Knee Deep in the Hooah!

Here’s your good news from Iraq. Once again, this is just a small recap. The good news is out there, you just won’t hear about it on the MSM. Enjoy reading about the good work and efforts of our troops, coalition forces and the hard work of the Iraqi people.

Basra security situation improves

CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq (May 15, 2008) — The security environment in
Basra, Iraq, has improved dramatically since 1st Iraqi Army Quick
Reaction Force fought its way into the city April 1.

Criminal
elements had taken over parts of the city from local Iraqi security forces and imposed their own rule on a city that once was a cultural and commercial beacon for all of Iraq.

“This city was being held hostage by a small group of criminal militias,” said Marine Corps Col. Robert F. Castellvi, military training team advisor for 1st Iraqi Army Quick Reaction Force.

Music and Western influence were prohibited; women faced death threats if they ventured outside their homes dressed in anything other than a full burkah; and intersections were used as mortar positions.

In less than a month, life in Basra couldn’t be more different. Read more…

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Iraqis take lead in Sadr City aid effort

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq (May 15, 2008) – Residents in Sadr City continue to receive humanitarian aid from their local government, the government of Iraq, Iraqi army soldiers and Multi-National Division – Baghdad with
the help of the recently opened Civil Military Operations Center and Iraqi Assistance Center at Joint Security Station Thawra 1.

At the CMOC, local government officials, GoI officials and the Iraqi army receive guidance from MND-B Soldiers to plan and carry out operations to better the infrastructure and essential services as well as supply
food, water and other necessities to the people of Sadr City.

“The CMOC has done an exceptional job bringing together all of the Iraqi officials, allowing them to take leadership in repairing some of the damages caused by the recent fighting,” said Lt. Col. Frank Curtis,
who serves as the commanding officer of the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion, 360th Civil Affairs Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.

“The Iraqi army plans and executes mission in coordination with coalition forces,” continued the Braintree, Mass., native, “but the Iraqis determine the locations and plans the missions.” Read more…

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U.S. General Cites Steady Progress in Baghdad, Basra, Mosul

BAGHDAD — Iraqi and U.S. forces are making progress while performing counterinsurgency and reconstruction missions across Iraq, a senior U.S. military officer posted in Iraq said May 14.

Iraqi and coalition forces continue to make gains in establishing security and enforcing the rule of law in Baghdad, Mosul and Basra over the past week, Army Maj. Gen. Kevin Bergner, a Multi-National Force - Iraq
spokesman, told reporters at a Baghdad news conference.

In Basra, Iraqi forces involved in an operation dubbed “Sawlat al Fursan,” or “Charge of the Knights,” are busily removing illegal weapons, fighting and arresting insurgents and other criminals and providing
assistance to local citizens.

“The Iraqi security forces are maintaining a strong presence” in Basra, Bergner reported, noting Iraqi soldiers and police are setting up security stations throughout the city and chasing down insurgents.

About 3,000 Basra residents are involved in cleanup operations as part of a nearly $60 million
program designed to improve the city’s health care system, municipal services, electricity provision capability, public communications and youth services, Bergner said.

Iraqi soldiers and coalition troops recently provided medical services to residents of Basra’s Qibla district, Bergner reported. And, at the Umm Qasr port, Iraqi sailors
increased water-borne patrols by 20 percent, he added. Read more…

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Joint Patrol Yields Multiple Caches

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU — A joint route reconnaissance mission in Maderiyah, Iraq, led to the discovery of six separate weapons caches May 13, to include 300 anti-personnel grenades.

The first cache contained one 120 mm mortar, one 100 mm anti-aircraft round, 12 rocket-propelled grenade warheads, eight 73 mm rockets and a mortar tripod. All weapons were serviceable and the rockets were still
in their plastic containers.

The second cache recovered consisted of 300 anti-personnel grenades, 100 meters of detonation cord, 100 rounds of PKC machine-gun ammunition and five sticks of TNT. Read more…

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Bridge Linking Busayefi to Hawr Rajab Opens

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU

— Brightly painted flowers, hearts and polka-dots color the new bridge with cheery symbols. Most importantly, the bridge’s construction between the communities of Busayefi and Hawr Rajab paints a symbol of unity.

Once under the control of insurgents, the communities became isolated; they were also separated from each other by the Mercedes Canal.

Thanks to the efforts of Coalition forces, Iraqi Army and citizens tired of violence, the insurgents were driven away. However, the canal still isolated them from one another.

Their desire to establish a relationship materialized May 13 when the bridge linking the communities officially opened.

The event was coordinated by Wasmey Yas Khudhayer, owner of the Adwa al-Ashar Construction Company and supervisor of the project. Besides having an Iraqi company perform the construction, the project was
funded by the Government of Iraq. Read more…

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MND-B soldiers keep criminals, munitions off Baghdad streets

BAGHDAD – Multi-National Division – Baghdad soldiers detained suspected special groups criminals, allegedly responsible for attacks against Iraqi Security and Coalition forces, during the early morning hours May 16.

Conducting intelligence-driven point operations against pre-identified targets, soldiers from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, detained two individuals suspected of coordinating and carrying out violent crimes in the Rashid district of southern Baghdad at approximately 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Nearby, Iraqi National Policemen from the 3rd Brigade, 2nd National Police Division, turned over nine 60 mm mortar rounds captured at approximately 9:30 a.m. during a security patrol in the Risalah neighborhood of West Rashid to soldiers of 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment.

“The efforts to keep the streets of Baghdad safe and the Iraqi people free of the violence and influence of these criminals and terrorists is an ongoing fight,” said Maj. Dave Olson, spokesman for the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “The Raider Brigade and its soldiers are committed to assisting the ISF with their ongoing efforts to enforce the Iraqi Rule of Law for the citizens of Baghdad and the Government of Iraq. We look forward to the time where there will be no more violent activity in this nation’s capitol.” Link to source

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Three wanted al-Qaeda suspects detained in Mosul

BAGHDAD – Iraqi and Coalition forces continued their joint efforts targeting al-Qaeda in Iraq elements in Mosul, detaining three wanted men during precision operations Saturday.

Two of the wanted men are believed to have conspired to conduct bombing attacks on Iraqi and Coalition forces. The other wanted man allegedly worked as a weapons facilitator for senior AQI leaders in Mosul.

“Iraqi and Coalition forces continue to pursue terrorist elements in Mosul, ensuring there are no safe havens for AQI,” said Maj. John Hall, MNF-I spokesman. Source link …

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Iraqi PM leads offensive in Mosul

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki is in the northern city of Mosul to supervise an offensive against Sunni insurgents.

Mosul is seen as the last urban stronghold of al-Qaeda in Iraq. Elsewhere, a ceasefire between the government and Shia militiamen in the Sadr City area of Baghdad is reported to be generally holding. Read more…

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Citizen’s tip leads MND-B Soldiers to EFP-making factory in local bakery (New Baghdad)

BAGHDAD – An Iraqi citizen’s tip led Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers to a weapons cache in the New Baghdad district of eastern Baghdad May 16.

After receiving a tip about an explosively formed projectile-making operation in a Kamaliyah bakery at approximately 2 p.m., Soldiers from 4th Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division,
cordoned off the suspected building.

Criminals attacked the Soldiers with small-arms fire but were driven off by MND-B Soldiers returning fire. Soldiers from another platoon rushed to the scene to provide additional security.

The search operation continued and the MND-B Soldiers found a cache including two explosively formed
projectiles, four mortar tubes, six mortar rounds, three rocket-propelled grenade launchers, 14 RPG rounds and numerous armor piercing rounds, four sniper rifles, an RPK machine gun, various improvised explosive device making materials, three grenades, and a vehicle modified for a sniper to fire from unobserved. The vehicle also contained one of the EFPs.

“We are thankful to the citizen who provided the information to make this find possible. Iraqis are taking
an active role in their own protection to secure a brighter and safer future for Iraq,” said Maj. Joey Sullinger, spokesperson for 4th BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. “We will find these criminals and their weapons of terror no matter where they hide. Along with our Iraqi Security Force counterparts, we will protect the populace.” Source Link

Tags: Good News from Iraq/Afghanistan // Add Comment »

Eeeesh. My wife tried to warn me. Taking care of the family as a solo unit is not so easy. Would I listen? Taking everyone everywhere, getting stuff, doing stuff, making stuff, feeding stuff, and cleaning up stuff is tough. As a Platoon Leader I would have a Platoon Sergeant plus Squad Leaders to get the nitty gritty details done. Doing that sort of work alone is a no go. I’m finding it the same in family life.

To top it off, I found myself addicted to internet games/movies in the evening. Using those sorts of distractions to unwind is ok in small doses. Trying to beat the House in Black Jack until one or two in the morning then getting up at five is … well, stupid. My wife tried to warn me about that one too.

When will I ever listen to my Platoon Sergeant?

Claire is doing pretty good. She’ll probably be on later. She still has some pain from the swelling. It will diminish over time, of course. The little Hooah is surviving me. The teenage Hooah doesn’t know anything has changed. Teenagers. Bah.

You know, it strikes me that a family or a platoon can survive for short periods of time apart from dad or platoon leader but whoa is the day it has to go apart from mom or platoon sergeant for any length of time.

With that in mind, God bless all the military moms who stick to it and keep the family going apart from dad. God bless our troops. And keep Claire in your prayers.

Mr.Hooah!, out. Waaaaay out.

Tags: Mr. Hooah! Writes, family life // 6 Comments »

I am home, with an ice pack on my face and ice cream for supper. Normally I would think that eating ice cream for supper would be awesome; I would rather not have this reason to eat it! The pain medication keeps the pain at bay, but the donor site is what hurts the worst. My face is pretty swollen, but could be worse. I have decided that if anyone stares at my swollen face in public I will loudly proclaim “If you think I look bad you should see the other guy!”

The surgery took 90 minutes, and everything seemed to go well. I can not run or do any of my weight lifting training for a few weeks. It looks like nice, slow walks for now.

Thank you all for the prayers uttered. I know they have helped. In four weeks we will know if the graft took or not.

Mr. Hooah! is officially holding the tent down and he is doing a great job caring for me. I am sure he will find some good things to write about as well.

Tags: Shack Pack Family news // 9 Comments »

I notice some bloggers do a Wordless Wednesday. I just can’t do a day without words. I am verbose (have any of you not figured that out yet!).

I am going to try adding a weekly picture anyway and see if it’s a nice addition. If you have any pictures you would like me to feature, feel free to email them to me.

For this Wednesday, I wanted to add this picture. I love this picture because of the way the soldier is postured in an empathetic way with the child. In social work “posturing” with your client is a sign of empathy and understanding. It puts people at ease.

Regard:

A soldier and an Iraqi child, regard one another.

Tags: Picture Perfect // 4 Comments »

I don’t always post local news, but I wanted to post a local homecoming because of the wonderful news that this entire Company came home with no casualties at all! None in the entire Company. I know that is not a fact that the MSM will yell from the roof tops. It’s just more evidence of a safer Iraq, and I am praying that more and more Companies come home with the exact same news.

Tags: Uncategorized // 2 Comments »

I don’t know much but I know I like it  …

Stolen from another blog; clicky here. (Washington, D.C.) On April 24th, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughhead announced the re-establishment of the U.S. Fourth Fleet responsible for U.S. Navy ships, aircraft and submarines operating in the Caribbean, and Central and South America.

Former Navy SEAL, Rear Adm. Joseph D. Kernan, the current Commander of Naval Special Warfare, will be assigned as Commander, U.S. Fourth Fleet.

Kernan is the first Navy SEAL to command a numbered fleet.

 Maybe our resident retired Naval Officer would care to comment? Al? You there, Sir?

Tags: Mr. Hooah! Writes, Terrorism, military, politics // 1 Comment »

You won’t see this in your local newspaper:

Springtime in Islamberg
Radical Muslim paramilitary compound flourishes in upper New York state
By Paul L. Williams Ph.D., (author of THE DAY OF ISLAM)

With files from Douglas Hagmann, Northeast Intelligence Network,

(www.homelandsecurityus.com/Gilani) 2006 article: Pakistani terror Sheikh angry over investigative report

With the able assistance of Bill Krayer and Michael Travis

Friday, May 11, 2008
Situated within a dense forest at the foothills of the Catskill Mountains on the outskirts of Hancock, New York, Islamberg is not an ideal place for a summer vacation unless, of course, you are an exponent of the Jihad or a fan of Osama bin Laden.

The 70 acre complex is surrounded with “No trespassing” signs; the rocky terrain is infested with rattlesnakes; and the woods are home to black bears, coyotes, wolves, and a few bobcats.

The entrance to the community is at the bottom of a very steep hill that is difficult to navigate even on a bright sunny day in May. The road, dubbed Muslim Lane, is unpaved and marred by deep crevices that have been created by torrential downpours. On a wintry day, few, save those with all terrain vehicles, could venture forth from the remote encampment.

A sentry post has been established at the base of the hill.

The sentry, at the time of this visit, is an African American dressed in Islamic garb - - a skull cap, a prayer shawl, and a loose fitting shalwat kameez. He instructs us to turn around and leave. “Our community is not open to visitors,” he says.

 Want to read more? Click this.

Sadly, there is one of these right here in good ‘ol Tennessee. Reckin we ort ta bring ‘em a covered dish just to say “howdy” and “welcome to the neighborhood”?

Come on. We all knew there were Islamic training camps here in America. Don’t you think its about time we at least started admiting it?

After all, isn’t that the first step in recovery? Admission of a problem? Hummmm?

Mr.Hooah!, out.

Tags: Islam, Terrorism, politics // 4 Comments »

We have a returning theme this week. Last week many of the stories highlighted the accomplishments of the Iraqi Army, the SOI and the IP. Keep up the good work, guys!

Iraqi Troops capture mid-level AQI leader, six other suspects

BAGHDAD (May 4, 2008) –

Soldiers with the 5th Iraqi Army Division and a Muqdadiyah Special Weapons and Tactics team, advised by U.S. Special Forces, detained a mid-level al-Qaeda in Iraq leader and detained six other suspected terrorists in an operation in As Sa’diya, approximately 55 miles northeast of Baghdad, May 3. Read more…

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‘Sisters’ are doing it for themselves

by Lance Cpl. Robert Medina 1st Marine Logistics Group

http://www.centcom.mil/en/press-releases/285.html

FALLUJAH, Iraq (May 8, 2008) – Marines on a female search team and Iraqi women with the “Sisters of Fallujah” program have been working together at an entry control point here to help make the city of Fallujah a safer place.

The program was formed because females were needed to search other females. In Islamic tradition, a man touching a woman who is not his wife is considered offensive.

Just like Iraqi security forces that have been assuming more responsibilities, Iraqi women are striving to do the same with the help of Marine FSTs.

“(The Sisters of Fallujah) are our eyes and ears inside the booth, where we cannot go,” said Sgt. William A. Lamascus, sergeant of the guard of ECP-1. “It helps to have them here because when they find things, they bring it to our attention.” Read more

[Read more →]

Tags: Army, Good News from Iraq/Afghanistan, Iraq, Terrorism, Troop Surge, combat, deployment, military, politics, updates, war on terror // Add Comment »