Letters from Iraq
Tusk Hogs, Hurricanes, Wolverines, Razorbacks and Mad Dawgs
Tusk Hog Family Members:
Greetings from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Caldwell. We are well, busy with the work at hand, and missing those whom we have left behind.
The Tusk Hog Battalion is here to help build Iraqi independence. Our leaders are training the Iraqis to fend for themselves. Though many of the Iraqis are capable of prospering in a democratic society, many are learning new skills in a country no longer controlled by Saddam Hussein. In this type of environment, the National Guard soldier brings superior life experience, maturity, and a refreshing perspective to theater. And I am here to tell you that your loved ones are performing in a superior manner. You should be proud!
The Hurricanes have ably supported the Tusk Hogs as well as those 1-120 INF units tasked to other battalions. Regardless of the circumstances, the battalion can count on the Hurricanes to accomplish the mission. The scouts and support platoons have driven countless miles to accomplish their requirements, while the mortar platoon stands ready to provide indirect fire to Tusk Hog units.
The Wolverines have spent the last two months working closely with the Mayor Mohammed Maroof Hussein and Police Chief David Mohammed Aziz to make Balad Ruz a safer place to live and work. Conducting joint patrols with the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps (ICDC) and the Iraqi police, CPT Cash and the Wolverines are making great strides in training Iraqi security personnel. Working with city leaders, CPTs Cash and Stapleton have identified worthwhile projects to improve the city, and have invested a half million dollars into developing schools, improving security, and rebuilding citizen confidence in their leaders.
The Razorbacks of Bravo Company are currently attached to 1-150 Armor. They actively patrol Mandali and other towns in the extreme eastern portion of Diyala Province. Like Alfa Company, CPT Allen's soldiers interact with civic leaders, sheikhs, and security forces, and work to make their area more secure. Located at FOB Roughrider, the Razorbacks have the distinction of living on the only FOB with trees.
Charlie Company has spent the last 3 weeks supporting another Brigade. Occasionally, commanders move units to bring combat power to bear where it is most needed. The Mad Dawgs responded to the call and performed magnificently. They showed Active Duty soldiers how well National Guard soldiers could perform. Shortly, they will rejoin the Tusk Hog Battalion at FOB Caldwell. We will be glad to have them back.
On a somber note, I want to thank all of you who lent support to the Carasquillo family in the aftermath of Jocelyn's untimely death. We miss him, and we will not forget his sacrifice to provide peace and security to this country. The 230th Support Battalion will name the troop medical clinic here at FOB Caldwell after Jocelyn. I want you to know that Tusk Hog leaders take seriously our responsibility to safeguard our soldiers. You have my commitment to approach our missions aggressively, yet in an intelligent manner that minimizes their risk to the fullest extent possible.
Your husbands will receive their coveted combat patches, and in some cases Combat Infantry/ Medic Badges in a ceremony to be held on June 6th--the 60th anniversary of D-Day. They will have the unique option of wearing the Old Hickory or the 1st Infantry Division patch on their right shoulder sleeve. For many, it will be a tough decision!
We appreciate your support and miss you all very much. Your loved ones appreciate your letters, emails, and packages. Morale soars when the mail truck arrives full of packages from home! Please keep it up!
LTC Jim Stevens
Tusk Hog 6
05 May 2004
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