SUBJECT: Regimental Commanders Mid Tour Letter From Iraq

1. The 278th Regimental Combat Team continues operations to fight the insurgents and help make a difference in helping the Iraqi people. The soldiers of the Regiment are making history and their professionalism and dedication is a statement of their values and moral commitment to improving mankind. We continue to improve the safety and living conditions around us and minimize the hazards and dangers that are present in an enemy combat zone. I am extremely proud of the jobs our troopers are doing over here. We have opened dozens of schools, dug over 60 wells, paved roads, and helped the Iraqi�s reestablish basic services such as electricity, water and sewer. We have opened and supplied hospitals with the necessities. We have established security by providing training for the police, Iraqi Army. Your husbands, wives, sons, daughters and friends have been extremely busy. We do and have done all this and still fight the terrorist�s everyday. I am very proud of the men and women of the 278th RCT. They have lived the Warrior Ethos and have become know for their valor, bravely and cunning.

2. The Regiment started our R & R (Leave) program at the beginning of February and at the end of July we will have 80% of our soldiers taking their leave back home to their family or to a location of their choosing for Rest and Relaxation. Our intent, as well as the intent of the Division and Corps, is for every soldier that has orders for a one year period in theater to have the opportunity to take a leave during this deployment. ALL soldiers who want to take leave will have the opportunity while we are here in Iraq. The soldiers who arrived late in theater as fillers or replacements and will not be here for the full deployment period do not qualify for this leave program.

3. We are making every attempt to allow the soldier to get the time frame of his or her choosing but because of mission requirements or conflict of schedules, sometimes this is not possible. For the safety of the soldiers that remain here in Iraq it is extremely important that we have 90% available to conduct missions. Also leaders have to be scheduled around other leaders so we have the capabilities to conduct combat operations 24/7 and to be prepared for any contingency. In combat as the veterans will tell you there are no second chances. The risk is real! We have to maintain the edge here to protect all our soldiers and to provide the sanctuary we all need to replenish ourselves for future operations here in Iraq. The soldier will be flown to Atlanta or Houston where their DA31 will be stamped and the soldiers leave will start at midnight of that day with a report date back to the airport after a 15 day period. The soldier will then be given a free round trip plane ticket to the airport closest to his home. Soldiers also have the option of taking the leave to anywhere they chose, Germany, Hawaii, Australia, etc again at no travel cost to the soldier. If a passport is required it is the responsibility of the individual to acquire the passport.

4. Our Regimental Medical Facilities provide a complete spectrum of medical services. Every section has an active preventive medicine section to safeguard food sources and preparation. Water supplies are constantly monitored. All troopers are fully immunized against multiple illnesses. Each of our bases has a 24-hour clinic and our medics and physicians accompany every combat mission. The clinics have complete pharmacies along with x-ray and laboratory services available. Higher levels of care are within a 15-20 minute helicopter flight from our bases. We have an excellent Helicopter medical evacuation section at Caldwell that continues to excel in helping our troopers. Shower, laundry, and barber services are open daily and are monitored by our preventive medical teams. Individual safety is strongly supported by our command staffs and safety teams. Every trooper has an unlimited supply of bottled water, eye protection, hearing protection, sunscreen and insect repellent.

5. The military postal units have improved the mail routing system and now our soldiers are getting letters from home in a week or less. We are still in a combat zone and delays can and will occur with all of our supplies but we anticipate them to be very minimum at this time. We recommend that you send packages 4th Class � once the military postal service gets the package it is not sorted by priority but it is sorted by unit for shipment over to us. As the army says it�s a class of supply. Families are reminded that alcohol is not permitted in theater and mailing or shipping this is in violation of General Order #1.

6. Our Post Exchanges (PX) that we have at each of our FOBs has been able to provide the necessity items but each trooper eagerly awaits the care packages from loved ones! All exchanges to include Caldwell are run and operated by the 278th. We have to schedule combat logistical patrols to keep them supplied and Camp Caldwell is the biggest unit run PX in Iraq. It was featured in the Stars and Strips for its service and organization. Families need to remember the temperature here and refrain from sending candies and other food material that would melt while in transit.

7. We anticipate the 278th Regiment Combat Team to redeploy to Camp Shelby, MS sometime late this fall, as the time and schedules are determined I will inform the soldiers and the families so they can make arrangements to meet their loved ones when we return. We are planning a parade in Knoxville, TN after we are at home to recognize all the brave troopers that have so bravely served their country. We also are planning celebrations and ceremonies at every Armory. These details will be released as we find out more about our exit date from Camp Shelby, MS. But, I caution all the families that the decision for when we come home is made at the highest levels in the army.

8. The Family Readiness Group is the key in passing information from the Regiment to family members and friends back home. In addition, there is information on several websites back home such as www.278acr.com, designed to keep family members informed and keep up with the accomplishments of the units and troopers that are doing such an excellent job over here in Iraq. I understand the hardships that all families have endured for their country. I could not be prouder of the support you provide your love ones so far from home. You have and continue to answerer the call and are excelling in all that you do. Everyday is a challenge and you are meeting those with vitality. I can always tell when something good is happening at home, you can see it in the eyes and smiles of our troops. I am proud of the job our Families and Family Readiness Groups are doing while we are deployed. I appreciate all the hard work done in support of the Regiment by the communities. Also, let everyone know that I recognize the value of the sacrifice each family member makes to support their loved ones. God Bless the Families of the 278RCT.

TAKE CHARGE!

DENNIS J. ADAMS
COL, CAV
Commanding