Friends of the Red Bulls
Friends of the Red Bulls—
I am writing this month’s update with a heavy heart. On Thursday, July 16th at 9:15 p.m. local time (1:15 p.m. Minnesota time), a rocket attack claimed the life of three Minnesota National Guard Soldiers serving with the Stillwater-based 34th Military Police Company. Spc. Dan Drevnick, 22, of Woodbury; Spc. James Wertish, 20, of Olivia; and Spc. Carlos Wilcox, 27, of Cottage Grove exemplified the quality of our Citizen-Soldiers, and they are sorely missed.
Another Soldier, Spc. Jacob Benson, 22, of Willmar was injured in the attack. After a hospital stay in Kuwait, he was able to re-join his friends here at COB Basra. I had the honor of pinning a Purple Heart award and Combat Action Badge on his uniform in a ceremony to welcome him back at the airfield.
In a previously-scheduled trip, Governor Pawlenty travelled to Basra just three days after the attack. It meant a great deal to the Soldiers of the 34th Military Police Company that the Governor could personally express condolences on behalf of the citizens of Minnesota during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Drevnik, Wertish, and Wilcox families, and we are comforted knowing that Minnesotans from across the state are reaching out to help these Red Bull families face
this heartbreaking loss.
In a strange way this criminal attack against our base showcased just how much the Iraqis have improved their systems. The Red Bulls are here to perform two primary missions: transitioning security and building civil capacity. The Iraqis are beginning to internalize these processes more and more. Within a day, the Iraqi police identified a suspect in the killings and executed a raid on his home in Basra. The Iraqi police apprehended the suspect and found evidence of his involvement. The suspect ultimately confessed and will soon be tried in an Iraqi criminal
court.
Despite the tragedy that befell our close-knit unit, I continue to be
inspired by the professionalism and performance of our Soldiers
throughout Multi-National Division South. I had the opportunity to
tour the ruins of Babylon with Iraqi leaders earlier in the month. I
was impressed with how the Iraqi people embraced their contribution to world history and are committed to overcoming the turmoil of their recent history.
Many people believe that Iraq is an exclusively Muslim nation. Iraq actually has a diversity of religions, including Christianity. I met with Bishop Imad Al Banna, officially recognized by the Roman Catholic Church as the acting Archbishop of Basra. Bishop Imad explained to me his many outreach programs that benefit all citizens of Basra – not just Christians – and his focus on developing religious tolerance with children. It is gratifying to know that the security that my forces represent can give the Bishop the confidence to develop programs that help so many people.
While the loss of three great Red Bulls weighs heavy on our hearts, we are more committed than ever to completing our mission. Thanks to everyone in Minnesota for keeping the 34th Infantry Division —and especially the families of our fallen heroes – in your thoughts and prayers. I have attached this month’s edition of “The Sandstorm” photo magazine for your review. Learn more how you can help our families, employers and communities in Minnesota at ww.BeyondTheYellowRibbon.org,
and keep track of the 34th Division daily at www.TheRedBulls.org.
Attack!
Major General Rick Nash
Commanding General
34th Red Bull Infantry Division
Rick.Nash@TheRedBulls.org
1. On behalf of Maj. Gen. Rick Nash, I thought you’d like to know that the 34th Infantry Division took command of Multi-National Division South in Basra, Iraq at 2:00 a.m. Twin Cities time today.
2. Months of training have prepared our Citizen-Soldiers for this important mission, and we are in good spirits as we partner with the Iraqis to transition security, professionalize the Iraqi Security Forces and continue to build essential services for people throughout southern Iraq.
3. A short summary of today’s events is below and a photo is attached. Follow us throughout our deployment at www.TheRedBulls.org. Subscribe to our daily newsletter, “The Red Bull Report” by e-mailing “subscribe” in the subject line to public.affairs@TheRedBulls.org.
4. Thanks for your support. We are looking forward to upholding the proud tradition of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division in Iraq.
Attack!
Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Olson
Public Affairs Officer
Multi-National Division South
kevin.olson@iraq.centcom.mil
www.theredbulls.org
ONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq – The 34th Red Bull Infantry Division assumed control of Multi-National Division – South from the 10th Mountain Division in a transfer of authority ceremony here May 20.
The Red Bulls now support Iraqi security forces throughout nine provinces in southern Iraq. This is the first time since World War II the 34th Inf. Div. has established its headquarters in a combat zone.
General Ray Odierno, Multi-National Force – Iraq commanding
general. Lt.Gen. Charles Jacoby, Multi-National Corps – Iraq commanding general, government of Iraq officials and Iraqi security force leaders were on-hand to witness the historic transfer.
“This is an exciting time in Iraq,” said Maj. Gen. Richard Nash,
34th Inf. Div. commanding general. “On behalf of the 34th Inf. Div., we are privileged to be invited by the government of Iraq to be a partner in improving the future of the people of this great Iraqi nation.”
“Over the last year, the Iraqi Army and police have taken
responsibility for the protection of the Iraqi people,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Oates, 10th Mtn. Div. commanding general. “The 10th Mountain Division was proud to be their partners in this success.”
While the Red Bulls are ready to take hold of the reins, Nash
stressed that the job in Iraq is still not done. “My Soldiers will be in a supporting partnership role,” said Nash. “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. We are highly impressed with the professionalism and capability of the Iraqi Army.”
Iraqi officials in attendance expressed both their gratitude to
the departing 10th Mountain and their anticipation of working with the Red Bulls. “The 10th Mountain Division did a great, great job as an ISF partner during a crucial time in Iraq’s history, said Capt. Hayder Adannan, an engineer and liaison officer for Coalition forces in Wasit province. “The 34th . . . I’ve already met with their commander. They already know me, and I look forward to working with them.”
Col. Auyid Ibrahin, chief civil affairs officer for the Iraqi
Army 10th Division, said “We’re going to lose some friends, but we’re going to have new friends.”
The Red Bulls’ objectives throughout southern Iraq include helping with economic development and governance, increasing security for the Iraqi people and assisting with the training of Iraqi security forces.
