TheThird Army/United Desert States Army Central VoiceMarch 3, 2010 “Ready Tonight ... Sustain The Fight ... Shape The Future”

Army Reserve Soldiers Sustain the Fight

ACP Training Reserve Adjusts Numbers U.S./Kuwaiti Training Move to Afghanistan DV Table of Contents

Naturalization 4 Lt. Gen. William G. Webster Reenlistment 5 Third Army Commanding General Reserve numbers 6 Spin into shape 8 US/Kuwait training 10 Medical training 11 US/Kuwait B-ball 12 Move to Afghanistan 13 S

A Third Army Soldier fires an M-249 Machine Gun at the Udari Range during a two-week training exercise for Soldiers of the Assault Command Post. The ACP and it’s Soldiers are ca- pable of deploying anywhere in Third Army’s Area of Operation within 96 hours. (Photo by Spc. Monte Swift) Contact us Comments, questions, suggestions, story ideas? Call the Desert Voice editor at 430-6334 or e-mail at [email protected].

Volume 31, Issue 19 The Desert Voice is an authorized publication for Third Army Commanding General 203rd Public Affairs Detachment Commander members of the Department of Defense. Contents Lt. Gen. William G. Webster Capt. Tracey Frink of the Desert Voice are not necessarily the official Third Army Command Sgt. Maj. 203rd Public Affairs Detachment Sergeant views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government Command Sgt. Maj. John D. Fourhman Staff Sgt. Anaidy Claudio D V or Department of the Army. The editorial content Third Army Public Affairs Officer 203rd Public Affairs Detachment of this publication is the responsibility of the U.S. Col. Gerald O’Hara Layout editor Army Central Public Affairs Office. This magazine Third Army Public Affairs Sgt. Maj. Spc. Monte Swift The is published by Al-Qabandi United, a private firm, Sgt. Maj. Brian Thomas Print Team Desert which is not affiliated with USARCENT. All copy Third Army Deputy PAO (FWD) Sgt. Daniel Lucas will be edited. The Desert Voice is produced twice a Lt. Col. Jonathan Allen Sgt. David Nunn Voice month by the 203rd Public Affairs Detachment. Third Army PAO NCOIC Cpl. Brandon Babbitt Find us online at www.arcent.army.mil. Sgt. 1st Class Duane Brown

The Desert Voice March 3, 2010 THIRD ARMY Reserve ACP Soldiers train at Ready tonight Third Army stays “Ready Tonight” Udari Range for quick deployments in AOR

Story and photos by Third Army. “We Spc. Monte Swift are the eyes on 203rd Public Affairs Detachment the ground. We hird Army Reserve Soldiers report back to Tof the Assault Command Post the commanding performed weapons training at the general and give Udari Range Feb. 19, as part of a him a complete two-week exercise to ensure the picture of what’s ACP and its team are ready to de- going on.” ploy anywhere within Third Ar- The two-week my’s area of responsibility within training focused 96 hours. on the ACP’s The ACP is a mobile command full spectrum of post made up of a team of subject operations, from Third Army Reserve Soldier Capt. Lisamaree Stephens, US AR- CENT, prepares to fire a 50-caliber machine gun from a Humvee matter experts with backgrounds basic soldier- turret during an ACP training exercise at the Udari Range, Feb. 19. in operations, intelligence, logis- ing to reporting “The basic Soldiers skills are critical,” said Stephens. “Above all else, we are Soldiers first. Without our basic Soldier skills, it would tics, medical, linguistic, legal and information to the be almost impossible to complete the mission. communications. As the team on command control the ground, they define problems element. The training makes the Cooke, a Reserve Soldier since and provide possible courses of Soldiers more proficient in their 1994, believes that he and other action so the commander can make jobs by giving them hands-on ex- Reservists bring critical skills to informed decisions and control the perience based on real-world situ- the fight. operation. ations. Members of the team cross “Reserve Soldiers bring quali- “The mission of the ACP is train into different areas of ACP fied personnel for jobs that the absolutely critical,” said Reserve operations so in the event someone Army needs done,” said Cooke. Soldier Capt. Lisamaree Stephen, is gone, the team can fill the posi- “The Reservists in this group each tion and continue have a background as a civilian the mission. that benefits what we are doing “This is what here today.” Third Army The ACP and its Soldiers reflect needs,” said Third Third Army’s mission to be ready Army Reserve tonight and sustain the fight in any Soldier Lt. Col. situation as it focuses its atten- Brian Cooke, op- tion on the Iraq drawdown and the erations officer for buildup of war-fighting equipment the ACP. “They in other areas of theater. need the Soldiers “Every single Soldier on a who are willing to deployment helps fight terrorism,” go out, get dirty said Spc. Jamoliddim Saliyev, for- Third Army Reserve Soldier Lt. Col. Brian Cooke, operations of- ficer, Assault Command Post, fires a 50-caliber machine gun at and be a part of merly of Kajikistan and now a U.S. the Udari Range as part of a two-week ACP training event, Feb. 19. this team. This is Army Reserve Soldier. “We are The training covered everything from ACP job specialties to basic Soldier skills which help to make the team deployable anywhere a very important here to support our troops for our in the Third Army Area of Responsibility within 96 hours. task.” families and our countries.”

USARCENT March 3, 2010 The Desert Voice 3 am Shape the future ... Third Army hosts Naturalization Ceremony for Servicemembers, spouses

Story and Photos by Lt. Gen. William G. about it.” Spc. Monte Swift Webster, com- Spc. Michael Pavon, 203rd Public Affairs Detachment manding general, Third Army, stands 719th Medical Detachment, atriotic music filled the Zone 1 with Spc. Patricia received his citizenship on Chapel, Feb. 10, as members Higareda, 719th his 25th birthday. P Medical Detach- of several units filed in to show ment, Chicago. “This is definitely a de- Higareda was one their support and pride for 13 fel- of 13 candidates ployment to remember,” said low Servicemembers and spouses naturalized in a Pavon, a resident of Chica- as they raised their right hand to ceremony at Camp go. “I am looking forward to Arifjan, Kuwait, pledge the Oath of Citizenship to Feb. 10. many freedoms. I came from the U.S. Nicaragua back in the 80s The newly sworn in citizens the obligations when there was a lot of civil represented a wide range of nation- that accompany the benefits. Par- war and everything was a lot more alities coming from the Philippines, ticipate in our government, register censored than here,” said Pavon. “ Dominican Republic, Mexico, to vote, finish your education but Now I can finally register to vote, American Samoa, Canada, China, realize that to be a good citizen you finish my education and live my Jamaica, Nicaragua, Panama and El have to learn throughout your life,” life.” Salvador. he said. The ceremony concluded with With each hand raised came Spc. Jorge Hernandez, formerly a patriotic video played to Lee new traditions and culture, which of the Dominican Republic, now Greenwoods’ “Proud to be an add to the vast conflation the U.S. with the 1864th Transportation, American.” was founded upon. Gun Truck Platoon, has been serv- “To our citizen candidates, I say The ceremony highlighted our ing for five years, and has waited a congratulations to you on complet- countries vast cultural background long time to get his citizenship. ing all the requirements for becom- with “The Faces of America,” a “It’s an awesome feeling, it ing a U.S. citizen,” said Webster. video showing immigrants arriving feels great to finally be a U.S. “I challenge you to continue to at Ellis Island and how their con- citizen,” said Hernandez. “I joined earn your citizenship every day by tribution to the U.S. was a building the Army after 9-11 when I had a remembering the virtue of selfless block for where we are today. couple close family members die service that has brought you here, A speech to the new citizens by in the tragedy. I decided it was my he said. Lt. Gen. William G. Webster, Third time to step up and do something Army commanding general, told of a heroic act performed by a young Mexican immigrant during World War II, and the responsibilities of citizenship in the U.S. “Just as Army Advanced Indi- vidual Training marks the comple- tion of a Soldiers preparation for the Army, this day marks the com- pletion of your preparation for a lifetime of service to the nation. It’s Third Army hosts a naturalization ceremony at the Zone 1 Chapel, Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Feb. not an end in itself, it’s the begin- 10, in which 13 U.S. Soldiers and spouses raised their hands to take the Oath of Allegiance to the U.S. The ceremony, one of several held annually by Third Army, naturalized candidates ning,” said Webster. “Don’t forget from 10 countries around the world.

4 The Desert Voice March 3, 2010 THIRD ARMY Soldiers get rare Shape the future opportunity

Story and photos by to be close enough for the Spc. Monte Swift event. 203rd Public Affairs Detachment “This is the first time we The U.S. Army is full of tra- have been this close at the ditions. One of those traditions same time, so I am going to allows a reenlisting Soldier the op- take this opportunity,” said portunity to choose their reenlist- Randolph. “She has missed ing officer or location they would out on a lot of my military like the event to take place. Call it career. I am excited to have a “Thanks” for committing a few my mom reenlist me.” more years to Uncle Sam. Randolph admits that Third Army Soldier Maj. Denise Williams (left), liaison, Army Air Force Exchange, embraces her son, Staff Some may choose to reenlist commands were a little leery Sgt. Duriel Randolph, Joint Interrogation and Debrief- on top of an M1 Abrams Tank, in about the idea of sending a ing Center, Iraq, following Randolph’s Reenlistment Ceremony at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Feb. 15. front of a meaningful memorial or Soldier to another country by a respected officer. for reenlistment. sort of there, but we never had For Staff Sgt. Duriel Randolph, “Yes…about that,” said Ran- the opportunity,” said Randolph. Joint Interrogation and Debriefing dolph with a smile. “Once [my “Once I found out I was going to Center, Iraq, the choice was clear; unit] got the details of how it be in Iraq instead of Afghanistan, to be reenlisted by the one person would happen, they were ok with the opportunity was definitely who helped influence his military the idea.” there.” career, his mom. The original plan included Randolph and Williams, who Randolph made the trip from Williams traveling to Iraq to meet are the only two military members Iraq to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Feb. Randolph for the event, but it was in their family, know that their 15, to meet up with his mom, Maj. later determined that it would be meeting is a rare occasion. Denise Williams, liaison, Army Air safer for Randolph to make the trip “This will probably be the last force Exchange, at the rare time south. chance I will have to see her for a their deployments allowed them “I did everything short of call- while, because I know if I redeploy ing a four-star general I will be going to Afghanistan and to get him here,” said she might go home,” said Ran- Williams, a 31-year com- dolph. missioned officer, with a Still, for Williams, the chance laugh. “That was the next to reenlist her son was a once in a step.” lifetime opportunity that she was “ It’s a pleasure and not about to pass up. a privilege to be able to “It’s like any parent, I feel very reenlist my son. It’s the proud to be able to be a part of a first time we have had the son or daughter’s reenlistment or chance to be this close promotion,” said Williams. “It’s even though he is in Iraq always been a dream of mine, espe- Staff Sgt. Duriel Randolph, Joint Interrogation and De- briefing Center, Iraq, is sworn in by his mom, Maj. Denise and I am in Kuwait,” Wil- cially when he said he was enlist- Williams, liaison, Army Air Force Exchange, in front of liams added. ing into the military. Chances are Area Support Group Kuwait, during Randolph’s Reen- listment Ceremony, Feb. 15. “The plan was always this won’t happen again.”

THIRD ARMY March 3, 2010 The Desert Voice Army Reserve struggles to Shape the future put Soldiers in right place Chief wants specific recruiting, more NCOs, mid-level officers We’ve got to get Soldiers Story by Michelle Tan in the right place, the right Army Times MOS and the right rank The Army Reserve has too many young, new -Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz, Chief of the Army Reserves Soldiers and not enough sergeants and staff sergeants; too many lieutenants and colonels, but not enough captains and majors. The Reserve is authorized 25-30 Getting the right mix, he said, is expected to take chaplain assistants, but it has 125. two or three years, and it follows one of the most In all, the Reserve has 207,000 Soldiers in its ranks dramatic and thorough transformations of the Army — the most since 2004. Reserve. “But it’s not the right 207,000,” said Lt. Gen. Jack For the last three to four years, the Reserve has Stultz, chief of the Army Reserve. “It’s not the right taken down what Stultz calls “legacy structure” and rank, the right [military occupational specialty] or the turned it into operational, deployable units. That right geographic location.” included taking down some of the Reserve’s regional “We’ve got to take that 207,000 and get them in the readiness commands and transforming them into right place,” Stultz said. deployable sustainment brigades. It also has created about 16,000 spaces in such high-demand MOSs as transportation, military police, civil affairs and

Army Reserve Soldiers are re-enlisted at the U.S. capital by Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz, Chief of the Army Reserves. Stultz’s plan for get- ting the right mix of Soldiers in the Reserves includes making room for Soldiers to be promoted, bringing former active duty Soldiers to fill needed positions and focusing more attention on critical Military Occupational Specialties. (Photo by Seaman Travis Alston)

The Desert Voice March 3, 2010 THIRD ARMY engineers. Shape the future The next challenge of reshaping the human side of the Army Reserve will be no easier, Stultz said. “Unlike the active Army, [which] has the luxury of [moving] people around to rebalance, we have civilian jobs,” he said. So leaders are focusing their attention on the re- cruiting effort. “We’re going to have to be very precise with Recruiting Command and say we’re under-strength in certain MOSs and certain areas, and we’re over- strength in certain MOSs and certain areas,” Stultz said. That could come down to being as specific as tell- ing recruiters in a particular city — Orlando, Fla., for example — to stop recruiting unit supply specialists but bring in more truck drivers. Some of the MOSs most sought after by Reserve recruiters include construction equipment operator, human intelligence collector, psychological operations specialist, civil affairs specialist, petroleum supply specialist and preventive medicine specialist. Stultz also wants to target active Army Soldiers who are preparing to leave active duty, in an effort to fill NCO and mid-level officer ranks. Stultz believes that he has a secret weapon to bring in more former active-duty Soldiers — the Employer Partnership Initiative, in which the Reserve partners with civilian employers to recruit people interested in serving in the military and working for a particular company.

More than 800 employers have signed on to the Lt. Gen. Jack Stultz, Chief of the Army Reserves, hosts a town hall program, Stultz said. meeting for Army Reserve Soldiers supporting Third Army at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Dec. 26. Stultz answered Soldiers questions regard- “Now I can talk to a Soldier leaving active duty at ing promotions, availability issues for schools and changing from Fort Hood not just about coming into a Reserve unit Army Reserve to active duty status. All topics revolved around but about a civilian job,” he said. “It’s a win-win.” his plan to redistribute Soldiers to make the Army Reserve more functional and operationally ready. (Photo by Spc. Monte Swift, 203rd Another area Stultz believes he needs to work on is Public Affairs Detachment) moving people out of the Reserve so that young driven Soldiers can be promoted. painful for some and it will take time, Stultz said. “We’re going to have to do qualitative and selective “I’m not trying to run out to a unit and say, ‘OK, retention,” he said. “We’ll take a look at some of these you’re at 150 percent strength, you standing over here guys and say, ‘Do we want to keep these people in the leave, you over here stay,’ ” he said. “We’ve got to force?’ or is it time for them to move out, thank them work it deliberately.” for their service, but we’ve got some younger, driven Stultz plans for the Army Reserve will help make it Soldiers that need a place to move up.” a more efficient, smoother running machine. “If I’ve got 150 percent at the E-3 and E-4 level, With a large portion of Third Army Soldiers being these guys are looking at each other and saying, Army Reserve, the reshaping will benefit Third Army ‘We’re not getting promoted because there’s nowhere in its mission to sustain logistical and personnel sup- to go.” port for U.S. and coalition operations in theater as well The entire process will be deliberate, it could be as the drawdown in Iraq.

THIRD ARMY March 3, 2010 The Desert Voice Ready Tonight

Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Ara Carter (Front Center), Operations noncommissioned officer in charge, Equal Opportunity Office, leads a spin- ning class Feb. 16. The class helps servicemembers improve and sustain their cardiovascular fitness through a combination of fast-paced seated and standing pedaling representing moderate hill climbs and even-road biking. Spinning into shape Sgt. 1st Class Carter takes cardiovascular training to the Max

Story and photos by with EO concerns, Carter is educat- At the time, Carter declined Cpl. Brandon Babbitt ing warriors of all ages on how to the offer fearing the commitment 203rd Public Affairs Detachment think, eat and exercise better to live would interfere with his duties e joined the Army in 1977 a healthier life. as a Soldier. However, this time Hwhen his father said, “It will It all started during his first around, with no fitness instruc- make a man out of you.” tour here a year ago while work- tors on post, Carter, who recently Now, nearly 34 years later, ing in Third Army’s Surgeon’s earned his fitness instructor cer- Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Ara Office. Carter, a native of Van- tification, agreed to help Scott by Carter, Operations noncommis- couver, Wash., was spinning one teaching spinning along with a sioned officer in charge, Equal Op- morning in the Zone 1 Gym when Max Interval class in the mornings. portunity Office, is on his second Kevin Scott, Morale, Wellness and The Max Interval Class com- tour with Third Army in as many Recreation Director, approached bines aerobics with military-style years. him about teaching a spin class to Physical Training resulting in a Along with helping Soldiers servicemembers. fast-paced, cardiovascular work-

The Desert Voice March 3, 2010 THIRD ARMY (Right) Sgt. 1st Ready Tonight Class Ara Carter performs jumping exercises with a fellow Third Army Soldier durning a morning Max Interval Class, Feb. 23.(Left) Third Army Reserve Soldier Sgt. 1st Ara Carter leads a spin class March 2. The cycling class focuses on the leg muscles and can also help to improve run times.

Carter with a laugh. “I servicemembers reach their fit- can’t believe some of the ness goals until he leaves Kuwait high-calorie junk food they in October and returns home to his serve in the dining facilities military technician job in Washing- out. these days.” ton state. “I have a passion to stay active Carter’s classes have a follow- “My biggest life accomplish- and keep myself fit,” said Carter. ing now, including members of his ment has been raising my three “My goal is to help others look and own unit who look up to him for kids and having them be such feel great. If you let yourself go guidance and energy. wonderful people thanks to my ex- physically, your self-esteem will “He pushes me and makes wife along with my support,” said erode along with your appearance,” me give it my all at the morning Carter. “Getting old is fun because he added. classes,” said Spc. Steven Briseno, the older you get, the more you Carter, a smoker and self-de- Third Army EO Office and native learn from your mistakes.” scribed “scotch man,” admits he is of Kansas City, Mo. “He brings the Carter’s Spinning class meets not perfect, but has the credibility same positive attitude and smile to Monday, Wednesday and Friday in to lend others guidance on how to the workouts that he brings to work the Zone 1 gym from 6:30 a.m.- get fit as his weight dropped from every day, which always keeps 7:30 a.m. The Max Interval class 260 lbs. to 198 lbs. in recent years people motivated to do their best.” meets in the same place Tuesday, due to healthier eating, more exer- Carter, who has four grand- Thursday and Saturday from cise and less alcohol consumption. children and says his mom is his 5 a.m.-6 a.m. “I can empathize with Soldiers best friend, plans on helping other who aren’t as fit as they’d like to be because I was there at one time,” said Carter. “It’s all a mat- ter of making some life changes and having a determination to get in shape. After all, nobody can do it for you.” Carter, who believes military members have too many excuses about why they don’t have time to work out, sees the chow hall’s menu as a major obstacle for im- proving conditioning. “I think they should get rid of Sgt. 1st Class Ara Carter performs an abdominal exercise during a morning Max Interval Class, Feb. 23. Carter’s exercises help to improve cardiovascular health and focus on areas the dessert bar all together,” said of the body important in military Physical Fitness such as abs, arms, legs and breathing.

THIRD ARMY March 3, 2010 The Desert Voice Reserve Soldiers

Sustain the fight forge positive relations with Kuwaiti hosts

Story and photos by ployment,” Williams said. “Before you knew it, Cpl. Brandon Babbitt our guys were playing video games and having 203rd Public Affairs Detachment cook outs with their new Kuwaiti friends.” hird Army Reserve Soldiers from the 940th With the unit set to redeploy later this sum- TMovement Control Team, Chicago, arrived mer, Deputy Khaled Almutairi, movement liaison, at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, last September with the Kuwait Police, sees it unfortunate that his new mission of working with the host nation in coordi- friends will soon leave. nating the transporting of coalition troops, sup- “It is hard because you get accustomed to plies and vehicles throughout the country. working with a certain group of Americans, and Policies set by the Kuwaiti government require then they go back home,” said Almutairi. “I like U.S. forces to report any sort of military transport working with these guys. My new friends are within the Kingdom to members of the Kuwait very respectful and easy to work with.” Ministry of Interior (Police) and the Ministry of Possibly the biggest success story for the Defense (Military). Therefore, the mission of 940th is the units ability to form an effective, trust- communicating all U.S. movements with the host ing working relationship with the Kuwaiti leaders nation is paramount to the success of traveling they work with. U.S. military personnel in Kuwait. “The Kuwaiti officers have done a great job Capt. DeMarco Williams, detachment com- communicating with us from the start of our de- mander, 940th MCT, makes sure his troops, who ployment, and that makes our job easy,” said Sgt. are stationed at all military installations in Kuwait, 1st Class Eric Waltz, noncommissioned officer in use friendly relations and an understanding of charge, 940th MCT. “Our battalion commander Kuwaiti courtesies and customs when completing is very happy about the job we are doing here in a mission. getting along with the Kuwaitis, but at the same “Our goal when we got here last September time unhappy that we will be leaving in a few was to build a positive relationship with the Ku- months.” waitis that would last throughout our entire de-

From left to right: Pfc. Michael Hellquist, 940th MCT, Spc. Gregory Baker, Private First Class, 940th MCT, Saad Al-Kaldy, Kuwaiti Military, Deputy Khaled Almutairi, Kuwaiti Police, Sgt. Willie Carrington, 940th MCT and Sgt. Alfredo Castillo 940th MCT, pose for a group shot at the Ku- wait Rear Operations Center, Feb. 23. U.S. forces attached to Third Army and their Kuwaiti counterparts work together at the KROC to coordinate secure transportation for routes for coalition troops, supplies and vehicles within Kuwait.

The Desert Voice March 3, 2010 THIRD ARMY Ready Tonight

(Left) An Area Support Group-Kuwait medic stands by as Members of the Kuwait Na- tional Guard perform the steps of securing and loading a casualty into an ambulance. The joint U.S. and Kuwaiti training tested the skills of all Soldiers involved in the exercise as each walked away with valuable, life-saving experience.( Photo by Sgt. Dominic Hauser, 1st Theater Sustainment Command Public Affairs Office)

(Right) Spc. George Hutchins, Third Army conducts medical 3rd Medical Deployment Sustainment Command, training with Kuwaiti Guard 343rd Ground Ambulance Medical Company, is loaded Third Army PAO into an ambulance by fellow Soldiers and members of the oldiers from Third Army’s 3rd Medical Deployment Sup- Kuwait National Guard during a joint training exercise Feb. Sport Command, 343rd Ground Ambulance Medical Com- 21. The instruction focused pany trained with members of the Kuwait National Guard on sharpening life saving Feb. 21, exchanging first-responder medical techniques at skills of U.S. and Kuwaiti Camp Tahreer, Kuwait. Soldiers in addition to promoting continued good First responder medical techniques include first aid pro- relations between the two cedures, evacuating injured personnel from vehicles, treating countries. The 343rd are for shock and dealing with body trauma. an Army Reserve unit based Unlike our US Army National Guard, the Kuwait National out of Richmond, Va.( Photo by Sgt. Dominic Hauser, 1ST Guard is fully mobilized year-round. Kuwait’s Guardsmen Theater Sustainment Com- provide security to designated areas around Kuwait City, and mand Public Affairs Office) must also be prepared to support Ministries of the Interior and Defense.

(Left) Staff Sgt. Richard McDougle, 3rd Medical Deployment Sustainment Command, 343rd Ground Ambulance Medical Company, explains the process of checking for a heartbeat using a stethoscope to a member of the Kuwait National Guard Feb.21. The training course helped Soldiers from the U.S. and Kuwait gain experience in first- (Above) Third Army’s 3rd Medical Deployment Sustainment Com- responder techniques mand, 343rd Ground Ambulance Medical Company, Medics Spc. timing and teamwork. George Hutchins and Spc. Mark Black, instruct Kuwait National (Photo by Sgt. Dominic Guard soldiers during a Combat Life Saver course held at the Hauser, 1st Theater Kuwaiti National Guard Base in Kuwait City, Feb. 18. (Photo by Sgt. Sustainment Command Dominic Hauser, 1st Theater Sustainment Command Public Affairs Public Affairs Office) Office)

THIRD ARMY March 3, 2010 The Desert Voice U.S. and Kuwait leave it

Shape the Future all on the court Story and photos by Co., picked up the Cpl. Brandon Babbitt pace and slashed 203rd Public Affairs Detachment their way to three Servicemembers from Camp baskets apiece Arifjan, Kuwait defeated members during a one-sided of the Kuwaiti National Guard 52- 14-0 points run. 25 in a friendly Third Army spon- With the U.S. sored basketball game in the Zone team up 22-6 1 Gym, Feb. 13. with less than The contest began with a greet- four minutes until ing at center court between the two halftime, Kuwaiti teams. After the traditional hand- point-guard Mo- Members of the U.S. military and Kuwaiti National Guard exchange shakes, the fun began. hammed Madoh gifts following a friendly basketball competition at Camp Arifjan’s Zone 1 gym, Feb. 13. The game started out a bit rough scored nine points as both the Kuwaiti team and the for his team, including a three- meet on the hardwood. U.S. team continually turned the point bomb in the final seconds of “The experience of the U.S. ball over, however, the U.S. team the half as the gap closed to 24-15 team was too much for us to hit its stride midway through the at the break. handle,” said Adel Faij, director of first half as Spc. Gianni Anton- At halftime, U.S. coach, Sgt. sports, Kuwaiti National Guard. giorgi, 310th Human Resource Maj. Charles Nash, 39th Transpor- “Basketball is a fairly new sport in Sustainment Command, and Sgt. tation Bat., encouraged his squad to Kuwait, and it showed out there on Winston Allen, 64th Transportation play as a team and come out with the court today. Hopefully we will a lot of energy in the second continue to improve and be able to stanza. give the Americans a better contest “There was a lot of one-on- the next time we play,” he added one action in the first half by our with a smile. guys, and I wanted to stress the After the game, the two teams importance of sharing the ball exchanged gifts and took group and playing with discipline,” photos to commemorate the event said Nash. “I knew these guys as a token of appreciation between would come out with the right the allies. focus in the final half of play.” “I think this builds individual Nash’s prediction was correct friendships between the two na- as the U.S. team took care of the tions,” said Sgt. Maj. Melvin John- ball and lit up the scoreboard as son, Area Support Group – Kuwait. the lead soon got out of hand for “It is great for our guys to get out the Kuwaiti team. and hang with their counterparts Led by Sgt. Brandon Bene- in Kuwait in a fun atmosphere like field, 1-43 Field Artillery, and this.” his 17 points from both inside The game between U.S. military A U.S. Servicemember attacks the basket and out, the U.S. team left the members and the Kuwaiti National against a Kuwaiti defender during a basketball contest at Camp Arifjan’s Zone 1 gym, Feb. 13. Kuwaiti squad impressed, but Guard is part of an ongoing sports The game was hosted by Third Army to build also optimistic about the next competition promoting good rela- relations between the U.S. Servicemembers and their Kuwaiti hosts. time these two allied nations tions between the two nations.

The Desert Voice March 3, 2010 THIRD ARMY Third ArmyReserve unit splits, Sustain the fight half relocate to Afghanistan HET unit first in country since 2001

Story and photos by down of equipment, and the other Those going to Afghanistan will Cpl. Brandon Babbitt 203rd Public Affairs Detachment half to be deployed to Afghanistan have the busy task of getting Mine shortly after arriving in Kuwait in Resistant Ambush Protected ve- hird Army Soldiers from the late January. hicles and other new equipment to T287th Transportation Co., “When we first heard we were warfighters all over the Operation Heavy Equipment Transport, going to be split up, we were two Enduring Freedom theater, as well recently received news that half of weeks from getting over to Ku- as hauling battle damaged vehicles the Alabama-based Army Reserve wait,” said 1st Sgt. Clifford Pear- out of combat zones, which could unit would be packing up their son, 287th Transportation Co. and prove to be a very serious mission. gear, vehicles and trailers for relo- native of Palm Bay, Fla. “Needless “Needless to say, when orders cation to Afghanistan by the end of to say, it was hard because our unit for half of our guys changed, the February. is full of cross leveled Soldiers risk to exposing ourselves to more The HET Company will be the from different places and units, but danger increased,” said Vandertho- first to conduct operations in Af- I give credit to our guys who all len. “However, I am very confi- ghanistan since the start of Opera- seem highly motivated to get over dent we have the training and focus tion Enduring Freedom in 2001. to Afghanistan to help the fight needed to get the job done.” “The element of our company there.” “I hope some of the equipment going to Afghanistan will be the With the 287th’s commander and vehicles we will be getting first transportation unit of our type and first sergeant going to Af- to coalition forces can save some to work in the Afghan war-zone ghanistan to guide their troops in lives and help us win the fight over since we’ve been there,” said Cpt. the most dangerous location of the there,” said Vandertholen. Keith Vandertholen, commander, divided tours, the unit must work 287th Transportation Co. and na- with leadership changes as well. tive of Tampa, Fla. “Our guys have a sense of pride in the fact that we will be one of the keys over there as far as getting Mine Re- sistant Ambush Protected vehicles to the outlying areas of Afghanistan where coalition forces need them.” The unit first received word that they would be split at their mobilization station at Fort Sill, Okla. The new mission requires half the unit to operate a front haul and back haul A Heavy Equipment Transport sits at Camp Arifjan’s transportation lot in Zone 6, Feb. 10. HETs are used to transport, deploy and evacuate tanks, self-propelled artillery and other heavy vehicles and have mission in Kuwait and served as a vital part of Third Army’s mission in the drawdown of Iraq. Using HETS saves wear and tear Iraq to support the draw- on Mine Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicles and tanks, and is more cost efficient.

THIRD ARMY March 3, 2010 The Desert Voice NEWS News in Brief

Soldiers to get new cammo pattern for already worn the uniform in Afghanistan was used to wear in Afghanistan make the final decision. About 2,000 Soldiers were involved in tests to see how effective patterns such as Starting this summer, Soldiers sent to fight in MultiCam and UCP-Delta were at providing conceal- Afghanistan will wear an Army Combat Uniform with ment in the varying terrain of Afghanistan. the “MultiCam” pattern instead of the standard-issue universal camouflage pattern. Paratrooper saves gunner from Secretary of the Army John McHugh made that an- burning Humvee nouncement Feb. 19, after the service con- ducted a rigorous four-month evaluation Two acts of bravery saved the life of a Soldier, whom of various uniform patterns to deter- others said most definitely would have died had it not been for the heroic action. mine what could best protect Soldiers On May 17, in the Rusafa district of Bagh- in Afghanistan. dad, 1st Lt. Luis Reyes twice entered a burn- The new uniforms are of the ing Humvee to rescue his injured gunner, Spc. same material and cut that Sol- Robert Mayes. The two men were assigned to diers are already wearing in the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regi- the Army Combat Uniform or ment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd ACU. It is the cam- Airborne Division. ouflage printed on Not only was their Humvee hit by the fabric that will be an improvised explosive device, but different. The change the vehicle began to burn after the allows commanders in d ammunition stored between its rear rl seats exploded after a projectile struck it Afghanistan to have Wo Around the following the first attack, said Col. David more options in decid- Buckingham, squadron commander of the ing how best to equip their Sol- 73rd Cavalry Regiment. diers. “There is no question that Lieutenant Reyes’ “As a material provider, I want valor in entering the burning vehicle, then re-entering to be responsive to the Soldiers I support,” the vehicle after the explosion of the ammunition, saved said Col. William E. Cole, project manager for Sol- Specialist Mayes’ life,” said Buckingham, who pinned the dier Protection and Individual Equipment. “I want to Bronze Star with Valor medal on Reyes’ chest Feb. 12. give commanders options, I want to be responsive to Mayes’ left leg had been badly injured by the projec- Soldiers. That is what we were trying to do -- we’re tile while the exploding ammunition burned Reyes’ face. working to give (them) more options.” Buckingham said Mayes would not have made it out of the burning vehicle had it not been for Reyes valorous conduct. The uniforms bearing the new pattern, like the lat- “He’s my lifeline. He saved my life,” Mayes said fol- est ACUs, are fire resistant. They are officially called lowing the ceremony. “He did his job. He did what he was the Fire Resistant Army Combat Uniform. supposed to do and showed the leadership that he was The decision to use the MultiCam pattern came trained to do.” after the Army evaluated its effectiveness at providing “That kind of leadership is not uncommon in the 82nd camouflage protection in Iraq. That was done, in part, Airborne Division,” said Lt. Gen. Frank Helmick, XVIII by consulting with nearly 750 Soldiers who had de- Airborne Corps commander. He said that Reyes’ instincts ployed to Afghanistan. Those Soldiers participated in not to leave a fallen comrade behind took over and com- a “photo simulation” study administered by the Army. pelled him to rescue his brother-in-arms from a burning Additionally, feedback from Soldiers who have vehicle.

The Desert Voice March 3, 2010 THIRD ARMY Safety Safety

Story by kept asking myself, “What if?” Capt. Hajja Sahid-Hicks What if he had been running against the direction 58th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of traffic instead of with it? What if he’d been running Command Sgt. Maj. Gary H. Woodard was 45 on the sidewalk instead of the street? What if he’d years old, had been married 24 years and fathered worn a reflective vest that night? Would the driver three children. An Army National Guard Soldier, he have seen him? What if he hadn’t had on his iPod? worked full time with a local hospital. During his Would he have heard the car coming in time to react? well-respected military career, he was known for tak- What if he’d run just a little earlier that day (while it ing care of his Soldiers and had touched the lives of was still light outside)? Maybe he would still be here many. with us today. Woodard was a very cautious man. When I first met It has been almost a year since his death. I often him, he was a first sergeant and always careful when it wonder how different things might be had he taken came to safety in the field and during training on drill home the composite risk management procedures he weekends. His philosophy was “not on my dime” — pushed so hard on drill weekends. meaning there would be no accidents during his drill As Soldiers, we’re taught to be aware of the risks period. He thoroughly reviewed all risk assessments in combat and training. But what about the risks in and ensured safety briefings were completed and re- things we’ve done countless times in environments we vised for all operations at least three months out. assume are safe? Is there really ever a time or place so One cool March night he was running in his neigh- safe we can afford to let down our guard? borhood, as he usually did a few days each week. If you don’t know the answer, just ask Woodard’s It was a routine that never got old for him. But this wife and children. Then remember, safety is not just night would be different and change the lives of many for us, it’s also for the sake of those we’d leave be- forever. hind. As he was running, he was hit by a car driven by a young woman visiting family in the neighborhood. He was rushed to the hospital where, after a few days, his The Desert Voice Family had to make the most difficult decision of their -personality stories lives. wants -training you! -sustaining the fight He passed away late that night, the victim of head injuries from which he could not recover. His loss was Contact the Public Affairs office today! devastating to his Guard unit. As I thought of him, I

Camp Arifjan Tax Center The Camp Arifjan tax center What to Hours of operation is open for federal income tax Mon-Sat. 0900-1630 return filing, and will remain open during busi- bring: ness hours through April 16, 2010. All service- -W-2s members and DA civilians are welcome to -1099 (If applicable) walk-in, and retirees by appointment. The tax -Last years tax return (If possible) center will travel on Mondays to Camp Bueh- -POA from spouse ring, Camp Virginia and LSA. (If married or filing jointly)

THIRD ARMY March 3, 2010 The Desert Voice Chaplain’s Corner Sustain the fight

Lessons from Nature Thinking back about those days, I remember even when the muddy roads were straight, they Story by were not easily traveled. Traveling down the path Chaplain Bobbie Joe Eaton of life reminds me a lot of days gone by. We can Call it late winter storms or early spring rains. expect storms along the way. When the sky breaks open this time of the year, In my spiritual life, I have discovered that if I it makes for plenty of wet and muddy earth. trust the Lord, He will take me to the destination As a boy growing up in the fifties and early six- He had planned. He will make our path straight, ties I can remember well the condition of the though not always smooth. roads after a spring rain. I can remember not Proverbs 3:5 , says, “in all your ways acknowl- only the gravel roads, I remember the roads that edge Him and He will make your paths straight.” needed gravel but had none. The Bible tells us when the Israelites forgot God, In my days of delivering groceries I had to they wandered around in circles for forty years. encounter dirt roads after a spring rain. They Their path to the promised land was anything but soon became a road of mud and I learned straight. quickly if I was to make it to my destination, I I acknowledge today that I am not promised had to get in the “rut” and stay in the rut to make an easy path, just a straight one if I trust entirely it. For young readers, a rut was a track where on the Lord. With every pothole, rut, or barrier I someone traveled before and made a path. may come across, I will remember to lean on the Sometimes the truck would spin out in the rut, Lord. The roads are black-top today, but the les- then you were stuck in the mud. (bad day). sons remain the same. Equal Opportunity The month of March is dedicated to Women’s His- tory and learning about the extraordinary achievements of women in our nation. This year’s theme of “Writing Women Back into History” gives us only a glimpse into the vast accom- plishments of the female patriots of our society. Women have displayed their pioneering spirit and leadership in a variety of areas as homemakers, businesswomen, educators, human rights activists serving in the military and space exploration. Absolutely no part of American history is complete without addressing and recognizing the contributions of women. American women labored in their homes to secure a safe, healthy place for their families. The Fight for Women’s Rights opened the doors to new teachers, doctors, and caregivers outside the home. From these humble beginnings women have soared to new heights as leaders in business, government, enter- tainment, literature, art, science, and space. By Illustrator Peter Hemmer / Sgt. 1st Class Springs

The Desert Voice March 3, 2010 THIRD ARMY Sustain the fight Health

Hidden Calories To burn off one cup of ice cream, you would have to run 5-6 miles. o you feel like you are eating healthy, but 7) Food additions and condiments can also Dnot sure why you aren’t losing weight increase the calorie content. Two tablespoons or possibly gaining a few pounds? There are of sour cream contains 62 calories and the places where you might be getting more calo- same amount of mayonnaise has 198 calories. ries than you realize. Add brown sugar, nuts and raisins to oatmeal An excess of only 100 calories per day will and you might double or triple the calories in cause a 10.5 pound weight gain over one year. your breakfast. Here are some quick calorie counts that might Start reading food labels and watch your por- help you get to your goal weight. Capt. Kate Schrumm R.D. tion sizes. Unsure of how many calories U.S. Army Central Surgeon’s Office you are eating? Go to the www.myfooda- 1) The six ounce bottles of chocolate milk from the pedia.gov , search for a food and select the matching dining facility have 174 calories whereas the skim milk serving size to see how many calories you are consum- has 60 calories per bottle. This is a 342 calorie difference ing. if you drink three bottles per day – enough to lose almost three pounds in a month. Rules of Weight Loss 2) The fat-free Italian dressing contains 25 calories per packet while 1) To lose weight you need to eat the blue cheese contains 200 calories fewer calories than you burn. To per packet. Check the label of your lose one-half - 1 pound per week, dressing. Use vinegar or lemon juice you need to cut 250-500 calories as a low calorie substitution. per day from your usual intake. 3) One-fourth cup of cheddar 2) Weight loss does not require cheese has 114 calories. Add this to starvation or deprivation. Cutting a salad with equal amounts of diced too many calories quickly will de- ham, croutons and eggs, and your plete your energy levels. All foods healthy, low calorie salad now has over 300 calories just can be included in a healthy diet – in moderation. from toppings. 3) Make behavioral and diet changes that you can 4) One of the smaller paper cups at the dining facil- maintain. Do not lose weight and then resume your ity holds approximately 2-2 1/2 cups of fluid. Fill it with previous lifestyle later. You will see those pounds creep juice, sweet tea or soda and you are drinking anywhere back on. Make a plan for how you can continue your from 200-260 calories. Cut out these beverages from new habits with your regular schedule. two meals a day, and you could lose 1 pound per week. 4) Pay attention to the source of your calories. You Choose unsweetened tea, water, diet soda, Crystal Light might not be optimizing your health if you are limiting or milk instead. The 180 calories in three bottles of skim your intake, eating the same foods every day or skipping milk are worth drinking because of the calcium, vitamin whole food groups. Increasing fruits and vegetables D, protein, and other nutrients. while decreasing your intake of higher calorie foods is a 5) Do you snack on trail mix, almonds, peanuts or a great way to improve your health. similar food? Beware of your portion size. A cup of trail 5) Find a personal reason to get healthy. Everyone mix contains 704 calories. should be concerned with making the fitness standards 6) Because fat is more calorie dense than carbohy- required by their service, but if you have a personal rea- drates or protein, high-fat baked goods and fried foods son for wanting to get fit it will be much easier to stick are high in calories. To burn off a muffin, donut or serv- with your goals. ing of french fries you would have to run at least 2 miles.

THIRD ARMY March 3, 2010 The Desert Voice VOTE!! Have you registered to vote? Information If NOT, you need to fill out a Federal Post Card Application! Talk to your Voting Assistance Officer today!

Visit www.fvap.gov for more info. By Staff Sgt. Mark Bennett

The Desertis on the Command Vision Information Channel Find out what’s going on in all branches who serve Third Army by watching the Command Information Channel on your local broadcast station.

Find photos taken by our journalists on dvidshub.net at: http://www.dvidshub.net/THIRDARMY http://www.dvidshub.net.units/203PAD and on the shared drive at I:\ARCENT\CFLCC PAO Photos Movies\PAO Photo Library

The Desert Voice March 3, 2010 THIRD ARMY Emergency Numbers Just One Question ... What is your favorite war movie 911 Emergency DSN – 911/112 From cell phone 2389-9911 of all time? Camp Arifjan DSN 430-3160 / PMO 430-1343 “Full Metal Jacket Arifjan Cell 6682-2120 because it shows the Camp Buerhing duality of war.” DSN 438-3224 / PMO 438- 3325 Buerhing Cell 9720-5396 Sgt. Christopher Erickson Camp Virginia Emergency DSN 832-9111 Third Army Command Group Camp Virginia DSN 832-2559 Rollins, Wyo. Virginia Cell 6705-9470 “Enemy At the Gates because it LSA DSN 442-0189 is a good story that depicts ac- LSA Cell 6682-2467 curate WWII events and shows how important hope and good K-Crossing DSN 823-1327 troop morale can affect any K-Crossing Cell 682-0095 situation, even when faced with impossible odds.” KCIA/APOD Cell 6706-0165 Marine Cpl. Joshua Grube SPOD DSN 825-1314 MARCENT SPOD Cell 9720-5982 Denver, Colo. KNB DSN 839-1334 “We were Soldiers be- cause it depicts the type of leaders I would want to give my all for.” Officer Spotlight Sgt. 1st Class Robert Henderson Col. Chris Grays ARCENT EO Assistant Chief of Staff for Army Reserve Affairs Oxford, N.C.

Col. Grays, a native of Orangeburg, S.C. and “We were Soldiers because currently part of the Reserve Affairs Team at actor Sam Elliot’s portrayal of Camp Arifjan, spent the first three years of his a Sergeant Major is exactly career in the National Guard and Army Re- what I envision a Sergeant serve. While a citizen Soldier, Grays earned his degree in Business and Economics, and Major being.” was commissioned as an AG Officer. After entering active duty, he was branched as an Armor Officer and spent time in Germany Sgt. 1st Class Reginald Douglass and Korea. After serving on active duty, 1st Army LNO Grays wanted a change of pace and decided Hinesville, Ga. to return to civilian life. He soon realized he missed the camaraderie and daily interaction with Soldiers and entered the Active Guard and Reserve program where he is currently “Generation Kill because “We need to do a better serving. of the diverse characters job mentoring our junior Grays has earned his Master’s Degree in Soldiers (enlisted and Business Mgt. and graduated from the War that keep it interesting.” College with a graduate degree in Strategic officer) and hold them Studies. His hobbies include traveling and to a standard thereby spending time with family. After 24 years creating an environment of service, Grays looks back with a debt of Marine Cpl. Bryant Jackson of success.” gratitude to his parents whose love and en- couragement have made him the successful Marine Coordination Element- Kuwait officer he is today. Yankton, S.D.

THIRD ARMY March 3, 2010 The Desert Voice Around Third Army Sizemore, 593rdSustainmentBrigade) operations inandoutofIraq.(Photo bySpc.Joshua port thedrawdownbyoverseeing sustainmentconvoy some friendlycompetitionfor593rd Soldierswhosup Camp Arifjan, Kuwait,Feb.13.Theeventwasabreakand a litter-carryraceduringanorganizationaldayeventat Soldiers fromthe593rdSustainmentBrigadecompetein 160th SignalBrigadePAO) pany, 25thSignalBattalion,Kabul, Afghanistan.(Photo by Tucker joinsthe160thHHCfrom287thSignalCom She alsochallengedTucker tosethighstandards. fident thattheywillgrowunderhisleadershipandguidance. already seenhowTucker putstheSoldiersfirst,andiscon Capt.ClaudiaDaniel,HHCcommander, saidshehad tion andabilitytotaketheorganizationnextlevel. mand teamhasfullconfidenceinhisleadership,self-motiva the organization.StocktonalsoassuredTucker thatthecom- combat-proven leaderwhobringsawealthofknowledgeto ton, 160thCommandSergeantMajor, praisedTucker asa Duringtheceremony, CommandSgt.Maj.KennethStock the positionforoneyear. who departedCamp Arifjan inlateDecember, afterservingin Tucker fillsthevacancyleftby1st.Sgt. Terence Woodliff, at theZone1gym,Camp Arifjan, Kuwait,Feb.12. Tucker withan Assumption ofResponsibilityCeremonyheld Company, 160thSignalBrigade,welcomed1stSgt.Stephen The“DesertDragons”ofHeadquartersand Cesar Brenes,1stTSC) the securityarrangementsoftheir1979Treaty ofPeace.(PhotobyStaffSgt. established bythe Arab RepublicofEgyptandtheStateIsraeltomonitor and Observers,anindependentinternationalpeacekeepingorganization Feb. 15.TheEODCompanysupportsthemissionofMultinationalForce helmet duringavisittotheMulti-NationalForceandobservers,Sinai,Egypt, E. Rogers,1stTheatreSustainmentCommander, withputtingonaEOD9 First Sgt.Teague Bode,anativeofSanDiego,Calif.,assists,Maj.Gen.James - - - - - Detachment) for all.(PhotobyCpl.Brandon Babbitt,203rdPublic Affairs host nationforallofitssupport whilebuildingabetterfuture back tothecommunityitserves asawayofthankingthe in needlivingKuwaitCity. Third Army supportsgiving nership betweenthechurchandThird Army benefitsthose the churchaspartof“GiveandGo”program.The non-perishable itemsatCamp Arifjan, Kuwait,todonate Soldiers collecteditemssuchasclothing,foodandother Evangelical ChurchinKuwaitCity, Feb. 14.Third Army Group, handsadonationboxtovolunteerattheNational Lt. Col.RachelCoggins,chaplain,653rdRegionalSupport -