The “...From the Ashes...” PHOENIX PATRIOT 3rd. Edition, Volume I Official Publication of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix V Oct. 9, 2006

Photo By 1st Lt. Timothy Merritt First National Afghan Branch Conference Sets Standard Story by 2nd Lt. units. Maj. Geoffrey Liljenwall, effectively demonstrated fl awless it, is to bring commanders together Amanda Straub conference Offi cer In Charge fi eld artillery procedures and to share ideas and solve common (OIC) and fi eld artillery mentor, expert marksmanship. 4th Kandak problems in communication. Last week approximately 70 said it is extremely important to fi red a combination of Russian D- “The conference was a complete Afghan and American leaders and solidify the fi eld artillery branch 30 122mm Howitzers and mortars. success,” Christensen said. “It was experts from around Afghanistan as an important tool in winning the “We are really spoiled by this reassuring to hear that other units met at the fi rst ever National Field War on Terrorism in Afghanistan. group,” Capt. Dallen Christensen, face the same challenges we do. Artillery Conference at Kabul “Field artillery is a huge combat American Embedded Trainer We shared a lot of tips and tricks.” Military Training Center to share multiplier when used effectively,” for the 4th Kandak, said. “They The fi eld artillery conference ideas and continue improving Liljenwall said. “There is a lot really know what they’re doing.” was the fi rst national branch the Afghan National Army of knowledge on the ANA side. It is common for units separated conference in Afghanistan (ANA) Field Artillery Branch. They are solid artillerymen.” by geographic location to designed to help all elements The conference was modeled The culmination event was a develop differing techniques for function in concert. A similar after similar U.S. conferences live-fi re exercise conducted by the accomplishing their mission, conference targeted at improving designed to facilitate discussion 4th Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 201st especially in a war torn land like methods and communication and standardize fi eld artillery Corps. 4th Kandak fi eld artillery Afghanistan. The goal of the fi eld between units in the engineering procedures amongst diverse unit is the oldest in the ANA and artillery conference, and others like branch is scheduled for this fall. New HA Missions SECFOR INSIDE Chapel Shape Busts THIS Opens at Afghanistan Smuggling Phoenix pg. 4,5,7 Ring ISSUE pg. 3 pg. 6

1 On Point w/ the CSM General Guidance Jungleers, Warriors, On 5 October 2006 the I’m honored to have the International Security As- opportunity to address sistance Force (ISAF), you while I cover down on took over responsibil- CSM Conley’s duties here ity for military operations on post while he is down throughout all of Afghani- range dodging bullets. stan. Many of the mem- I’d like to turn the spot- bers of CJTF Phoenix light on a group of Soldiers V have asked about the that often get overlooked impact this historic event during the discussions of will have on our team and our Task Force. our mission. Our Task Force is a perfect representation of what made Ameri- First let me assure you we are in full cooperation with ISAF ca great, the melting pot of diverse cultures and people that united and have been for some time. Our mission covers all of Afghani- together. We have the warriors from the NAVY, AIR FORCE, and stan and we have been working with ISAF in three-fourths of Afghanistan for many months. Second our mission is not under MARINES. We have NATIONAL GUARD representation from the direct control of ISAF and training and equipping the Afghan 48 states and 3 territories. We have coalition forces, Army Re- National Security Forces will not be an ISAF mission for some serve, and even a few active Army soldiers, but there is another time. Third the future success of the Afghan National Security group that has served their country honorably and thought that Forces will depend on our ability to synchronize the efforts of the they were done, our warriors from the IRR. Afghan National Army and Police Forces. This process will be These great Americans took the hard right over the easy wrong, enhanced by ISAF serving as the single Command and Control they got “the letter in the mail,” and answered the call. They Headquarters for the entire nation. weren’t still in uniform, knowing that deployment was only a Our higher headquarters remains Combined Security Transi- matter of time, let alone volunteering for it. They had executed tion Command – Afghanistan and our direction and focus will be their service to the country and moved out to have a life on the constant and unwavering. We will continue to work closely with outside. ISAF and our Coalition Partners as we assist in the process of They are dressed just like the rest of us, except for an odd left building a professional Afghan National Army and Police Force. sleeve patch that nobody had seen before, so it’s hard to pick them Our partnership with other nations has expanded to 13 nations out in a crowd. They are executing their duties with pride and and will continue to grow as other countries realize the impor- professionalism as are the rest of our warriors. tance of our mission. ISAF facilitates this process and plays the I would like to thank all the IRR soldiers that answered the call, central role in recruiting personnel from other nations to join the placed your life on hold, packed up your unique skill sets, and Phoenix team. joined our melting pot, Task Force Phoenix, to make a difference You are at the leading edge of one of the most important military for the people of Afghanistan. missions in the world. Creating a safe, secure and stable environ- ment where terrorism is not tolerated and defending freedom for everyone is a noble and rewarding mission we can all be proud of.

William Elfering Douglas A. Pritt SGM, USA Brigadier General, Operations Sergeant Major Commanding

“Men make history, and not the other morph the role and look of the Task Afghanistan were not able to attend way around. In periods where there Force. school. Task Force Phoenix, alongside is no leadership, society stands still. We wipe the sleep from our eyes the Afghan National Army and Afghan Progress occurs when courageous, each morning only to fi nd that nearly National Poilce, has built schools, dug skillful leaders seize the opportunity to change things for the better.” everything we knew from the previous wells initiated medical assistance and Harry S. Truman day has now changed. Sometimes the economic reform. The task force has changes are minor, sometimes they are trained and mentored a national army Fellow Patriots- large. Moving locations, changing jobs, where nothing existed fi ve years ago. working with new teams are all forms We are making a difference here. We In the past few weeks we have seen of change we deal with. are helping Afghanistan rebuild after a lot of change take place throughout Other forms of change are a bit more decades of war. Change in the task the task force. The recent changes with subtle, and can only be seen when you force may come quickly, but the more ISAF, recent changes that expand our take a step back and look at the big permanent changes come after many mission and the infl ux of new faces picture. Only fi ve years ago, girls in years of work. The Phoenix Patriot is the offi cial publication of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix V, authorized under the provisions of AR 360-1. The views and opinions expressed in The Phoenix Patriot are not necessarily those of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, or the departments of the Army, Air Force, or Navy. The Phoenix Patriot is a bi-weekly publication distributed to deployed Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines all over Afghanistan with a circulation of 3500. The Phoenix Patriot is happy to publish photos and articles from the fi eld and we encourage readers to submit original material to the CJTFPHX V Public Affairs Offi ce. All contributions, questions, comments and suggestions should be submitted via e-mail to: [email protected]. Editor in Chief/ Writer/ Photographer - Second Lieutenant Amanda M. Straub - Content Manager Writer/ Photographer - First Lieutenant Cathrin Y. Fraker - Public Affairs Offi cer Writer/ Photographer - Sergeant First Class Tom Roberts - Public Affairs NCOIC Writer/ Photographer - Lieutenant Janette M. Arencibia - Marketing Offi cer

The Phoenix Patriot 2 New Chapel Dedicated at Camp Phoenix double doors. Chaplain Andrew Werner, Lt. Col James Randolph, Rabbi Bobby Bethea and Father Christopher Benoist also participated in delivering the dedication message. Refreshments and fellowship followed the ribbon cutting and dedication. All are welcomed and encouraged to attend services throughout the week. Schedule of Services: Sundays 0900 Protestant Service 1030 Church of Latter Day Saints 1700 Catholic Service 2000 Contemporary Service Monday, Wednesday and Friday 0600 Prayer Group The Camp Phoenix Chapel before remodeling. Tuesdays 1900 Woman’s fellowship Story by Lt. Janette Arencibia “A Purpose Driven Life” Devotional Series (Oct 19) Photos by 2nd. Lieut. Amanda Straub Wednesday After great anticipation and several weeks of collec- 1900 Bible Study tive effort from various individuals, Camp Phoenix cel- Friday ebrated the newly remodeled chapel in a dedication cer- 1900 Sabbath Service emony on Sept. 26. The remodeling project started in Saturday mid-August and was completed at the end of Septem- 2000 Gospel Service ber. Civilian and military individuals at Camp Phoenix worked alongside each other to remodel the chapel. As a result of the expansion, the chapel now has the capac- ity to hold 70 people. A room added during remodeling provides increased privacy for counseling and confes- sion. “We now have a multi-purpose building that will bet- ter serve all faith groups with honor and distinction,” Lt. Col. Terrance Schrick, Task Force Command Chap- lain, said. There will be other on-going improvements made to the chapel which include new fl ooring and carpet- ing. The library is being enhanced with book donations from from the U.S. Schrick lead the joint faith service following the rib- bon cutting by Brig. Gen. Douglas Pritt and Col. David A surprise gift, a steeple crafted and donated from a chapel Enyeart celebrating the opening of the chapel’s new patron Robert Smith, completes the new chapel. Navy ETTs On Deck At Camp Cobra Story by Darulaman ETT Commander, Col. Mangal troops and requires a fi rm without coalition involve- Lt. Christopher Nettles Omer Khill. As senior hand and good leadership ment. The ETTs at Camp mentor, he will help Kh- skills. Cobra will train their Af- DARULAMAN, Afghan- ill shape Afghan National ETTs are responsible for ghan counterparts in garri- istan - A new Embedded Army (ANA) forces into mentoring and advising son and command opera- Training Team (ETT) re- a more disciplined, orga- their ANA counterparts. tions to support and direct cently hit the deck at Camp nized fi ghting force. The ETTs work alongside Soldiers fi ghting down- Cobra near Darulaman. Chief Petty Offi cer Eric ANA forces attempting to range. Cmdr. Peter Van Loon Peterson will serve as the “work themselves out of a Camp Cobra is just out- will serve as the Offi cer In Senior Enlisted Mentor job” by helping the ANA side the Southwest corner Charge of the Navy per- to the Garrison Sergeant develop the skills and re- of Kabul near the ANA’s sonnel, and Senior Men- Major, Shafeeq. Shafeeq sources necessary to run Darulaman base. Camp tor to the Afghan Garrison is responsible for enlisted operations in Afghanistan See Sailors on page 7 3 School Opening Story and Photo by 1st. Lt. Cathrin Fraker Humanitarian Mis On Aug. 28, American and Afghan Soldiers from the 201st Corps and members of the Afghan National Police celebrated the dedication of a new school with villagers of Sang-Kwista. Well Construction What sets this school apart from other schools is the story be- Story by 2nd. Lt. Amanda Straub hind the dedication of the builder, Salim, head contracter for Soldiers from the United States and the Afghan GeoSurvey Construction Company. The school’s budget was set fi rmly at $85,000 and there was National Army (ANA) offi cially opened three new little room for changes. That did not deter the excitement and wells in the village of Qal-Eh Gulbaz during the dedication of Salim and his team who added several extras at no peak of summer. charge and completed the school in just 65 days. Brig. Gen. Mohammed Amin Wardak, drank from Safety for the children was a big concern. They needed a wall one of the new wells and addressed the people from the village. “I am commander of Kabul Military Training Center,” Wardak said. “Our Soldiers are very happy with their training and the opportunity to serve their country. A new school is being built in Family Vil- lage. There are three new wells in the village here. All of this is made possible with the help of our friends and mentors in the US Army.” The three wells will serve more than 700 people in a village desperate for water. The country of Af- ghanistan is frequently plagued by drought, and the current drought is in its eighth year. Qal-Eh Gulbaz

PROJECT # RCAG AREA PROJECT Kanda Maj. Gen. Mangal, Master Sgt. Einwalter and Salim cut the ribbon. 41BCT012 205 har Health Car behind the school to protect the children from rocks that fall 41BCT014 1-180 Kabul Cultural from the mountainside. Salim and his company added the wall at 41BCT017 203 Patkia Education no charge. They also added a four inch concrete and rebar layer 41BCT018 1-180 Patkia Goverance between the rocks and the foundation to stabilize the structure against earthquakes. They built a 12-inch insulated roof fi lled 41BCT024 207 Herat Goverance with earth and straw to cool the classrooms, and added a water 41BCT036 207 Herat Goverance tank for the students and teachers to drink from. 41BCT041 TAG Kabul Water Every time Salim wanted to add something extra to the school, 141 Master Sgt. Einwalter, American Non-Commisioned Offi cer In 41BCT045 LTF Kabul Goverance Charge of the project, would remind Salim that he didn’t have 141 to do the extra work, it was not part of the contract. 41BCT046 LTF Kabul Water Salim’s simple response was always, “This is for the children. 41BCT049 203 Patkia Education For our children. I have to do this.” When Einwalter fi rst came to the school site a few months 41BCT032 207 Herat Civic Clea ago, the teachers and their students were conducting class out- 141 side on the hillside. The school has come a long way from the 41BCT042 LTF Kabul Civic Clea days of the make-shift classroom on the hill. Maj. Gen. Mangal, Commander of the 201st Corps, attended Projects in the dedication with many of his Soldiers and said, “This is a beautiful school where our children can get a good education. The Commander’s Emergency Relief Program (CERP) Our country needs more doctors and engineers and this will be makes funds available for commanders at all levels to where they will get their start.” rebuild Afghanistan. But it takes more than money to Mangal closed his remarks with a promise, “Your Afghan Na- make progress in this war-torn land. It takes the hard- tional Army and your Afghan National Police will protect this school work and ingenuity of Afghan and American Soldiers dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Af- and the children. The children are the future of Afghanistan.” ghans. It often takes the generosity of non-profi t or-

The Phoenix Patriot 4 Medical Assistance ssions Shape Future Story and Photo by 2nd. Lt. Amanda Straub Afghan National Army (ANA) Soldiers from the 201st corps is hit especially hard during periods of drought due treated over 200 patients during a medical assistance mission to the fact that its existing wells are shallow and to the village of Pol-E Charki on Aug. 11. The team consisted the water table drops too low to draw water during of Afghan doctors, medics and military police with a strong summer months. desire to care for people in the community who cannot afford Qal-Eh Gulbaz is located between Kabul Military regular health care. They were assisted by American Soldiers Training Center (KMTC) and the village of Pol-E- who provided a dentist, medical supplies, and additional secu- Charki. This summer the area saw an increase in in- rity. The ANA medical personnel normally have Fridays off, surgent activity including an Improvised Explosive but they were happy to give their extra time to provide medical assistance to the people of Pol-E Charki. Device (IED) on the road in front of the village. Col. Ab-Salam Ayobi, 201st Corps Surgeon, also runs a pri- The IED was discovered and detonated by coalition forces. American Soldiers hope that the new wells will encourage villagers to report insurgent activity making operations in the area safer. “The people don’t really have any reason to report insurgent activity,” 1st Sgt. Donald Weber, KMTC Civil Affairs Offi cer, said. “If someone gives them $500 to plant an IED, they can feed their family for months. If we show them that we are helping them and making their lives better, maybe they will be more likely to report things to us and try to keep us around.”

APPROVED/OBLIGAT TYPE ED re $25,000.00 ANA medics treat an elderly man during a medical assistance mission. $22,500.00 vate clinic in Kabul in the evenings and treated patients using $180,000.00 a blend of western medicine and eastern technique. Ayobi, who e $500.00 studied medicine in the United States, used acupuncture to treat a young man with a blood clot in his thumb. Ayobi said that the e $10,000.00 acupuncture would save the boys thumbnail, and decrease the e $10,000.00 pain. $8,000.00 Most of the patients were children with ailments such as chronic diarrhea, malnutrition, parasites and skin disorders. A e $5,000.00 pharmaceutical company, McKesson, from the United States, donated 10 cases of supplies including medicines, soap, sham- $3,000.00 poo, sunscreen, toothbrushes, toothpaste and fl oss for preven- tative healthcare. American Lt. Col. Allen Kylap, has a civil- $75,000.00 ian career with McKesson and asked his company to send the n up $25,700.00 supplies. “I asked them to send one case,” Kylap said, “and they sent n up $11,000.00 10. Everything is defi nitely getting used.” Kylap says his company has been extremely supportive of his deployment and was very happy to send supplies. Inevitably, n Progress Total $375,700.00 some of the packaging on the products his company buys and ganizations and civilians from around the world. The sells are damaged during shipping. Kylap says slightly dam- work is worth it. To win the Global War on Terror in aged pharmaceuticals in the United States are normally thrown Afghanistan, the world must create an environment of out and wasted. Kylap says he wishes more pharmaceutical stability that refuses to tolerate Terrorists. If you have companies would follow McKesson’s example and donate the not participated in a humanitarian mission yet, talk to products to a worthy cause. your command to volunteer. It can be a truly memorable “I tell you what, we’re here for the kids,” Kylap said. “The experience during your deployment. children of Afghanistan will win this war, not the adults.” 5 SECFOR Stops Local Smugglers Story by 1st. Lt. Cathrin Fraker moving into a compound they alert- success mission,” 2nd. Lt. Scott Mar- ed the Base Defense and Operations man, SECFOR Intelligence Offi cer, KABUL, Afghanistan – On Sept. 25, Center (BDOC). said. Camp Phoenix Security Forces (SEC- The BDOC redirected a dismounted Soldiers of Task Force Phoenix FOR) raided a nearby compound patrol to assist in the raid. Sgt. Justin SECFOR have a feeling of accom- capturing 18 men suspected of pilfer- Dorn of Medford, Ore. led the mem- plishment after eliminating this re- ing U.S. connexes in route to Camp bers of his patrol to include some curring security threat. Phoenix. members of the Afghan National Po- “They felt it was what they were Soldiers from SECFOR received lice (ANP) to the compound. Mount- sent here to do and they get great tips that connexes were being opened ed forces from the Ready Reaction satisfaction from it,” Marmam said. and contents were stolen prior to their Force (RRF) and Quick Reaction “Professionalism and profi ciency arrival to Camp Phoenix and other Force (QRF) were sent out to cordon were the order of the day.” Coalition locations. Intel suggested the area to prevent the escape of any this was happening frequently as suspects. The command to move in Pakistani truck drivers made contact was given and Alpha Company, 1st and stopped on the way so smugglers Platoon, 4th Squad entered the com- could pilfer the connexes, reseal and pound and apprehended the thieves. send them onto their fi nal destination. Due to the tower guard’s ability to The stolen goods are then sold at vari- maintain visibility of the situation and ous locations. willingness of several local nationals Spc. Richard Newberg, of Rose- to help, all the suspects were captured burg, Ore. and Pfc. Carl Schotthoefer and taken to a local ANP Station for of Grant’s Pass, Ore. were working in further questioning. a guard tower that evening. As soon “Relationships built in the commu- Photo By Spec. Joshua Phillips as they saw the suspected vehicles nity were directly responsible for this SECFOR Soldiers hold suspected thieves for questioning. ANA Leading The Way In Afghan Legal Reform Story and Photos by 205th RCAG PAO “I want this to be a discussion among ourselves,” Cmdr. Chad Snee Waldron said. “I want us to talk about issues when they come up.” CAMP SHIR ZAI, Afghanistan – Ten members of the Waldron began by asking the ANA lawyers and Afghan National Army (ANA) legal staff for 205th judges what they felt the “rule of law” meant. Corps recieved fundamental training on basic law One ANA judge responded with conviction that, concepts Sept. 24 at Camp Shir Zai. “Rule of law means that all citizens of Afghanistan Maj. Paul Waldron, Command Judge Advocate for are subject to the same law.” the 205th Regional Corps Advisory Group (RCAG), Waldron agreed saying, “We need to have faith, led a focused discussion covering topics like the rule confi dence and belief in the rule of law.” of law, separation of powers among the legislative, At times, the discussion became quite animated, as executive and judicial branches, fundamental fairness, the ANA lawyers wrestled with important concepts. It due process, impartiality, and double jeopardy. was very clear from their comments and questions that they are committed to expanding their understanding of the law and to putting that knowledge to use in service to the Afghan people. Several participants commented that the training was very valuable and useful. So useful, they said, that they didn’t realize that more than two hours had passed when the instruction ended. Waldron said that this initial block of instruction began with the basics; a foundation upon which more diffi cult legal concepts may be built. “We have to show the ANA leadership that the law works and how to use it effectively,” Waldron said. “It is my fi rm belief that the 205th RCAG is leading the Maj. Paul Waldron, discusses legal concepts with the legal way in ANA training on legal issues.” staff of ANA 205th Corps. The Phoenix Patriot 6 Sailors Intrigued By Unique Assignment and Opportunities Continued from page 3 Cmdr. Daniel Deighan, Exectutive Offi cer mentor, Cobra may not have all the luxuries that the larger bases summarized the spirit of the mission saying, “We’ve enjoy, but it’s a very scenic area next to the Queen’s been anxious to get started here. It’s been three months castle with mountains on the other side of the camp. since we started this journey back at Camp Shelby and The Navy ETTs are enjoying their introductions saying we are all more than ready to get the ball rolling. Our the Afghans have been very friendly and hospitable and goal is to leave an indelible mark on the hearts, minds, do appreciate that the U.S. military is here to make life and infrastructure of the Afghan people. Now one year better for all Afghans. boots on ground doesn’t seem so long after all!” “I am very grateful to have the new ETT members here,” Khill said. The new ETTs are focused on the primary mission but are also excited to participate in humanitarian missions through the Commanders Emergency Response Pro- gram (CERP). Excited about the opportunity to train and assist the locals, the ETTs convoyed to a nearby village and discussed with the elders the possibility of building a well for drinking and irrigating crops. Many opportunities exist alongside the primary mission of mentorship. There is a lot of work to be done here and the Navy ETTs are at the helm ready to make a positive impact and support the mission of Task Force Phoenix. One Camp Cobra Navy ETTs Left to Right : Chief Petty Offi cer Eric Peterson, Senior Chief Petty Offi cer John Flores, Lt. Cmdr. Rusty Bownds, Cmdr. step at a time, even small changes will have a big im- Daniel Deighan, Cmdr. Peter Madrigal, Cmdr. Peter Van Loon, Lt. Christo- pact in the long run. pher Nettles, Lt. Charles Dayball. Generosity of Interpreter Builds Mosque Story and Photos by Civil Affairs Offi cer, led a small team 207th RCAG PAO to the village of Zangalan, near Camp Staff Sgt. Matt Leas Stone, to deliver materials for the vil- lagers to build a mosque. When they Ali Hesery has been an interpreter arrived however, the villagers asked with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan for six more steel beams so that they for six months and just signed his sec- could put a fl at roof on the mosque as ond contract. This may sound like an opposed to a rounded one. ordinary event, but this young man’s Ali then did something most people desire to help rebuild Afghanistan is would never do; he said that he would truly extraordinary. pay for the extra supplies himself and On September 14th Col. Robert deliver them in a few days. Elliott, U.S. Forces Commander for “I just want to help,” Ali said. “I the 207th Regional Command Group make enough as an interpreter that I (RCAG) and Maj. Shawn Gustafson, can afford it, so I save a little bit of each pay check to put towards help- ing Afghanistan. If I can help just a Ali Hesery unloads beams he pur- few villages, then Afghanistan is that chased with Col. Robert Elliott. much better at the end of the day ing because I think I could do the and will be better for my family and most good there,” Ali said. friends.” On Sept. 19th members from the Ali spent a year as an exchange 207th RCAG returned to Zangalan student in Raleigh, North Carolina and delivered the fi nal six beams that during his junior year of high school. Ali himself purchased for $230. The He said that during his time there he mosque construction was well under decided that he wanted to attend col- way since the villagers were trying to lege in the U.S. and then return to Af- complete it before Ramadan. Thanks Ali Hesery is a vital member of a hu- ghanistan to help rebuild his country. to the good nature and generosity of manitarian project with many players. “I wanted to study Civil Engineer- Ali, they succeeded. 7 Featured Patriot - Master Sgt. David Blow Story by Sgt. 1st Class ANA from the bottom to the top and Tom Roberts when we have a mission he’s always there all the time,” Blow’s Sergeant Master Sgt. David Blow is a 22- Major, Jeff Janke, said. year veteran of the U.S. Army with 18 Blow’s biggest hope is that people years of active duty experience. He back home understand the war here in hails from Roy, Washington where Afghanistan. his wife, who he misses very much “For the most part people want us on this long deployment, waits for his here, they want freedom, and we are return. In Washington Blow works as appreciated,” Blow said. “We can win mortgage loan offi cer belongs to the this confl ict if we are supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and enjoys people back home.” riding with his local motorcycle club. Blow says he appreciates the enthu- U.S. Army Photo Blow is the mentor for the 3rd Kan- siasm of ANA Soldiers and the ex- Master Sgt. David Blow works well with Ro- dak, 1st Brigade, 203rd Corps Sergeant perience of the U.S. mentors on this manian and Afghan Soldiers. Major and works in the operations of- deployment. fi ce. His job is extremely challenging “I enjoy working with the ANA and vo and one in Iraq. He volunteered for because he has to embrace and deal like-minded ETTs. I am very happy this deployment because he enjoys with two other cultures and military with the present team,” Blow said. this kind of mentoring assignment. personnel where the Romanian army “Everyone’s working hard to accom- Blow truly is dedicated to the de- and U.S. forces are working together plish our mission.” fense of his nation and ensuring a to assist the Afghan National Army Blow is a warrior who is no stranger more secure life for both Americans (ANA.) to combat, he was drafted and served and Afghans. He has dedicated his life “Blow has the drive to make it all two tours in Vietnam in the Special to the patriot’s cause; the pursuit of work, he mentors at all levels of the Forces. He also served a tour in Koso- freedom wherever the need might be. Sound Off - Coffee Shop, Aquatic Center, or Steakhouse?

“I’d prefer a steak- “I’d like an Aquatic “Steakhouse, it “You can get a steak “ I think a steak- house because Center. It would would be another in the chow hall house because of I don’t think an be another way to place for my Sol- and coffee at Green thoughts of viola- Aquatic Center exercise and besides diers to have a Beans already. It tions of General Or- would be appropri- it would give us a dining choice from would be great to der 1C... Although ate and it would place to cool off. DFAC food. I don’t have a pool in the if a pool could be be a place to breed But only if we can eat steak but some desert.” used for Physical inappropriate ascertain it wasn’t a off my Soldiers say Therapy I might behavior.” Taliban detention or they are not the best Staff Sgt. change my mind.” torture center.” prepared steaks at Marion Mc Gee Spc. Alexya Harter the DFAC.” HHC DET2 755th Lt. Col. Med Supply Spc. Pat Dean Air Force Michael Dunn 141 LTF PMO Sgt. Eugene Shield TF Surgeon Gresham, OR Scappoose, OR 1-180th SECFOR 41st BDE HHC Turner, OR Otoka, OK

The Phoenix Patriot 8