1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Unit Update August 2008 Page 1

Friends and Families of the Regulars,
It seems like only yesterday that I was writing the July newsletter. Time is moving along here in Northwest Rashid
and I am proud to say that the Regulars continue to improve the security, stability of the area, and more importantly
we are improving the lives of the wonderful Iraqi citizens that have stayed with us through thick and thin.

August saw the changing of the guard in our E Co. Engineers from CPT Sam Olan to CPT Mike Garling.
When I was told that Sam would have to change command I knew that CPT Mike Garling was a perfect fit for 1-22 IN.
I have no doubt that he will pick up where Sam left off. Sam and Lisandra are not going far
as they moved to the 1BCT staff. Although I would have loved to keep that great command team here
I know that they will excel and be a tremendous asset to the Brigade Staff.
Sam, Lisandra, you two will be missed.

As I stated up front, the hard work and tremendous dedication to our mission has allowed for increased security
and stability throughout AO Regulars. With that our focus this month has been providing micro-grants
to all the small business owners that either are running their business now or want to
get back into business because of the improved situation throughout the area.
The Regulars led the way in the Brigade with over 4 million dollars committed
to starting or improving small businesses in and along what used to be thriving market areas.
Our hope is with a little financial help, these areas will come alive with commerce once again
and further separate the terrorists from the population and make it so they will never be able
to negatively influence the citizens of Northwest Rashid again.

One of the benefits of improved security and stability is those displaced persons that left or were forced out
during the height of the sectarian violence are beginning to come back. It is an incredible experience
to see old neighbors and friends see each other for the first time in years.
Although a lot of homes were vandalized or damaged, it hasn’t spoiled the enthusiasm
of old friends seeing each other for the first time in years. We still have a long way to go with essential services.
So much so that we cannot fix all the issues with essential services ourselves,
but again it doesn’t dampen the spirits of the displaced persons and the hope
of the Government of Iraq stepping forward to better the lives of the citizens
continues to be a catalyst for resettlement.

We are so proud of the turnaround in the area, that we are even advertising on TV, Radio,
and in the local papers that “Northwest Rashid is open for business”.
The continued success of the area has also brought about positive change in the local government
and the support that they can provide to the citizens of the area. Most of my day is spent working
with all the local government officials and they are now beginning to stand up and demand
essential service support from their own central government rather than looking to us to fix the problem.

Although our main effort continues to be electricity through micro-generation the local government is working on
making sure everyone gets propane and fuel as well as working on cleaning up the trash and sewage
throughout the area. Again the resources are much better and much easier to set into motion
so improvement continues to be growing at a steady pace. With the resources that they can provide
in coordination with what we can provide; essential services are improving in leaps and bounds.
It is amazing to see a new democracy take hold in the area. They are just now beginning to figure out
that they (the citizens) can hold their elected officials accountable for what they are doing
for their neighborhoods. And the local government is beginning to respond.

None of this would have been possible if not for the incredible tenacity of the Soldiers of this Battalion.
Your Soldiers. Our number one mission was to protect the population and the Regulars have
and continue to meet that mission every day. Even in the “dog days” of summer
our Soldiers are out helping our partners in Iraqi Security Forces to get out and patrol the area
and meet the people and let them know that they are in charge and they are committed
to securing the area. While doing that, our young leaders are helping the local governments
stand on their own two feet and take charge of the destiny of this area. I am happy to report
that it is getting better every day.

Always wary of enemy coming back into the area, our Soldiers are on point 24 hours a day
detaining terrorists before they can even get re-established in the area. I am just so amazed
and so honored to be serving with the finest Soldiers in our Army today. You should be so proud
of what they are doing over here. I know I may sound like a broken record but they could not be
so successful without the love and support that you give your Soldier. Because of your wonderful support,
your Soldier can stay focused on the mission at hand. There is nothing more powerful
than an American Soldier that is focused on the mission at hand, and you allow that to happen.

I thank you and although they may not tell you I know our Soldiers, your Soldier thanks you.
As always, I ask that all of you stay engaged with your Family Readiness Groups.
They receive information almost daily and I believe they do a very good job of trying to keep you all informed
with what is going on over here as well as what is going on back at home. Your FRG leaders
are there to answer any questions that you may have. And I mean any question. If they don’t know the answer
they will find out who you can talk to and get your question answered. Those of you who
haven’t seen your Soldier on EML yet be patient…Everyone will get an opportunity to go home for EML.
Enjoy your Soldier while he or she is home, keep him or her safe, and get them
back here on time so that other loved ones can enjoy their Soldier during EML.

Thanks again and may God bless all of you, the Soldiers of 1-22 IN,
and the United States of America.

To the Families and Friends of 1-22 IN Soldiers,
Our Soldiers have been performing very well and are always bringing great credit to this Battalion.
They are executing all of their missions and tasks with pure professionalism and discipline.
I am very proud to serve with such a prestigious group Soldiers.
So, for my newsletter this month, I would like to highlight a few of them.
This is not to say that each and every one of them doesn’t deserve acknowledgement, because they do.

As a mechanic from E FSC, SPC Kalvin Drake has distinguished himself by completing
over 100 repair jobs on the various vehicles and equipment assigned to the battalion.
Keep in mind, we have only been here for 100 plus days!
This is not an easy task, keeping our rate of operational equipment over 95%.
SPC Drake also serves as a gunner for the Distribution Platoon. He has performed this duty
on at least 20 Combat Logistics Patrols. In addition to these, he built a storage area
in the motor pool for parts and shop equipment. SPC Drake is a Soldier who is committed
to supporting the team and is an example of excellence.

SFC Kenneth Griffin serves as the Tank Master Gunner for the Battalion, working in the S3 Shop.
While deployed, he works as a Battle NCO in the Tactical Operations Center.
This is one of those jobs that can be a thankless one, but it is very critical to the success of the unit.
He works 12 hour shifts, everyday! Like all of our shift workers in the battalion,
this duty can become very routine, almost like the movie Groundhog Day.
But SFC Griffin maintains a tight shift and does not settle for second best.
He understands that his job is important to the survivability of our Soldiers working outside the wire.
Of special note, SFC Griffin was recently awarded the Order of St. George.
This is a awesome accomplishment that merits a medal and certificate being presented
to those senior Soldiers who have made significant contributions to the Army’s Armor branch.
Congratulations SFC Griffin!

Alpha Company’s SPC Benjamin McIntosh serves as a vehicle driver in 1st Platoon.
SPC McIntosh strives for excellence in all that he does. Not only does his truck
and Bradley Commander expect him to keep his vehicle at a high state of combat readiness,
but also to operate the vehicle in a tactical manner while providing safety for the crew.
Our area is a sprawling complex urban area with buildings and Iraqi citizens everywhere.
This requires a well seasoned Soldier to study and know his operating area like the back of his hand.
SPC McIntosh is one of these Soldiers. His daily duties provide success in our mission here.

SSG Steven Miller, a Bradley Commander serving with Company B, is the epitome of leadership.
He leads his Soldiers with a genuine concern for their welfare and the confidence to complete
the mission at hand. SSG Miller is one of those NCOs that can be counted on
for accomplishing the impossible and his reputation depicts this. His Soldiers will always
give him their best because that’s what he is, the best! Recently, SSG Miller received a concussion
when his Bradley encountered an IED. Yet, SSG Miller wants nothing more
than to be there for his men and to do what he loves to do, to lead them.

SGT James Carey is a tank mechanic currently assigned to Charlie Company. As a tank mechanic,
you would expect him to work on, well, tanks of course. But SGT Carey has proven to be a mechanic
of all trades. He repairs microwaves, air conditioners (very important) and generators.
He has also performed many tasks that require metal and wood fabrication, such as doors
and shelving units. More importantly to Soldier survivability, he has constructed
anti-sniper screens that mount to the tops of the barriers that surround our outlying company bases.
The screens prevent bad guys from looking into our positions from elevated roof tops.
In addition, SGT Carey has volunteered to man a gunner’s position in vehicles
that routinely perform combat patrols. He is an NCO who rolls up his sleeves
and works until the task is complete, whatever it may be.

As a Sniper assigned to our Engineer Company, SGT Christopher Collett is a leader out on the ground,
performing mounted and dismounted patrols in sector. He has been on point
during many of the caches that Company E has uncovered. SGT Collett’s unique ability to identify,
climb, crawl, dig and wiggle into suspected cache locations has diminished the enemy’s capability
to use these weapons against Coalition Forces. He is one of those guys that gets it done,
whenever and wherever. He is an NCO that creates a better unit daily
by sharing his knowledge and experience with subordinates and superiors.

CPL DaShaun Mathis is a cook assigned to Company D. He is the senior cook
on a small outpost charged with feeding 200 Soldiers from two different companies.
Prior to the deployment, CPL Mathis was a SPC, but with the position of senior cook comes
responsibility, therefore he was made and NCO and has two young cooks to mentor,
each of them on their first deployment. Getting hot meals is a huge morale boost for us
and CPL Mathis continues to exhume excellence with the support he provides.

The Regulars that I have just told you about are an example of what everyone in the Battalion does
day in and day out. I am honored to serve with the likes of these and those in this great unit.
As I am, you should be proud of what they are accomplishing, creating a safe and free Iraq.

Thank you for all that you do to support your Soldier and this Battalion.
God bless our Battalion, all of our families and God bless the United States.
Deeds, not Words,
~Regular 7

Hammer 6

Hammer 7

Family and friends, August has flown by for Hammer Company. This has been a good month
for us and I hope it has been for you as well. On the home front, this month marked the return
of most of our children to school. Melissa and I always enjoy getting our three back to school
but it does come with a little sadness. Our children grow up so quickly, and if we are not careful
they will be seniors in high school before we realize it.

Over the last few weeks we have seen a few personnel changes. CPT James Hall
has taken on a new role in the S4 shop so we all would like to say thank you for his hard work.
Stepping into the XO position is CPT Matthew Moosey. We welcome CPT Moosey
as the new HHC XO and look forward to working with him over the coming months.
CPT Moosey wanted to relay that he looks forward to working with the company
and to meeting you all when we return home.

This month we congratulate a few of our hardworking Soldiers.
The battalion held three awards ceremonies for a total of nine Hammer Soldiers.
During the first ceremony on the 10th of August, held at the TF 1-22 IN headquarters on FOB Falcon,
SPC Brown a Task Force Mortarman, was awarded both the Bronze Star Medal with V for valor (BSM-V)
and the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB). SGT Delgado, a Task Force Medic, was awarded both
the Army Commendation Medal with V for valor (ARCOMV) and the Combat Medic Badge (CMB).

In a later award ceremony on the 17th of August, SPC Carpenter, 1LT Thompson, and PVT Adams
were recognized. SPC Carpenter, one of our Mortarmen was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB).
1LT Thompson, the Mortar Platoon Leader, was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge (CIB).
PVT Adams, also one of our Scouts, was awarded the Combat Action Badge (CAB).
In the last ceremony of the month, held on the 9th of AUG, SPC David Jones and SPC Pheobus
of the Scout Platoon were both awarded the Army Commendation Medal
for their part in the capture of a known enemy.

The Soldiers here are all working hard and doing their part. I couldn’t be more proud of them
and their service. I am also thankful for the sacrifices you, our families and friends,
make for our country. Sometimes I wonder who has the harder assignment,
the Soldier or the family. I tend to think the families have the harder job when the unit is deployed.

September will come with all its challenges and small victories alike. I encourage you all
to use the time constructively and to, as the old saying goes, make lemonade out of your lemons.
As always we miss you all and keep you in our thoughts and prayers. We couldn’t do this without you.
Till next month, keep the Hammers in your hearts and prayers and we will keep you in ours.
Melissa and I appreciate all you do.
-Hammer 6.

My wife pointed out to me, we are now in the single digits of this deployment.
The time has gone by quick and will continue to do so. Because of a quarterly Suicide Prevention requirement,
I have visited every Soldier with in our Battalion to exclude those who are currently on leave.
Reflecting on the Soldiers of 1-22 Battalion, I can say honestly say they look great,
a little tired from either patrols or pulling tower guard, but outstanding!
A lot of them are loosing weight because of the heat and lack of quick “grab & go” type foods;
some are beefing up with nutritious meal supplements; and a few are gaining weight. I don’t know how!

Some COPs have new computers, and the others are awaiting their installation which means
no free phone calls home but Skype is available. Speaking of calling home; my daughter informed me
that mama had parked my truck in the garage and then she closed the garage door on the back
end of it. As any good insurance adjuster would, my daughter took pictures of every angle
telling my wife “What big trouble she was in,” and “Wait till dad hears this . . .
he’ll be so mad, you know how much he loves his truck!”
Now I want to stop and ask you, the reader this question, How would your spouse handle this?
Would he/she yell at you to the point that we all could hear it from Iraq to Texas?
Or would they slam the phone down on you in anger. I point this out because I have overheard
many of arguments from this end and it doesn’t sound pretty.

If you are the recipient of those angry words, all I can say is I am sorry.
I know you are doing the best you can without a break from your husband.
I hope you are making the best financial decisions with the extra money we are receiving
while we are over here and you are getting ahead or even eliminating some bills.
But regardless of your situation, you don’t need the extra added pressure.
But I ask one question? Can someone argue with themselves?
No, we can’t and some of us were raised to provoke our spouses in an argument so we can vent our anger.
Because we weren’t allowed to be angry! The other simple fact is,
keeping our circumstances in proper perspective. As soon as my wife heard my daughter
telling on her, she got on the phone and explained to me what happened.
To which I asked her is she was ok? “Yes,” was her reply?

I then went on to let her know that I knew she didn’t mean to do it. That it was a simple mistake
and the truck can be repaired (Oklahoma City was hit by a hail storm and the
truck was waiting to be repaired anyways). But I had to CHECK my attitude and ask a simple question;
“What can or could I do 6,000 miles away? and Does it really matter in five years?”
If this sounds like many of your conversations or how you wished your conversations could be.
Let me end by saying that I’ll be available for counseling (after leave) and we will be having
FREE marriage retreats once we get back. We can give you tools that can help you out in this area.