BY KATIE MULVANEY
Journal Staff Writer

The Providence Journal

Link to Article

NORTH KINGSTOWN -- The top graduate of the military police officer basic course will now receive an honor bearing the name of fallen Rhode Island soldier 2nd Lt. Matthew S. Coutu.

The U.S. Army Military Police Corps has named the award given to its leading graduate the Second Lt. Matthew S. Coutu Distinguished Honor Graduate Award. The honor goes to the lieutenant with the highest academic achievement at the close of the 17-week course, which trains police officers in the leadership and tactics required to be a platoon leader, according to Capt. William Rodgers.

The MP Corps provides combat support, safeguards supplies, and, in the current conflicts, helps train local police.

Rodgers said that Coutu, of North Kingstown, embodied the corps' values.

"It's our honor, at the Military Police School, to do this for the Coutu family, as well as have something that Lt. Matthew Coutu will be remembered by," Rodgers said.

Coutu, 23, died in Baghdad on June 27, after being hit by sniper fire as he investigated a car bombing. He was serving as a platoon leader with the 64th Military Police Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, 89th Military Police Brigade, out of Ft. Hood Texas.

Though he grew up near Chicago, his roots run deep in Rhode Island.

His mother, Donna Coutu-Freeland, was raised a Matarazzo in Smithfield. His father, Michael Coutu -- now of North Hampton, N.H. -- hails from West Warwick.

On Monday, they and his brother, Derek, will attend the unveiling of a plaque in Matthew's honor at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. The name of each leading graduate will be engraved on the plaque, which will hang in the foyer of the Military Police School.

"We can only image how great his military career would have been if he had lived," said Coutu-Freeland, of North Kingstown.

She said she receives messages weekly from soldiers and others who knew her son.

"We take it one day at a time and get through it," she said, moments after leaving a grief-counseling session. But, she says, the pain is still fresh.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, there have been 2,247 U.S. military casualties in Operation Iraqi Freedom, as of yesterday. Coutu was the 13th Rhode Island service member to die in Iraq during the conflict.

Please continue to be patient as this information might get adjusted as needed. 

Hello Guardian Families,

We are finally reaching the end of the tunnel! The light is getting brighter and we will soon be able to be standing in the Gym waiting for our Heroes to come home! We have a lot going on this month to prepare for a successful return! A GREAT BIG THANKS goes out to all of the families that have stepped up to help out with the Sheet Donations! It looks like our goal will be met! We owe that all to you!

I have included some valuable information about the return of the soldiers and what the FRG has planned for this month! Please take a minute to look the Newsletter over closely. You will find travel information, directions to the gym, gaining access to post information and much more! Please feel free to join us at any of our activities!

Families that are traveling into Killeen for the Homecoming, please join us on Monday the 23rd so that we can all take a some time to get to know each other! We have been through a lot together this year and it will be so nice to finally meet you all in person!

Stay focused, we are almost there!!!

Sincerely,

Brooke Arnold

brooke.l.arnold@us.army.mil

SFC Gunter

arthur.gunter@us.army.mil

Just a reminder...

Welcome Home Information

Fort Hood-

In order to get onto Fort Hood for the Return Ceremony you will need the following information…

You can get a pass to get on/off post by going to the Main Gate

·          Valid Driver’s License

·          Current Vehicle Insurance Card

·          Your license plate number

The Main Gate is located directly off of Hwy 190 in Killeen.

Directions to Coscom Gym-

·          From the Main Gate turn left at the First stop light onto Tank Destroyer Blvd

·          Go to 72nd street and turn right

·          The gym will be on the corner of 72nd and Support on the right

Upcoming Dates to remember…

·          Saturday, January 14th - Sheet Washing /Last Deployment Party 10AM at Super S Laundry 2211 Sunny Lane behind Furniture Zone on WS Young. We will be making Welcome Home Signs while the sheets wash and dry *Bring your supplies to make your individual signs; we will have supplies to make large group signs.

·          Tuesday, January 17th – Make Beds for the Single Soldiers. Meet at the Company at 10:00AM

·          Monday, January 23rd – Meet and Greet at Buffalo Wild Wings 6:00-8:00 PM

·          Tuesday, January 24th –anticipated HOMECOMING…watch your email and the website for details to come as they are available.

Airport Information-

·          Dallas/Fort Worth Airport is approximately 2 ½ to 3 hours from Fort Hood

·          Austin Airport is approximately 1- 1 ½ hours from Fort Hood

·          Killeen has an Airport as well that is about 15 minutes from Fort Hood

Meet and Greet –

Monday, January 23rd

Please join us for a little get together to calm our nerves and get to know each other!

Some appetizers will be provided by the FRG. Whether you are local or traveling, please feel free to join us if your schedule permits.

Buffalo Wild Wings

2401 East Central Texas Expressway

Killeen, TX

6:00-8:00 PM

Killeen Hotels/Motels

Approximate Rate plus tax for Double Occupancy

Best Western

2709 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd.

Killeen, TX 76541

PH # 254-526-6651

$80.00

Comfort Inn

2506 Trimmier

Killeen, TX 76541

PH # 254-554-3615

$69.00

Days Inn

810 Central Texas Expwy.

Killeen, TX 76542

PH # 254-634-6644

$70.00

Economy Motel

817 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd.

Killeen, TX 76541

PH # 254-634-3128

$45.00

Friendship Inn

601 W. Veterans Memorial Blvd.

Killeen, TX 76541

PH # 254-526-2232

$60.00

Hallmark Motor Inn

4500 E. Central Texas Expwy.

Killeen, TX 76542

PH # 254-634-1313

$54.00

Hampton Inn

2702 O.W. Curry Dr.

Killeen, TX 76542

PH # 254-554-7110

$89.00

Hawthorne Suites

1503 E. Central Texas Expwy.

Killeen, TX 76541

PH # 254-634-7795

$89.00

Holiday Inn Express

1602 W. Central Texas Expwy.

Killeen, TX 76542

PH # 254-554-2727

$89.00

Holiday Terrace

1708 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd.

Killeen, TX 76541

PH # 254-690-4141

$50.00 (tax included)

Killeen Motel

511 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd.

Killeen, TX 76541

PH # 254-634-2654

Sold out for the week of Jan. 24^th

LaQuinta Inn

1112 S. Fort Hood St.

Killeen, TX 76541

PH # 254-526-8331

$69.00

Liberty 6 Motel

529 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd.

Killeen, TX 76541

PH # 254-634-2199

$45.00

Motel 7

729 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd.

Killeen, TX 76541

PH # 254-554-6035

$45.00

Park Inn – Howard Johnson

803 E. Central Texas Expwy.

Killeen, TX 76542

PH # 254-526-4343

$75.00

Plaza Hotel

1721 E. Central Texas Expwy.

Killeen, TX 76542

PH # 254-634-1555

$63.00 ($10.00 for each additional person)

Mention the Homecoming to get this rate

Roadway Inn

517 W. Veterans Memorial

Blvd.Killeen, TX 76543

PH # 254-634-1001

$62.00

Mention the Homecoming to get this rate

Shoney’s Inn

404 S. Fort Hood Rd.

Killeen, TX 76541

PH # 254-554-6633

$63.99 or $80.10 Suite

Super 8

606 E. Central Texas Expwy.

Killeen, TX 76542

PH # 254-634-6868

$59.99

Motel 6

800 E. Central Texas Expwy.

Killeen, TX 76542

PH # 254-634-4151

$55.99

Tour Inn Guest House

605 N. Gray

Killeen, TX 76541

PH # 254-634-3151

Guardian Family and Friends:

I first of all want to send out my warmest Holiday Wishes to all the supporters and loved ones of the Guardians. I want to say from my family to yours, Happy Holidays. The holiday was about the best that it could be thanks to all the hard work and dedication of Brooke Arnold and all the Guardian Supporters all over the country sending about 45 boxes of goodies consisting of homemade cookies, mints, cocoa, beefstick, and peanut brittle. I just want to thank everyone who contributed to the Guardians’ Happy Holidays Party. With your support and the hard work of the cooks in the company we were able to have a top-notch cookout with all the goodies.

I am thrilled as I write this newsletter knowing that this will be the last newsletter that I write to you from Iraq. The next time that I sit down to give a monthly rollup of the company; I will be doing it from beautiful Fort Hood. This month really was a rollercoaster of positives and unbearable negatives. The Guardians assisted the Iraqi Police to perform the final of three elections this year as the general assembly and leadership for the new Iraq was elected on 15 December 05. I was extremely proud of all of the Guardian Soldiers for their dedication and hard work contributing to a safe election for the Iraqi People.

Although there was great work done by the Guardians during the elections, the team lost one of its most valuable assets, SGT Julia Atkins just one day prior to deploying throughout sector to support the elections. SGT Atkins was a poster Soldier that had risen through the ranks. The company had the privilege to promote this fine Soldier to Sergeant just one month ago. She was eager to learn, took responsibility and was certainly an up and coming leader among the ranks of the Non-Commissioned Officer. She had a way about her that could light up the room with her entrance. No matter how bad things were, she was the one that would have the smile on her face, creating the atmosphere that no matter the severity of the situation we would all get through it together with her upbeat personality. Her compelling attitude, professionalism, and infectious sense of humor will be missed by the entire 64th MP Company. My heartfelt condolences are extended to all whole grieve the loss of such a great American. Although nothing I can say will make it easier, just know that there will always be three missing links in the Guardian Family that can never be replaced with the loss of three great Warriors in 2LT Matt Coutu, SGT Julia Atkins, and PFC Tim Hines.

The Guardians are almost out of the gate and the excitement of coming home is infectious. The company completed all the packing of its equipment and the containers are sealed ready for pickup. We also have begun all the redeployment briefings to get the unit ready for movement. Finally, we have also begun final planning and preparations for the arrival of our replacement unit, the 988th Military Police Company from Fort Benning, Georgia who is currently conducting train up in Kuwait.

I am anxious to meeting all the family members and loved ones back at Fort Hood that support and drive their Guardian to do their best on a daily basis while deployed. You are the best support team in the Army and I want to personally thank each and every one of you. Your Soldiers continue to pound the sand with their professionalism and dedication to duty doing superb work on a daily basis. The Guardians have made the final turn and are on their way to the finish line. We look forward to seeing you all very soon. If you ever have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me at chad.froehlich@us.army.mil. “Guardians”

CPT Froehlich

The time has finally come for our last Guardian’s Guide Newsletter from Iraq. What an incredible year it has been. During this past year, the “Guardians” took an illegitimate Baghdad police force and created reliable and ready police organizations in two of the toughest districts in Baghdad. Their unwavering commitment to mission success was paramount during our culminating mission supporting the free Iraqi general elections, which took place just a few short weeks ago. We watched as Iraqi police secured election sites without the help of coalition forces. We stood ready to assist, but due to the training and support that the “Guardians” provided over the last year, the Iraqi police were able to secure the sites as a competent and professional organization. The elections went without incident in our sectors and were a huge success.

Our work over the past year did not come without sacrifice. On December 10th the “Guardians” suffered a catastrophic loss once again when SGT Julia Atkins was killed in action by an Improvised Explosive Device. SGT Terry Horn and SPC Matthew Linville were both wounded in the blast and returned to the United States for further medical treatment. SGT Julia Atkins was the third “Guardian” Soldier killed in action during this deployment. 2LT Matt Coutu and PFC Tim Hines also paid the ultimate sacrifice while helping to build a free nation that has been suppressed with cruel dictatorship for decades. Julia Atkins, Matt Coutu, and Tim Hines represent the finest America has to offer. All from different backgrounds and locations, they are now together in heaven tasked to watch over the rest of us as “Guardian” Angels. We are all saddened at the recent loss of Julia and we continue to mourn the losses of Matt and Tim. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Julia Atkins and we continue to ask God to watch over the families of Tim Hines and Matt Coutu. It will never be the same without them in our lives.

Christmas was celebrated in true “Guardian” style this year. We had a company cook out on Christmas Eve and had our final Poker tournament on Christmas day. The tournament raised $1,000.00 to help create a memorial for our fallen comrades back at Fort Hood. Special thanks go to SGT Robinson for his hard work in putting the tournament together. Our Christmas celebration would not have been the success it was without the support of our FRG. Once again, Brooke Arnold and crew sent us boxes upon boxes of party goods and baked goods for our party. Thank you FRG for all the hard work and dedication over this past year.

Soon your “Guardian” Soldiers will be home and reunited with you. We all anxiously anticipate the day to finally come. Over the past year, we enjoyed tremendous success and suffered immeasurable losses. It was our families, friends, loved ones, and supporters back home that helped us to be the successful organization we are today. Your gifts, letters, words of support, and dedication to the Soldiers of the 64th Military Police Company were unsurpassed. Thank you for everything you’ve done during this deployment to help the “Guardians” successfully complete our mission.

1SG Pierri

“Guardian 7”

The month of December brought triumph and tragedy to the “Guardian” family. Unfortunately, the “Guardians” lost SGT Julia Atkins of the 3rd platoon “Renegades” to an improvised explosive device. SGT Atkins, will be sorely missed and remembered as a positive influence on all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers go to her family and friends.

On December 15th Iraqis participated in parliamentary elections to vote for a constitutional government. The Soldiers of headquarters platoon were actively involved in the election process to ensure mission accomplishment for the “Guardians” and a safe environment for the Iraqi people to vote. During the elections, the “Roughriders” were outside the wire recovering and maintaining vehicles, ensuring effective communications, and partnering with the Iraqi police on battle tracking and information gathering. The elections were a complete success and the Soldiers of headquarters platoon made sure it happened!

The redeployment process has begun for the “Guardians!” Equipment has been inventoried, packed, and locked in shipping containers ready for delivery back to Fort Hood. Within a few weeks, the 988th MP Company will arrive in theater and the RIP/TOA process will begin. It feels good to tell friends and family that we will be home next month!

We missed all our friends and family for Christmas, but the company managed to enjoy themselves with some sports, music, goodies (thank you FRG), and a good ‘ole fashioned BBQ. The “Guardians” also conducted a company poker tournament with all proceeds going to the fallen “Guardians” memorial fund. The tournament was a great success with over 50 participants and over $1000 dollars raised. Thank you to all who participated, including the Iraqi Police Liaisons and Camp Rustamiyah Fire Department. Special recognition goes out to

SGT Robinson from 2nd platoon for planning and organizing the tournament.

This will be the last newsletter from headquarters platoon until we get back home. The Soldiers of headquarters platoon would like to thank our friends, family, and all the citizens of the United States who supported us throughout the deployment with gifts, care packages, and letters of encouragement. See you in January!

December has posed to be a very interesting month for First Platoon “Strykers”. Between the elections, packing up to come home, and the holidays, our Soldiers have been very busy.

During the Iraq National Elections, First Platoon distinguished themselves while working with the Iraqi Police to help ensure that this election process would be a success. Again this election we got to take a “camping trip”, while we stayed out closer to our sectors just in case, fortunately the people of Iraq wanted to see this election succeed as well. We knew that it had to succeed, and the elections went off without a hitch. It is truly amazing to see a developing country running a national election with little assistance, this truly was history in the making and these Soldiers were a part of it.

Coming back from the elections everyone could have used a break, but the Soldiers stepped up and got in gear to come home. Soldiers were packing the connex, packing their bags, while still remaining focused on the job at hand. Quickly following the elections, a complete equipment readiness test was conducted and we fixed all the little things.

The holidays came and the holiday spirit was evident all around Rustamiyah. There were two giant Santa’s and other holiday decorations everywhere. The platoon would also like to say thank you to the Family Readiness Group for the Christmas stocking care packages and all the goodies.

Although we had to wait in line at the chow hall, an enormous feast was prepared for Christmas Day. The 64th Military Police Company hosted a poker tournament in which many Strykers participated. It started early in the morning and didn’t end until late that night. A good time was had by all who participated, even those of us who were quickly eliminated from the tournament.

We’ll see you soon.

Milestones! That is the key word for the month of December. This month we have hit plenty of these and we can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Once again we have been busy and that seems to make time fly. Hopefully your month has gone as fast as ours.

During the beginning of the month, we packed up our duffle bag and our foot lockers in preparations for the customs inspection and sealing of our connex. We then made the dreaded trip to Al Ademiyah Police Headquarters for our stay during the elections. All of the planning and preparation was done. We were ready, our final big mission and a huge milestone in the history of Iraq. We initiated our movement to the station, one squad left, no problems; the 2nd squad left, then “Murphy” hit us. The trailer that they were carrying broke down and had to be recovered. 2 ½ hrs later on the side of the road in Baghdad, SSG Thompson’s Squad was recovered and on the way to our destination. No sooner than the wrecker got out of site did “Murphy” strike again. SGT Lucas lost power in his ASV and could only go about 10MPH. I was thinking that if this was an indication of the elections then I needed to tighten my chin strap and hold on because it was going to be an interesting time. We managed to get the ASV to Al Ademiyah Police Headquarters and linked up with the rest of the platoon

Surprisingly, I have to say that the rest of the 6 days we were there nothing happened. Absolutely Nothing! We were prepared for the worse and were extremely surprised at the outcome of the elections. No issues, no concerns, great voter turnout, great security by the Iraqis, and no issues for us. That was a great feeling for us and the Iraqi Police that we have been partnering with. That my dear friends was a huge step forward and was milestone #1 for the month of December.

Upon return from the elections you would think that we could take it easy for a little. Of course not! We had to prepare for the customs inspection. We quickly found ourselves cleaning off all of the dirt and crud from our Fort Hood equipment. This was a painful process but knowing that it was going home made it a little easier to cope. We had our customs inspection on the 24th of December. It wasn’t bad. The unit inspected it quickly and soon we found ourselves closing the doors for the last time in Iraq. Man, that is a great feeling. Not having to worry about all of that gear. It should be leaving for Kuwait here shortly. That was milestone #2.

After the customs inspection the company had a Christmas Party. We grilled hamburgers, hotdogs, and thanks to a mistake from the Dining Facility we were able to eat some BBQ Chicken. We would like to say a special thanks to you, the FRG for sending all of the food and supplies for the party. It was a welcomed treat. I think that we still have a little that we are snacking on.

Finally, the last two milestones came. Christmas day came with mixed emotions for everyone. SGT Robinson put on a poker tournament for the company. We had a great turnout and raised over $1,000.00 for the memorial fund at Fort Hood. This was a great way to get your mind off of it being Christmas. Most of the Soldiers attempted to sleep the whole day. I felt like they were trying to get it over with. I know that the holiday season is hard on everyone. I see that different people deal with not being with family in different ways. I think that it would have been better if we were able to make a phone call or even e-mail. However, it is one more day closer to getting home and I know that each and every one of you were in your Soldiers hearts and minds.

Finally, the last milestone. The 988th MP CO has arrived in Kuwait and will be here to relieve us in just a few short weeks. That is a great feeling. So hopefully this will be my last newsletter that I write and the next time that you hear from me will be at the redeployment.

Lastly, it is with the deepest sympathy that we said goodbye to a fellow Soldier, NCO, and Friend. On 10 December 2005, SGT Atkins tragically lost her life while performing operations in the Baghdad area. SGT Atkins was a wonderful person who touched the lives of everyone that she talked to. She will be forever missed but never forgotten. We will continue to say our prayers for her family. I think that the First Sergeant said it right as he quoted Captain Don Meeks. The lord is attempting to build his team. He has a great Officer, 2LT Coutu, an outstanding Soldier, PFC Hines, and it just wouldn’t be right without a hard charging NCO to maintain the standards and keep them in check.

It has been a long year for all of us. We have grown together tighter than imaginable. We have shared experiences that will live forever in our memories. We have suffered the loss of three of our comrades. We have left part of us in Iraq and have taken part of Iraq with us. We, the few, who have came here to fight so that you, the many, may have peace and freedom. So that those that have never seen the dog face of war and tragedy, may remain blind to its effects, and live within the comforts of freedom that we, the “Guardians”, provide.

Until we meet. Wolfpack 7

“OUT”

SSG JONES

bruce.jones2@us.army.mil

This month has been one of the saddest months yet. On 10 December 2005 we lost a great comrade in our ranks, SGT Julia Atkins. We will miss her so much. I don’t know how to even begin this month’s newsletter after that incident occurred. December is supposed to be one of the happiest months of the year, spending time with family and friends, but it’s not the same here. Yes, we have our Guardian family, but loved ones make it a different feeling altogether. We all hold each other together, through the good and the bad times.

Only a couple of weeks left and you would think we would be living it up, but we’re just getting on one another’s nerves. The anticipation of our relieving unit getting here is the only thing that keeps us going. We’re just waiting to train them up and get out of here. Reading this kind of makes it sound terrible here, but it’s not that bad. We have a bed to sleep in, good hot showers, and porcelain toilets! We’re all ready to go back to the States and relax. Then we can tell stories of OIF 04-06 instead of the Basic Training or Fort Hood FTX (field training exercise) repeats. We get tired of those! We had to include our Lieutenant in missions too, because his Officer Basic stories got old, real fast. A year over here is a long time. A year anywhere but home is a long time!

It’s gone fairly fast. We are asking everybody what they are doing when they get home. Things like, buy a car, buy a house, and get married come up a lot. I hope everything works out well for everyone. I told my wife “I’m just going to spend a lot of money.” She doesn’t like when I say stuff like that.

Well, that’s all I have to say this month. We enjoyed all the things that everyone sent us over the holidays. Thank you to all that support us.

Finally! Our last full month is behind us. It’s hard sometimes to think that we will be home next month after waiting for so long for the time to get here. We have been pretty busy packing and getting ready for it though. No longer can we say that we will be home “next month” because that time is now. Now we are counting down the days and weeks until we get home and it feels pretty good.

This month, we promoted three Soldiers to the rank of Sergeant. All three deserve this promotion and we congratulate them on their success. It’s fitting that these three were promoted all together as they have been with each other for a long time. SGT Bird, SGT Crawford, and SGT McVey all served together during OIF I in the Warrior Platoon.

In addition, this month SPC Condon reenlisted to stick around Fort Hood for a while. I chose his picture to be included in the photo album so that everyone back home will know that he is the one who is buying when we get back! Yup, that’s $10,000 big ones just waiting for us to spend! Congratulations to SPC Condon! We are glad to be able to keep good Soldiers around and reward them for their efforts!

On a sad note, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Atkins family for their tragic loss. We were all devastated by the incident and hope that her family knows that the love and support from us is with them.