In the first month of the new year we have found the streets of Khalidiya and its vicinity really quiet. Very few IEDs have been emplaced and we of course feel that is due to our presence as freedom's frontiersmen. Don't worry, the Apaches won't let their guard down. You can be assured of that. We are gearing up for the elections as you might think and are ready to partake in a historical moment here in Iraq. All the world's eyes will be focused here in late January, and we are honored to be a part of it.

Christmas and New Years were a huge success as we received an outpouring of gifts from all across the United States. We now have enough shaving supplies, toothpaste and toothbrushes to last us until the end of the year. What a blessing. We also had a great time as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd platoons competed for the best skit competition. All of our favorite company characters were elevated to a new level as the soldiers used that time to poke fun at their leadership and to laugh at some of the silly times that we have had here. We also drank sparkling grape juice to commemorate the new year, remembering those who had fallen in this fight for freedom. We capped the night off with a prayer asking Almighty God to protect us as we move into the New Year of Battle and that He would create peace in the hearts of our enemies that they would lay down their arms and let the election happen. Most of all that we would come home with our lives and limbs.

For birthdays this month we have PFC Albensi who was wounded in action in December and is now back in the US recovering with family. SSG Millington who is the commander of the tank Apache 23 celebrates his birthday on 19 January. CPL Crow who is a part of the tanker conversion program has his birthday on 11 January. SPC Malifau celebrates on the 12th of January while PFC Pierani hits his birthday on 25 January. Congratulations to all these fine soldiers on their birthdays.

We also received a Currahee Flag for the 506 Association this January which is now proudly displayed in the Apache Day Room. It is an honor for those of us from Deuce Tank (2-72AR) to join the legendary ranks of the Currahee.