1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Unit Update 2-15-06 Page 2

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

Unit Updates
2006

A Company, B Company, C Company

February 15, 2006

A COMPANY – GATOR

I would like to personally thank you for all the thoughts, prayers, and packages of goodies that you have been sending.
Yes, they are starting to arrive, and brighten each Soldier’s day! It’s really great to have those packages to look forward to
and to see what things you think we need. You can be assured that nothing will go to waste. Thanks.

We are set in a routine that requires 24 hour security at key locations. 1^st and 2^nd platoons have got the techniques down
and receive much praise from senior-ranking officers and non-commissioned officers for their hard work.
Major General Thurman and his staff routinely greet these Soldiers and have always commended them on a job well done.
3^rd platoon spends the most time of anyone off the FOB and have familiarized themselves with the southern Baghdad area.
Headquarters is headquarters. They run the company; and admirably at that.

PFC Pittenger, an extremely gifted machine gunner, was selected by the company to fill a vital role as a machine gunner
for Brigadier General Maffey, the Assistant Division Commander (Maneuver). Every other day I hear from someone new
that he is doing an outstanding job. It’s very reassuring that he is enjoying his job and learning from one of this division’s best.

Below you see three pictures of our Soldiers of the Week. We have started this to say thanks for a job well done
to the one Soldier who has made a significant contribution to the company. SGT(P) Fregoso is one of our battle squad leaders
and has done exceptionally well since becoming a Gator. She is one of our battle squad leaders
from the Division’s Special Troops Battalion. As a member of the Division Holding Area Guard Force,
PFC Johnson has set a new standard in professionalism, excellence, and aggressive enforcement
of the Holding Area’s access roster. PFC Johnson is from 1^st Platoon.
Lastly, SSG Cole helps run the company headquarters section
and his actions have led to an increased combat capability within the unit.

All is well with the Gators. There have been just a couple of cuts, a broken finger, and a minor wrist fracture
to remind us that we aren’t invincible. I ask that you email or write me with your concerns if you have them –
I may not hear them from our Soldiers. Take care of yourselves and your families. You are our greatest asset.

—Captain Troy Parrish (Gator 6)

This has really been a quick and interesting few weeks in theatre.
Our Soldiers are settling in quite well and have flowed into their initial missions seamlessly.
The initial batch of mail is finally arriving after a short hiatus – not unusual at the outset of any deployment –
and we may see more delays for different reasons as our stay here continues. We will try to anticipate any address changes
that may be coming, and give you guys at home a heads up on these changes as soon as we can.

We will start sending our Soldiers on leave shortly. We are trying to align leave blocks with some special occasions
(e.g., anniversary, kids’ graduations and birthdays, etc.) but not everyone will get what they want.
The only thing that’s guaranteed is that everyone will get the opportunity to take leave.

Thanks to all for your support of our Soldiers.

– First Sergeant Rohan M. McDermott (Gator 7)

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B COMPANY – BEAR

I hope this letter finds you well. The Soldiers of Bravo Company have been very busy
over the course of the past several weeks. During the last week of January, we rapidly transitioned
with K and L Troops of 3^rd Squadron, 3^rd Armored Cavalry Regiment.
On February 1st, we assumed control of our area of operations and have been working at a hectic pace ever since.

The focus of our current operations includes securing an Alternate Supply Route
and conducting dismounted infantry patrols that enable us to familiarize ourselves with the area and engage the local population.
Our goal is to learn their concerns and, at times, gather intelligence. The Soldiers of Bravo Company
and our attached armor and scout platoons have worked extremely well together,
evidenced by the successful capture of six Anti-Iraqi Force persons in our first twelve days of operations.

While conducting these operations, we have also relocated to our permanent living quarters.
We are living in one barracks building that accommodates the entire company, with two Soldiers living in each room.
The building is a brick building with shower and restroom trailers adjacent to the building.

Although these accommodations are more than adequate, many of the soldiers in the company –
primarily the dismounted infantrymen – have not had much of an opportunity to spend time in these quarters.
They have spent the majority of their nights at the company’s patrol bases. While the living conditions leave a lot to be desired,
they are doing what is necessary to accomplish the mission. I understand the additional sacrifice they are making,
as well as the added consequence of having sporadic communications with their families at home.
We work each day to improve our living conditions and figure out ways to balance morale and the mission at hand.

Finally, we would like to congratulate the following Soldiers who have been promoted during the month of February:

CPL Kevin Szczublewski to SGT
PFC Barker to SPC
PFC Justin Wagenschutz to SPC
PFC Russell Werneking to SPC
PFC Russell Kemery to SPC

I can’t thank you enough for your support, thoughts, and prayers for the Soldiers of Bravo Company.
They are doing outstanding work and you have every right to be extremely proud of their sacrifices,
challenges, and accomplishments.

—Captain Matthew Weber (Bear 6)

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C COMPANY – CHAOS

Nearing the end of January, our company was attached to 2nd Battalion, 502nd Infantry of the 2nd Brigade,
101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Now stationed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) STRIKER,
the Soldiers of Chaos Company are conducting combat operations with our brothers from 2nd Battalion.
FOB STRIKER is located near the Baghdad International Airport.

The battalion is very happy to have us since they are not used to having the massive shock power of an armored force.
The 2-502 IN Battalion Commander, LTC Robert Haycock, has expressed his enthusiasm
over having our tanks attached to his battalion and is anxious to use them in future operations.
Likewise, our Soldiers are excited at the opportunity to learn from our infantry counterparts.
In a few short weeks, we have learned the usefulness of dismounted patrols, effectiveness of air assault infiltrations,
and the importance of counter-IED tactics.

This month we lost an influential member of our ranks.
SPC William Hayes passed away in the early morning hours of February 5^th, 2006.
William Hayes was an important member of C Company, 1-22 Infantry.
His willingness to perform any task distinguished him as one of the most reliable Soldiers in the Company.
Just one week prior, SPC Hayes found a large, hidden IED on a dismounted patrol –
his actions saved the lives of many of his platoon members.
SPC Hayes’s dedication to his platoon and his mission played a key role
in the overall success of our Company and the Battalion.

—Captain John Robertson (“Chaos 6”)

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