Today was the memorial service for SSG Baum. It was an emotional event for all who attended. Several Charlie company soldiers were able to attend and show our support for B CO. I was proud to see the outpouring of support for a fallen warrior.
Continue to keep SSG Baum, his family, and the soldiers of B CO in your prays.
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Welcome to JSS Tarmiyah- Pictures
THE WEIGHT ROOM
JSS TARMIYAH- OUTSIDE VIEW
THE KITCHEN- The cooks like to call it Fred Flintstone cooking.
MWR- We have a small basketball court.
MAIN HALLWAYI will continue to post more pictures.
CPT Muller
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
A Long Time Coming
I apologize for the length of time since my last post. I want to start off on a sad note. Many of you know that B CO 1-111th, our sister company, lost a soldier the other day. SGT Baum was killed in the line of duty leading his soldiers like the fine infantryman that he was. I ask that you all keep SGT Baum, his family, and the soldiers of B CO in your prays. These are difficult times and it is especially important that we come together as a family and take care of our own. Help Debbie O'Connor out with the FRG. It is times like this that we need a strong caring FRG whom look out for the good of everyone. I appreciate all the support the families have shown. Continue to take care of each other and we will all get through this.
Things here have been very busy, and the time just fly's by. The whole company is at JSS Tarmiyah, and is learning to Love the unique living conditions. Moral is high and the soldiers of Charlie Company are continuing to perform at the highest levels.
We have been very active since the transition of authority on the 19th of February. We are working closely with the Iraqi Army, Police, and Sons of Iraqi. For the soldiers that were here in the past this is a whole new battle field. The Iraqi Army is very strong. Everyday they impress me with there aggressive motivated attitude. We have learned to depend on them for information and tactical advice.
I myself have learned to enjoy the unique Iraqi food. Continually I am meeting with Sheiks, Police, and Army officers who invite me for lunch or dinner. This has been a unique and very rewarding experience. The people I meet with are very engaging, and love to tell jokes and laugh. Often at my expense. The price you pay for being the new guy on the block.
The unit before us set us up for success. We are currently working many projects valued in the millions that will help build infrastructure, civil capacity and government. This is the way forward, and the only way we will someday be able to leave the country. Not only are we soldiers, but project managers as well.
We all look forward to the day we return home to our families, and can share the stories and experiences form our tour in Iraq.
Until next time.
CPT Muller
Things here have been very busy, and the time just fly's by. The whole company is at JSS Tarmiyah, and is learning to Love the unique living conditions. Moral is high and the soldiers of Charlie Company are continuing to perform at the highest levels.
We have been very active since the transition of authority on the 19th of February. We are working closely with the Iraqi Army, Police, and Sons of Iraqi. For the soldiers that were here in the past this is a whole new battle field. The Iraqi Army is very strong. Everyday they impress me with there aggressive motivated attitude. We have learned to depend on them for information and tactical advice.
I myself have learned to enjoy the unique Iraqi food. Continually I am meeting with Sheiks, Police, and Army officers who invite me for lunch or dinner. This has been a unique and very rewarding experience. The people I meet with are very engaging, and love to tell jokes and laugh. Often at my expense. The price you pay for being the new guy on the block.
The unit before us set us up for success. We are currently working many projects valued in the millions that will help build infrastructure, civil capacity and government. This is the way forward, and the only way we will someday be able to leave the country. Not only are we soldiers, but project managers as well.
We all look forward to the day we return home to our families, and can share the stories and experiences form our tour in Iraq.
Until next time.
CPT Muller
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Tarmiyah Iraq
Last night the remainder of the Company closed on Camp Taji. Our equipment is arriving at a much slower pace then we had hoped. We are working steadily to prep our Strykers, and company equipment for the move to Tarmiyah.
Yesterday I had my first meeting with the Sheiks in Tarmiyah. It was an interesting session which culminated in my first lunch engagement. Out of the meeting some things became very apparent. The unit we are replacing truly has made great strides towards stabilizing the region. Tarmiyah at one time was a hot bed of insurgent violence, and now is relatively quiet with many rebuilding projects. Yesterday, as I drove through the market I was astonished by the number of shops which were opened, and the variety of goods which were being sold. This is a huge change from my last deployment. The streets were free of trash and rubble and their were construction projects everywhere.
As we continue forward with our mission it will be important for the company to continue these strides, and focus on building civil capacity. There is truly no one better equipped for this mission then the National Guard. Not only are we professional soldiers we are also civilians with unique skill sets (firemen, policemen, project managers, electricians, carpenters, etc). We will be able to leverage these skills to further advance this city and inevitable transition authority for good.
Over the next several days we will start moving out to the JSS. I will continue to post updates and pictures as we move forward.
CPT Muller
Yesterday I had my first meeting with the Sheiks in Tarmiyah. It was an interesting session which culminated in my first lunch engagement. Out of the meeting some things became very apparent. The unit we are replacing truly has made great strides towards stabilizing the region. Tarmiyah at one time was a hot bed of insurgent violence, and now is relatively quiet with many rebuilding projects. Yesterday, as I drove through the market I was astonished by the number of shops which were opened, and the variety of goods which were being sold. This is a huge change from my last deployment. The streets were free of trash and rubble and their were construction projects everywhere.
As we continue forward with our mission it will be important for the company to continue these strides, and focus on building civil capacity. There is truly no one better equipped for this mission then the National Guard. Not only are we professional soldiers we are also civilians with unique skill sets (firemen, policemen, project managers, electricians, carpenters, etc). We will be able to leverage these skills to further advance this city and inevitable transition authority for good.
Over the next several days we will start moving out to the JSS. I will continue to post updates and pictures as we move forward.
CPT Muller
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