1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Unit Update October 2008 Page 2

CPT Drew Conover (Gator 6)

1SG Bandy (Gator 7)

Another month has passed and we remain focused as we move into the winter months.
We just had our first rain storm the other day. The Soldiers are doing well and the time seems
to be passing by quickly for most.

Over the last month, we have increased our focus on lethal operations as rumors were spreading early on
of a possible increase in enemy activity. The platoons were very successful at intelligence gathering
and finding the right people in the area to provide feedback on the current enemy target set and
confirming information gathered from various sources. The results of their hard work was outstanding
as each platoon was responsible for the detainment of at least three targeted insurgents over the last month.

Additionally, 1st platoon’s cache find of 27 EFP penetrators was very significant to the disruption of the enemy.
These penetrators are the rare component used in the EFP building process and the ones that are supplied directly
from Iran. From my assessment, the platoons have done a remarkable job and their proactive efforts
over the last month are the sole reason for the lack of increased enemy activity seen to date.

On a separate note, we promoted a number of Soldiers over the past month. Their promotion is
a testament not only to their outstanding performance in the past, but also their demonstrated potential
for increased responsibility. We look forward to watching these Soldiers continue to excel and their
presence will continue to benefit this unit.
SGT Schuck
SGT Glasser
SGT Miller
PFC McVey
PFC Chaires
PVC Bellamy

Additionally, we had two Soldiers re-enlist over the past month. The bottom line is that the right Soldiers
must be retained because of the difficult mission currently at hand for the Army. The more motivated
our Soldiers are, the less risk we assume when we execute our assigned missions as each person
relies on the Soldier to his left and right of him. With that being said, I’m glad to tell you that we have the right Soldiers
across the company and we are doing an outstanding job at meeting our objectives for the year.
We certainly appreciate their selfless commitment to the Army and this mission.
Congratulations to these Soldiers:
SGT Herrera
SGT Delgado
SPC Fulton

Lastly, I would like to thank you for your continued support as we head into the winter months
and continue to provide stability to our area. Again, I am extremely proud of our Soldiers and they are
truly giving 100% day in and day out in support of the battalion and its mission.

CPT Ed Kennedy (Bear 6)

1SG Cameron (Bear 7)

It has already been eight months since we all left Fort Hood and the company remains strong and motivated.
Our Company Commander, CPT Ed Kennedy, is currently enjoying himself while on leave
somewhere in either Mexico or Texas. We all hope he is having a good time relaxing, he has definitely
earned it. As a result, I as the XO, 1SG Eric Cameron, and 1LT Tony Calabro have taken responsibility
for his duties. At times it does seem like it takes all three of us to accomplish the work CPT Kennedy does.

Our patrols are continuing to keep busy in Jamia, Adl, Ishkan, and Washash. I’m sure everyone has
heard already, but the biggest change for the month is our move from Camp Liberty to JSS Adl.
While continuing to conduct all the same patrols, security of JSS Adl, and time sensitive target missions,
the Bears finally were able to completely move out to JSS Adl. Thanks to our master carpenters,
electricians, and all around handymen SPC William Wuenche and PFC Christopher “Doc” Biggers,
we were able to move in and set up shop. The main reason for our move being delayed for some time
was a result of not having an electrician run all the remaining wiring. SPC Wuenche and PFC Biggers
stepped up and completed the wiring. We had a safety and electrical inspector inspect all the work,
and everything was up to code. We were given the green light to move into JSS Adl.

It took the company only a few days to settle in and get used to running our operations out of here.
I don’t think you will hear too many complaints about living here at JSS Adl. The first major advantage
is the convenience factor. We no longer have to “commute to work” and there is very little walking
to go anywhere. A trip to the mess hall requires us to just walk down the stairs now, where as going
to the mess hall at FOB Liberty would be at least a mile round trip. Of course the JSS does not have all
the luxuries that Camp Liberty does, but it comes pretty close. There is plenty of water for showers, a gym
that is comparable in size to the gym at Camp Liberty, two MWR areas, and even a small local national
shop that sells movies.

The Bears continue to have great success in all of our missions.
This month we have caught a number of High Value Targets, getting them off the streets, and preventing
them from conducting any attacks. We have also progressively developed the bond with our Iraqi Army
partners, and continue to teach them in order to further their selfsustainability. The platoons have taught
a number of classes to the Iraqi Army this month, updating them on new enemy tactics and intelligence.
The Bears are the subject matter experts when it comes to fighting the insurgency here, and the
Iraqi Army has responded well to this training.

As mentioned by CPT Kennedy in last month’s update, two big topics of discussion were
the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) and the Son’s of Iraq (SoI). The IDP issue
in our area of operation has seen progress with some displaced families moving back into the area
in order to reclaim their homes. We are continuing to monitor those that recently moved back to their homes
and have not seen many issues as a result. The results are slow, but there is progress, which is a good sign
of decreased tensions between Sunnis and Shias. The Bears also have been heavily involved
with the transition of the SoI to Iraqi Army, other security jobs, or civilian life.

Last month we mentioned that the SOI were being service to Iraq by transitioning to the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police,
or go back to civilian life where many of them held jobs in the past. We are pleased to see that a very high percentage
of SoI are deciding to continue their service with the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police forces.
Those that have returned to their civilian life are a plus as well.
The local nationals are feeling more secure with their neighborhoods, and as a result can reopen and continue
their businesses and jobs in places that were not so friendly just a couple years ago.

This past month we had quite a few more promotions, and I want to congratulate the following Soldiers:
• Private Justin Cooper to Private Second Class
• Private Brian Gomez to Private Second Class
• Private Second Class Nicholas Cerbone to Private First Class
• Private Second Class Daniel Clark to Private First Class
• Private Second Class Yunieth Lang to Private First Class
• Private Second Class Colin McFadin to Private First Class
• Private Second Class Ian Tierney to Private First Class
• Private Second Class Matthew Wheeler to Private First Class
• Private First Class Dana Aiava to Specialist
• Sergeant David Kinsler to Staff Sergeant
• Staff Sergeant Christopher Courtney to Sergeant First Class

I would also like to congratulate the following Soldiers for deciding to reenlist and to continue
their careers in the Army:
• Staff Sergeant Jackye Wilson
• Sergeant Davong Xiong
• Sergeant Daniel Affalter
• Sergeant Aaron Cosper

Melissa Marler still is the FRG Leader, and continues to do a great job back in Texas.
1SG Cameron or myself can help her answer questions if needed, but the large majority of the time
Melissa has it under control.

The Bears continue to excel in everything they do. I’m very proud to have been given the opportunity
to lead them while the commander is on leave. As much of an honor it is to lead this Company, I can’t wait for
CPT Kennedy to return! All the Bears are thankful for all the support we receive from home, and please continue
to keep all of us in your thoughts and prayers.
—Captain Chris Tsao (Bear 5)

Snake 6

Snake 7

We’re finally catching a break from the heat this month with temperatures topping off at
about 90 degrees during the day. We’ve even had a couple of short rain showers over the past
couple of weeks. It’s been business as usual for Charlie Company this month. Our soldiers
continue to work in conjunction with the Iraqi Security Forces to keep the streets safe for the Iraqi citizens.
The joint effort has been a great success so far. Things in the muhallas or neighborhoods have been very quiet
and local nationals often express feelings of gratitude to our Soldiers conducting dismounted
patrols for the safety they provide.

With the transition of the Sons Of Iraq (SoI) neighborhood security program to Iraqi control,
former SoI Guards were given an option to drop from the program and register for trade school.
The program would provide three months of training in areas like electrical repair,sewer/water repair,
road/bridge repair, and medical administration. This program will allow the Iraqi Security Forces
to cut down on some of the SOI guard personnel that really aren’t needed with the increased security,
while still offering these former SoI guards employment opportunities.

The program got off to a slow start with the initial registration. Some of the SoI guards were skeptical
about the training program and were worried about losing their current job as guards if the program
fell through; but over the last couple of weeks word about the program has spread and the locals
are signing up in great numbers. Charlie Company continues to work alongside the Iraqi Security
Forces as well as the local Iraqi Councils to help facilitate the transfer of government, infrastructure,
and security into Iraqi hands. Most of the generator projects mentioned in last month’s letter have been completed
or are very near completion, providing many of the locals with a consistent and reliable
source of power throughout the day.

The soldiers continue to handle what little security issues still exist in our AO in stride.
They remain vigilant in removing any remaining criminal elements from the streets and confiscating
illegal weapons. Copperhead is certainly doing its part to ensure the keys to success are handed off to the
Government of Iraq and the Iraqi Security Forces.

The Soldiers of Charlie Company remain motivated and ready to handle any task handed to them.
They work hard, day in and day out, to complete the mission.
Thank you for all your support and prayers.
Another month down…