Apaches continue on the warpath. I want to congratulate the Apaches as we have destroyed numerous IEDs before the enemy could detonate them. In fact, only our fearless Executive Officer felt the ill affects of an IED which sent his tank in a little spin as the track was blown off. I want to congratulate second platoon especially for finding and destroying three IEDs. LT Allen, platoon leader for second platoon, found one; SFC Stemen, his platoon sergeant found one; as did SSG Millington who is SFC Stemen's wingman. Great work men.

Second platoon also celebrated the birth of a baby girl to SPC Kyle and Yulia Nees on 8 March 2005. Samantha Victoria Nees was born a healthy 8 lbs, 4oz. She is also 21 inches long. How amazing! Congratulations Kyle and Yulia!

March proved to be another exciting time for 3rd Platoon in the lovely Habbaniyah Oasis. Third platoon sent four soldiers home for leave at the end of the month. This was an opportunity for them to unwind after being in this high stress environment for several months. Soldiers are starting to make preparations for our return to the states. For many of the Titans, returning to Fort Carson will be their first stateside assignment. Research is now being done on apartment rates, vehicle prices, and good school districts. It's an exciting time. We have not however forgotten about the on going battle against the insurgency. LT Stewart leading the way of maintaining vigilance found one anti tank mine and destroyed it. It is keeping our heads in the game until the end of our time here in Iraq that will allow all of us to come home. Great work Dave.

1SG Sartin has increased the fleet of MIGs in the front yard from two to five. The Apache Museum is also working on two large rocks which will be painted black and inscribed to memorialize SSG Gary Valliant and PFC Joshua Titcomb. The First Sergeant also partnered with C/44 Engineers to build the Apache Athletic Field complete with quarter mile track. The Apache Soccer League is in full effect and second platoon seems to be cleaning up with only one loss this month. The Bushwhackers have even tried their hand at ousting the Apaches from their coveted Apache Cup. But as one would suspect the Apaches punished them on the fields of friendly strife.

We had an amazing event happen mid March. We were able to catch some insurgents plating a bomb red handed. SSG Bennett, our Bushwhacker attachment stopped an insurgent from detonating a bomb on the highway we patrol. After the action to stop the emplacement of the bomb, CPT Plekenpol, Mohammed and an attached Gator Squad led by SFC Olion searched the greater Khalidiya area for over an hour. It seemed that the living insurgents would get away until Mohammed, using his instincts pushed on a random carport door. When the door flung open, there was a car with a man's feet protruding from the back seat. This was one of the men that had been emplacing the bomb and was injured when SSG Bennett stopped them. We had thought he had escaped. Once, the Apache Team realized who this man was, CPT Plekenpol quickly ordered the squad in the building and the team was able to make an arrest on a small terrorist cell. Great Job to everyone involved. It is teamwork on the battlefield which will put an end to the tyranny and oppression of terrorists.

In other news, CPT Plekenpol, published his first book, The Power In-Him, a Christian devotional book that incorporates the heart of battle and the power of God to grow in a more intimate relationship with God. You can order your copy at www.in-him.net.

Special thanks to all those who continue to give the Apache Team support. It really makes a difference, and it seems that the support has not stymied at all. Great job to all on the home front. God Bless You.