Ordered to war, Task Force (TF) Thunderbolt l-252d Combined Arms Battalion (CAB) mobilized, deployed and conducted Full Spectrum Combat Operations in Iraq. TF Thunderbolt learned new lessons, pursued the enemy with proven doctrine, adapted, and overcame obstacles to achieve mission success. Not written as a classic "Lessons Learned Document," simply a collection of atmospherics observed during events related to a National Guard mobilization for Operation Iraqi Freedom 09-10. It has been stated by many the toughest part of a deployment is getting there! It is my intent to give this statement merit by documenting the normally untold story of a deployment that many soldiers have boldly traveled and unveil lessons learned by using reflections in time.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.