Mark Martinez

The Dragons of Rashid: The Baghdad Surge 2007-2008 Mark Martinez

"Operation Iraqi Freedom." Letters written home about the greenest Brigade in the United States Army, deployed to the most violent district of Baghdad and their fight to change the course of the war. In February of 2007, the 4th Brigade (Dragon Brigade) of the 1st Infantry Division was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq as part of the five U. S. "Surge" Brigades. The Dragon Brigade was assigned to the most violent sector of Baghdad known as the Rashid (Rasheed) District, a 68 square mile sector in Southern Baghdad. When the Dragon Brigade returned home after 15 months in combat, the ultimate cost of securing Rashid and re-establishing prosperity was 102 Soldiers KIA and over 700 WIA. This book and these letters written home are a testament to their sacrifices. God Bless everyone of them.