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

 

 

Charger Veterans,

Fifteen months of intense fighting are winding down.  We have started to pack our bags, prepare our vehicles for movement and transition with the incoming unit, 2nd Battery, 12th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division.  The Soldier’s spirits are high; morale is up as we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

October was a busy month in preparation for our redeployment back to Ft Hood consisting of re-integration training, vehicle preparation and award ceremonies.  COL Sutherland (Commander, 3HBCT) praised 1-12 CAV for heroic actions in the most dangerous city in Iraq, according to CNN.  He thanked the Soldiers on behalf of the 1.6 million citizens of Diyala Province who can now resume their normal lives after living in terror for two years under terrorist oppression.  He thanked us on behalf of the Provincial Government who now governs its populace and has restored basic services, such as electricity, running water and food distribution.  He thanked us on behalf of the kids who can now go to school and receive an education.  And lastly, he thanked us on behalf of his own sons, who may not have to deploy to Iraq in the future due to 1-12 CAV’s valiant actions.

Baqubah has undergone a vast transformation since we arrived.  The markets are bustling with activity, kids are playing in the streets, and traffic is dense.   In January, we were fighting a fanatical enemy for every inch of ground.  Now, Baqubah is almost like any other city back home.  Task Force 1-12 CAV’s refusal to give in to the enemy was the turning point that resulted in Al-Qaeda’s defeat.  Team Apache, Team Bone, Team Crazyhorse, Team Dealer, and Team Wardog were truly the tip of the spear that made an astounding difference in Diyala, while Team Hellraiser and Team Easy acted as the Shield that protected the body. 

The October “Hero of the Month” was conducted on 29 October 2007 where six Soldiers were nominated:  SGT Keith Baty (A/1-12 CAV), SFC Jason Martinez (C/1-12 CAV), SGT Hugo Garnica (D/1-12 CAV), SPC David Wise (E/1-12 CAV), SGT Daniel Goynes (E FSC), and SPC Eric Parsons (HHC/1-12 CAV).  SGT Baty’s keen senses and attention to detail resulted in the discovery of 2 insurgent safe houses and 3 sniper positions that were reduced.  SFC Martinez restored order, leadership, and raised the espirt de corps back into Crazy’s combat recovery team and he ensured all of Crazy’s combat vehicles were fully mission capable during continuous combat operations.  SGT Garnica’s heroic actions following an IED detonation and non-standard method to evacuate a fellow Soldier and interpreter was phenomenal.  SPC Wise’s incredible actions under fire resulted in two confirmed EKIA and possibly another 8 EKIA, in addition to discovering and safely detonating 12 x IED in support of 6-9 CAV.  SGT Goynes expertise and hard work resulted in Easy Company sustaining combat operations throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08 in support of Task Force 1-12 CAV.  SPC Parsons, a sniper, planned and executed a critical mission in Old Baqubah, resulting in a confirmed 6 x EKIA, some from a distance of over 1000 meters.

I continue to urge our Soldiers to look after one another and remind them that it is normal to show emotions.  We have come too far, accomplished too much to throw everything away so close to redeployment so we remain focused on continuing our mission.  Combat and Civil Military Operations continue as we set the conditions for 2-12 FA to successfully assume our area of operations by rebuilding and supplying schools and distributing vital humanitarian assistance to supplement the state sponsored public distribution system. 

We have experienced our share of sorrow, and we will forever remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice: 

28 Guardian Angels who have undoubtedly looked over and protected our Soldiers throughout the deployment; I will eternally cherish every moment I have had leading these fine men.  The memories of these Soldiers have been forever seared into my consciousness.

I want to express my gratitude for our Family Readiness Group and the 12th Cavalry Regiment Association for your never ending support.  Thank you for your thoughtful letters, the care packages that always seem to arrive at the critical moment and the prayers that have reinforced our commitment to our families and strengthened our resolve in building a legacy worthy of our predecessors.  Thank you for honoring our fallen brothers by attending their memorials no matter the distance and forever remembering their sacrifice in service of our country.   

In closing, “Do not mourn for those who we have lost, instead mourn for those who are left behind and for those who will never know the lost.” 

This is Charger 6 signing off from Iraq for the last time.

See you on the patch!   

MORRIS T GOINS
LTC, IN
COMMANDING
“Always Ready"

 

Webmaster note:  1/12th Cavalry is scheduled to be return to Fort Hood and be "on the patch" in early December.

 

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