Reporting from Iraq

BAGHDAD–The questions on the minds of families and soldiers in July were direct and centered on one word: “Why?”

“Why was the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team being kept in Iraq for up to 120 days beyond the year it was about to wrap up in northern and western Iraq?”

“Why were the soldiers of the 172nd being sent to Baghdad?”

Happiness did not accompany the announcement of the extension, both when it was received by families and when it was delivered to the 172nd in Iraq.

Now, about halfway through the overtime period, soldiers say they appreciate that commanders haven’t tried to portray the soldiers as pleased about the extension. They say that while morale has suffered, it hasn’t affected their work. Read more »

Chaplain Steve Dunn with the 2-1 Infantry battalion said he has more than 75 businesses, organizations and individuals from Fairbanks and around the country that have faithfully kept in touch with the battalion throughout the units’ deployment and extension.

He said soldiers have appreciated every care package, piece of mail, bag of candy, and variety of toiletries and other items. But who would guess the Alaska Trappers Association would provide soldiers with some of the most coveted items in the form of the 2006-07 Alaska hunting and fishing regulations. Read more »