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DEL.ICIO.USBlackhawk flights hone in on sniper posts, Saddam weapons site
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Forward Operating Base St. Michael, Iraq — A dozen staff members of the 1st Battalion, 108th Armor Regiment had something akin to a 45-minute out-of-body experience when a pair of UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters took them skimming over the area the Georgia soldiers’ will soon be patrolling.
With the side doors off, the soldiers had a breezy, unobstructed view of the 40-square kilometer area where they plan to live, work and fight for the next 12 months.
As the helicopters flew low Wednesday afternoon over the palm trees, power lines, neighborhoods, canals and the impoverished villages south of Baghdad, soldiers marked potential trouble spots on paper maps. The whole purpose of the aerial reconnaissance was to learn the area and spot places where insurgents might ambush them or hide bombs.
Afterward, Capt. Scott Jackels, commander of the 108th’s Bravo Company, said he was encouraged.
“Now that I’ve seen the terrain, our task seems less daunting,” said Jackels, a DeKalb County police officer. “I know I can put my tanks just about anywhere they might have to go.”
Capt. Brad Buek (pronounced “Book”), a full-time National Guardsman from Chattanooga, Tenn., who spends most of his working hours inside the battalion headquarters, said the flight made the area real to him.
“It’s more than just a picture on a map now,” he said. “It’s a known quantity. I’ve got a better idea of exactly what our patrols encounter when they go out.”
The 108th’s area is marked by stunning contrasts: Mud huts with satellite TV receivers; the emerald Euphrates River, palm trees and irrigated farmland next to parched desert where shepherds, goats and donkeys roam while multi-million dollar, computerized helicopters fly overhead.
The soldiers flew over a vast Saddam-era ammunition factory and storage area that had been ripped apart with savage precision twice in the past 14 years - the 1991 gulf war and again during the 2003 invasion.
Acre upon acre of seemingly impregnable cement buildings surrounded by sand berms were smashed and vacant. The skeletal structures that still stood had telltale holes in the roofs marking where bombs had hit, strewing rubble on all sides.
There were obvious environmental problems, too. Raw sewage flows directly into canals and streams and garbage, abandoned vehicles and industrial waste are strewn haphazardly across the landscape. Still, the soldiers saw flocks of doves, pigeons, egrets, ducks and geese proliferating in the harsh environment.
This area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers is reputed to have been the site of the Garden of Eden. There are verdant farm fields, and every place that has water is lush and green. Buek, who grew up on a Kansas farm, said he was impressed by the ingenuity of the Iraqi canal builders.
“They really do a good job of moving the water around,” he said. “Not only is it channeled, but they rotate the irrigation system for different crops at different times of the year. That’s not easy.”
Buek said there was only one thing he regretted about the flight.
“The thing I really hate about flying helicopters is that, when I get down, I think, ‘Geez, maybe I should have been an aviator,’” he said.
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By Ceretta
June 9, 2005 02:49 PM | Link to this
I would like to thank you for your informative site. I would also like to send a thank you out to the 48th BCT — let those frome 2/121 know that we are praying for them and that we love them.
By Amy Price
June 9, 2005 03:23 PM | Link to this
I check this site multiple times daily to hopefully get a shred of information about my husband and what is going on. Thank you for all you guys are able to tell the families back home. Any bit of news I see is something I can have to feel more connected to my dearly missed husband. SPC. Joseph Price I love you!!! Take care as always and stay safe for me! My prayers are with you and the 48th brigade daily. Godspeed.
Your wife, Amy
By Sissy May
June 9, 2005 10:15 PM | Link to this
Correction Dave: They will live there for the next 11 months. Sgt.K’s WIFE
By Debra
June 9, 2005 10:55 PM | Link to this
My name is Debra Williams and my family and I are saying a lots of prayers for our soldiers. My Brother-in-law (SGT. Franklin Roaderick is in tne 48th. We are very proud of him, but worry about his safety constantly. He hasn’t been married to my sister long , but he fits right in and is wonderful to her, her children ,and grandchildren , so we appreciate all the prayer we can get and also we pray for all soldiers, they all are someones loved one. They are very brave , and we are so proud of them
By Spc. Darren M. Ewards
June 10, 2005 02:54 AM | Link to this
I would to say hello from Iraq. And thanks to all my family and friends and fellow employees at Philips Arena and Atlanta Spirit Group. Thanks for all your support, thoughts and prayers. 108th Cav Troop E, Griffin, GA.
By william pack
June 10, 2005 07:30 AM | Link to this
To all the 48th we here at home love you all and soon your come home to use we are thanking of you. So be safe and see you soon. Mark your family loves you and we are waiting for your return.
By James
June 10, 2005 08:41 AM | Link to this
My wife was in Iraq last year, I was nervous and proud about her being there at the same time. All the men and women of the 48th and all the other units deployed worldwide keeping us safe deserve to be in our prayers and thoughts. You all make me so very proud to be an Amercian. I salute you all great sldiers of America!
By Candace
June 11, 2005 12:59 PM | Link to this
Which brand of flea collars work best for protection against the pesty sand fleas there? I was told my nephew (48th member, based at St. Michael) has to attach flea collars to his bedding. What is used for protection during the time the soldiers are up and about on duty?
Mr. Hirschman, Thanks for your help. Candace
By dede
June 11, 2005 06:03 PM | Link to this
Thanks a million times over for these updates. I don’t miss a day, it helps so much to hear and see what is going on. My husband is currently at Camp Stryker, I am looking foward to some stories and pictures from where half of my heart is at. As always GOD bless our troops; past, present and future. And God bless America. Dede in Savannah Georgia
By karyn s
June 12, 2005 12:42 AM | Link to this
just wondering about the flea collars also. God Bless You ALL. My brother is over their too. Thanks all of you for telling us the info you have given. Karyn S.
By Karyn Sc
June 12, 2005 12:55 AM | Link to this
I just want to wish Sgt.David Church a HAPPY late 25th BIRTHDAY:)!!!! {06-09} You will be getting your gift a little late. SORRY. I’m praying for you and your squad every day. 1-121st I LOVE YOU & take care Little / BIG brother. From Dallas, Georgia. Karyn Sc.
By Karyn Sc
June 12, 2005 01:03 AM | Link to this
This is for Sgt.David Church. 1-121st HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDY 06/09. Hope you had a good day. Sorry this is late getting to you. Your gift is on the way. Hope you like it. You are ALL in my prayers. I LOVE YOU be safe and take care. Love, your big sis, Karyn Dallas, Georgia 06/11/05