Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans

Photo By Cpl. Tyler Brock | Rick Michaud, a former master sergeant assigned to the 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry...... read more read more

Photo By Cpl. Tyler Brock | Rick Michaud, a former master sergeant assigned to the 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, poses for a picture in Tikrit, Iraq, May 2003. The 4th Inf. Div. was in Tikrit in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as they searched for the Iraqis' top military leaders. (Courtesy photo by Rick Michaud)  see less | View Image Page

FORT CARSON, CO, UNITED STATES

11.09.2022

Story by Spc. Tyler Brock 

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

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FORT CARSON, Colo. - As we observe Veterans day, we take time to remember and honor three Soldiers who were part one of the 4th Infantry Division’s most influential invasions of the 21st century.
In 2003, Operation Iraqi Freedom was a turning point for the U.S. Military, as they fought to free the Iraqi people from the strong grasp of its president at the time, Saddam Hussein.
“All the years of deceit and cruelty have now reached an end,” said President George W. Bush, from the White House on March 23, 2003, as he addressed the nation about the soon-to-come invasion of Iraq. “Saddam Hussein and his sons must leave Iraq in 48 hours. Their refusal to do so will result in military conflict commencing at a time of our choosing.”
Soon after, in April of 2003, Sgt. 1st Class Tom Darden, who was assigned to 4th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., led his Soldiers, with the rest of the division, following him into Iraq to begin their operations to support OIF.
“We were the brigade reconnaissance team,” said Rick Michaud, a first sergeant who was assigned to 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg. 1st Brigade, 4th Inf. Div. “We were a mobile light unit that worked directly for the colonel. We were highly proficient at our job. Because of that, we were able to get to the east side of Tikrit.”
Tikrit, Iraq, Saddam’s birth place, and later where he was found hiding, was a dangerous place at the time and despite half of the bridge being blown up, the Soldiers of 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg. knew that’s where they needed to be as they sought out major targets.
“The entire time, the effort was to capture the leadership of the Iraqi army -- Saddam being high value target number one,” said Command Sgt. Maj. John Justis, who was a first sergeant assigned to 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg. at the time “You’re constantly searching for these folks.”
However, hunting for the country's top military leaders was not the only thing that kept the Soldiers busy. Things such as a lack of running water and various infrastructural issues for the local population was a priority for Gen. Raymond Thomas Odierno, the commander of 4th Inf. Div. at the time.
“We loved to work," said Darden. "It kept us busy."
At a moment's notice, the 1st Brigade’s fastest moving troop element, according to Darden, was ready to move and patrol, sometimes conducting 20-hour patrols back-to-back.
“We were the quick reaction team for the division,” added Michaud.
Nonetheless, running missions back to back can wear on a Soldier’s morale while also depleting their mission readiness, and Justis recognized this.
“They didn’t have any morale functions at all," he said. "I remember, I went and got a satellite dish and we put it together so we could watch television. Next thing you know, we were watching 'Survivor!' and we’re watching TV [which aired] in the United States! And it was a real morale thing,” said Justis “my whole career, it's always been, mission and then men. So the mission is first, but you can’t accomplish the mission unless you're taking care of the men. It’s a real balance, you have to know when to focus on your folks, and take care of them, so they can complete the mission.”
Even though Justis, Michaud and Darden searched very hard for the Iraqi dictator, he continued to evade them. Then one day in December of 2003, U.S. service members caught a big break.
“Ladies and gentleman, we got him!” announced Paul Bremer, Executive Secretary to the Department of State of the United States, as a room of press reporters erupted in excitement during a news conference on Dec. 21, 2003.
Hussein was found in a deep dark hole just south of Tikrit during an operation called Red Dawn. At the time the hole was closed with a styrofoam plug, which can be seen at the 4th Infantry Division Museum, Fort Carson, Colorado. The Soldiers of the 4th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Reg. 1st Brigade, 4th Inf. Div. had a large part in the operation and ultimately are credited for the capture of Hussein.
Fast forward 20 years later, and the Soldiers that were recognized by their battle number “701” still stay in touch and have reunions every two to three years. Justis, again, recognizes the importance of being there for his men by showing that a Soldier is a Soldier for life.
“I tell my guys all the time, if you need to talk at any time, just give me a call,” said Justis.
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