Nov Newsletter part 3

We flew one of our helicopters to the village as a static display and the kids really loved the opportunity to see the “bird.” We worked to restore water and electricity, both a success then worked to improve the dirt road. The road is now a smooth, gravel road and remains a hit for the villagers. The school was finally finished in early September; culminating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony

Please view the 2-17^th Cavalry Website for more information on the Village and other interesting items from current operations to former operations; i.e. DESERT STORM and Vietnam.

Since the major combat operations ceased, life has continued to get better and better. Our Headquarters resides in a former Ba’ath Party Headquarters building on a large former Iraqi Air Force Base. We are about 30 miles south of Mosul incurring a 20 minute flight north every day for missions vicinity Mosul.

The buildings we live in were significantly damaged by local looters that took everything including the kitchen sink. There was virtually nothing left in the building except the brick structure. To date, we’ve installed new windows and doors, showers and toilets, air and heat as well as electricity. It’s all very basic but it works.

We have an internet café for soldiers as well as several satellite dishes for AFN (football). Life is really not bad here and the troopers really have worked hard, not only to make the living conditions better but also with respect to the pride in “Cav Country.”

The unit works hard everyday, without the ability to take a “weekend” break. However, the Army has succeeded in the R & R program for soldiers. The R & R program is in full swing as we have worked to send numerous soldiers home who have had babies since deployment. Too, we’ve been able to capitalize on other difficult events such that are not normally categorized as “emergency leave” situations. This program is a huge success despite not having slots for every soldier. Very few soldiers will deploy for the entire year straight, making the long deployment much more bearable.

The unit morale area now has with a weight room, pool tables, ping-pong tables, an Iraqi restaurant, phone bank, internet café, and numerous other important features for troopers to enjoy. The soldiers really have worked hard to make our mission here a huge success and pave the way for the next unit, ensuring they have a better life while working to secure Iraq.

The unit really is the best battalion-level unit in the division, as the Commanding General said on a recent visit; unarguably the best, most decorated unit in the theater. We continue to prove our high-standards in all areas including winning the post softball tournament three times and going to the finals in two others. 2-17 Cavalry had the overall male AND female winner during the division’s recent Halloween 10K run. Sabre 3, won the event overall with Sabre 2, as the overall female winner.

I can’t describe the pride and respect I hold for the troopers in this squadron. I pray we continue this mission and re-deploy without incident and pave the way for a continued successful operation here in Iraq.