In 2003, the 3rd Infantry Division (Rock of the Marne!) carried much of the weight of the initial invasion of Iraq. In 2007, the entire 3rd Division was deployed in Iraq for the Surge. Today, as we celebrate Independence Day weekend in the year of our Lord 2010, we find that the 3rd Infantry Division is once again deployed to Iraq -- except 3 CAB, which is in Afghanistan.One of those brigades is actually task organized under Task Force 1, and that's the Second Brigade, Third ID, which is up in Nineveh province. But we have our First Brigade, which is down in Baghdad. We have our Fourth Brigade coming in that will go out toward Al Anbar, and our Third Brigade is down south, in Babil province. So it's interesting how you've got this Third ID patch all over Iraq with the division situated in the north. But our aviation brigade is doing quite well in Afghanistan. So says COL Tom James, currently 3ID Chief of Staff. He was there in 2007, too, as the 4/3 BCT commander; and in 2003, as a maneuver commander in 1st Armored. I tried to get him to give us a few "someone you should know" stories about his compatriots, but -- probably afraid he did not have time to be fair about everyone who deserved mention -- he preferred to talk about the differences in Iraq, now versus his other deployments. He says that morale is high, because so many of the soldiers have seen the progress that he is seeing himself. We are blessed as a nation to have a military like ours. The Third Division is one of several storied units, whose members learn the traditions of those who have come before and carry them on proudly. As you celebrate the Independence of the nation, remember these soldiers who are in your service. Remember them, and all their companions.
Read the complete post at http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Blackfive/~3/gMc_ymLp2IM/roundtable-a-salute-to-the-men-and-women-of-the-3rd-infantry-division.html
Posted
Jul 03 2010, 02:29 AM
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BLACKFIVE