Dagwood Dispatch - 16th Infantry Regiment Association

Transcription

Remembering D-day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
New 1st ID Comanding General at Ft. Riley. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Change of Command. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Membership Cards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Soldier Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Inside
Rub Someone’s Name On-line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Regimental Elections Pending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Right Over My Shoulder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
From the Regimental CP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Unit’s Mission: Survive 4 Miles to
Remember Fallen Comrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Up Through the Ranks with the 2-16 Rangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
16th Inf. Reg/DMOR Week at Fort Riley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
US, Shiite Fighters Clash in Baghdad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
From the Desk of Iron Ranger 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Memories of D-Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
From the Desk of Ranger Six . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
New Motorcycle Group Being Formed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Membership and DMOR Dues, Now Payable on PAYPAL . . . . . . . . 6
Marching in the Double Quick. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2/16 Infantry Welcomes 500,000th R&R
Service Member at DFW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Memebership Dues and Donations/Secure On-line Payment. . . . . . 21
Veterans Salute July 26, 2007. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
CPT (Retired) Lonnie Moore appointed
to National Council on Disability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Mark Your Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Family Tradition???. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Looking For . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Bandido Chalrie Six . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
‘Izzy... Bring Your Daughter Here’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
16th Infantry Regiment Association
25830 Hidden Acres Dr., Westlake, OH 44145-4711
Address Service Requested
Rangers Leave Security of FOB
to Secure Neighborhoods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
They Continue to Amaze You! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Heping Our Soldiers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Bandidos Recognize Families of Comrades Who Have Past On. . . . 8
Our Fallen Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Our Fallen Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Rebuilding Baghdad, A Team Effort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
From the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Letters to the Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Origin of the Word Aviator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Taps Have Sounded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
September
2007
LTC James Braham. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
The Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Association Items For Sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Bandido Charlie Assoc. Website . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Dues Notice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
WILLMAR, MN
PERMIT NO. 667
DISPATCHES
Dagwood
Vol. 16 – NO. 9
September 2007
REMEMBERING D-DAY
In June of this past year, a
member of the 16th Infantry
Regiment,
Distinguished
Member of the Regiment, and
D-Day
survivor,
Steve
Kellman and his granddaughter, Rita traveled to
Europe. They took in many of
the sites of the WWII battles,
cemeteries and memorials to
our soldiers who fought in
France during WWII.
On June 6th, they were at the
American
Cemetery
at
Colville sur Mer, France.
Their main objective was to Steve Kellman and his granddaughter visiting the grave of LT. Jimmie
visit the grave of LT. Jimmie Monteith at the American Cemetery, Colville sur Mer, France.
Monteith. Mr. Kellman and LT. Monteith both served in L Company 16th Infantry on
D-Day. Of the over 150 men that assaulted the beach with Mr. Kellman, only 79 of them
survived. LT. Monteith was killed in action on D-Day, and was posthumously awarded
the Medal of Honor. Mr. Kellman said “When ever I visit the cemetery, I visit his
gravesite. I wanted my granddaughter to understand the sacrifice that was made, so that
we could live in freedom.”
As they were standing near the gravesite of LT. Monteith, a photographer from the
Associated Press happened by and snapped this shot of Mr. Kellman and his
granddaughter, Rita.
Issue No. 58
NEW 1ST ID
COMMANDING
GENERAL AT
FT. RILEY
Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates
announced that the President has nominated:
Major General Robert E. Durbin,
Commanding General, Combined Security
Transition Command-Afghanistan, United
States Central Command to Commanding
General, 1st Infantry Division and Fort
Riley, Fort Riley, Kansas. [Many of you
may remember Bob as Commander, 1st
Brigade, 1st ID several years back.]
Major General Carter F. Ham, United
States Army, for appointment to the rank of
lieutenant general and assignment as
Director for Operations, J-3, The Joint Staff,
Washington, DC. He is currently serving as
Commanding General, 1st Infantry Division
and Fort Riley.
Editor’s note: It is my understanding that
the change of Command Ceremony was held
on August 1st, 2007 at Ft. Riley.
CHANGE OF COMMAND
On June 7th of this year, a Change of Command Ceremony was held at Fort Riley, Kansas. The 1st Battalion,
16th Infantry bid farewell to LTC Frank Zachar and welcomed their new Battalion Commander, LTC Bryan Luke.
LTC Zachar has commanded the ‘Iron Rangers’ for two years, assuming command on June 8th of 2005. Many of
us had the pleasure of meeting him at the Big Red One reunion in Washington DC that summer. LTC Zachar has
done an excellent job with the ‘Iron Rangers’, and has gone above and beyond the call of duty working with the
16th Infantry Regiment Association. Those of us who have been fortunate to attend the Regimental Week and
Distinguished Member of the Regiment Ceremonies over the past two years have come to know LTC Zachar, his LTC Bryan Luke Iron Ranger
wife Michelle, and their three children, Frankie, Lauren and Wolfie. Many hours of socializing at their home has
led to the bonding of many fine friendships between old soldiers and the active duty soldiers of the 16th Infantry ‘Iron Rangers’ and ‘the
Rangers’. On behalf of the 16th Regimental Association. Best wishes and many thanks to LTC Zachar.
On June 7th, LTC Bryan Luke assumed Command of the ‘Iron Rangers’ 1st of the 16th Infantry at Fort Riley. All of us at the 16th Infantry
Regiment Association would like to offer a hearty welcome to LTC Bryan Luke, his wife Treva and their two children, Anthony and Rachel. It
was a pleasure to meet them all at the Big Red One Reunion in St. Louis in August. LTC Luke and his staff are working with members of our
Association to prepare for the Regimental Week/ DMOR Ceremony coming up in September. We look forward to a long and rewarding tenure,
working with LTC Luke, his staff and soldiers at the 1st of the 16th Infantry, ‘Iron Rangers’.
Editors note: CSM Bill Ryan, HCOR Skip Baker and Association VP. John Copeland attended the Change of Command Ceremony.
No Mission Too Difficult No Sacrifice Too Great Duty First!
DISPATCHES
Dagwood
Dagwood Dispatches is the official publication of the 16th Infantry Regiment Association. It is published
three times per year. Assembled and printed by Print Masters of Willmar, 919 First Street S, Willmar, MN,
([email protected]) for members of the 16th Infantry Regiment Association.
ASSOCIATION OFFICERS
This is your organization and we are interested in your suggestions and recommendations. All recommendations
and suggestions submitted are given serious consideration by your board of directors. For any recommendations,
suggestions, or sales, please contact one of the following Association Officers:
President
Gerald K. Griffin
19350 Magnolia Grove Square, Apt. 209
Landsdowne, VA 20176-5181
(703) 723-9669
[email protected]
Vice President
Edmund K. (Mick) Daley
976 N. Quantico St.
Arlington, VA. 22205-1653
(703) 536-3986
[email protected]
Quarter Master
Mike Renshaw (Sit-Rep)
32 Elderkin Ave.
Camillus, NY 13031-1024
(315) 440-0213
[email protected]
Archivis
Buzz Tiffany
299 Putter Circle
Winter Haven, FL. 33881
(804) 467-8542
[email protected]
Honorary Colonel of Regiment
Sidney F. “Skip” Baker, Jr
205 Cottonwood Dr.
Harker Heights, TX. 76548
(254) 690-7099 cell (254) 702-7571
[email protected]
Vice President
John Copeland
6133 S. County Rd.121 E
Clayton, IN. 46118-9665
Secretary
Ron Saxton
805 Yacht Club Point
Chapin, SC 29036
(803) 932-9481
[email protected]
Desert Storm Era Representative
Skip Baker
[email protected]
Editor
Ron (MACK) Mackedanz
9705 37th Ave. SE.
Kandiyohi, Mn.56251
(320)382-6649
[email protected]
Reunion Co-ordinator
Dennis Moorehead
2171 Pauline Lane
Blairsville, GA. 30512-0219
(706) 745-4790
[email protected]
Trustee
Gerald K. Griffin
19350 Magnolia Grove Square, Apt. 209
Landsdowne, VA 20176-5181
(703) 723-9669
[email protected]
Trustee
Dennis Moorehead
2171 Pauline Lane
Blairsville, GA. 30512-0219
Cell Ph. (404) 915-0067
[email protected]
Treasurer
Ken Alderson
25830 Hidden Acres Dr.
Westlake, OH. 44145-4711
(440) 892-8358
[email protected]
Vietnam Era Representative
Phil Hall
7740 Donington Park Dr.
Cumming, GA. 30040-6054
[email protected]
Reunion Co-ordinator
Robert Humphries
1734 Ellenwood Drive
Roswell, GA.30075-3145
(770) 993-8312
16th Infantry Regimental Website
http://www.16thinfantry-regiment.org
Message from your WEB TEAM:
We would like to say hello to all members of the 16th Infantry Regiment Association and thank you
for your continued support of the website. http://www.16thinfantry-regiment.org
The new website format has been up and running for over a year now and has had over 29,039
visits. It is very comprehensive and offers a wealth of information. We are always on the look-out
for new information or photos to post on the site, if you have any material you would like to see
posted please forward same for consideration.
We are here to help you! If you have any questions or you need assistance regarding the website
features please let us know.
Sincerely,
John Marfia and Sandi Kruse e-mail [email protected]
Membership
Cards
Effective August 1st, 2007 all new
memberships and renewals need to be
sent to our Association Secretary; Ron
Saxton, to insure speedy entry into
Mailing Data base for the Dagwood
Dispatches and to insure that every new
member gets their Membership Card.
Ron Saxton, Secretary
805 Yacht Club Point
Chapin, SC 29036
(803) 932-9481
[email protected]
SOLDIER CONTACTS:
Anyone wishing to send cards,
letters, packages, etc. to any of our
16th Infantry Regiment active duty
troops may do so by sending to the
following addresses. We have been
informed that all mail must have
the name of the soldier on it.
They will no longer deliver mail
addressed to ‘Any Soldier’. Also,
we have been asked to not include
the Soldiers rank in the address, for
security purposes.
1st Battalion,
16th Infantry Regiment
Building 1883B
Fort Riley, KS 66442
B CO, 1-16 IN
Building 1883B
Fort Riley, KS 66442
Charlie Company
1st Battalion,
16th Infantry Regiment
APO AE 09333-3302
___________________________
2nd BN 16th Infantry, 1st ID.
Name of Soldier
Company, 2-16 In. 1st ID.
Unit 41560
FOB Rustamiyah
APO AE 09390-1560
As a reminder, snail mail for 2-16 may be sent to:
Rank/Name or Attn: Commander or 1SG or CSM • HQ or Company, 2-16 IN, 1st ID
Unit# 41560 • FOB Rustamiyah • APO AE 09390-1560
Priority mail is necessary for packages to ensure timely delivery. Using USPS FLAT RATE boxes. Customs slips required.
September 2007
2
Dagwood Dispatches
ASSOCIATION ITEMS FOR SALE
Other Items for sale
Please be sure to include the correct shipping /handling
with each order. Make all checks payable to:
16th Infantry Regiment Association.
1st Division Bumper Stickers............................................3.00
1st Division Window Decals ............................................2.00
1st Division Music Tape....................................................5.50
26th Inf. Unit Crest ..........................................................5.50
5th Field Artillery, Unit Crest............................................5.50
7th Field Artillery, Unit Crest............................................5.50
Crossed Rifles, Crest (pair) ..............................................3.00
WWII Caps........................................................................8.50
WWII T-Shirt
(Med, Lg, & XL)..........................................................10.00
Golf Shirt w/CIB black
(Med. Lg. & XXL) ......................................................35.00
CIB T-shirt, Grey
(XL & XXL) ................................................................15.00
Bandido Charlie Pins ........................................................3.50
Book, ‘Saving Private Ryan’ ............................................8.00
Regimental Items
Unit Patches ....................................................................$5.50
Bumpers Stickers ..............................................................3.00
Coat of Arms pin ..............................................................5.50
Necklace (ladies) ..............................................................6.50
Stick pins ..........................................................................5.00
Watch (mens) ..................................................................35.00
Challenge Coin (old) ........................................................4.00
Challenge Coin (new)........................................................6.00
DMOR embroidered Crest ..............................................25.00
Window Decal ..................................................................2.00
Earrings (clip on style) ......................................................8.50
Cap, embroidered (Navy or White)................................15.50
Cap, printed (Navy blue) ..................................................8.50
Blazer Crest (embroidered) ............................................25.00
Iron Ranger Scarf, OD green ..........................................10.00
Calculator ........................................................................10.50
Regimental History (Baumgartner) ................................20.00
Rangers in Iraq book ........................................................3.00
T – Shirts, w/ Regimental Crest ......................................15.00
(Med, LG, XL & XXL)
Tie, (Regimental flag) ....................................................30.00
There are only limited quantities of some items left.
Send all orders to Mike Renshaw, 32 Elderkin Ave.
Camillus, NY. 13031-1024 ** Ph. (315) 672-5531
or e-mail [email protected]
Please add $5.00 to all orders for postage. All orders will be
shipped PRIORITY MAIL. We are currently working on
setting up PayPal. Hopefully, by next issue of DD.
BANDIDO CHARLIE ASSOCIATION WEBITE:
If you have questions about the Bandido Charlie Association web site,
Send an email to: [email protected] • Gary Martens -- Bandido Charlie Association webmaster
Dues Notice Dues Notice Dues Notice Dues Notice Dues Notice Dues Notice
NAME__________________________________________________________________________________________________
ADDRESS ______________________________________________________________________________________________
CITY ________________________________________________________ STATE ________ ZIP+4 ____________________
TELEPHONE ________________________________________________ Email ____________________________________
UNIT (Co, Bn,) ________________________________________________ DATES (With Unit) ________________________
HIGHEST RANK (While in Unit) ________________________________
Spouse Name ________________________________________________
DUES ..............................................................................$ ______________
GENERAL DONATIONS ..............................................$ ______________
DUES MAY NOW BE PAID ONLINE USING PAYPAL
TOTAL ENCLOSED......................................................$ ______________
Please fill out all the information so we can verify our database entries. Annual dues are $20.00 per year payable on January 1st
of each year. The dues year runs from January 1 - December 31. If a new member joins the Association after November 1 of any
given year, they are credited with the next year’s dues. If they join prior to November 1, they are credited with the current year’s
dues only. We established this practice because we do not have any paid staff, nor the capability to track dues by the month in
which a member joins. Tracking dues on an annual basis is the most economic method for the Association.
If you are paying the next year’s dues, please make note on your check.
Please send all checks to Mrs. Ron Saxton, 805 Yacht Club Point, Chapin, SC 29036. Phone: 803-932-9481
Dagwood Dispatches
23
September 2007
TAPS HAVE SOUNDED
So that his brethren shall know...
WILLIAM J. PENNY (86) - Quincy, FL.
WWII
5 MAR 2007
SSgt. 16th Inf. Reg. Medic, and 601 T.D. Bn. 1st and 3rd Divisions. Africa, Sicily, Italy
So. France and Germany
CAPT. (RET) ROBERT MAYES IRVINE (89) - Augusta, ME. WWII
Purple Heart w/3 OL, Bronze Star, Silver Star, wounded at Normandy.
Commanded H & M Companies, 16th Infantry Regiment.
RON FRODINE
Delta 2/16
SPC. SHAWN D. GADJOS, - Grand Rapids, Michigan.
D Co. 2-16 (IED)
25 JAN 2007
Vietnam
Vietnam 23 MAY 2007
MARTIN KROAH - Houston, TX.
Lt. Platoon leader, C 2/16, Vietnam, 1965-1966 Silver Star, and Purple Heart
Send condolences: His son, Mr. David Kroah, 6600 Dunlap #2048, Houston, TX. 77074-5140
SPC. JAY S. CAJIMAT - Lahaina (Maui) Hawaii
A Co. 2-16 (IED)
Iraq
Iraq (KIA) 11 JUN 2007
SGT. WILLIAM W. CROW JR. - Grandview Plaza, Kansas
A Co. 2-16 (IED)
PFC JAMES J. HARRELSON - Dadeville, Alabama
B Co. 2-16 (IED)
(KIA) 6 APR 2007
(KIA) 6 JUN 2007
SPC. CAMERON K. PAYNE - Carona, California
D Co. 2-16 (IED)
SPC. ANDRE J. CRAIG - New Haven, Connecticut
B Co. 2-16 (IED)
31 JAN 2006
Iraq
Iraq (KIA) 17 JUL 2007
LTC JAMES BRAHAM (Obituary) by Charles E. Silk, DMOR
for two years as CO of HHC of the 16th Infantry Regiment.
From Germany, it was on to Korea where he served as a
military advisor during that war. Other assignments included
Alaska and 5th Army Headquarters in
Chicago.
After 20 years in the military, Jim
entered the real estate business in
Garland, TX. The last several years
were spent enjoying life and traveling
with his family.
He will be deeply missed by his
devoted family, many friends and
many Association Members who
served with him in Germany.
May he rest in peace.
On September 17, 2006 Association member LTC James
Braham of Garland, TX succumbed to a malignant brain tumor.
Jim’s military service began while serving with the 85th
Division in Italy during WWII. Col. Braham
earned two Bronze Stars for Valor, the Purple
Heart and the Combat Infantry Badge.
In 1948 while serving with the office of ‘The
Military Gov’t of Berlin’ 350,000 Russian
troops surrounded Berlin and the ‘Cold War’
began. The Berlin airlift would come to the
aid of 2.5 million helpless Berliners. As a
young Lieutenant, Jim was assigned the task
of evacuating all American dependants and
their families. Jim and his family were among
the last to leave Berlin on the DC 3 flight to Frankfurt. From
Frankfurt, they traveled to Furth/Nuremberg where Jim served
THE GUARD
He stood his post as he had done many
times before, as the icy rain pelted him, he
pulled the hood of his poncho a little tighter
and bowed his head to let the rain drip
where it would. He had stood guard many
times before, this was no different. He
would not leave his post. He was standing
for a fallen hero, in a small rural town. He
was standing to honor a life given in the line
of duty, to honor all those who had gone
before, in memory of his fallen buddies.
Instead of a weapon, he held a flag. No one,
this time would be forgotten. In his war, he
was spit on and called ‘baby-killer’. This
September 2007
was not going to happen
again, not on his watch.
Others were there as well,
many having ridden bikes for hours, others
in cars and trucks. They all had their reasons for being there. The number one being,
to honor and respect the fallen hero and his
family.
It was hard when the family came through
the flag line and thanked him. He was just
doing his duty. What could he say in return,
“Sorry for your loss?” That wasn’t enough.
He knew of the grief the family had and that
it would go on for years to come. So, he just
said, “It was my honor.”
Later, as he folded his wet flag to store on
his bike for the long ride home, one of his
22
fellow flag bearers came up, shook his hand
and said,” Welcome Home, Thank you for
your service.” He had waited forty years to
hear those words. He would wait until he
got home to cry. His wife would understand. She had stood with him through the
nightmares, through the bad times, when he
did not know if he could make it through
the night. This time, it would be a healing
cry. But for now, he would just say, “Thank
you.”
This verse was written by Diane Kinney in
June 2007. Diane is a US ARMY veteran
and Chaplain for the Minnesota Patriot
Guard.
Dagwood Dispatches
From the Editor Ron (Mack) Mackedanz
This first paragraph is from the back of a T-shirt
by Reaperwear, that I have seen recently. It pretty well sums up my last three months, and my
present philosophy on life: “My life is not a
journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body,
but rather I will skid in broadside, thoroughly
used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, WOW,,,, WHAT A RIDE!!”
What a great time to be an Iron Ranger or
Ranger!! We have the entire Battalion of
Rangers 2nd of the 16th Infantry deployed in the
Baghdad area of Iraq. They are playing a major
role in the ‘Surge’ and all reports are that they
are making a real difference in the lives of the
Iraqi people in the area.
Bravo and Charlie Companies of the 1st of the
16th ‘Iron Rangers’ have been in Iraq since
September of last year. Bravo Company has
been at FSB Anaconda, while the Bandidos of
Charlie Company have been running convoy
security out of Al Asad. Word is that the
Bushmasters of Bravo Company should be
returning to Ft. Riley in mid-September, with the
Bandidos to follow some time in October.
In June, I had the opportunity to visit some of the
wounded soldiers at Bal Boa Hospital in San
Diego, Cal., with another old Bandido, John
Finnell. We had hoped to meet up with Lonnie
Moore, but he was out of town with his job
working on the Wounded Warrior Program. We
also had the honor and the privilege to meet with
Maj. Jacque Moore, who works with the psychical therapy unit at Bal Boa hospital in San
Diego.
A good share of my summer has been occupied
with events evolving around ‘The Patriot
Guard’. For those of you who are not familiar,
they are the people who ride motorcycles and
stand in respect for our Soldiers. In Minnesota
alone, we have had many funerals. Some for our
active duty Soldiers, some for WWII, Vietnam
and other deceased Veterans. We even had a
funeral service for an Air Force pilot who was
shot down over Laos back in 1968. With approximately 185 motorcycles, and 250 patriotic people all there, holding a 3x5 American flag in the
sweltering July heat, on a hot blacktop parking
lot around a small country church, WOW!!! It
was impressive. As the service was being held,
one of our number looked up, and right there,
over the church circled a bald eagle. He flew
around the area for a quite a while during the
service. Most of us just stood there in silent reverence as we watched this inspiriting display by
this awesome symbol of America.
During the month of July, the Patriot Guard was
heavily involved with the welcoming home of
2,600 Nat’l Guard troops from Minnesota. These
guys and gals had been on active duty for 22
HELPING OUR SOLDIERS
months, with the last 16
months being deployed
in Iraq. Most of these Soldiers spent a week
debriefing in Fort McCoy, Wisc. And then they
were bused back to their home towns over a period of a couple of weeks. I personally had the
honor of riding escort on three of these missions.
As an old Vietnam Vet, I can’t begin to tell you
how great it was to be a part of all of this. On one
mission that I had the privilege of leading, my
group was waiting on a bridge overlooking I-94,
waiting for the buses to show up. When they got
there, the group that was leading them pulled off
the interstate and my group swooped down
ahead of the buses for the next stretch of the
escort. As I looked back over my shoulder at the
motorcycles and the two buses full of Soldiers,
my heart almost burst with pride, and tears came
to my eyes, realizing that I was being honored
with the mission of bringing these Soldiers back
home to their families and friends. WOW!!!!!
In August, the Big Red One held their 89th annual reunion in St. Louis, MO. Once again, the
16th Infantry Regiment was well represented.
We had the largest number of attendees of any
group there. I will have more about the Reunion
in the next issue of the DD.
Coming up soon is our annual Regimental Week
and Distinguished Member of Regiment
continued on page 20
If you are interested in helping our soldiers, please consider one or more of the following for a donation. Thank you, Ron Mackedanz
SGT. Michael A. Emory was seriously wounded by a sniper in Iraq
back in April, 2007. He remains hospitalized at the VA Palo Alto
Hospital, in Palo Alto, California. He is doing fairly well, but still has
not regained the use of his right leg and arm. His wife mentioned that
they could use gift cards from Safeway, Wal-Mart and Gas cards to
help offset various expenses. If you could help them with this, they
would appreciate it greatly. Their address is:
SGT. Michael A. Emory
VA Palo Alto • Unit 7D-Polytrauma
3801 Miranda Ave. Palo Alto, CA. 94304
REGIMENTAL ELECTIONS PENDING
The 16th Infantry Board of Directors determined holding elections for
2007 is premature based on a pending Management Plan for the
Association and a need to revise the by-laws written two decades ago. To
do all of this will require each and every member have the opportunity to
review and vote on the Management Plan and proposed by-law changes, in
addition to the board developing a slate of board positions which are eligible for election/re-election by all members in 2008. The only timely
Dagwood Dispatches
3
You may also want to help by making a donation to the
Wounded Warrior Project.
CPT. (Retired) Lonnie Moore, works for this organization and
he is also a Wounded Warrior from Iraq, having lost a leg in
combat operations over there in 2004.
Donations may be sent to:
Wounded Warrior Project
7020 AC Skinner Pkwy • Suite 100
Jacksonville, FL. 32256
communication to ensure all members have an opportunity to be presented
proposals, review same and concur/non concur in the coming months and
into early 2008 are the two Dagwood Dispatches; on-line and mailed. As
such, the next board elections for the Association will be held at the
annual meeting in conjunction with the 2008 Society of the First Infantry
Division Reunion, dates and location TBA. Current board officers will
remain in their respective positions until that time.
Ron Saxton, Secretary, 16th Infantry Regiment Association
September 2007
From the Regimental CP
MARCHING AT THE DOUBLE QUICK
Skip Baker
Riley to celebrate the anniversary of the United
States’ oldest and proudest division. I did not have the chance to discuss at
length with MG Hamm that a tremendous opportunity for the Division to
celebrate its heritage, history and honors was being thrown away. But what
a disappointment that 3-day period was! And what a prime example it was
of why we exist and what we can do for the current generation of our
Soldiers. If the famous First Infantry Division is not going to focus internally on its history and its achievements, and what that means to the Soldier
who serves in the Big Red One today, then who is? You and I can partially
correct for the loss of those opportunities last June when we visit the
Regiment in September, but that will not remedy what appears to be a serious lack of perspective on the part of the 1st Division.
Our Regiment and our Division have a proud history, one bought and paid
for at frightful cost by the blood of generations of patriots. That history
deserves to be told, retold and celebrated at least once every year, not
pushed aside or ignored or forgotten.
In the last issue of the DD, I reminded the Regiment’s DMORs that the
majority had not sent in their DMOR donations (that’s separate and apart
from the Association dues) for this year. I regret to report that the majority
of DMORs still have not done so. Consequently, I sent letters in early July
out to the DMORs for whom I have no record of contribution in 2007, and
I would appreciate it very much if those who have not yet sent their annual
contribution would do so ASAP. We have so much to get done between
now and September, and contributions allow me to do all those things.
Without your support, our ability to support the Regiment and our Soldiers
and families withers and blows away. Please get your DMOR dues off to
me today if you possibly can. We will continue to make a difference for the
better, but only if you continue to faithfully support our programs and
initiatives through your DMOR donations.
I will be at the 1st Division Reunion in St. Louis in August and at the
Regimental Week activities at Fort Riley in September. I look forward to
seeing old friends and making new ones, and enjoying the camaraderie that
comes with gatherings like that.
I hope to see you all at both events. If not, then try to attend at least one.
You won’t be disappointed, I promise.
Semper Paratus!
Skip Baker, Honorary Colonel of Regiment
Regimental Week this year will be held 26-28 September at Fort Riley.
The 2007 Distinguished Members of the Regiment (DMOR) nominees are
Mr. John Burke (2-16, RVN), Mr. Herb McHenry (1-16, RVN), Mr. John
Marfia (2-16, RVN), Mr. Mike Renshaw (1-16, RVN), and LTC Frank
Zachar, former commander of the 1-16 and currently the Division G3 at
Fort Riley. The Honorary Members of the Regiment (HMOR) nominees
this year are COL (Ret) Roger Donlon (Leavenworth, KS), Ms Sandra
Kruse (Sidney, British Columbia, Canada) and Ms Cathy Ludlow (Battle
Creek, MI). We are hopeful that each and every one of these exceptional
people will be joining us for his or her Investiture this September, and that
our Regimental Association members and DMORs will attend in at least
company-strength. If you have not had the chance to meet and get to know
today’s officers, NCOs and Soldiers in the 16th Infantry, September is your
chance! Please join us if you are able to do so. The agenda for that week
has not been locked down yet, but once it is, we will publish that information on the Regimental web page.
I had the privilege of attending the 1-16 change-of-command ceremonies at Fort Riley on June 7th with DMORs John Copeland and Bill
Ryan. It was a perfect day for saying farewell to an outstanding commander, LTC Frank Zachar, and bidding welcome to another great commander,
LTC Bryan Luke. I want to take this opportunity to say “Thank you” to
LTC Zachar for his leadership, integrity, and total support of the 16th
Infantry Regiment Association and our DMORs. In everything we’ve tried
to do, Frank has fully supported us, even when his plate was full to the point
of overflowing. He is now the new DANGER THREE, so we’ll still be seeing Frank when we get to Fort Riley, at least for a while. We have gained
another staunch supporter in LTC Bryan Luke, and we welcome Bryan
aboard as the new Iron Ranger Six. Bryan is a professional Infantryman and
combat veteran, and already knows who we are and much of what we do.
Welcome, Bryan. The Iron Rangers are in capable hands, and you can count
on us to support you in any way we can.
I have to admit that all was not sweetness-and-sunshine at Fort Riley.
Bill (who is a WWII veteran of our Regiment), John and I arrived on 6 June
(D-Day), and there was nothing happening at Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry
Division to commemorate that significant milestone in our regimental and
Division history. The day after the change-of-command, 8 June, was the 1st
Infantry Division’s 90th birthday. Once again, nothing was planned at Fort
UP THROUGH THE RANKS WITH THE 2-16 RANGERS
The following is a unique history of one of our 2-16 officers. It is not very often that an officer can hold every rank during his career with the same unit.
Here is the history on Major Gery. B. Cummings of the 2-16 Infantry Rangers.
Major Cummings came to the Battalion as a 2nd Lieutenant, following his Commission from Norwich University. He was promoted to First Lieutenant when he
completed the 12 mile foot march as part of the EIB testing on Old Hwy 77. He was promoted to CPT in December of 1995 up at MPRC while completing a
Battalion level gunnery.
Shortly after that promotion, he left the Battalion and went to the Infantry Officer Advance Course. He Commanded an Airbourne Company in Alaska, served as
an Observer/Controller at the NTC and then served as the Small Group Instructor at Fort Benning, GA. While at Fort Benning, he was promoted to Major. He went
to Afghanistan in 2003. When he returned, he attended CGSC at Fort Leavenworth. He has been back with the Battalion at Fort Riley as their XO since 2005.
If Major Cummings gets promoted to LTC while still in the Battalion, he will have served in every grade an Officer can in one Battalion. To quote Maj. Cummings,”
I’m very proud of that. The ‘Rangers’ are a completely different unit now to when I was a Lieutenant but the history and prestige of this organization is remarkable
and hasn’t changed. Today, the men continue to fight and they continue to build on that legacy.”
Between 1992 and 1995, he served as a platoon leader in Company C, 2-16. Executive Officer for Company E 2-16 and Executive Officer for HHC 2-16
In 2005 he became Battalion Executive Officer for the ‘Rangers’ 2-16 Inf. The position that he currently serves.
September 2007
4
Dagwood Dispatches
In the hills, woods and rolling fields
The scars on the landscape
Time always heals
The four seasons abound in splendor
Sounds of distant marching armies
Must be imagined
No one marching then
Is here now to remember
The ridges and hills near a sleepy
Pennsylvania town
Seminary and Cemetery Ridges
Big and little Round Tops
Each with artillery on its crown
Each elevation covered with trees
Scatter their leaves to the ground cut
from branches by shot and lead
Buzzing like a million bees
Regiments of soldiers
Marching at the double quick
No stragglers - close up the ranks
Carry the rifle at right shoulder shift
Closer and closer to the enemy they come
Retreat! Out of the question
No soldier waivers - None will run
Into the valley of death
Still marching at the double quick
Flesh vs. Iron
Puddles of blood and human wreckage
accouterments of war
A tall black hat of the Iron Brigade
with its ostrich plumage
Then all is silent save for the cries
of the wounded
The result of battle is death and
destruction
A battlefield is hallowed ground
For time eternal
Long after the solemn notes of Taps
Have been played
The bugle is silent after the sound
In the hills, woods and rolling fields
The scars on the landscape
Time always heals
MEMBERSHIP DUES AND
DONATIONS/SECURE
ON-LINE PAYMENT
The 16th Infantry Regiment Association NOW offers
on-line payment for Membership Dues and Donations.
Anyone can easily join or send donations to the
Regimental Association. It takes a few clicks of the
mouse. Go to:
http://www.16thinfantry-regiment.org/
Click on the Secure On-line Payment Banner just
below the Introduction (in the center module). Easy to
follow instructions are posted on the on-line payment
web page.
Categories for payment are:
Annual Dues, Life Membership Dues
Donations: General, Soldiers Fund, DMOR Fund,
and Memorial Fund (Donation in memory of a
deceased member)
Copyright © 2006 John J. Copland
Veterans Salute July 26, 2007
Join the 16th Infantry Regiment Association!
Become a member now!
Team JBSK John Marfia & Sandra Kruse
“Unfortunately, current U.S. Law leaves confusion as to whether veterans
and service members out of uniform can or should salute the flag. My legislation will clarify this regulation, allowing veterans and servicemen alike
to salute the flag, whether they are in uniform or not.”
“I look forward to seeing those who have served, saluting proudly at baseball games, parades, and formal events. I believe this is an appropriate way
to honor and recognize the 25 million veterans in the United States who
have served in the military and remain as role models to other citizens.
Those who are currently serving or have served in the military have earned
this right, and their recognition will be an inspiration to others.”
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R. Okla) today praised the
passage by unanimous consent of his bill (S.1877) clarifying U.S. law to
allow veterans and servicemen not in uniform to salute the flag. Current law
(US Code Title 4, Chapter 1) states that veterans and servicemen not in uniform should place their hand over their heart without clarifying whether
they can or should salute the flag.
“The salute is a form of honor and respect, representing pride in one’s military service.” Senator Inhofe said. “Veterans and service members continue representing the military services even when not in uniform.”
Mark Your Calendar
September, 26 - 28, 2007 Distinguished Members of Regiment, Investiture Ceremony, and Regimental Week at Ft. Riley, KS.
(see announcement on page 5).
November 15, 2007
Get your Christmas cards sent off to the troops.
January 1, 2008
Next issue of Dagwood Dispatch comes out.
December 1, 2007
May 20 – 31, 2008
May 25, 2008
Your 16th Infantry Regiment Association Dues for 2008 are due.
2008 Western Front, WWI Battlefield Tour.
Rolling Thunder Rally, Washington D.C.
EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, DUES MUST BE PAID CURRENT OR YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE DAGWOOD DISPATCHES
If you have any reunion information that you would like posted in the Dagwood Dispatch, send it to Ron Mackedanz,
9705 37th Ave. SE. Kandiyohi, MN. 56251 or email to [email protected]
Dagwood Dispatches
21
September 2007
Unit's Mission: Survive 4 Miles To Remember Fallen Comrade
And they would drive -- but only some of the way. Most of the way they
would walk, which is how they began at 5:15 a.m. Weighed down with 80
pounds of body armor, weapons and ammunition, and with the temperature
already 90 degrees, 15 soldiers set off on foot, trailed by six Humvees, each
containing a driver and gunner.
Their pace, as Taylor would put it later, was "deliberate . . . not a slow walk,
not a fast walk. The pucker factor is pretty high."
It was still dark out so they navigated at first using night-vision goggles. They
moved along sidewalks, rather than in the middle of the street. They maneuvered cautiously past several known hot spots, including one where a roadside bomb had exploded even though it was within sight of an Iraqi security
forces checkpoint. And then, safely past, they got in their Humvees to travel
the next several blocks.
By now they had been out for nearly an hour. The sun was up and they took
off their night-vision gear, then resumed walking as they neared a street that
in June had become one of the most dangerous of all. Two hundred yards -that's all they needed to go on this street, and the worst of it would be over.
They approached from a side street and paused at the intersection. To the left
was an orange truck, parked and apparently unoccupied. To the right was an
empty street, and that's the direction they turned, led by Sgt. King, who
would later detail what happened, as would Capt. Taylor and several other
soldiers.
King circled a pile of trash that turned out to be nothing but a pile of trash.
He examined a concrete block that was nothing other than a concrete block.
He looked down the street and saw a parked car, hood up, trunk open, and a
man next to it who appeared to be holding a small container of gasoline.
He approached another concrete block and saw that it was actually a piece of
foam -- and then he saw the wire. "Get back! Get back!" he hollered.
"What is it?" Taylor, in the rear, radioed.
"IED!" King radioed back, and as soldiers began moving away, and King
looked down an alley and locked eyes for a moment with a man peering
around a corner, the bomb exploded.
The boom was ear-splitting, the air turned dark with flying dirt, and when the
echoes ended, and the dirt settled, some soldiers were down on their hands
and knees, stunned, filthy, unable to hear. Others began tracing the wire down
the alley, and when they got to the spot where King had seen the man, they
found only a mattress where someone could lie in comfort while gazing up
the alley, waiting for a convoy to rumble past.
In came the reports: no one hurt, except for headaches and ringing ears. They
searched for the triggerman, but he was gone. They searched for the man with
the gasoline container, but he was gone, too. They rounded up two men in the
vicinity who perhaps knew something, and as they regrouped to move on, all
of them safe, a second explosion occurred.
It was another IED, this one from up by the orange truck.
A cloud of dirt moved down the street.
Then came the whoosh of a rocket-propelled grenade, flying overhead and
exploding in the distance.
And then came bursts of machine-gun fire, which was followed by much
louder bursts of return fire from the mounted machine guns in the Humvees,
and then everything went suddenly quiet until a few minutes later, when two
Apache helicopters swooped in to escort the soldiers the rest of the way.
One helicopter stayed high and one came in low, only a couple of hundred
feet in the air. It was low enough that the soldiers could see the pilot and copilot, who were looking down not only at them, but at rooftops, at roads, at
awakening eastern Baghdad, and now, as the soldiers continued their walk, at
something that made the pilots suspect there was yet another roadside bomb
just ahead.
September 2007
continued from page 17
And so Taylor and King faced another decision, which resulted in the soldiers
diverting through a fence opening into an open field, the very place they
didn't want to be. Carefully, they crossed the field, fully exposed to snipers,
and when they got to the far end and found themselves fenced in, they made
the final decision of the mission -- to use a Humvee to crash through.
It was past 7 a.m. now, two hours since they had left. They kept walking until
they were by the last of the hot spots, and then they drove down the final road
and into the safety of the base. Four of the soldiers were given diagnoses of
concussions by doctors there whose next case involved another IED and a
soldier from another battalion -- injuries massive, nothing to do but
pronounce him dead.
That night, at the memorial service for Crow, Taylor said in his eulogy: "We
will continue to fight the fight." He was followed by another eulogist, one of
the soldiers who had tried to save Crow, who could get only so far in his
speech before his voice cracked and he had to stop.
Some of the soldiers cried. Some didn't. Some prayed. Some hugged. Some
went outside into the late-day heat and had a smoke. "This sucks," one of
them said. But they were all alive. Their mission had been a success.
Which meant that soon they would be on their next one: getting from Point
B back to Point A.
20
New Motorcycle Group Being Formed
As some of you know, Jerry Griffin has been leading a group of
motorcycle riders from the eastern U.S. out to San Diego each fall.
This is done to support the Scholarship fund that has been set up in
the name of his son, who was a California Highway Patrol Officer,
killed while assisting a motorist a few years ago. This scholarship
helps children with special needs and other worthwhile causes.
After last years ride, Jerry and a couple of others decided to start a
group/club called ‘Ghost Riders/Band of Brothers’. Check it out on
the new web site.
Visit the Band of Brothers Beta Site at:
http://www.bandofbrothers-ghostriders.org
/GuestBook/tabid/59/Default.aspx
Let us know your thoughts, recommendation, etc. Also you can
help us proof the site. Please send your comments to me so I can
pass them on to our Web Master Team. Please keep in mind this is
a work in progress. Contact Jerry Griffin (see page 2 of DD for
contact info)
FROM THE EDITOR continued from page 3
Investiture at Fort Riley.
Please see the information on page 5 for details. If you haven’t made your
reservations yet, I strongly advise that you do so. I can personally
guarantee a great time will be had by one and all.
I am looking for someone to help out as an associate editor/ reporter for the
DD. I will be stepping down as your editor after the September 2009 issue,
and would like to bring someone on board who would be able to take over
at that time. This is strictly a volunteer position and not a paid position.
SEMPER PARATUS (always prepared)
MACK
Dagwood Dispatches
16th Infantry Regimental/ DMOR Week at Fort Riley
Despite the fact that much of the Regiment is deployed, we are anticipating an interesting and insightful weekend. LTC Bryan Luke, the 1-16,
and the 2-16’s Rear Detachment are dedicated to making this
Regimental/DMOR Week as pleasant and as informative as they possibly
can. Everyone at Fort Riley is working hard to ensure that the glitches and
gremlins are kept to minimum, and that your visit will prove personally
satisfying and rewarding.
Semper Paratus
The Commander and staff of 1-16 are still working to flesh out the
details of the agenda, but the framework has been pretty well locked down.
The inclusive dates for the Week are Wednesday, 26 September (a travel
day) through Saturday, 29 September (also a travel day).
A shuttle service has been planned by the 1-16 Infantry between
Junction City/Fort Riley and the Kansas City International Airport (KCI)
on 26 September and 29 September, respectively. If you are flying into
KCI, please plan to arrive before 1500 hours (3:00 p.m.) on the 26th if you
wish to use the shuttle service. On 29 September, please plan your departure flight for after 1330 (1:30 p.m.) if you wish to use the shuttle service.
If those arrival and departure windows simply cannot be met, we will work
with the unit to arrange additional shuttles. For those not wishing to use the
shuttle service, rental cars/vans are available at KCI from most of the
national car rental companies.
Rooms have already been reserved for “16th Infantry Regiment” at the
Marriott Courtyard in Junction City. To reserve a room at the special rate
offered, please call the Marriott Courtyard at 785-210-1500. Please furnish
your itinerary either to the 1-16 Infantry POC, CPT Moses Scheinfeld
([email protected], 785-375-4859) or to the HCOR as soon
as you have confirmed your travel arrangements.
Dinner on Wednesday night, 26 September, is planned for the
Washington Street Pub and Grill in Junction City. Activities scheduled for
Thursday, 27 September, are focused on the unit’s missions and the
Soldiers’ training and equipment. On Thursday night, there is a reception
planned at Fort Riley with snacks and finger-foods at the reception.
Attendees desiring a full meal Thursday night should let CPT Scheinfeld
know and transportation will be provided for the numbers wishing to go to
dinner. Activities scheduled for Friday, 28 September, include the
DMOR/HMOR investiture in the morning, and a variety of activities during the rest of the day. (That schedule is still being fleshed out.) For the
DMORs, the “DMOR Uniform” (navy blue blazer, gray trousers, white
shirt and tie) is appropriate.
The 16th Infantry Ball and Dinner is scheduled for Friday evening. At
the dinner, we will recognize our DMORs and HMORs once again, and
will present leadership awards to deserving Soldiers. The “DMOR
Uniform,” a suit, or a tux is suitable for the dinner and ball.
The weather at Fort Riley/Junction City in September should be fairly
warm during the day, but may be somewhat cool in the evening.
Recommend that you bring a light jacket or sweater. There will be a
“Regimental CP” there at the Marriott that will serve us all as meeting
place, rest area, and message and information center. The CP will be on
the first floor, as close to the lobby as possible.
A copy of the invitation prepared by the 1-16 is published in the DD
and posted on the regimental website. 1-16 has two action officers
supporting the Regimental/DMOR Week, CPT Moses Scheinfeld
([email protected]/785-375-4859) and 1LT Benjamin
Daughters ([email protected]/785-240-1448). If you have
questions, please don’t hesitate to ask the unit POCs, or email, write or call
the HCOR, Skip Baker. His contact information is found below.
The 16th Infantry Regiment
cordially invites you to the annual
16th Infantry Regimental Week & Ball
26 – 29 September 2007
27 September 2007 – Fort Riley Training Mission Activities
and Reception/HMOR Induction
28 September 2007 – DMOR Induction/Regimental Ball
Social Hour Commences at 1730
Formal Portion Commences at 1830
(Ball Tickets are $20 per person)
If you plan to attend, please RSVP by 17 September 2007
to 1LT Benjamin Daughters at
[email protected] ph. 785-240-1448.
If you are flying into Kansas City International Airport,
please arrive on 26 September 2007 before 1500.
And please depart on 29 September 2007 after 1330.
This will facilitate bus pick-up and drop-off.
Please send itinerary information to CPT Moses Scheinfeld
at [email protected] ph. 785-375-4859.
A block of 35 rooms is being held at a special rate ($67 per night)
until 1 September. Please mention the 16th Infantry
group rate when reserving your room at
The Courtyard by Marriott (Junction City) 785-210-1500.
If these rooms are all taken, then the special rate
might not be available.
Sidney F. Baker, Jr.
205 Cottonwood Drive • Harker Heights, TX 76548-1774
Home: [email protected] // (254) 690-7099
Work: [email protected] // (254) 288-1699
Dagwood Dispatches
If you have any questions, please contact
CPT Scheinfeld or LT Daughters at any time.
5
September 2007
FROM THE DESK OF IRON RANGER 6
Fellow 16th Infantry Regiment brothers, both past and present, greetings
from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Strong.
The Iron Rangers continue to execute the Fort Riley Training
Mission (FRTM) out of Camp Funston (FOB Strong). We’re going into
our 5th cycle of training and equipping transition team (TT) advisors for
duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation
Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Afghanistan. From the individual tasks of
M4 rifle and M2 machine gun marksmanship to the collective tasks of
mounted combat patrol and close quarter battle, the Iron Ranger OCs
(observer/controllers) continue to provide a high quality of training and
instruction for deploying advisors. This October’s class will be our
largest to date, with over 600 advisors scheduled to be trained.
Alpha Company, which recently returned from a year long
deployment to the Horn of Africa, is turning-in their property, integrating
into the FRTM, and moving on to other units and training schools.
The Bushmaster and Bandido Charlies continue to execute
heroically their SECFOR (security force)
mission of escorting the logistics lifeblood of
OIF forces – the convoy.
Due to their outstanding training, skill,
and equipment, these Iron Rangers have not
suffered any serious causalities despite
hundreds of combat missions along the most
treacherous and lethal roads in Iraq. Please continue to pray for their
successful mission and safe return. We expect both companies back
sometime in September and/or October of this year.
As the new commander of 1-16 Infantry, I look forward to meeting
the great veterans and supporters of the 16th Infantry Regiment.
Hopefully, I’ll meet many of you at our upcoming Regimental/DMOR
week 26-29 September 2007. My door in 1883B on FOB Strong is
always open. Please stop by.
FROM THE DESK OF RANGER SIX
LTC Ralph L. Kauzlarich
Dear Family and Friends,
I hope that this month’s newsletter finds each of
you well and hanging tough as we just surpassed the six month mark of our deployment.
The summer days have grown hot here in
Baghdad, but not compared to the heat we have
successfully put on the insurgents and militia
we battle in Area of Operation (AO) Ranger.
Every day the Soldiers of this great Battalion
make a significant contribution to the future of
Iraq. The work that these men and women do,
day in and day out, is astonishing and you
should be proud of all that they have accomplished in such a short period of time.
The Rangers continue to make great strides in
our area. We have recently established a new
LTC Bryan K. Luke
Semper Paratus. Always Ready.
Joint Security Station in concert with our Iraqi
Security Force (ISF) brethren. The competence
and confidence of the ISF to serve and protect
the Iraqi people continues to improve weekly as
seen by the steady increase in the stability,
economy and safety of the civilians we work
and live among in our Combat Outposts
throughout the city. Each day we bring this
country’s people a little bit closer to being able
to stand on their own two feet as a nation and
take pride in a free Iraq. The support and
encouragement we continue to receive from our
families, friends, and the 16th Infantry
Regimental Association gets us through the
challenging times. Your emails, letters and
packages are a constant reminder of what awaits
us upon our return home. Please continue to
support your Soldiers and the Battalion. I recognize and appreciate your sacrifices on the
home front, which on most days, is as difficult
as the front we’re on.
Thanks for what each of you do each day to take
care of one another. Our ability to maintain our
focus on the fight at hand is allowing us to win
each day, one day at a time. All the best & God
Bless…
MEMBERSHIP AND DMOR DUES, NOW PAYABLE ON PAYPAL
THE ASSOCIATION HAS DECIDED TO SEND OUT ONE MORE ISSUE TO EVERYONE ON OUR CURRENT MAILING LIST. THE SEPTEMBER 2007 ISSUE
IS THE LAST ISSUE THAT WILL BE SENT OUT TO ANYONE WHO HAS NOT PAID THEIR DUES CURRENT. WIDOWS OF PAST MEMBERS EXCEMPTED.
(WIDOWS OF ASSOCIATION MEMBERS IN GOOD STANDING WILL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE COMPLIMENTARY COPIES AS LONG AS THEY WISH TO RECEIVE
THEM.) WE CURRENTLY SEND OUT APPROXIATELY 2,000 COPIES OF THE DAGWOOD DISPATCHES. OUR RECORDS INDICATE THAT WE HAVE LESS THAN
FIVE HUNDRED DUES PAYING MEMBERS.
ANYONE WHO DID NOT HAVE THEIR 2007 DUES PAID UP BY JULY 31ST, 2007 WILL BE DROPPED
FROM OUR MAILING DATA BASE. WE ARE ALSO EXPLORING, CUTTING OUR HARD COPY DISPATCHES BY OFFERING AN ON-LINE COPY OF THE DD TO
ANYONE WHO WISHES TO RECEIVE IT THAT WAY. IT WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLY TO MEMBERS WHO HAVE PAID THEIR DUES. IF YOU WOULD PREFER
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RANGERS LEAVE SECURITY OF FOB TO SECURE NEIGHBORHOODS
“Being co-located with the National Police Headquarters allows me to
meet every day with my counterpart,” said Taylor. “We eat dinner
together, we drink Chai together. When we go on a mission, I just walk
up and we go on patrol together. It is one of the biggest plusses to the
concept.”
“This concept facilitates better command and control, more effective
and efficient development of tactics, techniques and procedures and
allows Iraqi Forces a better chance at securing Iraq for themselves,”
said Kauzlarich. “This plan forces a wedge in between the insurgents
and the population, taking away the sanctuary insurgents have had in
the past and giving a sense of security back to the people.”
According to Taylor, the Rangers are already starting to see benefits
arise from the new COPs. Soldiers are becoming familiar with the
culture and everyday activities in their neighborhoods much sooner, he
said, allowing them to spot new faces and problem situations before
they can get out of hand.
“The COPs fill in the holes between the FOBs,” said SFC Jay Howell,
a platoon sergeant with A Company. “With COPs, you are closer to
what happens. Before now, the insurgents owned the night. That has
changed.”
“We have 1100 people from the community coming into the JSS every
day,” said Taylor. “This allows the guys to interact with the people they
are trying to protect daily. It allows them to learn the language, the
culture and the peoples concerns first hand.”
Kauzlarich believes that the constant interaction with American forces
in their neighborhoods will allow the Iraqi people to see U.S. Forces as
MEMORIES
OF D-DAY
more than just inanimate objects.
“We don’t drive around in our vehicles, we are dismounted walking
and talking with the people,” Kauzlarich stated. “They will recognize
our courage and hopefully want to give us tips so that they don’t have
to live in fear any longer.” Initial public reaction from the Iraqis in the
neighborhood has been positive according to Howell.
“The kids love to play with the guys,” he said. “Anything that you
have heard about the Iraqis being afraid of us is just not the truth. They
have no problem walking up to us and telling us what they think now
we are out with them.”
Improvement on the COP sites is ongoing and living conditions for the
Soldiers in the new COPs continues to improve. Port-a-potties and
power will be finished soon and clean up of the buildings continue
through Iraqi contractors hired from within the community to do the
work.
Even with some warning, initial reactions from the troops who would
occupy the COPs was mixed after they saw their new home for the first
time.
“My first reaction was surprise,” said CPL Brian Blow, an 11B with 1st
Platoon, A Company. “I hadn’t known what to expect, but when we got
out there we just put up our security and everything went great.”
The COP concept was summed up well by Blow, who is on his first
deployment.
“This forces units to be proactive and take an active roll in the fight,”
he said. “Its exciting and its nerve wracking, but it works.”
Sign Post at Utah Beach,
BG Teddy Roosevelt Cafe
July 2007
Omaha Beach Memorial, Looking out
to the English Channel
June 2007
Life membership, WWII veterans $50.00
all others $200.00
Associate members, including family members $20.00 (Widows, free)
(see dues notice on page 23 for additional information)
A SPECIAL NOTE TO ALL ACTIVE DUTY OFFICERS AND NCO'S: IF YOU WOULD CHECK WITH YOUR MEN TO SEE TO IT THAT THEY ARE PAID UP MEMBERS OF THE 16TH INFANTRY REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION, IT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. YOU GUYS ARE THE FUTURE OF THIS ASSOCIATION.
September 2007
Airborne Wall at Picauville, France, commemorating
the members of the 508th Airborne Infantry Regiment.
SEMPER PARATUS, MACK
6
Dagwood Dispatches
Ray Lambert - Omaha Beach; George Ciampa, - Utah Beach; Lucien
Hasley, the owner of the home and the wall; Bill Ryan - Omaha Beach.
Dagwood Dispatches
19
September 2007
U.S., Shiite Fighters Clash in Baghdad
Soldiers found at least six other bodies, all of adult men, on the
ground near the children. Four were in a sitting position and two
were face down on the ground, soldiers said. A camera believed to
belong to the Reuters photographer lay nearby. It was unclear
whether the journalists had been killed by U.S. fire or by shooting
from the Iraqis targeted by the Apache.
"We pulled up and stopped, and I could hear them over the intercom
say they couldn't drive the Bradleys in because there were too many
bodies and didn't want to drive over them," said Capt. James Hall, a
chaplain with the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment of the 1st
Infantry Division, who arrived on the scene a few minutes after the
shootings.
American soldiers recovered two cameras from the site, but they
were being processed by the military Thursday night and the pictures
they contained were unavailable for review by a Washington Post
reporter with the soldiers.
The Apache crew fired because militants "were endangering the stability of Iraq" and because they had positive identification that the
militants "had weapons and were using them against coalition and
Iraqi security forces," said Maj. Brent Cummings, the battalion's
executive officer. "No innocent civilians were killed on our part
deliberately. We took great pains to prevent that. I know that two
children were hurt, and we did everything we could to help them. I
don't know how the children were hurt."
Thirteen people were detained during the operation, the U.S. military
said in a statement.
Also Thursday, the U.S. military said an American soldier had died
in fighting east of Baghdad. No other details were available.
Gunmen near Tikrit attacked a police checkpoint with machine guns
and killed four policemen and wounded four others, said Maj.
Mohammed al-Doori, of al-Door police station. The initial clashes
lasted half an hour, then gunmen took the four policemen into a room
near the checkpoint and executed them, he said.
Iraqi police said Thursday that patrols had found 16 unidentified
corpses on the streets of Baghdad in the previous 24 hours.
By Joshua Partlow and David Finkel, Washington Post Foreign
Service, Friday, July 13, 2007 ( Other Washington Post Staff in Iraq
contributed to this report.)
BAGHDAD, July 12 -- U.S. soldiers in eastern Baghdad clashed
with Shiite militiamen on Thursday, leaving at least 11 Iraqis dead
and an unknown number injured, including two children hit by
shrapnel from a U.S. helicopter attack, according to American soldiers who took part in the mission.
The intensive six-hour operation began at 6 a.m., when 240 U.S. soldiers in 65 Humvees, several Bradley Fighting Vehicles and two
Apache attack helicopters descended on the al-Amin neighborhood,
along with a dozen Iraqi troops, in response to increasing attacks on
American soldiers by members of the Mahdi Army, the Shiite militia
loyal to cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
During the fighting, an Apache helicopter fired bursts of 30mm
rounds toward several people who had been directing machine-gun
fire and rocket-propelled grenades at U.S. soldiers. The helicopter
also fired on a silver Toyota minivan in the area as several people
approached the vehicle, soldiers said.
Two of the civilians killed during the fighting were with the Reuters
news service. Photographer Namir Noor-Eldeen, 22, and driver
Saeed Chmagh, 40, were killed in what a preliminary Iraqi police
report described as a "random American bombardment," Reuters
reported. The U.S. military said it has opened an investigation into
the killings.
When U.S. soldiers arrived at the scene, they found the children in
the minivan along with at least one adult.
"When we first went through, we saw the little girl," said Lt. Josh
Hunsucker, one of the first soldiers to arrive. "The little boy, he was
slumped down. We all thought he was dead. But then we saw him
move."
An officer who saw a medical report about the children said they
were injured by shrapnel from the Apache strafing. The girl was
wounded in the stomach and the boy in the lower chest. Both were
said to be in stable condition.
RIGHT OVER MY SHOULDER
Before the Memorial Ride, I went to pick up
Uncle Dan’s Road Glide (named “Seven”)
and take it for a ride. Anyone who has ever
ridden an unfamiliar bike, or one that you
hadn’t ridden in awhile, knows that you have
to take time to get to know the bike again. So
Seven and I could get reacquainted before
the ride, I rode around the country roads in
the area for a few hours. I went past alfalfa
fields, soon-to-be corn fields, and cow pastures.
On the ride home, I felt like Uncle Dan was
right there, riding next to me. The Sixth
September 2007
sense you develop when riding close to
another was tingling, and if I just looked
over my shoulder, he would have been right
there. It was the closest I felt to him since I
left for Iraq.
It might sound silly, but I feel like if I can get
close to that again, maybe I'll gain a little bit
of Uncle Dan back. So, as I’m here in Iraq,
where we fight for the people to have the
Freedom of Choice my Uncle Dan held in
such high regard, I wonder if I can ever get
the feeling back again. I am set to come back
this September, and I hope to get my bike.
18
Maybe it’ll be like Seven. Maybe I’ll find
something else entirely.
Either way, no matter what happens I’ll
never forget my Uncle Dan. I’ll never forget
his passion for life, his devotion to family,
and the freedom he sought on the roads.
Sometimes I feel him looking out for me,
right over my shoulder. Maybe I’ll find some
solace out there on the roads, with him riding
behind me, just beyond sight, and gain a little bit of him back…
Dagwood Dispatches
2/16 INFANTRY
WELCOMES 500,000th
R&R SERVICE
MEMBER AT DFW
On June 12th, 2007, Joe Chapman and Rick
Muniz, former platoon leaders in Bravo and
Charlie Company helped welcome the
500,000th service member to come through the
Dallas-Fort Worth airport on two weeks of
R&R.
Joe Chapman was selected as the representative veteran for the veteran’s welcoming committee and received a certificate signed by the
Secretary of the Army, Pete Geren and the
Army Chief of Staff George W. Casey Jr.
Joe Chapman, Rick Muniz and their wives
have been welcoming troops at DFW airport
since November 2004.
Rick Muniz Sr and Joe
Chapman at DFW airport
to greet troops
Bandido's home on R&R
CPT (RETIRED) LONNIE MOORE APPOINTED TO
NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY
WASHINGTON, July 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Lonnie Moore, a resident of Chula Vista, California, was appointed by
President George W. Bush to serve as a member of the National Council on Disability (NCD). The U.S. Senate confirmed Mr.
Moore's nomination on June 22, 2007.
Mr. Moore currently serves as the Western Area Director for the Wounded Warrior Project, where he tends to the needs of wounded service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. In this capacity, he serves as a benefits officer, conducts business
development, and creates and supports ongoing service programs. He also serves as the Western Chair for the Secretary of
Veteran's Affairs Service Members and Families Council. Mr. Moore was combat wounded in Iraq, where he led more than 60
combat missions.
FAMILY TRADITION???
Col. (RET) Mick Daley
recently had the honor of
promoting his grandson,
Chris Shako to SFC at Fort
Stewart, GA. Chris is in
the Scout Platoon 2 – 7th.
3 ID stationed in Iraq
Chris is the sixth generation of the family to serve
in the U.S. Army.
Col. Dan Daley recently
received the ‘Legion of
Merit’ from LTG Dell L.
Dailey, Director of the
Center for Special
Operations, U.S. Special
Operations Command,
McDill AFB, FL Dan is a
fifth generation Daley to
serve in the Army.
He retired on 6 JUN 2007
Editor’s note: Mick Daley is one of the VP’s for the 16th Infantry Regiment Association, and a Distinguished Member of
the Regiment.
Dagwood Dispatches
7
September 2007
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Hello, and welcome home back to you. This is
Roger Clifford Yearby. My sister, Lynn
Saliba, has been corresponding with you
about the unit that I was in over in Viet Nam,
and I was having trouble explaining to her
over the phone (and driving, too) the unit
"title". It is------- Co. B 1st Bn. (Mech) 16th
Inf 1st Inf Div.--------- Go Big Red One. I
served with this unit from Apr. 1969 thru Feb.
1970. Not quite a year. The 1st Division was
being pulled out. I was one of the lucky ones
to be sent home, while others were sent to
other units to complete one year. It would be
nice to find out what happened to the other
members. Long after I was home, and married, one member-- Jimmy Hutto from South
Carolina-- went to another unit and was
awarded the Silver Star for saving another
mans life by pulling him to safety-- came to
Montgomery, and told me his story, and gave
me his Silver Star for saving his life. That's
what he says. I wonder what has happened to
him, because I got two phone calls from him
years later, but he was too drunk to talk. This
bothers me to this day. My C.O. was Capt.
Domiluske (spelling??). Others are -Frederick Prebianka (PB), David Lockett,
Daniel Lundburg, Sp4 Rudd, Sp4 Farrel, Sgt
Walls, Sp4 Ruddy Ganal (from Hawai) Ssgt.
Stiegers. Sp4 Dennis Hopper ("doc" medic),
Sp4 Sierra, Sp4 Cottle, and Sp4 Charles
Strickland. These are some names that I
remember, plus from old "orders" that I still
have. After 37 years, I am drawing a blank.
Old Age I guess. Maybe you can match up
some of these names with my unit.-------------
---- Note: I later (1972) joined the US Army
Reserves, and progressed to SFC. with the
375th Theater Area Support Group in
Montgomery, AL. I am married for the third,
and last time ( #1 for 7yrs.- #2 for 23 yrs. &
#3 for 2yrs. 3mo.) I have just in the last 2
years joined up with the VA for medical aid
and a check. No matter how bad the VA has
been in the past, they have changed, and I
highly recommend that every Vet should get
started with them. I hope this helps.
Roger C. Yearby
Anyone with information on any of the
above, please contact the editor of the DD.
I will forward to Dan McFee
BANDIDOS RECOGNIZE FAMILIES OF COMRADES
WHO HAVE PASSED ON
In the past few months, a number of old Bandidos
have been busy traveling around the country to pay
respects and to honor the families of some of our
comrades who have passed away. In May, former 1st
Sgt. Al Herrera along with Mike Renshaw and Ron
Mackedanz traveled to New Hampshire to present a
plaque and certificate to the sons of Former
Bandido, Chuck Richards. Phil Ardoin presented a
Mack with Marge and Ken Goldenstein.
plaque and certificate to Edna Watkins, widow of
Greg's folks, 06-27-07
Kenneth Watkins. Then, during the months of June Phil Ardoin presents honors to
Edna Watkins, 4-20-07
and July, Ron Mackedanz presented a plaque and
certificate to the parents of
Greg Goldenstein, in northern Minnesota. Larry D.
Miller presented the same to
Debbie Hatterman, widow
of
Curtis
Hatterman.
Mesker Massey made the
presentation to Michael
Tessaro’s father, and Gilbert
(Doc) Thompson made a
special presentation to the
Mack, Sit-Rep and Top with Chuck Richards,
parents of Rachel Bosveld,
sons
Matt and Josh, 05-12-07
who was KIA in Iraq.
Gil
and
Janeen
Thompsen
presenting
plaque
to
The Association feels that
as far as it is known, The Rachel Bosveld's folks.
Bandido Charlie Association is the only military organization, The person presenting the award is usually a volunteer Bandido
of any size to recognize, with honors, the veteran and his sur- who lives in the area of the deceased Bandido and makes the
viving members. When humanly possible, they do this by per- presentation on behalf of the Bandido Charlie Association.
sonally awarding a plaque and commemorative certificate to the
surviving dependents and a letter of appreciation to the awarder.
September 2007
8
Dagwood Dispatches
Bandido Charlie Six
Army Motorized Regiment. After over 12
convoys to Numiniyah (SE Iraq), Bandidos
have now completed moving all of this Iraq
equipment to Al Asad. The significance of
this movement is that this Iraqi unit will
provide the very same support capabilities
for the Iraqi Army that our battalion cur-
rently supplies to coalition forces. This is
one major step in the Iraqis providing security for their own country.
Also documented on open sources, the
town of Ramadi has taken a 180 degree turn
in their anti-coalition stance. If your loved
one was with 1-16 IN for the last deploy-
ment in Ramadi, you will remember that
this town used to be a major pocket of
resistance out here in western Iraq.
However, the attacks in this city have
dropped off drastically and there looks like
a lot of positive things continue to happen
in this community.
Unit's Mission: Survive 4 Miles To Remember Fallen Comrade
difficult"; 2nd Platoon Sgt. 1st Class Corey King -- who would be the one
to plan the route -- called it "ugly. Ugly. Ugly."
All were thinking about June 28, when the 2nd Platoon was midway
between its outpost and the main base at 6:48 a.m. and an IED exploded so
loudly that it was heard at the outpost and on the base, where it rattled
Cummings's door, waking him up.
Quickly, Cummings was on the phone to Taylor, who was at the outpost, listening on the radio.
"What's it look like?" Cummings would recall asking.
"Sir, it's bad," Taylor said. "I can hear screaming in the background."
That turned out to be a soldier in the second Humvee of the convoy whose
right arm had been severed and was screaming, "My arm, my arm!" He
would survive.
But near him, saying nothing at all, was Sgt. William W. Crow Jr., 28, husband and father of four. He had been wearing body armor, eye protection,
ear protection, a throat protector, a groin protector, heat-resistant gloves and
his helmet. He had been sitting in the right rear seat of a $119,000, up-armor
Humvee, behind a thick glass window and a 400-pound door. When the
bomb, consisting of parts costing less than $100, exploded, it turned a copper disc with a circumference of perhaps six inches into a huge bullet that
penetrated the right rear door of the Humvee as if it were nothing more than
a door on one of Baghdad's flimsy, decaying taxis.
Against such a weapon, optimally aimed and detonated, Crow didn't have a
chance, and that was what King was thinking about as he plotted his route
in advance of last week's trip.
The word on the street was that the day might be more dangerous than usual
because it was the birthday of Fatima, daughter of the prophet Muhammad,
and large crowds were predicted. Additionally, Sadr, the Shiite cleric, had
reportedly issued an edict saying that soldiers should be targeted more heavily than usual for several days, and a tip had come in about a hidden IED
along one of the routes that King was considering, meaning the easiest route
was momentarily off limits.
With all that in mind, the plan he came up with, and which Taylor approved,
involved beginning the trip just after curfew ended at 5 a.m. That way there
would be people on the streets who the soldiers could watch for clues, but
not so many people that clues couldn't be seen.
They would also try to avoid open areas and move along as many narrow
streets as possible. That was because Shiites haven't shown a willingness to
hurt their own people when detonating roadside bombs, although there were
signs that was changing. A few days before, someone set off an IED as a
convoy passed, even though a pregnant woman was in the way, which left
her, according to photos taken by soldiers trying to save her, sprawled on
the ground in shredded clothing, her face blackened and her rounded stomach coated with blood.
By David Finkel - Washington Post Staff Writer, Monday, July 9, 2007; A01
BAGHDAD, July 8 -- Everything in the Army is supposed to have a task
and a purpose, and this simple mission was no different. The task was to get
27 soldiers from Point A to Point B, from their neighborhood combat outpost to an Army base four miles away. The purpose was to attend a memorial service for one of their fellow soldiers, who had died eight days earlier
while attempting to make the very same trip.
And so the leaders of Alpha Company had a decision to make: drive in
Humvees and risk getting blown up by a roadside bomb, which is what happened to their friend, who bled to death as they worked to save him, or try
to minimize the risk of a bomb by walking the four miles in searing summer heat, which would increase the chances of being shot by a sniper.
Such were the choices last week in eastern Baghdad, an area that has
become more dangerous since the inception of the Baghdad security plan
earlier this year. A largely Shiite area, it had once been less deadly than
those parts of Baghdad with Sunni-Shiite fault lines. It was now twitching
with daily gunfire, mortars, rockets, grenades and, most of all, roadside
bombs, all targeting U.S. soldiers. The attackers were thought to be affiliated with the militia of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.
All through June, more and more of those attacks were aimed at Alpha
Company and its parent unit, the 2nd Battalion of the 16th Infantry
Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, which
had arrived in eastern Baghdad in mid-February as part of President Bush's
troop escalation. In March, its first full month of deployment, the battalion
was hit by 12 roadside bombs, referred to by the military as improvised
explosive devices, or IEDs. In April, as soldiers began moving into neighborhood outposts and rounding up suspected insurgents, that number was
21. In May, as they met with local leaders and got some community
improvement projects going, the number was 27.
And then came June, when there were 80 roadside bombings, with 13 other
bombs discovered before they exploded. And it wasn't just bombs targeting
the battalion: There were also 52 instances of direct fire involving small
arms or rocket-propelled grenades and 26 instances of attacks with rockets
or mortars. By the end of the month, one soldier had lost a hand, another an
arm, another an eye, another had been shot in the face, 19 in all had been
injured and four others had died.
One explanation for such a surge in attacks: "We're winning. They wouldn't
be fighting if we weren't winning. They wouldn't have a reason to," said Lt.
Col. Ralph Kauzlarich, the battalion commander. "It's a measure of effectiveness."
But he also described the month as "difficult" and "challenging," while his
second in command, Maj. Brent Cummings, described it as "a crappy, crappy month." The commander of Alpha Company, Capt. Ricky Taylor -- who
would be the one to decide whether to walk or drive -- called it "very, very
Dagwood Dispatches
17
September 2007
Right Over My Shoulder
My Uncle Dan was always into motorcycles. Since he was a boy, my mother would
tell me, he would work on bikes and ride
them up and down the dirt roads where we
all grew up. His passion spread to the rest
of the family, and now we pretty much all
ride.
He and I rode together on many occasions;
in late fall, when it was probably a little too
late to ride the bikes; in early spring, when
Minnesotans were still getting used to not
having to wear snow-pants to get to their
vehicles; and in high summer, when the
wind moving past your body was the only
thing that could keep you cool. Riding
wasn’t what made our relationship; it was
what made our relationship great.
We shared a lot of things in our lives, and
he taught me a lot about how to be a man,
not from the visage of perfection, but from
the perspective of someone who’d lived
life and made mistakes. He was a Saint in
the eyes of my grandmother (his Mom),
and all of us who loved him. But he was no
angel, he was a rebel. Freedom was a value
that Uncle Dan held dear. While he never
talked too much about politics, laws, or the
bureaucratic system, he supported groups
like ABATE and was well versed in the
issues but preferred a conversation with a
few people over a brew and listening to a
good blues band. He preferred what would
be called “grass roots” movements, but
would never admit to anything so organized as that. He believed that you should be
able to choose what you wanted to do, as
long as your choice didn’t prevent another
person from also having that freedom of
choice. His freedom was the road and his
bikes.
To me, his bikes were always perfect. His
Road Glide was beautiful, but he had some
other bikes that were less than new. Never
were they ratty, but he had a few bikes in
REBUILDING BAGHDAD A TEAM
EFFORT Continued from page 14
Sepulvado also has to try and train local governments to take
responsibility for their own neighborhoods and projects.
“I’m 23 years old, never worked in government before and I
have to tell 47 year old men how to clean garbage out of the
streets,” said Sepulvado. “It’s incredible.”
Sepulvado said he is currently tracking 23 different projects and
planning many more in the Ranger area of responsibility with a
total value of over $2 million. But even once the projects have
started, the work keeps getting harder.
Tracking the progress and quality of the work has become a
major challenge, Sepulvado said, because U.S. Forces are not
allowed to openly work with the contractors.
“If they (U.S. Forces) were seen to stop and talk with the contractors, the contractors would be targeted to be killed,” said
Sepulvado. “That makes checking quality and completion
extremely difficult.”
In an effort to streamline some of the issues such as the ones
Sepulvado has seen, Brigade Commander COL Jeffrey
Bannister, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division has instituted
Civilian Support Teams, or CSTs, which act as an interface
between local governments and the Coalition Forces, non-governmental organizations and other interested groups that support
the reconstruction effort.
Rustamiyah CST Commander, MAJ Timmothy Thrasher,
Gloucester, VA, of the 492nd Civil Affairs Battalion, sees his
team as facilitators allowing Coalition military forces to concentrate on security work and assist local government in taking a
September 2007
16
By CPT. Richard W. Martinson
the barn that were more pieces than bike a
lot of the time. They were just the way he
wanted them though. They were perfect.
It was around Christmas when Doctors told
our family that my Uncle Dan’s cancer was
returning, and it would take some very
aggressive treatments to keep the cancer
from spreading. I spent Christmas with my
Company in Iraq, but mostly alone with my
thoughts of family. Uncle Dan “…did not
go peacefully into that good night, but
fought the bastard Death right to the
end…” He fought until that February, but I
couldn’t make it home for his funeral. His
ashes were kept in a sealed motorcycle
cylinder. I can think of no greater tribute to
him. I rode my Uncle Dan's 2003
Anniversary Edition Road Glide in a
Memorial Ride my mother and I organized
for when I was home for Mid-Tour Leave
from Iraq this last April.
more active role in rebuilding their essential services.
“Currently, the battalions working out in Baghdad are driving
the project selection,” said Thrasher. “We are trying to change
that by forcing local government to take ownership. We are trying for a win-win in our districts by making them more safe and
more self sufficient.”
According to Thrasher, many of the local government groups in
Baghdad are functioning, but nowhere near the level necessary
to secure essential services, funding and planning needed in
their neighborhoods. In some cases, projects are being recommended for areas where council members live instead of where
they are needed most, delaying efforts across the board.
“We need to goad them a bit,” said Thrasher. “We try to help
them talk about the real issues for all of 9 Nissan.
As part of the effort to lesson the footprint of the military in
rebuilding efforts, civilian members of the State Department are
acting as representatives in District Council meeting and interacting with contractors and council members instead of military
commanders, said Thrasher. These civilians tend to cause less
resentment in the council and are then free to interact with the
CST teams and military assets to accomplish work needed in the
neighborhoods they serve.
With all the millions of dollars of work and time spent in the
rebuilding of Baghdad, there is still a great deal of work ahead
for everyone. Thrasher noted that until the local civilian governments become self sustaining, little true progress can be made.
“Our long term vision is to see the people of Baghdad getting
together and coming up with a project, voting on it and sending
it up the chain without assistance.”
Dagwood Dispatches
Bandido Charlie Six
Capt. Scott Wence Reports from AL Asad, Iraq
On 27 June 2007, SPC Jeremy Gugliotta
was presented the Bronze Star Medal w/
“V” device by LTC David L. Jones for his
courageous actions while serving as a convoy medic on 13 May 2007. After an IED
had destroyed one of the commodity vehicles, the enemy attacked the convoy with
small arms fire. However, SPC Jeremy
Gugliotta’s courageous actions gave a fellow Soldier a chance to live despite almost
insurmountable odds. Showing disregard
for his personal safety, SPC Gugliotta immediately left the safety of his vehicle to determine if any Soldiers had survived the blast.
Upon arrival, he noticed that one of the
American Soldiers was trapped underneath
the front axel of the destroyed vehicle.
Again, without hesitation, SPC Gugliotta
crawled underneath the unstable fuel truck
to apply first aid. He did this knowing that
he was going to be scalded by the vehicle’s
hot fluids which were gushing onto the
ground, that the unstable vehicle could still
crush him, that the vehicle could burst into
flames, that an enemy bullet could strike
him, and that a secondary IED could still
explode.
Upon moving underneath the vehicles,
SPC Gugliotta discovered that this Soldier
was not breathing, was riddled with shrapnel
and bleeding profusely, and that his internal
organs were in disarray. Additionally, the
mangled vehicle was leaking gallons of
scalding hot fluids over the casualty (as well
as himself). Disregarding the personal dangers, SPC Gugliotta used almost every bandage and tourniquet available in the convoy
to stop the bleeding. While waiting for the
vehicle recovery team to lift the vehicle, he
replaced numerous bandages
as they were saturated with
the vehicle fluids. Once the
vehicle was lifted, SPC
Gugliotta was critical in the
movement of the casualty to
the MEDEVAC site. While
simultaneously providing
detailed information to the
leadership on the condition
of the casualty, he continued
to replace bandages, began
continuous rescue breathing,
and administered a tension
pneumothorax. Though his
SPC Jeremy Gugliotta receiving his Bronze Star for Valor.
tireless
efforts,
SPC
Gugliotta was able to stem the flow of blood The Bandidos participated in flag football,
long enough to regain a pulse, restore nor- soccer (unofficially), and basketball. It was
mal breathing, and gain enough stability to a great day of fun with the majority of the
MEDEVAC the wounded Soldier back to a company. As it is difficult to have the entire
company together at one time, it was good to
hospital.
see
almost everyone at once. Three days
Sadly, this Soldier passed away while at
later,
the Bandidos were privy to an outthe hospital. Although this is a tragic event,
standing
dinner for Father’s Day. Outback
the Bandidos look back in awe at the heroSteakhouse
sponsored a dinner in the chow
ism displayed by the other Soldiers on this
hall
here
at
Al
Asad consisting of steak and
mission. The paramedics on the MEDEblooming
onions.
VAC helicopter (previously unknown) took
Over the last couple of weeks (June), our
their personal time to write a note to LTC
Brigade
level leadership was changed out
David Jones stating that the actions of SPC
with
the
507th CSG. At the end of this
Gugliotta were absolutely top-notch. They
month
(June),
our Battalion level leadership
were amazed at the ability of SPC Gugliotta
was
changed
to
the 787th CSSB. There are
in sustaining this Soldier’s life for so long
a
lot
of
new
faces
over here to work with,
and had nothing but praise for him about his
but
it
has
not
changed
our current mission.
heroism and medical expertise.
Both new units seem like positive changes.
• • • • • • • • • • • •
One of the biggest accomplishments for
June
by everyone in the company was the
June 14th was the Army’s 232nd birthcompletion
of the movement of the 7th Iraq
day. Thanks to 1SG Johnson, Al Asad had a
ceremony filled with sports and barbecues.
LOOKING FOR...
I am a writer working on a project to write about the 69 men from the Trenton, NJ area who died in Vietnam. SFC Sherman Chapman Jr, of Co.
B, 2/16 Infantry, 1st Infantry Division died on 23 June 1966. Spec4 George Craig Schoettner, of Co. E, 2/16 Infantry, 1st Infantry Division
killed in action on 3 August 1969. I would like to talk with anyone who knew SFC Chapman or Spec4 Schoettner, and anyone who could shed
light on the circumstances surrounding their deaths. I'm writing to you hoping you might be able to put me in touch with people who knew
these men. I am looking to talk with anyone who has firsthand knowledge of those days, as well as anyone who may have been in their respective squads' that day. I'm trying to piece together their time in Vietnam. SFC Chapman and Spec4 Schoettner are two of our hometown heroes,
and it is important that I get these stories right. As I'm sure you can understand, talking to the men they served with in Vietnam is the best way
to tell these stories. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Charles Webster, Trenton, NJ
(office) 609.989.7800 x 292 (toll free) 1-800-806-7705 (cell) 732.948.7438 (fax) 609.393.6072
Dagwood Dispatches
9
September 2007
'IZZY? . . . BRING YOUR DAUGHTER HERE'
U.S. OFFICER, WANTING TO SAVE INTERPRETER'S WOUNDED CHILD, FACES A SNAG.
By David Finkel Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, July 27, 2007; A01
BAGHDAD, July 26 -- An hour after a car bomb exploded in downtown Baghdad on Thursday, killing at least 25 people, wounding at
least 110 and destroying an apartment building, a phone call begging
for help came to an Army officer in eastern Baghdad. It was from a man
named Izzy who works as an interpreter for the U.S. military and whose
calm voice was now filled with panic. His apartment was in ruins, he
said. One of his two daughters had been badly injured. Something had
pierced her head when their apartment disintegrated. He had taken her
to a hospital filled with the injured, but overwhelmed doctors had said
there was nothing they could do, that she needed more help than they
could give, and so he was standing on a street with his bleeding daughter at his side, afraid that she was going to die.
"The only hope you have is to get her to an American hospital?" said
Maj. Brent Cummings, executive officer of the 2nd Battalion, 16th
Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, for which Izzy is an interpreter. He was repeating what Izzy had just said. Izzy started to answer.
The cellphone went dead. "Izzy?" Cummings said. "Izzy?" How do
moments of decency occur in a place such as Baghdad, in a war such
as this war? "Izzy," Cummings said after dialing 5, 10, 15 times and
finally getting through. "Bring your daughter here. "It was a simple
idea. The base where Izzy works has a first-rate medical facility. "Oh,
thank you, sir. Thank you, sir," Izzy said.
And that's when things got complicated. Any Iraqi hurt by the
American military is eligible for American medical care. But this wasn't an American bomb, and so none of the injured were entitled to
American care -- including, it seemed, Izzy's daughter. But what
Cummings had in mind was Izzy's previous life, before he was an interpreter. He had lived in New York City. He had worked there. And he
had had a daughter, a daughter who is an American citizen. Could an
American citizen living in Baghdad, who was injured by a nonAmerican bomb, receive medical care in an American military medical
facility? Cummings didn't know. Neither did several doctors he got in
touch with. He wasn't even sure which of the daughters was injured -the one born in New York, or the one born in Baghdad, who wasn't an
American citizen. He tried to call a lawyer, but there was no answer. So
he called Izzy back. "Izzy -- okay -- where is your daughter that is from
the United States?" Again the phone went dead. "Is your daughter from
the United States with you right now? Is she hurt? . . . Which daughter
is hurt? . . . Is she on the street with you? . . . Okay, is your U.S. citizen
daughter with you? . . . You can't what? . . . What?" Next he called one
of the officers in charge of the base, whose approval would be needed
for someone not in the military to get onto the facility. "Yes, I'm sure
we can produce a birth certificate," he said, wondering about a report
that the bomb had set the apartment building on fire. Next he called the
battalion's physician and told him to be ready to treat one female, or
possibly two females, ages unknown, one an American citizen, in a
matter of minutes. Next he called Izzy to see how close he was to the
base, and Izzy, his voice even more panicked than before, said he
wasn't close at all, that he was still on the street, still next to his
daughter, trying to find a taxi.
And then began a series of calls to Cummings from people who had
heard through the grapevine that the battalion had injured soldiers from
September 2007
10
the downtown bombing; no, make that dead soldiers; no, make that a
roadside bomb.
"No," Cummings said to every caller. "There are no injured coalition
forces. It is an Iraqi -- an Iraqi American -- who was hurt. It is the
interpreter's daughter.” Back to Izzy, still trying to find a taxi. Back to
another caller: "I don't know the extent of the injuries. . . . I don't know
if he's even in a cab yet. . . . I don't know if they're going to make it here
before curfew."
Now Izzy was calling. They were in a taxi. They were on the bridge,
two minutes from the base.
Cummings hurried to the gate. It was dark now. The base ambulance
pulled up. The guards said there's no way a taxi could get any closer
than it had gotten, which was somewhere out of sight. "Get a litter,"
Cummings called to the ambulance crew. Sprinting, he went out the
gate, passing coils of razor wire and blast walls, and then stopping
when he saw Izzy walking toward him, illuminated by the headlights of
the ambulance. Izzy's clothing were filthy. Next to him was his wife,
who was crying. On his other side was one of his daughters, the one
born in New York, who appeared to be uninjured. And in front of them
all walking slowly, was a young girl with shiny purple sandals, blood
on her blue jeans and a bandage over the left side of her face.
This was the non-American daughter, the one born in Baghdad, who
began crying as she was carried into the medical facility. In Arabic, she
cried out for her father, who had to remain in the waiting area. "Was it
a car bomb?" Cummings asked. "No sir," Izzy said. "It was two car
bombs." And then he said nothing more, not until one of the doctors
came into the waiting area to tell him that his daughter was going to be
all right. "Thank you, sir," he managed to say, and when he was unable
to say anything else, he bowed his head, and then sat, and then wiped
his eyes, and then followed the doctor into the treatment area, where his
Iraqi daughter was surrounded by American doctors and medics. What
do the rules say?
At that moment, anyway, no one seemed concerned one way or another: not the doctors, not the family, and not Cummings, who stood at the
very same spot he had been at a few weeks before when the patient was
a soldier of his who had been injured by a roadside bomb and had died
in front of Cummings's eyes. Again Cummings found himself watching. The injuries to the girl were serious. There was a deep cut across
her cheek, and, worse, something that had gone into the left side of her
forehead and was embedded in her skull. Her father held her hand until
the doctors swaddled her in a sheet, making sure to wrap her arms tightly. Her mother closed her eyes. The doctors leaned in. It took a while,
and at the worst of it the little girl couldn't remain quiet, but then the
doctors were showing her what they had found -- a solid piece of glass
that was nearly two inches long -- and soon after that she was smiling.
The glass was part of an apartment that no longer existed, in a part of
Baghdad where the sounds Thursday night were of mourning. But in
this part of Baghdad, the sounds were of a mother who no longer had a
home kissing her Iraqi daughter's cheek, and a father who no longer had
a home kissing his Iraqi daughter's hand, and a little girl who no longer
had a home saying something in Arabic that caused her parents to
smile, and Cummings saying quietly in English, "Man, I haven't felt
this good since I got to this hellhole."
Dagwood Dispatches
ORIGIN OF THE
WORD AVIATOR
Continued from page 11
Aviator.
Denied, perhaps rightfully so, his place
in history, Phu Khen has been, nonetheless, immortalized in prose. As the great
poet Norman Lear never once said:
"There once was a man named
Phu Khen,
Whose breakfast was whiskey and gin.
When e'er he would fly,
He'd give a war cry:
"Bend over, it's coming again."
Consider it an honor to be a Phu Khen
Aviator. Wear the mantle proudly, but
speak of it cautiously. It is not always
popular to be one of us.
You hear mystical references, often
hushed whispers, to 'those Phu Khen
Aviators.' Do not let these things bother
you.
As with any secret society, we go largely misunderstood, prohibited by your
apathy from explaining ourselves.
You are expected to always live down to
the reputation of the Phu Khen Aviator.
A reputation cultivated for centuries,
undaunted by scorn or ridicule, unhindered by progress. So drink up, be
crude, sleep late, urinate in public, and
get the job done.
When others are offended, you can revel
in the knowledge that YOU are a PHU
KHEN AVIATOR!
FLY ARMY
Editor’s note:
Word has been
received from unreliable sources, in
Vietnam that former VC and NVA are
still referring to the Bandidos’ as the
PHU KHEN Bandidos’. It has been well
documented that every time they were
engaged in combat, the enemy would
shout out “ Let’s Di Di, it’s the PHU
KHEN Bandidos”
It’s has been
rumored that the PHU KHEN Bandidos’
may have originated from one of
Genghis Khan’s hordes. Anyone with
any further information about this not so
secret society is urged not to contact the
editor of the DD. Your identity will be
held confidential. (It’s a joke, son.)
Dagwood Dispatches
RANGER MEDICS FEEL THE HEAT:
Continued from page 11
are we going to get this person out without causing more injuries?’ Now we have the
skills.”
In addition to the fire training, Soldiers were treated to a rare experience by the
Rustamiyah firefighters who taught and mentored the Soldiers throughout the day. To
cap off the event, firefighters broke out the fire hoses, air tanks and hydraulic tools and
trained the Soldiers in mechanical vehicle extractions.
Along with the well-known “Jaws of Life,” the Medics used hydraulic hammers, steel
cutters, saws and other tools to access the training vehicle from all points – even
directly through the side wall of the van.
“Putting on the gear, knocking down the fire with the fire hose, tearing the vehicle up,
it was like being on TV,” said Lloyd. “And we still got the skills needed to help
people out.”
THEY CONTINUE TO AMAZE YOU!
From a Chaplain in Iraq
I recently attended a showing of
"Superman 3" here at LSA Anaconda.
We have a large auditorium we use for
movies as well as memorial services
and other large gatherings. As is the
custom back in the States, we stood and
snapped to attention when the National
Anthem began before the main feature.
All was going as planned until about
three-quarters of the way through the
National Anthem the music stopped.
Now, what would happen if this
occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds
back in the States? I imagine there
would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a
few rude comments, and everyone
would sit down and call for a movie. Of
course, that is, if they had stood for the
National Anthem in the first place.
Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued to
stand at attention, eyes fixed forward.
The music started again. The Soldiers
continued to quietly stand at attention.
And again, at the same point, the music
stopped. What would you expect to
happen? Even here I would imagine
laughter as everyone sat down and
expected the movie to start. Here, you
could have heard a pin drop. Every
Soldier stood at attention. Suddenly
there was a lone voice, then a dozen,
and quickly the room was filled with
the voices of a thousand Soldiers,
'And the rockets red glare, the bombs
bursting in air, gave proof through the
night that our flag was still there. O
say does that star-spangled banner yet
wave, o'er the land of the free and the
home of the brave?'
It was the most inspiring moment I
have had here in Iraq. I wanted you to
know what kind of Soldiers are serving
you here.
Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins on
5/14/07. LSA Anaconda is at the Balad
Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad"
Forwarded to us by a retired US Army
Col.
YOU CAN GO ONLINE AND
DO A VIRTUAL RUBBING OF
SOMEONES NAME
http://www.vietnamwall.org/
15
Editor’s note: I tried this, It works.
September, 2007
REBUILDING BAGHDAD A TEAM EFFORT
By 2LT Ryan Wood, 2-16 IN, MEDO
local governments springing up throughout the city.
In the few months that the Rangers of 2nd Battalion 16th
Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division have
been in Baghdad, they have taken the ball and run with it,
identifying projects and steadily developing local neighborhood and district governments to take the reigns in the future.
1LT Walter Joseph Sepulvado JR. from Ft. Leavenworth, KS,
is the Ranger’s assistant Fire Support Officer and deals with
the challenges of rebuilding Baghdad every day. In addition to
the paperwork and bureaucracy inherent in the system,
As the fight for Baghdad’s security continues, there is another
fight that isn’t in the papers or on TV. As Coalition Forces take
their places in and around Baghdad they are handed the dual
problem of securing their area of responsibility and then
attempting to reenergize or sometimes even create a functioning local government to deal with the needs of the civilians in
their neighborhoods.
Programs such as the Commanders Emergency Relief
Program, or CERP, offer battalions the means to improve the
lives of civilians in their areas, as well as energizing the local
economy and providing a training ground for the fledgling
RANGERS LEAVE SECURITY OF FOB TO SECURE NEIGHBORHOODS
By 2LT Ryan Wood, MEDO, 2-16 IN
The building sits in darkness as the Soldiers
of A Company, 2-16 Infantry Battalion lay
down to catch a quick nap before a midnight
operation. Glow sticks mark stairs, windows
without glass, holes in the floor and the
“swimming pool” of highly questionable
water in the basement. Food is T-Rats, using
the bathroom involves diesel fuel and a
match, and you can look out the window and
see people moving in the houses across the
street. This is A Company’s new Combat
Outpost – and it is perfect.
The Combat Outpost, or COP, is a central
piece in Gen. David H. Petraeus’ new security plan for Baghdad, and the Rangers of 4th
Brigade, 2-16 In. Bn. are in the thick of making the plan work. Patraeus, who became
Multi-National Force - Iraq commander Feb.
10, has said that living among the people is
part of the secure and build phase of the
security plan.
"We and our Iraqi partners recognize that
improving security for the Iraqi people is the
first step in rekindling hope," Patraeus said.
"The upward spiral we all want begins with
Iraqi and coalition forces working together
and locating in the neighborhoods those
forces must secure."
Traditionally, U.S. forces in Iraq have
operated out of heavily fortified Forward
Operating Bases or FOBs, returning to the
FOB after each mission was complete. The
current security plan relies on Petraeus’ vision
of counterinsurgency tactics which move the
Soldier out into the community. Using a base
of operations in the neighborhoods they are
responsible for, companies occupy buildings
September 2007
Photo by 1LT Timothy Penn, Platoon Leader, A Company 2nd Platoon.
Members of Alpha Company, 2nd Platoon take a quick rest on the third floor of their new
Combat Outpost. Soldiers are occupying abandoned buildings throughout Baghdad in an
attempt to bring security to neighborhoods plagued by insurgents and militia death squads.
in their area of responsibility and operate
patrols day and night in an effort to secure the
streets of Bagdad against militias and
insurgents.
The COP concept is similar to the “beat cops”
of the early 1900s. Police would walk the
streets of their neighborhoods every day, getting to know the people and businesses and
become not so much an intrusion on the
neighborhood as a part of it.
“We never intended to live on the FOBs,”
said LTC Ralph Kauzlarich, Battalion
Commander, 2-16 IN discussing the Rangers
part in the security plan. “We trained and
executed living with the people at NTC. We
train as we fight and now this plan just makes
it easier to do what we wanted to do in the
first place.”
As local Iraqis see the same faces day in and
day out, walking the streets and securing their
neighborhoods, they will be more receptive to
14
working with Americans and tipping them to
insurgent activities, said A Company
Commander CPT Ricky Taylor, who’s
company currently occupies a COP in the
heart of a former militia stronghold.
“The Iraqi peoples’ biggest concern is
security,” said Taylor. “With us and the
National Police right there, we offer them that
security.”
In many of the locations across the city, U.S.
Forces are co-locating with Iraqi Army and
Police to better coordinate efforts and to try to
foster a relationship of trust between Iraqi
forces and the people they serve, said Taylor.
Called a Joint Security Station, or JSS, these
centers include operational components of the
local government, Fire Department, National
Police, and Iraqi Army in addition to U.S.
Forces. A new JSS, co-located with a Ranger
Combat Outpost, was recently opened in AO
Ranger under the watchful eye of Kauzlarich.
Dagwood Dispatches
ORIGIN OF THE WORD AVIATOR
This explains it all. As aviators, we come
from a long line of a secret society,
formed around one thousand years ago.
We are warriors, and here is the proof!
Phu Khen (pronounced Foo Ken) 1169-?
Is considered by some to be the most
under-recognized military officer in history. Many have never heard of his contributions to modern military warfare.
The mission of this secret society is to
bring honor to the name of Phu Khen.
A ’Khen’ was a subordinate to a 'Khan'
(pronounced 'konn') in the military structure of the Mongol hordes. Khan is
Turkish for leader. Most know of the
great Genghis Khan, but little has been
written of his chain of command.
Khen is also of Turkish origin. Although
there is not a word in English that adequately conveys the meaning. Roughly
translated, it means, "One who will do
the impossible, while appearing unprepared and complaining constantly.
Phu Khen was one of ten Khens that
headed the divisions, or groups of
hordes, as they were known, of the
Mongol Army serving under Genghis
Khan. His abilities came to light during
the Mongols' raids on the Turkistan city
of Bohicaroo. Bohicans were fierce warriors and the city was well fortified.
Huge walls protected the entire city and
the hordes were at a standoff with the
Bohicans. Bohicaroo was well stocked
and it would be difficult to wait them out.
Genghis Khan assembled his Khens and
ordered each of them to develop a plan
for penetrating the defenses of
Bohicaroo.
Operation Achieve Victory (AV) was
born. All 10 divisions of Khens submitted their plan. After reviewing AV plans
1 thru 7 and finding them all unworkable
or ridiculous, Genghis Khan was understandably upset. It was with much perspiration that Phu Khen submitted his
idea, which came to be known as AV8.
Upon seeing AV 8, Genghis was convinced this was the perfect plan and gave
his immediate approval. The plan was
(sent to us by Skip Baker)
beautifully simple. Phu Khen would arm
his hordes to the teeth, load them into
catapults, and hurl them over the wall.
The losses were expected to be high, but
hey, hordes were cheap! Those that survived the flight would engage the enemy
in combat. Those that did not? Well,
surely their flailing bodies would cause
some damage.
The plan worked and the Bohicans were
defeated. From that day on, whenever
the Mongol Army encountered an insurmountable enemy, Genghis Khan would
give the order, "Send some Phu Khen
AV 8-ers." This is believed, though not
by anyone outside our secret society, to
be the true origin of the word Aviator
(AV8-ER).
Phu Khen's AV 8-ers were understandably an unruly mob, not likely to be
socially acceptable. Many were heavy
drinkers and insomniacs. But when
nothing else would do, you could always
count on an AV 8-ER. A Phu Khen
RANGER MEDICS FEEL THE HEAT:
By 2LT Ryan Wood, 2-16 IN, MEDO
Flames jumped out of the engine compartment of the stricken
van as the windshield turned black and shattered in the heat.
SGT Alfredo Garza, a medic with 2nd Battalion 16th Infantry
Regiment rushed up to the stricken vehicle, extinguisher in hand
and threw open the door. The initial blast of heat was daunting,
but getting to the injured person in the vehicle was all that mattered. With a hissing roar the extinguisher knocked down the
flames. A firefighter standing next to the door nodded, congratulated the Soldier and promptly threw more paper and wood on
the fire.
This is not the story of firefighters gone bad, but of a day of
training not usually seen in Iraq. Medics from 2-16 IN and the
2nd Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division gathered
to improve their skills in vehicle fire suppression, patient extraction and mechanical extraction with the Rustamiyah Fire
Department on May 18.
Utilizing an abandoned van, the Soldiers were able to practice
proper techniques for approaching and defeating vehicle fires.
Later they worked with a combat vehicle to practice extracting
patients from vehicles damaged in combat.
“With the threats that we face outside the wire,” Garza said, “we
are encountering most of our injuries in vehicles. This training
improves our ability to react to the situations instinctively.”
Dagwood Dispatches
According to Garza, who is the non-commissioned officer in
charge of the 2-16 IN evacuation squad, vehicle fires and vehicle extractions are being seen more and more often as the IED
threat continues to rise.
“This sort of training allows us to balance speed with necessity.
We can better fight the fire, immobilize the patient and extract
them from the vehicle as a team” he said. “We have improved
our skills and thereby improved the care and protection we can
offer our Soldiers.”
In one of the scenarios, Soldiers worked under a blazing sun in
107 degree weather to extract two patients from a HUMVEE.
The radios, very tight seating and piles of ammunition and gear
worked against the Soldiers but with the training provided by the
paramedics teaching the class, the Soldiers were able to cut minutes of off the extraction time while moving the patients in a
safer more secure manner.
Specialist Kisha Rasheeda Lloyd, a medic with 2-2 BSB, saw
immediate value in the training as it pertained to receiving
injured patients at the Rustamiyah Aid Station.
“There have been a lot of times,” she said, “when a patient rolled
up to the hospital in a combat vehicle and I thought, ‘Wow. How
11
September, 2007
OUR FALLEN BROTHERS
In February of 2007, ‘The Rangers’ of the 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division deployed to Iraq in
defense of ‘Operation Iraqi Freedom’. During this time, they have been tasked with securing the neighborhoods around the city
of Baghdad. In so doing, they have suffered numerous casualties and six ‘Rangers’ have paid the ultimate price for freedom. We
ask that you keep the families of these Soldiers and all of our Soldiers and their loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
Jay Salcedo Cajimat
Unit: A Co 2-16 Incident: IED
Loc/Op: Baghdad, OIF V
Date KIA: 6 APR 2007
HOR: Lahaina (Maui Island), Hawaii
Specialist
26 January 1987 - 6 April 2007
Specialist Jay Cajimat was born on January 26, 1987 in Manilla, the Phillipines, to Dionie and Lilibeth Cajimat.
He enlisted in the Army as a senior in Lahainaluna High School, and entered service in the United States Army
on July 6, 2005. He attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Ft. Benning, GA, and there he
became proficient at his task and drills as an infantryman. On Feburary 6, 2006 he was assigned to Charlie
Company, 2-16 Infantry Battalion, and was later reassigned to Alpha Company where he served as an ammunition bearer for his M-240B Machine Gun crew during his unit’s rotation to the National Training Center in Ft.
Irwin, California in November, 2006. On February 5, 2007, he deployed with his unit to Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Specialist Cajimat’s awards and decoration include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the
Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Combat Infantry Badge.
Specialist Cajimat is survived by his father and mother, and his three sisters, Kaya, LC, and LJ.
Shawn Douglas Gajdos
Unit: D Co 2-16 Incident: IED
Date KIA: 6 JUN 2007
HOR: Grand Rapids, Michigan
Specialist Shawn Gajdos was born on March 3, 1982 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He enlisted in the Army on
August 25, 2005. On September 2, 2005, he was assigned to the Infantry Training Brigade in Fort Benning,
Georgia, where he was trained as a US Army Infantryman. He was temporarily assigned to 1-28 Infantry on
December 16, 2005. Later, he was transferred to Delta Company, 2-16 Infantry, where he served as a rifleman
and radio telephone operator. He participated in various training exercises including a rotation to the National
Training Center. On February 6, 2007, he deployed with his unit to Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom.
SPC Gajdos’ awards include: the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service
Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the
Combat Infantry Badge.
SPC Gajdos is survived by his parents Anthony Gajdos and Brenda Richards, and his sister, Tammie Denboer.
Specialist Cameron Payne was born on January 12, 1985 to Robert Payne and Denise Jackson in Corona, California. On
3 November 2005, Specialist Payne enlisted in the United States Army, and was then assigned to the Infantry Training
Brigade in Fort Benning, Georgia. He completed his training as an infantryman on March 7, 2006, and was then
assigned to Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment. He became a gunner for his vehicle in Fourth
Platoon, and participated in multiple training exercises, including a rotation to the National Training Center in
November of 2006. On February 6, 2007, he deployed with his unit to Baghdad, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi
Freedom.
Specialist Payne’s awards include: the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal,
the Iraqi Campaign, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Combat Infantry Badge.
Specialist Payne is survived by his mother, Denise Jackson, his wife, Julie, and his two daughters, Anna and Kylee.
September 2007
Specialist Andre Craig Jr. was born on 18 June 1983 to Andre Sr. and Joyce Craig in New Haven,
Connecticut. On 20 October 2005, Specialist Craig enlisted in the United States Army, and was then
assigned to the Infantry Training Brigade in Fort Benning, Georgia, where he became proficient at his
warrior tasks and drills. He successfully completed his training on 24 March 2006, and was assigned
to Delta Company, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment. He was later transferred to Bravo
Company, where he served as a Javelin gunner for 2nd Platoon. He participated in multiple training
exercises, including Dragon Flight One and Dragon Flight Two, and a rotation to the National Training
Center in November of 2006. On February 6, 2007, he deployed with his unit to Baghdad, Iraq in
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Specialist Craig’s awards include: the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the National
Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the
Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Combat Infantry Badge.
Specialist Craig is survived by his parents, Andre Sr. and Joyce Craig, his wife, Shawntia, and his daughter, Taylor.
12
William Wayne Crow
Unit: A Co 2-16 Incident: IED
HOR: Grandview Plaza, Kansas
Sergeant
11 February 1979—28 June 2007
Sergeant Crow’s awards include: the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Commendation
Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Good Conduct Medal, second award, the National Defense
Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal,
the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, second award, the Combat Infantry
Badge, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Valorous Unit Award.
Sergeant Crow is survived by his mother, Kathryn Mondini, his wife, Katherine, and his four children: Christopher, David,
Katherine, and Kayla.
Unit: D Co 2-16 Incident: IED
Loc/Op: Balad, OIF V
HOR: Carona, California
Specialist
12 January 1985—11 June 2007
Unit: B Co 2-16 Incident: IED
HOR: New Haven, Connecticut
Specialist
18 June 1983 – 25 June 2007
Sergeant William Wayne Crow was born on 11 February 1979 in Florida to William W. Crow Sr. and
Kathryn Mondini. He enlisted in the United States Army on 26 April 2001, and was then assigned to
the Infantry Training Brigade in Fort Benning, Georgia. He completed his training as an infantryman
and was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment in Camp Casey, Korea on 29 June 2001.
On 22 August 2002, he was then assigned to Alpha Company “Avalance,”1st Battalion, 41st Infantry
Regiment in Fort Riley, and later deployed with them to Iraq. After his return, he was later assigned
to Alpha Company “Outlaws,” 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, and served in 2nd Platoon as
a Fire-Team Leader. He deployed with his unit in 6 February 2007 to Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation: Iraqi Freedom.
Specialist
3 March 1982— 6 June 2007
Cameron Keoni Payne
Andre Craig Jr.
Dagwood Dispatches
James Jacob Harrelson
Unit: B Co 2-16 Incident: IED
Date KIA: 17 JUL 2007
HOR: Dadeville, Alabama
Private First Class
16 June 1988—17 July 2007
Private First Class James Harrelson was born on June 16, 1988 to Tammy Kinney and James Harrelson in
Daveville, Alabama. On July 27, 2006, PFC Harrelson enlisted in the United States Army, and was assigned to
the Infantry Training Brigade in Fort Benning, Georgia. He completed his training as an infantryman on
December 14, 2006, and was then assigned to Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, where he
became a rifleman for Second Platoon. On February 6, 2007, he deployed with his unit to Baghdad, Iraq in
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
PFC Harrelson’s awards include: the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Iraqi Campaign Medal,
the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Combat Infantry Badge.
PFC Harrelson is survived by his mother, Tammy Kinney.
Dagwood Dispatches
13
September 2007

Dagwood Dispatch - 16th Infantry Regiment Association

Transcription

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