2nd/14th Inf Iraq Blog: October-December 2006

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2006
MNC-I's Senior NCO Visits 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. Soldiers

Spc. Chris McCann
2nd BCT PAO, 10th Mtn. Div.

   BAGHDAD – The Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers making their way through the pastoral marketplace outside Sadr Al-Yusufiyah stop frequently, well aware of the road’s reputation for danger. They check every unusual pile of dirt, every crack in the road, as they safeguard their valuable cargo: Lt. Col. John Valledor, commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Clyde Glenn, both of 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, who were escorting Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Beam, Multi-National Corps – Iraq’s senior enlisted leader.
   The Soldiers of the commander’s personnel security detachment escorted Beam Sept. 26 to see their outpost, Patrol Base Warrior Keep, near Sadr Al-Yusufiyah, as well as a nearby battle position.
   “It’s always a pleasure to see professionals at work,” said Beam, a native of Kissimmee, Fla. “They’re fresh; they’re doing fine … and we always learn a lot when we go out.”
   While the patrol was for the most part routine, the Soldiers stopped two Iraqis who appeared to be taking photos of the vehicles.
   After some discussion through translators, the men were determined to be doing nothing wrong and were released.
Sgt. Stuart Fredieu, a team leader with 2nd Bn., 14th Inf. Regt., and a native of Quapaw, Okla., was guarding a checkpoint next to Warrior Keep when the convoy arrived.
   “We check every vehicle,” he explained, “and we ask questions about how people feel and what they know.”
The Soldiers also try to be sensitive to the local nationals’ needs.
   The Islamic holiday of Ramadan is going on now, so the checkpoint is kept open an hour later, said Fredieu. Many of the residents in this area gather in the evenings to break the fast with friends and need to use the checkpoint later than normal.
   “We basically are securing the sector,” said Spc. Terry Hobson, truck gunner, 2nd Bn., 14th Inf. Regt., and a native of Sacramento, Calif. “Everybody did everything like they are supposed to. We stopped the two people, but it was a pretty normal patrol.”
   Beam and his personnel security detachment have logged over 20,000 miles in Iraq, visiting even the most remote outposts of U.S. forces here to offer encouragement and make sure standards are maintained.
   “If you don’t enforce the standard, you’re not going to get (anywhere),” Beam said. “It’s good to have this brigade here. Their reputation precedes them.”


THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2006
Commando Brigade Seizes Terrorist Outpost

2nd BCT PAO, 10th Mtn. Div.

   YUSUFIYAH, Iraq - Multi-National Division – Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, occupied the Yusufiyah thermal power plant at approximately 2 a.m. Monday; the plant is located on the Euphrates River, near Sadr al Yusufiyah, approximately 25 miles southwest of Baghdad.
   The operation was carried out as part of Operation Commando Hunter, with the intent to deny al Qaeda in Iraq, former regime elements and foreign fighters sanctuary within the Euphrates River valley.
   Intelligence indicates terrorists used the area as a safe haven to stage attacks against the government of Iraq and Coalition Forces.
   The power plant is an unfinished project that dates back to the Saddam Hussein regime. Construction on the facility was started by Russian contractors but abandoned when the Baathist government defaulted on payments. Terrorists allegedly took over the structure.
   Earlier phases of the operation resulted in the capture of more than 130 weapons caches throughout the Mahmudiyah, Yusufiyah and Shakariah Triangle. Among the weapons seized were heavy anti-aircraft machine guns, aircraft bombs and improvised-explosive device making materials.
   There were no MND-B casualties during the assault.
   All efforts were planned into the operation to ensure no civilians were harmed during the operation. In an effort to prevent civilian casualties, Soldiers conducted the military operation at a period of time when Iraqi citizens would be at home with their families.


TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 07, 2006
MND-B's Senior NCO Visits Yusufiyah Power Plant

Staff Sgt. Angela McKinzie
2nd BCT PAO, 10th Mtn. Div.

   YUSUFIYAH, Iraq - With his body propped up against his defensive position, he peers diligently through his scope, looking for terrorists and anyone else who would do his unit harm. He looks through the scope for several hours each day, knowing that the Soldier to his left and right are counting on him. He has not had a shower or a hot meal in six days, and yet he remains focused – ready to defend his comrades.
   Spc. Jon Born, a marksman for 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and other members of his unit sit for days at their battle positions anticipating the enemy, but what they do not anticipate is a friendly face showing up to see how they are doing.
   Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Riling, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, did just that when he visited the Soldiers Wednesday at the Yusufiyah power plant. The plant is located on the Euphrates River, near Sadr al Yusufiyah, approximately 25 miles southwest of Baghdad.
   “I like to get out and visit with our Soldiers as often as I can. I think the Soldiers appreciate when their senior leaders take the time to talk to them and stand side-by-side with them during a mission,” Riling said. “As a leader, I think it is important to encourage them and recognize Soldiers for outstanding performance.”
   Having only been in Iraq a couple of months, the Soldiers of 2-14 Inf. Regt., also known as the “Golden Dragons,” have been manning the Yusufiyah power plant since Oct. 23. They originally foot marched to a battle position on nearby highway and provided overwatch on the power plant, took perimeter security and then secured the power plant.
   “The Soldiers of 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div., have recently been attached to Multi-National Division – Baghdad, and like their predecessors from 10th Mtn. Div.’s 1st BCT, have shown outstanding dedication, performance and leadership,” said Riling. “They have quickly and seamlessly transitioned into their role and have added to MND-B’s strength and capabilities. This is a testament to the Army’s doctrine of modularity.”
   Securing the power plant was important to the 2nd BCT because it (the power plant) was believed that terrorists used the area as a safe haven to stage attacks against the Government of Iraq and MND-B Forces.
   Since the power plant was secured, the “Golden Dragons” have been manning the site every day, non-stop. They are looking for possible terrorist activity in or around the area and often do not have interaction with anyone besides their battle buddies – so the MND-B leader’s visit was a morale booster for them.
   “It was good to see Command Sgt. Maj. Riling out here,” said Spc. Michael Wahlers, 2-14 Inf. Regt. “We have worked hard to secure the power plant, and it’s great to be recognized for it.”
   A fellow Soldier said he thought the visit was important as well.
   “It is good to see that other higher-ranking officials are seeing the valuable importance of the thermal power plant, now known as Camp Dragon, and to see how the Soldiers of 2-14 Inf. Regt. are putting in long hours to build up proper security and to keep clearing the site while continuing combat patrols and local route security,” said Staff Sgt. Mike Godlewski, personal security detachment noncommissioned officer, 2-14 Inf. Regt.
   During Riling’s visit with the Soldiers, he thanked the Soldiers for the job they were doing and presented his coins to them for their hard work.
   “The Soldiers of 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div., are operating in one of the most dangerous sections within MND-B’s area of operations,” Riling said. “Through their diligence and professionalism, they have battled terrorists and recently gained control and strengthened the security of a strategically located power plant. They are dedicated to their mission and working with the Iraqi Security Forces toward a brighter future for the people of Iraq.”
   Like Born, the Soldiers of the “Golden Dragons” will continue to operate out of the power plant until it can be safely returned to the Iraqi people.

	SFC Patrick Murray, battle captain, with CSM Ronald Riling (right) at Yusufiyah Power Plant. (Photo by SPC Rodney Folienty, HQ, 4th Inf Div Public Affairs)
SGT Chris Lopez, personal security detachment, pulls security during a visit to Yusyfiyah Power Plant. (Photo by SPC Rodney Foliente, HQ, 4th Inf Div Public Affairs)
	PFC Thomas Somers (center) watches his sector, listens to CSM Ronald Riling (left) on a visit to Yusufiyah Power Plant in Iraq. (Photo by SPC Rodney Foliente, HQ, 4th Inf Div Public Affairs)
PFC Michael Fraser looks through scope as he watches his sector at the Yusufiyah Power Plant in Iraq. (Photo by SPC Rodney Foliente, HQ, 4th Inf Div Public Affairs)
	PFC Kevin Osborn, communications specialist, adjusts his equipment at the Yusufiyah Power Plant in Iraq. (Photo by SPC Rodney Foliente, HQ, 4th Inf Div Public Affairs)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2006
Thanksgiving In A Former Al Qaeda Stronghold

By Spc. Chris McCann
2nd BCT PAO, 10th Mtn. Div.

CAMP STRIKER, Iraq - The Yusufiyah Thermal Power Plant, southwest of Baghdad, was one of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division’s assignments to seize and hold when the BCT deployed to the area in September. The plant, unfinished and empty, had long been a terrorist stronghold and rallying area. But on Nov. 23, about 150 Soldiers from the brigade had a hot, fresh Thanksgiving dinner among the rusting scaffolding. They were served by Col. Michael Kershaw, the brigade commander and a native of Huffman, Texas, and several company commanders and first sergeants.
   “I like it when (brigade command staff) comes by,” said Pfc. Michael Shu, a medic with Company A, 2nd Battalion 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, a Dallas, Texas native. “It shows that they care for the troops. It feels like they’re going to watch over us, and like we have a purpose here.”
Capt. Bernard Vanbrocklin, of Russell, N.Y., commander of Company E, 2nd Brigade Support Battalion, spent time handing out plates and flatware as Soldiers filed by for the meal.
   “It’s a pleasure to serve the troops,” he said. “It gives us a chance to give back to the Soldiers what they do for us every day.”
   Maj. Kenny Mintz, brigade operations officer and a native of Fallbrook, Calif., agreed.
   “It’s an honor and a privilege,” said Mintz. “These guys lay it on the line every day, and they deserve the best.”
“I never thought we’d be in one of the most feared places (in our area),” said 1st Sgt. David Schumacher, of Easton, Penn., first sergeant for Company A, 2-14. “Now we’re serving Thanksgiving dinner here.”
   “It really shows they care a lot about the Soldiers,” said Pfc. Joe Branneky, a native of Orlando, Fla., a squad automatic weapon gunner for Company C, 2-14. “It really shows that they’re human too, and that they care about the boots-on-the-ground Soldiers. I think they really appreciate us, and I’m proud to be serving under them.”
   Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony W. Mahoney, brigade command sergeant major, said he was pleased to be with the Soldiers for the holiday, although he visits the plant and the troops there about once a week.
   “We have Soldiers in this brigade from each of the 50 United States, and an unknown number of countries outside the United States. They have worked here for about sixty days and trained here for a year since our last deployment. Now they’re spending Thanksgiving Day here on the banks of the Euphrates River. Their thoughts are with their families, and they are here with their surrogate family.
   “It is a testament to the commitment of these young men and women that we do this. I am extremely proud to be a part of this and to contribute in whatever small measure I am able.”
   Kershaw and Mahoney also visited troops at Forward Operating Bases Rushdi Mullah, Al-Taraq, Gator Swamp, and Yusufiyah for the Thanksgiving holiday.
   “It was a real pleasure to have (command) serve us,” said Pfc. Shane Beagley, a cavalry scout with Troop A, 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment and a native of Spanish Fork, Utah. He currently works out of FOB Gator Swamp.
“It made me feel respected as a private first class in the Army. And the chow is delicious.”
   Capt. Jeffery Bryan, a native of Springfield, Mo., and the battalion chaplain for the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, spent time talking with the Soldiers under his care especially around the holiday.
   “I saw a lot of different Soldiers, and the morale was pretty good,” he said. “They seem to be hearing from home, there’s a lot of communication, and the leadership went out to see the Soldiers that couldn’t be here.”
   While the Thanksgiving dinners around the 2nd BCT’s area of operations perhaps weren’t perfect, they seemed to hit the right notes – at least for Pfc. Joshua Sims of Meridian, Miss., an infantryman with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4-31.
   “It’s good,” he said. “It feels more like home.”


TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2006
Golden Dragons Patrol Euphrates By Boat

PHOTO
Capt. Dan McConnell
2nd Bn., 14th Inf. Regt. 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) battalion adjutant

   CAMP DRAGON, Iraq - The year was 1969; members of the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment “Golden Dragons,” were conducting boat operations along the swamps and waterways of Vietnam. An After Action Report, dated March 10, 1969, stated the purpose of the operations were to “destroy enemy forces, interdict movement and uncover supply caches.”
   Thirty-seven years later, the Golden Dragon Soldiers are conducting boat operations in combat for the first time since Vietnam. Soldiers from Task Force 2-14, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), will be conducting waterborne operations along the Euphrates River - similar to what the unit did in Vietnam.
   This time, the focus of the Golden Dragons will be to prevent the insurgents’ ability to cross the Euphrates River into the battalion’s area of operations and to search for enemy weapons caches on nearby islands and the shoreline on the far river bank which was previously inaccessible.
   “Our unique partnership with the 502nd Engineers and its floating bridge MK II boats allow us to apply an innovative approach to surprise and envelop terrorists and prevent them from continued smuggling of weapons and foreign fighters into the Euphrates River Valley tribal lands.” said Lt. Col. John Valledor, commander of 2-14 and native of Fort Drum, N.Y., as he described the aim of the Golden Dragons’ waterborne operations.
   The Euphrates River has been an active crossing point for insurgents since the Golden Dragons seized the large Yusufiyah Thermal Power Plant complex southwest of Baghdad, a former safe haven and base of operations for the Al Qaeda in Iraq.
   Soldiers of Task Force 2-14 quickly established a strong presence in the area about a month ago, drastically reducing the enemy’s ability to organize attacks against the local Iraqi citizens and coalition forces in the area.
   The Golden Dragons continue to use all available means to restore peace in the region setting the stage for a seamless and peaceful transition of authority to the Iraqi Army in the future.
   Soldiers from 2-14 constantly interact with the local population in order to defeat the emplacement of roadside bombs, gain actionable intelligence on the insurgency, and find weapons caches. Taking to the water is just the next step for the Golden Dragons in their pursuit of the enemy.
   Maj. Joel Smith of Brisbane, Australia, the battalion operations officer, describes the effect the Golden Dragons are having on the area.
   “The seizure of the power plant by the Golden Dragons has blocked insurgent movement along the Eastern Euphrates River Valley. Our presence forced the anti-Iraqi forces to flee to the west side of the river,” he said. “These boats will give us the freedom to reduce the last remaining insurgent safe haven in our area and demonstrate to the people of Iraq that we take every measure to eliminate AIF presence in their country.”


WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2006
Gen. Peter Schoomaker Visits Camp Striker

General Peter Shoomaker

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Schoomaker (left), reenlists (from right) Spc. Joseph Pridgen, a combat engineer with the 2nd Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division (LI), and native of Wimberley, Texas; Sgt. Michael Nichols, a 2nd BSTB combat engineer and native of Joplin, Miss.; Spc. Timothy Montminy, a native of El Paso, Texas, who serves as a truck driver with the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI); Cpl. Sylvia Dangervil, a truck driver with the 210th BSB and native of Homestead, Fla.; and Spc. John Wight of Lovelock, Nev., and an infantryman with the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI), during a reenlistment ceremony at Camp Striker, Iraq on Dec. 23. Schoomaker visited Soldiers of the 10th Mtn. Div. (LI) before the holidays.
(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Angela McKinzie, 2nd BCT PAO, 10th Mtn. Div. (LI))

INDEX

October 21	MNC-I's Senior NCO Visits 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. Soldiers
October 26	Commando Brigade Seizes Terrorist Outpost
November 07	MND-B's Senior NCO Visits Yusufiyah Power Plant
December 04	Thanksgiving In A Former Al Qaeda Stronghold
December 12	Golden Dragons Patrol Euphrates By Boat
December 27	Gen. Peter Schoomaker Visits Camp Striker