Task Force 3-7 IN Newsletters

Jan 2008:

After over a year of preparatory training, the famed Cottonbaler Soldiers of 3-7 Infantry arrived in Kuwait in late October. While in Kuwait, they received and prepared their vehicles and other equipment that had been shipped by sea in September for the move north into Iraq. They also took the opportunity in Kuwait to complete final preparatory training designed to reblue the Soldiers one more time on the knowledge and skills that are so essential to successful operations in the complex combat environment that characterizes the current conflict in Iraq. After receipt of all associated equipment in Kuwait, the leaders of the battalion moved out to attend the Counter-Insurgency Academy at Camp Taji, Iraq while the executive officers and NCOs stayed behind in Kuwait to oversee the actual movement of personnel and equipment from Kuwait to FOB Iskan which is the site of an electrical generating power plant along the Euphrates River approximately 7 kilometers southwest of the city of Iskandariyah, Iraq and 7 kilometers north of the city of Musayyib, Iraq. The strategically important city of Karbala is 35 kilometers to the southwest. The area that 3-7 IN is responsible for is AO Eindhoven and with the exception of the metropolitan areas and associated neighborhoods in close proximity to Musayyib, this area is largely an agricultural area with organized date palm groves and other crops that are either planted close to the Euphrates River or are fed by the waters of the Euphrates by extensive canal networks that cross the entire region. The citizens in this area are either farmers or retired military personnel who by and large sincerely desire a better future for this country that has so much potential. The small numbers of anarchists and criminals that remain in some of the villages that dot AO Eindhoven are despised by the patriotic citizens who are frustrated with the violence and instability that they bring to an area.

The 1st Battalion of the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment occupied AO Eindhoven prior to the Cottonbalers and achieved a great deal of success by reaching out to these local citizens and conducting combined operations with the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Police. Additionally, borrowing from the success Doug Crissman and the Concerned Citizens Program in Anbar Province, the violence in Eindhoven has been abated in large measure as a result of the successful implementation of that same program in this area. The very same citizens who are so frustrated with the violence and instability of the insurgents have gladly taken up arms in order to secure their respective areas as part of more intensive neighborhood watch and, as a result, the insurgents no longer have freedom of movement and cannot readily hide amongst the population as they have in the past.

Coaching organization, prioritization, a sense of urgency, and most of all, integrity in the everyday running of a city of over 35,000 people is not easy, but the Rage Team and members of the Task Force Staff patiently encourage progress and continue to make a difference each week. Our Iraqi Women’s Program continues to develop and we appreciate all the tremendous support many of you have provided in the form of donations for our Women’s Union. We received literally hundreds of packages – small and large – from dozens of individuals and groups back home and now have more than enough supplies to ensure our program is well-established before we depart the Rutbah area in March.

This 3 month period of peace and stability in AO Eindhoven has given the citizens a much needed promise of a better tomorrow while offering the opportunity for measurable progress to be made throughout the area. New homes and businesses are once again being constructed and pride of ownership is beginning to reappear. Particularly noteworthy success has been achieved in the small town of Jurf As Sahkr which lies just north and across the river from FOB Iskan. Thanks to the efforts of American Soldiers working in tandem with the Iraqi Police and the Iraqi Army and the Concerned Citizens of the area, that town is no longer the violent tumultuous town it once was. Instead, the streets are quite and filled with smiling adults and the laughter of innocent children who are so grateful for the return of normalcy within their village. Stores and schools have been reopened and all the citizens readily sing the praises of the peaceful environment and how thankful they are that the activities of the insurgent anarchists have been defeated. Eric Tisland and 1SG Lawrence and the rest of the gang from Able Company (their earlier call sign of “Attack” had to be changed to Able due to another unit’s possession of “Attack” as a call sign here in country) have stepped up to the plate and eagerly interacted with the Mayor, Police Chief, and other community leaders to ensure that we continue to build upon the successes of Jurf As Sahkr and exploit the opportunities that this current period of peace and stability offers.

Despite all these encouraging signs, we must acknowledge the continued existence of individuals or small groups of would be insurgents in and amongst the citizens, but they currently do not wield the disruptive influence they once possessed. AO Eindhoven for the moment is free of the organized insurgent activity of the past with the exception of one area in the North of AO Eindhoven where all indications are that the insurgents have occupied the town of Khidr after forcing the residents of that small hamlet to abandon their homes and businesses. In the very near future, Captain Jim Hart and the professional Soldiers of the Berserkers will move north into that town in order to kill or capture those misled malcontents that are so driven to imposing adversity and hardship on their fellow citizens. Our fine Soldiers are encouraged by the progress that we’ve seen just during our short time here in Iraq and they are eager to quickly and decisively root out the last remnants in Khidr and return that town to the same peace and stability that its neighbor across the river currently enjoys.

Captain Steve Capehart and the great warriors of Chaos Company (again, a unit already in country was already using the “Charge” call sign) are working hard each and every day in Musayyib which is the largest population center in AO Eindhoven. They’ve already executed two raids with 1 high value person detained for further questioning. While Musayyib is quite for the moment, there are still extremists within the city but without leadership or organization thanks to the efforts of the Gerronimos before us. The men of Chaos remain committed to keeping the city of Musayyib free of those persons who have ill intent for their countrymen and the citizens of Musayyib.

Matt Williams and the Dragons are in an area just to the Northwest of Musayyib that is characterized by small communities and settlements scattered among the farms of the region. Many dirt roads, paths, and canals characterize this region along with a population that is extremely vulnerable to the quick money offered by the insurgents for the execution of dastardly deeds against the citizens and coalition forces.

Chris Neels and the Enforcers were sliced to 4-3 BTB as part of a standing route clearance team. Three days ago they came back to our FOB to live in order to participate in the upcoming operation to Khidr. All their spirits are high and they are glad to be back amongst family even if it is for only 3 or 4 weeks.

Joe Anthony and the men and women of the Foragers have their hands full with supporting and maintaining the battalion while also pulling the lions share of security details around the FOB. They are doing an important job and are excelling at it each and every day. Just had a fellow Battalion Commander call me up after Joe visited some of the Foragers who are currently stationed at that FOB supporting our two tank platoons. The Battalion Commander relayed to me that if he had his way, he would have never let Joe Anthony leave his location as he was extremely impressed that a Captain would find a way to fly or drive to visit his Soldiers at a distant FOB just because it’s the right thing to do. I always brag on these fine troopers, but damn it’s nice to hear a fellow battalion commander brag on them.

Dave Stewart and the men of Havoc Company (believe it or not, there was already a “Headhunters” unit over here) have also been doing a terrific job with their dual nature task of running the Forward Operating Base while patrolling and engaging with the leaders and citizens of the area closest to the FOB known as Abu Lukah. The Havoc Soldiers really are the epitome of the multi-talented professional Soldiers who must be able to complement their expertise with enduring energy.

Morale remains high among our fine troopers and they are excited to be a part of the great fabric of history that you all have so expertly woven with your own contributions as the consummate Soldier Patriots that you are. I frequently reflect back upon our reunion in New Orleans and the kinship that Mindy and I felt with the other attendees. What a great time and what a great opportunity to explore and reaffirm those convictions that drive us to serve so that we may carry on the fine tradition that you all have preserved with your own service. The visit with the battalion by LTG LeMoyne and Gene Owen just prior to our deployment meant so much to our NCOs and Officers and speaks volumes about the value of belonging to the Cottonbaler Regimental Association that continues to support our troopers with deeds, prayers, and thoughts. Thanks for all that you continue to do on our behalf and for the shining example of selfless service that you have consistently provided to your country and fellow citizens.

Until next time....
LTC Tim Newsome

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