Dear Editor,

The 155th Brigade Combat Team’s deployment to Iraq is rapidlyapproaching its completion. Approximately 4,000 soldiers fromMississippi, Arkansas, Vermont and across the United States will bereturning home to their loved ones. I wanted to write this letterjust to let the folks back home know how much the 155th BCT hasaccomplished during its tour of duty and how much we appreciate thesupport our family and friends have provided.

The 155th BCT area of operations encompassed two provinces and alarge portion of a third province (Karbala, Najaf and northernBabil). Tremendous successes have been attained by the soldiers ofthe 155th BCT. Numerous weapons caches have been found throughoutthe area of operations.

Approximately 35,000 artillery and mortar rounds have beendiscovered and destroyed by the 155th Brigade Combat Team, each onedestroyed denying the enemy a potential IED (improvised explosivedevice). Soldiers of the 155th BCT have detained approximately1,300 suspected insurgents, with over 500 of those being sent toAbu Gharib prison. This is only a small example of what yoursoldiers have accomplished. Many humanitarian aid projects havebeen undertaken and completed by the 155th BCT. Endless boxes ofschool supplies and backpacks have made it into the grateful handsof the children of Iraq.

The 155th Brigade Combat Team has suffered casualties during itstour of duty. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers will always remainwith the family members of our fallen comrades, and we will not lettheir sacrifice be forgotten. In closing, I say to the familymembers and friends of the 155th Brigade Combat Team, you can beproud of your sons, daughters, husbands and wives who met thechallenge here in Iraq and continue to “make a difference” everyday. We look forward to seeing you all soon. Once again, thank youfor all the support you have provided from the home front.

Col. William Glasgow,

Executive officer,

155th BCT