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December 2007 newsletter (pdf)

Soldiers honored for combat service
10 May 2008
By: Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III
1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B

Dedicated service. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Capt. David Uthlaut, a Charleston, S.C., native, and commander of Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, addresses his Soldiers May 6. The Soldiers recently returned from 42 days of in the Sadr City district of Baghdad, where they reinforced Iraqi Army soldiers in stabilizing the city. Uthlaut praised his Soldiers for their dedication and hard work during combined operations with the Iraqi Army.  (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Injured Soldier awarded. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Sgt. Steven Walters, a native of Wichita, Kan., is awarded the Purple Heart May 6 by Col. Todd McCaffrey, commander, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, for injuries sustained when his Stryker armored vehicle was hit by an improvised-explosive device Jan. 18. Despite his injuries, Walters continued to serve as an infantry team leader with Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Combat Medical Badge. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Cpl. Matthew Dortch, a Redding, Calif., native, is awarded a Combat Medical Badge by Lt. Col. Richard Wilson, a Brooklyn, N.Y., native, and commander, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, during a ceremony at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, May 6. Dortch, a combat medic assigned Company C, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., was presented the CMB for providing medical aid to Soldiers during fierce fighting in Sadr City in April. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

On a Little Walk CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Pvt. Edward Robinson, a Saint Albans, W. Va., native, is awarded a Combat Infantryman Badge by Col. Todd McCaffrey, commander, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, during a ceremony at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, May 6. Robinson, an infantryman assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., was awarded the CIB for serving as an infantryman during fierce fighting in the Sadr City district of Baghdad for more than 40 days. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Receiving and sending reports. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – First Lt. Nicholas Pines, a Pinellas Park, Fla., native, rapidly receives reports from units during a significant activity in his unit’s operational environment May 9. Pines is the task force battle captain assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, which is headquartered at Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Commanding Troops. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Capt. Arnulfo Martinez, a San Antonio native, communicates with leaders at a Joint Security Station in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, regarding significant activities in the unit’s area of operations May 9. Martinez is the commander for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Operation Hammer Bonzai III aims to rids Taji of weapons caches
08 May 2008

By Sgt. Brad Willeford
1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B 

Into the Green. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Pvt. Victor Alaniz, a native of Montclair, Calif., pulls security during Operation Hammer Bonzai III, an operation aimed at clearing the area of terrorist weapons and improvised-explosive devices in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, May 1. Alaniz serves as an infantryman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brad Willeford, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

In the Heat. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Staff Sgt. Michael Clark, a Doylestown, Wis., native, takes a knee after digging up several boxes of buried munitions during Operation Hammer Bonzai III in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, May 1.  The mission focused on ridding the area of weapons and improvised-explosive devices. Clark serves as an infantry squad leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brad Willeford, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Searching for Weapons. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Spc. Jose Nunez, a Chicago native, pulls security for his fellow soldiers during Operation Hammer Bonzai III in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, May 1. The operation focused on ridding the area of terrorist weapons and improvised-explosive devices. Nunez serves as an infantryman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brad Willeford, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

On Little Walk. CAMP TAJI, Iraq –  Soldiers from Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, stroll through a field of wheat on a search for weapons caches as part of Operation Hammer Bonzai III in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, May 1. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brad Willeford, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Safer Iraq.

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Spc. Jose Nunez, a Chicago native, pulls security during Operation Hammer Bonzai III in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, May 1. The operations focused on ridding the area of weapons and improvised-explosive devices. Nunez serve as an infantryman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, and works to help build a safer Iraq for the future.(U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brad Willeford, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

06 May 2008

Dusty Patrol. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – During a severe dust storm, Pfc. Stephen Miller, a native of Batesville, Ark., looks out for suspicious activity while on patrol in the northern region of the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, April 29. Miller is a radio telephone operator assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Listening to concerns.

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – 1st Lt. Tommy Ryan, a Seminole, Fla., native, discusses security concerns with a local sheik while on patrol in the northern region of the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, April 29. Ryan serves as a platoon leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Keeping up.

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Pfc. Stephen Miller, a Batesville, Ark. native, observes a conversation between villagers and U.S. forces while on patrol in the northern region of the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, April 29. Miller, who worked in construction before joining the Army, is a radio telephone operator assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Communicating concerns.

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – 1st Lt. Tommy Ryan, a native of Seminole, Fla., communicates with several villagers while on patrol in the northern region of the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad April 29. Ryan, a platoon leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division-Baghdad, visits with villagers and local leaders regularly, listening to their concerns regarding essential services and security. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Wolfhounds fight heat, keep peace
05 May 2008

By: Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III
1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B

Protected from the sun.

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Pvt. Richard Plasket, a Midlothian, Texas, native, pulls security in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, April 26 in temperatures that soared above 100 degrees. Plasket has been serving in this region northwest of Baghdad as an infantryman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Securing Iraq.

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Pfc. John Mitchell, a native of Grand Praire, Texas, watches over an area of the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, April 26, to ensure the safety of the residents of the area. Mitchell is an infantryman assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Zooming In.

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Sgt. Ryan Ruz, a native of San Diego, takes a closer look at possible suspicious activity while on in the Taji Qada, northwest of Bagdad, April 26. Ruz assists his unit and the Iraqi Army in securing this region to provide the Government of Iraq an opportunity to provide essential services, such as water, electricity and education to the residents. Ruz is an infantry team leader assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Eyes on.

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Pfc. Timothy Moreland, a Shreveport, La., native, keeps watch on a possible suspicious vehicle traveling in the distance while on patrol in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, April 26. Moreland, an infantryman with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, assists his unit the Iraqi Army in securing this region to provide the Government of Iraq an opportunity to provide essential services, such as water, electricity and education to the residents. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Taking shade.

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Spc. Joshua Phillips, a Sacramento, Calif., native, takes cover from the sun in  temperatures soaring over 100 degrees, while on patrol in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad,  April 26. Phillips is an infantryman assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Wolfhounds prepare for cannon calibration
03 May 2008 

By: Spc. Brian Pierce
1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B

Checking Grid Coordinates. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Staff Sgt. Michael Pharr, Jr., a Charlotte, N.C., native, plots grid coordinates April 26 to determine the impact point for an Excalibur round fired from the M777 Howitzer. The round was fired from Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad, to calibrate the cannon system. Pharr serves as the fire support noncommissioned officer for Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brian Pierce, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Observing. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – 1st Lt. Aaron Kletzing, a Chicago native, ensures the impact zone is clear April 26 before the firing of an Excalibur round from a M777 Howitzer on Camp Taji, northwest of Baghdad. Kletzing is the fire support officer for Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brian Pierce, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Looking through binoculars. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Staff Sgt. Michael Pharr, Jr., a Charlotte, N.C., native, observes the impact of the Excalibur round fired during calibration of the M777 Howitzer in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, April 26.  Pharr serves as the fire support non-commissioned officer for Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brian Pierce, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Wolfhounds ensure businesses run smoothly
03 May 2008 

By: Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III
1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B

Looking. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Spc. Kristopher Weber, a Rosehill, Kan., native, patrols an area of the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, April 28. Weber is a combat medic assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Securing market. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Pfc. Timothy Brown, a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, patrols a market in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, April 28, ensuring growth of this economic district remains free of criminal and terrorist activity. Brown is an infantryman assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Observing the Market .  CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Spc. Wayne Cloud, Jr., a Sisseton, S.D., native, assists the Iraqi Army in securing a marketplace in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, April 28. Cloud is a forward observer assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Shopping Safely. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Spc. Wesley Shipman, a native of Katy, Texas, secures a business district in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, April 29, allowing shoppers to purchase needed items safely without fear of criminal or terrorist activities. Shipman is an infantryman assigned to Company B, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warriors,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Wolfhounds change leadership
01 May 2008

Preparing for change. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Capt. Brian Sweigart, a native of San Antonio; Lt. Col. Richard “Flip” Wilson, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y.; and Capt. Lucas Yoho, a native of Long Beach, Calif., prepare to conduct a change of command ceremony April 20. Sweigart relinquished command of Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division to Yoho at their Joint Security Station in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad. Wilson is the commander for the 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Reg., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

For the last time. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Capt. Brian Sweigart, a native of San Antonio, passes his company’s guidon to Lt. Col. Richard “Flip” Wilson, a  Brooklyn, N.Y., native, officially relinquishing command of Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment ”Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, April 20. Sweigart commanded the “Gunslingers” for more than 21-months and led his men through rigorous training in preparation for their current deployment. He made significant gains in the unit’s first four months in the region, located northwest of Baghdad. Sweigart will assume command of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Reg., 2nd SBCT, in July. Wilson is the commander for the 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Reg., 2nd SBCT.(U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. J.B. Jaso III, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Working together to move forward. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Cpt. Lucas Yoho, a native of Long Beach, Calif., meets a local sheik after assuming command of Multi-National Division-Baghdad’s Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, April 20. Yoho will work with several local and Iraqi Army leaders to assist them in improving the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad.  (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brad Willeford, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Wolfhound leaders recognize combat experience, service
28 Apr 2008
By Sgt. Brad Willeford
1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B

 Rewarded for combat experience. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Ingram, a Mililani, Hawaii, native, congratulates his Soldiers after affixing their 25th Infantry Division Shoulder Sleeve Insignia-Former Wartime Service, or combat patch, during a ceremony held at their Joint Security Station in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, April 20. The patch is awarded to Soldiers for their service in a combat zone. Ingram serves as a infantry platoon sergeant with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.  (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brad Willeford, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Working as a team. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Capt. Brian Sweigart, a San Antonio native, congratulates 1st Lt. Devon McRainey, a Columbus, Ohio, native, for an exceptional job of leading his Soldiers in combat during a ceremony held at their Joint Security Station in the Taji Qada, northwest of Baghdad, April 20. McRainey serves as a infantry platoon leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad. Sweigart recently relinquished his command of Co. A, and will become the commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brad Willeford, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Inspections. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Lt. Col. Richard “Flip” Wilson, a Brooklyn, N.Y., native, rewards Pfc. Samuel Fowler, a Medonough, Ga., native, a commander’s coin for excellence during a combat patch ceremony April 20 at a Joint Security Station in the Taji Qada. Fowler is the youngest soldier in Company A, 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment “Wolfhounds,” 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team “Warrior,” 25th Infantry Division, Multi–National Division – Baghdad, where he serves as a infantryman. Wilson serves as the task force commander of the 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Reg. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Brad Willeford, 1st Bn., 27th Inf. Regt., 2nd SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., MND-B)