Guard unit has done its duty

Re “More Tumult Besets Guard Unit in Iraq,” Oct. 15

Though there have been several articles printed over the past few months about 1st Battalion of the California Army National Guard’s 184th Infantry Regiment, the real story of this Fullerton-based unit is not being told. The 1-184 operates in one of Baghdad’s toughest areas. Most recently the local population there was threatened by terrorists who told them not to vote or they would be killed. These threats failed yet again -- initial reports indicate that more Iraqis voted this time than in January, and the election violence was much lower. The 1-184’s performance is directly linked to this success.

It is also true that some individuals have been found in violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. But the real story is that there are hundreds of soldiers in this battalion performing their duties with distinction and honor. I am proud to have the 1-184th Infantry Battalion as part of our brigade combat team.

COL . ED CARDON

4th Brigade Combat Team Commander

Camp Prosperity, Iraq