Most Recent Stories

 

Blackhawk Brigade receives combat patch FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – The 172nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team donned their combat patches in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom VI during an evening bonfire ceremony on Forward Operating Base Kalsu Jan. 1.

MND-C chats its way into the 21st century BAGHDAD, Iraq – Any joke about the antiquated bureaucracy of the military gets a chuckle out of service members and civilians alike.

IA Soldiers learn advanced medical skills CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq –Approximately 15 Iraqi Army medics completed advanced combat medical skills training at Camp Mittica, near Tallil Air Base, in southern Iraq Dec 31. 

IA, U.S. Soldiers conduct reconnaissance patrol in Hamza CAMP ECHO, Iraq – Iraqi Army Soldiers conducted a combined reconnaissance patrol in Hamza Dec. 30.

IA’s bring in New Year with new troopsCONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq – Approximately 2,100 Iraqi Army Soldiers graduated their initial training at the Besmaya Range Complex Dec. 31 increasing the might of the Iraqi Security Forces.

More Stories

Air Force cell supports Army, MND-C missionThe personnel of Multi-National Division – Center headquarters work each day on plans and programs which will continue to stabilize the country of Iraq as it reaches self-sufficiency.

Soldiers receive civil affairs trainingThe efforts of Iraqi civilian and military leaders to rebuild their nation’s government and infrastructure is enhanced by the expertise of Coalition forces’ civil affairs Soldiers.

Iraqi commandos graduate from border security courseIraqi commandos graduated from a two-week training course on mounted and dismounted techniques, urban and close quarter combat, medical training and snap traffic control points at the Karmashiyah Border Fort Dec. 29.

Salvadorans mark end of Iraq mission with HASoldiers of El Salvador’s Battalion Cuscatlán delivered dental equipment to the Wasit Director General of Health in al Kut Dec. 31 during the battalion’s final mission in Iraq.

Long Knives, Airman team up to help IraqisWhile deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Soldiers and Airmen often work side by side during combat operations.

Soldier balances new family, job, deploymentSpc. Maurice Leon Oldham Jr., has experienced much since April 18, the day when Oldham and his wife, Erica, gave birth to the couple’s first son, Keiandre.

Leaders meet to discuss SoI transition to GoI controlA spokesman for the government’s Sons of Iraq transition plan said during a meeting in Diwaniyah approximately 20 percent of the SoI members are slotted to join the Iraqi Security Forces.

Spirits stay high while working during the holidaysNew Year’s Day is the culmination of an exciting season of celebrations and usually, about a week away from work or school. Deployed Soldiers work these holidays like any other day; frequently, they work even harder on these days.

10th Iraqi Army Division prepares for the coming monthsStaff officers assigned to the 10th Iraqi Army Division attended a planning session on Combat Operating Base Adder Dec. 27 to coordinate major training events scheduled from January to March.

ECP 2: keeping VBC safe one vehicle at a timeEvery day at approximately 5 a.m., Soldiers make their way to Entry Control Point 2 to begin work. It will be at least another 12 hours before their work is done, and they leave for the night.

Support Your Soldiers

Everyone of you are in our prayers. Thank you for looking out for one another. My son is a soldier there and it helps knowing that you all protect each other. Stay safe.

Kris Connelly, Fairport, NY USA
SPC James Leach, although yinz are away from home, we wanted to wish yinz a HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY!! We love yinz very much :)

Janie, Jordyn Leach, Dexter, NY
So very proud of you and grateful for your service. God bless you. Bob Lauritzen Major, USA (RET)

Bob Lauritzen, Orem, Utah, USA
SPC James Leach, I hope yinz are doing well :) we are enjoying well above average temps. Westcott beach was great :0 I wish yinz well for the New Year, and in 298 days we will be seeing yinz. All our love to yinz INFINITY! :)

Janie, Jordyn, Dexter, NY
Thank you for all you have done. Especially for taking care of and supporting each other during your long journey in Kirkuk. I know that a simple Thank You hardly seems like much, but it truly comes from my heart. My daughter, Sgt Jasmin Ringlaben, traveled with you on your journey. You will never know how grateful I am that she came home. Since one person does not fight a war alone, I owe each and every one of you a debt of gratitude. My prayers continue to be for all of you. THANK YOU!

Lori Palmer, Green Bay, WI
With a "Polar Bear" of our own awaiting deployment, we feel like all the 10th Mountain soldiers are new family members. God bless each and every one of you. Stay strong and safe, and know with each step you take that our thoughts and prayers travel with you.

Curt, Indiana
Greetings to all the soldiers of the Blackhawk Brigade, Have a good New Year...Hooah

Ben, Bavaria/Germany
Thank you! Your decision to protect our country and those of us that live here is so greatly appreciated by myself and my family. We love all of you and pray for you daily.

Rae, Jacksonville, FL
God bless you guys, and Merry Christmas. We are all proud of you and wish you a safe tour and a safe return. I am hoping to join you there once I get through enlistment. Be safe!

Rich Libicer, Las Cruces, New Mexico
I would like to take this monent to Thank all of our soldiers that are not with their families for all you are doing and have done. GOD BLESS U and keep you safe until u return home. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!! we love and thank you in North Carolina!

anita langley, elm city nc
Holiday Greetings From the Soldiers

Photo of the Day

Soldier balances new family, job, deployment
Soldier balances new family, job, deploymentSoldier balances new family, job, deployment

Opet's Odyssey