AK to Iraq 08/09

Time off

2009-11-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

I have absolutely loved having him back home and he got to take almost a month off of work. Even though we really didn't go anywhere, I loved just hanging out, cooking and watching videos.

Now I'm sorting out the house and getting rid of junk, to prepare for the PCS move.

And every night my heart smiles because he is home to hold me.

Made it

2009-09-17T11:00:00.000-07:00

His flight finally made it in after a few delays. But it's so nice to have him back at home. :)
Now to enjoy some time together before we move to the next step of moving to the next duty station.

Welcome Home 1-25th!

They just keep coming :)

2009-09-09T11:41:00.000-07:00

The flights just keeping rolling in but I'm still waiting for the one plane that'll bring mine home. But at least he's in Kuwait now.

"About 1,000 soldiers from the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry will be returning to Fort Wainwright during the next four days."

Link Here

A lot of people are complaining about the loss of the 3 day pass before they have to start reporting. At this point, I just want my soldier back in our home every night. Block leave will be here very soon. I just want him here.

Coming Home

2009-08-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

The first main group arrived home Tuesday morning. My husband hasn't returned just yet but hopefully soon. I'm so very excited.

Link here

twitter UAF

2009-08-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

I found the twitter account of the UAF journalist in Iraq. They have a little insight to the 3/2 starting to show up.

"strykernews RT @cptfunkaho: Troops from the 3-2 SBCT are beginning to arrive to replace the 1-25th at Warhorse. The end is in sight. #UAFiraq

cptfunkaho Power going up and down all over FOB Warhorse - the hot weather and increased population are playing hell with the generators. #UAFiraq

cptfunkaho The new brigade's arrival is crowding the base facilities and causing some friction as the 3-2 personnel put their stamp on things. #UAFiraq"

Link Here

Woohoo my countdown on my homepage is under 20 days! I'm so excited.

Embedded Reporters from UAF

2009-08-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

When I first read about them going over to Iraq, I wasn't impressed. Most of the reporters do a short, edited piece and come home. But they have actually wrote a few articles that are interesting to read. And yea, I scan the pictures and videos for people I know.

Short Timers Blog

“Be safe, fall out.”

2009-08-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

The first group of Stryker soldiers made it home yesterday.

"The 150 troops in the “torch party” will make preparations in the coming weeks for the rest of the 4,200 person brigade to return to Fort Wainwright from Iraq."

Welcome home..now let's get the rest of 1-25th all safely home!

Link Here

I can see the light

2009-07-29T16:12:00.000-07:00

Now that the torch party is due home in the next few days, the homecoming articles have started to appear. It gets you very excited that they will be home soon.

Fairbanks Newsminer

Anchorage Daily News

KTUU

Dust Storm

2009-07-07T17:40:00.000-07:00

I've been hearing about the dust storm that has been going through Iraq. NASA has released this photo from the Aqua Satellite. Hopefully it will pass on through soon.

Story Link Here

Photo from here

Task Force 49

2009-07-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

While not directly related to 1-25, it's still good news to the people around Fort Wainwright. It also means it will be our turn very soon. :)

"Nearly 90 Fort Wainwright soldiers are expected to return home today (July 1) following a year-long deployment to Iraq."

Welcome Home!

Link Here

Are they ready?

2009-06-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

The June 30 deadline is only a few short days away. Are they ready to step up to the plate and take over?

"The Iraqi authorities are tightening security in preparation for next Tuesday's deadline for US soldiers to pull out of the country's cities."

Link Here: BBC News

Next group

2009-06-14T13:37:00.000-07:00

The sad part about one group coming home is the next group gets ready to leave.
Fort Lewis prepares to replace us.

Link Here

Patriots by the Lake

2009-05-25T00:11:00.000-07:00

I read an interesting article about a housing project in Texas for veterans.

"A national model, Patriots by the Lake will stand as a tribute to America’s veterans and their families. The vision behind this one-of-a-kind mixed-use community is to provide housing, places of work, medical and ancillary support services, recreation and other amenities for our veterans. It will be a place for veterans to call home and serve as a destination place for visitors seeking to pay tribute to our heroes.

Patriots by the Lake will focus on providing an array of housing options for our veterans, memorials to say thank you and a host of other amenities that express gratitude to all who have served as well as the supporters of those who served. The design and architecture of Patriots by the Lake will welcome veterans home with open arms and provide a beacon of hope to all who visit."

The whole article is here.

Not much news

2009-05-12T15:13:00.000-07:00

There hasn't been a lot of decent news but here is an update on Operation "Glad Tidings of Benevolence II." I wonder who gets to make the operation's name.

Link Here

Army Gen. Ray Odierno interview

2009-04-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

On CNN, Army Gen. Odierno said U.S. forces are still on track to meet the June 30 deadline to leave major Iraqi cities.

More transfer of power

2009-04-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

"Since Jan. 1, U.S. forces have transitioned more than 40 bases, areas and facilities to Iraqi control. "

Link Here

KTUU report

2009-04-02T18:07:00.000-07:00

KTUU has a three-part report on the 1/25 SBCT from embedded reporter Doug Grindle.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

There are pictures, video and a transcript of the report.

COP Ayres

2009-03-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

"The Iraqi Army assumed control of Combat Outpost Ayres from 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division during a ceremony held March 19."

Link Here

Banquet in Fairbanks

2009-03-18T13:13:00.000-07:00

There is an article about the 41st Annual Military Appreciation Banquet that was held in Fairbanks. A number of military were recognized during the banquet.

Link Here

First Lady Interview

2009-03-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

"First Lady Michelle Obama discusses military families in a one-on-one interview at Fort Bragg, NC."

Pentagon TV has a few good videos to watch.

Down to 12 Brigades

2009-03-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

"Gen. Ray Odierno, the top US commander in Iraq, announced Sunday that over the next six months, two combat brigade teams and their supporting elements, or about 12,000 troops, would return home from Iraq without being replaced. An American F-16 fighter squadron will also be sent back without being replaced."

Link Here

More Dwell Time Needed

2009-03-04T13:09:00.000-08:00

"The nation’s top military officer expressed concern here yesterday about servicemembers and their families “toughing it out” with frequent deployments and little time together between those deployments. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, talked about the stresses of war and a variety of other topics in a town-hall meeting with servicemembers and civilians.

In answer to a question from the audience, Mullen acknowledged that even when troops theoretically have 12 months of “dwell time” between deployments, that’s not really the case when they have to spend part of that time away from their families training for their next deployment.

“The way the families are handling this thing is they’re just toughing it out until they get the relief. There’s a concern about how long they can tough it out,” he said. “We’re going to have to continue to focus on that.”

Link Here

FOB closing and memorial

2009-02-26T17:36:00.000-08:00

The Washington Times has an article that actually names some Forward Operating Bases (FOB) and Combat Operations Posts (COP) that will close down in the future. And a few that will be last to close.

"Only a third or fewer of the 14 installations in Baqouba and surrounding Diyala province will remain after the withdrawal deadline, said Maj. John Sutton, the assistant operations officer of 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, which is part of the 25th Infantry Division."
Link Here

Also three soldiers were killed on Feb. 23 while on patrol. Cpl. Michael L. Mayne, Spc. Micheal B. Alleman and Pfc. Zachary R. Nordmeyer will all be missed.
Link Here

Iraq withdraw plan

2009-02-24T16:32:00.000-08:00

Some "senior White House official" is letting it be made know that the "official" Iraq withdraw plan will be released soon. They are saying "most" will be out by August 2010 but a couple of thousand (30 to 50 thousand) will still be there until 2011. That is the end of the agreement between the US and Iraq.
Link is Here.

But it goes nicely with the news article about the decrease in violence, at a six year low.
Link Here

Quba Imam Boy’s school

2009-02-12T18:23:00.000-08:00

There was a news article about how the 1-24 is working with the Iraqi Security Forces to help improve some services around the region. One such project is the Quba Imam Boy’s school.

Link Here

Half Done!

2009-02-11T10:50:00.000-08:00

Here a news article from KTUU in Anchorage about the halfway mark.

Link Here.

And an interview from he commander of the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry about an update on the troops after the elections there.

Link Here

Jan.31 elections in Iraq

2009-02-01T12:34:00.000-08:00

I am so glad the elections went off with any major acts of violence. It makes me happy not only for the Iraqi forces but also the people who live there.

Here is a link to some preparations the 1-25 did for the elections.

And one of the many reports about the voting that took place. Link Here.

Catch-up

2009-01-29T12:03:00.000-08:00

Did I really not post for a whole month? I'm so sorry but I got caught up in that happy moment during deployment called R&R. I did very much love having him at home.

But anyway, here are a few news worthy items for today.
VOTING:
Jan. 28 was the voting day for the Iraqi police. They vote early so they can provide security on Jan. 31 for the rest of the voting public in Iraq. The last voting took place in 2005.
Link here.

HUMVEE:
Iraq has now received 4,000 armored M1114 Humvees. They have a goal to receive about 8,500 by the end of this year.
Link Here.

Stryker Repair Facility

2008-12-29T12:43:00.000-08:00

Here is a link about the Stryker battle damage repair facility at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar.
It talks about how they started out with repairing battle damage on Strykers but now that there has been a decrease, they have started doing resets on the older Strykers.

Link Here

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T00:43:00.000-08:00

I didn't realize how hard it would be to find a Christmas song on YouTube, until I spent half the night trying to find one that was cute or funny. Although the ones called "All I want for Christmas is you" and "I'll be home for Christmas" do apply, I wanted to post the happier and fun side. :) So enjoy these:

Coalition troops withdrawing

2008-12-21T16:42:00.000-08:00

The UN mandate in Iraq expires on December 31, 2008. I have been reading about different small countries withdrawing their troops. The only ones remaining after Dec. 31 will be the U.S., Britain, Australia, El Salvador, Estonia and Romania. Britain will be leaving by May 2009. I'm hoping Iraq will be able to step into the roles left and our troops don't have more piled on them. Because there is talk about having to move into Basra after Britain leaves.

News Article here

Pres. Bush's visit to Iraq

2008-12-16T11:42:00.001-08:00

Photo by Spc. Brandon Price

Although the news media is mainly focusing on the shoe throwing incident, President Bush did visit Camp Victory in Iraq. This is his last visit to the war zone while he is President. Some quotes from his speech are below and the entire speech can be found here.

THE PRESIDENT: "Over the past five years, you have shown the world some unmistakable truths:

You have shown that when America is tested, we rise to meet the test.

You have shown that the desire for freedom is more powerful than the intimidation of terrorists.

You have shown that there is no task too difficult for the United States military."

DVIDS articles

2008-12-14T12:46:00.000-08:00

There was a couple of articles on the 1-25th on DVIDS. It seems they had a reporter on FOB Caldwell. They did a few job spotlights, including mechanics.

“If we get a vehicle in, we get it fixed and out immediately,” Hobbs stated. “We cannot afford to get backed up and delay any missions. A vehicle not mission capable hinders other Soldiers from going out and doing their job, so we try to make sure we troubleshoot each vehicle until there is nothing more we can do.”

Link Here

Local TV update

2008-12-09T11:25:00.000-08:00

Stryker commander praises efforts of troops in Iraq
by Lori Tipton
Monday, December 8, 2008

"ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Members of Alaska's 1st Stryker Brigade are in high spirits, extremely motivated and dedicated to the cause, according to the commander of the brigade's 4,200 soldiers serving in Iraq.

The 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division deployed to Iraq in September, and the brigade is making great strides with helping Iraq become a safer place said its commander, Col. Burdett Thompson.

The 25th Infantry Division has been very busy in Iraq, Thompson said.

"Iraq is a very dynamic place right now," he said in a phone interview.

The Strykers are stationed in Diyala, an area about the size of Maryland and Delaware put together, and is in charge of security. Troops have been working with the Iraqi police.

"I would've never guessed they would be as professional -- and quite frankly as competent and capable -- as they are," Thompson said.

Change is coming to Iraq, Thompson said. The country is ramping up for a national election, and in January and February the provinces will seat a new government.

"What these people want to do is get back to a normal lifestyle where they can provide for their families, they can pray based on their religious beliefs," he said.

But while the troops strive to make Iraq a safer place, it is still dangerous. Three soldiers with the Strykers have been killed in combat since September.

"And those guys are dearly missed and they'll never be forgotten," Thompson said. "Certainly our condolences went out to the family."

The brigade continues to work hard to make a difference, he said.

"Based on what I'm seeing our soldiers do over here, the difference that we're making here is worth every ounce of effort that we put into this fight and to put into this effort," Thompson said.

Gov. Sarah Palin's son, Track, is part of the unit, and Thompson said he is doing an incredible job with his fellow soldiers, and that the governor would be extremely proud of her son.

In just the past few months, about 60 soldiers with the brigade have re-enlisted, Thompson said."

Contact Lori Tipton at ltipton@ktuu.com

Link to the news story here.

Lt. William K. Jernigan

2008-11-26T13:58:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, Lt. Jernigan died from injuries sustained in a non-combat related incident on Monday. I say a prayer for his family.
Link Here

Provincial Joint Operations Center

2008-11-23T14:40:00.000-08:00

The building helps permit greater coordination between ISF and other civil authorities. This is a good step to help the Iraqi security force work together better.

Link Here

Photos- DVIDS

2008-11-19T12:57:00.000-08:00

Photo By: Spc. Bobby Allen

There are a few photo galleries of the 1-25 SBCT over on the website DVIDS. This one shows the "infamous" mud that is brought up in conversations.

There are about 10 sets from a Diyala River Valley Patrol and 4 from a Joint Patrol.

And for the families

2008-11-11T11:51:00.000-08:00

I could post these all day but this will be the last one. I'm proud of the work you all do.

Veterans Day

2008-11-11T11:42:00.000-08:00

I want to say Thank you to all the Veterans, past and present. And also to the families that stand behind them and support them while they help protect this great country of ours.

I really like this one also but I couldn't embed it. Click Here

President Bush's Veterans Day proclamation

2008-11-10T23:09:00.000-08:00

"On Veterans Day, we pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the men and women who in defense of our freedom have bravely worn the uniform of the United States.

From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our nation's ideals, rescued millions from tyranny and helped spread freedom around the globe. America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. Members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard have answered a high calling to serve and have helped secure America at every turn.

Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom's defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service members have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor America's veterans.

Now, therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2008, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 9 through November 15, 2008, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon federal, state, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs."

Transition of authority ceremony

2008-11-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

Photo by: Pvt. Alisha Nye

"A transition of authority ceremony took place, Oct. 27, 2008, at Forward Operating Base Warhorse, located in the Diyala province of Iraq, signifying the end of a 15 month tour of duty for the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment Dragoons and the start of a year-long tour of duty for the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division Arctic Wolves." News Link Here

I found another news site: DVIDS
Which stands for Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System. They have lots of information on their website.

Military blogs

2008-10-29T15:30:00.000-07:00

I have a hard time getting my thoughts in a blog post. That is why they are usually short and sweet. I end up rewriting the sentences in my head over and over. That's why I admire those people who have great blogs. My RSS is filled with blogs about family life, cooking, video games and such. I have been a reader of SpouseBUZZ for awhile.
But lately, I wanted to read about others who had a soldier deployed also. It's hard to describe. You know you aren't the only person that has their husband deployed but you also want to see that, "Yea, me too."

So I added a few to read. Hopefully no one thinks I'm a stalker, haha. Just another military wife looking for ideas to make it through this deployment.

Commander of the 1st SBCT

2008-10-28T11:31:00.000-07:00

The commander of the 1st SBCT is Col. Burt Thompson. There was a press release that says he met with Sheik Abu Ikhlaas, who is a leader in the Diyala province of Iraq. Kinda like an informal talk and handover from the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment who are leaving the area.
Link Here.

Spc. Pickard & Pfc. Eggleston

2008-10-22T15:41:00.000-07:00

This was not a post I wanted to end up writing, but in the grim reality, I knew it would happen. Not a day goes by when I don't say a quick prayer for the soldiers to stay safe. But very unfortunely, Spc. Heath K. Pickard died on Oct. 16 in Iraq. He was from the 1-5, 1-25 SBCT. Link Here.

11 other soldiers ended up being wounded. It is hard for me to think of words to say, so I offer a moment of silence and a prayer for the families.

Update: Pfc. Cody J. Eggleston was one of the soldiers who was seriously hurt in this attack. He passed away about a week later at a military hospital in Bethesda, Md. Link Here

Diplomatic approach

2008-10-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

The BBC has a news article that talks about how the war is being covered less in the media and the presidential race. Some quotes from the article:

"I think no matter who wins", Richard Haass said, "you are going to see a reduction in the American presence in Iraq - they may disagree on the pace and how fast we get to some point - but the era in which Iraq has dominated American foreign policy is over."

"I think Senator Obama is more comfortable in embracing diplomacy as a central tool or instrument of American foreign policy" he told me.

"Senator McCain approaches diplomacy a little bit more with pre-conditions; as something of a reward and he also seems to see it as something of a sanction, to be removed when he doesn't like a country."

No news

2008-10-13T18:52:00.000-07:00

There is a saying in the army that is said a lot during deployment, "No news is good news." It refers to the fact that if something bad had happened, you would be contacted.
But right now, there is no news on the 1-25 in Iraq. They are getting settled into the job and routine. And I'm doing one of the army's favorite games, "Hurry up and wait."

So I went looking online for some news. It's a double-edged sword. There is both bad and good news. The bad news stories can quickly drive your mind in circles. I'm getting better at skipping over them. But here is the website for the Multi-National Force – Iraq. Click Here.

another ceremony video

2008-10-03T12:27:00.000-07:00

Click Here

This one is the same deployment ceremony that took place on Sept. 11, but it is longer in length.
It's on the US Army Alaska website.

pictures

2008-09-29T11:38:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from when they left Alaska.

Click here!

all shipped out

2008-09-28T14:56:00.000-07:00

From the Newsminer

"GONE TO IRAQ: The last large contingent of Fort Wainwright soldiers departed for Iraq on Thursday (Sept. 25, 2008) , with most of them flying out of Eielson on chartered jumbo jets.

There were more than 14 flights, using DC-10s, 747s, MD-11s, C-5s and C-17s."

I saw one picture of the soldiers boarding a plane. It's funny how you try to pick your guy out of the line. When everyone has on hats, sunglasses, the same uniform and is carrying a black laptop bag, it is almost impossible.

4000 strong

2008-09-18T12:11:00.003-07:00

Photo by Eric Engman

Around 4000 troops will be leaving. More photos at the News Miner.

“This wolf pack of thousands of warriors, they’re going to fly from this beauty of Alaska and the warmth of their dinners at home and they’re going to land in a war zone where the enemy is fighting us,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen R. Layfield, the commanding general of U.S. Army Alaska. “They’re trying to hurt our country and they’re trying to hurt our families. You are looking at over 4,000 reasons as to why that will never happen.”

"For many of the soldiers at the ceremony, this will be a return trip to Iraq. About half the 1-25th is made up of soldiers from the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, the Fort Wainwright unit which had an extended 16-month tour in Iraq in 2005 and 2006." Chris Freiberg

Sarah Palin speaks at Fort Wainwright

2008-09-18T12:11:00.002-07:00

The Alaska governor speaks at the deployment ceremony. Her son is deploying with the 1-25.

“As you depart today, don’t mind us, your parents, your friends, your family if we allow for a few tears or we hold you just a little closer once more before you’re gone, because we’re going to miss you,” she said. “We can’t help it. We’re going to miss you."

1-25th Deployment Ceremony

2008-09-18T12:11:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Chris Freiberg, a reporter in Fairbanks, for uploading these to Youtube.

From AK to Iraq

2008-09-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

My husband is going over to Iraq again so this is just a little blog to collect all the news and whatnot. For us and family and friends. So there will be stuff about the news from 1/25 SBCT and from things happening here in Alaska. I will not post things that haven't been released to the general media.
Here are some general links related to us. I'll add more as needed.
Stryker Brigade News
News Miner (Fairbanks newspaper)
Arctic Wolves