How is everyone doing? I know you all can't wait until our company returns home. We are also looking forward to seeing you. This letter serves as the monthly FRG letter, and provides a quick snapshot of the status of Baker Company. On behalf of Baker Company chain of command, I want to thank you for the sacrifices you continue to make and the support you give your loved ones here in Iraq. I, 1LT Powell, recently became 1st Platoon Leader and I am pleased to be part of the team.

The soldiers of Baker Company are performing great. You should be proud of them. Regardless of age, rank, race, or background, your soldiers carry out their duties as part of one unit. They demonstrate outstanding competence, energy, and professionalism on a daily basis.

On 5 May 05, our company became the mission company. For four months your soldiers secured Camp Habbaniyah and protected those who live and work inside the perimeter. The companies within the battalion rotate through this responsibility. The current duties of Baker Company entail securing the main route in our battle space for safe travel for Iraqi civilians and U.S. convoys, patrolling the streets and communities in order to maintain peace, gain useful intelligence, and executing various 1-506th Task Force missions.

Our company experienced a tragic loss at the beginning of this month. Two of our soldiers met an untimely death while performing their duties on 8 MAY 05. Their comrades were quick to react. The soldiers are recovering and are carrying out their duties with a stronger mental state. I would ask that the family members of Baker Company extend your presence, gifts, thoughts, time, and prayers to the families who have suffered such loss. They need our support. Let us not forget the honor with which they served, their selfless services, and their ultimate sacrifice.

Deployment to Fort Carson is something we are all looking forward to, soldiers and families alike. Our deployment to Ft. Carson is projected for sometime in late July / early August. However, if you have experienced the Army for more than a day, you know that nothing is certain. I would ask that the family members use the support at Fort Carson for details and specifics concerning deployment, housing, financial matters, etc. The chain of command here in Iraq is more than willing to help, but because of our location we are much less accessible. The focus of the soldiers and chain command in Iraq needs to be on completing the mission. Here is some contact information of which I am currently aware.

Address of Forward Detachment:
2 BCT 2 ID
Building 1658
Ft. Carson, CO 80913

FRG POCs:
1LT Ocasio, FRG Liason, randal.robison@us.army.mil
Ms. Rene Hughes, rene.hughes@carson.army.mil

Phone Numbers:
(719) 526-1361
(719) 559-9428
(877) 537-0383

The area code for Ft. Carson is (719). More information can be found on the Ft. Carson website: www.carson.army.mil. You should be expecting boxes of personal items from your soldiers if they decide to mail anything home. This will allow them to send home personal items that they can not bring back with them due to space limitations.

The soldiers in Baker Company will continue do their job faithfully until the day of deployment comes. Their motivation, teamwork, and hard work are demonstrated day in and day out in their fight against the enemy. Please keep your loved-one, and the success and safety of the entire company, in your thoughts and prayers.

1LT Toby Powell
1st Platoon Leader