2-12 Infantry Regiment

Honored to be invited, I recently spoke at the 2-12 Infantry Dining Out. For us non-military types thatís not a picnic on the parade field. It is a pretty formal affair, Class Aís, formal gown, tux for the civilians (tux or not, my foot wear is still western boots). It seems they like to have a Dining Out before and after a major mobilization, the early one signals the beginning of a new chapter and the later one signals that chapter is closed and it is time to move on.

The entire Battalion deployed to join in the fight in the war on terrorism in October of 2006, and the 2-12 was sent to the Al Doura region of Baghdad. Al Doura was one of the worst areas, with an average of 3 murders a day and 3 to 4 Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) found every day. These were not the numbers for the entire City of Baghdad, which at one time was over four million, but for this neighborhood, kind of like a Briargate or Ivy Wild might be for Colorado Springs. The saying ìas goes Al Doura, so goes Baghdadî was common among the senior commanders and there was a great deal of concern that at best Al Doura would be ìheldî not ìwonî.

In a matter of months the populace, who had previously either actively or passively supported insurgents, were now welcoming the soldiers and security. Security referring to the Iraqi Security Forces, National Police Battalions, and an Iraqi Army Battalion that the 2-12 was combining patrols with, training and mentoring.

Here is a report dated February 28, 2008, 17 months after the 2-12 arrived and 2 months after they came home, from a returning soldier in another unit as he compares the current situation to his earlier tour. ìÖas a young child approaches ñ the wary familiarity gives way to fascination. I may be in the same geographic location, but not in the same neighborhood. Where did all these people and shops come from? Where is all the trash and open sewage. Where is the fear ñ the deep seated fearÖblock after block of shops and bustling residents.î

The soldiers of 2-12th, during their 15 month tour, were awarded hundreds of medals and commendations fitting of their victory, of those medals 206 were Purple Hearts and 18 soldiers made the ultimate sacrifice. A disproportionate amount for a Regiment with a current strength of 765. But as I told them the other night, ìYou werenít just fighting for Al Doura or Baghdad or Iraq. You were fighting for the free world, for a world free of terrorism, for a safe and secure America, for a way of life that is the envy of much of the world.î

Thank you ñ and welcome back to all newly returned soldiers.

CONTACT THE WRITER • HISEY4CD4@MSN.COM

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