Commander's Update, May, 2009
1st Battalion, 12th United States Cavalry Regiment
Michael Fadden, LTC Commanding Officer

Charger Family and Friends,

In the past two months the Charger battalion has been extremely busy improving the security and government of our area within Ninewah Province. If you have heard from your loved ones that the work is non-stop, then fully believe them. The progress that we have made although, is dramatic and leading directly to a stable Iraq.

Some examples of the fine work our men and women are doing everyday follow:

• Training and working with Iraqi Police to improve neighborhood security

• Operating with the Iraqi Army to eliminate enemy sanctuaries

• Providing humanitarian assistance in the form of food, blankets, school supplies, and toys to poor villagers living in mud hovels

• Revamping the entire water system to provide potable water throughout the region

• Providing fodder for the livestock to ensure herd viability during the three- year drought

• Overseeing a road project cutting across the desert that will employ and train over 1000 individuals

• Sparking the micro- economies of the region to reduce unemployment

• And the list goes on

All companies are involved and many Soldiers are working in areas they never thought they would be, however, the significant progress would not be achievable without their noble and determined service.

However, I am extremely saddened to say that this progress has not been achieved without sacrifice. Recently, the Charger Battalion lost three great Soldiers —SPC Velloza, SPC McCleery, and SPC Sykes.

Our thoughts and prayers daily go out to their families and loved ones. They will never be forgotten.

In closing, sincerely, thank you for all you do to support your Soldier. We could not do what we do without the knowledge and warmth of the home fires although oceans apart.

CHARGERS!

LTC Mike Fadden
Commanding
1/12^th Cavalry

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