military (they always say it's the NCO and that's true enough but we are right up there with them). Our story may be similar to many others but just wanted to share that my father-in-law had been in the Korean War and had lost his leg from a mine. When he found out his only son was going into a war zone he was very upset yet at the same time proud. We helped to fly him and my husbands step-mother out for 4 days from Idaho. They went back 3 days before my husband left....... I thank God that he is home in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!!! I will continue to pray for all those who are still there, including our coalition forces, those yet to deploy and the family members and friends of these brave men and women who have given us all another reason to be a PROUD AMERICAN!!!!
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