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
1/12th Cavalry