AJC.com > Iraq coverage > Blog > Archives > 2005 > December > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USMen of the ‘Lost Company’ lift hopes
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Curtis Compton/AJC
Charlie Company soldiers patrol Dec. 13 through the Al-Ban Apartments, one of the poorest areas around Baghdad.
Abu Ghraib, Iraq — Not many years ago, they were high school students learning history, geography and civics at Cross Creek High School in Augusta.
Their teacher, Anthony Fournier, would sometimes issue an order or two: “Run to the library” or “Make a copy of this chapter for me.”
Now, Fournier’s orders are far more serious.
As the commander of Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 121st Infantry Regiment, Capt. Fournier has three of his former students — Spc. Joseph Noble, Spc. Patrick Walworth and Cpl. Wade Key — patrolling dangerous neighborhoods in the Abu Ghraib district of Iraq.
Noble was involved in a recent incident that ended with the shooting and killing of a drive-by gunman.
“I imagine it’s a little strange for them to be out here with their teacher,” Fournier said. “Sometimes I find myself out on a raid, and I’m in a room with just my guys. The same kid I used to send to the library is now carrying a [machine gun].”
Fournier commands about 150 men. The soldiers call themselves the “Lost Company” because since they arrived in Iraq last May, they have been separated from their parent unit, the Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Brigade Combat Team.
Charlie Company soldiers even had T-shirts made bearing the name they adopted.
Parceled out first to the 3rd Infantry Division, then to the 256th Brigade Combat Team from Louisiana and now to the 10th Mountain Division, Gainesville-based Charlie Company is the lone 48th Brigade unit stationed at Camp Liberty, a sprawling complex that hugs the Baghdad airport.
The soldiers said they have had little contact with brigade officials, now at Tallil Air Base in southeastern Iraq, or their friends in other units from Georgia. But Fournier said that has not necessarily been a bad thing.
“I think being attached to active-duty battalions has been great for the company,” he said. “We’re brushing shoulders with pretty esteemed divisions. And my men are holding their own and then some.”
In the seven months that Charlie Company soldiers have been at Liberty, they have patrolled impoverished east Abu Ghraib in their armored Bradley Fighting Vehicles, scouring the neighborhoods for insurgents.
Fournier said his soldiers have captured nine suspects in the past few weeks.
“Our informants are starting to give us accurate [intelligence] as they see us snatch the bad guys,” Fournier said, “and the informants see that their identity is staying secret.”
Since its arrival in Iraq, Charlie Company has been hit with more than 30 bombs and been involved in four rocket-propelled grenade ambushes and dozens of small arms and mortar attacks.
Caring for residents
The company lost one Bradley to what Fournier described as a “rather huge” roadside bomb.
“God watched over my men that day, as the blast was enough to push the engine through the armored hood,” he said.
Fournier said morale is high among his men: The company has 19 soldiers who have re-enlisted in the Guard, and six others have applied for a transfer to active duty following redeployment.
“I feel like a coach or like a father who has kids excelling at stuff,” Fournier said of the soldiers, some of whom he has known for 10 years. “It’s just a real good feeling.”
More than anything, though, Fournier said his soldiers know their job is more than just rounding up terror suspects.
“We want to show the people how soldiers act in a democracy by interacting with the local population,” he said.
Charlie Company has been building a reputation for doing just that. A medic who sometimes goes out on patrol with the Georgia soldiers described the unit as “very caring.”
On a typical patrol through an area known as White Gold — milk production from water buffaloes was once big business here — the soldiers stopped to hear the concerns of residents.
“How has it been since the election?” asked 1st Lt. Jeff Morgan, a Douglas County engineering inspector.
A group of men standing amid a heap of trash nodded their heads and replied: “Quiet. Good.”
A woman interrupted, pleading with the soldiers to take a look at her daughter.
“This happened a few years ago,” said Hamida Madloum, pointing to her 13-year-old daughter Amel Ali.
Amel flashed a big smile, but she had large scars on her face. Her left eye was closed. Her right eye was milky white.
Where her right forearm should have been was a stump.
Amel was playing with a grenade she found in a field when it exploded in her hands.
Morgan looked at Amel and her mother.
“Tell them,” he said to an interpreter, “next time I am out with a doctor, I’ll swing by and let her take a look at the girl.”
Up close and hopeful
Charlie Company went next to check on a diabetic man who had both legs amputated because of an infection. The right leg was taken off just weeks ago.
Ali Hassoun sat on a rug on the floor of the front room of his house. The smell of incense wafted through the open halls, overpowering the stench of garbage and cow dung outside.
Morgan handed a battery-powered stuffed hamster toy to Hassoun’s grandson as he asked Hassoun to unwrap his wound. He could tell Hassoun had not be dressing it properly: The bandages were stained with pus.
Morgan explained to the family why Hassoun’s leg had to be properly tended. In the background, the hamster played “I’m a Yankee Doodle Dandy” over and over.
The soldiers walked on through the dirty streets of White Gold, where the war had taken its toll.
Morgan surmised that trash pickup and proper sewage service was nonexistent because residents did not want to be identified with Americans and because of local government corruption.
“Everyone wants their uncle to get the garbage pick-up contract,” he said.
Still, Ibrahim Sabah Ali told Morgan that “everyone here is happy after the election.” He was hopeful the violence would wane.
Charlie Company soldiers were happy to hear optimism in Iraqi voices.
The sooner things settle down, the sooner they can go home, they told themselves.
A former Iraqi Embassy official echoed the thought. Faisal Solaybi al-Jumaili said now that the elections are over, Iraq is headed for change. Al-Jumaili had traveled to Abu Ghraib from Mansour, one of Baghdad’s wealthiest neighborhoods.
He opened up a plastic bag to show why. In it was a liter-size water bottle filled with fresh buffalo milk. He was pleased to have found White Gold.
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By Illinois Family
December 28, 2005 10:24 AM | Link to this
The real “lost company” is the Illinois 2-130 who have been completely ignored by media reports despite doing an absolutely outstanding job in Iraq this deployment. Illinois media seem to have forgotten that their own are overseas and the AJC is more interested in in-depth reporting on flighty cheerleaders in combat than in the many units from other states who are attached to the Georgia brigade. How about some respect and attention for the many fine men and women from outside Georgia who are working just as hard out there?
By Debby
December 28, 2005 11:33 AM | Link to this
WELL SAID I HAVE TO AGREE WHERE IS THE MEDIA
By Chris
December 28, 2005 12:04 PM | Link to this
If you recall the title of the article is labeled the “48th goes to war” not the 2-130. If you have a beef than talk to the IL newspapers about it. You wont find it here this is about the GA unit.
By Ga gal
December 28, 2005 12:36 PM | Link to this
Seeing’s how this is a Georgia newspaper…it seems fitting that the articles are about our soldiers. Maybe you should contact your news media about the situation. Not saying anything will not help the problem. GOOD LUCK!
By 1LT Bailey
December 28, 2005 01:07 PM | Link to this
I can’t imagine a “real lost company”. I don’t think any soldiers want media attention or things of that nature from “the media”. We just want to do our jobs and come home safely. C Co 1/121 is doing an outstanding job I am sure as is 2/130 Illinois Army National Guard. You provide the recognition when your soldiers return. It’s you we want recognition from, not the media. As for the media, well, I won’t comment on their role. We come home to you, not the media. 1LT Bailey Kandahar, Afghanistan
By PJ
December 28, 2005 01:58 PM | Link to this
Thank you for finally doing a story on Charlie Co. 2-22, these troops have hearts of Gold and Spirit and Courage to match. May God be with you and send Angels to guide and protect in your journey. Keep up to good work and come home safe. Hey there Sgt. Flynn you are in our hearts and prayers. Love you.
By Proud Yank
December 28, 2005 02:02 PM | Link to this
The reason they never mention the other units attached is because of how much better their performance has been compared to the Georgia units. Check with command leadership and they’ll confirm it. Maybe the AJC is just trying to keep up morale for the local units who are not up to snuff.
By 2-130
December 28, 2005 02:03 PM | Link to this
For those of you less informed, there are several GA soldiers attached to the 2-130 which is now part of the 48th for this deployment. Let’s be supportive of all of our soldiers, not just those from our hometown.
By My thoughts today
December 28, 2005 02:21 PM | Link to this
Paragraph 7 of this article::::
“The soldiers call themselves the “Lost Companyâ€? because since they arrived in Iraq last May, they have been separated from their parent unit, the Georgia Army National Guard’s 48th Brigade Combat Team.”
I think this to mean that the soldiers gave themselves the nickname - meaning the media did not dub them the lost company. A nickname so like a group of military to think of. They may think of themselves as ‘lost’ to their commanders but they are never forgotten. We, the people, know they are there.
Before someone jumps on this - I am not an avid fan of the media and I feel that all the units from all the states that are fighting in Iraq under the 48th GA Brigade banner should be individually recognized. However, there are not that many AJC correspondents in Iraq but there are many units. So, maybe each state that has a Guard unit there should have sent an imbedded journalist and photographer to cover those units. I have seen articles about units from other states. BTW - the unit in which my GA soldier resides has not be spotlighted either and believe me they are Georgians. However, I understand that it takes more than one or two people to cover the entire Brigade of more than 4000 men and women in many different units located in a big country (Iraq). Travel within country isn’t as free and easy as in the US. I only saw one article about the cheerleader. If she had been a he maybe that would have been ok????? Just wondering.
I admire and pray for the soldiers of the 48th and that means those from ALL of the states and Puerto Rico - the same as for our regular military and that means all of the military worldwide. THEY ALL ARE AMERICANS!!
Our family represents all five services during war and peacetime. Actually began in the Revolutionary war and respect for the military has been handed down to each generation. Without God and our military this country would not exist.
I am proud to be American and I am proud of our military services. When I read the articles about the help our soldiers are giving individual Iraqis it makes me think maybe this deployment is worthy. Maybe there is a worthy reason for it. I have personally had a hard time thinking we should be there but have always supported our troops. They are all heros in my heart and mind. May God keep them safe and may they return home soon. I will be there to meet them when they return the same as I was there to see them off. I believe there influence in Iraq will leave the many people there allies of the US.
1LT Bailey - I appreciate the effort of our military in Afghanistan, too. All of you are in my prayers night and day. Thank all of you for your service. May God keep ya’ll safe. I hope you understand ‘ya’ll’.
By Ga gal
December 28, 2005 04:25 PM | Link to this
Hey Proud Yank…If the Georgia units are “not up to snuff” as you put it, then bring my husband and his friends home. No one on here was cutting any other troops down, then you came along. Typical yank for ya.Always have a chip on the shoulder.
By Pat Pope
December 28, 2005 07:18 PM | Link to this
Just trying to find out if the 101st has a blog going yet since they replaced you at the potato factory. I’m trying to keep track of where my son is.
By Gabbi Kelly
December 28, 2005 08:20 PM | Link to this
I’m not trying be selfish, but I think the people who read this posting will understand. There is a soldier among the soldiers in iraq that I haven’t heard from sence 48th brigade combat team left from Georgia. This has left me very worried about them. Her name is CPT Rosa Kelly and she is my mom not because she gave birth to me(because she didn’t), but because she has played the role of a mom for me sence the summer of me entering into foster care. She has been the one person who was there to talk to and give advice(which proves that blood isn’t the only thing that makes a person family.) Sitting here for seven months without hearing anything from her has been extremly hard. So if anyone knows anything of the where abouts of this soldier please inform me. Thank You, Gabbi Kelly
By Burt
December 28, 2005 08:39 PM | Link to this
Thanks for the story on C Co. Keep up the good work guys and thanks for your dedication to this country. Also I’m sure if Proud Yank would save his comments for our soldiers when they return home, They would be more than happy to set him strait.
By C Co 1-121st
December 28, 2005 09:01 PM | Link to this
I myself am a soldier in Charlie Company and I have a few things to say:
First and foremost, let it be known that the 2-130 Illinois boys were some of the best men we have been with. They did their fare share of work on the streets of Abu Ghraib right along side of us.. If it weren’t for them ALOT of weapons caches would still be in the hands of the enemy and alot more IED’s would have been detonated on someone….While they may not be a Ga unit, they were attached from day 1 of this mobilization and as soon as we got to NTC, we were under them. When we arrived in Iraq, we were still under them. When the rest of brigade pulled out and left, they were still here with us alone. Then, they too left to go on to another duty station, still away from the 48th. In a sense they are “lost” just like us somewhere else. Either way, as I said, they may not be Georgians, but they took care of us as we did them and we owe them a moda of gratitude and attention.
I can imagine that it wouldn’t be easy for ANYONE to imagine a lost company, especially a soldier in another unit. It’s unheard of right? Well, let me just say this: Since our Brigade pulled out, not ONE single person from the 48th came to us at any point to let us know what was going on. The 48th’s take on the situation was that “C Co is now under 3rd ID…. They will take care of them.”.. Then it was 256, then it was 10th MTN. We never heard from our brigade on the individual level. No one knew what was happening with them. It took quite a while for us to even realize where they had gone to. When pay problems, promotions, awards etc, become issues due to the fact that no one knows who you directly fall under, there is a problem. You feel “Lost”. Hence, the media did not dub us the Lost Company, we did. It is not to be a literal thing. Of course we aren’t lost. But perhaps, if one was here, one would be able to understand what we mean.
I think a little recognition should also go out to A Co who was, for a while there, seperated out here in this area as well. I’ve heard nothing of their situation as of recently.
To all of you who send your prayers and support thank you from all of us here. It truly means alot.
To put it simply, we didn’t necessarily want to be in the media’s spotlight. We just want to do our job and go home safe and sound. HOWEVER, when the rest of brigade is being followed and recognized, a little recognition for the units, such as us and the 2-130 (and all others from Ill guard) and A Co who still run combat ops is a nice thing to have. thanks again for the support guys. J.
By Erin
December 28, 2005 09:15 PM | Link to this
I think that it is wrong to make snide remarks about the soldiers. Does it really matter what they done in high school? So, the AJC wrote a report on a female soldier who didn’t exactly fit into the normal mold? Who is any one to criticize her? It’s not her fault they picked her to do a story on and her sacrafice is no less large because she was a cheerleader, if she was. And why is some one claiming that the GA units aren’t “up to snuff” with the other units? Charlie Co. of the 1st and 121st is performing as well as if not better than active counterparts. What good does it do any one to make cuts at any of the units? They all do a commendable job and deserve only our support. I don’t understand why people are arguing over such trivial things when what they should be doing is praising the troops for the things they give up each day. God bless each soldier serving in Iraq and Afghanistan right now and may they all come home soon to their loved ones.
By Bill Thorne
December 29, 2005 08:52 AM | Link to this
Grunts don’t care about where his feloow grunt is from as long as he is a part of his unit.
Units are comprised of men (and women) from all over this country and sometimes foreign countries. It’s the collective we that makes the UNIT a unit.
There are always lost companys during combat operations; history sows us that in Korea there were many lost companys and other small units. Lost is term used by Soldiers and Marines when detached from their parent unit and working with another unit, because it’s like being away from your family and wondering what the rest of the “guys” are doing. It’s not really negative situation.
Imagine, “C” Co. from GA attached to a New York unit; who would of tunk it. They are getting the job done and I’m proud of them all IL, NY, GA, SC, NC, NJ, CA, etc. the uniforms are the same. and the checks are sign by the same Secretary of Defense. The Commander in Chief for all is the same guy.
Give them the equipment they need to get the job done.
Lt. Bailey is right, the support EVERY SOldier, Marine, Airman, Sailor, Coast Guardsman, and Civilian Contractors is looking for is a WARM welcome home and someone to say, I appreciate what you have done and all that you have gone through. That is support!
Be prepared to do that and they will all appreciate you. I know, it wasn’t there when we return a number of decades ago, but it was areal good feeling when someone came out and said it.
Semper Fidelis!
By Karen
December 29, 2005 12:20 PM | Link to this
I am proud of all of our military in Iraq. Not one of them over there is less or more than another. It really disappoints me to read comments from people here that are obviously bitter towards other units or states. People grow up. The AJC is doing an outstanding job and if you have a problem with it, find another newspaper to read, please. Don’t post remarks on here belittling any soldier or unit. They have access to this, too. The soldiers are half a world away, risking their lives daily for our nation. Yet, when they come here, they have to read comments from some people that can only be damaging to morale.
By 2-130 Where are you?
December 29, 2005 08:14 PM | Link to this
I’ve been reading about Puerto Rican troops, Louisiana troops, and Rhode Island Troops. Let’s give some recognition to the 2-130. I have family in 2-130—and he’s from GEORGIA. I thought the Illinois guys (who he thinks are great) were attached to the Georgia guys. But maybe only 2 or 3 Georgia soldiers are with the 2-130. One way or the other, they watch out for each other and protect each other. I appreciate the Charlie soldier telling what all they have done. They served “outside the wire” the entire time they were in Baghdad. Give them some recognition before they come home.
By Jenni
December 30, 2005 07:14 AM | Link to this
To Gabbi Kelly: I am so sorry that you have not heard from your mother…just remember in the military, no news is good news. Also, I realize it is hard; hard enough to go a few days or weeks. You are in my prayers. I hope you hear FROM or ABOUT her soon!!!
By Sgt, Mark C. Kuenzi
December 31, 2005 12:27 AM | Link to this
WE say we are lost because are chain of command from Georgia has not come around to check up on us at ALL, the other day when the General was here we all think it was because of the media attention that baby Nora is getting. we got more support from 2-130th when they were here then anybody else, THAT IS WHY WE SAY WE ARE LOST OR IS IT FORGOTTEN
By James H. Glen, Jr
December 31, 2005 04:46 PM | Link to this
What a morale booster the compassion afforded baby Noor is to us here at home! What an example to all Georgians you are! This action reflects extermely favorably on us at home. You are the pride of Georgia! Thanks for a wonderful Christmas present.
By Dee
January 4, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
I am really disappointed in the comment that C Co is not up to snuff and that is why they are being spotlighted. They are very much up to snuff. They have been requested by active duty units since they arrived in country, that is why they are “lost”. My Guard unit spent a year over there. My son deployed with Charlie Co 4 days shy of a year of my being home and when 3 out of 4 of our companies moved from south Iraq to north Iraq, there was much confusion and problems, having one of our companies attached to an active duty unit and not under the parent unit’s control. Pay problems, etc, like were mentioned in an earlier blog, mail getting lost because of different address changes, that is why they feel lost.
Do not disparage my son or the rest of his unit, or those of us who have been there already and come home. Conditions there are horrible and for them to come and read that folks at home do not feel they are up to snuff is just not right. If you feel you could do better, please enlist and serve your time, but do not run our soldiers into the ground. They are doing an outstanding job in incredibly dangerous conditions. Our unit came home with no Purple Hearts! Unfortunately, this unit will not be able to say that. Why don’t you pray for their safe return instead of running them into the ground?
By Jenni
January 5, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this
Dee…I heard these same things about the conditions that C Co. is facing from 1Lt. Jeff Morgan (my boyfriend). I really thought that he had to be exaggerating until I saw the photos and heard about it from others (including his son who is also over there). It is a shame that they have to live in these “sewers” but more unfortunate that the Iraqi people live like this ALL the time. Jeff told me over and over that they want so bad to clean up and build sewer systems to make these communities more comfortable. I have to come to realize that unless you leave the States and visit or live in other countries, you don’t realize HOW GOOD we have it here. We have so much to be thankful for and take it all for granted.
After Jeff left, I felt guilty that I am living the way I am living while he and all the others serving over there sleep wherever they happen to be…ground, back of a tank, etc. AND…the innocent people of Iraq live in slums. I am so glad that these stories have brought to life some of the problems the Iraqis are facing. I am proud that Americans have poured out their hearts and hope that they continue. I pray that those who whine and complain NEVER have to deal with poverty but feel they need to experience it in order to be thankful for what WE are blessed with in this country.
I am glad that they are continuing to cover this story…if for no other reason than the soldiers over there want so badly to keep up with her progress. Jeff asked me to keep him up-to-date on how she is doing. I sent the printed articles to him through mail; TV news segment links in my emails; and updates over the phone. Unfortunately, I don’t get much contact from him but at least I can contact him through email and snail mail.
Most people don’t realize how difficult it is on a family to have a relative that is serving. (Don’t interpret that as a complaint. I support EVERYTHING he does and CHOSE this life.) The ajc.com has provided something that most, if not; all other locales don’t have…a constant source of information on the 48th Brigade. How soon we forget that this doesn’t include the other branches of service. I am so thankful for the coverage and my heart goes out to those who don’t have this information on their loved ones…Marines, Air Force, Navy…not covered.
I know that in the past, there was no ajc.com and no coverage of the war. It took months for a letter to reach a loved one serving or at home. I can’t imagine having to go through that and thank the AJC for giving us a link to our men and women over there.
Jenni (Lt. CJ Morgan’s girlfriend and BIGGEST fan)