Redleg Update

by 1LT Marshall on September 18, 2005 at 6:59 PM

An update from the Team Boat commander.

Hello to all, from the soldiers of the 2-218th Field Artillery (and 3-116th Armor). First off, I am the commander of the 113 deployed soldiers from the 2-218th FA and the 20 additional volunteers from the 3-116th AR Battalion from Eastern Oregon. Together, these 133 soldiers make up what the 41st Brigade is calling, "Team Boat." Upon arrival in New Orleans, I was informed by Brigadier General Pritt that my soldiers would be conducting waterborne operations in the Orleans Parish. This posed an initial challenge since artillerymen and tankers are not equipped for a mission of this nature. Undaunted, we went about collecting discarded life jackets, flooded outboards and abandoned swamp boats. As you might imagine we were quite the motley crew.

For the first week we were lodged in a warehouse with fairly rough life support. However, the soldiers took it all in stride and did not complain too much. We were presented with the opportunity to "upgrade" our digs and are now living in the University Center at the University of New Orleans - Lakefront Campus. I know "lakefront" evokes images of campsites, BBQ's and cold Hamm's; nothing could be further from the truth - Lake Ponchartrain is pretty much a cesspool from all the floodwater discharge. At any rate, we now have a little electricity for our circulating fans and our one coffeemaker. (Which by the way is dripping fresh brewed Starbucks, thanks to the First Sergeant.) Now a little bit about operations.

Predominantly our soldiers have been conducting "primary" searches, which consists of going through an area, either on foot or boat, and knocking on doors to ascertain if anybody needs evacuated. We have also assisted Search and Rescue teams in conducting boat operations and secondary (full) house searches. In addition to these operations, the maintenance section has taken on a project of cleaning up a local church; they met the head of the parish and he was ecstatic to have us occupying his grounds in order to keep it secure. The soldiers of the maintenance section have done an outstanding job with this project and need to be recognized for their hard work. They cut up downed trees, landscaped and got the fountains cleaned and running.

Thats the update for now. To all the families reading this, you have dedicated, selfless soldiers that are a pleasure to lead. Thankyou for dealing with this short notice deployment in an equally selfless manner, despite the hardships it may bring.

First Lieutenant Jason M. Marshall
Commander

1LT Marshall

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Update appreciated Lt Marshall

Posted by melissab on Sun, September 25 2005

Thank you for your leadership, really, it is a selfless act. I commend all of the hard work being done by soldiers such as yourself. Tell Greg Foley that his girlfriend says hello. Give him a hard time for me! :) It was nice to read your message informing us about daily tasks you have been accomplishing. Thank you again, to all of you brave soldiers. Be safe,
Melissa Buller

Thank you Team Boat Commander

Posted by Vicki on Thu, September 22 2005

Thank you for the update 1Lt Marshall (my nephew!). Have been thinking about all of you there, especially as we were just with family who were evacuated and are now safe, although most of their belongings are gone. We appreciate all you are doing. Thank you and please stay safe!
Aunt Vicki

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Redleg Update

by 1LT Marshall on September 18, 2005 at 6:59 PM

1LT Marshall

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