e e h h T T MMaarrnnee EExxpprreessss “Mission, Soldiers, Teamwork”

Volume 2, Issue 6 Serving the Soldiers of Task Force Baghdad May 8, 2005

In this week’s Marne Express NoNo placeplace toto hidehide ......

Weapons found page 7

Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr. An illumination round fired from the Paladin track vehicle descends toward the ground in the distance near Samarra April 22. Samarra patrol page 13 ‘Glory Guns’ light up desert night Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr. now have no place to hide. ferent direction, giving us a ational awareness, Lowry 1st BCT PAO This is made possible by good lateral spread.” said. “We were taking back Soldiers of B Battery, 1st “Basically we were given a the night from the insurgents.” In the middle of the night, a Battalion, 41st Field Artillery mission to supply illumination The illumination round has loud explosion rips through Regiment. coverage for the (Iraqi min- several different purposes, the the darkness. “Tonight we are going to istry of interior) during opera- most important being the iden- A few seconds later, and a fire two different kinds of tion Forsyth Park,” said Sgt. tification of enemy targets, few kilometers away, the rounds,” said 1st Lt. John 1st Class Mark Lowry, B Lowry said. ground is lit up by a light in Dorffeld, a B Battery 1/41 FA Battery 1/41 platoon sergeant. “We had a good function of the sky. platoon leader. “We have two Illumination coverage all the illumination rounds, Enemies who were depend- guns we are taking with us, lights up the area for ground ing on the cover of darkness and each one will fire in a dif- troops so they have more situ- See GUNS, page 14 4/64, 1/1 IA team up, take on responsibilities in Baghdad Village MEDCAP Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft to something a little better suited to the streets of Baghdad. 3rd Inf. Div. PAO In their old crew, Mata, from Pruce Crossing, Mich., was the page 15 Bradley’s driver, and Foutch, from Cumberland, Ky., was the vehi- CAMP PROSPERITY, Iraq — Staff Sgt. Juan Serrano, Spc. cle’s gunner. Noel Mata and Spc. Michael Foutch, all from B Company, 4th “Last time we were here to fight a war and that was it,” Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment, are used to riding around in a explained Sgt. 1st Class Harold Hill, a D Company, 4/64 Armor Bradley Fighting Vehicle, but these days, they’ve had to get used platoon sergeant. “Nobody was friendly. Now we’re working hand in hand with the Iraqi Army,” Hill said. Now, however, the positions have shifted with the mission: Serrano drives an M1114 up-armored humvee while Mata mans the hatch and Foutch rides along to provide extra security. And instead of fighting against the Iraqis, the Soldiers are work- ing with them. Serrano, Mata, Foutch and their fellow B Co. Soldiers are now attached to D Co., 4/64, and most of their time is spent training and on patrol with the Soldiers of 1st Brigade, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. “We go out with the Iraqis and let them do most of the patrol mission, so eventually they can do it on their own,” Serrano, a sec- tion leader from Levittown, Puerto Rico, said. “So far, the IA’s doing good; they seem to be motivated and willing to learn.” Mata and Foutch agreed that the trainees have come a long way, and the daily missions have been instrumental to that progress. During one routine patrol April 8, the IA Soldiers accompanied B-ball tournament their U.S. counterparts to various areas in Baghdad. Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft “Today we’re doing a joint patrol with the Iraqi Army, page 23 A Soldier from 1/1 IA looks out over the Tigris toward Baghdad patrolling the river road route on the border of the Tigris,” while pulling perimeter security at a dumping ground in the city during a routine patrol with 4/64 Armor April 8. See PATROL, page 14 Page 2 Op/Ed The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 MarMarnene SixSix SendsSends The Word Keep your focus on the mission Maj. Gen. William G. Webster Jr. Remind your battle buddy to use the equip- on the Street Task Force Baghdad commander ment … take care of our Soldiers. Safe operation of our equipment is still Task Force Baghdad continues to aggressive- important. Understand your equipment’s ly take the fight to the enemy. capabilities and weak points. What are some thoughts or reflections Since the Transition of Authority, we have Together with your teammates ensure provided a safer environment from which our your equipment is properly maintained and you’d like to share about your mother? partners in the Iraqi Security Forces have been safety considerations are understood. able to learn and grow in strength and capabili- Teamwork can assist in preventing acci- "My favorite memories ty. dents. The Iraqi Security Forces in Baghdad have Together we can save lives and keep of my Mom have a lot provided critical forces to our team in operations equipment in the fight. to do with the way our to secure and safeguard the Ashoura and We will continue our mission of combat- Arba’iniyyah religious holidays, the Sadr peace- ing terrorism in Iraq while training Iraqi home life was, and ful protest and 17 seatings of the Transitional Security Forces. what she did to make National Assembly. Our teams have shown the enemy that we However, we must remain focused on our can adapt to any tactical change and then it special – for MISSION. move a step ahead by taking the fight to him. instance, her cook- Your actions will keep the enemy off-balance We will remain flexible, keep operations ing!" and reacting to us, while reassuring the popula- simple and build on our successes. tion. It is impressive to see the daily results of Our Soldiers are our most valued asset. Soldiers who know their mission, know they Sgt. Anthony Continue to look out for each other. are well-trained and well-led, and know they Ensure you wear your protective equip- dominate the battle field. Sotomayor ment on missions. HHC, 1/69 Inf. Our protective equipment helps to miti- Mission … Soldiers … Teamwork gate risk, reduce injuries and has undoubted- Brooklyn, N.Y. ly saved the lives of many of our buddies. “Rock of the Marne!” "My mom and I didn't see each other for almost 15 years. One day I found her at UUnnssuunngg hheerrooeess work and we've been Command Sgt. Major William M. Grant tion of all these Soldiers. building a relationship Task Force Baghdad command sergeant major The first noticeable thing you see is the hard work placed into constructing the outside eat- and growing closer What fuels a war machine? ing area build-up. ever since." We speak of combat power relative to tanks, Please take the opportunity to thank the Bradley Fighting Vehicles, gunships, etc. ... I staff: Master Sgt. Shelton Coppett, Mr. Lee and submit to you that Soldiers rank higher. both Soldiers, contractors and local nationals A shout out to the Task Force Baghdad for their world-class support. cooks and dining facility personnel! In closing, you can help support the team at Spc. Michael Erchul We should all be proud of all our food serv- the DFAC by adhering to the following guide- HHB, 1/141 FA ice personnel serving across the theater. lines: Milwaukee, Wis. Our Army’s food service program has con- • Show your ID card tinued to maintain pace with the ever-changing • Do not carry AAFES bags in to carry out bev- "If I could be home for military environment, erages I can tell you I’m overly impressed with the • Don’t bring in backpacks in any form Mother's Day this year, professionalism, committment, dedication to Thanks again for your cooperation and sup- I'd buy her some roses duty and customer service-associated disposi- port! and prepare her a nice meal, and have the fam- ily there for a gather- ing. I would just make sure she knows how much I miss her."

Sgt. Eddie Bernard A Co., 2/156 Inf. Rayne, La. "My mom went the extra mile for me while I was growing up in school. She drove an hour everyday to bring me to private school, because she felt that's where I would get the Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Brenda Benner best education." Top left : Spc. Jarrod Marshall, a Headquarters and Headquarters Support Company, Special Troops Battalion food service specialst, performs head count and crowd control at the Camp Liberty dining facility. Spc. Jolie Darbonne Above left: Pvt. Krystal Burgess and Sgt. Shakira Gray, HHSC, STB food service specialists, C Co., 199th FSB serve on the main line at the Liberty DFAC. Right: Spc. Sonia Campbell, a Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Soldier Support Breaux Bridge, La. Battalion food service specialist, dishes out a hot meal for Soldiers at the Liberty DFAC. "My mom was always the person I could go to, and now that my

e Miller, Sgt. Kevin Bromley, Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft, e h h Spc. Ricardo Branch, Spc. Natalie Loucks, Spc. Ben sister has a child and

T Marne Express T Marne Express Brody, Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr., Spc. Jennifer Fitts, Spc. Derek Del Rosario, Spc. Chrstopher Foster, Spc. Brian my wife and I just had Task Force Baghdad Public Affairs Office Henretta, Spc. Erin Robicheaux, Spc. Brian Schroeder, a baby, I have a whole Commanding General: Maj. Gen. William G. Webster Spc. Matthew Wester, Pfc. Daniel Balda, Pfc. Matthew Jr. McLaughlin, Pfc. Mike Pryor. new respect and out- Public Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. Clifford C. Kent Public Affairs Supervisor: Master Sgt. Greg Kaufman look on motherhood." The Marne Express is an authorized publication for The Marne Express Staff members of the U.S. Army. Contents of The Marne Editor: Sgt. 1st Class Brenda Benner Express are not necessarily official views of, or Associate Editor: Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Layout and Design: Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft Defense, Department of the Army or the 3rd Spc. James Castille Infantry Division. All editorial content of The Marne Staff Writers: Sgt. 1st Class Peter Chadwick, Sgt. 1st Express is prepared, edited, provided and A Co., 3/156 Inf. Class David Abrams, Staff Sgt. Ken Walker, Staff Sgt. approved by the 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Raymond Piper, Sgt. Thomas Benoit, Sgt. Andrew Office. Iowa, La. The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 Page 3 HHaappppyy MMootthheerr’’ss DDaayy!! Motherly inspiration lives on through generations

Capt. Dominique Butler cooking for the family; she Mary Helen taught me a lot way my mom put her grieving Catholic school for junior high G-4 battle captain let me help most of the time. in the kitchen and in the class- aside to help get her family and high school. We cooked collard greens, room. On Feb. 26, 1991, the through this ordeal. All I She encouraged (forced) When I was asked to share baked macaroni and cheese, Lord called her home. Losing could say was “I don’t think I me to go to college and said my Mother’s Day memories ham, fried/baked chicken, the foundation of our family could handle it.” we would figure out a way to for this edition of the Marne cabbage, mashed potatoes, took a toll on us all. I was impressed at my pay for it. My mom worked Express, I was very flattered. turkey with all the trimmings, This is when my second mom’s strength and love she for the same company, Apple I wanted to express my banana pudding, cornbread inspiration stepped in. had for all of us. She kept my Bank, for the last 27 years. relationship with the matri- and I could go on. When the Lord called my grandmother’s Sunday tradi- She started out as a bank teller archs in my life and touch a Our family would all meet grandmother home I was 13 tion going as long as she and now is Senior Vice little bit on what most of our at Grandma’s coming from years old. My mom was 30. could. President of her branch. mothers have meant to all of all over the Bronx and pack My mom, Renee, was the sec- My mom is still the glue Perseverance and us. up in my grandparents’ small ond-eldest of four children, that keeps our family together. Determination is what my In most Black families the 3 bedroom apartment. At any and the first female born. She has been my constant mom embodies and what she matriarch of the family is the given time there were 10-15 Of the four, she was the model for success. taught her children. person who holds the family folks for dinner. closest to Grandma. The My mom graduated from When I graduated from together. My family was no We had been having responsibilities of funeral high school and then had me. Morgan State University in different. Sunday dinners at Grandma’s arrangements, taking care of Needless to say, she was a 1999, I gave the senior class My grandmother served house since I was 3 years old. my grandfather and keeping young mother. address and thanked my mom that position well. Her name My grandmother was my 1st the family together rested She had to mature fast and for her support. Now I can was Mary Helen Carroll. inspiration. She was the first upon her shoulders. Not to sacrifice her college dreams to return the favor – my mom I can remember having in her family to graduate mention, she had to raise two take care of me. She always started college last year and is Sunday dinners every week. from college. She had a children of her own alone. put my education above all working on her degree in She would spend all day degree in Social work. I watched in amazement the else. My mom sent me to finance.

“All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does; that’s his.” – Oscar Wilde “The world is full of women blindsided by the unceasing demands of mother- “A mother is not a person to lean on but a person to hood, still flabbergasted by how a job make leaning unnecessary.” – Dorothy C. Fisher can be terrific and torturous.” – Anna Quindlen “The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for 30 years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found.” – Calvin Trillin “Some are kissing mothers and some are scolding mothers, but it is love just the “The art of mothering is to teach the art of living to children.” – Elain Heffner same.” – Pearl Buck “‘Mother’ is the name for God in the lips and “Sooner hearts of little children.” – William Makepeace Thackeray or later we all

quote our mothers.” “Mothers are fonder than fathers of their – Bern Williams children because they are more certain they are their own.” – Aristotle “No matter how old a mother is, she watches her middle-aged children for signs of “Motherhood is a wonderful thing – what a pity to waste it on children.” – Judith Pugh improvement.” – Florida Scott-Maxwell “A father may turn his back on his child … but a mother’s love endures through all.” – Washington Irving Page 4 The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 Memorial honors 3rd ACR scout

Sgt. 1st Class Donald Sparks 3rd ACR PAO CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – As Pfc. Joseph Labian Knott’s name was called thrice in the symbolic roll call by 1st Sgt. Rodney Greene during the memorial service to honor the fallen trooper, not a sound could be heard. That is, except for the chiming of Knott’s dog tags clanging in the cool, dusk breeze during the event held April 21. Knott, assigned to the Regimental Headquarters, Headquarters “Remington” Troop, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, was killed in action April 17 when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device. At the service, Col. H.R. McMaster, 3rd ACR commander, spoke about the cavalry scout who served on his Personal Security Detachment. “We are here to honor and say goodbye Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Donald Sparks to one of our Brave Rifles brothers, a great Staff Sgt. Matthew Hodges, right, 3rd ACR, sheds tears during the memorial service for Pfc. Joseph Knott held at Camp cavalry trooper and a fine man,” McMaster Striker, Iraq April 21. Hodges was Knott's PSD platoon sergeant. Knott was killed April 17 by an IED while on a convoy. said. “On 17 April during operations in the South Baghdad area, he made the ultimate sacrifice to bring peace to this difficult region, defeat the forces of terrorism and hatred, and permit children, both in Iraq and in our own nation, to live free of fear.” Concluding his remarks, McMaster looked at the gathering of troopers at the service, some donning the traditional Stetsons and spurs, and made a promise on behalf of the first 3rd ACR trooper killed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 3. “We should also draw strength from Joseph Knott’s example,” McMaster said. “I, for one, will do my best to follow his example – to put fellow troopers before myself, to do my very best to win this fight against terrorists and the enemies of free- dom, to maintain my sense of humor and enjoy the company of my fellow troopers.” Knott joined the Army from Yuma, Ariz., with ambitions of joining the Special Forces. He was remembered for earning the respect of his fellow troopers on the PSD and his dedication to duty. His company commander shared his ini- tial conversation with him upon his arrival in October to the unit back at Fort Carson, Colo. “When I reviewed his welcome center in-processing packet, I noticed his com- ment in the ‘comments section,’” said Capt. David Rozelle, RHHT company commander. “He had written, ‘Everything was fine, but I would have liked some more time to have some fun.’ Laughing, I asked him what he meant. Above: Knott’s identication tags clang “He did not crack a smile but said, ‘I against his M16A2 rifle during the memorial knew that once I was with the Cav we service to honor the slain trooper. would be working hard to get ready for Right: Knott’s Kevlar, rifle and dog tags are war.’ He was right.” displayed for the more than 200 troopers Troopers of the historic unit were attending his memorial service. deeply moved when one of Knott’s closest friends and member of the PSD came to the podium and delivered a personal, heartfelt tribute. Pfc. Shawn Hatley compiled a list of memories of “Knotty” from other mem- bers of the PSD and comprised a speech. “He showed loyalty and respect to his platoon, he showed honor and integrity in his personality; character in how he car- ried himself, he showed personal courage and selfless service every time we left the gate,” Hatley said. “Knotty Boy always had a tune and kept a tune. He loved music. Every time you saw Knott, he was always singing and nodding his head. And when you would look at him, he would just smile and keep on singing.” Above: Knott’s boots are laced with his spurs and As the breeze picked up, Knott’s dog decorated with coins. tags chimed a bit more, reminding his fel- Right: Pfc. Joseph Labian Knott, 3rd ACR scout, in low troopers there was still a tune left to an undated photo prior to his promotion. hear and a song to sing. “If I could sing I would sing louder,” McMaster said. Knott is survived by his father Jerry, his mother Pamela, his sisters Susan and The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 Page 5 1/3 BTB saddened over loss of peer Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr. “I met (Ramirez) in Kuwait, and 1st BCT PAO we hit it off really fast because we had a lot in common,” said Pvt. Megan FORWARD OPERATING BASE Zeigler, a 1/3 BTB information sys- DAGGER, Iraq — A Soldier’s life tems operator analyst. “When I think was stolen from the 1st Brigade of (Ramirez), I always want to think Combat Team when an insurgent fired of loyalty right away. She was a very a rocket at the FOB April 15. loyal and trustworthy person. When Cpl. Aleina Ramirez, a military you were around her, anything that policewoman and a member of 3rd was wrong, she would uplift you. She Infantry Division’s 1st Brigade was always happy. We were the only Troops Battalion personal security two female (squad automated detachment, was killed during the weapon) gunners on this FOB. She attack. faced danger every day. She never This was the first time insurgents complained. She would go out and sit hit FOB Dagger since the arrival of on top of the vehicle and be vulnera- 1st BCT, said Staff Sgt. Marquis ble. She would have done anything Mills-Cooper, a 1/3 BTB intelligence for anybody. She was the strongest analyst. Soldier I think I had ever met. She Soldiers who knew and worked makes me want to be strong and directly with Ramirez have fond brave.” memories of her personality and char- Ramirez inspired the Soldiers acter. around her with her positive attitude. “The thing I admired about her most was the fact that she could never Photos by Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr. complain about anything she had to Cpl. Aleina Ramirez, 1/3 BTB, studies for the promotion board between missions. get done,” Pfc. Nia Rock, a 1/3 BTB Ramirez was killed by enemy rocket fire at FOB Dagger April 15. supply specialist. “As a Soldier, if she was told something on short notice, if son.” together, and remembers what kind of she had been up all night and just hit- As a member of the PSD team, she Soldier she was. ting the bed, no matter when it was is remembered by 1/3 BTB com- “While our unit is terribly sad- she was always prepared. She could mander Lt. Col. Douglas Victor as an dened by the ultimate sacrifice of never be late even if she wanted to, individual who had great potential Cpl. Ramirez, the Desert Cats are a that was not an option. The littlest and accomplished much during her better unit because of her,” Victor things made her happy, even eating short time in Iraq. said. something of her choice that day “As an integral part of the Desert A memorial ceremony was held for would make her smile. When I asked Cat Battalion’s PSD, Ramirez skill- Ramirez April 21, and featured a dis- her about being on the PSD team and fully drove for crew number three,” play of her boots, assigned weapon, wanted to know if she wanted to stay Victor said. “In just a short time, she identification tags and helmet. on it, her reply was, “If my team already executed (more than) 125 Chaplain (Capt.) Nathan Klein deliv- stays, I want to stay.” patrols on the dangerous roads of ered the memorial meditation. Soldiers who worked with Iraq.” Ramirez’s company and battalion Ramirez only briefly were still able Ramirez was studying for the E-5 commanders also made remarks. The to see something special about her. promotion board. Her leaders were ceremony was hosted by Col. Mark “I didn’t know her from a hole in fully confident in her ability to McKnight, 1st BCT commander, and the wall when I first got here,” said assume the responsibilities inherent was also attended by Task Force Spc. Keith Brescher, Headquarters in that role. Liberty commander Maj. Gen. Joseph and Headquarters Company, 1st BCT. “Ramirez was a quiet professional Taluto. “She worked with me and always and fully capable to be a sergeant,” Ramirez is survived by her father Ramirez’s boots, helmet, rifle and ID brought me chow when I couldn’t Victor said. Wilfredo Ramirez, her mother Aleina tags are displayed in a place of honor at leave. She never complained about Victor believes that despite the Ramirez, and her brother Joel her memorial service April 21. doing it. She was a very giving per- loss of Ramirez, his unit has pulled Ramirez.

1/184 ‘Nightstalkers’ pay respects to fallen comrade

Pfc. Dan Balda and a passion for the brothers he 4th BCT PAO served.” Staff Sgt. Steve Nunez met FORWARD OPERATING BASE Watkins in 1998, when he first served FALCON, Iraq – Task Force Baghdad with 1/184. This time around, Nunez Soldiers paid tribute to a fallen com- was his squad leader. rade at a memorial service here April Watkins signed on to stay in Iraq 9. another year to fight with his old Cpl. Glenn Watkins, A Company, friends in the unit. 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry “Us old timers were glad to have Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, him back,” Nunez said. “He always 3rd Infantry Division, was killed in got the job done, asking for nothing action April 5 when his vehicle was in return except a cup of coffee. I’ll struck by an improvised explosive miss you bro, see you when I get device. home.” At the service, Lt. Col. Patrick Cpl. Ricardo Briquela, one of Frey, 1/184th “Nightstalkers” com- Watkins’ best friends in the unit said mander, spoke about Watkins’ chil- Watkins put his life on the line every- dren. One of his sons is serving with day because he knew it was the right the 82nd Airborne Division, another thing to do. son just recently joined the Navy and Briquela then read a letter Watkins his daughter is a member of the wrote in case he didn’t make it home Israeli Civil Defense Forces. His safely: youngest son is home schooled. “Please do not despair nor grieve “His children go out into life for me. Be proud and talk highly of armed with the best examples in life me for I have done what I was called that American culture has to offer,” to do. As a young boy watching ‘The Frey said. “He was a quiet man, but Green Berets’ with John Wayne, I we remember him for his humor. He knew a life in the military was my life was Jewish, but he loved Christian and possibly my death. I feared not rock and roll. He was a Soldier, but the unknown and so I set forth on this he was no warmonger. His leader- journey knowing full well what it ship, bearing and sacrifice served as might mean. I must go for now, stand the perfect model for every Soldier firm and take up this fight. Oh yes, I here.” intend to fight hard for I have reason Watkins’ company commander to come home. If you are reading this shared his last conversation with the then you know I have failed at my man who was remembered for his task. Only life threw me a curve, a smile. man seldom has a choice in the man- “The last time I saw him was the ner of his death. It is only the manner evening of April 4 when he was get- in which he lives that is a mark of a ting water for his patrol,” said Capt. true warrior.” Keith Haviland. “I asked him how he Brizuela added, “I think he fits the was doing. He replied, ‘I am doing bill. He was my friend, I will miss great, sir.’ No sarcasm, no facetious- you, I will see you when I see you.” Pfc. Dan Balda ness. It was just 100 percent genuine. Watkins is survived by his wife, Above: A Soldier assigned to 1/184 Inf. bows his head during prayer at Cpl. Glenn This is the way I will always remem- Anne, his two sons, Andrew and Watkins’ memorial service April 9. ber him, a ‘Cool Hand Luke’ smile John, and his daughter Alicia. Inset: Cpl. Glenn Watkins. Page 6 The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 Young MP remembered as caring, full of spirit

Pfc. Laura M. Bigenho 42nd MP Bde. PAO CAMP FALCON, Iraq – For many military police Soldiers, traveling up and down the notoriously dangerous roads of Baghdad day after day is very difficult – both physically and emotionally. However, nothing can compare to the heartbreak and torment felt when having to say a final “goodbye” to a model Soldier and a wonderful friend who positively influenced the lives of so many of her comrades. Soldiers from 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, of Fort Lewis, Wash., were given precious time to pay their last respects to their fallen friend dur- ing a memorial service held April 22. Pfc. Sam W. Huff, a military policewoman with 170th MP Company, died of injuries sustained in Baghdad when an improvised explosive device detonated near the humvee she was driving April 17. Quickly filling the seats and lining the walls at every available space, Huff’s fellow Soldiers crammed inside the chapel. Attendees chatted and reflected on her short yet vivacious life while modern dance music, such as the Black Eyed Peas’ “Hey Mama,” and Pfc. Laura M. Bigenho Outkast’s “Hey Ya,” played in the Capt. Robert Matthews, 170th MP Co. commander, grabs Pfc. Sam W. Huff’s ID tags, pausing to remember his fallen Soldier. background. Such upbeat and festive music was suitable for this young “Pfc. Huff was a unique individ- “It’s true that we’re all Soldiers, necessary equipment onto a rooftop. woman whose passions in life includ- ual. She could lighten the mood of but to the guys in first platoon, Sam James recalled Huff’s immediate ed dancing. any hardcore (noncommissioned offi- was almost like a kid sister that they reply. Lt. Col. James Switzer, 504th bat- cer) and bring a smile to even an old wanted to protect. She got along well “She said, ‘How much ammo does he talion commander, said he knew Huff warrior’s face,” Switzer said. with everyone. need, sergeant? How much ammo does within two weeks of her arrival at the Capt. Robert Matthews, 170th MP “Her good nature, her constant he need?’” Stunned at her lack of com- 170th. Co. commander, agreed, adding that smile and winning attitude were con- plaint, James told her what was needed He described her as being someone the vibrant Huff was like a little sister tagious,” he continued. “She took and that was the end of it. who could light up a room with mere- to many of her peers, especially to the pride in her work and demanded “She walked away with a smile and ly a smile. guys in her platoon. excellence from herself.” did her duty. That’s the kind of Soldier If there was anybody who could Pfc. Huff was.” sincerely attest for Huff’s “happy-go- Living her life to its fullest, Huff “put lucky” personality, as well as her love her whole heart into everything she did,” of being a Soldier, it was squad leader said Pfc. Ashley Lathers, one of Huff’s Sgt. Sam James. Huff served as close friends and a fellow first platoon James’ driver. Together, they partici- Soldier. pated in countless missions; many of “The girl would dance anywhere she which involved long days at Iraqi would get a chance. She’d dance with police stations. great pride and great confidence that “You could tell that her parents most people lacked.” raised her well; not only by her strong Huff was also the type of person who morals, but underneath that shell of a would always put her own happiness beautiful lady was a backbone made of aside so that others would be happy, steel.” remembered Lathers. James described a non-typical situa- “All she wanted was to be that tion in which a 12-hour mission ended Soldier that everyone counted on. Little up turning into a 3-day operation. did she know that what she was striving Huff, being “the kind of Soldier who for, she already had.” made being in the Army fun,” said Pfc. Sam W. Huff will be laid to rest James, responded to his orders without in Virginia’s Arlington National any question or hesitation. Cemetery April 29. Courtesy photo When James broke the news to her “An appropriate resting place for this Pfc. Sam Huff, 170th MP Co., flashes a grin before a mission. She died April 17 about having to stay for an undeter- young hero,” added Switzer. from injuries sustained by an IED detonation. mined amount of time, he instructed her No doubt Huff will be dancing to assist a fellow Soldier with getting the with the angels.

Sgt. Matthew Maupin Leave “I will not leave a fallen comrade” These well known words from the Warrior Ethos ring true for no Sgt. Matt Maupin. Maupin is an Army Reserve Soldier from the 724th Transportation Company Soldier who was captured April 9, 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2. Sgt. Maupin – we are still looking for behind you and we will find you. You have not been forgotten. The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 Page 7 Search uncovers weapons stockpiles Staff Sgt. Craig Zentkovich for improvised explosive device attacks were found in a nearby shack. Pak … and find a large weapons 2nd BCT PAO against Iraqi and U.S. forces. A sports utility vehicle at the site con- cache where IED vehicle bombs were Items discovered and later destroyed tained three 155mm artillery shells being manufactured.” MADAIN, Iraq – Following an by an explosive ordinance disposal team wired and packed with additional explo- In the town center, Iraqi Security early-morning cordon and search of a from Task Force Baghdad’s 2nd Brigade sives. Forces, numbering in the hundreds, city south of Baghdad, Iraqi Security Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Iraqi and U.S. forces provided securi- celebrated after reclaiming a police Forces supported by Task Force included more than 50 82mm mor- ty of the sites while EOD removed the station that had not been occupied by Baghdad Soldiers, discovered tarshells, rocket-propelled grenades and threat. Iraqi Police personnel for months. weapons caches at two separate loca- launchers, rockets, high-explosive “The mission was very success- “The U.S. forces had a very small tions Monday. artillery shells, and a pair of 250-pound ful,” said Lt. Col. Michael Johnson, part in the operation,” Johnson said. Prior to the search, Madain (also Russian-made bombs. commander of 3rd Squadron, 7th “(3/7 Cav.) served as a quick reaction known as Salman Pak) had for months Additionally, dozens of rigged IED Cavalry Regiment. “The (Iraqi force, if necessary. This was an all been known as a terrorist staging ground initiation devices and spools of wire forces) were able to secure Salman Iraqi-planned and executed mission.”

Staff Sgt. Craig Zentkovich Above: An Iraqi Army machine gunner maintains security of his sector during the early-morning Iraqi security forces mission in Salman Pak April 18. Left: IA Soldiers, with the support of 3/7 Cav., secure an open area north of Salman Pak. Both units served as a quick reaction force for the Iraqi security forces assault on the insurgents in the town. PST provides primary personnel protection at Taji

Spc. Derek Del Rosario necessary for these individuals’ his team’s Soldiers. Avn. Bde. PAO protection, are members of the responsibilities. They were Aviation Brigade Personal “We pick up asked if they CAMP TAJI, Iraq – A Security Team. VIPs from the wanted to be Blackhawk touches down at When high-profile people airfield, and we “We are all very serious about our job on the team Camp Taji’s airfield, and a man come to Camp Taji, whether it know we have because the life of a person is in our because we with stars on his collar exits the is a U.S. general officer, Iraqi to do whatever wanted to aircraft. Meanwhile, in the dis- diplomat, or celebrity per- is necessary to hands, and we cannot afford to make any make sure tance Soldiers are scanning the former, the eight-man PST protect them,” they wanted perimeter. ensures their protection — a said Olantunji. mistakes.” to be here. “Welcome to Camp Taji, very important job, according “We are all very Sgt. Olantunde Olantunji We are like a sir,” says a Soldier from the to Staff Sgt. Javier J. Blanco, serious about PST crew-served gunner, HHC, Avn. Bde. brotherhood welcoming committee, accom- noncommissioned officer in our job because in which panying him to a sport utility charge of the PST. the life of a per- everyone vehicle. “We provide security for any son is in our hands, cious vehicles. We will also watches out The vehicle with the general VIP who comes to this area of and we cannot afford to make move people and vehicles out and helps each other.” exits the flight line along with operations.” Blanco said. “We any mistakes.” of the way when an area Olantunji feels the PST cars with other VIPs. have a plan of protection When someone under its needs to be clear. When it Soldiers have what it takes to Around the convoy are depending on what they are security is on the move, the comes to security, we cannot handle the responsibility of Soldiers in humvees with doing, where they are going, or PST ensures his safety along take any chances.” their jobs because of their mounted crew-served weapons, what route they are taking.” the route. Providing this security attentiveness. scanning the areas outside to Sgt. Olantunde Olantunji, a “We are on the lookout for involves careful planning. “Our primary concern is ensure the official party’s safe- PST crew serve weapons gun- anything suspicious or out of The PST has weekly meet- focus,” Olantunji said. ty. ner in Headquarters and place,” Olantunji said. “We ings to go through drills. As “Everyone needs to stay These Soldiers, whose con- Headquarters Company, Avn. always have our eye out for the arrival date of a VIP focused. We are not letting tinuing diligence and focus are Bde., understands the weight of people watching or suspi- grows closer, the team meets down our guard until the mis- more often. sion is complete: when the “During meetings we will VIP returns home safely.” go over such things as where When it comes to person- the bunkers and hard build- nel security, Blanco said his ings are along the route,” Soldiers need to have a com- Blanco said. “Sometimes we bination of three characteris- will get short notice on tics: attention to detail, disci- arrivals, so we might only pline and motivation. have one day to prepare.” “You need to be able to fol- Along with planning, there low specific directions, do are many things that have to what is being told of you and be done in preparation for perform well under both phys- their mission. ical and mental stress,” he Preventative maintenance said. checks have to be done on Despite the stress the job vehicles, weapons and com- might bring, Olantunji said he munications, said Olantunji. wouldn’t trade his position. Because of its critical mis- Since his usual job is in a sion, the PST has to be made personnel office, he said up of Soldiers who have high being part of the PST gives standards. him a pleasant change. The members of the team “This is an experience of a were selected by platoon ser- lifetime,” he said. geants of HHC, said Blanco. “Someone’s life is on the “They were selected based line, it makes me realize, Spc. Derek Del Rosario on discipline and good ‘Wow, this is the real thing.’ Sgt. Olatunde Olantunji, HHC, Avn. Bde., mans the crew-served weapon on a humvee during the behavior,” he explained. This is a great and different arrival of an Army general officer at the Camp Taji airfield. “We wanted high-speed experience.” Page 8 The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 TF Baghdad elements team up as Division Reserve

Spc. Brian P. Henretta Regiment, and teamed with 4/3 AHB The Soldiers who make up the QRF Avn. Bde. PAO for OIF 3. didn’t know they would be doing this Their mission is to be on constant mission for their deployment until Pilots from 4th Battalion, 3rd standby and ready to move quickly to after they arrived at Camp Taji. Aviation Regiment (Assault any area in 3rd Inf. Div.’s area of oper- Many of the Soldiers are former Helicopter) have been working closely ations by Blackhawk, humvees, M-1 tankers, so they had to train for days to with the 3rd Infantry Division Reserve, tanks, or Bradley Fighting Vehicles. prepare themselves for their new task, a quick reaction force, since arriving They are called upon to provide said 1st Sgt. Michael P. Summers, here to provide air transportation and additional security for troops who need Team Cougar first sergeant. support for the QRF. it, being used as backup fighting Although the team will train contin- The Division Reserve is a team power. uously this year, they are now ready comprised of tankers from They also secure facilities, areas for any mission by combining their Headquarters and 3rd Platoon, C and political rallies, go on patrols, experience in wheeled vehicles and Company, 1st Battalion, 13th Armor recover downed aircraft, or relieve armor with the new air assault skills and infantrymen from 2nd Platoon, G other units who may be doing any of they have learned since arriving. Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry these things. They have spent hours properly entering and exiting stationary and moving Blackhawks, and have con- ducted close quarter marksmanship and reflexive fire training scenarios, Summers said. The situation determines how they move to where they’re needed. If the Division Reserve needs to be some- Photos by Spc. Brian P. Henretta where as fast as possible, they fly in An assault team with C Co., 1/13 Armor Blackhawks. Sometimes they need prepares for a tactical movement across heavy fire-power and in those cases the desert after being air-inserted by a 4/3 they would take tanks and Bradleys, said Summers. AHB Blackhawk at an air-insertion and 4/3 Aviation Battalion has been very tactical-movement live-fire range. helpful in training and support to the The range simulated an urban combat Division Reserve. They have had lots setting, said 1st Lt. Jeffrey Rini, a field of flight time and aircraft dedicated to safety officer with C Co., 1/13 their mission, Summers added. Cavalry. An example of this is a recent train- After engaging targets, the Division ing mission at an assault-range in the Reserve QRF moved to a pickup zone Iraqi countryside to give the units bet- where they mounted Blackhawks and ter experience working with each moved out of the area. other. The partnership that has developed During separate day and night mis- between 4/3 AHB and the Division sions, pilots from 4/3 AHB flew into Reserve has been a great success so far the landing zone where the Division and the two will continue supporting Soldiers from the Division’s Ready Reserve, working with 4/3 AHB, evacuate a sim- Reserve dismounted and began con- each other throughout their deploy- ulated casualty over difficult terrain at an assault range. ducting a patrol to a live-fire range. ment.

First class of Iraqi Soldiers graduate from logistics school

Sgt. Kevin Bromley The graduates stood on the hot I encourage you to continue to learn,” logistical support when conducting 3/1 AD PAO pavement of the parade ground, said one Iraqi officer addressing the day to day operations. proudly displaying Iraqi flags in their graduating class. The logistics school is a joint oper- TAJI, Iraq – More than one hun- formation. The skills taught at SSI are vital to ation between Iraqi and Australian dred Iraqi Soldiers officially became The Soldiers learned the precise the Iraqi Army’s expanding role as Forces. The Iraqi Army is moving logistics specialists upon their gradu- skills necessary to re-supply and sus- the security force for Iraq. toward complete and autonomous ation from the Iraqi Army Support tain their respective line units. Previously, Iraqi Army units have security operations with their own Services Institute in Taji April 18. “Go forward to support your units, relied on Multi-National Forces’ logistical support capabilities.

Sgt. Kevin Bromley Iraqi Army Soldiers line the parade field as they graduate from the Iraqi Army Support Services Institute. This is the first class to graduate from SSI and the skills they learned will help shift the Iraqi Army to completely autonomous security operations. The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 Page 9 Mortar mission bde.’s first since WWII

Spc. Erin Robicheaux cant contribution to securing 256th BCT PAO the safety of their comrades. “Area denial is all about tak- CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – For ing out the point of origin, the first time in six decades, the where the enemy fires a lot of mortar platoon of 2nd indirect fire or rockets,” Roaix Battalion, 156th Infantry said. “We wanted the insur- Regiment of the 256th Brigade gents to know that we can reach Combat Team, 3rd Infantry them anytime, anywhere, and it Division, conducted an area- seems like it had the effect that denial mission in combat on we were looking for.” March 9. Roaix said the terrorists got It was the first such mission the message, adding that the for the brigade since World War local citizens talked about it for II. a long time after the fact, and Lt. Col. Conrad Gavel from they now know that U.S. Mandeville, La., the command- Forces can get to them if need- er of 2/156th, said he is proud ed. of his Soldiers’ performance. Roaix explained that even “This mortar platoon has though the platoon was split up been a combat multiplier since for various duties when they Spc. Erin Robicheaux the early days of our mobiliza- arrived in Baghdad six months Spc. Camille Fossier, from Lafayette La, “hangs a round” March 9 for the first 256th BCT combat tion. They all scored ‘expert’ ago, the mortar infantrymen did mortar mission since WWII. Fossier scored as an “expert” on mortar gun qualifications in 2004. on their mortar gunner’s exams, not forget where they came and have performed consistent- from. He said some of his guys the entire 256th to do so. shot at,” he said. “The illumi- effect!” the round was ly ever since,” he said. were placed on a personal secu- In addition, McCool was the nation mission was successful dropped and the mortar Gavel claimed the lack of rity detachment, while others best performer in the brigade. in that we accurately engaged infantrymen of 2/156th made opportunity to use indirect fires were sent to a light infantry pla- The process of a mortar mis- our targets, but the forward history for the brigade. has not affected the mortar pla- toon. When they came togeth- sion begins in the field with the observers didn’t see anyone out Welch said that at times, toon’s abilities to execute a suc- er for the historical mission, forward observers. They find a there.” firing mortars can be a little cessful mission. Though it has however, they never missed a target and call in to the FDC When McCool called the stressful. been months since they con- beat. with a location. McCool’s job directions down to the guns, “The squad leader’s job is ducted a live fire, their first “I think it says a lot about the is to compute the data, plot the there was a rush of combat to observe for safety and round was within 50 meters of platoon that they haven’t coordinates and communicate boots as the crew with the accuracy, and at the same the target and the adjustments worked together for months, the mission down to the gun. weapon prepared the coordi- time, receive commands from were perfect. He said since but still performed successful- He said they performed two nates for fire. the FDC and give them down arriving in Iraq, the mortar pla- ly,” Roaix said. missions March 9: area denial Sgt. Chad Welch, from to the gunner,” said Welch. toon was tasked with other Sgt. Ryan McCool, from (or high explosive) which was Pineville, La., was the squad “You really have to pay duties and has performed the Prairieville, La., is the fire the primary focus, and an illu- leader who received the direc- attention to everything going various jobs well. direction control for the 2/156th mination mission. tions. He said once the call on around you.” “Their flexibility and profes- mortar platoon. Roaix has Illuminations are conducted came in, one would never know Roaix said, as a leader, he sionalism has been outstanding, endorsed him as the most expe- at night and provide light for this was their first mission since was very anxious when the and I’m proud to have them rienced in the brigade. the forward observers, who arriving in Baghdad. fire directions were given. represent this task force,” Prior to deployment, all hopefully, can catch someone “When the FDC gave After the first round went Gavel said. FDCs were required to be certi- in the act of emplacing an instructions, the gunner, off, however, the crew was Staff Sgt. Randy Roaix, fied on an advanced computer improvised explosive device. assistant gunner, and ammu- right on top of it, giving from Carencro, La., the mortar system necessary for conduct- McCool said both missions nition bearer went to work to Roaix a chance to finally platoon sergeant for ing mortar missions. Three were successful. set the fuse and prepare the relax. Headquarters Company, FDCs from 2/156th were certi- “With the high explosive gun for fire,” he said. “That was the longest 34- 2/156th, said he’s glad his fied on the first try. mission, we were right on tar- When McCool shouted and-a-half seconds of my Soldiers could make a signifi- They were the only three in get, and we hit everything we those magic words, “Fire for life,” he said. 6/8 Cav. trains Iraq’s ‘Defenders of the Green Zone’

2nd Lt. Seth Kirchhoff Brigade Combat Team, took the first Iraqi Army’s 1st and 3rd battalions, skills and leadership attributes 6/8 Cav. PAO steps toward the success of their new along with Headquarters Company of required to train competent and suc- mission in Iraq April 18 – training the the 5th Brigade, 6th Division. cessful Soldiers. BAGHDAD – Members of 6th “Defenders of the Green Zone.” U.S. Soldiers will provide instruc- When all is said and done, 5th Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 4th The unit’s mission is to train the tion to Iraqi leaders referencing the Bde., 6th Div. will be capable of pro- tecting the International Zone and its surrounding areas without assistance from the U.S. military. During the first day of training at Muthana Airfield, located just north of the International Zone, Lt. Col. Michael Harris, 6th Bn., 8th Cav. Reg. commander, led the way as his cavalrymen were introduced to the Iraqi Soldiers they will work with for the next eight weeks. Although the link-up seemed awk- ward at first due to the language bar- rier, both sides appeared eager to train and were ready to learn from one another. Most of the tasks the 1,000-plus Iraqi Soldiers will learn consist of basic Soldier skills such as rifle marksmanship, battle drills, manning traffic control points and first aid, said Maj. Chris Worrill, 6/8 Cav.’s operations officer. “Our goal here is not to turn the Iraqi Army into an American Army, but rather show the Iraqi leaders how we conduct business and let them make decisions on what tactics, tech- Courtesy photo niques and procedures will work best Members of the IA’s 1st and 3rd battalions and Headquarters Company, 5th Brigade, 6th Division stand in formation April 18. for them,” Worrill said.

Information Operations Cell Staff versity to deliver tables, chairs, com- The 3rd Inf. Div. realizes that the 3rd Inf. Div. Special to The Marne Express puter equipment, and division’s future of Iraq is in the hands of its Information Operations cell donated universities, and that the supplies BAGHDAD – Baghdad 3,000 library and reference books provided will help students reach develops University has received school sup- and magazines along other various their educational goals. plies and equipment from the 3rd supplies for student use March 22. The Marne Division is looking relationship Infantry Division as part of the divi- The division made the deliveries forward to strengthening its relation- sion’s new relationship with univer- as a sign of good will toward the ship with Baghdad University and it sity officials. future politics, economics and uni- stands ready to assist the school’s with Baghdad U Soldiers made two trips to the uni- versity leaders of Iraq. growth in the community. Page 10 The Marne Express, May 8, 2005

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Sgt. 1st Class Peter Chadwick Platoon leader 2nd Lt. Robert Schlau, 550th Area Support Medical Company, plays a short game of “keep away” with children in Taji. Schlau participated in a Civil Affairs mission to Taji area communities to provide basic health care assessments. Soldiers also distributed donated toys to the children during their medical mission. One million gallons, still pumping Spc. Brian P. Henretta ing team springs to action and like clockwork, each Avn. Bde. PAO Soldier knows his role, to allow for a quick turn- around of aircraft. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The forward arming refuel- They supply fuel for all coalition helicopters in ing point provides the lifeblood that keeps Aviation the Baghdad area, including Navy, Marine and Brigade’s helicopters in the air. British aircraft. The Soldiers of 3-5 Platoon, Headquarters and This is a critical mission to the coalition and avi- Service Company, 603rd Aviation Support ation brigade because if they can’t refuel, it Battalion hit a milestone April 6 by pumping their grounds everything, Martinez said. millionth gallon of fuel since taking over refueling George’s hard working Soldiers are proud of all operations, quicker than anyone expected. they have done in a very short amount of time. While the Soldiers saw it as just another part of “We have a great sense of accomplishment. the day’s work, leadership was extremely proud, of This is just us doing our job, but we’ve worked our the professional job performed so far by all, and tails off and done it exceptionally well,” said how quickly they reached this milestone. Arthur Butt, a petroleum supply specialist with “We have been working at a very high pace, but HSC, 603rd ASB. people didn’t think we would have pumped this “The past few months have been a total team much so quickly,” said 2nd Lt. Esperanza George, effort on our part. We have the fuelers, truck driv- 3-5 platoon leader. “My troops are something spe- ers, armament specialists out there keeping cial. I thank my noncommissioned officers for extremely busy to pump that much fuel so quick- that. Without them I don’t think we could achieve ly,” said Patrick Wiley, an aviation refueler with what we did. They are very motivating and make HSC, 603rd. sure the job gets done safely.” With one million gallons pumped in such a short There haven’t been any accidents at the FARP amount of time, how much fuel can this unit expect since the 603rd ASB took over duties. to pump throughout OIF 3? This can be attributed to daily safety briefings “Last time I was here we pumped 3.8 million in Spc. Brian P. Henretta and equipment checks, according to Sgt. 1st Class 11 months,” said Martinez. “If we keep up the Pvt. Junius Richard, a refueler with HSC, 603rd ASB, Antonio Martinez, 3-5 platoon sergeant. pace we’re at now, we could hit five million this screws on the fuel cap to a Blackhawk after the FARP When a helicopter lands in the FARP, a refuel- time.” pumped one million gallons of fuel. 2/14 Inf. medic takes control in emergency, saves lives

Spc. Matthew McLaughlin approached. There was no way around most seriously wounded patient, a “Everything happened so fast, I 12/10 Inf. PAO the road and the Marines were in a Marine hit in the armpit with shrapnel. don’t remember faces,” Torres said. rush, so they decided to pass, against All eyes turned to Torres for help. “It was just a blur. People said ‘you did CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — Now is the Soldiers’ advice. He was not without help, however. this, you did that.’ I don’t remember.” the time, he thought to himself as he The convoy passed between the IED Fellow Soldiers and Marines assisted He couldn’t remember faces or even gazed in shock at his wounded com- and a 2/14 Inf. humvee. Suddenly the Torres as he went from patient to what he did, but weeks later Torres rades. This was the reason for all of IED detonated, hitting a Marine truck patient. could still explain in detail every his training as a medic; the reason he containing several Marines. “I had a lot of help from everyone injury he treated. joined the Army; possibly the reason “The whole passenger side of the there,” Torres said. “Two female In all, Torres treated nine Soldiers for his very existence. seven-ton (truck) collapsed,” said Marines were injured but were still try- and Marines. Without hesitation, he grabbed his Torres, a Bakersville, Calif., native. “I ing to help.” All this from a private first class equipment and raced across a field was about 100 meters away in a field. Although Torres was one of the jun- only months into his first deployment, towards his destiny. I saw everyone was down and I took ior-ranking Soldiers present, everyone Coyle said. Pfc. Jacob Torres, a medic with 2nd my (medic) bag and went running.” followed his lead and obeyed his “He never did anything like this in a Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, Torres said the reality of the situa- orders, Coyle said. real world situation,” he said. “I brag tested his training and his mettle when tion did not hit him immediately. “Rank goes out the window, and to other Soldiers about him. I said, he treated nine Soldiers and Marines “At first I was nervous,” he said. “I they have to understand that,” he ‘You should have seen him.’ We want after an insurgent attack Sept. 28. realized all these people were hurt. It added. “(Torres) took control of the to have him out with us every time.” Soldiers from 2/14 Inf. found an took a moment to register that I was whole situation. It was amazing how For his bravery, Torres was awarded improvised explosive device while on the one who had to help them. No one well he did under pressure.” the Combat Medic Badge. patrol along Route Tampa in Baghdad. else could do it. Once I started with Torres stabilized the Marine, but he He said he is proud of his perform- They secured the area and waited the first patient I knew what to do.” died later during surgery. The medic ance and glad he could help his com- for the explosive ordinance detach- Sgt. Shawn Coyle, a fire direction had more patients to tend to, however, rades in arms. ment team to arrive. center Soldier from Quincy, Ill., said and he couldn’t reflect on conse- “It feels good, like I did something,” While waiting for EOD, a Marine Torres took complete control of the sit- quences — or names and ranks for that Torres said. “I didn’t feel like I was convoy heading towards Falluja uation. He immediately tended to the matter. doing my job until then.” The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 Page 11 IA bomb company’s efforts save lives Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr. Soldiers, said Brig. Gen. Abdul-Jabbar Saleh guys to work with. I would feel comfortable stay- 1st BCT PAO Rabiyeh, 30th IA Bde. commander. ing out here with these guys,” Donna said. Rabiyeh said the newly formed bomb company Iraqi army leaders anticipate much growth in the The 30th Iraqi Army Brigade’s bomb company has already proven itself worthy. future too, Abdul Qadir said. is working hard to make the streets safer for the cit- “In spite of the small size of the company, they The recent dedication of their new headquarters izens of Iraq. led a big operation during the election,” Rabiyeh building in Tikrit April 10 was an indication of the What started from a small group of Iraqi said. “The election was successful with the com- bomb company’s growth. Soldiers grew into a company of six officers and 86 pany protecting the polling center.” With the increasing size of the company, it desper- The election was one of the company’s many ately needed a headquarters from which it could more successes since its activation Jan. 1, said Maj. Qais efficiently run its operation, said Abdul Qadir. Abdul Qadir, the bomb company commander. “This center will enable the personnel of our com- “Our company has finished so many duties in pany to do their duties under the supervision of the spite of the short time since its establishment,” said engineering units of the Coalition Forces,” he said. We Abdul Qadir. “This company has achieved six per- are preparing more headquarters in Tikrit, Bayji, fect training stages in cooperation with friendly Samarra, Balad, Ad Dawr and Ad Dhuluiyah.” forces. Over 100 bombs and (improvised explo- Abdul Qadir said he feels his company must be sive devices) have been cleared and more than a doing well because it’s beginning to draw attention thousand meters of road has been protected and from anti-Iraqi forces. fenced.” “Our company is a big target for the terrorists,” Coalition Forces leaders who work with the IA Abdul Qadir said. “We know this because so many have noticed the progress and see growth in the officers and Soldiers have been wounded and many IA’s future. They are confident in the IA’s abilities vehicles destroyed.” to run the show. Rabiyeh said he hopes for continued support from Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr. “These guys are doing a great job,” said Maj. Coalition Forces to enable the further growth of his Salahaddin governor Hamed Hamoud Al Shakti cuts a Kelly Donna, 1st Brigade Combat Team military own forces. He said a stronger force is the only way ribbon at a ceremony for the opening of the 30th IA transition team officer-in-charge. he can guarantee the continued safety and stability of Bomb Company's new heaquarters in Tikrit April 10. “We see progress everyday and they are great the Iraqi people in his area of operation. 3/3 Avn. commo shop keeps battalion connected Spc. Brian P. Henretta the sheetrock walls to install it.” computer problems,” he added. tion is then relayed to the TOC, until now,” said Capt. Carlos E. Avn. Bde. PAO The members of the S-6 “Virus protection is so impor- as well as received and trans- Davis, 3/3 AHB signal officer. team are also installing Armed tant because we can’t have any- mitted by unmanned aerial “They put all of this equipment CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Forces Network-ready cable thing hidden on any govern- vehicles. together themselves and have Information is a key to winning outlets in each of the rooms in ment computers to slow them The various tasks performed accepted great responsibility the War on Terrorism, but with- their headquarters building, as down or compromise the mis- by the communications special- and long work hours to get our out the proper communication well as building an education sion.” ists are crucial to the battalion’s communications working. channels to share that informa- center. The communication equip- mission and their efforts have Without their work and the con- tion, it becomes useless. The education center is for ment is used by pilots and con- not gone unnoticed. tinuing efforts of the guys That’s why a battalion com- Soldiers to visit during their off trollers. “(The Soldiers) have been working in the TOC, all com- munications shop is critical for time to take on-line Army cor- Flight operations informa- working hard from Kuwait munication is in the dark.” operations in Iraq and why the respondence courses, said S-6 cell with Headquarters and Wood. Headquarters Company, 3rd While 3/3 AHB’s headquar- Battalion, 3rd Aviation ters has required wiring over- Regiment (Attack Helicopter) hauls, its TOC needed an exten- is so helpful to the interactions sive facelift to become opera- of the battalion. tional. The Soldiers who work in “We had to take out entire the S-6 have been working at a walls,” said Spc. Rambo Rapu, hectic pace since arriving to a communications specialist Camp Taji, partly because they with HHC. “The room was too didn’t have the luxury of falling small to hold everyone required in on an adequate supply of pre- to perform tactical operations existing equipment, or even and aircraft control, so we buildings to house their equip- made it bigger and installed all ment. the computer, telephone and In both their headquarters radio equipment.” building and tactical operations After spending the first few center, the Soldiers had to months of the deployment run- install everything themselves to ning wires and setting up equip- get the various systems operat- ment, Soldiers from the S-6 are ing. far from done with their impor- “We had to completely start tant mission. from scratch,” said Sgt. Jeffery The current phase of opera- L. Wood, a communications tions – maintaining and protect- team chief with HHC, 3/3 ing the equipment – may be AHB. “Our headquarters even more important, Rapu building has been under reno- said. vations and didn’t have any “Now we work on stopping Spc. Brian P. Henretta internet wiring, so we have to new viruses from entering the Spc. Rambo Rapu, a communications specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, run cables and knock holes in network and troubleshooting 3/3 Attack Helicopter Battalion, installs internet cable in the server room. Task Force Liberty News Briefs Cordon and ducted a visit to homes in Iman Wells, for further questioning. explosive ordnance detachment in search yields cache south of Buhriz in Diyala Province, Hawijah conducted independent opera- JISR NAFT, Iraq – The Iraqi Army’s April 28. Medical mission comes tions after receiving a tip on an impro- 6th Battalion, 3rd Brigade found a cache This was the first time that IPs and TF to Abu Kurjay and Shahal vised explosive device in Kirkuk in a small village northwest of Jisr Naft 1-10 visited Iman Wells in a large num- ABU KURJAYAND SHAHAL, Iraq Province April 23. in Diyala Province April 27. ber. The police and TF 1-10 Soldierss – Various healthcare providers came This is the first known independent After receiving small-arms fire, the handed out numerous soccer balls and together for two days to make a differ- response to a tip received internally in IA lead element cordoned off the area beanie babies. ence in the lives of villagers in Abu the Iraqi Security Forces in Hawijah. for a search. The search yielded a book Kurjah and Shahal in Kirkuk Province on bomb making, improvised explosive TF Liberty conducts village April 11 and 12. Kidnappers device-making materials and two engagement, Local healthcare providers and Task arrested in Al Wasity weapons. project assessment Force Liberty medical personnel identi- AL WASITY, Iraq – An Iraqi ALY MAT, Iraq – Task Force Liberty fied chronic problems, administered Emergency Response Unit team with Mayor, Coalition join Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 69th immunizations and offered health edu- Coalition Forces support detained three for school supply mission Armor, inspected and assessed the grav- cation. individuals suspected to be involved in BALAD RUZ, Iraq – The mayor of el laid down on a road in Aly Mat in kidnapping and ransom activities in Al Balad Ruz delivered school supplies to Diyala Province April 24. Taza City mayor Wasity in Kirkuk Province April 26. A students in two schools within Balad The road allows for safer conditions hosts footbridge opening previous kidnap victim identified one of Ruz in Diyala Province April 27. and more traffic on the road that leads to TAZA, Iraq – The Taza mayor and the detained suspects as her captor. He was escorted by lraqi Police and an elementary school. city council members officially opened Soldiers from Task Force Liberty’s a new footbridge allowing pedestrians to IA Soldiers train on 278th Regimental Combat Team. The Man detained in walk easily to the market area in Kirkuk squad and team tasks supplies were donated and mailed by Citadel Market Place Province April 23. BALAD, Iraq – Soldiers from the Soldiers’ family members in the United KIRKUK, Iraq – Azadi police The bridge is expected to create eco- Iraqi army’s 210th Battalion trained on States. detained one individual accused of ille- nomic benefits for the community. The their proficiency in team and squad gally selling weapons and ammunition construction of the bridge is the result of tasks during training April 16 on a IPs, TF Liberty in the Citadel Market Place April 27. contracts awarded by Coalition Forces. Coalition Forces base near Balad. Task Soldiers visit village The detention occurred during a joint Force Liberty Soldiers trained their Iraqi IMAN WELLS, Iraq – Iraqi Police patrol by Azadi police and Task Force IPs conduct first army counterparts on how to maneuver and Soldiers from Task Force Liberty’s Liberty Soldierss. The suspect was independent IED sweep on an enemy position and react to sniper 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery, con- transported to the Azadi police station HAWIJAH, Iraq – The Iraqi Police fire. Page 12 The Marne Express, May 8, 2005

‘Keep‘Keep meme inin thethe 3rd3rd DivisionDivision ...’...’

Spc. Ben Brody Maj. Gen. William G. Webster Jr., Task Force Baghdad commander, administers the oath of enlistment to Staff Sgt. Robert Valley, Jr., Staff Sgt. Carlos Parker and Spc. Nicholas Powell, all from 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment, in a ceremony at Camp Loyalty, Iraq, April 16. Minnesota leadership visits National Guard Soldiers Spc. Erin Robicheaux the only group in theater 256th BCT PAO trained on the system. Shellito also toured the CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — company’s node center, which Maj. Gen. Lawrence Shellito, channels all secured and unse- adjutant general of the cured voice communication. Minnesota National Guard, Staff Sgt. Marty Byrne, a visited Baghdad April 22 to node center switch supervisor, discuss the mission of B said his platoon is very effi- Company, 134th Signal cient and plays a vital role in Battalion, 34th Infantry the mission of the Army. Division, attached to 256th “We link between 10,000 Brigade Combat Team. and 14,000 phone calls daily, The day began with break- and our phones are up over 99 fast with Soldiers of B Co., percent of the time, 24 hours a 134th, followed by a tour of day and seven days a week,” the unit’s facilities. Byrne said. Capt. Shelley Hermes, B At the motor pool, Shellito Co. commander, said she questioned Staff Sgt. Keven wanted Shellito to see the Vonrump, a B Co. mechanic, good work her Soldiers have about the add-on armor for the done since arriving in humvees. Vonrump described Baghdad. the pros and cons, and along “My purpose was to have with other Soldiers, gave the him go to the heart of each general a better understanding platoon, so we took him to of their functions. certain spots and allowed our Hermes said she believes Soldiers to brief him on their the visit was a successful one, missions and successes.” and said she felt Shellito was Hermes said. both satisfied and impressed Shellito’s reaction to the with the progress. Joint Land Attack Cruise “He thought we had very Missile Defense Elevated intelligent Soldiers who were Netted Senor System, was a on top of the situation and grin from ear to ear. The experienced at doing their jobs JLENS is an air surveillance and performing well, said system which allows the oper- Hermes. “He was very happy ator to see action in the field. that we’ve been as successful Sgt. Holly Timmer, a and done as much for the Photos by Sgt. Thomas Benoit JLENS operator with B Co., brigade as we can. I think Top: Maj. Gen. Lawrence Shellito, adjutant gener- explained the training the unit he’ll take this back to the al of the Minnesota National Guard, had breakfast received while they prepared States.” to deploy. Shellito described B Co. as and conversation with Soldiers from B Co., 134th “He was impressed with a unit that has the ability to get Sig. Bn. Shellito traveled to Iraq to witness first- our capabilities and said that things done, and he particular- hand how his Soldiers are assisting in the war on we were a good asset that ly emphasized to the unit the terrorism. needed to be utilized to our need to reflect on their sur- Above: Shellito surrounds himself with capable entire potential,” Timmer said. roundings sometimes. mechanics from B Co., 134th. “We’re the first company in “As we drove up here, we Right: Shellito shakes hands and thanks Soldiers. the 34th ID to work with the saw all the events that we’ve JLENS system.” seen on the news for the past Overall, B Co. is the third two years,” he said. “You are group to ever go through the living in the middle of histo- training, and for a while, were ry.” The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 Page 13 Soldiers patrol new environment From crowded cities to open desert, insurgents’ safe houses are being sought out Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr. mined by the amount of indi- 1st BCT PAO viduals we have detained,” Walsh said. “We have been able SAMARRA, Iraq – Soldiers to get a positive influence not of 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor only for Coalition Forces, but Regiment, along with 1st for the Iraqi Security Forces as Battalion, 15th Infantry well.” Regiment and 5th Battalion, 7th With the help of the ISF, Cavalry began their missions much more progress is being supporting Operation Forsyth made than during Operation Park outside the city of Samarra Iraqi Freedom 1 and 2. starting April 17. “This is really the first con- “We’re actually looking for tact these people have had with foreign fighters,” said Maj. Pat Soldiers since the first OIF,” Walsh, 3/69 Armor operations Walsh said. “Coalition Forces Photos by Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr. officer. and Iraqi Security Forces are Above: Soldiers from 3/69 Armor roll down the street while on patrol in the city of Samarra April 21. The Soldiers are also trying driving together. They are Below: 3/69 Soldiers pull security during a short stop while supporting Operation Forsyth Park. to determine the sphere of speaking their language and influence any foreign fighters asking questions about not only now they are out in the desert,” get experience from operating rorists from operating in an area may have had over the people foreign fighters, but how they Walsh said. in the urban areas, and from this they once thought was safe for who live in these rural areas, can help or how we can help “Our guys are used to doing recent operation we have been them. Walsh said. them.” patrols in Samarra, which is a working primarily in a rural “We wanted to switch up This operation is meant to This type of mission is a big pretty big city,” said Capt. Ryan area.” and do something completely gather information more than it change from what the Soldiers Wylie, B Company, 3/69 Armor Walsh said the change in different,” Walsh said. “We is meant to make arrests or are used to doing. commander. “(They) are really mission not only benefits the wanted to let any terrorists engage any enemy. “These guys have been in getting a good feel for the Soldiers with a new kind of know we will deny the enemy “Our success isn’t deter- the city fighting insurgents, diversity around the city. They environment, but deters the ter- sanctuary.”

Roughrider mechanics ‘keep y’all rolling’ Spc. Ben Brody medium tactical vehicles, M577 A normal day at the motor pool 2nd BCT PAO armored personnel carriers, M88 runs until dusk, and judging by the recovery vehicles, M2 Bradleys and sweat pouring off of the mechanics, CAMP LOYALTY, Iraq – The generators can be found in various the days are demanding. sound of cranking ratchets, rumbling states of disassembly during the day The group usually tackles four engines and shrieking timing belts in the motor pool. vehicles per day that are scheduled can almost always be heard in one “It’s a good team, a good set of for routine maintenance, then deals spot on Camp Loyalty. people, squared away (noncommis- with whatever repair issues pop up. At the Headquarters and sioned officers),” said Pvt. Uriah Sometimes the crew performs Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade John, HHC, 2nd BCT, generator major repairs on up to ten vehicles a Combat Team motor pool, 11 mechanic. “I’d stay 20 years right day. mechanics work long, strenuous here with this team if I could.” “We have a lot of attachments that hours maintaining the brigade’s vehi- John, from St. Croix, U.S. Virgin we’re responsible for, but the team cles. Islands, said he thinks Fort Stewart really comes together and we have a “We’re working hard to keep the and the 3rd Infantry Division is a little fun,” said Staff Sgt. Harry unit mobile and sustain our combat good place for a Soldier to start a Anderson, HHC, 2nd BCT, motor power,” said Staff Sgt. Keith Kerrick, career. pool noncommissioned-officer-in- HHC, 2nd BCT shop foreman. “We “It’s tough here, you get put to the charge. “We try to make it a home keep y’all rolling.” test mentally and physically,” he away from home here and keep a Kerrick, from Washington, D.C., said. “But the pressure makes you good atmosphere.” said he often works hand in hand perform at a higher level.” Anderson, from Sumter, S.C., said with other Loyalty motor pools to During a typical day, mechanics he believes the key to his team’s secure needed parts, rather than wait- upgrade vehicles with armor and unity is good communication – and a ing weeks for orders to be filled. other equipment, while performing good sense of humor. He said his The motor pool also handles all of organizational-level preventative mechanics know when it’s okay to the brigade’s attached units and their maintenance checks and services, kid around and when it’s time to be vehicles – units like Civil Affairs, according to Spc. Luis Crespo, HHC, serious. Psychological Operations, personal 2nd BCT motor pool supply special- “We have Soldiers risking their security details and Air Force detach- ist. lives every day, using vehicles all the Spc. Ben Brody ments. All in all, they are currently Crespo, from San Lorenzo, Puerto time,” John said. “It’s important no Spc. Dejuan Bryant, an HHC, 2 BCT light-wheeled responsible for about 70 vehicles, Rico, has responsibilities that include one breaks down out there in the vehicle mechanic, works on a humvee's exhaust and every week, they get more. ordering parts for vehicles and issu- combat zone, or gets hurt because of system at Camp Loyalty April 7. Everything from humvees, light ing them to mechanics. faulty safety equipment.” Page 14 The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 Soldiers fund projects, compensate for damages

Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr. fund, which is used to build projects that aid the 1st BCT PAO Iraqi economy. The other is the commander’s emergency response program bulk fund. These SAMARRA, Iraq – Iraq is a combat zone. In funds are used as restitution for damaged proper- a combat zone, accidental damage to private ty and bodily harm. property and civilian injuries are inevitable. “Civil affairs works with the municipalities to When Coalition Forces are at fault, they are negotiate payment for temporary extra employ- willing to pay restitution to the victims of these ees,” Smith said. “This is a short term solution. accidents as long as they have proof of the inci- Once the interim government gets control of the dent. economy, they will do their own hiring from their Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor funds.” Regiment Iraqi Security Forces liaison and civil The IRRF funds are distributed by a higher affairs office ventured to downtown Samarra to command, said Capt. Rod McCauley, 411th Civil review claims by Iraqis and distribute funds. Affairs Battalion. “The Iraqis propose new proj- “When people have damage to property, or ects, and we decide which ones will get funded. someone in their family is killed as a result of our We send the request higher up the chain of com- operations, they present evidence to us,” said 1st mand.” Lt. Doug Maritato, 3/69 Armor ISF liaison offi- McCauley drives to the sites of different proj- cer in charge. “This evidence can be documents, ects to inspect the progress being made and how photographs, medical records or death certifi- the funds are being invested. cates.” “We don’t have a problem paying for things, Since most of the evidence presented by the but I want to be sure we are getting value for our Iraqi nationals is written in Arabic, an interpreter money,” McCauley said. is needed to translate the evidence and the dia- Not all the Iraqis get the funds they ask for, logue spoken between the Coalition Forces and Smith said. Sometimes the evidence provided the Iraqis. isn’t enough to justify restitution. Aside from “We have an interpreter to help us look over that, Coalition Forces don’t offer any restitution all the peoples’ evidence,” said Staff Sgt. Jason for damage caused by anti-Iraqi Forces. Smith, the ISF liaison noncommissioned officer The main point is to show the Iraqis that the in charge. “With his help, we determine whether Coalition Forces are responsible for their actions. or not the evidence is legitimate. If it is, we sign “Anytime we mess something up, we fix it, if Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr. off on it and give them a certain amount of funds. all the evidence proves it was our fault,” Maritato ISF liaison officers 1st Lt. Doug Maritato and Staff Sgt. Jason Smith, The funds for the Iraqis come from two differ- said. “It’s a good solution to these people’s prob- 3/69 Armor, review claims made by two Iraqis before paying them ent sources, Smith said. One is the Iraqi relief lems. restitution on alleged damaged property in Samarra April 25.

PATROL, continued from page 1 times it’s been used as a dump- Upon arriving at the dump- complete the mission without munity. improvements come from ing ground. We get out there ing ground, some of the 1/1 a hitch. “We get out and walk their daily involvement in the and make sure there haven’t Soldiers secured the perimeter The next several stops around, talk to the local popu- security missions. been any caches placed or any- while others searched for along the way were what Hill, lace, go to the local store, “At first, it was like herding body trying to cross the river. items such as weapons, unex- a Newell, N.C., native, called maybe buy a soda,” Hill said. cats,” he said of his unit’s ini- It’s one of the main infiltration ploded ordnance and an aban- “meet and greet” areas — the “We hang out and talk to them, tial work with the IA Soldiers. routes we worry about when doned bunker. With some residential sections of the city see if they’ve had any prob- “You could tell them what to coming outside the Green coaching from 4/64 Soldiers, where Soldiers take some time lems, stuff like that.” do and where they need to go, Zone.” the IA troops were able to to feel the pulse of the com- As the three-vehicle convoy but they’re going to take their moved from place to place, 1/1 own way to get there.” Soldiers moved confidently Evans said the IA Soldiers’ and efficiently, quick to carry zeal has caused the biggest out instructions given to them challenges in the way they by their 4/64 comrades. Since conduct operations. most of the Iraqi Soldiers “If we get (intelligence) on speak little English, an inter- someone we’re looking for, preter goes along on each mis- we go through a whole (oper- sion to communicate between ation order) before we take the two units. any action,” he said. “But if Even without an interpreter, we send them out just to get though, the smiles on the IA information on the person, Soldiers’ faces speak volumes they’ll come back, all excit- about their pride in their new ed, with him tied up, and say, jobs and their desire to contin- ‘We got him!’ We’re trying ue to get better at what they to teach them that that’s not do. the way we do things.” “They’re very proud peo- “They want to do their ple,” said 2nd Lt. Bill Evans, a jobs,” Evans, from Torrance, B Company, 1st Battalion, Calif., added, “but they just 184th Infantry Regiment, don’t have the guidance. You California National Guard pla- can’t easily undo what toon leader whose unit also Saddam did over 35 years.” works with 1/1. “They want Still, little by little, the to learn. We seem to do a lot U.S. Soldiers’ joined efforts for them these days, but we are proving to be essential in have to wean them from that, reaching the ultimate goal of we have to sever those ties so turning Iraq’s security over to they can do this on their own.” its own Soldiers, and the Sgt. Marcus Brister, a D need for Serrano, Mata and Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft Co., 4/64 squad leader, said he Foutch’s Bradley is growing Soldiers from 1/1 IA and 4/64th Armor dismount and head out on a routine patrol in Baghdad April 8. thinks the Iraqis’ biggest smaller and smaller.

GUNS, continued from page 1 with chief coverage of a grid area. A RAP goes beyond what a regular Lowry said. “For one it was a differ- Basically we have an observer out round could reach due to the rocket ent operation that we don’t normally there with sight of six or eight kilome- propulsion. get to do. Our main mission is terrain ters,” Lowry said. “When the round “It will go two or three kilometers denial and counter fire. It was a bursts he uses it to identify targets. We further, depending on the size of the morale booster for the Soldiers.” also use the round as a distraction for charge, which increases our range’” Artillery elements are very power- the enemy. The enemy will look up and Lowry said. “Not only does this keep ful and destructive. There is much watch the round. It also gives us an our Soldiers safer, but it saves time preparation that goes into a fire mis- idea of who is doing wrong. You can’t on having to move forward to engage sion. really hear the round until it is right targets that under normal circum- The Soldiers are trying to avoid over you, and by then it is too late for stances would be out of our range.” damage to anything that is not them to disguise what they are doing.” Since the artillery rounds are so expected to be in the impact area of The artillery Soldiers got the intel- expensive, the platoon leader has to the rounds. ligence for their area of fire from a account for all the rounds before “Basically we are trying to win the group of special scouts who observe packing up, Dorffeld said. “We have hearts and minds of the Iraqi people,” the area well before the fire mission. to send a message in to higher-up Lowry said. “We have to go out there “We were firing on predetermined before we can leave. They want to and observe an area and make sure targets,” Lowry said. “Our fire sup- make sure everything went smoothly. we don’t kill a guy tying to repair an port element got information from the I don’t want to go back with any irrigation ditch. We are trying to (long range surveillance detachment) rounds.” make allies, not enemies. If we make that there was high insurgent activity The platoon command team con- the whole country suffer we aren’t Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr. in the area.” sidered the exercise a success for sev- going to be able to accomplish that. 1st Lt. John Dorffeld waits on the radio After the illumination rounds, 1/41 eral different reasons. Neither can we do that if we are caus- for a call from Soldiers operating the tested 15 rocket assisted projectiles. “It was a very successful night,” ing damage to Iraqi property.” guns that they are ready to fire a round. The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 Page 15 Aviation Soldier teaches Taji Let’s get physical: aerobics class in spare time

Spc. Derek Del Rosario class continues to grow; now ous before each class,” Brown Avn. Bde. PAO we get up to 60.” said. “But once the class starts Classes attended by both and I see people enjoying it, my CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Sweat males and females. Brown nervousness diminishes.” beads roll down the brows of likes to see males in her classes Judging by the growing dozens of Soldiers. Their because it breaks the stigma number of participants, people hearts are racing as they breathe that aerobics is strictly for are indeed enjoying Brown’s harder with every passing women. She often gets positive program. moment. Some Soldiers feel feedback from the male partici- “My friend told me about the pain of their actions, but one pants. this class and it’s pretty thing is true for all of these “I come three days a week,” intense,” said 2nd Lt. Kristi Soldiers – they all made the said Staff Sgt. Joker Botin, A Hyatt, 3/3 Air Reconnaissance choice to be here. Company, 603rd Aviation Battalion, who was participat- Are these Soldiers road Support Battalion. “It is a good ing in the class for the first time. marching through the desert? workout and the instruction is “(Brown) makes it fun and she Jumping out of planes? outstanding.” is very motivated.” Clearing a building in The aerobics class is an hour Being an aerobics instructor Baghdad? long and contains a cardio keeps Brown busy. Along with Actually, they are all part of workout in which Brown tries instructing morning and a class that features one thing – to incorporate something for evening classes three times a aerobics. everyone. week and being in charge of the One of the numerous oppor- “Aerobic routines come nat- brigade’s property book office, tunities available to Soldiers ural to me,” Brown said. “I try she also is taking two classes in here at Camp Taji is an aerobics to use moves that will work out order to get her Bachelor of class, which is conducted different parts of the body, and Science in criminal justice. twice-a-day, three-days a week. I like to try new moves that “I have to manage my time The classes are taught by people will enjoy. I will look in and get into a routine,” she said. Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth S. the crowd and gauge how they “I enjoy doing both classes, so Brown, also the noncommis- like the routine by the looks on it’s hard to give one up. sioned offier in charge of the their faces, and I adjust my rou- Sometimes before a class I am Property Book Office for tine accordingly.” drained, but once the music Headquarters and Headquarters Brown believes music is starts and I see how energetic Company, Aviation Brigade. important when doing aerobics, people are, it wakes me up.” Brown’s aerobic instruction and changes it often to fit a cer- Despite her full schedule, began five years ago at Fort tain part of the routine. Brown finds gratification in Stewart where she worked as “I have to feel the music in knowing she is giving some- the post partum pregnancy order to come up with the thing back to the Soldiers by physical training instructor for moves,” she said. “I need helping them get fit. the 3rd Infantry Division. upbeat and uplifting music. I “Today someone came up When her deployment brought like to try out different styles. to me and told me how much her to Taji, she volunteered to For the future, I plan to incor- they enjoyed the class and teach aerobics to servicemem- porate some Latin music into how I helped him get back into bers. She was surprised by the my routine.” shape,” Brown said. “That’s turnout she received on her first Despite having five years of the best part for me, knowing I day of instruction. experience, Brown said she still can be of help to someone “When I went to my first gets butterflies when teaching else. Hearing the positive class, I was amazed to see how her classes. feedback and helping people Spc. Derek Del Rosario many people showed up, “No matter how long I’ve makes me know I’m doing Sgt. 1st Class Elizabeth S. Brown leads her aerobics class. around 30,” Brown said. “The been doing this, I still get nerv- something.” 2/156th Inf. medics bring care to remote Iraqi village Sgt. Thomas Benoit mality and stressed the importance of 256th BCT PAO seeking an Iraqi physician. “Multivitamins and medicines were THINEEYAH, Iraq – Armed with dispensed to combat epilepsy, congeni- school supplies and multivitamins, tal abnormalities, and movement disor- Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 156th ders in the elderly and post-traumatic Infantry Regiment, 256th Brigade palsies. The predominant health prob- Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division lems diagnosed included dermatologi- sponsored a medical civil affairs project cal, gastrointestinal, and upper respira- held at Al Nassir School in Thineeyah, tory ailments,” said Lt. Col. Joseph Iraq April 12. Dore, M.D., 256th BCT surgeon. The team provided basic medical Once the MEDCAP in Thineeyah assistance to children and adults as part concluded, the team traveled to a of the ongoing effort by multi-national remote nomadic settlement where the forces to help rebuild Iraq. doctors treated several patients with the Once the patients were seen by the principal of “tailgate medicine” rang- physician or physician assistant, they ing from common cold ailments to received various gifts or a care package redressing the bandages of a broken containing toys for the children and den- arm. tal hygiene products and toiletries. The remainder of care packages, School supplies and treats were freely clothing and school supplies from Al given out to the delight of young Iraqi Nassir School were handed out. children; additionally, several pairs of Once care was complete at the set- shoes were given along with apparel. tlement, the team was once again on If a patient had a diagnosis which was the move to a new family of nomads beyond the scope of the physicians, the herding sheep. families were educated via the inter- The family was very healthy and preters on the importance of the abnor- only required basic medical attention.

Photos by Sgt. Thomas Benoit “Open up and say ahhhh!” is an international language understood wherever medics go. Here, Spc. April Clark from Marydel, Md., C Company, 199th FSB, 256th BCT checks the vitals of a patient before the physician arrives during a medical Lt. Col. Joseph Dore, 199th FSB, gives a young goat a checkup April 12. civil affairs project held at Al Nassir school April 12. Page 16 The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 ReachingReaching outout Hundreds of pounds of supplies distributed to Thineeyah villages Sgt. Thomas Benoit side, is a way of life. 256th BCT PAO Due to decades of oppres- sion by the former regime, THINEEYAH, Iraq – there are children and adults Soldiers from B Company, walking the cruel dessert 1st Battalion, 156th Armor floor without shoes and only Regiment, 256th Brigade the clothes on their backs. Combat Team distributed Now, thanks to Soldiers several hundred pounds of dedicated to making a differ- hygiene products, towels ence, Iraq’s future has a run- and blankets to numerous ning start at democracy. villages surrounding Since the program’s Thineeyah, Iraq, April 21. inception, the Web site The care packages were received more than 2.5 tons sent to the Kids-for-Kids of donated supplies from 18 program managed by Sgt. states. Keith Bonnet and Staff Sgt. The Washington Artillery Shaun Warren with Veterans Associations raised Headquarters and a total of $8,000 and pur- Headquarters Battery, 1st chased school supplies that Battalion, 141st Field were sent to Iraq. The Web Artillery, 256th Brigade site via Paypal raised in Combat Team stationed at excess of $400 to purchase Camp Liberty. local commodities. For nomadic families who Goods are distributed live in tents, herding sheep throughout 256th BCT’s along Iraq’s harsh country area of operations.

Photos by Sgt. Thomas Benoit Above: Staff Sgt. Don Chisum, B Btry., 1/141 FA amazes young Iraqi children with a toy that was donated to the Kids-for-Kids pro- gram and delivered by B Btry. Soldiers April 21. Right: An Iraqi mother and child are joyous after receiving donat- ed blankets, towels and hygiene items.

Above: A young Iraqi girl looks back at her mother with a gleeful smile after receiving clothing from Soldiers. Left: Staff Sgt. Michael Gil from Kenner, La., helps Staff Sgt. Tony Locklear from Pembroke, N.C., with his communications equipment during a pre-combat inspection for the Kids-for-Kids program. The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 Page 17

AAccttiinngg nneeiigghhbboorrllyy ......

Maj. Adam Shilling BAGHDAD — An Iraqi street merchant lends a hand and a hose to Soldiers of C Co. 443 Civil Affairs attached to 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Battalion, 256 Brigade Combat Team. The Soldiers took time to clean the windows of their M1114 up-armored humvee as Cpl. Hugo Sevilla from Staten Island, N.Y. and Spc. Edward Pickett from Houston, Texas, waited to leave an electrical site during 3/156th project assessment mission in northern Baghdad April 23. MND-B EO office conducts first EO rep course MND-B EO Office closed-book written examina- Special to The Marne Express tion as part of the final phase for graduation. The Multi-National Division- Staff Sgt. Vashana Chambers, Baghdad Equal Opportunity Headquarters and Headquarters Office hosted an Equal Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Opportunity Representative Team, was selected by the stu- Course graduation ceremony dents as the most valuable con- April 8. tributor. She was awarded a cer- Present for the class was tificate of achievement signed by Command Sgt. Maj. William M. Maj. Gen. William G. Webster Grant, Task Force Baghdad com- Jr.,Task Force Baghdad com- mand sergeant major, who manding general. Vashana also extended congratulatory wishes received a coin of excellence to the Soldiers and expressed his from Grant. guidance on how they, as EO Also recognized was Staff representatives, serve as an inte- Sgt. Kristine Cope, Headquarters gral part of their commander’s and Headquarters Company, EO program. 612th Engineer Battalion, who The EORC, which is normal- received a coin of excellence ly a challenging two-week from Grant for her academic course at Fort Stewart, was con- achievement of attaining a per- densed into a rigorous one- fect score on the written exami- week course during which stu- nation. dents participated in instruc- The MND-B EO office will tional classes, prepared and host the next EORC May 28 briefed presentations and con- through June 3. ducted “Consideration of Soldiers interested in serving Others” methodology of train- as their unit’s EO representative ing. can contact their chain of com- At the end of the week mand or brigade EO advisor for Courtesy photo Soldiers were required to pass a prerequisites. Members of the MND-B EO’s first EOR course graduating class pause their training for a photo-op. MiTTs training assists in smoother transition for forces Staff Sgt. Billie Suttles This is a huge project to stand up The training consists of teaching the training. Office of the Staff Judge Advocate the Iraqi security forces to include the rules of engagement, human rights and The highlight of the classroom Iraqi Army. The IA will soon have a the Code of Military Discipline. The instruction came when “Human This deployment has been a smor- complete division and multiple first training was conducted April 13 Rights” booklets were passed out gasbord of new Army acronyms. brigades. in Taji in the IA Basic Training com- among the class. It was something Of course, everyone else seems to The concept is for our American plex. they could hold and claim ownership know what this or that one means, but Soldiers to live with the IA to teach The IA drill sergeant marched the to. for some, they walk around with them how to provide security for trainees in, and with the assistance of After the training was over, the indiscriminate letters thrown together Iraq. the Iraqi attorney “Hussain,” the class Jundi’s were marched out of the class- wondering what the heck everyone How does the Office of the Staff began. room by their drill instructors. Capt. else is referring to. Judge Advocate play into all of this? The Jundi’s were on their 12th day Berg, Mr. Al-Nahi and Staff Sgt. I heard the newest acronym, It goes back to Capt. Berg, the new of a 13-day training cycle. Iraqi cul- Suttles followed and an impromptu MiTTs, right before the arrival of MOLT attorney. Capt. Berg was given ture makes it difficult, if not almost photo opportunity began. Capt. Berg, our newest Marne the mission of training the two 6th IA impossible for one person to ask a After a few photos, Hussain Operational Legal Team member. legal officers. He works with these question, because when one person became the movie star of the after MiTTs stands for Military gentlemen on a daily basis to teach would talk, the room would erupt with noon. Transition Teams. The MiTTS con- them what their jobs are and how divi- everyone talking over one another. U.S. Soldiers quickly and quietly cept was developed in conjunction sion staff works with brigade staff. When this happened the drill melted into the background, hoping that with a new initiative from Multi- In addition, Capt. Berg is training instructors quickly regained control of this was one of the many steps slowly National Security Transition-Iraq. IA basic trainees, called Jundi’s. the class and CPT Berg continued with transitioning the U.S. forces back home. Page 18 The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 1st IA Bde. taught fair treatment Spc. Erin Robicheaux careful how they treat prisoners. “We are to follow the standards of human rights; if 256th BCT PAO “All eyes of the world are watching Iraq, not just the we just deal with detainees humanely we will get bet- Arab world,” Lilly said. ter intelligence when we question them,” he said. CAMP JUSTICE, Iraq – Although Iraq doesn’t have He emphasized that fair treatment of all human The officer received a degree in engineering, and any formative documents proclaiming its people’s beings is very important to the war on terrorism. though he wanted a career in his chosen profession, he equality, and no Bill of Rights to uphold its citizens’ “You must not allow abuse to come to the detainees, said he and his Soldiers are ready to fight for an inde- civil liberties, the Staff Judge Advocate team of the 3rd regardless of what they have done to a person and pendent country before they resume their professional Infantry Division is doing its part to help mend the country that you love,” he said. “You all took an oath civilian lives. damage. and must put aside emotions, you are all professional “Iraq has some special circumstances that we need The Soldiers traveled to Forward Operating Base Soldiers.” to deal with. We cannot do any kind of work if we do Justice to provide human rights training for detainees The training is part of Operation En-Sania, a human not stabilize the country,” he said. to the 1st Iraqi Army Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division. rights program for the entire Iraqi Army. Tracking and According to the officer, since the Iraqi Army Capt. Jacob Lilly from Frederick, Md., chief coun- reporting of detainee abuse is part of the operation. formed a strong presence in Iraq, a lot of the violence sel for detainee operations, told the Soldiers to be very In the event of a situation, 3rd Inf. Div. SJA will and terrorism has slowed down. engage the Ministry of Human Rights and Ministry of He attributed this to the help of the American and Defense, in order to address the specified abuses. Multi-National Forces and for their training in areas The training for the 1st IA Bde. is the first of its such as detainee relations. kind. As the battalions of the 6th IA Division expand, “Terror acts these days are different than before. so will the training. The enemy is getting very tired,” he claimed. “If Lilly said there have been issues of detainee abuse everyone is to be treated the same, the standard has to in the Iraqi system and this was an attempt to address be humane treatment.” it. Lilly explained the Soldiers may have to set aside The United States cannot order the Iraqi Army to their feelings and sometimes even beliefs for fair treat- build a system based on American standards, but they ment of the detainees. can show what has worked in the American system. He said it may be hard because some detainees have “We had our own growing pains with this issue, but done hard things, but the Soldiers have to be profes- we learned from our lessons and are passing the sional and do their duty, and that he believes in this knowledge on,” said Lilly. system because it will instill positive results. Spc. Erin Robicheaux An intelligence officer with 1st IA said his Soldiers “I’m teaching human rights, human rights, human Capt. Jacob Lilly gives a group of 1/6 Iraqi Soldiers a know from the former reign of Saddam that torture rights,” Lilly said. “And I believe to the deepest core class about human rights at FOB Justice. never brings positive results. of my heart, that everyone deserves the very basics.” Taji’s 1/158th ATC team keeps Avn. aircraft flying straight

Spc. Derek Del Rosario ing in and out,” Munoz said. Avn. Bde. PAO “We have to separate the heli- copters and land them. “Taxi to 3-4 via Bravo Airspace can get crowded, so winds estimated calm, altime- we provide positive control of ter estimated 3002, hold short the helicopter traffic here.” 3-4,” the Soldier says in one Sgt. Rowland A.T. breath. Conception, ATC specialist, For most people, this says the control tower has to phrase would be as foreign as pass important information to Peruvian politics, but for the pilots. Aviation Brigade pilots and The controllers inform Soldiers in the control tower, pilots when controlled detona- it’s common terminology. tions occur and when quick The control tower Soldiers reaction forces are being dis- are part of the Air Traffic patched, and they sequence Control Team of D Company, helicopters for landing and 1st Battalion, 58th Aviation take off. Regiment. “We have to get important The ATC team ensures that flight data to the pilots,” air traffic coming into Taji air- Conception said. “Pilots can’t field flows smoothly. see everything out there. We D Co.’s 1st Sgt. David J. see the whole picture. Pilots Ibsen said his Soldiers work rely on us to be their eyes hard to ensure their mission is because we get a 360-degree completed. view of the airfield.” “Here in Baghdad we are The D Co. Soldiers are also in charge of control tower and doing their part in helping the flight tracking operations. We transition of Iraqi forces to take ensure flight safety for all air- control of their government. craft,” Ibsen said. “The The company has been train- Spc. Derek Del Rosario Soldiers are working hard to ing Iraqi Soldiers in air traffic Spc. Carlos R. Munoz, right, and Sgt. Rowland A.T. Conception, both D Co., 1/158th Avn. Regt. ATC ensure a safe, orderly and control duties. specialists, control incoming and outgoing helicopters from the control tower at Taji airfield. expeditious flow of air traffic The main instructor, ATC throughout Iraq.” chief Sgt. 1st Class Antoine D. Soldiers still have some chal- Air traffic controllers also of the phraseology we use.” To help complete their mis- Williams, said the Iraqis are lenges to overcome. have their own language when Williams has a positive out- sion, Soldiers are in the con- dedicated and willing to learn. “How the Iraqis control traf- communicating with pilots, look on the training he is giving trol tower at all hours to “We are teaching them basic fic and how we control traffic is which Munoz said can some- to the Iraqi Soldiers. ensure that helicopters land ATC knowledge,” Williams different,” Williams said. “The times be difficult to translate to “They are fast learners and safely. said. “They are learning things Iraqi forces control traffic more Iraqi forces. what we are teaching them is Spc. Carlos R. Munoz, a D such as how to separate aircraft, leniently. We are trying to “We use a lot of different ter- part of the bigger plan,” he said. Co. ATC specialist, believes weather training and basic show them how to be more minology, and with the lan- “At some point they will take his responsibilities allow for flight rules.” aggressive in controlling air- guage barrier it’s sometimes control of the airfield. This is order on the airfield. The Iraqi forces being craft movement so they can difficult to communicate,” he just one step in helping them “Air traffic control is trained have prior air traffic establish more positive con- explained. “We will go over establish their country and run- responsible for all flights com- control experience, but the trol.” scenarios to help explain some ning their own army.” Useful Arabic Phrases English Arabic English Arabic

God bless you raMAhak allah Good evening meSAH alKHAIR

Come with me taAl ma’ai Good evening (reply) meSAH alNOOR

What’s your name? shinu ISmak? Show me your ID raWEEni haWEtak

My name is ... ISme ... I have no ID MA indee haWEEya The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 Page 19 Renovations spruce up two Baghdad schools Spc. Brian Schroeder lowed by children reciting the Upon arriving at the school, after receiving the threatening receiving the letter,” Menist 2/10 Inf. PAO Iraqi pledge of allegiance and Maj. Rob Menist, 1st Battalion, message. said. “These kids now have a singing the Iraqi national 41st Infantry Regiment execu- “It takes a lot of fortitude good place to study and learn CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – anthem. tive officer was presented with and courage on the part of the despite the threats from terror- Two ribbon cutting ceremonies Before the ceremony, the a threat letter the school headmistress to let us in after ists.” were held in the Mansour dis- headmistress of the school received just a few days prior. trict of Baghdad to celebrate the thanked the U.S. Army for its The letter stipulated that if completion of recent renova- assistance. She said that the Americans are welcomed back tions at local schools April 10. renovations are an extremely into the school, “god’s law” One primary and one sec- generous asset for education of would be brought to the school. ondary school received new the children that are the “people Despite the threat, the head- restroom plumbing, fresh paint of the upcoming and prosper- mistress invited the Soldiers on all the walls and a recon- ous future” of Iraq. inside. She said the threat will structed playground area. “We are extremely happy not discourage her from provid- The three-month project, with the new renovations,” said ing a safe place for her students costing more than $70,000, was a primary school teacher. “I felt to learn. completed by local Iraqi con- bad teaching the kids under the “Thank you for what you tractors with financial assis- old conditions. These kids are have done for our school and tance from the U.S. Army. the future of Iraq and we should for the girls; it is nice now,” she The ribbon cutting ceremo- take care of them and give them said. “It is now a much better ny at the primary school was a good environment to learn.” place for the girls to learn. conducted with much fanfare. The ribbon cutting ceremo- Menist commended the Students lined the hallways, ny at the secondary school was headmistress for her bravery sang songs and danced. not as jubilant as that of the ele- and courage for inviting the The Iraqi flag was raised fol- mentary school’s celebration. Soldiers back into her school

Photos by Spc. Brian Schroeder Above: Two Iraqi boys salute their country’s flag while reciting the Iraqi national anthem during activities celebrating their school’s completed renovations. Left: Maj. Rob Menist, left, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment executive officer celebrates with the headmistress of a western Baghdad primary school construction projects. EOD prevents possible tragedy by blowing things up Pfc Dan Balda scanning the ground to make sure there it was my car or my house, I wouldn’t get to know the people real well. I 4th BCT PAO are no explosive devices planted there want it messed up. I always try to take know how they are going to react in and then visually checking the perime- that into consideration.” any given situation.” FORWARD OPERATING BASE ter 25 meters in every direction. “I was in the chow hall at (FOB) The job isn’t just about taking care PROSPERITY, Iraq – On April 14, a “Take more time with your 5s and Falcon when they had a controlled of homemade bombs – members of a vehicle borne improvised explosive 25s, they will save your life,” Yoon detonation for a bunch of weapons Navy EOD team keep people protect- device detonated, killing and badly said. “If you have to dismount from they confiscated,” Sanders said. “They ed in many other ways, such as div- injuring many unfortunate people in your vehicle, do them extremely thor- didn’t tell anybody before hand, so ing to make sure ships are in safe the area. oughly. Kick the dirt around, move when they blew the stuff up everybody areas to force protection – but in There were two other bombs that trash with your feet. Your feet are your thought we were being attacked. Operation Iraqi Freedom, the explo- had been placed at the site. Luckily for best friend when you are doing 5s and People were diving under tables, sives do keep the team fairly busy. the people in the vicinity, an explosive 25s.” throwing all their “IED’s are a small part of it, but ordnance disposal team assigned to the Like a lot gear on, it was it’s definitely the sexy part of the job, 4th Brigade Combat Team came to the of his cowork- pretty funny. especially with the climate here in site to take care of the unexploded ord- ers in EOD, But when I Iraq,” Yoon said. “This is an IED war, nance. Yoon attrib- “It’s very intense; it’s you ver- thought about although we might not realize it. The team calmly cleared the area of utes his love it, I was pretty You’re not going to see a company or civilians and established a safety cor- of his job to sus the bomb-maker. It’s a lit- glad (EOD) a platoon of insurgents storming a don around the car. Once everybody childhood blew that stuff wall, its going to be an IED placed was clear, they reduced the once-dead- experimenta- tle like chess, you have to plan up before it somewhere. There are smart guys out ly bomb to dust. tion. out all your moves before- was used on there and we have to counter their “I love being able to go to a situa- “I was like sometactics with our own.” tion that’s chaos, where nobody knows a lot of little hand.” Soldiers.” The schooling to become trained in what’s going on and you have media kids, I liked to Navy Lt. Mark Yoon The success EOD is longer than most vocational and civilians milling around. I love blow stuff OIC, EOD Mobile Detachment 2 of the EOD colleges. going to a situation and making things up,” Yoon team can be “EOD school plus dive school, all happen, making it organized,” said said. “Demo attributed to the training, it takes a year and a half Navy Lt. Mark Yoon, officer in charge is definitely two main to two years for all the schools. EOD of the EOD Mobile Detachment Unit the cool part of the job. We use it as a things; teamwork and education. school is extremely academic. Most 2. tool; we’re not just here to blow the Yoon’s staff consists of only one of the people in your class don’t make “It’s scary driving around Baghdad heck out of everything. We’re here to person, an E-5 , but saying that the it through.” and not knowing what’s laying by the save personal property and lives.” Sailor “works for him” is a mis- The psychological facet is one of side of the road or sitting in someone’s Yoon and his comrades do as much nomer. the reasons Yoon loves his job. trunk,” said Sgt. Brandon Sanders, a as possible to make the blast as little of Sometimes they take turns as far as “I like this job because of the men- driver assigned to Headquarters and a threat to the local citizens and build- who is in charge of a site. tal aspect of it,” Yoon said. “It’s very Headquarters Company, 4th Brigade ings as possible. “I’ll get people that say, ‘Oh he’s intense; it’s you versus the bomb Combat Team. “We weigh in what the surrounding just an E-5.’ No way, he’s just as maker. It’s a little like chess; you have The best tactic Soldiers can use to environment is,” Yoon said. “If it’s in smart, if not smarter than me on this to plan out all your moves before- counteract the threat of IED’s is to do a a deserted field, I’m going to blow it, stuff,” Yoon said. “He can do every- hand. You have to do everything in better job when they dismount from but if it’s in a residential area, I’m thing I can do. In Navy EOD we are your power to make sure its safe for the vehicles to do their “5s and 25s.” going to do something completely dif- all trained the same. He has a differ- you to go downrange in that bomb This refers to walking five meters ferent. We go to huge lengths to make ent perspective on things, it’s a part- suit. How can I do this to make sure I around your vehicle in every direction, sure personal property isn’t harmed. If nership. I work in a small shop so I save as many lives as possible?”

Do you have a creative idea for something new in The Marne Express? Do you have a funny or exceptional photo you want to show people? If so contact [email protected] All submissions are welcome and valued! Page 20 Faces & Places The Marne Express, May 8, 2005

Courtesy photo Sgt. Chris Wilburn, 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment, stands watch as the sun sets.

Spc. Jennifer Fitts Watching over his Soldiers from his Bradley Fighting Vehicle, 1st. Lt. Manuel Prado, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment keeps a close eye on the street while they overwatch the area from a nearby rooftop. Spc. Ben Brody Spc. Derek Del Rosario Spc. Jonathan Mardis, an A Battery, 1st Battalion, Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Martinez, C Co. 3rd Battalion, 9th Field Artilliery Regiment gunner, sweeps the 3rd Aviation Regiment (Attack Recon), gets in a work- sidewalk at Camp Loyalty, Iraq, April 29. out by doing pullups at the Camp Taji fitness facility. COMING SOON The Marne Express is still waiting to run its new column, “Rocky’s Hydrant” ... BECAUSE WE CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU! We know you have gripes, questions and constructive criticism about – well, anything and everything – and we’re giving you this opportunity to tell us about them. Just make sure your comments meet the following criteria: 1) No foul language – you don’t want all those nasty words to crowd out the point of your message, do you? 2) If you have a problem, offer a solution – anybody can hate a situation; we want to know how you would fix it. 3) Keep it concise – save the rambling diatribes for your buddies; we don’t have enough space for all that here. AND HERE’S THE BEAUTY OF IT: Nobody has to know who you are! If you would like to remain anonymous, just tell us. If not, please supply your name, unit and hometown, so everyone can thank you for your helpful suggestions. E-MAIL [email protected] with your submissions. We’re looking forward to hearing from you! The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 Guidance Page 21 the FACTS on vehicle safety

1. Purpose. To provide information to the Secretary of the Army relating to the Army humvee accidents in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. 2. Background. The SECARMY directed the U.S. Army Combat Readiness Center to examine humvee accidents in the OIF/OEF the- aters. USACRC is unable to calculate accident rates for the various vehicle types as the number of vehicles in theater over time as well as the cumulative number of vehicle miles driven is unknown. Additionally, USACRC is not able to determine from the accident data whether the vehicles had armor kits (factory made or locally fabricated) installed. When the Armor kits are installed the nomenclature of the vehi- cle does not change nor is there currently any mandated method of identifying the vehicles. 3. Facts. a. From Sept. 12, 2001 through March 21 there have been 221 Class A-D Army humvee accidents in the OEF/OIF theaters of operations resulting in 62 fatalities. Only 13 of the accidents and one of the fatalities in the Central Command theater of operations occurred in OEF, the remainder occurred in OIF. b. Within the humvee family, the M998 (standard utility model) accounts for 34 percent of the accidents (75) and the M1114 (up-armored) accounts for over 22 percent of the accidents (49). The M1025 (utility armament model) and the M1097 (utility model) account for nine percent (20) and seven percent (16) of the humvee accidents, respectively. The remaining models each account for less than three percent of the accidents. “Unspecified” humvee models (the specific model of the vehicle was not reported) make up 15 percent of the accidents (33). (Note: so far all fiscal year ‘05 accident reports have identified the specific humvee model involved). c. Of the 62 fatalities associated with the humvee nearly 29 percent (18) occurred in “unspecified” models. Up-armored M1114 humvees account for 32 percent (20) of the fatalities, 70 percent of those (14) occurred in FY05. Nearly 18 percent (11) of the fatalities occurred in the M998 and 15 percent (nine) occurred with the M1025. The remainder of the humvee models account for less than two percent of the fatalities each. d. In general, the number of Class A humvee accidents in theater each month has trended up since August 2004 culminating in eight in February. To date, there has only been one Class A accident in March. Since FY03, the number of accidents and fatalities in the M998 has declined and the number of accidents and fatalities in the up-armored M1114 has increased. This is likely due to two factors: first, the den- sity of up-armored and add-on armor humvees has steadily increased over time; second exposure of unarmored vehicles has declined due to local policies not allowing unarmored vehicles to operate outside of the Forward Operating Bases. Consequently, the exposure of up- armored and add-on armor vehicles has likely increased while the exposure of un-armored vehicles has declined. e. USACRC was able to identify 466 Army military personnel involved in the 211 accidents. Of those, seatbelt usage was reported for 253 Soldiers. Of the 253 Soldiers, 154 were reported to have worn seatbelts, 76 were reported to have not worn seatbelts, and the remain- ing 23 were reported as “unknown.” Of those who were wearing seatbelts, only four percent (six) received fatal injuries and 42% (66) received injuries that resulted in lost work-days while 55 Soldiers (36 percent) received no injuries and 27 (17 percent) required first-aid only. Of those who were not wearing seatbelts, 17 Soldiers (22 percent) received fatal injuries and 31 (41 percent) received injuries that resulted in lost work-days. Only 17 Soldiers (22 percent) who were not wearing seatbelts received no injury in the accident and 10 (13 per- cent) required first aid. The data clearly indicates that seatbelt usage reduces the severity of the injuries sustained in an accident. f. In 79 of the 211 accidents (37 percent) the vehicle rolled over resulting in 40 of the 62 fatalities (64 percent). M1114s account for 26 (32 percent) of the rollover accidents and 18 (45 percent) of the rollover fatalities. There were 51 cases of the vehicle running off the road, and 44 cases of the humvee colliding with another moving vehicle. (Note: There can be more than one type of event associated with each accident – i.e. the vehicle can run off the road then overturn resulting in two separate events for one accident). g. USACRC is currently unable to determine the familiarity of units with the up-armored humvees and its impact on likelihood of acci- dents. However, Infantry units account for 20 percent of the accidents, Armor units account for 15 percent followed by Field Artillery and Military Police units at 10 percent each and Engineer units at seven percent. h. Data limitations precluded identifying the specific causes of many accidents, however, predominant individual Soldier errors associ- ated with the humvee accidents were a result of overconfidence, being in a hurry, and fatigue/lack of sleep. Additionally, USACRC inves- tigators determined that several M1114 accidents were a result of the driver not being able to see hazards in the vicinity of the vehicle and the other vehicle occupants did not or could not adequately communicate with the driver as he approached the hazard. Consequently, in some instances, the vehicle departed the roadway and rolled when the driver over-corrected in his attempt to recover.

Army National Guard retention benefits Extension and Reenlistment ONE LUMP SUM PAYMENT Soldier per year). Payment is based semester hour. Camp Buehring/Navistar: Bonus Criteria • Six-year option: $15,000 LUMP on the original principal and does not • Chapter 30, Chapter 1606 and DSN: 844-1137 / Cell: 786.3181 • Soldiers may reenlist or extend with- SUM PAYMENT (Two payments, include interest. 1607 benefits can be combined with in 12 months (in-theater) of their cur- back-to-back) • Soldiers must have served the last the FTA Program. IRAQ: rent estimated time of separation or *All payments for contracts signed in three consecutive years in an active Dental Program Camp Victory (Baghdad): immediately if currently under stop- theater are tax-free. drilling status in the ARNG. Inactive All National Guard Soldiers are eligi- DSN: 539.2021 / 822.2954 loss and past their ETS date. Previous Three-Year National Guard service constitutes a ble to purchase the United Concordia • Soldier must have less than 16 years Extension/Reenlistment Bonus break in service. Dental Plan. This program covers LSA Anaconda (Balad): of total service at ETS (15 years, 11 • Soldiers currently under the Prior • Soldiers may not have received the cleanings, X-rays, cavities, root DSN: 829.1508 / 1128 months, 29 days on extension/reen- Service Enlistment Bonus may reen- SLRP as an enlistment, re-enlistment, canals, etc. and 50% of orthodontics. listment start date) list/extend for a second three-year or extension option in the past. A www.ucci.com FOB Danger (Tikrit): • Soldiers may have received previous $6,000 bonus (if in 90-day window, Soldier reenlisting or extending will TRICARE Health Coverage DVNT : 302.536.0202 reenlistment/extension bonuses. paid 50/50) OR three-year $7,500/six- not be authorized payment on loans • For every 90 days a Soldier is • Soldiers in-theater DO NOT need to year $15,000 bonus if past ETS and established after the contract has deployed, he will earn one year of FOB Warhorse (Baqubah): be MOS qualified. on stop-loss. been signed. TRICARE Health coverage eligibility. DVNT: 302.553.3057 • Soldier must not be barred or • Soldiers who have received a previ- Mongtomery GI Bill-Kicker • Soldiers must remain in the reserve flagged. ous three-year National Guard reen- (M-Day Soldiers only, E-1 to E-5 component to receive benefits. FOB Warrior (Kirkuk): • Soldier can be in either a MTOE or listment bonus may reenlist/extend for with less than 14 years of service) Monthly premium required; Individual DSN: 460.0100 TDA unit. another three-year $6,000/six-year • Additional $200 per month in GI Bill $75 per month. • Soldiers who have past their ETS $15,000 bonus. Soldiers who have benefits • Family $233 per month. FOB Caldwell: date and are on Stop Loss may reen- already completed both a first and • MOS-qualified/Served last three • All National Guard Soldiers are eli- DVNT: 302.589.1043 list at any time. The date of reenlist- second three-year reenlistment bonus consecutive years in NG/Requires gible to enroll their family members in ment will establish a new ETS date. may contract for either a new first six-year contract the TRICARE Standard program. Camp Cooke (Taji): Time served under Stop Loss will not three-year $7,500 or six-year • Modified Table of Equipment units www.tricare.osd.mil/reserve/reserv DSN: 856.0813/DVNT: be deducted from the new reenlist- $15,000. only eselect 302.531.6544 ment obligation. *All payments for contracts signed in Federal Tuition Assistance • At the end of the deployment all • AGR/Technicians must serve 6 theater are tax-free. Program (M-Day Soldiers only) Soldiers and their families will have Camp Liberty (Baghdad): months from the start date of their Student Loan Repayment Program • The Federal Tuition Assistance 180 days of medical and 90 days DSN: (318) 847-2352 new contract prior to re-affiliating with (M-Day Soldiers only) Program is now being offered to all (Soldier only) of dental coverage. his/her full-time state position in order • Soldiers with existing loans may M-Day Soldiers in the Army National Camp Summerall (Bayji): to retain the full bonus. reenlist or extend for 6 years for the Guard. Contact your local Army National DVNT: 302.536.5047 Reenlistment / Extension Bonuses SLRP agreement. The amount of • This is a 100% tuition assistance Guard Retention NCO • First three-year option: $7500 ONE SLRP will not exceed $18,000 with a program. The annual cap for the pro- KUWAIT: AFGHANISTAN: LUMP SUM PAYMENT maximum payment of 15% or $500, gram $4,500 per year, paid at a rate Camp Arifijan: Bagram AB: • Second three-year option: $6,000 whichever is greater ($3,000 cap per of $166 per quarter-hour or $250 per DSN: 318.430.7193 / Cell: 937.7659 DSN: 318.231.4353/2234 InIn MemoryMemory OfOf OurOur FallenFallen Soldiers...Soldiers...

1st Sgt. Timothy J. Millsap, 70th Eng. Spc. Gary W. Walters Jr., 1/9 FA Cpl. Travis R. Bruce, 170th MP Co. Pfc. Sam W. Huff, 170th MP Co. Cpl. Aleina Ramirez Gonzalez, 1/3 BTB Pfc. Joseph L. Knott, 3rd ACR Cpl. Glenn Watkins, 1/184 Inf. Pfc. Steven F. Sirko, 1/30 Inf. Spc. Jacob M. Pfister, 3/7 Inf. Pfc. Kevin S. K. Wessel, 3/7 Inf. Page 22 Guidance The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 DDEESSEERRTT JJUUSSTTIICCEE Chaplain’s Corner Get help keeping your Where is your central focus? Chaplain (Capt.) Glenn Palmer government construction projects must use uti- POAs current in theater 3rd Inf. Div. lize this location to the very inch. Not to do so, to guess, can be costly and dangerous. CPT Gary McNeal Powers of attorney will “You set the earth on its foundations, so that What and who is your reference point? OSJA remain in effect until their it shall never be shaken”… Who is the dead center of your life around expiration date or until they Psalm 104:5 which all else revolves? Many Soldiers got a power are revoked. If you have a Who is your cornerstone, upon which foun- of attorney prior to deploying power of attorney that you Dear brothers and sisters in God, dation you build your life? overseas. want to get rid of, you need to As a pastor/chaplain I meet so many For some of them, their sit- do a revocation of the power Most of us in the battalion I folks whose lives are in chaos because uation has changed and so has of attorney. serve (2/70 Armor) are stationed there is no reference point other than their needs regarding a power You need to provide notice and live at Fort Riley, Kansas. the self or what feels good. of attorney. of the revocation to the attor- In north central Kansas not We all need a reference point to be Many questions are asked ney-in-fact, and to anyone else too far from Fort Riley there precise and rooted and anchored so that about whether to get a general that may have a copy of it on is a place called the Meades we can live fully the life God calls us power of attorney or a special file, such as a bank. Ranch where the 39th parallel to live. power of attorney, how long In addition, you should from the Atlantic to the Pacific God’s will and desire is to be they last, and what to do if the either destroy the original, or crosses the 98th meridian run- your reference point. Soldier does not want the execute a revocation which ning from Canada to the Rio God wants to be the center of power of attorney to remain in you may do through the Legal Grande. your life. effect any longer. Assistance The government uses a small disc God wants to be the one in whom you A general Office. on the ranch to locate the exact position place your trust and hope and belief, the power of attorney Powers of attor- of every other point in the United States; a pivot on which your life swings and hinges; allows the person ney can be very useful, scientifically proven and recognized reference and that is life-giving, awesome news for all that you name as but they can also be very point. God’s people. your attorney-in- harmful. That disc is the dead center of the country. fact to do essen- Only give a power of attor- So far, no mistakes have been made and none PRO DEO ET PATRIA tially anything that you can ney to an individual that you are expected. FOR GOD AND COUNTRY do. really trust. Ocean liners and commercial planes and ‘THUNDERCROSS” Some examples of these You are responsible for the things are to buy and sell actions of the attorney-in-fact, things, to take money out of so if they purchase something banks accounts, and to handle in your name for instance that other financial affairs such as you really did not want or Division Chapel Services paying taxes or taking out a could not afford, you are loan. responsible for it. The business or agency that Make sure you get the the attorney-in-fact deals with, right power of attorney to Camp Liberty such as a bank, does not have suit your needs: maybe you to accept the power of attor- need to have someone do Friday 10:30 a.m.: Roman Catholic ney. only one or two certain tasks They may require a special for you that can be accom- 7 p.m. Jewish Service Mass power of attorney to accom- plished through a special plish certain things. power of attorney, rather than Saturday 1 p.m.: Lutheran Special powers of attorney giving that person a broad 10 p.m.: Seventh Day limit the things that the attor- grant of authority with the 3 p.m.: Gospel Protestant ney-in-fact can do to the spe- general power of attorney. Adventist cific things that are named in If you need to get a power 5 p.m.: Christian Non-instru- the power of attorney. of attorney or need to get one Sunday In many cases, a special revoked, you may go to the 9 a.m.: Contemporary mental power of attorney is a better Marne Legal Assistance way to go if you know that Office located at Camp Protestant 8 p.m.: Collective Protestant you only want someone to do Liberty, or see your Brigade certain things for you, while Command Judge Advocate. you also want to protect your- You may call 242-4568 if self from granting them a wide you have questions regarding range of powers. powers of attorney. Rhythm of the Marne With the 3rd Infantry Division firmly in Contact Information authority of Task Force Baghdad, the 3rd Inf. The Marne Tax Center is Div. band, the "Rhythm of the Marne,” is oper- SFC Chapman, Operations Supervisor: ational and available to provide musical and DSN: (318) 847 2337 still open for business! ceremonial support throughout the division's NIPR: [email protected] footprint, including all assigned and attached Monday through Saturday units. SSG Powell, Operations NCOIC The band is capable of providing several DSN: (318) 847 2338 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. diverse musical ensembles to include ceremoni- NIPR: [email protected] al band, stage band, Latin band, jazz combo, Camp Liberty rock combo, R&B combo, trombone quartet, CW3 Catchings, Commander: Legal Services Center brass quintet, solo piano and ceremonial bugler. DSN: (318) 847 2307 The unit also encompasses the Division Cell: 0790 193 2101 Building C25 Color Guard. NIPR: [email protected]

Marne Medical Mentor ... a prescription for good health from your Docs in the Rock The 10 Commandments of preventing heat injury

Capt. Lalini Pillay when heavy work is being performed. Avn. Bde. Environmental Science Officer 4. Avoid overexertion. Use mechanical aids whenever possible. Assign tasks between several It is only a matter of weeks before we start to see Soldiers to reduce the stress on individuals. temperatures regularly hitting the upper 80s and 90s, 5. Use shaded areas like trees, buildings and tents and it won’t be long after that before we will start to to reduce radiant heating. The temperature in the sun see temperatures in the triple digits. and under the canopy of a tree can vary from eight It is NOT too early to start educating Soldiers on degrees to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. the how to prevent them from becoming a heat casu- 6. Encourage the use of sun screens to protect alty. exposed skin. Below are simple steps that ALL of you can fol- 7. Wear loose-fitting, light-weight clothing. Do low to prevent yourselves and your battle buddies not layer clothing; more clothing increases the risk of from becoming heat casualties. heat injury. 1. Provide adequate water and ensure water 8. Monitor Wet Bulb Globe Temperature so the breaks are taken as needed. Thirst is not an adequate heat-stress index can be evaluated. Environmental indicator of dehydration. Alcohol, coffee, soft conditions, such as temperatures above 70 degrees drinks, and sports drinks are not good substitutes for (80 degrees at night), direct sunlight and humidity water. add to heat stress. The wind reduces the risk of heat 2. Ensure Soldiers gradually adjust to working in stress by increasing the evaporation of sweat. the heat. Acclimatization is essential in preventing 9. Train Soldiers to recognize and treat heat heat injuries. injuries and encourage them to monitor each other ical assistance. 3. Schedule work and rest periods. Schedule for signs of heat stress. If you have any questions or need additional heavy work for the cooler part of the day (morning 10. Conduct safety meetings to emphasize special information, use the 11th Commandment below: or late afternoon). The body generates more heat heat spell procedures. Be prepared to provide med- 11. Contact your Environmental Science Officer. The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 Sports Page 23 Intramural basketball tournament B Co., 92nd Eng. ‘Dawgs’ outdo 3/3 Sig. ‘Bladerunners,’ 58-44 Staff Sgt. Ken Walker “The tournament was a won- Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft derful distraction from our daily 3rd Inf. Div. PAO routine,” said 1st Lt. Andrea Riley, a B Co., 92nd Eng. team CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – member. “It enabled us to focus Task Force Baghdad Soldiers our energy and efforts through got the opportunity to blow off healthy competition.” some steam with a little friend- Sgt. 1st Class Belinda ly competition in the form of an Rhanes, 3rd Infantry Division intramural basketball tourna- noncommissioned officer in ment here April 24. charge of Morale, Welfare and The championship game was Recreation, shared Riley’s sen- between the B Company, 92nd timents. Engineer Group “Dawgs” and “The tournament was an the 3rd Signal Company, 3rd excellent way for the different Signal Detachment branches of service to come “Bladerunners,” and resulted in together and compete,” she a Bladerunner loss. said. “It was an also an oppor- According to the Soldiers tunity for the troops to relieve who participated, however, the some stress and a great morale age-old maxim applies: it does- booster. I look forward to see- n’t matter whether you win or ing more troops come out and lose, just how you play the participate. The (Kellog, Brown game. and Root) and MWR represen- In this case, just the opportu- tatives made this event a suc- nity to play in the tourney was cess and I want to thank them enough for Liberty Soldiers. for their contributions.”

Photos by Staff Sgt. Ken Walker Above: “Dawgs” (brown t-sihrts) and “Bladerunners” battle for a rebound during the intramural basketball tournament championship game at Camp Liberty April 24. Left: Pvt. Tredale Langston, a 92nd Eng. “Dawg,” dribbles the ball down the court followed by his teammates. “This game will be a good one,” Langston said before play began. “I know we will come out strong and we will try to use the inside game to open up the outside game and vice-versa. All in all, we want to have fun and hopefully come out on top as winners.” Cartoon Corner

The Marne Express is looking for artists for a bi-weekly comic strip! Contact [email protected]. Page 24 Entertainment The Marne Express, May 8, 2005 The Book Nook William Boyd’s ‘Fascination’: Multivitamin stories Sgt. 1st Class David Abrams stories — by everyone from quote from Chekhov, seems moments of indecision. As terrible thing, this, when you 3rd Inf. Div. Anton Chekhov to Alice especially apropos to the col- the narrator of “Beulah know your life has gone irrevo- Munro — are novels con- lection as a whole: “Every Berlin, An A-Z” muses, cably wrong, and that, every In graduate school, my densed into miniature, hard person lives his real, most “How do you know when day until the day you die, you creative writing instructor gems. interesting life under the your life is intrinsically unin- will be confronted with the idea would make us write one- Or, as Boyd himself cover of secrecy.” teresting? You just do. Some of an alternate life that you sentence summaries of short recently wrote in The Not coincidentally, that people live quietly, unhappi- could have, should have, lived. stories she assigned us to Guardian: “Like a multivita- particular story is “The ly, with this knowledge; oth- There were moments that week- read (in Hollywood, this is min pill, a good short story Woman on the Beach with a ers do something about it.” end when I felt suicidal. I felt known as “the pitch”). can provide a compressed Dog,” a re-vision of the mas- Some readers — especial- that I should end my life now While reading William blast of discerning, intellec- ter’s “The Lady With the ly those turned off by Woody rather than live on with the tor- Boyd’s new story collection, tual pleasure, one no less Dog.” Allen films — might find this ment of what might have been. “Fascination,” I decided to intense than that delivered by Boyd moves the adulter- collection unbearably full of apply this exercise to his a novel, despite the shorter ers’ rendezvous from a beach self-indulgent anxiety. Anna’s family has fallen on short fictions: duration of its consumption.” in Yalta to Cape Cod in 1944. However, I for one was hard times and hopes that • An 11-year-old boy is given In “Fascination,” which is When the man, Garrett fascinated by the way Boyd Alexander will be able to help a bicycle as a gift from his packed with literary multivit- Rising, arrives at the cross- turns angst into art and con- them out of a financial jam. mother’s lover so that he’ll amins, the author of the nov- roads where he must choose sistently makes it a fresh When he arrives, Alexander ride around the French coun- els “Any Human Heart” and between wife and lover, experience from story to realizes he’s previously met tryside while the adulterers “A Good Man in Africa” Boyd turns on a brilliant story. Anna’s husband and he’s not have afternoon sex. wades neck-deep into the show of Chekhovian agony The collection’s standout the successful, charming busi- (“Varengeville”) swamp of humanity to bring as the lovers wallow in post- centerpiece, “Incandescence” nessman he appears to be. • A filmmaker’s journal grad- us 14 tales of desperation and coital conversation in a motel — true to its title — burns with Even while that’s going on, ually reveals his obsession desire. room whose carpet is pat- the kind of artistry that turns a Boyd complicates the story for his leading lady. Boyd’s writing is sharp, terned with knights in shin- piece of short fiction into a even further by revealing sever- (“Notebook No. 9”) precise and often very funny. ing armor: work of imagination that al devastating skeletons in the • An architect is possessed by In this collection, it is also as expands beyond the boundaries family’s closet. a 19th-century Scottish engi- diverse in tone, structure and “We have to do some- of the page. All this in less than 20 pages; neer, causing him to lose his subject matter as any book of thing,” she said. Boyd creates something and, as you can see, it’s a plot job, his wife and perhaps his short stories I’ve read. “We will, I promise.” every bit as complex and dra- that defies the one-sentence sanity. (“A Haunting”) Some of the stories read “What’re we going to matic as Ian McEwan’s novel summary. • While putting his body- like grad school writing exer- do?” “Atonement as Alexander” The characters, events and building girlfriend on a cises (“Beulah Berlin, An A- He felt a small uplifting of Tobias returns to the English emotions of “Incandescence” steroid regimen, a philosophy Z,” for instance, is broken his spirits now that he knew manor of his former girlfriend, are so rich and compelling, we student wrestles with the into 26 sections, each ending she was ready to try it with Anna — a now-married woman secretly long to explore them in hypothesis that the mind can with a word that linguistical- him, this life of moments of for whom he still hopefully and a longer work. exist independently of matter. ly reverberates into the first happiness. hopelessly pines — for what But here’s the catch: to turn (“The Mind/Body Problem”) word of the next section). “I’ll think of something.” appears to be a casual family “Incandescence” into a full- Paring Boyd’s plots down But beneath the clever nar- “What?” get-together. length book would flatten it out to single sentences, however, rative tricks lies not only a “I don’t know,” he said, and make it just another pale, robs these and the other 10 fascination with language but staring at the knights on their When I saw Anna again I pudgy novel. tales in “Fascination” of their with the way we react in prancing chargers. “I don’t knew I loved her still. That I One word more, one word artistry, depth and complexi- moments of crisis, especially know.” had never stopped loving her less and the multi-strand narra- ty. There are strata upon stra- those times we try to sup- and that I would never stop lov- tive Boyd has spun would ta here on these pages. press sexual urges. Most of Boyd’s characters ing her. And suddenly I felt a crumple like a spider web in a The most memorable short One story’s epigraph, a are caught in similar kind of grief for my life. It’s a hurricane. Crossword Across: 40. “All you need,” to some 20. Canyon sound 39. “Old School” actor Will 1. Beast of burden 41. Musical syllable 22. Greasy spoon 43. Innard 4. Nugent or Kennedy 42. Like LOTR scenery 23. One of David’s writings 47. Liquify 7. Greek goddess of mar- 44. Samuel’s biblical mentor 24. Ali ____ 48. There’s no place like it riage and birth 45. Made up of mos. 27. McLean’s Chevy’s desti- 49. “Sopranos’” Falco 11. Mafia head honcho 46. “You,” Spanish nation 50. Iraqi neighbor 12. When you might get 47. Alien home bases 29. “Monopoly” landmark 51. Sherlock Holmes acces- there 53. Let (up) 31. Half a laugh sory 13. Middle-eastern governor 56. Verse of praise 32. Chicago trans. system 52. Detect 14. Climbed up on 57. Stumble 34. Pilot’s trip 53. First mother 16. Sun beam 58. Small container 35. __ and fro 54. Help 17. Not here anymore 59. “1,000,” Spanish 37. Outer prefix 55. South American monkey 18. Big finds 60. Military postal prefix 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 21. Popular show, “The __” 61. Check copy 23. “J”’s sandwich partner 62. Snakelike fish 11 12 13 25. International conflict 63. Fisherman’s tool 14 15 16 17 26. Canadian catchphrase 27. “Hero”’s Jet 18 19 20 28. Wise guy Down: 21 22 30. That girl 1. Human prototype 33. Fairly frequently 2. Skywalker’s cohort 23 24 25 26 27 36. Dwelling place 3. Tizzy 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 38. Furry TV extraterrestrial 4. Scary things 5. “And others,” Lat. 36 37 38 39 40 Last issue’s solution 6. “Banana Boat Song” H 41 42 43 44 45 L I R A S A N D E S refrain R P E H A N D E L V J 7. Old biddies 46 M A M A Z O N C S D H U 8. Modern music genre 47 48 49 50 51 52 H W M A N R 9. Famous canine ___ Tin P A N G A E A A T H E N A L S C Y N Tin 53 54 55 56 57 L H L L U R E N A I S S A N C E S 10. Exist N N V R 58 59 60 G G I N 15. Became unfrozen E T C E 19. Buck’s mate 61 62 63 R O L S N V E R M O N T