Eagle eyes eliminate threat

Courtesy Photo | The 2nd Squad of 1st Platoon, 191st Military Police Co., 91st MP Battalion, 8th MP Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad from left to right: Spc. Justin Valenti of Fargo, N.D., Sgt. Justin Lindteigen, a native of Fargo, N.D., and Spc. Michael Jordheim from Thompson, N.D., recall events on Dec. 3, where they identified an improvised explosive device. Through a controlled detonation, and explosive ordnance disposal team eliminated the threat to the Iraqi people and coalition forces. Less than ten days before the incident, the same squad was the target of an IED in the same area.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

12.15.2008

Courtesy Story

Multi-National Division Baghdad

By Ray McNulty
Multi-National Division – Baghdad

BAGHDAD – The threat of improvised explosive devices placed by Special Groups criminals can be in a myriad of locations along Iraqi roads and highways.

This was the case in two recent incidents on two highly traveled routes in November, where IEDs resulted in the tragic death and injury to coalition force soldiers.

The second squad of first platoon, 191st Military Police Company, TF 91st MP, 8th MP Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, almost relived a similar incident.

If it had not been for the keen observation of Sgt. Justin Lindteigen, a native of Fargo, N.D., Spc. Michael Jordheim, a native of Thompson, N.D., and Spc. Justin Valenti, a native of Fargo, N.D., they could have met the same fate, Dec. 3. The Soldiers knew all too well what the consequences could have been.

However, as the squad returned to Forward Operating Base Shield from Police Transition Team training in the Sadr City District in northern Baghdad, they noticed a foreign object. The object was not there earlier that day when they left the base for their mission. Squad members immediately took action and stopped the convoy to get a second look.

After inspecting the object from a distance, a call was made to Soldiers of 1st Battalion 6th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, MND-B and an explosive ordnance disposal team was dispatched to the scene. With the help of two squads and the Iraqi army, the area was cordoned off.

The EOD team removed the object from the top of the T-wall and used a charge to render it safe through a controlled detonation.

"Situational awareness was paramount here ... the result of good training and sharp instincts," said Lt. Col. Michael Thomas, a native of Taunton, Mass. and commander, Task Force 91 MP Battalion.

"This squad's attention to detail and its quick reaction may have saved the lives of coalition force soldiers and Iraqi citizens," said Col. Byron Freeman, 8th MP Bde commander and native of Norfolk, Va. "They are to be commended for their actions. They knew what to do and they did it, cancelling out the plans of the bad guys. Sgt. Lindteigen, Spc. Jordheim, and Spc. Valenti all live the 'Watchdog' spirit."

• Date Taken: 12.15.2008
• Date Posted: 12.15.2008 14:04
• Story ID: 27714
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ