Sgt. Jill Stevens CONTENTS SOLDIERS I DECEMBER2007 I VOLUME62,NO.12 Cover Story — Page 4 Photo by Sgt

December 2007 www.army.mil

SoldiersSoldiersThe Ofﬁ cial U.S. Army G.I. JILL Sgt. Jill Stevens CONTENTS SOLDIERS I DECEMBER2007 I VOLUME62,NO.12 Cover Story — Page 4 Photo by Sgt. Maj. Phil Prater CONTENTS Features

G.I. Jill 4 Ranier Rescuers 12 The Utah Army National Guard’s Sgt. Jill Stevens is a Soldier, the reigning Miss Utah and a potential CH-47 Chinook helicopters of a Fort Lewis, Wash.- Miss America. based Army Reserve aviation unit undertake high-altitude rescues on Mount Rainier. Commissioning the Smalls 16 Based in Maryland, the new Army Reserve vessel MG Robert Smalls (LSV-8) honors a famous black American.

Building an All-American Team 18 On Jan. 5 the nation’s best high school football players will gather in San Antonio, Texas, for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Portraits of the Fallen 24 Christmas Notes 21 Utah artist Ms. Kaziah Hancock paints portraits There are many time-honored and traditional ways of fallen Soldiers for presentation to their families. to celebrate Christmas, and this month we explore some of the most popular. Training Salvadorans for Iraq 32 A 26-member team from Joint Task Force-Bravo recently traveled from Honduras to El Salvador to help prepare Salvadoran troops for duty in Iraq.

Training for Mountain Warfare 34 In Vermont, staffers at the Army Mountain War- fare School help prepare Soldiers for the rigors of high-altitude combat.

Protecting the Western Toad 37 The U.S. Army Field Band 40 At Fort Lewis, Wash., post environmentalists are Part of the Offi ce of the Chief of Public Affairs, the fi nding innovative ways to help preserve an en- U.S. Army Field Band travels thousands of miles dangered species. each year to entertain and educate. Adopt a Soldier 44 Few things boost a deployed Soldier’s morale as much, or as quickly, as a surprise care package containing scarce necessities and rare goodies. Departments Mail Call...... 3 On Point ...... 28 Army News...... 38 Holiday Safety...... 46 Soldiers Index ...... 47 eCybermission...... 49 SOLDIERS The Offi cial U.S. Army Magazine MEDIA CENTER Secretary of the Army: Mr. Pete Geren Chief of Staff: Gen. George W. Casey Jr. Chief of Public Affairs: Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Cucolo III Soldiers Media Center We Want Your Story Commander: Col. Ricky R. Sims Print Communications Staff Editor in Chief: Mr. Gil High Soldiers Magazine Managing Editor: Mr. Steve Harding Soldiers Magazine Senior Editor: Mrs. Heike Hasenauer Soldiers Magazine Writer/Editor: Ms. Beth Reece The Army is our nation’s greatest resource in defense of our Soldiers Magazine Writer/Editor: Mr. Don Wagner homeland. Every day Soldiers and civilians perform acts of Distribution: Mr. Arthur Benckert valor. The heroic acts performed on the battlefi eld and the acts of ARNEWS Editor: Mr. Gary Scheftick kindness from humanitarian efforts demonstrate the strength of ARNEWS Writer: Mr. J.D. Leipold the Army. We want to tell your story. To fi nd out how the Soldiers ARNEWS Writer: Ms. Elizabeth Lorge Media Center can tell your story, contact your unit public affairs Visual Information Staff offi cer or send your submissions via e-mail to Director: Mr. Paul Henry Crank Graphic Designer: Mr. LeRoy Jewell [email protected] Printing: Gateway Press, Inc., Louisville, Ky.

Soldiers (ISSN 0093-8440) is published monthly by the Army Chief of Public Affairs to provide information on people, policies, operations, technical developments, trends and ideas of and about the Department of the Army. The views and opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Department of the Army.

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2 www.army.mil Mail Call

I would think that protective eyewear might be a good idea for any canine about to go on an involuntary hoist ride, but I also our Soldiers about how to detect and counter know that Soldiers aren’t above dressing up them, the fewer casualties we’ll have. their working dogs with a little off-the-wall I will say (from personal experience) apparel. that no matter how realistic IED training is, Sgt. Jimmie Allison Sad Sack it absolutely can’t prepare you for being the via e-mail THE November story “Remembering Sad target of a real IED. The good news is that if Sack,” was very well done, though I have the training has been good, when the real thing WHILE we like to think of ourselves as to admit that before reading the article I had explodes you’ll survive because the reactions incredibly knowledgeable about all things Field never heard of Sad Sack. are automatic. Army, we have to admit that this is a new one It seems to me that today’s Army could Name withheld by request for us. We assume that the dog’s goggles the use a signature cartoon character, since it via e-mail are necessary and official, but we’d be seems like a good way to point out both the Xbox Army interested in hearing from somebody who hassles and high points of Army life in a funny knows for sure. and informative way. GREAT cover on the October issue! The Keep up the good work. Army hit on a brilliant marketing ploy when

from from Korea Changes 1st Lt. R.J. Stiles it developed the ﬁ rst version of “America’s I WAS glad to see the October story about via e-mail Army.” That game is well done, informative the changes at Camp Humphreys, Korea. I and, most important, fun to play, and I assume think anyone who served there in the old days AS a retiree who’s far older than he cares to that “True Soldiers” will be even better. (meaning up to about two years ago) would

Letters remember, I want to congratulate you on the My only problem with the article is that agree that positive changes in housing and excellent Sad Sack story in the November it said the game was going to be released, other quality-of-life issues was long overdue. issue. and as far as I know it still wasn’t out by late Congratulations to the Army for keeping I can remember reading Sad Sack October. What gives? Soldier welfare on the front burner. comics in Yank during the war, and then in Name withheld by request William Ekstrom civilian comic books later on. Sad Sack gave via e-mail via e-mail a voice to enlisted guys like me, and Sgt. George Baker was able to “tell it like it is” in a WE are aware that the game’s developer, Red way that was acceptable to the brass because Storm Entertainment, has delayed release until it was humorous. sometime this fall. For more information, visit SoldiersSoldiers Valuesvalues Your article was a great stroll down www.americasarmy.com. memory lane. Youryour Opinionopinion

John R. Laurent Doggie Eyewear? To comment, keep your remarks Monroeville, Pa. to under 150 words, include your name, IED Training I ENJOYED the November issue, though I do rank and address, and send them to: have a question about one of the photos in Mail Call, Soldiers, SMC YOUR November article “Training to Defeat the “On Point” department. Box 31, 2511 Jefferson Davis Hwy. IEDs” was interesting, and I’m glad to hear that In the photo in the upper-right corner of Arlington, VA 22202-3900, lessons learned in Iraq and Afghanistan are page 27 there’s a dog being ﬁ tted with a hoist being incorporated into counter-IED training collar. My question is this: Is the dog actually or e-mail: scenarios. wearing some kind of protective eyewear, or [email protected] I think we all realize that IEDs are a terrible does the photographer just have a twisted effective weapon, and the more we can teach sense of humor? W For links to the Army News WW• Service and Soldiers Radio Live, visit www.army.mil

Soldiers•December2007 3 G.I.Story by Ms. Beth Reece Sgt.JILL Jill Stevens

VERYTHING about Sgt. Jill lene Wells-Hawkes, a former Miss Guard’s 1st Battalion, 211th Avia- Stevens — from her tomboy- America and recent judge. tion Regiment, Sgt. Stevens had just ish childhood to her year in She turns Soldiers’ heads, too. started nursing school at Southern a war zone — says “one of “She’s an all-around amazing girl, the Utah University in the fall of 2005 E the guys” rather than beauty type of person who’s going to make a when the school’s pageant director queen. difference in people’s lives,” said re- recruited her to run for Miss SUU. But the combat medic has dazzled tired Sgt. 1st Class Lee Porter. While “I was like, “Yeah, right.’ I wear pageant judges, who unanimously serving with her in Afghanistan, the combat boots; I don’t do heels. To named her Miss Utah last June and NCO predicted Sgt. Stevens would me, pageants were about girls wav- guaranteed her a shot at the title one day be Miss America — a year ing their hands and looking pretty. “Miss America 2008.” before she ever considered entering a I didn’t want to be associated with “I’ve never seen anyone with pageant. that,” she said. more natural poise or with such a gift “But then he told me that these for connecting with people. She has girls move people to action, that so much to offer in terms of service; The Beauty Queen they really make a difference,” Sgt. she’s a natural leader,” said Ms. Shar- A member of the Utah National Stevens said. “He believed in the organization and how it changed girls’ lives. I thought, ‘that’s cool.’ It was my light-bulb moment.” The chance to serve and help others — much like she does in uniform — through politics and community, steered Sgt. Stevens in a direction neither she nor her family thought likely. “We tried to talk her out of it,” said Sgt. Stevens’ mom, Karen. “I was of the same mind that she was, that pageantry was all foo foo and ﬂ uff. I didn’t know about the service goals of the organization, or about the scholarships.” Sgt. Stevens appeared at her ﬁ rst

pageant workshop wearing sweaty While in Afghanistan in 2004-2005, Sgt. Jill Stevens — a member of the Utah Army National Guard — used games of tag and songs to connect with local children.

4 www.army.mil G.I. Sgt.JILL Jill Stevens

Sgt. Stevens was named Miss Southern Utah University and second runner-up in the 2006 Miss Utah pageant. Now Miss Utah 2007, she will compete for the Miss America crown Jan. 26 in Las Vegas, Nev. Sgt. Maj. Phil Prater

Soldiers•December2007 5 gym clothes and a ball cap. One look at the other girls, all sporting “professionals” — her term for business attire — and she almost ducked out. “I didn’t know a thing about that side of the world,” she said. Learning to walk became Sgt. Stevens’ ﬁ rst crash course on “wom- anhood.” “I had to ask my college room- mate where to buy high heels to practice in,” she said. Next came losing what she called her “Soldier strut,” where she dipped her shoulders with each step. For her talent display, Sgt. Stevens considered taking apart and reassembling her M-16 riﬂ e. “You get two minutes to do your talent, and at boot camp you’re trained to take it apart and put it back together in two minutes. So I thought that might work as my talent. Then I realized it probably wasn’t a very smart idea,” she said. Instead, she chose a monologue to show her gift for making others laugh. Sgt. Stevens won Miss SUU and went on to become second runner-up in the 2006 Miss Utah pageant. “At that point I was done,” she said. “I had learned so much about myself, and it was great that, as a Sol- dier, I’d made it so far.” But friends urged her to go for the crown. “I knew Jill could win. She’s so multifaceted, and many of the girls are one-dimensional,” said Ms. Wells- Hawkes. “Her whole life story sets

her apart from others. She’s a renais- As a medic assigned to Bagram Air Base in 2004 and 2005, Sgt. Stevens flew to Jegdalek to provide medical assistance to Afghan villagers.

6 www.army.mil Sgt. Stevens stays true to her modest taste

in competition gowns by having the dresses Beth Reece custom made without thin “spaghetti” shoulder straps.

sance woman.” As Miss Utah 2007, Sgt. Stevens travels the state and across America to spread the word on emergency preparedness, a subject that caught her attention in Afghanistan. She also gives motivational talks to students about her slogan, “Lock and Load,” which she translates to “Be ready for anything and make every moment count.” In October she went to Washing- ton, D.C., to visit Soldiers at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and run the Marine Corps Marathon. And while she considers herself the least talented in a musically gifted family — her mother sings with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir — she’s sung the national anthem at football-game openings. “Now that I’m Miss Utah, I want The military wants people to get an tional Guard six months before 9/11 to get out on a national level to show education, to be fi t and, above all, for the same cliché reasons depicted that I can be Miss America, not just to serve. It’s the same with Miss in commercials: adventure, challenge have the judges picture it by what I’m America. They also want you to be and benefi ts. doing here at home,” she said. educated; they also promote fi tness; Two years later, while driving The Army National Guard has and the biggest part is service. Both home from college to spend Thanks- taken advantage of Sgt. Stevens’ teach you to be leaders.” giving with her family, she got the rapport with young women and made Which title best suits her? call. “Pack your bags,” her section her a hometown recruiter, an assign- “Oh, defi nitely the Soldier,” she sergeant said. “You’re going to Af- ment in which she shares her Army said. ghanistan.” experiences with those looking for a “I’d just been accepted into glimpse of “real” Army life. She has The Soldier nursing school, and I was engaged so far encouraged four young women Sgt. Stevens joined the Army Na- to someone at the time. Everything to join. The divide between Soldier and The divide between Soldier and beauty queen, beauty queen, beret and tiara, evening gown and Army combat uniform, is beret and tiara, evening gown and Army combat not so vast to Sgt. Stevens. uniform, is not so vast to Sgt. Stevens. “To me, they go hand in hand.

Soldiers•December2007 7 changed completely,” she said. Stationed at Bagram Air Base from 2004 to 2005, Sgt. Stevens worked in the aid station, patching up anywhere from 10 to 40 Soldiers a day. Her unit also provided medical aid and supplies to locals. In the villages, Sgt. Stevens used games of tag and songs to connect with the children. On a humanitarian mission in Jegdalek, Sgt. Stevens met ﬁ ve-year- old Halima, a girl with crossed eyes and impaired vision. Sgt. Stevens and fellow Soldiers arranged to have American doctors ﬁ x Halima’s eyes. During the week of the girl’s surgery Sgt. Stevens played the big sister. She showed Halima American cartoons, dressed her up, taught her to brush her teeth and fed her french fries from

While helping to provide medical assistance to villagers in Jegdalek, Sgt. Stevens befriended ﬁ ve-year-old Halima, a girl with crossed eyes and impaired vision.

Later, after surgery performed by American doctors corrected her eye problems, Halima poses for a farewell photo as Sgt. Stevens prepares to leave Afghanistan.

8 www.army.mil The Pageant GT. Jill Stevens won’t be the lone Soldier at January’s Miss America pageant. Those Sshe’s served with in Afghanistan will also be present to cheer on one of their own. About 30 Soldiers will attend the event with families, according to Maj. Hank McIntire, Utah National Guard public affairs offi cer. a Burger King kiosk on base. “It will help remind the audience and viewers of the versatility of one of the contes- “My purpose was to show her tants, and help us remember the service and sacrifi ce Soldiers made on behalf of the how we Americans lived, that women country,” he said. really can do things,” she said. “We’ll Having a Soldier in the Miss America competition, he added, shows possible recruits see a difference in Afghanistan when they can accomplish anything in the military. these kids grow into adults. They will In fact, “I think part of what makes Sgt. Stevens such a strong candidate is her com- make it happen when they’re older, bat experience. She also personifi es every aspect of what you’d look for in an ideal Miss and I think Halima will be a part of America,” he said. “She’s a trend setter.” that.” As for Sgt. Stevens’ skills as a Soldier, Maj. McIntire said he agrees with comments Although Sgt. Stevens’ unit made by Maj. Gen. Brian Tarbet, adjutant general for the Utah National Guard: “Obviously expected to return to Jegdalek a few she is bright and attractive, but most important, she’s a terrifi c Soldier.” — Beth Reece weeks after Halima’s surgery, other missions prevailed and fi ve months passed before what became Sgt. Ste- they would forget who I was and all me, arms wide open with the biggest vens’ fi nal visit to the village. the things I’d taught them.” grin on her face. We did one of those “As soon as I walked off the land- The kids busied her with games, swoop-around hugs, and that right ing zone and into the village, the kids and two hours passed with no sign of there was truly the happiest moment were yelling, ‘Jill, Jill.’ It was music Halima. of my life,” she said. “I didn’t care to my ears,” she said. “I was so afraid As Sgt. Stevens prepared to head that I had to drop out of school, that Sgt. Stevens and Chief Warrant Offi cer Layne back to the landing zone, the kids I had to give up so many things to be Pace depart from their fi nal trip to Jegdalek. whispered, “Halima, Halima,” and there. It made every sacrifi ce worth From the air, they watched locals wave the American fl ag, which Sgt. Stevens said also suddenly the crowd parted. it.” now represents freedom in Afghanistan. “Halima came running straight for Flying away from Jegdalek for the last time, Sgt. Stevens wondered if the locals she’d helped understood that she and her fellow Soldiers would soon be heading home to Utah. Her commander, who was sitting next to her, motioned for her to look down.

Stationed at Bagram Air Base’s aid station from 2004 to 2005, Sgt. Stevens patched up from 10 to 40 Soldiers a day.

Soldiers•December2007 9 While deployed, Sgt. Stevens was the fi rst woman to cross the fi nish line in what the Afghan National Olympic Committee claimed to be the country’s fi rst marathon.

“We looked out and there was our part of me that can see going fl ag, which represents the sacrifi ce of 20 years.” so many we’d served with, and those before us,” she said. “Now it repre- The Woman sents their freedom. I couldn’t have Being Miss Utah hasn’t been more proud to be an American always felt natural to Sgt. Soldier.” Stevens. Standing onstage While deployed, Sgt. Stevens was alongside “stunning, elegant the fi rst woman to cross the fi nish women” and receiving beauty line in what the Afghan National advice from pushy well- Olympic Committee claimed to be the wishers has led her to some country’s fi rst marathon. She remem- introspection and self-doubt, bers the 26.2-mile race along rocky, she admitted. landmine-littered terrain as “painful “I’m not the most and slow.” talented or most intelligent. “As I was running I realized that I didn’t get an academic there I was, a woman running in a scholarship, and I’m not the Sgt. Stevens — a self-described “tomboy” — says that participating in pageants has country where women are oppressed. most graceful walker or best model,” helped her discover her feminine side. Suddenly I became proud, because I she said. “There have been hard times am an American woman fi ghting to when I’ve thought I should walk like budge from a one-piece swimsuit, for help these women,” she said. “Those someone else or be other than what I example, and so clean is her taste in thoughts took me to the fi nish line am. But I’ve come to realize it’s okay evening gowns that they’ve all been — I did it for them.” to just be me.” custom made — none of them sleeve- After six and a half years in the For Sgt. Stevens, being true to less or with “spaghetti” straps. service, Sgt. Stevens can’t imagine herself entails a modesty that other “I don’t want to showcase my cutting her ties with the Army. “It’s so pageant participants — and judges body in a way that makes me an a part of my life right now. There’s a — eye questioningly. She refuses to object,” she said. “Again, I want to

10 www.army.mil No one is better prepared for the national spotlight than Sgt. Stevens, said Ms. Wells-Hawkes, who can easily see the young woman ably representing her generation of women worldwide.

be myself, not just a part of the mold. “And for all that the pageantry has ers. The fact that she’s been willing Maybe that’s what helps me to stand given to Jill, I think has even more to to go abroad and put herself in harm’s out, that I can wear something differ- return. way says she’s willing to do what it ent and still be beautiful.” “The fact that she’s not your takes to make a difference,” she said. While Sgt. Stevens’ mother average beauty queen who has been “Jill is exactly the person we want to believes the Army suits her daughter doing this her whole life … shows represent our country.” S better than pageantry, she said she’s other girls that they can be an athlete, proud to see the woman it’s helped a tomboy, a Soldier, and also do great Sgt. Stevens become. things,” she said. “We defi nitely see more of the No one is better prepared for the feminine touch in her, and I’m not national spotlight than Sgt. Stevens, sure that was something she ever said Ms. Well-Hawkes, who can aspired to before,” her mother said. easily see the young Soldier ably The Miss America pageant will be representing her generation of women broadcast live Jan. 26 on TLC from the Aladdin Resort and Casino in Sgt. Stevens has been a fi tness fanatic since worldwide. the fi fth grade, when she woke up at 5:30 Las Vegas, Nev. a.m. to do Richard Simmons’ “Sweatin’ to “Miss America is an individual the Oldies” with her mom, Karen. who is ready and willing to serve oth-

Soldiers•December2007 11 Rainier

RescuersStory and Photos by Mr. Steve Harding

12 www.army.mil Rainier Rescuers At 8,000 feet up the western face of Wash- ington state’s 14,400-foot Mount Rainier, National Park Service climbing ranger Mr. Andy Anderson awaits the arrival of a CH-47 Chinook of the Fort Lewis-based Company A, 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment.

OST of the 6,000 to 8,000 Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment, to Iraq in 2003, and also operated climbers who each year since 1990, said unit commander Maj. the aircraft during relief operations attempt to scale Washing- William Wynn. And it’s a mission for following hurricanes Katrina and ton’s Mount Rainier walk which the unit is very well equipped. Rita in 2005. off the long-dormant vol- “The Chinook is a great Mcano under their own power. For the An Ideal Aircraft aircraft, and it performs all the unfortunate few who can’t — either Co. A operates 10 CH-47D Chi- usual military missions very well,” because of injury or incapacitation nooks — large, twin-rotor transport said Chief Warrant Ofﬁ cer 4 Bob — the trip down is often courtesy of helicopters that are the backbone of Agee. A CH-47 pilot since the an Army Reserve CH-47 Chinook. Army aviation’s heavy-lift capabil- Vietnam War and currently one of Supporting the National Park ity. Capable of carrying equipment Co. A’s most senior aviators, he is Service rangers who undertake high- and personnel to high altitudes under also the supervisor of Fort Lewis’s altitude rescues on Mount Rainier a variety of weather conditions, Army Reserve Aviation Support during the spring and summer climb- various Chinook models have served Facility. ing season has been the specialty of in combat theaters from Vietnam to “And the Chinook is also ideal the Fort Lewis-based Company A, 5th Afghanistan. Co. A took its Chinooks for the mountain-rescue mission,

Soldiers•December2007 13 Having taken off from the Park Service’s Kautz Helibase at the mountain’s 3,000-foot the mountain, a small commercial we’re actually at the base camp when level, a Co. A Chinook approaches Mount Rainier during a rescue exercise. helicopter is brought in to perform the the offi cial notifi cation reaches us rescue. But if the climber is higher through channels,” CW4 Agee added. than 8,000 feet, the call goes out to After launching from Fort Lewis, since it has the power and lifting ca- the Chinooks of Co. A. the Chinook fl ies to the Park Service’s pability to get us and the Park Service That call is swiftly routed through Kautz Helibase. Wedged between a climbing rangers to the rescue site various agencies, including the U.S. large stream and a wall of trees at an and back,” CW4 Agee said. Air Force’s Rescue Coordination elevation of 3,000 feet at the base Just as important as the CH-47’s Center at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. of Mount Rainier, the small landing capabilities, Maj. Wynn said, are the Mission tasking ultimately reaches zone is where the Army helicopters experience and professionalism of all Co. A through its chain of command. usually rendezvous with the Park of Co. A’s Soldiers. “When we get a mission, we iden- Service rescue teams. “We have some of the most tify and call in the crews we’re going During a quick but thorough mis- experienced Chinook pilots and fl ight to use, and start preparing the air- sion briefi ng conducted in the shade engineers in the Army,” he said. “And craft,” Maj. Wynn said. “The prepping of the Chinooks’ squat fuselages, the they’re backed up by our maintainers, is done by our fl ight engineers, who put Soldiers and Park Service personnel refuelers, fl ight-operations personnel, aboard whatever equipment the Park discuss routes, objectives and safety and all our other Soldiers. This is a Service rescue teams true team effort.” will need.” “We try to have The Rescue Call our crews here at The National Park Service keeps the facility within close tabs on those wishing to climb an hour of notifi ca- Mount Rainier, Maj. Wynn said. tion, and things Climbers must check in with rang- sometimes move ers before they begin the ascent, and so quickly that must give an estimate of when they’ll Gathered in the return. If they have not appeared by shade created by a Chinook, Army the specifi ed time, rangers begin at- Reserve and Park tempting to locate the climber. Service personnel conduct an opera- If the rangers determine that tions briefing at the climber is lost, incapacitated or Kautz Helibase before lifting off on a injured, but less than 8,000 feet up practice mission.

14 www.army.mil issues. Then, with everyone aboard, the Chinooks lift efi t for the National Park Service, said supervisory climbing off and climb steadily upward. ranger Mr. Mike Gauthier. While the helicopter can sometimes land to recover “To be honest, we can’t afford such a capable helicop- a stranded climber, most rescues are made using the ter,” he said. “When rescues happen they tend to be intense, Chinook’s internal hoist. Mounted inside the aircraft complex and challenging missions, and being able to call on above a three-foot-square opening in the fuselage fl oor, the Chinooks is very helpful for the Park Service.” the hoist is used to lower a Park Service ranger from the hovering Chinook on a long cable. Once the ranger has The Best Type of Training located and secured the climber, both are winched back While being able to help rescue those in need on Mount aboard the CH-47. Rainer is obviously a source of great pride to the members “With the rescue hoist, we can put the rangers down of Co. A, Maj. Wynn said the mountain-rescue missions also just about anywhere the injured climber may be, rather benefi t the Army. than trying to land the aircraft close to the climber,” “These missions are very similar to those that Chinooks CW4 Agee said. “We can then extract both the ranger are often called upon to fl y in Iraq, and especially in Af- and the climber from the same location. It saves time, ghanistan,” he said. Some of the mountains in the latter are and it means we can get the rescued person to medical 12,000 feet high and covered with snow year-round, he said, care more quickly.” and a mission there to recover a downed Air Force pilot, for Critically injured climbers are fl own directly to Fort example, would be very similar to the rescue missions on Lewis’s Madigan Army Medical Center, Maj. Wynn Mount Rainier. said. The less seriously injured are fl own down to the “By fl ying these mountain-rescue missions we’re not just base camp, where they are either transferred to a com- helping our fellow citizens,” Maj. Wynn said, “we’re also mercial helicopter or ground ambulance for evacuation polishing skills that we may very well have to use in combat. to a nearby civilian hospital. This unit spent 14 months in Iraq, and if we go back, we will

Being able to call upon the Chinooks is a huge ben- be more than ready.” S Having lowered a Park Service rescue ranger by hoist, the Co. A Chinook prepares to leave the immediate area. It will orbit a short distance away until called back to pick up the ranger and the “rescued climber” — in this case, a dummy of human size, shape and weight.

Soldiers•December2007 15 HONORING AN AMERICAN HERO Story by Mr. Steve Harding Photos by Mr. Don Wagner

HE Army made history in 548th Trans. Det. in October 2006. in April 2004, LSV-8 will be home- mid-September when it com- Among the dignitaries attend- ported in Curtis Bay, Md., and is missioned the logistics support ing the LSV-8 commissioning were named in honor of Robert Smalls. As vessel Major General Robert Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz, chief of the a 23-year-old slave during the Civil Smalls (LSV-8) during a cer- Army Reserve; Maj. Gen. Wil- War he commandeered a Confederate Temony at the historic Inner Harbor in liam Monk III, commander of the transport steamer loaded with arma- Baltimore, Md. Reserve’s 99th Regional Readiness ments and used the vessel to spirit his The 314-foot long, 3,190-ton ship Sustainment Command; Brig. Gen. wife, children and 12 other slaves to is the fi rst Army vessel named for an James E. Chambers, the Army’s chief freedom. Hailed as a hero by Union African American, and it offi cially of transportation; Rep. Elijah E. Cum- leaders, Robert Smalls went on to joined the Army Reserve’s 203rd mings, who represents Maryland’s become the fi rst African-American Transportation Detachment as more 7th Congressional District; and Rep. to captain a vessel in U.S. service than 300 guests looked on. Smalls James E. Clyburn of South Carolina’s and later served as a major general is the second of two improved Gen. 6th Congressional District. in the South Carolina militia, a state Frank S. Besson-class LSVs to enter legislator, a fi ve-term member of the Army service — her sistership Staff A Distinguished Name U.S. Congress and U.S. Collector of Sgt. Robert T. Kuroda joined the Built by VT Halter Marine in Customs in Beaufort, S.C. Reserve’s Honolulu, Hawaii-based Moss Point, Miss., and christened That LSV-8 bears Maj. Gen. Smalls’ name is due largely to the efforts of Ms. Kitt Haley Alexander, a writer and artist who spearheaded a seven-year effort to have an Ameri- can military vessel named after the Civil War hero. “I knew that this man deserved more recognition from this nation,” she said, “and I fi rst approached the Navy about naming a ship after him. After that didn’t work out I ended up sitting near the Army’s chief of

military history at a social function Some of the more than 300 guests who attended the September commissioning ceremony in Baltimore read about Maj. Gen. Smalls’ exploits and his contributions to the nation.

16 www.army.mil AMERICAN HERO

At 314 feet and 3,190 tons, Maj. Gen. Robert Smalls and her sistership, Staff Sgt. Robert in each of the nation’s confl icts since trained very hard to bring this ship T. Kuroda, are the largest vessels currently the Revolutionary War, and currently into the Army’s fl eet, and this com- in Army service. All eight LSVs are capable of worldwide operations. play a vital role in supporting opera- missioning ceremony is a way of say- tions in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well ing that Maj. Gen. Robert Smalls and and, after speaking with him later, he as participating in humanitarian-relief her crew are ready to undertake their said that Robert Smalls’ service in the efforts in the Pacifi c and Caribbean. wartime missions.” militia might allow the Army to name “This is a tremendously capable “This is a great day, and one I a vessel after him.” vessel, and we’re very fortunate will never forget,” said Mr. Freddy After a lengthy verifi cation pro- to have such an asset in the Army Meyer, great-great grandson of Maj. cess, the Civil War hero was selected and the Army Reserve,” said Chief Gen. Smalls and one of many of the to give his name to the vessel. Warrant Offi cer 4 Steven C. Brown, former slave’s descendents on hand commander of the 203rd Trans. Det. for the September ceremony. “Maj. Ships for Worldwide Missions and LSV-8’s vessel master. “We’ve Gen. Smalls was a renaissance man Maj. Gen. Robert Smalls and the — an educator, a politician, a Soldier, other seven LSVs currently in Army a businessman and a family man, and service provide worldwide transport the Army could not have picked a of general and vehicular cargo. Fit- better person to name this ship after.” ted with huge bow and stern loading Mr. Meyer and other Smalls fam- ramps, the ships each boast a 10,500- ily members were aboard the vessel square-foot central cargo deck large when she fi rst arrived in Maryland, enough to hold up to 24 M-1 Abrams and had the opportunity to get to tanks. Kuroda and Smalls — launched know many of the crewmembers. in 2003 and 2004, respectively — are “I know that these Soldiers will updated variants of the six earlier be an excellent crew for this great Besson-class LSVs and incorporate vessel,” he said. “They’re smart and improved bow ramps, upgraded com- professional, and they’re very mind- munication and navigation systems, ful of the kind of man Robert Smalls and a host of other refi nements. was, and what he stood for. This ship

The vessels in the Army’s water- could not be in better hands.” S craft fl eet range in size from small A large American fl ag hangs from Smalls’ workboats to the LSVs, according to raised brow visor on the day of her commissioning. When the visor is raised, the U.S. Army Transportation Corps offi - huge bow ramp can be lowered to facilitate cials. Army vessels have participated loading and unloading of vehicles.

Soldiers•December2007 17 BuildingStory by Ms. Elizabeth M. Lorge an All- American Team

HEY’RE not just strong. They’re Army strong. But they’re not Soldiers — they’re America’s top high- school football players using Tthe same leadership, discipline and teamwork that Soldiers put into play on the battleﬁ eld. These students will battle it out Jan. 5 in this year’s Army All-American Bowl, an East-West match-up sponsored by U.S. Army Recruiting Command in San Antonio, Texas. According to Coach Herman Boone, namesake of the AAB’s most-valuable-player trophy, and his former assistant, Coach Bill Yoast, the seven Army values — loyalty, duty, respect, selﬂ ess service, honor, integrity and personal courage — are crucial in building any sports team.

Building Teams Portrayed by Mr. Denzel Wash- ington in the movie “Remember the Titans,” Coach Boone was named as the head football coach of the newly-integrated T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Va., in 1971 and worked with Coach Yoast to build a successful team in spite of racial tensions. Student athletes come together from across the country and must learn to

Ms. Elizabeth M. Lorge works for the

Army News Service. Coach Herman Boone greets 1st Sgt. Cynthia Barren and a player before the 2004 All-American Bowl game, played at the Alamo- dome stadium in San Antonio, Texas. Master Sgt. Jack Braden 18 www.army.mil Building an All- American Team

“You ﬁ rst build a team through trust. Trust becomes respect. Respect becomes the emotional glue that binds us together.”

work together and function as a team in a matter of days, and the teamwork and leadership experience they gain as a result are invaluable, said Coach Boone. “But one of the most important things that those kids get to see is that the values of a football team are exactly the same values as the Army’s,” he said. Coach Yoast, a World War II veteran, agreed, saying that football coaches and scouts look for more than just the best players. “They’re looking for character,” he said. “And the Army is doing the same thing. You can measure many things in athletes and Soldiers, but you can’t measure loyalty and integrity, and that comes out as a result of training in both the Army and athletics.” Both he and Coach Boone said that a team is a group of individuals with only one heartbeat and one goal, selﬂ ess in their loyalty and dedication to the good of the group. If any member acts as an individual, the game or Daren Reehl the battle will be lost.

Soldiers•December2007 19 “You ﬁ rst build and he leads with a team through trust. truthfulness, honor Trust becomes respect. and dignity. And he Respect becomes the makes great sacri- emotional glue that ﬁ ces, not for himself, binds us together. I but for his team. used to tell my team I used to ask my that every person coaches, ‘After each deserves respect. They practice, ask your- don’t deserve to be selves what three liked, but they deserve leadership goals can

Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston to be respected,” Coach Boone said. talks with famed coaches Yoast (center) and you come up with tomorrow that will Coach Boone used to tell his Boone at the 2007 All-American Bowl. make your team a better team than it players about his brother, a Soldier was today?’” in North Africa during World War II, Coach Yoast said he learned a Both men work as motivational as an example of what teamwork can lot of discipline in the service and speakers, and Coach Boone talks accomplish and how it can conquer believes this is important in helping to high school coaches and athletes even deep racism and save lives. athletes and Soldiers deal with physi- about the opportunities the Army can One of his brother’s platoon cal, mental and emotional challenges. offer the many athletes who won’t get mates was from Mississippi, and “The young men and women in scholarships. The values are similar, hated blacks and Jews. But during the service are so disciplined. I can and for some students, the Army may one fi refi ght, the two men ended up in see athletes becoming more and more offer their only opportunity to go to the same foxhole. so. We spend a lot of time in San college. “They looked at each other, and Antonio with the Army and I’m just “We’re your fathers, those of you the thought in both of their eyes was, amazed at the way these young men who do not have a father. We love ‘By God man, you’re black.’ ‘Well, carry themselves, not only physically, you like a father, we will protect you, by God man, you’re white.’ ‘Well, but the way they come back from war we will honor you, we will teach you, okay, we’ve got to put our differences and come out and deal with the pub- now all of a sudden you’ve gradu- aside.’ My brother said they put their lic, their self-confi dence,” he said. ated, and what can we do for you? backs together, and they started fi r- In acronym form, the seven Army Because of the education the Army ing in unison, 360 degrees, and they values spell out an abbreviation of can give to each one of those kids, the saved each other’s lives. They had leadership. This is appropriate, be- Army becomes a very viable option. no choice but to put their differences cause, as Coach Boone said, all of the I found out that kids in today’s Army, aside and they created respect for values are instilled in a team through in some places in this country, make each other. That respect became the its leaders. more in salary than fi rst-year teach- emotional glue that kept those two “Leaders lead not only by ex- ers. I looked around at my team, the people corresponding for the next 50 ample, leaders lead with passion,” he ’71 Titans, that the Army honored at years. Had either one of them acted as said. “Whether people believe in this last year’s bowl game. There were an individual in that foxhole, both of person or not, they learn to respect colonels, majors and captains who had them would have been dead,” he said. him because he believes with passion gone to college through the Army.” S

The 2008 AAB is scheduled for Jan. 5 in San Antonio.

20 www.army.mil Christmas

NotesStory and Photos by Mrs. Heike Hasenauer

HILE no one knows exactly when Jesus was born, Christmas, the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ, is observed in many different fashions around the world on Dec. 25th. WIn America, preparations for Christmas typically begin before Thanksgiving, as festive holiday decorations begin appearing in department stores, on street-corner lampposts and in homes. The famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, a Thanksgiving tradition since 1924, ofﬁ cially kicked off the holiday season with bands, skyscraper-tall character balloons, ﬂ oats and Santa Claus waving to hundreds of thousands of TV viewers and parade goers. Other major cities put on their own pre-Christmas parades with similar attractions and celebrity hosts. And in countless homes, families have been busy visiting Christmas-tree farms to pick out the fullest, freshest tree and then decorate it with cherished orna- ments. A rush of activities includes baking and deco- rating cookies, placing wreaths on doors and Advent

Soldiers•December2007 21 wreaths on tables, opening the windows of an Advent calendar to mark down the days until Christ- mas, buying and wrapping gifts, and sending Christmas cards to friends and loved ones. Americans remember, too, the brave men and women in service to our country — and those who have died in that service. Since 1992 thousands of holiday wreaths have been placed lovingly on the graves of servicemembers buried at Arling- ton National Cemetery. The token of Ameri- ca’s remembrance of the fallen can be cred- ited to Mr. Morrill Worcester, the owner of a holiday wreath company in Maine, who one year had a 4,000-wreath surplus and decided to donate the wreaths to the cemetery, “a most memorable place” he’d visited as a child. Soldiers magazine wishes you and yours a happy and safe holiday season and health and happiness in the coming New Year. S

22 www.army.mil Clockwise from top left: Santa and Mrs. Claus wave at visitors to Philadelphia’s pre-Christmas parade; family members exchange gifts and partake of holiday goodies; a family matriarch prepares traditional specialties for her family; a resident of a California neigh- borhood offers “tourists” a song, dance and good cheer; a wreath adorns the site of the Tomb of the Unknowns; “toy soldiers” march down Main Street U.S.A. at Dis- neyland in California.

Soldiers•December2007 23 PortraitsStory by Ms. Heike Hasenauer Photos by Mr. David Hawkinson of the Fallen

HE Goat Woman,” as Ms. Kaziah Hancock is known throughout central Utah, has an uncan- ny love of the goats she calls “her girls.” She raises some 110 of them on her 15-acre Manti, Utah, ranch, has immortalized many of them in “Tpaintings and signs all of her art works with her “Kaziah, the Goat Woman” trademark. In 2002 Ms. Hancock started doing something else considered by many to be a bit eccentric — she began painting portraits of servicemembers who had been killed in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and sending them to their families — free of charge. As of August, she’d completed 351 portraits, averaging 10 to 12 per month. Today four other artists participate in Project Compas- sion, a privately funded, nonproﬁ t organization she founded in 2002 to provide gallery-quality, original oil portraits of American servicemembers who have been killed on active duty since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, to their families. Together with Ms. Hancock’s paintings, the artists have collectively completed and shipped more than 700 portraits to bereaved families, she said. The artist and author of “Prisons of the Mind,” a book about her polygamist upbringing, has reason enough to love goats: “I owe my life to them,” she said, remembering the story her mother told her about the night she was born in a tent in the Arizona desert. Her father had died several days before, and with little water to drink, Ms. Hancock’s mother had been unable to provide milk Ramone Villatoto

24 www.army.mil Portraits of the Fallen

In 2002 Ms. Kaziah Hancock began painting portraits of servicemembers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, and sending the paintings to the families of those killed. She has so far completed 351 portraits.

Soldiers•December2007 25 John D. Smith

had to dedicate more of her time to working on Project Compassion. That meant she began spending less time turning out the gallery art work that was her livelihood and which brought in between $2,000 and $10,000 a Ms. Hancock is widely known as “The Goat Woman.” piece, she said. Suddenly, families had to wait longer for Ms. Hancock’s response to their requests for portraits. to nurse her baby. Ms. Hancock’s 9-year-old brother milked a On Nov. 17, 2003, Staff Sgt. Dale Aldon Panchot goat to feed his sister and keep her alive. was killed south of Balad, Iraq, when a rocket-propelled Unable to have children of her own, Ms. Hancock loves grenade hit his Bradley fi ghting vehicle. Ms. Hancock and appreciates servicemembers for the sacrifi ces they make completed his portrait and sent it to his family in Nor- every day, she said. When she speaks about the men and thome, Minn., in 2006. women in uniform who have died, her voice quivers and “May you feel your son’s love every day. Love, Ka- tears well up in her eyes. ziah,” she wrote on a note that accompanied the framed Today, her goats provide a reprieve from the day-to-day portrait. “There’s nothing I’ll ever paint that’s more ap- seriousness of her work. “I don’t think I could handle this preciated,” she told an ABC News crew that was at the much pain if I didn’t have them to heal me,” she said. Panchot house when the gift arrived. Her fi rst portrait, completed in March 2004, was of the fi rst Soldier from Utah killed in Iraq, Chief Warrant Offi cer 2 John Daren Smith. At the time of his enlistment he listed Salt Lake City as home. The Black Hawk helicopter pilot died in Kuwait in Febru- ary 2003, before OIF began. His helicopter crashed during a training mission. When Ms. Hancock started Project Compassion fewer than 80 servicemembers had been killed, and she promised to complete a portrait of every one who died in the war, she said. “At the time, I had $5,000 in my savings account. “Everyone thought that we, with our modern technology, could get the war wrapped up quickly,” she said. “I never thought the months would turn into years.” She completed 15 paintings that fi rst year. When word about her paintings got out, and with casualties mounting, she Dale A. Panchot

26 www.army.mil “In the beginning, what I did was a simple act of kindness, inspired by appreciation for the Soldiers and their families — to honor them and tell their families: ‘I love you and appreciate the willingness of your child to face the enemy on my behalf,’” she said. She read many last letters home that Soldiers sent their families before they were killed. And, through the photos sent to her from loved ones, she “looked into the faces of these kids, time after time, and got a sense of their personalities,” Ms. Hancock said. “I reached a new level of maturity. The way I see it, when you look at the end of your life, you can’t take the awards, recognition or money with you. But you can take appreciation and love,” she said. “I believe that the Soldier who was killed stood for something. So I’m going to stand for something, too, to honor the honorable.” In November 2006, Mr. Tom McDonough sent a letter from Minnesota to Ms. Hancock after he’d seen a local TV broadcast about her and her paintings. “We never want one of your paintings,” Mr. Mc- Donough wrote, as though penning the words would eliminate the possibility that his son, Bryan, could be killed. A few weeks later, on Chassan Henry Dec. 2, 2006, Sgt. Bryan Thomas McDonough died ment of Defense approved Project Compassion as an offi cial, in Fallujah, Iraq, when his nonprofi t partner with America Supports You, qualifying the Humvee hit an improvised project for major corporate sponsorship, she said. explosive device. Mr. Mc- America Supports You was offi cially launched in Novem- Donough sent another letter ber 2004 to recognize the support of individuals and groups to Ms. Hancock the day for U.S. servicemembers, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan. after Christmas: “I beg you Through the program, thousands of people — from school- to do the portrait we never children to employees of major corporations — host events wanted,” he wrote. and plan projects to show their support to America’s service- In the weeks that fol- members. lowed, the McDonough fam- Recently, too, FEDEX offered to pay all shipping costs ily moved and by Father’s for the project, about $30,000 per year, Ms. Hancock said. Bryan T. McDonough Day still hadn’t heard And Packaging Corp. of America has agreed to supply all the anything about their request boxes. — until Bryan’s younger brother asked that the fam- “I honestly believe that when I die I’ll lay in my coffi n ily drive by their old home. The wrapped portrait was with a clear conscience,” she said. “I didn’t just love these standing on the front porch. The day would have been Soldiers. I showed their families my love.” S Bryan’s 31st birthday. To date, Ms. Hancock has spent about $35,000 of her own money from the sale of her gallery art work to keep Project Compassion going, she said, and donations have covered about one-third the cost of materials and shipment of the portraits. Support increased in June 2007, when the Depart-

For more information on Project Compassion go to www.heropaintings.com. For more information on America Supports You, go to

www.americasupportsyou.com Michael Monsoor

Soldiers•December2007 27 On Point The Army in Action

Fort Lee, Va. Competitors in the 2007 Department of the Army Soldier and Noncommissioned Officer of the Year “Best Warrior” Competition participate in a night-fire exercise. —Photo by T. Anthony Bell

28 www.army.mil Soldiers•December2007 29 On PointPoint

Iraq The Sulayamaniyah International Airport is open for business and hosts direct flights to and from Is- tanbul, Amman, Dubai, Baghdad and Munich. — Photo by Maj. Juan- ita Chang Iraq A Soldier speaks with the local children during a patrol in Al Wardiya. — Photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Weis- miller, USAF

30 www.army.mil Mali Capt. Laura Porter prescribes medication for children during a medical capabilities exercise in Senkoro, as part of Exercise Flintlock 2007. — Photo by Tech. Sgt. Jeromy K. Cross, USAF Fort Irwin, Calif. Afghanistan Soldiers from the 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, charge Special forces Soldiers engage enemy fighters out of the back of a Stryker vehicle during a pre-deployment training exercise. in Helmand Province. — Photo by Spc. Daniel — Photo by Spc. Tiffany Dusterhoft Love

Soldiers•December2007 31 26-member task force from Joint Task Force- Bravo in Honduras recently traveled to El Salvador to conduct Amilitary-to-military training with soldiers deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the weeklong mission, Salvadoran troops underwent driver training and received instruction in convoy

Senior Airman Shaun Emery works at the JTF-Bravo Public Affairs Ofﬁ ce.

Training

32 www.army.mil Salvadorans for Iraq Spc. Jonathan Potter, who provided medical instruction during the week-long training with the Salvadoran military, watches as a student prepares to insert an intravenous needle into

a “wounded” soldier. Members of the Salvadoran military provide protection as their medical personnel transport “wounded” soldiers to a simulated triage facility.

and perimeter security, communications, detection of and safeguards against improvised explosive devices, civilian and military cooperation, and combat lifesaving. At week’s end, their new skills were tested during a simulated convoy attack. It kicked off with the convoy getting hit with a simulated in Central America that provides trainer. “But as far as their interest IED. From there, the convoy-security personnel to support Operation Iraqi in learning about and operating the troops neutralized the “enemy.” At the Freedom, said Lt. Col. Jicha. vehicle, we couldn’t have asked for same time, medical personnel were Col. Jose Atilio Benitez Parada, more.” treating the “wounded” in the back of the commandant of Battalion Cus- Sgt. Saucer, Staff Sgt. Brian a 5-ton truck. When the area was se- catlan, said his country knows well Grishaw and Master Sgt. Elva cure, the drivers quickly delivered the the effects of terrorism. During the Marquez went over basic preven- “wounded” to a triage center where 12-year civil war in El Salvador, he tive maintenance and the layout of the medical students ofﬂ oaded them. witnessed too many instances of bru- the vehicle before drivers took to At the triage station, medical stu- tality, he said, and is proud to support the road. As Humvees and the 5-ton dents evaluated each patient, provided America. truck rolled by, medical personnel the necessary treatment and prepared While in Iraq, Salvadoran soldiers were busy learning the techniques the “wounded” for evacuation. With will use American military equip- that could save their fellow soldiers’ all the action happening around them, ment, so it is important they receive lives. From victim assessment to radio operators relayed coordinates proper training on the equipment administering intravenous needles, to a simulated helicopter to provide before they deploy. Drivers who had students ran the full gamut of combat medical evacuation. never operated a Humvee, medics life-saver training. According to their “They are an extremely profes- who had not seen some of the life- medical instructors, the only thing sional force,” Lt. Col. Greg Jicha, the saving tools used by U.S. Soldiers, more impressive than the skills they task force commander and com- and radio operators who would be demonstrated was their eagerness to mander of U.S. Army forces at Soto using equipment foreign to them all, learn. Cano Air Base, Honduras, said of the said they felt much more comfortable “I’m so proud of this group,” Salvadoran soldiers. “They go into about their upcoming deployment said Capt. Marta Artiga, a U.S. Army each day of training with ambition after becoming familiar with the medical instructor. “They came to and the desire to learn. They under- equipment they’d need to survive. training every day ready to take the stand the seriousness of the situation “The language barrier was the next step. They grasped everything they’ll face in Iraq.” only tough part for me,” said Staff we taught them and were able to put El Salvador is the only country Sgt. David Saucer, a U.S. driver it into practice.” S

Story and Photos by Senior Airman Shaun Emery, USAF Salvadorans for Iraq Soldiers•December2007 33 Training for

WStory and Photos aby Mr. Bob Rosenburghrfare

O prepare its Soldiers for missions in the type of chal- “We don’t focus on tactics,” said Capt. Christopher lenging terrain found in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Army Ruggerrio, AMWS assistant operations ofﬁ cer, “but often relies on the specialized training offered at the rather on how to move and survive at higher elevations, Army Mountain Warfare School in Jericho, Vt. in all kinds of weather conditions. Once a unit masters AMWS teaches Soldiers the skills they’ll need to those things, it can develop its collective tactics accord- Toperate in rugged terrain, in bad weather, both day and night. ingly.” Operated by the Vermont Army National Guard, Mr. Bob Rosenburgh is the public affairs ofﬁ cer for Western Region Cadet Command. the school provides training to all elements of the active Army and reserve component, Army ROTC and West

34 www.army.mil The Army Mountain Warfare School in Jericho, Vt., teaches Soldiers the specialized skills they’ll need to operate in rugged terrain, in bad weather, Warfare both day and night.

Point cadets, other branches of the armed forces, allied forces and civil agencies from around the country, Capt. Ruggerrio said. AMWS was established in 1983 and has been twice accredited as a School of Excellence by the Infantry School, Capt. Ruggerrio added. “In 2005 we achieved permanent member status in the International Army Mili- tary Mountaineers, a select group of highly trained military mountaineers from Germany, Italy, Belgium, Swe- den and Austria, among other nations.

The AMWS is the only member from Winter mountaineering requires a variety of special-purpose tools and equipment, as evidenced by the United States.” the amount and type of gear these Soldiers are carrying. AMWS is located on the Ethan Allen Firing Range, an 11,000-acre equipment and training mountain- require different climbing techniques facility that is the Vermont National eers in their own units. They are the and equipment,” Capt. Ruggerio said. Guard’s primary training area. About commander’s experts and advisers for “You use your ice axe and crampons 40 minutes from the range is Smug- anything having to do with mountain- to climb. In the summer, you’re rock gler’s Notch ski resort, the school’s eering skills and tasks. climbing, using your hands and feet.” secondary training area. The school also provides mobile AMWS also teaches avalanche It’s there that students complete a training teams that deploy to remote rescue, and its mountaineering tech- challenging three-day mountain walk locations to teach mountaineering niques are designed to be effective that puts all their newly learned skills skills. beyond the wooded hills of Vermont. to the test, Capt. Ruggerrio said. “We get calls for on-site and “The mountains of Afghani- AMWS offers Level 1 and Level off-site teams to visit locations in the stan have very few trees, so we also 2 Mountaineer training. continental United States and over- teach an anchoring system, whereby “Level 2 is our Assault Climber’s seas,” Capt. Ruggerrio said. students use twigs and a rock as an Course,” Capt. Ruggerrio said. “This On-site courses at AMWS are of- anchor that’s as strong as tying up to a is the advanced course for moun- fered in both the summer and winter, big tree,” Capt. Ruggerio said. taineer leaders and subject-matter since the different seasons present dif- “AMWS instructors wrote the experts.” Level 2 climbers are respon- fering challenges at the same location. Army’s military mountaineering ﬁ eld sible for inspecting mountaineering “The snow, ice and cold of winter manual, and the standard operating

Soldiers•December2007 35 AMWS students move single ﬁ le to help ﬁ rmly pack the snow as they descend a steep hill into a chilly Vermont valley. One survival dynamic taught at the school is the danger of frostbite and wind chill, as well as avoiding other cold-weather injuries.

weather on weapons and movement, and so many other variables,” he said. “This is a harsher terrain than almost anything we’ll see elsewhere, so it really prepares us.” The school’s instructors make the training valuable, Capt. Ruggerio said. While active-duty Soldiers may move from one assignment to the next, AMWS is a National Guard facility and many staff members spend their entire careers teaching mountaineering courses. The levels of expertise developed over time are therefore impressive, he said. Instructors also frequently conduct training at places like Mount Everest and Mount McKinley, and procedures for high-angle, high-alti- completed two tours in Iraq, one in they learn from other agencies’ mas- tude recovery and recovering a cache Bosnia and one in Kosovo as an enter mountaineers. of weapons from a well,” he said. listed Soldier. Already a graduate of Staff Sgt. Tyler Williamson of the The latter SOP was written by the summer mountaineering course, 51st Infantry Regiment’s long-range members of a mobile training team he jumped at the chance to complete surveillance company at Fort Bragg, while it was in Afghanistan and had a skill-qualifi cation requirement with N.C., said the AMWS provides the dealt with such situations. the winter course. Army with a priceless service. As a The AMWS covers a lot of “I’ve been to multiple service veteran of mountain warfare in Af- esoteric, but important, situations schools, but this one is different from ghanistan, he sees a clear advantage encountered in mountain operations. all the others,” he said. “All the new for Soldiers who complete the course. Instructors can even teach mule pack- skills I’ve learned can be used in Af- “When I get back to Fort Bragg, ing, Capt. Ruggerrio said. ghanistan or other mountainous areas, I’ll help set up our mountain section, “The Level I and Level II courses and in combat that knowledge will refi t and retrain the Soldiers who are each 14 days long and accom- keep my men alive.” compose it and, hopefully, get more modate about 60 students per class. Cadet Shelby Vance Williams Soldiers to attend AMWS,” Staff Sgt. Fewer students compose the MTT-in- from the University of Central Okla- Williamson said. “The Army needs to structed classes. homa agreed. put an emphasis on mountain warfare Cadet Manuel Orozco, a “Green- “I can see this benefi ting a lot and on this school, and the word to-Gold” scholarship-program cadet because of all the different types of needs to get out throughout the Army from Florida State University, has terrain we’re fi ghting in, the effects of about what’s available here.” S

36 www.army.mil Protecting the

WESTERNStory by Ms. Rachel Young Photo by Mr. Jason Kaye TOAD

N an unseasonably warm Friday then transponders were implanted in their recently, the cheerful chirps of bodies. Western toads fi lled the air around “This helps us determine their lifespans, Fiander Lake in the Rainier Train- breeding sites, fi delity, changes in size ing Area of Fort Lewis, Wash. over time, and long-term movements,” Mr. The toads’ vocalizations were Lynch said. Othe fi rst indicators to Mr. Jim Lynch, a fi sh After recording the information, the and wildlife biologist for the Fort Lewis men returned the toads to the lake. Fish and Wildlife Program, that breeding Mr. Lynch has studied Western toad season was under way. migration and breeding patterns for three The Western toads’ breeding season is years to learn how far they travel from the of particular interest, because the toads are breeding ground, if they all go in the same candidates for Washington’s endangered direction and where they go after breeding. species list. Fort Lewis is one of the last He hopes to have enough information in strongholds for Western toads, thanks to the the next year to publish a study indicating wetlands and undeveloped forest and prairie how the Western toad is using Fort Lewis habitats around the post. land, and how the amphibians would thrive Because little is known about the toads, under similar conditions elsewhere. wildlife biologists study them to discover “Fort Lewis has a lot of rare spe- “anything that will help us better protect cies, but we want other people to them,” Mr. Lynch said. “By monitoring the keep their populations, too,” Mr. health of our toad population, we hope to Lynch said. If the species is be able to respond quickly to any threats to added to the endangered spe- the population, such as might be caused by cies list, Fort Lewis doesn’t diseases.” want to have the only The breeding season at Fiander Lake population. “We want is an opportune time to gather information to share the burden, about the Western toad population, said Mr. rather than to be Lynch. So he, along with fi sh and wildlife solely responsible biologist Mr. Todd Zuchowski and wildlife for helping this technicians Mr. Nick Miller and Mr. John rare species Richardson, headed out in a rowboat to survive.” scoop toads out of the water. The long- The spotted, forest-green toads skimmed term goal is to the water’s surface, as they loudly announced partner with their presence. A few males clutched the agencies that females and waited for them to begin laying have suitable eggs so they could fertilize them. lands where The captured toads, brought ashore in Western toads can large buckets, were weighed and measured, thrive and to move some of Fort Lewis’s Ms. Rachael Young works for the North- west Guardian newspaper at Fort Lewis, toad population to those Wash. areas, Mr. Lynch said. S

Soldiers•December2007 37 Army News

New Rule Limits Predatory Loans THE Defense Department has annual percentage rate on fi nancial planning and where to go established new rules to protect payday loans, vehicle title loans for help in an emergency. servicemembers who seek high- and tax-refund anticipation Often, servicemembers can go interest emergency loans. loans to 36 percent for active- to their banks or credit unions and A new regulation limits the duty servicemembers and their ask which loans are available, or Families. they can go to their military-aid The 36-percent limit in the societies or community-support regulation includes all fees and centers. charges, and the rule prohibits Most institutions, including the contracts requiring the use of Internal Revenue Service, often are a check or access to a bank willing to work with clients to defer account, mandatory arbitration payments, Army offi cials said. and unreasonable legal notice. Servicemembers can also The regulation makes it a go to the online resources criminal offense for lenders to Military OneSource and Military knowingly charge a higher interest Homefront for information on rate to servicemembers. fi nancial planning. DOD officials are trying to — Sgt. Sara Wood, educate servicemembers about American Forces Press Service

Same-Day Service for Army Announces New RCI Partner USAREUR Arrivals Picerne Military Housing, LLC, will develop the Community SOLDIERS and their family members Development and Management Plan for Fort Sill, Okla., arriving for assignments in U.S. Army, as part of the Army’s Residential Communities Initiative, Europe, will no longer have to wait which provides family housing improvements on military days to reach their ﬁ nal destinations. installations. Troops will reach their new USAREUR Picerne will work with the Army to develop the CDMP, duty stations the same day they arrive which will be the blueprint for the family neighborhoods in theater, under a USAREUR policy at Fort Sill. that took effect Oct. 1. The Army plans to privatize family housing at 45 In the past, Soldiers had to spend installations throughout the United States under the RCI, a night with the 64th Replacement to provide quality homes for Soldiers. Detachment at Pioneer Kaserne in The RCI program is part of the Army’s plan to alleviate Hanau, Germany, before an initial housing shortages, and sustain quality communities over briefing early the next day and the 50-year life of the partnership projects. before being bused to their units of Picerne, headquartered in North Kingstown, R.I., assignment. has created RCI communities throughout the United USAREUR leaders hope to soon States. open a reception facility at or near the For more information visit the RCI program Web site airport. at www.rci.army.mil. Picerne Military Housing’s Web — Sgt. Aimee Millham, USAREUR site is www.picernemilitaryhousing.com. Public Affairs Ofﬁ ce — Army News Service

38 www.army.mil From the Army News Service and Other Sources

Stryker Crews Rapid-Fielding Train on Mobile Milestone at Gun System Fort Polk SOLDIERS are training and testing a new Stryker mounted cannon at THE Army’s Program Executive Fort Wainwright, Alaska. Offi ce-Soldier recently outfi tted The 25th Infantry Division’s 1st its one-millionth customer with Stryker Brigade Combat Team a Rapid-Fielding Initiative kit. is the third Stryker brigade to RFI was initiated in 2002 receive the M-1128 Mobile Gun when Soldiers in Afghanistan System. recognized the need for Mounted atop the MGS is a improved equipment that was 105-mm cannon similar to the lighter and more durable than main gun on an M-1 Abrams main standard Army-issue gear, and battle tank. would endure the demands of The MGS can fi re six rounds per desert, mountain and urban minute. The gun is self-loading, warfare. requiring three Soldiers to operate RFI delivers up-to-date the vehicle — a driver, a gunner equipment to Soldiers as their own. and a vehicle commander. Four quickly as possible, and RFI currently equips about Soldiers are needed to operate includes gear that enhances 24,000 Soldiers each month. an M-1. combat effectiveness, saves Maj. Gen. Daniel P. Bolger, The fi rst Soldiers to train on Soldiers’ lives and improves commander of the Joint and test the Stryker-mounted quality of life in the fi eld. Readiness Training Center MGS said the system is benefi cial PEO Soldier compiled a list and Fort Polk, La., said RFI to the Army because of the extra of 15 items, including items represents a commitment by fi repower Strykers can provide Soldiers were purchasing on the Army and the nation to the infantry. — ARNEWS equip Soldiers with the best possible gear. The RFI Kit contains 58 individual and small-unit equipment items, including ballistic eye wear, combat ear protection, a strap cutter for emergency egress from vehicles, cold-weather clothing, an equipment vest and the advanced combat helmet. For more information visit www.peosoldier.army.mil. — Jean Dubiel, Fort Polk Public Affairs Offi ce

Soldiers•December2007 39 TheStory by Sgt. 1st Class Erica Russo PhotosU.S. Courtesy of the USAFB Army Field Band

40 www.army.mil The U.S. Army Field Band

LTHOUGH some are familiar with the military through newspaper headlines and cable news, many Americans have found a personal connection to all Soldiers through theA efforts of one unit — The U.S. Army Field Band. Part of the Army’s Office of the Chief of Public Affairs, the Washington, D.C.- based band travels thousands of miles each year. The Field Band was founded in 1946, and since 2005 has reached more than five million Americans through live and tele- vised performances, given free of charge.

SFC Erica Russo is assigned to The U.S. Army Field Band

Soldiers•December2007 41 Besides entertaining Americans at home and abroad, members of The Field Band march in ceremonial parades, participate in state funerals and conduct clinics and workshops for young musicians.

Four Components The band consists of four performing components and administrative and operations sections that coordi- nate the touring schedule. The Concert Band, which includes woodwinds, brass and percussion, typically tours with the mixed- voice Soldiers’ Chorus. These groups perform everything from patriotic standards and pop arrangements to classical. Another ensemble, the Jazz Ambassadors, was created in 1969 to bring jazz treasures and more contemporary melodies to new audiences. And the Volunteers, a combo featuring male and female vocalists, performs contemporary rock, country and pop music. An Important Mission Besides entertaining Americans at home and abroad, the unit’s instrumentalists march in the presidential inaugural parade every four years. And the Soldiers’ Chorus, as a part of the Armed Forces Chorus, has participated in the state funerals of former presidents. The band’s recordings and DVDs, provided free of charge to schools and universities across the United States, encourage performance of American music and are used by instructors to improve musical skills and techniques. Band members also develop clinics, workshops and concerts to meet students’ needs. A recent sponsor described the impact of these experiences. “The band and chorus represent all the right values, and so many band directors are looking for what you provide,” wrote Ms. Sue Buratto, a teacher in Fort Worth, Texas. Another teacher, Ms. Barbara Barnes of Shelbyville, Tenn., wrote: “The Volunteers performed for fifth through eighth graders, and held their undi- vided attention. The kids didn’t want it to end!” Effective and Rewarding “Bands are one of the Army’s most effective tools for outreach, whether displaying the excellence of America’s Army to our citizens or challenging young Americans to answer the call to duty,” said incoming Field Band commander Col. Thomas H. Palmatier. “The really rewarding part of our job is thanking veterans, Soldiers and their families for their service and sacrifice in communities across the country that wouldn’t otherwise have any contact with the Army,” added Lt. Col. Beth Steele, deputy commander of the band. Every Field Band concert includes, when possible, a tribute to operations Iraqi Freedom and Endur- ing Freedom, in which returning Soldiers join the band to be welcomed home by their local communities. S

42 www.army.mil The Volunteers — a combo that performs contemporary rock, country

and pop music — perform at Epcot Center in Florida. The Jazz Ambassadors bring jazz treasures and more contemporary melodies to new audiences around the world.

Soldiers•December2007 43 AdoptStory by Ms. Heike Hasenauer a Sol

IRST Lt. Katherine Broyer, a pla- to 1st Lt. Broyer and her team through Charles Swannack attended his assump- toon leader in Company D, 82nd Fort Bragg, N.C.’s, Adopt-a-Soldier tion-of-command ceremony and asked General Support Aviation Bat- program. what she could do to support the post’s talion, deployed to Afghanistan in “About once every two weeks Mr. Soldiers, said Ms. Vicky Lee of the Fort January 2007. She’s due to return Jones sends us a few packages that in- Bragg Directorate of Plans, Training and homeF by February 2008. clude items such as fine cigars and cook- Mobilization. Ms. Lee is now responsible Responsible for 38 Soldiers who per- ies,” she said. “My Soldiers always get for administering the program that has form helicopter maintenance, 1st Lt. Broyer excited when they see me walk into the resulted in the “adoption” of more than said: “Without my Soldiers and all of their hangar with one of those boxes. Mr. Jones 1,800 Fort Bragg Soldiers. hard work we wouldn’t be able to accom- has been very generous and always sends Today, some 200 Soldiers are on a plish our mission of assisting the ground enough for the entire platoon.” waiting list to be “adopted,” she said. forces in northeastern Afghanistan.” Although the Soldiers receive care “The program gives the civilian com- A Black Hawk helicopter pilot, 1st Lt. packages from family and friends, Mr. munity an opportunity to show its support Broyer flies two to three missions a week, Jones’s packages are doubly special, 1st for deployed Soldiers on an individual performing tasks ranging from medical Lt. Broyer said. basis,” said Ms. Lee. The “adoption” evacuation to ammunition resupply. “It really means a lot when some- involves sending letters and packages for “The deployment is long, but my one we don’t even know sends gifts. I the duration of the Soldier’s deployment, Soldiers are in great spirits, thanks to all don’t know a lot about Mr. Jones, other usually 12 to 15 months, and it’s not lim- of the support we get from very generous than he’s an extremely generous man ited to supporters from the Fayetteville- people back home,” she said. who cares about deployed Soldiers,” she Fort Bragg area. Most recently, Mr. Phillip Jones from added. Fayetteville fourth-grade teacher Ms. Raleigh, N.C., has been sending packages The Adopt-a-Soldier program at Beth Rogers “developed the Adopt-a-Sol- Fort Bragg began in December 2003 dier program into something above and when a high school friend of then-82nd Airborne Division commander Maj. Gen.

44 www.army.mil Soldiers•December2007 44 The arrival of an Adopt-a-Soldier package is always a cause for celebration among those dier deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. beyond care packages and letters,” Ms. The following is a list of items requested by Lee said. “She’s worked with representa- Soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan: tives of the American Legion to adopt Soldiers in an aviation unit and has had AA batteries Hard candy Shampoo flags presented to various schools.” Air freshener Ink pens Shaving cream Before the opening of the current Antibacterial gel Insoles Shower puffs Baby wipes Instant soup school year, the Cumberland County Beef jerky Small packs of fruit Soap School System, of which Fayetteville is Black socks Lip balm Blank postcards Lollipops Sunflower seeds a part, advertised the Adopt-A-Soldier Sunscreen Board games Magazines Sweetened Kool-Aid program county-wide, Ms. Lee said. Body powder Mints Books Tissues Most people try to send a letter once Mouth sprays Bug spray Toilet paper a week and a care package once a month. Canned cheese Nasal spray Toothbrushes It usually takes at least 7 to 10 days for Cards (playing) Newspapers Toothpaste Trail mix Chewing gum Paper (letter-writing) a letter to reach the Soldier, and 10 to 14 Travel games Chex mix Paperback books days for packages to arrive, Ms. Lee said. Chips Tums, Immodium Peanuts Twizzlers Sponsors must fill out a customs form Cigarettes Cigars Pillows Tylenol, Advil for each care package they send, listing Contact solution Popcorn Velcro Video games its contents, weight and estimated cost of Cotton balls Pop Tarts Vitamins items sent. Crackers Pretzels Crossword puzzles Protein bars Priority mail “military kits” can be Dental floss — Heike Hasenauer obtained through the Expedited Package Deodorant Protein powder/shakes Supply Center by calling (800) 610-8734 Disposable cameras Q-tips Disposable razors Ravioli (pop-top cans) to receive boxes, envelopes, tape and DVD movies Sanitary napkins Envelopes customs forms. The “flat-rate” boxes included in the kit will allow a sponsor to Eye drops Feminine-hygiene products send whatever fits into the box, regardless Fly swatters of its weight, for a flat fee of $8.95, Ms. Foot powder Lee said. S Gallon-size resealable bags Granola bars Hand sanitizer

INTERESTED IN ADOPTING A DEPLOYED SOLDIER? Contact Ms. Lee at (915)-396-5401 or e-mail her at [email protected] for more information.

Soldiers•December2007 45 46 www.army.mil Index to Volume 62 2007 Almanac (January) Jan-Dec 2007 On Point, 2. Year in Review, 6. Title and Subject Index Army Organization, 14. Soldiers Transitioning to the Guard or Reserve, 16. Situation Report, 18. Page numbers are indicated immediately following the month of issue. Library of Congress Call Number: U1.A827. The Army Home Page, 22. Rank and Insignia, 23, 26. Five Years of Change, 24. Fort Lewis, Wash., is helping to protect Training to Defeat IEDs, Nov 4. The Japanese ancestry played a vital role in Army Careers, 27. an endangered species. Army Reserve’s Task Force Mustang World War II. Soldiers on the Border, 28. is helping to teach deploying units Baseball History at Fort Sill, May 48. Armored Security Vehicle, 32. Focus on People how to deal with improvised explosive Soldiers in period uniforms commemo- PEO Soldier, 34. Capt. Scott Smiley is a “Wounded devices. rate a 19th-century competition at the Where We Are, 38. Warrior,” Feb 48. The Guard Keeps Them Flying, Nov Oklahoma post. A Fort Ahead, 40 Recognition of Valor, Apr 14. More 7. A unique National Guard aviation Christmas Notes, Dec 21. We take a Post Information, 42. than 40 years after the event, Lt. Col. maintenance unit keeps Army helicop- fond look at the holiday’s origins and Army Civilian Corps Creed, 48. Bruce Crandall has been awarded the ters fl ying in Iraq and Afghanistan. traditions. Medal of Honor for his actions during Rainier Rescuers, Dec 12. An Army Posters and Pullouts a key battle in Vietnam. Reserve aviation unit conducts high- Iraq and Afghanistan Uniform and Ribbons poster, Jan at page 9. Capturing Combat on Canvas, Jun 22. altitude mountain rescues. The Iraqi Army — Moving Forward, A Fort Ahead, Jan 40. Through his drawings and paintings, Commissioning the Smalls, Dec 16. Apr 8. Better training, better equip- Army Earth Day, Apr at page 9. an Army Reserve artist helps document A new Army Reserve vessel honors a ment and a new attitude of confi dence the war in Iraq. famed African-American. are improving Iraq’s army. Legal Forum Emeril Cooks up Soldier Recipes, Jun Training for Mountain Warfare, Dec Voice for the Victims, May 20. Corps Your Legal Daily Minimum Require- 36. Savory aromas fi ll the air when 34. The Reserve-run Army Mountain of Engineers forensic teams excavating ments, Feb 47. famed chef Emeril Lagasse whips up Warfare School in Vermont teaches stu- mass graves in Iraq are helping bring Reverse Mortgages, Jun 44. delicious meals based on servicemem- dents from throughout the U.S. military. to justice those who committed crimes Home Financing, Aug 32. bers’ recipes. against humanity. On Being a “Brat,” Sep 34. A new Health, Well-being & Safety Making a Difference in Kirkuk, Jun Army Imperatives fi lm chronicles the challenges and Aiding Wounded Warriors, Feb 8. 4. The 3rd Infantry BCT is training Visiting the Troops, Jul 4. Army Chief joys of growing up as the child of a The Army Wounded Warrior program members of Iraq’s security forces to of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. has servicemember. helps Soldiers and families cope with meet their nation’s needs. been on the road, gathering input from An Aide for All Seasons, Sep 38. Pre- life-changing injuries. Building Relationships in Iraq, Jun Soldiers and talking about the Army’s paring gourmet meals is just part of the Taming the Crotch Rockets, Apr 40. 12. Army civil-affairs units play an seven initiatives. job for Sgt. 1st Class Andre Rush. Fast and fl ashy, motorcycles are also important role in helping lay the foun- Army Commissions a New Generation of A Tribute to the Fallen, Oct 37. A a leading cause of death and injury dations for a free and independent Iraq. Offi cers, Aug 4. President Bush and Army young National Guard Soldier has for Soldiers. Here’s what the Army is Supporting Iraq’s ERUs, Jun 16. Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. turned his 2004 Infi niti G35 into a doing to reduce the risks. Soldiers based at Camp Ramadi are honor newly minted second lieutenants. high-performance work of art to honor Preventing Soldier Suicide, Apr 42. supporting the 2,000 Iraqi members Expanding Fort Bliss, Aug 18. The U.S. three comrades killed in Iraq. New initiatives are aimed at eliminat- of Al Anbar province’s emergency-re- Army Corps of Engineers is leading a $2.6 Remembering Sad Sack, Nov 12. ing the causes of this sad and tragic act. sponse units. million expansion of the Texas post. Born during World War II, Sgt. George Focus on … Walter Reed, May 3. We Chaplains Meet in Iraq, Jul 15. Army Baker’s comic character took a humor- take a close look at what the Army’s chaplains in Iraq met at Camp Victory Careers ous and insightful look at Army life. largest medical center is doing to to discuss programs, issues and the Calling for Special Agents, Aug 40. Bridge Helper, Nov 15. An Army improve healthcare for Soldiers. challenges they face. The U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Reserve medical offi cer and his wife Good News: Medical Holdover, Jul Air Resupply, Jul 28. Army riggers in Command, commonly known as CID, — a registered nurse — were among 40. At Fort Carson, Colo., an innova- Iraq are spearheading an effort to use is looking for Soldiers who want to the aid givers treating victims of the tive program is helping wounded and airdrops to keep supply convoys off the become special agents. Minneapolis bridge disaster. injured reserve-component Soldiers roads and away from IEDs. G.I. Jill, Dec 4. Sgt. Jill Stevens is both tackle stubborn medical problems. Preventing Convoy Breakdowns, Jul Competitions a Soldier and a potential Miss America. Eliminating the Bite, Aug 23. Soldiers 36. Soldiers at FOB Trebil ensure that Bragging About Best Ranger, July 6. Portraits of the Fallen, Dec 24. Ms. and Army Civilians are helping lead civilian truckers are ready for the long Ranger-qualifi ed Soldiers from through- Kaziah Hancock presents portraits of the battle to eliminate disease-carrying haul through Iraq. out the Army gathered at Fort Benning, fallen Soldiers to their families. mosquitoes. Training for Rapid Rescues, Sep 4. Ga., to vie for the ultimate accolade. Battling PTSD, Aug 28. Finding effec- Realistic training helps keep 1st Cav- MP Challenge, Aug 34. Military police Focus on Korea tive ways to treat Post Traumatic Stress alry Division Soldiers ready to rescue Soldiers gathered at Fort Leonard Duty on the Last Communist Frontier, Disorder is an Army priority. downed aircrews. Wood, Mo., for the Warfi ghter MP Feb 12. Soldiers continue to guard Understanding TBI, Sep 29. Research- Introducing New Strykers to Combat, Team Competition. freedom’s frontier in Korea. ers are working to better understand Sep 6. When the 4th Battalion, 9th Earning the EFMB, Sep 32. Nearly Duty on the DMZ, Feb 20. U.S. and the causes of, and treatments for, Infantry, deployed to Iraq, the Mobile 300 Army, Navy and Air Force medical South Korean soldiers come face-to- traumatic brain injury. Gun System went too. personnel vied for the prestigious face with a potential enemy along the Therapeutic Horsemanship, Sep Bolstering Stryker Skills, Sep 7. The Expert Field Medical Badge at Grafen- Demilitarized Zone. 30. Horses are helping Soldiers with Army’s newest Stryker brigade intensi- wöhr, Germany. Special Ops in Korea, Feb 24. If war disabilities strengthen their bodies and fi es its training in preparation for Ten-miler Tune-up, Sep cover 3. breaks out on the Korean peninsula, relax their minds. deployment to Iraq. Friendship Through Sport, Oct 28. special-operations Soldiers will play a Combating PTSD, Oct 20. A new No Impossible Missions, Sep 8. Mem- Thousands of military athletes from major combat role. therapy for battling Post Traumatic bers of a vital U.S. Central Command 128 nations met at the Conseil Inter- Big Changes for Camp Humphreys, Stress Disorder —— using virtual unit help keep supplies moving to the national du Sport Militaire’s Military Oct 30. Scheduled to be the home reality —— is being fi ne-tuned at combat zone. World Games in India. of U.S. Forces, Korea, by 2012, the Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Underwater Engineers, Sep 10. Sol- Building an All-American Team, Dec once-small post is undergoing one of Lewis, Wash. diers of a Hawaii-based Army dive team 18. America’s top high-school football the largest transformations in Army Cold Weather Driving Tips, Nov 30. tackle a range of submerged missions. players battle it out in the Army All- history. Avoid a damaging run-in with “Old A Clinic for Karkh, Sep 14. The 1st American Bowl. Man Winter: by following a few simple Squadron, 14th Cavalry, helps bring qual- Guard and Reserve winter driving rules. ity medical care to a small Iraqi village. Environment Transitioning to the Guard or Re- Diving to Strength, Nov 33. An in- Pushing Out Afghan Poppies, Nov 8. Preserving Training Grounds, Feb 38. serve, Jan 16. novative physical-therapy program is Soldiers are helping to combat Afghan- The Army’s Compatible Use Buffer Clearing the Roads, Jun 14. National giving wounded Soldiers new freedom grown opium by teaching local farmers program helps preserve training areas Guard engineers attached to an Army and motivation. how to grow crops other than poppies. for future Soldiers. Reserve brigade are using specialized Adopt a Soldier, Dec 11. People na- “Vacation” in Kansas, Nov 10. A group Smarter Building Recycling, Apr 34. vehicles to clear IEDs from vital Iraqi tionwide are sending “care packages” of Afghan police and soldiers got a close- Organizations Armywide are fi nding roadways. to deployed troops. up look at America — and the Army that reuse of materials from demol- Disaster at Eagle Pass, Sep 16. When — during a working visit to Fort Riley. ished structures is good for both the a Texas town was ravaged by a killer History, Traditions & Holidays A Heartfelt Memorial, Nov 28. The planet and the bottom line. storm, Guard Soldiers were among the Armor History at Fort Knox, Apr 24. Army Reserve’s 88th Regional Readi- What You Can Do Earth Day, Apr fi rst to respond. Home to the Army’s armored forces ness Command establishes a memorial Cover 3. The Guard Looks to Africa, Sep 18. since before World War II, the Ken- honoring all those the unit has lost. Playing Cards to Preserve Antiquities, National Guard partnerships with Af- tucky post continues to be the armor Sep 28. Cards bearing pictures of rican nations help strengthen security center of excellence. Operations and Missions protected sites are part of a larger effort throughout the region. Remembering the Fallen, May 18. Munitionsmaker, Mar 16. McAlester to protect Iraq’s cultural heritage. Building Partnerships in the Balkans, The sound of “Taps” will echo world- Army Ammunition Plant is the Defense Holding Ground at Graf, Oct 35. En- Sep 20. The Guard’s African partner- wide thanks to a unique partnership. Department’s premier producer of vironmental planning and restoration ships are patterned on those already Where Valor Rests, May 24. A new bombs, and the nation’s largest facility efforts at the Army’s training center in proving successful in Europe. book uses more than 200 images to for storing and shipping munitions. Grafenwöhr, Germany, will ensure that Down-Home Talkin’ in Iraq, Sep 22. illustrate the four seasons at Arlington Aiming for Excellence, Mar 24. Stryker units will be able to train at the Members of a Kentucky Guard unit use National Cemetery. Located halfway between Hawaii and Bavarian post for years to come. both social and humanitarian skills to Remembering the “Yankee Samurai,” Australia, Kwajalein Atoll is home to Protecting the Western Toad, Dec 37. foster peace. May 38. American-born Soldiers of the nation’s leading ballistic missile

Soldiers•December2007 47 defense test site. Command — Army North — is Buddemeir, Jeremy S.: Visiting the ate Response, Feb 28. Eliminating Chemical Weapons, Mar prepared to assist civil authorities in Troops, Jul 4. Knott, Lt. Col. Joseph: Preserving 36. The U.S. Army Chemical Materiels responding to any type of calamity. Butler, Andre D.: Big Changes for Training Grounds, Feb 39. Agency is continuing to eliminate the Preparing Chaplains for Combat, Camp Humphreys, Oct 31. Kramer, Don: Preparing Chaplains nation’s stockpile. Jul 12. In response to conditions en- Carpenter, Brendalyn: Smarter Build- for Combat, Jul 12; Bolstering Stryker A Unique Partnership, May 30. Two countered by chaplains in Iraq, the 2nd ing Recycling, Apr 34. Skills, Sep 7. female medics provided combat medi- Infantry Division has created an innova- Casey, Gen. George: The Army’s Lane, Sgt. Maj. Larry: BCT: As cal care for an Afghan infantry unit. tive pre-deployment training course. Initiatives, Jul 5. Strong As Ever, May 4; Training for Honoring the Last MASH, Jun 18. CGSC Today, Jul 16. The U.S. Army Castro, Jeffrey: Calling for Special the Fight, May 11;Learning the Urban The Army’s sole remaining mobile Command and General Staff College Agents, Aug 40. Fight, May 13; Training Recruiters, Army surgical hospital cases its colors continues to educate and develop Chambers, Mary Kate: Recruiters’ Nov 20. for the last time. military leaders. Backup, May 16. Lappegaard, Capt. Mark: Supporting Making a Difference in Central A New Home for CGSC, Jul 19. New Chien, Elizabeth: Smarter Building Iraq’s ERUs, Jun 16. America, Jul 20. Two U.S. joint task facilities enhance the capabilities of Recycling, Apr 34. Larson, Petty Officer 1st Class forces undertake a range of humanitar- the U.S. Army Command and General Chiroux, Spc. Matthis: Vying for Michael, USN: Building Relationships ian programs south of the border. Staff College. “Gunga Din”, May 28. in Iraq, Jun 12. Lessons in Gender Operations, Jul Preparing for Hurricane Season, Aug Choike, Allison: MP Challenge, Aug 34. Lorge, Elizabeth: America’s Xbox 32. Eleven female Yemeni police 6. A simulated hurricane helped the Chucala, Steven: Your Legal Daily Army, Oct 4; Building an All-Ameri- officers got an in-depth look at how Army and other concerned agencies Minimum Requirements, Feb 46; A New can Team, Dec 18. U.S. military and law-enforcement test and refine their emergency-re- Sentinel for Consumer Complaints, Mar McNaughton, Dr. James C.: Remem- agencies integrate women into tactical sponse plans. 22; Combatting Predatory Lending, May bering the “Yankee Samurai,” May 38. operations. Training Recruiters, Nov 20. The 36; Reverse Mortgages, Jun 44; Home McQueen, Arthur: Earning the EFMB, Goodbye to OPBAT, Aug 16. Army U.S. Army Recruiting and Retention Financing, Aug 32. Sep 32. aviators fly their final missions in sup- School at Fort Jackson, S.C., is where Clemons, Beth: AMC Technologies, Oct 22. Mani, Tom: Capturing Combat on port of a long-running and successful today’s recruiters learn the tools and Courrege, Staff Sgt. Dallas: Goodbye Canvas, Jun 22. counterdrug program. techniques of their trade. to OPBAT, Aug 14. Marsicano, Judy: Expanding Fort Old Guard in Djibouti, Aug 20. Critser, Staff Sgt. Reeba: Lessons in Bliss, Aug 18. Members of the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Soldier Issues Gender Operations, Jul 32; Ensuring Miller, Kristin: Holding Ground at Old Guard) deployed to the Horn of Marriage in the Military, Feb 32. In- Regional Security, Aug 27. Graf, Oct 35. Africa to help provide force protection novative programs improve the odds of Cutter, Natela: Beefing Up Language Moes, Staff Sgt. Patrick N., USAF: for civil-affairs missions. marital survival for Army couples. Skills, Apr 20. Underwater Engineers, Sep 10. Training Salvadorans for Iraq, Dec Protecting Soldiers’ Security, Feb 36. Davis, Jean: Saluting Soldiers’ Sup- Mowry, Nathan: Smarter Building 32. Soldiers from Joint Task Force A special team of Soldiers is helping porters, Jul 48. Recycling, Apr 34. Bravo help prepare coalition troops ensure that Army Web sites don’t Davis, Steve: Emeril Cooks Up Soldier Musil, 2nd Lt. Adam: Disaster at for combat. compromise security. Recipes, Jun 36. Eagle Pass, Sep 16. The U.S. Army Field Band, Dec 40. A Home For Heroes, Apr 30. The Day, Sgt. Thomas L.: Introducing New Newbern, Maj. Pam: Protecting On the road with one of the nation’s Armed Forces Retirement Home offers Strykers to Combat, Sep 6. Soldiers’ Security, Feb 36. premier musical organizations. eligible veterans the comfort and sup- Drumheller, Nell M.: Aiming for Norris, Michael: Therapeutic Horse- port they deserve. Excellence, Mar 24. manship, Sep 30. Recruiting and Retention Saluting Soldiers’ Supporters, Jul 48. Durney, Staff Sgt. Chris A.: Clearing O’Connell, Staff Sgt. Christina: Focus Referral Bonus Update, Apr 48. Freedom Team Salute allows Soldiers the Roads, Jun 14. on … Walter Reed, May 3. Here are the facts on the $2K Bonus to honor people within their personal Ellis, Kristin: Preventing Soldier O’Malley, Capt. Brian: Pushing Out program. support networks. Suicide, Apr 42. Afghan Poppies, Nov 8. Recruiters’s Backup, May 16. Soldiers Elliot, Deborah: What You Can Do Orillion, Spec. Andrew: Practicing an in this special program share their real- Technology Earth Day, Apr Cover 3. Immediate Response, Feb 28. world experiences with potential recruits. Launching the JHSV, Aug 10. The Emery, Senior Airman Shaun, USAF: Polk, Spec. Tanya: Practicing an Im- $2K Army Referral Bonus, May Army, Navy and Marine Corps are Training Salvadorans for Iraq, Dec 32. mediate Response, Feb 28; cover 3. preparing to introduce a high-speed Eschenburg, Spc. Shane: Taking a Popejoy, Petty Officer 1st Class Mary, America’s Xbox Army, Oct 4. “True Sol- vessel that will transform 21st-century Comrade Home, May 22. USN: Training in Ethiopia, Jun 30. diers,” the latest evolution of the hugely military logistics operations. Glasch, Mike A.: Battling PTSD, Pryor, Sgt. Mike: Exercise in Preci- popular Army-sponsored video game Blazing a Trail to New Technology, Aug 28. sion, Mar 32. “America’s Army,” is introducing play- Oct 8. Maj. Gen. Roger A. Nadeau Farley, Sgt. 1st Class, Chris: A Heart- Reece, Beth: G.I. Jill, Dec 4. ers to a whole new level of challenges talks about the goals, programs and felt Memorial, Nov 28. Rejan, Wendy: Remembering Sad and accomplishments. successes of the Army Research, De- Fleming-Michael, Karen: Understand- Sack, Nov 12. velopment and Engineering Command ing TBI, Sep 29. Rosenburgh, Bob: Training for Moun- Schools and Training at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Md. Frazier, Chris: Cold Weather Driving tain Warfare, Dec 34. Practicing an Immediate Response, Developing New Life-Saving Tech- Tips, Nov 30. Russo, Sgt. 1st Class Erica: The U.S. Feb 28. U.S. and Bulgarian and nologies, Oct 12. … and we take a Greenhill, Sgt. Jim: GITMO Guard- Army Field Band, Dec 40. Romanian troops undertake realistic closer look at some of RDECOM’s ians, Mar 9; The Guard Looks to Sarantinos-Perrin, Argie: Eliminating joint training. innovative, cutting-edge technologies. Africa, Sep 18; Building Partnerships Chemical Weapons, Mar 36. Exercise in Precision, Mar 32. Sol- AMC Technologies, Oct 22. Because in the Balkans, Sep 20; The Guard Siter, Bridgett: Bragging about Best diers and howitzers descend from above Soldiers need more than just beans Keeps Them Flying, Nov 7; Diving to Ranger, Jul 6. when 82nd Airborne Division artillery- and bullets to survive and succeed in Strength, Nov 33. Soucy, Staff Sgt. Jon: Granite Tri- men jump into a training exercise. Afghanistan and Iraq, the U.S. Army Harben, Jerry: Bridge Helper, Nov 15. angle, Jun 28. Beefing Up Language Skills, Apr Materiel Command is constantly devel- Harding, Steve: Aiding Wounded War- Stetter, Ashley: Marriage in the Mili- 20. The Defense Language Institute oping new vehicles and technologies. riors, Feb 8; Referral Bonus $2K Pilot tary, Feb 33. Foreign Language Center is providing Program, Apr 48; Army Commissions Straub, 1st Lt. Amanda: A Unique the nation with highly trained experts This is Our Army a New Generation of Officers, Aug Partnership, May 30. in a variety of critical languages. A glimpse into the lives of Soldiers and 4; Launching the JHSV, Aug 10; A Tegtmeier, Phil: Honoring the Last BCT: As Strong as Ever, May 4. Families Armywide, Mar 44. Tribute to the Fallen, Oct 37; Rainier Mash, Jun 18. Excellent drill sergeants and tough, Rescuers, Dec 12; Commissioning the Thompson, Scott: A New Home for realistic training are still the essential War on Terror Smalls, Dec 16. CGSC, Jul 19. ingredients for turning civilians into GITMO Guardians, Mar 8. Camp Hasenauer, Heike: Duty on the Last Tolliver, Rachael: On Being a “Brat,” world-class Soldiers. America is home to the men and Communist Frontier, Feb 12; Duty on Sep 34. Training for the Fight, May 11. U.S. women of Joint Task Force-Guantana- the DMZ, Feb 21; Special Ops in Ko- Tonn, Rebecca: Good News: Medical Army Training and Doctrine Command mo, and to more than 400 war-on-ter- rea, Feb 25; Recognition of Valor, Apr Holdover, Jul 40. is using lessons learned in combat to ror-related enemy combatants. 14; Voice for the Victims, May 20; Turner, Sgt. Jo: “Vacation” in Kansas, fine-tune BCT. Ensuring Regional Security, Aug 27. Where Valor Rests, May 24; Playing Nov 10. Learning the Urban Fight, May 13. Twenty-one nations attended the recent Cards to Preserve Antiquities, Sep 28; Van Der Weide, Spec. Nancy: Old Comprehensive MOUT training is Third Army/U.S. Army Central Land Blazing a Trail to New Technology, Guard in Djibouti, Aug 20. helping prepare new Soldiers for the Forces Symposium. Oct 8; Developing New Life-Saving Wagner, Don: A Home for Heroes, Apr conditions they’ll face in Iraq and Technologies, Oct 12; Adopt a Soldier, 31; Preparing for Hurricane Season, Afghanistan. Dec 11; Christmas Notes, Dec 21; Aug 6. Vying for “Gunga Din,” May 28. Author Index Portraits of the Fallen, Dec 24. Weerts, Spec. Michael, D.: A Heartfelt Named after Rudyard Kipling’s famous Alam, Milli: Remembering the Fallen, Hipps, Tim: Friendship Through Sport, Memorial, Nov 28. poem, this event proves who’s the May 18. Oct 28. Williams, Tesia: AMC Technologies, “better man.” Alberts, Spc. Mike: Making a Differ- Homan, Spc. Stephanie: Chaplains Oct 22. Exercise Granite Triangle, Jun 28. An ence in Kirkuk, Jun 5. Meet in Iraq, Jul 15. White, Staff Sgt. Houston F. Jr.: No exercise at Fort Pickett, Va., brought Atkinson, Maj. Eric: Making a Differ- Hoskins, Spc. Nathan: Training for Impossible Missions, Sep 8. together Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and ence in Central America, Jul 20. Rapid Rescues, Sep 4. Wilt, Spec. Jim: Taming the Crotch Canadian troops for some tough and Bague, Maj. Deanna: Training to Hovey, Roxana: Ten-Miler Tune-Up, Rockets, Apr 40. realistic training. Defeat IEDs, Nov 4. Sep cover 3. Wood, Sgt. 1st Class Clinton: Prevent- Training in Ethiopia, Jun 30. Mem- Baumgartner, Pfc. Robert: Air Resup- Hughes, Mark: Munitionsmaker, Mar 17. ing Convoy Breakdowns, Jul 36. bers of the 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry ply, Jul 28. Hyatt, Donna: Eliminating the Bite, Wray, Janet: CGSC Today, Jul 16. Regiment, help Ethiopian NCOs learn Bielling, Patti: Preparing for Disaster, Aug 23. Yde, Sgt. Robert: A Clinic for Karkh, how to lead. Jun 38. Jones, Sgt. 1st Class Roger: An Aide Sep 14. Preparing for Disaster, Jun 38. The Brown, Master Sgt. Rick: The Iraqi for All Seasons, Sep 38. Young, Rachel: Combating PTSD, Oct Army component of U.S. Northern Army – Moving Forward, Apr 8. Kieffer, Gary L: Practicing an Immedi- 20; Protecting the Western Toad, Dec 37.

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