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DEL.ICIO.US‘Another day in the office’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Tal Afar, Iraq — Every soldier sitting in the right rear passenger’s seat on the patrol takes a card. One will draw death.
The ritual that 2nd platoon of Hotel Company goes through before it heads out to the Syrian border is all in jest — a moment of black infantry humor. Only once has the holder of the death card — the highest drawn — actually been wounded.
Today, the high card is the ace of hearts, and it belongs not to Hotel Company but a soldier riding in a fuel truck the platoon is escorting. The unlucky lad draws a roar of laughter.
Then everyone gets down to serious business. The Georgia men help each other put on their battle rattle — pounds and pounds of body armor, protective shoulder and arm shields, helmet, ammunition rounds.
They don’t forget the game face.
“Another day in the office,” they yell.
“It’s go time, ladies!”
The terrain in northern Iraq around the Sinjar Mountains is without vegetation, without undulation. It is without pity for the weak under summer’s searing sun and in the chill of night in winter.
Many of the soldiers prefer to wear the old-style Army desert camouflage rather than the new digital green uniforms. In this sea of sand, they don’t want to be seen. That is doctrinally what a long range surveillance company does: hide.
They burrow into dirt holes — and here, at border forts — surveying the land before them. The naked eye sees nothing but tan earth meeting blue sky on the horizon.
However, the soldiers of Company H, 121st Infantry (ABN)(LRS) have sophisticated equipment like a LRASSS, a Long Range Advanced Scout Surveillance System mounted on a Humvee that enables soldiers to see miles ahead.
At Forward Operating Base Sykes, Company H headquarters consists of a simple plywood structure but it is anything but shoddy inside. A large flat video screen is posted on one wall to watch black and white aerial images transmitted back from planes. They see people on the move — in cars, on mules and on foot.
On the opposite side of the room sits a bank of radios. Without communication, information is useless and Company H has an entire platoon dedicated to “commo.”
The Army has only five such specialized units — Fort Gillem-based Company H of the Georgia Army National Guard is one of them. They aren’t exactly James Bonds of the desert but their task is to look across the sand berms that separate Iraq from Syria and pick up any activity. They often work in tandem with the Iraqi Border Police.
President Bush has blamed the 400 miles of porous borders here for infiltration of armaments and foreign insurgents into Iraq.
“You can call this the wild, wild West out here,” says Maj. Thomas Burket, commander of Task Force Specter, which includes Company H as well as a private Florida firm that provides the aerial scanning and a small element of Army intelligence experts.
It’s wild because of unforgiving terrain and insurgent activity and because every Iraqi household is entitled to an AK-47 assault rifle. Burket leads prayer for the 40 Company H men going out on patrol.
“Lord, protect us during our mission today. … Just get us out there and back safe.”
The area here is by no means as violent as Baghdad or Ramadi, but just a few days ago Company H soldiers were hit by a makeshift bomb, known as an improvised explosive device.
In their traditional surveillance role, the Georgia soldiers, many of them airborne and elite Ranger school graduates, would consider their mission a failure if they were seen and got caught in a firefight.
During World War II, soldiers like these went in behind enemy lines by land, air and sea to gather information. On D-Day, they placed radio beacons and lights on the ground so that allied planes knew where to drop soldiers.
But Iraq is not conventional warfare.
Second platoon’s mission is to follow up on intelligence reports about planned movement tonight. First Lt. Shiloh Crane and his men have orders to catch the border-crossers from Syria. Just as weather has a say in how a battle will be fought, so does the enemy, says Burket. Meteorologists predict weather. Long range surveillance companies help predict enemy patterns.
Some day, unmanned aerial vehicles capable of doing surveillance without endangering human life could be all that the Army uses to keep watch on enemy lines, Burket says. For now in Iraq, soldiers from Georgia are kissing the sands near Syria.
As the men of Company H roll out of the base in a parade of heavily armored military vehicles, their commander Capt. Kenneth Hutnick salutes and bids adieu. Hutnick will be there, too, when his men return — all 40 of them.
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| Louie Favorite/AJC |
| First Lt. Shiloh Crane briefs his platoon before starting their mission. The tattoo on the soldier in the foreground is for LRS, long range surveillance, and says “Eyes On the World” in Latin. Many soldiers in this platoon, including the officers, have it. The mission took them near the Syrian border, about 65 miles away. |
Permalink | Comments (41) | Categories: Reports from Iraq
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By Doty Wells
March 5, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
God bless our soliders and Co. H in which my brother, Tim Wilder, is in! Guys come home safe and we love you!
By EW
March 5, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
God please watch over these incredibly brave men and women, they are all the true heroes of today. When I hear people ask whats wrong with some of todays youth I can’t help but think of these soldiers and feel safer just knowing the dedication they have for freedom and standing up for what is right.
By Ken Hutnick
March 5, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
A week ago my son, Capt. Ken Hutnick returned to his Company in Iraq. The reports back to the AJC have been very comforting. Even as he left there was the news that several more of our sons or daughters have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It is polticians that begin wars, but its the military that fight and win them, sometime to see politicians loose them. Let’s pray that does not happen this time.
By BC
March 5, 2007 3:47 PM | Link to this
Thank You to all our men and women in armed services fighting for our rights. God Bless You and we are praying for you each and every day, please come home safe.
By Michael
March 5, 2007 3:54 PM | Link to this
keep up the great work. many thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
By Nicole Mansfield
March 5, 2007 3:56 PM | Link to this
I am so thankful and proud that we have such brave soldiers protecting our country! My prayer is that God will bless and protect you all.
By roman
March 5, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
Keep up teh good work boys.
By Chris
March 5, 2007 4:21 PM | Link to this
It seems that the public is starting to get more and more information about what is really going on in Iraq. It’s really sad to hear about a loss of a young man serving this country. Someone asked me if I knew why we were still over there fighting and I honestly could not answer that question. That’s scary.
You hear about the war on terroism but are we the only country fight this war. I know were not but this is really taking a toll on our troops. TV specials along with newspaper article tell the horror about war. My god, I take my hat off to those troops fighting.
God please allow them to come home soon.
By GB in McDonough
March 5, 2007 4:29 PM | Link to this
To all U.S. soldiers and particularly those who serve in Iraq or who have served in Iraq - thanks. You folks are the best.
By Sam Hern
March 5, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
My wife, Lenora and I are the proud parents of Ryan Hern of the 2nd Platoon. We have gotten to know some of these brave men over the last several years. They are a fine example of what is right with this country. Gpd Bless Them and Bring Them Home Safely!
By Darren in the Springs
March 5, 2007 6:18 PM | Link to this
I grew up in Rome, but have not lived in Georgia for almost 18 years now. It is good to read the positive remarks about the men and women in uniform. It has been surprising to me, here in Colorado Springs, how many people around here will try to bash Bush or the troops for what is going on. Almost everyday here we get news about a soldier from Fort Carson being injured or killed. The Army units here have one of the highest casualty rates since everything started over 5 years ago. I am in the Air Force stationed at Peterson AFB. Fortunately I do not know anyone who has been killed, but there are several I know who have been injured. Keep up the prayers for everyone, and thanks again.
By Patti Orsi
March 5, 2007 6:47 PM | Link to this
Our son, Tony, is serving with H Company, 3rd Platoon. He is 20 years old, we are very proud of him and miss him very much. We are so glad the AJC has decided to assign a reporter with this Company. The stories have brought us closer to our loved one even though he is so far away. Thank you Moni for taking on this assignment - we love your writing style!
By Avery, 12 and Rachel, 9
March 5, 2007 7:29 PM | Link to this
SPC Tim Wilder is our daddy and we think he is the greatest!!! We miss him very much and hope our troops come home safe! God Bless them all!
WE LOVE OUR DAD!
By Frank Sarsfield
March 5, 2007 7:47 PM | Link to this
It’s nice to see a war correspondent at work. Thanks for going out there in the dark danger and getting us this story.
By Vicki Johnson
March 5, 2007 9:44 PM | Link to this
God Bless you all! You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. Please come home safe! We are so proud of you.
By Judy Putnam
March 6, 2007 8:26 AM | Link to this
Moni: Thank you so much for the recent articles on Company H. My son, Alan Putnam, is a member of the commo platoon. He spent his 21st birthday in Iraq, certainly not what I intended when I gave birth to him. We’re proud of him and miss him dearly. He’s due home the first two weeks of May for a leave. We can’t wait to see him. He has a motorcycle that he’s itching to ride. Thank you again for your stories. I’ve passed them along to the family and friends. We’re all praying all of the soldiers return to their families in good health and spirit.
Sincerely, Judy Putnam Alan’s mom
By Traci Pate
March 6, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
I love reading these articles!! They certaintly are making us feel involved in the day to day lives of our brave soldiers of Co H. God Bless ALL of you. I miss you Garrett and love you dearly!! I cannot wait for you to come home.
By ANGIE (YFA)& JEFF
March 6, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this
WE ARE SO THANKFUL TO ALL OF OUR BRAVE SOILDERS!! MY NEPHEW, CHARLES FELTMAN (MFN) IS IN COMPANY H & WE ARE SO PROUD OF HIM! WE ARE THANKFUL TO YOU ALL FOR THE SACRIFICE AND YOU ARE ALWAYS IN OUR PRAYERS!!
By Tracey Howard
March 6, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
We are so proud of Company H. My brother Calvin Eschete is a Sgt. in 2nd platoon. What a great bunch of guys.He was home for 2 weeks after Christmas and when he left we had the opportunity to spend the day at the airport with those returning and loved them all. Hello Plante, Hunt and Wilder. We thought they were great and Im glad to know if my brother has to be there, that hes there with them. They watch each others back. God bless you all and may you all return home safely. Tracey
By Janet Hardy
March 6, 2007 4:20 PM | Link to this
My son, Sgt. Calvin Eschete, is a proud member of Co H, 2nd platoon. As a former flight attendant with an airline that transports the troops, I have met many wonderful soldiers, and a few from Co H. When we were at the airport getting ready to send him back to Iraq, I met several of his good friends, and I know now who watches his back. Wilkes, Mcentyre, Hunt, Plante, Wilder, and too many to name. It is obvious they are a great team. Thank you, and God Bless you all.
By Joe Stewart
March 6, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
My son Sgt Jeff Stewart is on his second tour in Iraq with H Company 3rd platoon. His mother and I and his wife are very proud of him. God bless the company and keep them safe.
By Devin Shaner
March 6, 2007 5:41 PM | Link to this
As a former Company H soldier, I am glad to see that the men are getting to do their job. I pray for the guys every night. I was in 3rd PLT, and was deployed with the unit the first time. Its nice to see that they are better equipped this time. I’m sure they appreciate it also.
Reporters, keep up the good work of keeping the public informed about their welfare. It’s nice to read about the guys served with.
By Angie
March 6, 2007 7:55 PM | Link to this
My husband is a Co H. soldier and I am so very proud of him. Me and the kids saw him in the video “on the job” and our hearts filled with so much pride. We miss him very much and look forward to him coming home soon! God bless all of the Co H. soldiers and the families they have left behind. Every day is a sacrifice for them and we support them every step of the way!
By Mike
March 6, 2007 8:47 PM | Link to this
Good to see the spirits up.
I graduated from OCS with the CO shown in that slideshow, cant really think of a better soldier & officer to lead the unit.
Good Luck to all and Thank You for your service.
By rhughes
March 7, 2007 12:26 AM | Link to this
My husbamd is in the middle of his 3rd tour over in Iraq. I can’t say enough about him, his unit, and all the other sodiers fighting over seas for freedom. We take forgranted our freedom here - just imagin were we would be without it. I thank every soldier and thier family, because without them where would we be!?
By Rod Stewart
March 7, 2007 5:55 PM | Link to this
My son Logan is a member of company H and has just returned to Iraq after having served for six months on his first tour. I am pleased to see the AJC write some positive stories about our boys in Iraq. Come home safe Logan
Dad
By Kristen Hendrickson
March 7, 2007 8:15 PM | Link to this
My husband is Spc. Charles Hendrickson with this group of soldiers. His sacrifices will never be forgotten. We all are waiting paitently for your safe return. We are praying for all of you and are so very very proud.
By Paige Atkinson
March 8, 2007 1:04 PM | Link to this
My husband, CPL Jason Atkinson is a member of Co. H, and this is his first tour in Iraq. Since 9/11 he has wanted nothing more than to be where he is now. Jason, I want to tell you I love you with all my heart, and I am so very proud of your dedication to and love for your country. The girls and I miss you dearly, and we can’t wait to see you. To all the other members of Co. H, thank you for your sacrfice. Keep up the good work. HOOAH!
By Gary Atkinson
March 8, 2007 3:36 PM | Link to this
Jason, I am so proud of what you are doing for this great country of ours. May God bless and keep you and all your comrades in His loving care.
Dad
By Billdbm
March 9, 2007 1:40 AM | Link to this
I liked your web site and indeed your music.
http://cgp.gourl.org
By Ed Orr
March 9, 2007 9:33 AM | Link to this
re: Georgians @ War Few know there are 4 yankees, all from Massachusetts in Company H. One of them, Sean, is home on R&R and I will be seeing him tonight at the Legion Post. From what we have heard Company H is a great unit and our guys from Massachusetts are proud to be in the same unit with the Georgians.
Ed - American Legion Post #183, past Commander
By Jim Waldron
March 9, 2007 3:11 PM | Link to this
I enjoyed the news coverage and the pictures. My son, Capt Matthew H. Waldron is the Communications platoon leader. He is Texan by birth and was reactivated after his second year of Georgetown Uni Law. The pictures and stories help me to keep him in my heart. He is doing what he believes in and I am so very proud of him. A proud Dad
By Marinell Jones
March 10, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this
I am County President of Ford County Home Extension in Illinois. We started a troops collection Project and it has grown far beyond our expectations. We sent Charles Feltman a box twice, In Ford County we continue to pray for and support all of our troops and send boxes to as many as we can. Right now we need more names/addresses of troops who need boxes. If anyone out there has any names or a way I can get names, please e-mail me at : marinelljones@yahoo.com and put troops collection project in the subject line. Marinell Jones
By Stacey
March 10, 2007 8:28 PM | Link to this
God Bless all of you that are over there fighting for our country. We are all so proud of you guys and gals. Come home soon and keep safe, especially you,Tim Wilder. We all miss you very much and love you. The girls said hello.
By Abby
March 11, 2007 5:34 PM | Link to this
My husband, Spc. Joshua Morgan, never complains. We are so proud of him and his sacrafice for our country. We miss him terribly and are very excited about his SAFE return!! WE LOVE YOU JOSH!!
By Diane
March 11, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this
My son Spec. Josh Morgan serves with 2nd Platoon. He is a great person and we love and miss him very much. The people at our church pray not only for Josh but for all the men of H Company. Take good care of each other, and come home knowing how proud we are of you!
By Rhonda
March 13, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this
My nephew SPC Charles Feltman serves with 2nd Plattoon Co H and we are so proud of you and the other soldiers serving this great nation. Our prayers are with each and every soldier and the familes that are left behind. Charles you are my HERO! I am also the leader for girlscout Troop 6053 out of Dallas, GA and we have collected over 100 boxes of girl scout cookies to send to all of the soldiers in Co H 121st. Let us know when you recieve them and Enjoy. Hooah!
By Melissa & David
March 13, 2007 11:36 PM | Link to this
Our son SPC Andrew Prater serves with 2nd Plattoon Co H as a Medic. We are very pround of him and all of our guys in CO H. Stay Safe and we look forward to all of you returning home. God Bless You All!
By Priscilla
March 15, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this
I didn’t want to embarass my husband (Lt Crane) by writing too much but I blew that today (gumby article blog). Anyway, we are so proud of him and I know our friends and family are, too. Our phone rang off the hook the entire day this article was published in the newspaper. We are all so proud of you. I am crazy in-love with you and I am so lucky I married my hero! Your loving and faithful wife, Priscilla
To the men of Co. H and especially 2nd platoon, you and your families are always in my prayers.
To Moni and Louie, you are both very brave for going over and covering our soldiers lives. It’s nice to see that some people care enough about the individual soldiers that are making such sacrafices to put a face and a name to them for the American public to learn about. It is also nice to have a way to tell the American public that we support our soldiers and our President. Keep up the good work and stay safe.
By Tracey
March 16, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
Priscilla, you shouldnt have anything to be embarassed about. You stood up for what you believe in and not enough people here in the US do that these days. Besides that guy was a JERK! If anything I`m sure your husband was very proud. My brothers also in the 2nd and he was proud of the short paragraph I wrote. They like when we stick up for them. Someone has to. They know we love and appreciate them all!
By Art &Ana Alvarado
March 19, 2007 7:45 PM | Link to this
We are the proud parents of Sgt. 1st Class Claudia Twiss. She is currently serving in Iraq and we along with her brothers and sisters miss her very much, We pray for her and all the other servicemen and women to come home safely. Claudia has 3 children, Christian 7, Korben Issaih 4, and Alayna Jae almost 2. Her husband,S.Sgt Jason Twiss,is currently serving in Iraq as well. We are very proud of our daughter for serving our country, 3rd time overseas 2nd in Iraq, the dedica-tion she has and sacrifices she has made will never be forgotten. We miss you sweetheart y que Dios te bendiga a todo momento……..Mom and Dad.