Arkansas Guard Unit finds Success in Search for Improvised Explosive Devices
CAMP STRIKER, Iraq - Less than six months into a yearlong deployment to Iraq, the Arkansas Army National Guard's 875th Engineer Battalion has found and cleared its 500th improvised explosive device.
The 875th deployed to Iraq in late September 2006, and is tasked with a critical route clearance and route sanitation mission along a major military and Iraqi commerce artery in central Iraq. Staff Sgt. Adam Edmons of Floral, Ark., made the historic 500th find while on patrol Mar. 6, 2007, with 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company.
According to Capt. David Moore, Alpha Company commander, the 500th was significant, but the 499th was a more difficult find due to the way it was concealed. The sharp eyes of Sgt. Zachary Mullins, of Cherry Valley, Ark., were able to spot the dangerous roadside bomb before it could be detonated by terrorists.
Each of the IEDs were rendered harmless by an explosive ordinance detachment before the patrol continued on with a mission that lasted over eight hours. Alpha and Charlie Companies operate out of Logistics Support Area Anaconda, near Balad. The battalion headquarters and the 131st Engineer Company are located at Camp Striker, near Baghdad.
"We honor all of the 499 finds and clears that got us to 500," said Lt. Col. Patricia Anslow, 875th battalion commander," but we are especially proud of the 500th because it is a significant milestone in the battalion's fight against IEDs."
Over 400 Arkansas troops are deployed with the 875th, which is also made up of over 200 Soldiers from Vermont and Indiana Army National Guard units. The battalion mobilized in March, 2006, and is slated to return from Operation Iraqi Freedom in the fall.