82nd Airborne Shoutout

It is about time to give due props to the heroes of the 82nd Airborne, 3rd BCT, 5/73rd Cav, C Troop Recon. I'll pass on some comments of the leaders of this truly brave and committed unit.

A letter from Command Sergeant Major Edgar, 5-73:
Early on the morning of the 22d, we conducted Operation Olympus with B troop, C troop, and elements from the headquarters, conducting air assault operations on to two separate landing zones to eliminate enemy fighters and reduce three Suicide Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (SVBIED).

Our Paratroopers continue to set the example with their conduct on and off the battlefield. The Squadron is constantly recognized by senior leaders across Iraq for their discipline, tenacity and professionalism. I have served in twelve different units across the United States and Germany throughout my career and this is by far the best organization I have ever served in. Many of our Troopers will depart our Squadron as we return in search of greener grass but most will eventually return as they realize how special serving in the 82d Airborne Division is, and that we are truly America’s Guard of Honor. This division has always attracted the best Soldiers in the Army and that fact has not changed. The mere fact that we all volunteered to attend Airborne School knowing we could serve on jump status separates us from Soldiers who fill the ranks in other units.

From CPT Dobbins:
5-73 CAV (TF 300) deployed to Iraq in August 2006 to defeat the insurgency in eastern Diyala, Iraq. 5-73 CAV was formerly 3rd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, but was chosen by the Department of the Army to be the first Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron. The members of the Squadron were hand selected by the Squadron Commander LTC Andrew Poppas. Commanders, Officers, Non-commissioned Officers, and soldiers were competitively chosen to be members of this elite force of two time volunteers.

Once established, the members of 5-73 CAV were sent to specialty
schools: Ranger School, Recon Surveillance Leaders Course, Air Assault, and EMT to have the necessary skill sets to operate in an austere intelligence environment. Following the specialty schools the Squadron went into an intensive training cycle to prepare for deployment, which culminated in a successful rotation to the Joint Readiness Training Center.

Since deployed to Iraq the Squadron has achieved many successes and experienced some tragedy. Throughout the last twelve months we have conducted operations that have captured international headlines; Operation Turki Bowl I, Operation Turki Bowl II, and Operation Minotaur. 5-73 CAV, now referred to as Task Force 300 (for its 300
fighters) has consistently dominated the enemy through maneuver, saturating the area with patrol bases, patrols, and operations, and the application of Corps and Joint level assets.

From the 3rd Brigade Combat Team Commander, Col. Owens:
Our recon squadron, 5-73 Cav, has had a great fight on its hands in Diyala. Along with 3BCT, 1st Cavalry Division, these Paratroopers have been fighting some of the most extreme elements of Al-Qaeda and the Sunni insurgency. They have established several new Joint Security Stations to be closer to the Iraqi population and as a result have put themselves in a much more dangerous environment. Our Paratrooper’s tenacity and courage has come to be known throughout Diyala and among the members of the other American units they serve with.
Since my last report 5-73 Cavalry has paid a heavy price. They lost 17 great Paratroopers fighting some of the most ruthless terrorists in Iraq: PFC Orlando Gonzales, SPC Jason Nunez, SGT Jason Swiger, PV2 Anthony White, SPC Ebe Emolo, CPT Jonathon Grassbaugh, SPC Levi Hoover, PFC Rodney McCandless, 1LT Kevin Gaspers, SPC Jerry King, PFC Garrett Knoll, SSG Kenneth Locker, SGT Randell Marshall, SSG William Moore, SGT Brice Pearson, SPC Michael Rodriguez, SGT Michael Vaughn (5-73). 3-8, the Combined Arms Battalion, attached to us from 3rd BCT, 1st Cavalry Division lost two officers; 1LT Philip Neel and 1LT Andrew Bacevich. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of these brave Warriors. These losses have only strengthened our resolve to accomplish our mission. We will continue to take the fight to the enemy and to provide security for the Iraqi people,

The comments above, are just a few of the kudos from officers commanding our loved ones in the 5/73rd C-Trp Recon. These comments were mostly relayed via the 3rd BCT FRG at Ft. Bragg assigned to keep the families, of our loved ones, aware and informed. Thanks for all your input.

Dennis