SGT Thomas C Rasmussen - Task Force Mountain Warrior's Warrior of the Day 21 April 2010

On 3 October 2009, Sergeant (SGT) Thomas C Rasmussen, from Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, earned the Silver Star during a complex attack by an enemy force estimated at 400 fighters.  When the initial attack started, SGT Rasmussen volunteered to assault the ammunition supply point and establish a stronghold.  He was a critical member of the assault team that pushed to the LRAS 2 battle position and recovered two American Heroes while being knocked down by RPG blasts several times.  SGT Rasmussen then volunteered and took point man for the assault team that cleared the ASG's living quarters.  At one point, he was met by a wall of fire from an enemy fighter that had successfully breached the COP's perimeter, but SGT Rasmussen took him out with hand grenades and continued to engage multiple enemy fighters with his M4 and M203.  SGT Rasmussen then returned to the ECP to improve a defensive position while laying out concertina wire and claymore mines to hold and defend this position.

CPT Christopher B Cordova and 1LT Andrew L Bundermann are TF Mountain Warrior's Warriors of the Day for 19 April 2010

On 3 October 2009, Captain (CPT) Christopher B Cordova, from Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, earned the Silver Star during an attack when his COP came under a complex attack by an enemy force estimated at 400 fighters.  When the initial attack started, CPT Cordova displayed great mental endurance and technical competence in treating and evacuating 16 US and AfghanNational Security Forces casualties and an additional 27 walking wounded.  CPT Cordova's expert decision and successful execution of a field-executed blood transfusion dept a dying Soldier alive until he could be evacuated to the next higher level of care.  Because of his calm demeanor and thorough understanding of medicien, CPT Cordova enabled his Soldiers to (sorry, I cannot read the remainder and couldn't find it on the internet).

On 3 October 2009, First Lieutenant (1LT) Andrew L Bundermann, from Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, earned the Silver Star during an attack when his COP came under a complex attack by an enemy force estimated at 400 fighters.  Throughout the attack, 1LT Bundermann was the acting Troop Commander.  1LT Bundermann orchestrated the defense of Combat Outpost Keating, preventing it from falling into the hands of the enemy.  His perseverance under heavy fire and ability to advance the troop's position enables him to lead Brave Troop Soldiers in a successful counter-attack to retake the COP.  1LT Bendermann's actions throughout the battle of COP Keating saved the lives of dozens of Soldiers.  He exhibited the Warrio Ethos and pushed the Soldiers of Bravo Troop to continue the fight.  Through his calm (sorry, I cannot read the remainder and couldn't find it on the internet).

Well done Warriors!  Well done!

Task Force Mountain Warrior Has Left The Valley - The Korengal Valley

From ISAF

DAMN THAT VALLEY! (My note - not from the article)

ISAF Units Realign in Eastern Afghanistan

2010-04-CA-040


For Immediate Release

KABUL, Afghanistan (April 14) - International Security Assistance Forces continued their realignment with more populated areas in accordance with the ISAF counterinsurgency strategy. Forces repositioned out of the isolated Korengal Valley in Kunar Province today. These deliberate moves began in March.

"This repositioning, in partnership with the Afghan National Security Forces, responds to the requirements of the new population-centric counterinsurgency strategy," said Lt. Gen. David M. Rodriguez, ISAF Joint Command commander.

"The move does not prevent forces from rapidly responding, as necessary, to crises there in Korengal and in other parts of the region, as well," said Rodriguez.

"Repositioning forces from the Korengal valley to more populated areas will allow us to have greater flexibility," said U.S. Army Col. Randy George, Task Force Mountain Warrior commander. "The area was once very operationally important, but appropriate to the new strategy, we are focusing our efforts on population centers. We're still able to conduct operations there, even without a base, like we do in other remote valleys."

Coalition forces, in cooperation with their Afghan partners, continue to work with local leaders and local government officials to set the conditions for success in Afghanistan