Friends and Family of the Washington Artillery,

September was another milestone in the history of New Orleans Own Washington Artillery for it marked the official end of combat operations in the Iraqi Theater of Operations and ushered in a new campaign called Operation New Dawn. Our brigade is no longer referred to as a “combat brigade” but as an “advise and assist” brigade. Although the dangers are still the same, the name change is symbolic in that it better represents the lead role that the Iraqi’s play in all operations.

For seven years the public has been used to the title of Operation Iraqi Freedom or OIF. In 2004, the battalion fought in OIF III and in 2010, mobilized for OIF X. Operation New Dawn was chosen to symbolize the resurgence of the Iraqi people. They held their first democratic election in 2005 and are currently going through the process to seat their newly elected government. It is their first non-violent change of government since 1958 when the Baath Party seized power in a violent coup. This is a process that Americans take for granted. The peaceful transfer of power is the exception not the rule in this part of the world. The mere fact that the Iraqis are going through this process, albeit slowly, is a testimony to them and a reminder that our sacrifice has not been in vain.

The Soldiers living in the International Zone are taking advantage of the opportunity to work alongside our coalition partners. We have enjoyed a great working relationship with the Australian Army and have conducted a couple of joint marksmanship and quick reaction force exercises with them. We have even fielded a cricket team so that we can engage them in a match in October. I am sure we will get slaughtered but it will still be great fun. They joined us to watch the Saints and Falcons game where we introduced them to gumbo and jambalaya. They loved the food but American football confused them a bit and they had no idea what “Who Dat!” meant. We also work closely with the United States Embassy and have discovered why the food there is superior to our dining facility; three of their cooks are from New Orleans. Needless to say, we all find excuses that require us to dine at the embassy.

The Soldiers have adapted well to their new missions and living conditions. It does not matter whether you are one of the Soldiers stationed in Balad, Mosul or the International Zone; universally they were all glad to get the heck out of Tallil. From all reports, the Washington Artillery Soldiers who are stationed throughout Iraq are doing fine. Earlier in the month, CSM Daigle took a trip to Mosul and Balad to pay a visit to our troops and to hand out Battalion Coins. By all accounts they are doing quite well and have settled into their missions. They are all eager to return home. Aside from their loved ones and family there is one thing that they said they all missed and that is New Orleans style food; particularly seafood. The only kind of fish we get here is Char and Pollock; that doesn’t even sound good. Personally, I am dying to get my hands on a Shrimp Po-Boy or a Muffuletta.

I consider it an honor to be serving with, let alone commanding such a fine group of patriots like the members of the Washington Artillery. They continue to excel on a daily basis and are performing at levels that far exceed their pay grades. The Commander of the 56th Iraqi Army told me that he was extremely impressed with their professionalism and work ethic. That was a great compliment and testimony to their efforts in Iraq.

Try Us!
LTC Champagne
1-141 Field Artillery Battalion
Commanding