The Expeditionary Times Proudly serving the finest Expeditionary service members throughout Iraq Vol. 3 Issue 4 December 16, 2009 http://www.hood.army.mil/13sce/ Idol for title WWE superstars, divas entertain troops at JBB St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t WWE holds national Ex e p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – anthem singing contest World Wrestling Entertainment su- at Holt Stadium perstars and divas filmed a holiday Page 5 special entitled “WWE Tribute to the Troops,” Dec. 4 at Holt Stadium at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, to honor deployed service Safety check members. “WWE Tribute to the Troops” is an hour-long special that will air Dec. 19 at 9 p.m. Eastern time on NBC. “It’s awesome; it’s really our Super Bowl,” said Vince McMa- hon, chairman of the WWE out of Stamford, Conn. “Everyone thinks Wrestle Mania is (the big event), but it’s really not. This is our seventh year over (here) and this is the biggest thing we do all year. We just thoroughly World Wrestling Entertainment superstars Chris Masters and MVP perform for the troops Dec. 4 at Holt Sta- enjoy it.” dium at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. WWE superstars and divas came to Iraq to film and perform the “WWE Tribute Course teaches quick SEE WWE ON PAGE 4 to the Troops,” which will air Dec. 19 at 9 p.m. Eastern time. reaction to attacks Page 6 New Iraqi Army base opens Team work in Maysan province

St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y (Coalition forces) and also the Iraqi Soldiers, Iraqi Police and Co- Pf c . Li s a A. Co p e Iraqi Ministry of Defence for alition forces dine together in the Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f their support and assistance, dining facility of the newly con- and their effort in the con- structed Iraqi Army Camp Al Me- mona, Iraq, shortly after the ribbon struction of the new buildings IRAQI ARMY CAMP AL ME- cutting ceremony celebrating the MONA, Iraq – A and the support of the Iraqi official opening of the new base ribbon cutting Army,” said Al-Bayat, through Dec. 9. ceremony Dec. an interpreter. 9 marked the Col. Sean A. Ryan, command- sure that they translate all the celebration er of the 36th Sustainment Bri- manuals, and (know) how to is- of the offi- gade, 13th Sustainment Com- sue tools – just the procedures cial open- mand (Expeditionary) out of for conducting maintenance ing of Iraqi Temple, Texas, attended the and sustaining that mainte- Army Camp Al Memona, Iraq. ribbon cutting and said he plans nance,” he said. Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Amer to send logistics trainings and Ryan, a Cedar Park, Texas, Abd Al-Wahid Al-Bayat, the advisory teams to help with the native, said Al Memona was 13th ESC wins Amazing base commander at Al Memo- logistics and maintenance at Al designed as a logistical hub to na, gave his thanks to Coalition Memona. support the Maysan area. Race charity run forces and the Iraqi Ministry of “Those teams will come in Air Force Lt. Col. Steven Defence at the ceremony. and help them set up their sys- Ramsay, the senior adviser Page 12-13 “I would like to thank the … tems to order parts, and make SEE OPEN ON PAGE 4 PAGE 2 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 16, 2009 Balad Blotter December 2 - December 9 Mental Health: marijuana

LARCENY OF PRIVATE PROPERTY: A complainant telephoned the Law Enforcement Desk and said property had been stolen from specified loca- tion. A patrol was briefed and dispatched to the location leads abused illegal drugs and made contact with the complainant. Patrol assisted the complainant in writing a sworn statement. The com- By Ca p t . St e v e Br a s i n g t o n illegal drugs were being used, he risked his ca- plainant said via Air Force form IMT 1168/Statement of Co m b a t St r e s s Co n t r o l Ps y c h i a t r i s t reer, his relationships and his future. Complainant Dec. 6 at roughly 12 p.m. he placed his lap He returned home early, discharged from the top bag which contained property and school books in eople should think twice,” Army for a drug violation. the shift leader’s office. The complainant said he com- “Psaid an Army specialist who He said opportunities to find a job were lim- pleted his shift at 8 p.m. and returned to his residence was separated for drug use. ited as a civilian and he would have to live with when he noticed property was missing. The complainant He had immigrated to the United a relative to get by. said the room where he left the property was secure and States as a teenager with hopes to His wife was finishing graduate school in an- only accessible by military personnel. make a good life for himself. When other city and staying with her relative. he joined the Army, he said he was privileged to be- He said he hoped his marriage would sur- FAILURE TO OBEY ORDER OR REGU- long to “the best Army in the world.” vive. However, he did not like that his wife had a LATION: He had advanced through the ranks, accumulat- higher education and solid career plans while he A complainant telephoned the Law Enforcement Desk ing the points and time needed to become a non- looked for temporary work. and reported subject attempted to gain access to speci- commissioned officer. He said he was painfully aware of the high fied location using a Common Access Card that belongs to a different military member. Patrol was briefed and re- He said he anticipated receiving a field grade cost of drug use. He granted permission to share sponded to the location with Special Operations Consult- promotion during his combat tour. his story because he said he hoped others could ing-Security Management Group guard who said, while However, before he deployed, he went to one last benefit from his experience. checking identification cards at the dining facility, the party. He said he got so drunk, he did not remember He was in his early 20s. subject presented a CAC that did not belong to him. Pa- smoking marijuana. Nevertheless, a urine drug test Soldiers under age 25 are at the highest risk trol transported the subject to the LED for further ques- revealed that he had, in fact, smoked marijuana. for alcohol and drug abuse. tioning. Patrol advised the subject of his rights under The most commonly abused illegal drug is can- Everyone knows that marijuana is popular Article 31/Uniform Code of Military Justice via Air Force nabis. among drug users but is it really a big deal? IMT 1168/Statement of Suspect for a violation of Article When the Drug Enforcement Agency seizes Does it ever make people sick enough to need 92/Failure to Obey Order or Regulation and Article 134 D(1) False or Unauthorized Pass Offense. The subject ac- drugs, suspected narcotics are sent to a forensic medical care? knowledged his rights, declined legal counsel and wrote a laboratory for identification. As a reason for admission to drug treatment, statement. The subject said, via AF IMT 1168/Statement Based on data maintained by the Community cannabis and cocaine ranked ahead of alcohol of Suspect, at around 12:45 p.m., he and two other mem- Epidemiology Work Group across 20 major metro- in cities like Detroit. Overall, marijuana abuse bers from his unit decided to go to lunch. The subject said politan areas, cannabis ranked number one or two indicators remain high and stable across the na- they entered dining facility one and noticed it was full, so in 18 out of 20 cities that sent in narcotics for iden- tion. they proceeded to dining facility four. As they arrived, the tification. In Atlanta and Minneapolis/St. Paul, According to the January 2009 issue of Epi- subject noticed he left his CAC in his computer. The sub- where marijuana was not ranked in the top two, it demiologic Trends in Drug Abuse, published ject said he saw fellow unit member and asked if he could was beat out by cocaine and methamphetamine. by the National Institutes of Health, treatment use his CAC to gain entrance so he could grab lunch. The unit member complied with subject and handed his CAC With his unit in theater, the specialist’s field admissions for marijuana in New York City in- to subject. The SOC guard at the entrance of dining facil- grade promotion never came. Instead, his rank de- creased to the highest number ever reported. ity four noticed the last name on the CAC did not match creased from specialist to private and he was subse- In Washington, a higher percentage of juvenile the last name on subject’s uniform top. The subject was quently discharged. arrestees tested positive for marijuana than for released on his own recognizance. His military record was flagged, preventing him any other drug. from taking college courses with military assis- Based on law enforcement arrests, emergen- tance. He had planned to attain a college education cy room visits and forensic laboratory tests of like his wife. He said he let his wife down and he let seized contraband, marijuana is a big deal. It NIPR: 443-8602 his chain of command down. certainly became a big deal for our Army spe- SIPR: 241-1171 He said he ruined his image and went from build- cialist having drinks and a smoke with friends. Email: [email protected] ing a bright future to living his life under a cloud. Yes, you would do well to think twice and stay He understood that by drinking at a party where sober. Stay in the fight and stay Army strong. EXPEDITIONARY TIMES 13th ESC Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz Expeditionary Times is authorized for pub- 13th ESC G2, Security Manager 139th MPAD Production Editor Pfc. Lisa A. Cope lication by the 13th Sustainment Command Lt. Col. Angelo Williams, 13th ESC Staff Sgt. Robert E. Fafoglia [email protected]. (Expeditionary). The contents of the Expedi- [email protected] [email protected] tionary Times are unofficial and are not to be Spc. Michael V. Camacho considered the official views of, or endorsed 13th ESC PAO, Managing Editor 139th MPAD Layout and Design [email protected] Maj. Raul Marquez, 13th ESC PAO Sgt. Jayson A. Hoffman by, the U.S. Government, including the Depart- [email protected] [email protected] ment of Defense or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Contributing Public Affairs Offices Expeditionary Times is a command informa- 13th ESC PA NCOIC 139th MPAD Photo Editor 15th Sustainment Brigade tion newspaper in accordance with Army Staff Sgt. Joel F. Gibson, 13th ESC Sgt. Keith VanKlompenberg 36th Sustainment Brigade Regulation 360-1 and reviewed by the ESC G2 [email protected] [email protected] 90th Sustainment Brigade for security purposes. 96th Sustainment Brigade Expeditionary Times is published weekly by 13th ESC Staff Writer 139th MPAD Copy Editor the Stars and Stripes central office, with a cir- Spc. Naveed Ali Shah, 13th ESC Spc. Brandy Oxford 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team culation of 5,000 papers. [email protected] [email protected] 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team The Public Affairs Office is located on New 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing 139th MPAD Commander 139th MPAD Staff Writers 194th Engineer Brigade Jersey Ave. Building 7508, DSN 318-433-2154. Capt. Brad Sinkler Sgt. Ryan Twist Expeditionary Times, HHC 13th ESC, APO [email protected] [email protected] AE 09391. Web site at www.dvidshub.net For online publication visit: www.dvidshub.net 139th MPAD First Sergeant Spc. John Stimac keyword: Expeditionary Times Contact the Expeditionary Times staff at: 1st Sgt. Aangi Mueller [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Mission Statement: The Expeditionary Times Staff publishes a weekly newspaper with the primary mission of providing command information to all service members, partners, and Families of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) team and a secondary mission of providing a means for units on Joint Base Balad to disseminate command information to their audiences. December 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 3 Sexual Assault The Weekly Standard: non-support of family Response Coordinator By Sg t . 1s t Cl a ss Ja v i e r Cr u z Army Regulation 608-99 Family Balad is https://www.jbb.iraq.cent- 13t h ESC As s i s t a n t In s p ec t o r Ge n e r a l Support, Child Custody, and Paternity, com.mil/provider/specialstaff/IG/de- Be SARC smart: When you date some- provides guidance to commanders for fault.aspx. one, communicate your limits clearly t is heart breaking punitive measures that may be initiated Information for units not at JBB can with that person from the beginning. Ito say some Soldiers against Soldiers who failed to comply be obtained by calling one of the 13th Both verbal and nonverbal communi- are failing in one of the with this regulation or lawful orders ESC IGs. cation, body language, can be used to most important tasks in based on this regulation. As stated in the sixth of the seven ensure the message is understood. Call their lives – supporting Chapter 2 of this regulation specifies Army values, integrity – do what is the Joint Base Balad sexual assault family members. the legal obligation of the Soldiers with right, legally and morally and be willing response coordinator at 443-7272 or Non-support of fam- their family members. to do so even when no one is looking. contact via pager 443-9001, 159 for ily has become a common trend in the There are several different support Let’s do our part, we are not the only help. Army members should seek as- Army, and we, as leaders, have to do scenarios that cannot be condensed ones making sacrifices. Let’s take care sistance with their unit victim advo- something to help and educate our Sol- into an article of this size. The chain of of our families the same way we take cate or deployed-SARC; you may also diers in how to diminish or eliminate command can refer to the 13th Sustain- care of our brothers and sisters in uni- call 433-7272 or 443-9001, 122/135 this trend. ment Command (Expeditionary) Web form. Let’s fight and defend them with for assistance. Non-support assistance cases ac- site for a link to the regulation and flow the same passion and love with which count for the largest part of the inspec- chart for different scenarios. we defend our freedom and the greatest tor general case load. The link for Soldiers on Joint Base nation in the world. Corrections Joint Base Balad: DSN 433-2125 Taji (96th SB/ 155 BCT): In the Dec. 2 Expeditionary Times, Lt. Col. Reginald Howard DSN 834-3079 the byline for “15th Sustainment Bri- (Command Inspector General) Lt. Col. Timothy Norton/ gade to open info tech testing center” should have read 1st Lt. Michael An- Lt. Col. Paul Bird Maj. Scott Peters (Deputy) derson. The Expeditionary Times re- Master Sgt. Roy Thacker (NCOIC) Adder/Tallil (36th SB/ 41 BCT): grets this error. Sgt. 1st Class Danilo Egudin DSN 833-1710 Sgt. 1st Class Javier Cruz Lt. Col. Melanie Meier/ Q-West (15th SB): Maj. Jeffrey Copek Interested in a movie? DSN 827-6115 Al Asad (96th SB): Check the movie schedule on Lt. Col. Kyle Peterson DSN 440-7049 Sgt. 1st Class Tamera Wynn Page 20 Chaplain’s Corner: encourage others to reach their full potential By Lt. Co l . Wi l l i e Ai l s t o c k care for Teddy either but at Christmas got down on her knees and prayed for son, As of today, I am Theodore Stal- 13t h ESC De p u t y Co m m a n d Ch a p l a i n time he brought her a small present. Her God’s forgiveness. She prayed for God lard, M.D. How about that? I wanted desk was covered with well-wrapped to use her as she sought to not only you to be the first to know. I am get- hat is the picture presents from the other children, but teach these children but to love them ting married next month. I want you to Wthat you have of Teddy’s came in a brown sack. as well. She became a new teacher. She come and sit where my mother would those who work, play, When she opened it there was a lovingly helped students like Teddy and sit if she were alive. You are the only and live around you? gaudy rhinestone bracelet with half the by the end of the year he had caught up family I have now; Dad died last year. How do we treat them stones missing and a bottle of cheap with most of the students. Love, Teddy Stallard.’ and look after them? perfume. Miss Thompson didn’t hear from Miss Thompson went to the wedding Sometimes people have more to them The children began to snicker but Teddy for a long time. and sat where Teddy’s mother would than meets the eye and we can be part Miss Thompson saw the importance of Then she received this note: ‘Dear have sat, because she let God use her of the joy of bringing it out in them. the moment. She quickly splashed on Miss Thompson, I wanted you to be the as an instrument of encouragement. The following story could give us some some perfume and put on the bracelet, first to know. I will be graduating sec- Let’s learn to encourage others insight on how to treat others. pretending Teddy had given her some- ond in my class. Love, Teddy Stallard.’ to see if we can help them find some “Miss Thompson taught Teddy Stal- thing special. Four years later she got another locked up potential that might be hid- lard in the fourth grade. He was a slow, At the end of the day, Teddy worked note: ‘Dear Miss Thompson, They just den deep down that they do not real- unkempt student, a loner shunned by up enough courage to softly say, ‘Miss told me I will be graduating first in ize they have. You can be a blessing to his classmates. Thompson, you smell just like my my class. I wanted you to be the first others so that they too might become a The previous year his mother died mother … and her bracelet looks real to know. The university has not been blessing to others. and what little motivation for school he pretty on you too. I’m glad you like my easy, but I liked it. Love, Teddy Stal- Story contributed to http://www. may have once had was now gone. presents." lard.’ sermoncentral.com by evangelical Miss Thompson didn’t particularly After Teddy left, Miss Thompson Four years later: ‘Dear Miss Thomp- preacher Richard Sharp. PAGE 4 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 16, 2009 Wrestlers slam service members with entertainment WWE FROM PAGE 1 but he enjoyed the visit as a whole. Jason E. Robinson, production de- Carruth met McMahon, Cena, Chris signer for WWE and a Knoxville, Tenn., Jericho, MVP, The Miz, Finley, Alicia native, said he gets goose bumps every Fox, and CM Punk, he said. year while watching the stage being “As an avid fan of the WWE, it was built. He said he also gets goose bumps fantastic,” he said. “I found the su- watching thousands of troops salute perstars of wrestling, and especially during the national anthem. Mr. McMahon, to be very humble and “I’m getting them right now (talking friendly. Some went out of their way to about it),” he said. say thank you and pose for photos with The job of every superstar, diva and the troops – very down to earth.” staff member back at the WWE home Cena, Carruth’s 10-year-old son’s office is to put smiles on people’s faces hero, gave him an autograph to take all over the world, said McMahon. home, he said. “Nowhere do we see such smiles as “To do that for my son is a once in a when we come over here,” he said. “To life time opportunity,” said Carruth. perform before our armed forces is ex- When Carruth spoke to WWE chair- traordinary.” man McMahon, he found McMahon John Cena, a wrestling superstar, to be sincere in his respect for service said this is his sixth year traveling members, he said. World Wrestling Entertainment superstars Carlito and Chris Masters sign au- overseas to entertain the troops for the “I was only able to shake hands and tographs for service members Dec. 2 at the Morale, Welfare and Recreation holiday season. The superstars and di- say ‘thank you’ to Mr. McMahon before center east at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. WWE superstars and divas came to Iraq vas stay three or four days and try to the show; he said ‘No, thank you for to film and perform the “WWE Tribute to the Troops,” which will air Dec. 19 meet as many of the uniformed men your service,’” said Carruth. “It seemed at 9 p.m. Eastern time. and women as they can, but the days fly that he was genuinely humble and by, he said. meant it.” visit the troops makes the deployment on behalf of everybody back home,” “Today is the day I’m most proud Capt. Shawn M. Owens, officer in worthwhile. said McMahon. “There is no price tag of,” he said. “The handshake tour is one charge of the joint defense operations “It really is just a blessing that they on that; there is no price tag on free- thing, but to be able to set up shop and center with the 332nd Expeditionary think of us the way they think of us,” dom. We just came over to say thank actually broadcast television from here Security Forces Squadron and a Tuttle, he said. you.” is something special.” Okla., native, said he does not have a McMahon said the WWE staff con- Cena said he is passionate in his re- Sgt. Michael A. Carruth, battalion favorite wrestler. His wife and sons’ fa- siders the trip to Iraq a privilege, es- spect for the armed forces and believes maintenance office clerk with Task vorite is John Cena, and his boys also pecially because they spend time with in honor and commitment. He said he Force 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry like Chris Jericho, he said. troops when their families cannot. He takes these beliefs with him every day. Regiment out of McComb, Miss., and “I like them all, and I just enjoy the said he wanted to show his support for “These men and women make the a Summit, Miss., native, said he stood fact they came out here to spend some the men and woman of the armed ser- ultimate commitment to defend my next to the entrance ramp and interact- time with us,” said Owens. vices. freedom, to defend the United States of ed with a lot of the visitors. He said the Owens said the trip the WWE super- “This is a small token of our appre- America,” said Cena. “Words can’t de- divas were the highlight of the show, stars and divas take to come to Iraq and ciation on behalf of everybody at WWE, scribe how proud I am of that.”

Where do you read Iraqi Army camp officially opens your Expeditionary OPEN FROM PAGE 1 Times? with the Tallil Logistics Military Ad- visory Team and a Fitzgerald, Ga., na- tive, said Al Memona took roughly 14 For distribution, contact months and more than $35 million to the 13th ESC PAO at Joint complete. Base Balad, Iraq Ramsay said the new base has dry Joint Base Balad : and cold storage abilities, as well as 318-483-4603 production sights for a few necessi- ties, including ice and a bakery capa- ble of producing more than 600 flat- COL Adder: breads a day. 318-833-1002 “From the standpoint of warehous- ing, ice, bread and fuel, they are go- Camp Taji: ing to be sort of a hub for a lot of sup- 318-834-1281 plies that support various 10th (Iraqi Army) Division units in the Maysan COL Q-West: area,” he said. 318-827-6101 Iraqi Police Force Staff Maj. Gen. Sa’ad, the Maysan provincial chief of police, said the base exhibits the suc- Al Asad Air Base: cess of the partnership between Coali- 318-440-4103 tion forces and Iraqi Security Forces, and will provide better security for COL Speicher: the Maysan province. 318-849-2501 “It is another sign of success be- tween ISF and CF,” he said. “This lo- Air Force Lt. Col. Steven Ramsay, the senior adviser with the Tallil Logistics e-mail: cation will include elements from IPs, Military Advisory Team and a Fitzgerald, Ga., native, presents Iraqi Army Brig. expeditionarytimes@iraq. IAs and CF to help ensure stability Gen. Amer Abd Al-Wahid Al-Bayat, the base commander at Iraqi Army Camp Al centcom.mil and prosperity in the province.” Memona, Iraq, with a gift during the base’s ribbon cutting ceremony Dec. 9. December 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 5 Provider Soldiers train Iraqi Army mechanics By Sg t . Ma t t h e w C. Co o l e y like an engine, transfer case and the 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s turbo charger on their M1114s, as well as many other organizational-level CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- parts such as brakes, rotors, batteries TION Q-WEST, Iraq – Iraqi and lights,” he said. mechanics trained along- Chief Warrant Officer 3 Derwin Gib- side U.S. Army mechanics son, the 15th Sust. Bde. logistics train- in November at Contin- ing and assistance team coordinator, gency Operating Loca- assisted the IA mechanics as they prac- tion Q-West, Iraq, in an ticed ordering parts through their sup- effort to increase the Iraqi capacity to ply chain. self-sustain before the U.S. drawdown Chief Warrant Officer 3 Diogenes from Iraq. Acosta, 15th STB maintenance officer Mechanics with the 15th Special and an Enterprise, Ala., native, said he Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment was pleased the mechanics were eager Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command to improve their skills. (Expeditionary), helped the 26th Bri- “The five members of the Iraqi Army gade Military Transition Team train mechanics, in spite of not having experi- mechanics with the Iraqi Army's 26th ence working with the M1114, (proved) Infantry Brigade during a four-week to be very skilled mechanics and (were) course at the 15th's motorpool. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Seth Dow eager to improve their mechanic skills,” Sgt. Jason Chlarson, motor sergeant U.S. Army mechanics train Iraqi Army mechanics during a four-week exercise Acosta said. Headquarters and Headquarters Com- designed to help the Iraqi Soldiers increase their knowledge and abilities in No- Dow said he agreed. pany, 15th STB and a Murrayville, Ill., vember at Contingency Operating Location Q-West, Iraq, in preparation for the "The experience was rewarding for native, trained four Iraqi mechanics U.S. drawdown from Iraq. both the Soldiers of 15th STB and the and five Iraqi Army operators during Soldiers of 26th IA Brigade,” he said. the Army’s level-two maintenance pro- ness," said Sgt. 1st Class Seth Dow, 15th conducting regular services on the “They both learned a little bit more gram. STB maintenance sergeant and a Flori- M1114 up-armored Humvee, said Dow. about each other, and the Soldiers of "The course was designed to prepare da, N.Y., native. “The Iraqi Army mechanics also 15th STB were able to pass on some the Iraqi Army mechanics to fully as- The training included instruction received classroom instructions and technical knowledge to help improve sume their maintenance operation and on properly performing preventative hands-on training on how to trouble- the readiness and future of the Iraqi improve their unit's maintenance readi- maintenance checks and services and shoot and replace major components Army.” WWE holds national anthem singing contest at Holt Stadium St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y ist with the 159th SOC and Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t a Memphis, Tenn., native, Ex e p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f to form the winning trio. This was the group’s JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The Unit- second performance, he ed States’ national anthem, said. The first event was “The Star- Spangled Ban- the Army vs. Air Force me- ner,” is a staple of Ameri- morial basketball game for can history and symbol Spc. Michael Cote Jr., said of national pride. Wesley. Twenty-eight service Coleman said the trio members competed to sing the national has great camaraderie, anthem before a panel of World Wrestling keeping egos from becom- Entertainment judges Dec. 3 at Holt Sta- ing an issue. dium at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, before the “It is a privilege to sing next day’s wrestling match for the troop’s with them,” he said. entertainment. Chief Warrant Officer The competition allowed service 2 Dennis A. White, an as- members like Sgt. Jamaal L. Wesley, a sistant logistics officer Spc. Quinton L. Coleman, a cargo specialist with the 159th Seaport Operations Company out cargo specialist with the 159th Seaport Op- with Task Force 38 out of Fort Story, Va., with the 80th Ordnance Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustain- erations Company out of Fort Story, Va., of Shelbyville, Ind., and a ment Command (Expeditionary) and a Memphis, Tenn., native, Sgt. Denise S. Spencer, a cargo with the 80th Ordnance Battalion, 15th Mooresville, Ind., native, specialist with the 159th SOC and a Pago Pago, American Samoa, native, and Sgt. Jamaal Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment said he and Sgt. Marcus D. L. Wesley, a cargo specialist with the 159th SOC and a Clinton, N.C., native, sing “The Star Command (Expeditionary), to showcase Lindsey also competed and Spangled Banner” in front of a panel of World Wrestling Entertainment judges Dec. 3 at Holt their singing talent for the Morale, Wel- placed fifth in the event. Stadium at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. fare and Recreation event, scheduled for “It was good to see the national broadcast Dec. 19. Army take it to victory,” he said. “We were members a chance to sing the national “(The judges) started to ask me ques- Wesley, a Clinton, N.C., native, who upset because we wanted to win it, but we anthem before the show. tions (and my) nerves almost got the best said his favorite childhood wrestling su- can live with an Army victory.” “It was a great way for all of us to get of me,” she said. perstar was Junk Yard Dog, was part of a White said John Cena is his favorite our 15 minutes of fame,” she said. “I really She started shaking and wanted to get group that won the competition and sang superstar and he hoped, because he did think the trio that won was exceptional. out of the ring, but remembered to take the national anthem before the WWE not win the competition, he would be able They really gave me chills.” a deep breath and focus on the song, she event began. to work out with him. Roueche, whose favorite WWE super- said. He said he recruited Sgt. Denise S. Airmen 1st Class Roz L. Roueche, a star is Chris Jericho, said some nervous “I recall just being happy to be off the Spencer, a cargo specialist with the 159th traffic management apprentice with the performers wanted to back out but went stage,” said Roueche. “Knowing that I got SOC and a Pago Pago, American Samoa, 322nd Expeditionary Logistic Readiness through with it. When she walked down the chance to do something like this while native, to sing with him, and later added Squadron and a Brady, Texas, native, said the ramp, grabbed the microphone and I was deployed makes me feel very hon- Spc. Quinton L. Coleman, a cargo special- she was excited the WWE gave service got into the ring, she was excited. ored.” PAGE 6 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 16, 2009 Providers, civilian contractors work together to draw down from Iraq By Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o operations in the air and on the ground, their knowledge and experience to the They also provide a level of mentor- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f said Maj. Janeen Johnson, battalion table,” she said. ship to the Soldiers, similar to that of operations officer with the 49th Trans. Contractors stay after units go home, an officer or noncommissioned officer, JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Civil- Bn. providing seamless transitions; this said Johnson. ian contractors have “KBR makes up approximately 50 makes them a valuable asset to incom- Contractors and service members ex- come together with 49th percent of the battalion’s strength,” said ing units, said Johnson. perience little to no friction, said Senior Transportation Battalion Johnson, a Somerville, Mass., native. “They don’t necessarily get up and Airman Renaldo Brown, pax terminal Soldiers to provide as- “They are integrated into all the battal- brief classes, but they are there to pro- movement control team member with sistance to the units ion’s functions, from the MCT level up vide insight and historical knowledge the 56th. reducing personnel to the battalion level.” on operations,” she said. “They’ve been here longer than (us),” and equipment in They assist the separate MCTs with The 56th MCT has more than 80 said Brown, a Baltimore native. “Some country, as the drawdown from Iraq the verification of cargo and cargo doc- contractors who assist them daily at the of them have been here three years, approaches. umentation, as well as the upload and Joint Base Balad Passenger and Catfish four years, five years. They’ve been The 49th Trans. Bn., 90th Sustain- download of convoys, said Johnson. At terminals, said Capt. Corey Walters, through every situation that comes up. ment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Com- the battalion level, KBR workers pro- company commander with the 56th If we have any questions, we can resort mand (Expeditionary) out of Fort Hood, cess transportation movement requests MCT, 49th Trans. Bn. to them. They’re like our own continu- Texas, in conjunction with KBR, Inc. as part of the theater backhaul opera- They drive the buses and help make ity book.” personnel, moves personnel and cargo tions, she said. manifests for personnel and cargo, said The KBR contractors work with a throughout various sustainment areas There are 17 MCTs with the 49th Walters, a Vale, S.D., native. similar chain of command to that of the of Iraq, using movement control teams Trans. Bn. at all the major transporta- “There (are) only 16 of us,” he said. military, said Walters. and similar elements. tion and personnel movement hubs, “If they disappeared, then this mission “In some ways they’re held to a high- KBR, Inc. contractors assist and said Johnson. would cease. We rely on them to get er standard, because their livelihood re- augment the 49th’s workforce, serving “A majority of our KBR augmenta- the mission done; they’re part of our ally depends on their performance,” he alongside Soldiers to maintain 24-hour tion is retired military, and … they bring MCT.” said. Course teaches quick reaction to attacks St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Ca p t . Wi ll i a m A. Th o mps o n 96t h Su s t . Bd e .

AL ASAD, Iraq – Soldiers with Head- quarters and Headquar- ters Company, 751st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 96th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expedi- tionary), conduct- ed chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear awareness training this month. Sgt. Ryan Wolf and Spc. Timothy Randolph, both chemical operations specialists with the 751st, were the primary instructors for the training. Wolf, a Charleston, S.C., native, and Randolph, a Columbia, S.C., na- tive, conducted four training sessions to accommodate the work schedules of the Soldiers within the battalion. The instructors focused on how to properly don a chemical mask, after hearing, “Gas, gas, gas,” the com- mand used in both training and real- world scenarios. Upon hearing this, Soldiers must put on the mask prop- erly and seal it within nine seconds. Wolf explained the importance The commanding general for the Fort Hood, Texas-based 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, con- of these procedures, as well as the ducted the re-enlistment ceremony for 1st Sgt. Francis Halmsteiner, the senior noncommissioned officer with Headquarters and Head- amount of time Soldiers have to clear quarters Company, 13th ESC, and Staff Sgt. Fernando Flores, operations NCO for HHC, 13th ESC, Oct. 6 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. contaminated areas once they put on their masks. nuclear environment. It is also used occupational specialty) … I’m willing Capt. Misty Aycock, the logistics Randolph demonstrated the proper as an emergency measure. to do whatever is asked of me for the officer with the 751st CSSB, and a Co- way of putting on Joint Service Light- Randolph said he enjoyed taking good of the company,” he said. lumbia, S.C., native, said she found weight Integrated Suit Technology. the time to train service members on After completing the training, Sol- the training informative. This is the official name of the chemi- such crucial and mission-essential diers did a thorough check of their “I enjoyed the training because I cal suit used by service members op- equipment. chemical masks, ensuring they were haven’t done it for a while, but I hope erating in a chemical, biological or “It’s good to work in my (military in proper repair and working order. I never have to use it,” she said. December 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 7 Check CHUsdays Transportation Soldiers better Each Tuesday Check The community through fellowship Following St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Molina said the two events, which in Your CHU Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o mp e n b e r g featured worship music, readings from 1. Power strips are free of debris Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f the Bible and a short sermon, allowed him to offer fellowship catered to a and clothing. JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The 49th specific demographic without leaving Transportation Battal- anyone out. ion, out of Fort Hood, The event, open to men at JBB, was Texas, held a men’s part of an effort by the 49th to improve 2. Electrical devices not in use are prayer breakfast Dec. the community. 5 at Joint Base Bal- “What I’m trying to do is reach out unplugged. ad, Iraq, as part of beyond the battalion,” said Molina. its effort to leave Though his area of expertise is in the the community here better than they field of ministry, Molina said the 49th found it. has begun a sort of “good neighbor 3. Power strips and outlets are not “This was a follow-up to Chaplain project” to improve JBB as a whole. (Capt. Carlos A.) Molina’s women’s “As part of the Balad community, overloaded. prayer dinner,” said Lt. Col. Peter we felt like we should do something to Haas, commander of the 49th Trans. make it a better place to serve,” said Bn. and a Fleetwood, Penn., native. Haas. Haas said the women’s prayer din- Earlier this year, the 49th adopted 4. Smoke detector is operational. ner was a big success, so a men’s event Killeen Field, an athletic field at JBB, was requested. as part of this project. “The goal was to focus on ministry Volunteers from the unit clean the to men and give men the opportunity field three to four times a week, said Chief Warrant Officer David Marriott, an au- 5. Fire extinguisher is serviceable to worship without offending anyone,” Hass, and the 49th coordinated with tomotive technician with the 514th Support said Molina, chaplain for the 49th the 90th Ordnance Battalion to install Maintenance Company, 80th Ordnance Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th (in the green) Trans. Bn., 90th Sustainment Brigade, new lights and build a shed next to the Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) 13th Sustainment Command (Expedi- field. and a St. Petersburg, Fla., native, performs tionary) and a Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, “We live on a large post,” said Mo- a worship song at the Men’s Prayer Break- native. lina, “and we’re part of a joint effort.” fast Dec. 5 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. 6. Room is neat and orderly Transportation Soldiers earn combat patches St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y two arrows pointing in opposite direc- Sg t . Al e x a n d e r a -r e e s e To l b e r t , tions against a maroon background. All 96t h Su s t . Bd e . deployed Soldiers who fall under the 498th Trans. Co. may wear the patch. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Soldiers with the Staff Sgt. Royal Hepburn, a 498th Trans. Co., 541st truck driver and a Wetumpka, Ala., na- Combat Sustainment tive, has served for eight years and de- Support Battalion, 96th ployed once before as a truck driver. Sustainment Brigade, “To me, the combat patch sym- 13th Sustainment bolizes the accomplishment of a mission, Command (Expe- pride in one’s self, being part of an elite ditionary) received force, an Army Soldier,” said Hepburn. combat patches, formally called shoul- “To do what you’re told to do, and hav- der-sleeve insignia, in recognition of ing confidence in our job. I am proud to their service in a combat zone, Nov. 19 wear my combat patch. It is the symbol during a ceremony at Camp Taji, Iraq. of pride and the sacrifice I myself and These Soldiers will wear the my family have made. We do this be- 143rd Sustainment Command (Expedi- cause America loves us.” tionary) combat patch. Sgt. Charmion Price, a human Spc. April Lamb, a communications spe- resources specialist and a Port Char- cialist and an Ellisville, Miss., native, is lotte, Fla., native, agreed that the patch serving her first tour of duty. is symbolic of his service as a Soldier. “I can always look at the patch on my “This just symbolizes me doing right shoulder and be reminded of my my job,” he said. “It is nice to have, but Soldiers with the 498th Transportation Company, 541st Combat Sustainment Support sacrifices, and of those that have served this is what I signed up for and what I Battalion, 96th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) out before me,” she said. get paid for. It shows that I have made of Mobile, Ala., await the start of the unit’s combat patching ceremony Nov. 19 at Camp The 143rd ESC’s patch contains the ultimate risk for our country.” Taji, Iraq. TELL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS HOW MUCH YOU MISS THEM E-mail: [email protected] PAGE 8 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 16, 2009 Soldiers begin to assemble fuel farm at Adder St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y The 732nd Naval Petroleum De- Sg t . 1s t Cl a ss Ta d Br o w n i n g tachment and KBR, Inc. contractors 36t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s worked together for the project, said Garcia. CONTINGENCY OPERATING LO- “It's important to maintain those CATION ADDER, Iraq partnerships between ourselves and – Soldiers with the 36th partner units, and also our civilian con- Sustainment Brigade and tractors at KBR and our intra-service the 305th Quartermas- components,” Garcia said. “As long as ter Company prepared we keep that team intact, everything and installed fuel bags will run efficiently.” and liners as part of Consolidating the fuel farm should fuel farm operations Nov. 28 at Con- help the drawdown of Soldiers and tingency Operating Location Adder, equipment from Iraq, Fuller said. Iraq, to consolidate fueling operations “Recentralizing, cutting down on in Multi National Division – South. bases, revamping it all will make this Capt. Smiley Garcia, the officer in fuel farm more efficient,” he said. charge of petroleum operations for “Taking everything that was wrong the 36th Sust. Bde., 13th Sustainment with Cedar … taking all of the flaws out Command (Expeditionary) said it was of it is going to speed up operations … the first of three phases. Everything will be centralized here. It “This is the first phase of our fuel will give more time for maintenance, depot here at (COL) Adder,” said Gar- more time for convoy (operations).” cia. “With current operations, the fuel Pfc. Gregory Vasquez, a petroleum specialist with the 305th Quartermaster Pfc. Gregory Vasquez-Ortiz, a pe- hub for MND-S is at Camp Cedar … Company out of Fort Campbell, Ky., ensures sandbags are placed around troleum specialist with the 305th the fuel liners on a berm that is part of a new fuel farm under construction at This operation will consolidate Cedar Quartermaster Company out of Fort Contingency Operating Location Adder, Iraq. The fuel farm will supply fuel to and Adder, with Adder becoming the Campbell, Ky., did quality control on southern Iraq during the responsible drawdown of forces. fuel hub for MND-S. Eventually, the the placement of the sandbags and Cedar Hub is going to discontinue and The operation was completed ahead at the team’s efficiency. said the operation will help logistics Adder will be the hub for MND-S.” of schedule due to the teamwork on “It all happened so fast,” said Full- considerably. Operation Throwdown had roughly the ground. er, an Austin, Texas, native. “They said “All of the fuel that is going to be 80 Soldiers installing the liners, po- Sgt. Dale Fuller, Jr., a fuel special- three days. I was looking at a week moving through (southern) Iraq; ev- sitioning sandbags and installing the ist with the Texas National Guard’s from prior experience. Everything erything is going to be on one base,” fuel bags that make up the fuel farm. 36th Sust. Bde., said he was surprised came together perfectly.” said Vasquez. Mississippians inoculate against H1N1 flu virus at Q-West St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y talion medics support us. We can still “They are Ca p t . Mu r r a y Sh u g a r s utilize the troop medical clinic for combat medics, 2/198t h Co m b i n e d Ar m s anyone who misses that effort.” and don’t often With the support of battalion med- get a chance to CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- ics, Balman said his team can give 150 practice their TION Q-WEST, Iraq – Mis- to 200 vaccinations per hour. He said clinical skills sissippi Army National the brigade should be at 90 percent by and help with Guard members began re- mid-December. medical docu- ceiving vaccinations for “Getting the vaccination will mini- mentation,” he the H1N1 flu virus Nov. mize the spread of the virus and de- said. “These are 28 at the base defense crease lost work hours that might important skills operations center at Contingency Op- otherwise occur,” he said. “The medi- and it was great erating Location Q-West, Iraq. cal community is concerned about that they got a Soldiers with 2nd Battalion, 198th possible mutations that could spread chance to prac- Combined Arms out of Senatobia, worldwide and the immediate concern tice them.” Miss., received the vaccine, in an ef- for the military is to protect Soldiers Sgt. Julia fort overseen by the 15th Sustainment and their families.” R. Goins, a se- Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command Sgt. 1st Class Jimmy R. Tullos, nior medic with (Expeditionary) out of Fort Hood, medical platoon sergeant with the A Company, Staff Sgt. Tony T. Ware, the Department of Public Works noncommissioned officer in charge and a Grenada, Miss., Texas. 2/198th CAB and a Florence, Miss., 2/198th CAB native, receives a vaccination for the H1N1 flu virus from “We want to get a head start on the native, praised the 15th’s initiative. and a Jackson, Sgt. Julia R. Goins, a senior medic and a Jackson, Miss., holiday travel season by inoculating “It was great that the 15th reached Miss., native, native, Nov. 28 at the base defense operations center of Soldiers who will be going home on out like that,” said Tullos. “By coming emphasized Contingency Operating Location Q-West, Iraq. Both are leave,” said Capt. John B. Balman, a to the battalion TOC, they made the the importance members of 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms, a Mis- surgeon with the 15th Sust. Bde. “We process much more convenient and of the vaccina- sissippi Army National Guard unit out of Senatobia, Miss., received all the doses we need and our this is a crucial vaccination. Without tion. serving as the Q-West force protection company. goal is to have 100 percent of Soldiers it, the virus could threaten our ability “It’s impor- inoculated by Dec. 31.” to continue our mission.” tant to provide the vaccination against native, said he was confident the bat- To facilitate the effort, the 15th’s Balman praised the support of the H1N1 to protect the force, to keep the talion would have 100 percent of Sol- medical team conducted inoculations 2/198th CAB medics who assisted the Soldiers mission-ready,” said Goins. diers inoculated by the deadline. at the tactical operation centers of its brigade medical team. “With all the Soldiers going home on “On the first day we inoculated four subordinate battalions, said Bal- “The 2/198th CAB medics were very leave, there is a high chance of them about 50 percent of the battalion,” said man. helpful in facilitating the process,” he contracting the virus. The vaccination Chirinos. “Right now, we’re standing “Going to the TOCs to adminis- said. “They helped us increase the builds up the individuals’ immuni- at 70 percent. About 11 percent of our ter the vaccinations is easier for the number of vaccinations.” ties.” Soldiers are home on rest and relax- units,” said Balman, a Temple, Texas, Tullos said the Mississippi medics Capt. Tulio D. Chirinos, 2/198th ation or emergency leave, but they native. “It’s convenient, and the bat- also benefitted from participating. CAB adjutant and a Jacksonville, Fla., will get the shots when they return.” December 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 9 Mississippi’s top Guard leaders visit Q-West on Thanksgiving St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y We have 30, 60 and 90-day events Ca p t . Mu r r a y Sh u g a r s planned, which will inform you and 2/198t h Co m b i n e d Ar m s your families about things like your (Veteran’s Administration) benefits, CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- job opportunities and other services to TION Q-WEST, Iraq – The help your transition.” adjutant general and the Cooley also emphasized the Guard’s command sergeant ma- support for families. jor of the Mississippi “If your family is having financial National Guard visited problems during your deployment, the Mississippians serving Family Relief Fund can help,” he said. throughout Iraq, stopping at Contin- “The Guard can help if families need gency Operating Location Q-West on it.” Thanksgiving. Cooley told the Mississippians they Brig. Gen. William L. Freeman, Jr., need to plan for their return home, and and Command Sgt. Maj. Donald L. he emphasized the importance of fur- Cooley toured bases to see Soldiers with thering their military educations. the 155th Brigade Combat Team out of “During the reset time in those Tupelo, Miss., and spent several hours months when your unit first gets home, in the company areas of 2nd Battalion, you need to go to school,” he said. “The 198th Combined Arms out of Senatobia, opportunity will be there, so take it. You should be preparing for whatever Miss., which oversees Q-West’s base de- Brig. Gen. William L. Freeman, Jr., the adjutant general of the Mississippi National fense operations center, the mayor cell Guard, speaks with Soldiers from C Company, 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms leader’s course you need, whether it’s basic life support operations, and fields out of Oxford, Miss., during a Nov. 26 visit to Contingency Operating Location Q- (Warrior Leader’s Course), (Basic Non- three convoy security companies. West, Iraq. C Co. provides convoy security for logistics operations throughout north- commissioned Officer’s Course) or (Ad- “Brig. Gen. Freeman and Command ern Iraq. The adjutant general and the command sergeant major of the Mississippi vanced Non-Commissioned Officer’s Sgt. Maj. Cooley have always been National Guard visited Mississippians serving throughout Iraq, stopping for several Course). You are the future leaders of engaged leaders,” said Lt. Col. Kerry hours at Q-West on Thanksgiving. the Mississippi National Guard, so at- Goodman, commander of 2/198th CAB tend those schools.” and a Meridian, Miss., native. “They giving from the home front,” he told demobilization, you will find improve- Lt. Col. James L. Sisson, commander have made it a habit of participating in a gathering of Soldiers. “I wanted to ments at Camp Shelby, which is one of 2nd Battalion, 114th Field Artillery training and just being around Soldiers. thank you for your service. Everything of the country’s enduring mobilization out of Starkville, Miss., traveled from I admire their dedication to the troops I hear about the Soldiers of the 2/198th sites,” he said. “We are investing in a Contingency Operating Location Mar- of the Mississippi National Guard and CAB is good. You are doing a great job brand new Post Exchange complex and ez, Iraq, to be with G Company, 106th respect their leadership. It was notable over here.” we have improved the Clothing Sales Brigade Support Battalion out of Lou- that they left their families to visit us Freeman said the Mississippi Na- section.” isville, Miss., a unit attached to his bat- during the Thanksgiving holiday.” tional Guard is preparing for the Sol- Freeman also talked about the De- talion. Freeman offered holiday greetings diers’ return; to ease their transition partment of Defense Yellow Ribbon Re- Sisson, a Madison, Miss., native, said and praise to the Soldiers. back to civilian life, starting with the integration Program, designed to help he was impressed by the visit. “I wanted to be here in person to mobilization site. Guard and Reserve members through “It was great to see the senior leader- wish you a happy and safe Thanks- “When you return to Mississippi for the deployment cycle. ship from Mississippi take time during “You all had a the Thanksgiving holiday to visit bases great Yellow Rib- where Mississippi Soldiers are serving, bon event prior to and we have Soldiers spread all over deploying and we Iraq,” he said. want you to have Command Sgt. Maj. Perry Campbell, a great one when senior ranking noncommissioned offi- you get back,” he cer with the 2/198th CAB and a Senato- said. “Your fami- bia, Miss., native, said the visit showed lies were very good leadership. much involved “They did what good leaders should in that event and do,” said Campbell. “They spent the we need to keep holidays with the troops who are away them involved in from family in harm’s way. Soldiers ad- the Yellow Rib- mire that. The message was supportive bon Reintegra- and it got us thinking about how to pre- tion Program pare for returning to our families, and when you return. the Soldiers needed to hear that.”

Brig. Gen. William L. Freeman, Jr. (left), the adjutant gen- eral of the Mississippi National Guard, speaks with Sol- diers from B Company, 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms out of Greenwood, Miss., during a Nov. 26 visit to Contingency Operating Location Q-West, Iraq. B Co. pro- vides convoy security for logistics operations through- out northern Iraq. The adjutant general and the command sergeant major of the Mississippi National Guard visited Mississippians serving throughout Iraq, stopping for sev- eral hours at Q-West on Thanksgiving. PAGE 10 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 16, 2009 Transportation company assists units in preparation for drawdown

By 1s t Lt. Ma r i a E. Sc h m i t z 264t h CSSB

CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- TION SPEICHER, Iraq – The transportation corps’ creed reads: “I am trans- portation, the spear- head of logistics … and nothing happens until something moves.” As operational tempo increases to support the upcoming responsible drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment from Iraq, transportation Soldiers move equipment throughout the Iraqi theater, said 1st Lt. Reginald Davis, executive of- ficer with the 1083rd Transportation Company, 264th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Shreveport, La., native. Spc. Jamie Gryder, a heavy equip- ment transport system operator and a Shreveport, La., native, said the signifi- cance of her efforts helps her to remain mission-focused. “The highway is extremely dangerous and we are subject to attack at any given U.S. Army photo by Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Benoit time,” she said. Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Levesque, a platoon sergeant with the 1083rd Transportation Company and a Bossier City, La., The 1083rd Trans. Co., operating un- native, oversees the loading of tanks during a recent operational move. der the motto “The House of the War- rior,” spends anywhere from two to 10 toon sergeant and a Bossier City, La., Iraq,” Levesque said. than 50 M1A2 Abrams tanks in addition days on the road each mission. They native, had a different experience as a The 1083rd Trans. Co. Soldiers follow to other assets Oct. 27 through Nov. 16. drive all night, operating between work transportation Soldier on his previous a constant rotation of missions on the Davis said, “The significance of their and rest cycles during the day at camps deployment. road such as an operational move for the efforts becomes more apparent as time along the route. “Back in 2003, during the initial 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry draws closer for troops and equipment Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Levesque, a pla- push, we could not drive after dark in Division, which involved hauling more to be out of the country.”

Telling the Providers Story from all across Iraq Tune In To

Now airing on the Pentagon Channel Or log on to every Thursday at 0830 IZ www.dvidshub.net every Saturday at 1430 IZ keyword: Balad and Beyond December 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 11 Convoy 911: Joint unit extends battle-space communication that I was on the other end before," said By Se n i o r Ai r m a n Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Gene Gibbs, a An d r i a J. Allm o n d communications operator and Charles- 332n d Ai r Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Wi n g ton, S.C., native. "I believe my experi- Pu b l i c Af f a i r s ence supplies me with a greater dedica- JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – As co- tion to duty. When we get a phone call alition convoys travel the from a Soldier or any coalition force roads of Iraq, C-130 Hercu- on the ground, I treat it as if I'm on the les aircraft circle overhead, ground." listening to ground radio While the crew members relate to traffic, ready to respond their comrades below, they appreciate if a friendly convoy the value of the JABS mission. makes an emergency transmission. "I know (ground convoys) can be Keeping those C-130s flying is the nerve-wracking at times," said Sgt. Mi- mission of the Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors chael Wisdom, a communications op- and Marines with the 777th Expedition- erator deployed from Fort Hood, Tex- ary Airlift Squadron, Joint Airborne as. "I've been on the road but never in

Battle Staff Detachment. The unit pro- U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Christopher Hubenthal a situation where I've needed life sup- vides immediate and reliable command, Service members with the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron joint airborne battle port. But knowing that this team could control and communication support for staff detachment prepare for a mission on a C-130 Hercules Nov. 24 at Joint Base provide emergency relief like that at a operational and strategic ground con- Balad, Iraq. The JABS is a joint operation focused on providing airborne communica- moment's notice is the highlight of the voy movements. tions support to ground forces. job." "We provide the overhead security Lt. Col. Sean Bordenave, 777th EAS and are basically the 911 for the convoys "We are here to provide communi- the detachment," said Air Force Maj. commander, said the constant flow out there, in case they need help," said cation links between convoys and their Brian Neff, former Multinational Corps of 13-hour, dusk-till-dawn missions Capt. Craig Barrington, JABS detach- respective headquarters," said Bar- – Iraq JABS commander. "The Navy could not happen without the success- ment commander. "Communication is rington. "This is accomplished through provides a wealth of communication ex- ful assimilation of the difference service the life blood of any operation. It can radio relay, significant event reporting perience, as well as the enlisted leader- branches and their specialties. make the difference in operational suc- and, if needed, the ability to react to ship. The Army and Marines both offer "From the perspective of a com- cess or failure." life-threatening situations." a unique experience, as many have pre- mander, the thing I've found absolutely Represented by all four Defense De- While embodying the "one-team, viously deployed as (communications) unique here is the teamwork," Borde- partment service branches, the four- or one-fight" mantra, each military branch operators in convoys, and now they are nave said. "From the maintenance team five-member aircrews simultaneously contributes differently to the mission – deployed in support of this mission." generating the aircraft and working listen to five radio channels, identifying with the Air Force and Navy filling most Knowing what their counterparts those last-minute maintenance issues, calls for assistance. When required, the of the leadership positions. on the ground are going through gives to the air battle staff and crew getting teams transmit voice communications "The Air Force typically provides the some Soldiers and Marines with the prepped for and flying some very long from the convoys in need to the appro- aircrew experience, communications 777th a special dedication to the job. missions -- it is absolutely phenom- priate ground stations. technicians and officer leadership for "I take the job seriously, knowing enal." Operation Back to School provides humanitarian aid By Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o in a poor area, and a lot of the school scissors and a ruler,” said Perez. “I can be leery at first, he said. Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f kids don’t have the basic necessi- think they’re going to appreciate ev- “The kids have been lied to; they’ve ties,” said Wong, a Houston native. erything they have and take care of been told we’re evil and this, that and CONTINGENCY OPERATING LO- “Some of the kits we give the school it.” the other by the bad guys, the insur- CATION TAJI, Iraq – kids, they’ve never seen some of the The committee for Operation Back gency,” he said. “We’re here to coun- U.S. and Iraqi Army Sol- supplies before. It’s great that we’re to School has solicited donations, us- ter that and show them that we’re diers delivered kits filled able to provide this to them.” ing its Web page and advertisements humans and we’re there to help.” with school supplies to Volunteers gather to fill the kits in the Taji area, said Edwards. Edwards said sometimes the chil- Iraqi schoolchildren and pack them into boxes every “(Service members) send word dren are unfamiliar with the supplies, at Al Waleed School Friday afternoon, said Edwards, a back to their families and friends and but with the aid of an interpreter, the Dec. 6 near Contingency Operating Saltillo, Miss., native. This includes then, by word of mouth, it spreads,” items’ uses are explained to them. Location Taji, Iraq. special kits for teachers, to help bet- he said. “The word’s gotten out. The children respond well to the Sol- A volunteer committee founded ter educate their students, he said. We’ve received donations from all diers’ presence and accept the gifts, Operation Back to School, delivering Every week, more volunteers join over the country.” he said. its first gifts in October and perform- the ranks of service members work- Edwards said the operation saw a “It’s fostering a partnership be- ing seven missions total to improve ing to educate the next generation of huge response from schools, organi- tween them and us, as well as show- the lives of schoolchildren in Iraq, Iraqi leaders, he said. zations, other units and individuals. ing Iraq’s future leaders, the children said Maj. Robert Edwards, a commit- Area children come from families “Up to this point we’ve gotten over in the schools, that the Iraqi Army is tee member with Headquarters and in varying financial states, so some 5,000 kits, donated over 500 soccer there to help them,” he said. “They Headquarters Company, 155th Bri- do not have access to the same school balls and we put together two sets of are not something to be feared, like gade Special Troops Battalion, 155th supplies as others, said Spc. Raheem soccer goals to leave at the schools,” they have been in the past under Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 13th Townes, operations specialist with he said. (Saddam Hussein’s) regime.” Sustainment Command (Expedition- the 1479th Civil Affairs Detachment, The mission focuses on children The program is a step toward help- ary). 1st Battalion, 5th Brigade. who attend rural schools with any- ing the next generation of Iraqi citi- Program volunteers assemble the The kits contain everyday items where from 300 to 400 students, said zens, said Wong. kits or assist with the distribution at children need for school, said Spc. Edwards. The schools are outside the “The school supplies may only last school sites, said Lt. Col. Kent Wong, Lorraine Perez, an Operation Back major city areas and have had little for a couple months, but I think the a program manager for Operation to School volunteer with the 3666th exposure to U.S. Forces, he said. long-term benefit of this is the re- Back to School with the 821st Expe- maintenance Company, 96th Sus- Joint Forces move the packed box- lationship between our country and ditionary Training Squadron, 321st tainment Brigade, 13th ESC. es to schools where Iraqi Army Sol- the country of Iraq,” he said. “The Air Expeditionary Training Group, “We put in three folders, a Com- diers distribute them to the students. people, the kids, will recognize that 321st Air Expeditionary Wing. position note book, loose paper, col- Because these missions are a surprise America is (here to help) them and “A lot of the schools are very poor, ored pencils, an eraser, a sharpener, to students and faculty, the children they care about (them).” PAGE 12 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s 13th ESC wins Amazing Race charity run St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Service members ran a race, played golf blindfolded and choked down the “grossest” food the chow hall had to offer Dec. 5 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, to raise money for the Combined Federal Campaign – Overseas. Thirteen four-member teams participated in the CFC Amazing Race, to compete to have a $300 check donated to the CFC in their name. The CFC supports charitable organiza- tions through philanthropy by federal employees. Senior Master Sgt. Bryan Shipman, a superinten- dant of protocol with the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and a Norfolk, Va., native, served as the Air Force CFC representative. “We noticed there were no combined events with the Army or anyone else,” he said. “We teamed with the 13th (Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)) and the 194th Engineer Brigade and we came togeth- er with this alternate Amazing Race event.” Sgt. Austin A. Nightingale, operation executive administrative assistant with the 13th Sustainment Com- In the past few weeks, the representatives worked mand (Expeditionary) out of Fort Hood, Texas, and Maj. Erik A. Enyart, a brigade aviation officer with the together to plan activities and events for teams to 13th ESC, eat bread pudding and raisins at the Mirage dining facility during the Combined Federal Cam- raise awareness and money for the CFC, said Ship- paign – Overseas Amazing Race Dec. 5 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Nightingale, a Missoula, Mont., native, man. and Enyart, a Radcliff, Ky., native, were part of the winning team, the Urban Logistickers, which won a The planners coordinated the events, set up the $300 dollar check donated to the CFC in their name. stations and made sure there was continuity with the food, event times and reserved locations, he said. Master Sgt. Kimberly D. Bergman, a 13th ESC ca- CFC-O event has had all the major commands from The 13th ESC created a crossword puzzle event, reer counselor and a Chicago native, said no other their base organized together. testing competitors’ knowledge of Army and Air Instead of commanders doing their own Force history, said Bergman. events for CFC-O, they came together as a The 194th Engineers and the JBB Fire Department whole – Army and Air Force, said Bergman. hosted department specific challenges, she said. “It was an awesome time,” she said. “Ev- “It was a lot of work on our part but we enjoyed eryone brought their own strengths … which it and it seems all the participants enjoyed it,” she (were) reflected in the different challenges said. that we had.” Spc. Martha A. Bolt, a paralegal specialist with the

Spc. Kimberly N. Dover, a medic at the Troop Medi- cal Center with the 248th Area Support Medical Company out of Marietta, Ga., and a Cartersville, Ga., native, watches her teammate, Capt. Jason K. Hesser, a doctor at the TMC, with the 248th ASMC and a Crete, Neb., native, try to putt blindfolded. Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 13 13th ESC wins Amazing Race charity run 13th ESC and a Sussex, N.J., native, said the event Capt. Kimberly Wahler, a phy- was fun and helped the service members get a good sician’s assistant with the workout. 248th Area Support Medical Bolt, who was on the Urban Logistickers team, Company out of Marietta, Ga., said the hardest part of the event was the eating plays a video game during the competition at the Mirage dining facility. Combined Federal Campaign She drew a number and had to eat banana pud- – Overseas Amazing Race at ding with raisins. Other numbered items included the United Service Organiza- sardines, refried beans and tuna. tion Dec. 5 at Joint Base Balad, Her teammate, Maj. Erik A. Enyart, a brigade avi- Iraq. Wahler, a Marietta, Ga., na- ation officer with the 13th ESC and a Radcliff, Ky., tive, competed as part of team native, said blind golfing and chow-hall eating were Sickcall Rangers, which placed the hardest parts of the event. third in the competition. Spc. Kimberly N. Dover, a medic with the 248th Area Support Medical Company out of Marietta, Ga., with the 61st Multifunctional Medical Brigade and a Cartersville, Ga., native, won third place with the Sickcall Rangers and said the food challenge was not her favorite part either. “I’m just a really picky eater … and it was gross,” she said. “None of it was really difficult; that was just the nastiest part.” Dover said pushing and pulling water hoses at the fire department was the highlight of the competi- tion. The event mirrored a scavenger hunt combined with a 5 km race, said Dover. The activities were set up at locations throughout JBB and teams had to accomplish each task before they could head to the final destination, the Morale, Welfare and Recreation center east, she said. “It was fun and it got everybody out here on their Saturday morning, instead of sitting in their (bed- room) doing nothing,” she said. In the end, service members came together and had a blast to support a great cause, which Bergman said was all she could ask for. “I think it was great,” she said. “I think CFC is very important. I’m looking forward to perhaps may- be doing another one before we get out of here.”

Team Born Ready builds a structure that must withstand wind and water to win an engineer challenge at the Combined Federal Campaign – Overseas Amazing Race Dec. 5 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The CFC supports charitable organizations through philanthropy by federal em- ployees

Team Urban Logistickers, with the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) out of Fort Hood, Texas, ac- cepts a $300 check from Col. Knowles Y. Atchison, deputy commander with the 13th ESC, for winning the Combined Federal Campaign – Overseas Amazing Race Dec. 5 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The check will be donated to the CFC in recognition of the winners. PAGE 14 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 16, 2009 Medical officers host Silver Caduceus Society Call at Taji St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y He also said experience brings wis- Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o dom and a better understanding of Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f career progression. Senior officers at- tended the call to speak to the junior CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- officers and share their knowledge in TION TAJI, Iraq – Medi- the career field, including guest speak- cal service corps officers er Lt. Col. Ronald Krough, chief of staff at Contingency Operat- with Task Force 1st Medical Brigade. ing Location Taji, Iraq, Medical service corps is a broad area hosted a Silver Cadu- that offers myriad opportunities and ceus Society Call Dec. paths, said Krough. 5 to facilitate the professional develop- “We have over 20 different special- ment of the unit’s Soldiers. ties in the medical service corps,” he Medical Company C with the 115th said. “So some of these young lieuten- Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, ants and captains have to decide by the 1st Cavalry Division in conjunction time they have eight years or so in, and with the 155th Heavy Brigade Combat mentoring helps (them) do that.” Team, 13th Sustainment Command The methods and technology within (Expeditionary), held its first Silver the medical service have changed, but Caduceus Society Call in two years. the people they serve and the mission This event provided a rally point for stay the same, said Krough. medical service corps officers to gather Lt. Col. Ronald Krough, chief of staff with Task Force 1st Medical Brigade and Units with the 13th ESC, 1st Cav. and meet with peers in the Taji area a Seattle native, speaks to fellow medical service officers at a Silver Cadu- Div. and 2nd Infantry Division, at- and talk about career development and ceus Society Call at Contingency Operating Location Taji, Iraq. This was the tended the event, but all serve the same progression in the field, said Capt. Ty- first Silver Caduceus Call at COL Taji in two years. purpose, said Cortner. ler Cortner, C Co. commander with the “We all kind of come together and 1/1 Cav. Div. for the Soldiers that are out here sup- help, if you’ve already met them and support each other because we really “We support the medical corps and porting the combat,” said Cortner. you’ve already established some rap- have one mission, and that’s to take the Warfighter, going between the Because each medical element has port,” he said. “It’s important to know care of patients,” he said. medics on the battlefield and the doc- different resources at its disposal, who’s doing what and what the capa- Cortner said meetings during de- tors in the hospitals,” said Cortner, a meeting with other officers opens op- bilities in the area are. It puts you in ployment time can be an obstacle, Tulsa, Okla., native. portunities to share, said Capt. Brent position to meet any challenge that when several groups are involved in a Cortner said there are roughly 10 Lindley, staff officer with the Taji May- comes up down the road.” Silver Caduceus Society. medical elements at Taji. The Silver or’s Cell, 155th HBCT. Cortner said now is the time for col- “One of the unique things about a Caduceus Society Call acts as a conduit Networking is important, especially laboration, to help one another with Silver Caduceus Society is that you can for medical officers to network and in Iraq, where needs change rapidly, career goals. Those who attended the just plant your flag in the ground any- develop a professional association in said Lindley, a Hattiesburg, Miss., na- call discussed education opportunities where you are,” he said. “It’s mobile; their area of responsibility, he said. tive. and career development choices, get- it can be in garrison or in a deployed “If we can network and share re- “It’s a lot easier when you have to ting feedback from one another’s expe- environment.” sources, it really provides better care call and ask for something or ask for riences in an open forum. Holidays add to deployment stress

St o r y a n d Ph o t o Ill u s t r a t i o n b y from their loved ones and may miss “Give it time. There Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o mp e n b e r g their comforting holiday rituals, an op- will be opportuni- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f portunity to visit with extended fam- ties to celebrate with ily and religious observances with their family and friends JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Holiday congregation.” when the deployment joy and holiday stress go Maj. Saul Cardona, the family life ends.” hand in hand, especially chaplain with the 13th Sustainment As hard as it can for deployed service mem- Command (Expeditionary), said sepa- be to be away from bers and their families. ration is the biggest stressor during long home this time of For those serving at deployments, in addition to combat op- year, Linkh said ser- Joint Base Balad, Iraq, erations and exhausting work hours. vice members’ fami- the Air Force Mental Health Clinic and Cardona, an Añasco, Puerto Rico, lies struggle just as the 55th Medical Combat Stress Control native, said separation from loved ones much at home. clinic can assist service members and around the holidays can create a sense Linkh said Warf- civilians who are overwhelmed or over- of emptiness in Soldiers that could lead ighters should main- The Air Force Mental Health Clinic and the 55th Medi- stressed this holiday season. Similar them to take unnecessary risks or be- tain open lines of cal Combat Stress Control clinic at Joint Base Balad, services are offered to service members come careless during missions. communication to Iraq, offer services to service members and civilians and Department of Defense civilians “Separation creates an emotional help their families who are overwhelmed during the holidays or any time theater-wide and stateside. vacuum that attracts behaviors and get through deploy- of year. “People often get stressed around consequences that can affect the overall ments, but it is im- the holidays because they try to do too mission,” he said. portant to remain realistic when plan- to maintain healthy human connec- much – they overextend themselves fi- Deployed service members who are ning phone calls and e-mails. tion,” he said. nancially and they have unrealistic ex- stressed or alone should connect with “It is important to be flexible and find Linkh said low-key activities – with- pectations of themselves and others,” the people around them, said Cardona. a schedule that works for you, and takes out setting expectations too high – can said Air Force Maj. David Linkh, chief Linkh said stressed Warfighters high holiday volume and other compli- help keep stress levels on an even keel of the 332nd Expeditionary Aerospace should use simplicity to avoid becoming cations into account,” he said. during the holidays. Medicine Squadron Air Force Men- overwhelmed. Cardona said family members can “Trying to do everything they might tal Health Clinic at JBB and a Queens, “Don’t try to make up for your absence reach out and volunteer to make the normally do during the holiday season N.Y., native. by overspending online or planning the most out of the holidays. in 10 to 14 days could be a recipe for “Deployed personnel have an added once-in-a-lifetime trip to Disney World “Helping others is a very effective burnout, and a less than enjoyable holi- challenge insofar as they are separated immediately upon your return,” he said. way of combating stress while helping day for all involved,” he said. December 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 15 PAGE 16 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 16, 2009 After nearly 20 years, Soldiers reunite at JBB St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Five ser- vice members stationed together roughly 20 years ago at Camp Dahn, Ger- many, reunited at the Desert Inn dining facil- ity Dec. 3 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Command Sgt. Maj. KennethH. Tincknell, the senior enlisted adviser with the 80th Ordnance Battalion, said they were all stationed together at Camp Dahn in 1991. “We were part of the 20th Ordnance Company,” he said. “I was a specialist then and we did a lot of work during the height of the Gulf War, primarily closing down some ammo sites in Ger- many. “Today is the first day all five of us will be together. This brings back a lot of fond memories, and I haven’t seen From left to right: Lt. Col Lew E. Cureton, retired Master Sgt. Wayne Tadlock, Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth H. Tincknell, Sgt. Maj. some of them since 1992.” Gene E. Canada and Sgt. 1st Class Brian D. Johnson reconnect at the Desert Inn dining facility Dec. 3 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The five men served together roughly 20 years ago at Camp Dahn, Germany, and are now all deployed together. Tincknell, a Huntsville, Ala., native, said he stayed in touch with retired book and plans on mailing it back to like seeing brothers again, after a long Johnson, a Las Vegas native, said Master Sgt. Wayne Tadlock, now a ci- Tadlock. time.” he hopes this will be the first of many vilian ammunition inspector for the “Mr. Tadlock has joked about charg- Sgt. Maj. Gene E. Canada, logis- meetings. Army Materiel Command. ing me 10 cents a day – tax for every tics sergeant major with the 13th ESC “We are just five guys that came Tadlock was Tincknell’s squad lead- day the book was late,” said Cureton. and an Austin, Texas, native, said he through the ranks together and now er at that time, and said he took him to “I’ve had that book for 18 years, three was also excited to see everyone and we are all back at JBB,” he said. the E-5 promotion board. months and 7 days; that would be a praised their career progressions. Cureton said he met with Canada at “(Tincknell) had a good work ethic,” pretty hefty fine.” “It is a testament to some good past Fort Hood, Texas, and found out they he said. “He was always squared away Cureton said he was a first lieuten- leaders,” said Canada. “Our continued would deploy to JBB together. and made me try to do better. It isn’t ant at the time he was the group’s pla- service is for the love of the military.” “I ran into Sgt. Maj. Tincknell here a surprise at all that all these guys did toon leader. Sgt. 1st Class Brian D. Johnson, at the dining facility and he told me really well.” “I absolutely knew these guys would Canada’s roommate from Camp Dahn that, ‘Mr. Tadlock was on his way here, Tadlock said his platoon leader bor- go far in the Army,” said Cureton. and the core storage area noncommis- and I have spoken to Sgt. First Class rowed a book from him back then and “They are the best Soldiers I have ever sioned officer in charge with the 80th Johnson a few times,’” said Cureton. never returned it. He was anxious to seen.” Ord. Bn., said the two roomed together The experience has been one of the see if, 20 years later, he would see that Cureton, a Cove, Ark., native, said for roughly a year. best in his life, said Cureton. book again. he was excited to see his old friends all “This really brings back good mem- “I plan on retiring when I get back Lt. Col. Lew E. Cureton, munitions together again. ories,” he said. “We all used to load to the states, so it is fitting that they support operations officer in charge “The company we were in had the ammo together at Camp Dahn and were with me for my first duty station with the 13th Sustainment Command most sense of family cohesion that I now some of us work in the same area and now we are all here again for my (Expeditionary), said he still has the have been a part of,” he said. “It was again after all these years.” last,” he said. December 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 17 The four Rs for a PROductive relationship Be respectful, real, responsible and responsive a n y with allies or antagonists. aggressive resistance does not meet this with a strong capacity for empathy, an MBoomers And a PRO communicator knows the standard of being “real.” Civil disobedi- ability to walk in another’s shoes, and es- grew up with an value of injecting some humor. For ex- ence does, of course, meet this standard. pecially a capacity for feeling those bun- alliterative aca- ample, Daniel Goleman, in his ground- When you are PROductively “real” you ions. demic mantra as breaking work in his book “Emotional In- share something that reflects a core be- In contrast, reaction is frequently an our educational telligence,” found that the best managers lief or value and/or challenge a position overemotional state. And when some- foundation – the used humor three times more often than that you believe threatens to undermine one is chronically reactive – think fight Four Rs – read- their less successful counterparts. As I like a climate of respect and authenticity. Ulti- or flight on steroids – he or she perceives ing, ‘riting, ‘rith- to say: “People are more open to a serious mately, you affirm your own integrity and events as darkly threatening. Often, other metic and reli- message when it is gift-wrapped with hu- honesty in the relationship, whether this people are held in suspicion and are to be gion. mor.” involves one other person or the authen- quickly attacked or avoided. Reaction has a “The Stress Doc” Let’s just say So, let’s see if I can walk my talk with ticity of a larger group dynamic. primal if not primitive quality; responsive Mark Gorkin I focused more an en-light-ening argument for PROduc- By trumping loyalty with reality, you is a complex and compassionate blend of on the first two tive engagement with a four R foundation: refuse to be trapped in an asymmetrical head and heart. When you are responsive, Rs and sort of made a nominal wave at the Being Respectful, Real, Responsible and “Loyalty Loop”: Those who never want you you are processing both text and context, latter. For example, I am a self-professed Responsive. to answer back always want you to back seeing both the individual trees and the Jewish atheist. Of course, my biggest fear The four Rs for a PROductive relation- their answer. Clearly, a “real” relationship bigger forest. is being accused of redundancy. ship is “not to be taken (or given) lightly.” At the same time, we must go beyond However, I continue to make up for Using http://ardictionary.com, let’s 3. Responsible. As a PRO, being re- a psychological perspective. Being respon- slighting this upstanding letter. For ex- examine the four Rs: sponsible means “likely to be called upon sive means you are “ready or inclined to ample, I prominently share a burnout sce- 1. Respectful. PROductive relating starts to answer; to be answerable.” It involves “a respond … to people or events; you show nario caution flag in many of my Practice with a capacity to truly take notice; regard degree of accountability on the part of the effort in return to a force.” You are will- Safe Stress programs. It’s called “The Vital with special attention; regard as worthy of person concerned.” You are seen to have ing to consider and act upon “suggestions Lesson of the Four ‘R’s”: If no matter what special consideration; and, therefore, to impact upon, or are in charge of, a person and influences.” Yet, the most effective you do or how hard you try, results, re- care for someone. or situation as an “agent or cause.” You response mechanism does not necessarily wards, recognition and relief are not forth- This conception goes beyond formality are “worthy of or requiring responsibil- involve strategic assertion or a dramatic coming, and you can’t say “No” or won’t and even civility. The process of relation- ity or trust.” Clearly, there is a connection display of knowledge or authority. Some- let go, that is, you can’t step back and seek ship building requires mutual interest and between being responsible and being pro- times, being responsive means knowing a new perspective … trouble awaits. The investment. fessional and conscientious, especially re- when and how to ask the right question groundwork is being laid for apathy, cal- In the context of being a PRO, respect garding one’s exercise of decision-making or when to be silent and simply touch the lousness and despair. Especially when means a willingness to take the time and powers. other person’s shoulder. overcommitted, I extol this Stress Doc tru- energy to understand, or at least care Conversely, one common example of I hope, with the concepts and case ex- ism: Do know your limits and don’t limit about, the other person’s experience and not being responsible is when a person ample you now have a four R template your “No”s. world view. simply blames another for a problem or for building professional, reciprocal and Recently, I designed a new four R man- Certainly, one can respectfully disagree. for his or her compromised performance. ongoing relations. Be respectful, real, re- tra. It’s called the four Rs for a PROductive Of course, in the face of an all-knowing, To do this means forsaking your authority, sponsible and responsive both personally – Professional, Reciprocal and Ongoing – egomaniacal, “You don’t seem to realize, autonomy and accountability – what I call and with others and you will be a PROduc- Relationship. I really am as important as I think I am” the “Triple A of Personal/Professional Re- tive communicator. And you’ll also be on a Let’s first examine the PRO acronym. stress carrier, it can be a challenge to re- sponsibility.” Ideally, people should be en- four step path for helping everyone “Prac- By “Professional” I mean there are cer- main respectful. couraged to reasonably and ethically exer- tice Safe Stress!” tain standards and expectations for be- At these times, I try to quietly recall cise their authority and be given sufficient havior on the part of both parties. the words of French novelist, Andre Gide: autonomy to do so. At the same time, PRO Mark Gorkin, LICSW, “The Stress “Reciprocal” means that, despite differ- “One must allow others to be right, it con- relating is synonymous with being held Doc” ™, is an acclaimed keynote and ent levels of expertise or authority, there soles them for not being anything else,” accountable by some monitoring process kickoff speaker, training/OD and team is meaningful give and take in the rela- which brings us to the second R. for one’s decisions and actions. building consultant, psychotherapist tionship. One party is not perceived to be 2. Real. A relationship that is real is In a PROductive relationship, not tak- and “motivational humorist.” He is the inherently or psychologically subordinate “true; genuine; not artificial, counterfeit, ing responsibility too frequently means author of “Practice Safe Stress: Heal- to the other, despite differences in age, or facetious;” it also connotes “having sub- you accept that another party has the ing and Laughing in the Face of Stress, rank, professional standing, etc. Each per- stance or capable of being treated as fact,” power to define your competency, your Burnout & Depression” and “The Four son has the freedom and choice to speak the “real reason.” However, your position identity and the problem-solving dynam- Faces of Anger: Transforming Anger, his or her mind and do so from the heart. on an issue doesn’t necessarily have to ics of a situation. And from such a vulner- Rage, and Conflict into Inspiring At- Naturally, it may be harder for the “junior” stand up in a court of law to be real. able if not victim-like position, not sur- titude & Behavior.” A kickoff speaker partner in the relationship. Sometimes it’s a willingness to initially prisingly, some people become defensive for Estrin Legal Education Conferenc- “Ongoing” means this is not a one-time speak from the gut or heart but then be – too quickly seeing provocative or even es, the Doc is America Online’s online encounter – the relationship has mutual committed to verify, when possible, or to mere problematic interaction as an issue psychohumorist ™ and pioneer of a significance as well as a past, present and separate fantasy from reality, when desir- of respect. USA Today Online “HotSite” – http:// future. able. For me, one defining quality of “be- I think the words of the universally ad- www.stressdoc.com – recognized as a Now to those Rs. Especially in work- ing or keeping it real” is a willingness to mired former first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, workplace resource by National Pub- related arenas, to engage others PROduc- express a belief or take a position that may have much relevance: “No one can take lic Radio. For more info on the Doc’s tively in our increasingly complex, diverse challenge, disappoint or even anger the away your self-respect without your active speaking and training programs and and wired world, it is necessary to navigate other person(s). participation.” products, email [email protected] or and negotiate emotionally charged, “T ‘n The position taken isn’t simply defiance So, don’t be responsible for an un- call 301-875-2567. T” – time and task-driven – organization- for defiance sake. Though I’m a big believ- healthy power transfusion. al settings and interpersonal situations. er of irony whereby you say one thing but 4. Responsive. The foundational word Effective engagement requires blend- obviously mean the opposite to skewer a for responsive is sensitive – “being suscep- This issue of the Expeditionary Times ing both high task performance focus and position or person who deserves some tible to the attitudes, feelings or circum- contains a reader submitted article high touch people focus. A good commu- ego-deflation, or at least needs some help stances of others.” written by Mark Gorkin, also known nicator is able to connect with his or her in getting real. For example, the notion For me, responsive is the counterpoint as “The Stress Doc.” Gorkin’s views are own needs and emotions, goals and hopes. of FOX News being “Fair and Balanced” to being reactive – where sensitivity has not necessarily those of the Depart- This individual is not afraid to share per- seems to me a wonderful example of un- less to do with feeling with and for the oth- ment of Defense and the inclusion of sonal flaws and foibles and then use that intended irony. And unless you are in a er person and more to do with defending his submission is not meant in any way connective/collective, head and heart un- relationship of great power disparity, pre- an insecure or injured self. as an endorsement of his services. derstanding to build relationship bridges serving your sense of self through passive- My conception of responsive equates PAGE 18 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 16, 2009 Aviation brigade performs parody of ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ to send positive message St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Mem- bers of Task Force 38, with the 38th Combat Aviation Brigade out of Shelbyville, Ind., put their own spin on the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life,” addressing suicide while making their audience laugh Dec. 4 at the Freedom chapel at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Lt. Col. Dan Kozlowski, brigade judge advocate with TF 38 and an Indianapolis native, said himself and Col. David Wood, the TF 38 com- mander, came up with this innova- tive approach to suicide prevention. “We both considered the movie to be a favorite,” said Kozlowski. “There is a tendency toward depression around the holidays and we wanted to put out a positive message.” Kozlowski said ‘It’s a Wonderful Deployment’ has been in the works for roughly three months. “There are two big changes that we made to the original,” he said. “Our play is based out of a National Guard Armory in Shelbyville, Ind., and most of the characters are mili- Sgt. Andrew J. Schneiders, command executive assistant with Task Force 38 out of Shelbyville, Ind., and a Mooresville, Ind., native, tary related.” and Capt. Christina Shepard, logistics officer with TF 38 and Clayton, Ind., native, act out a scene in the military version of “It’s a Won- In the movie, George Bailey con- derful Life,” titled “It’s a Wonderful Deployment.” The play ran Dec. 4 through Dec. 5 at Freedom Chapel at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. sidered suicide, a choice too many character George Bailey, said he has “This play shows that our individ- was funny and put out a good mes- Soldiers have made or considered never been in a formal stage play with ual life is important to those around sage. lately, said Kozlowski. speaking lines, but was a musical ac- us, most importantly our family and “Everyone is away from home and “Our message is no man is a fail- tor and toured the United States be- friends,” he said. “The timing of this people get a little sad over the holi- ure,” he said. “Everyone’s life has fore joining the military. production was specifically geared days; this brings everybody together, value, and suicide is no answer to “It’s a refreshing way to display toward the holiday period.” kind of like a family function,” said life’s problems.” the problems that can overwhelm Schneiders said this issue affects Hiser. Sgt. Andrew J. Schnieders, com- Soldiers, which lead to considering everybody, and military personnel Schnieders said his hope is to cre- mand executive assistant with TF 38 suicide,” he said. need to be reminded during the holi- ate a positive memory for service and a Mooresville, Ind., native, said The production gives Soldiers a day season that their lives are valu- members’ reflection when they go he was approached to volunteer for chance to reflect on what the lives of able. through troubled times during their this production and was happy to ac- their friends and families would be Staff Sgt. Leeann Hiser, personnel deployments. cept because of the message the per- like without them, instead of sitting noncommissioned officer with TF 38 “If we can make a difference in just formance was sending. through a set of power point slides, and an Alexandria, Ind., native, said one person’s life, we have done our Schnieders, who plays the lead said Schnieders. she enjoyed the play, and thought it job,” he said. Infantry Soldiers prep for holidays in Iraq By Sp c . Co r y Gr o g a n chapel brought a little bit of the holi- Cassandra Krawec-Paul, the adminis- 41s t IBCT Pu b l i c Af f a i r s day season to service members. tration noncommissioned officer with Lt. Col. Jason Schwabel, deputy Headquarters and Headquarters Com- CAMP ADDER, Iraq – Half way around brigade commander of the 41st IBCT, pany, 41st IBCT. the world, evidence of the praised the brigade’s decorated Tacti- Krawec-Paul, who handles the mail holiday season is every- cal Operations Center. for her unit, said she has seen a tre- where. “You can watch visitors get a smile mendous increase in packages for the At Camp Adder, on their face when they see the deco- holiday season. Iraq, where the Or- rations put up by Soldiers, and it feels “It is the amazing the support we’re egon National like a little bit of home in our busy op- getting – it helps,” she said. “You see Guard’s 41st Infan- eration center,” Schwabel said. the smile on every Soldiers face when try Brigade Combat Team has nearly a Family and friends at home have they get mail, and we have been get- third of its brigade, countless donated done their fair share to ensure Ore- ting a lot of Christmas stuff from fami- holiday greeting cards, trees, decora- gon Soldiers will not forget about the ly and people we don’t even know. One tions, lights, holiday care packages, holidays this year, and it is evident family even donated a Christmas tree nativity scenes and even music at the it means a lot to the troops, said Sgt. and a gift for each person in our unit.” December 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 19

Sudoku Test your The objective is to fill Level: Hard knowledge the 9×9 grid so each 1. What Yukon mining district was the site of the column, each row and 2 6 8 5 1890s gold rush? each of the nine 3×3 1 5 4 6 2. What Scandinavian country last fought in a war in boxes contains the dig- 1814? its from 1 to 9 only one 4 1 3. What U.S. city had three of the world’s five tallest man-made structures in 1994? time each. 1 2 3 Last week’s answers 4. What country went metric to join the European 1 9 6 7 5 3 8 4 2 2 3 4 1 5 community, but kept the pint for use in pubs and 4 3 7 8 2 1 6 5 9 for milk? 8 2 5 6 4 9 1 7 3 4 9 2 5. What New York City landmark is the largest movie 3 7 8 9 1 2 4 6 5 theater in the U.S.? 9 5 4 3 6 8 7 2 1 3 8 2 6 1 4 7 5 9 3 8 6 1 3 5 9 4 2 8 7 1 4 5 7 7 8 2 1 3 6 5 9 4

5 4 9 2 8 7 3 1 6 8 6 7 2 Hall Music City Radio 5. Britain 4. Chicago 3. Sweden 2. Klondike The 1. JB BALAD JB BALAD ACTIVITIES INDOOR a.m., p.m. CC Cross Fit: Hold’em: Ping-pong Friday- 7 p.m. WORSHIP SERVICES POOL 5-6 p.m Caribbean Monday- Mon., Fri.,- 2 tourney: Aerobics: TRADITIONAL - Sunday MASS - Saturday Swim Lessons: Edge Weapons Night: Saturday- p.m., Tuesday- 8 Monday, 0200 Air Force Hospital Chapel 0930 Provider Chapel 1700 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Mon., Wed.,- 6 & Stick Fight- Friday- 8 p.m. 10:30 p.m 8:30 p.m. p.m. Wednesday, p.m. ing Combative Chess & Domi- Cross Fit: 8-ball tourney: Foosball Friday- 7 p.m. 1030 Freedom Chapel (West side) 1100 Castle Heights (Bldg. 7562) 2000 Freedom Chapel (West Side) Tue., Thu., Training: noes Tourney: Mon., Wed., Tuesday- 2 tourney: Body by Sat.,- Tue., Thur., Friday- 8 p.m. Fri.,- 5:45 a.m., Tuesday- 8 Midgett Toning 1400 Air Force Hospital Chapel 1730 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Sunday 0830 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) 6:30 p.m. Sat.,- Salsa Class: a.m., 7 a.m., 3 8:30 p.m. p.m. Class: 2000 Air Force Hospital Chapel 1100 Provider Chapel 1100 Air Force Hospital AquaTraining: 8-10 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 p.m., Ping-pong Jam Session: Tue., Thu., - 7 Tue.,Thu.,- p.m. 6 p.m. tourney: Tuesday- 7:30 p.m. GOSPEL - Sunday Thursday 1100 Air Force Hospital 7:30 p.m., 8:30 EAST REC- Poker: Tue., Thu.,- 7 Tuesday- 8:30 p.m Dodge ball 1100 MWR East Building 1200 Freedom Chapel (West Side) Mon., Wed., Fri. 1700 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) p.m. REATION Saturday- 7:30 a.m., p.m. 8-ball tourney: Game: CENTER p.m. 3 p.m. Spades: Wednesday- 8 Tuesday- 7:30 1230 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Monday-Friday 1130 555th Engineer Bde. (Bldg. 7200) EAST FIT- 4-ball tourney: Sunday- 5:45 Wednesday- 2 p.m p.m. 1900 Provider Chapel JEWISH SHABBAT SERVICES- Friday NESS Sunday- 8 p.m H6 FITNESS a.m., a.m., Guitar Lessons: Furman’s CENTER 8-ball tourney: CENTER 7 a.m., 3 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Thursday- 7:30 Martial Arts: CONTEMPORARY- Sunday 1700 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Open Court Monday- 8 p.m Spin: P90x: Salsa: p.m Mon., Wed., 0900 Chapel- Next Iraq/MWR East Saturday 0930 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Volleyball: Karaoke: Sunday- 9 a.m. Monday- Sat- Wednesday- Game tourney: Sun.,- 1 p.m. Sunday- 6 p.m. Monday- 8 Mon., Wed., urday- 4:30 8:30 p.m. Thursday- 1 Gaston’s Self- 1030 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) 1700 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Aerobics: p.m. Fri.,- 2 a.m., 8 a.m., 4 p.m., 9-ball: p.m, 8 p.m. Defense Class: 1400 Castle Heights (Bldg. 7562) 1900 Freedom Chapel (West Side) ISLAMIC PRAYER - Friday Mon., Wed., Swing Class: a.m. 2 p.m., 7 10 p.m. Thursday- 2 Enlisted Poker: Fri., Sat.- 7 Fri.- Tuesday- 8 p.m., 12 a.m. a.m., Friday- 1 p.m., p.m. Wedneday 2000 Gilbert Memorial Chapel 1230 Provider Chapel 5:30-6:30 a.m. p.m. 9 p.m. Soccer: 8:30 p.m. 8 p.m. Open court LITURGICAL (Episcopal, Anglican, Presbyterian) - Sunday PAGAN/WICCAN FELLOWSHIP - Thursday Yoga Class: Table Tennis: Tue., Thu., Tue., Thu.,- 8 Karaoke: Officer Poker: basketball: Mon., Fri.- 6-7 Tuesday- 8 -5:45 a.m., p.m. Thursday- 8:30 Saturday- 1 Thursday- 7 1700 Provider Chapel 1900 The Shack a.m. p.m. 9 a.m., 8:30 Yoga: p.m. p.m., 8 p.m. p.m. Step Aerobics: Plastic Models p.m. Wednesday- 8 Dominos: Squat Compe- Open court SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST - Saturday Saturday 1900 The Shack Mon., Wed., Club: Saturday- 9 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 tition: soccer: 1000 Provider Chapel GREEK ORTHODOX - Sunday Fri.- Wednesday 7 a.m., 7 p.m. MACP Level p.m. Saturday- 8 Mon., Wed., - 7 5:30 p.m. p.m. Boxing: 1: Darts: p.m. p.m. CHURCH OF CHRIST - Sunday 0900 Provider Annex Conditioning 9-ball tourney: Sunday- 4 p.m. Friday- 8 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 Zingano 1530 Castle Heights (Bldg. 7562) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: Training Class: Wednesday- 8 Tue., Thu.,- 2 5 on 5 Basket- p.m. WEST FIT- Brazilian Jui Mon., Wed., p.m. p.m. ball: WEST REC- NESS Jitsu: LATTER DAY SAINTS (MORMON)- Sunday Gilbert Chapel: 443-7703 Fri.- 7:15- Dungeons & Boot Camp: Saturday- 8 REATION CENTER Tue., Thu.,- 1300 Provider Chapel 1530 Freedom Chapel (West side) Provider Chapel: 433-2430 8 p.m. Dragons: Sunday- 8:45 p.m. CENTER 3 on 3 basket- 8:30 p.m. Brazilian Jui- Thursday- 7:30 a.m Green Bean ball 1900 Gilbert Memorial Chapel (H-6) Freedom Chapel: 443-6303 Jitsu: p.m. Tue.,Thu.,- 7 H6 RECRE- Karaoke: tourney: CIRCUIT Mon., Wed., Poetry Night: p.m. ATION Sun., Wed., Saturday- 7:30 GYM Fri.- Thursday-8 Power Abs: CENTER 7:30pm p.m. Floor hockey: 8-9 p.m. p.m. Mon., Tue., Bingo: 9-ball tourney: 6 on 6 vol- Mon., Wed., Abs-Aerobics: 6-ball tourney: Thu., - 8 p.m. Sunday- 8 p.m. Monday- 8 leyball Fri.,– Tue., Thu., 6-7 Thursday- 8 Friday- 9 p.m. Texas p.m. tourney: 8-10 p.m

Monday 12/21/09 Portland Trail Blazers @ Miami Heat, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. Upcoming sports AFN/sports Sunday Night Football: Minnesota Vikings @ Carolina Panthers, Tape Delayed 4 a.m. AFN/sports on AFN NHL on VERSUS: Buffalo Sabres @ Toronto Maple Leafs, Live Thursday 12/17/09 Saturday 12/19/09 4 p.m. AFN/xtra Toronto Raptors @ Orlando Magic, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. Utah Jazz @ Atlanta Hawks, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/sports Monday Night Football: New York Giants @ Washington AFN/sports Milwaukee Bucks @ Cleveland Cavaliers, Tape Delayed 4:30 Redskins, Live 5:30 p.m. AFN/sports Los Angeles Lakers @ Milwaukee Bucks, Tape Delayed 8 a.m. AFN/sports a.m. AFN/xtra Holiday Hoops - Big 12 Conference Basketball: Michigan @ Tuesday 12/22/09 NBA on TNT: Orlando Magic @ Miami Heat, Live 5 a.m. Kansas, Live 9 a.m. AFN/sports Cleveland Cavaliers @ Phoenix Suns, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/xtra AFN/sports 2009 MAACO Las Vegas Bowl: Teams TBD (Sam Boyd Friday 12/18/09 Sunday 12/20/09 Stadium; Las Vegas, NV), Live 5 p.m. AFN/sports NBA on TNT: Orlando Magic @ Miami Heat, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. 2009 New Mexico Bowl: Teams TBD (University Stadium; NHL on VERSUS: San Jose Sharks @ Chicago Blackhawks, AFN/sports Albuquerque, NM), Tape Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/sports Live 5 p.m. AFN/xtra Thursday Night Football: Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars, 37th Annual NCAA Football Division III Championship - Tape Delayed 4 a.m. AFN/sports Championship Game: Teams TBD (Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl; Wednesday 12/23/09 Ottawa Senators @ New Jersey Devils, Live 4 p.m. AFN/xtra Salem, VA), Tape Delayed 2 a.m. AFN/xtra Holiday Hoops, Big 12 Conference Basketball: Michigan NBA Friday: Los Angles Clippers @ New York Knicks, Live Saturday Night Football: Dallas Cowboys @ New Orleans State @ Kansas, Tape Delayed 2 a.m. AFN/sports 5 p.m. AFN/sports Saints, Tape Delayed 4 a.m. AFN/sports Houston Rockets @ Orlando Magic, Live 4 p.m. AFN/xtra Washington Capitals @ Vancouver Canucks, Live 7 p.m. Atlanta Hawks @ Chicago Bulls, Tape Delayed 7 a.m. AFN/xtra Cleveland Cavaliers @ Sacramento Kings, Live 7 p.m. AFN/ AFN/ xtra xtra PAGE 20 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 16, 2009

‘Phrazes for the Young’ not bad, but not great By Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o mp e n b e r g Casablancas was even a musician. I duced, along the lines of “Is This It,” so double-stroked guitars and Casio Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f had always figured him to be a front- and sat on the top of many top-10 drums. In that song, when Casablanca man and singer, and nothing else. It lists for best alternative albums of the sings, “Yes, I know I’m going to hell hrazes for the turns out that he was actually compos- year. in a leather jacket,” I can’t help but “PYoung” is the ing all The Strokes music and teaching It seems to me there’s a formula that smile. latest in a string of side the band members their parts. works for these guys and Casablancas The worst track is “Ludlow St.” It’s projects from mem- The density of the tracks themselves is fighting it every step of the way. too long, too fake sounding and too bers of The Strokes, sharply contrasted “Is This It,” which That being said, I like this album. uninteresting. Casablancas is singing one of the most fa- was extremely gritty and stripped I don’t love it, but I like it; kind of. I about the problems with his favorite mous indie-rock bands in the world. down, and also a megahit that cata- really like Casablancas’ voice and I re- neighborhood in ever-changing Man- The band has been on hiatus since its pulted the band to superstardom. spect him more as an artist now that I hattan, but I just don’t buy it. Maybe it 2006 release, “First Impressions of The next two releases were progres- know more about his abilities as a mu- would work as a two-minute piece, but Earth,” and the band members have sively more produced, and each sold sician. But the album is too glossy and it comes in at 5:45. seemed to keep busy with solo proj- fewer copies than the last. synthetic for me. Guitars, banjos and That’s another problem with this al- ects and bands on the side. This makes me wonder why Casa- drums all sound digital to me. bum, the length. It’s only eight tracks Julian Casablancas wrote all the blancas decided to go even further Banjo? That’s right, he’s gone robot long, but it really drags. If you’re not music and lyrics and performed most with production and layers than any country. It’s an ‘80s synthfest from Stephen Malkmus or Doug Martsch, of the instrumentation on this album. of those albums. start to finish, but its pretty fun, even I don’t want to hear your six-minute Until a few weeks ago, when I hap- Last year, The Strokes’ drummer, for a guy like me who prefers the old songs. pened to read an article on the record- Fabrizio Moretti, released a self-titled Strokes sound. Little Joy is amazing, Albert Ham- ing of The Strokes debut album, the album with his new band, Little Joy. The first track, “Out of the Blue,” mond Jr.’s solo album is good, and uber-hit, “Is This It,” I had no idea The album was gritty and underpro- is my personal favorite with its 10 or this one is OK. It’s fun but too fake. ‘Old Dogs’ needs to be put to sleep, fast

By Sg t . Ja y s o n A. Ho f f m a n liams), two business partners about to more interesting than this film. (“Good Morning Vietnam”) were ter- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f strike the deal of a lifetime. The other part of this movie I thor- rible. The script they were working with Then Dan’s old fling, and ex-wife, oughly enjoyed was the man sitting didn’t help any, but Travolta was way too ld Dogs” is shows up and introduces him to the directly behind me in the theater. I’m over the top and Williams played one of “Oaimed at chil- twin son and daughter he never knew sure his review would read much dif- his most subdued character to date. dren and older adults, he had. ferent from mine. If I were to guess, I had no intention of seeing this but this film was unin- Unintelligent, terrible slapstick an- based purely off his nonstop bellowing movie. It was even worse than it looked, spired and not funny. tics ensue as Dan attempts to get to laughter, this was the funniest movie but the five percent approval rating on Someone forgot to know his children with the help of his he had ever seen. http://www.rottentomatoes.com made tell Disney that family films, in recent best friend Charlie. I’m still struggling to comprehend me think that I could be taking part in years, have become funny, witty and My personal favorite part of this what exactly it was that made him history. filled with multi-layered characters. movie was the beginning when I was laugh so hard, but he made this movie That is by far the lowest rating I have Don’t waste your time on this when so focused on my delicious movie the- tolerable for me. I’m quite ashamed I ever seen on the Web site, and just so ev- you could watch Robin Williams inter- ater hot dog and nachos that I hardly did not interview him for this review, eryone knows, the rating is misleading. acting with children and actually being recognized the fact that a movie was but I would at least like to publicly I have no idea how it made it as high as funny in “Mrs. Doubtfire.” playing. Figuring out how to scoop up thank him for making this waste of five percent. Do yourselves a favor and The story revolves around Charlie all that nacho cheese with a limited time tolerable. never, ever waste your time with this (John Travolta) and Dan (Robin Wil- amount of tortilla chips proved much Travolta (“Grease”) and Williams movie. Pvt Murphy Sustainer Reel Time Theater Wednesday, Dec. 16 Sunday, Dec. 20 5 p.m. Saw VI 2 p.m. The Princess and the Frog 8 p.m. Armored 5 p.m. Invictus 8 p.m. A Christmas Carol Thursday, Dec. 17 Monday, Dec. 21 5 p.m. Armored 5 p.m. The Box 8 p.m. Law Abiding Citizen 8 p.m. The Princess and the Frog Friday, Dec. 18 Tuesday, Dec. 22 2 p.m. The Box 5 p.m. Invictus 5 p.m. Invictus 8 p.m. Michael Jackson’s This Is It 8:30 p.m. The Princess and the Frog

Saturday, Dec. 19 Wednesday, Dec. 23 2 p.m. Michael Jackson’s This Is It 5 p.m. A Christmas Carol 5 p.m The Princess and the Frog 8 p.m. The Box 8 p.m. Invictus December 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 21 Ph o t o s Ar o u n d Ir a q

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Michael Wykes U.S. Soldiers with A Company, 252nd Combined Arms Battalion, 30th Heavy Bri- gade Combat Team, and members of the Sons of Iraq, perform a night patrol Nov. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Zimmerman 11 in Al Muradiyah, near Baghdad, Iraq. An Iraqi Soldier from the Iraqi 1st Army Division, speeds toward the fin- ish line in front of a U.S. Marine, with the 1st Iraqi Army Military Transition Team, after running a joint 5K race Nov. 3 at Camp Fallujah, in western Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anderson Savoy

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ernest E. Sivia III An Iraqi Soldier with the help Local children watch as U.S. Soldiers from the 7th En- of U.S. Soldiers assigned to gineering Battalion, 194th Engineering Brigade, arrive E Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Nov. 14 in Gharraf, Dhi Qar, Iraq. The engineers con- Cavalry, 2nd Brigade Combat ducted safety inspections at a local school. Team, 1st Cavalry Division, sets charges to detonate un- exploded ordinance Oct. 27 in Gaines Mills, Iraq.

A reed gatherer has his haul inspected at a check point on the river by an Iraqi Soldier with the Department of Bor- der Enforcement Nov. 14, during a visit to Joint Security Station Um Sa’ah, in southern Iraq. The visit was part of a reconnaissance of the area to see how members of the Department of Border Enforcement deal with the issue of

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Gavriel Bar-Tzur U.S. contraband smuggled into Iraq from Iran. PAGE 22 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 16, 2009 Ne w s a r o u n d Ir a q Iraqi civilians and security forces. After preliminary questioning and an investigation Coalition forces of the premises, ISF arrested the AQI suspect and two alleged criminal accomplices without incident. work with Iraqi During a second security operation Dec. 3, the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division Iraqi Army arrested three sus- pected terrorists. government to The Iraqi Army unit and U.S. advisers conducted a traffic stop on a public road in southwestern Mosul prosecute detainees based on intelligence that an AQI leader for northern Iraq was riding within the vehicle. After questioning those within the vehicle and an for terrorism initial investigation, Iraqi Army Soldiers arrested three individuals suspected of being criminal accom- BAGHDAD – Task Force 134 presented its 300th plices of the alleged AQI leader. terrorism case for 2009 to the Central In a separate security operation conducted Dec. 4 Criminal Court of Iraq. in Ad Dawr, northwest of Baghdad, ISF arrested two Of the 309 cases presented to the CCC-I suspected terrorists and discovered bomb-making so far, 122 defendants have been convicted. material. The remaining defendants will be pursued ISF and U.S. advisers searched buildings for a for other crimes against the Iraqi people or released suspected terrorist who has allegedly been involved according to the Security Agreement between the in staging IED attacks against security forces in United States and the Government of Iraq. Iraq. “As part of Task Force 134, the Central Criminal The security team discovered possible bomb- Court of Iraq Liaison Office is responsible for ensur- making material, including three drums of diesel ing that detainees in U.S. custody receive due process fuel and 15 bags of urea fertilizer on the premises. through the Iraqi Court system,” said Navy Capt. Ken- investigative judge,” O’Rourke said. “Iraqi security Based on the discovered evidence and questioning neth O’Rourke, Task Force 134 legal adviser. forces executed the warrant and arrested the terrorist conducted on the premises, ISF arrested two suspect- In 2003, the Coalition Provisional Authority set up in early July 2009. During the search of the terrorist’s ed criminal accomplices to the suspect. the CCC-I as a national court to allow the Iraqi gov- garden, they discovered several crates of RKG-3 gre- In a second joint security operation conducted to- ernment to prosecute those suspected of terrorism. nades that were awaiting sale.” day, Iraqi Police arrested a suspected terrorist in Bal- Since its inception, more than 2,100 defendants have Iraqi forces then testified in front of the same in- ad Ruz, northeast of Baghdad. been convicted of various crimes. vestigative judge as to what they captured from the al- ISF and U.S. advisers searched buildings for a sus- “The cases appearing before the court are increas- leged terrorist. The combination of the testimony from pected AQI member who is believed to have ties with ingly complicated and involve individuals who have four Iraqis and the pictures they took of the weapons AQI senior leadership. committed some of the most violent attacks against cache led to a conviction and 15-year sentence. Evidence collected at the scene led the Iraqi Police the Iraqi population and coalition soldiers,” O’Rourke “The willingness of these Iraqis to step forward has to arrest a suspected criminal accomplice of the al- said. “The prosecution of these dangerous detainees furthered the Rule of Law in Iraq and no doubt saved leged AQI associate. has caused a general slowing in the pace of trials when innocent lives, both American and Iraqi,” O’Rourke During a third security operation conducted today, compared to previous years.” said. “These cases were possible because, over the ISF and U.S. advisers searched two buildings for a Attorneys are spending preparing cases and work- past six years, Central Criminal Court of Iraq Liaison suspected AQI member who is believed to facilitate ing with their Iraqi colleagues to ensure the quality of Office has worked to develop relationships that allow IED attacks throughout the Euphrates River Valley. evidence put forward to the court. This process has the court to take the law in new directions and to offer The ISF found and arrested the warranted individ- come to increasingly involve the use of forensic evi- the Iraqi people a chance to take ownership in their ual without incident. dence. judicial process.” “In the Iraqi legal system, traditionally two wit- nesses to a crime are required to testify before the de- fendant can be convicted, while forensic evidence is a Ministry of new concept in Iraqi courts and the judges have come to appreciate its value and increasingly accepting it in Iraqi Security Forces support of prosecution,” O’Rourke said. Defence reopens “Recently, we were successful in securing convic- tions of two defendants, based solely on forensic evi- arrest suspected upgraded Joint dence. A forensic expert testified against both defen- dants. He confirmed that improvised explosive devices assassination found in the case of each defendant was recovered by Operations Center coalition forces and then processed by his lab.” The lab confirmed the presence of the defendants’ accomplices BAGHDAD – Ministry of Defence officials reopened fingerprints on electrical tape used in the explosive the Joint Operations Center with state of the device. At trial, the prosecutor recommended convict- BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces arrested 10 indi- art tracking systems and monitors Dec. 1 af- ing both defendants based on the report and the live viduals Dec. 3 and Dec. 4 during five joint ter a lengthy refurbishment in Baghdad. testimony of the witness. Both defendants were con- security operations in northern Iraq in Minister of Defense Abdul Qader Moham- victed. search of suspected terrorists involved in mad Jassim cut the ceremonial ribbon on the portal of The legal team has also worked to motivate the crimes such as assassinations and bomb- the new center, marking the grand reopening of the Iraqi people and criminal justice system to take a ings of civilians and security forces in Iraq. JOC. The future of Iraq depends on the strength of it more active role in supporting the prosecution of sus- In southwestern Mosul Dec. 3 Iraqi Security Forces security, he said. pected terrorists. and U.S. advisers searched a residential building for a The MoD band played as military officials from In June 2009, two local national civilians volun- suspected al-Qaeda in Iraq member allegedly involved NATO and U.S. forces mingled with Iraqi military tarily provided eye-witness testimony to an Iraqi in- in assassinations and vehicle-borne improvised ex- leaders on the main floor of the JOC. One U.S. officer vestigative judge against a defendant who was alleg- plosive device attacks throughout the region. said the opening of the JOC will result in an improved edly selling hand grenades by the crate. The suspect is an alleged V-BIED and assassina- flow of information between the tactical forces on the “The eye-witness testimony resulted in the issu- tion cell leader of northern Mosul, believed to be con- street that carry out the tasks and the strategic level ance of an arrest warrant for this terrorist from the spiring with senior AQI leaders to plan attacks against decision makers at MOD. December 16, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 23

“This gives the military and police on the ground us, making sure they know all the weapons systems that Fourth Brigade, 1st Infantry Division Soldiers, from the upper hand, but they can’t do it without the re- are utilized and how they are utilized, to ensure that they nearby COL Speicher, responded to the scene to provide ports and support of the Iraqi people,” said MoD liai- properly teach the other ICOs.” additional security and immediate medical assistance to son Lt. Cmdr. Michael P. Desmond. All training the ICOs receive, whether it is on a range the Iraqi people. Kindergarteners lined the walls of the hallway or on the job, brings the Camp Cropper TIF one step Injured Iraqis were evacuated to Tikrit Hospital, COL leading to the JOC waving small Iraqi flags. As Jassim closer to being ready for its eventual turnover to the Speicher and Joint Base Balad, Iraq, for treatment. The passed the children, he stopped and smiled as a small Government of Iraq. condition of the injured is unknown at this time. boy delivered a poem about the strength of Iraq. Jas- “We’re trying to get up to the standard of perfor- “We regret this tragic loss of life and are standing by sim noted the importance of the children to Iraq in his mance equivalent to a U.S. guard force member,” said to assist the Iraqi Security Forces as they investigate speech to the attendees. Lt. Col. Eric Mullai, 192nd MP Bn. commander. “This this attack,” said Col.Thomas James, chief of staff with “It is (because of) these flowers of Iraq that we must gives them the opportunity to use some of the equip- Multi-National Division – North. secure Iraq’s future,” he said. ment that we use and become familiar with it so they Iraqi Security Forces have taken the lead in the in- The fully networked JOC can accommodate sev- can use it when they do take over.” vestigation. eral dozen people and is outfitted with an array of ICOs took refresher courses on other weapons and geo-political maps and video monitors along its walls. will begin more situation-based training in early 2010. Core personnel of a standard watch team are each re- “We ran an FN 303 range in August and a taser range Iraqi Army Soldiers sponsible for monitoring a particular facet of military for 88 ICOs in September,” Noreika said. operations. The FN 303 is a semi-automatic weapon that uses graduate Iraqi Army The JOC operates around the clock and features a paintball rounds for marking purposes. 24-hour hotline for incoming tips from the people. “Next up for retraining is riot control,” Noreika said. “The hotline is for every citizen of Iraq to call us “We are hoping to kick that off in January.” Bomb Disposal School and report suspicious persons,” said Staff Maj. Gen. Hisham, military movement director. “Through this courses hotline we have intercepted and averted many violent terrorist acts.” Iraq commits to BESMAYA, Iraq – The bomb disposal school at the November has had the fewest reported acts of ter- Besmaya training center graduated 49 Iraqi rorism since the U.S. entered Iraq in 2003. border security with Army engineer officers from its officer leader- NATO Training Mission – Iraq Deputy Command- ship course and 12 Iraqi Army students from er, Italian Maj. Gen. Giuseppe Spinelli expressed his the bomb disposal school training course Nov. confidence in the Iraqi mission and said the future of surveillance purchase 26. The nine-week leadership course included an over- Iraq is now in the hands of the Iraqi people. BAGHDAD – The Iraqi Ministry of Interior initiated view of bomb disposal training as part of more than 240 the $49 million purchase of a border surveil- hours of classroom training. Students also completed lance system that provides coverage for large practical exercises learning how to plan missions, con- portions of Iraq’s borders with Syria and Iran Iraqi corrections duct pre-combat checks and inspections, medical evacu- from the United States Nov. 28. ations procedures and other critical leadership tasks. When the system becomes operational in June 2010, The seven-week bomb disposal course included train- officers take aim at Iraqi border police will be monitoring activity along 286 ing on identification of improvised explosive devices and kilometers of Iraq’s Syrian border and 402 kilometers of their components, how IEDs function and procedures its border with Iran. used to defeat them. Students completed more than 228 less-than-lethal range The MoI border committee evaluated multiple bor- hours of classroom and practical exercise training as der surveillance systems from various nations. It recom- they learned basic techniques for collection of forensic BAGHDAD – Iraqi corrections officers began participat- mended the Interior minister select this system because evidence, post blast procedures, vehicle clearance and ing in a series of familiarization and retraining of the transparent purchase process and its long-term robot operations. classes on the less-than-lethal shotgun ranges sustainment capabilities. The Iraqi Security Assistance The graduation ceremonies were led by Iraqi Army Dec. 3 at Camp Cropper, Iraq. Mission, Multi-National Security Transition Command Col. Jasim Mohammed Sinky, bomb disposal school They fired the Mossberg 500, a pump-ac- – Iraq is working closely with the MoI to facilitate the commandant. Select graduates from the leadership tion shotgun with 10 to 12 rubber, torpedo-shaped point purchase process. course will be assigned to an Iraqi Army bomb disposal rounds, at point targets 25 meters away to refresh what The surveillance system provides towers with camer- company for 6 months before returning to the school for they learned at the Iraqi Correctional Training Center as, infra-red sensors and communication relays to alert formal level three and four training. for detention operations at Contingency Operating Lo- a regional command center of border intrusions. The cation Future, Iraq. scalable system can be upgraded to include additional The ICOs received classroom training that goes hand- sensors, such as radars or high-fidelity cameras. Its in-hand with the range and theater internment facility modular design allows an increase in its effective area of Al Kut Police Training procedures. coverage. It is also capable of communicating informa- “The ICOs received a two-hour block of instruction tion to a central headquarters for assessment. Center graduates 120 on the use and capabilities of non-lethal weapons and U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Michael Barbero, MNSTC-I com- the rules on the use of force,” said Sgt. 1st Class Steven manding general, said, “Iraq is taking a critical step for- basic recruits Noreika, 192nd Military Police Battalion ICO integration ward in its efforts to protect its borders from external noncommissioned officer in charge. “The compound threats. Combined with other improvements to its bor- guard force also helps train the ICOs while on duty. der security, the investment in this system significantly AL KUT, Iraq – Al Kut Police Training Center gradu- “They have to know when they can and cannot use enhances security for the people of Iraq.” ated 100 oil and 20 national information the non-lethal force of the shotgun and the whole escala- and investigation police from a basic recruit tion of force is a process they have to go through.” class Nov. 25. To complete the training, the ICOs must reach a stan- The training, which began Sept. 28, empha- dard equivalent to that of the U.S. forces that use the Soldiers aid 7 Iraqis sized policing that considers ethics, human rights, di- weapon. versity awareness and gender issues. Training during “The standard is being able to have the ability to utilize after store explosion subsequent weeks was devoted to the various aspects the weapon system properly and safely, to understand of police operations, with the final two weeks reserved what its capabilities are and to understand the rules of CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION SPEICHER, for practical use of police weapons. engagement (and) rules of force,” said Sgt. 1st Class Dan Iraq – Four Iraqi police and an Iraqi civilian Upon completion of the final exercise, Iraqi Police Lt. Kelley, B Company, 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regi- were killed and 21 Iraqi people were injured Col. Loay Naji Kadhum, training center acting dean, ment, immediate reaction force NCOIC. after an explosion in a Tikrit store Dec. 4. said he was pleased with the overall performance of ICOs working with the IRF led and advised their The Iraqi Joint Coordination Center re- the students and that he expected them to serve the comrades during the range. ported the explosion to nearby U.S. forces and request- Iraqi people well. “They’re awesome,” Kelley said. “We have very good ed medical support and assistance with security on the These particular students will bring what they learned groups of guys that are a select few out of the other scene. to their respective assignments throughout Wasit ICOs. In response, two 25th Combat Aviation Brigade OH- Province. The training center continues to be a vital “They did extensive training with our guys. (The ICOs) 58D Kiowa helicopters were dispatched to provide secu- link in Iraq’s efforts to build a capable and profes- go through the same extent of training, giving classes to rity during casualty evacuation. sional defense force. PAGE 24 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 16, 2009 Phantom Support

U.S. Army photo by Capt. Murray Shugars Sgt. Oleria Robertson, a heavy vehicle driver with the 396th Transportation Co., 260th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 96th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and a Fayeteville, N.C., native, U.S. Army photo by Capt. Murray Shugars changes a spare tire on her palletized loading system trailer, Staff Sgt. Michael Chastain, a career counselor with the during no-move day training. The 396th Trans. Co. uses all 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 96th Sus- no-move days to train and evaluate Soldiers’ common task tainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expedi- proficiency to ensure safety and mission success on the tionary), and a St. Cloud, Minn., native takes time to teach roads of Iraq. shower, laundry and clothing repair specialists, Spc. Ed- win Perez, a Perris, Calf., native, and Spc. Anthony Dors- ey, a St. Fredericktown, Mo., native, and members of the 488th Quartermaster Company, 541st CSSB, the proper way to fold the United States flag.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anita VanderMolen Command Sgt. Maj. Ricky Elcan the senior en- listed adviser to the 620th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 96th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and a St. Louis native, shakes hands with Den- nis McCarthy, the assistant secretary of de- fense for reserve affairs. McCarthy was in Iraq to speak with Reserve and National Guard Sol- diers about issues they may face during their deployment.

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Kimberly Calkins Col. C.J. Read, the commander of the 96th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and a Layton, Utah native, dedicates the first Heavy Equip- ment Transport Vehicle to come out of the maintenance program of the 1st Mainte- nance Company, 260th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 96th Sust. Bde., 13th U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Kimberly Calkins ESC, by breaking a glass bottle on the bumper of the vehicle. The mechanics with the Capt. Stephen R. Spulick, commander of the 8th Medical Logistics 1st Maintenance Company established an extensive maintenance and service program Company and a Biddeford, Maine, native, cases the unit flag in a to improve the maintenance posture of these heavy vehicles, ensuring that they are transfer of authority ceremony at Morale, Welfare and Recreation fully mission-capable to support logistical efforts throughout Iraq. center east Nov. 27 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.