100 Day Letter

Last week I published my “100 Day Letter,” a list of objectives Multi-National Division – Center will strive to accomplish during the Division Headquarters’ last 100 days. Together, we are going to spend these last 100 days sprinting to the finish line to hand off the baton to the 10th Mountain Division Headquarters.

Over the past 11 months, we have seen attack levels drop to pre-2004 statistics. The Surge gave us the combat power to take the fight to the enemy. We no longer commute to work – you are set in over 56 patrol bases and combat outposts to secure the population. You are stabilizing the area by meeting the needs of the Iraqi people.

We are in the “relentless pursuit” phase – we are watching where the enemy is fleeing, and following him there. We are also in “relentless pursuit” of the non-lethal lines of operations. As we sprint towards the finish line, we will work to further reduce the insurgency, increase the capability of the Iraqi Security Forces, increase the capacity of the Iraqi government and the local economy, push through the national media filter by engaging hometown outlets and the Arabic press, prepare for transition with the 10th Mountain Division, and focus on the four “Rs”: reenlistment, redeployment, reintegration, and re-set.

Reduce the insurgency. We are continue to clear enemy safe havens and build patrol bases in order to give the enemy no where to hide. As the Surge forces redeploy, we will not give up ground for which our Soldiers fought and died by only transitioning patrol bases to the Iraqi Security Forces. We are also supporting the detainee release program by releasing 300 detainees per month. Each detainee is “signed for” by a local sheikh, and if the detainee is re-arrested, so will his guarantor.

Increase the capability of the Iraqi Security Forces. We will continue to partner with the Iraqi Security Forces, build police stations, transition new units into Sayafiyah and Salman Pak, and renovate Joint Security Sites. The Task Force Marne Non-Commissioned Officer Academy is developing Iraqi non-commissioned officers to be the backbone of their military, as non-commissioned officers are the backbone of ours.

Increase the capacity of the Iraqi government and the local economy. Everything starts at the local level and money is still a munition. Our main goal is to provide Iraqis with sustainable employment – employed Iraqis are not emplacing IEDs as a means of income. Water is a stabilizing force, and we will enable the repairs of the irrigation pumps and the treatment plants to deliver potable water to the Iraqi people. Many of you have already provided security for the Ministry of Electricity to repair power lines, and we will continue to provide security so the Iraqi people have power.

Empowering local governing councils is the key as well as working with local agriculture unions. We have become known as the Division who knows how to develop women’s initiatives, and we will continue to work with Iraqi women on issues that affect women and children.

Push through the national media filter by engaging hometown outlets and the Arabic press. All of you are accomplishing good news stories everyday, and we will continue to push through the national media filter by engaging our own local hometowns. We will also empower Iraqis to tell their own stories through local radio stations and local newspapers.

Prepare for transition with the 10th Mountain Division. All upcoming transitions are important, and setting our successors up for success is the way to ensure we do not lose momentum.

The four “Rs”: reenlistment, redeployment, reintegration, and re-set. I know the Army is not breaking because so many of you continue to reenlist. And when we redeploy, we are going to focus on Soldiers and their Families – all Soldiers will be afforded both their block leave and their administrative leave.

We will not rest on our laurels, but we will continue to make this Division better. You all have accomplished unbelievable progress, but we still have two missing Soldiers. Over the next 100 days, we will do everything possible to find Alex Jimenez and Byron Fouty, and to kill or capture the insurgents involved in their attack. “I will never accept defeat, I will never quit, and I will never leave a fallen comrade.” Rock of the Marne!

Letter From Our Friend Capt. McGrue

Even though Capt. McGrue is not Chris' Commander anymore, it is always so comforting to hear from him. He always has a way to make it all seem okay. Thanks Capt. McGrue for always being able to lift our spirits! You are such a positive influence!

14 February 2008


Happy Valentine’s Day Hellraiser Family,

I sincerely hope that as this letter arrives to your inboxes, it finds you doing well. As it leaves us, it leaves us doing well and still in the Can-Do spirit.

First off, I would like to wish everyone a Happy Valentine’s Day. Although all of us are not spending this day with the individual that is our Valentine, I did not want the day to go unnoticed. So Happy Valentine’s to you all.

A lot has happened since I have last written and I will attempt to capture most of that now, in an effort of keeping you all informed of how your loved ones are doing here in Iraq. To begin with, the pace of our mission has not slowed down, yet your loved ones have continued to step up and accept the challenges that are quickly coming before them. Aside from performing their job on a daily basis and completing their mission as required, they have also been counted on in the assistance of transferring responsibility of Charlie Company’s area over to a Georgian unit, and they have moved the battalion from Cleary to Cahill. That may not seem like a whole lot, but there were many moving different pieces involved in both of those requirements that could have hindered the battalion as a whole. However, your loved ones continued to show that no challenge is too big to accomplish and they have not faltered as they continue to strive on and assist in making the battalion look good.

The weather here has changed some and we experienced a short winter. Not complaining, but I hope the sweltering heat holds off for a bit. J Some of us are already finding ourselves using the air condition in our tents, rooms, and vehicles; however, the temperature is dropping at night so we have a chance to cool off and not run the A/C unit consistently. I anticipate another month before you are chancing it with sending chocolate to loved ones.

Lastly, I want to commend the FRG for their continued hard work. I understand you ladies have a lot of big plans in store for us and I look forward to all going well as you have continued to do so in the past. By the way, enjoy your dinner tonight and I wish I could be there to help you celebrate.

Well, that is all that I have for now. Take care, God bless, and Happy Valentine’s Day.

Sincerely,
‘Gru
--
Respectfully,

Captain Arthur L. McGrue III
Company Commander
Headquarters and Headquarters
Company, 1st Battalion, 15th
Infantry Regiment

Letter From Captain McGrue

25 November 2007


Greetings, Hellraiser Family,

I sincerely hope that this letter finds everyone doing well and restful after the long weekend. As for the men and I, we are doing well.

Since I have last written, the Can Do Task Force has executed several successful operations further enhancing the stability and security within our region; and Hellraisers have had the opportunity to play major roles within these operations. Whether it is the S3 Soldiers monitoring the radio to properly battle track the operation, the Scouts standing by at a location ready to assist if needed, or the Mortars executing their tasks, each Hellraiser has played an increment role allowing the mission to be successful and I am thankful to be serving with them. I often travel the battle space to meet with the men. Each time I visit with them, they display a positive and can-do spirit. Your loved ones are amazing a s they continue to complete their tasks on a daily basis.

When I wrote last, I could not remember the third question that was proposed to me at the time of the FRG Meeting. Shortly after sending the email, I remembered that the wives wanted to see more pictures of their loved ones. So as I continue to go out and visit with the men, I take my camera in hopes of capturing them in their everyday activities so you can see up to date pictures of them. Now I just have to find by USB cable so I can download those pictures, so please be patient with me.

I want to commend all those that are participating in the FRG Program. I am amazed how far our FRG Program has taken off and I know it is through all of you back there supporting it. Please continue to do so for only we can be successful together.

As the holiday season is upon us, we are attempting to bring some of the festive spirit here. We presently have a tree posted in the company command post here on FOB Hammer. Ursula has sent another tree which will be posted at COP Cleary when it arrives. Please feel free to send your loved ones an ornament to help them decorate the tree.

Lastly, as we end this Thanksgiving weekend, I want to thank all of you back home continuing to support your loved ones. The support you give them is what keep these men going and it is truly appreciated.

Take care and God bless,


‘Gru
--
Respectfully,

Captain Arthur L. McGrue III
Company Commander
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment

Happy Thanksgiving From Major General Lynch

Happy Birthday, Dog Face Soldiers!

Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, MND-C Commander

Today is about you – the Soldiers of Task Force Marne…you magnificent Dog Face Soldiers. You are deployed to freedom’s frontier because America needs you.

American needs you to protect our freedoms and our way of life. Today we celebrate 90 years of rich Marne history. We pause to remember all of the great Dog Face Soldiers who preceded us...who fought and sometimes died to preserve our freedoms.

The 3rd Infantry Division deployed only eight months after activating 90 years ago. Along the banks of the French Marne River, the Division defended itself against two enemy German Divisions and earn the nickname “Rock of the Marne.”

Our Division is made up of heroes, both past and present. The Division had two Medal of Honor recipients during World War I and 36 during World War II. The most decorated World War II Soldier, Audie Murphy, was a member of the Marne Division when he earned 33 awards and decorations.

Dog Face Soldiers went on to fight in Korea, Desert Storm, and peace keeping missions in Kosovo. In 2003, the 3rd Infantry Division led the charge into Baghdad with its famous “Thunder Runs.” Sergeant 1st Class Paul Smith became the Division’s 51st Medal of Honor recipient for defending his position against Iraqi insurgents just footsteps away from our Division Headquarters.

Everyone has a choice in life: you can make history or read history, and each of you are making history every day. You are the reason the 3rd Inf. Div. has such a rich heritage, and you are the reason we celebrate today. Tomorrow’s history books will be full of stories of your wonderful contributions. As you sit in years to come with your grandkids on your knees, and the world is at peace, you can highlight the fact that you were in Iraq at this pivotal time, making a difference every day.

More than 33,000 Dog Face Soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice, but not in vain. The freedoms we enjoy today are a direct result of their sacrifices. We owe it to our children and their children to keep up the fight. Today we are decisively engaged in the Global War on Terrorism, and we are making unbelievable progress. We take the fight to the enemy every day so we never have to fight terrorism at home.

I am so very proud of you, and humbled to serve with you here in Iraq. People ask me all the time how I can have so much confidence. It’s easy…I am around you magnificent Soldiers every day.

Happy Birthday! Rock of the Marne!

Happy Birthday to the Third Infantry Division

THE WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON

November 7, 2007

I send greetings to those celebrating the 90th anniversary of the 3rd Infantry Division of the United States Army.

Since the founding of our republic, every generation of Americans has produced proud patriots willing to sacrifice for the liberty and security of our Nation. These heroes have demonstrated that freedom is the mightiest force on Earth and set a standard of idealism and courage for the world. Since World War I, the "Rock of the Marne" has defended the United States in times of need and established a lasting heritage of service to our country. From the banks of the Marne to the Tigris River, the 3rd Infantry Division has proudly upheld the noble tradition of duty, honor, and love of country. All of us who live in liberty live in their debt, and we will never forget their sacrifice.

On behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank all members of the 3rd Infantry Division, both past and present , for protecting our citizens and laying a foundation of peace for generations to come. This event is an opportunity to renew the strong bonds of friendship you forged in adversity and celebrate the proud history and achievements of the "Dog Face Soldiers." Your continued commitment to each other and our country is an inspiration.

Laura and I send our best wishes on this special occasion. May God bless you, may God bless our troops, and may God bless America.


George W. Bush

Greetings, Hellraiser Family - Letter From Captain McGrue

It is so good to see Capt. McGrue is back in the swing of things after his injury and Purple Heart. He is a great commander and loved and respected by all. The Soldiers are in good hands!

3 November 2007

Greetings, Hellraiser Family,

My name is Captain Arthur L. McGrue III, and as of today, I am the commander of Headquarters and Headquarters Company. I am truly honored to have this position bestowed upon me and I look forward to serving your loved ones.

I would also like to reintroduce my wife, Ursula, to you all. All of you should have had the opportunity to meet her either in person or telephonically. Ursula will serve as my Family Readiness Group (FRG) Leader, and we are energetic about the progress of our FRG. When I say our, I don’t mean Ursula and I, rather all Hellraiser family members. And Ursula and I need your continued support to strengthen our FRG and have it continue to grow. I have seen the progress already being made, and I want to both thank you and commend you for your participation in our FRG program.

In September I had the opportunity to meet some of you. I left with three questions that needed answering in my first letter. Unfortunately I cannot remember the third question, nor can I locate the email that I had the information written on, but here are the other two questions and answers now:

1) Will those Soldiers that took leave under emergency conditions before EML began be afforded the opportunity to take EML later?
A) Unfortunately not. Presently each Soldier is being afforded the opportunity to take EML based off of a certain amount of slots. Due to our company’s size, all of our slots are projected to be used. Therefore, there are presently no additional slots projected to enable a Soldier to depart the Iraqi Theater of Operations twice under leave conditions.

2) Will the unit return home early?
A) Presently we are not projected to return until our original return date, which is June 2008. There are no official words or statements that say we will return sooner. I ask that when the rumors begin regarding our return home, please do not allow yourself to get misled. I’m sure there are few things harder to take then to think a loved one is coming home early, only to return on the original date. I know the rumors will begin if they have not already, and I would not want any of you to get disappointed.

Again it is an honor to have this privilege to serve you and your loved ones, and Ursula and I look forward to a well-built and strong relationship with all Hellraisers.


Take care and God bless,




Captain McGrue
--
Respectfully,

Captain Arthur L. McGrue III

Attacks Way Down Thanks to You

MG Rick Lynch, 3 ID Commander Task Force Marne

I spent last week engaging groups of concerned local citizens in each brigade.

I met with Meda’in concerned citizens at Patrol Base Assassin, Route Malibu concerned citizens in Qarghouli Village, Hawr Rajab concerned citizens, and concerned citizens in Haswah along Route Dolly.

The concerned citizens are definitely the Division’s decisive effort – we are at a point where we have more concerned citizens – approximately 23,000 – than we do Coalition Soldiers. Sustaining the concerned local citizens program is the key to the future security of Iraq.

It is because of you that we arrived at this point. You all – Task Force Marne Soldiers – worked tirelessly to secure Iraqis, and you’ve done it so well that they feel safe enough to secure their own neighborhoods, their own farms, and their own families against both the al-Qaeda terrorists and the Shia extremists who want to destroy the Iraqi nation.

Everywhere I visited, the concerned local citizens leaders gave you credit for helping get to the point where they could build and man their own checkpoints. Every sheik noted that he has wanted security for the past few years, and that you have been the ones to empower him.

I couldn’t be more proud to be Marne 6.

Attacks are way down across the entire Division, a direct reflection of who you are – Soldiers who are doing the right thing every day. You are vigilant and well trained – you know what needs to be done, and you do it right every time.

Last week, the Army Combat Readiness Center visited 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division and 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division to conduct sensing sessions and safety assessments. It was obvious to the safety professionals that our leaders take safety seriously, and I expect that principle to trickle down to every junior leader and every Soldier.

The Center brought up many valid concerns, and I refuse to lose a Soldier to a safety failure. I have zero tolerance for safety accidents. Leaders must remain engaged; NCOs must set and enforce the standard, and every Soldier must remember that he or she is a safety officer. No one should ever let an unsafe act go unnoticed.

Across our battlespace leaders are engaging safety with creative thinking. In Commando’s AO, NCOs are rigging harnesses for Soldiers to lift and lower their gear into guard towers. At Patrol Base Hawkes, two sergeants built floors into the guard towers so that if a Soldier falls it is only a few feet instead of 30 feet. Their ingenuity embodies the spirit I expect every Task Force Marne Soldier to have – Soldiers’ safety is the No. 1 priority every day, and any step we can take to improve it is a positive step for the entire Division.

I grow more proud of you every day, and I am continually amazed by your acts of courage and your fierce determination to succeed beyond all expectations. You truly are America’s finest sons and daughters.

Rock of the Marne!

Letter From The Commander

This is a letter from Captain Smith, new commander of HHT. It is really appreciated that as busy as Captain Smith must be as a new commander to the unit, he still found time to keep us up to date. Many thanks!

HEADHUNTER NEWS LETTER
OCTOBER 2007

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to all the families of the Headhunter Troop. You have done a marvelous job during the last 13 months as the Squadron transitioned from an Infantry Battalion to a Cavalry Squadron. You endured an early deployment to Iraq on top of the months of difficult training which took your loved ones away as they prepared to deploy. As the Bonecrusher Troop Commander I was always impressed with the Headhunter Troop and its ability to adapt and support the Squadron in the field, in combat, and on the home front. It is with humble gratitude that Angela and I come to this Troop as an addition to your command team. It is truly our honor to be associated with such fine Troopers and families.
We are approaching the halfway mark of the deployment and our Troopers are doing great. This is only possible because of your enduring support back home. All of the Headhunters are grateful to our great Family Readiness Group and could not have done it without you. Thank you.
We will work hard over here to keep everyone updated on events that happen over here and resolve issues that may arise back home. Please continue to let us know when changes to addresses, phone numbers, and emails occur. Angela and I look forward to being apart of this team and once again appreciate all your support.

CPT David J. Smith
Headhunters!