This is a deployment of firsts. As part of 2 BCT, we were the first unit to ever deploy to combat from Korea. We also were the first unit to deploy since Sept 11th, on two back-to-back one-year tours. It has been tough but HHC has supported the 506th all the way. For most of the 506th, this is also the first time in a combat theater.

Our time in the desert has gone by quickly due to the hard work and long hours that face HHC soldiers everyday. The various sections of HHC have found that the time we spent in Korea forged a strong team that was able to hit the ground running and is now ready for sustained operations. We have been in Iraq for a little more than two months now and we are settled in for the long haul.

When not on mission we actively look for ways to improve our quality of life. Since the arrival of the 506th, MWR has more than doubled its capacity with the addition of better Internet connectivity and newly acquired satellite phones. Also the soldier-run Dining Facility improved the quality of meals within hours of assuming control and has continued to improve since. HHC personnel play a critical role in the support of the camp infrastructure, providing approximately 3000 Soldiers and Marines with power and sanitation services.

Our service support soldiers are providing the same amount of service in two months as they did in one whole year in Korea. The maintenance section works around the clock to maintain an exceedingly high readiness rate despite the grueling conditions in which they work. The mileage put on our mission vehicles is upwards of ten times what it would have been in a similar period in Korea. Despite the high operation tempo the moral of HHC is high and safety had been at the forefront for everyone.

We interact with the local Iraqi population on a daily basis and there are signs that we are making progress in our fight against Terrorism. It is the goal of everyone in HHC to leave this country in better shape than we found it.

Medical Platoon (Witch Doctors)

Hello, and greetings from Camp Habbaniyah, Iraq and the 1/506th Medical Platoon!!!

We hope all is well for the families back home. We understand how difficult it can be performing the balancing act that is life without the assistance of your spouse or loved one... children climbing up the curtains, the dog chasing the cat. And you: paying the bills, cooking dinner and trying to maintain some semblance of sanity, all the while wondering if your loved one is safe and out of harm's way. Please understand that your efforts on the home front are greatly appreciated. At the risk of sounding cliché: without you and your hard work, no soldier would be able to complete his or her mission over here.

As for our lives, we are putting great effort into securing our area and clearing it of threats as well as creating a living space that is more hospitable and comfortable. We have a 1st rate Battalion Aid Station, an amazing gym, an MWR phone and internet café, multiple televisions with the latest computer gaming systems as well as a makeshift theater with a big screen television that plays movies all day long. Much like our existence on Camp Greaves, the soldiers and command are doing everything that they possibly can to consistently improve this post and the quality of life. We are lucky in a sense, that our experience in Korea has groomed us for the hardships that come with this opportunity to help Iraq and her beleaguered citizens. We are more accustomed to strife and adversity than many other units are so it is easier for us to stay safe and focused while we conduct our missions.

In closing, we would all like to say that there is no place other than home, that we would rather be. Over the years, this unit... this Band of Brothers has become our second family and one that we care for greatly. Many people preach freedom, God and Country, but let me assure you, the men we work and fight with everyday are the reason we stay. Please understand though, much of our greatness stems from the support and love that we get from our true families back home. Without your support, caring thoughts and loving words, we would have little to pass on to our fellow man. We just hope that what we do will not be forgotten, and that our efforts will not go unnoticed.

Mortar Platoon

The Mortar Platoon has been very busy in its first three months in Iraq. The platoon is proving to be the most versatile platoon in the Battalion, successfully accomplishing a wide range of missions. The platoon was the first to earn the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) by providing indirect fire support to a unit in contact. Other missions have included being the main effort on battalion raids, manning traffic control points (TCPs), numerous cordon and search operations, and detainee guard rotations. The mortar platoon continues to set the standard in everything they do.

Mortars remain in high spirits by being able to relax when not on mission. The guys spend a lot of time playing basketball, football, and an assortment of video games. The Mortar platoon proudly holds an undefeated record on the basketball court.

The following soldiers were promoted during the deployment thus far:

PFC Joshua Courtney
PFC Keith Miller
PFC Gregory Heckel
SPC Zane Pott