Troops Doing "Magnificent Job" in Iraq Say Senior Leaders

DoD ^ | Aug. 22, 2003 | K.L. Vantran

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Troops Doing "Magnificent Job" in Iraq Say Senior Leaders

By K.L. Vantran
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Aug. 22, 2003 - Americans can be proud of the work U.S. soldiers are doing in Iraq, said 5th Corps Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth O. Preston during a video teleconference from Baghdad today.

"The soldiers are really doing a magnificent job," he added. "All of you should be very proud of what soldiers here are doing in support of the people of Iraq."

Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Bush, 1st Armored Division and Command Sgt. Maj. Charles Fuss, 4th Infantry Division (Mechanized) agreed.

"They're doing very well," said Fuss, who also serves as command sergeant major for Task Force Iron Horse, which has responsibility for the northeast portion of Iraq. "They're disciplined. They're trained. They are taking the fight to the enemy every day and we're winning."

This is in spite of working in difficult conditions such as the "tough, rugged" terrain and temperatures that have averaged 123 degrees, said Preston. "Even in full uniform out on the ground, their spirits are high," he added. "Soldiers are proud of the mission they are doing.

"Terrorist attacks can occur anywhere in the world," Preston continued. "It's one of those things we learn from. Soldiers understand the threat and the environment they work in. They walk with death out on patrols. There's no substitute for the level of experience a soldier gains."

The adaptability of these young soldiers is great, said Bush, who also serves as command sergeant major for Task Force Baghdad.

Senior leaders in Iraq remain focused on the mission and taking care of the soldiers, noted Preston. "The No. 1 way to take care of (soldiers) is to ensure they are trained," he added.

Quality of life issues, to include housing and food, are also a top concern of the command sergeants major.

In an effort to improve troop billets, Preston said they've been working with local contractors to restore infrastructure and to put windows and air conditioning back in buildings. There's even a push to get air conditioners out to the soldiers who live in tents at remote sites.

Fuss said they've started purchasing 20-foot vans that have heat and air conditioning. Each would house four soldiers.

Food preparation is also being contracted out. The intent, said Preston, is to have several large dining facilities in established areas. These facilities would in turn get "quality meals" out to the soldiers in remote sites.

One priority is obtaining power generators, said Bush.

"You can't rely on commercial power," said Fuss. Power may be on for three hours and then none the rest of the day or it may be just the opposite, he added.

"There are a number of initiatives," Preston added. "I think if you asked the soldiers, they'd say there have been many improvements in the last 30 days. As the theater matures, you get logistics support structures set and quality of life improves substantially."

Every day soldiers look at what their leaders are doing to make their quality of life better, said Fuss. "And we're working on it every day."

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

That's the before picture, lol!

Looking through my FBI files...ah yes, Gramma - hostage-taker-fundraiser. Good to have you on our side. (^:

This brave bear made something of his life in spite of his missing ear:

 C

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Good man, your hubby.

They are doing epic work, imho, and deserve the world's gratitude.

[Brad’s Gramma]

FBI, SchmefBI.

I've got the CIA on MY side!

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Just know that many of us, at home and around the world, are listening to you guys. We are able to get the news - from e-mail and phone calls from the troops, bloggers in Iraq, the Iraqi people, CENTCOM and DoD and military news sources...and the numbers, those stubborn FACTS - the very few casualties throughout the conflict - in spite of press accounts and claims of quagmire - that prove the opposite. CENTCOM also details the security and humanitarian work of the troops - over 130 reports since May, available to anyone on the net.

Listen to the Vietnam Vets still serving, like Gen. Myers. They've been through this with the press before.

If you have something to share - within regulation, something good that isn't being told, or even to gripe about the heat - bring it here. Freeper LisaFab does a column for Toogood Reports and asks the troops to e-mail her - she will give them a voice as well.

We're keeping track - and sharing the news on the homefront.

Thank you for your service. We are so proud of the job you're doing!

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Aren't we are so very blessed to have such protectors as these bringing Freedom to Others abroad while protecting our own.

YES.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

most of the men and women over there are aware of the support we are giving them, no matter what the alphabet channels might say.

Whoo hoo! There it is. (^:

Thank you for standing up for the troops, TPD.

Last Sunday in Melbourne, 1500 Veterans, families - Americans - came to support the troops at a rally at Cavalry Chapel.

It would help to have the press involved in this celebration, but if they choose to be party poopers, we'll simply celebrate the troops successes - God, family and country without them...until they decide to join us.

[mystery-ak]

BG didn't cut the bear's ear off did she....she has a real problem with bears...she mutilates them!

[Brad’s Gramma]

A big ole BTTT!!!!

Do NOT listen to mystery-ak some people.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

SchmefBI, lol!

Psst. Did you bring your ID?

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

You know how fast bad bear news travels...tsk.

[windchime]

Another great story bump!

[Brad’s Gramma]

I'm STEALING THAT!!!!

[PhilDragoo]

God Bless the heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

[ConservativeMan55]

Bumpity Bump Bump!

[MEG33]

Great picture.God bless our armed services and those who wait at home.

[MEG33]

Wonderful thread!!

[Lady In Blue]

Another great and uplifting report from the front! I've been down in the dumps over the news over the last few days and this post is the the most uplifting I've seen. I feel I can get a good nights sleep now! Thanks.

[Lady In Blue]

ping

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[AmericanAssyrian]

Please do not forget the brave translators who stand beside our military. Iraqis and American citizens of Mesopotamian heritage who volunteer as translators and consultants in the joint effort for freedom have become targets of terrorist attacks.

Yesterday my husband, AmericanAssyrian, received word that his friend was gunned down in Tikrit where he was working as a translator. Nadan Yonadam was an Iraqi-born Christian who came to the US in 1973. He was a veteran of the US Navy, a patriotic American and a dedicated Assyrian who worked for the protection and freedom of the Assyrian people, language and ancestral land.

Nadan was assisting the 4th Infantry Division when he and two US soldiers were attacked by guerillas with AK-47s. The soldiers were wounded and he was killed.

I cannot tell you the depth of this loss. My husband and I sat with a group of Iraqi Assyrians in this man's home in California the first night President Bush launched strikes on Saddam. Our soft-spoken but passionate friend was behind our military completely and ready to serve in any way to restore peace, freedom and dignity to the people of Iraq, and especially to the indigenous Assyrians who have been so persecuted.

Nadan had already planned to go to Iraq and help when he was invited to become a translator. He had worked continuously with the military during June, July and August and was killed in the line of duty.

Nadan leaves behind a wife and two sons and a grieving nation in exile. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

Mrs. AmericanAssyrian