Charger X-Ray News & Information

Iraq. The solid relationships we developed with both partners definitely paid off in the last few weeks, as Coalition and Iraqi headquarters issued conflicted and confusing guidance regarding what we could and could not do. It appears to have sorted itself out and we have resumed operations as before, and continued to develop and action insurgents in the Charger Area of Operations. We will not relax or recede until the mission is complete, and the AO is handed over to another American unit.

While is tempting to think of home and the things we miss, there is a mission at hand and the enemy is assessing us everyday. Until we handover our battlespace, we are not stepping away from the challenge by even an inch.

Humanitarian aid deliveries to local nationals have been successful, as evidenced in a recent Centre Daily Times article. The impact is immediate and evident; numerous “thumbs-up” from the locals whenever we execute a drop. What’s important isn’t so much the sack of rice or can of meat that’s being delivered, but the public perception of Iraqi Security Forces in the lead, and U.S. Soldiers behind them. This is more and more the case; we use our technology and strength to reinforce, rather than ramrod operations.

The success of the mission often comes into focus only in retrospect; looking back to when we first met our Iraqi Army comrades, the improvement in their planning and execution is plainly obvious. Day to day, things might seem the same, but hindsight brings out distinct contrast. We are now shoring up our partnership with the Iraqi Police and are already seeing the same types of gains. The Company is fortunate to be partnered with aggressive and committed leaders in both organizations, committed to improving the security situation in Abu Ghraib.

*Please take the time to attend the reunion briefings being offered — every Soldier will have received the same briefings from our Chaplain and they are truly excellent. And please continue to support Missy Kissell and Steve Tomlinson in all that they do. The last months of a deployment are the most challenging for an FRG, and we are incredibly fortunate to have the team we do.

C6

The last convoy departed JSS NWS awhile ago and everyone’s settled in back at VBC. The amenities of the big FOB (PX, fresh food, easy access to supply/maintenance/medical facilities, porcelain commodes, potable

water) offer a strong counterargument to the pride of being out on the western front. We’re confident in our abilities and ready for the second half.

We received several giant boxes of care items and toys for the kids, it’s all appreciated. With the PX here, we have everything we need, so the children’s toys are what’s really popular. Important: it’s too hot to mail anything that can melt — i.e. gummi worms, chocolate, baked goods (get dried out). It’s literally as hot as an oven.

C6

Parties interested in honoring the passing of Specialist Edmundson may send donations in his honor to:

Pennsylvania Patriot Guard Riders
1508 Valley Stream Lane
Macungie, PA 18062-8886

WHO: Deployed Military Personnel

WHAT: Requesting and using an official absentee ballot to vote in the May 19 Primary

WHEN: Voter absentee ballots from members of the military must be postmarked no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, May 18, and received by the county board of elections by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26.

WHERE: Military personnel may download an application for an absentee ballot from the Department of State Web site at www.VotesPA.com. The completed application must be mailed to the board of elections of the county where the military member legally resides. However, to ensure prompt delivery of an absentee ballot, military members are strongly encouraged to fax a copy of the application to their county board of elections in addition to mailing the application. The absentee ballot will be mailed upon receipt of the fax. Requests made by fax still require that a signed, paper application for the absentee ballot is received prior to the Primary Election Day, May 19. An original signature is required by law.

WHY: On May 19, voters will cast ballots in the municipal primary election for a variety of local and county races, as well as for candidates seeking Supreme Court, Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, Court of Common Pleas and municipal court seats. Local ballot questions may also appear in each county. For more information on voter registration, call the Department of State’s toll-free hotline at 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772), or visit VotesPA.com.

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED//
 
 
Charger Company has been conducting daily combined security operations
with an Iraqi Army battalion for the past 10 weeks. It has been 12
weeks since the last weblog update — what can be disclosed about our
mission in a public forum is _extremely_ limited. In lieu of
open-forum updates, Missy Kissell & Steve Tomlinson have been in
regular phone contact with the command team, in order to keep families
informed and facts straight.
 
 
Thank you to everyone who has become involved with the FRG back home
– it is an absolutely essential line of support, and Laci Applegate
continues to assist its leadership as it thrives and grows. The knit
shawls we received from Chaplain Diller’s church group are especially
popular with the women we distribute them to. They are understood as a
gesture of peace from our nation to theirs.
 
 
We recently detained a number of individuals believed to pose an
imminent threat to an upcoming public event. We planned and executed a
twilight raid, with Iraqi Army in the lead, that was described as
“setting a new standard” by the 1st Cavalry Division; the active-duty
command in charge of Baghdad. As responsibility for domestic security
is transitioned to Iraqi Security Forces, U.S. Soldiers are involved
in less and less ‘door-kicking’ type missions, and the raid was a
welcome break from the routine and necessary daily patrols. We had
some enablers along for the mission, one of whom later described
Charger Soldiers as ’spot-on and hungry.’
 
 
Our Strykers remain the best combat vehicle in theater — you may have
read about the ‘anti-tank grenades’ that are becoming popular among
desperate insurgents. They are only effective when thrown accurately
from behind cover or in a vehicle’s blind spot. The Stryker, by
design, possesses unsurpassed observation in all directions, whether
travelling or stationary, and we are constantly reassessing our
techniques and procedures while on patrol. We are the ‘hard target!’
 
 
Help us win by strengthening our Operational Security (OPSEC); if it
hasn’t happened yet (ex.: troop movements, planned operations), don’t
ask about it. If you wouldn’t say it out loud on TV (details of an
operation, details of task organization and strength) don’t repeat it
to anyone. Your Soldier has received the same guidance — assume that
every phone call, email and website post may be monitored, by the
enemy or by our own intelligence agencies. The enemy wants to kill
American Soldiers, and we make it easy with poor OPSEC — this takes
self-discipline and a 100% team effort — we are as strong as our
weakest link.
 
 
Thank you once more for your interest and support. Stay informed by
attending FRG meetings and continue to send us toys and school
supplies for the kids, esp. soccer balls and writing instruments.
 
 
C6
 
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED//
If this e-mail is marked FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY it may be exempt from
mandatory disclosure under FOIA. DoD 5400.7R, DoD Freedom of
Information Act Program, DoD Directive 5230.9, Clearance of DoD
Information for Public Release, and DoD Instruction 5230.29, Security
and Policy Review of DoD Information for Public Release apply.

MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – BAGHDAD
Media Release HQ-MND
Baghdad Camp Liberty Baghdad, Iraq
APO AE 09344
Commercial: (703) 621-0781
IRAQNA 011-964-770-252-3225
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE RELEASE No. 20090330-06
March 30, 2009
PHOTOS: Stryker Soldiers search Abu Ghraib

2nd HBCT PAO, 1st Inf. Div., MND-B 090323-N-0917W-014 BAGHDAD – Spc. Mark Cameron (right), 2nd Stryker Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division—Baghdad, posts watch at a building in Abu Ghraib, Iraq March 23. The Stryker Soldiers spent time searching the area as part of security operations prior to a District Advisory Counsel meeting. (U.S. Army photo by Petty officer 2nd Class, attached to 2nd HBCT PAO, 1st Inf. Div., MND-B)

090323-N-0917W-055 BAGHDAD – Staff Sgt. Ronald Chun, 2nd Stryker Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division—Baghdad, searches a room for possible weapons or explosives in Abu Ghraib, Iraq March 23. The Soldiers searched various places in the neighborhood to keep the streets safer. (U.S. Army photo by Petty officer 2nd Class, attached to 2nd HBCT PAO, 1st Inf. Div., MND-B)

090323-N-0917W-110 BAGHDAD – Army Staff Sgt. Fredrick Waine, 2nd Stryker Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, Multi-National Division—Baghdad, searches an Iraqi civilian in Abu Ghraib, Iraq March 23. The Soldiers swept the area for explosives and weapons as part of security operations prior to a District Advisory Counsel meeting. (U.S. Army photo by Petty officer 2nd Class, attached to 2nd HBCT PAO, 1st Inf. Div., MND-B)

As our unit from the 56th SBCT fights enemies in Iraq, another Stryker Soldier faces a different kind of enemy here at home.  This story is hopefully inspiring and celebratory of this month’s focus on women in the military.

by 1st Lt. Jay Ostrich, from Soldiers magazine.

She has a sweet, welcoming smile and calm, easygoing demeanor.  But don’t be fooled — there’s a war raging around this Soldier.  The enemy is at the gate and it’s trying to kil her every second of the day.

Unlike her comrades, who are readying for deployment to Iraq with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, the enemy she faces is within.  It’s called rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of juvenile cancer, and this former Pennsylvania National Guard member is waging a war against it to save her life.

Meet 18-year-old Lara Phillips of East Pikeland Township, Pa., who was looking forward to typical teenage rights of passage like graduating high school and prom.  She also had a strong sense of patriotism and a military family background, which led her to enlist.  She was excited about doing computer encryption for Stryker and helping fight the war on terror.

“I just wanted to be a part of something much bigger than myself,” said Phillips, who described herself as rebellious to authority and an unlikely Soldier.  “People told me I’d never make it in the Army and the Guard, but I knew that’s what I wanted and I was going to fight for it.”

During her weekend drills with the Recruit Sustainment Program in 2008, Phillips took a shine to her new-found profession by finding comfort in camaraderie and strength in her Soldier’s Handbook.  In it she would embrace core values like personal courage and duty.  She took a particular liking to the Soldier’s Creed, especially the words, “I will never accept defeat.  I will never quit.”

“I loved being in uniform and the sense of pride and team that went along with it,” said Phillips.  “Rules started to all make sense and I was looking forward to boot camp and deploying with Stryker.”

Little did she know her deployment to war was well at hand.

After a particularly challenging drill shortly before her 18th birthday, Phillips returned home to rest.

“The drills were always challenging, but this one really knocked me off my feet,” said Phillips.  “Something just wasn’t right.”

In the process of recovery, she discovered a subcutaneuous cyst on her pelvis that suddenly grew to the size of a softball.  Alarmed by the growth and unusual sense of fatigue, Phillips went to the doctor to have tests done.  A week later, the biopsy returned.  It was cancer.

Subsequent tests would reveal tumors throughout her entire body.  Her doctors confirmed the diagnosis as a cancer commonly referred to as “rhabdo,” which according to the National Cancer Institute is a fast-growing, highly malignant attack on the body’s connective tissue. It often attaches to muscle or wraps around intestines, but can prey almost anywhere in the body.

Her initial prognosis was poor, if not defeating: a 5 percent chance of survival. In an instant, Phillips went from battling the trials of boot camp to battling for her life.

Defeating a foe when you are given less than a 5 percent chance of prevailing is daunting enough to make most people surrender. Not Phillips.

Her sadness centered only on returning her uniform to her unit, who told her to keep it throughout her battle.

“But I probably won’t be this weight again,” joked a grateful Phillips, who thanked her fellow Soldiers before turning to greater concerns.

But the war was not over. The battles raged on as the cancer kept a steady attack against her system, often leaving her weak and teetering on defeat. Like any good Soldier, Phillips kept faith in herself and what she learned from her military instructors. She knew that to win the war, you need a good battle buddy.

Enter her mother, Amy, whose father rose to the ranks of lieutenant colonel in the Air Force and worked under the legendary hero Brig. Gen. W.W. “Bill” Spruance, who taught thousands of Airmen from personal experience how to save lives in perilous situations.

Amy knew it wouldn’t be easy, but with the dogma of a drill sergeant and the love of a doting mother, she and Lara set out to kill the cancer and beat the odds.

The “Phillips Army” developed a hardcore daily regimen that would put any basic training plan to shame. Every aspect of her day, from what to eat to when to rest was mapped out and followed precisely. They even plotted on spreadsheets and charts variations in strength or when the therapy would make her weak-that way Lara never got discouraged when the pain and bad times came.

But as of late July, greater dangers lay ahead. The experimental 54-week study and treatment was about to intensify. With seven, high-dose chemicals and constant radiation, this new and unproven treatment was designed to take her white blood cell count to zero, thereby killing the cancer, but leaving her vulnerable to virtually any disease present.

“I have to be disciplined with this, so it’s just like boot camp,” said a hopeful and smiling Phillips. “They are going to tear me down to build me back up. But attitude is everything-you can still have fun with something that’s awful. I know if I let the little things get to me, I’m going to lose.”

Just hours before entering into treatment at A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Del., Phillips reflected on her days in uniform, the Soldier’s Creed and the strength they would give her in battle.

“I’m going to beat this and I am going to fight until I can’t fight anymore,” said a weakened Phillips. “Failure just isn’t an option-I will not fail. I must win this fight so others can live.”

And fight she would. Through an intense battle with pain and weakness, Phillips pressed on as six of her fellow juvenile cancer warriors would pass away beside her.

“It hit home what cancer was all about,” said Phillips who knows her success in this experimental study could bring hope and life to many. “But I was determined to finish what I started.”

For her mother, it was during these darker moments that she became thankful Lara had experienced the military lifestyle.

“Every time she gets down, she sits and writes the Soldier’s Creed,” said Amy, who admitted that she was reluctant at first for Lara to join the military. “We put it up on her hospital wall to keep her going. It’s been her mantra-it’s the only way to survive the battle she’s in now.”

For Lara, the handbook and creed will never be just words on paper or something to blindly memorize.

“I know it sounds strange, but the warrior ethos keeps me going. There are good lessons in there for everyday life,” said Phillips. “They drill those into your head when you train so you don’t forget. There’s no way I’ll ever forget them.”

Her dedication to military values and sheer determination would result in bittersweet news received shortly after Veterans Day. Just hours after her friend and admirer Lt. Gov. Catherine Baker Knoll lost her battle against cancer, her latest tests would reveal a tumor-free body for Lara-it was a tactical victory as planned and a road to victory.

Along with Knoll, Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright, Pennsylvania adjutant general, met Lara at the state capital this past summer and was moved by her grit and perseverance. The news could not have come at a better time.

“I marvel at the bravery and courage shown by the Soldiers and Airmen of the Pennsylvania National Guard, and Lara has shown these same attributes in this very intense battle with this life-threatening cancer,” said Wright. “Her indomitable spirit and determination are truly inspirational to me.”

Phillips can’t tell you many details about her particular cancer-to her they aren’t important. She just concentrates every day on what she needs to do to survive and return home permanently, free of the terror trying to take her life.

At only 18, Lara Phillips, now as thin, hairless and tired as a basic training recruit, cannot tell you the meaning of life, but ask her a question about survival or reaching goals and she is quick to reveal the meaning in life.

“People will tell you, you can’t do it,” said Phillips. “Heck, people told me I wouldn’t make it in the Guard. They told me I wouldn’t beat cancer. You just need to fight with what you want in life, never take it for granted and never give up.”

Like many returning warriors, Phillips wants desperately to leave behind a legacy knowing that the pain and sacrifices she made were not made in vain. Reminded by continuing therapy and her loving mother that she isn’t home free yet, she permits herself moments to think beyond the cancer battlefield.

Her dreams include returning to the Guard and earning a bachelor’s degree in office management or accounting-hopefully somewhere down south where it is warmer, Phillips muses.

But if you really want to see the twinkle in her bright blue eyes, ask her about her fellow Soldiers in the Pennsylvania National Guard or the young children who share her war on cancer.

“If there’s anything I do with my life it is going to be helping others who suffer from this,” said Phillips. “I want to use what happened to me to bring child cancer awareness and motivate others along the way.”

Ask anyone who has come in contact with her and not surprisingly you find Phillips is well on the way to reaching her goals.

“I look forward to the day when she can return to the Guard and share the tremendous gifts she has to offer,” said Wright. “She is a Soldier we can all learn from and a person we can all admire.”

But for today, Phillips simply reaches into her beloved Army Combat Uniform and pulls out the now tattered Soldier’s Handbook, thumbing through the well-annotated and worn pages for another nugget of inspiration. Like any warrior, she is now ready to turn the page, come back from her war and start writing a new chapter in life.

As of this publication date, Lara Phillips is still undergoing the rigors of her 54-week experimental treatment at Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children.

To follow her progress and support her fight, more information can be found at www.caringbridge.org/visit/laraphillips.

All soldiers are doing well.

Have been in Iraq approximately 45 days

Took control of the mission on 24 Feb

900 Square Miles of Operating Space

1/111th & 2/104th are a Joint Security Sites (JSS) with Iraqi Counterparts

Good Quality of life at JSS locations- 2 Hot meals a day, Internet/phone service, TV, weight rooms, good security (T-walls, Surveillance Cameras, ect. )

1/108th & 328th and some additional companies located on Camp Taji

Good Quality of life at Taji as well- Free internet at Morale Centers or $60 a month to have in room, TV (5-6 Channels including current news), IM Sports, Laundry services, ect.

2/112th INF under command of 2nd Brigade,  1st Infantry Division (“The Big Red One”) – COL Ferraro visits them regularly, they are doing well.  [They are at FOB Liberty and a JSS]

1/112th INF has been under the command of 3rd of the 82nd But will be falling under 56th SBCT again as of 11 March 2009

The 12 Month Deployment timeline has NOT changed at this time.

SOFA/ Security Agreement Overview

Coalition must work in multi-lateral action with Iraqi and/or police for all actions

Only exception is self-defense

Call for soldiers to be out of cities by July: The locations our soldiers are at are not located in the main “cities”

Iraq is a “sovereign nation” so there laws must be followed by soldiers; if soldier violates a law while “off duty” they could be prosecuted under Iraqi Law; however, soldiers are never “off duty” so no real issue

Must have a warrant to detain Iraqi unless imminent threat

Good Items to send Soldiers:

Any snacks items small enough to take with them in their packs

Trail Mix

Ramen Noodles

Books, DVD’s, Writing Paper

Toiletries

Socks

Granola Bars

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: NONE
 
Charger Company will close on Camp Liberty (a subdivision of Camp Victory)
soon, en route to a JSS (Joint Security Site). Certain Soldiers have been
sent ahead to conduct early coordination and begin the RIP/TOA (Relief in
Place/Transition of Authority).
 
Liberty is like a Soldiers’ Disneyland. You can eat as much and as often of
whatever you like, make subsidized long-distance calls, and control your
room’s thermostat. There is no KP (Kitchen Police) or latrine duty; LNs
(local nationals) do it all. It is conceivable for one to spend their entire
tour in a ‘combat zone’ without stepping foot in actual Iraq, which lies
outside several echelons of force protection. It is possible to post to your
blog or bid on an eBay item on the iPod Touch you bought at the PX (Post
Exchange), using the wi-fi you bought at the bazaar, while waiting for your
Taco Bell order to be filled in the food court. Fortunately, Charger Company will be spending only a short time in this
strange place before getting to work outside the wire. We have a lot of good
‘kit’ (equipment) to inventory and become familiar with, and the outgoing
Company has the most experience in our AO (Area of Operation). The RIP/TOA
process is very mature and well-planned at this point, and we are learning a
lot from how these guys do business.
 
Rumor control:
 
1. yes, there is real bacon at the DFAC (dining facility). The turkey
bacon’s there too.
2. no, the M1151 HMMWVs don’t patrol. They stay on Camp Liberty with the
Rear Det.. All patrolling is done either dismounted or mounted in
Strykers/MRAPs.
3. yes, we will share a JSS with IA (Iraqi Army). They ‘own’ the AO, per the
SA (Security Agreement) and have been a steadfast partner to our
predecessors.
4. no, the SOI (Sons of Iraq) aren’t unemployed and upset; in our AO, they
were all successfully integrated into IA (Iraqi Army) or (Iraqi Police).
5. yes, Camp Bucca is gradually releasing detainees into our AO as part of
the SA (Security Agreement). This is a good thing, since every detainee is
vetted before being considered for release and it’s part of transitioning
judicial responsibility to the GOI (Government of Iraq).
6. no, the reconstruction money (CERP funds) isn’t running out. In fact,
it’s a challenge to manage & spend it all. We are falling in on numerous
projects and micro-grants and will develop more as part of the mission.
 
C6
 
Classification: UNCLASSIFIED Caveats: NONE