Keeping Strykers rolling, Page 9

Vol. 3, No. 14 Baghdad, Iraq April 8, 2005 First Medal of Honor awarded for OperatIion Iraqi Freedom

By Eric W. Cramer Army News Service

WASHINGTON — An American Soldier’s family received the highest military recognition, the first Medal of Honor for Operation Iraqi Freedom, from President George W. Bush in the East Room of the White House on Monday. Bush presented the Medal of Honor to David Smith, the 11-year-old son of Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, who was killed April 4, 2003, exactly Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. two years ago, in an action Smith’s family received outside the then-Saddam the first Medal of Honor Hussein International Airport. awarded in Operation Smith manned the .50-cal- Iraqi Freedom. Here, iber machine gun on top of an Smith is shown in the armored personnel carrier in field during the war. order to defend a courtyard while his men from the 11th Engineer Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, withdrew and evacuated wounded. Late in the action, he died after being struck by enemy fire. The president quoted a letter Smith wrote to his parents, but never mailed, saying he was willing to “give all that I am” so that his men would return home. “On this day two years ago, Sergeant Smith gave his all for his men. Five days later, Baghdad fell, and the Iraqi people were liberated,” Bush said. “And today, we bestow upon Sergeant Smith the first Medal of Honor in the war on terror. He’s also the first to be awarded this new Medal of Honor flag, authorized by the United States Congress. We count ourselves blessed to have Soldiers like Sergeant Smith, who put their lives on the line to advance the cause of freedom and protect the American people.” Bush said Smith’s story was that of “a boy transformed into a Photo by Airman 1st Class Kurt Gibbons III man and a leader.” Staff Sgt. Chris Williams, attached to the 1-155th Brigade Combat Team for vehicle maintenance support, “His friends and family will tell you that he joined the Army welds a shield for a gun mount on a Humvee at Al Iskandariyah, Iraq, March 26. The original shield fell off during a patrol, but Williams was able to fix it within an hour so the patrol could continue its mission. See MEDAL, Page 2 Inside CROWS keep gunners out of Soldier serving in Iraq is accepted Korean troops help improve life the line of fire Page 5 into West Point Page 12 for Irbil area residents Page 15 Page 2 Scimitar April 8, 2005 Information warriors arm troops IZ personnel migrate to more secure network Story and photo by ness of network users,” Trott said. “We talk user down regardless of his or her rank. As the Pfc. Ferdinand Thomas about what happens when information has information assurance manager, I am deter- been compromised.” mined to ensure no one dies as a result of the Scimitar Staff In June 2004, sensitive information was compromise of information on the network.” INTERNATIONAL ZONE, BAGHDAD, intercepted by anti-coalition forces. The inter- To ensure the safety of personnel and the Iraq – What do “IMing” on commercial ception ended with four Blackwater personal network, Trott and his team travel throughout servers, visiting unauthorized Web sites, leav- security personnel ambushed and killed on Iraq to not only teach the class, but also to do ing your work station unsecured and sharing Route Irish in Baghdad. This incident was one random inspections. They look for personnel your passwords have in common? They are of many reasons why U.S. Central Command who are being negligent. prohibited usages of computers on the non- has ordered all personnel who require network “A slip of someone’s attention can cause a classified Internet protocol routing (NIPR), usage to migrate to NIPR, SIPR or CEN- serious problem,” he said. “Whenever your secure Internet protocol routing (SIPR), and TRIX, Trott said. Before the migration, there attention is diverted from your computer mon- coalition enterprise regional Internet were constant cases of attempted hacking and itor, lock it. If you walk away from your ter- exchange system (CENTRIX) networks. viruses traveling through commercial carriers minal and have left your computer accessible, Extensive time and effort have been put into to contaminate the former network service. you compromise the mission.” training and information assurance. Both have “Prior to my coming here, the communica- During a network migration, users are usu- helped slow down the spread of computer tion information system was experiencing ally in the middle of their respective missions. viruses and the compromise of the safety of eight to nine spillages — unauthorized data on It can be a difficult process to go through, service members and U.S. government per- an unauthorized network — a week,” Trott because it takes time. The process may slow sonnel all over Iraq through network usage, said. “In the nine months I have been here, we Michael Trott, teaching one of his down your PC and lose important documents said Michael Trott, information assurance went from eight to nine spillages a week down Information Assurance classes, waves if not backed up properly, said Sgt. 1st Class project manager for Seta Corporation. Seta is to two spillages in the last eight months.” his keys in the air while trying to Daniel Henderson, uniform personnel in a contractor that provides support for U.S. Each spillage has the potential to end in loss stress the importance of information charge of the migration process at the Central Command/Theatre Communication of life. Trott and the information assurance security. Baghdad Convention center with the Joint Command Forward Multi-National Force – team has made it their personal mission to is about keeping every one of us safe. In infor- Area Support Group — Central. Iraq. ensure the safety of the network, and those mation assurance, we carry no badges. We “The most difficult part of any migration is “The training in my class consists of cover- using and affected by it every day, he said. carry no weapons. We are the safe tank. We are dealing with people’s hesitancy to change,” ing goals, objectives, purpose, things we have “My job is to be as unbiased as possible,” the ones who give you the rules, regulations seen … the role of the Army and the careless- said Trott. “For me, it is about saving lives. It and guidance. We have the authority to shut a See INFORMATION, Page 5

because he knew we had to be hard in battle.’ Spc. Seaman will Medal also tell you that he and others are alive today because of from Page 2 Sergeant Smith’s discipline” Bush described the action in which Smith died while manning in 1989, after finishing high school. When he joined the Army, a .50-caliber machine gun defending his troops in a compound he was a typical young American. He liked sports, he liked fast near the Baghdad Airport. cars, and he liked to stay out late with his friends — pursuits that “Sergeant Smith’s leadership saved the men in the courtyard, occasionally earned him what the Army calls ‘extra duty’ — and he prevented an enemy attack on the aid station just up the scrubbing floors.” road,” the president said. “Sergeant Smith continued to fire until The president said Smith underwent two life-changing experi- he took a fatal round to the head. His actions in that courtyard ences. The first experience was meeting his wife Birgit while he saved the lives of more than 100 American Soldiers.” was stationed in Germany. “Like every one of the men and women in uniform who have “Second great change in Paul’s life would come when he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sgt. Paul Smith was a vol- shipped off to Saudi Arabia to fight in the first Gulf War. There unteer. We thank his family for the father, husband and son and Photo by Staff Sgt. Reeba Critser the young combat engineer learned that his training had a pur- brother who can never be replaced,” the president said. Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith’s family wait for the pose and could save lives on the battlefield. Paul returned from “We recall with appreciation the fellow Soldiers whose lives applause from the audience to end after President that war determined that other Soldiers would benefit from the he saved, and the many more he inspired,” Bush said. “And we George W. Bush presented them with Smith’s lessons he had learned.” express our gratitude for a new generation of Americans, every Medal of Honor Monday at the White House. (From “Paul earned his sergeant’s stripes and became known as a bit as selfless and dedicated to liberty as any that has gone on left) Daughter Jessica, 18; wife, Birgit; and son stickler for detail. Sergeant Smith’s seriousness wasn’t always before — a dedication exemplified by the sacrifice and valor of David, 11, honor the two-year anniversary of appreciated by the greener troops under his direction,” Bush Sgt. 1st Class Paul Ray Smith.” Smith’s death by receiving the award from the said. “Those greener troops oftentimes found themselves to do The president also thanked the living Medal of Honor recipi- president. Smith died protecting his unit in tasks over and over again, until they got it right. Spc. Michael ents who attended the ceremony: John Baker, Barney Barnum, Baghdad in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Seaman, who is with us today, says, ‘He was hard in training Bernie Fisher, Al Rascon and Brian Thacker.

MNF-I Commanding General Editor...... Staff Sgt. Brett B. McMillan Gen. George Casey [email protected] Scimitar welcomes columns, commen- Assistant Editor...... Sgt. Misha King taries, articles and letters from readers. MNF-I PAO [email protected] Send submissions to Col. Robert A. Potter Staff...... Staff Sgt. Timothy B. Lawn [email protected]. [email protected] Command Information Chief Staff...... Pfc. Ferdinand Thomas We reserve the right to edit Maj. Patricia C. Anderson [email protected] for propriety, clarity and space. [email protected] The Scimitar can also be viewed on the The Scimitar is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of this paper are not necessarily the offi- cial views of or endorsed by the U.S. Government or Department of Defense. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibili- Web at http://www.mnf-iraq.com/ ty of the Public Affairs Office of the Multi-National Force - Iraq. Stars and Stripes newspaper is not affiliated with MNF-I and acts only coalition-news/publications.htm as a distributing source for the Scimitar. Questions and comments should be directed to the editor at [email protected]. April 8, 2005 Scimitar Page 3

PERSPECTIVES ScimitScimitarar PulsePulse ‘Opening Day’ like wars before Do you think baseball is losing its nant. Sadly, they lost the World Series 4-2 against their appeal with all of the controversial By Staff Sgt. Nick Minecci cross-town rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals. issues lately? 214th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Less than a decade later, U.S. Soldiers were fighting a des- “No, I don’t think so. Baseball has perate fight once again, this time against Communist North come a long way. As long as they he one constant through all the years, Ray, has been Korean and Chinese armies in the rice paddies and moun- play good, that is all that matters.” “Tbaseball. America has rolled by like an army of tains of South Korea. steamrollers. It’s been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt, and During that time, men were able to read newspapers and Army Spc. Leo Gomez erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, listen to radios, following their teams as they headed to the 2nd Infantry Division this game, is a part of our past, Ray. It reminds us of all that World Series. That year the New York Yankees would defeat once was good, and that could be again.” — Terrence Mann the New York Giants 4-2. (James Earl Jones) in “Field of Dreams.” Even during the darkest days of that war, Soldiers were able to share a laugh at a famous photo from that season, As the temperature rises in Iraq, I think about the Soldiers when the legendary St. Louis Browns owner Bill Veek sent “No. I don’t think so because there who came before me, fighting in wars through the centuries. 3-foot-7-inch tall Eddie Gaedel to the plate against the is usually nothing to do besides The uniforms we wear, the weapons we carry and the vehi- Detroit Tigers. Gaedel would walk on four straight pitches. watch it here.” cles we ride in share little in common with our predecessors’, Only 37 years ago U.S. troops were fighting throughout but there is a constant: Baseball. South Vietnam. On opening day men poured over box Essandra Collins The rules of baseball have changed since World War I, but scores, shaking their heads at either the devastating loss or General Services Office in essence the game has stayed the same. As the 2005 season amazing late-inning rally their team pulled to win a game. opens this week, fans across Iraq share at least one thing in Fans of the Detroit Tigers rejoiced that year as they common; their teams still have a chance. downed the St. Louis Cardinals 4-3 in the World Series, and As the players cross the lines onto the field this week, the all fans stood back and cheered as Hank Aaron became the scent of freshly cut grass mingles with peanuts and Cracker eighth player to join the “500 Home Run Club” on June 14, “No, because it is America’s greatest Jacks and hotdogs. The sound of cheers and jeers will fill the 1968 against the San Francisco Giants. Tigers ace Denny pastime.” air, not unlike those days long ago when the doughboy was McLain would win 30 games that season, the first pitcher to in the muddy trenches of Europe. do that since Dizzy Dean in 1934. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey Geise In 1918 the Boston Red Sox took the field to challenge the So now I am among millions who have worn our uniform, Central Criminal Court of Iraq Philadelphia As, and Babe Ruth pitched his third consecutive which has evolved over the years along with the rules of opening day victory, with a 7-1 win. Ruth finished that sea- baseball, sitting in a war zone with the anticipation that only son with a 2.22 ERA, and the Red Sox beat the Chicago a new season can bring. I watch for my beloved New York Cubs 4-2 in the World Series — their last World Series win Yankees to erase the stain of last year’s Red Sox victory, set- for the next 86 years. ting the universe back on a correct tilt. I am also rooting for As we fight forces that want to keep Iraq from gaining my new hometown team, the Washington Nationals, ending “No, because people stay up late to self-reliance, I think about the Soldiers of World War II who the long baseball drought the nation’s capital has suffered. watch the sport.” followed their home team’s progress, the miles between dis- Even as life changes, some things remain constant, and appearing with every box score. this week starts a 162-game journey for millions to follow, in Mike Powers In 1944 the St. Louis Browns proved it was true that any what Earl Wilson called “a nervous breakdown divided into KBR team had a chance when they won the American League pen- nine innings.” Good luck. Civilian medic in Iraq relays ‘thanks’ to troops Editor’s note: the following is a letter that was sent to the appreciate the job you do more each day. I see sentries tired Scimitar with a request it be published. as dirt, who still smile and offer a “Good Day.” I watch sol- diers buy candy at the PX for the next day’s patrol to give to “I don’t think so. People are I’m a civilian medic splitting my time between Camp Iraqi children. It makes me proud as an American and neigh- attached to the game. These prob- Liberty and Camp Cooke. bor to see the job you all do. So from so many Americans lems will come and go.” Before coming over here people would come up to me and back home and here, thank you for doing the job that only a say, “Please thank the troops for the jobs they are doing.” few can do. Thank you for being here and making America Dennis Culkin After a week, I lost track of how many people said that to proud. Department of State me. Greg Light, Medic I have always supported the military, but after being here I MEDExpress

Winning cards “If they are losing any, it’s a small amount.”

Marine Capt. Jessica Richard Bye DeJesus, left, and Air Force KBR Capt. Saskia Trujillo, take time to play cards during a visit by members of Multi- National Force - Iraq. More than 40 members of MNF-I took time out of their day “I don’t think it is losing its appeal. to share some toys, It goes in cycles. Baseball will clothes, sweets and most endure.” of all, time with children during a visit to an orphan- Air Force Capt. age in the International Daniel Michalewicz Zone in Baghdad April 1. Joint Coordination Cell Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Scott Allen Page 4 Scimitar April 8, 2005 School doors opening again for Iraqi children By Nicole Dalrymple and staff, as well as playing fields for Gulf Region Northern District the children. And although it’s not part of renovations, there is a great U.S. Army Corps of Engineers need for improved technology and BAGHDAD, Iraq — Imagine a school that teaching equipment and up-to-date has no reliable electricity, inoperable rest- school books. We also need qualified rooms, no glass or fly screens in the windows, teachers, but there are no available a roof that leaks when it rains, and too few training courses.” desks for the children who come to learn. During Hussein’s time, Awanis Many schools throughout Iraq are in this con- recalls that “many teachers needed dition or worse. two jobs in order to earn enough Millions of dollars in Iraqi Relief and money to live. Their salaries were Reconstruction Funds are being spent to repair very minimal and they were not well and reconstruct schools throughout Iraq. The respected for their experience and majority of the reconstruction work is being work.” done by local Iraqi companies. Awanis speaks from years of expe- “The future of any country lies with its chil- rience. She has worked with the edu- dren,” said Linda Carter, construction repre- cation department for 37 years, first as sentative for the U.S. Army Corps of a secondary school teacher, then Engineers’ Kirkuk area office. “Schools are headmaster and finally a supervisor instrumental in the proper development of our and manager. She says that she great- children. It’s difficult to learn in buildings that ly enjoys her work. U.S. Army photo are overcrowded and in disrepair.” Locals are happy to see the renovation of an area school nearing completion. Looking out to the next five years, Currently, over $2 million is being spent on Awanis hopes to see many positive 38 school renovations in the province of renovation and repair. The plan is to do as and leaking roofs has a significant impact on changes. “We hope after five years, Kirkuk. There is an additional $1.4 million many schools as possible with the available the schools. It is difficult for the students to everything is changing. We hope students will available that is expected to be used on eight $3.4 million. stay in school and learn. Also, many villages have books, and the teachers will have better more schools. That contract is out for bid. So Knowing that the available reconstruction have mud schools, which fall down during the skills and more modern equipment with which far, three schools have been completed, and an dollars will only go so far, the education rainy season and have caused accidents, to teach.” additional eight are scheduled for completion department is looking for other funding sites. injuries and deaths.” As for the future, Awanis says she hopes this month. “We have been working through the The schools in Kirkuk are representative of the Iraqi people will develop their skills to do The schools being reconstructed were International Bank to identify funds for reno- the condition of schools throughout Iraq. the best they can in their duties. “I hope, we selected from a priority list provided by the vation and new school construction, as well as Most of the reconstruction work includes as teachers, will develop our skills so that province’s Director General of Education. The supplies and equipment,” said Fawzia Abdulla repairs and replacement of roofs, windows and dignity can be restored to the teaching pro- DG provided a list of 80 schools in need of Awanis, acting Director General of Education doors, tile floors, plaster work and painting, fession. I want to see the Iraqi people living in Kirkuk. “We have also been new bathrooms, sanitary and storm sewer in peace, safe from terrorists. I hope to see supplied some funding from work, plumbing, electrical, security and fenc- better operating schools that will help our the Ministry of Education in ing, general cleanup and possible additions. children build strong relationships with each Baghdad to build 12 new sec- “Without these renovations, it is impossible other and prepare them to live like all the ondary and primary schools to hold school and for the students to stay in other children of the world.” and six kindergartens, as well school for long periods of time,” as funds for renovating Awanis said. She explained that the approximately 68 schools.” school system supports 141,000 pri- “These school renovation mary students and over 37,000 sec- projects are important because ondary students. The system consists they represent an investment of 1,012 schools, the majority of in the future of this country,” which are primary and intermediate or said Mike Gilchrist, project secondary schools. There are also 15 engineer in the Kirkuk area secondary schools for industrial edu- office. “This work is improv- cation, 35 kindergartens, two teacher ing the environment where the institutes and two secondary schools next generation of Iraqi deci- for Islamic studies. sion-makers will start their Because of the large number of stu- education. The children will dents, most schools in Kirkuk run two benefit from a clean, pleasant, to three shifts a day. “Instead of four renovated, well-equipped hours of school per day, most students school in which to learn.” are only getting two and a half hours “Most of our schools need per day. A normal school day would be renovation in the areas of four hours,” Awanis said. water closets, painting, tile The schools have additional needs replacement, windows, doors too, Awanis added. “There are a lot of U.S. Army photo and roofs,” Awanis explained. smaller schools that need to be Workers remove a school’s old plaster façade, “During the winter, the lack of expanded. Most of our schools need U.S. Army photo replace it with a new one, and install new water Workers plaster the exterior of a Kirkuk adequate windows and doors meeting rooms and offices for teachers tanks on the roof. area school.

A new and improved bus system to facilitate travel should help alleviate waiting times at the checkpoints and throughout the International Zone and to several of the alleviate traffic congestion for everyone in the International Zone checkpoints began on April 2. International Zone. This free service is available to all International Zone Wait times for buses at each stop should be no more access badge holders. than 10 minutes. New Bus System Please disseminate this information to everyone in your Route and schedule information are available at units, especially all local nationals. This bus system http://intranet.iraq.centcom.mil. April 8, 2005 Scimitar Page 5 CROWS keep gunners out of sight accurately while the vehicle is in motion. The Story and photo by Pfc. Jerome Bishop camera and the weapon can be used together or 1st Corps Support Command Public Affairs separately. This allows the gunner to look one way with the LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA, weapon pointed another. The feature becomes BALAD, Iraq — The Army has provided a power- particularly useful when observing suspicious ful cutting-edge, vehicle-mounted weapons system subjects from a distance; that way, people are not to Soldiers fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom. scared off by a weapon pointed at them. The revolutionary technology used on the The gun itself is controlled by a joystick, which Common Remotely Operated Weapon Stations is a gives the gunner full functionality, allowing the variation of the remote-controlled crew-served operator to control the weapon with just one hand. weapons system already used on combat vehicles The weapon can be aimed up to 60 degrees above like the Bradley fighting vehicle and the M-1A1 and 20 degrees below the front of the vehicle and Abrams tank. This new version gives Humvee crews can turn a full 360 degrees, allowing the gunner to the ability to locate, identify and engage targets with see almost any threat no matter where it is located better accuracy and improved range, while keeping in relation to the vehicle. the gunner inside, protected by the vehicle’s up- With all the features used properly, the weapon armor. can be used at 98 percent accuracy while the vehi- “We will be fielding, in the next two years, over cle is in motion and the enemy on the run. 300 systems,” said Maj. Frank Lozano, the program “The weapon is smart enough to know your manager for the CROWS project on LSA Anaconda. The new CROWS are currently being fielded to Humvees to add to the movement, the Earth’s movement and the The first group of 35 CROWS sent to Iraq was combat effectiveness and to allow additional safety measures to protect enemy’s movements,” said Lozano. divided among military police, Special Forces, troops during convoy missions. CROWS are compatible with the M-2 .50-cal- infantry and transportation units. At LSAAnaconda, iber machine gun, M-240B medium machine gun, four CROWS were issued to 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry gunner on Humvees to improve combat effectiveness, Lozano MK-19 automatic grenade launcher and the M-249 squad Division at Ar Ramadi and the 155th Brigade Combat Team said. automatic weapon. on FOB Kalsu. Prototypes were installed on vehicles belong- CROWS allow Soldiers to operate successfully from within The weapons operate off of a larger ammunition supply than ing to the 42nd Military Police Brigade in December, Lozano the safety of the Humvee’s armor, without being exposed to that of the standard crew served weapons. With larger combat said. the threat of improvised explosive devices and small-arms fire. loads, the weapon is reloaded less, keeping the crew inside the Since then, more CROWS have been installed, bringing the “The important thing is increased survivability and vehicle, Lozano said. total up to nine systems serving troops at LSA Anaconda. increased lethality,” Lozano said. The system keeps gunners like Sgt. Darrin Hill, 98th Cav., Presently, CROWS are only assembled and fielded at LSA The system incorporates a 15-inch color monitor with live 155th BCT, out of the turret where he had spent his days since Anaconda. Crews are issued the system here and receive train- video from cameras in the daytime and thermal imaging cam- being deployed in support of OIF. ing on how to operate it, said Sgt. 1st Class Jeffrey eras in darkness. “I think it’s a great system. For one, it gets me out of the tur- Januchowski, the project’s training developer. Both cameras use a laser range finder, which allows the gun- ret; it gets [me] out of the kill zone,” Hill said. “I feel privi- The nearly $200,000 system is designed to replace the turret ner to zoom on targets, lock onto them and maintain that lock leged to be able to learn how to use it.” Camp Fallujah dedicates memorial to fallen medics ers in Iraq. The plaque was placed where, both Taylor and Sandri Story and photo by near where they were killed. touched a lot of lives. Capt. Ralph Scott In December 2004, Brig. Gen. Guest speaker Lt. Gen. John R. Task Force 44th Medical Elder Granger, commander of Task Vines, the Multi-National Corps – Command Public Affairs Force 44th Medical Command, was Iraq Commander, was one of many part of a group touring the Camp people who had met with Dr Taylor. CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq — On Fallujah medical facilities. They visit- “I’ve served with the great 82nd March 15th, a solemn group of ed the site where Taylor and Sandri Airborne Division on multiple occa- Marines, Soldiers and Sailors gath- were killed and saw the original hand- sions,” he said. ered in a remote corner of Iraq to drawn sign marking the event that “Mark Taylor was my wife’s per- honor two Soldiers killed March took both Taylor’s and Sandri’s lives. sonal physician, so I do have a per- 2004 in a rocket attack on Camp The group decided to have a perma- sonal connection.” He added, “This is Fallujah. The Soldiers, Lt. Col. (Dr.) nent plaque created and dedicated. about honoring great Americans who Mark D. Taylor of Stockton, Calif., The plaque design was submitted have served nobly in a noble cause, and combat medic Sgt. Matthew J. to and approved by both the Taylor and have died for a higher purpose.” Sandri of Shamokin, Pa., were and Sandri families and was made in While the entire ceremony lasted assigned to the 82nd Airborne the United States. It was shipped to just a few minutes, guest speaker Division at the time of their deaths. A Iraq, hand-carried to Camp Fallujah Army Surgeon General Lt. Gen. This plaque, honoring Lt. Col. Mark Taylor, a physician, plaque dedicated to the two men was by members of the 44th MEDCOM Kevin C. Kiley summed up its signif- and Sgt. Matthew Sandri, a medic, was dedicated at unveiled during a short, poignant cer- and placed in its current location by icance. “The ceremony is small and Camp Fallujah March 15, near where the two were killed emony attended by several of the Navy Seabees. simple,” he said, “but critically impor- March 20, 2004 in a rocket attack. most senior American military lead- Like health care providers every- tant to who we are as Americans.”

on by the migration process, Trott loves helping make it hap- the merry-go-round. I like to resolve issues that are unexpect- Information pen. The difficult and fun parts of his job help him to enjoy his ed because it teaches me more. It refreshes my memory. It everyday challenges. causes me to do research. It sharpens my talents and sharpens from Page 2 “The part of the day I like is after the class when I get five my knowledge on information assurance.” Henderson said. “People are used to doing business a certain or six people who come up to me and ask, ‘Mr. Trott, how can Really liking his job has helped him to do great things in it. way and when you ask them to change the way they are doing we get that training? How can we get that training video?’ I Trott and his information assurance team has become a part of things, although they might not see the short term benefit, they can’t tell you the feeling that it gives me to know that people the big picture in Operation Iraqi Freedom and its continuing are doing business for the long-term betterment. Down the have paid attention. It is a wondrous feeling to know I have progress. His willingness to say “no” to the individuals who road it really increases capabilities, and it really is in every- made a difference. The other part of the job I like is the chal- are trying to slip through the cracks and educating users is one’s best interest to do this.” lenge of going into the office every day and not knowing what helping the Multi-National Force win a battle not fought on the Even though there is a lot of change and commotion brought it is that I am going to face. I like the roller coaster instead of ground, but in the atmosphere of information. Page 6 Scimitar April 8, 2005

NEWS BRIEFS

National Guard, Reserve get new health plan WASHINGTON — The Department of Defense announced March 24 that beginning in April, a new premium-based, health care plan will be available to eligible National Guard and Reserve members activated for contingency operations on or after Sept. 11, 2001. According to Dr. William Winkenwerder Jr., assistant sec- retary of defense for health affairs, “This benefit compares most favorably with any health plan option available to our Reserve components.” He continued, “We hope that individ- uals will consider carefully the value of this benefit for them- selves and their families as well as the commitment to our nation’s defense.” Tricare Reserve Select (TRS) is authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal 2005 and, when purchased by a TRS eligible member, provides comprehensive health care coverage similar to Tricare Standard and Extra for the member and his or her eligible family members. A National Guard or Reserve member’s personnel office will determine eligibility for TRS based on active service on or after Sept. 11, 2001. The service period must be for 90 consecutive days or more in support of a contingency opera- tion and, prior to leaving active duty, the member must enter into an agreement with his or her Reserve component to serve in the selected Reserve for at least one additional year. For those members who already have left active duty, they must enter into an additional service agreement no later than Oct. 28, 2005. Photo by Lt. Cmdr. Scott M. Allen Members are eligible for one year of TRS coverage for each Chaplain (Maj.) David Czartorynski conducts Catholic Mass for service members Sunday at the year of service commitment in the service agreement, up to a International Zone’s community chapel. In his sermon, he referred to Pope John Paul II — who died maximum of one year of coverage for each 90 days of con- late Saturday — as a visionary with a warrior spirit for all that was true and right. tinuous active duty served in support of a contingency opera- tion. For example, members who served a 360-day qualifying were being engaged by Anti-Iraqi Forces, U.S. Soldiers man- insurgents would simply move to another area. But with more active duty period in the selected Reserve are eligible for four ning the RRP fired in the direction of the suspected AIF, Iraqi forces available for use, commanders are able to keep years of TRS coverage provided the member agrees to serve which was in fact the Bulgarian patrol. the pressure against insurgents up at all parts of the country. at least another four years in the selected Reserve. No further investigation or administrative action is “This will only increase as the number of Iraqi forces TRS coverage for members and covered family members required. Lt. Gen John R. Vines, commander of MNC - I increase,” said coalition officials in Baghdad. “But we have will end when the service agreement ends or sooner if the approved the findings March 19. General Vines subsequent- to remember, the enemy will flow to the weakest area.” member separates from the selected Reserve, voluntarily dis- ly briefed a senior Bulgarian military official on the results It is not just force that pays dividends for coalition and enrolls from the TRS program or fails to pay the monthly of the investigation. Iraqi forces. The coalition has hired Iraqis to rebuild the neg- TRS premiums. lected infrastructure. In Sadr City, many residents are getting Updated information on the TRS program (including pro- Iraq attacks lowest since March 2004 dependable electricity, clear water, sewers and garbage dis- gram start date, eligibility, benefits and premiums) are avail- WASHINGTON — The number of terrorist incidents in Iraq posal for the first time in their lives. That has cut the number able at http://www.tricare.osd.mil/trs.cfm. National Guard have dropped to the lowest level since March 2004, defense of incidents in the area substantially, officials said. and Reserve and family members may subscribe to TRS officials said. There are between 40 and 60 incidents each The same scenario is playing out in other areas of Iraq, updates by e-mail, which will be sent as information day in the country, they said, sharply down from the terrorist such as Fallujah, Mosul and Samarra with, officials hope, the becomes available. To subscribe, go to the Tricare Web site effort in the week of the Iraqi elections in January. same results. Officials in the Pentagon and in Baghdad cau- (http://www.tricare.osd.mil/tricaresubscriptions/.) Even this doesn’t tell the whole story. Of those incidents, tion that the number of attacks ebbs and flows and the num- For those members who purchase TRS and also have roughly half have no effect. This means terrorists launch an ber may increase. They also caution that the Iraqi National health care coverage under the Transitional Assistance attack, but no lives are lost, nor is any property damaged. But Assembly has to name a president, deputy presidents and Management Program (TAMP), their TRS coverage will “let’s not downplay this,” said a senior defense official. prime minister and begin the serious work of governing the begin the day after their TAMP coverage ends. “Some of the attacks are horrendous, like the attack on the country and writing a new constitution soon. But in the mosque in Hillah that killed more than 100 Iraqis.” Such ter- meantime, all the trend lines in Iraq are rising, with the Bulgarian investigation results announced ror attacks — directed solely against innocent Iraqi men, exception of attacks. (From Jim Garamone, American Forces BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Multi-National Corps - Iraq women and children — are causing many Iraqis who would Press Service.) (MNC-I) investigation of the March 4th incident southeast of not normally care to come out against the terrorists. Ad Diwanyah, Iraq, in which a Bulgarian Soldier was killed, In contrast to the terrorism, average Iraqis see the security Fatwa to join military could be positive sign is complete. The investigation concluded that Junior Sergeant effort as heroic. But the key event was the elections. The MOSUL, Iraq — A group of Sunni Arab clerics issued a state- Gurdi Gurdev’s death resulted from U.S. and Bulgarian forces Iraqi people — battered by Saddam Hussein for a generation ment April 1 urging fellow Sunni Arabs to join the Iraqi Army firing on each other in response to what each believed to be a — stood up and voted. A people arose from the spiritual and Iraqi Police. hostile act from a legitimate military target. ashes of the Hussein regime and took a huge step toward get- The edict that was signed by 64 Imams and religious schol- This was a tragic accident, and the men and women of ting back their self-respect. In Mosul, a city with the most ars was an unexpected turnaround for the clerics who have Multi-National Force - Iraq extend their deepest sympathies terror attacks in the country, the people have turned against lashed out at the Army and police in previous sermons. Clerics to the family of Gurdev. the insurgents. hope that integrating more Sunni Arabs into the Army and Around 7:50 p.m., in total darkness, Soldiers from the 56th Joint Chiefs Chairman Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers police, which is largely composed of Shiites, will help cut Brigade Combat Team and a Bulgarian patrol were involved spoke about Mosul’s citizens and their stand against terror down attacks. in a firefight. Gurdev was wounded during the engagement during a visit to Arizona March 29. He said that before elec- In part the edict stated, “because the police and Army are a and later died of his wounds. The incident occurred in the tions, the Iraqi Joint Coordination Center had one hotline for safeguard for the whole nation, not a militia for any special Multi-National Division Central-South area near a Radio Iraqis to use to call in and report problems. “And it wasn’t party, we have issued this Fatwa calling on our people to join Relay Point (RRP). used all that much,” the chairman said. the Army and police.” The Bulgarian patrol was traveling south when it stopped Today, the JCC has five hotlines and they need more. The Fatwa is a strong statement that more of the people in in the vicinity of the RRP. Neither the Bulgarian patrol nor Mosulis are taking an active role against the terrorists. The Iraq are fed up with the insurgency that takes as many innocent U.S. forces manning the RRP were aware of the others pres- coalition and Iraqi security forces are working to apply pres- civilian lives as it does military lives. It is seen as a positive ence. The incident started when the Bulgarian patrol fired sure against insurgents all over the country. In the past, the movement. “However, those who serve must be prepared to warning shots at an approaching Iraqi vehicle. Believing they coalition would confront insurgents in one place and the serve all the people,” a military spokesman said. April 8, 2005 Scimitar Page 7

NEWS BRIEFS

Iraqi man’s warning saves MNF lives side of the road with the hood up. BAGHDAD, Iraq — Warnings from an Iraqi pedestrian on a Reynoso heeded the warnings of the man and stopped the major Iraqi roadway March 31prevented Soldiers from entering convoy about 30 meters from the parked vehicle. The vehicle Marine general blitzes the kill zone of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. exploded shortly after the convoy stopped. The VBIED was “His actions minimized equipment loss but still allowed us to carrying three daisy-chained 130 mm artillery rounds. No terrorists in Iraq move and accomplish our mission,” said 1st Lt. Alberto Soldiers were injured in the blast and two Humvees were only Reynoso, platoon leader assigned to A Battery, 1st Battalion, slightly damaged. By Pvt. Matthew Clifton 76th Field Artillery. “He saved my gunner’s life by what he The man who warned the convoy was standing approximate- Multi-National Corps - Iraq Public Affairs Office did.” ly 10 meters from it. After the explosion, he emerged from the Reynoso added without the man’s warnings, his Soldier smoke and ran away from the area, holding his back from pos- CAMPALASAD, Iraq — Keeping their sights trained on would have been injured and the convoy would have sustained sible shrapnel injuries. Soldiers from the convoy searched the the insurgency in Iraq, American forces recently launched extensive damage. area but were unable to find him. Operation River Blitz, an attack on terrorists located along The convoy was traveling toward the Baghdad International “We want to thank him for what he did and make sure he got the string of cities and towns lining the Euphrates River. Airport when Reynoso saw a man standing on the side of the taken care of,” said Reynoso. “If he did sustain injuries, we Coalition troops have really taken advantage of the road raising his hands and pointing to a parked vehicle on the want to provide care for him.” momentum gained from the elections and the fall of anti- Iraqi forces in Fallujah to keep the terrorists on the run, said Maj. Gen. Richard Natonski, commanding general, 1st Marine Division. With the lack of the sanctuary they On three! had in Fallujah, the enemy has moved out west along the Euphrates.River Blitz targeted terrorists from Ramadi, Iraq, to the Syrian border, and troops have executed a series of missions to keep them off guard and moving, Natonski said. When they move, they are vulnerable and troops have rolled up a good number of detainees because Upcoming MWR Events of that. “Any time we get someone of importance to the enemy, we have access to certain intelligence that might Medal of Honor Society Tour allow us to close in on them,” Natonski said. “We have Today and tomorrow: Multi-National Division captured a lot of middle-level terrorist leaders and these North-Central are the key fighters. This is the level of leadership you want to address and take down and this is what we are Charlie Daniels Tour (country band) after in this operation.” River Blitz’s success has led to further operations, Sunday: Camp Victory (Baghdad) Natonski said. Operation River Blitz has continued with a Monday and Tuesday: LSA Anaconda (Balad), subsequent mission during March to continue to keep ter- Camps Bernstien, Cobra and Caldwell rorists off-balance. Coupled with the operation is an agen- da to reach out to the people in Fallujah, where there are a Comics On Duty World Tour lot of civil affairs missions in progress, Natonski said. April 15-16: Tallil Air Base “We are hoping claims will be paid so people can start April 17: Camp Echo rebuilding. When the insurgency lost Fallujah, they lost a April 18: Abu Gharib permanent base,” Natonski said. “So when they move, we April 19: Balad can catch them at a roadblock, or we can catch them when April 20-21: MND-NC AOR we get intelligence about where they might be located.” Some terrorists have migrated to the cities focused on in April 22: Mosul River Blitz, but the fact is they don’t have a safe sanctuary where they can go re-arm and re-fit, Natonski said. Cities ***Check with your MWR office for exact are coming to life as the people in them are seeing the ter- times and locations. rorists on the run, Natonski said. Leaders are getting more and more intelligence from the civilian population, and they are coming forward to tell who the terrorists are and where arms caches can be found. “I think they are becoming more confident when they see Iraqi forces conducting operations alongside us,” Natonski said. “So the operation has really been successful from a number of different points, as we have prosecuted Photo by Sgt. W. Watson Martin the enemy. Company C, 1-151 MPs from Minnesota, Sgt. “We took out a lot of terrorists in Fallujah who aren’t Aaron Shippy, Spc. Adam Thymian and Sgt. ever going to fight us again. We are rounding up a lot of Jeff Anderson, dive into the Presidential Palace these terrorists, and I am optimistic about the future here.” pool at the same time March 30.

Worship and Prayer Schedule for the International Zone Sunday Monday-Friday Saturday 9:30 a.m. — Choir Rehearsal Noon — Catholic Mass (Mon.-Thurs.) 11:30 a.m. — Catholic Mass (Camp Headhunter) 10 a.m. — Catholic Mass (3rd BTC) Noon — Catholic Communion Service (Tues.) 12:30 p.m. — Buddhist Worship 10:30 a.m. — General Christian 5:30 p.m. — Catholic Mass (Fri. at Camp Steel Dragon) 4 p.m. — Catholic Confession Noon — Episcopal/Lutheran/Anglican 6 p.m. — Jewish Shabbat Services (Fri.) 4:30 p.m. — Catholic Mass 2 p.m. — Latter Day Saints 7:30 p.m. — Prayer Service (Tue.) 4 p.m. — Catholic Confession 8 p.m. — Bible Study (Thurs. at Senior Advisors Conf. Rm.) Daily Islamic Prayer 4:30 p.m. — Catholic Mass 8:30 p.m. — Bible Study (Wed. at Ambassadors Conf. Rm.) 6 p.m. — Contemporary Protestant For more information, call DSN 318-239-8659. Page 8 Scimitar April 8, 2005

Army Reserve Soldiers from the 831st Quartermaster Detachment from Enterprise, Ala., are charged with accounting for all vehicles coming into and out of the Operation Iraqi Freedom area of operation as they pass through the Port of Shuwaikh, Kuwait. Water makers to dock shakers AAllll iinn aa ddaayy’’ss wwoorrkk The unit’s Soldiers keep up with the activity by Story and photos by Sgt. Maj. Joe Adelizzi working two 12-hour shifts each day, often for long 301st Area Support Group stretches with little or no time off. “They stay motivated in spite of the work, because PORT OF SHUWAIKH, Kuwait — A unit from the 1st that’s what they’re about. They drop everything that’s Corps Support Command has been keeping track of all XVIII going on in their lives, put on the uniform and pitch in, Airborne Corps and 1st COSCOM vehicles and equipment whatever the task. This is a prime example of why our that is loaded and unloaded at the Port Support Activity here. Army is considered the best in the world. It’s because The 831st Quartermaster Detachment, an Army Reserve young men and women appreciate what we have [our unit from Enterprise, Ala. was originally mobilized for a freedoms] and are willing to sacrifice to enable us to water purification mission when it deployed in support of remain on top. They’re the best,” Arrington said. Operation Iraqi Freedom in early 2005. Arrington spoke of 500 containers of equipment that “When we arrived in Kuwait, we found that our mission took two days to load onto a ship and a certain unit had been cancelled, so we looked around and found another,” whose broken-down equipment took six days to load said Capt. Ralph S. Arrington, 831st QM because it all had to be towed on Det. commander. board as examples of how hard his Arrington said the new mission was to “You’ve got to be flexible; Soldiers routinely work at the port. Trucks await movement from the Port of Shuwaikh, Kuwait track and account for all vehicles and that’s all there The biggest challenge the unit to their final destination. equipment that deploying and redeploy- faced was training for a mission to be doing, but that’s what Reserve troops have to be - flexi- ing units transport by ship through the is to it.” for which they were not prepared. Staff ble,” Ivey said. port here. To accomplish this, the Sgt. 1st Class Michael Ivey Sgt. Larry Thomas, 831st QM Det. oper- Each day, the day and evening shifts report to work and Soldiers of the 831st had to be trained to ations sergeant, explained what it took count the number of local national drivers and forklift opera- drive a large assortment of wheeled and for water purifiers to become materiel tors who report to work, then 831st QM Det. Soldiers fill in tracked vehicles, most of which were unfamiliar to them as and transport movers. until all of the necessary positions are filled. The remaining water purifiers. “We had to coordinate a lot of driver training in a hurry, as Soldiers act as safety monitors to the local national drivers. “In order to account for everything, we had to be able to our troops move everything on wheels from Humvees to The work varies as the unit moves materials and vehicles move all of the rolling stock that goes on and comes off of Heavy Equipment Mobility Tactical Trucks, as well as tanks, from wash rack to sterile yard to marshalling yard, all the these ships, and if we can’t drive it, we have to tow it — Bradleys, and other tracked vehicles. We move it all, and while maintaining unit integrity and port destination. whatever it takes to get the job done. they had to learn to drive it all,” Thomas said. “You never know where you will be working or what you Last week we had five ships loading and unloading at the Sgt. 1st Class Michael Ivey, 831st QM Det. operations ser- will be driving, and that’s what makes this interesting,” Ivey same time, so you can imagine what that must have been geant, was able to sum it all up in just one word: flexibility. said. like. Sometimes a unit’s equipment won’t fit on one ship; it “You’ve got to be flexible; that’s all there is to it,” Ivey said. Whether purifying water or keeping things moving on the might come in on two or even three different ships. We track “We’ve got Soldiers from Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North waterfront, the 831st QM Det. has shown by example what it and stage it till it’s all accounted for, and then let the unit Carolina, Mississippi and Alabama. Most never knew each citizen–Soldiers are willing to do to serve this nation as a know where to find it,” Arrington said. other before this, and all are doing what they never expected vital part of an Army of one. April 8, 2005 Scimitar Page 9

Keeping Strykers on the roll

The first Stryker they fixed took a pretty good hit, he said. By Staff Sgt. Timothy B. Lawn An improvised explosive device blew up, “a really big hit.” It Scimitar Staff ripped off the armor, peppered it with holes, cracked the seams, and blew six flat tires. Yet, even with the tremendous FORWARD OPERATING BASE MAREZ, MOSUL, damage, the crew all survived and managed to drive it in on Iraq — “We fix anything, by virtue of expertise and equip- its own power. Some vehicles have hit four or five IEDs, he ment,” said Sgt. 1st Class Brent Stafford, from Olympia, said. Wash. Stafford is the noncommissioned officer in charge of “We are really focused the Stryker Combat Repair Team. Twenty-men strong, they on the team,” Stafford said. boast the capability to turn a battle-damaged Stryker around “It gets fixed As he introduced Sgt. in a day. no matter what.” Jarrett Boren from Pollack, Stafford added that the team is really heavy. Fully La, he said, “He is a force equipped, they have equipment including generators, two multiplier.” Sgt. 1st Class Brent Stafford Photo by 1st Sgt. Kelly C. Luster M984 wreckers, two M1120s, a standard HEMMT, two for- Boren smiled and retorted, A maintenance Soldier closely watches as a crane ward repair systems and two M113 contact trucks. “I’m one of these guys with- lifts a new engine from its shipping container to be Additionally, they have a General Dynamics contracting team out a job title. I go around and help everybody else.” placed in a Stryker. on hand. Boren is the jack-of-all-trades when it comes to the “It gets fixed — no matter what,” Stafford said, describing Stryker. He was sent to Michigan for three months to validate train-up for this,” Boren said. some of the battle-damaged Strykers that have come to them. the Stryker maintenance manual before it was fielded. “I think this is a door-to-door vehicle,” Boren said. It can According to Boren, the Strykers were fielded at Fort go 70 miles per hour, and the Soldiers can still get out and Staff Sgt. Minor Lewis, Wash. in 2002. The 3rd Brigade, 2nd Infantry walk. He claimed to be a naysayer when they first came out Jones from Division was the first unit to receive them. The brigade held but admitted to being a convert. “These are the best pieces of Farmville, Va., a test competition of the Stryker against the M113. At Fort equipment we’ve gotten.” Vehicle C21 squad Knox, Ky., the Strykers were put “non-stop from one Outside on the vehicle lot, Staff Sgt. Minor Jones, a leader, rolls a dam- field exercise to another, and it has been one big Farmville, Va. native, was supervising the repair of his aged tire away from Stryker, vehicle C-21, which had hit an IED. Jones recounted his Stryker as the how he was up in the hatch when the explosion happened. crew prepares to “I was pretty much right above it. Everything seemed to replace it. happen in slow motion. A sandbag on top of the armor grill caught me right in the face.” In a hushed tone he continued, “I was in shock, thought my face was gone.” “If it wasn’t for those sandbags deflecting the blast, I wouldn’t be here today,” Jones said. “The night that it hap- pened, I said my prayers a couple times.” The Stryker Soldiers have deep respect for their “pit crews.” Without the Combat Repair Team, they wouldn’t roll. The mechanics have a lot of respect for the Photo by 1st Sgt. Kelly C. Luster Strykers. Spc. Hank Williams summed it up in a few words: “The Strykers own Mosul!”

Photo by Staff Sgt. Timothy B. Lawn Page 10 Scimitar April 8, 2005

Keller returned to help a group of Soldiers attempt to remove the trailer from the M- Troops relate Smith’s courage 113. “I asked where Sergeant Smith was, and one of the other troops said he was gone,” Keller said. Smith had been struck in the head while under fire, care in garrison manning a .50-caliber Browning machinegun to cover the movement of other Soldiers out of the compound. Although Soldiers at the By Eric W. Cramer scene attempted resuscitation, it was unsuc- Army News Service cessful. WASHINGTON — Like any account of Speaking of the fallen combat, reports of the day Sgt. 1st Class Paul Speaking of the fallen Keller and Smith were both combat veter- Smith died are different depending on the ans. Smith’s experience came from the 1991 perspective of the witnesses. What is clear is Persian Gulf War; Keller said he fought in that he died performing a Soldier’s duty and Somalia in the 1990s. Keller said the two protecting his troops in the strong tradition of worked well together. U.S. Army noncommissioned officers. “I didn’t know him until we got to the desert. He was a pretty strict NCO, all about A day of battle training and discipline, but I felt comfortable It was a busy day for U.S. troops through- with him out on that wall,” he said. out Iraq. Smith’s engineer unit was support- Borkowski said Smith was the complete ing Company A, 2nd Battalion, 7th Infantry professional. as part of the 3rd Infantry Division’s move- “He was an exceptional Soldier, and I ment on Baghdad. don’t say that lightly,” Borkowski said. “The thing I remember most was the speed “When you get attached to the infantry, and continuity of movement,” said Lt. Col. they’re usually a little wary. They took to Thomas Smith, 11th Engineer Battalion com- Sgt. Smith right way. The infantry CO I was mander. “We had two primary missions on working with said, ‘Hey, you’ve got a great the march to Baghdad, to secure a crossing platoon sergeant there,” Borkowski said. on the Euphrates River and to take and hold Photo courtesy 3rd Infantry Division He said one incident exemplified Smith’s the Baghdad airport.” Sgt. Matthew Keller, Pvt. Michael Seaman and Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith work service. The battalion commander said it was “pro- together in the days leading up to the action that led to Smith’s death. The three “Just south of the Karbala Gap, some of fessionally exhilarating” to find his unit on Soldiers fought with the Company B, 11th Engineer Battalion in action with the our vehicles went three rows deep into a its objective, on April 4, 2003. 3rd Infantry Division. minefield. He personally got down on his Late the preceding night, or early that hands and knees and extracted mines to morning, his battalion had helped units from “We talked about the fact that we couldn’t “Sergeant Smith had a scope so he could see the 3rd Infantry Division take Saddam see where the fire was coming from, because them better than me, and he started to fire.” make a path out,” Borkowski said. “He did- Hussein International Airport, and as the sun we were only 100 feet or so from this wall,” Keller said Smith sent him for an AT-4 n’t tell them how to get out, he went and rose, its Soldiers were moving to secure that Borkowski said. “So Sgt. Smith told me he rocket launcher, which he prepped and Smith helped them get out.” airport and continue with the assault on was going to knock a hole in that wall, so we fired at the enemy. Borkowski said Smith wasn’t always pop- Baghdad. could put some eyes on the other side of it. “Then I got another one and he went ular with his troops because he could be as Capt. Brian Borkowski, then a lieutenant When the order came down to build that around in front of the wall to get some other tough on them as any good sergeant. in the 11th Engineers, was Smith’s platoon compound, he apparently decided to use the Soldiers with heavier guns. I got three, one “Right after the fight was over, they all leader. same place where he’d knocked the hole in with the Squad Automatic Weapon and the changed,” Borkowski said of the men in his “Initially, we had no mission that morning, the wall.” other with the 240-B, and me and Sgt. Smith platoon. “There was a lot of realization of other than defense of what became called the Sgt. Matthew Keller was in the compound had a plan to assault across the field,” Keller how prepared and professional Sgt. Smith four corners intersection outside the airport,” when Smith began to build the holding pen. said. “He sent me to get a jacket with the M- was.” Borkowski said. “The infantry wanted to do “When we first got out there, we were tak- 203 (40 mm-grenade launcher) ammo. Sgt. Spc. Michael Seaman provided Smith with a little reconaissance south of that position ing a lot of indirect fire, RPGs blowing up in (Louis) Berwald tossed the jacket to me, and ammo to keep the .50-caliber machinegun in and called for engineer support. I talked the tops of trees and stuff. We were also get- I ran around the wall – that’s when an RPG action until Smith was killed. Having served about it with Sgt. Smith, and left the platoon ting some sniper fire, and I actually saw the hit the Bradley and a mortar round hit the M- with Smith for five months, he expressed his with him while I went off with an Armored sniper and knocked him down,” Keller said. 113 at about the same time.” admiration. Combat Earthmover to support that mission.” “Once the hole was knocked in the wall, Three Soldiers were injured by the mortar “In my opinion, he was the type of leader Borkowski said he and Smith had a con- they went in and started working on the area. impact, including Berwald, and others began that every new soldier should try to become. versation on the median of the highway I was still outside, but they apparently sent a to evacuate them from the site. He was fair yet tough, if you didn’t know before they parted. “We did what we call a couple of Soldiers forward to look out the “That was when Sergeant Smith made a something he would help you find the ‘GOTWA,’ just to determine who was going gate at the compound, and that’s when the decision with the gallantry worthy of the answer. He always knew what he was talking where,” Borkowski said. “Then I left to help enemy was spotted,” Keller said. “I remem- Medal of Honor,” Lt. Col. Smith said. “He about. He was hard in training so we would with the recon.” ber when they saw the enemy, Sergeant got in the M-113 with Spc. Michael Seaman, be hard in battle,” Seaman said. Smith got two grenades and threw them.” but he didn’t tell Seaman (an APC driver) to Berwald, wounded in the same action in An Engineer mission Reports from other Soldiers indicate an M- get them out of there, he had him back up to which Smith died, said Smith was a “by-the- While Borkowski worked with the 113 armored personnel carrier, towing a trail- just the point where he could cover all three book” sergeant. infantry, his platoon received orders to create er, entered the compound while Keller was of the Republican Guard targets, the tower, “Everyone knew Sgt. 1st Class Smith. He a compound to hold enemy prisoners. still outside. A short time later, Smith radioed the wall, and the gate. We know he went was famous for his attention to standards. Battalion commander Smith called this “a for a Bradley Fighting Vehicle to aid in hold- through three boxes of ammunition.” There are many instances in which people boilerplate engineer mission.” ing the position. Keller, fighting his own fight, saw Smith have witnessed him arguing so that his men Borkowski said Smith identified the spot Keller said he entered the compound at in action. would always try to do anything he could for to create this compound based on an earlier about the same time that the Bradley came in “I was standing shooting the 203 while he his Soldiers,” Berwald said. conversation they had. to support Smith’s efforts. was getting the casualties evacced. When the Staff Sgt. Steven Holloway, an armored Borkowski said the area of highway near Bradley started backing up, I went back into vehicle launched bridge crewman, was help- the airport included compounds belonging to Enemy in sight the compound and that’s when I saw sergeant ing defend the compound when Smith was Saddam Hussein’s Republican Guards. These “Sgt. Smith and I went out the front of the Smith on the .50-cal on the 113. I hollered at killed. He remembered Smith as tough walled compounds featured observation tow- gate along with the Bradley and that’s when I him to come out of there, and he did a ‘cut’ taskmaster, and a good NCO. ers; from the area of these towers the unit saw the enemy. There were 15 or 20 of them, motion across his throat with his hand saying “I served as one of his squad leaders. He was taking sporadic fire from small arms and and they appeared to have some fighting he wasn’t leaving,” Keller said. rocket-propelled grenades. positions about 175 meters out,” Keller said. After seeing to some of the other Soldiers, See SMITH, Page 11 April 8, 2005 Scimitar Page 11 2/14 Infantry medic saves lives Fallujah approached. There was no way diately tended to the most seriously wounded that matter. By Spc. Matthew McLaughlin around the road, and the Marines were in a patient, a Marine hit in the armpit with “Everything happened so fast, I don’t Task Force Baghdad rush, so they decided to pass, against the shrapnel. remember faces,” Torres said. “It was just a Soldiers’ advice. The convoy passed between “It was amazing how he did under pres- blur. People said ‘you did this, you did that.’ CAMP LIBERTY, BAGHDAD, Iraq — the IED and a 2/14 Inf. Humvee. Suddenly sure,” Coyle said. I don’t remember.” Now is the time, he thought to himself as he the IED detonated, hitting a Marine truck All eyes turned to Torres for aid. He was He couldn’t remember faces or even what gazed in shock at his wounded comrades. containing several Marines. not without help, however. Fellow Soldiers he did, but weeks later Torres could still This is the reason for all of his training as a “The whole passenger side of the seven-ton and Marines assisted Torres as he went from explain in detail every injury he treated. In medic; the reason he joined the Army; possi- [truck] collapsed,” Torres, a Bakersville, patient to patient treating them. all, Torres treated nine Soldiers and Marines. bly the reason to his very existence. Without Calif., native said. “I was about 100 meters “I had a lot of help from everyone there,” All this from a private first class only months hesitation, he grabbed his equipment and away in a field. I saw everyone was down, Torres said. “Two female Marines were into his first deployment, Coyle said. raced across a field toward his destiny. and I took my [medic] bag and went running.” injured but were still trying to help.” “He never did anything like this in a real Pfc. Jacob Torres, a medic with 2nd Torres said the reality of the situation did Although he was one of the lowest ranking world situation,” he said. “I brag to other Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, tested his not hit him immediately. Soldiers present, everyone followed his lead Soldiers about him. I said, ‘You should have training and his mettle Feb. 28 when he treat- “At first I was nervous,” he said. “I real- and obeyed his orders, Coyle said. “Rank seen him.’ We want to have him out with us ed nine Soldiers and Marines after an insur- ized all these people were hurt. It took a goes out the window and they have to under- every time.” gent attack. moment to register that I was the one who stand that. He took control of the whole situ- For his bravery, Torres was awarded the Soldiers from 2/14 Inf. found an impro- had to help them. No one else could do it. ation. It was amazing how well he did under Combat Medic Badge. Torres said he is vised explosive device while on patrol along Once I started with the first patient, I knew pressure.” proud of his performance and glad he could Route Tampa in Baghdad. They secured the what to do.” Torres stabilized the Marine, but he died help his comrades-in-arms. area and waited for the explosive ordinance Sgt. Shawn Coyle, a fire direction center later during surgery. Torres had more patients “It feels good, like I did something,” detachment team to arrive. While waiting for Soldier from Quincy, Ill., said Torres took to tend to, however, and he couldn’t reflect Torres said. “I didn’t feel like I was doing EOD, a Marine convoy heading towards complete control of the situation. He imme- on consequences — or names and ranks for my job until then.”

Smith from Page 1 Like performing preventive mainte- was very tough to work for due to his expec- nance checks and tation of perfection. He wanted those who services on any served with him and for him to do their job piece of Army flawlessly. If a battle drill wasn’t perfect, he equipment, before wanted you to run it again and again until a mission, the you could do it in your sleep. He expected AH-64D Apache the NCOs that worked for him to set the Longbow helicop- example as he did for us,” Holloway said. ter is thoroughly Sgt. Thomas Robbins was about 100 inspected for meters away from Smith’s position during unsafe conditions, the action, and had served with him for about malfunctions and four years. anything out of “He was a hard man to work for at times, the ordinary. but he always did what was right and made sure that everyone in his platoon did the same. He knew his job and was more than willing to teach anyone that wanted to know all he had to give. He was the best leader that any soldier could ask for to work under,” Apache Longbows: QRF warriors from above Robbins said. Warrant Officer Thad Menold, an Apache helicopter pilot from “Our platoon was sometimes the last to go Story and photos by Pfc. Jerome Bishop Company C, 2nd Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment. home,” Borkowski said. “When we were get- 1st Corps Support Command Public Affairs Office “[The terrorists] are really afraid of the Apache,” Menold said. ting ready for inspections, if there was one “It’s a tough bird. I wouldn’t fly anything else.” thing wrong, Sgt. Smith made everyone stay LOGISTICS SUPPORT AREA ANACONDA, BALAD, Iraq — The unit also performs convoy escort missions and provides air and get it right.” As the only aerial quick reaction force here, AH-64D Apache support for raids conducted on terrorist homes and hideouts, he Lt. Col. Smith said he was assessing the Longbow attack helicopter crews find themselves conducting a said. airports runway when he received word that variety of missions. Several steps are followed for success from the moment the Sgt. 1st Class Smith had been killed. Later in The troops’ missions include aerial support for infantry units, Apache crew gathers to begin a mission. Following numerous the day, he visited the platoon. armed reconnaissance looking for improvised explosive devices mission briefings, the small crew takes to the flight line where the “It’s a humbling feeling when you have 20 and returning fire on terrorists who attack the post, said Chief process of pre-flight checks begins. or 30 Soldiers there and they all want to tell “[The crew chiefs] look for anything out of tolerance and any- you they did everything they could. There thing that might be unsafe for the pilots,” said Sgt. Jeremy Young, was no context of heroism — these were just crew chief. Soldiers who were in this fight,” he said. The pilot must first determine when the aircraft is due for rou- For more information on Sgt. 1st Class tine maintenance and whether all deficiencies have been correct- Paul Smith and his Medal of Honor, see ed, Menold said. http://www.army.mil/medalofhonor/. Upon completion of the equipment checks, the Soldiers suit up in their flight gear and body armor before settling in the helicopter and taking off. The place to access the latest Once in the sky each member focuses on the job at hand MNF-I/MNC-I news and because the Apache crew’s success is determined not only by information is online. Check out whether it protects infantry Soldiers or defeats terrorists, but also www.mnf-iraq.com to stay After required pre-flight checks, a 101st Aviation whether the helicopter comes back in one piece. This is daily duty Regiment AH-64D Apache Longbow takes off on a rou- in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Soldiers like Menold informed. tine patrol mission near LSA Anaconda. said they are proud to do it. Page 12 Scimitar April 8, 2005 Troops help deployed troops feel at home

were really moved.” Story by Pfc. Ferdinand Thomas A conversation a little more than a month Scimitar Staff ago between Ryan and a stateside friend, David Hayward, sparked an idea to help INTERNATIONAL ZONE, BAGHDAD, deployed service members feel more at Iraq — Thin Mints, Samoas, Peanut Butter home. Supporting both the Girl Scouts and Sandwich Do-si-dos and Classic Shortbread the military, Hayward acted as the liaison Trefoils. Sound familiar? These are a few of between the two. He started by sending the many varieties of Girl Scout cookies phone cards and forwarding letters of that have brought smiles and tears of joy to encouragement to deployed service mem- some troops deployed to Iraq. bers. Continuing what they started, Hayward Girl Scout Troop 1256 and Brownie and the girls decided to send care packages Troop 1215 of eastern Pennsylvania sold to Iraq. Hayward and his wife, Carole more than 900 boxes and sent them to Iraq, Skipper, took care of the shipping, including said Marine Col. Francis X. Ryan, Chief the cost. Secretariat of Strategy, Plans and The idea of selling cookies for deployed Assessment for Multi-National Force – Iraq. troops was presented and everyone ran with Ryan said when the troops heard an army it, Ryan said. Hayward and the girls set a of little warriors had hit the streets asking goal to sell a little more than 400 boxes. Courtesy photo people to buy a box and donate it to service However, they beat that goal by more than A group of Girl Scouts from eastern Pennsylvania poses with the boxes of cook- members in Iraq, some couldn’t hold back double. When the girls told people they were ies acquired for deployed service members in Iraq. the emotions. “I saw a couple of troops selling cookies to send to deployed troops, with tears in their eyes,” Ryan said. “They their sales went through the roof. delighted by the gesture. and one from MNF-I.” “I was so impressed with what “It’s nice to know foundations at home are The support of friends and family helps they had done,” he added. thinking and caring about you,” said Airman troops here keep their peace of mind, he said. “These are 30 very talented Michael McCord, a recipient of some letters The Girl Scouts are having a big impact on young children. They made a and cookies. “They are supporting us. It’s a service members’ morale, which is impacting difference in a lot of people’s great thing.” this war in a positive way. They have provid- lives.” Ryan forwards service members’ letters ed the troops with a piece of home. Ryan shares his feeling about and e-mails of appreciation to the girls every Support of U.S. citizens is important, Ryan the efforts of the Girl Scouts day for their letters and cookies. He also col- said. “I remember back in the early 70s when with troops all over Iraq. Four lects combat patches to send to the girls. I first came into the Marine Corps. The other forward operating bases, “We have got about 30 patches, and American people were not real [supportive] Video still captured by Sgt. Lisa Heise including Camp Cuervo and we’ve got more patches coming,” Ryan of the military. American people now want to Marine Col. Francis X. Ryan passes out boxes of Camp Manhattan, each received said. “I am still collecting them. I ordered participate. They are wonderful. We all Girl Scout cookies to service members and civil- 76 or more boxes of cookies. 30 MNF-I patches. I am going to give each should be very thankful for all the support ians in the International Zone. Troops at these FOBs were girl two patches, one from the troops here we get from them.” Special Operations Soldier accepted into U.S. Military Academy to live the transformation.” By Spc. Christopher R. Arnold To begin the long and difficult application process, 411th Civil Affairs Battalion Robbins had to be nominated to the academy, write three essays, and receive recommendations from members of the TIKRIT, Iraq — Late last month, while on combat duty community and at least five letters of recommendation in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Spc. Matthew J. from his chain of command. Robbins learned he had been accepted into the United Robbins was nominated to the academy by States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey, from the 18th district of “This is such an honor”, said Robbins, who is a member New York, along with the 411th battalion commander, Col. of the 411th Civil Affairs Battalion, of Danbury, Conn., an Edwin Miranda. Army Reserve Special Operations unit. Thomas Meier, a retired Army colonel who is the A graduate of White Plains High School, Robbins enlist- Director of the Veterans Service Agency, and the Director ed in the Army at the age of 17 and was assigned to the of the Drug Prevention and STOP-DWI for Westchester 411th. He attended the U.S. Army Signal School’s Signal County; and Andy Spano, the County Executive of Support Systems Specialist course at Fort Gordon, Ga., Westchester County, contributed letters of recommendation where he was the distinguished honor graduate. He later for Robbins. was selected to attend the Special Operations Forces “I am proud to be given the chance to become a member Battalion Communication Course, the Tactical Local Area of the long gray line, and I am proud to have served my Networking Course, and the Integrated Special Operations country during Operation Iraqi Freedom,” Robbins said. Communications Assemblage Course at the John F. Robbins’ awards include the Army Physical Fitness

Kennedy Special Warfare Center at Fort Bragg, N.C. Photo by Spc. Israel Reyes Excellence Badge, the Global War on Terror Robbins began to contemplate becoming an officer when Spc. Matthew J. Robbins of the 411th Civil Affairs Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terror Service he arrived in Iraq in September. Six months later, Robbins Battalion, of Danbury, Conn., serving in Tikrit, Iraq, medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed has become one of the few prior service members accepted has been accepted into the United States Military Forces Reserve Medal with “M” device, the Operation each year into the world’s foremost military academy. Academy at West Point, New York. Iraqi Freedom Medal, and the Reserve Components “The Army transformation is going to have a tremendous Achievement Medal. He will begin the United States impact on both officers and the role and function of tary history and tradition. With the lessons I’ve learned in Military Academy Preparatory School Program at Fort Special Operations,” commented Robbins. “West Point is Iraq, the USMA will help me become the best Soldier and Monmouth, N.J. in the summer when he returns home the best education I can receive, with its deep roots in mili- leader I can be. While attending West Point, I will be able from deployment. April 8, 2005 Scimitar Page 13 SScciimmiittaarr SSllaappssttiicckk

Art by Staff Sgt. Timothy B. Lawn

Art by Maj. James D. Crabtree

Art by Jeffery Hall Page 14 Scimitar April 8, 2005 Bugling troop carries on family tradition bring it to Iraq with me this time.” Story and photo by Sgt. Michael J. Carden Since January, when Shoults deployed to Camp Multi-National Corps - Iraq Public Affairs Office Victory in support OIF, he has played his bugle for one memorial ceremony. On Valentine’s Day, he CAMP VICTORY, BAGHDAD, Iraq — Maj. Hugh played “Taps” at a service held for an explosive ord- Shoults was six years old when his grandmother first showed nance disposal Soldier who was killed in action earli- him the bugle. She told him the history and the stories of the er that week. Shoults men who carried it to war, and of how the family tra- “When I heard about the EOD Soldier who was dition began in 1916 when his grandfather, a former U.S. killed, I offered to play my bugle at his memorial,” Army sergeant with the Minnesota National Guard, carried Shoults said. “I thought it would mean more to the the bugle to the Mexican border during the Army’s search for troops, rather than “Taps” being played on a sound Pancho Villa, the rebel general of the Mexican Revolution. system or tape recorder.” His grandfather also carried the bugle during World War I. Playing “Taps” at the Soldier’s memorial ceremony His grandmother also spoke of how his father, an Army was more difficult than anticipated for Shoults. This fighter pilot, never learned to play the bugle, but still carried was the first time he had played for a memorial service it to battle during World War II. His uncle, an Air Force pilot, since November 2003, which was at his own father’s continued the tradition during Vietnam. Maj. Hugh Shoults, operations officer, Task Force Dragon, funeral service, fulfilling a promise that he made to his “My grandmother told me that the bugle had been sitting at XVIII Airborne Corps, is the third generation of Shoults men father many years before he passed away, he said. her house since my uncle got back from Vietnam, and one to carry this bugle to a combat zone. “The EOD memorial was very emotional for me,” day the bugle may belong to me,” said Maj. Hugh Shoults, Shoults said. “I almost lost it right there. I had not operations officer, Task Force Dragon, XVIII Airborne university held for the crew of the Challenger Space Shuttle, played since my father’s funeral.” Corps, Fort Bragg, N.C. who were killed during the shuttle’s explosion shortly after Although playing the bugle at future memorial services His grandmother’s premonition was correct. Shoults is the take-off Jan. 28, 1986. Shoults played “Taps,” in their honor, may resurface sad memories for Shoults, he’ll continue the current caretaker of the family’s bugle. He began playing he said. family tradition to carry and play his bugle in honor of his Army bugle calls, such as “Assembly,” “Reveille” and “It was an emotional ceremony, but I was happy to play,” fallen comrades, he said. “Taps” as a youngster in Spokane, Wash. Shoults said. “It’s a great tradition,” Shoults said. “I feel very honored “My father couldn’t play, but being a WWII veteran, he Upon completion of ROTC and college, Shoults was com- and proud to carry my family’s bugle.” knew the different bugle calls,” Shoults said. “He would hum missioned a second lieutenant in the Army’s Chemical Corps. Since Shoults’s grandfather first carried the bugle nearly a the bugle calls to me and I would play them. That’s how I He was stationed in Vicenza, Italy, with 3rd Battalion, 325th century ago, the old brass bugle has been through eight learned.” Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division. While American and allied conflicts, representing almost 90 years Shoults continued with his musical interests in high school. assigned there, he deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of of sacrifice and selfless service by American Soldiers, He played the trumpet, which is a sister instrument of the Operation Desert Storm. He also deployed to Liberia. Marines, Airmen and Sailors. It has traveled over three bugle and is played in the same manner. “I didn’t really let anyone know that I had the bugle with oceans and four continents, serving in battle with those serv- Although Shoults played the trumpet in high school, he me,” Shoults said. “But I pretty much carried it around in my ice members in the hands of three generations of Shoults. never played his family’s bugle publicly until he was in col- rucksack.” “I’ve got two children,” Shoults said. “Shelly is six and lege. In Bosnia, a young 1st Lt. Shoults worked with Maj. my son Nick is seven. If either of them chooses to serve in As a Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet at Gonzaga Richard Hooker, who is now a colonel and Shoults’s brigade the military, I will give them the bugle and expect them to University in Spokane, Shoults, proud of his family’s tradi- commander in Operation Iraqi Freedom. carry on the tradition. If not, they can keep it and give it to tion, kept the bugle with him. He played his family’s bugle “Colonel Hooker remembered from Bosnia that I had my their children. I‘m sure someone in our family, down the for the first time in public during a memorial ceremony the family’s bugle,” Shoults said. “He made sure to remind me to line, will serve again.” Marine father, son serve together in Al Asad here on his first deployment in support of times while he answers the call of duty. His Story and photo by Operation Iraqi Freedom. most recent deployment was two years ago, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Juan Vara “I’m closer to him here than I am back in when he served in Kuwait and Iraq during 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing North Carolina,” said the elder Charboneau. the beginning of the war. “The beauty of it is that he works nights. We “I’m not as homesick as I’ve been any AL ASAD, Iraq — U.S. Marine Corps meet in the morning and have breakfast.” other time I’ve deployed,” he said. “I could Maj. Peter D. Charboneau is a busy man. Charboneau said he was preparing to stay here for a year and I won’t miss my The communications and electronics offi- leave Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry family because I have Joe here. I don’t cer for Marine Air Control Group 28 Point, N.C., and transfer to Marine Corps think there’s a better feeling in the world (Reinforced) isn’t just in charge of oversee- Base, Quantico, when he heard Joe was than being in war with your son.” ing the upgrade of fiber optic lines, tele- deploying to Iraq. He immediately asked Joe, getting his feet wet when it comes to phone switches and data servers around this for a modification to his reporting date to deployments, said he misses his family, his former Iraqi air base. He’s also responsible, be able to come here and be near his son. girlfriend and some of the comforts of life to the best of his abilities, for keeping an Pete, trying to be near his father and broth- back home. “You never know how good eye on one Marine who’s not even part of er, volunteered to transfer temporarily to you have it until you’re shaving out of a his unit — his youngest son, Joe. 2nd Low Altitude Air Defense Battalion, water bottle,” he said. After graduating from high school in the unit in charge of protecting this air Father and son can often be spotted rid- Quantico, Va., in 2002, Joe and his older base. ing their bikes around Al Asad. They cele- brother Pete joined the Corps following “I pushed for Pete to come out here too,” brated Charboneau’s birthday last month U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Joe B. their father’s footsteps. They enlisted under said Charboneau. “My wife put a stop to it.” and are making plans to celebrate Joe’s Charboneau, right, a helicopter the “buddy program” and reported to Charboneau’s wife, the former Dinah E. birthday in July. mechanic rides with his father, Maj. Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, Gomez, of El Paso, Texas, didn’t want her Not many are privileged to have breakfast Peter D. Charboneau, a communica- S.C., together, graduating in January 2003. husband and her two sons to be in Iraq at with their father every day while in a com- tions and electronics officer after Elder by a year, Pete is a lance corporal the same time. She’s now ordered bat zone. Not many can smoke a cigar with having breakfast at the dining facili- serving with Headquarters and Support Charboneau to take care of Joe, and their son after a hard day of work half the ty in Al Asad, Iraq. Battalion’s Brig Company aboard Marine ordered both to wear their armored vests world away from home. Charboneau, proud Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Joe, also and helmets at all times while they’re here. with him: Awesome. Having another of his Marine sons, said there’s a small dis- a lance corporal, serves as a helicopter “My wife is on an emotional rollercoast- Marine son stay back with me: Priceless.’” advantage of serving with one of them here. mechanic with Marine Light/Attack er,” said Charboneau. “She put up a sign In his more than 23 years as a Marine, “It’s the same thing as back at home,” he Helicopter Squadron 269 from Marine that says, ‘Having Marine son go to Iraq: Charboneau, who began his career as a pri- said jokingly. “I have to tell him to do his Corps Air Station, New River, N.C., and is Heartbreaking. Having Marine husband go vate, has left his family behind several laundry, clean his room and brush his teeth.” April 8, 2005 Scimitar Page 15

Coalition Corner

... highlighting countries serving with MNF-Iraq

South Korea local name: Taehan-min’guk

The Republic of Korea is located in eastern Asia on the southern Korean Soldiers keep a lookout over Camp Zaytun near Irbil, Iraq. Korean forces are helping rebuild half of the Korean Peninsula, bordering the Sea of Japan and the the northern area largely populated by Kurds and which was severely neglected under Saddam Yellow Sea. It has over 3,400 islands, and its neighbors are North Hussein’s regime. They are also providing medical care and helping to train the locals in various Korea and Japan across the East Sea. Size-wise, it is slightly larger fields from farming to baking to household and automotive maintenance. than Indiana. Over 48 million people inhabit this country, with over 10 million living in Seoul, the capital. Korean is the official language spoken Korean forces help improve by these millions, and English is widely taught in junior high and high school even though it is not an official language. The country’s currency is the South Korean Won. Although relatively small in size, South Korea has thousands of beautiful and historic temples. Most of them were built in remote life for Irbil area citizens mountain areas after the Joseon Dynasty proclaimed Confucianism as the state religion, banning Buddhism from cities in the 14th cen- By Sgt. 1st Class Scott Speaks tury. Seoul also boasts the enchanting Changdeok Palace, which was 214th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment started in 1405 as a royal residence to King Taejong. In 1463, King Sejo expanded it and created Biwon, the famous “Secret Garden,” a CAMP ZAYTUN, IRBIL, Iraq — About two and a half six-acre private getaway used for centuries as a hidden relaxation hours north of Baghdad — as the Black Hawk flies — is retreat for royalty. Camp Zaytun. It is located just outside of Irbil, one of the Not only does South Korea have historic getaway spots for kings, largest Kurdish cities in Iraq, and is affectionately known as it also has modern-day retreats for the average person. Chejudo “little Korea.” Island, one hour south of Seoul and the country’s largest island, is Operation Iraqi Freedom is Korea’s largest overseas such a place because of its isolated location. Besides beautiful deployment since the Vietnam War, and the Koreans have beaches and landscaping, the island boasts unique features such as certainly made their mark with several initiatives to help in the Tolharubang, stone grandfathers, which are black lava statues of the reconstruction of Irbil and community development in a kind old man, which were once regarded as guardian deities. the area. These statues are seen everywhere on the island. Other must-see “It’s reconstruction mostly of their schools and their sites include Yongduam, an unusual rock formation that looks like a existing water supply,” Capt. Darisse Smith, a Republic of dragon’s head with its mouth Korea liaison officer, said. “But they are also building new open, and Manjanggul Cave, schools, building a lot more health clinics and hospitals in the longest lava tube in the the area.” world. The Zaytun Hospital is just one of 67 projects conducted South Korea’s national food by the Koreans. Opened just last November, the clinic has Photos by Staff Sgt. Brett B. McMillan is kimchi, which is fermented A student gets hands-on welding instruction, treated about 5,000 local patients so far and can treat up to cabbage, pickled with salt and one of several skills being taught at Camp 150 outpatients a day. chili peppers. It is served at Zaytun by qualified instructors in the communi- Local doctors and nurses are now part of the internship almost every meal, along with ty and overseen by Korean forces. program to help bring modern medical skills to the area. rice, which is a staple food in After visiting Camp Zaytun recently, Italian Army Brig. seven classes to about 200 students, teaching skills in com- the Korean diet. Amazingly, Gen. Antonio Satta, who oversees reconstruction, said, “We puters, automotive maintenance, home appliance repair and there are over 100 different had the opportunity to see on the ground, what the Korean even baking to facilitate new jobs and help decrease the types of kimchi, varied by the contingent is providing the coalition, and it’s an outstanding unemployment rate for the local area. region it’s grown in, and by contribution, because they have been able to realize an opti- “We have to adapt the mentality for the people living the amount of salt and level of mal quality of life for the Iraqis that live here. They’ve here, I mean, we have to teach them to do it their own way, spice used. Fermented foods studied and initialized a lot of opportunities that surely will and that’s what the Koreans are trying to do.” have recently become highly contribute to a better future for this country.” Doing their part to help establish peace and democracy in valued for their disease-prevention effects. Some of those opportunities can be found at the Zaytun Iraq, and fostering friendships along the way, Koreans at South Korea — yet another piece of the Multi-National Force - vocational training center. The center currently provides Camp Zaytun are happy to serve. Iraq puzzle, dedicated to rebuilding Iraq. References: www.cia.gov, www.iexplore.com, www.marimari.com, The place to access the latest MNF-I/MNC-I www.lifeinkorea.com, www.asiafood.org, seoulscene.com, www.orientalarchitecture.com. news and information is online. Coalition Corner is compiled by Sgt. Misha King, assistant editor, Check out www.mnf-iraq.com to stay informed. [email protected]. Page 16 Scimitar April 8, 2005 National Guard Soldier-athlete deployed with Olympic hopes “I still try to run as much as I can Story and photo by Spc. Jeremy D. Crisp inside the [forward operating base]. Multi-National Corps - Iraq Public Affairs I do a lot of cardio and weights too,” Brady said. “Also, a couple of bud- FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq — dies and I have baseball gloves, so Someone told him he was too small. Someone told him we get out and throw it around when he’d never make it. For this Soldier-athlete from the we can.” Mississippi Army National Guard, being told he couldn’t do When it comes to being a .50-cal- something was just the motivation he needed to be the best iber machine gunner for his unit, on any track or field. Brady said he likes the responsibility “People said I wouldn’t be able to make it in the sports that comes with that job. “It feels a world because I was too small,” said Spc. Darren M. Brady little awkward being small behind Jr., gunner, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 155th such a big gun, but I like the feeling Infantry Battalion from Brook Haven, Miss. “When people of being a gunner. I have a responsi- tell me I can’t do something, I just do it to prove them bility to protect my fellow Soldiers. wrong.” I’m the first line of defense, and I From an early age, he started running, and at 19, the 5- like that.” foot-6-inch Brady could compete with any top athlete in A top-notch athlete, Brady’s supe- speed, burning up the track in the two-mile event at 8 min- riors agree that he is also first rate as utes, 15 seconds. Brady ran a five-kilometer race at the age a Soldier. of eight in 25 minutes, and since then, he has used his speed “He never complains. I can tell Spc. Darren M. Brady Jr., an infantryman for the 155th Infantry Regiment, to excel in other sports. him to do anything, and he just does Brookhaven, Miss., is a .50-caliber and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon Born in New Orleans and raised in Mississippi, Brady it; he never gives anyone any prob- gunner for mail delivery convoys leaving Forward Operating Base Kalsu, racked up high accolades while playing baseball at his native lems,” said 2nd Lt. Brian B. Floyd, Iraq. Brady is a Soldier/athlete currently deployed with the Mississippi Enterprise High School in Lincoln County. An all-county and platoon leader with the 155th. “It’s a Army National Guard and has a baseball scholarship to Southern all-district five-time gold glove centerfielder for Enterprise’s pleasure to have him in my platoon.” Mississippi University waiting for him upon his return home. He will also baseball team, Brady attributes his 4.1 second 40-yard-dash Brady’s fellow Soldiers call him be trying out for the 2008 Olympic Games in the one and two-mile events. speed as the key to his success on the field. ‘The Last Samurai’ because of his “I love seeing a batter’s face when they bloop one at me succumb to Brady’s speed. While playing high school foot- resemblance to Tom Cruise. “I want his autograph because and they think they’re going to get a hit,” Brady said. “I just ball, Brady won all-district special teams and wide receiver he’ll be an Olympian one day; if not, he’ll be a Tom Cruise turn on the speed and scoop up the ball for the out.” honors. He said his proudest sports moment came when his stunt double,” Floyd said jokingly. Brady’s speed also helped him behind the plate. Along football team played their cross county rivals. Olympic possibilities aren’t out of reach for Brady. He said with 73 stolen bases, Brady said, “I bunted 25 times my sen- “They’ve always been a much bigger school than us and when he gets back from deployment, he is going to try out ior year and never got thrown out.” they usually dominate us. That game, I had three catches for for the 2008 Olympics in the one- and two-mile events. The skill Brady demonstrated on the baseball diamond did- 213 yards and two touchdowns. We beat them 19-14 — it Brady said he looks forward to his future in athletics and n’t go unnoticed. After graduating high school in 2003, he was the first time in 11 years we’d done that.” the Army National Guard, but he also has bigger plans for was offered a full baseball scholarship to Southern Training is the key, Brady explained. Back home he ran the next five years. “Hopefully I’ll be playing ball, and ready Mississippi University. Being deployed to Iraq has put that four to five miles every day before going to work at Primo’s to graduate college,” he said. “I’d like to maybe be settled on hold, but Brady said, “I will definitely pursue that option Hunting store, where he makes duck calls and hunting down and married. If I’m not, I’ll probably still be working when I get back.” videos. He said the training has slowed down some since he at Primo’s. That’s probably the best job you could have — Opponents on the baseball field weren’t the only ones to deployed in December, but he and his buddies still find time. getting paid to go hunting.” WWE muscles into primetime on AFN Spectrum DEFENSE MEDIA CENTER, RIVER- with the first of its two-hour weekly install- home,” said Marotta. “Now, thanks to the watching at home.” SIDE, Calif., — America’s most watched ments, Booth explained. generosity and support of WWE, our pro Wrestlemania 21 premieres on today at 8 professional wrestling programs make their Thanks to a special arrangement between wrestling fans will be able to enjoy even p.m. viewer time, WWE RAW! premieres primetime premiere on the American series’ producer World Wrestling more of the finest in sports entertainment — Tuesday at 9 p.m. viewer time; WWE Forces Network (AFN) this month as Entertainment and AFN, expanded two-hour and they’ll be able see it on AFN Spectrum Smackdown premieres April 15 at 8 p.m. Wrestlemania 21, WWE RAW! and WWE editions of the hugely popular sports enter- almost as soon as they would if they were viewer time ... all on AFN Spectrum. Smackdown come to the AFN Spectrum tainment programs will be seen by American channel. servicemen and women overseas within 24 According to AFN Television Program hours of their stateside airings. Al Asad 93.3 FM Planning Manager Cathleen Booth, the “In the past our wrestling shows could be Ar Ramadi 107.3 FM action kicks off today at 8 p.m. viewer time delayed by as much as a month between Baghdad 92.3 FM with a three and a half hour broadcast of stateside airdates and when our overseas and 107.7 FM Wrestlemania 21 on AFN Spectrum. audience got to see them,” Booth said. Balad 107.3 FM “It’s been quite some time since we were “We’re gratified that WWE has agreed to Camp Taji 102.5 FM able to offer the Wrestlemania specials to our such a short turn around time.” Fallujah 105.1 FM audience,” said Booth. “We’re thrilled that Until recently, one-hour versions of the Kirkuk 107.3 FM we’ll have the opportunity to broadcast the shows were seen in non-primetime slots on Mosul 105.1 FM stateside Sunday show just five days later on AFN Prime. Q-West 93.3 FM AFN!” AFN Television Division Chief Larry Ridgeway 107.1 FM On Tuesday, at 9 p.m. viewer time, AFN Marotta praised the shows’ addition to the Sinjar 107.9 FM Spectrum continues with the first two-hour AFN Spectrum schedule. Talil AB 107.3 FM weekly installment of WWE RAW!; and, on “For over 60 years AFN has been dedicat- Tikrit 93.3 FM April 15, WWE Smackdown enters the AFN ed to bringing our military men and women Taji 107.7 FM Spectrum schedule at 8 p.m. viewer time serving overseas with that vital touch of