Warriors...

Two U.S. Army soldiers focus on the door revealed in the beam of a flashlight as they prepare to breach the door during a search for weapons caches in Baghdad on April 16. The soldiers are from Echo Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment.
(DoD photo by Spc. Lester Colley, U.S. Army)

"Some people were meant to be 911...some people were meant to call 911"
Ilario Pantano
Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps

"Warriors are born, they are not created.
Certainly they are trained, but to be a warrior is a calling.
We should be forever grateful to our warriors and to their families who are all so courageous.
We should honor our warriors.
Warriors are NOT, as they are commonly portrayed, victims with no where else to go but the military."
Warriors...In Their Own Words

Evening and happy hump day...

How's your week been? Mine has been busy but busy is good as we await Chris' arrival and the wedding of our oldest son. Christmas in May and a wedding...how's that for loving life?

Tonight's blog...

First, if you haven't seen the trailer for the movie, Warriors, click here...

Special thanks to Ms. Val for the situational awareness on that movie....

So, your thoughts? Quite a message in that clip, eh?

Next, a quick spin around the net and articles covering the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment...


Iraq: Violence On Downturn In Southern Al-Sadr City

MND-B Soldiers Find 2 Significant Cache Finds in Baghdad

MND-B Soldiers Find Explosives Cache

MND-B Soldiers Find Munitions, Detain Key Criminal in Southern ...

MND-B Soldiers Seize Emplaced EFP, Rocket, Munitions Cache

Finally, did you know the birthday for the 2nd SCR is coming? Yep, May 23, 1836 this unit became active. Here are some video birthday wishes for the 2nd SCR from Iraq - 172nd years!










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Chris, I love you son. We are counting the days until we see you face-to-face...

Be safe!

v/r,
- Collabman

Next Mission...

A U.S. soldier from the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment eats a local Iraqi meal in the house of a local tribal leader in Abu Dsheer district in southern Baghdad April 25, 2008. REUTERS/Mahmoud Raouf Mahmoud (IRAQ)


Who Am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who Am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

(Casting Crowns - Who Am I)

Evening...

Happy Friday - ready for the weekend?

Tonight's blog is filled with a video package about two 7-10 cavalry commanders meeting Rashid district leaders along with the Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment commander to assess the area of operations before assuming authority.

This caught my eye as D Co., 2-2 SCR is Chris' unit. Also, based on this video Chris' unit is handing the baton over to the 7-10 Cav and refitting for their next mission.

Please pray for D Co., 2-2 SCR as they make this transition...

And...

There are a number of photos out tonight on a 2-2 SCR unit operating in the Abu Dsheer district in southern Baghdad. Unfortunately, the actual unit is not identified so it is unclear which squadron from the 2nd SCR these warriors are from. Maybe you can identify them and their unit? Leave me a comment if you will...I am interested.

Maybe someone can identify the young warrior in the lead photo above?

Also, I included some more photos of the 1-2 SCR operating in and around Sadr City...

Finally, I spoke with Chris on Wednesday - he is doing well. We talked through the IED hit on their stryker. Needless to say, the stryker did its job, took the brunt of the explosion and protected all of the warriors inside. As a result, they all walked away...I am thankful to God for his hand of protection over the young men traveling in that stryker. For those who build these armored monsters - thank you!

Chris is anxious to get home and begin his R&R - its been a long time coming. Overall, he sounded good. I enjoyed hearing his voice and spending time on the phone with him. It helped calm the storm in me...

Chris, I love you son and think of you daily. Thanks for the phone call - I really enjoyed it!

v/r,
- Collabman




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A U.S. soldier from the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment kisses a local leader in Abu Dsheer district in southern Baghdad April 25, 2008.
REUTERS/Mahmoud Raouf Mahmoud (IRAQ)

An Iraqi translator (L) takes a picture of U.S. soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment in Abu Dsheer district in southern Baghdad April 25, 2008.
REUTERS/Mahmoud Raouf Mahmoud (IRAQ)

U.S. soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment take position outside the house of a local tribal leader in Abu Dsheer district in southern Baghdad April 25, 2008.

REUTERS/Mahmoud Raouf Mahmoud (IRAQ)

A U.S. soldier from the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment sits atop an armored vehicle in Abu Dsheer district in southern Baghdad April 25, 2008.
REUTERS/Mahmoud Raouf Mahmoud (IRAQ)

Children walk with U.S.soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment and Iraqi soldiers in Abu Dsheer district in southern Baghdad April 25, 2008. REUTERS/Mahmoud Raouf Mahmoud (IRAQ)

A U.S. soldier from the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment stands guard near a poster of Shi'ite Mehdi army fighters killed during clashes, in Abu Dsheer district in southern Baghdad April 25, 2008.
REUTERS/Mahmoud Raouf Mahmoud (IRAQ)

U.S. soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment greet a local tribal leader in Abu Dsheer district in southern Baghdad April 25, 2008. REUTERS/Mahmoud Raouf Mahmoud (IRAQ)

Children look at a U.S. soldier from the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment in Abu Dsheer district in southern Baghdad April 25, 2008. REUTERS/Mahmoud Raouf Mahmoud (IRAQ)

U.S. Army soldiers from B Company, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment patrol in the Shiite stronghold of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq on Friday, April 25, 2008.
(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

U.S. Army soldiers from B Company, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment patrol in the Shiite stronghold of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq on Friday, April 25, 2008.

(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

A U.S. Army soldier from B Company, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment patrols in the Shiite stronghold of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq on Friday, April 25, 2008.
(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Reflections...

U.S. Army Spc. Matthew Wagner, 21, from Bedford, Ind. eyes an alleyway after his platoon from B Company, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment came under fire in the Shiite stronghold of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq on Wednesday, April 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

"Through the mirror of my mind

Time after time

I see reflections of you and me"

(Reflections - Brian Holland/Lamont Dozier/Edward Holland, Jr.)

Evening...

As I look back on the photos I have uploaded recently...and especially the ones taken today of 1st and 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment - I am touched by what I see...

However...

In the middle of the political landscape that is underway in our great country...I wonder if we have forgotten what has been asked of these warriors? Is it left to those of us who have a spouse, son, daughter, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, etc....in the fight? Do the others just not care? Tell me I am wrong...

Look at the face of SPC Matthew Wagner above...have we forgotten his sacrifice? I pray we haven't...there is way too much at stake here.

Every day these are the faces that flicker in the mirror of my mind as I pray for Chris and the entire 2nd SCR.

Reflections...who do you see?

Some quick snippets from the info hounds show...once again, Sadr City and the work being done by the 1-2 SCR is quite impressive...

PHOTOS: Cougars Provide Backpacks to Iraqi Orphans

Troops Kill Terrorist, Detain Others During Operations

MND-B Soldiers Kill 15 Criminals

MND-B Engage Criminals, Seize Weapons in Multiple Operations

Sadr City residents caught in the middle of Iraq showdown

Chris, I love you son and I see you and me everyday in my reflections...

Be safe!

v/r,
- Collabman

An Iraqi woman is seen in the background as U.S. Army soldiers from B Company, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment questions her family during a patrol in the Shiite stronghold of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq on Wednesday, April 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

An Iraqi woman watches U.S. Army soldiers from B Company, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment as they question her family during a patrol in the Shiite stronghold of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq on Wednesday, April 23, 2008. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

U.S. Army soldiers from B Company, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment lead a blindfolded man suspected of planting a roadside bomb near their patrol in the Shiite stronghold of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq on Wednesday, April 23, 2008. The man later tested positive for traces of explosives on his hands.
(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

U.S. Army soldiers from from B Company, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment patrol in the Shiite stronghold of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq on Wednesday, April 23, 2008.

(AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Warriors from Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment on patrol on the streets of Baghdad, Iraq.

(CDS Photos, Inc.)

Warriors from Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment on patrol on the streets of Baghdad, Iraq. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

SPC Chris Stevenson, Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment takes a break while on patrol in Baghdad, Iraq. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

Iraqi children reach for butterflies as Dog Company, 2-2 SCR conducts a patrol in Baghdad, Iraq.

(CDS Photos, Inc.)

Randomness...

U.S. Army Sgt. Derek Arnold, 24, from Boring, Ore. waits to go before the promotion board at an outpost for B Company, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment in the Shiite stronghold of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq, on Monday, April 21, 2008.

(AP Photo by MAYA ALLERUZZO)

Evening...

Happy Monday - I trust your weekend was enjoyable...

As we maintain our battle rhythm and press on through another week, I am looking at the calendar and counting the days till my oldest son's wedding and Chris' R&R from the streets of Baghdad. We are expecting lots of family to roll in the end of May for the multi-celebration...and we can't wait for the party to start.

Am I a little distracted?

Yep...

As a result, tonight's blog is a little bit of this and that..and some randomness...so, fair warning...

A quick spin around the web with my info hounds has produced more info and pictures on the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment...their work, sacrifice and service all across the Baghdad area continues to be superb.

Maybe you recognize someone in the pictures? Let me know...

Enjoy!

Iraqi Security Forces Take to Streets
MND-B Soldiers Search for Criminals
MND-B Engage Criminals, Soldiers Seize Weapons in Separate Operations

SPC Eric Strick (L) and SPC Chris Stevenson, Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment enjoy a cup of Chai during a break on patrol in Baghdad, Iraq

(CDS Photos, Inc.)

Stryker Infantry Soldiers search a pool hall for any evidence that could lead to the apprehension of high-profile terrorists and criminals operating in Baghdad's Abu T'shir and Saha communities in the southeastern Rashid District April 17. The Multi-National Division - Baghdad Soldiers of Company F, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, deployed out of Vilseck, Germany, last year as part of "surge forces" called to reinforce the Baghdad Security Plan, detained several suspects April 17 to include a suspected cell leader believed to be one of MND-B's most wanted individuals responsible for committing crimes and acts of violence in Baghdad. The pool hall was one of many objectives Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces searched during clearing operations April 16-17.

(Staff Sgt. Brent Williams, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B)

Spc. Breaon Gaddy, an infantryman from Fayetteville, N.C., assigned to Company F, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, attached to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division - Baghdad, searches a young Iraqi man during an operation April 17 on a pool hall in southeastern Baghdad's Saha neighborhood, a reputed hang out for a high-profile criminal operating in the Rashid district. The Stryker Infantry Soldiers conducted searches and combined operations in support of Operation Raider Typhoon, the 1st BCT's first operation to further prevent enemy activity in their area of operations, since assuming the mission April 13.
(Staff Sgt. Brent Williams, 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div., MND-B)

U.S. Army soldiers from B Company, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment search a house in the Shiite stronghold of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq, on Monday, April 21, 2008.
(AP Photo by MAYA ALLERUZZO)

A U.S. Army soldier from B Company, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment passes a map of Iraq posted in the window of a home while his platoon searches for weapons in the Shiite stronghold of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq, on Monday, April 21, 2008.
(AP Photo by MAYA ALLERUZZO)

A U.S. Army soldier from B Company, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment carries his weapon as he looks for a rooftop view in the Shiite stronghold of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq, on Monday, April 21, 2008.
(AP Photo by MAYA ALLERUZZO)


A young Iraqi boy challenges U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Abraham Bitolas, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, 27, from Palmdale, Calif., to a thumb-wrestling match at the boy's home in the Shiite stronghold of Sadr City in Baghdad, Iraq, on Monday, April 21, 2008.
(AP Photo by MAYA ALLERUZZO)

Iraqi girls walk into school as U.S. Army Soldiers from Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment look on. They conducted an early morning clearing operation to look for weapons caches and insurgent activity in Baghdad
(Photo: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Pierot)

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Chris, I love you son - be safe!

v/r,
- Collabman

On Patrol...

Warriors from Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment walk with an Iraqi girl during a security patrol on the streets of Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

“You can’t really repair anything that is broken until you establish security”

LTC Dan Barnett
Commander, 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment

Afternoon...ever wonder why we don't see more photos like the one above on our national news casts? Hmmmm....

For those wondering and asking, still no call from Chris to update us on the IED incident from the other day. However, his pictures continue to flow and they provide a wonderful look at the work of Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment. I enjoy the look from their perspective as they patrol the neighborhoods of Baghdad...

Before I leave you with more photos, lets take a quick spin around the web and catch up on the news stories that involve the 2nd SCR. You will note from the articles that they are busy taking care of business all across the Baghdad area.

Spend some time with the stories, if you haven't already, and get a feel for their ops tempo...and we thought we had a hectic week?

Also, note the challenges of getting the Iraqi Army to stand up and take responsibility for their country...can you say grrrrr?

I can...

Enjoy the articles and photos...if you can identify your warrior in the photos leave me a comment on the blog...I am interested in knowing and putting a name with a face. These are our heroes...how can we say thanks?

Iraqi Army Provides First Aid Supplies to Sadr City Residents

Troops construct wall to section off Sadr City

Company of Iraqi troops abandons position after attack

Iraq: US Troops Target Errant Iraqi Police

Chris, I love you son. Check in when you can and be safe!

v/r,
- Collabman

On Patrol with the 2-2 SCR
Baghdad, Iraq
2008

Warriors from Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment provide security during a patrol on the streets of Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

A 2-2 SCR Stryker vehicle and warrior during a patrol on the streets of Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

Warriors from Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment prepare to breach a compound for inspection in Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

An Iraqi girl waves to the camera during a security patrol for the 2-2 SCR. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

Iraqi children and a father wave to the warriors of the 2-2 SCR in Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

Warriors from Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment patrol the streets of Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

A warrior from 2-2 SCR takes a motorcycle for a spin during a patrol in Baghdad. The hearts and minds mission remains a top priority for the 2nd SCR as they establish security and trust with the Iraqi's in the neighborhoods of Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

A warrior from 2-2 SCR takes a motorcycle for a spin during a patrol in Baghdad. The hearts and minds mission remains a top priority for the 2nd SCR as they establish security and trust with the Iraqi's in the neighborhoods of Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)


A warrior from 2-2 SCR takes a motorcycle for a spin during a patrol in Baghdad. The hearts and minds mission remains a top priority for the 2nd SCR as they establish security and trust with the Iraqi's in the neighborhoods of Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

Warriors from Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment patrol the streets of Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

Warriors from Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment patrol the streets of Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

Warriors from Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment provide security overwatch during a patrol in Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

A warrior from Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment interacts with Iraqi children during a patrol in Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

Warriors from Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment patrol the streets of Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

Warriors from Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment patrol the streets of Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

Iraqi children next to a 2-2 Stryker in Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

Warriors from Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment patrol the streets of Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

SGT Arroyo, Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment provides a helping hand to SPC Eric Strick inside their Stryker. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

Warriors from Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment patrol the streets of Baghdad. (CDS Photos, Inc.)

SPC Chris Stevenson, Dog Company, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment "Hams" it up for the camera following a patrol in Baghdad, Iraq. (CDS Photos, Inc.)