2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment “DEEDS NOT WORDS”!

1. 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment“DEEDS NOT WORDS”! Volume 1, Issue 2 November, 2007 FROM THE COMMANDER Happy Thanksgiving Changes are Coming! Greetings to all! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We had a nice calm day both on FOB Warrior and at our outposts, with most Soldiers having the opportunity to relax a little and have a great meal of turkey, stuffing and all the other great items that make Thanksgiving so special. Even though we are away from loved ones this Thanksgiving, we have much to be thankful for. Kirkuk is improving, and for most of us we are thankful knowing our loved ones are home safe in the great U. S. of A. We have had a busy November with the month quickly passing. The Battalion has been doing great and as you look across our battle space you can clearly see that we are having a positive effect, improving the security of the Province for all Iraqis to safely live and prosper. I am very proud of all our units and our Soldiers. It is clear our hard work back at Fort Drum is paying dividends in this tough fight. Changes are ahead. In the next couple weeks we will be sending Charlie Company to Patrol Base Doria and Alpha Company will return to FOB Warrior temporarily. The reason we are doing this is because in the next couple months we will be loosing Alpha Company to be cross attached to the brigade’s 1-71 CAV Squadron for another mission. They will train with 1-71 in late December and then turn in equipment in January and move to FOB Speicher. Their new mission will remain what the Infantry does best which is closing with and defeating our enemy. The mail address for A Company will change, but that will not occur until late in January, so keep sending their Christmas packages! This footprint adjustment is necessary as the forces in theater decrease. There is a saying in our Army that the only thing that is certain is change itself. This will be a great mission for Alpha Company. We will definitely miss their daily contributions here in AO Courage. This change is intended to last the rest of the deployment. We will try to make this transparent to our Family Readiness Group at Fort Drum and keep A Co FRG aligned with our Battalion as it currently is. There are still details to be worked out in this plan and we will keep you posted. Despite the swap of Alpha Company and Charlie Company at Doria, we will continue our normal operations here throughout December. The holiday season is now upon us. We already have several Christmas trees set up throughout the battalion and company areas. CSM Smith was quick to get the tress up. (If we were in the US, I think he would have his Christmas shopping done by now too.) We hope everyone has a great Christmas and never forget you are in our prayers. Thanks for all you are doing and the sacrifices you’re enduring. Sincerely, Dennis Sullivan Triple Deuce Commander

2. FROM THE COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR A TIME TO GIVE THANKS TO THOSE THAT GIVE Greetings, and once again it is my pleasure to provide you with information about the Triple Deuce family here in Iraq. November rolled in and out very quickly and the “Mighty Triple Deuce” rolled right with it. The morale and discipline of the unit has changed since coming to Kirkuk, it has risen to new heights and continues to grow day to day. As I mentioned in my last letter, it is truly an honor to serve as the CSM for these outstanding men and women. The unit conducted numerous missions and patrols throughout the month, all to standard, and as professional Soldiers. One area that I would like to point out is Patrol Base Doria. 1SG Carr and the rest of “Team Anvil” have done a superb job in transforming the base into one of the best small patrol bases in Iraq. That is not just my opinion, but the words of the 1st Armored Division Commanding General and Division CSM. A testament of the units commitment to duty, service and quality of life! There was one mission earlier in the month that really made me feel great about being a Soldier. During that mission the Triple Deuce Soldiers made new friends throughout the village by providing humanitarian supplies to the schools, health clinics and items for the elderly. When we went to the school to give out supplies, the commander posted me outside with the security element to assist with security. Knowing the little ones desperately wanted to see me, I could not disappoint them, so I ran to the windows, and just seeing those happy faces peering at me from the windows and waiving brought about a good feeling of joy and happiness. Then I quickly resumes my post and duties, but smiling. One of the biggest reasons that the Soldiers have stayed motivated and executed their duties as professionals is due to the large amount of support we get from all the supporters back home. Words cannot express how the support of the many individuals, groups, and organizations have helped this unit. The numerous items and gifts provided to the Soldiers, along with the thoughts and prayers has had a tremendous positive impact on the unit. In the days and months to come, the commander and I will recognize those supporters and send a Triple Deuce token of appreciation. Thanks to all, and take care. “Deeds not Words” Alonzo J. Smith Triple Deuce CSM

3. THOUGH I WALK THROUGH THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH, I WILL FEAR NO EVIL FOR ANVIL COMPANY WALKS WITH ME ANVIL As time rolls by and the days begin to blend into one another due to operational tempo mixed in with construction of the company’s outpost south of Kirkuk, Anvil Company found itself pleasantly surprised by the arrival of Thanksgiving and a well-deserved day of feasting and light duty. One of the staples of morale at the patrol base was, is, and always will be quality and quantity of food available to Soldiers when they aren’t patrolling or building. The company has been blessed with the addition of hard-working and knowledgeable cooks from 2-22 IN’s forward support company, Echo Company 10th Brigade Support Battalion. Through their hard work, they have had a huge impact on the morale and welfare of Anvil Company Soldiers who are now calling Patrol Base Doria “home.” The same rang true on Thanksgiving Day. The list of visitors was comprehensive and all-encompassing. LTC Dennis Sullivan, 2-22 IN’s battalion commander, and CSM Alonzo Smith, the battalion’s senior non-commissioned officer, came the day prior to check up on Soldiers, see how they’re living, and help serve dinner on Thanksgiving itself. The brigade commander, COL David Paschal, with a full calendar of places to visit to support his Soldiers across the brigade, stopped in for about 30 minutes to look at the improvements made since his last visit and say hi to his boys. He also awarded two of the most influential cooks, SPC Paul and CPL Bruss, coins for their efforts and the impact they had made. After his quick stop he was off again to visit other outlying fortifications. Finally, 1st Armored Division’s Deputy Commanding General for Support, COL Thomas, stopped in for about an hour to check on morale and welfare as well as patrol base improvements. CPT John Binkley, Anvil Company commander, and LTC Sullivan showed him around, highlighted improvements, introduced him to the majority of Anvil’s Soldiers, and brought him to the chow tent so he could award CPL Bruss and SPC Paul Army Achievement Medals for their efforts at Doria. He then departed, too, with LTC Sullivan and CSM Smith back to Warrior, leaving A CO to spend a slow but relaxing evening watching movies in the chow tent and eating leftover desserts. All in all, the day was successful, bringing just enough American tradition to the hinterlands of Iraq to make the Soldiers, even a few members of the Iraqi Army, feel as close to home as they could get. Surrounded by their deployed family, plentiful food, and commanders that care, Anvil Company celebrated the first of two Thanksgivings that will mark their time in Iraq in good spirits. Deeds Not Words!

4. A Co enjoying the Thanksgiving Feast

5. A Co celebrating thanksgiving by playing football

6. BUSHMASTER B Co 2-22, Bushmaster Combat Patch Ceremony On 11 November 76 highly motivated Bushmaster Company warriors were awarded the Shoulder Sleeve Insignia (a.k.a the Combat Patch) for Wartime Service at Bushmaster Base, FOB Warrior Iraq. After two months of presence patrols, jigsaws, raids, ambushes, snap TCP’s, key leader engagements and cultural immersion, these Soldiers were recognized for there daily sacrifice to the Global war on Terrorism. The Combat Patch identifies the Soldier as a Combat Veteran. All infantrymen share the common goal of earning the right to wear the Combat Patch and eventually the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB). All soldiers want to say they have been down range. As the Company Commander Captain Matthew Lee and 1SG Richard Haddard awarded each Soldier in formation, the realization how much these young Soldiers sacrifice everyday to secure this country and allow them to feel the same pride that past service members felt as Americans. As Captain Lee and 1SG Haddard placed the 10th Mountain Division patch on the right shoulder of each Soldier, it gave them an opportunity to reflect on each Soldiers individual and team contribution to our Company’s success. Every Soldier in formation has a story to tell, a place in the history of the Triple Deuce, the Warrior Brigade and the 10th Mountain Division. 65 Bushmaster’s have already been awarded the Combat Patch and the CIB from previous deployments with different units. The Combat Patch Ceremony unifies the 131 Soldiers of Bushmaster Company as we proudly share the same Combat Patch on our right shoulders. The Combat Patch ceremony provided the first opportunity in two months to gather the Company in one location and take the first company picture of this combat tour. They proudly displayed the banner from our families back home that fittingly says “we are always with you”, one team one fight. DEEDS NOT WORDS!

7. CPT Lee and 1SG Haddad award the Combat Patch B Co displays the banner made by Bushmaster families

8. SGT Sumpter Handing out book bags PV2 Roller before a mission

9. NOVEMBER 2007 CHAOS The Chaos Review Chaos Company, 2-22 IN Monthly Newsletter Company Inside this Issue Monthly Summary HQ Platoon Updates 1st Platoon Updates 2nd Platoon Updates 3rd Platoon Updates 1SG’s Corner Commander’s Corner MONTHLY SUMMARY The month of November has proven to be a truly busy and productive month. As the Chaos company finds its groove or “battle rhythm” as we like to call it, greater expectations have been established and met across the board. During early weeks of November, Chaos company was chosen as the Battalion main effort for an Air Assault mission in 1-87’s Area of Operation. It was a 2 day mission in which Coalition Forces partnered up with Iraqi Police to search towns and villages for enemy activity. Chaos also completed an Air Assault mission with elements of the Iraqi Army’s soldiers. This operation took our Chaos soldiers south near the more treacherous terrain of the Hamrin mountains (below, left). There, they spent 2 days traveling amongst the farming village communities in search of terrorist activity. Morale amongst the Chaos family remains high as we continue to take pride in our efforts to remain the hardest working company in the “triple deuce” battalion. When Chaos is not hard at work planning major operations, daily patrols are out roving our sector. Soldiers get a chance to talk with the Iraqi citizens to develop relationships, share information and often a good meal together (below, top). Highlights from November’s daily patrols included humanitarian aid drops of school supplies and backpacks in rural villages, training up Iraqi police on first aid, and uncovering a large enemy weapons cache. As Thanksgiving and the holiday season approaches we are all thankful for the endless support our friends, sponsors, and loved ones send day after day. The care packages and letters are truly appreciated. Thanks again to all who have supported us. • PROMOTIONS • 1LT Aaron Dombroski • 1LT Matt Hoffman • 1LT Drew Ferguson • CPL Max Steiner • NEW SOLDIERS • PFC Eli Maldonado (2ndPLT) • PV2 David Ryan (2nd PLT) • DEPARTURES • 1SG Galindo • 1SG Lester • SSG Dupree 31 OCT 07: HALLOWEENIN IRAQ. CPT Serie on the radio as 2nd PLT hits the ground after their Air Assault. Chaos soldiers get an invite from a local sheik to eat a hearty meal. SNAP INTO A SLIM JIM!!

10. HQ Platoon Message- SSG Hadley: From the FIST and Mortars to the Supply and TOC Sections, the adaptation to the deployment mission has progressed smoothly and effectively. The missions of the HQ PLT facilitates the success of the rifle platoons by giving them the support and information for mission accomplishment that they need. Many of the sections have taken on roles outside their normal scope of training and have adapted quickly to meet the needs of the campaign. From administration and logistics to patrolling of the streets, soldiers and leaders in the HQ PLT have stepped up in every facet . They have done exactly what is needed to make this a successful deployment and bring our long term objectives that much closer to reality. Spirits are high on an everyday basis because we know we have you all supporting and praying for us back home. Our hearts are with the ones we left behind but our heads will remain in the game until we are with you again. Keep up all the invaluable support you’ve shown so far and we will continue to do the job we came to do and be home in due time. Left: SSG Hadley taking a break after the Air Assault insertion. Daily Tactical Operations Center (TOC) in action. Steiner, Sommers, Sherwood, and SGT Rodriguez. 1st Platoon Message – 1LT Lorin Veigas Earlier this month first platoon came home to Chaos Company for one mission to participate in an out of sector air assault that was part of a large scale brigade mission. Early in the morning on the tenth, first platoon, along with third platoon and the company headquarters flew on Chinook helicopters to Al Khan, a small village outside of Kirkuk. They spent two days on the ground there conducting a cordon and search of the village and ended up apprehending a high value arms smuggler linked to one or more insurgent cells. The overwhelming majority of the people we interacted with were very pleasant, welcomed us into their homes, served us chai (tea), and offered us food. For most soldiers in first platoon the most rewarding experiences were the interactions with the children. By the afternoon of the second day we even had a small hoard of friends following us through the village. In addition to detaining a handful of suspected insurgents, first platoon achieved a great deal through the promotion of the coalition sponsored Concerned Local Citizens program, a local watch program aimed at improving security in small villages like Al Khan. In the weeks since the brigade mission, first platoon has been aggressively patrolling and conducting raids throughout downtown Kirkuk. Day to day patrols frequently entail visiting the many Iraqi Police stations, meeting with local Muktars, and conducting mounted and dismounted patrols through the city’s marketplaces and neighborhoods. Like many places in Iraq, the city of Kirkuk is not without its problems, but it is a place that seems to really be moving in the right direction. The Iraqi Police are at a stage where they are patrolling on their own and taking responsibility for the security of their city. Most of the problems they now face are relatively minor problems related to equipment and funding. We are all confident that with more time and a sustained effort that Kirkuk can be a place that is rid of violence. Some of 1st Platoon before a daily patrol in the city. SSG Witt and his new entourage.

11. 2nd Platoon Message: 1LT Matt Hoffman 2nd Platoonhas been among one of the busier platoons in the battalion, with our patrols averaging around nine hours. The soldiers have been breaking in their new platoon leader, 1LT Hoffman, while SFC Lester will be changing companies at the end of the month. Despite the winds of change, the soldiers of 2nd Platoon continue to execute their mission as the true professionals they are. In just the past week, our platoon was the main effort in a company Air Assault mission which required them to walk in excess of 25 KM in the span of less than 72 hours. To our extended 2nd Platoon family back home, be proud of these men and what they have already accomplished in this short amount of time in country. SPC Hardman, SPC Weis, and PFC Estrada (from top to bottom) man a gun position while on patrol. Members of 2nd Platoon gladly climb aboard the first UH-60 Blackhawk that offered us a ride home. 3rd Platoon Message – 1LT Aaron Dombroski This month the platoon has been conducting numerous patrols both within the Chaos AO as well as outside. Our patrols within the AO have brought us into close interaction with the local populace. During these missions we gather information on each village in an attempt to figure out what their needs are, as well as the primary focus of discovering what security concerns they have. On the lighter side, it seems as though no mission is complete for us without at least one of our trucks getting stuck. Most notably was a river recon mission where we managed to completely flood the engine in one of the trucks while attempting to ford the river. While conducting the Air Assault into 1-87’s AO the Platoon flew on two Chinooks to the target village. While on the ground 3rd Platoon was responsible for securing the entire 1500 meter wide southern end of the village. Then in the second phase of the operation systematically cleared the entire southern third of the town. We gained valuable intelligence on a suspected IED emplacer as well as detaining another suspicious individual on weapons charges. Acting on suspicious activity witnessed from the south retransmission site, which first squad was manning at the time, we discovered an extremely large weapons cache. Working alongside local Iraqi Police this cache was dug up and then blown up by the Brigades’ explosives ordinance disposal team. Pulling security at a halt. On a dismounted patrol at sunset. Interacting with locals in Smood.

12. CHAOS Company CHAOS Company Chaos Family, I have been in the company for 18 months and have enjoyed ever second of it. I wish that my stay could be longer. I will be moving over to HHC, 2-22 IN to serve as 1SG so I will be saying good bye on the 25th of November. 1SG Hettinger will become the new Chaos Company Family member. I would like to thank all the Families for there support and all the Chaos Soldiers who have made ever moment of my 18 months unforgettable. CPT Serie thank you for your great professionalism and friendship, you have made this company stand beyond all others. The future of this company will continue to shine, and make history. I could not have done this job with out the support and love from my beautiful wife Jacqueline and daughters Tori and Skyelar. My wife and I have been together for six years and only have spent two of them together how she has done it still amazes me. She has been there ever second with support, faithfulness, and understanding no matter. Thank you for everything, you’re the best. Chaos 7 out. 1SG’s Corner Commander’s Corner Dear Family and Friends, Like always I would like to start off thanking you all for your support. This past month has kept the company very busy. We have conducted more air assaults than any other company in the battalion; all reaping an enormous amount of benefits for our mission here in Iraq. This past month was tough for the company with two of our most knowledgeable and dedicated NCO’s being assigned to positions of increased responsibility. 1SG Galindo taking over as HHC 1SG was no surprise since he is one of the most knowledgeable and dedicated NCO’s I have ever worked with in my 13 years of service. I will miss his sound advice friendship, and his wonderful family. SFC (P) Lester is another NCO who I will miss as he moves to D Co to become their new 1SG. SFC (P) Lester will be the type of 1SG that Commander’s dream of. There was no question why the senior leadership from Chaos Company was chosen for positions of increased responsibility, it is simply known that Chaos Company has the best leaders. I would like to welcome 1SG Hettinger. I have known 1SG Hettinger since I arrived at Ft. Drum. He is truly the right man to take responsibility of this company. Please remember that SGT Robinson is back at Ft. Drum for you, use him. Also my wife Cari is available to help you in anyway she can. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and have started the hectic shopping season. Thank you all for the support and prayers.

13. D co 2-22 IN November 2007 Newsletter CPT Gregory Hotaling SFC Juan Trevino

14. Commander’s Corner Friends and Family of Destroyer Company: I can’t believe that we are already up to another installment of the Battalion News letter. Time to mark off another month on the deployment calendar. Let me start by saying that the soldiers of Destroyer company have performed even better this month than last month. We have added new faces to our ranks, we have trained hard to keep our skills sharp and we have been continuously conducting operations to keep the good people of Kirkuk safe and secure while also keeping the enemy off their game. The last month saw Destroyer Company take part in the first Battalion Operation of the deployment as well as the first Brigade Mission of the deployment. Both operations were successes in that the enemy was disrupted, the citizens were protected and most importantly no soldiers were injured in the process. Destroyer company partnered with the Iraqi Emergency Services Unit on both occasions to great success. They were eager to learn and very motivated to take action in the defense of their own country. There will be many joint operations in the future for the Destroyers and with the help of the ESU they should all be successful. I would like to take the opportunity to welcome PV2 Schwappach (2nd PLT), PV2 Gayton (4th PLT), PVT Everhart (1st PLT), PVT Andrews (2nd PLT) as the newest members of the Destroyer Team. The have hit the ground running by completing their initial in-country training and are eager to head out on their first missions. We are very happy to have them here. We are planning a Destroyer Company Barbecue here on FOB Warrior to celebrate Thanksgiving. 1SG Trevino has been nominated as Destroyer Grill Master for the event. All of the soldiers are looking forward to a day of good food and relaxation. I could not be any more proud of the Destroyer FRG. They have been running the show in the rear, putting out information, getting together for activities and keeping the home fires burning for the soldiers out here. Both styles of Destroyer Company T-shirts (one for PT’s and one for under ACU uniforms) are complete and ready for shipment. I know the guys out here cant wait to get their hands on them to show some Destroyer Pride. As I close I would like to leave you with this thought. Each of the soldiers out here have a lot to be thankful for both here and back home. We are constantly reminded of those things every day through pictures, emails and phone calls. All of us out here appreciate everything that all of you back there do for us. Once again I am extremely proud of the entire Destroyer Company Team. Until next month…. Destroyer 6 Deeds Not Words Seek, Strike, Destroy

15. First Sergeant’s Corner QUALITY OF LIFE • We are working a Company Bar-B-Q for the men on Thanksgiving Day, a Day of no patrols and a chance for the leaders to give back and cook some chow for the boys. • Please send posters, cards and anything else from home that we can hang up in and around the building to remind the Soldiers of their loved ones at home. • The Destroyer Company Combatives room is about 90% finished. It contains full surface mats, a heavy and light bag; for those days when regular PT wont do. MORALE • The Destroyer Company T-Shirts were ordered this month and are expected to arrive in the upcoming weeks. We ordered extra for the new Soldiers and any family members that want some. (Their going fast!!) CURRENT FOCUS • The Company continues to improve the environments in the city of Kirkuk. We have found more IED making materials, captured insurgents and continue to build on the relations of the Iraqi Police in the city.

16. First Sergeant’s Corner (cont) MISSION READINESS Manning: • CPL Sarday has recovered from his injuries and has been reunited with his platoon • We welcome the arrival of PV2 Schwappach (2nd PLT), PV2 Gayton (4th PLT), PVT Everhart (1st PLT), PVT Andrews (2nd PLT)

17. Awards and Promotions • The following Soldiers were recommended for the Combat Infantryman’s Badge (CIB) for their actions during small arms fire from insurgents: SPC McDaris, PV2 Folmar, PVT Sweet • These Soldiers were recommended for the purple heart for injuries sustained in combat: SGT Ward, CPL (P) Sarday, SPC Guidy, SPC Clausen • The following Soldiers were recommended for the Army Commendation Medal with V device for heroism during IED Strike with insurgents: SGT Ward, SPC Guidry, SPC Casal (Medic) Promotion Boards: • SPC Shipley and SPC Horning are scheduled to attend the next board in December – the best of luck goes out to them • Congratulations to SGT now promotable Leigh from 2nd PLT for getting recommended during the November board

18. Destroyers out on the Town HQ Platoon The S4, D6, habib (our terp) with the ESU soldiers Big doorway… or little guy? D17 Woe’s Me, nobody told me I had to stay awake

19. Back on the FOB PFC Harris and PV2 Gundlack posing with Patriot cheerleaders 1st Platoon earning their combat patch Combat Patch ceremony at Destroyer Base Biggie and his boys get their patch too

20. Destroyer Combat Patch Ceremony

21. See You in January! CPT Gregory Hotaling SFC Juan Trevino

22. For many Soldiers within the Battalion this is the second or third deployment rotation in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. However, for the new Soldiers in the Battalion, the ones who have been in the army less than eighteen months, this is there first deployment. For many veterans, 11 November is a day that is a little more special than all the rest. 11 November is the day we say thank you to the servicemen and women who have worn the uniform in America’s Defense. This day is Veteran’s Day and for the new Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) Triple Deuce, 11 November will hold a special place in the heart as well as on their sleeve. On this day the company held a patch ceremony. This patch ceremony is when first time deployed Soldiers are formerly authorized to wear the combat patch. The right shoulder was designated as the place for Soldiers who went to combat to wear the patch of the unit they went to combat with. Since World War I Soldiers, who have participated in combat, have been authorized to wear their “combat” patch on the right side of the uniform as the uniform is worn as long as the Soldier as served thirty consecutive days in the combat zone. This ceremony may be held at any time after the thirtieth day of a Soldier being in the combat zone. Since the thirty day mark fell close to the 11th the Company chain of Command felt that it might give the Soldiers a little extra meaning to don the patch if done on the day all Americans salute service members who have stood as the front line of defense. CPT Armstrong giving his words of wisdom during HHC Combat Patch ceremony

23. HOUND 6 COMMENTS Happy Thanksgiving! The Hound team has put another month in the books here in Kirkuk Province and your support has been absolutely vital, especially during the holiday season. We have definitely settled into our battle rhythm here and can see the fruits of our labor as relationships with our Iraqi counterparts are start to strengthen. Weeks are flying by like days. We have supported two battalion level operations this month, we’ve made continual progress towards training the Iraqi Police and Iraqi Army, and we have made substantial progress throughout the area of operations due to the tireless effort of our Soldiers. It was an honor to place combat patches on our Soldiers that had not yet received them this month. The 1st Armored Division (our new Division HQ) Sergeant Major was there to talk to the Soldiers prior to the ceremony. I would like to congratulate those Soldiers who earned their combat patch and welcome them to the brotherhood of veterans. Unfortunately we are saying goodbye (kind of) to our First Sergeant. Sergeant Major Earle isn’t leaving the company but he is moving on to be the Operations Sergeant Major of Triple Deuce. Still in the HHC family but he will be sorely missed as the First Sergeant. We thank him for all that he has done as a leader and mentor. Taking over the First Sergeant position right before deployment and making sure the company gets over to Iraq and gets settled is no easy task and he could not have performed it better. The only thing that eases this loss is the welcoming of our new First Sergeant, 1SG Galindo. He is no stranger to the Triple Deuce family. He has served as the Charlie Company First Sergeant for well over a year. We are all excited for him to build on what SGM Earle has established. Thank you again for all your support. I can’t express what it means to our Soldiers, especially during the next couple months in the holiday season.

24. SGT Crauder, SPC Wilcox, SPC Marr, and PFC Dupree pose in front of the banner that Ms. Timko’s 4th Grade Class made for the Medics SSG Grenz just told 2LT Joyce that President Bush is on the phone asking for an update on Kirkuk

25. SMG Travers and CPT Witherell are smiling because MAJ Friant finally let them out of the office to do something cool CPL Rios, SPC Jones, and PFC Doss are working on their dramatic poses before going on mission

26. SPC Nowack just made a snide remark against the Red Sox, which SGT Flynn wasn’t happy about SSG Hernandez is keeping it real with his buddies

27. EAGLES “Courage Support” Allows 2-22 IN to Expand Operations The Soldiers of the Distribution Platoon, E Co, Triple Deuce (FSC) have certainly been putting the prolonged warmth to good use. Taking the company motto “Courage Support” to heart, the platoon has more than doubled the fuel, water and food capacity at the three Triple Deuce outposts. In the 45 days since the 8 Oct 2007 hand over, the Distribution Platoon has assisted in the expansion and improvement of each site, helping to upgrade facilities and giving Soldiers more living space. Hundreds of pounds of new construction material has helped better the site defenses and enhanced operational readiness. The enhancements have raised the quality of life for the Soldiers living in the remote locations outside FOB Warrior. Additional showers and water treatment equipment mean better hygiene and warm water at remote locations. Extra storage space gives these sites more room to store food, and allows them to offer a larger variety of meal options. Soldiers who dreaded being “banished” to these locations now show a reluctance to go back to FOB Warrior. These improvements have also allowed the sites to become launching points for extended Triple Deuce operations in their AO. Companies can remain out in sector longer while using supplies already strategically located within their AO. Even non-Courage task forces now make use of the new facilities, and these sites now have the flexibility to handle unexpected guests. As the Courage AO widens, these sites become important logistical waypoints, and this supports the overall Triple Deuce mission. With concern about the vulnerability of logistical convoys as high as ever, the higher supply capacity ensures that resources are being maximized and Soldiers are not on the road more then they need to be. Platoon Sergeant, SFC Glennis Jarvis, sees the additions in a positive light and views them as a win for both Triple Deuce and the Distribution Platoon. “By giving them the increased food and fuel capabilities, we alleviate the need to send additional vehicles on the road and are able to keep more Soldiers safe.” The Distribution Platoon has taken a personal interest in the morale and welfare of the Soldiers at these sites. One Soldier, SPC Sarah Whittington, has spearheaded a movement to collect magazines, puzzles and other reading material to bring to the Soldiers living outside the wire. The Echo Company First Sergeant lent his own expertise to the placement of a pre-fabricated house designed to keep Soldiers warm during the upcoming winter. He was on hand to oversee its placement and helped with the electrical wiring as they moved the house to the northern site. Triple Deuce Chaplain, CPT Eichelberger, is a frequent passenger on convoys, bringing spiritual guidance and a friendly face to the retransmission sites. The Distribution Platoon Leader, 1LT Jean Scrivner, is proud of the advances her platoon has made. “The platoon has worked extremely hard and helped accomplished so much since we have been here. We look at these places now and barely recognize them after all the improvements.”

28. A Pre-Fabricated house is constructed for Soldiers with the help of the Distribution Platoon, E Co, 2-22 IN (FSC ) E Co Soldiers unload food for Thanksgiving meal at PB Doria

29. PVT Brady and SPC Woke try to look busy at PB Doria PVT Curtsinger is refilling the water tank at PB Doria

30. Chapel Courage Be strong and courageous, do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9) Proverbs 31:10-31 10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. 13 She looks for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight. 14 She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. 15 She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And portions to her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; From her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong. 18 She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands grasp the spindle. 20 She extends her hand to the poor, And she stretches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies belts to the tradesmen. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, And she smiles at the future. 26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 29 “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.” 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her the product of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates. Have you ever felt like what you are doing stinks or that your work seems insignificant? Sometimes the world paints a perfect picture of how you should be and what you should accomplish, but the world’s picture might not be your image. Above we read about the ideal woman/wife. The virtuous women/wife described not only manages her household well, makes clothes, but also brings home income even while her husband is talking over important stuff (sports) with the fellas. To top off everything her children listen to her and everyone praises her for her work. Does this sound like your household? The good news in all of this is that God loves you just like you are. We are all different and many of our families are not what you might consider the ideal family. You may not be the storybook wife or your husband may not be the storybook husband, and that is okay. We can improve our marriages when we learn to see things from one another’s perspective and to accept each other’s faults. Improvements come when we accept that we are on the same team working together for our marriage/family. We can grow together in our time of separation, but we must remember to improve showing our appreciation and acceptance of one another.

31. Chapel Courage Be strong and courageous, do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9) You are there, and we are here, and everyone should be putting in an honest effort to work for the good of the marriage/family. Remember at this time of the year to be thankful for what we have and try to better appreciate what you have as a couple/family. Do not give up on doing good and working to strengthen your marriage/family. We Soldiers are thankful to have our spouses supporting us and we realize that life would be more difficult, if not impossible, without you all. Continue to strive to honor God with your marriage and He will continue to strengthen us together even in our time away. Note: The stinky job pictured below (Hint: there are no flushable toliets at Doria) ended up bringing guys together making the job/time more bearable. Talk together, work together, and stay together. Miller Eichelberger “Ike” – the chaplain

32. REENLISTMENTS We continue to retain quality Soldiers in our Army through reenlistment. Reenlistment in a combat zone shows a great commitment to our nation and our Army…and the monetary bonuses are also tax free. Although the money is a nice incentive, our Soldiers continue to reenlist because they believe in what they are doing and want to be a part of something much larger than themselves. Our reenlistments continue to take place at various locations such as the palace in Baghdad to the patrol base in our area. We congratulate and thank the 4 Soldiers and their families that have reenlisted in the past 30 days. Their names are: PFC Kederick Younger A Co- 6Yrs Fort Carson PFC Michael Brower A Co- 6yrs PDA PFC Terry Adams HHC- 6Yrs PDA PFC Kenneth Jackson A Co- 6Yrs PDA

33. PICTURES FROM AROUND THE AREA… PB Doria after another long day 1SG Carr and CSM Smith having a thanksgiving meal SPC Caputo made some new friends SPC Xiong showing his happy face

34. PICTURES FROM AROUND THE AREA… D Co Showing the Patriot Cheer Leaders how big their guns are C Co clearing a house during Operation Courage Hammer The future of Iraq CSM Smith now is a legendary comic book hero!

35. PICTURES FROM AROUND THE AREA… Mortars stand on guard during a Kirkuk Traffic Police ceremony Triple Deuce Soldiers stand in formation waiting for the beginning of the 1SG ceremony SFC Lester and SFC Hettinger getting ready to be promoted to 1SG PFC Candler and SGT Oliver contemplating the meaning of life

36. PICTURES FROM AROUND THE AREA… 1LT Holmes,1 LT Ferguson, 1LT Burgess, 1LT Archer promotion ceremony

37. PICTURES FROM AROUND THE AREA… E Co Convoy brief SGT Shustack in action Chaos Company making a dramatic entrance

38. Deeds, Not Words! Lead with Courage! 2ND BATTALION, 22ND INFANTRY MAILING ADDRESS Soldier’s Rank and Name Company/2-22 IN 1/10 MTN FOB Warrior APO AE 09338 ______________________________ REAR DETACHMENT COMMANDER CPT McNally REAR DETACHMENT NCOIC SFC Grady Phone (312) 774-3751/3750