Commander's Update, September 30, 2007
1/12th Cavalry
Mo Goins, LTC Commanding Officer

Charger Veterans,

It was an honor serving with 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.  COL Stephen Townsend bestowed upon 1-12 CAV an honorary “Indianhead” combat patch for superb service during the liberation of Baqubah between June 2007 and August 2007.  We bid farewell to our brothers in arms as they redeploy back to Fort Lewis. 

The latest attachment to Task Force Chargers is Chaos Company, 1-38 IN, of 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.   Chaos assumed responsibility of Old Baqubah, and they hit the ground running.  They successfully transitioned into their battlespace, an area once controlled by an entire Stryker Infantry Battalion, by conducting numerous Civil Military Operations and combat patrols with their Iraqi Army counterparts. They have successfully disrupted enemy activity in Old Baqubah and maintained security for the population. 

Recent reports out of Anbar Province illustrated the success Coalition Forces have had with “Concerned Local Citizens” and Baqubah is experiencing the same success.  Hundreds of citizens have pledged their support to the “Baqubah Guardians” because they have tired of Al-Qaeda’s oppression.  At the local level, this proves that the citizens of Iraq have had enough of fighting and are willing to band together for the greater good.  We are very excited about the enormous potential this program has to offer. 1-12 CAV is leading the effort in Diyala Province.

1-12 CAV’s area of operations remains calm after months of intense fighting. Civil military operations (CMO) and reconstruction continues to be the focus for 1-12 CAV as we get ready to conduct a Relief in Place/Transition with our replacements.  We are continuing to improve the infrastructure, such as sewage repairs, canal and highway clean-up projects. We are also repairing schools, and supplying desks and books to demonstrate our goodwill.  We are providing the Iraqis with all the things we take for granted at home. Be proud for your loved ones, because they are accomplishing extraordinary feats daily. 

In addition to the reconstruction efforts, 1-12 CAV continues to aggressively pursue insurgents.  The Iraqi Army has displayed remarkable improvements in their ability to conduct combat operations. A lot of people may not know, but the Military Transition Teams (MiTT) are designed to train the Iraqi Army to plan, command and control, and provide administrative and logistical support to Iraqi operations. Through their partnership, 1-12 CAV Soldiers are teaching their Iraqi Army counterparts the tactics, techniques and procedures that have proven to be successful. Your loved ones deserve the credit for the Iraqi Army’s continuing success.

In a recent visit to FOB Warhorse, MG Benjamin Mixon, Commanding General of Multi-Division North, addressed 1-12 CAV and thanked us for our courage and faithful service.  He also stressed how we shouldn’t get complacent this close to redeployment and urged us stay vigilant and to look after each other.  He also presented 20 Commanding General’s Coins to deserving Soldiers, who were nominated by their chain of command.  

The September “Hero of the Month” was conducted on 24 September 2007 where Soldiers were recognized for a myriad of accomplishments. The ceremony also gave the Battalion a brief respite for camaraderie, fellowship, and chow.  Five Soldiers were nominated:  SGT Patrick Pena (A/1-12 CAV), SPC Justin Meadow (B/1-12 CAV), SGT Patrick Miller (C/1-12 CAV), SPC Fernando Vargas (E FSC), and SPC Myron Clements (HHC/1-12 CAV).  SGT Pena’s keen senses discovered 3 separate caches during a recent clearing operation in Baqubah that degraded the insurgents’ ability to attack Coalition Forces.  SPC Justin Meadow was the point man during a Task Force Operation that infiltrated into an objective on foot through restrictive terrain, during hours of limited visibility, all of which contributed enormously to mission success.  1SG Colella (B/1-12 CAV) described SPC Meadow as having not just two scoops of “Hooah,” but three.  SGT Miller’s alertness and tactical patience resulted in the discovery of an explosive device in a house, which likely saved the lives of his rifle squad.  SPC Vargas braved over 400 miles of road to deliver essential supplies to all 1-12 CAV’s Joint Combat Outpost and, according to 1SG Walker, set 10 multi-ton “T-Walls” in place by hand after a crane broke down.  SPC Clements’ diligence and attention to detail resulted in the flawless delivery of thousands of pieces of mail despite austere conditions which contributed greatly to the morale and welfare of over 900 Soldiers. D/1-12 CAV and E/1-12 CAV could not attend due to mission requirements.  However, E/1-12 CAV was recognized for their bravery and the essential route clearance they provide to the entire Brigade Combat Team.  CSM Donald Felt (3/1 HBCT CSM) also recognized our Soldier’s phenomenal accomplishments and praised the entire Task Force for exceptional work. 

Lastly, CPT Mike Erwin, who was formerly the S2/1-12 CAV, is running in the New York City Marathon on 4 November 2007 to raise money and awareness for The Wounded Warrior Project.  This organization aides America’s seriously wounded Soldiers from the time they arrive back home and help them carry on with life after their life altering injuries.  Here is the link to the his donation page for those who are interested in contributing to this noble cause.