Golden Dragons

New pictures

Well my son finally managed to send us some photos. I have posted them to the photo album. Being the description-challenged individual he is, I'm confused as to who is who in the pictures. I think I have identified people correctly. If you see I've made a mistake, or have more information about a soldier, let me know. In addition to himself, there is a picture of Lt Greg Londo, Pv2 Matt Akard, and a soldier named West.

More pictures

I have placed three pictures I received from the brother of Sgt Robert Iozzia. Check them out. Perhaps someone you know is in one of the photos.

Thanks Anthony!

New photos

I have added two photos submitted by the father of Steven Lesniak to the 1-14th soldiers album. Check to see if one of the heros you know is in a picture!

If anyone knows the names of the unidentified soldiers in the one picture where names aren't available, email me and I'll add the name(s).

If anyone would like to submit photos they've received from their hero overseas, I'll be more than glad to add them to the album. Don't be shy. Someone may be happy to see a picture of their loved one that happens to be in your photo.

Remember, your sons, brothers, boyfriends, husbands, whatever, are all heros and I would be proud to make damn sure everyone knows it by posting their pictures here.

TF 1-14 INF relocates to Kirkuk Air Base

By Spc. Sean Kimmons, 25th ID (L) Public Affairs

KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq -- As part of their expanding "Golden Dragons' Iraq Tour 2004," Soldiers of Task Force 1-14 Infantry have moved again.

This time it's different from their previous Mosul and Najaf missions in April, since they will not leave any assets or return to Forward Operation Base Bernstein near the city of Tuz. Instead, Soldiers from TF 1-14 INF will be stationed up north at Kirkuk Air Base, while TF 1-120 INF of the North Carolina National Guard will take over the FOB Bernstein.

"When I stood here four months ago when the Golden Dragons assumed Coalition responsibility of this area, I expected to be here at least a year," said Lt. Col. David Miller, TF 1-14 INF commander, during a Transition of Authority ceremony in Tuz May 22.

"However, conditions have changed and we must adjust accordingly, as part of a larger effort to align forces to meet Kirkuk's security and stability needs," Miller said.

Dragon Pix

I put new pictures of our guys in Kirkuk and Tuz into the photo album

2nd BCT Soldiers receive Purple Hearts

By Sharee Moore, Assistant Editor

Silence fell over the crowd of Soldiers and civilians waiting for the two awardees to make their appearance on Sills Field, Schofield Barracks May 7.

That day, the two Soldiers would be awarded the Purple Heart medal for injuries they sustained in combat last month.

Staff Sgt. Robert C. Redman of 2nd Battalion, 11th Field Artillery Regiment and Pfc. Joseph Mason of 1st Bn., 14th Infantry Rgt., stood side-by-side on the helipad as Lt. Gen. James L. Campbell, commander of U.S. Army Pacific, presented their medals.

"I'm honored to be here for reasons very personal to the military in uniform today," said Campbell. "They swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States. Freedom is not free. It is born of blood, sweat and tears.

New Picture

I've added a picture (submitted by the parents) of Alpha Co member and hero (as they all are) Steven Lesniak to the 1-14th Soldiers album.

'It's Real Now,' Troops Say as Bullets Start to Fly

April 20, 2004

Young soldiers fighting in southern Iraq find that some experiences, including spilling an adversary's blood, can't be simulated in training.

By Edmund Sanders, Times Staff Writer

KUFA, Iraq — By half past noon, there was a fair amount of grumbling as the soldiers huddled in the back of a military truck, munching MRE rations. They'd been manning traffic checkpoints for hours, a tedious chore they'd already performed numerous times since arriving in Iraq this year.

The night before, their commander had promised this mission would be different — that the soldiers would see action as they swept a palm grove along the Euphrates River for members of an Iraqi militia.

"Guaranteed contact," the commander had assured them. "Ninety-nine percent chance." They were mocking his prediction when the first rocket-propelled grenade hit a U.S. tank up the road, followed by a barrage of small-arms fire that struck one soldier in the head.

"It's real now," said Spc. Jay Thomas, 22, of Ridgeville, Ind.

Golden Dragons display quick-strike capabilities

Posted on: Tuesday, April 13, 2004

By William Cole
Advertiser Military Writer

AMADIYAH, Northern Iraq — When Schofield Barracks soldiers came calling on this town of 20,000 in the middle of the night, it was with a show of firepower its residents will not soon forget.

Six Black Hawk and two Kiowa Warrior helicopters. An unmanned aerial vehicle. Dozens of Humvees and trucks. About 500 soldiers in all — nearly a battalion's worth.

The 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry Golden Dragons were there to capture seven midlevel targets — and send a message to those who support insurgents.

"The message is: 'We know where you guys are. We're only a few steps behind you, and we're going to close on you. So it's in your best interest if you are involved in this to stop,' " said Lt. Col. Dave Miller, 1-14's commanding officer.