Troops Give to Bring Troops Home

August 26, 2009

www.dvidshub.net (search phrase: Expeditionary Times) Vol. 2 Issue 34 A place to rest Army’s top enlisted in Iraq visits last of surge Soldiers your head St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Multi-National Force - Iraq St a f f Sg t . Command Sgt. Maj. Law- Ke i t h M. An d e r s o n , UPAR rence Wilson, tours the 16th Sust. Bde. shopping district of the town Public Affairs of Zahko in northern Iraq, to see the progress made and HABUR GATE, Iraq — Multi- to get feedback from local National Force - Iraq leaders. Wilson was in the Command Sgt. Maj. area to visit the Soldiers of Lawrence Wilson Logistics Task Force - A, visited Soldiers 16th Special Troops Bat- JBB opens new respite of the 16th Sus- talion, 16th Sustainment tainment Bri- Brigade, at Habur Gate, a for service members gade, one of convoy staging facility on the last units in Iraq serving a the Turkish border near Page 4 15-month deployment, Aug. 12 Zahko. and 13. The 16th Sust. Bde., a Bam- Contingency Operating Loca- berg, Germany-based unit, is tion Q-West Aug. 12, where he The general responsible for logistics opera- just 12 days before the Aug. 1, Wilson, escorted by the 16th’s toured some of the base’s new tions in northern Iraq. The unit 2008, deadline that ended 15- Command Sgt. Maj. James E. facilities, including the combat makes a stop arrived in Kuwait July of 2008 month deployments. Spencer, first visited Soldiers at SEE TOP ON PAGE 11 Troops give to bring troops home

By Se n i o r Ai r m a n An d r i a J. Al l m o n d 332n d Ai r Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Wi n g 377th Theater Sustainment Pu b l i c Af f a i r s Command commander JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq — The pint-sized bags of visits JBB cloudy, yellow liquid may not look like much, but the fluid inside them has proved to be a Page 9 life-saving substance to injured servicemembers. "Platelets heal; I've seen it firsthand," said Lt. Col. Thomas Jordan, 332nd Expe- ditionary Medical Support Squadron platelet aphaeresis chief. "I was here in 2006 when we first brought platelets into modern warfare by using them (at JBB). We noticed Securing the route an increase in the survival rate compared to when we were U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brian A. Barbour using whole blood. They serve as the main factor in stop- ping bleeding and are used in any situation in which there is excessive blood loss." Target aqcuired! Blood platelets have saved lives across Iraq, and the Air Force Theater Hospital here is the only supplier of this vi- Rodger D. Clemment, from Anniston Al., and a Department of the tal blood component to medical personnel in-country. Army employee at Anniston Army Depot, services an M2 .50 caliber machine gun at the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade’s Small Arms Support Center Half the collected clotting agents are kept at JBB, while on Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Clemment, who is the shop supervisor, usually the rest are shipped to other military installations through- sits behind a desk but when a large number of weapons come in, he lends a out Iraq. On average, platelets have a shelf life of five days. hand to make sure the weapons get back to their Soldiers. Therefore, those used by U.S and coalition forces must be Since May of 2005, the Soldiers and civilians working here have collected close to the fight. done more than simply fix weapons for the one or two problems they were "In the time it would take to collect the platelets, run 37th Engineer Battalion brought in for; each time a weapon is serviced, it is carefully inspected for the necessary tests and send them over here (from the anything the operator might have missed. U.S.) we would pass the five-day limit we have on using keeping streets safe To date, the facility has repaired more than 30,000 weapons, issued at least 8,700 more, while maintaining an inventory of nearly 600 weapons- them," said Colonel Jordan, who has the sole discretion replacing weapons which can’t be repaired. of extending the shelf-life of the platelets by two days, if Part of the support center’s mission includes installing special Ar- deemed necessary. my-mandated modifications to certain weapon systems – such as anup- If the total shelf life has expired, Colonel Jordan de- Page 12-13 grade for the M2 that gives it a manual safety on the weapon’s back plate. stroys the non-utilized platelets. But, the platelet aphaer- SEE HOME ON PAGE 11 PAGE 2 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s August 26, 2009 332 ESFS Blotter Chaplain’s Corner

August 12 - August 17 “You can live a perfectly normal life, as soon as you realize your life will never be perfectly normal.” PATROL RESPONSE/VERBAL ALTERCATION: -Unknown A complainant notified the law enforcement desk (LED) of a verbal altercation between 2 individuals. The complainant stated the subject was fired from his Do you remember when your life first stopped being normal? job earlier and was barred from the job site. The sub- For most people, somewhere between infancy and adoles- ject arrived at the LED and reported that he was un- cence, life took a series of strange and unfortunate turns and knowingly fired from his job, but he still had personal they have been trying to recover ever since. belongings at the job site that he wanted to retrieve. The complainant stated he wanted the subject to be No one makes it into adulthood without issues. Some peo- removed from the location to prevent any future al- ple cover it up better than others, but the problems and their tercations. The subject requested to go to his living effects are still there just below the surface. We all want to quarters to retrieve his belongings. appear normal but we are not! We have all been damaged, bruised and hurt. That is just how life is. LARCENY OF UNSECURE GOVERNMENT PROPERTY: A complainant telephoned the law enforcement desk We want to be normal like everyone else but that is impossible. (LED) and reported a larceny. The patrol arrived on Why? Because no one else is normal either! (If you don’t agree scene and made contact with the complainant. The or understand, please re-read the previous paragraph.) Let’s property was on the back of the gator he was oper- face it: life is tough and we have all been kicked around a few ating while he was working. Upon his return to the times. “Normal” got knocked out of us a long time ago. gator he noticed the property was missing. The complainant stated that he advised his chain of command Life rarely goes according to plan. The dreams we have grow- of the missing property and he conducted a thorough ing up to be baseball players, ballet dancers, veterinarians, or search of his work center and the surrounding areas rock stars usually don’t come to pass. That is normal! If we are able to let go of our unrealistic expectations, there is hope for with negative findings. each of us.

DAMAGE TO PERSONAL PROPERTY/LARCENY PRI- It has been said that “Normal is just a setting on a washing ma- VATE PROPERTY/UNLAWFUL ENTRY: chine.” The closest thing to normal we have is a thing called A complainant entered the law enforcement desk “reality.” Whether you are 18 or 81, we need to live in the now (LED) and relayed a possible breaking and entering. and make the best of it. That would be the normal thing to The patrol arrived at the location and made contact do. with the complainant. The complainant stated that he returned to the location and found a dead bird hanging from his door knob. The complainant stated A Normal Prayer that upon entering the location, his belongings were Dear God, I am anything but normal and I am far from perfect. thrown around and property was broken. The com- If you can take me as I am and help me to become someone plainant stated after conducting a search of the loca- who is healthy and whole, I would really appreciate it. Thank tion he discovered that property was missing. The you. Amen. complainant stated the location was locked and he does not have a roommate. The patrol relayed there were no signs of forced entry.

NIPR: 443-8602 Submitted by Chaplain (Maj.) Peter Strong SIPR: 241-1171 Brigade Chaplain, 304th Sustainment Brigade Email: [email protected]

EXPEDITIONARY TIMES 13th ESC Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz Expeditionary Times is authorized for publication by 13th ESC G2, Security Manager 139th MPAD Production Editor Spc. Lisa A. Cope the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). The Lt. Col. Angelo Williams, 13th ESC Staff Sgt. Robert E. Fafoglia [email protected]. contents of the Expeditionary Times are unofficial and [email protected] [email protected] are not to be considered the official views of, or en- dorsed by, the U.S. Government, including the Depart- 13th ESC PAO, Managing Editor 139th MPAD Layout and Design Contributing Public Affairs Offices Maj. Raul Marquez, 13th ESC PAO ment of Defense or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Sgt. Jayson A. Hoffman 10th Sustainment Brigade [email protected] [email protected] Expeditionary Times is a command information news- 16th Sustainment Brigade paper in accordance with Army Regulation 360-1 and 13th ESC PA NCOIC 139th MPAD Photo Editor 287th Sustainment Brigade reviewed by the ESC G2 for security purposes. Staff Sgt. Joel F. Gibson, 13th ESC Sgt. Keith VanKlompenberg 304th Sustainment Brigade Expeditionary Times is published weekly by the Stars [email protected] [email protected] 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team and Stripes central office, with a circulation of 5,000 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team 13th ESC Staff Writer papers. 139th MPAD Copy Editor 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing The Public Affairs Office is located on New Jer- Spc. Naveed Ali Shah, 13th ESC Spc. Brandy Oxford 555th Engineer Brigade sey Ave. Building 7508, DSN 318-433-2154. [email protected] [email protected] Expeditionary Times, HHC 13th ESC, APO 139th MPAD Commander For online publication visit: AE 09391. Web site at www.dvidshub.net 139th MPAD Staff Writers Capt. Brad Sinkler Sgt. Ryan Twist www.dvidshub.net [email protected] [email protected] keyword: Expeditionary Times

Contact the Expeditionary Times staff at: 139th MPAD First Sergeant Spc. John Stimac [email protected] 1st Sgt. Aangi Mueller [email protected] [email protected]

Mission Statement: The Expeditionary Times Staff publishes a weekly newspaper with the primary mission of providing command information to all service members, partners, and Families of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) team and a secondary mission of providing a means for units on Joint Base Balad to disseminate command information to their audiences. August 26, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 3 The Weekly Standard

Subm i t t e d b y Lt. Co l . Re g i n a l d Ho w a r d the information campaign initiated by our prede- and welcome your input through our NIPR e-mail 13t h ESC Co mm a n d In sp e c t o r Ge n e r a l cessor. Our goal is to help educate and enlighten at [email protected]. the great Soldiers and leaders of the 13th ESC on I’d like to use this edition to briefly introduce you the multitude of regulations, policies, and trends to your 13th ESC IG team. Our Soldiers not sta- “If you can’t apply the standard to everyone, you impacting our units every day. Along with several tioned on one of the below COLs can call the Joint cannot apply the standard to anyone.” other outlets and events, the IG will utilize “The Base Balad number to have their issue addressed. Weekly Standard” to address various topics on a Our new team includes LTC Paul Bird of the Mis- weekly basis. You can expect to see information sissippi ARNG, 155th HBCT and MAJ Jeffrey Welcome to “The Weekly Standard,” the 13th ESC regarding such issues as promotions, nonsupport, Copek of the Oregon ARNG, 41st IBCT. They are Inspector General’s weekly contribution to the awards, uniform policies, and many other “hot top- a welcome addition to the 13th ESC IG team as they “Expeditionary Times.” Your IG team will continue ics.” We will also attempt to answer your questions bring a wealth of knowledge about ARNG issues.

Q-West (16th SB): DSN 827-6115 Our organization is comprised of eleven Inspec- Joint Base Balad: DSN 433-2125 LTC Kyle Peterson tors General dispersed throughout the 13th ESC LTC Reginald Howard (Command Inspector Gen- Taji (10th SB/ 155 BCT): DSN 834-3079 area of operations with five offices; each one co- eral) LTC Timothy Norton/ LTC Paul Bird located with a Sustainment Brigade in order to MAJ Scott Peters (Deputy) Adder/Tallil (287th SB/ 41 BCT): DSN 833-1710 provide the command with the best possible sup- MSG Roy Thacker (NCOIC) LTC Melanie Meier/ MAJ Jeffrey Copek port. SFC Danilo Egudin Al Asad (321st SB): DSN 440-7049 SFC Javier Cruz SFC Tamera Wynn

ON THE WEB

http://www.hood.army.mil/13sce/ PAGE 4 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s August 26, 2009 Tuskegee ANG unit joins 332nd AEW

By Se n i o r Ai r m a n An d r i a J. Al l m o n d "The 100th FS is proud to be the first 332n d Ai r Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Wi n g Tuskegee Airmen squadron to be assigned Pu b l i c Af f a i r s to a Tuskegee Airmen group during this conflict," said Capt. Rich 'Sheriff' Peace, JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Two hundred and forty 100th FS F-16 pilot. "We look at this as members of the Alabama Air National a homecoming. We are also the first Guard's 100th Fighter Squadron joined Tuskegee fighter squadron to fly and fight the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing's op- in a combat zone since World War II." erations group last month. While this is the first time in Iraq for "Due to our high-speed training at the 100th FS, the unit was stationed at home station, we were abundantly JBB in 2006 under its previous nomen- prepared for this deployment," said Lt. Col. Scott clature. Patten, 100th FS commander. "We recently com- "We have deployed in support of Op- pleted a Green Flag West (close air support and pre- eration Iraqi Freedom in 2003, 2004 and cision-guided munitions delivery) exercise at Nellis in 2006 prior to us arriving back in-the- Air Force Base, and spin-up training at the Fort Ir- ater as the 100th FS. So, we have a lot of win (Calif.) range, giving our pilots some real-world deployment experience with this group. experience. Also, we have trained with servicemem- Most of these guys have been deployed six bers from Fort Benning (Ga.) and Ft. Bragg (N.C.), to eight times." some of whom are currently deployed to JBB." Like the historical squadron whose Originally named the 160th Fighter Squadron, the name and emblem they bear, the 100th unit deactivated in 2007 in order to immediately re- FS pilots are flying in support and protec- activate as the 100th Fighter Squadron, a Tuskegee tion of their own. Airmen unit that fought in World War II. "Day in and day out, we are taking off According to the protocol of transferring legacy, and supporting the group from the air, the honors bestowed upon a unit are attached to its providing close-air support for the Air name, so when a unit takes on the name of a deacti- Force, Army and Marine troops here in vated unit, they also acquire its history. Iraq." said Colonel Patten. "While the This deployment marks the first time the rela- original Tuskegee Airmen escorted their beled 100th Fighter Squadron will serve under the guys in the air to protect them, we sup- U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christopher Hubenthal 332nd Expeditionary Airlift Wing, a descendant of port our guys who are on the ground. If the original World War II Tuskegee unit, the 332nd they get in trouble, we're going to be there Lt. Col. Mitch Von Hoffman, with the Fighter Squadron, makes his Fighter Group. to protect them." way into the cockpit of an F-16 Fighting Falcon. JBB opens new respite for service members

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sp c . Li s a A. Co p e Expeditionary Times Staff

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) commanding general Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz and Air Force Brig. Gen. Craig A. Franklin, commander, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, cut a ceremonial ribbon to signify the opening of Red River Place behind Freedom Chapel, during a ceremony Aug. 17 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Red River Place will be open 24 hours a day to pro- Air Force Brig. Gen. Craig A. Fanklin, commander of vide service members a place to congregate, recuper- the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, Army Brig. Gen. ate from the daily stress of their missions and relax. Paul L. Wentz, commanding general of the 13th Sus- “We’re excited about it because it gives people an- tainment Command (Expeditionary), and Air Force Col. other opportunity to relax and improve their quality of Jeff Swanson, senior chaplain for Joint Base Balad, life while they are here on Joint Base Balad,” said Air bow their heads during the invocation at the opening Force Lt. Col. F. Hodges Viccellio, deputy wing chap- of Red River Place Aug. 17 at JBB. lain, 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing. “It’s a great place to be, but it’s also a hard place to be.” River Place and filled them with thousands of books It was an engineering feat to get the trailers in and donated by U.S. citizens. leveled, establish electricity and get everything run- The Red Cross also supplied the facility with care ning, said Col. Jeff Swanson, senior chaplain for JBB, package items for service members, including drink also with the 332nd. mix, non-perishable food and hygiene items. “Red River Place was named by Soldiers to honor A mother from New Jersey made a special donation the crew of a (Boeing) CH-47 (Chinook) helicopter when she founded Operation Pillow, said Swanson. that crashed and killed seven crew members on a mis- Her son gave her the idea when he served in Iraq, he sion here in Iraq (in September 2008),” said Swanson. said. New Jersey organizations generated four truck- “Their call-sign on that particular mission was Red loads of pillows and the funds to have them delivered River 44, and so this ministry center is named in their to Iraq. honor to continue their legacy of service to Soldiers, The pillows line the tops of the bookshelves in Red Sailors, Airmen and Marines.” River Place, so any service member who needs a soft Red River Place is designed to provide a place for place to lay their head can have one. Soldiers to use the internet, watch a movie or gather to Swanson said he expects roughly 2,000 service -- Message from the U.S. Army Combat Readiness/Safety Center provide moral support for each other, said Swanson. members each month, with an increase as Red River Red Cross workers built eight bookshelves for Red Place becomes better known. August 26, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 5 41st IBCT takes charge of security at VBC

By Sp c . Co r y Gr o g a n , The 41st Brigade BDOC’s responsibilities include “Any other technology we have merely sup- UPAR, monitoring and reacting to issues involving entry con- plements that.” 41s t IBCT trol points, watch towers, indirect fire and personnel Sgt. 1st Class Darin Rhodes, battle noncommis- trying to gather information about the base. sioned officer for the BDOC said it is very important BAGHDAD — Members of the Oregon National Lt. Col. Marty Mote, chief of staff for the BDOC, everyone working in the BDOC maintains a high level Guard’s 41st Infantry Brigade Combat said the BDOC is in charge of physical security for all of awareness at all times. Team will play an important role in pro- activities and people on the base, and that they are “Whether it is a rehearsal or a real-world situation, tecting service members over the next examining lessons learned while constantly looking everyone is always professional and focused,” said year at Victory Base Complex in Bagh- for more efficient and effective ways to accomplish Rhodes. “We have to react quickly and be able to stay dad. the mission. calm in chaotic situations.” An element from the brigade will be “We have to maintain awareness at all times and Lt. Col. Ken Nygren, the 41st’s force protection and in charge of security, as well as the base defense op- use all of the systems at our disposal,” said Mote. access control director for VBC, said the process of erations center at VBC. “There’s a lot of communication and cooperation in- moving equipment on and off base is a huge job alone, Col. Eric Bush, the BDOC commander, said the unit volved.” because the pace at which people want to move is of- has a significant amount of responsibility because the The human element is important in BDOC opera- ten faster than the pace allowed to maintain security. bases they are in charge of surround the Baghdad In- tions, as coordinating actions over large space is chal- Everyone is working hard to maintain a balance be- ternational Airport, holding roughly 65,000 residents lenging, Mote said. tween efficiency of movement and security, he said. within a 45-mile perimeter. “It is imperative that communication is very clear “We have a very talented group of people who work “The base is a very important strategic hub for op- and concise because misunderstandings can poten- well together and our job is to synchronize their effort erations in Iraq,” said Bush. tially result in very bad consequences,” said Mote. so things go smoothly,” said Nygren. Command sergeant major strives to mentor Soldiers diers is the best part of his job. majority of it is really good “We’re just cranking “The Soldiers who are most stuff. We’re doing stuff to help out a great product,” he likely to be in a situation where accomplish America’s goals said. “The vast majority they need help are the lower en- and to help make America and of our men and women listed guys and that’s the bread the world a better place.” are becoming wonder- and butter of the Army,” said Good leadership is the key ful citizens, who are Foesch. “If we don’t take care element in developing young great Soldiers and lead- of those guys, we won’t be able men and women into mature ers.” to do our mission.” adults, Foesch said. Foesch went on to Foesch said he believes de- “Right now we’re their mom say,“I have nothing but St o r y a n d Ph o t o ployments can and should be and dad, and their brothers and the utmost respect for By Sp c . Co r y Gr o g a n , a positive experience for Sol- sisters,” said Foesch. “That's these (Soldiers) that UPAR, diers. huge.” are out there everyday 41s t IBCT Deployments are what in- Foesch thinks the men and with body armor on, dividuals make them, he said. women from the 41st will be carrying their weapons BAGHDAD — Command Sgt. If the command creates a good assets to their states when re- in very austere environ- Maj. Robert Foesch, climate, most people will im- turning home because they ments, having a positive 41st Infantry Bri- prove. have developed leadership and attitude.” gade Combat Foesch said Soldiers need to decision-making skills in this Foesch hopes peo- Team, base de- know there are opportunities stressful environment. ple look at the sacrifices fense operation to keep themselves occupied Foesch has been in the Na- young Guardmembers center sergeant and productive. Furthering tional Guard almost 23 years, are making to ensure major for Vic- their education and developing and said it has become a much everyone in the U.S. is tory Base Complex, lights up their bodies and minds are just more professional organization, safe. Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Foesch of with pride when talking about a few, he said. where young enlisted Soldiers, “Truly, I feel like that Portland, Ore., the 41st Infantry Bri- his enlisted Soldiers. “I look at it as an adventure,” as well as young and senior is a part of this whole gade Combat Team’s base defense Foesch, a Portland Ore. na- said Foesch. “There’s stuff that NCOs are capable of making thing,” said Foesch. operation center sergeant major for tive, said he is the voice of the you never would have done if huge decisions that used to be “Everyone should be the Victory Base Complex, believes enlisted members and the com- you weren’t in the Army—some only in officers’ sphere of influ- proud of them. I know deployments can be a positive experi- mander, but taking care of Sol- of it’s not so great, but the vast ence. I am.” ence for Soldiers.

SHOUT OUT!!!

Contact the Expeditionary Times for more information. E-mail: [email protected] PAGE 6 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s August 26, 2009 Washington D.C. National Guard Protects and Serves 13th ESC

St o r y a n d p h o t o b y Sp c . Na v e e d Al i Sh a h Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – At the most basic level, Soldiers live, fight and sometimes die in close-knit fire teams. For one team, holding a life in their hands and protecting it is just another part of their job. Roughly 60 percent of the 13th Sus- tainment Command (Expeditionary) is made up of National Guard and Re- serve component Soldiers. However, one platoon of Guardsmen from the United States’ capitol does not just sustain the fight; they protect and serve. The 547th Transportation Com- pany’s second platoon, Washington D.C. National Guard, was tasked with providing a personal security detail for the commanding general of the 13th ESC during the unit’s tour here at Joint Base Balad. “Due to the law enforcement back- ground of many Soldiers, during our initial train-up, our platoon was select- ed to provide the PSD for the CG,” said 1st Lt. Connor Norris, the PSD platoon Allan Tiffany debriefs Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, the commanding general of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and leader with the 547th Trans. Co., 49th Soldiers with the Personal Security Detachment from the Washington D.C. Army National Guard’s 547th Transportation Company, Transportation Battalion. following Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle rollover training. The PSD and their principles – the commanding general, the During the unit’s mobilization train- deputy commander, and the command sergeant major of the 13th ESC – conducted the training together to get to know each other ing at Camp Shelby, Miss., they were here at Joint Base Balad Aug. 17. augmented by Soldiers from the 155th Armored Brigade, Mississippi National These myriad training events focused tated, but I decided to volunteer to go The unit works as a team, so day-to- Guard. Many of the Soldiers, from both primarily on the principle. again anyway.” day operations are often entrusted to Washington D.C. and Mississippi, vol- “If something happens, it’s every- Curtis said he knows all too well the junior leaders, the sergeants and unteered for this deployment. body’s job to react and to get the prin- the luck of war. He sees wounded war- staff sergeants, Tarver said. “We’re like a small family now,” said ciple out; that is the mission,” said riors on a daily basis at Walter Reed “I am very pleased with these guys,” Sgt. 1st Class Aaron Tarver, a platoon Tarver. “These guys know it’s all about Army Medical Center, where he is em- said Tarver. “They do a little bit of ev- sergeant and augmented Soldier from protecting the principle, they know ployed as a security officer. Every day erything and they’re really doing a the 155th, on his third deployment to what that means.” he stands watch as Soldiers who have great job.” the Persian Gulf region. In today’s all-volunteer force, Sol- suffered the horrors of war go through Norris said he agreed with his coun- During their initial training, the diers consistently choose to stay in the the revolving door – some with wounds terpart. newly formed PSD platoon focused on Army despite the deployments, hard- clearly visible, others whose pain is be- “They’re truly a great group,” Norris teamwork to accomplish their mission, ships and dangers of military life. The low the surface, but just as profound, said. “They just make my job easy.” said Tarver, a Poplarville, Miss. native. Soldiers of the PSD are no different in he said. Even with such a high-visibility mis- “When we first met, we didn’t know their values. “Working there makes me appreci- sion, the officers, commissioned and each other, but now we all work togeth- “I could be at Walter Reed if some- ate everything I have,” he said. “That’s noncommissioned, never lose sight of er pretty well,” he said. thing were to go wrong here,” said Spc. why I decided to volunteer for this de- the future: those junior Soldiers who The platoon underwent training to James Curtis, a truck driver with the ployment.” look to them for leadership. Curtis said learn how to protect individuals they PSD platoon from the Washington D.C. The all-volunteer force is an envi- he appreciates this commitment. refer to as the principle. They also National Guard, who is on his second ronment conducive to the training and “I’m pretty impressed to be sur- trained on mounted and dismounted deployment. “I was lucky the first time. development of junior leaders in the rounded by so much experience,” said operations, reflexive fire, movement I thought to myself, ‘Curtis you may PSD to be the future, senior leaders of Curtis. “We really came together as a under fire and reacting under fire. not be as lucky the next time.’ I hesi- the unit because they want to be here. family and I trust these guys.” Do you have a story idea? Contact us at: [email protected] August 26, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 7 402nd AFSB gets new commander Check

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y CHUsdays Sp c . Li s a A. Co p e Each Tuesday Check The Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f Following JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Lt. Col. in Your CHU Garry B. Bush took command of the 2nd Bat- talion, 402nd Army 1. Power strips are free of Field Support Brigade debris and clothing 2. Electrical devices not in Aug. 19, replac- use are unplugged ing outgoing com- 3. Power strips and outlets mander Lt. Col. are not overloaded Joe L. Hart dur- 4. Smoke detector is opera- ing a change of command ceremony at tional the unit’s headquarters on Joint Base 5. Fire extinguisher is ser- viceable (in the green) Balad. 6. Room is neat and or- Hart will be reassigned to the Pen- derly tagon where he will be the Assistant to the Director of the Army Staff. Bush, a native of Tecumseh, Mich., holds a Bachelor of Science from Mich- igan State University and a master’s degree from Central Michigan Univer- sity. He received his commission as a field artillery officer in 1987. He later Col. Brian R. Haebig, commander of the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade, passes the completed the ordnance officer transi- 2nd Battalion, 402nd AFSB flag to Lt. Col. Garry B. Bush to symbolize the beginning of tion course in 1993 and the combined his command, at a change of command ceremony Aug. 19 at the unit’s headquarters on logistics officer advanced course in Joint Base Balad. 1994. The ceremony was teleconferenced and a great logistician,” said Haebig. in the history of the Army, valued at back to Bush’s home in Iowa, so his “He is experienced in training and $17.2 billion. wife and two children could watch as combat. He knows his craft and he un- In his speech, Bush quoted Henry he took command of his battalion. derstands property accountability and Ford. Col. Brian R. Haebig, presiding offi- the importance of velocity and retro- “If everyone is moving forward to- cer at the ceremony and commander of grade.” gether, then success takes care of it- the 402nd AFSB, praised Bush for his All of these abilities will aid Bush self,” he said. “I’m confident that we, expertise and experience in his field. as he assumes command of a unit that the 2nd battalion, will find that success “(Bush) is an ammunition expert manages the largest property book … as we move forward into history.” Counter IED train-the-trainer St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t or area security Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f operations, to no- tice indicators of JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Soldiers from Head- IEDs and keep quarters and Headquarters Company, themselves and lo- 155th Brigade Combat Team, quali- cal nationals safe fied at Debro Range for the counter- from the actions of improvised explosive device Level insurgents in the III training Aug. 20, at Joint Base area,” said Nave- Balad. jas. C-IED Level III is a train-the- Staff Sgt. Doug- trainer program, which teaches las Hall, with the Soldiers how to teach other Soldiers to be instruc- 107th Cavalry Reg- tors for the C-IED Level II course. Level II training iment’s B Troop, is a Multi-National Corps – Iraq requirement and 2nd Squadron, provides important information to Soldiers who said the training regularly go outside the wire. has made the over- Air Force Staff Sgt. Anthony Navejas, with the all mission safer. It 532nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron has given the Sol- Quick Reaction Force, said he assists the Task Force diers a new view on Troy instructors who run the range and helps them current IED activ- train new instructors. ity in their sector, “What we do out here is show them how to run he said. Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 155th Brigade Combat Team, listen an IED course and set up indicators as they are used “The training to the instructor during the counter-improvised explosive device Level III training at Debro outside the wire,” said Navejas. “We also set up a covers … tactics, Range, Aug. 20 here on Joint Base Balad. scan lane for when individuals are conducting dis- techniques and mounted route sweeps.” procedures we can use to counteract the enemy as level III standards and ensure they, in turn, teach Navejas said students drive through an instruc- well as the devices that we will find out there and Soldiers C-IED Level II. tor-engineered IED course designed according to the methods they will use to employ those IEDs,” “The more people that get trained up on this, the the latest information from the area of operation to said Hall. more people that become trained instructors and familiarize students. Maj. Derek Holland, the C-IED officer for the can go back to their units and instruct their troops “It is very important for individuals running brigade staff of the 155th BCT, said it is his job to how to do the same thing; how to find things they outside the wire, whether they’re running convoy ensure the noncommissioned officers are trained to didn’t know that existed out there,” said Navejas. PAGE 8 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s August 26, 2009 Navy Customs speeding up redeployment process

By Sg t . Ke i t h S. connexes are properly cleaned, across from the PAX terminal, Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g said Bridges. or arrange to have a team of in- Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f “Our main goal is to keep spectors work at the unit’s own things sterile,” said Bridges. site. JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq Hartford said this also aids “The whole thing is custom- – Going through in pest control. er service,” he said. customs can be a “It’s important to painful process for clean all the dirt and redeploying ser- residue in the connex vice members, and tape up the vents but thanks to to prevent critters Sailors at Joint from getting in,” he Base Balad, that process is a said. little bit easier. Hartfort said The Navy Expeditionary Lo- units often think the gistics Support Group, D Com- inspectors are just pany, works with redeploy- looking for contra- ing units to provide customs U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Petty Officer 2nd Class Jimmie Crockett band, but a large part inspections before they reach of the inspection is Navy Customs inspectors provide an amnesty brief to Kuwait, so service members to make sure no dirt redploying Soldiers prior to inspecting the unit’s equipment can get home sooner. or insects from Iraq for prohibited items. “It cuts the work in half make it to the United down in Kuwait,” said Petty Petty Officer 2nd Class David part to make it go even faster, States as they could Officer 2nd Class Brandon W. Hartford, a native of Bruns- Bridges said. damage the ecosys- Bridges, a native of Fort Ash- wick, Maine. Units should contact Navy tem. by, W. Va. “With the number of Hartford said customs Customs at 443-6411, and “Our goal is to U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communications Petty Officer 2nd Class Jimmie Crockett people there, it’s a big deal.” agency employees in Kuwait schedule an inspection for sev- protect the U.S. from Bridges, a customs inspec- sometimes randomly inspect en to 10 days before they are harmful and intru- tor with the Naval Reserves, 10 percent of a unit’s equip- scheduled to fly out and pro- sive entities,” said said once a unit’s connexes ment, but mostly they simply vide a point of contact in case Hartford. have been inspected for con- verify that the numbers on the of scheduling conflicts or flight Bridges said units Sailors from D Company of the traband, they stay sealed until seals match those on the pa- changes, said Bridges. can either bring con- Navy Expeditionary Logistics Sup- they reach their final destina- perwork. On the day of inspection, nexes and equipment port Group perform full inspections tion. While the inspectors work units should prepare at least to the B6 Navy Cus- of equipment and personal items “For the most part, if we in- to make the inspection process 30 minutes in advance by pull- toms inspection cen- for redeploying units so they do spect it here, they won’t (re) as quick and easy as possible, ing all equipment out of the ter at JBB, located on not have to go through a detailed inspect it (in Kuwait),” said redeploying units can do their connexes and making sure the All American Drive, inspection in Kuwait. Reduction in force means reduction in ammo St o r y a n d p h o t o b y Because of The process of ammo being redistributed through- Sp c . Jo h n M. St i m a c the new role of out theater starts with the pre-pull section, said Spc. Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f Coalition forces Miciah Smith, a pre-pull operator and East Orange, after the imple- N.J. native. JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The 23rd Ordnance Com- mentation of the “We pick up the paperwork, pull the ammo that is on pany out of Grafenwoehr, Germany, contin- security agree- the paperwork, palletize and set it up so that each unit ues to assist with the withdrawal of Class V ment and the that requires ammo can get it,” said Smith. “Then we ammunition at Joint Base Balad, as MNC-I drawdown of send it to the mini-berm where it is prepared and ready prepares to make reductions for the re- U.S. forces from for shipping.” sponsible drawdown of personnel and Iraq, the need Sgt. Jesse Payton, the 23rd’s turn-in section sergeant equipment in Iraq. for this ammo from Penn Lake, Pa., said if a unit has ammo they do The mission of the 23rd Ord. Co. is has decreased. Sgt. Scott T. Henne, the mini- not want, they turn it in to him. The useable ammo gets to provide ammunition support to 16 locations through- This does not berm noncommissioned officer repackaged, and Kellogg, Brown and Root Inc. contrac- out Iraq for Coalition forces. mean all the in charge, and Robert L. Brooks, tors determine if it can be kept. The ammo then goes The unit’s executive officer, 1st Lt. Hunter J. Berg, ammo is being material handler, prepare ordnance into a connex and waits in the CSA for redistribution. said the ammunition is moving out of Iraq to Kuwait shipped back to to be shipped out of Iraq to sup- “We make sure that the counts of ammo are right and Afghanistan. the U.S., how- port Operation Enduring Freedom and we deal with all kinds of ammo, from small arms to “Basically, we are taking the (unneeded) items out of ever. Now, it is in Afghanistan. 2 3/4 inch rocket rounds,” said Payton. “The unservice- our inventory here and sending it to somebody else’s,” turned in by re- able rounds are shipped to a different post, to an explo- said Berg. deploying units leaving theater, inspected and sent to sive ordnance disposal team, where the rounds will get In May, the 23rd completed the largest retrograde areas where the need for ammo is greater. detonated.” mission the Corps Storage Area has experienced in its “The 23rd Ordnance Company maintenance section With the 23rd’s deployment drawing to a close in six-year history. Second platoon leader, 1st Lt. Terrence has also been doing its part by saving over $68 million October, Berg said he is proud of his Soldiers’ work in S. Flanagan, said roughly 50 storage containers, both by consolidating and identifying bench stock items and Iraq. 20 and 40 foot connexes, were loaded and shipped to returning them to the Class IX supply system,” said “In my 19 years of service, these are the most hard- Kuwait, containing more than $16 million of ammuni- Flanagan. working Soldiers that I have had under my command,” tion, reducing the Class V ammunition total in Iraq by After rounds are turned in by units, they are inspect- said Berg. “My (noncommissioned officers) make my nearly 20 percent. ed, repackaged and sent to the pre-pull operators. job easy. They are the ones that make it happen.” August 26, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 9 Navy Customs speeding up 377th Theater Sustainment Command commander visits JBB St o r y a n d p h o t o s b y redeployment process Sp c . Jo h n M. St i m a c Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Maj. Gen. Luis R. Visot, commanding general of the 377th Theater Sustainment Command out of New Orleans, toured the 13th Sustainment Command (Expedition- ary) logistic facilities and talked to leaders and Soldiers Aug. 20 at Joint Base Balad. Following a meeting between Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, commanding general of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), Visot began his tour. The conversation was focused on the drawdown in logistic and personnel forces from Iraq in the next year. One unit visited, the 80th Ordnance Battalion out of Fort Lewis, Wash., is preparing for a busy year due to, in large part, the ongoing drawdown. The 80th’s mission is to provide logistic support to Multi-National Corps – Iraq forces by operating major distribution activities on JBB at the corps storage area, joint distribution center, central Maj. Gen. Luis R. Visot, commanding general, 377th Theater Sustainment Command, congratulates newly pro- receiving and shipping point and the for- moted Spc. Joshua Lytle, 910th Quartermaster Company, during a ceremony at the forward redistribution point ward redistribution point. warehouse Aug. 20. Visot came to JBB to tour the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) facilities and met Additionally, the 80th provides main- its Soldiers. tenance as well as water and cargo han- dling support at contingency operating Visot then toured the CRSP yard and pinning rank on three Soldiers from the The day ended with a dinner in which locations throughout the 13th’s area of talked to leaders of the 159th Seaport 910th Quartermaster Company, out of Visot addressed the guests. operation. Operations Company out of Fort Story, Ardmore, Okla., who were recently pro- “The reward for all your hard work is “We are trying to bring as much of the Va. He also handed out several com- moted. He said he was glad to spend being able to come home to your family logistic assets on JBB home as possible mand coins to Soldiers at the CRSP yard quality time with the Soldiers because it and loved ones and knowing that you to assist with the reduction of force,” said for their hard work and dedication to the shows that senior officers have not for- have made a difference in the sovereign Maj. Bryan W. Ryder, executive officer of mission. gotten what the Soldiers do in theater. country of Iraq,” he said. the 80th, during his visit with Visot. The visit was highlighted by Visot “I’ll take a lot out of my visit to JBB,” In keeping with the theme for 2009 as said Visot. “The most helpful part is rec- the year of the noncommissioned officer, ognizing the tremendous challenge that Visot encouraged all NCOs to continue to we have as logisticians. It helps to raise coach, teach, mentor, train and lead. the situational awareness back in the “Recognize the importance of value states and helps me prepare for the next each Soldier brings, and remember that unit’s scope of responsibility as they get each person has volunteered to enlist and ready to deploy into theater.” that adds value to the Army,” he said.

Maj. Gen. Luis R. Visot, commanding general of the 377th The- ater Sustainment Command out of New Orleans, and Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, commanding general, 13th Sustain- ment Command (Expeditionary), greet members (Left to right) Maj. Michelle K. Donahue, 80th Ordnance Battalion, sup- of the 13th dur- port operations officer, Maj. Gen. Luis R. Visot, commanding general, ing a logistics 377th Theater Sustainment Command, Lt. Col Chris Mohan, command- meeting at JBB er, 80th Ord. Bn. and 1st Lt. Spencer R. Taylor, Forward Redistribu- Aug. 20 tion Point accountable officer, 910th Quartermaster Company. Visot receives a brief from Taylor concerning accountable items at the FRP. PAGE 10 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s August 26, 2009 Q-West Mayor enforces no cell phone order tioned, discrepancies in their stories concerning where the cell phone was pur- By Ca p t . Mu r r a y Sh u g a r s , chased exposed their dishonesty, said Capt. Allen Legere, a Gulfport, Miss., UPAR, 2/198t h CAB native and the officer in charge of Q-West retail operations. Legere, with the 2/198th CAB, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, out of Senatobia, CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q-WEST, Iraq —Officials fired three Miss., is responsible for preparing all cell phone memoranda for vendors. Turkish vendors and an Iraqi interpreter, and expelled them from “It’s a complicated story,” said Legere. “(The interpreter) had a memo that post for possessing contraband, at Contingency Operating Location allowed him to carry a cell phone for his job and he showed this memo to the Q-West Aug. 11. manager of a convenience store on post that stocked cell phones. (The vendor) Military police responded to a call from the business opera- had an outdated memo allowing the sale of cell phones to Soldiers. The manager tions section of the Mayor Cell and began an investigation that saw (the translator’s) memo and assumed everything was okay.” revealed an apparent conspiracy to purchase and register an un- The manager cooperated with military police, surrendering his memo along authorized cell phone. with 10 cell phones and nine memory cards to provost marshals. After examin- Three Turkish nationals who had recently arrived at Q-West, convinced an ing sales logs, provost marshals verified the interpreter purchased the phone. Iraqi interpreter to purchase the phone, which they insisted was for business The vendor is not under investigation, according to the Provost Marshal’s of- purposes only. fice. Cell phones are among contraband items listed in the Mayor’s policy mem- “Basically, one cell phone caused them all to lose their jobs,” said Sgt. 1st orandums of prohibited items. The policy applies to all foreign nationals and Class Kenneth E. Guess, a military police officer with the 2/198th CAB and a na- Iraqis who work at, or visit Q-West. tive of Nettleton, Miss. “Once they were found guilty, the badging office revoked Furthermore, the policy states U.S. Soldiers and Department of Defense per- their resident and work privileges, and none of them will be able to get a job with sonnel are “prohibited from selling, giving, transferring, holding, or purchasing Coalition forces anywhere.” these items for (local nationals or foreign nationals).” Lt. Col. William B. Smith, Jr., the Q-West Mayor, with the 2/198th CAB and Cell phones and other information storage and transmittal devices are strictly a native of Hattiesburg, Miss., said he is concerned other local and foreign na- controlled because insurgents can use them against Coalition forces, said Capt. tionals may possess contraband. He has issued new memoranda clarifying the Bryan K. Sullins, intelligence officer for the 2/198th Combined Arms Battalion. policy. “Prohibiting such items helps us maintain security and operational secrecy,” “These men didn’t seem to realize the seriousness of their actions,” said Smith. said Sullins, a native of Hernando, Miss. “Protection of Coalition forces and operational security are paramount. Such be- The men attempted to register the unauthorized cell phone and, when ques- havior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.” Sustainers learn to use MRAPs By Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o use the vehicle properly,” said Lloyd be trained in MRAP maintenance and the MRAPs problems first hand with Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f Sherouse, an instructor at the MRAP operations to provide support for units the assistance of the instructors. site. Drivers are familiarized with oper- and convoys at JBB and out in the field. “The (Soldiers) go out there like an JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The mili- ating the MRAPs in both day and night At this time, roughly 35 precent of augment work-force and assist them tary constantly fields new conditions, he said. the maintenance personnel in the 80th in their jobs, and at the same time they equipment to better serve Almost 50 percent of all MRAP ac- have been trained in MRAP mainte- can put out more equipment because the Warfighter, which re- cidents are rollovers, caused by one of nance and operation, said Bergstrom. they have two people working on the quires adaptability and three things: maneuvers of the driver, Soldiers benefit from their civilian same vehicle, rather than just one,” said aptitude from the Sol- road collapse and sudden impact. The instructor’s experience and expertise. Bergstrom. diers who must learn MRAP operator’s course works to miti- “The civilians teach the Solders new The MRAP site orders, repairs and how to use it. gate the chances of a rollover by teach- things that expand their knowledge and installs whatever is needed to get the Provider Soldiers are learning how to ing Soldiers how to properly drive the give them confidence while working on vehicle mission ready. operate and maintain the latest in mili- vehicle. the MRAPs,” said Bergstrom. Repair time depends on the severity tary vehicles here at Joint Base Balad. “When they go out and do the road The MRAP repair team also address- of the issue, but the MRAP site pushes The Mine Resistant Ambush Pro- tests they drive on JBB, and if they can es issues that may arise during convoys, to have the vehicle ready within 60 tected vehicle provides unprecedented navigate through the streets of JBB, from simply patching up a broken air days, said Brotherwood. protection from roadside bombs for they can pretty much do the same out in conditioner to refurbishing a battle- “We go through all the Army chan- the Soldiers who use them. With a con- the Iraqi community,” said Chief War- damaged vehicle. nels to get parts,” said Dwayne Wright, sortium of new models now hitting the rant Officer 3 Colin Bergstrom, support Convoys passing through Joint Base a resource production manager. “We’ll ground, Provider Soldiers are working operations officer, 80th Ordnance Bat- Balad can stop and receive repairs in go through the Forward Resource Point hand-in-hand with civilian contractors talion. order to return the MRAP to mission and get the parts we need to get those to learn the ins and outs of their new In addition to the operator’s course, capable status, said Herb Brotherwood, MRAPS running again.” ride. there is a 40-hour maintenance course Balad MRAP site manager. “We’re here for the soldiers and here “Through a 40-hour operator’s to train mechanics on the MRAPs. During training, the Soldiers get on- to support the Warfighters,” Wright course, Soldiers learn how to drive and The 80th Ord. Bn. sends Soldiers to the-job experience and learn how to fix said.

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TOP FROM PAGE 1 difficulties associated with leaders to apologize to Sol- ing engaged with our Soldiers initiated because many resi- long deployments, including diers if they are wrong or too and are continuing our mis- dents in Zahko cannot afford stress center, convoy support suicides and assaults, and the harsh. sion,” said Spencer. “The visit health care nor have access to center, dental clinic and edu- importance of Soldier care and “The problem is that many allows him to get a true picture it, and many existing facilities cation center. leadership engagement. leaders can’t do that,” Wilson of the status of our Soldiers need renovated. Wilson and Spencer then “We have all kinds of things said. “They think that it is a and assess any changes in the Wilson and Basil also dis- convoyed to Habur Gate to going on in the Army because sign of weakness. Only ego- operational environment.” cussed long-term relations in speak with the unit’s Logistics someone didn’t want to inter- maniacs look at themselves as While he was in the area, the largely Kurdish area. Task Force - A, 16th Special vene,” Wilson said. being weak.” Wilson also visited with the “Our request is that (the Troops Battalion. Wilson said long deploy- Wilson stressed the impor- deputy mayor of Zahko, Dr. U.S. Army) remains part- The small group of Soldiers ments can be difficult for Sol- tance of putting Soldiers first. Joqidarweash Basil. Basil is ners and friends,” said Basil, at Habur Gate maintains one diers, so it is important for “I’m where I’m at because also the mayor of Dahuk, a through a translator. of a handful of points of en- non-commissioned officers to of you,” Wilson said. “If you nearby community. Wilson also said he hoped try into Iraq. Habur Gate is a stay engaged in their lives. lead with your heart you’ll al- The two discussed the con- to continue the great relation- convoy staging facility on the “Why am I telling you all ways be right.” struction of Zahko Emergency ship the Army has with com- Turkish border near the Iraqi this?” Wilson asked. “Because This was the second trip for Hospital. The $2.9 million fa- munities in northern Iraq. town of Zahko. It is the second I was once a private. I was Wilson to Q-West and Habur cility, a Gulf Region Division, “We hope that with the Stra- busiest point of entry into Iraq once a sergeant. Every time Gate to visit the Soldiers of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers tegic Framework Agreement, and a hub for goods coming you talk to a warrior, always 16th Sust. Bde. in Iraq project, is slated for a long-term global strategic into the country from Turkey. go back and evaluate what you “It’s just reinforcement to completion in October. partnership with Iraq, that Wilson spoke with LTF - A said.” him, as the senior enlisted ad- According to information we’ll have that relationship for Soldiers and leaders about the Wilson said it is OK for viser in Iraq, that we are stay- from the GRD, the project was a long time,” Wilson said.

HOME FROM PAGE 1 may have long-reaching effects even during peacetime. Colonel Jordan said he esis lab ensures there are enough bags hopes the Iraqi people eventually start ready whenever they're needed. using platelets at their own hospitals. "So many people are willing to donate "I truly believe (U.S. military forces) because they want to do something to being here has allowed us the chance to help their fellow servicemembers," said set a good example to the Iraqi people, Master Sgt. Phillip Monk, NCO in charge especially in how we view war," said of aphaeresis operations. "Their contri- Colonel Jordan. "The U.S doesn't believe bution goes right into action and is used in throwing our troops out there saying, right here to save lives." 'Just get out there and fight.' We want to In order to meet the in-theater de- make sure our folks return home to their mands, the lab must collect approxi- families. Platelets help our folks live, they mately nine bags of platelets each day. help bring them home.” This equates to scheduling 10 patients daily. Senior Airman Brenton Swift, 332nd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Since the AFTH provides the same Squadron aircraft armament systems quality of care regardless of national- journeyman, watches as Staff Sgt. Mi- ity or combative status, platelets have chael Hebron, 332nd Expeditionary also helped Iraqi citizens. The benefit Medical Support Squadron aphaeresis of platelets, introduced by U.S. military technician, monitors the needle inser- forces during Operation Iraqi Freedom, tion site during a platelet donation at the Air Force Theater hospital here. PAGE 12 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s August 26, 2009 37th Engineer Battalion keeping streets safe

St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y Sg t Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Soldiers from the 37th Engineer Battalion’s A Company, second platoon, put themselves in harm’s way every day, giving the Iraqi population and Coalition forces peace of mind when they travel the roads surrounding Joint Base Balad. Patrolling routes much slower than a standard convoy, the engineers on these route-clearance missions observe the terrain and villages for the most minute changes, which could indicate a possible improvised explosive device or ambush site. “We try and collect as much as we can about the local population,” said Sgt. 1st Class Chad Etzel, platoon sergeant of second platoon. Etzel, a Houston native on his third deployment to Iraq, said his convoy has to move slowly enough to pick up every little detail. “The little things merge into a big picture,” said Etzel. “It might be that little thing that matters in the end.” First Lt. Jonathan McCloud, the platoon leader of second platoon, said the team can interrogate suspects and confirm IEDs without leaving their vehicles. “We’re not your traditional route-clearance team,” he said. McCloud said they have the technology and equipment, and his Soldiers have the skills and expertise to find IEDs, but still rely on other teams to analyze and disarm or dispose of more complex devices. “We refer some expertise to EOD, just like everyone else.” A Soldier with A Co. prepares the turret on his vehicle before heading out to search for improvised explosive devices near Joint Base Balad. McCloud said the Iraqi Army is taking a larger role in these types of operations, and their presence is eye and knowledge of the local area is the most im- going to be trained on this until you get on the ground building confidence in their ability to take control as portant thing,” said McCloud. and do it.” Coalition forces execute the responsible drawdown of Etzel said Soldiers rely on their instincts and eyes McCloud said on a recent mission he thought troops from Iraq. just as much as their Iraqi counterparts. he saw some wire strewn across the road through “We may have the best equipment, but the human “There’s no book on this,” said Etzel. “You’re not his vehicle’s optics system. The closer they got, the

Spc. Gregory Lig- gins, a combat engineer with the 37th Engineer Battal- ion’s A Company, second platoon, loads the weapons system on a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle in preparation for a route-clearance mission.

Pfc. Michael Joseph, a combat engineer with second platoon, wash- es the windows on his vehicle before the night’s mission. August 26, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 13 37th Engineer Battalion keeping streets safe more he believed it was wire, until someone got close enough to see it without the optics. The supposed wire was actually just a stream of water, said McCloud. His team made fun of him for days after the incident, he said. Etzel said the teasing is how his Soldiers stay in the game. “There are long hours of boredom broken up by seconds of pure terror,” said Etzel. He said moments like McCloud’s phantom wire story occupy a very small fraction of mission time. Games and jokes are used to deal with the monoto- ny of long missions. “The intent is not to distract, but to keep us in the right mindset,” Etzel said. While Soldiers in some vehicles pass the time by teasing each other, Pfc. Michael Jo- seph, a combat engineer with A Co., plays A Soldier with A Co. prepares the turret on his vehicle before heading out to search for improvised explosive devices near Joint Base Balad. trivia games and tries to stump his battle buddies. “You’ve got to have fun with it,” said Joseph, as he prepared his vehicle to go out on another mission. “It keeps us awake, keeps us thinking and keeps us vigilant.”

Spc. Gregory Lig- gins, a combat engineer with the 37th Engineer Battalion’s A Company, second platoon, prepares the unmanned turret on an MRAP before heading out to clear improvised explosive devices from routes surrounding Pfc. Astain Dennis scans his sector for any signs of IEDs or a possible ambush, Joint Base Balad. during a route-clearance mission near Joint Base Balad. PAGE 14 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s August 26, 2009 Soldier deals with deployment with pen and ink

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Lead character Clive Corvax prepares said Griffin. “I’ve done 10 km runs and St a f f Sg t . Ke i t h M. An d e r s o n , to sever his ‘conscience’ in the climac- the 5 km fun runs, and I’d compare this UPAR tic pages of “The Warbling Cartel,” an deployment to running. It’s a challenge unpublished graphic novel by Spc. 16t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s to keep your rhythm and it’s a test of James L. Griffin, with Headquarters and endurance, and I’m sure it’ll feel great Headquarters Co., 16th Special Troops CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- when we’re finished.” Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade. TION Q-WEST, Iraq — One Griffin finished the novel while de- He has accomplished more than he Soldier at Contingency Op- ployed to Contingency Operating Loca- thought he could, Griffin said. erating Location Q-West tion Q-West, Iraq. “I’d compare the emotional expe- has used his art degree rience of this deployment to running and training to fulfill a hindered by it. Then he gets an aggres- farther than I’d previously thought pos- unique personal goal sive and violent artificial intelligence im- sible,” said Griffin. “This comic itself was during his 15-month deployment: to cre- planted into his left hand. more pages than any illustrated narra- ate a graphic novel. “And hi-jinks ensue,” said Griffin. tive work I’d ever done.” Spc. James L. Griffin, with Headquar- Griffin graduated in 2005 with a Griffin said he plans to publish the ters and Headquarters Company, 16th Bachelor of Fine Arts from Columbus novel, but not without further input and Special Troops Battalion, 16th Sustain- College of Art and Design, a private col- blessing from co-writer and co-creator ment Brigade, authored a pen-and-ink lege in Columbus, Ohio. He joined the Jess Hogfoss, a former comrade who is graphic novel, “The Warbling Cartel,” Army in March 2006. now in the private sector. for stress relief and artistic growth, he “I had student loans and no real job “I met (then Spc.) Hogfoss back when said. experience,” said Griffin. “Also, I wanted we were both in the 1st Armored Divi- “Part of my impetus for starting the to see the world.” sion,” said Griffin. “We hit it off almost book was because I knew I was going to Griffin said, to him, deploying is immediately and bonded over new-wave be out here for a while and didn’t want to The graphic novel focuses on Clive about keeping a rhythm and stretching and post-punk music as well as specula- let my artistic skills languish,” said Grif- Corvax, a character without a conscience. one’s self. tive fiction – all of which worked their fin, a native of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, on Corvax gets a conscience implanted in “I started running cross-country more way into the themes and aesthetics of his first deployment. his right hand, but becomes weak and regularly since I’ve joined the Army,” the comic as we imagined it.” Chris Barron and The Time Bandits rock Q-West St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y and what Soldiers do in Iraq. Ma j . Jo h n B. He r d , UPAR, “It was a great experience for myself 2/198t h CAB and my platoon to be able to share what we do with a great band,” said Sgt. 1st CONTINGENCY OPERATING LO- Class Dennis Adams, the platoon ser- CATION Q-WEST, Iraq — geant with A Co., 2/198th CAB, and a Chris Barron, former front native of Fulton, Miss. “For a short time man for the Spin Doctors we were able to forget that we were and The Time Bandits, away from friends and family.” performed two shows at Band members said they enjoyed the Contingency Operating opportunity to visit A Co.’s headquar- Location Q-West, Iraq, ters. Aug. 10 and 11. “I wish there was some way we could The band played a mix of Spin Doc- show our appreciation for the hospital- tors’ classics, as well as songs from the ity the troops showed us,” said John Time Bandits’ new album, “Pancho and Pahmer, the band’s bass player. “I will the Kid.” After the show, band mem- be bringing a new perspective home to bers talked to Soldiers, signed auto- share with my friends and family.” graphs and handed out copies of the Lead singer Chris Barron said he was new album. also glad for the opportunity to visit Q- Chris Barron, former front man for the Spin Doctors and the Time Bandits, per- Soldiers from A Company, 2/198th West and perform for Soldiers. forms for Soldiers at Contingency Operating Location Q-West, Iraq, Aug. 10. Bar- Combined Arms Battalion, a Missis- “I’m glad I had the privilege of being ron said he was glad he visited Q-West and performed for the Soldiers. “I’m glad sippi Army National Guard unit, also at Q West and witnessing the humanity, I had the privilege of being at Q-West and witnessing the humanity, cooperation spent time with band members, teach- cooperation and esprit de corps,” Bar- and esprit de corps,” Barron said. ing them about various Army weapons ron said. ‘If you can dodge a wrench, you can dodge a ball’ at Joint Base Balad took part in their often stressful work weeks, Spc. Allen Esposito, member St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y the 80th Ordnance Battalion’s said Sparks. of team “I’m On a Boat,” of Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o Joint Base Balad Dodgeball Sparks said dodgeball is a the 37th Engineers Battalion, Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f Tournament in the East Circuit way for service members to grabs a rolling dodgeball dur- Gym Aug. 15. decompress from day-to-day ingthe 80th Ordnance Bat- talion Dodgeball Tournament JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – “Dodgeball is a very coordi- missions, spend quality time held Aug. 15. It is the spirit of nated game,” said Staff Sgt. Ter- with their unit and build team competition ence Sparks, tournament coor- cohesion, all while getting good of the Average Joes. “It’s a good that drives Sol- dinator with the 80th Ord. Bn. physical training. morale boost and it makes be- diers to test “You have to have good eye and “If you can dodge a wrench, ing here better. It’s a good thing their limits hand coordination and be agile you can dodge a ball,” he said. they put together.” and push on your feet. You need cat-like Of all the teams that par- The 80th Ord. Bn. plans to themselves reflexes, kind of like a cheetah.” ticipated in the event, it was the hold other such events for the h a r d e r The tournament was held to Average Joes from the 37th En- morale and welfare of JBB ser- than their peers in sports – con- give service members at JBB gineer Battalion who took the vice members, to ease stress and tinuing the legacy of dodgeball. an afternoon to relax and enjoy trophy home at the end of the “This is a fun game,” said keep them ready for the mission Teams from the units serving their time during breaks from day. Pfc. Charles Carillo, a member at hand, said Sparks. 16th Sustainment Brigade “Knights” at COB Q-West http://www.16sustainment.army.mil/ August 26, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 15 The 402nd says a ‘Hart’-felt goodbye

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sp c . Li s a A. Co p e Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The 2nd of the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade held a farewell dinner to say good-bye to their commander, Lt. Col. Joe L. Hart, at the east morale, welfare and recreation center here at Joint Base Balad, Aug. 15. The event featured a buffet- style dinner and dessert, after which many members and groups of his command spoke about Hart and presented him with parting gifts. At the end of the ceremony, members of the Ugandan Christian Gospel Fellowship performed a traditional dance entitled “Jesus the Lion of Judea” in honor of Hart. Hart handed off his command to Lt. Col. Garry B. Bush, in a change of command ceremony held at the 2nd of the 402nd headquarters, Aug. 19. Before the ceremony, Hart was presented with a Bronze Star, the Army Combat Patch and was inducted by the United States Army Association of Quartermasters into the Distinguished Order of Saint Martin. Induction into the Distinguished Order of Saint Martin is reserved for individuals who have served Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Alister V. Mason presents Lt. Col. Joseph L. Hart with a painting of himself as a in the Quartermaster Corps for at least 10 years and parting gift, at his farewell dinner at the Joint Base Balad east morale welfare and recreation center, Aug. 15. have been approved by the Quartermaster General. “He epitomizes the Army values and it’s never the guidance, the leadership and the mentorship I “I trusted each of you to get the job done, and that about him, it’s always about ensuring others are tak- needed.” is exactly what we did as a team,” said Hart. “I am en care of first,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Alister V. In his final comments to his unit, Hart praised proud of the fact that everyone had a position on the Mason. “He always took the time to provide me with their efforts over the past year. team and played like a first-round draft pick.” Casualty liaison team to leave Ibn Sina Hospital By Sp c . Br a n d y M. Ox f o r d Springfield, Ill., native. loop if anything happens. That’s speak, Smith said. National Corps – Iraq deputy Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f “By the nature of our job, it’s really our main purpose.” He said service members surgeon. Foe said the hospital more of a military function,” Every chain of command in should take seriously pre-mis- transition is one step in the pro- Smith said. “They’ll still have the Baghdad area calls regularly sion checks for identification cess of the responsible draw- BAGHDAD – Six Soldiers with their own patient administra- for status updates on their in- materials, to prevent delays in down of U.S. forces in Iraq. second platoon, tion section, but next-of-kin no- jured service members as well, their hospital processing and Although the whole team 623rd Casualty tification is a lot different in the he said. next-of-kin notification. Even may not leave for Sather at once, Liaison Team, military than on the civilian side “You see a little bit more without an identification card, their scheduled September 10th Sustain- of things. We’re the first step than you’d expect when you are dog tag information enables move is part of the responsible ment Brigade, in the casing process whenever a paper pusher,” Smith said. “It the liaisons to pull up service drawdown of forces directed by at the 10th someone is injured in the line of wasn’t quite what I envisioned. members’ military and medical the security agreement, which Combat Sup- duty.” I’m glad to be doing it.” records from the military per- requires the roughly 130,000 port Hospi- Smith and five other casu- He said he loves the job be- sonnel office. troops in Iraq to be reduced to tal in Ibn Sina Hospital here are alty liaisons work one of three cause he works in a trauma cen- The liaisons will stay at Ibn roughly 50,000 by August 2010. scheduled to move with the 10th eight-hour shifts daily, with one ter in Baghdad and, even on the Sina until the last patient has Additionally, the number of ci- CSH to Sather Air Base, Iraq, in person working at all times to administrative side, his job gets been transferred or released and vilian contractors in country is September after the U.S. gives keep their operation running 24 as hectic as working directly control of the hospital given to slated to be reduced to roughly control of Ibn Sina to the Iraqi hours a day. with trauma-room patients. the Iraqi government, he said. 75,000. government. The liaisons submit reports “If everything’s going fine, The 623rd CLT is scheduled to Foe said the service members Unlike many of the jobs through defense casualty in- then we’re not doing anything,” return to the United States in facilitating this transition work tasked to the Iraqis, the 623rd’s tegrated personnel systems to said Smith. “If we’re bored … ev- December. to make it as seamless as pos- casualty liaisons perform mili- casualty and mortuary affairs, erybody’s happy.” Once the 10th CSH has tran- sible to further establish U.S. tary-specific tasks – facilitating which Smith said is the most es- One of the liaison’s greatest sitioned out of Ibn Sina, the hos- forces as good stewards in Iraq. the next-of kin notification pro- sential part of their job. challenges is identifying patients pital will close pending renova- “This has been a very unique cess, acting as a go-between for “That’s how the family gets who come to the hospital with- tions and reopening by the Iraqi experience as we’re giving back doctors and unit command staff, notified, by the reports that we out identification tags or cards, government, Smith said. a hospital out of the Interna- and initiating a patient case file generate,” Smith said. “We’re especially if those patients are The 10th CSH is scheduled to tional Zone to the government at the hospital, said Casualty here to make sure the next-of- not accompanied by members transition to Sather in Septem- of Iraq,” Foe said. “It’s been a Liaison Sgt. Craig M. Smith, a kin and the family are kept in the of their unit and are unable to ber, said Col. Jeff Foe, the Multi- learning experience.”

On the Web

16th Sustainment Brigade “Knights” at COB Q-West http://www.16sustainment.army.mil/ PAGE 16 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s August 26, 2009 August 26, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 17 Soldiers work with local nationals St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Zone and recycling center, another does Spc. George W. Pope-Reyes, a signal Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t security for the commanding general, system support specialist with the 547th Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f command sergeant major and VIP’s, and Transportation Company, and Spc. checks meeting locations. The third pla- Quentin Stewart, a motor transport op- JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Local na- toon handles security for the 13th Sus- erator with the 547th Trans. Co., wait for tionals from areas around tainment Command (Expeditionary) at the local nationals they will escort for the Department of Works program Aug. Joint Base Balad travel here the DPW and the joint operations center. 19 here on Joint Base Balad. every day to work with the “The overall mission is to in-process Department of Public the local nationals, get them to their job make a positive impression, despite the Works, enabling Sol- site, escort them to their details and mon- cultural barrier, said the 547th’s 1st Sgt., diers to focus on their itor them,” said Sgt. Megan M. Jackson, Terrance Smith. missions. a food services specialist with the 547th Jones, on his second deployment to Jackson said she no longer worries Soldiers of the 547th Transportation and escort for the DPW program. Iraq, said he likes to work with the local about going outside the gate, or knowing Company work alongside these local na- Pfc. Daniel A. Jones, a light wheel me- nationals on some of the jobs. He said what to expect. The job has increased her tionals up to three times a day around chanic with the 547th Trans. Co. and an when Soldiers work with the local nation- understanding of the Iraqi people and JBB. escort for the program, said the Soldiers als, the locals tend to work harder. their culture, she said. The 547th is split into platoons which escort the local nationals to ensure their Because Soldiers are the first to con- “I get to learn something out of my cover different areas of the base. One safety, as well as the safety and overall se- tact local nationals at the entry control scope of area,” said Jones. “I get to inter- platoon works security for the Iraqi Free curity of the base and equipment. point, they must act as liaisons and try to act with the civilians.” of the Week Topic Maintenance & Supply PAGE 18 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s August 26, 2009 Army, Air Force save $50 million for taxpayers

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sp c . Na v e e d Al i Sh a h Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – As most U.S. forces in Iraq prepare for the largest strategic re- posturing of forces in 40 years, Task Force 586 has already started the process. The Airmen of Task Force 586, 732nd Expeditionary Logis- tics Readiness Squadron, 13th Sustain- ment Command (Expeditionary), have been traveling throughout the Iraqi theater of operations, identifying, col- lecting and redistributing excess supply items since 2006. “Our main task is to retrieve excess equipment from Army and Marine locations in Iraq,” said Capt. Rachel Ra- mos, officer in charge, Mobile Redis- tribution Team 4, TF 586. Once excess is identified, the teams determine whether or not the material is in working condition. After the equipment is established as service- able, it is issued to units in theater. Reusing equipment which is already here on the ground is a cost effective Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, commanding general of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), addresses the officers, non- measure as opposed to units ordering commissioned officers and Airmen of Task Force 586 before presenting them with certificates of appreciation in recognition more material which will further clog of their accomplishments during their six-month tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. TF 586 identified, collected and up the supply system. redistributed $50 million in excess supplies since February. “Redistributing supply items and materials that are already in theater accomplish their mission. even more daunting challenges. the refit and redistribution chief with is much cheaper for everybody,” said “It was a rough mission, with the While the Airmen were stationed the 13th ESC. Tech. Sgt. Vick Williams, the noncom- sandstorms and heat and bare-bones at Joint Base Balad, the MRTs would The MRTs escalated their efforts missioned officer in charge of MRT 4. living conditions; it was tough,” said often pull back to back missions, leav- to retrograde material out of the Iraqi “It gets stuff that’s just sitting around Ramos, a Texas City, Texas, native. “On ing them little time to recover before theater, in anticipation of the draw- into the hands of Soldiers who can use top of the weather, some of these plac- heading outside the wire again. down. it.” es didn’t even have female latrines.” “We were basically living out of a “Through the next 12 months, the The Airmen of the MRTs endured She said she tried to focus on the suitcase,” said Williams, a Melbourne, MRTs are going to try to move as much austere living conditions in order to mission because she knew she faced Fla., native. “After two weeks on mis- equipment out of theater as possible,” sion, sometimes said Morey. we’d be back less While the date for complete U.S. than three days withdrawal from Iraq draws near, before we’d go more troops and materials are being out again.” sent to their home stations. Despite the As troops are redeployed out of Iraq harsh condi- for good, equipment which would pre- tions, the un- viously have been inherited by their re- forgiving desert placements is instead rerouted into the e n v i r o n m e n t supply system. It is then either given to and magnitude units which can use it, or retrograded of the mission, back to units in the United States, said Task Force 586 Morey, a Buschwell, Ill., native. identified, col- The retrograde of substantial lected and re- amounts of equipment now, will free distributed more up transportation assets for troops than $50 million and their assigned equipment later, he in excess supply said. items since Feb- “We want to mitigate the effects of a ruary, said Ra- sudden pull-out as much as possible,” mos. he said. “At the same time, we don’t In Multi-Na- want to leave our footprint in theater.” tional Division As U.S. forces shrink from 130,000 – Baghdad’s Vic- personnel in theater to the August tory Base Com- 2010 goal of 50,000 personnel, the plex alone, $23 MRTs will play an integral role in pri- million of excess oritizing equipment to send home. Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, commanding general of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), pres- has been identi- “Everybody else is planning for the ents Capt. Cedric L. Finnen, operations officer with Task Force 586, with a certificate of appreciation in fied in less than drawdown,” said Morey. “We’re al- recognition of the task force’s accomplishments during their six-month tour in support of Operation Iraqi three months, ready doing it. It’s an inglorious job, Freedom. said Lt. Col. but they love doing it and they’re good Kenneth Morey, at it.” August 26, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 19

Sudoku Test your The objective is to fill Level: Hard knowledge the 9×9 grid so that each column, each row, 5 1 6 1. What war saw James Madison become the first U.S. and each of the nine 1 3 7 president to command a military unit during his 3×3 boxes contains the term in office? digits from 1 to 9 only 3 7 1 8 2. What inscription on U.S. coins did Theodore Roosevelt try in vain to have removed? one time each. 9 5 Last week’s answers 3. What future U.S. president received the last rites of 9 3 4 7 6 1 5 8 2 6 2 3 1 7 5 the Catholic Church after an infection following spi- 2 8 7 9 3 5 4 6 1 nal surgery in 1954? 6 1 5 8 4 2 7 9 3 3 2 4. Who was the first president to appear on a U.S. 4 9 3 1 2 7 8 5 6 coin? 8 6 2 5 9 3 1 7 4 7 8 5 4 5 7 1 6 8 4 3 2 9 5. How many U.S. presidents played a role in Viet-

7 4 9 3 5 6 2 1 8 7 3 1 nam’s civil war? 3 5 6 2 1 8 9 4 7 Five 5. Lincoln Abraham 4. Kennedy F. John 3. Trust We God In 2. 1812 of War 1.The 1 2 8 4 7 9 6 3 5 9 5 8 JOINT BASE BALAD JB BALAD ACTIVITIES INDOOR a.m., p.m. CC Cross Fit: Hold’em: Ping-pong Friday- 7 p.m. WORSHIP SERVICES POOL 5-6 p.m Caribbean Monday- Mon., Fri.,- 2 tourney: Aerobics: Swim Lessons: Edge Weapons Night: Saturday- p.m., Tuesday- 8 Monday, Mon., Wed.,- 6 & Stick Fight- Friday- 8 p.m. 10:30 p.m 8:30 p.m. p.m. Wednesday, p.m. ing Combative Chess & Domi- Cross Fit: 8-ball tourney: Foosball Friday- 7 p.m. Tue., Thu., Training: noes Tourney: Mon., Wed., Tuesday- 2 tourney: Body by Sat.,- Tue., Thur., Friday- 8 p.m. Fri.,- 5:45 a.m., Tuesday- 8 Midgett Toning 6:30 p.m. Sat.,- Salsa Class: a.m., 7 a.m., 3 8:30 p.m. p.m. Class: AquaTraining: 8-10 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 p.m., Ping-pong Jam Session: Tue., Thu., - 7 Tue.,Thu.,- p.m. 6 p.m. tourney: Tuesday- 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m., 8:30 EAST REC- Poker: Tue., Thu.,- 7 Tuesday- 8:30 p.m Dodge ball p.m. REATION Saturday- 7:30 a.m., p.m. 8-ball tourney: Game: CENTER p.m. 3 p.m. Spades: Wednesday- 8 Tuesday- 7:30 EAST FIT- 4-ball tourney: Sunday- 5:45 Wednesday- 2 p.m p.m. NESS Sunday- 8 p.m H6 FITNESS a.m., a.m., Guitar Lessons: Furman’s CENTER 8-ball tourney: CENTER 7 a.m., 3 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Thursday- 7:30 Martial Arts: Open Court Monday- 8 p.m Spin: P90x: Salsa: p.m Mon., Wed., Volleyball: Karaoke: Sunday- 9 a.m. Monday- Sat- Wednesday- Game tourney: Sun.,- 1 p.m. Sunday- 6 p.m. Monday- 8 Mon., Wed., urday- 4:30 8:30 p.m. Thursday- 1 Gaston’s Self- Aerobics: p.m. Fri.,- 2 a.m., 8 a.m., 4 p.m., 9-ball: p.m, 8 p.m. Defense Class: Mon., Wed., Swing Class: a.m. 2 p.m., 7 10 p.m. Thursday- 2 Enlisted Poker: Fri., Sat.- 7 Fri.- Tuesday- 8 p.m., 12 a.m. a.m., Friday- 1 p.m., p.m. 5:30-6:30 a.m. p.m. 9 p.m. Soccer: 8:30 p.m. 8 p.m. Open court Yoga Class: Table Tennis: Tue., Thu., Tue., Thu.,- 8 Karaoke: Officer Poker: basketball: Mon., Fri.- 6-7 Tuesday- 8 -5:45 a.m., p.m. Thursday- 8:30 Saturday- 1 Thursday- 7 a.m. p.m. 9 a.m., 8:30 Yoga: p.m. p.m., 8 p.m. p.m. Step Aerobics: Plastic Models p.m. Wednesday- 8 Dominos: Squat Compe- Open court Mon., Wed., Club: Saturday- 9 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 tition: soccer: Fri.- Wednesday 7 a.m., 7 p.m. MACP Level p.m. Saturday- 8 Mon., Wed., - 7 5:30 p.m. p.m. Boxing: 1: Darts: p.m. p.m. Conditioning 9-ball tourney: Sunday- 4 p.m. Friday- 8 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 Zingano Training Class: Wednesday- 8 Tue., Thu.,- 2 5 on 5 Basket- p.m. WEST FIT- Brazilian Jui Mon., Wed., p.m. p.m. ball: WEST REC- NESS Jitsu: Fri.- 7:15- Dungeons & Boot Camp: Saturday- 8 REATION CENTER Tue., Thu.,- 8 p.m. Dragons: Sunday- 8:45 p.m. CENTER 3 on 3 basket- 8:30 p.m. Brazilian Jui- Thursday- 7:30 a.m Green Bean ball Jitsu: p.m. Tue.,Thu.,- 7 H6 RECRE- Karaoke: tourney: CIRCUIT Mon., Wed., Poetry Night: p.m. ATION Sun., Wed., Saturday- 7:30 GYM Fri.- Thursday-8 Power Abs: CENTER 7:30pm p.m. Floor hockey: 8-9 p.m. p.m. Mon., Tue., Bingo: 9-ball tourney: 6 on 6 vol- Mon., Wed., Abs-Aerobics: 6-ball tourney: Thu., - 8 p.m. Sunday- 8 p.m. Monday- 8 leyball Fri.,– Tue., Thu., 6-7 Thursday- 8 Friday- 9 p.m. Texas p.m. tourney: 8-10 p.m

Sunday 8/30/09 NFL Preseason - Week 3: San Deigo Chargers @ Atlanta Upcoming sports Falcons, Live 3 a.m. AFN/sports Colorado Rockies @ San Francisco Giants, Live 4 a.m. AFN/ prime atlantic on AFN UFC 102: Couture vs Noguiera (Rose Garden Arena; Wednesday 8/26/09 Friday 8/28/09 Portland, OR), Live 5 a.m. AFN/xtra Texas Rangers @ New York Yankees, Live 2 a.m. AFN/xtra Philadelphia Phillies @ Pittsburgh Pirates, Live 2 a.m. AFN/xtra D.C. United @ Chicago Fire, Tape Delayed 8 a.m. AFN/xtra Houston Astros @ St. Louis Cardinals, Live 3 a.m. AFN/sports NFL Preseason - Week 3: Miami Dolphins @ Tampa Bay Chicago Sky @ Los Angeles Sparks, Live 5 a.m. AFN/xtra Buccaneers, Live 3 a.m. AFN/sports Monday 8/31/09 New York Mets @ Florida Marlins, Tape Delayed 10 a.m. AFN/ Kansas City Royals @ Seattle Mariners, Live 5 a.m. AFN/xtra Columbus Crew @ New York Red Bulls, Live 1a.m. AFN/ sports Chicago White Sox @ Boston Red Sox, Tape Delayed 10 a.m. xtra Los Angeles Dodgers @ Colorado Rockies, Tape Delayed 4 p.m. AFN/sports NFL Preseason - Week 3: Sunday Night Football: Chicago AFN/sports Saturday 8/29/09 Bears @ Denver Broncos, Live 3 a.m. AFN/sports Los Angeles Dodgers @ Cincinnati Reds, Live 2 a.m. AFN/xtra Indy Car Racing Series: Peak Antifreeze Indy 300 NFL Preseason - Week 3: New England Patriots @ Washington (Chicagoland Speedway, Joliet, IL), Tape Delayed 3 a.m. Redskins, Live 3 a.m. AFN/sports Thursday 8/27/09 AFN/xtra Oakland Athletics @ Los Angeles Angels, Live 5 a.m. AFN/xtra New York Mets @ Florida Marlins, Live 2 a.m. AFN/xtra Atlanta Braves @ Philadelphia Phillies, Live 10 a.m. AFN/ Tuesday 9/01/09 Cincinnati Reds @ Milwaukee Brewers, Live 3 a.m. AFN/sports sports 2009 US Open: Men’s and Women’s Opening Rounds (USTA Arizona Diamondbacks @ San Francisco Giants, Live 5 a.m. NFL Preseason - Week 3: Green Bay Packers @ Arizona Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows, AFN/xtra Cardinals, Tape Delayed 2 p.m. AFN/sports NY), Live 2 a.m. AFN/xtra Texas Rangers @ New York Mets, Tape Delayed 10 a.m. AFN/ Los Angeles Angels @ Seattle Mariners (JIP), Live 8 p.m. sports AFN/xtra PAGE 20 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s August 26, 2009

“District 9” gives sci-fi a gritty update By Sg t . Ja y s o n A. h o f f m a n we (Sharlto Copley), a bumbling lackey Writer-director Neill Blomkamp grew many effects and it paid off. The effects Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f for Multi-National United, sent in by up in Johannesburg during South Afri- are seamless and limited, and Blomkamp the MNU to evict aliens out of District 9 ca’s apartheid, a period in which whites also made the extraterrestrials gritty and and into District 10, a newly constructed discriminated against blacks and “col- dirty, which is a look aliens on film have “District 9” is an interesting blend of housing development for the extrater- oreds” who were of mixed descent, con- been missing for quite some time. It also “Cloverfield,” “The Office,” and small restrials outside of Johannesburg. necting the audience to the same tension didn’t hurt that Peter Jackson (“The remnants of “The Last Starfighter,” giv- While Wikus conducts his eviction between humans and aliens in this film. Lord of the Rings: Return of the King” ing audiences less special effects and raid on District 9, he stumbles upon The film style draws the viewer in but director) – the new king of movie special more storyline than expected from a what he believes is a weapon and he be- it is the acting that makes this movie effects – produced the movie. summer movie. gins to investigate the object. As he fum- work. Filming a movie in this style de- Overall this film uses an interesting The film takes place in Johannesburg, bles with the object, he sprays a liquid in pends completely upon how real the ac- story about humans interacting with South Africa in a slum filled with alien his face that has altering effects on him, tors make it. This film could have eas- aliens to produce a great social com- creatures derogatorily known as prawns. which in turn start the apartheid revolu- ily been a direct-to-DVD movie, but the mentary about apartheid in Africa. This Their ship landed, or hovered over the tion in District 9. emotions feel real, and the interactions movie is not for those seeking high- city roughly 20 years ago, and the inhab- The movie’s documentary-style film- between aliens and humans seem natu- budget action films (Jason Statham fans itants of the ship have been refugees in ing along with the South African apart- ral. beware), but if you’re interested in a the government funded slums, known as heid storyline creates a very realistic, The special effects in this film were thought provoking science fiction mov- District 9, ever since. and oddly familiar, environment which dead on. The filmmakers didn’t waste ie that looks great, then I suggest you The story follows Wikus Van De Mer- pulls in the viewer. time overloading the movie with too watch this film. Pick it up at the PX... The Fireman: Electric Arguments

By Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g That said, when Paul McCartney’s collaborative al- It’s difficult to draw real meaning from any of the Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f bum “Electric Arguments” was released last November, songs, yet the words sound great together. The Fireman I didn’t rush to my local record store. This, it turns out, juxtaposed instruments in shockingly interesting ways. I can only remember one time when I was excited for a may have been an even bigger mistake. “Is This Love,” combines native-American flute with new album by an old music legend. I have to claim ignorance here and admit I hadn’t ambient computer-generated tones and electric guitar A few years ago Cat Stevens re- heard of The Fireman before. The Fireman is actually soaked in reverberation. leased an album under his new two men, Paul McCartney and producer, Youth. Electric More straightforward acoustic guitar based songs, name, Yusuf Islam. It was his first Arguments is their third release. such as “Two Magpies,” will please any fan of McCart- all-new album since 1978. I rushed The Fireman recorded each of the 13 tracks on “Elec- ney. out and bought it the day it was re- tric Arguments” in one day – the result of improvisation If you can imagine a daring combination of U2, The leased. Big mistake. With the excep- and jamming, according to the group’s Web site. Black Keys and The Beatles, and can handle an album tion of a beautifully dark cover of One listen to the album and this is clear. Americana that constantly changes directions, pick up “Electric Ar- Album cover to Fireman’s latest “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood,” rock leads into soft melodic ballads, and then collides into guments.” album ‘Electric the album was a complete letdown dirty blues and Bono-esque anthems. No theme strings Stay tuned for the next edition of “Pick it up at the Arguments’. for me. the songs together, but in this case, it really works. PX.”

PVT. MURPHY’S LAW Sustainer Reel Time Theater

Wednesday, August 26 5 p.m. Post Grad 5 p.m. The Time Travelers 8 p.m. I Love You Beth Wife Cooper 8 p.m. Public Enemies Sunday, August 30 Thursday, August 27 2 p.m. Post grad 5 p.m. Bruno 5 p.m. I Love You Beth 8 p.m. The Time Travelers Cooper Wife 8 p.m. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Friday, August 28 Monday, August 31 2 p.m. I Love You Beth 5 p.m. Harry Potter and the Cooper 5 p.m. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Half Blood Prince 8 p.m. Post Grad 8:30 p.m. Post Grad Tuesday, September 1 5 p.m. Post Grad Saturday, August 29 8 p.m. I Love You Beth 2 p.m. Harry Potter and the Cooper Half Blood Prince August 26, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 21 Ph o t o s Ar o u n d Ir a q

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven King

U.S. Army Capt. Edward Park, attached to Bravo Battery, 3rd Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, walks to the Al Lewa Primary School opening with Nahiya Provincial Council Chairman Jassim Khalaf Mohammed, at Al Alam, Iraq, Aug. 6.

Soldiers from the Iraqi Army’s 3rd Battalion, 18th Brigade, offload a truck of humanitarian-assistance U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steven King supplies for residents of the Street lights now glow where improvised explosive devices (IEDs) had sev- village of Bulidish, in the Di- ered the connection to the main power line, between the Tigris River Bridge ayala Province, Iraq, Aug. 9. and the Clemson Traffic Circle, at Al Alam, Iraq, Aug. 6. The soldiers delivered bags of wheat and rice, cooking oil, tea, gloves, wheelbar- rows, shovels, rakes, ham- mers, soap and detergent. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kirk Worley

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kirk Worley

An Iraqi mechanic sifts through a pile of wrecked police vehicles, in search of spare parts at the Wadi Hajar police vehicle maintenance compound, in Mo- sul, Iraq, Aug. 10.

U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kamaile Chan

An Iraqi Police (IP) mechanic tests out new tools at the IP maintenance compound in the Wadi Hajar neighborhood of Mosul, Iraq, Aug. 10.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Carmichael Yepez PAGE 22 August 26, 2009 Ne w s a r o u n d Ir a q Police leaders, including Maj. Gen. Jamal Tahir Multi-National Force- Bakr, the provincial police chief, were happy to wit- ness their Bushariyah brethren receive their hard- earned validation. Iraq reduces number “It is a great honor to present ourselves here,” said Tahir Bakr. The policemen of this station do their duty very of Brigade Combat well, and have complete loyalty to this village, he said. Teams They have had to train and prepare extensively in order to receive their validation, and in the process BAGHDAD- Iraq announced today the redeployment have become a very strong security force in this area, of a Brigade Combat Team (BCT) without he continued. replacement in kind. This brings the num- To be an officially validated police station, it must ber of BCTs in country from 13 to 12 and is accomplish every objective on a rigorous checklist, in keeping with previously announced Re- said 1st Lt. Kristofer Melton, a platoon leader with the sponsible Drawdown plan as directed by the 218th Military Police company, who worked closely President. with Bushariyah station during training. As part of the command’s plan to responsibly draw- “They had to know all the basic policing skills,” down U.S. forces in Iraq, the 2nd BCT, 4th Infantry he said. Division, will case its colors and return to Ft. Carson, The policemen were trained on how to con- Colo., later this month. duct vehicle searches, secure a crime scene, perform detainee operations and various other tasks commonly practiced by IPs, he continued. “They have definitely improved with the training,” Government of Iraq “This is a great moment for our Army,” said Maj. he said. “They were at a good point before, but I have Jabar Ali Abdulla. “I present a special congratulation noticed a difference. They are committed to learning to all the soldiers in my elements and wish them well. how to be better policemen and always ask to learn receives ownership Also, I thank and appreciate the efforts of the officers more from us.” and non-commissioned officers of Battery B to main- Now that they are validated, the policemen at the tain security of the region.” station will not meet as often with their U.S. counter- of two U.S. Combat Sameer Al-Haddad, Secretariat of the Prime Minis- parts, but they can still request training assistance ter of Iraq, was present at both ceremonies and signed from them in the future, according to Melton. Outposts the official documents handing the COPs to Iraqi own- The station will continue to conduct operations ership. with their Soldiers from the 4th Squadron, 9th Caval- The two COPs were not the first to be handed over ry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry DIYALA, Iraq –Two U.S. forces’ combat outposts in in Diyala province, according to Capt. Ian Davis, Division, in order to provide for the security of the lo- Diyala province were officially transferred brigade engineer officer, 1st SBCT, 25th Inf. Div. Of cal area, said Lt. Col. Andy Shoffner, the commander to Iraqi control, August 11. the 13 COPs the 1st SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., assumed of 4th Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt. Prior to their recent transfer to Iraqi responsibility for when the unit arrived in 2008, 10, This station is continuing to prove itself to be an ownership, these COPs were primarily used including Key West and Milledge, have been closed or essential part of security in this region, he said. by U.S. forces assigned to the 1st Stryker Brigade transferred to Iraqi ownership. “This wouldn’t be possible without you,” Fikrat Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, as well as their said of the U.S. military leaders. Iraqi partners, the 5th Iraqi Army Division. “We as the police are getting better every day,” said The first of the two COPs transferred was COP Key Fikrat. “Our eyes will stay open so nothing bad hap- West. Iraqi Police prove pens, and we will cooperate with the people.” Prior to becoming a military base, COP Key West was an agricultural high school. The facility was readiness, receive handed over to 3rd Battalion, 19th Brigade, 5th Iraqi Army Division. Under its new owners, half of the fa- Residents return cility will be utilized as the IA battalion’s headquar- validation ters, while the rest will be given back to the ministry home to former of education for future use. CONTIGNENCY OPERATING LOCATION WAR- “We’ve had a good partnership here,” said Capt. RIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq – The Iraqi Police David Jarzab, the executive officer of Company B, 1st in the small Iraqi village of Bushariyah, in insurgent stronghold Battalion, 24th Infantry Regiment, 1st SBCT, 25th Kirkuk province, have detained 17 terror- Inf. Div., which has operated out of COP Key West ists, participated in hundreds of raids and CONTIGNENCY OPERATING LOCATION WAR- since autumn of 2008. “Our partnership worked so disabled improvised explosive device emplacements. HORSE, DIYALA, Iraq – Residents of Ji- well because of the IA battalion leadership. They were They are just getting started. affra, in Diyala province, returned home a pleasure to work with, and I feel very comfortable For these IPs, their latest victory did not come on Aug.15, after three years of displacement. leaving this area to them.” the streets; rather, it happened inside their station The small village southwest of Baqubah The second of the COPs transferred was COP during a validation ceremony to recognize their hard was once a stronghold for insurgent groups, Milledge, an area carved out of four orchards owned work and dedication to security, August 11. causing the residents of the village to flee for their by five farmers. “Today is a great day,” Capt. Fikrat Mustafa, the safety. The COP Milledge handover was highlighted by a chief of the Bushariyah Station, said to the crowd at A celebration for the returning 16 families was “passing of the key” ceremony, in which Maj. Jabar the ceremony. marked with music and dancing in the village. Ali Abdulla, executive officer, 1st Battalion, 20th Bri- The policemen of this station have made countless During the celebration, residents thanked Iraqi gade, 5th Iraqi Army Division, accepted a large wood- sacrifices, and have been committed to overcoming and U.S. forces for their help in bringing safety back en key from Capt. Kevin Calmes, commander Battery the obstacles that stood in the way of protecting the to the area. B, 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment, 1st people, he continued. Though there are still struggles in the village for SBCT, 25th Inf. Div., attached to 3rd Battalion, 21st “We will serve this country until we die,” said some basic needs, Iraqi government officials prom- Infantry Regiment, 1st SBCT, 25th Inf. Div. Fikrat. “We will always be honest to the people.” ised during the celebration to immediately bring the August 26, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 23 villagers water and work on other necessities. issues concerning the disputed areas in Ninewa, Di- issues during the training, we praise the teams for do- “What a great day for Diyala,” said 1st Stryker Bri- yala and Kirkuk. ing their job well. If there is something that we need gade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, spokes- Odierno joined the ministers of defense and inte- to fine tune, we'll give them the direction that they man, Maj. Chris Hyde. “It’s wonderful to not only see rior from the Government of Iraq, and the minister of need.” these people come home, but know that they would interior and the command of the Peshmerga from the For these IPs, this is the start of a long working re- not have been able to do this if the security hadn’t im- Kurdistan Regional Government. lationship with their dogs. When asked why he chose proved enough to for them to do so. I think it’s a tes- Odierno called the talks an important step forward to get involved with the K9 program, one of the IP tament to the enormous improvements Iraqi and U.S. in creating a useful dialogue on the key issues of de- handlers said that he had an affinity to dogs and felt forces have collectively achieved in making the region fining a joint security framework for the country’s dis- that it would be a valuable resource to help sustain and province a safer place.” puted internal boundaries. The group also discussed security and prevent attacks in his community. the topics of unity of command, coordination mea- The overall goal of the program is to have a via- sures, force-level arrangements, effective intelligence- ble K9 program in the Iraqi Police that is sustainable sharing processes, and efficient rule of law oversight. and productive after U.S. forces have fully withdrawn Iraqi, U.S. Air Force “Today’s meeting represents an important first from Iraq. step in working through the security issues in the dis- “We want to continue our partnership with the puted areas,” said Gen. Odierno. “I was pleased with Iraqi Police so that they get the training that they need establish weather the positive and overall sense of cooperation. All par- to sustain their program long after we are gone,” said partnership ties are focused on improving security for all Iraqis.” Nalley.

KIRKUK AIR BASE, Iraq - The U.S. Air Force’s 506th Commandos arrest Expeditionary Operational Support Squad- ron weather flight and the Iraqi Air Force Iraqi Police train (IqAF) weather team established a founda- 2, continue run of tional partnership at a signing here July 27. This new agreement fills a crucial role with their own in helping the Iraqi Air Force Weather Service’s abil- success ity to sustain independent operations once American weather forces withdraw from Iraq in accordance with working dogs TIKRIT, Iraq – The 8th Regional Commando Battal- the U.S.-Iraq Security Agreement. ion, with U.S. force advisors, arrested two sus- Previously, collaborations between the two units MOSUL, Iraq – Chew toys and leashes in hand, Iraqi pected terrorists Aug. 14, during an opera- has been sporadic, but after a visit by the Iraq Training Police dog handlers and their working dogs tion in the Diyala province. and Advisory Mission-Air Force and the IqAF, these arrived at Forward Operating Base Marez The individuals were arrested with a two teams now have an agreement in place in a joint Aug. 16, to fine tune their skill in basic obe- warrant issued by the Central Investigative venture to provide all flight weather briefings, observa- dience and explosive detection techniques. Court of Al-Karkh for suspicion of attacks tions and specialized support. The class is part two of initial dog train- against Iraqi Security Forces and U.S. forces, kidnap- "This was a critical step in starting the first joint Iraqi ing that the Iraqi Police received earlier in the year. ping and murdering local citizens in Diyala. Air Force and U.S. Air Force weather partnership," said The focus for the IPs is to build a relationship with The Commandos entered two separate residences Maj. Barry Hunte ITAM-AF weather advisor. their dogs and refine basic canine obedience and ex- and arrested the two suspected terrorists without in- "This is a great day in the history of the Iraqi Air plosive and narcotic detection techniques. cident. Force Weather Department and an important step in The initial training consisted of introducing the In accordance with the Security Agreement, the showing the weather department's progress," said Col. Iraqi Police to working dogs as a resource, something U.S. unit was conducting a combined operation with Salman, IqAF Weather Service director. the IPs did not have until now. In the last month, they Iraqi Special Operations Forces. In addition to improved weather support for all acquired military working dogs and created a K9 pro- aircrews, this strategic partnership creates a unique gram to utilize these dogs in their everyday working training opportunity for members of the IqAF Weather environment. ISF detain 3 suspects Service. “[The IPs] have a valuable asset now. A dog’s nose "All Iraqi weather officers have meteorology de- is so much stronger than ours,” said Navy Master at grees," Hunte said, "however, none have had the op- Arms 1st Class Matthew Nalley, lead instructor for the after rocket attack in portunity to use their education to develop skills in avi- program. “I can’t smell explosives when I’m walking ation weather forecasts, observations or support flight down the road. These dogs can. If the IP have some- Basra province operations." thing that can give them an indication that something Salman and Hunte will monitor the partnership is wrong, it can go a long way to help them out.” CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION BASRA, from the Iraqi Air Operations Center, located at Victory The IPs and their dogs both showed excitement as Iraq – Iraqi Security and U.S. forces re- Base Complex outside of Baghdad, to ensure a smooth they began the training session with basic obedience sponded when explosions were heard near transition to independent operations. techniques. Each IP practiced getting their dogs to sit Contingency Operating Location Basra. "As the Iraqi Air Force Weather Service grows in and stay in place. When the dogs performed, they were Multiple explosions of unknown type personnel, (we) will continue to look for more strategic rewarded with a rubber chew toy and praise. Both were heard near the military base. The Iraqi police partnering opportunities," Hunte said. handler and dog seemed to be catching on quickly. along with Soldiers from the 50th Iraqi Army Bri- “I was thoroughly impressed with the way they gade and 2nd Combined Arms Battalion, 8th Infantry have responded to their dogs. The dogs that they have Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry want to be loyal and work with their handlers,” said Division, responded to the attack to conduct a joint Nalley, “You can definitely tell that they are building investigation. The Iraqi Security Forces confiscated Multi-National their relationship with their dogs.” 16 rockets during the combined operation. The Iraqi The trainers use realistic training aids and walk Police detained three suspects who allegedly conduct- dog and handler through a training lane, allowing ed the attack. Force-Iraq and them the opportunity to get hands on skills that will No causalities have been reported. benefit them as they begin using these dogs in their “The Iraqi Army in Basra was extremely quick to Iraqi Leaders Hold daily work. respond to the incident and is leading the joint inves- The training is event driven. The IP handlers walk tigation regarding the attack. These acts of violence through a scenario with their dogs as the class instruc- endanger the lives of the citizens of Basra, and jeopar- Discussions tor observes. As issues arise, the instructor stops the dize the security of the province,” said Maj. Matthew handler and advises them on different techniques. Cody, executive officer, 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. “The BAGHDAD – Gen. Ray Odierno, commanding gen- “We try to do some basic obedience and we plant U.S. is fully committed to fulfilling the terms of the eral of Multi-National Force-Iraq, met with some explosive training aids. We pay attention to security agreement and U.S. Forces have an inher- Iraqi Government and Kurdistan Regional what the dogs and handlers are doing during the ent right to self-defense and the authority to protect Government leadership to lay the ground- training lane and give them advice on what they are themselves. We will not tolerate such acts of violence work for dialogue and progress on security doing if there are issues,” said Nalley. “If there are no against our Soldiers or the citizens of Basra.” PAGE 24 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s August 26, 2009 Phantom Support

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Keith M. Anderson

Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Wilson, command sergeant major, Multi-National Force – Iraq, visits with Soldiers of the 16th Sustain- ment Brigade, one of the last units in Iraq serving a 15-month deployment, at Habur Gate Aug. 13. The Soldiers of Logistics Task Force – Alpha, 16th Special Troops Battal- ion, 16th Sust. Bde, maintain one of a handful of points of entry into Iraq. U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Brian A. Barbour

Tony W. Chaney from Anniston, Al., an employee with Anniston Army Depot, performs a technical inspection of M2 .50 caliber machine gun dropped off at the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade’s Small Arms Support Center on Joint Base Balad, Iraq, July 25. The facility, one of two in Iraq, can repair, or U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Lisa A. Cope if necessary, replace weapons for Soldiers.

Commander of the 72nd Signal Brigade (Expeditionary), Lt. Col. Patrick W. Ginn, and Command Sgt. Maj. Matthew I. Acome unfurl the 72nd SBE flag, signifying the beginning of their tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, at the morale, welfare and recreation center at Joint Base Balad, Aug. 17. Sgt. Jose “Big H” Hernandez, 16th Special Troops Battalion, 16th Sustainment Brigade, runs to first base during the base softball championship at Contingency Operating Location Q-West Aug. 19. Hernandez and his team, the “Knights,” defeated team “Witch Hunt” of the 395th Combat Sus- tainment Support Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve, 22-18 to win the base title.

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Keith M. Anderson

Spc. Lariane Martinez, native of Taos, N.M., a driver with the 720th Convoy Security Company, New Mexico National Guard attached to the 41st IBCT, shares contact information with New Mexico’s State Representative Ben Ray Lujan, 3rd District. Representa- tives from Florida, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and New Mexico visited Camp Adder, Iraq, August 9 to check on the 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division’s special Advise and Assist mission. The representatives took time to chat about concerns and families, and pose for a photo. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anita VanderMolen