Kassner, Denman and Garner see a big difference in Iraq today. "Iraq has been made safer by the battalion doing its part fighting the insurgency and showing a strong presence during its deployments," Garner said. "Everything we do now is by, with and through the Iraqi government," Denman said. With help from 3rd LAR and many other coalition force units, the ISF began to build a stronger force, protecting key leadership from terrorist attacks and allowing the rule of law to govern. "It knocked me off the vehicle and I sustained a class three concussion and a perforated eardrum." "An RPG landed about 25 feet in front of my vehicle," Garner said. "Even though the enemy was quite elusive, he would constantly attack coalition forces with and indirect fire," Kassner said.ĭuring his first deployment to Iraq, Garner's vehicle was struck by multiple IEDs, indirect fire and a rocket-propelled grenade. During the first half of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Marines were repeatedly targeted by the same insurgents attacking the ISF and the government of Iraq. "Often times the local government was unwilling or unable to effectively govern," Kassner said. With weakened security, Iraqi political officials had a hard time enforcing laws and governing their populace. "Sometimes it would be really quiet and sometimes we would get shot at." Bill Denman, the operations chief for Bravo Company, 3rd LAR. "During their first election, it was really creepy," said Master Sgt. Aaron Garner, an LAV crewman with Headquarters and Service Company, TF 3rd LAR, originally attached to Delta Company, TF 3rd LAR, during Operation Phantom Fury. "There were people who wanted us here, but they couldn't express their gratitude because of what would happen to them," said Cpl. Using fear tactics and attacks against their own people, the insurgents tried stopping civilians from helping Coalition forces. "The enemy was much more aggressive then," Kassner said. Through his past deployments, he has been witness to the progress that has occurred Anbar andin the professionalization of the ISF "The ISF have a greater capability and willingness than ever before," Kassner said. Now he is back as the battalion commander. He also deployed with TF 3rd LAR to conduct counter-insurgency operations along the western Iraqi border the following year. Kassner stepped on deck of the battalion in May 2004 and deployed soon thereafter as the battalion executive officer, constructing battleplans to retake Fallujah in Operation Phantom Fury. These small victories are from several years of sacrifice, given to sustain a strong Iraqi government and Iraqi security forces. "The fact that kids are playing outside and you can see adults playing a soccer match is a victory." "There was a time when you wouldn't see a kid in the street," Kassner said. However, Kassner has also witnessed a great deal of struggle during his previous deployments with TF 3rd LAR that show how it has taken many years for the people of Iraq to be victorious. Kassner, the battalion commanding officer. "I see victory all over Iraq today," said Lt. The battalion has deployed five times throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom's eight-year transformation, conducting varied operations from the initial invasion to fighting an insurgency, to rebuilding and training the Iraqi security forces. The Marines of Task Force 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion were one of the first LAR battalions to get their treads dirty with Iraqi soil and will be the last LAR battalion to do so during Operation Iraqi Freedom. SAHL SINJAR AIRFIELD, Iraq - From the Rumaylah oil fields in Operation Iraqi Freedom I to Operation Phantom Fury during the retaking of Fallujah to patrolling the western border of Iraq, and now providing security and training for the 11th Iraqi Army Brigade, the Wolfpack Marines have fought our country's battles in light armored vehicles.
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