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DEL.ICIO.USCombat team makes its presence felt
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Curtis Compton/AJC
Sgt. Ronald Schiefer of Conyers searches an Iraqi blacksmith outside his business. The man reportedly beat up some children for passing information to soldiers.
Camp Stryker, Iraq — Only a few days after the 48th Brigade Combat Team officially took over military operations in a broad sector south of Baghdad, signs of change already are plentiful.
The brigade’s headquarters staff has moved into a brick building near Baghdad International Airport that was gutted during the 2003 invasion. Engineers are grading the area around it and installing new wiring for a vast array of communications equipment.
At smaller, more austere bases such as Michael, Joe and Row near Mahmudiyah, about 15 miles south of Baghdad, the 48th is bringing in generators and showers and putting gravel on roads to cut the choking dust.
But the biggest differences are on the roads and streets, where Georgia citizen-soldiers in their distinctive, pale-green camouflage uniforms are patrolling, manning checkpoints and supplying other units. It’s the Georgia Army National Guard’s first combat deployment since the Korean War.
“People are working long hours but they’re settling into a rhythm,” said Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver, commander of the 4,400-member brigade that arrived in the Middle East on May 17. “The learning curve has been straight up, but it’s starting to moderate. We’re taking the initiative and doing effective combat missions.”
American military commanders in Iraq have dispersed the brigade among several locations close to Baghdad and replaced an active-duty unit with most of the Georgia Guard’s 1st Battalion, 118th Field Artillery Regiment at Camp Taji northwest of the Iraqi capital.
Rodeheaver said the swap is meant to mix the newly arrived 48th with soldiers who have more experience in Iraq.
“It raises the experience level across the brigade,” Rodeheaver said. “Instead of the whole unit being new to a combat zone, we can draw on their experience and get smart quicker.”
Most of the 48th is spread over a largely rural area south of Baghdad that is predominantly Sunni and where the insurgency has been particularly active. Already, soldiers from the 48th have been attacked with suicide bombs, roadside bombs, mortars and rockets. More than a dozen have been wounded, several seriously, at bases Michael and Liberty.
Rodeheaver knows about the hazards firsthand. While traveling to each of the brigade’s posts during the first two weeks in Iraq, his convoys have been hit by roadside bombs that destroyed at least one Humvee. They have also been the targets of rocket-propelled grenades, mortars and rifles.
But Rodeheaver said his soldiers will aggressively seek out insurgents and fight them wherever they find them.
“We’re absolutely an aggressive unit,” he said. “We won’t be shy about protecting American soldiers, protecting the Iraqi government and destroying [anti-Iraqi forces].”
Comments
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By Ron Buice
June 22, 2005 08:33 AM | Link to this
Want to send a letter or a care package to Gwinnett Troops in Iraq but don’t know what to send or how to send it? Find out here: www.gwinnettguard.us
By Jeannie
June 22, 2005 09:57 AM | Link to this
Thank you AJC for doing the greatest job you can, to keep us posted about our Men and Women that are in Iraq. Brig. Gen. Stewart Rodeheaver, Thank you for trying to make FOB St. Michael as well as Joe and Row, a better place for everyone. Yes, this is war and you have to make the best of it, but Thank You So Much for Trying to Make it Even better..Everyone here in Douglasville will do anything for our men and support them in anyway we can..You just let us know what we can do from Here and We will Do it.. Guys, please don’t worry about anything but Get the Job Done There and Come Home.. We Miss You All,We Love You All and We Are Proud Of All Of You.. Call when you can—e-mail when you can— and untill then, Just know we Love Each and Everyone of You All and WE Are Here For NOT JUST ONE—BUT ALL… TO.SPC.CHAD CARTER- SPC.Michael Astuto- Spc.Matt Hayes-& Spc.Billy Harp- We wanted to say a Hello and to be safe— Scouts Out, as halfpint says all the time now.. She looks at you all as her Hero’s..Thank You…
By Amy
June 22, 2005 10:28 AM | Link to this
For all of the families of soldiers at Michael, Joe, and Row, the American Legion has combat bath. Combat Bath is a personal hygiene cloth that is disposable and does not require any rinsing. I ordered online at the American Legion Web site.
By Colette Schiefer
June 22, 2005 11:48 AM | Link to this
We miss you dad!!! Keep up the good work. Josh,Jacob,Jamie,Jeremy & Jared
I read about the 48th everyday on the web and it was a nice surprise to see you as i loaded the page I MISS YOU
By Beverly Wiggins
June 22, 2005 12:08 PM | Link to this
My son is at Camp Row where our Troops are fighting for their lives against insurgents, IED’s, and unfriendlies. Danger and sacrifice in a time war is necessary and understood by the soldiers and their loved ones back home. But…having to fight for a shower, or to be able to wash your clothes, or to get three decent meals a day…when only 15 miles away other camps have chefs, catered meals, swimming pools and a PX the size of a Mall…is NOT UNDERSTOOD! I believe if the “Higher-Ups” had to spend their time in a place like Row the conditions would improve SWIFTLY! Sincerely, A MAD MOM
By Jessica Underwood
June 22, 2005 12:40 PM | Link to this
SPC Brad E. Shawhan, Jr. PSD, is one of the “elite” that get the job of making sure the general gets to where he needs to go on a daily basis. I hope that these particular men are always safe and always aware. Keep an eye out for one another, and don’t forget your jobs! I love you and I can’t wait for your swift return! Your Favorite Sister - Jessica
By Shannen
June 22, 2005 01:21 PM | Link to this
This message is to Robert Lloyd 1/121 INF. I wanted you to know I was thinking of you and I’ll continue to pray for your safe return….
By Stacey
June 22, 2005 04:14 PM | Link to this
SSG Stephen Hullet at St. Michaels, we are so proud of you!!! We are praying for the safe return of our husband/father/soldier. We miss you so much but you are doing what you have been called to do. Love, Stacey, Blake, Ansley and Jackson God cover and keep you.
By Lauri Anne Michael
June 22, 2005 10:23 PM | Link to this
AMEN to A Mad Mom. My husband is in one of the “less fortunate” FOBS and it is aweful to think of him there while others have a Burger King, Subway, gyms, and swimming pools. Since the active-duty soldiers have left, the quality of the food has gone way down. Additionally, Gen. Rodeheaver can say what he wants but, working 12-16 hour days, everyday, with no days off is how our men make mistakes that result in injuries and/or death. Gen. Rodeheaver does not care about the soldiers, they are just numbers to him, pawns on a chess board and the families are an inconvience. It is about time we stood up for our soldiers and make it known that they are treated like second-class citizens. If my husband loses his life in the war, I certainly don’t want it to be because the man next to him was exhausted!
By Lisa
June 22, 2005 10:34 PM | Link to this
I agree that if higher ups had to stay at a base where hey don’t get to shoer daily or get hot meals that things around Row or any other unsatisfactory bases would get fixed pretty quickly. I wish my husband was able to bathe daily, eat good hot meals, wash his clothes, and maybe call home more often. I am not saying that every base should have swimming pools, chefs, or a mall sized PX. I just want him to be treated like a citizen of the United States that his fighting for another country. I wish the higher ups would swap places with our men for one week. Things would change very quickly I think. A MAD WIFE THAT LOVES HER HUSBAND VERY DEEPLY!!
By Ray Lindsey
June 22, 2005 10:57 PM | Link to this
I know that most of the 48th is made up of Georgia national units, but please write about some of the units out of the state. my son is Sgt Michael Lindsey with the “A” company, 167th out of Lannet and Pelham, Al. I can’t get any coverage except from the AJC. I haven’t read anything in any of the Alabama papers. Please let our boys know that people care what they are doing for our country. Thank you Ray Lindsey
By Jessica
June 23, 2005 01:15 AM | Link to this
I STRONGLY BELIEVE
By Jessica
June 23, 2005 01:18 AM | Link to this
I STRONGLY BELIEVE that instead of complaining about what soldiers are at what camps and which luxuries they have, that we should instead unite for our soldiers and pray for their safe returns…THEY ARE ALL DOING JUSTICE FOR THIS GREAT COUNTRY regardless of the food they eat or the number of showers they get a day. THANKS TO OUR MILITARY…EACH AND EVERY MAN AND WOMAN SACRIFICING THEIR LIVES FOR OUR COUNTRY AND IT’S CITIZENS!!!
By Ricky
June 23, 2005 06:40 AM | Link to this
Amen, Jessica. Combat has always been perceived to be easier for some more than others, one unit vs. the next. Everyone that has to go to war has to perform in the job and at the location they are assigned. The bottom line is the fact that all of the soldiers in Iraq are under a lot of stress and great danger as evident by the soldiers injured at the PX shuttle plaza at Camp Liberty shortly after the 48th arrived. I’m with you, thankful for every soldier there regardless of assignment. And, I pray for all of them daily. It will take all of the soldiers and units doing their assigned and trained job to accomplish this mission.
By Stacey
June 23, 2005 08:48 AM | Link to this
I feel everyone’s frustration but I think we need to remember that these soldiers are in a war. My husband is at St. Michaels which is a dangerous hole of a base. However, he will not be there for the entire 12 mos. They rotate out of their every 6 months because of the high stress and not so wonderful conditions. I wish all of his living conditions were better as well, but wishing is not going to change it. This is what war is about. Think back to other wars in time, did they really have all the comforts of home? I think not. Stay positive for your soldier and staying mad and upset is not going to help either of you. I just sent a 45lb package to Steve. I want him to have more than a MRE and mystery meat!!! Keep the faith, their time will come when they get to move to the country club base!!! I love you SSG Hullett!!! Prayers to you and all of the soldiers as well as the families.
By Helen Parks
June 23, 2005 09:15 AM | Link to this
My son is also in one of the camps in Iraq and the long hours that he and all the soldiers are working is just wearing them out and they can’t think or perform at their expected capacity if they are so drained. I love and I am so PROUD of you Spc. Jason Parks Bravo 2-121. I pray for all of our SOLDIERS SAFE RETURN!!!!!
By Amanda
June 23, 2005 12:40 PM | Link to this
To Ricky and Jessica, obviously you have never had to do without a hot meal or a shower. Try doing so in 120 degrees of hot weather and bullets flying at your head daily. It is those “little comforts” that make life better for our soliders. It benefits their moral and their energy to keep doing their jobs over there. If you would like I know several of them would gladly trade places with you! How about seeing things from their point of view instead of someone sitting in an air-conditioned room and a working bathroom two feet away. Proud wife of a soldier.
By Regina
June 23, 2005 02:33 PM | Link to this
its really sad that everyone here is starting to bicker with each other. no one soldier is any better than the other. i have a son over in the sand box too, and i care and love him very much. just remember they chose what they are doing. be much in prayer and pray all the time no matter where you are at. at your desk in your car mowing your lawn taking kids to ball game etc….may you all be blessed and GOD show favor to you all. lift each other up.
By Lisa
June 23, 2005 02:55 PM | Link to this
Amen Amanda! Just because we gripe about our soldiers living conditions doesn’t mean we aren’t banding together and praying for a safe return. I wake up in the middle of the night to reposition myself and I start praying for my husband, my brother-in-law, and other soldiers as well, but this is not Vietnam we are able to make conditions better for our soldiers. I personally want my husband to be showered, shaved, well fed, and rested before he goes out to patrol a place where he is getting shot at daily. Being refreshed could save their lives. After all it was just last week my husband was on a building for six days & nights straight, sleeping two hours on and two hours off. I don’t know how another person can say that this is acceptable conditions, after all this is 2005 and I want my husband refreshed before putting his life on the line. A SOLDIER’S LOVING WIFE
By Mike A
June 23, 2005 03:19 PM | Link to this
Hello & HOOOAAH to all of our brave troopers especially Spc. Mike Astuto. All of us back home love you guys and are proud of what you are doing over there! Scout out, Keep your heads down and stay safe!!!
By Ricky
June 23, 2005 03:41 PM | Link to this
I truly apologize for any comment that I made that may have seemed offensive or insensitive to the perils that our soldiers face daily. My point was simply that it takes every soldier doing his or her job well to accomplish a mission regardless of their specific assignment. The soldiers have no choice in their assignments but they all sacrifice and do their part in helping to keep us safe. I’m thankful for each of them whether Army, Navy deployed or not.
By Ricky
June 23, 2005 09:24 PM | Link to this
Amanda, This is in regards to your blog to Rick and Jessica. My husband (Rick) put in 32 yrs in the military. He started out a young enlisted man in the 82nd Airborne. When he got out of the Army he choose to join the Georgia Army National Guard and go to officer school. You can ask any of my husband’s men who were under him back then that if he asked young soldiers to dig a ditch..he was right next to them digging. My husband wouldn’t eat until he knew all of his men had eaten their meals, and if he was lucky he got a box of cereal with no milk once everyone was fed. When he was activated during Desert Storm he made sure his men got to call their wives, but he did not call me as much as I would have liked because he thought of his soldiers’ morale. As a proud retired army wife…I am proud of his service. Please make sure before you make comments you know what your talking about. Our (yours and mine and others) main concern is the morale of “our soldiers” who are over there. One went to Bosnia and when he came home he got out and is in college. The other is a soldier at Camp Stryker.
Proud mother of PFC Jonathan Bradford !!!
By KFP
June 25, 2005 01:45 AM | Link to this
Everyone please remember that your email addresses are shown, and that you are representing your Soldier with your posts. Let’s please not bicker.
Having a comments section is a wonderful thing. I love reading all of the supportive comments, especially from people who don’t even have a Soldier with the 48th BCT. It would be horrible if the AJC were to disable comments because of the arguing on here. Support your Soldier, and work within the FRG and Chain of Command, and leave this section for positive remarks, ok?
Stay Safe, 48th, and know that we love and support you all back home!
By S. Farrell
June 25, 2005 06:41 PM | Link to this
It is said that if a loved one complains loud enough your solider will be the one to suffer for it. I do not know if that is really true. However, I do know that we need to support every solider that is serving their country no matter where they may be. To the great soliders of the 48th—you are all HEROS. Strick hard, strick fast and stay safe. To my persona hero in the 48th-your family misses you and loves you. We can not wait until your safe return.
By Wayne Rhodes
July 3, 2005 05:13 PM | Link to this
I have a son and daughter-in-law at Camp Striker. They, after being pulled out of college, decided to get married prior to going to Iraq. I think we all probably have some concerns and questions that we would like answered. Nothing is ideal about this war on terror and no doubt some are using it to advance. However the men and women of the 48th are rising to the task and will do their jobs to the best of their abilities. Godspeed and God bless each one of them and their families.