Sent:
Subject: Apache Update - As of 30 MAR 05
Family and Friends,
Hello once again from
65 on Easter Sunday and will be 90 today. Constant sweating, drinking
over
a gallon of water each day, and always having plenty of sunscreen on will be
a regular part of our lives until October comes and it starts cooling down
again.
The insurgent activity has slowed in our area these past few
weeks. There
has been an increase in Iraqi citizens turning in suspected terrorists.
This is a great sign. Our mission here is to combat terrorism. The
best
way to defeat terrorism in
longer willing to tolerate it. Terrorists are using fear to try and
maintain power or to hinder democracy. They are losing every day because
more and more Iraqis are showing they are not afraid, they are no longer
willing stand idly by, and they are willing to fight back.
Our challenge during these relatively quite times is to
never take the
situation for granted. We can not afford to let our guard down and allow
ourselves to think we are in a safe place. We discuss the need to remain
vigilant every day. I know for the soldiers it often seems as though the
leaders are too hard on them, too demanding, and too harsh. It is all for
good reason. Our number one priority will always be the welfare of the
soldiers, and doing everything we possibly can to bring everyone home alive
and well. Our strict discipline, adherence to standards, and
professionalism give us the best chance to do just that.
We have taken full advantage of the reduction in insurgent
activity by
focusing our energies on the movement of our company area. All soldiers
are
now living in our new tent area. I have attached a few pictures showing
our
move process. The amount of work the soldiers put into the move has been
remarkable. It is even more impressive when you consider much of the work
was completed by the soldiers after returning from their regular missions.
Soldiers have been working 12-14 hour days on missions and then another six
hours on moving the unit area. Another tremendous example of the
teamwork,
dedication, and pride our soldiers have for what they do.
We still have many things to accomplish before our new company
is finished.
Our goal is to have the area completed by April 9th. We plan to hold a
ceremony honoring the 63rd Anniversary of the Fall of Bataan.
Our intent is
to honor the sacrifice of the
fought so bravely in the
Bataan Death March and years in Japanese POW Camps,
and whose legacy we are
continuing here in
our fellow units and leadership here on why our Battalion Motto is,
“Remember Bataan, Never Forget.”
We are also starting a newsletter that we will be published
every other
week. The newsletter will be written and produced by representatives from
all our platoons and sections. The newsletter will be used to keep our
soldiers better informed. We also plan to send it out to all of you as
well. I’ve seen the rough draft of the first edition and it is going to
be
a great. You can look forward to seeing it on your e-mail within the next
week or so.
Additionally, we have been given an opportunity to have some
of our soldiers
interviewed by a reporter and photographer team that are here in
the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The interviews for select soldiers will be
conducted at the end of this week. Please keep an eye on the Star Tribune
in the coming weeks. I'll try to find out exactly when the articles will
be
published and let all of you know.
The Army is discussing a realignment of military police
units here in
The higher leadership is looking for ways to better assist the Iraqi Police
Forces and more evenly distribute the military police assets in the country.
Since we are assigned to a military police battalion, this realignment could
affect us. There is a potential that we could get reassigned elsewhere in
confident that our mission will remain unchanged. I see our chances of
leaving our current camp and mission as very low. We should receive
official notification of the realignment plan within the week.
Again, and as always, your soldiers are doing very
well. Regardless of the
mission and the circumstances, the Apaches continue to exceed expectations.
They are serving with honor and distinction. You should always be proud
of
your soldiers and never forget to honor those who have sacrificed so much in
the fight for freedom.
God Bless,
Mike Pazdernik
Captain, Armor
Commander, A CO, 1-194 AR
