Wheelchair is ready to roll in 09

My health has really put the kabosh on my activities the last 6 months. I start the New Year with hopes of writing more often. The list of items worth talking about should be long and fun as we set course with Emperor Obama at the Helm.

Ya know, I really fear our old friend Nancy. She really believes she is in charge now.

This should prove interesting.

So I say hello again to my friends, oil up my wheelchair, and let's see what happens in 2009

Volunteers for Freedom

Tuesday sapped what little energy I had left in me as “George” and I made the 450 mile road trip without medication to attend “Veterans for Freedom’s” – “Vets on the Hill”

For once the day truly did belong to us. Nary a sign from the Code Pinkers or my friends from I.V.A.W. Organized in support of General Petreaus’ report to Congress, well over 480 Iraq Veterans made their presence known.

Senator John McCain made it abundantly clear he would settle for nothing less than total Victory over Islamic Extremists. That alone made the trip worthwhile to myself. Followed up by a visit to Senator Corkers office, my new friends from the “Volunteer State” and I were a bit surprised by his attitude.

In an email from my State Captain Bill, I quickly learned why. It seems ole Senator Corker has yet to grow a pair and is taking political cover on Iraq and timetables. He also told me it did not bode well the rest of the day with our other illustrious representatives from Tennessee.

There’s a new force on the Hill. Just as I send a link to this blog to every representative from TN. I also included a link for “Veterans for Congress” They might take note there are too many of us willing to go after their jobs.

Sadly “George” was acting up on me by midday and I called it a day. I beat feet down the road to Virginia Beach to spend the night at my Uncles. And low and behold, here sits Senator Sam Johnson from TX who I just met that morning.

Johnson, McCain and My Uncle were all POW’s together in Viet Nam. It made for some interesting discussions that night.

To my new battle buddies from Tennessee…..Count me in anytime, anywhere. It was a pleasure to meet all you young warriors.

Bulldog 27 is Down

I had my driver park in front of one of those many 10 foot tall posters of Saddam in what looked to be the entrance to a warehouse area on the east side of the Airport. It had been chosen for it’s relative safety to conduct what would be the first of many memorial services I would participate in before my 3^rd tour was completed.

Heart breaking enough it was for a friend and by far my best Platoon Sergeant. It had been less than 48 hours since SFC Paul Smith’s death, and we had been rocked by the loss of 2 more soldiers just hours ago. It was a gut punch to learn the young man I had chosen to replace Paul, SSG Lincoln Hollinsaid had been killed by heavy Machine Gun fire while trying to establish a secure perimeter for the Platoon.

April 4^th 2003 was clearing to be what looked like the first really nice day since taking the Airport. Task Force Cottonbailer had begun pushing outwards along with my Bravo Company down Highway 8. Then clearly separated by a median of hugh palms and lush vegetation. Unlike the barren concrete checkpoints that cover the area now. It was also riddled with 2-4 man positions occupied by Fedaeen and Al Kut fighters. Armed with Heavy Machine guns and RPG’s

It seemed it was less than an hour since I pulled out of the F.A.S.T. set up for anticipated wounded. Sporadic firing was heard from 2-300 yards down the road as the Bradleys inched forward. SFC Smith was already busy clearing an area he had chosen for the equally anticipated EPW’s

I had pulled up along side elements of my Charlie Company when several AT-4 explosions could be heard followed by enemy mortar fire. Some minor chatter was picking up on Brigades Command Frequency. I was also monitoring the lead Infantry units frequency, so at first the messages did not make sense, as it was conversations about 2 separate fights.

It was this initial confusion as to where the fighting was actually taking place that may have been the crucial minutes before SFC Smith committed himself to manning the .50 cal on one of his squads APC’s.

Having already taken a direct hit from Enemy Mortar fire, SFC Smith was faced with evacuating 3 wounded soldiers from the squad he was with. 2 of them were the Squads NCO’s

This is not a minute by minute account of what took place that morning. It likewise is not about just SFC Smith. Rather it is about the brave men of Bulldog 2^nd Platoon, 11 the Combat Engineer battalion. Here are the men of the toughest SOB Platoon Sergeant, and this Sergeant Majors biggest pain in the ass Platoon Sergeant at that.

Were it not for the level of training, and no bullshitting around mentality of 2^nd Platoon. And certainly dozens of soldiers would likely have been killed and injured that morning. Just beyond the Platoons position sat Medics, Mechanics and other support personnel. Certainly not equipped or even aware that over 100 Iraqi soldiers from Saddam’s Special Republican Guard was attempting to flank and destroy their position.

It was his instinctive actions manning that Machine Gun and holding off the attack while the wounded were evacuated. Thus allowing the remainder of us to organize a hasty defense and 1SG Campbell’s equally heroic attack on the lead and controlling elements in the tower that saved many soldiers that day.

Certainly Paul rightfully was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions that morning. As was 1SG Campbell’s awarding of the Silver Star. I believe I was equally as proud when just over a year later all but 2 or 3 of those very same men became the first to return to Iraq while at War.

Today many of them are on their 3^rd tour of Iraq and live the events of that morning each night when they close their eyes. One young man, SGT John Mele a private back then, closed his eyes for good when he was killed last fall on his 3^rd tour.

I am currently consulting with a film company for a proposed release date of Nov 11 2008 on a documentary that will hopefully capture the valor of SFC Smith and all the men of 2nd/Bravo.

Certainly Paul would be among the first to shun this type of attention. I like to joke with his family it is my way of getting revenge for all the headaches this one of a kind young man gave me. I first met Paul during Desert Storm when he was a PFC. I knew then he was destined to be a great Leader. Just how great, even I did not know. Sip a cool one compadre…you earned this one.

51 going on 91

Thats how old I felt this past weekend.

I am almost a week behind where I wanted to be right now. Ending last week sick from going in and out of the rain was only a prelude to this week. I will admit this whole 5 years later thing has had it’s effect as well. In my 33 years I have lost many friends both in training and combat. It does not hurt any less when they are remembered for valorous acts.

I gave Paul’s Mom a call Friday night and we talked for about an hour. She was excited by the fact another young man was going to be awarded the Medal of Honor. We also talked about my up coming trip to D.C.

She was worried I might be taking on more than I was ready for. She knew “George” had a mind of his own and could ruin the trip. For my new readers not from MySpace, “George” is the name we gave my wrecked leg.

She was excited for me, that I was getting back into the fight so to speak. She really has been a rock for me this past year and a half.

CSMVanguard Moves from MySpace

Hi this is CSM Vanguard aka Smaj / Gary. I run a blog on Myspace as many do, and decided it was time to start a new blog minus the nonsense of MySpace. As a retired soldier of 33 years with 3 Combat tours in Iraq alone, I obviously confine my topics to those related to the Military.

As I learn this thing called civilian life, I have become a member of several great organizations.
The "Gathering of Eagles" and "Veterans for Freedom" being at the forefront. I can no longer carry a rifle, but several Blogger friends have taught me the ropes at running a successful blog and having just as much impact as a 5.56 round.

I will defend those great Men and Women still in uniform from anyone who attempts to interfere with them achieving total victory. I stand against organizations such as I.V.A.W and code Pink. I have and will continue to vet out liars, fakes and those seeking 10 minutes of fame.

I will do a detailed Blog later laying out who I am and my credentials. I look forward to the attacks from the dark side. Many will follow me from Myspace. So bring your own sandbags, it could get messy in here.

I stand ready to fight Islamic Radicals, Liberals and progressives. I am a proud member of the Republican Party and most of their ideas. I also speak my mind despite opposition from friends. I live by Truth, Honor, Honesty and Integrity. Words to most, a way of life for me.

So welcome, the first blog by CSM Vanguard under a new name "Vanguards Bunker"

I look forward to making many new friends and likely many new enemies.

See ya in Washington DC 7-9 April !

5 Years Later - The Airport

5 Years ago today I stood in the Hanger of what was Iraq Airlines, now the location of 1^st Brigade “Raiders” 3^rd Infantry Divisions Command Center. It had not been used in years as evident from the inch thick crust of bird droppings. An obvious casualty from years of UN Sanctions and just plain neglect. This was our first full day in control of Saddam International Airport. However Baghdad Bob was reporting we had been repulsed and were now retreating in disarray across the river.

Every move we made in the “Raider” Brigade was considered “History in the Making”. Ted Kople was due in later to conduct his program live from the Airport. My battle buddy Jim Axelrod from CBS was asking me when I could take him beyond the Airport Walls and Defense’s. Having been my shadow for the last 3 weeks, Jim was anxious to get that “Big One” for CBS. Little did he know he would get what he prayed for and more within the next few days.

Artillery was becoming more of a threat as every gun barrel in Baghdad seemed to be aimed in our direction. Sooner or later they would hit something. I certainly did not believe it would be me later this evening, when I took shrapnel in my foot. The bottom of my foot no less. I had laid out on a cot my driver set up for me. He had been pushing me to grab a few hours sleep as I was going on about 96 hours with nothing more than a nod now and then. One would think what a great soldier to be thinking of his boss that way. Well yes, but he was also on the receiving end of my magnetic personality 24 hours a day. He was no fool, a few hours was peace for him as well.

I wrapped it and decided it could wait till later to have a medic look at it. My mind was on how comfortable that cot was and a few hours of sleep. Through out the rest of the evening of 29 March minor firefights popped up along the walls of the Airport. In truth, the majority of the free world knew we were camped out on the Airport, yet the civilians of Baghdad and most of Saddam’s Military was oblivious to our presence. The Special Republican Guard, Fetayeen and Regular Army forces were not accustomed to communicating with each other. It was part of Saddam’s compartmentalized need to know system. It also prevented any serious attempts from a coup in succeeding. It was coming back to haunt them now. Even if they wanted to, military units could not confirm or deny our presence amongst themselves. Much less coordinate some type of military action.

Even this early in the taking of Baghdad, Leaders and Cabinet members were fleeing Baghdad. Leaving behind leaderless units, who’s last order was to stand and fight. It was clear the Special Republican Guard was preparing to do just that. Located just outside of the Airport on Highway 8, now known as the Highway of Death by the Media.

Members of Saddam’s Medina Division were moving around their compound with BMP’s and T-72’s. All within clear sight of our Colt Teams along the East Wall. In a straight line it was a mere 2 miles from our location to the compound. F-15’s lumbered through each hour dropping all types of ordinance on the compound. It made for a great night lite on the Airport. The glow of burning tanks lasted all evening.

Additionally we were taking sporadic rocket fire from the North. A heavily urbanized area, we would later find some of the largest cache’s of the war within the schools, numerous private homes and the Hospital in that area. It is the area now famous for neighborhoods that border Abu Grab prison and the source of numerous car bomb attempts.

As a mere Battalion Sergeant Major of a Combat Engineer Battalion “Jungle Cats” comprised of 600 Sappers, and whose soldiers were divided up and part of Infantry and Armor task Forces I had little to do in the way of responsibilities. It was a double edged blade. In most cases it allowed me to become a problem solver for the Brigade Commander. Colonel Bob Grimsley was among the best I had ever worked with. My own Battalion Commander LTC Tom Smith, was a text book Combat Engineer. The smartest, yet hardest to warm up to commander yet for me. He trusted me to Complete any task, with little to no guidance. Today for example, the main runway had been left with piles of dirt and debris every 10 yards, staggered from one side to the other. This prevented any fixed wing aircraft from landing. Our own illustrious Air Force had decided to pepper it with cluster bombs. The type that waited for a vehicle to approach. My job, clear the runway so a Historic landing could be made tonight by a C-130. The solution, take the dozen or so soldiers within my Headquarters, hot wire several pieces of dilapidated equipment found on the Airport and clear it. The cluster bombs were the easiest. Once the soldiers realized they would not go off when picked up and stacked along the runway, we were able to start knocking down the dirt mounds.

When the Brigades tiny EOD unit learned what was going on, they charged out to help. Wanting to do it by the book and blow each cluster bomb in place would take days. They finally succumbed to the Sergeant Majors smiles and “Screw it” this is war attitude. I wanted that runway clear, and now. As the day went on, several units had sent me additional soldiers to help with the finicky 30 year old scraper and Dozer we were using. At one point a well intentioned soldier made a deep gouge in the runway. This meant constant supervision was required as not to damage the runway further. Add to it being in a wide open area, we were on the receiving end of evry type of Artillary and Rocket the Iraqi’s could muster up. How the Hell they saw us from roof tops miles away and coordinated fire is still a mystery to me.

At roughly 2130 that night, I and all those involved puffed with a pinch of pride as the first American Aircraft did a low pass over the runway in an attempt to see something. I can only imagine the radio traffic coming from the Command Center behind me telling the Air Force it was clear to land. You see the Air Force has rules about everything. And landing on a runway that was not inspected by Air Force Personnel was a big No No. Much less in a war zone at night. Somewhere within the multitude of radio waves bouncing across Iraq that night, a Pilot of a dark gray C-130 with no lights on was ordered to land, and to this day contents unknown to me. I never asked….odd

At some point around 2 Am I finally opened my sleeping bag. The first time in a week. To say it was comfortable does not cover it. The days activities, glow of Burning tanks, humm of C-130 engines were thoughts that were racing in my head. I guessed at what our next step would be, knowing the eventual taking of Baghdad was soon to come. Unknown to me then, we were waiting for the Marines who were still miles from Baghdad and would encounter numerous events that would slow them down. This allowed the 3^rd ID to prepare for the next few days. History making for sure. Tomorrow is till burned in my head. Can’t wait to write about it.