Stryker Repair Facility

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

More DVIDS articles

Spc. Opal Vaughn has written a few more articles about the 1-25 on DVIDS.

Cash for Trash
Walking the Line
Forward Area Support Team Makes the Rounds

And Pvt. Alisha Nye has a few also.

Operation Archangel Pursuit III Smokes Out Threats

The Changing Role of an Infantry Soldier

The article about the recycling program is a good thing to read about.

Merry Christmas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Veterans Day

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are a few pictures from when they left Alaska.

Click here!

all shipped out

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

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

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

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

From AK to Iraq

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