Lightning strikes as 25th ID takes charge

Multi-National Forces-Iraq ^ | Spc. Michael Pfaff

[SandRat]

Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commanding general, 25th Infantry Division, greets the Iraqi Army division commanders for the first time as he takes charge of Multi-National Division - North at Contingency Operating Base Speicher. Department of Defense photo by Army Spc. Michael Pfaff, 133rd MPAD.

TIKRIT --Following a year marked by noteworthy successes in growing the size and capabilities of the Iraqi security forces, rebuilding Iraq and providing security for a vast region of the country, the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division on Wednesday transferred control of Multi-National Division North to the Army’s 25th Infantry Division.

“Our mission here is clear,” said Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commander of the 25th Infantry Division and Task Force Lightning, during a ceremony to mark the assumption of control. “To provide our Iraqi friends and counterparts the assistance they need to take over their own security and create a safe and secure environment so the Iraqi people can live a free, prosperous and terror-free life.” The 25th Infantry Division and Task Force Lightning - which include elements from the 82nd Airborne Division, 4th Infantry Division and 2nd Infantry Division - will continue the mission of transitioning areas of operation to the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and other Iraqi security forces in the region.

Zalmay Khalilzad, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, and Gen. George Casey, commanding general, Multi National Force - Iraq, attend a Mission Assumption Day ceremony at Contingency Operating Base Speicher. Department of Defense photo by Army Spc. Michael Pfaff, 133rd MPAD.

While Soldiers uncased the Division’s colors, Mixon deviated from his prepared speech to speak “from the heart” to attending Iraqi dignitaries and Iraqi security forces officers. He focused on maintaining the relationship between Coalition forces and continuing efforts to secure the region and its people.

Attending the event were Gen. George Casey, commanding general of Multi-National Force - Iraq, Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, commanding general of Multi-National Corps Iraq, and Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq.

During their year-long tour in Iraq, the 101st Airborne and the Task Force Band of Brothers assisted two Iraqi Army divisions in assuming responsibility for security in their provinces. Two other Iraqi divisions in the region are projected to assume responsibility for security in their provinces over the next three months.

In addition to transitioning security, the 25th Infantry Division will focus on continuing the efforts of the 101st Airborne Division to help rebuild Iraq’s infrastructure and further the democratic process.

Celebrating a job well done, Soldiers of the 101st Airborne will return to Fort Campbell, Ky., in order to prepare for their next “rendezvous with destiny.”

[SandRat]

FR WAR NEWS!

WAR News You'll Hear Nowhere Else!

[stm]

Whooooah!

[AliVeritas]

Outstanding!

[mass55th]

My brother was in the 25th Inf. Div. in 'Nam ('66-67)

[World'sGoneInsane]

Bump...Thank you troops!

[Bahbah]

WAR News You'll Hear Nowhere Else!

Isn't that the truth. Well, come on Iraqis, we are pulling for you with all our hearts.

[musicman]

Good Post!! BTTT!!

[rivercat]

We used to wear ragtops until some weenie General in Washington decided we all need to look the same, so we were forced to wear slickpots after that.
D Troop, 3/4 CAV

[leadpenny]

25th ID bump.

[DocRock]

" which include elements from the 82nd Airborne Division"

I have a close relative in this fight. He is a world class sniper and just today I received word that on his first mission, he killed a terrorist planting an IED near a busy road near a public market. Please keep these young men in your prayers. Killing in a firefight is one thing, but sniping can be hard on a young kid. He said the terrorist's wife came running out screaming when he shot him, crying over his body. Pray that our young warriors can find comfort knowing that he saved many innocent lives as well as the lives of our coalition forces.

I, on the other hand, am as proud as I can be of this fine American. May God bless him, his friends and their families and may He place a hedge of protection around them while placing stumbling blocks in the way of the enemy.

His relation is withheld as per his request.

[SandRat]

O God, I beseech You, watch over those exposed to the horror of war, and the spiritual dangers of a soldier’s or sailor’s life.

Give them such a strong faith that no human respect may ever lead them to deny it, nor fear ever to practice it. By Your grace, O God, fortify them against the contagion of bad example, that being preserved from vice, and serving You faithfully, they may be ready to meet you face to face when they are so called: through Christ our Lord.

Amen

[Ecliptic]

Go Electric Strawberry!!!!

'Nam....1970

[Bahbah]

Your relative has used his skill and training to save lives. There are so many who are grateful for his willingness to do difficult things in this cause. It is his inner goodness that makes it difficult for him. Those on the other side do not have that to contend with. It is to his credit that the necessary things he does don't bring him joy. May God grant him the peace of mind that he richly deserves.

[american_ranger]

Dad: Ground Cav, A Troop 3-4 Cav; 1977-1981.

Son: Wolfhounds; 2-27; 2002-2007

[x1stcav]

Electric Strawberry Hooahh!

[ops33]

My father was a Major and his last assignment before retiring was the 25th ID. We lived on Schofield and I remember it as a great experience. My brothers and I always said the best place for a boy to grow up on was an Army base. Lots of things to do, great activities, etc. Armed Forces Day would come around and we'dI remember my brother and I used to ride our bikes up to the top of Kole Kole Pass. It must have taken hours to get up there but only minutes to get down. God, I loved it!!!

[SandRat]

My children have similar memories of other Bases.

[RCMattW2094]

there is no D troop 3/4 CAV

[RCMattW2094]

There is no D Troop 3/4 CAV, I was in 2/5 INF B. CO. from 2002-2005, and 2/35 INF from 2002-2006... I dont remember a D troop, I do remember the C Troop which was all infantrymen trained for reconaissance.