[January 15, 2022] Shortly after returning from my first deployment to Iraq in 2005 (documented in my recent book), I was notified of another pending deployment. 2006 and 2007 would find me again in Iraq with about a year off for “good behavior.” A good friend told me that I should be happy ‘getting after it again.
He meant to say that success in life comes in many forms, and for me, it would be my second “turn in the box” and to be part of a significant military-historical event. I’d learned that being a Soldier meant that sometimes I would be ordered to do something unexpected. This pending deployment would highlight my career because it brought together many unusual forces, people, and events that would be remembered for generations.
“Success doesn’t come to you; you go get it.” – Marva Collins, American educator
“The Surge” refers to President Bush’s 2007 increase in American troops to provide security to Baghdad and the Al Anbar Governate.1 The actual surge in the number of troops began in mid-2007. But it was the buildup of an extensive array of military bases, infrastructure funding and construction, development of a new military strategy, and working with Iraqi and coalition forces that I got involved with right away.
As I was departing Iraq in June of 2007, incoming U.S. forces were arriving in large numbers. Our Engineers had done their job getting the space ready for those who would be in the fight. Staff members of III Corps, the main element in Multinational Corps Iraq (MNC-I), commissioned a painting of our time there with famous, award-winning artist James Dietz. A numbered print hangs on the wall of my office.
‘Getting After It,” a print by artist James Dietz
MNC-I initiated Operation Fardh al-Qanoon in January 2007. The operation, also known as the Baghdad Security Plan, was a joint Coalition Forces (C.F.) and Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) mission conducted throughout Baghdad. MNC-I was supported by a “surge” of 30,000 additional U.S. forces consisting of five brigade combat teams, a combat aviation brigade, a division headquarters, a Marine expeditionary unit, two Marine battalions and several other enablers.
We were getting after it.
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Please read my new book, “Our Longest Year in Iraq,” at Amazon (link here).
Getting after it, thx Gen. Satterfield for your contributions. 😀
Great quote. Too bad many will pay no attention to it. So many of our young expect their “needs” to be delivered to them. Sad.
Gen. Satterfield continues to bring us good content, educational and entertaining and in this case while he is having some health “issues.” Thanks to his determination, we have this forum and some good reads too.
Yep, well said Cat a Miss. That is why I keep coming back to this website. You never know what you will see here but you can be assured that it is good.
Get ‘er done!
Getting after it.
I’m beginning to see a pattern. Yes, motivation.
“Through his meticulous attention to detail and historical accuracy, Dietz creates compelling images of the men and machinery that have shaped our century; recreating moments out of history and bringing to life stories from the past.” from the website of James Dietz. Go there and review his work. I like it.
I like the detail that James Dietz does in his art. Thanks to Gen. S. for highlighting it for us.
Good day all, I’m trying to get some of my co-workers to read this site more often. I’ve found it worthwhile to do a quick read daily. The value is often understated but to me, I’ve found it esp. worthy whenever I need a little shot of leadership.
Yeah, me too!!!!
Excellent article. I think this is all about MOTIVATION. Correct me, if I’m wrong.
Welcome back Gen. Satterfield and I see from your “daily favorites” that you are still under the weather a bit. Hang in there. We are all fans and wish you and your family all the best health.
👍 Good health to us all. Oh, without those stupid face diapers, too.
“Getting after it,” well said, Gen. Satterfield. We should all take this as good advice. Instill that mindset into our young, instead of the victim culture now being promulgated by teachers and political activists.
Excellent comment that compares what we “should” be doing to what we are “doing.” We are headed in the wrong direction in America and as long as nutty, dementia Joe Biden is president (small ‘p’) then we will continue that slide downward to totalitarianism. Believe me, I’ve seen it before.
Qassim, consider writing an article for Gen. Satterfield. I’m sure he would be happy to publish it.
Yes, and so we should know more about how others have fared up against tyrannical regimes. Surely we have a soft tyranny but still a tyranny. Joe Biden is an evil SOB.
Let’s not get testy Plato…. be good. Name calling does not do any good. Biden-Harris have good intentions and that is all that matters.
Are you sure you got that right?
The pathway to hell is paved with good intentions. Read that somewhere! Oh, we all should know it.