Posted on 04/30/2007 6:16:27 PM PDT by SandRat
MOSUL, Iraq, April 30, 2007 Soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, are on the frontlines every day here in Mosul, Iraq, and have a mixture of emotions on the varied experiences in the second largest city in the country.
"The thing that makes me feel safe is when I hear the air support overhead. I know when we get pinned down, I can look up and hear those rockets and know the insurgents are going to pay for their damages."
U.S. Army Sgt. Jesse Aguilera
We are the first ones out after something happens, said Riverside, Calif.-native Pfc. Bryan Quintana, infantryman, 1st Platoon. We cover the whole west side of town.
The company has a wide variety of missions they perform. From escort missions to acting as a quick-reaction force, the soldiers are always ready to perform.
Our whole company gets ready to roll whenever something happens outside the wire, said Glendale, Ariz.-native Sgt. Jesse Aguilera, team leader of the 1st Platoon. We do everything from securing and searching targets to delivering camera equipment to local media outlets.
Despite the challenges and risks, Company A gets reminded why they are here every day and say they still feel safe out there because of the assets available to them.
The thing that makes me feel safe is when I hear the air support overhead, said Aguilera. I know when we get pinned down, I can look up and hear those rockets and know the insurgents are going to pay for their damages.
Despite the recent news about unit extensions, the soldiers remain focused and upbeat as they continue their mission.
We expected it to happen, said Columbus, Ohio-native Pfc. William Stockton, an infantryman. Instead of looking at the negative, you have to look at the positive it gives us more time to prepare the Iraqis and allows us to be more effective.
The soldiers from this unit have a great pride in the job they are doing here and in their division heritage.
We are out here every day doing our jobs, said Stockton. Were not losing; were living the legend.
Our hearts so stout have got us fame,
For soon 'tis known from whence we came.
Where'er we go they dread the name
Of Garryowen in glory!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.