Division Headquarters heading to Iraq-10th MTN

FORT DRUM, N.Y. – There was a goodbye ceremony on Fort Drum, as the Army's Vice Chief of Staff and Governor Paterson join in the send off of more than 1,000 Fort Drum soldiers.The 1,100 men and women from the 10th Mountain Division Headquarters will be in Iraq for 15 months.In his remarks, Governor Paterson called attending the ceremony the highest privileged he's ever had.Chief of Staff General Richard Cody said he came to simply to say thank you to the troops.
"Six years later it is clear that over three hundred million Americans are protected from terrorism and extremism because of you, the strongest generation. Insurgents and pundits alike continue to proclaim that this army will bow and break. But they don't know this army, they don't know the iron will of the American soldier, they have never felt the core of the 10th Mountain Division," said General Cody.
The advance party has already deployed. The rest will leave in the first few days in May. The entire division headquarters should be in Iraq by the second week in May

http://news10now.com/content/all_news/watertownnorth_country/114880/division-headquarters-heading-to-iraq/Default.aspx

"He is an Almighty Watcher, a sleepless Guardian, a faithful Friend.."

Progress in Kirkuk, Iraq.
Children playing and enjoying time together.

(Morning and Evening April 22, excerpt)

"Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night." Ps 91:5

We live in the world of death and sorrow, we may therefore look for ills as well in the night-watches as beneath the glare of the broiling sun. Nor should this alarm us, for be the terror what it may, the promise is that the believer shall not be afraid. Why should he? Let us put it more closely, why should we? God our Father is here, and will be here all through the lonely hours; he is an almighty Watcher, a sleepless Guardian, a faithful Friend. Nothing can happen without his direction, for even hell itself is under his control. Darkness is not dark to him. He has promised to be a wall of fire around his people—and who can break through such a barrier?....... God has not forgotten to be gracious, nor shut up his tender mercies; it may be night in the soul, but there need be no terror, for the God of love changes not. Children of light may walk in darkness, but they are not therefore cast away,,,,

“Though the night be dark and dreary,
Darkness cannot hide from thee;
Thou art he, who, never weary,
Watchest where thy people be.”

Where the battle rages there the loyalty of the soldier is proved; and to be steady on all the battle front besides, is mere flight and disgrace if he flinches at that point. (Luther's Works. Weimar Edition. Briefwechsel [Correspondence], vol. 3, pp. 81f.

122 detainees released as part of reconciliation efforts
http://http://www.blackanthem.com/News/iraqi-freedom/122-detainees-released-as-part-of-reconciliation-efforts16013.shtml

Increased Security Brings New Commerce to Hawijah, Iraq
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=18614&Itemid=1

Iraqi Police Takes the Lead for Security of Kirkuk

http://www.1ad.army.mil/story/apr08/police.htm

"When I am afraid,
I put my trust in Thee." Ps 56:3

"Cast all your anxieties on Him,
for He cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7

"Freedom and the bearing of any burden...."

Service and resolve
"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty". JFK

(Ellis Is. by Arlia)

"There is a time to take counsel of your fears,
and there is a time to never listen to any fear. "
(George S. Patton)

Freedom.
"Only our individual faith in freedom can keep us free."
Dwight D. Eisenhower

John 15:13:13"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

We will remember -
Spc. Arturo Huerta-Cruz

http://www.drum.army.mil/sites/installation/pao/releases/newsItem.asp?id=2008/0804-15

http://www.drum.army.mil/sites/installation/pao/casualties/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl13F9mv3Ug&feature=related

"A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that finds such a one has found a treasure.

PS57: 10
For Your mercy reaches unto the heavens, And Your truth unto the clouds.

Ps 57:10
The deeper your love, the higher it goes; every cloud is a flag to your faithfulness.

Ps 31:15 (Message)Hour by hour I place my days in your hand, safe from the hands out to get me.

“God Is Love, His Mercy Brightens”

Winds Of Love

A farmer had a weather vane on his barn, on which was written "God is love."

When friends asked why, the farmer said, "This is to remind me that no matter which way the wind blows, God is love."

When the warm "south wind" with its soothing and balmy breezes brings showers of blessing, God is love. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above" (James 1:17).

When the cold "north wind" of trial and testing sweeps down upon you, God is love. "All things work together for good to those who love God" (Romans 8:28).

When the "west wind" blows hard upon you with its punishing intent, God is love. "Whom the Lord loves He chastens" (Hebrews 12:6).

When the "east wind" threatens to sweep away all that you have, God is love. "God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory" (Philippians 4:19).

Perhaps you are discouraged and downhearted. If so, remember, God still cares for you. What you are experiencing has either been sent or it has been allowed by Him for your good.Yes, no matter which way the wind is blowing, God is love. — Richard De Haan (Our Daily Bread April 20, 2006)

"God Is Love, His Mercy Brightens”By John Bowring, 1825
God is love; His mercy brightens
All the path in which we rove;
Bliss He wakes, and woe He lightens:

God is wisdom, God is love.

Chance and change are busy ever;

Man decays and ages move;
But His mercy waneth never:
God is wisdom, God is love.

E’en the hour that darkest seemeth

Will His changeless goodness prove;

From the mist His brightness streameth:

God is wisdom, God is love.

He with earthly cares entwineth

Hope and comfort from above;

Everywhere His glory shineth:

God is wisdom, God is love.

Endurance -

Romans 15:4

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. "


An Iraqi child takes a water break after helping Sons of Iraq members and U.S. Soldiers with the delivery of new desks for his school in Newafil Village in the Kirkuk province, March 25, 2008. The Soldiers continue to work in the background. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Samuel Bendet.

TIKRIT, Iraq – In addition to assisting local Iraqi Security Forces and Coalition forces maintain security in their neighbors, Sons of Iraq members in northeastern Iraq are lending their support to local civic projects, such as the delivery and assembly of 100 desks with chairs, and school supplies for a rural school in Newafil Village outside the city of Kirkuk March 25.
“This was a great day for the children, parents, and the whole village to see the progress being made as a result of increased security in the area,” said Capt. Matt Lee, Company B commander, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division.
Members of the Sons of Iraq are comprised of local citizens who protect their neighborhoods and its critical infrastructure under contract with CF and under the supervision of local Iraqi Security Forces.
“In partnership with the recently employed SOIs, we were able to install 100 new desks, chairs and furnish school supplies to a local school here successfully,” Lee said. “This is a great example of what can be accomplished when everyone works together to bring security and stability to their neighborhoods.”
The desks and chairs were donated by a local Iraqi contractor .

Good news fromSam Houston
http://www.blackanthem.com/News/Military_News_1/Boy-s-Wish-Comes-True-at-Fort-Sam-Houston15401.shtml

Basra and southern Iraq- another defining moment in history - all will work for good

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/03/29/world/middleeast/20080329IRAQ_GRAPHIC.html

DRUM MEMORIAL CEREMONY: Three soldiers honored for ultimate sacrifice

Gen. Oates said defending America has come at "an awful price" and the country must not forget the sacrifice of these soldiers.
"So let us vow to remember them always," Gen. Oates said. "They were loved in life, they are respected in death for the honor they bring to us and the example they set to all of us as American citizens."

http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20080328/NEWS03/491650821

happy birthday - cyndi .."Your promise preserves my life...Psalm 119: 50

happy birthday cynthia rose!!!!!******




We are proud of you and all you have accomplished.

I'm so thankful to Pete and Wendy for raising you, and cherishing the gift you are to them

and the gift and blessing you are to Matt and our family. Priceless......!


Psalm 119:50
Your promise preserves my life. (NIV)

March Officer Promotions- Matthew J. Holuta to 1st Lt

Obeidi Tribal Leaders Gather to Discuss Security of Tribal Areas in Kirkuk Province

http://www.1ad./army.mil/story/feb08/tribal.htm

Operation Restore Peace III paves the path toward reconciliation

Coalition Forces, ISF conduct Chaos Thunder Strike II (Kirkuk)

http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17457&Itemid=128

HAWIJAH, Iraq - The chairman of the joint chiefs of staff

http://www.1ad.army.mil/story/mar08/wild_west.htm

http://newsblaze.com/story/20080218053216tsop.nb/newsblaze/IRAQ0001/Iraq.html

America Reaches Out

http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/americasupportsyou/MessageList.aspx?SectionID=5&Kw=10th%20mountain&State=ALL

http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/americasupportsyou/MessageList.aspx?SectionID=5&Kw=HOLUTA&State=ALL

1ST BCT 10th MTN- We appreciate your service and sacrifice for our freedom. Thank you! To those who have fallen or have been wounded and their families our prayers are with you for comfort and peace. “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13 Those still perservering in the fight- do not be discouraged but move forward in faith for the future.
Joe Holuta, Indiana, Pa.