Generally Speaking

July 7, 2009

2009-07-07T04:11:00.000-07:00

BASRA, Iraq --- The temperature is nudging 120 degrees here with more frequency, but our troops are taking it in stride. You can be proud of the great work that our Soldiers are doing throughout Multi-National Division South.

Our first full month in command has been very eventful. On June 30th we reached a major milestone in Operation Iraqi Freedom — the official date that US combat forces turned over security of Iraq's cities. This has been the case in the southern nine provinces for quite some time; nevertheless, I have been meeting with local provincial leaders to reassure them of our commitment to the stated U.S. goals.

I've met a lot of interesting people in my travels. One of them is Imam Al-Moosawi, the leading cleric in Basra. I spent the day with him just last week where he showed me his 500-acre farm. He invited me to join him in a short ride on one of his Arabian horses, something I thoroughly enjoyed. Afterwards, we visited one of his businesses before he hosted a luncheon for the civic leaders in Basra. Imam Al-Moosawi gave me a great deal of confidence that there are people in Iraq that can and will step forward to help this nation reach its potential.

In early June I joined Ambassador Christopher Hill, US Ambassador to Iraq and General Ray Odierno, the senior US military leader in Iraq, at our base near Nasariyah to bid farewell to the Romanian army. The Romanian president personally presided over the end-of-mission recognition event. On the same day one of the units in my area — the 4th Brigade of the 1st Cavalry, was replaced by the 4th Brigade of the 1st Armored Division. The quality of the Soldiers in all five of the brigades throughout Multi-National Division South is top-notch.

I have one Soldier in particular who is getting a great deal of attention lately. Sgt. Brenda Bushera, from Wausaukee, Wisc., is saxophonist in the 34th Infantry Division Band. She has a background in music and is a phenomenal singer. Although she does not speak Arabic, her trained ear allowed her to learn the Iraqi National Anthem. She has performed it at a number of joint events, and I am constantly getting complements to pass on to her on how she has touched those who hear her perform. Sgt. Buchera is just one example of the commitment of the service members serving here in Iraq.

Thanks to everyone who has sent cards, care packages, and emails of support to our Soldiers. It certainly means a great deal to them as we settle in for the remaining seven months of our mission here in Iraq. I also want to thank all the great employers for their continued innovative support of their deployed employees. Congratulations to Target and Marvin Windows for earning the first "Yellow Ribbon Corporation" award from Governor Pawlenty this month — these great Minnesota companies are setting the standard, and my Soldiers are grateful for your efforts.

Finally, keep supporting our families at home. Lending a hand to our loved ones in the form of helping mow the grass, bringing a plate of cookies or simply passing a kind word go a long way in helping our families cope with this lengthy separation.

On the 4th of July I traveled to Baghdad to attend a naturalization ceremony at the Al Faw Palace and witnessed Vice President Biden administer the oath of citizenship to 237 Soldiers. Of the more than 15,000 Soldiers in my division, there were 32 that took the oath. It was an emotional ceremony for the Soldiers who became an American citizen while serving our nation on Independence Day.

I hope that you had a safe and enjoyable Independence Day, and know that the Red Bulls were proud to serve our nation over the holiday. Keep our troops, families and employers in your prayers.

Moving out of cities, toward the future of the new Iraq

2009-06-28T03:47:00.000-07:00

"As commander of Multi-National Division South, operating in 9 of Iraq’s eighteen provinces, I am pleased to report that progress is being made every day to transition full control of security and civil capacity to the citizens of Iraq. Tomorrow is a particularly important day, as we take the next big step in the implementation of the Security Agreement, moving all U.S. combat forces out of cities, villages, and localities by June 30.
U.S. forces will turn over the security of cities to Iraqi Security Forces, and begin a period where our primary security role is one of training, mentoring and advising the ISF. The Iraqis have made strides in their ability to protect their citizens, and our brave Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines are doing a great job in helping them build both their security forces and their civil capacity. Leaving the cities does not mean we are backing off. It indicates our confidence in the Iraqis to safeguard their own citizens.
The situation here is far from perfect, and there will be growing pains.
I am proud to say that Multi-National Division South a leading player in the process. Our fellow Servicemembers are working every day to help build civil capacity and improve security as we support multiple brigades spread over nine provinces. Our Soldiers are well-trained and contributing in a multitude of areas, with roles as diverse as military police, construction, civil affairs, intelligence, planning and much more.
Soldiers, you are doing a great job and I am proud to serve with each of you.
So, on this important day of transition in Iraq, our two nations move forward together as friends, with the shared goal of the safety and security of the Iraqi people.
I am very encouraged about the future success of Iraq."

Respect and Dignity

2009-06-04T03:30:00.000-07:00

"It has been three weeks since our Transfer of Authority and I want to take a moment to let you know where I stand on some very important issues.
I have zero tolerance for sexual assault and harassment. Sexual assault and harassment are crimes and will be treated as such, regardless of rank, gender, color, creed or religion. There is zero tolerance as well for gender-bias crimes, slurs and innuendos. Neither I nor anyone in the 34th Infantry Division leadership will allow a permissive att itude that allows such actions to occur.
It is your duty as an individual Soldier to protect you batt le buddy. This is not limited to att acks by the enemy, but also inappropriate behavior by your fellow Soldiers. Do not be afraid to report sexual assault, harassment or unwanted advance to the appropriate representative. I and the rest of your leadership take this issue very seriously and have zero tolerance for any violation of it. We will carry out our mission in Iraq with honor and success.
Respect and dignity matt ers. If we are going to indeed carry out our mission with honor and success, respect and dignity are an important part of the equation. Red Bulls, I am counting on each of you to do your part. Attack!"

Transfer of authority to the Red Bulls

2009-05-20T03:28:00.000-07:00

"It is indeed an honor to assume command of Multi-National Division South. I have spent the better part of a month traveling all over southern Iraq meeting those of you that make up our Red Bull Team. I want to thank Gen. Michael Oates and all the exceptional Soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division. They have contributed to advancing peace throughout the past year, and we are grateful for their hard work and dedication to the Iraqi people.
We should all honor the hard work and sacrifice of the Coaltion forces that have come before the 34th Division. We should especially honor those heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their nation in order to enable the Iraqi people to have the gift of freedom.
Soldiers, we are here in a supporting role. Our major partnership focus will be with the Iraqi Police and the Department of Border Enforcement in order to assist them as they secure the people of southern Iraq. I have been impressed with the professionalism and capability of the Iraqi Army. The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) is fully responsible for the security of the Iraqi people throughout the nine provinces that comprise our area, and we will continue to work by with and through the ISF and assist, train and advice our partners at their request.
I have full faith in the ability and talents of each one of you. Many of you have temporarily left your civilian jobs in order to participate in this historic time of partnership in Iraq. I know that you will draw from your civilian skills as well as your military skills in order to assist with the professionalization of the ISF and the continued improvement of security and quality of life for the Iraqi People.
Again, it is an honor to command Multi-National Division South, and I look forward to the progress that we will make together. Attack!"