victory times online Vol. II, Issue 89 Friday’s Online Edition November 7, 2008 Servicemembers become U.S. citizens on Election Day Story and photo by – from 60 different coun- Spc. Christopher M. tries – have earned the Gaylord right to vote for their new 13th Public leaders. Affairs Detachment “I’m excited to be able to vote,” said Spc. Ruth On a day when Ameri- McKoy, supply special- cans exercised an extreme- ist, 62nd Quartermaster ly important democratic Company, 553 Sustain- right, 186 U. S. service- ment Brigade. “If some- members from across thing good comes out of a

became U.S. citizens dur- future election, I can say I One-hundred eighty-six servicemembers from across Iraq raise ing a naturalization cer- had something to do with their right hands together Tuesday, taking the oath of U.S. cit- emony at Al Faw Palace that. It’s like my voice is izenship during a naturalization ceremony at Al Faw Palace on Camp Victory, Iraq. on Camp Victory, Iraq, being heard now.” Tuesday. McKoy, born in the born. lator has the ability to Gen. Ray Odierno, com- West Indies, Jamaica, “Honestly, I can’t even make things work for both manding general, Multi- joined the Army in De- think of how blessed I am sides,” Hennessy said. National Force – Iraq, pre- cember 2002 and has to have this privilege,” “When I interpret for [U.S. sided over the ceremony since aspired to become Hennessy said. “It’s a troops], it helps deliver the and expressed his sincere an American citizen. After great thing.” right message on why the appreciation for each and one unsuccessful applica- Hennessy was ecstatic U.S. is here in Iraq.” every new U.S. citizen, tion in Germany, McKoy to receive her citizenship Though these 186 ser- and the significance of be- decided to apply for citi- on such an important day vicemembers are brand coming a citizen. zenship a second time for the U.S. and compared new U.S. citizens, many “Diverse as your back- from , , the freedoms she will have of them have always felt grounds may be, you all and finally achieved her as a U. S. citizen to those the unity all Americans now have one thing in com- goal. under the Saddam regime feel when serving in the mon: you are all Ameri- For each and every new years ago. military, and realize every cans,” Odierno said. “You citizen, the ceremony was “It’s a really good op- servicemember is fighting represent the very best of the chance of a lifetime, portunity to be able to for a common goal. all that our nation stands but words couldn’t fully vote freely and not live in “We all play a big for: freedom, opportunity, explain the joy one ser- fear,” Hennessy said. part in what’s going on equality and service.” vicemember felt. Hennessy said she feels over here,” McKoy said. The ceremony was Spc. Rasha Hennessy, her job as a linguist is vi- “We’re doing everything the 12th of its kind to be linguist, 1st Higher Head- tal to the future of Iraq and we can to help Iraq gain held in Iraq, but, for many quarters Battery, 1st Bat- the U.S., and in helping its democracy.” troops, took on special talion, 206th Field Artil- the two countries under- In the end, each ser- meaning, as it occurred lery, 39th Infantry Brigade stand one another’s cul- vicemember walked away on Election Day for U.S. Combat Team, received tures to move forward in with a new sense of pride: citizens. The newly natu- her citizenship in the same their partnership. the pride of being an ralized servicemembers country in which she was “I believe the trans- American citizen. Feature Home Stretch: Real estate full of options to consider Victory Times Reports estate or mortgage lender and plumbing standards are eligible for a Veterans’ Web sites offer mortgage and policies. Any damage Association loan. The VA Home Stretch is de- calculators to give an idea found to the home will af- loan is a federally guar- signed to give service- of your monthly payment fect the sale price as well anteed loan with no down members valuable in- and pre-approval amount. as the amount of money payment necessary. This formation on situations After you find out how you’ll have to put in to the can save you significant they may deal with upon much you can spend, it’s home after purchase. money at the time of pur- returning home from de- time to choose what to There are many kinds chase that can later be ployment. If you have a spend it on. Be sure to of mortgages available. used on home improve- topic that you think would make a list of home ne- A mortgage is basically a ments or furnishings if be of value to redeploying cessities to help you find loan from a bank specifi- necessary. Eligibility to servicemembers, please the home that’s right for cally for the purchase of submit it to Staff Sgt. Joy you. Also, check out the a home. Servicemembers See HOUSE, Page 4 Pariante at joy.pariante@ location and its proximity iraq.centcom.mil. to good schools, shopping Many servicemembers and your work place. Unsung Hero returning from deploy- After choosing a poten- ment decide to purchase a tial home, you will have home to serve as a future to decide on the price you rental property or a “starter are willing to pay for the house” for themselves and home. Things you should their families. There are a take in to consideration number of things to keep are the sale price of other in mind when purchasing homes in the area, ameni- a home for the first time. ties of the home, condition First, servicemem- of the house, the current bers should find out how real estate market and how much they can spend on much you are comfortable their new homes by get- with spending. ting pre-approval. There It is always good to Staff Sgt. Algernon Jospeh, command group are several factors con- have a home inspec- Brig. Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, chief of staff, Multi-National sidered when determining tion done prior closing. Corps – Iraq, presents a certificate of achievement to Capt. The inspection will look Laura Miller, logistics advisor, Iraqi Assistance Group, at Al your pre-approval amount Faw Palace Oct. 30. Miller serves as a logistics advisor and including gross income, for home issues such as coordinator with the Iraqi security forces and as a member down payment funds, foundation damage, wa- of a military transition team assigned to the 9th Iraqi Army Division in Multi-National Division – Baghdad. Her efforts debt, credit history, type ter damage, cracks in the have significantly contributed to improving ISF logistics ef- of mortgage and current walls and adherence to fectiveness. interest rates. Many real electrical, construction

The Victory Times Online is an authorized Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III electronic publication for members of the MNC-I Commanding General: The Victory Times online welcomes columns, Col. Billy J. Buckner Department of Defense. Contents of this MNC-I Public Affairs Officer: commentaries, articles and letters from our Sgt. Maj. Sharon Opeka electronic publication are not necessarily MNC-I PA Sergeant : readers. Send submissions or comments to MNC-I Command Info Chief: Staff Sgt. Joy Pariante the official views of or endorsed by the [email protected]. The edito- Pfc. Eric J. Glassey U.S. Government or the Department of De- Editor: rial staff reserves the right to edit for security, Staff Sgt. Jeremy D. Crisp, Pfc. Eric J. Martinez and Spc. fense. The editorial content of this publica- Staff: accuracy, propriety, policy, clarity and space. tion is the responsibility of the Public Affairs Christopher M. Gaylord Office of Multi-National Corps-Iraq.

Page 2 Victory Times November 7, 2008 News First Iraqi sergeant major academy commences Story and photos by Pfc. Eric J. Glassey 13th Public Affairs Detachment

Forty-two Iraqi army, air force, navy, national police, and special force senior noncommissioned officers attended the first sergeant major academy class at Camp Taji Satur- day. “We realized that the sergeants major from across Iraq were missing some valuable experi- ence and training leading Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, commander, Multi-National Security Transition Command — Iraq addresses- troops,” said Sgt. Maj. the sergeants major and Iraqi media to commemorate the beginning of the senior noncommissioned James Kelly, advisor to officer course at Camp Taji Monday. Iraqi sergeants major, dardized training.” the United Nations. The doing the right thing.” Iraqi Assistance Group. The academy’s curricu- 21-day course includes Being a noncommis- “They clearly did not un- lum and training is deter- classes on ethics and cor- sioned officer requires derstand their role leading mined and conducted by recting pay procedures, as leading troops; something troops, so we decided to North Atlantic Treaty Or- well as a weapon quali- these sergeants major will come up with some stan- ganization as directed by fication range and a foot learn much about during patrol. this course. The training these ser- “You cannot lead sol- geants major receive will diers by sitting behind a allow them to be the lead- desk,” Helmick said. “You ers their troops need. cannot lead soldiers by “As a senior noncom- saying, ‘Go get them.’ You missioned officer in your have to lead soldiers by organization, people will saying, ‘Follow me’ and look at you to see what ‘Do as I do.’ You have to right looks like,” said Lt. prepare how you will train Gen. Frank Helmick, com- them to fight. You have to mander, Multi-National know your soldiers.” Security Transition Com- NATO and coali- mand – Iraq. “They will tion forces are eager for look to you for leadership, the continuation of this

Command Sgt. Maj. Adhel Abdul Juber, the senior noncommis- trust, integrity and pride in school. sioned officer of Iraqi Ground Forces Command, stands with the your organization. They course instructors for the sergeants major academy prior to being will look to see if you are See ACADEMY, Page 5 reviewed by both Iraqi and U.S. generals at Camp Taji Monday.

November 7, 2008 Victory Times Page 3 Features Victory celebrates Halloween Photos by Pfc. Eric J. Glassey 13th Public Affairs Detachment

Staff Sgt. Rachael Egleston, training and assessments non- commissioned officer, Task Force 134; Jose, civilian con- tracter; and Sgt. Alana Batsche- let, personal security detail team leader, Task Force 134, Christopher Culver, (flying monkey suit) pose for a photo at the Camp civilian contractor and Chris Shock, (gorilla Victory Halloween Party at Hope suit) civilian contractor, mimic an ‘animal Chapel Oct. 31. fight’ during the Camp Victory Halloween party at Hope Chapel Oct. 31.

Master Sgt. Willoughby Mercer, Sheriff, 2145th Garrison Command entertains servicemembers and ci- vilians with music at the Camp Vic- tory Halloween party at Hope Chapel Oct. 31.

HOUSE, From Page 2 use the VA loan is determined on a buying process much easier. They investment, and with a good idea of case-by-case basis. The maximum can track all of your home related what you want in a home and what loan amount is $417,000. For more appointments, draw up all of your you can comfortably spend on your information, visit www.valoans. paperwork, assist you in finding a house, the home buying process can com. lender and ensure that everything be very successful. While home transactions can is taken care of prior to closing on Information gathered from www. be made person to person, using a your home. century21.com, homebuying.about. real estate agent can often make the A home is an excellent financial com and www.hub.gov.

Page 4 Victory Times November 7, 2008 News Staff Judge Advocate visits Soldiers on Victory spect the delivery of legal chain of command appreci- services and make sure ates the job they are doing. the commanders, brigade “It’s great to know that combat teams and Sol- we are all getting recogni- diers are receiving legal tion from the top,” Keagle support,” Black said. “I’m said. “Along with the rest also here to ensure my of MNC-I, the Judge Ad- Soldiers are receiving the vocate Corps is complet- proper training to provide ing the missions, and with those services.” the changing battlefield, Black stressed the im- we need to be able to adapt portance of adapting to to any legal situation.” Staff judge advocates from across Victory Base Complex gathered change in the Iraq theater Black closed the ses- for a group photo on Camp Victory Wednesday. of operations. sion with a heartfelt fare- “The brief was impor- “We just changed the well message to all of his Story and photos by tant, because it was to Army doctrine from one fellow Soldiers. Pfc. Eric J. Martinez address our current suc- of offense and defense to “This is my last year as 13th Public cesses and future role of one that provides stabil- the judge advocate gen- Affairs Detachment the staff judge advocates ity, and we need to make eral, and before I retire, in Iraq,” said Spc. Bill Ke- sure we know what that I will do my very best to Maj. Gen. Scott Black, agle, administration law means to us,” Black said. continue take care of all the judge advocate gen- paralegal, Multi-National “The battlefield is becom- of you,” Black said. “My eral, Judge Advocate Corps – Iraq. ing more complex, and we wife, Kim, and I have been Corps, briefed staff judge The briefing was part have to be looking for an- in this Army for 34 years. I advocate Soldiers across of a visit to VBC by se- swers to future problems wish that when you get to Victory Base Complex on nior Judge Advocate like, ‘what are the legal your 35 years or even five the state of the Staff Judge Corps members to assess ramifications of cyber years in the military, that Advocate Corps in Iraq at the Staff Judge Advocate warfare?’” you will continue to be the Sports Oasis Dining Corps in Iraq. The brief showed ser- grateful to serve with such Facility Thursday. “I’m required to in- vicemembers that their great men and women.” ACADEMY, From Page 3 “Twelve Iraqi army sergeants way up to division level, a massive major from this first course will amount of sergeants major will ben- return to become the academy’s efit from this training. cadre,” Kelly said. “Later they will “We hope for three to four classes become the primary instructors for a year because of the vast amount of the course.” sergeants major in Iraq,” Kelly said. “I hope that the Iraqis can sustain “I think this training will improve this course,” Helmick said. “This is the backbone of the Iraqi army non- our pilot course to see what is right commissioned officer corps. These for the Iraqis. I see this being held at sergeants major are going to have this school in these facilities.” an excellent influence in Iraq. This Gen. Babakir al-Zibari, Joint Forces Head- The Iraqi army has sergeants is another way for the Iraqis to stand quarters, addresses the Iraqi sergeants major from company level all the on their own two feet.” major at Camp Taji Monday.

November 7, 2008 Victory Times Page 5 Community Announcements Operating Hours Coalition Cafe Breakfast 5:30 - 8:30 a.m. Scouts The Change of Stole will be for Chap- Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dinner 5 - 8 p.m. The Victory Base Council invites lain Warren Watties as he transfers the Midnight Dining 11 p.m. - 1 a.m. Sports Oasis anyone who is interested in helping with ministry for the noon gospel service at Breakfast 5:30 - 8:30 a.m. Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Boy and Girl Scouts for the Iraqi chil- Hope Chapel on Sundays. This will also Dinner 5 - 9 p.m. Education Center dren to attend the planning meeting at be his farewell service. 8 a.m.-midnight Camp Liberty Post Exchange 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Mayors Cell 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Fitness Center conference room and attend the events R&R Briefings Open 24 Hours Victory Main Post Office they host for the children on Saturdays. Reunion and Suicide Intervention Monday-Sunday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. The show up time is at 2 p.m. at the shot- Briefings are held at Victory Chapel, Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. MNC-I STB Mailroom up tower in front of Al Faw Palace. They Monday at 3 p.m., Wednesday at 9:30 9 a.m. - noon 5 - 7 p.m. depart at 2:10 p.m. and head to the Iraqi a.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. All service- Al Faw Palace Post Office Wednesday and Sunday camp within Victory Base Complex. The members going on leave or redeploying 1-6 p.m. Golby Troop Medical Clinic event starts at 3 p.m. and ends around 5 must attend this briefing. Sick Call Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - noon p.m. Anyone is welcome to join. No pri- Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - noon Dental Sick Call or scouting experience required. More Toastmasters Monday - Friday 7:30 - 10:30 a.m. Saturday 9 - 10:30 a.m. information can be found at www.victo- Improve your public speaking skills Mental Health Clinic Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. rybasecouncil.org. while having fun with creative, goal-ori- Saturday 9 a.m. - noon Post-Deployment Health Briefings ented people. No speaking experience Monday, Wednesday and Friday 1 p.m. Pharmacy Stories necessary. For more information contact Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. - noon; 1 - 4:30 p.m. If you have a religious activity or Capt. Armin Reyes 485-3968 Armin. Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. - noon Legal Assistance/Claims event that you would like to see in the [email protected]. Saturday-Monday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Victory Times please contact Pfc. Eric J. Glassey at [email protected]. Story pictures Worship Hours For more photos pertaining to the sto- mil or at 435-2035. Victory Chapel (Bldg. 31) Thursday ries in this Victory Times look online at 7:30 p.m...... Latter Day Saints Seminary Friday Change of Stole Ceremony https://corps.intranet.iraq.centcom.mil/ 6:30 p.m...... Jewish Shabbat Service Saturday A Change of Stole ceremony will be sites/Special/pao/Picture%20Library/ 11 a.m...... Seventh Day 8 p.m...... Catholic Mass held at Hope Chapel at noon on Nov. 16. Forms/AllItems.aspx. Sunday 7 a.m...... Liturgical Protestant Service 2 p.m...... Latter Day Saints Service 4 p.m...... Epicopal/Lutheran Service Al Asad...... 107.3 Fallujah...... 105.1 Taji...... 107.3 Mini Chapel (Bldg. 24F) AFN Ali Base...... 107.3 Kirkuk...... 107.3 Tal Afar...... 107.3 Tuesday Ar Ramadi.. 107.3 Kirkush...... 107.3 Taqqadum... 107.3 7:30 p.m...... Latter Day Saints Service Freedom Radio Baghdad..... 107.3 ...... 105.1 Tikrit...... 100.1 Wednesday Balad...... 107.3 Q-West...... 93.3 All stations are FM 7 p.m...... Men’s Fellowship Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11:30 p.m...... Roman Catholic Mass Friday Camp Victory Bible Studies 1 p.m...... Muslim Prayer Service 8 p.m...... Women’s Fellowship Sun. Sunday Mon. Tues. Wed. Thurs. Fri. Sat. 8 a.m...... Eastern Orthodox Service 10 a.m...... Protestant Sunday School Women’s Bible Women’s Bible Men’s Bible Study Young Adult 7 p.m. Victory Foundations SeventhDay Study 7 p.m. 3 p.m...... Church of Christ Service Study 7 p.m. Bible Study Chapel; Bible Study, Adventist 7:30 p.m...... Latter Day Saints Service Bldg 24F; Spanish Bible Bldg 24F Mini Chapel Hope Chapel (Bldg 24B) Gospel Protestant Purpose Driven Life 5:30 p.m. Study 7 p.m. Bldg 10 a.m. 24F Monday Bible Study Bible Study (Victory Hope 7:30 p.m. Bible 6:30 p.m. Victory 12 p.m...... Charismatic Prayer Meeting 7 p.m. Hope Mayor’s Cell) Chapel Study (Victory Chapel Sunday Chapel 7:30 p.m. Mayor’s Cell) 8:30 a.m...... Collective Protestant Service 10 a.m...... Roman Catholic Mass 12 p.m...... Gospel Service 6:30 p.m...... Contemporary Protestant Do you have an announcement about an event of interest to the Camp Victory community? Service Warrior Chapel (Camp Liberty) Contact Spc. Christopher M. Gaylord at [email protected] with the information. Friday Information for community announcements needs to submitted at least two weeks prior to the 6:30 p.m...... Victory Base Open Circle event to allow for timely publication. MNC-I Chaplain’s Office: 485-3252 Page 6 Victory Times November 7, 2008 Equal Opportunity Army celebrates Native American heritage month Story by educate the public about the heritage Native Americans have been sub- Sgt. 1st Class Monica Bailey and history of the American Indian and jected to many stereotypes throughout Alaska Native people. the years. All Native American men are Equal Opportunity Prior to 1990, Dr. Arthur C. Parker, not called braves or chiefs; Women are Long before the Europeans set foot a Seneca Indian, Director of Muse- not called squaws; and children are not on American soil, the American Indi- um of Arts and Science in Rochester, called papooses. All Native Americans ans, or rather the Native Americans had New York persuaded the Boy Scouts do not wear feathers or say, “How.” Not been living in America. Native Ameri- of America to set aside a day for the, all Native Americans live on reservations cans are considered to be the first in- “First Americans, “ and for three years or “out west.” Frequently we have heard, genuous people to live throughout the the Scouts adopted such a day. In 1915, “low man on the totem pole.” Totem North American continent. Their way at the annual Congress of the American poles are not used to climb something of life and history has since impacted Indian Association, a plan celebrating but use to depict the history and stories of American history. At the turn of the this day was approved. Rev. Sherman ones family ancestry. Most are displayed twentieth century an effort to gain rec- Coolidge, an Arapahoe Indian, was on the outside entrance of the home. A to- ognition for the contributions made to directed by this Congress to call upon tem pole is the symbol of ones qualities, the establishment and growth of the the Nation to set aside this day. In Sep- experience and exploits of the clan. Unites States has resulted in November tember 1915 Coolidge issued a proc- Throughout November take time to being designated as, “National Ameri- lamation for this day and also the first reflect and recognize Native Ameri- can Indian/Alaska Native Heritage formal appeal for Native Americans to cans. Reflect on the many obstacles that Month.” In 1990 President George be recognized as U.S. citizens. Seven they have overcome to grow within so- Bush approved and designated Novem- years later in 1924, the Indian Citizen- ciety and maintain much of their own ber as the month to celebrate and rec- ship Act of 1924 was passed into a law culture. Recognize the many contribu- ognize different tribal cultures within and granted U.S citizenship to all Na- tions that they have made to shape our the Nation. This month was set aside to tive Americans. country into what it is today. NATIVE AMERICAN QUIZ 1. True or False: Indians are called “Indians” because they 7. The “Trail of Tears, “refers to: originated in the Indies, in Asia. A. Movie B. Actual Historical Event C. Place within the U.S. D. Folktale depicted by Native Americans 2. How many Native American people would you guess live in the and Canada? 8. Sitting Bull was a prayer leader—not a war leader. A. Three Million B. 50,000 A. True B. False C. One Million D. Less than 50,000 E. 500,000 9. Which of the following is NOT the name of a Native American Tribe? 3. Is it offensive to call someone an Eskimo? A. Massachusett B. Delaware C. Miami D. Iowa E. Illinois F. Colorado 4. What do Native Americans refer to themselves as? A. American Indian B. Native American 10. Native Americans that originated in Alaska lived in? C. Indigenous People D. Tribal Name E. Indian A. Wigwom B. Tee-Pee C. Igloo D. Hogan

5. How many recognized tribes are there within the Unit- BONUS: ed States? 11. Do all Native Americans celebrate Thanksgiving as a A. 250 B. 280 C. 400 D. 500 time of peace? A. Yes B. No 6. How many different languages are represented within Take the quiz and test your knowledge on Native Americans. the United States by Native Americans? Email your replies to Sgt. 1st Class Monica Bailey at the Multi- A. 250 B. 280 C. 400 D. 500 National Force – Iraq and Multi-National Corps – Iraq equal op- portunity office to win a prize. [email protected].

November 7, 2008 Victory Times Page 7