The Board of Directors
of the
173d Airborne Brigade
National Memorial Foundation
proudly announces that the
Dedication of the Memorial
will take place
at 10:00 A.M.
Tuesday, 1 June, 2010.
The Memorial is located at the
National Infantry Foundation
Museum and Soldier Center
(1775 Legacy Way, Columbus, Georgia).
For more information about the Dedication,
or to find out how to contact us, please visit the
173d Airborne Brigade National Memorial Foundation website at www.173dairbornememorial.org
To arrange for hotel accommodations, please go to www.visitcolumbusga.com and click on “Accommodations.”
The National Infantry Foundation and
The National Infantry Museum Staff
are extremely busy with their primary duties.
PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THEM
WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DEDICATION!
Directions to the National Infantry Museum
National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
1775 Legacy Way
Columbus, Georgia 31903
From the north:
From Interstate 85 South, take exit 21 to I-185 South to Columbus. Take exit 1B and merge onto US 431/US 280/Victory Drive. Turn left onto Fort Benning Road and continue to park entrance.
From the south:
From Interstate 85 North, take exit 62 for US 431/US 280. Continue right toward Columbus US 431/US 280. Turn right onto County Road 27. Turn right onto Fort Benning Road and continue to park entrance.
Note: If you are using a GPS use the address 3800 South Lumpkin Road, Columbus, Georgia 31903
Although the Foundation plans to start construction of the Monument in July 2009, additional donations are needed to reach our fundraising goal.
Checks should be made out to the 173d Memorial Foundation and mailed to the Memorial Foundation, 1160 Lake Royale, Louisburg, NC 27549. Alternatively, if you would like to use a credit card to make a donation, please visit our website at www.173dairbornememorial.org and follow the simple instructions using Paypal. The Foundation is a 501(C)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible and will be acknowledged.
From Stars and Stripes
Vicenza NCO receives Silver Star for saving lives in Afghan ambush
Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett pins the Silver Star on Staff Sgt. Conrad Begaye during a ceremony Tuesday on Caserma Ederle in Vicenza, Italy. Begaye was honored for his actions in a battle near Aranas, Afghanistan, in which five fellow soldiers and a Marine were killed VICENZA, Italy — Staff Sgt. Conrad Begaye knew he and his men were in trouble. Ambushed near Aranas, Afghanistan, on Nov. 9, 2007, the soldiers were caught in a well-planned crossfire and needed to find cover. Though he had been shot in the arm, Begaye took a minute to consider his options. "It was almost like time stood still," he said Tuesday after receiving the Silver Star for his efforts that day. "The only real option I had was over the cliff." So he started down into a steep ravine, telling his men to follow. "We were sliding down and the whole time we were still taking accurate fire," he said. Several soldiers were wounded on the way down and one was killed. But the rest survived to fight on. Once Begaye and his men found adequate cover, he treated the wounded, called in mortar support and rallied other soldiers who were farther back in the convoy to hold their positions. Mortar fire and reinforcements eventually drove the enemy from the field. Five soldiers and one Marine died in the battle. Begaye, the ranking soldier after his platoon leader was killed in the initial attack, said he’ll wear his medal in honor of those who didn’t make it. "I really don’t know how I feel about getting a medal for just doing my job," he said. "So this medal’s not for me, but for the guys who died that day." Maj. Gen. William B. Garrett, who presented Begaye with the medal, told those gathered on Hoekstra Field that the native of Black Canyon City, Ariz., deserved the recognition. "Outnumbered, wounded, initially pinned down in an enemy kill zone, he didn’t hesitate to jump forward," Garrett said. "Today, we honor an NCO whose bold action turned the tide of battle and saved the day." Garrett noted that the ceremony was just a few days before July 4, a day when Americans celebrate Independence Day. "Freedom isn’t free at all," he said. "Our freedom has been bought by the sacrifices of American soldiers." Begaye was a member of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment. Twenty-four soldiers from the battalion died during 14 months in Afghanistan. The battle near Aranas was one of the deadliest of the tour. He’s currently a member of Vicenza’s Warrior Transition Unit, though he has recently re-enlisted and hopes to join the 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team’s headquarters before its next deployment. He’s married to Air Force Staff Sgt. Idellia Beletso, a flight medic stationed at nearby Aviano Air Base. She attended the ceremony along with hundreds of soldiers from his battalion. Several of those who offered him congratulations have also been honored for their actions. To date, soldiers from the battalion have received a Distinguished Service Cross and 25 Silver Stars. Four awards are still pending. These men gave their lives that day. May they Rest In Peace for eternity and may their families always know that their sacrifice is not and will never be unnoticed or forgotten. 1LT Matthew C. Ferrara SGT Jeffery S. Mersman CPL Sean K.A. Langevin CPL Lester G. Roque SPC Joseph M. Lancour Marine Sgt. Phillip A. Bocks
Welcome Home Raiders!
In the wee hours of Friday morning 26 June 2009 the last group of 6-4 Cavalry landed at Fort Hood. This group had the Squadron Commander and the colors making it official that the deployment was done. WELL DONE and WELCOME HOME Soldiers!
The families were waiting:
Here they come!
Bringing in the Colors
Preparing to Uncase the Colors
Uncasing the Colors
Colors presented
Time to celebrate!
Mission Accomplished!
WELCOME HOME RAIDERS!
Sorry it took your flight so long to FINALLY make it. At least you were able to spend that long delay on US soil! I hear the folks in Maine were superb (as they always are) in keeping you well fed and comfy while the plane was fixed and the pilot slept. You may have arrived HOURS later than planned but we are SO glad you are home safe and sound with your family and friends who waited and waited and waited to finally be able to give you hugs!
A pictoral
First we went to a high class restaurtant for breakfast - just me and the bride. She picked and INSISTED on golden arches. We feasted on egg McMuffins and fruit. What a way to start the day! By the way - the iced mocha sucks!
Then we drove over to WalMart for a nail appointment but I was a slacker and didn't get photos. Dbie will probably have a different story about me attempting to pick up some Army Colonel but it's just not true. SWEAR!
Next stop was the hair salon. Great "do" huh?
Ok, ok, ok....that was NOT the finished product. This was:
Oh...and about the baby. Dbie swears it's not Keith's.
Next stop lunch and margaritas. Dbie needed nourishment and relaxation.
Then I trussed her up in her gorgeous gown. I thought about putting my foot in her back for leverage.
It was hot as heck in that dressing area. Luckily I thought to bring along a fan - thinking I would be the one to use it. Great idea...for the Bride!
What a delicate little flower she is. Don't you think?
No pics of the wedding since I was the honor attendant. But, um??????
The newlyweds. Just lovely, aren't?
She'd barely said, "I do" and the MP's were hauling her away. What a Church Lady! I'm not allowed to tell what she did.
Looks pretty serious, though
So we posted bail in order for the newlyweds to be able to attend the reception:
The first dance:
And for the other Church Ladies...remember Dbie's cousin Tori? The Blackhawk helicopter pilot many (or all) of us supported on her last deployment to Iraq? You know, the one who saved so many lives, etc. Second from left...yeah, that's the big bad Blackhawk pilot. And the guy to her left? That's her date which will become important information in a sec.
GO GIRLS!
Go Dbie! Go Tori!
And here's Tori snaking MY DATE. Dbie's youngest son, Kevin. Wrong! Just wrong!
What a grand day it was! And Dbie LOVED the Church Lady toast. I had her sweating profusely at first. Hey, figured it was my job ya know!
Several other touching toasts were made by both Dbie's and Keith's family and friends.
All the best to the new 1SG and Mrs. Johnson!
My feet hurt!
3BCT 1ID, 6-4 Cavalry's last plane from Afghanistan landed at Fort Hood, TX in the wee hours this morning. Wishing the remainder of the Brigade Soldiers who are still working their way home safe and speedy travels.
I'm on my way to Florida for a wedding. I stopped over night in Columbus, GA to meet Finley Pike and Mia Queck. I've been wanting to meet and hold these little angels for weeks now. They are both the cutest, most precious little girls. Mia wasn't feeling so hot but she was still a sweetie and a real trooper. Finley "talks" all the time. Both of them have the best little grins and smiles.
I must say I was VERY impressed with how hands on these two dads are.
And "Uncle" Denton - be afraid, be VERY afraid!
Many thanks to the Quecks for having us over and cooking a delicious dinner. Thanks, as well, to the Pikes for bringing Finley over to visit. And it was great to see the Tompkins, too!
Now off to Florida for that wedding!
From defenselink.mil
Afghan Border Efforts Show ‘Great Signs of Success’
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
The continuation of Operation Lionheart border-interdiction operations that began last year has made “it difficult for the enemy to function,” Army Col. John M. Spiszer, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, told Pentagon reporters during a satellite-carried news conference.
Spiszer’s forces comprise Task Force Duke posted in Regional Command East in northeastern Afghanistan. The task force conducts counterinsurgency, reconstruction and humanitarian operations in Nangarhar, Nuristan, Konar and Laghman provinces that are located near or along the border with Pakistan. “I believe we are showing great signs of success with this within the central Konar region, especially,” Spiszer said.The colonel praised the labors of his more than 5,300 soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines in helping Afghan forces provide security and stability across Task Force Duke’s area of responsibility. He also saluted the efforts of Afghan and Pakistani troops in interdicting militant infiltration routes along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
“Our soldiers also conducted numerous patrols and ambush operations to engage enemy fighters moving along infiltration routes” in Konar province near the border, Spiszer said.
The security situation in his area of operations is mixed, Spiszer said. Enemy activity has decreased in the dangerous Korengal Valley, he noted, while the overall number of “security incidents” has increased as a result of increased contact with the enemy.
The enemy has been pushed away from populated areas into less-populated mountainous regions, Spiszer said, following counterinsurgency strategy.
“You can interdict the border. You can position yourself in between the enemy and the populace,” Spiszer pointed out. Meanwhile, he said, Afghan forces are performing the bulk of security duties in Nangarhar province.
Afghan forces also are performing most of the security mission to protect Highway 7, an important supply road that runs through Nangarhar and Laghman provinces, Spiszer said.
Also, he said, Task Force Duke has obligated $102 million in commander’s emergency response program money to fund the improvement of more than 500 miles of roads and the construction of 97 schools.
“Roads are providing security, micro-commerce and access to services,” Spiszer explained, while the building of schools “leads the people to a better future and helps us moderate extremist influences.”
In April, Spiszer’s soldiers helped earthquake-stricken Afghans living in Nangarhar province. That quake, he said, destroyed more than 200 homes and left thousands of Afghans homeless. The U.S. Air Force-manned provincial reconstruction team in the area responded to the emergency by delivering relief supplies such as water, beans, rice, flour and blankets to residents in need.
And, an agribusiness team from Kansas, Spiszer noted, is helping Afghan farmers in Laghman province with agriculture and livestock development.
Additionally, he said, a military police battalion from Fort Carson, Colo., is partnering with Afghan police serving across the four provinces and 50 districts within his purview.
And, all of these counterinsurgency, reconstruction and humanitarian efforts are helping the Afghan people to gain “faith in their government and hope for their future,” Spiszer said.
From kdhnews.com
Soldier meets sons for first time June 9Posted On: Sunday, Jun. 21 2009 06:32 AMBy Amanda Kim Stairrett
Killeen Daily Herald
All Spc. Nathan Rodriguez talked about for a year was getting home to see his family.
In January, more than halfway into his deployment to Afghanistan with the 1st Infantry Division's 6th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, his wife, Rachelle, gave birth to twin boys.
Nathan, a first-time father and deployer, was a cavalry scout at a remote outpost in the mountains of Afghanistan. There weren't a lot of soldiers there and he had to take mid-tour leave when he could get it. That meant going home to Rachelle when she was six months pregnant.
Three months later, Damian and Justen were born. They have their dad's hair and eyebrows, Rachelle said June 9 while waiting for Nathan to arrive at Iron Horse Gym. Until that day, Nathan had only seen his boys in photographs and on a Web cam a few times.
Reason to fight
It is rare that deployed soldiers see their babies for the first time when returning from combat zones. Officials typically try to schedule a soldier's leave during a due date. It just didn't work out for the Rodriguez family.
Had Nathan used a Red Cross message to get home for the birth, it would have left an empty spot in the already sparsely populated outpost he and other brigade soldiers occupied.
After the formation of soldiers was dismissed June 9 after arriving at the gym from Robert Gray Army Airfield, Nathan made a beeline for his wife and sons.
Rachelle said she often showed the boys photos of Nathan.
"So I think they'll adapt well," she said.
Nathan admitted he was nervous Damian and Justen wouldn't like him. They did. Rachelle lifted each boy into his arms and Nathan couldn't contain a wide smile. He immediately walked away, proudly showing off his sons to fellow soldiers.
"They're adorable. I love them," Nathan said Saturday while at his home in Killeen.
His buddies knew during the deployment that Rachelle was pregnant and gave birth to twins. Nathan talked about them a lot. The guys said they, too, couldn't wait to see the Rodriguez boys.
"Here's what I'm talking about," Nathan said Saturday when describing why he immediately showed off his sons to the guys.
Rachelle, Damian and Justen were the "reason I fought so hard," Nathan said. He wanted to get home to see his kids.
Nathan and a few other buddies who are dads are getting together today for a Father's Day barbecue.
Nathan and Rachelle plus two
Nathan, a California native, and Rachelle, a Michigan native, met in Advanced Individual Training. Rachelle is a National Guard soldier.
Nathan approached Rachelle first and she immediately noticed his white teeth and his outgoing personality. They were married in March 2008.
Nathan is an awesome, supportive husband, Rachelle said June 9. He spoils her and she knew that he'd be a good dad by the way he takes care of her.
Rachelle found out in early June 2008 that she was pregnant. Nathan left for Afghanistan later that month.
It was difficult for Rachelle to go through the pregnancy and birthing alone, she said. It was hard for Nathan, too. He was stuck in the mountains of Afghanistan and couldn't do a thing when his wife had problems at home or had to spend a month and a half on bed rest.
First Father's Day
Nearly two weeks after returning to his family, Nathan is settling into fatherhood. He is the oldest child of several siblings, so he knew a little about what to expect.
Damian and Justen, who is one minute older, love their dad, Rachelle said. They look at him and smile and laugh. It's as if they're saying, "Oooh, I know him!" Rachelle said Saturday.
"I like it," Nathan said of fatherhood. "It's different, but it's nice."
Contact Amanda Kim Stairrett at astair@kdhnews.com or (254) 501-7547.
SSG Sean Samaroo served with the 173rd, 2-503 during their recent 15 month deployment to Afghanistan. He is now serving with the 4th Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment at Fort Jackson, SC. SSG Samaroo was recently awarded the Silver Star for his actions at the Battle of Wanat. He also participated in the ceremony to rename one of the ranges at Fort Jackson to the Wanat Range.
After he was wounded, Samaroo said goodbye to his wife and son aloud, according to a first-person account read during the ceremony by Lt. Col. Richard McDermott, 4th Bn., 10th Inf. Reg., commander.
"That's when I said, 'Man, this is it. You're gone,'" Samaroo said. "I really thought I was, but I just clicked like that and started focusing back on what I had to do."
From www.army.mil
Fort Jackson Soldier earns Silver Star
Jun 18, 2009
By By SUSANNE KAPPLER, Fort Jackson Leader
FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Staff Sgt. Sean Samaroo, 4th Battalion, 10th Infantry Regiment, was awarded the Silver Star for his actions in Afghanistan in a ceremony June 11.
The ceremony took place at the newly designated Wanat Range, formerly known as Camden Range.
Samaroo received the award, the nation's third highest military decoration, for his part in the Battle of Wanat, which took place 2008 in the eastern province of Nuristan, Afghanistan. Samaroo is also a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient.
"There were a lot of heroes out there," Samaroo said. "Some maybe didn't get recognized as much as me. I'm pretty thankful and honored."
On the morning of July 13, 14 months into Samaroo's deployment, an estimated 200 enemy fighters launched a coordinated assault on a small vehicle patrol base manned by approximately 50 American and coalition troops.
As the battle began, Samaroo - then with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173rd Airborne Brigade - and his squad were manning a traffic control point near the base. Samaroo's squad successfully defended the traffic control point before reinforcing an observation point, which was under threat to be overrun by the attackers.
On his way to the observation point - an uphill climb through exposed terrain - Samaroo encountered three wounded Soldiers, whom he and his squad brought to safety.
Samaroo himself was wounded by shrapnel and was bleeding from the head and legs, but refused to leave his position until reinforcements arrived.
Nine American Soldiers were killed in the attack; 27 Americans and four Afghan soldiers were wounded.
Samaroo credited his training and instinct with helping him through the situation.
"There was a time that I did not want to go up that hill," he admitted. "I thought that it was too early. There's such a thing as tactical patience. You have to let the battle evolve.
Because of that, I believe we saved a (few) more lives that way."
After he was wounded, Samaroo said goodbye to his wife and son aloud, according to a first-person account read during the ceremony by Lt. Col. Richard McDermott, 4th Bn., 10th Inf. Reg., commander.
"That's when I said, 'Man, this is it. You're gone,'" Samaroo said. "I really thought I was, but I just clicked like that and started focusing back on what I had to do."
Samaroo admitted that the incident changed his life.
"Any time you have a near-death experience ... it changes you. It does. You think about the small things in life," he said.
Samaroo, who has been in the Army for nine years, came to Fort Jackson in January as a cadre instructor at Camden Range. The range, which has been undergoing extensive upgrades, was renamed "Wanat Mounted Convoy Live Fire Range" in honor of the Soldiers who died during the Battle of Wanat.
Brig. Gen. Bradley May, Fort Jackson commanding general, called the renaming a fitting tribute as the range will be used to train "skills that will allow (Soldiers) to thrive in combat, just as Staff Sgt. Samaroo did."
Samaroo said he hopes to pass on those skills and ultimately intends to become a drill sergeant."That's always been a dream of mine, being a drill sergeant," he said. "I want to be able to share what I learned as a combat Soldier."
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