Where family, friends, and strangers can come to follow the life of a soldier as he tours the globe.

2.04.2009

Update: Back home and back to life

Hello readers,

I just put up three OpOrders from my time in Iraq. This was the end of the soft story stuff for me. I was working in the Sal Ah Din Province near Tikrit until just before Christmas, when I got moved to Mosul to be part of "The last stand of Al Qaeda." I will post some of those stories in the next few days.

In the meantime, please enjoy these stories.

For those of you who follow this blog, my sincerest appologies for not posting in more than a year. I got too busy to manage this site from Iraq. Now that I am back, and am settling back into my post-war life, I decided it would be nice to put all my news releases (OpOrders, as I call them here) for your reading pleasure.

Thanks for reading,

Eric


Me at a sheik meeting in a village in the southeastern Nineveh Province on one of my last missions in Iraq.

Giving the Gift of Raw for Christmas: Superstars Spend Quality Time With Troops in Iraq

By Spc. Eric A. Rutherford
115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
December 12, 2007

TIKRIT, Iraq – While the holidays may just be another day in a war zone, this year World Wrestling Entertainment gave a special Christmas gift to the troops by spending three days with them.

Wrestling superstars took their show on the road for the fifth straight year to spend time with Soldiers in remote areas who rarely even get time to watch their favorite wrestlers and divas on television.

From Dec. 5 to Dec. 7, they visited forward operating bases and patrol bases, followed by the performance of a Monday Night Raw show on Contingency Operating Base Speicher. The purpose of the visit was to boost morale and show support for the men and women in uniform serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“The least we can do is come over here and give the small token to bring a little Americana back over here to you just to remind you that everyone back in America loves and supports you,” Said WWE chairman, Vince McMahon.

After a 20-hour flight from the states, the group split into four teams to cover a larger area, visiting troops on more than 20 bases in Taji, Tarmiyha, Balad, Tikrit, and Mosul. Superstars from the WWE didn’t just spend time in secured areas signing autographs, but they also got outside the wire into the combat zone to visit troops in small patrol bases, braving the dangers of Iraq to thank troops for their service.

This trip was Superstar Chris Jericho’s first with the WWE, who said that after 17 years traveling all around the world in the wrestling business, this is possibly the best experience he has ever had professionally.

"I didn’t know what to expect, I just knew that I wanted to come,” Jericho said. “After being here and seeing it up close and personal from the Army bases and the further outposts and getting into the unsecured war zone, we got the full meal deal of the Iraqi experience.”

Jericho also said his goal coming here was to see the men and women and thank them for what they are doing, a goal that was accomplished on many levels. The troops were happy to see the Superstars, but not as happy as the Superstars were to see the troops.

Brig. Gen. James Boozer Sr., deputy commanding general of 1st Armored Division, accompanied the Superstars during their tour and said having the WWE was great for the Soldiers.

"I know the WWE are great fans of our Soldiers, but the Soldiers are big fans of the WWE,” Boozer said. “Our Soldiers have heart and they have the backing of the American people and the great fans like the WWE.”

Not all of the superstars were new to the Tribute Tour. Ring announcer Lilian Garcia has been to Afghanistan once, and this was her third trip to Iraq. Garcia, who grew up in a military family, said that making this trip was very meaningful, and being around men and women in uniform was like being home and around family.

“I think it is very important for WWE to come here,” Garcia said. “It is so wonderful to be part of something like this to be supporting the men and women of our military. Without them we wouldn’t have the freedom we have.”

Another Superstar who is already a veteran of the Tribute Tour is wrestler JBL. He was one of the first wrestlers to make a trip to see troops five years ago in Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. He said he thinks the troops understand that the WWE are big fans of them, and they made the trip with no vested interest other than to say thanks. JBL added it was a terrific honor to come to Iraq and to thank the troops in person.

“To see what these guys have to go through, with their finger on the trigger all the time, and this is the way they live,” said JBL. “This is why we are so free in our country, because these guys do this. It is just a remarkable thing. They are Soldiers and they are heroes and they understand that they want to fight the enemy over here rather than fight the enemy back home. Since they do, we get to live a pretty good life.”

During the three day visit, Superstars spent time with troops, posing for photos and signing autographs. They also spent time talking and getting to know the men and women they were here to see, often not being able to eat meals because they gave every opportunity to the troops for one-on-one time, even during chow.

The Superstars also got in the weeds with the troops, riding in UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, sitting in Stryker Armored Vehicles, learning how howitzers work and spent time on the flight line learning about the weapon systems on OH-58D Kiowa helicopters and Black Hawks.

On the second night of the tour, WWE chairman, Vince McMahon, and some of his Superstars visited 1st Armored Division Headquarters here, meeting with Maj. Gen Mark Hertling, commanding general, Multi-National Division-North, and his staff. Hertling took time to give the Superstars plaques and commanders coins.

“What we do when we get these great stars who are supporting us so well, we send them out to every FOB and every patrol base,” Hertling said. “There are not a whole lot of people who understand what we do over here, and they (the Superstars) come over here and see it. They volunteer to do it. We appreciate it and it makes us feel good to see these guys come over here and spend some time with us.”

Hertling expressed his appreciation by saying these are all the tough guys of wrestling, but the very fact they volunteered to come over here and do this raised his enthusiasm for the wrestlers, which he said went up about ten notches.

After receiving his coin and plaque from Hertling, WWE chairman, Vince McMahon said the troops are the real superstars in the real world.

The Tribute to the Troops Tour culminated in the filming of an episode of Monday Night Raw at the bombed out soccer stadium on Contingency Operating Base. This gave the event the appearance of ancient gladiatorial combat. Hundreds of Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and civilian contractors packed the stadium for the show, which will air on the USA Network Christmas Eve at 9 p.m. Eastern.

After the show, Superstars took time to sign more autographs and pose with troops for more photos before returning to America. Superstar John Cena said WWE’s trip to Iraq is nothing short of phenomenal. He said it is good to have an entire company spread the word of the people that make freedom happen.

"These guys and gals are my favorite, I love them all,” Cena said. “I want to say thanks for opening your home to us. I will let the people in America know that we are in good hands. You guys not only make me proud but you make every American proud to be an American. This is where freedom happens and I am proud to say I was able to be here today.”



World Wrestling Entertainment Chairman Vince McMahon speaks with Commanding General, Multi-National Division-North, Maj. Gen. Mark Hertling during the WWE’s Tribute to the Troops tour at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq, Dec. 6. The WWE superstars toured many forward operating bases during a three-day tour to show support for the troops which ended with a live wrestling match that will air on Christmas Eve on the U.S.A. Network. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Eric A. Rutherford)



World Wrestling Entertainment superstar Triple H shakes hands with 1st Armored Division Command Sgt. Maj. Roger Blackwood during the WWE’s Tribute to the Troops tour at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq, Dec. 6. The WWE superstars toured many forward operating bases during a three-day tour to show support for the troops which ended with a live wrestling match that will air on Christmas Eve on the U.S.A. Network. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Eric A. Rutherford)



World Wrestling Entertainment superstar Triple H gives Spc. Lanedela Allensworth a ride on his shoulders during the WWE’s Tribute to the Troops tour at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq, Dec. 7. The WWE superstars toured many forward operating bases during a three-day tour to show support for the troops which ended with a live wrestling match that will air on Christmas Eve on the U.S.A. Network. Allensworth is assigned to Company E, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry Division. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Eric A. Rutherford)



World Wrestling Entertainment superstar Triple H yells to the crowd after performing a move during the World Wrestling Entertainment’s Tribute to the Troops tour final show at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq, Dec. 7. The WWE superstars toured many forward operating bases during a three-day tour to show support for the troops which ended with a live wrestling match that will air on Christmas Eve on the U.S.A. Network. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Eric A. Rutherford)




World Wrestling Entertainment Diva Maria high-fives troops as she heads toward the ring during the World Wrestling Entertainment’s Tribute to the Troops tour final show at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq, Dec. 7. The WWE superstars toured many forward operating bases during a three-day tour to show support for the troops which ended with a live wrestling match that will air on Christmas Eve on the U.S.A. Network. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Eric A. Rutherford)

Taking Care of Business Iraqis Work to Secure Their Country

By Spc. Eric A. Rutherford
115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
November 28, 2007

TIKRIT, Iraq – Iraqi army soldiers led a raid into an area of Ad Dawr with Iraqi police and a small contingent of U.S. Soldiers, Nov. 21, to put a stop to insurgent activities there.

The 1st Battalion of the 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi army led the pre-dawn raid into the area to capture insurgents and disrupt illegal traffic checkpoints used by those insurgents to rob and kill local Iraqis. The Iraqi police provided security for the team. The U.S. Army Military Transition Team of the 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division provided guidance and support for the Iraqi army who planned and executed the mission.

Maj. Jackie Kaina of the 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi army MiTT said the operations are driven by intelligence, which is mostly gathered by the Iraqi army. The mission was coordinated by the IA when an informant who had been ostracized by the insurgents came forward with information.

The operation, called Hellstorm, was a success in that the IA captured several of the High-Value Individuals on their list, and in the process seized several vehicles used in the illegal operations. They also discovered an emplaced improvised explosive device hidden under a bridge. The MiTT called in a U.S. Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, who detonated the IED in place.

The IED is one of the reasons that the MiTT accompanies the IA on larger operations. Their mission is to train, advise and mentor the IA. They bring with them capabilities like aeromedical evacuation, air weapons teams and other military assets that the IA doesn’t have yet, said Kaina.

The present-day IA formed in 2005 when it transitioned to an actual army, Kaina said, who worked with Iraqi army soldiers during his last deployment.

“As an Army they have come a huge way since 04-05,” said Kaina. “They have come a lot further than I thought they would. Two years later, I really didn’t think they would be at this point. Maturity-wise, the officers act like officers, and the NCO corps is starting to grow.”

Since his last deployment with the IA, Kaina said he has seen them grow by leaps and bounds.

“Their improvement is in their command and control,” Kaina said. “Now they are much more objective focused and much more professional. They are very visible—that is one of the biggest improvements. To the Iraqi populace, they know who the IA is.”

Kaina said that he believes that at this point, The Iraqi army is mature enough on the ground that they are taking the lead, and the U.S. forces are no longer in the lead by any stretch of the imagination. The MiTT is there to assist if the IA needs it, but it is the IA making the decisions and conducting the missions on their own.

The IA is already conducting daily patrols and company-sized raids on their own, without the help of the MiTT.

“They are very much in the lead and very much taking control,” Kaina said. “Where before they would have come to us and asked what to do next. Their leadership has matured to the level at which they no longer need to ask us those questions, they have done enough, know enough and are successful enough to know where they are going.”



Iraqi army Col. Musfab Yousif exchanges information with Capt. Adrian Cole during a raid in Ad Dawr, near Tikrit, Iraq, Nov. 21. Yousif is the executive officer of the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi army, and was leading the raid to find insurgents operating illegal checkpoints. Cole is with the 1st BN Military Transition Team, who was coordinating coalition assets to the IA. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Eric A. Rutherford)



Iraqi Army Col. Msfab Yousif reloads his AK-47 after using it to destroy a vehicle that was used in illegal checkpoint activities by insurgents in Ad Dawr near Tikrit; Iraq; Nov. 21. Yousif is the executive officer of the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigae, 4th Iraqi army and was leading the raid to find insurgents operating illegal checkpoints. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Eric A. Rutherford)



Iraqi army Col. Msfab Yousif uses a 12.7 mm machine gun to destroy a vehicle that was used in illegal checkpoint activities by insurgents in Ad Dawr near Tikrit, Iraq, Nov. 21. Yousif is the executive officer of the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi army, and was leading the raid to find insurgents operating illegal checkpoints. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Eric A. Rutherford)


Iraqi army soldiers and U.S. Army Soldiers work together to repair a machine gun on an IA Humvee in Ad Dawr, near Tikrit, Iraq, Nov. 21. The Iraqi soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi army, led a pre-dawn raid that was accompanied by U.S. Soldiers from the 1st BN. Military Transition Team. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Eric A. Rutherford)



Iraqi Army Col. Musfab Yousif works with 1st Lt. David Pierce to repair a 12.7 mm Machine gun during a raid in Ad Dawr, near Tikrit, Iraq, November 21. Yousif is the executive officer of the 1st Battalion, 1st Brigade, 4th Iraqi army, and Pierce is with the 1st BN Military Transition Team. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Eric A. Rutherford)

Carrying on Traditions, Red Cross Deploys to Iraq, Providing Services Like Messages and Smiles

By Spc. Eric A. Rutherford
115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment
Novermber 19, 2007

TIKRIT, Iraq – Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines have a lot to worry about in a forward-deployed combat zone. Besides roadside bombs, sniper attacks, and ambushes, they also have to worry about their families back home who may have emergencies arise while the service member is away. That is why the Red Cross deploys to the front lines.

The American Red Cross has its roots with the Armed Forces, dating back to the Civil War, when Clara Barton founded the organization. The Red Cross works closely with the military even today, often working in forward-deployed combat areas in Red Cross Stations like the one on Contingency Operating Base Speicher.

The Red Cross’s mission here is to ensure service members have communication with their families back home in the event of an emergency, said Debby Hutton, assistant station manager for the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services, who added that the Red Cross will initiate a message from the family to the deployed service member’s command. The command will then make the decision to send the service member home on emergency leave based on information provided by the doctor treating the family member back home, said Hutton, of Kingsport Tenn., who has been a volunteer for 15 years, and an employee of the Red Cross for the last five years.

Not all of what the Red Cross does in deployed areas is deliver messages with bad news.

“The most rewarding part of my job is the interaction with soldiers and being able to help,” Said Hutton, wearing her desert camouflage uniform that was issued to her by the Red Cross. “It is a small part in what goes on over here, but when you get to pass off the birth messages—the good news, that is really great.”

Another service the Red Cross provides for service members, said Hutton, they also provide hospital visits here for the wounded warriors.

“It is a bad situation if a service member is there,” Said Hutton “If you can go talk to them for five or 15 minutes and take them a magazine or a phone card to call home when they get out, so you can make them smile—then that makes the day worth while."

Hutton, who transferred to the Armed Forces Emergency Services side of the Red Cross from a local chapter in Kingsport, said she wanted to work more closely with the service members because she respects what the men and women in the military and wanted to be able to help them more.

Aside from the missions Red Cross performs for service members here, Hutton has her own mission as well.

“I had a mission when I came over here, that everybody I met, I would make them smile,” Said Hutton. “I have run up against a few—I am still working on them. I have gotten smirks, not full smiles, but I will get a smile before I leave. It is my mission.”

The current members of the Red Cross station here, who arrived Nov. 4th for their four-month tour, provide services to all Marines in theater as well as the majority of service members in northern Iraq.
Debby Hutton gives a comfort kit to Army 2nd Lt. Larry Cook at the Combat Support Hospital on Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Tikrit, Iraq, Nov. 19. Hutton, of Kingsport Tenn., is the assistant station manager of the Red Cross station on COB Speicher. Cook, of Greensboro, N.C., is a platoon leader with 3rd Battalion, 1st Aviation. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Eric A. Rutherford)