1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Iraq September 2006

Hello once again from western Baghdad! As we pass our ninth month of deployment,
the temperatures are starting to fall and the oppressive heat of the summer has subsided.
That is clearly a welcome event for all of us here.

The battalion continues to conduct incredibly successful operations against our enemies in Abu Ghraib
while simultaneously doing everything we can to help the people of Iraq work towards a better life.
As is the norm, we have detained numerous insurgent leaders, located and destroyed enemy caches,
found Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), helped rebuild the local infrastructure, and have worked
to assist in the development of the Iraqi government. As have most units, we have suffered casualties this past month
but I can honestly tell you that they were sustained by taking the fight to the enemy.

Although other parts of Iraq have seen sectarian violence, our area remains relatively calm in that regard
and I attribute that to the untiring efforts of our Soldiers who continually patrol the streets
and who have gained the confidence and trust of large segments of the population. Their vigilance in working to secure Iraq
has truly made a difference and we see evidence of their successes each day. Markets have begun to reopen
due to the increased feeling of security within the population and more children have returned to school than before.

This past month we mourned the loss of Sergeant Luis Montes who died from wounds suffered in an IED attack
on the 1^st of September. Not long after he was injured, I was fortunate to be able to return to Texas on leave
and I visited him in the hospital in San Antonio where I spoke with his family. They were proud of their son
and spoke of his courage and commitment to the Army and to the battalion – things I have witnessed firsthand.
Unfortunately, Sergeant Montes passed away the day after I saw him and he was laid to rest in California
with full military honors. Our hearts remain with the Montes family during these trying times and it is my hope
that the knowledge that they are in our constant thoughts and prayers will, in some way,
be of comfort to them in these difficult times.

I was also able to visit many of our other Soldiers who have returned to the states to recover from their wounds.
All of them are in good spirits and they continually asked about their fellow Soldiers in Iraq.
Even though we have been separated by thousands of miles, the brotherhood formed in units during times of war
can not be easily severed. I was also able to talk with many of their families
and their positive spirit was a source of encouragement to me.

I realize that many of you are now looking forward to our return, but I continually remind our Soldiers here
that our work is not done and we must not lose focus on our task at hand.
As we prepare to receive our brothers and sisters from the First Cavalry Division, we will continue our operations
at or above our current level and ensure that the transition does not provide the enemy any opportunity
to gain an advantage on us. Our redeployment information is starting to solidify and it will be disseminated
to the spouses and family members at the appropriate times.

If you have any concerns or issues during the coming month, please contact Captain Warren Litherland.
He is our Rear Detachment Commander at Fort Hood and his duty is to assist our loved ones in the states
while we conduct our mission here. The Brigade’s Rear Detachment phone number can be found on the last page
of this newsletter. Captain Litherland is doing a great job for all of us – especially during the trying days
when the battalion suffers casualties and his personal presence is required to comfort family members.
His efforts allow us to focus most of our efforts on the fight in Iraq,
confident that he is taking care of so many things for us at Fort Hood and elsewhere.
Our Family Readiness Group leaders continue to take care of the home front and we would also fail without them.
They also have my undying gratitude.

The Regulars continue to set the standard in Iraq and I am extremely proud of each one of our Soldiers.
We are truly making a difference and living by our motto of “Deeds, Not Words.”
Through it all, your support continues to be critical and I cannot say thank you enough
for what you do for your loved ones. Please keep all of the Regulars in your thoughts and prayers.

Well, here we are again – another month of our deployment has come and gone and we are now officially
three-fourths complete with our mission here in Iraq. For those counting, we have less than 90 days
prior to redeploying back to Fort Hood, bringing us home just before Christmas.
But, who’s counting? We still have lots of work to do.

Again, we have had another incredibly busy month with the battalion executing multiple tasks simultaneously
across our battlespace. I would dare say that this has been a banner month for capturing terrorists
and uncovering enemy caches that have yielded tons of munitions and weapons of all sorts.
Our presence on the battlefield is being felt by the enemy continuously and we have denied his ability to move freely
and to dictate the terms of the fight.

The “Gators” remain firmly engaged with the enemy to the north of our area
and have made an incredible name for themselves since being re-attached to the battalion in June.
They continue to live and fight out of Patrol Base Courage – denying the enemy sanctuary wherever they go.
The “Bears” have been attached back to the 2^nd Brigade, 101^st Airborne Division
and are providing much needed security for our “Air Assault” brothers to the south.
The “Copperheads” (formerly Chaos) have been unleashed on the enemy to our west
after being officially relieved from their duties at the Abu Ghraib prison.
They have been quick to adapt to their new mission and have had an immediate and positive impact on security in their area.

To the near north of Camp Liberty, the “Death Dealers” continue to thrash our opponents
as they apply their combat power in a lawless and unfriendly area. The “Killers” have adapted extremely well
to their new Ironclaw missions and have gained a great reputation as professional IED hunters.
The “Eliminators” are literally everywhere on the battlefield where are Soldiers live, work, and fight.
They have continued to provide much needed combat services and support to the entire task force
and are absolutely indispensable to our mission here. They are undoubtedly the finest forward support company
in our division and we are incredibly lucky to have them.

We also have an attached Field Artillery battery working with us –
Charlie Battery (Cobra), 4^th Battalion, 27^th Field Artillery Regiment from 2^nd Brigade, 1^st Armor Division.
We are extremely lucky to have them with us and have found them to be utmost professionals.
Additionally, we have a Stryker Platoon from A Company (Apache), 1^st Battalion, 23^rd Infantry
working with the “Copperheads” to our west. They have brought an immense amount of experience
and combat power to our area, seamlessly transitioning into their new role working with our unit.

It has been an incredibly busy and productive month, but it does not come without costs.
This month, we bid farewell to our fallen comrade, Sergeant Luis A. Montes, who died of injuries sustained in an IED attack.
This was a tragic blow to the battalion and to the Reconnaissance Platoon of “Hammer” Company.
Sergeant Montes made an incredible impact in the lives of his Soldiers, was a truly professional Soldier and NCO,
and he will be sorely missed by all.

For all of those back home – friends, families, loved ones, and all of the organizations who support the American Soldier
in one way or another, we thank you for your dedication and your undying support.
Just knowing that people back home care about us and have not forgotten us is extremely positive for the morale of the unit.
Again, thanks for all that you do. We look forward to seeing you soon upon our redeployment.

This month we mourn the loss of one of America’s finest – Sergeant Luis Montes.
Sergeant Montes and his Bradley Fighting Vehicle crew were conducting a mounted patrol
when their Bradley was struck by an Improvised Explosive Device. The Bradley immediately caught fire
and severely burned Sergeant Montes, Specialist Ricky Yarosh, and Private First Class Andrew Loe.
They were quickly evacuated to the 10^th Combat Support Hospital in the International Zone of Baghdad,
and subsequently flown to Balad, Iraq and Landstuhl, Germany for advanced medical care.

All three were medically stable enough to fly to the United States where they were taken to the special burn unit
at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX. They arrived in stable condition,
but Sergeant Montes suffered from internal organ failure and passed away in the afternoon of September 7^th, 2006.
We are all deeply saddened by his loss and offer our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
We continue to pray for them and for Specialist Yarosh, Private First Class Loe, and their families.
The road ahead will be long and the journey difficult, but the strength of family and friends will endure.

Our Soldiers were as busy as ever this month with the frequent changes to our area
and the constant swapping of higher headquarters and subordinate units. Through it all, Hammer Company
has maintained a remarkable track record of support operations and command and control for the maneuver companies.

The last Soldiers will be going on environmental leave in September. It was a very successful program
that sent everyone home for 15 days of rest and relaxation who met just a couple of simple requirements.
Now our goal will be to keep everyone here safe and healthy in order to come home together in about 80 days.

The Scout and Mortar Platoons have been working very diligently to disrupt insurgent activity
and expose leaders who are opposed to the new Iraq. Even though they are working for one of the other companies
in the battalion, we still try to keep close tabs on them. Every day we hear about their admirable and always decisive actions
in their areas. The Fire Support section conducted a live-fire calibration exercise to ensure the firing battery
was prepared to shoot indirect fires during upcoming missions. The staff sections have a very routine mission
of monitoring and orchestrating the day-to-day operations of the maneuver companies in our area
and they have become very efficient and deliberate over the past nine months – it is fun to watch them work.

First Lieutenant Greg Elko to Captain (S3)
Sergeant Brian Verderber to Staff Sergeant (S2)
Corporal Carlos Mendez to Sergeant (Scout)
Corporal Matthew Shaw to Sergeant (Medic)
Corporal Luis Venegas to Sergeant (Medic)
Specialist Charles Dorsey to Sergeant (S3)
Private First Class Stephen Gibbs to Specialist (S2)
Private First Class Dustin Hartshorn to Specialist (S2)
Private First Class Artur Liamin to Specialist (Medic)
Private First Class Andrew Malarchik to Specialist (Scout)
Private First Class Antwain McGlothin to Specialist (Medic)
Private First Class Jonathan Nguyen to Specialist (HQ)
Private First Class Troy Robertson to Specialist (S2)
Private First Class Elliott Stewart to Specialist (Medic)
Private First Class Rush Yahr to Specialist (Scout)
Private Second Class Bryan Lysaght to Private First Class (Scout)
Private Second Class Muhammad Pulliam to Private First Class (Medic)

I would like to offer special congratulations to a few of the recent and noteworthy dates that I am aware of.
Congratulations to you all!

I am very proud of each and every HHC Soldier. Hard work is a necessity in our profession
and all of them have exceeded my expectations. I offer a special thanks to the families for all your support.

As I take time to reflect on this deployment and how it has affected all of us, I am reminded
of the very reason we find ourselves involved in this situation. It was five years ago
that terrorists decided to attack our security at home by flying planes into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon,
and a field in Pennsylvania. This single, tragic day precipitated everything we now find ourselves going through.
For some of you this event was the moment your loved one decided to join the greatest and most powerful Army in the world.
For those of you who were already in the Army, this heightened your senses
and made you painfully aware of why the Army exists.

Whatever 9/11 means to you we find ourselves dealing with a changed world for all of us living an Army lifestyle.
This calling we find ourselves in demands sacrifice. It is painful and difficult at times, but nonetheless we have a duty
and obligation to fulfill in honor of our commitment to the country – but we also have an obligation to the security
and protection of our personal relationships. Thank you for all the sacrifices you make that allow your loved one
to fight for our freedoms and ensure our liberty. It is my honor to live and minister among them!

Families remain and will always be a priority for your loved ones here. As we remember the events, thoughts,
feelings and commitments made on that fateful day in September 2001, let us renew our steadfast and loyal commitment
to stay the course and finish the race set before us. A world traveler is quoted as saying,
“let us run with endurance the race set before us.”

Endurance is a quality possessed by those determined to make it to the finish line and finish strong.
This quality must be applied to our current situation as we find ourselves looking at the horizon
and eyeing the end of this separation. You must endure to the end in such a way that reunion will be sweet indeed.
Endurance is a must over here as your loved one maintains vigilance to the mission at hand.
We will finish strong and your commitment to endure with us will only make us stronger in our resolve.
The end is clearly in sight, but there is work to be done.

We will soon be reunited and the process of living together again will begin. Endurance from all of us is a must
as we all want reunion to be as smooth as possible. Without this enduring commitment to each other
we will all have a very bumpy, very rough collision upon return. The same Apostle Paul who told us to run with endurance
also said to run in such a way as to win the prize at the end. The prize is family reunion, family dreams,
family aspirations, family commitments and family values. Will you commit with me right now to stay the course
and endure to the end? The prize is certainly worth it!

Please allow me to pray for you right now.
”Almighty God, you know the struggles, trials, triumphs and joys we have all experienced during this deployment.
You are the God who makes a way when there seems to be no way.
Right now I ask that you would wrap your loving, tender, compassionate arms around our families and loved ones.
Keep them in your constant care and quicken our hearts and minds each day
with the reality that YOU are taking good care of them. May you grant us all the endurance we need
to run well the rest of this separation. May wisdom and guidance be given to us as preparations are made
for our sweet reunion. We commit ourselves to this heartfelt prize.
In His the Holy Name of Jesus the Christ. AMEN!”