If you have reached this page because of your interest in FOB Kalsu including the 172nd Infantry Brigade from Schweinfurt and Grafenwoehr, please go to the "Support Group" at the top of the page and join the forum. You will find others participating in the forum with similar interests.

Don't post here, just go to the Support Group. Thanks

You will find a lot of great information as well as photos!

My son deployed to FOB Kalsu in October. It is nice to hear from other people with a family member there.

I copied this from another blog.

FOB Kalsu is a smaller base in relation to many other FOBs in Iraq. Its infrastructure is more temporary with soldiers mostly living and working in tents that are protected by blast walls. There are a few temporary buildings that house some of the offices on base. There is new dining facility.

The PX consists of two large reinforced tents, one of which sported the main PX and the other holds a bazaar. The bazaar resembles a flea market and is run by Iraqis. Everything from electronics to musical instruments to jewelry and knives are sold.

Kalsu has internet and phone access on base.

My daughter just deployed to FOB Kalsu with A Co 3BSTB. She's a UAV operator.
She assures me that it's very peaceful.

My son-in-law has just been deployed to FOB Kalsu. It would be good to hear from others about the place. How can we support the battalion - what do they need?

to all the mothers
i am stationed here with the 172nd infantry brigade out of SCHWEINFURT AND GRAFENWOEHR
you all dont have to worrie at all, it has been quiet here since we got here in december!there is no reason for any mothers out there to worrie!if you would like more info
just google
ISKANDARIYA IRAQ
that is the city that FOB kaslu is on
it is about 30 miles south of baghdad

like i said no worries mothers

we will all come back in a couple month

Hello,

If you have reached this page because of your interest in FOB Kalsu including the 172nd Infantry Brigade from Schweinfurt and Grafenwoehr, please go to the "Support Group" at the top of the page and join the forum. You will find others participating in the forum with similar interests.

Don't post here, just go to the Support Group. Thanks.

Hello. My daughter, Courtney, has been deployed to FOB Kalsu from Germany for her first tour in Iraq. Any information on what the base is like would be GREATLY appreciated. I will welcome emails from anyone who is experiencing the same. Thanks,
Worried Mom

Please add me to the support forum. My son 1st LT Philip Corbeil has been at FOB Kalsu since December. He is also stationed at Grafenwoehr Germany. Like some of the posting I read my son is "not big on words". We only hear from him about every 4 weeks and he never writes. Fortunately he does call his wife about once a week or so. I would be happy to get a call from him about every other week.

I'm glad I found this site!

Roy Corbeil - lincordesign@comcast.net

Thank you LeShea. I will pray for your fiancee and other soldiers for their safe returns. God Bless them all for risking their lives to protect us all. And thank you to you too for serving our country.

He is from Schweinfurt and me from Mannheim.

Thank you LeShea. What part of Germany was he stationed at and yourself?

Yes I have heard from my fiance. He has contacted me about 1-2 times a week since he got there and also he is able to check his email so we communicate there as well.

Hi Army fiancee. I want to ask you if you have heard from your fiancee yet? Or has anyone heard from their love ones?

I was at FOB Kalsu for my whole tour there and man did it change while i was there. it's good to see the FOB still being used. it's not a bad place to live.

LeShea-- go to the top of the page, and click on support group, and you can register on a secure site for friends and families of soldiers at Kalsu.

I just want to say thank you all for sharing and caring for our soldiers. I am in the army myself and it is still very difficult for me. My fiance deployed to Kalsu in Nov 08. He is only there for a year but this is a very stressfull time for the both of us. He is in 9th ENG BN out of Germany. I am also in Germany but a different unit. I just want you all to please pray for him and his soldiers. For alot of them this is their first deployment. My fiance has been to Iraq 3 times but it always depends on your mission how stressed you will be. There are people there that have very dangerous jobs and I know because he is one of them. I believe in him and I pray for him often. Please do the same.

Hi,
Please move all conversations to the Support Group.
You can find the Support Group at the top right hand side of this site in the navigation area.

Any comments that contain e-mail, phone#'s or other forms of contact information will be removed.

Thank you.

Craig

My son Michael has just arrived at Kalsu. He's been there about a week from Grafenwehr. 1st deployment at the ripe age of 21. It is wonderful to read all of the comments on this site from the Moms and Dads who are sharing this same, very frightening journey. It makes us somehow more connected to our children. I pray for peace for us all and for the safety of all of our sons and daughters. I hope these days go by quickly until their safe return. Would love to join in the private website.

i would like the link to the forum to pls ty !!!

I would like information or the link to the private forum and thanks for hosting.

i would also like info on the support forum

I would like information/ link for the support forum. Thanks fro hosting.

I am interested in the support forum.
Thank you for hosting.

I would like information or the link to the private forum and thanks for hosting.

We have created a private support forum for people to talk to each other.
You can meet other people that have friends and family deployed and talk in a secure environment. If you are interested in joining the forum, just leave a comment asking to join, with your e-mail in the provided box and we will send you the link.

Thank you

Craig

my fiancee is 172nd infantry brigade 2 based in schweinfurt on his second tour now at kalsu we talk on phone every other day ..........hes in charlie company would love to hear from any other wifes or g/f's or parents to talk to we are gettin married in few weeks i jus wish they would all come home n safe!!!! but this time round is better than last deploy ..........be safe

My daughter Megan Cannan was germany now in kalsu. It makes me feel a lot better knowing all of you have famliy in the same place. thanks

to:Lisa Karnoll


i too was in Germany for a year where my husband was stationed in schweinfurt..he is also 1-77 infantry and at FOB KALSU...small world.
i have a few pics that i have had sent to me from over there that i could email you, granted i dont know if your husband is any of them, my husbands not.but i could do that for you...

hey everybody.. i sent my bf an package and its still on the way.. but now its almost 6 weeks on the way.. and thats really long. i am from germany and i dont know how long the post will need to be there in fob kalsu.. my bf is from new jersey and then he was stationed in germany.. he is 1-77 infantry... can anybody help me or give me some advices.. does anybody know good websides from new pics or videos from fob kalsu??
god bless all the troops and bring them home soon.. take care of urselfes .. bye lisa

Hello,

I just received a CD with videos from Kuwait and FOB Kalsu by Mail. It took 10 days from there to Germany.

I do agree, I think that our soldiers out there are safe.
But nevertheless they do need our support as much as ever before. We just need to let them know that they can count on us, that they are in our thoughts every day.

We should not stop sending them videos, pictures and mails every single day. They do need our mental support.

They are suffering out there. Not, because the place is soo dangerous. But because of the circumstances they are in.

Ms. Fran..I am so sorry about your son..Please accept my condolences to you and your family and friends..Nothing can replace him..This I know from the loss of my husband 15yrs ago. My Benj is now where your son was..He seems to feel that Kalsu is much better now..And that is all I can go on..If you would like to, please find me on F/B or email me at qgleisure@yahoo.com..Please take care of yourself..God Bless you and your family...Gina

Fran,
I am sorry for your loss and I know that your sacrifice was great. But 2007 and 2009 are not the same. Our sons and daughters may still be in harms way, but the sacrifices that have been made have made it a safer place. We still have work to do, and for all those on this board worried about their loved one. Thank you.
May the Lord keep them safe and bring them home soon.

My son Sgt Bradley Marshall was killed at camp kalsu.They had been out on patrol and back in their cans when a missle hit 11 soldiers were injured and 2 killed so know it is not a safe place just read how mamy attacks they have had there The incidint happened July 31 2007

** Kalsu/Iskan Postal Information **
A snipet about postal. Apparently FOBs Kalsu and Iskan have the same ZipCode. That's why the FOB name is part of the mailing address. A newsletter for Black Scarves at:
http://www.172infantry.army.mil/publications/BlackScarfStandard/BlackScarfS tandard_V01-Iss04_2008-12.pdf
provides some insight into how postal services work:
The biggest question that most soldiers ask is how long the mail takes to get back home. On average it takes three to four weeks to get to the states. The reason it takes so long is that the mail does not leave here every day. Mail leaves here about every five days on a convoy to FOB Kalsu. It travels by convoy to FOB Kalsu then FOB Adder then Kuwait before it is sent off to the states. At each base it stays from two to five days on average. Letters, picture CDs and thumb drives up to 13oz can be mailed for free. MPS to MPS is also free. All other items you must pay by weight and distance as if you are mailing from the states. Soldiers are reminded to check with the Post Office for mailing restrictions. As SSG Zapana explains, “The biggest issues we have are people mailing non-mailable items like Cuban cigars and weapon magazines.”

To Pat and Debbie Machado:

My DIL was here tonight and while looking through some photos online, she recognized your son Machado....he and my son must know each other after all.

Have you heard from him? Late last night, my son was online and we were able to chat a few minutes...everyone is doing well!

Day 52 and counting.....

I forgot to include email for anything about Austin Fretz with charlie Company TF 2-28IN

Thanks
Bridget

You all are in my prayers everyday even when Austin is not deployed.

My son AustinFretz is in Kalsu as well he is in 2-28IN This is his second deployment as well if anyone has any news about our boys please write. The first deployment was so hard on me and now this one is even harder because he will be gone twice as long and I have not seen him for a year.

Thanks
Bridget

My daughter Megan is at camp kalsu. I am so proud of her.

Woo Hoo!! I have been looking for all the other parents with their sons/daughters in Kalsu. My name is Gina and my son is Benjamin. He is with the 172nd HHC /soldier medic and today he is fine. The load time for one page on the internet is appx 45 minutes. Benj is setting up the Forward Aid Station and I know he is keeping himself busy. My heart almost dropped when just after his reaching Graffenwohr he was told he would be deploying for Iraq. To all the Parents, please setup a Facebook acct to find me -Gina Leisure Monterey Ca network- just click on the friend invite thingy and leave me a message about you and your son/daughters.O do not mind sharing with all here the photos and vids that my son and his friends have put up. You may reach me at qgleisure@yahoo.com and all emails will be answered sooner or later. I must tell you all how glad that I have seen this page and all the other parents wondering the same things that I have. God Bless and keep all our children as they do what they must. God Bless us all. If I do not see any new faces to my acct at F/B, then I hope that you all do not mind if I email you. I have sorely missed my youngest son.. Gina Leisure

Our son has just been deployed to Kalsu. We have been trying to find information about the area with little results. Looking to talk to other parents of soldiers for support. Thanks.

Hello Everyone

I'm really glad to have found this page. My son is on his 2nd tour in Baghdad. 172nd Infantry 3-66 Jeff King. He's not a big communicator, so I'm grateful for any news you all share.

Cindy King
awarriorchild@aol.com

To "Howard": next post give us your email in your comments. Our son is in the 2-28 as well, but this is his second deployment. It is much safer for our troops now than the earlier deployments, but there is still danger. Just try to get through each day on its own; send him emails even if you haven't gotten any or many and just talk about what's happening at home, etc. All of your friends will want to pray for his safety, so let them know. My son often referred to his "angel" from the people where I work because they are very religious. We still get nervous when we turn onto our street; any day without an Army car in front of the house is a good day. And just tell him you love him and miss him all the time. You will survive this; the first month is the worst, or at least it was for me. Joan Baxer baxers@verizon.net

hi,I just found out that my son has been deployed to FOB Kalsu. He is in 2-28 Inf and this is his first deployment ever.As a mother of a new soldier I'm pretty nervous about all this. Can anybody give me any info?

Our son also emailed from the Airport. He says the weather was poor and the copter pilots wouldn't fly, so I think that by now they might be at Kalsu. I think this 2nd deployment start was much stranger than the first. First there was all the time spent in Kuwait, and now sitting at the Airport. But I'm glad that the copter pilots are careful and not risking soldiers' lives flying in poor weather conditions.

Hi everyone! My son is stationed Grafenwohr Germany with the 172nd Infantry Brigade and currently deployed to Iraq. We do hear from him on occasion and recently received his mailing address. He is with the 2-28 Scout Platoon....and I'm not certain he has arrived at FOB Kalsu....I heard his unit was at the airport for a few days. Can anyone share any insight to this information?

I pray daily that God will sustain our guys and gals and bring them home soon and safely.

Hi! to everyone that may read this email. My son 21 has just arrived there in Kalsu. I miss my son but I am also very proud of what he is doing and of what he is standing for. My prayers are with each and every soldier and there loved ones!!!

Hiya i talked to my fiancee today he tries call at least every other day he told me tho they have really long lines they wait in n limited time on computers but they have started fittin the internet in there rooms some got it today some are gettin it tomorrow!!! so for those who aint havin it lines wont be so bad then hopefully n u get to hear off ya relatives alot more! god bless em all!!!

My son is in Kalsu on his first tour, he called today and said he has been there since the 6th of this month. He also said that the lines for the phones are very long but they should have internet soon so they can use their personal computers if they have one. My hearts, toughts and prayers go out to all of you, I know what you are going through. God Bless all our men and women that are in the military. I am open to any emails at classy_lady_19@yahoo.com
Deb

Thank you for responding about the lack of emails. I'm trying to be a bit more patient but I just relish the emails that we receive from Brian and hope we get one soon. Joan

Our information is that there are periodic communication blackouts from one hour to three days when the Army needs to contact family or next-of-kin about injuries. No phone calls or emails are allowed during the blackout to prevent unofficial and maybe incorrect notifications. One of these blackout periods followed a non-combat minor injury during the New Year's celebration at Kalsu. I don't want to cause alarm when there is an absence of communications, but that is the way it apparently is.

Our experience (the pattern is still developing) is that mail to the APO for FOB Kalsu is taking two weeks or longer. We previously experienced seven or eight days to Grafenwoehr most times and even longer in the reverse direction. We've been able to get emails about every day and a phone call about three times per week.

hey all. my bf is in kalsu too and i got some emails. he told me that there are only like 15 public computers and a lot soldiers. in the lab they have 9 computers and they are connected to a server with 50 other computers.. the internet is so pretty slow.. but im sure that they all are ok, n that they take care of themselves... god bless them and all troops...i miss my boyfriend so much... and the time doesnt go on.. i wish the time would fly away=(

Joan,
My son Cody Parker is in the 172nd Support BN and just arrived at Kalsu early December.
We have received a few phone calls and I do get instant messages through yahoo periodically. He's not a big "email" kind of kid but there is access at the base. I am not sure how limited it is, if they have a bank of PC's to share or if they are able to connect using their own PC's but I do know the capability exists.
Now...this is not to make you worry. I am certain that your son must be very busy and will contact you very soon.
tbostwick@cox.net
Hang in there, the absence of contact is tough but when you least expect it you'll hear from him!

Has any one gotten an email from our soldiers at Kalsu. Our son hasn't sent one yet and I was wondering if any one had heard anything?

Sorry my email is sweetb_here4ualways@yahoo.com Thanks Becky

My name is Rebecca Koch and my husband is in Kalsu, Iraq and I am just letting everyone know if they need to talk I am here. I am missing my husband and get very worried because I go weeks without hearing from him. Thanks Becky

hey all... sorry i forgot it too.. my email is Karnoll.Lisa@web.de
so u can write me and we could talk.. god bless all the troops

Hi again,forgot yesterday to make my e-mail available for any one who would like to get in touch! ferntreegully_55@yahoo.com

I would be happy to pass on any news from Kalsu that I get from our son. Our email address is baxers@verizon.net
This is his 2nd tour in Iraq. He's in infantry so his experiences might be different from other soldiers, but it's still FOB Kalsu!

hey all.. i am happy that the soldiers there have so much people who support them.. i hope that they all come back soon and safe... god bless all the troops.. i like to talk to other people who feel the same as i do.. really it helps me a lot

Hi, I just found out that my son, David Johnson, is in Kalsu. He has been deployed for a second time in Iraq. It is so nice to be in contact with others who have loved ones there and be able to feel a little closer to them even though they are so far away. Bless them and keep them safe. Crystal

Hi everyone,my daughter and son in-law also arrived at Kalsu from schweinfurt in november,before that they were at fort hood. Until this sight I have had trouble finding recent news from Kalsu. Their daughter is here in Az with us and would also be interested in hearing of any other parents here. Our son served in Iraq in the beginning of the war so we know all is done to keep our children as safe as possable. God bless every one of our soldiers and the familys at home who support them.

My brother is scheduled to arrive in Camp Kalso tomorrow. He has been held up in Kuwait longer than anticipated. He enlisted in the Army in the early 1970's, and remained until the 90's. Since then, he has worked in support of our troops to keep essential equipment up and running-both on base and going into the field to make repairs when needed. He was most recently in Schweinfirt and Graf, and left for Kuwait 12/2/2008 in preparation for deployment to Kalso. This is his third tour in Iraq. Although he is no longer in the service, he truly loves this country, and as committed to supporting our servicemen as anyone could possibly be. And, mishel, thanks for the 12/1 blog-makes me feel a whole lot better -God bless all who serve our country!!!!

This is our son's 2nd deployment to Iraq with his unit, and hopefully it will be a much safer one than before when they were in Baghdad near Sadr City. He's a sergeant and says he's good at what he does, so hopefully your soldier sons and daughters will do well. Just take one day at a time in terms of worrying about their safety, and let all of your friends know about the deployment as many people are anxious to keep our soldiers in their daily prayers. Joan

The "Blackhawk Voice" newsletter for the 172nd Infantry Brigade is at:

http://www.172infantry.army.mil/publications/default.htm

It has some of the answers about where our soldiers are and how they got there in the December 2008 issue.

I hope that it gets updated monthly.

hey all... my boyfriend is in kalsu too. he is there since the 9th december and i really wanna see more pics... hope they all come back soon and safe.. and by the way i know cody parker =) he is a nice guy.. i hanged out with him a lot

Hello to anyone this may reach:
My son recently returned from FOB Kalsu. He was deployed for about 14 months. My son told me that it was ok at Kalsu. If anyone would like to email with questions just leave a message on here, along with your email address. Your family members will be ok at FOB Kalsu. The way I was able to get threw his deploymnet was, one I did not watch the news while he was deployed and I kept all the negative thoughts out of my head. The most important thing to do is to pray every night. GOD BLESS OUR TROOPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hello!!
I am Iraqi citizen, I live in Iraq. I just wanted to leave a small message here for all those fathers and mothers that encouraged their sons and daughters and support them here in Iraq.
by your sacrifices we have become freemen. I will not forget this gift and favor, all my life.
God bless you and keep you always in his care.
Ali. H.

Thank you so much for all of the responses. We also heard from Cody on Christmas and also today (New Years Eve) and he said that New Years was okay, they had a Bon Fire and fireworks. It sounds like the food is good. I still hate when we have to say good bye, hopefully that will get better with time. My e-mail is de_klined@msn.com if anyone knows of any on line support groups I would love to hear about them.

Hey to my favorite nephew Corey. thanks for sening your new address. I will write you soon and often. I love you with all my heart.

Aunt Bevely : )

Another proud Mom of a Kalsu Army MP!! Keep up the good work, guys and gals!! We love you and are very proud of you!!

Go Army

SPC Elebash---Come home safely, Your Mom Looooooooovvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeeeeeeees
YOU!

Della,
Welcome! My son Cody Parker is also from Schweinfurt and recently arrived to Kalsu as well. We heard from him on Christmas day and he seems to be doing well. I was excited as we were able to speak for 45 minutes.

I hear this is their rainy season so Cody also shared it's very muddy there!
Welcome.

David,
Thanks for keeping us in the know with the links. I am starting to piece some of this together. It looks like there was a change of command to the 172nd of which my son is part of (he is a member of the support bn). Still green but the more I hear from each of you and we share, the more I feel like I know a "little"".
Your support and friendship is tremendously appreciated.

Praying for all our sons and daughters.

Here are a couple of photos from last week.

"Col. Jeffrey A. Sinclair and Command Sgt. Maj. Steven W. McClaflin uncase the 172nd Infantry Brigade’s colors during a transfer of authority ceremony on FOB Kalsu Dec. 18. The brigade assumed responsibility of an area of southern Iraq approximately the size of Switzerland. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael J. Taylor)"


http://www.taskforcemountain.com/all-pictures/77-December-2008

My daughter is at Camp Buehring in Kuwait for five days before moving to FOB Kalsu.

Welcome, Della. All these names and abbreviations are confusing. Maybe your son is in the 9th Engineering Battalion? The 9th Engineering Battalion is part of the 172nd Infantry Brigade from Schweinfurt and Grafenwoehr. If so, there is a photo of Company A made about 17 December at the following link:

http://www.taskforcemountain.com/images/stories/mountain-view/December-2008 /tmv_20081217.pdf

Anyone interested in a map of Iraq go to:
http://www.stripes.com/standing/iraqmap.pdf

FOB Kalsu isn't on the map, but the location is the same as the city Iskandariyah just south of Baghdad.

Hello, My son Cody, deployed to Kalsu from Schweinfurt and arrived at Kalsu on December 10 also. He is with the 1st PLT Alpha Company, 9th Brigade. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. It has been a very difficult holiday season for our family I am like most of you here and would just like someone to talk to that can relate to having a son or daughter that is deployed.

David,
I've heard from my daughter. Seems to be doing fine. She is in the 172 BN and 57th Signal Co as well. She deployed on Thanksgiving Day from Graf also. We visited her in Graf in early Nov. My email is swolfman@optonline.net if you want to touch base.

My daughter is scheduled to leave Graf on 12/24/08 for Kalsu. She has been delayed because of some health issues that I hope are OK for now. She's 20. 172nd Infantry Brigade, 57th Signal Company. I'm in Tennessee.

here's some newsletter that I found:
http://www.taskforcemountain.com/the-mountain-view

See the December 17 issue.

Much different place from when I was there in 2004.

Just letting you know a few things, i myself am a soldier, about to deploy to camp kalsu. you do not have anything to worry about. your loved ones are very well trained, and this is a VERY secure post for them to be at. My being the 2nd tour i have been on, i am personally very pleased to be going to this specific place.

Hi Ted,
My Daughter, Kaitlin is also being deployed to FOB Kalsu for her first tour. She is 19. I guess we are both looking for the same thing...reassurance. My thoughts are with you. This is not an easy time. I'd welcome your emails.
Susan

Hello to whom ever this may reach,
My name is Ted Lorenzetti, my son Adam is being deployed for his second tour to Iraq camp Kalsu. I was wondering if anyone may know anything about this place and the surroundings. It maybe helpful for me to cope with this if I could just know something ie; the city or name of and how things are going there. If this is possible please e-mail me with any news good or bad. Thanks so much for your service, may God Bless you. Ted