Golden Dragons: The Boys are back in town

Converted to a Stryker Brigade after they left Iraq in January, 2006, the Dragons are back in Iraq.

And they are already making a difference

Tribal Sheik turns in two weapons caches
By 2nd Stryker BCT PAO, 25th Inf. Div.
Jan 26, 2008 - 5:59:52 PM

Blackanthem Military News
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and Iraqi Army Soldiers were directed to a weapons cache by a Tribal Sheik leader in Tarmiya Jan. 14.

Contents of the cache included a car bomb, 44 blocks of TNT, four 122mm mortars and seven large containers of home made explosives.

Sheik Imad Sa'ed Jassim turned in another large cache Jan. 6 to U.S. and Iraqi Army Soldiers consisting of 100 anti-personnel mines, 20 anti-tank mines, 12 rockets and 12 155mm artillery rounds.

"Terrorists only hurt us and we don't hurt anyone," Sheik Jassim said. "I want the people of Tarmiyah to live free and to be happy."

Both caches were turned over to the Iraqi Army for disposal.

Photos from Taji

Huber Heights, Ohio native, Command Sgt. Maj. Carl K. Morgan, command sergeant major of the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, discusses firing points and training at Joint Security Station Mushahda Jan. 14. Morgan stopped at JSS Mushahda to see how his Solders were doing. This was the first stop of three to visit with Soldiers and local citizens in the brigade's area of operation.

San Antonio, Texas native, Staff Sgt. Adrian Gonzalez, combat medic, with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division Personal Security Detachment (right), and Houston, Texas native, Staff Sgt. Wesley Drake, radio operator, with the 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. PSD, interact with local Iraqi children Jan. 14, during a patrol through the Taji Market. Gonzalez said he loves interacting with the kids when he goes out on missions. It was apparent the children loved it when he visited, because the kids were cheering "Gonzo, Gonzo, Gonzo," a nickname he told the kids to call him, as he walked the street.

New Orleans, La. native, Sgt. Tyrel Tierney, patrol leader, with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division Personal Security Detachment, takes a moment to look for a couple gifts for his two girls back home during a patrol through the Taji Market Jan. 14. Tierney said he misses his daughters and tries to find them gifts whenever he gets a chance.

New Orleans, La. native, Sgt. Tyrel Tierney, patrol leader, with the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division Personal Security Detachment, finds a familiar state name on a tag in a shop at the Taji Market. He immediately pointed it out to the shop owners and explained Mississippi is a state in the U.S.

Tracy, Calif. native Jonathan Cuha, infantryman, with Company C, 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, "Warrior," 25th Infantry Division, scans the retina of a Concerned Local Citizen Jan. 14. The concerned local citizens work to help the government of Iraq, local leaders and the security forces secure and continue to bring stability to their area.