Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09 4Th Inf
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
VOL. 2, NO. 30 MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION - BAGHDAD “STEADFAST AND LOYAL” FEBRUARY 2, 2009 A look back in time Operation Iraqi Freedom 07-09 4th Inf. Div. CG thanks From TOA to Security Agreement, 4th Inf. Div. Soldiers for their & MND-B Soldiers are 'Steadfast and Loyal' service in Baghdad Pg. 2 4th Inf. Div. assumes control of MND-B ISF stand tall in wake By Sgt. Jason Thompson of increased attacks 4th Inf. Div. PAO CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Under the clear, in Sadr City morning skies of a promising new day in Baghdad, the 4th Infantry Division took the Pg. 11 reins of Multi-National Division – Baghdad (March 2008) from the 1st Cavalry Division during a trans- fer of authority ceremony Dec. 19, 2007. The ceremony honored the hard work Soldiers help improve and sacrifices of the departing ‘First Team’ security in Sadr City and looked forward to future challenges and successes soon to be earned by the ‘Ivy Divi- Pg. 14 sion.’ Presiding over the ceremony was Lt. Gen. (May 2008) Raymond Odierno, commanding general, Multi-National Corps – Iraq. IP transition to Odierno said that the battle in Iraq changed significantly during the last year and the suc- Baghdad's first line cess could be directly linked to the 1st Cav. of defense Div.’s efforts in and around Baghdad. “Significant events are often a result of Pg. 22 the right people being in the right place at (September 2008) the right time,” said Odierno. “In the case of Baghdad in 2006 and 2007, the right people were the magnificent men and women of Mission continues Multi-National Division – Baghdad and their as new security dedicated Iraqi Security Force partners.” Odierno said all Soldiers of the First Team agreement takes photo by Staff Sgt. Luis Orengo, 113th MPAD should be proud of what they accomplished effect Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond (left), incoming MND-B commanding general, and Com- during their tenure in Baghdad. He said the mand Sgt. Maj. John Gioia, incoming MND-B command sergeant major, uncase the Pg. 30 Soldiers had a direct positive impact on the (January 2009) ‘Ironhorse’ colors during the MND-B transfer of authority ceremony Dec. 19, 2007, at See TOA Pg. 3 Camp Liberty. IA, MND-B secure checkpoints, patrol markets ensure safety of local citizens By Sgt. James Hunter 2nd Platoon, Company D, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Reg- “They called out ‘we are in contact; we are in contact.’” 2nd BCT PAO, 101st Abn. Div. iment. In response, three platoons pushed out into sector and Fighting broke out throughout the area. The platoon was BAGHDAD – Prior to fighting breaking out in Kadhamiyah, took their positions to help reinforce the checkpoints – where attacked with rocket-propelled grenades and PKCs, and im- there were no signs of the possibility of Special Group cells they sat for a few hours until it was determined there would mediately started laying down fire on positively identified targeting Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces. The biggest not be an attack. enemy combatants, said 1st Lt. Paul Brown, a native of Can- threat at that time appeared to be vehicle-borne improvised- “The streets were empty, but it was quiet and the (Iraqi field, Ohio, who is the platoon leader for 4th Platoon. “As explosive devices. Army) was doing what they were supposed to be doing,” soon as my gunner was able to PID a guy, he just started However, once violence began in Basra and east Baghdad, said Capt. Brad Henry, a native of Andover Township, N.J., engaging him. They did an awesome job.” local citizens in the area began acting differently themselves. who is the commander of Co. D, 1-502nd Inf. Regt. “It was “We weren’t running from the fight,” said Henry. “We Apparently, criminal elements began spreading the word to weird, but nothing was out of the ordinary.” were going to secure the intersection and engage targets of the local Iraqis to go into their homes and not come out. Once Henry got back to the base, he received another tip opportunity.” These criminals even marched in Kadhamiyah chanting, that 20 – 25 men were massing in Kadhamiyah. He ordered With Brown’s platoon under contact and decisively laying “Death to Maliki. Death to Maliki.” the company’s 4th Platoon to investigate the tip. As soon as down the enemy, Rosenberg sent his platoon forward to sup- Coalition Forces even received a tip March 28 that ISF the platoon came to the intersection, they were ambushed by port the Soldiers in their engagements. checkpoints would come under attack, said 1st Lt. Sam special group criminals. Rosenberg, a native of Fort Myers, Fla., platoon leader for “The entire area basically blew up,” Rosenberg said. See Strike patrol Pg. 12 PAGE 2 FEBRUARY 2, 2009 Commentary / Editorials Multi-National Division - Baghdad Public Affairs Office MND-B CG thanks service members Commanding General: Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond Div. Command Sergeant Major: for time, effort while deployed Command Sgt. Maj. John Gioia Hammond reflects on division's progress in Baghdad Public Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. Steve Stover From Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond Commanding general of MND-B and 4th Inf. Div. Public Affairs Sergeant Major To all Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers, Sailors, Sgt. Maj. Eric Lobsinger Airmen and Marines: It is my honor and a privilege to serve as the commander Editor: Sgt. Jason Thompson of Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division. As our transition with 1st Cavalry Division ap- Staff Writers: proaches, I expressly want to convey how humble I am to Staff Sgt. Brock Jones have served alongside each of you as we continue to serve Staff Sgt. Michael Molinaro our great Nation abroad, apart from our loved ones. Staff Sgt. Scott Wolfe You are all servicemen and servicewomen of charac- Staff Sgt. Jody Metzger ter and moral courage. While you represent less than one Sgt. Philip Klein percent of the country you so selflessly serve, the positive Sgt. Whitney Houston impact you are having on behalf of the American and Iraqi Sgt. Jerry Saslav people can not be understated. Sgt. Shana Henline On December 19, 2007, nearly 15 months ago, the 4th Spc. Douglas York Infantry Division assumed command of Multi-National of your comrades were wounded in action. These Soldiers Pfc. Lyndsey Dransfield Division – Baghdad in order to protect the Iraqi people and made the ultimate sacrifice for their buddies, for their Nation bring stability to the people of Iraq. and for Freedom. We will never forget those who have fallen. Contributing Units: Together, as a team, we have killed or captured more than I ask that you remember them and their Families in your 4th Inf. Div. 3,540 enemy fighters, seized more than 2,690 weapons cach- prayers. 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. es, defeated a militia uprising and denied terrain to extremists In the time ahead, I ask that each and every one of you 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div and criminal militants. We built schools, improved essential take care of one another. Leaders, ensure your Soldiers have 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. services, improved local businesses, provided significant and an opportunity to reach back to loved ones as Steadfast and CAB, 4th Inf. Div. lasting employment, fostered local governing capability and Loyal Families were deployed on the home front as well, tak- 1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div. improved the capacity of the Iraqi Security Forces to protect ing care of their Soldiers and each other. And through it all, 2nd HBCT, 1st Inf. Div. and serve their citizens. remember our Army Values and Warrior Ethos. 4th BCT, 1st Inf. Div. It is through our patience, persistence and perseverance On behalf of a grateful Nation, I want to thank you for 2nd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. that the nation of Iraq has moved from a failed state in 2006 serving your country with character and moral courage in 2nd BCT, 1st Armored Div. to a more stable state today. Al-Qaeda in Iraq and criminal defense of freedom. You are the strength of our Nation – our 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div. networks are degraded, a Security Agreement was ratified and Nation’s Credentials. 2nd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. Iraqi Provincial Elections are fast approaching. May God bless you, your Families and the United States 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. Together, we provided hope for a brighter future for the of America. 4th BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. people of Iraq. Mission – Soldier – Family – Team Task Force XII These gains have come with a solemn price. Ninety-three Ironhorse 6 8th MP Bde. of your brothers and one sister were killed in action and 638 “Steadfast and Loyal” 18th MP Bde. 35th Eng. Bde. 926th Eng. Bde. 1st Sustainment Bde. IN HONOR OF OUR FALLEN COMRADES Spc. James D. Gudridge Staff Sgt. Clay A. Craig Spc. Todd Davis Pfc. Andrew J. Habsieger Sgt. 1st Class Lawrence D. Ezell Staff Sgt. Jonathan Dozier Staff Sgt. Christopher M. Hake Capt. Andrew R. Pearson Staff Sgt. Sean Gaul Sgt. Steve A. McCoy Spc. Ronald J. Tucker Spc. Zachary McBride Cpl. Jose A. Rubiohernandez Sgt. John K. Daggett Sgt. Jon M. Schoolcraft III Staff Sgt. Joseph D. Gamboa Spc. Jeffrey F. Nichols Staff Sgt. Robert J. Wilson Cpl. Steven I. Candelo Pfc. Corey L. Hicks Maj. Alan G. Rogers Spc. Gregory B. Rundell Cpl. Jessica A. Ellis Sgt. Matthew F. C. Straughter Cpl. Joshua A. Molina Staff Sgt. Victor M. Cota Capt. Michael A. Norman Cpl. Durrell L. Bennett Spc. Justin R. Mixon The Ivy Leaf is an authorized publication for members Staff Sgt.