Story by  Sgt. 1st Class William Quiett
2nd SCR PAO, MND-B

BAGHDAD – The remains of Staff Sgt. Keith Matthew Maupin were recovered March 20 northwest of Baghdad by elements the Multi-National Division – Baghdad’s 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, which is based out of Vilseck, Germany. 

The recovery was the result of four years of intensive effort by MND-B Soldiers and multiple joint and interagency organizations; The Soldiers of 2nd SCR were able to recover Staff Sgt. Maupin’s remains by approaching the recovery as a criminal investigation and employing appropriate investigative techniques. 

"Since beginning operations in Abu Ghraib, we made finding Staff Sgt. Maupin a top priority to clearly demonstrate to every service member, and every Family, that we will never leave a fallen comrade," said Col. John RisCassi, the commander of the 2nd SCR. 

The Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment "Gimlets," who are based out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, are currently under the tactical control of 2SCR and performed the actual recovery mission. The recovery was made possible by the Gimlets relentlessly pursuing intelligence leads and simultaneously leveraging the new relationships made possible by reconciliation. 

"We were able to produce great synergy by pursuing this investigation in conjunction with our ongoing targeting efforts," said Lt. Col. Omar Jones, executive officer, 2nd SCR. 

Many of the terrorists involved in this incident have continued to attack coalition forces and Iraqi people for the past four years, he added, and the 2nd SCR identified and detained the vast majority of these insurgents in recent weeks. In addition to recovering Staff Sgt. Maupin’s remains, they have been removing a significant threat to the security of the Iraqi people.

Though honored to return a fallen comrade to his Family, the Dragoons of 2nd SCR and Gimlets of 1-21 Inf. Regt. will continue to pursue those responsible for Staff Sgt. Maupin’s death and all who threaten the security of Abu Ghraib.