Preparation Meets Opportunity

Luck is defined as "when preparation meets opportunity." Our soldiers in Iraq are good. In fact they are the best in the world. But they also get lucky sometimes. Knowing those guys, they appreciate getting lucky. Here goes:


Title:
IA CAPTURES LARGE IED AND WEAPONS CACHE
Release Date:
11/17/2006
Release Number:
06-01-01PS
Description:
BAGHDAD – Special Iraqi Army Forces captured a large improvised explosive device and weapons cache located inside a mosque during a raid Nov. 16 near the Baghdad International Airport to capture IED emplacers.

Coalition forces observed several persons placing an IED, but were unable to capture them before they fled into a nearby mosque compound. Coalition forces cordoned the compound while an Iraqi force with coalition advisers entered the compound, consisting of a mosque and two houses, in search of the emplacers. Iraqi forces were unable to locate the individuals, but uncovered multiple hidden storage areas containing a large cache of IEDs, weapons and explosives which are used in attacks that injure and kill Iraqi civilians, Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition Forces. Weapons and material were found in the houses, the compound area and the mosque.

Iraqi forces found two vehicles prepared for use as car-bombs, as well as pre-made IEDs, to include a suicide-vest.Continued search of the compound revealed several anti-tank mines, electrical initiation systems for IEDs, a mortar system and ammunition, several assault rifles and ammunition, several machine guns, pistols and a rocket propelled grenade launcher and ammunition.

Coalition forces destroyed the two vehicles on-site along with a MOPED discovered to have protruding wiring and with munitions hidden within it. An anti-tank mine with anti-handling mechanisms was also destroyed on-site. The remaining weapons and material was confiscated by coalition forces.

No IEDs or munitions were destroyed within the mosque itself.

No damage was done to the mosque and there were no Iraqi civilian, Iraqi forces or Coalition forces casualties.

Terrorists Who Suck

Not only do terrorists suck, but it sucks to be a terrorist when you run into the good guys.


Title:
NINE TERRORISTS KILLED, NINE DETAINED SOUTH OF YUSUFIYAH
Release Date:
11/16/2006
Release Number:
06-01-01PS
Description:
BAGHDAD, IRAQ – Coalition Forces killed nine terrorists and detained nine suspected terrorists during a raid Thursday just south of Yusufiyah, further diminishing the al-Qaida in Iraq network.

As Coalition Forces approached the targeted area, they called out for people to exit the buildings. Ground forces noticed several armed individuals in a nearby wooded area maneuvering against them.

Close air support was called in to mitigate the threat to the Coalition Forces ground team. Coalition aircraft engaged the terrorists with precision fires. [This means that the aircraft brought the wrath of God upon the insurgents and sent them to hell]

Several of the terrorists killed were wearing suicide vests. [There were secondary explosions. People don't usually blow up when they are hit with gunfire. It probably gave the good guys an adrenaline rush but you can't say that it looked pretty cool. That would not be politically correct.]

This and other recent operations in the region highlight the deliberate, methodical dismantlement of the al-Qaida in Iraq network and those who contribute to its illegal actions. [Our guys are good]

For All Who Serve

A Different Christmas Poem

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed ‘round the room and cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light,
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,

I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times."
"No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
"My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile."
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."