82nd Airborne sending battalion to Afghanistan

News 14 Carolina ^ | 9/22/2004 | Stacy Neumann & Web Staff

[TXnMA]

82nd Airborne sending battalion to Afghanistan
Updated: 9/17/2004 6:23 PM
By: Stacy Neumann & Web Staff

More Fort Bragg troops get the call to move to Afghanistan.

This time there's been very little advance notice for the soldiers. They'll start leaving within the next few days.

The troops are doing what the 82nd does best, leaving on short notice to fulfill a mission.

Col. Mike Ferriter said, “One-Panther will deploy to Afghanistan to support the emerging democratic process taking place there by identifying, locating, and holding accountable those terrorists who would interdict the free election process."

Between 700 and 1,100 soldiers are part of this no-notice deployment to help ensure the success of Afghanistan’s October 9 election.

"It’s a nice change to go over there and help them get the same chances we have; protect our country while help giving them democracy," Sgt. Matthew Biddulph stated.

This isn't expected to be a long tour, just enough for the combat veterans to get the job done.

Col. Jeff Smith explained, "Approximately 75 percent of the battalion has deployed either to Iraq or Afghanistan."

The soldiers said that's the strength; one that has allowed them once again to answer a nation's 911 call strong and ready.

Biddulph added, "I'm a lot more confident. This is the third time."

The battalion recently completed a series of training exercises that will help them out in Afghanistan.

They worked on convoy movement, live fire exercises, and security procedures.

[TXnMA]

Got the "heads up!" on this article from our "#2 Son", "SGT Chris". Including Desert Storm, this makes his fourth deployment into harm's way in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Note that thy 82nd is deploying specifically to support the free elections in Afghanistan

(Hey, UN & sKerry: sound familiar? Leadership -- with teeth -- in action!!!)

Everyone: Pleqase continue to pray for our troops. As the elections in Afghanistan and Iraq near, they are going to be in increasing danger!

[MichaelP]

I smell a Get Bin Laden mission in the works....

Mike

[ASA Vet]

[A. Morgan]

God bless you and your son. You both will be in my prayers until the 82nd is back home.

[Gator113]

Ditto......

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Got the "heads up!" on this article from our "#2 Son", "SGT Chris". Including Desert Storm, this makes his fourth deployment into harm's way in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Note that thy 82nd is deploying specifically to support the free elections in Afghanistan -

Everyone: Please continue to pray for our troops. As the elections in Afghanistan and Iraq near, they are going to be in increasing danger!

1 posted on 09/22/2004 10:17:12 AM EDT by TXnMA

 

~*~

 

82nd Airborne ~ bump for Sgt. Chris and company!

Got the "heads up!" on this article from our "#2 Son", "SGT Chris". Including Desert Storm, this makes his fourth deployment into harm's way in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Note that thy 82nd is deploying specifically to support the free elections in Afghanistan -

Everyone: Please continue to pray for our troops. As the elections in Afghanistan and Iraq near, they are going to be in increasing danger!

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division arrive at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Sept. 22, 2004. More than 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division deployed to the Global War on Terrorism in Afghanistan to bolster security in the country for upcoming Afghan elections. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Daniel P. Kelly
82nd Airborne Soldiers Boost Afghan Election Security
By U.S.Army Spc. Daniel P. Kelly / Combined Joint Task Force 76
BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan, Sept. 22, 2004 -— With historic democratic elections scheduled in Afghanistan Oct. 9, military leaders have sent more soldiers to bolster security and stability. More than 1,000 soldiers from 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, began arriving in Afghanistan Sept. 22 to augment the already 17,000-strong Coalition Force. According to U.S. Central Command officials, the battalion was deployed to meet a request for forces capability and requirements identified by the combatant commander. This deployment is separate from the overall Operation Enduring Freedom force rotation. Soldiers of the 25th Infantry Division (Light) from Schofield Barracks, Hawaii are six months into their one-year force rotation, while the 82nd Airborne Division’s rotation is specifically designed to increase security for upcoming Afghan elections, and their redeployment is unspecified. “They’re here to reinforce success,” said Maj. Joe Gleichenhaus, planner for Combined Joint Task Force 76. “Commanders continually evaluate the operational situation and will submit requests for forces to support ongoing operations here in Afghanistan.”	Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, check in after arriving at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Sept. 22, 2004. More than 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division deployed to the Global War on Terrorism in Afghanistan to bolster security in the country for upcoming Afghan elections. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Daniel P. Kelly   While U.S. Central Command officials will not discuss specific deployment dates or durations, they could say forces deployed in support of stability and security operations will remain in Afghanistan until released by the operational commander. The additional requests for forces from the 82nd Airborne Division were reviewed at the highest level and validated to avoid any unnecessary deployment.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

One more.   (^:

505th Parachute Infantry Regiment

 

1^st Battalion (1-505 PIR)    

" Q u i e t   P r o f e s s i o n a l s "

~*~   82^nd Airborne Division
Fort Bragg, NC

[ican'tbelieveit]

My friend is there with your "Sgt Chris." Will definitely remember "Sgt Chris" by name in our prayers for these guys. They are going to be pretty high profile. This week has brought us some bad news out of Afghanistan.

But, on the other hand, I am excited also. I hope we will get some media coverage of these elections and can sit around and enjoy the process together.

[TEXOKIE]

Thank you for the thread. This is now an official destination for the Prayer Warrior Field Trips!


For those who might wish to participate with other freepers in supporting our troops spiritually, you are invited to check out the Troop Prayer Threads.

Post 777 on the link below is a special prayer for Chris and the 82nd.


http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/1101474/posts?page=776

[blackie]

82nd Airborne ~ Bump!

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[ASA Vet]

I watched an extremely lame movie the other night.
One of the main characters was supposed to be a USMC general.
In addition to the stars on his shoulders he was wearing CWO4 bars.
All of the Marines in the flick wore 82nd Airborne shoulder patches.
There were tons of other obvious errors.
Their miltiary technical advisor had to be Comrade John "silver star w/V device" Kerry.

[patriciaruth]

If anyone knows one of these soldiers personally, tell him to contact JPOTF in Bagram for my name and address (Dr. Patricia) if he wants goodies sent to his unit while they're there.