2-17^th Cavalry Update

(1 November 2003)

Greetings all!  In my delinquent attempt to keep you all updated on our actions in Iraq, please bear with me.  Things are quite busy here and the Troopers are maintaining a mission focus and sense of purpose.  The recent incidents are a keen reminder that we’re in a potentially dangerous place.  No more dangerous than it was 6 months ago, in fact much more secure; however the sheer amount of weapons stockpiled here will take years to deplete.  I can tell all of you that the situation here is difficult and demanding, but in no way untenable.  We will win.

*Key Note:

The division is currently scheduling Ft. Campbell summer events.  Our goal is to have this week a reunion celebrating the past, present and future successes of this squadron.  We have requested to conduct the Change of Command Ceremony and Alumni Reunion during “Week of the Eagles” (7-11 June ’04).  I request help from the Alumni for assigning a POC responsible for organizing the Reunion and desired events.  I intend to task the Executive Officer, MAJ Ken Hawley as the lead planner for the week. 

We intend to have the “traditional” change of command ceremony with the Civil War Re-enactors, banquet dinner and picnic.  For all in the Alumni, I will finalize the week and events as soon as Division approves the change of command requests and finalizes the “Week of the Eagles” events.  Send your ideas to:  kenneth.hawley@us.army.mil

Thanks for everything you’ve done for us!

Current Mission…

Our mission is to support the 2^nd Brigade Combat Team who’s responsibility is Mosul and the surrounding area.  It is the 101^st Division’s main effort, therefore weighted with the Division Cavalry Squadron.  We have a unique capability here in that our small, maneuverable helicopters with highly trained and dependable aeroscout pilots continue to fly daily (and nightly) patrols over the city combating militant efforts, terrorism, organized crime, and other potential dangerous situations.  To date, we’ve incurred no aircraft loss or casualties.  We vary our flight times and patterns while maintaining continuous mission support 24-hours a day.  Our aviators are loved and respected throughout the division due to their courage, bravery, timeliness, boldness, and presence. 

During major combat operations, this Squadron was under the operational control of each of the Division’s main effort fights until we reached Mosul.  The major battles were in the towns of An Najaf, Karbala, Al Hillah, South Baghdad and Mosul.  (At a later date, I intend to chronicle for you a detail of our combat operations during the war)