Phantom News Vol. I, Issue 6 Telling the TF Phantom story January 28, 2007 Bridging the gap Soldiers build relationships with Iraq’s next generation Story, photo by these kids don’t even have a Marine Cpl. Jessica Kent ball to play with, something MNC-I PAO we think is simple.” Because the children have Service members who very little, transition team conduct patrols in Baghdad members provided any help may catch a glimpse of what they could. They packed makes life so great at home. clothing donated from the In a country where elec- U.S. and delivered it to the tricity is scarce and mud school. Team members also huts are common homes, helped find desks and new many Iraqi families struggle doors for the school. to make a living. The trash- “The new units are wel- lined streets — often hiding come here,” the administra- explosives — are dangerous tor said. “I welcome them for children at play. because they help me.” One aspect of a child’s life Lt. Col. Anthony Cornett, team chief, 3rd Battalion, 7th Bri- During his last visit to that usually remains a steady gade, 2nd Division National Police Transition Team, speaks drop off children’s clothing, influence is going to school. to children at an elementary school in Baghdad. Lt. Col. Anthony Cornett, When Soldiers with the 3rd left school one day and nev- den areas,” said Sgt. 1st Class team chief, 3rd Bn., 7th Bde., Battalion, 7th Brigade, 2nd er returned. Patrick Andrus, communi- 2nd Div. NPTT, addressed Division National Police “Some were kidnapped cations NCOIC, 3rd Bn., 7th a classroom of bright-eyed Transition Team visited a lo- and never came back,” a Bde., 2nd Div. NPTT. “It def- students. A young girl asked cal elementary school, they school administrator said. initely makes me appreciate about terrorism in her coun- found the rooms so packed “We support what I have try, and how he would help to capacity with small stu- (the chil- “Here is where as an Ameri- the Iraqi people. dents that desks were moved dren) and you can make can.” “I work every day to en- outside to make an addition- give special A n d r u s sure that you’re protected; al classroom. attention to a difference for said it’s so does the National Police,” Although the school was the orphans Iraq.” hard to see he replied. “They’re my for girls, several small boys who miss Iraqi kids friends. But I’m a human be- were spotted among the their moth- -Lt. Col. Anthony Cornett without the ing just like you. Here (in the rows. Some families were ers or fa- team chief, 3rd Bn., 7th opportuni- classroom) is where you can granted permission to enroll thers.” Bde., 2nd Div. NPTT ties Ameri- make a difference for Iraq.” males in the school because Most of can children Because children are the sectarian violence made oth- the students often have. future of their country, An- ers too dangerous. are accustomed to hearing He added that the worst part drus said school students While the boys’ par- gunfire on the streets, seeing is that Iraqi children do not make up a generation that ents believe the elementary the destruction left by a mor- know to expect any better. can bring positive changes school is safer, each child tar round, watching Soldiers “It saddens my heart to Iraq. Transition team there has been touched by at traffic checkpoints, and sometimes to see the condi- members will spend the re- violence. Many lost parents chasing military convoys. tions they live in, when it’s mainder of their tour guid- and other family members “We travel down parts of cold outside and kids are ing National Policemen as who were murdered. Others Baghdad and then go to our wearing flip-flops without they struggle to make those lost a sibling or friend who sector and see the downtrod- jackets,” he said. “So many of changes. Page 2 Commentary January 28, 2007 Leadership days - motivating the troops It’s another chilly, damp, wet and I thought of how many special mo- muddy day in central Iraq. While Command Sgt. Maj. ments, holidays, birthdays, losses of walking to headquarters today as Neil Ciotola loved ones, and missed opportunities I always do, I was thinking about MNC-I Command with my true love that I have sacri- how cold it actually gets in the desert Sergeant Major ficed. I thought of the only two things compared to how miserably hot it can that got me through those days: sheer and will soon be. I thought of home determination and leadership. — Fort Hood, Texas —and how pleas- try, that I’ve endured the bitter cold I’m convinced my depth of char- ant the spring and fall are. I thought of and the stifling heat. I thought of all acter (no matter how shallow at the riding my brother’s Harley Road King those nights on guard duty and how time), and the thought of better times and feeling the breeze on my face. I miserable and alone I felt. I thought and more pleasant temperatures, thought of how easy it is, relatively of the nights when I felt sure there got me through the vast majority of speaking, to be out doing what we was not another soul awake and how the tough days and nights. I’m also Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen and easy it would be to close my eyes, go convinced, on those days when my Civilians do on those days when it’s in somewhere else (figuratively speak- self-discipline was about to fail me, the 60s, 70s and 80s temperature-wise. ing), doze off, sneak away and steal leadership got me through the tough- I thought of how many days, in my some time in a warm building or in est times. Leadership in the form of 31 years of service to our great coun- my sleeping bag. See TROOPS, page 6 Chaplain’s Corner Freedom to worship fies and denounces regimes that are severe persecutors of their citizens or others on the basis of religious belief.” Chaplain Dan Stallard In the military, we have the privilege of helping se- MNC-I JOC chaplain cure freedom for people who are oppressed by tyrannical governments. Freedom is not free. Our service members Freedom of religion is one our Nation’s most cherished carry the burden of battle and experience firsthand the cost civil liberties. The U.S. Bill of Rights outlines the five fun- of individual lives for the cause of freedom. The Christian damentals of freedom in the first amendment. The presi- Scriptures teach that there is no greater love than one’s dent, in the National Security Strategy, promotes human willingness to lay down their life for others. We owe so rights and freedom of religion as a national interest. much to the young men and women who serve daily on the The State Department has an Office of International battlefields of freedom. Religious Freedom, which promotes “religious freedom as What can we do to support our warriors of freedom? a core objective of U.S. foreign policy,” according to www. We can give medals, which they do appreciate. We can tell state.gov. “This office monitors religious persecution and their stories in newspapers and on the Internet to ensure discrimination worldwide, recommends and implements they are not forgotten. We can build memorials to honor policies in respective regions or countries, and develops the fallen. One very important thing we can do is pray for programs to promote religious freedom. them and their families. “Given the U.S. commitment to religious freedom, and A patriotic call to prayer — please pray for courage and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the vigilance for all our coalition forces; world peace, espe- inalienable right of every human being, the United States cially in the Middle East; all families and especially those seeks to promote freedom of religion and conscience who have lost loved ones to war; the innocent women and throughout the world as a fundamental human right and as children who face the collateral effects of war and who are a source of stability for all countries; assists newly formed directly exposed to war because of extremist ideologies; democracies in implementing freedom of religion and con- national leaders to make sound decisions and good policy science; assists religious and human rights non-government for a just and lasting peace; and military leaders to develop organizations in promoting religious freedom; and identi- strategies and tactics to defeat the enemies of freedom.

Phantom News is an authorized electronic publication for MNC-I Commanding General: Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno Phantom News welcomes columns, commentaries, articles members of the Department of Defense. Contents of this MNC-I Public Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. James Hutton and letters from our readers. Send submissions electronic publication are not necessarily the official views of MNC-I PA Sergeant Major: Sgt. Maj. Eric E. Parris or comments to [email protected]. The or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the Department of MNC-I Command Info Chief: Sgt. 1st Class Terrence Hayes editorial staff reserves the right to edit for security, accuracy, Defense. The editorial content of this publication is the respon- Editor: Sgt. Jacob Boyer propriety, policy, clarity and space. sibility of the Public Affairs Office of Multi-National Corps-Iraq. Staff: Spc. Laura M. Bigenho, Spc. D. A. Dickinson, Cpl. Jessica Kent, Spc. Abel Trevino January 28, 2007 Page 3

Zeroing in

Photo by Marine Cpl. Shane S. Keller Marines from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Regimental Combat Team 2, check their targets and make adjustments to their sights during a range at Camp Al Asad. RCT 2 is deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Al Anbar Province of Iraq to develop the Iraqi Security Forces, facilitate the development of official rule of law through democratic government reforms, and continue the development of a market-based economy centered on Iraqi reconstruction. Tax center helps VBC personnel file on time Software, advisors help those in need meet deadline Spc. Laura M. Bigenho there by virtue of our deployment, so to 180 days after redeployment. 28th Public Affairs Detachment we’re going to have somebody who “Even if you file late and you get can help to make sure you max out all a notice, simply write ‘combat zone Service members who want help fil- possible benefits,” Michaels said. OIF,’ your deployment date, and send ing their taxes can take advantage of While a simple tax return takes the notice back,” Boeskin said. “The the Camp Liberty Tax Center begin- about 15 minutes to file, Michaels rec- IRS will update your account to reflect ning Feb. 1. ommended those who anticipate more your new filing deadline.” Customers will have access to free complex returns call the center ahead Michaels encouraged filing early tax preparation software with attor- of time. and coordinating with finance to put neys on-site to answer questions and “We’ll take a stab at anything, but the refund in a savings plan. offer guidance. Soldiers need to be prepared if they “You can wait, but if you have a sim- “We’ve built a center where you can have something that’s more compli- ple return, you might as well file for it,” come in exclusively for tax use,” said cated,” he said. “I suggest you call so he said. “For many of us, if we can get Capt. Rob Michaels, legal assistance at- we can ensure you bring everything the money sooner than later, it’s good torney, 1st Cavalry Division. Custom- you need.” for us.” ers can also choose from a variety of Capt. Dan Boeskin, legal assistance The tax center will be open Monday popular software. attorney, Multi-National Corps-Iraq through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In addition to providing assistance, Office of Client Services, said service As April 16 approaches, the hours will Volunteer Income Tax Assistance-cer- members should know they have an expand if demand increases, Michaels tified personnel will be available to automatic extension. said. They are also willing to make spe- prepare and submit returns for those “Soldiers should understand they cial arrangements for those working preferring to have somebody else do are under no obligation for quite some night shifts or odd hours. the work. time to file for taxes,” he said. “Our first priority is going to be Michaels recommends service mem- Michaels and Boeskin agreed those Soldiers, but we’re willing to help any- bers take advantage of the tax center’s who own small businesses or have body,” Michaels said. advantages. more complicated returns should take The tax center is located in Bldg. “A lot of folks don’t really under- advantage of the automatic extension, C25, near the Mayor’s Cell on Camp stand what types of benefits are out which can extend your filing deadline Liberty. Page 4 January 28, 2007

Sgt. Edgar Campuzano and Spc. Tamaryn Swickheimer, members of the 61st Medical Detachment, test water samples. Preventive medicine team protects peers Story, photos by Spc. D. A. Dickinson dition to conducting wastewater sur- 28th Public Affairs Detachment veillance. Members of the detachment also conduct surveys to see how the Soldiers with the 61st Medical De- military presence here is impacting the tachment’s preventive medicine team environment, said Swickenheimer, a train continually to identify health Roscommon, Mich., native. threats to service members at Victory “Water production is our biggest Base Complex. concern,” she said. “We ensure the health of the Soldiers Another task the detachment’s Sol- to make sure they’re ready to do their diers handle is training their Iraqi mission,” said Sgt. Edgar Campuzano, equivalents. preventive medicine team leader for “We are working with our Iraqi the 61st Med. Det., which is deployed counterparts — trying to help them from Fort Campbell, Ky. be mission ready,” said Campuzano, a Typically, the better a preventive Houston native. medicine unit executes its mission, the The detachment’s mission standard fewer people are aware of it, said Spc. Campuzano sets up a device that tests is to be able to perform preventive Tamaryn Swickheimer, a preventive air quaility for Soldiers. medicine for 28,000 personnel. They medicine technician with the unit. This involves them looking for pos- are exceeding that standard, Campu- “When we are successful, we large- sible threats to service members’ health zano said. ly go unnoticed,” she said. “We try to by policing water production facilities, “We cover roughly 40,000 to 50,000 keep Soldiers healthy.” AAFES and the dining facility in ad- and we’re still doing our job,” he said. January 28, 2007 Page 5

Maj. Benito Perez, detachment commander, 389th Finance Detachment, 15th Finance Battalion, holds an EagleCash card. The card can be used like cash at various places throughout the Victory Base Complex and other posts Iraq-wide. EagleCash makes spending safe, simple Story, photo by Spc. Laura M. Bigenho To enroll, customers need to take If a cardholder loses his card, he 28th Public Affairs Detachment their bank account information to the should immediately report it to finance, finance office on post. Service- mem Perez said. Service members and U.S. contrac- bers can access the information online “Since AAFES is linked to the bank, tors who want to closely monitor their through myPay. Others should bring the bank will automatically send a mes- spending might consider enrolling in voided checks from their bank ac- sage that the card has been reported EagleCash. The cash-management pro- counts. stolen or lost so transactions cannot be gram was developed by the U.S. Army Enrolling takes a few minutes. After made.” Finance Command and the U.S. Trea- enrollment, cardholders manage their Because no PIN is required to make sury Department to support the finan- accounts at kiosks across post. transactions, anyone can use EagleCash cial needs of deployed personnel. The kiosks have a smart-card reader if they find the card. There is no fee associated with that requires a PIN. Once the PIN is “As a measure to avoid that type EagleCash, and cardholders have ac- accepted, cardholders have access to of situation, we instruct AAFES not cess to their banks’ checking accounts account information and transaction to take any cards that do not have the 24 hours a day. The card “monitors history. They can also transfer funds. name and signature of the card own- the amount of cash being used in the- Cardholders with a balance on the card er,” Perez said. ater while helping deployed person- may receive the remaining balance Although EagleCash has been nel manage their finances,” said Maj. back in cash. around since June 2006, it is catching Benito Perez, detachment commander, In addition to being simple to use, on fast among people here. 389th Finance Detachment, 15th Fi- EagleCash is a good preventive mea- “We issue approximately 50 to 60 nance Battalion. sure against identity theft, Perez said. cards per week,” Perez said about the Cardholders can make purchases “Personal information is saved in card’s growing use at Camp Victory. at Post Exchanges and restaurants the kiosk, but the card itself doesn’t list “It’s a good, safe way to manage your throughout theatre. any,” he said. finances.” Page 6 January 28, 2007

Lying in wait

Sgt. 1st Class Robert C. Brogan Sgt. Steven DeBrew, Company D, 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, checks his area while securing the perimeter of a joint U.S and Iraqi Army operation in Tall Aswad, Iraq, Jan. 12.

TROOPS, from page 2 with them. I accomplish much by just one who sustains your troops with watching, listening and communicat- steadfast conviction and or a smile? my supervisor, my platoon sergeant, ing. I instill or affect what is occurring Are you the one who recognizes the my first sergeant or even my battle at that moment merely by my pres- tremendous responsibility we have buddy. ence. had bestowed on us? You know, the Can you remember those days and Don’t think it’s true? How many life of another human being. nights when out of nowhere there ap- times have you seen or been the This morning I watched as a senior peared a senior NCO in your chain of one standing there with your hands noncommissioned officer expressed command or NCO support channel? jammed in your pockets, or the one at his frustration over his inability to Do you remember thinking where did the clearing barrel about to cut cor- motivate his troops out of fear that that son of a @#$%^ come from? Do ners and you look up and see a senior his unit may be extended in theater. you remember him or her carrying NCO and err on the side of right? In I watched as he stripped the very you through the toughest part of the other words, you remove those hands prestige from the institution with day or night? without being told or get out of the his words. I watched as he dimin- If not, I feel for you, because you vehicle. Because in the end you knew ished what others have died doing. I have not experienced the essence of what right was but you just needed watched, and came to the realization true leadership. If you can understand that slight nudge of encouragement in that he did not know what a leader- what I’m talking about, then you’ve the form of an adult? ship day was or the professional experienced a leadership day. Those There are some leaders who do obligation he had to inspire his troops days when it’s so damned miserable not think they have an effect on the every darn day. Yes, this Soldier was or hard that the mere presence of a masses — don’t look at those around a sergeant first class with many years leader carries you through the mo- you, look inside yourself. Do you of service. What have we failed to do ment, the event or the fight. You’ve effect your troopers on a daily, consis- when it comes to instilling a sense of experienced a leadership day — one in tently positive basis? Are you the one pride and contagious affection for our which not a word need be spoken, but with your head hanging down around country, our people and our service? strength is drawn from the presence of your chest or the one reciting “Same This sergeant first class convinced the leader. S@#$, different day?” me he did not understand the essence Young men and women repeat- Or are you the one that revels in of leadership, or the affect it can and edly ask me what I do or what I’m the break of dawn? Are you the one must have every day. He in effect lost doing with them at that moment. I that revels in God’s greatest gift — the sight of the fact that he was being con- tell them that that first and foremost I opportunity to share our lives one fronted with a leadership day and let accomplish much by just sharing time time with one another. Are you the the day slip right through his fingers. January 28, 2007 Community Page 7

Announcements Operating Hours Tae kwon do lessons Customs class Coalition Cafe Breakfast 5:30 - 8:30 a.m. Grand Master Sung Bok Nam, coach of A customs class for all separate brigades Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. the 1993 U.S. National Tae Kwon Do Team on the Victory Base Complex will be held Dinner 5:30 - 8 p.m. Midnight Dining 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. and the 2003 Iraqi National Tae Kwon Do Feb. 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Al Sports Oasis Breakfast 5:30 - 8:30 a.m. Team, offers tae kwon do lessons Tuesdays, Faw Palace. The class will allow brigades Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays from 6-7 p.m. at to have certified customs inspectors to- in Dinner 5 - 9 p.m. Shopette the Camp Victory Fitness Center. spect subordinate units redeploying within Open 24 Hours Camp Liberty Post Exchange each brigade. The class is limited to 50 par- 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Foreign disclosure training ticipants and spots are reseserved on a first- Fitness Center Open 24 Hours Those in need of foreign discolsure train- come, first-served basis. MNC-I STB Mailroom 9 a.m. - noon ing can call 822-2262 or go to mnci.intranet. Contact Sgt. 1st Class Frank Koptya for 5 - 7 p.m. iraq.mil/C12/FDO/default.aspx. more information. Golby Troop Medical Clinic Sick Call: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - noon Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - noon Tejano & Norteno Night Karaoke Tuesdays Dental Sick Call: MWR Bldg. 124 offers Tejano and Norte- DJ Tek offers karaoke and mixed music Monday - Friday 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. Saturday 9 - 10:30 a.m. no music every Friday at 8:30 p.m. Contact Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. at MWR Bldg. 124. Mental Health Clinic: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Staff Sgt. Raymond Edwards at 822-2514 for Saturday 9 a.m. - noon more information. Old-school Saturdays Post-Deployment Health Briefings: Monday, Wdenesday and Friday 1 p.m. DJ Tek plays R&B and old-school hip-hop Pharmacy: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - noon; IMO training Saturdays at 9 p.m. at MWR Bldg. 124. 1 - 4:30 p.m. Training for information management of- Saturday & Sunday 7:30 a.m. - noon Legal Assistance/Claims ficers is held Sundays at 3 p.m. in theEu- Newcomers’ brief Saturday - Thursday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Friday 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. phrates Conference Room in Al Faw Palace. Newcomers’ briefs for all incoming per- Personnel Service Support Centers sonnel to Camp Victory are held Saturdays Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tae kwon do lessons at 2:30 p.m. in the Coalition Cafe. ID Cards The American Tae Kwon Do Association Monday - Friday 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. offers tae kwon do lessons Tuesdays and ATV and Gator training Saturdays from 5-6 p.m. at the South Victory ATV and Gator drivers’ training will be Worship Hours Gym. held Feb. 5-6 at the STB motor pool. Contact Contact Sgt. Maj. Frank Zepp at 822-3296 Staff Sgt. Yvonne Thomas for more informa- Victory Chapel (Bldg. 31) Sunday for more information. tion. 7 a.m...... Collective Protestant 8:45 a.m...... Collective Protestant 10 a.m...... Catholic Confession 10:30 a.m...... Catholic Mass noon...... Gospel Protestant Lost & Found 2 p.m...... Latter Day Saints 4 p.m...... Episcopal/Lutheran Cell phone Eyeglasses 6 p.m...... Contemporary Protestant A cell phone was found at the Liberty He- A black metal set of prescription eyeglass- 8 p.m...... Kinghts of Columbus (1st & 3rd Sundays) lipad Dec. 18. es in a black nylon pouch was found on the Saturday 11 a.m...... Seventh Day Adventist Contact Staff Sgt. Jeffery Stacy at 822-3299 Rhino to the International Zone Jan. 18. 8 p.m...... Catholic Mass to confirm the type of phone. Contact Lt. Col. Kevin Walker at 822-2541. Mini Chapel (Bldg. 2) Sunday 9:30 a.m...... Breaking of Bread Area 51 Weekly Schedule 3 p.m...... Church of Christ 7:30 p.m...... Latter Day Saints Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. Sun. Monday-Friday 4 p.m...... Daily Mass Friday 6:30 p.m...... Jewish Service Halo 2 Halo 2 Halo 2 Dominoes Latin Night SUPER Tournament Tournament Tournament Tournament 8 p.m. BOWL 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. 8 p.m. XLI AFN Freedom Radio

Al Asad...... 107.3 Kirkush...... 107.3 Ali Base...... 107.3 Mosul...... 105.1 Ar Ramadi.. 107.3 Q-West...... 93.3 Do you have an announcement about information. Information for community Baghdad..... 107.3 Taji...... 107.3 an event of interest to the Camp Victory announcements needs to submitted at Balad...... 107.3 Tal Afar...... 107.3 community? Contact Sgt. Jacob Boyer at least two weeks prior to the event to al- Fallujah...... 105.1 Taqqadum... 107.3 Kirkuk...... 107.3 Tikrit...... 100.1 [email protected] with the low for timely publication. All stations are FM Page 8 Sports & Fitness January 28 2007

New season, new driver Mears takes seat in National Guard car Story, photo by Sgt. Jim Greenhill Army News Service

ARLINGTON, Va. — says the honor is all his. “It’s just a big honor,” Mears said shortly after he was introduced as the National Guard’s new Guard Car driver at the Army National Guard Readiness Center Jan. 12. Mears will drive the No. 25 National Guard/ GMAC Chevy Monte Carlo SS in the 2007 NASCAR Nextel Cup and the No. 24 National Guard Chevy in the Busch Racing Series. This is the first year that the Guard will have cars competing in both divisions. “It’s just so different than any other normal sponsor,” Mears said. “You’re not just representing a brand, you’re representing a portion of the country, The No. 25 National Guard GMAC Chevy Monte Carlo SS that will be driven by what the country stands for, and all Casey Mears in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series this year was unveiled at the the men and women who fight for Army National Guard Readiness Center in Arlington, Va. us. We get to do what we do because Army National Guard. with Guard members serving at home we’re protected by the National Defending Nextel Cup champion or abroad if given the opportunity. Guard, so it’s just a big honor to be Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon and Kyle “It would be great to do that,” he representing them and hopefully hold Busch also drive for Hendrick Motor- said. “I can only imagine. I still have them up proud and do well.” sports. a lot to understand and learn of what Lt. Gen. Clyde A. Vaughn, director The Daytona 500 will kick off the citizen-Soldiers go through. It would of the Army National Guard, said the 2007 Nextel Cup season Feb. 18. be great to try to lift their spirits.” Guard’s NASCAR sponsorship is one In another life, Mears might have Mears is optimistic about the year key to successful recruiting. enlisted himself, but he said racing ahead. “We have a lot of fun with this,” demands total focus and commitment “I’m more excited this year than Vaughn said. “We recruit 70,000 Sol- that precludes other activities. I ever have been,” he said. “This is diers a year. It’s about recruiting, and “I knew I was going to be racing going to be my fifth year in the Nextel it’s about maintaining the strength of from the time I was really young,” the Cup. My first couple of seasons were a this great organization, and part and 28-year-old Mears said. His father is huge learning curve, coming from the parcel of that is this fun we have with Roger Mears, and off- open-wheel side of things. Having the NASCAR, because it puts that Nation- road veteran; his uncle is , experience that I have now at this level al Guard name right up there in front four-time Indy winner; his grandfa- and moving to an organization like in the nation’s largest market on any ther also raced. Casey Mears began , it’s the best one weekend outside the Super Bowl.” racing BMX bicycles when he was 4, opportunity and the best situation I Driving for Hendrick Motorsports, then he graduated to ATVs. could possibly be in to go out and win Mears is the successor to Greg Biffle, He also played high school football. races and do well..” driver of the No. 16 National Guard “The physical aspect of the train- In 2006, Mears won the 44th annual Ford for the past three seasons. Biffle’s ing, the things that you did in football Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona for Chip accomplishments included winning always made me wonder. I always Ganassi Racing while teamed with six races and finishing 2nd in the Nex- wanted to maybe go through basic Scott Dixon and Dan Wheldon. He tel Cup series in 2005. combat training and just see how I was the first full-time NASCAR driver “We’ve gone through a great three would be affected by it or how well I to win the Rolex 24. He won his first seasons with the No. 16 car,” said Lt. would get through it.” NASCAR race last July 8 at Chicago- Gen. Clyde A. Vaughn, director of the Mears said he would like to visit land Speedway.