An open letter to men, women of I Corps

Gen. Raymond T. Odierno

Editor’s note: I Corps Headquarters Soldiers recently returned from a yearlong deployment to Iraq. This deployment was historic in several ways: It marked the first combat tour for the corps since the Korean War; and the corps’ Soldiers played a critical role in the ongoing return of stability and normalcy to Iraq. Those efforts did not go unappreciated by the highest levels of command. Just prior to our Soldiers’ return, Gen. Raymond T. Odierno, commanding general of U.S. Forces-Iraq, wrote to the men and women of America’s Corps, describing the contributions they made.

Dear Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., Command Sgt. Maj. Frank Grippe and Soldiers of America’s Corps:

As your deployment draws to a close, I thank you for your tremendous service this past year. Your performance has been extraordinary. I deeply appreciate and admire your bravery and selfless dedication to the mission, the people of Iraq and the United States of America.

I Corps worked diligently to support stability in Iraq as the command and control element for a joint and combined force, which consisted initially of more than 115,500 personnel.

As requested by the Government of Iraq, you provided assistance in maintaining security and stability, achieving dramatic security gains. I Corps coordinated a seamless transition of responsibility for security of Iraq’s urban areas to Iraqi Security Forces.

On June 30, Iraqis secured the cities, with U.S. combat forces, partnered with Iraqi Security Forces, to secure the belts and borders. Your collaborative planning efforts with Iraqi leaders resulted in enhanced security, and since July 1, known attacks against civilians have dropped 45 percent and attacks against U.S. forces have fallen by 40 percent.

Your deployment was characterized by a period of intense transition and marked by unprecedented partnership with our Iraqi allies. Your outstanding service culminated with successful Iraqi national elections on March 7, 2010 — a watershed event in Iraq’s national history.

You recognized, moreover, that a comprehensive approach is essential to success in Iraq’s complex and dynamic environment, and you worked not only to protect the Iraqi people, but also to serve them. America’s Corps helped build Iraqi civil capacity by supporting local industry, essential utilities and entrepreneurship, spending more than $340 million in Commander’s Emergency Response Program funds to help Iraqis throughout the country.

This work has not been easy, or without cost. Through your courage and unwavering determination, you have helped quiet the turmoil that consumed this nation, and the people of Iraq today are buoyed by a growing hope in a bright and prosperous future. You have brought a measure of stability to a people plagued by conflict, and have made your nation proud.

It is the greatest privilege to soldier with you. For over 90 years, the Soldiers of America’s Corps have answered America’s call. Thank you for a job well done, and I wish you a safe journey home and a joyous reunion with you families and loved ones.

With pride and gratitude,

Signed, Raymond T. Odierno,
General, U.S. Army, Commanding.