Through Their Paces Operation New Blue Puts Locals

Volume 2, Issue 8 August 2007 Paratroopers capture insurgent •

Through Their Paces Operation New Blue puts locals

Brits aid in training in charge of police stations THE COALITION CHRONICLE What’s The Official Magazine of Multi-National Corps-Iraq

Inside August 2007 Volume 2, Issue 8

MNC-I Commander Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno

MNC-I Public Affairs Officer Lt. Col. James Hutton

MNC-I Command Information Chief Veshannah J. Lovelace Editor Staff Sgt. Jacob Boyer New Blue Staff Writers Iraqi communities get Sgt. Abel Trevino Cpl. Darhonda Rodela local policing under new Spc. Laura M. Bigenho recruiting program Spc. D. A. Dickinson Spc. Beatrice Florescu Page 3 Spc. Stephanie Homan

Working Laying a August 2007 Together Nest Volume 2, Issue 8 Brits help 10th Mountain troops Airmen help Marines prepare for train Iraqi soldiers Ospreys’ arrival

Page 18 Page 20 Paratroopers capture insurgent capture Paratroopers Nowhere Helping Rogue •

to Hide Their Own Thunder Through their paces Air assault leads to Iraqi Army conducts Coalition Forces Operation New Blue puts locals in charge of their police stations

capture of insurgent humanitarian ops reclaim Jamea’a training in aid Brits Page 22 Page 25 Page 26 This month’s covers Up front: Spc. James Boyd, a Task Force Marne military policeman in the 23rd Military Police Company runs with an Iraqi Departments Police recruit during Operation New Blue. Photo by Army Staf Sgt. Tony M. Lindback. On the back: Two Iraqi Army Soldiers Commander’s Voice Freedom’s Focal Point prepare to assault an enemy position Page 1 Page 6 during a mission near Khan Bani Sa’ad July 12 Photo by Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Taylor. Coalition News Briefs In Remembrance Page 2 Page 28 Questions, comments and concerns about The Coalition Chronicle can be addressed via email at [email protected]. The Chronicle The Coalition Chronicle is an authorized monthly publication for members of the Department of Defense. accepts articles, photos and letters for submission. Contents of this monthly publication are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. Send submissions to veshannah.lovelace@iraq. Government or the Department of Defense. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility centcom.mil. The Chronicle reserves the right to edit of the Public Affairs Office of the Multi-National Corps-Iraq. for security, accuracy, propriety, clarity and space. COMMANDER’S VOICE e ask a lot of each and thing of the past. The Iraqi Security every member of the Forces are now courageously stand- Coalition on a daily ing their ground, and absorbing basis. This is manifest- casualties for the cause of freedom. Wed in Operation Phantom Thunder, ll of this is coming to- which we began in mid-June, and in gether to yield some very our engagement with tribal leaders tangible progress. Not that want to cooperate with the gov- only are sectarian attacks ernment of Iraq and Coalition Forces Adown, cache finds up, and more to rid their neighborhoods of terror- extremist leaders eliminated, but the ism and extremism. It also includes people of Iraq are beginning to feel the establishment of joint security safe. Iraqi citizens are expressing the stations and combat outposts among fact that they feel an increased sense the population, which is gaining the of security and are thanking Coali- confidence of Iraqi citizens while tion Forces. We are also beginning simultaneously facilitating the con- to see those who previously left are Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno tinued growth and development of now returning to their homes. These MNC-I Commander Iraqi Security Forces. We are now are all positive trends and indicative seeing initial indicators of success caches, 1,300 found and cleared IEDs, of our focus on protecting the Iraqi due to your hard work and dedication as well as many VBIEDs and associated population. in these important tasks. factories neutralized since the begin- Our progress since Phantom Thun- In the past, when we focused opera- ning of Operation Phantom Thunder. der began is significant and has not tions in one area, some of the enemy The bottom gone un- would attempt to avoid Coalition line is we noticed. Forces and find a new “home.” How- are ready The Iraqi people are Recently we ever, due to your diligence and tireless and willing have had a efforts, as well as that of Iraqi Security to talk with clearly rejecting the large number Forces, there are fewer and fewer places leaders of of influential for al-Qaida in Iraq and other extrem- any groups Taliban-like mentality individuals ists to find safe haven. From al-Qaim, opposing and groups Haditha, Hit, Ramadi, and Fallujah to AQI or other of extremist groups visit Iraq to Habbaniyah, from Abu Ghraib to Arab extremist like al-Qaida. see for them- Jabour and to Baqubah, major popula- groups who selves what is tion centers in Iraq have been liberated want to work “really going from al-Qaida during the past six to the Coalition on.” Many seven months. Forces, Iraqi Security Forces, and the of them are surprised at what they The Iraqi people are clearly rejecting government of Iraq. find. They come over expecting to see the Taliban-like mentality of extremist nder the tutelage of our tran- a country in utter chaos, but most have groups like al-Qaida that offer no hope sition teams and partnered left with a much different perspective. for Iraq or its people. They are rejecting units, Iraqi Security Forces They see a country moving in the right these groups because they’re not only have made tremendous direction and beginning to take advan- tired of being exploited, intimidated Ustrides over the last six months. With tage of the opportunities provided by and terrorized by these rogue extrem- thousands of volunteers eager to sign the Coalition. We are still a long way ists, but also because they have come to up for army or police forces, manning from where we want to be, but we have understand that we are here to protect levels have increased. The most encour- taken significant steps to allow this the Iraqi people and help them along aging part is that not only do they have country to become a peaceful, produc- the path to a more peaceful future. more people to carry out their mis- tive, and stable member of the global The “Awakening Movement” that sions, but they are also demonstrating community. Quite simply, this would started in Anbar is now spreading to vastly improved technical and tactical not have been possible without all of more diverse provinces such as Diyala, proficiency which has increased the you. As one of our country’s leading Salah ad Din, Ninawa and North Babil. quantity and quality of ISF independent strategic thinkers, Dr. Anthony Cordes- Across Iraq, both Sunni and Shia are operations. They are fighting their own man, told me recently, “You have a raising their hand to join in the fight fights, and they are fighting hard. At remarkable team at every level.” I could against foreign and extremist influ- times when previously faced with an not agree more with his assessment, ences. intense fight, some soldiers and police- and I thank each and everyone of you Tips all over the country have led men of the Iraqi Security Forces would for your continued dedication and ser- to the discovery of over 600 weapons abandon their posts. That is truly a vice. CC The Coalition Chronicle 1 COALITION NEWS BRIEFS Operation Bastogne IA soldiers repel attack breaks up IED ring on Jamea’a outpost

Speed, stealth and surprise are key ingredients to Coalition Outpost Lion was targeted in an insurgent any successful combat operation and the Paratroopers attack with two car bombs, rocket-propelled grenade and Soldiers from Task Force Steel are perfecting that and machine gun fire two days after it was established recipe day in and day out in North Babil. in the western Baghdad neighborhood of Jamea’a July The Steel task force of the 4th Brigade, 25th Infantry 26. Division put those assets to use in the early morning Members of 3rd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi hours of July 1 during Operation Bastogne, a raid near Army Division repelled the attack on the unit’s newest the Chaka III area of North Babil. COP. “Operation Bastogne was designed to capture mem- An observation post in the neighborhood was at- bers of an improvised explosive device cell operating tacked with RPG and small-arms fire shortly after along Highway 1 and other roads in the north Babil noon. The Iraqi soldiers rushed to the scene to assist province,” said Capt. Stew Lindsay, a native of Freport after a car bomb detonated seven blocks away. Two Penn., and commander of Company C, 3rd Battalion, Iraqi Army vehicles in the convoy suffered damage 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment. and four Iraqis suffered light wounds in the attack. In addition to capturing the IED cell members, the A second car bomb exploded 15 minutes later two operation captured hundreds of rounds of 7.62mm blocks south of the outpost. Two IA vehicles were sniper ammunition, IED making materials and an in- damaged and two soldiers received minor wounds in struction manual on how to construct IEDs.CC that attack. No IA or Coalition Forces were killed during the incident. The attacks were believed to be in response to the Anbar Marines step up extablishment of COP Lion earlier in the week. Iraqi Army soldiers man the outpost with the help of Coali- urban operations tion Forces. The outpost was completed with help from Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd C Regimental Combat Team 2, located in western Al Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. C Anbar Province, launched Operation Mawtini July 15 to neutralize any future attempts by anti-Iraqi forces to reestablish a presence in key urban areas along the Khalis sheiks sign Euphrates River valley. peace agreement The operation calls for more than 9,000 U.S. Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Iraqi Army members to strike deep into the less-traveled regions of the regiment’s About 75 tribal sheiks and local leaders gathered at operating area. the Iraqi Army headquarters in Khalis to discuss griev- “We anticipate that the terrorists will attempt to step ances between tribes, determine security and services up their attacks in the urban areas to regain power and solutions, and unite to defeat al-Qaida in Iraq and other influence over the population,” said Col. Stacy Clardy, terrorist organizations in the area. RCT-2 comander. “We’re hunting them down to make The meeting, led by Staff Maj. Gen. Abdull Kareem, sure that doesn’t happen.” commander of Diyala’s Iraqi Security Forces and Staff The operation began on the heels of Operation Har- Maj. Gen. Ghanem Abass Ibrahim al-Qureshy, provin- ris Ba’sil, which provided a better picture of enemy cial director of police, resulted in the signing of a peace movement patterns and safe havens. CC agreement between 18 of the leaders present. CC 2 The Coalition Chronicle Operation New Blue Iraqis try out for opportunity to police their own communities Story, photos by Army Staff Sgt. Tony M. Lindback MND-C PAO

A Lutifiyah Iraqi Police recruit completes the pul- lup portion of a physical fitness test July 29 which consisted of 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups, five pull-ups and a 100-meter dash during Phase Two of Opera- tion New Blue. The Coalition Chronicle 3 Spc. Wayne Hall, 23rd Military Police Company, works with Iraqi Police and recruits to assist an IP recruiting drive as part of Operation New Blue in Lutifiyah July 29. ommunities like Lutifiyah, check. If the check was cleared, the “We had a total of 289 that actu- Yusifyah, Mahmudiyah applicants were allowed to return ally came through the gate, but and Al Rasheed will get a for Phase Two, there were a little more local support said Capt. Wil- Many sprinted total of 216 Cfrom the boys in blue thanks to a liam Jennings, that were on new operation. commander, barefoot on jagged our list from Iraqi Police recruiting, dubbed 23rd Military the first phase Operation New Blue, is putting Police Com- rocks to meet the of the recruit- residents in local police stations pany, currently standards. ing,” Jennings to guard their own communities. attached to 2nd said. “The ones Iraqi police stations in the area are Battalion, 15th who weren’t currently assigned officers from Field Artil- on the list outside communities. lery Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 10th were escorted outside the gate and The multi-phased operation be- Mountain Division. told that we would have a future gan with recruits applying. During Phase Two of the drive took recruiting drive there and they’d Phase One, recruits filled out appli- place July 29 and was a day-long have another opportunity.” cations and had their fingerprints event. It consisted of a literacy test The literacy test was more of a and pictures taken and entered and a physical fitness test similar reading comprehension test, Jen- into a database for a background to the ArmyPhysical Fitness Test. nings said. The recruits were given 4 The Coalition Chronicle the literacy.” For those who passed the literacy test there were more obstacles to overcome — 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups, five pull-ups and a 100-meter dash had sweat pouring from many in the midday heat. Not all were prepared for the events as some wore sandals. Many sprinted barefoot on jagged rocks to meet the standards. “The guys at the recruiting drive are giving it all they got,” Schaffer said. “They’re sitting in the sun, 120 degrees in the straight sun, waiting in line all day long. “It’s determination,” Schaffer continued. “Most of them are trying to provide for their families. I com- mend them for that.” here has not been a police station in these areas during the past four years, Taccording to Jennings. He said it has been a challenge getting enough police to do democratic policing operations, especially in the urban areas. “The residents want to police their own,” Schaffer said. “That’s the best thing about the recruitment we did. The majority of them are from Lutifiyah and they’ll be protecting their own.” Spc. James Boyd, 23rd Military Police Company, runs with an Iraqi police recruit during the To see the recruits walk- 100-meter dash portion of Operation New Blue’s Phase Two in Lutifiyah July 29. ing the streets, providing a secure community for a paragraph written in Arabic and portion of the event. neighbors and family is the were then given five questions “They did better than I thought goal. Schaffer and Jennings both referencing the who, what, when, they would,” Schaffer said. “Be- said they hope people will have where and why of the material. ing this far south of Baghdad, I’ve the feeling that the local law en- Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Schaffer, Police noticed in the past, the average forcement is family, and that will Transition Team chief for the Luti- Iraqi has a tough time reading and inspire them to help clean up their fiyah police station, 23rd MP Co., writing. Out of the guys we had towns and rid them of illegal activ- was in charge of the literacy test come in, about 75 percent passed ity. CC The Coalition Chronicle 5 6 The Coalition Chronicle Freedom’s Focal Point

Freedom’s Focal Point 7 The Coalition Chronicle

Iraqi Iraqi National Policemen assault several buildings in search of insurgents who fired upon U.S. and Iraqi forcesby Photo 7. July Baghdad duringin Dora northern in a patrol presence Officer 3rd Class David R. Quillen. Navy Petty

8 The Coalition Chronicle Freedom’s Focal Point Freedom’s Focal Point 9 - The Coalition Chronicle

A female Iraqi police officerpractices weap Iraqi Army soldiers assigned to the Iraqi Military Far left: on handling techniques at the Forsan Police Station Ar in Ramadi July 23. Photo by Marine Staff Kropiewnicki. Sgt. Michael Iraqi Army Top: soldiers from the 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi at helicopter exiting and entering Divisionpractice Army Wright. Army Maj. Web Camp Striker July 30. Photo by Left: conduct Company Police Military commandant’s Academy cordon and search at training Academy the Military Iraqi in Rustamiyah July 17. Photo by Army Staff Sgt. Bronco Suzuki.

10 The Coalition Chronicle Freedom’s Focal Point p n nln Jl 1 na Cm Tj. ht b ry Sgt. Army by Rachel M. Ahner. Photo Taji. Camp near 18 July incline an up climbs vehicle his as path the see can he so up stands sion, Divi Army Iraqi 9th Brigade, 3rd with driver Army Iraqi An -

Freedom’s Focal Point 11 The Coalition Chronicle

12 The Coalition Chronicle Freedom’s Focal Point July 2.Photo byMarineCpl. Thomas Lew. Asad Al in Center Operations TFMP’sCombat 1/12 at Andavazo Leo Pfc. Marine Regiment, Task Force Military Police, demonstratesMarine proper MCMAP techniques to 12th Battalion, 1st Battery, Headquarters with instructor Program Arts left: Bottom Navy Petty Officer2nd ClassChristopher Perez. by Photo 3. Courageous Aug. Camp at training familiarization during rifle tank right: Bottom J. Dennis Sgt. Staff Henry Jr. Force Air by Photo 28. July Baghdad southwest in Tampa clearanceroute a Route perform along mission Division, Mountain 10th Brigade, Topright: ert S.Morgan. watch over the of village Sid Ad Dibahn July 30. Photo by Marine Lance Cpl. Rob Topleft: A Marine with Battery K, 1st Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment provides provides Regiment Marine 11th Battalion, 1st AK, Battery with Marine Soldiers with Company A, 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Regiment, Infantry Company 14th with Battalion, Soldiers 2nd A, Marine Sgt. Nicholas Robinson, a green belt Marine Corps Martial Corps Marine belt green a Robinson, Nicholas Sgt. Marine A Special Forces Soldier dry fires the Carl Gustav M3 recoils anti- recoils M3 Gustav Carl the fires dry ForcesSoldier ASpecial -

Freedom’s Focal Point 13 The Coalition Chronicle

14 The Coalition Chronicle Freedom’s Focal Point oc-rq drn te ags relsmn crmn a Cm Victory Camp July 4.Photoby Air Force Tech at Sgt. Andrew M.Rodier. ceremony reenlistment largest the during Force-Iraq, Multi-National general, commanding Petraeus, H. David Gen by istered admin enlistment of oath the take servicemembers U.S. 580 than More -

Freedom’s Focal Point 15 The Coalition Chronicle

16 The Coalition Chronicle Freedom’s Focal Point J. Medellin. Photo by Navy Petty Officer 26. 2nd Class Eli July Fallujah near Forces erations advanced Op in Special U.S. by conducted course firearms a during targets left: Bottom Second ClassJustinK. Thomas. bour July 9. Photo Ja by Navy PettyArab Officer in Division Infantry 3rd gade, Bri 3rd Regiment, Infantry 30th talion, Bat 1st the from both Duhon, Lane Sgt. from SAW M-249 the on training ceives Right: pher Hubenthal. Christo Class 1st Airman Force Air by Photo 5. July Buritz in station aid an to arrival upon dismount to prepares sion, Divi Cavalry 1st Brigade, 3rd surgeon, Top left: ry p. ihr Dmui re Dumoulin Richard Spc. Army Army Capt. Henry Shih, brigade Iraqi Army scouts fire at fire scouts Army Iraqi ------

Freedom’s Focal Point 17 The Coalition Chronicle

Brits help 10th Capt. James Morris, British Royal Ma- Mountain troops rines, trains Iraqi troops on marks- train Iraqi soldiers manship. Courtesy photo. Working Together by Army Sgt. Chris McCann MiTT commander and noncommissioned officer in MND-C PAO charge, respectively. “There’s really not much difference between the ne of the United States’ long-standing allies is U.S. and British Armies,” said Morris, who served helping build the Iraqi Army, sometimes from with the 10th Mountain Division’s 3rd Brigade in Af- the ground up. ghanistan in 2006. “Your armored Humvees are much OThere are four British Soldiers serving with troops better. But patrol tactics are not much different. You of the 2nd Battlion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Bri- can integrate British and U.S. troops with no problem. gade, 10th Mountain Division at Patrol Base Lions’ What you call ‘fives and twenty-fives’ we call ‘five- Den, Iraq, at any given time. meter-and-twenty-meter searches,’ but it’s not diffi- They aid the Golden Dragons of 2/14 Inf. Military cult to figure out. The tactics remain pretty much the Transition Team, also known as a MiTT. same.” Capt. James Morris, a native of Devon, England, is Watson agreed. a Royal Marine who came to work with 2-14 Inf. Regt. “I call it same (stuff), different Army,” Watson said. as part of an officer exchange with U.S. troops. “Soldiers are Soldiers at the end of the day, wherever Sgt. Paul Watson is a native of Manchester and you go.” a member of the Royal Guards — the well-known “It’s really interesting, “Grinde said. “We’re really guards around Buckingham Palace who wear tall all one team. Like Winston Churchill said, fighting a bearskin hats and are teased by tourists trying to get war with an alliance is hard, but it’s impossible with- them to break their straight faces. out one.” They and two others deployed April 28, training in The MiTT has been working on training many Iraqi Kuwait and Iraq, before arriving at Lions’ Den in May soldiers, most of whom they had to re-train from the to work with the infantry battalion. They work closely ground up because the troops had not internalized with Capt. Dennis Grinde, of Grand Forks, N.D., and much of their previous training. Sgt. 1st Class Scott Madden of Miamisburg, Ohio, the On a recent mission, much of the Iraqi company 18 The Coalition Chronicle was late to begin the patrol. also important, said Watson. “One of the platoon leaders, “The level of education and Omar, always has his guys there literacy they have means that on time and squared away,” said practical, hands-on training works Morris. “The others, not so much. better,” he explained. “And when “We’re not trying to get them up we make it a little entertaining, it to Western standards. We’re try- works much better.” ing to get them to Iraqi standards, The Coalition Forces also try to so that the keep things British and entertain- American “We’re trying to ing for Soldiers can them- go home get them up to Iraqi selves. and they standards ... so that The can have British a func- they can have a regale the tional native functional national 2/14 Inf. Army,” he Soldiers continued. army.” with tales “We’re of their not here riot train- to change Royal Marine Capt. James Morris ing, with their cul- team chief full-contact ture, we’re company- here to train on-com- Sgt. Paul Watson, British Army’s Royal them. In their culture, it’s very pany riots, with a unit of British Guards, walks with an Iraqi child south ‘insh’allah’ — God willing — being regulars against a unit of Nepalese of Camp Striker. on time isn’t a big deal.” Gurkhas. The fighting is no-holds- Working Together “In the last four weeks, they’ve barred, with live Molotov cocktails started really thinking,” Watson — “petrol bombs,” as Morris and said. “They’re asking for vehicle Watson call them — and attempted support, but they’re doing their kidnappings. own techniques and we’re falling The Americans enthusiastically back a little bit.” ask about Watson’s time in the “They need confidence,” Mor- Queen’s Guard. (“Does the Queen ris added. “We’re trying to give send tea out for you?” “Yes, but them that, and then start weaning we can’t drink it, it would involve them off our support. We’re step- moving,” And “What happens if ping back and doing overwatch you smile?” “Twenty-eight days in British and American Soldiers slog while they do more of the missions jail, no questions at all.”) through the tall reeds of a canal near now.” There is also some good-natured Patrol Base Lions’ Den on a combined patrol with soldiers of the Iraqi Army. fter the Iraqis train at ribbing about the American Revo- Lions’ Den, they will go lutionary War. south to Tallil to work “You guys should be good at Awith an Australian unit, which will counter-insurgency now,” one help get them to a higher level of Soldier said, laughing. “I think we skill, Morris said. kind of beat you with insurgency Until then, the Soldiers of 2/14 warfare a few years ago.” Inf. Regt. and their British attach- “That you did,” Morris said, ments continue to teach. also laughing, “Although, we had “If we train them in the morning a good run at the beginning. But and late afternoon, they remember we’re onto those tricks now.” more,” Morris said. More importantly, the Iraqi Watson pulls rear security on a com- Making classes entertaining is troops are improving drastically. CC bined U.S., Iraqi and British patrol.

The Coalition Chronicle 19 The Air Force’s 557th Expeditionary Squadron’s ‘Dirt Dogs’ pour concrete on the flightline. Laying a nest Marine Brig. Gen. Timothy C. Hanifen, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Airmen help Marines (Forward) commanding general, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Cac- eras, a heavy equipment operator with 557th Expeditionary Squad- prepare for Ospreys’ ron, spread freshly poured concrete June 19 near Al Asad. Photos by Marine Lance Cpl. James F. Cline III. arrival by Marine Cpl. Ryan R. Jackson parking area. The two shelters will be used for storage MNF-W PAO and maintenance of the aircraft. To complete the project, it required 21 Dirt Dogs he Marines asked for help, so the Air Force working around the clock. The night crew consists of unleashed its “Dirt Dogs” on the Al Asad 18 Airmen who excavate, prepare and pour concrete flightline to finish building a home for the at the site to create the 270-foot by 430-foot 10-inch- TMarine Corps’ MV-22 Osprey. thick pad. The three Dirt Dogs on the day crew haul The 557th Expeditionary Squadron began construct- away debris and bring the necessary tools and equip- ing infrastructure on the flightline May 17 to prepare ment to the site as well as conduct the saw cutting, for the arrival of the Ospreys. which adds strength to the freshly poured concrete. Since arriving at Al Asad in May, the 557th has The 557th has faced many challenges while build- been tasked with many projects by the Marines, but ing a home for the MV-22, but the biggest has been this is a project they won’t soon forget. relying on the concrete contractors to produce enough “We’re adding a ramp which adds one-third more quality concrete fast enough. taxiway to the flightline and two Osprey shelters,” “The other day we were battling the concrete,” said Senior Master Sgt. Arthur Flecker, the heavy Flecker said. “The concrete was so hard coming out equipment operator superintendent for the 557th Ex- of the shoot it took eight hours for us to work what peditionary Squadron. “Red Horse is used to taking would normally take us three hours to do. The con- on big projects, but this one is huge.” tractors couldn’t keep up with us. It was a tough The Ospreys will use the ramp as a taxiway and night, but you can’t defeat the Red Horse. This is an

20 The Coalition Chronicle Airmen in Al Asad prepared the flight line for the arrival of MV-22 Ospreys, which will be deployed to Iraq for the first time.

awesome group.” is key, because there are all The primary role of the 557th “The concrete was sorts of people with experience ERHS at Al Asad is to support so hard coming out and everyone has something the Army and Marine Corps to add to the project,” said Air with construction operations. of the shoot it took Force Staff Sgt. Jason Caceras, a “We are actually under Army eight hours to do heavy equipment operator with control. We are combat engi- 557th ERHS. neers,” said Flecker. “We have work that would The Airmen working on the people doing electrical sub-sta- normally take three.” project feel a sense of pride for tions. We have people building working for the Marines and SWA huts. We’re tasked from the Osprey, Flecker said. building everything from Hesco Air Force Senior Master Sgt. “Our number-one mission barriers with concertina wire to Arthur Flecker on this base is to get this taxi- taxiways and runway shelters.” heavy equipment operator way and those two shelters up ompared to the ERHS before the Osprey show up,” that was here before he said. “It’s the number-one them, the 557th’s Air- project for the Marines here. We Cmen are running at half strength and are per- feel privileged because it’s a once in a lifetime thing forming the same work load as the former squadron. to go home and say that you built the place where the “It’s a diverse group and in the Air Force diversity first Osprey came.” CC

The Coalition Chronicle 21 Staff Sgt. John Panowich, a squad leader with Strike Force Geronimo, prepares to breach a door during Operation Marne Avalanche. Story, photos by Army Sgt. Ernest Henry Nowhere to Hide MND-C PAO aratroopers from Strike Force Geronimo captured Paratroopers capture one insurgent from a cell responsible for attacks Pagainst citizens and security forces insurgent during early- in North Babil during Operation Marne Avalanche July 26 north- morning air assault west of Iskandariyah. 22 The Coalition Chronicle Cpt. David Coulombe, a platoon leader with Strike Force Geronimo retrieves an AK- 47 assault rifle that was found in a canal during Operation Marne Avalanche.

Paratroopers from Strike Force Geronimo secure the area around a DSKA .50 caliber Staff Sgt. John Panowich, a squad leader with Strike Force Geronimo, prepares to breach a door during Operation Marne Avalanche. heavy machine gun that was found during Operation Marne Avalanche. Soldiers from 3rd Battalion, New Lennox, Ill. “We wanted to ing fire from insurgents,” said Staff 509th Airborne, 4th Brigade, 25th secure that, and then push out into Sgt. John Panowich, a squad leader Infantry Division, conducted an the town to search the area and with Company B, from Anderson, early morning air assault and con- talk to the locals.” S.C. “When we moved in, we were tinued raids throughout the day fter securing the safehouse, talking to the helicopters flying in an al-Qaida in Iraq stronghold the paratroopers began close air support for us. We moved northwest of the city. pushing into the town, into a building to get better securi- “Our primary target was an where their mission began in ty and found the first cache hidden al-Qaida safe house being used to Aearnest. in there.” interrogate and torture residents,” “As we were moving into the In addition to capturing the said Capt. David Coulombe, a pla- town, an Iraqi Army platoon was insurgent, the paratroopers discov- toon leader with Company B, from out in front and they started tak- ered three weapons caches during

The Coalition Chronicle 23 CH-47 Chinook helicopters fly in to pick up paratroopers of Strike Force Geronimo after Operation Marne Avalanche. the operation. In the first cache, where insurgents have been run- “Going into areas they found a .50-caliber heavy ma- ning around freely really makes chine gun with 75 rounds, a rocket them think twice,” Panowich said. where insurgents propelled grenade launcher with “No Coalition or Iraqi Security seven rounds and 100 RPK heavy Forces have been in that area for have been running machine gun rounds. quite some time. So, for us to just around freely n the second cache, more than pop up in his own back yard one 400 RPK rounds were uncov- night is going to keep him laying makes them think ered. The third cache consisted low and watching over his shoul- twice.” of three AK-47 assault rifles, an der for a while.” IRPK heavy machine gun, an am- The insurgent is being held for munition vest and a can of 7.62mm further questioning. An explosive Army Sgt. John Panowich ammunition. ordnance disposal team destroyed squad leader “Going into areas like this, the weapons on site. CC

24 The Coalition Chronicle Helping their own Iraqi Army conducts humanitarian missions Iraqi Army soldiers from 1st Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division unload supplies from a truck at Ramadi General Hospital. Story, photo by and Al Hoz districts of Ramadi, the Women and Army Spc. Ricardo Branch Children’s Hospital and the Ramadi General Hospital MNF-W PAO in their effort to further strengthen relations with the Iraqi Army and local residents. he locals greeted the Iraqi Soldiers in central “We chose those areas to show the people that the Ramadi with handshakes and smiles. Those streets formerly held by insurgents are now held and smiles are something new for the troops, who patrolled by the Iraqi Army,” Fadal said. “This is to have overcome years of violence from insur- tell the people that we’re here to help them.” Tgents in their quest to secure the city. The IA’s helped the locals by bringing supplies The Iraqi Army soldiers patrolling the streets of Ra- such as food, fuel and medicine to help improve the madi brought supplies to the people during humani- peoples’ lives. tarian missions June 29 through July 1. “The people really need these supplies,” Fadal said. “The Iraqi Army here may be from all backgrounds “As Ramadi gets safer, we’re able to go directly to the and provinces of Iraq, but that doesn’t change how people and take care of their concerns because it’s our we feel about our country,” said Col. Sabah Fadel, 1st job.” Brigade, 7th Iraqi Army Division commander. “As Throughout the operations, Iraqi Soldiers were Iraqi Army Soldiers, it’s our job to protect and help smiling and waving to the people of Ramadi. the people, which is our goal with these missions.” “If people want to know how we feel about the Col. David Freeman, 1-7 brigade Military Transi- work we are doing they just need to look at Ramadi,” tion Team chief, said the operations are an indicator Fadal said. “The efforts of the Iraqi Soldiers here have of the Iraqi Army’s commitment to Ramadi. done much for the city. The hospitals are receiving The Iraqi brigade commander approached the medical supplies, people are beginning to get fuel MiTT team to do a civil affairs mission about a month more often and life is gradually improving for the prior, Freeman said. It was important to do the mis- people of Ramadi — this makes us happy.” sion because months ago terrorists paraded down the Although this was just one humanitarian mission streets, demonstrating their dominance of Ramadi, for the Iraqi soldiers, everyone participating from which is now in the Iraqi Army’s control. the colonel to private sees hope as Ramadi moves During the three-day operation, called Operation forward from violence to prosperity, and a brighter Helping Hand, the troops visited the Al Hommerah, future for all. CC The Coalition Chronicle 25 Iraqi soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, begin constructing a traffic control point near the Najra Mosque in Al Jamea’a. Rogue Coalition Forces Thunder reclaim Jamea’a Story, photos by for seemingly nothing and children weren’t even Army Spc. Alexis Harison allowed to play soccer in the streets. MND-B PAO Al Jamea’a used to be occupied by white-collar professionals until the insurgents began the scare s Operation Arrowhead Ripper moves tactics that led to many well-off residents leaving along in Diyala, ever so quietly, Operation their homes. Many of the mansion-sized homes in the Rogue Thunder swept through a section of neighborhood are empty, and as Capt. Peter Kilpat- the capital in hopes of ridding the area of rick said, the empty homes are seen as an opportunity Aanti-Iraqi forces for good. for insurgents to move in. The 3rd Battalion, 5th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army, their “Only 30 percent of Jamea’a was occupied,” said Military Transition Team and Soldiers from the 1st the Bronx, N.Y. native. “The vacancies made it vul- Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 3rd In- nerable.” fantry Division, cleared Al Jamea’a of caches, bombs Several caches had been found during previous and insurgents while helping to ramp up security operations around the Najra Mosque area. During efforts to reclaim the area terrorized and bullied by al the first day of this operation, the streets and shops Qaida in Iraq. around the Najra Mosque were empty. A few people The terrorists in the area had been ruthlessly con- cautiously came out to see the Humvees, tanks and trolling every action of the people according to Maj. Iraqi Army vehicles stage. This would begin the Chris Norrie, the transition team’s commander. Wom- lengthy process of securing the area. en were forced to cover their faces, men were arrested Iraqi soldiers began setting up traffic control points

26 The Coalition Chronicle along the street to inspect vehicles. Meanwhile, in another section of the neighborhood, Soldiers were busy setting up observation points to over watch the area known for its high number of roadside bombs. This area is of particular importance for the Sol- diers of the 1/64 Armor. They lost several of their comrades to deep-buried improvised explosive devic- es in recent times. The observation towers and combat outpost being placed in the neighborhood give them constant presence in the area therefore deterring any would-be bomb placers from accomplishing their mission. uring the ramp up of security measures, several teams were searching houses for caches. One cache of more than 50 60mm mortar rounds was found in one of the Dabandoned houses. Sgt. Kenneth Swartwood said that many of the residents are happy to see the Coalition Forces move into their neighborhood. More importantly, the combined presence of Iraqis and Americans working together proved to the people just how important the area’s security was. “1/64 came in with open arms to the (Iraqi Army),” the Corpus Christi, Texas, native said. “A big reason Adel and Jamea’a are good now is because of the partnership with the IA. They actually worked with them hand-in-hand. The civilians feel a lot better when it’s a partnership. They feel like it’s twice as secure.” 1st Sgt. Joseph McFarlane, the 3-5-6 Military Transition Team’s After many of the new security measures were in top noncommissioned officer, Maj. Chris Norrie, commander place, the commander of the Iraqi Army battalion, 3-5-6 MiTT, and a few of their Soldiers check out the place- Raheem, went to the mosque to use its loudspeaker to ment of a watchtower. make an announcement to the people in the neighbor- army, but he and the transition team made sure that hood. they conducted themselves with the utmost profes- He let it be known to the people that the Coalition sionalism. Forces were in the area to make Now that the security mea- a change for the better. He said sures are in place, Kilpatrick that security will improve for The combined said Coalition Forces in the area the people and that they have will have 24-hour surveillance not only God watching them, presence of Iraqis over the entire area. but the entire Coalition. and Americans “We’ve established several “Almost immediately, people static positions,” he said. “How- began to come out of their working together ever, I don’t think locals would homes,” Raheem said. “These have felt comfortable with put- people deserve to live in peace proved to the people ting a (Coalition outpost) next after al Qaida had oppressed just how important to the mosque without help them for so long.” from the Iraqis.” aheem commands the area’s Raheem said that many of the one of the larg- security was. locals feel that having a com- est battalions in bined presence in the area is the area. Many of good and that it helps gain the Rthe soldiers he commands are very new to life in the trust of the people even faster. CC

The Coalition Chronicle 27 In Memoriam Names of coalition service members who died while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom between June 16 and July 15, 2007 June 16, 2007 Pfc. Thomas R. Leemhuis, 23 July 1, 2007 Petty Officer 1st Class Steven P. Daugherty, 28 Lance Cpl. James Cartwright, 21 1/26 Inf., 2nd Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Greater love Sgt. 1st Class Raymond R. Buchan, 33 Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Badger Squadron, 2nd Royal Tank Regt. Sgt. Alphonso J. Montenegro II, 22 hath no man 1/18 Inf., 2nd Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Petty Officer 1st Class Robert R. McRill, 42 Spc. Zachary A. Grass, 22 1/26 Inf., 2nd Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Lance Cpl. William C. Chambers, 20 Naval Special Warfare Group 2 2/12 FA, 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Pfc. Raymond N. Spencer Jr., 23 than this: that 1/2 Mar. Regt., 2nd MEF Pfc. Bruce C. Salazar Jr., 24 Sgt. Danny R. Soto, 24 2/12 Cav., 4th Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Spc. Victor A. Garcia, 22 1/30 Inf., 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. 2/12 FA, 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Pfc. Jeremiah J. Veitch, 21 a man lay down 1/38 Inf., 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Rifleman Edward Vakabua, 23 1st Lt. Frank B. Walkup IV, 23 1/15 Inf., 3rd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Pfc. Jonathan M. Rossi, 22 4th Bn., The Rifles 2/35 Inf., 3rd Bde., 25th Inf. Div. Sgt. Ryan M. Wood, 22 his life for his 2/12 Inf., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Cpl. Kory D. Wiens, 20 1/26 Inf., 2nd Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Staff Sgt. Michael L. Ruoff Jr., 31 5th Eng. Bn., 1st Eng. Bde. June 18, 2007 friends. 1/77 AR, 2nd Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Pfc. Le Ron A. Wilson, 18 Pfc. Larry Parks Jr., 24 June 22, 2007 John 15:13 Lance Cpl. Jeremy L. Tinnel, 20 26th BSB, 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. 3/61 Cav., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Sgt. Michael J. Montpetit, 31 1/2 Mar. Regt., 2nd MEF Sgt. Frank M. Sandoval, 27 15th FSB, 2nd Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Sgt. Trista L. Moretti, 27 July 7, 2007 2/5 FA, III Corps Cpl. John Rigby, 24 425th BSTB, 4th Bde., 25th INf. Div. July 2, 2007 Spc. Roberto Causor Jr., 21 Sgt. Eric L. Snell, 35 4th Bn., The Rifles 1st Lt. Christopher N. Rutherford, 25 2/505 PIR, 3rd Bde., 82nd Airborne Div. 3/61 Cav., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Spc. Dominic N. Rodriguez, 23 June 26, 2007 19th Eng. Bn. LAnce Cpl. Ryan Francis, 23 Pfc. Jacob T. Tracy, 20 4/9 Cav., 2nd Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Cpl. Derek C. Dixon, 20 Lance Cpl. Juan M. Garcia Schill, 20 2nd Bn., The Royal Regt. of Wales 1/8 Cav., 2nd Bde., 1st Cav. Div. 2nd AA Bn., 2nd Mar. Div., 2nd MEF 2/7 Mar. Regt., 1st Mar. Div., 1st MEF Cpl. Chris Read, 22 Pfc. David A. Wilkey Jr., 22 June 23, 2007 Sgt. 1st Class Nathan L. Winder, 32 3rd Regt., Royal MPs 1/28 Inf., 4th Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Sgt. William E. Brown, 25 2nd Bn., 1st SF Group July 4, 2007 2/227 Avn., Air Cav. Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Pfc. Steven A. Davis, 23 July 8, 2007 June 19, 2007 Spc. Derek A. Calhoun, 23 June 27, 2007 2/12 Inf., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Pfc. Jason E. Dore, 25 Spc. Darryl W. Linder, 23 2/8 Cav., 1st Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Staff Sgt. Daniel A. Newsome, 27 Pfc. Andrew T. Engstrom, 22 2/5 Cav., 1st Bde., 1st Cav. Div. 1/12 Cav., 3rd Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Sgt. Joel A. Dahl, 21 1/8 Cav., 2nd Bde., 1st Cav. Div. 1/82 FA, 1st Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Pfc. Joshua S. Modgling, 22 2/23 Inf., 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Chief Warrant Officer Scott A.M. Oswell, 33 July 10, 2007 1/30 Inf., 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Sgt. Chris Davis, 35 June 28, 2007 4/6 Air Cav. Regt. Cpt. Maria I. Ortiz, 40 Sgt. 1st Class William A. Zapfe, 35 2/69 AR, 3rd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Sgt. William W. Crow Jr., 28 Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic 1/30 Inf., 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Sgt. Joel A. House, 22 2/16 Inf., 4th Bde., 1st Inf. Div. July 5, 2007 2/8 Cav., 1st Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Pfc. Cory F. Hiltz, 20 MAj. James M. Ahearn, 43 July 11, 2007 June 20, 2007 Spc. Joseph P. Kenny, 20 2/12 Inf., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. 96th CA Bn., 95th CA Bde. Sgt. Courtney T. Johnson, 26 Pfc. David J. Bentz, 20 27th BSB, 4th Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Cpl. Paul Joszko, 28 Cpl. Jeremy D. Albaugh, 21 3rd BSTB, 3rd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. 1/64 AR, 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Sgt. Jimy M. Malone, 23 2nd Bn., The Royal Regt. of Wales 1/4 Mar. Regt., 1st Mar. Div., 1st MEF 1st Sgt. Jeffrey R. McKinney, 40 Maj. Sid. W. Brookshire, 36 2/8 Cav., 1st Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Pvt. Scott Kennedy, 20 Sgt. Keith A. Kline, 24 1/26 Inf., 2nd Bde., 1st Inf. Div. 1/64 AR, 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Staff Sgt. Michael D. Moody Jr., 31 3rd Bn., The Royal Regt. of Scotland 96th CA Bn., 95th CA Bde. Spc. Joe G. Charfauros Jr., 33 2/69 AR, 3rd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Pvt. James Kerr, 20 Spc. Michelle R. Ring, 24 July 13, 2007 1/64 AR, 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Airman 1st Class Jason D. Nathan, 22 3rd Bn., The Royal Regt. of Scotland 92nd MP Bn. Sgt. Allen A. Greka, 29 Maj. Paul Harding, 48 48th Sec. Forces Squadron, 48th MSG, 48th FW Sgt. Shin W. Kim, 23 Lance Cpl. Steven A. Stacy, 23 3/1 Cav., 3rd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Fire Support Co., The Rifles 1st Lt. Daniel P. Riordan, 24 2/12 Inf., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. 3/1 Mar. Regt., 1st Mar. Div., 1st MEF Staff Sgt. Darren P. Hubbell, 38 2/8 Cav., 1st Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Sgt. Michael J. Martinez, 24 Spc. Jeremy L. Stacey, 23 July 14, 2007 1/64 AR, 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Pvt. Shane M. Stinson, 23 2/12 Inf., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. 2/12 Inf., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Pfc. Christopher D. Kube, 18 Sgt. Shawn P. Martin, 30 2/69 AR, 3rd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Sgt. Giann C. Joya Mendoza, 27 Spc. Anthony M.K. Vinnedge, 24 2/17 FA, 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. 1/28 Inf., 4th Bde., 1st Inf. Div. 2/12 Inf., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. 2/107 ACR, Ohio Army NAtl. Guard Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Wilson, 28 June 24, 2007 Spc. Dustin L. Workman II, 19 July 15, 2007 CLB 13, 13th MEU, 1st MEF Pfc. Henry G. Byrd III, 20 2/12 Inf., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. July 6, 2007 Pfc. Benjamin B. Bartlett Jr., 25 1/30 Inf., 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Sgt. Gene L. Lamie, 25 2/7 Cav., 4th Bde., 1st Cav. Div. June 21, 2007 Spc. Carter A. Gamble Jr., 24 June 29, 2007 3/7 Cav., 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Spc. Eric M. Holke, 31 Pfc. Daniel J. Agami, 25 1/15 Inf., 3rd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Spc. James L. Adair, 26 Petty Officer 1st Class Jason D. Lewis, 30 1/160 Inf., Calif. Army Natl. Guard 1/26 Inf., 2nd Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Spc. Eric C. Palmer, 21 1/28 Inf., 4th Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Sgt. John R. Massey, 29 Spc. Karen N. Clifton, 22 1/505 PIR, 3rd Bde., 82nd Airborne Div. Sgt. Eric A. Lill, 28 142nd Fires Bde., Ark. Army Natl. Guard 95th MP Bn. June 30, 2007 2/17 FA, 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Spc. Robert D. Varga, 24 Pfc. Anthony D. Herbert, 19 June 25, 2007 Staff Sgt. Robb L. Rolfing, 29 Col. Jon M. Lockey, 44 759th MP Bn. 1/26 Inf., 2nd Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Pfc. Andre Craig Jr., 24 2nd Bn., 10th SF Group HQs, Dept. of the Army 2/16 Inf., 4th Bde., 1st Inf. Div.

28 The Coalition Chronicle In Memoriam Names of coalition service members who died while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom between June 16 and July 15, 2007 June 16, 2007 Pfc. Thomas R. Leemhuis, 23 July 1, 2007 Petty Officer 1st Class Steven P. Daugherty, 28 Lance Cpl. James Cartwright, 21 1/26 Inf., 2nd Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Greater love Sgt. 1st Class Raymond R. Buchan, 33 Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Badger Squadron, 2nd Royal Tank Regt. Sgt. Alphonso J. Montenegro II, 22 hath no man 1/18 Inf., 2nd Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Petty Officer 1st Class Robert R. McRill, 42 Spc. Zachary A. Grass, 22 1/26 Inf., 2nd Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Lance Cpl. William C. Chambers, 20 Naval Special Warfare Group 2 2/12 FA, 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Pfc. Raymond N. Spencer Jr., 23 than this: that 1/2 Mar. Regt., 2nd MEF Pfc. Bruce C. Salazar Jr., 24 Sgt. Danny R. Soto, 24 2/12 Cav., 4th Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Spc. Victor A. Garcia, 22 1/30 Inf., 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. 2/12 FA, 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Pfc. Jeremiah J. Veitch, 21 a man lay down 1/38 Inf., 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Rifleman Edward Vakabua, 23 1st Lt. Frank B. Walkup IV, 23 1/15 Inf., 3rd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Pfc. Jonathan M. Rossi, 22 4th Bn., The Rifles 2/35 Inf., 3rd Bde., 25th Inf. Div. Sgt. Ryan M. Wood, 22 his life for his 2/12 Inf., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Cpl. Kory D. Wiens, 20 1/26 Inf., 2nd Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Staff Sgt. Michael L. Ruoff Jr., 31 5th Eng. Bn., 1st Eng. Bde. June 18, 2007 friends. 1/77 AR, 2nd Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Pfc. Le Ron A. Wilson, 18 Pfc. Larry Parks Jr., 24 June 22, 2007 John 15:13 Lance Cpl. Jeremy L. Tinnel, 20 26th BSB, 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. 3/61 Cav., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Sgt. Michael J. Montpetit, 31 1/2 Mar. Regt., 2nd MEF Sgt. Frank M. Sandoval, 27 15th FSB, 2nd Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Sgt. Trista L. Moretti, 27 July 7, 2007 2/5 FA, III Corps Cpl. John Rigby, 24 425th BSTB, 4th Bde., 25th INf. Div. July 2, 2007 Spc. Roberto Causor Jr., 21 Sgt. Eric L. Snell, 35 4th Bn., The Rifles 1st Lt. Christopher N. Rutherford, 25 2/505 PIR, 3rd Bde., 82nd Airborne Div. 3/61 Cav., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Spc. Dominic N. Rodriguez, 23 June 26, 2007 19th Eng. Bn. LAnce Cpl. Ryan Francis, 23 Pfc. Jacob T. Tracy, 20 4/9 Cav., 2nd Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Cpl. Derek C. Dixon, 20 Lance Cpl. Juan M. Garcia Schill, 20 2nd Bn., The Royal Regt. of Wales 1/8 Cav., 2nd Bde., 1st Cav. Div. 2nd AA Bn., 2nd Mar. Div., 2nd MEF 2/7 Mar. Regt., 1st Mar. Div., 1st MEF Cpl. Chris Read, 22 Pfc. David A. Wilkey Jr., 22 June 23, 2007 Sgt. 1st Class Nathan L. Winder, 32 3rd Regt., Royal MPs 1/28 Inf., 4th Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Sgt. William E. Brown, 25 2nd Bn., 1st SF Group July 4, 2007 2/227 Avn., Air Cav. Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Pfc. Steven A. Davis, 23 July 8, 2007 June 19, 2007 Spc. Derek A. Calhoun, 23 June 27, 2007 2/12 Inf., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Pfc. Jason E. Dore, 25 Spc. Darryl W. Linder, 23 2/8 Cav., 1st Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Staff Sgt. Daniel A. Newsome, 27 Pfc. Andrew T. Engstrom, 22 2/5 Cav., 1st Bde., 1st Cav. Div. 1/12 Cav., 3rd Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Sgt. Joel A. Dahl, 21 1/8 Cav., 2nd Bde., 1st Cav. Div. 1/82 FA, 1st Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Pfc. Joshua S. Modgling, 22 2/23 Inf., 4th Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Chief Warrant Officer Scott A.M. Oswell, 33 July 10, 2007 1/30 Inf., 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Sgt. Chris Davis, 35 June 28, 2007 4/6 Air Cav. Regt. Cpt. Maria I. Ortiz, 40 Sgt. 1st Class William A. Zapfe, 35 2/69 AR, 3rd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Sgt. William W. Crow Jr., 28 Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic 1/30 Inf., 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Sgt. Joel A. House, 22 2/16 Inf., 4th Bde., 1st Inf. Div. July 5, 2007 2/8 Cav., 1st Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Pfc. Cory F. Hiltz, 20 MAj. James M. Ahearn, 43 July 11, 2007 June 20, 2007 Spc. Joseph P. Kenny, 20 2/12 Inf., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. 96th CA Bn., 95th CA Bde. Sgt. Courtney T. Johnson, 26 Pfc. David J. Bentz, 20 27th BSB, 4th Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Cpl. Paul Joszko, 28 Cpl. Jeremy D. Albaugh, 21 3rd BSTB, 3rd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. 1/64 AR, 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Sgt. Jimy M. Malone, 23 2nd Bn., The Royal Regt. of Wales 1/4 Mar. Regt., 1st Mar. Div., 1st MEF 1st Sgt. Jeffrey R. McKinney, 40 Maj. Sid. W. Brookshire, 36 2/8 Cav., 1st Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Pvt. Scott Kennedy, 20 Sgt. Keith A. Kline, 24 1/26 Inf., 2nd Bde., 1st Inf. Div. 1/64 AR, 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Staff Sgt. Michael D. Moody Jr., 31 3rd Bn., The Royal Regt. of Scotland 96th CA Bn., 95th CA Bde. Spc. Joe G. Charfauros Jr., 33 2/69 AR, 3rd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Pvt. James Kerr, 20 Spc. Michelle R. Ring, 24 July 13, 2007 1/64 AR, 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Airman 1st Class Jason D. Nathan, 22 3rd Bn., The Royal Regt. of Scotland 92nd MP Bn. Sgt. Allen A. Greka, 29 Maj. Paul Harding, 48 48th Sec. Forces Squadron, 48th MSG, 48th FW Sgt. Shin W. Kim, 23 Lance Cpl. Steven A. Stacy, 23 3/1 Cav., 3rd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Fire Support Co., The Rifles 1st Lt. Daniel P. Riordan, 24 2/12 Inf., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. 3/1 Mar. Regt., 1st Mar. Div., 1st MEF Staff Sgt. Darren P. Hubbell, 38 2/8 Cav., 1st Bde., 1st Cav. Div. Sgt. Michael J. Martinez, 24 Spc. Jeremy L. Stacey, 23 July 14, 2007 1/64 AR, 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Pvt. Shane M. Stinson, 23 2/12 Inf., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. 2/12 Inf., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Pfc. Christopher D. Kube, 18 Sgt. Shawn P. Martin, 30 2/69 AR, 3rd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Sgt. Giann C. Joya Mendoza, 27 Spc. Anthony M.K. Vinnedge, 24 2/17 FA, 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. 1/28 Inf., 4th Bde., 1st Inf. Div. 2/12 Inf., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. 2/107 ACR, Ohio Army NAtl. Guard Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Wilson, 28 June 24, 2007 Spc. Dustin L. Workman II, 19 July 15, 2007 CLB 13, 13th MEU, 1st MEF Pfc. Henry G. Byrd III, 20 2/12 Inf., 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. July 6, 2007 Pfc. Benjamin B. Bartlett Jr., 25 1/30 Inf., 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Sgt. Gene L. Lamie, 25 2/7 Cav., 4th Bde., 1st Cav. Div. June 21, 2007 Spc. Carter A. Gamble Jr., 24 June 29, 2007 3/7 Cav., 2nd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Spc. Eric M. Holke, 31 Pfc. Daniel J. Agami, 25 1/15 Inf., 3rd Bde., 3rd Inf. Div. Spc. James L. Adair, 26 Petty Officer 1st Class Jason D. Lewis, 30 1/160 Inf., Calif. Army Natl. Guard 1/26 Inf., 2nd Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Spc. Eric C. Palmer, 21 1/28 Inf., 4th Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Naval Special Warfare Group 2 Sgt. John R. Massey, 29 Spc. Karen N. Clifton, 22 1/505 PIR, 3rd Bde., 82nd Airborne Div. Sgt. Eric A. Lill, 28 142nd Fires Bde., Ark. Army Natl. Guard 95th MP Bn. June 30, 2007 2/17 FA, 2nd Bde., 2nd Inf. Div. Spc. Robert D. Varga, 24 Pfc. Anthony D. Herbert, 19 June 25, 2007 Staff Sgt. Robb L. Rolfing, 29 Col. Jon M. Lockey, 44 759th MP Bn. 1/26 Inf., 2nd Bde., 1st Inf. Div. Pfc. Andre Craig Jr., 24 2nd Bn., 10th SF Group HQs, Dept. of the Army 2/16 Inf., 4th Bde., 1st Inf. Div.

The Coalition Chronicle 29