I have returned home from my deployment to Albania in support of
Operation Allied Force & Operation Nobile Anvil.
My thanks to all that sent me e-mails while deployed. Sorry, I could
not always answer your mail due to work requirements. They all were,
however, greatly appreciated.
I didn't get to see much during the operation as I was working in the
Deep Operations Coordination Cell coordinating intelligence operations
and fires for USAF strikes. My unit, Task Force Hawk, while initially
deployed to augment the fires of the USAF ultimately became an "in
theater" targeting source of the USAF. Unfortuntately, Army weapon
systems never fired. Trust me, the Apaches and MLRS were 100% ready to
fight had we been committed. I can attest to both as I was also the
Fire Support Officer for the 11th Aviation Regiment as additional duty
to Corps Artillery G3/Operations Officer. Needless to say, I had a
rather full plate and was able to directly contribute to the strikes on
several Serb positions.
Have to admit, the USAF, USMC, USN strikes were very effective and they
did a great job.
Don't allow the press to fool anyone out there about this being a
bloodless war. Just ask the families of CW3 Gibbs or CW2 Reichart about
the operation. These are the warriors who died in the crash of the
second Apache during Mission Rehearsals. Both were married with 2-3
kids each. Don't allow their sacrifice to be lost. I worked with these
guys and all the other Apache pilots overthere and they were ready to
fly and fight......and die if necessary. I was with their commander
when they went down. Sorry, but I have found myself somewhat more
emotional about this than I thought I would be.
I did get some pictures of life in Task Force Hawk. I will be posting
them to my website in the next few days. When I do, I will send out an
announcement.
I am glad to be back. I look forward to getting back to work on my
trucks and jeeps.
Jim Rice
Lawton, Oklahoma
'42 IHC M-3L-4 1.5 Ton Truck
'43 Ford GPW "Jeep"
'67 Ford M-151A1 "Jeep"
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