Charlie Company

Uncasing Ceremony Photos October 2010

2010-11-10T10:50:00.001-08:00

June 2010 - Update

2010-07-11T07:54:00.000-07:00

Group of Iraqi girls looking "pretty as a picture."

Saying "hi"

First Platoon conducted a Village Medical Operation in a town called Abu Asaf this past month. Medical care in that area is hard to come by, and the effort by First Platoon and the IA was met with a lot of smiles from the local population.

UPDATE:

The maneuvering to form a coalition government in Iraq continues with a definite outcome not yet in sight. The political party of Ayad Allawi, a former Prime Minister of Iraq, won the most votes back in March, but an alliance of several parties who received fewer votes has a slight majority in the Iraqi Parliament. While the national politicians sort out exactly who will occupy which positions of responsibility (Prime Minister, Ministers of the Interior, Industry and Minerals, etc.), life in NW Baghdad continues. Most Iraqis here wish the politicians would hurry up and finish forming the government, but one has to look only as far as our own system in the US to see that this kind of delay isn’t unique: we elect presidents in the beginning of November and don’t seat them until near the end of January.

The Soldiers of Crazyhorse Company continue their outstanding work. We’re focusing more of our efforts on the Iraqi Police (IP), who will eventually be responsible for the internal security of Iraq when the Iraqi Army (IA) assume their primary role of defenders against external threats to the country. In the current environment, the IP ability to obtain warrants, make arrests, and handle evidence is critical in the related tasks of fighting violent extremist group and promoting the rule of law in Iraq.

First Platoon has been working hard with our Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police partners to improve their ability to track and control their units and their efforts are beginning to bear fruit. We’ve seen a marked increase in the willingness and ability of our partners to find and detain targeted individuals who present a threat to the Government of Iraq, the Iraqi Security Forces and US Forces in Iraq. As we continue to responsibly draw down our troop commitment in Iraq, sustaining that progress is critical in ensuring a peaceful and progressive future for the country and First Platoons efforts to develop our partners are part of that historic effort. In conjunction with our IA partners, First Platoon conducted a Village Medical Operation in a town called Abu Asaf this past month. Medical care in that area is hard to come by, and the effort by First Platoon and the IA was met with a lot of smiles from the local population. We’ve attached a few pictures from the event to this e-mail, so be sure to have a look.

Second Platoon is preparing to award money from the Commander’s Emergency Response Program (CERP) to the local businesses that they nominated as micro-grant recipients in April. These funds will go toward capital improvements such as generators, refrigeration equipment and better tools for mechanics. Relative to the size of the Iraqi economy it’s not a lot of money, but in a small market just a little bit of help can make a big difference for the owners and their customers. Part of defeating violent extremists is showing the population a better way which offers economic prosperity and the opportunity to better their own lives and their children’s lives and Second Platoon is helping to make that vision a reality for a few small business owners in our area.

Third Platoon, responsible for the largest area of any platoon in the battalion, is working closely with the IP in the town of Mushada and with the IA unit headquartered in Al Awad to fill in the gaps in security that they have found in their expansive area of operations. The higher levels of the Iraqi Army have become aware of the security issues that Third Platoon has identified and they’re taking steps to address them—Third Platoon’s legacy in Northwest Baghdad will be the rule of law and an increased government commitment to the safety and security of a population strategically located on the perimeter of Baghdad province.

The Soldiers of Headquarters (HQ) Platoon are continuing their work to improve our partners’ abilities to gather and share intelligence. Every week, HQ PLT sits down with the commanders from all of our partnered units to discuss big issues that affect everyone working in our area. We’ve seen success recently with increased cooperation between the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police units with whom we work; the two organizations are beginning to recognize the difference between their roles in Iraq’s future.

In a banner day for Crazyhorse Company, two of our Soldiers proved themselves among the best in the Tomahawk Battalion. CPL Philip Piennette (HQ PLT) earned the NCO of the Quarter title, a testament to his competence and professionalism; in addition to that honor, he was selected for promotion to the grade of E-5 by the Promotion Board held the same day. SPC John Campos (3rd PLT) earned the Soldier of the Month title, showing his exceptional commitment to his Soldier tasks and general Army knowledge. In other news, SSG Rodney Yefune (3rd PLT) and CPL Piennette, having distinguished themselves through hard work and superior performance, will compete in the President’s 100, an inter-agency (DOD, FBI, etc. as well as all branches of the military) marksmanship competition. While still conducting operations, these two Soldiers have shown themselves fully able to compete with the best that federal service has to offer and we wish them good luck and good shooting.

Congratulations to SGT Travis Ankrom and his wife, Stephanie Ankrom, on the birth of their baby girl Alexis in May. SGT Ankrom was able to be home for the birth and will soon see mother and daughter again.

For helpful redeployment information both specific to our brigade and good to know in general, please refer to the attached Raider Redeployment Handbook. Hardcopies will be available soon back at home—contact your FRG rep for details.

I appreciate any feedback on anything that I have mentioned or fail to mention. Thank you for all that you do back home to keep our Soldiers going over here and I look forward to meeting all of you in person when Crazyhorse Company arrives home.

1LT Rob Fenoglio
XO, C Company, 2-23 IN

CPT Connor Update: May 2010

2010-05-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

"The news from Baghdad that the Iraqi High Election Commission (IHEC) would follow through with a re-count of votes given during the 07 March 2010 Iraqi National Elections had a direct influence on the people of Northwest (NW) Taji, the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), and the Soldiers of Charlie Company. The majority of the 26,000 voters that participated in the March Election supported the secular Shia leader, Allawi, despite the fact that the citizens of NW Taji are largely Sunni. Allawi garnered a large following by stressing an end to Sunni versus Shia problems, which resonated with the people we work with on a daily basis. The concern for the Iraqi citizens, the ISF, and us was one of reinforcing the legitimacy of the Government of Iraq (GOI). Today, reports from IHEC in Baghdad claimed that no evidence of fraud or tampering was found and that the plurality of the March Election will hold with Allawi's bloc representing the most seats for parliament. This is great news for the Iraqis of NW Taji, as well as, for the ISF we work with each day. Our goal is to carry this momentum through the remaining months of the deployment and ensure that the ISF, the local GOI leadership, and the citizens of Iraq have the requisite tools in place to lead to future peace and prosperity.

The Soldiers of Charlie Company continue to perform superbly at a high level. We have worked in our area now for the past four months and the men are quite recognizable to the villagers they meet on a daily basis. Each platoon has taken on a distinct and unique approach to the large area assigned to the company and each platoon has had tremendous success in bolstering the security of NW Taji through building capacity of the ISF. The way ahead for the company, now, is working to incorporate the Iraqi Police (IP) into joint operations with the Iraqi Army (IA). The IA have received the lion's share of the training and resources over the past few years and their competency is higher than the IP. However, only the IP have the authority to make arrests, handle evidence, execute criminal warrants, and participate in prosecutions. By making the IP stronger, we will increase rule of law and strengthen the security environment.

Our 1st Platoon recently completed a five-day training event with members of our partnered IA and IP in the village of Al Awad. With the help of the Tomahawk Battalion Law Enforcement Professional (LEP) Mr. Davis, the young IA Soldiers (joondi) and IP policemen (shurta) participated in events to build their knowledge of securing a crime scene, maintaining custody of evidence, interviewing witnesses, dusting evidence for finger prints, and many other tasks that are commonly found on TV's CSI: Las Vegas. The experience was beneficial not only for the IA and IP, but for our guys, as well, since that knowledge will only serve to make us more knowledgeable for the future.

The boys of 2nd Platoon continue to work hard with their ISF partners and have taken the lead in the company's "money as a weapon" program. The program is designed to use small grants to support local businesses and communities with developing the local economy. The grants may be used for generators, light sets, or machinery. Additionally, 2nd Platoon has completed work on identifying farmers in our largely rural agricultural area that would benefit from green houses, irrigation projects, and bee keeping farms for the widowed women and mothers of NW Taji. The benefits of the grants and projects have lasting effect and prove useful in bringing the citizens closer to working with the ISF and the GOI.

Third Platoon has one of the most difficult assignments in the company and battalion, since they work in the areas of Mushada, Nubai, and Halabsa that have little oversight from the ISF. They have made tremendous strides in working with their ISF partners to conduct patrols in a part of Iraq that sees little of the GOI. Through working with local tribal leaders, Third has made remarkable progress in gaining the trust of the population and brought the issue of more ISF to the highest levels in Iraq.

The Soldiers of Headquarters (HQ) Platoon are making strides in supporting the ability of two IA battalions to monitor the daily patrols and intelligence reporting gained throughout the day. By tailoring the methods of the US Army to those of the ISF, they have been able to build the effectiveness of these units and their ability to protect the population.

Soldier's from Charlie Company have distinguished themselves recently in various performance boards. SPC Jeremy Nichols won the March Battalion Soldier of the Month board and SPC Gabriel Hutt won in April. CPL Phillip Piennette won the April NCO of the Month board. Additionally, SSG Matthew Peeler won entry into the exclusive Sergeant Audie Murphy Club last week during a Raider Brigade Board. Of the 6 NCOs that competed, SSG Peeler was the only one selected.

On the home front, we would like to congratulate the families that have new additions to the household. SGT Martinez welcomed twins to his growing fire team, SPC Hernandez and his wife had a new child, and SGT Ankrom will soon have a newborn.

The family re-integration training has shown positive signs in preparing our Soldiers for coming home. The Tomahawk Battalion Chaplain, CH Olson, has done a fantastic job leading the classes for our men here. Last week, he administered a marriage assessment to the company that will help the husbands look at the fitness of their marriage now and for their future. I have attached the assessment, so the wives have the opportunity to do the same. I encourage all the wives and families to talk with their Soldier about the classes. The feedback has been positive and the training will continue throughout the remainder of our time in Iraq.

We continue on a conditions based timeline for re-deployment. The re-count of the March election ballots has temporarily delayed the seating of the new Iraqi Government, and we will continue to work with our ISF partners to educate the population of NW Taji about the process to increase their understanding and trust in the GOI.

As always, I appreciate any feedback on anything that I have mentioned or fail to mention. I am encouraged daily by the commitment of your Soldiers to the work they do and for the effects it has on the larger peace. Please let me know of any recommendations you have about the re-integration training, whether it be on the current topics or new topics.

Thanks, Chris

CPT Connor Update: April 2010

2010-04-16T12:54:00.000-07:00

The company is moving into a new phase of operations that will take us through the end of the deployment. Operation Iraqi Freedom will become Operation New Dawn on 01 September 2010, so we have named our new company mission Operation Crazyhorse Dawn. We will continue to work with the Iraqi Army (IA), but pick up additional partners with the Iraqi Police (IP). Both the IA and IP are critical components to the security environment of Iraq, especially our area of Northwest Taji. Our focus for the next few months is building the effectiveness and efficiency of the IA and IP to better serve the citizens of NW Taji. A key step is training the IA and IP.

We are lucky to have a number of talented NCOs in the company that are not only proficient with training our Soldiers, but have also trained Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in the past. The platoon sergeants will lead the way in developing and implementing the training program for their Iraqi partners. SFC Bryant of 1st Platoon has extensive knowledge of in Traffic Control Point (TCP) training and operations and will standardize this for our company and partners. SFC Smith of 2nd Platoon is an aggressive leader that will help greatly with patrolling techniques and small unit leadership. SFC Iban of 3rd Platoon is a smart, adaptable leader that will help refine the investigation and exploitation techniques to help build warrant packets against bad guys; SFC Iban joined the company recently and has had an immediate impact not only on his platoon and the company, but the battalion as well. SSG Swalley will continue passing on his knowledge and experience of tank operations to better incorporate Iraqi vehicles into the security environment.

Each Soldier will play a significant role in the training and readiness of our ISF partners. Our goal is to pair each of our Soldiers with a member of the IA or IP to create a personal relationship in which both individuals may grow: our guys passing on their experience to an Iraqi and the Iraqis passing on cultural knowledge that, while important, is sometimes over looked. The Soldiers in the company continue to perform at a high level of proficiency that impresses anyone that comes into contact with them.

We will begin our Re-Integration training on 01 May 2010. The Tomahawk Battalion Chaplain, CH Olson, will lead the training with each platoon once a week for one to two hours during their weekly training day. The schedule of events will be sent to Amanda and Courtney before each class along with the material to be covered. I encourage families to discuss the re-integration training with their Soldier, so we may make coming home a long-term success. Also, more of our Soldiers are receiving orders for follow-on assignments late this year. We will work with ACS and Military One Source to gather as much information as we can to help the Soldier and families prepare for their next stop in the Army.

Re-deployment is a conditions based decision making process, meaning that certain conditions and milestones on the ground must be met to drive a responsible drawdown of forces. I will continue to update the FRG and our families with any information that deals with re-deployment.

I appreciate any feedback, particularly about re-integration.

Thanks, CPT Connor

2-23 Easter Celebration

2010-04-02T12:47:00.001-07:00

Spring is here!!! Last Saturday 2-23 IN celebrated Spring & Easter with a fun BBQ and egg hunt. Thankfully, we were blessed with perfect weather and all had a great time. There were hundreds of eggs hidden for all age groups of kids.

More intrigued with the sticks, than all of the eggs right in front of him! :)

There were lots of games to play and prizes to win. Alyssa Evershed won 2 big Teddy Bears by playing "Chubby Bunny" with Peeps.

All of the FRG Leaders for 2-23IN.

Update from CPT Connor: March 2010

2010-03-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

"Earlier this month Crazyhorse Company worked with our partners, 2/37 IA, to support the Iraqi National Elections. The work put into the elections actually began in late January when we began evaluating the election sites and planning with the IA what steps were necessary to provide a safe and secure environment on March 7th. All of the work and determination paid off in a big way. We began the weekend with the entire company forward at our partners two compounds executing joint patrols to ensure that the Iraqi population was able to move freely from their homes to the election sites.

Our company mortar section played a critical role two nights before the election when they fired illumination rounds to support 4 separate patrols. Our company Fire Support Officer (FSO), LT Adam Karboski, mortar section leader, SSG Ricco Hale, and mortar crew leaders, SGTs Maxime and Ankrom, performed superbly in their planning, rehearsals, and execution to light up the night sky. The C Co mortar section was the first in the brigade to fire and to date has fired the most rounds in support of operations in the field. They have truly been a key asset to our success thus far, performing daily missions outside of their normal framework like executing partnership missions at 2/37 IA Headquarters, providing training to IA companies on mortar crew drills, and being relied upon for many last minute missions.

The work our men put forth paid off in having 80% of the 26,000 registered voters participating in the vote. Additionally, all of the polling sites in our area were safe and secure. The process following the completion of the voting process has been one of mixed emotions. We are happy to have performed well in the primary task that led to our accelerated deployment, but we are, also, cautious knowing that Iraq remains a fragile state. During the process of the seating of the government that will cover the next few months, we will continue to work daily with 2/37 IA to strengthen and increase their capacity. Our next phase of operations will involve transitioning the role of USF executing partnered operations with the ISF to an environment in which the ISF are executing the majority of operations by themselves with us in a support and role. Transition will be a pivotal time in the deployment because it will demonstrate the ISF's ability to secure Iraq once USF begin to draw down. I am confident that the relationships our men have made over the past few months will foster a strong transition.

We now have all platoons back with the company at Camp Taji. The requirement to rotate a platoon to 2-12 has gone away and I see us staying together for the remainder of the deployment. 1SG Evershed came up with the idea of a company competition to determine who, in fact, is the best platoon in the company. We have many strong and opinionated guys that freely express who they feel is number 1 (usually their own platoon), so we have decided that it is time to "put up or shut up", so to speak. The competition will take place over three days beginning 1 May and will involve all elements required of an Infantryman in combat. Each Soldier will participate in the event. The winning platoon will have a platoon picture placed on a plaque here and will carry it with them to the States until the next competition. Our goal is to have the competition every three months. We have received a lot of good feedback from the men already that they are looking forward to showing who is the best.

Lastly, starting in May the men in the company will begin re-integration training here at Taji. We are working with the Tomahawk Chaplin, CH Olson, to develop a training plan to prepare our men for coming home. Topics for training now include: family integration with wives and children, finances, alcohol and drug awareness, domestic disputes, family vacation opportunities, and counseling. This is a company level initiative, so I am open to feedback on what we should discuss and I would, also, like to make training available to the families at home. I will send the final class schedule to the FRG with dates, so families can discuss each event personally on a day-to-day basis.We are now officially half-way through the deployment. We are currently on track to stay through a 12 month deployment. Should our re-deployment become earlier, you will be the first I notify. I appreciate all the feedback we have received to this point and I look forward to anything else that we may address. Please know that your Soldiers have done a phenomenal job and continue to impress me on a daily basis.

Thanks, Chris

Charlie Company: March 2010

2010-03-18T20:50:00.000-07:00

Cco right after they got back from their missions surrounding the elections! March 2010.

December Update from Captain Connor

2010-01-13T08:25:00.000-08:00

C Co has been fairly busy since the start of December. There has been a lot of activity in Baghdad that has allowed us to continue our partnership with Iraqi Units throughout the city in an effort to maintain security in preparation for elections. While there remains many challenges for us and the Iraqis, all are determined to work together with the ISF in the lead to protect the population and move to a stronger and effective Iraq. The move of national elections from January 2010 to March 2010 means that we will transition to an area North of Taji, which is about 20 km from where we currently work in Baghdad. The Tomahawk Battalion has moved back to Camp Taji following a change over with 2-12 Field Artillery (FA) earlier this month. We will work with 2-12 FA in the Amanant till 31 December and then move back to Camp Taji. During that time our platoons will work with 2-12 to pass on the extensive knowledge gained over the past three months to help them during their transition to a larger portion of Baghdad. Our 2nd Platoon will remain with 2-12 FA at Camp Liberty until 01 FEB 10 to help with the transition and to pass on their extensive knowledge of the area and the personalities of the ISF.

It has been difficult to properly convey the outstanding work our men have done with working in an area that since June of this year saw minimal US presence since the Status of Forces Agreement took effect. However, the strong work ethic, respect, and knowledge gained in previous deployments by our men has fostered a positive environment in which all parties feel comfortable working with each other. That relationship has now been extended to 2-12 FA, who will continue to work in Baghdad for the next few months.

We have begun work on planning for operations in our new area. The land is rural and the population centers are much more spread out than they are in Baghdad. The change in environment will allow our men to gain a much more personal relationship with the civilian leaders and our ISF partnered units. Again, the great experience gained over the last few months will definitely pay dividends for the duration of the deployment.

Our mortar section has been training the 22/6 IA Brigade mortar company at Camp Justice in firing procedures, fires planning, and dismounted mortar crew drills. We have fired illumination rounds at night to support operations and the Iraqi mortar company has been there to observe, so they know what right looks like. In addition, we recently had an outstanding training experience with Apache Helicopter pilots here at Camp Justice to help integrate them into our operations. The training included a briefing followed by a hands-on portion with the air craft itself. This was definitely the most interesting part of the training, since many of us had never seen the helicopter up close despite working with it on numerous occasions.

We have received tons of mail and packages from families and community supporters for the holidays. The goodies are definitely welcomed and provide extra motivation for the guys to work harder in the gym. Our Lakewood partner, CPTC, has been very helpful and we greatly appreciate their commitment to our families and the men deployed.

I will make sure to stay in touch, but please know that everyone here welcomes and appreciates all the thoughts and actions from the families and community back home. We wish everyone a safe and warm holiday and look forward to seeing everyone soon."

CPT Chris Connor

3rd Platoon, C-Co., 2-23IN, Soldier Profile: SPC Sidney Tyler Hardy

2010-01-13T08:07:00.001-08:00

SPC Hardy was born on July 5, 1990 in Kenner, Louisiana. He has lived in Skagit Valley, Washington since he moved there in 1997. He attended Mount Vernon High School and was known for “being good with the ladies”, graduating in the class of 2008.

SPC Hardy joined the Army in December of 2007 when he was just 17, inspired by his uncle who was in the Army, and a sister who just separated from the Army. He knew when he enlisted he wanted to serve the country and to be deployed to defend the United States in the fight against terrorism.

When SPC Hardy separates from the Army, he plans on going to college and obtaining a degree in music and business. Being in the Army to SPC Hardy is an honor and a responsibility that he does not takes lightly.

“At times it isn’t easy, but when you see the results of our sacrifice, it helps put everything in perspective,” SPC Hardy said. He loves his platoon, and especially his pals PVT Wray and PFC Amuso. They spend time together on FOB Justice playing video games and pumping iron in the gym.

SPC Hardy has two sisters he missies deeply, his older sister Lauren who is 21, and his younger sister Karyn who is 15. SPC Hardy is currently assigned as the platoon sergeant’s Stryker driver.

3rd Platoon, C-Co., 2-23IN, Soldier Profile: PV2 Jack Smith

2010-01-13T07:57:00.000-08:00

PV2 Smith was born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and raised in the small town of Walnut Cove. PV2 Smith has four brothers, none of whom have ever been able to take him in a wrestling match on the living room floor. He also has three sisters he cares deeply about and grew up living with his Grandma and Grandpa.

He attended South Stokes High School for three years and then dropped out to work, and eventually received his GED at age 17. Shortly after attaining his GED, PV2 Smith met his future wife Heather and was married on March 27, 2008. They have one child together, Griffin Wendle.

PV2 Smith’s Grandpa was a former Marine and a main source of inspiration for PV2 Smith to join the Army. He joined the Army on Sept. 14, 2008 and reported to basic training at Ft. Benning, Georgia, graduating from basic training on January 23, 2009. PV2 Smith then reported to jump school but injured his foot on his first airborne jump and was sent to serve at Ft. Lewis, WA with the infamous Third Platoon, “HELL HAMMERS!”

“There are a lot of challenges with being away from my wife and kids, but having the internet in my room helps a lot with being able to stay in touch with my family,” Smith said. In his off time when his isn’t talking with his wife, PV2 Smith can be found in the gym, or taking challengers on the X-Box.

Donations for Charlie Co.

2009-12-16T08:21:00.000-08:00

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who donated items for our Charlie Company Soldiers. This week we sent 5 boxes of books, movies, coffee, phone cards, and personal items along with the banner created by Phi Theta Kappa and signed by the campus community at the Veteran’s Day Ceremony to our adopted soldiers.

Keep checking the blog - updated pictures that include the banner signing and coffee collection should be posted soon.

Thanks again to everyone who has participated in our Adopt a Company activities and we look forward to more activities after the first of the year!

Cco at "work"

2009-11-09T19:05:00.001-08:00

2-23 Cco guys - posing for a picture after a mission.

1SG Evershed and CPT Connor with all of their gear on - SO stylin'! :)

To All Military Personnel

2009-10-28T15:00:00.000-07:00

Hello,

This message is to all of you. I want to thank each and every one of you whom are active and fighting for our freedom. I am very humbled by your courage to fight for our great country and all of the citizens. Many of which you will never ever know and yet you still stand tall and proud. You all are my heroes. I don't look up to athletes, cartoon super-heroes and alike, I look up to you. I can not express how thankful I am to your sacrifice for me and my family. I pray for your safe return.

Thank you,

John Hicks
President Phi Theta Kappa
Clover Park Technical
Lakewood, WA

Raider Soldier & Family Yellow Ribbon Pin

2009-10-06T23:51:00.000-07:00

*Click on image below for details on how you can order a Raider Soldier & Family Yellow Ribbon Pin*

Crazyhorse Company OIF 2009-2010 Video Slideshow

2009-10-06T11:31:00.000-07:00

Video slide-show of Crazyhorse Company, 2-23 IN, 4-2 ID in Kuwait and Iraq as they support Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Look for updated slide-shows with more photos in the future.

Weekly Updates from CPT Connor

2009-10-06T11:15:00.000-07:00

Every week, Charlie Company Commander, CPT Christopher Connor, sends FRG Leader Betsy Eves, updates about what the soldiers are doing, where they're at and what their future plans are. Below are the first few updates he has sent, oldest listed first. Check back weekly for more updates.

Update from CPT Connor - Monday, September 28, 2009

C Co has been picked to be the first company to move to FOB Justice to work with the Iraqi Army running missions. The guys have performed at a high level consistently since arriving and their performance made the selection easy. The MWR facilities at Justice are said to be nice and adequate, so the guys will have the opportunity to email/call back home. I will say that we will be very busy the first few days/weeks there, so I am not sure how frequent calls will be made. Just know and please pass on that we are and will give ample time for the guys to connect with family with our only hindrance being connectivity...

... Bottom line, we will be deployed 12 months and we are going to Iraq. I’m not a psychic, but I don’t foresee these two conditions changing while we are deployed. I understand that rumors get started easy and that families hear different things on the news, so I would ask that we all take things as they are and we will handle any changes, if any, as they come. Again, families are free to send particular questions to me through the FRG Leader Betsy Eves.

Update from CPT Connor - Monday, September 28, 2009

C Co has been picked to be the first company to move to FOB Justice to work with the Iraqi Army running missions. The guys have performed at a high level consistently since arriving and their performance made the selection easy. The MWR facilities at Justice are said to be nice and adequate, so the guys will have the opportunity to email/call back home. I will say that we will be very busy the first few days/weeks there, so I am not sure how frequent calls will be made. Just know and please pass on that we are and will give ample time for the guys to connect with family with our only hindrance being connectivity...

... Bottom line, we will be deployed 12 months and we are going to Iraq. I'm not a psychic, but I don't for-see these two conditions changing while we are deployed. I understand that rumors get started easy and that families hear different things on the news, so I would ask that we all take things as they are and we will handle any changes, if any, as they come. Again, families are free to send particular questions to me through the FRG Leader Betsy Eves.

Update from CPT Connor - Sunday, September 20, 2009

"We are at the end of our first week here in Kuwait. Yesterday, we shot our rifles, pistols, and machine guns. The next couple days will be filled with drivers training in the desert, more ranges for the large weapons, and prep for a squad live fire next week. Its difficult to describe the heat, but believe me its hot. Yesterday at the range was pretty brutal, but the guys did well with no heat injuries. It takes about two weeks to get used to the environment, but we are doing a good job of drinking lots of water, eating three meals a day, working out twice a day, and getting plenty of rest. We have about another ten days or so of training remaining in Kuwait before we push North; Ill keep you posted on our progress and movement as best as possible.

Our first group of Soldiers from FT Lewis start coming in this week. SSG Molina from 2nd is finishing up leave from Ranger School and is on his way to Kuwait. Also, we received word that SGT Preece is now in Florida Phase (the final phase) of Ranger School. He should graduate in about a week if all continues to go well.
Please pass on our best to the ladies and families. Spirits are high and the boys are anxious to get the ball rolling North.

Update from CPT Connor - Tuesday, September 15, 2009

"We arrived in Kuwait this afternoon. We flew straight from McChord to Germany with no issues. Had a bit of airplane problems that required us to turn around upon take off from Germany, but nothing major that delayed our arrival to Kuwait in any significant way. We did an in-brief where all the guys got registered as being forward deployed, so their entitlements should start to show up between today and three weeks from today at the latest.

This week we are conducting inventories, vehicle maintenance, and classes/training before we go North. The guys are in good spirits now with the biggest problem being the heat, but we are taking it slow at first to get everyone acclimated. "

Update from CPT Connor - Monday, October 5, 2009

First, we have made it to Iraq and our base in Taji. We arrived early this morning and are beginning vehicle maintenance, upgrades, and preparations to move to Camp Justice. I can assure you that the guys are happy to be out of Kuwait and away from BIAP. We had to stay an extra night because bad weather shut down aircraft to fly us to Taji. We now begin a 5 day schedule of prep-for-combat before we begin full-on operations. The guys are excited and motivated knowing they are the first to set the standard for the battalion and I believe they will continue to be successful.

I anticipate they guys being in contact with families sometime today or tomorrow at the latest. Quality of life at Taji is good with internet available in rooms for a price. Justice should be the same, but slower connection speed.

I will update you more once we get to Justice.

BBQ at Ft. Lewis September 9, 2009

2009-09-11T11:21:00.001-07:00