Hello and welcome to Stories from the 28th Division Archives. I am Dr. Walter Zapotoczny. While working as the 28th Division Command Historian, I discovered stories in the archives that were not in the history books. In this episode, we are going to look at Company A, 28th Signal in Iraqi.

As Operation Iraqi Freedom unfolded, the companies of the 28th Signal Battalion were alerted for deployment to Iraq on October 9, 2003. Soldiers from throughout the Battalion were brought together to deploy as one company under the flag of Company A. Following rigorous training, the company embarked on a journey to Iraq.

Despite the perils, upon reaching Camp Taji, approximately 17 miles from Bagdad, Company A swiftly organized to provide critical Mobile Subscriber Equipment communications support to the 39th Brigade Combat Team and its subordinate units. Renamed as Task Force Keystone within the 13th Signal Battalion, Company A weathered the storm of mortar and rocket impacts, navigating the hostile environment with tenacity and resolve. Amid temperatures exceeding 130 degrees Fahrenheit, they adapted to new technologies such as the Command Post of the Future and spearheaded initiatives to rejuvenate power generation equipment, ensuring operational readiness in the most challenging of circumstances.

As the months wore on, Company A’s mission expanded, culminating in their pivotal role in Operation Al Fa-gee, aimed at dismantling insurgent strongholds in Fallujah. Deploying teams west of Baghdad, Company A provided vital communications support to maneuver units. Their efforts continued unabated through Christmas and into the new year, with Node 1 deploying on operational missions to root out insurgent cells threatening the first national elections in Iraq's history. Their unwavering commitment to duty, even amidst the holiday season, underscored their dedication to safeguarding democracy and freedom.

The next big effort was the support of the first free national elections in Iraq’s history. 1st Cavalry Division decided to place coalition forces liaisons at Iraqi Police stations to provide assistance with command and control during this critical time. The liaisons required voice and secure service, making signal teams at Iraqi Police stations a necessity. Node 1 moved to the Saba Al Boor Police Station in northwestern Baghdad on January 27. They provided direct Mobile Subscriber Equipment support and were redeployed to Camp Taji on January 31, 2005. The elections had been a grand success, and the 1st Cavalry Division’s ability to communicate efficiently contributed in no small way.

The company continued to provide reliable communications support through February and began to focus on relief in place and redeployment operations late in the month. The entire company was out of Iraq on March 10, 2005, 10 days short of one year from crossing the border heading North. On March 28, 2005, the company met families and friends at the very same 911th Airlift Wing hangar where the deployment ceremony was held 499 days before.

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So, until next time, Roll On.