e e h h T T MMaarrnnee EExxpprreessss “Mission, Soldiers, Teamwork”

Volume 2, Issue 5 Serving the Soldiers of Task Force Baghdad April 24, 2005

In this week’s Marne Express

Desert Rogues page 5 Nation honors 3rd Inf. Div. Soldier Army News Service ago, in an action outside the then- “On this day two years ago, Sergeant Special to The Marne Express Saddam Hussein International Airport. Smith gave his all for his men. Five Smith manned the .50-caliber days later, Baghdad fell, and the Iraqi WASHINGTON, D.C. — An machine gun on top of an armored per- people were liberated,” Bush said. “And American Soldier’s family received the sonnel carrier in order to defend a court- today, we bestow upon Sergeant Smith highest military recognition, the first yard while his men from the 11th the first Medal of Honor in the war on Medal of Honor for Operation Iraqi Engineer Battalion, 3rd Infantry terror. He’s also the first to be awarded Freedom, from President George W. Division, withdrew and evacuated this new Medal of Honor flag, author- Bush in the East Room of the White wounded. Late in the action, he died ized by the United States Congress. We House April 4. after being struck by enemy fire. count ourselves blessed to have soldiers Bush presented the Medal of Honor The president quoted a letter Smith like Sergeant Smith, who put their lives to David Smith, the 11-year-old son of wrote to his parents, but never mailed, on the line to advance the cause of free- Sgt. 1st Class Paul R. Smith, who was saying he was willing to “give all that I Pilgrimage killed April 4, 2003, exactly two years am” so that his men would return home. See HONOR, page 13 page 9 Rumsfeld makes special visit to Liberty Sgt. Andrew Miller, Force Baghdad commanding thanked them for their serv- Engineer Battalion and one Staff Sgt. Ken Walker general, presented many out- ice. of the Soldiers who was 100th MPAD standing Soldiers with their Spc. Togiimoana S. awarded the Purple Heart. awards as the citations were Niusulu, of American Samoa, “I heard that Donald read aloud. is a carpentry and masonry CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Four Bronze Star Medals specialist from the 365th See VISIT, page 13 Secretary of Defense Donald with the Valor device were Rumsfeld attended a town awarded for meritorious hall meeting with Task Force achievement during combat Baghdad Soldiers April 12, operations against an oppos- where he presented four ing force. The award denotes Bronze Stars for Valor and heroism and exemplary con- eight Purple Hearts. duct in ground combat After the awards, against the armed enemies of Rumsfeld helped reenlist 100 the United States. All four Soldiers, then fielded a few Bronze Stars awarded were Taji airfield questions from the troops. to Soldiers of B Company, The spacious 3rd Infantry 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry page 12 Division dining facility, tem- Regiment, 10th Mountain porarily transformed into a Division. meeting venue, was bustling Eight Purple Hearts were with Task Force Baghdad awarded to individuals for Soldiers and civilian contrac- wounds they received as a tors, all eager to see result of enemy actions. Staff Sgt. Ken Walker Rumsfeld and listen to his Soldiers from several differ- Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld congratulates Staff Sgt. words of encouragement. ent units stood at attention as James Kirkpatrick, 2nd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, after Rumsfeld and Maj. Gen. Rumsfeld and Webster awarding him the Bronze Star Medal for Valor during a visit with William G. Webster Jr., Task pinned their medals and Task Force Baghdad Soldiers at Camp Liberty April 12. 1st AD Soldiers remember heroic fallen friend Sgt. Kevin Bromley conducting dismounted combat opera- pelled grenades. 3/1 AD PAO tions along the CiCi Bar Canal, in the “His squad members will tell you that North Babil area of Iraq. Dean saw and sensed the attack before it MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq – The solemn He was the point man of a squad happened,” said Lt. Col. Lee Quintas, sound of “Taps” and rifle volleys tasked to gain intelligence about insur- commander of 2nd Battalion, 70th echoed through the cavernous building gents in the area of West Sayed Armored Regiment. as Soldiers of 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Abdullah near the village of Mulla Richardson laid down suppressive IED spotter Division bid farewell to Sgt. William Fayad. fire with his M-4 carbine and M-203 Dean Richardson April 8. Richardson’s patrol was ambushed by grenade launcher to allow his fellow page 14 Richardson, posthumously promoted terrorists and received heavy fire from Soldiers time to seek covered firing to sergeant, was killed April 3 while automatic weapons and rocket-pro- See SOLDIER, page 13 Page 2 Op/Ed The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 Army Sergeant Major thanks fallen Soldier Sgt. Maj. Kenneth O. tunity to reflect on Paul’s Soldiers are performing hero- Preston actions two years ago; actions ically today. The Word Sergeant Major of the Army that saved the lives of 100 of his Our heroes are men and fellow Soldiers. women, infantrymen and truck It is because of his dedica- drivers, large and small, and In this special edition of my tion that Paul solidified the very they come from all across our core of our Army. On that day, great country and from around on the Street leaders book notes I wanted to take a moment to reflect and 100 American Soldiers wit- the world. remember the great sacrifice of nessed and learned leadership As you know, this is the the first Soldier to be awarded of extraordinary proportions; first time in our nation’s histo- Which two NBA teams do you expect the Medal of Honor in this con- leadership that changed and ry that we have sustained a flict, Sgt. 1st Class Paul Smith. influenced their lives forever. long-duration fight with an in the finals and who will win? On 5 April, a day after Those 100 men will in turn all-volunteer force. Only with Smith’s son David accepted the lead hundreds of Soldiers who the American people’s support Medal of Honor by President will benefit from the leadership will young men and women Bush on behalf of his father; I gained from serving with continue to raise their right "I like the Heat vs. the had the Smith. That process will con- hand and swear to uphold the great tinue to be shared across the Constitution of the United Suns. The Heat are honor entire Army from one unit to States against all enemies, for- just having too good a of join- another. eign and domestic. ing his Paul joins 260,000 of One last thing I’d like to season though, so wife America’s sons and daughters share you with about this topic; they will win it in six." Birgit, in the living tribute we call I recently learned, national his Arlington National Cemetery. studies reflect this generation of daugh- Paul was honored with the young Americans joining our terhighest award our nation can Army today are called Capt. Roy Nixon Jessica bestow a hero. He has become a Millenials, or the Millenium and son part of history to his country. Generation. This generation is 3/3 Avn. David For as long as our flag stands, more closely tied to those along those two hundred acres of Americans we call the Greatest with sacred ground will cradle our Generation. For those of us other family and friends at a heroes and the memory of who have been around for special ceremony at Arlington Paul’s commitment. awhile, it might be hard to National Cemetery. It was On that day, Smith’s Soldiers swallow our pride and accept exactly two years and a day stood as living testaments to his that these young men and since Smith gave his life for his courage, sacrifice, and dedica- women are smarter and more "I’m a big Kings fan, country. tion. On that day more than a patriotic than we were (Baby so I’m thinking Kings Arlington cemetery is vis- million Soldiers serving Boommers and Generation X) ited each year by more than America’s Army paid tribute to when we were young. They are vs. the Heat. four million people who a hero. proud to serve, are team orient- Sacramento is due so come to pay tribute to the He will always be with us to ed, willing to sacrifice and con- they will take it in heroes who have fought to quietly inspire all those who tribute to the mission at hand, keep America free. A head- bare witness to that special and ready to give all in the seven games." stone placed in SFC Smith’s place. Paul will always be, an name of freedom. They have honor will forever remind American Soldier. grown up in a world under each of them that freedom is And yet even as we honored siege by terrorist attacks over not free and that great this brave American, 261,000 the years. If we let one good Spc. Amy Davenport Soldiers like him have died in others are deployed around the story slip by without telling, we the defense of that freedom. world in over 120 countries. have done these young men and HHC Avn. Bde. In my remarks to those gath- Many of them are serving in women an injustice. ered I said the stone will give harm’s way. They are “your” Thank you all for what you Soldiers past and present, and Soldiers and they are doing a are doing, and what you will those who aspire to wear the magnificent job. continue to do for our Army. uniform of a Soldier, the oppor- The reality is that many Hooah. "It will be the Spurs vs. the Heat, because they have the two best men in UUnnssuunngg hheerrooeess the game, Shaq and Duncan. I’m going to go telephones and many other Command Sgt. Major on a limb though and say William M. Grant communication systems Task Force Baghdad command running smoothly. So, to Miami wins it in seven." sergeant major the Commo Soldiers who keep the lines of informa- tion and communication The path to victory is open throughout the Staff Sgt. Chavlier often paved by Soldiers Marne Division everyday, Slaughter who work behind the I say “Thank You.” Thank scenes. There’s no ques- You for the hard work you HHC, DSB tion the 3rd Infantry do each day to support the Division has numerous Marne team and keep up Soldiers who do just that. the good work.” Like the Dogface Soldiers in Continue to support and "Phoenix is good this Communications who Defend! year and I like them in ensure critical information is passed on throughout Rock of the Marne! the west, but I think the Marne Division by the Celtics will beat keeping our computers, Marne 7 out them."

Sgt. 1st Class Brenda Benner 2nd Lt. Nicole Smay Telecommunications operator Pfc. Kevin Pivotto, left, and network admin- 603rd ASB istrator Staff Sgt. Anissa Bolden, both from 1st Detachment, 3rd Signal Company, make sure that the tele- phones and computer network sys- tems are always functioning.

"The Pistons are the e e h h Miller, Sgt. Kevin Bromley, Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft, defending champs and T T MMaarrnnee EExxpprreessss Spc. Ricardo Branch, Spc. Natalie Loucks, Spc. Ben Brody, Spc. Jimmy D. Lane Jr., Spc. Jennifer Fitts, Spc. they have awesome Derek Del Rosario, Spc. Chrstopher Foster, Spc. Brian Task Force Baghdad Public Affairs Office Henretta, Spc. Erin Robicheaux, Spc. Brian Schroeder, “D." In the end the Commanding General: Maj. Gen. William G. Webster Spc. Matthew Wester, Pfc. Daniel Balda, Pfc. Matthew Pistons will take it in Jr. McLaughlin, Pfc. Mike Pryor. Public Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. Clifford C. Kent six.” Public Affairs Supervisor: Master Sgt. Greg Kaufman The Marne Express is an authorized publication for The Marne Express Staff members of the U.S. Army. Contents of The Marne Editor: Sgt. 1st Class Brenda Benner Express are not necessarily official views of, or Associate Editor: Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft endorsed by, the U.S. Government, Department of Pfc. Bruce Wise Layout and Design: Spc. Ricardo Branch Defense, Department of the Army or the 3rd Infantry Division. All editorial content of The Marne 603rd ASB Staff Writers: Sgt. 1st Class Peter Chadwick, Sgt. 1st Express is prepared, edited, provided and Class David Abrams, Staff Sgt. Ken Walker, Staff Sgt. approved by the 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Raymond Piper, Sgt. Thomas Benoit, Sgt. Andrew Office. The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 Page 3 Guards help keep Camp Taji safe Spc. Matthew Wester “We keep the people inside like that because you never Your 3/1 AD PAO the post safe.” know what can happen. You A few towers down, anoth- have to stay alert.” CAMP TAJI, Iraq – A er 125th FSB troop, Pfc. “Normally, I’m issuing out Soldier uses binoculars to Sandy Suiter, underscores the ammo to other units,” Root survey the heavy traffic on a importance of a long, but said. Horoscope: Baghdad street while his fel- vital guard shift. Sgt. John Harnan, a mem- low platoon member listens “It is a very important ber of B Co., contrasted his closely for instructions on the duty,” he said. “If no one normal duties as a generator Spc. Ricardo Branch radio. checks the perimeter, there is mechanic with the tasks These troops, from the no telling when or where involved in running the entry The 3rd Infantry Division doesn’t have an 125th Forward Support there is a breach in the com- control point he was assigned Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st pound.” to guard. astrologer, so I (and other insightful minds) Armored Division, aren’t on Suiter is an automated “On a normal day in the a patrol. They are on guard logistical specialist for B shop, I’d be turning wrench- have taken the liberty to share with you our duty – making sure the Company, 125th FSB. His es, fixing generators and boundaries of Camp Taji are specialty in the Army doesn’t keeping the power up,” he take on your fate. secure. involve scanning the horizon said. “Out here, I deal with Taurus Scorpiio Soldiers from the battalion with binoculars, giving situa- security, check identification complete assigned guard tion reports on the radio, or and deal with the locals.” Today you’ll insist on You finally see the shifts, manning guard towers setting up and loading an M- The checkpoints are also calling yourself light at the end of the or entry control points. Some 249 machine gun. manned by Iraqi soldiers, of their main responsibilities However, in this organiza- who help provide security at “Emperor.” Beware, tunnel. However, it’s are scanning their area for tion, everyone is a rifleman the checkpoints. suspicious activity and keep- first. “(The Iraqis) are atten- there will be some the Marne Express ing the sergeant-of-the-guard This is true of most of the tive,” Harnan said, “They do grumbling from your and you’re standing and officer-in-charge what they need to notified about what is do.” peasants. right in its path. going on in their sector. Harnan said that “I’m pulling guard “If no one checks the perime- working with the duty and keeping a good ter, there is no telling when Iraqis has given him a watch,” said Pvt. Noel different perspective Lewis, a warehouse clerk and where there is a breach on Iraq. Gemiinii Sagiittariius for A Company, 125th in the compound.” “I’m seeing Iraq FSB, who was assigned through their eyes,” Congratulations, your Having failed at to a guard tower near one Harnan said. ship finally came in. everything else, you’ll of the exterior walls on Pfc. Sandy Suiter In turn, the Iraqi post. “I’m making sure A Co., 125th FSB Soldiers are also Unfortunately, it’s the focus on the one nothing bad is going to learning from their TItanic -- have a nice thing you’re great at: happen on my watch.” American counter- His partner in the tower, battalion’s troops on guard parts. cruise! failure. Pfc. Michael Root, an ammu- duty, who leave behind sup- “They’re seeing how we nition specialist, also from A port jobs and concentrate on run things,” said Spc. Daniel Co., 125th FSB, shares his their soldiering skills when G. Jackson, an air conditioner commitment to keeping they are assigned to guard mechanic for B Co., who things under control during Camp Taji. works with Harnan and the their shift. “On a day-to-day basis I’m Iraqis to staff the checkpoint. “I’m keeping an eye on in a warehouse working and I “The Iraqis are getting a Cancer Capricorn things inside the base and can take a break,” Lewis said. taste of an American military Cancer Capricorn outside the base,” he said. “Here you can’t take breaks operation,” he said. Today you’ll be faced You’ll have a Marne- Working with the Iraqis and his fellow Soldiers, with many decisions. tastic day. However, Harnan is confident he is No matter what you tomorrow has yet to keeping the post secure. “I’m making sure the right decide you’ll be be seen. people are going to the right wrong, because places,” he said. “On my shift, no one is going to get there’s someone through that isn’t supposed above you who’s to.” That standard of compe- always right. tence requires Soldiers to put their previous training to use. Preparations for tasks like Leo Aquariius guarding a perimeter began when these troops first You will begin a bitter Today you will irritate entered the Army. and drawn out battle many people. In fact “You have to be alert and always look professional,” with the voice in your you will begin to irri- said Jackson. head. You don’t stand Alertness and profession- tate yourself. alism are two things stressed a chance. to all Soldiers in basic train- ing. “It’s just like the drill ser- geants told me in basic,” Lewis said. “Stay alert and stay alive.” “You just go back to all Viirgo Piisces that training,” Root said. Guard shifts can be chal- You’re destined for You will find yourself lenging. bigger things, too bad Root added that the funda- at rock bottom. Fear mental training during basic it’s your waistline not, tommorrow you prepared him to work long hours. from all the will start digging! Repeated shifts enable the chowhall’s desserts. Soldiers to accumulate a lot of experience which helps them protect the post even better. “Every time I do this I learn more things to be aware of,” Root said. Whether the 125th FSB Liibra Ariies Soldiers are high above in a Beware of falling If you were back at Sgt. Matthew Wester tower, or on the edge of post Sgt. John Harman, a member of B Company, 125th Forward Support at an entry point, that aware- objects this week, home your love life Battalion, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armored Division, checks in a truck at a ness will keep everyone at because let’s face it -- would be flourishing, traffic entry point while on guard duty at Camp Taji, Iraq. Camp Taji much safer. they’re not aware of unfortunately for you, you. you’re deployed so Diid The Medal of Honor has been awarded to it’s not. you 3,400 of our nation’s bravest Soldiers, you Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast know Guardsmen since its creation in 1861. Page 4 The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 New medals for Iraq, Afghanistan service www.defenselink.mil one award can’t be used to justify eligibility Special to The Marne Express for the other. Just one award of each of the IIraqii Campaiign Medall new medals is authorized, as no service stars WASHINGTON, April 7, 2005 – Two new are prescribed. campaign medals announced today recognize No servicemember is entitled to wear all servicemembers for their contributions in three medals for the same act, achievement or Iraq and Afghanistan. period of service. The Defense Department announced the The area of eligibility for the Afghanistan Afghanistan Campaign Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal includes all the country’s Campaign Medal for military members who land and air spaces. The Iraq Campaign directly support Operation Enduring Freedom Medal applies for service in Iraq, its waters between Oct. 24, 2001, and a date to be deter- out to 12 nautical miles, and the airspace over mined in the future or Operation Iraqi Iraq and its 12-mile water area. Freedom between March 19, 2003, and some To qualify for the awards, servicemembers future date. must have served in the appropriate region The new campaign medals were estab- for 30 consecutive days or 60 non-consecu- lished by presidential order for servicemem- tive days, officials said. bers who have been assigned, attached or Servicemembers also qualify for the mobilized to units operating in these areas, medals if they have been engaged in combat officials said. during an armed engagement, regardless of Until now, servicemembers deployed to the time spent in the area of eligibility, or Afghanistan and Iraq during the designated were wounded or injured and required med- timeframes were awarded the Global War on ical evacuation from the area of eligibility Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. while participating in an operation or on offi- “By awarding separate medals, we will cial duties. recognize the specific contribution that our Regularly assigned aircrew members fly- servicemen and women have made in ing sorties into, out of, within, or over the Afghanistan and Iraq,” said Bill Carr, deputy area of eligibility in direct support of military undersecretary of defense for military person- operations also qualify, with each day of nel policy. “It’s appropriate that we present operations counting as one day of eligibility. them with an award that truly honors their On the uniform, the Afghanistan Campaign The new Iraqi campaign medal is the first new heroic service in these operations.” Medal will be positioned below the Kosovo medal established following the Global War on Servicemembers with the Global War on Campaign Medal and above the Iraq Terrorism Expeditionary Medal remain quali- Campaign Medal. The Iraq Campaign Medal Terrorism Expeditionary/Service Medals. To fied for it, but officials said they may apply will be positioned below the Afghanistan qualify for the Iraqi Campaign Medal, a service- for the appropriate new campaign medal as Campaign Medal and above the Global War member must serve a total of 30 consecutive well. on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. days or 60 non-consecutive days in country. Military personnel may receive both of the Each military department will serve as the new campaign medals if they meet the awarding authority for the new campaign requirement for both awards. However, offi- medals and issue regulations for processing, cials said the qualifying period of service for awarding and wearing them, officials said. Soldiers recognized for rescuing Egyptian hostages Pfc. Matthew McLaughlin sued the kidknappers, Lucas and the blindfolded and handcuffed. “It’s the best feeling in the world 2/10 Inf. PAO others The hostages, knowing we saved two guys’ lives,” detained the later revealed to Arneman said. “It makes the job worth CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – One one who be two of the doing.” Soldier received a Bronze Star and remained in four kidnapped The hostages were eventually eight Soldiers received the Army the vehicle. Egyptian work- released to the Egyptian Embassy. The Commendation Medal April 5 for res- Sgt. 1st Class “It’s the best feeling in the ers, were elated other two Egyptian workers were res- cuing two Egyptian hostages from ter- Michael to be freed from cued later in the day, Lucas said. rorists in Baghdad Feb. 7. Carlan, a pla- world knowing we saved two their captors, Lucas received the Bronze Star for Maj. Gen. Lloyd Austin III, 10th toon leader guys lives. It makes the job said Staff Sgt. his part in the rescue. Mountain Division commander, from Joey Carlan, Washington, Arneman and presided over the ceremony and con- Dahlonega, worth doing.” Washington, a Rivera received the Army gratulated the Soldiers from 2nd Ga., had the squad leader Commendation Medal for their contri- Battalion, 15th Field Artillery detainee open from Raleigh, butions. Regiment for a job well done. all of the Spc. Jeremy Arneman N.C. Other ARCOM recipients include: “They are rewarded for doing what doors and 2/15 FA Regt. “One guy was Staff Sgt. Miguel Guzman of El Paso, they are supposed to do,” Austin said. finally the so happy we Texas; Pfc. Jose Atilano, Prosser, “In doing so, they saved lives. I’m trunk. Carlan found him, he Wash.; Pfc. Billy Bailey, Brookland, grateful for the way you helped this approached the trunk expecting a came up and kissed my hands,” he Texas; and Pfc. Jose Santos, Cidra, division and the Army.” VBIED, but instead found two people said. Puerto Rico. Four Egyptians working for the mobile cell phone company Iraqna were kidnapped Feb 6. Less than 24 hours later, Soldiers from B Battery, 2/15 FA saved two of the hostages and detained two terrorists after they pulled over a suspicious vehicle while on a routine patrol in their area of oper- ations. First Lt. David Lucas, B Btry. pla- toon leader, 2/15 FA, noticed a vehicle sagging low to the ground. Believing this to be a possible vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, Lucas ordered his convoy to stop the vehicle. “I told my driver to cut them off so we can search them,” said the Knoxville, Tenn., native. “Before we even stopped, they stopped. Two guys jumped out and bolted in opposite directions.” The convoy gave chase to the terror- ists. One managed to escape while the other was detained with assistance from an Iraqi civilian. “An Iraqi ran out and yelled at me in the turret and showed us where the road was,” said Spc. Jeremy Arneman, a gunner from Erie, Penn. The terrorist ran around the corner and the Soldiers dismounted and chased after him. Spc. Stephen A. Rivera, a convoy driver from Miami, Fla. was close enough to him and raised his rifle. “He was in the middle of the road and I yelled ‘Stop!’” Rivera said. “He turned around and saw how close I was to him and stopped. I went up to him Pfc. Matthew McLaughlin and he got on his knees.” Command Sgt. Maj. Ralph Borja, 10th Mtn. Div. command sergeant major, congratulates Sgt. 1st Class Michael Carlan and While one group of Soldiers pur- other Soldiers from 2/15 FA at their award ceremony for rescuing two Egyptian hostages from terrorists Feb. 7. The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 Page 5 Desert Rogues hit streets of Mamum Spc. Ben Brody As the Soldiers walked 2nd BCT PAO down narrow streets, a group of children steadily grew around BAGHDAD – Soldiers from them. They asked for water, A Company, 1st Battalion, 64th pens, candy, sunglasses – any- Armor, conducted a routine thing the Soldiers would give presence patrol and checked up them. Some of the children on public works in Mamum, a spoke enough English to com- northeastern section of municate fairly well with the Baghdad, March 23. troops who would engage them Mamum is a part of in conversation. Kamiliya, an area which has An interpreter helped bridge been the focus of much-needed the language barrier between coalition sewage projects and Pridgen and local residents, humanitarian assistance. who seemed hesitant, but coop- “We’re here to show our erative. presence, which can disrupt “I’ve been to lots of different enemy activity, and to make places ... the kids here love us, sure the trash is getting picked but the adults are apprehen- up and the sewage lift station is sive,” said Staff Sgt. Kevin operational,” said 1st Lt. Walter Duquette, A Co., squad leader. Pridgen, A Co., 1/64 platoon “It’s important we come here leader. “When we walk around and break the ice – show people the neighborhood, it gives us a we’re here to help.” chance to speak with residents According to Pridgen, in person, so we can find out patrols like this will continue to from them what the problems strengthen relations between in town are.” coalition forces and residents of After speaking with the Baghdad. Duquette said he operator of Mamum’s sewage sees the security situation in lift station, Pridgen found the Kamiliya improving as resi- station to be functioning well. dents express disgust over near- Mamum, a predominantly by insurgent attacks. Shia area, is considered friend- “We’re infantrymen, we’re ly toward coalition forces. A trained to fight, so it’s easy to neighborhood advisory council go from peacekeeper to serves as the official liaison warfighter in an instant,” between 1/64 and residents. Duquette said. “It’s harder to Pridgen said the residents he go from warfighter to peace- spoke with feel the NAC repre- keeper, but 99.9 percent of the sents them well and addresses people here are friendly to us, Spc. Ben Brody their concerns. so it gets easier as we go.” Soldiers from A Co., 1/64 Armor, followed by a group of children, patrol the streets of Mamum, Iraq. Dedicated Taji Soldiers re-enlist by the dozen Spc. Brian Henretta The 177 Soldiers have “They wanted to volunteer 3rd Avn. Bde. PAO pledged themselves to a total to continue serving their of 990 years of additional country, and it meant a lot to CAMP TAJI, Iraq — One service to the Army and were them to do it here in the war- hundred seventy-seven paid a total of nearly $1.8 zone with Gen. McNeill giv- Soldiers from the 3rd million in bonus money. ing the oath,” he said. “Many Infantry Division’s Aviation There were 121 re-enlistees of them have told me it gives Brigade re-enlisted in the who received stabilization them a great feeling of cama- Army April 3 at the Camp and education options in their raderie.” Taji Airfield. contracts to stay with the 3rd During the ceremony, the Gen. Dan K. McNeill, Inf. Div. aviation brigade was also Forces Command command- The key to organizing so awarded the prestigious er, gave the oath of enlist- many Soldiers to re-enlist Presidential Unit Citation for ment. He was accompanied was finding out their needs its service in Operation Iraqi by Maj. Gen. William G. and desires, then working Freedom 1. Webster Jr., Task Force hard to make sure those could McNeill and Webster pro- Baghdad commander. be fulfilled, said Master Sgt. moted Chief Warrant Officer The mass re-enlistment James R. Jay, brigade reserve 3 Sezandra Pinckney, 603rd was the largest ever for the component senior career Aviation Support Battalion. division and the largest of counselor. Pinckney was accompa- any Army unit with Soldiers “Most of the Soldiers who nied by her husband Sgt. serving in the Iraqi theatre. re-enlisted today didn’t do it Maj. Allen Pinckney, and son Photos by Spc. Brian Henretta The previous record was for money or anything like Pfc. Allen Pinckney, Jr. All Gen. Dan K. McNeill, FORSCOM commander, with Maj. Gen. William held by the 101st Airborne that,” said Barry S. Norris, three members of the G. Webster Jr., TF Baghdad commander, gives the oath of enlistment Division, which re-enlisted brigade senior active-duty Pinckney family serve in the to 177 Soldiers during a ceremony at the Camp Taji airfield April 3. 158 Soldiers July 4, 2003. career counselor. 3rd Inf. Div.

The 177 Soldiers of the 3rd Infantry Division’s Aviation Brigade pledged themselves to a total of 990 years of additional sevice to the Army and their country. Page 6 The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 2/70th Armor helps mold Iraqi Army By: Spc. Erin Robicheaux doing things right when the that much of the equipment 256th BCT PAO locals start doing things like issues have been, or are that.” being, addressed. What he MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq— Carey, who was in Iraq a feels they need to concentrate Though they have only been year ago for the ground war, on is developing leadership. working with the Iraqi Army explained that a lot has “Right now we are trying for two months, Soldiers of A changed since he was last to convey to them how the Co. 2nd Battalion, 70th here, especially the focus, non commissioned officers Armor Regiment of 3rd mentality, and capabilities of are supposed to perform in Brigade, 1st Armor Division, the Iraqi Army. their jobs. For example, the are making significant strides “Both of our battalions are senior enlisted leadership is to build up the military force doing really well, we see a lot performing the duties of his in Iraq. of improvement from a year subordinates, but the issue is Along with providing the ago,” Cary said. “They’re that the subordinates are basic necessities required for able to stand up, and the offi- fresh privates,” Booth said. soldiering, the 2/70th has cers and Soldiers are better.” In the Army, the non com- trained Iraqi Army Soldiers Carey’s men have been missioned officer is per- from both the 1st and 2nd conducting hands-on training ceived as the backbone of the Battalions of the 4th Brigade, with the IA troops while enlisted ranks, and with a 6th Division on combat incorporating and overseeing battalion of brand new infantry tactics and maneuver medical and individual level Soldiers, Booth sees promise movements. training, as well as conduct- primarily in one company. Over the past several ing joint missions with the He feels that these Soldiers Photos by Sgt. Thomas Benoit months, the training has battalions. have the most potential for An Iraqi Army Soldier hangs his country’s flag from the shield resulted in the IA gaining The biggest struggle, leadership, and they are the on top of his military vehicle. Two battalions of the IA, the 507th loyalty from the local Iraqi according to Carey, appears ones who seem to have a Infantry Battalion, and the 1st Presidential Battalion, are cur- community. to be with the lack of equip- firmer grasp on the big pic- rently being trained by Soldiers and leadership of the U.S. Capt. David Carey, from ment. The goal is to get the ture. Army’s 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, of the 3rd Brigade, Kokomo, Ind., commander of IA completely self-sufficient Booth served as a drill ser- 1st Armor Division. A Co. 2/70th shared a story on materials, such as uni- geant for three years, and he talion appear to be on their two countries not only work of an attempt by insurgents to forms, office equipment, and noted that taking a civilian way. It has been a slow well together, but they also launch mortars, an attempt basic tools required for effec- off the street and molding process, considering that seem to enjoy it. that was stopped by Iraqi tive soldiering. Currently, a him into a Soldier is far easi- none of the troops went “It’s great, and my civilians. lot of the funding is still on er than trying to groom a through any form of basic Soldiers like teaching the “They (the insurgents) the American side and is in good NCO. training. Iraqis what Soldier life is went to put out the mortar the process of being transi- “I can take 36 guys and However, something like,” Barnes said. tubes, and the local populace tioned over to the Iraqi gov- make them privates in 16 seemingly as small as proper- Along with the elections, actually pulled out their AK- ernment, though it may take a weeks, but you can’t make an ly wearing the uniform is cru- the recent pilgrimage of 47s and fired on the mortar while to iron out all of the NCO; it takes three, four, or cial to the disciplined life of a thousands of Shi’i Muslims team,” said Carey. wrinkles. even five years of experience Soldier, according to Sgt. 1st to Karbala was a major suc- Carey said he attributes Sgt. 1st Class Christopher of being a Soldier, to become Class Carlos Barnes, a pla- cess story for the Iraqi Army. the actions of the civilians to E. Booth, a platoon sergeant one.” toon sergeant for A Co., Not only did the IA provide the Iraqi Army and outlying for 3rd platoon, A Co., The first step to becoming 2/70th, from Ft. Riley, Kan. the main security for the American patrols. 2/70th, from Ft. Riley, Kan. an NCO is learning the basics His platoon has been tasked event, but they also intercept- “That’s a success story,” is in charge of training the 1st of how to be a Soldier, and with working with the 2nd ed attacks that could have he added, “you know you’re Infantry Battalion. He claims the Iraqi Soldiers of this bat- Bn. He explained that potentially been catastrophic. through learning these small The IA set up checkpoints tasks, the IA is gaining its throughout the route to independence. search vehicles, which result- “When we first got here, ed in a vehicle born impro- there were Iraqi Soldiers vised device detonating earli- walking around in flip-flops er than planned. Because the instead of boots, or even IA was searching cars, the desert camouflage pants with line was held up and when no shirts,” he said. the bomb went off, it had not The senior leadership, yet reached the large group of though, has recently been civilians that it was targeting, enforcing a strict uniform and only the perpetrator was code and requiring that killed. everyone adhere to it. Now If you ask Booth, the all Soldiers, from officers biggest triumph is the grow- down to the lowest enlisted, ing loyalty of the Iraqi com- are showing uniformity. munity to their own army. “It’s small, but it’s still one “We had to close the step closer to the U.S. forces routes down and people got getting out of here, and that’s frustrated with us,” he said, always a good thing,” “when we offered to have the Barnes said. IA come in and escort them, The successes of the Iraqi they became relaxed and Army are many, beginning seemed grateful.” with the good working rela- Carey said that the elec- tionship between them and tions and the pilgrimage were the American Army, accord- turning points in the way that ing to Barnes. the Iraqi community views “Most of the (Iraqi) dis- the country’s security forces, mounted infantry guys do a and he feels that it’s only lot of patrols and we go with going to get stronger. them, generally it’s a squad “The events were huge for of Americans and a squad of the local psyche,” Carey said. Iraqis,” he said. “We’re seeing more and more A platoon of the Iraqi Army marches in cadence and full uniform. Leadership of the 2nd Battalion, He claims that the Iraqi that the local populace is 70th Armor Regiment of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Armor Division, are teaching the IA basic Soldiering, Soldiers love it and it shows coming forward and standing such as the proper wear of the uniform, and marching. in their morale and that the up on their own.” Useful Iraqi Arabic Phrases English Arabic English Arabic

Good Morning saBAH alKHAIR Praise God alHAMD’ allah

Good Morning saBAH alNOOR Welcome AHlen wa SAHlen (reply)

How are you SHLo nek Fine thank you Zain SHIUKran The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 Page 7 Medic receives Army medal for valor Spc. Brian Schroeder 2/10 Inf. PAO CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Spc. Shane Courville, a 210th Forward Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division combat medic was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with valor device March 8 for his courageous efforts in providing medical aid to his fellow Soldiers and civilians while engaged by enemy fire. On the morning of Nov. 9, 2004, Courville prepared for the day’s mis- sion by loading his combat lifesaver pack into his humvee and inspecting his equipment before heading to the hospitals in western Baghdad to inspect ongoing improvement proj- ects. Once they made the rounds to the hospitals, the patrol members drove toward Abu Ghraib to hand out blankets to a local school before the cold of winter hit. Capt. Jennifer Knowlden, 2nd BCT, patrol leader said while the patrol was coming down the overpass into the city of Abu Ghraib, she noticed something seemed odd. “The streets were empty and nobody was around,” she said. “That’s when the first improvised explosive device went off.” “I couldn’t see anything, it was like I was wearing nylons over my eyes,” she recalled. “The windows looked like Spc. Brian Schroeder they were all sandblasted.” Col. Mark A. Milley, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division commander, awards Spc. Shane Courville, 210th Then Lt. Col. Michael Infanti, 2nd Forward Support Battalion combat medic, the Army Commendation Medal with valor device March 8 for providing medical BCT deputy commanding officer dis- aid to his fellow Soldiers while under hostile fire. mounted the vehicle and began directing fire toward the enemy. The rest of the blast. Staff Sgt. Christopher Carollo, 2nd “This is not the first, second, third or patrol followed their leader. While he was applying bandages to BCT, Headquarters and Headquarters even fourth time Spc. Courville has per- “We got out and noticed rocket-pro- Infanti’s head, three RPGs were fired at Company security patrol sergeant, was formed like this under fire,” Carollo pelled grenade gunners against a wall the convoy. One exploded under a vehi- part of the dismounted team. He said said. “Six members of his platoon have and began shooting in their direction,” cle. Another hit the tires of a vehicle and they noticed a group of wounded civil- received Purple Hearts for wounds he Knowlden said. “Then I noticed the one hit the back of a vehicle, but did not ians who had been injured in the cross- treated while under fire.” deputy commanding officer go down.” detonate. It lodged between the blankets fire from the attack. “The Soldiers who perform under After watching the lieutenant colonel that the patrol was on their way to deliv- Courville immediately began treating pressure like Spc. Courville are the ones fall to the ground, Knowlden immedi- er. them too. who demonstrate their true inner hero- ately called for a medic over her radio. Despite the insurgent fire directed at “Courville began lining up the ism,” he said. She looked over her shoulder and saw his position, Courville continued to treat wounded in a triage and was non-stop Carollo said he considers every Courville running through the smoke his commander’s wounds. Knowlden, treating them,” Carollo said. “He went deployed Soldier a hero because of the toward Infanti. who was also wounded by the IED, through the supplies in his combat life- sacrifices they make. He said the true “It was just like out of a movie,” she helped Courville load Infanti into the saver bag and had to grab another one heroes are the Soldiers who carry out remembered. “Bullets were flying damaged vehicle where the medic con- for more supplies.” their duties, no matter how dangerous everywhere.” tinued to administer first aid while the While Courville was treating the the situation may be. “When I got out I couldn’t see convoy departed the area. wounded civilians, a platoon of Bradley Courville modestly said he does not because of the smoke,” Courville said. Moments later, a second IED deto- Fighting Vehicles came in to reinforce consider himself a hero, that he was “I got to Lt. Col. Infanti as quick as I nated underneath Knowlden’s humvee, the area. Once the civilians were treat- doing his job just like any Soldier should could and started treating him.” sending the back hatch of their truck fly- ed, Carollo and his team began loading do. Courville examined Infanti and ing end-over-end into the air. The the wounded into the Bradleys to take “The happiest thing of all is that my noticed he had lacerations to the back Soldiers in the patrol dismounted once them to a hospital for further treatment. guys are still alive,” he said. “That is of his head and was disoriented from again and performed a security perime- Courville stayed with the wounded until probably the best award I could have a concussion he received from the ter around the vehicles. they arrived at the hospital. received.”

WWoorrkkiinngg sshhoouullddeerr ttoo sshhoouullddeerr

1st Lt. Bradley Banks Soldiers assigned to the 403rd Civil Affairs Battalion supporting 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division teamed up with U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit to participate in a medical and dental assistance program at the Adawanyah School in Baghdad, March 30. Nearly 50 patients were evaluated and treated. Two children required tooth extractions. Sports equipment was also donated to the school. Page 8 The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 Father, son reunite in Kuwait Sgt. 1st Class Donald up,” Gillens said. “As long (as) Sparks he does that he’ll be fine.” 3rd ACR PAO Upon entering his tent and noticing his father standing at CAMP BUEHRING, his bunk, the younger Gillens Kuwait – Normally, when par- revealed a huge smile that only ents say goodbye to their chil- a “child” can give a parent. dren departing for military “I couldn’t even talk, I was service, the first chance to see very excited,” the younger their sons and daughters in uni- Gillens said. “I can’t even think form usually takes place at straight right now.” basic training graduations or Gillens, assigned to Eagle when their child comes home Troop, 2nd Squadron, 3rd on leave. ACR, mentioned that his father Surprisingly as fate would advised him to be a perfect have it, Sgt. 1st Class Stanley Soldier, do what he’s told to do, Gillens had to travel across the be safe and look out for his bat- globe from Eutawville, S.C. to tle buddies. “I’m doing all Camp Buehring located at those things,” he said. Udairi, Kuwait to see his son, While embracing his son, Pfc. Kelton Gillens. The Gillens reminded him to stay reunion took place March 28, focused and, “to remember seven months after Kelton left first and foremost we’re still for Fort Knox, Ky. to become a at war.” tanker. The reunion was made pos- The elder Gillens, assigned sible through the efforts of to the 412th Replacement Capt. Stanley Robinson, 377th Company, deployed to Kuwait Theater Support Command, in December 2004, four months who served with the 3rd ACR prior to his son’s arrival in during Desert Shield/Desert March with the 3rd Armored Storm, and 1st Sgt. Hernando Cavalry Regiment. Pena, E Troop, 2nd Squadron, “Before he left I told him 3rd ACR. As a lieutenant, that not long after completing Robinson served in the same his training, he’d probably be unit as Pena. going to Iraq,” Gillens said. Pena made it a priority to “He said he understood that, ensure the reunion would take but it’s something he wanted to place after talking to Robinson. do.” “I have a son in the Navy, The elder Gillens, a veteran so I can understand what it of Desert Shield/Desert Storm, would be like to have your hoped he would also see his father in the same theater, middle son, Stanley Jr., while in something tangible where Kuwait. He talked to both sons you can reach out and touch after finding out he was deploy- him, that’s awesome,” Pena ing and discussed the possibili- said. “It’s a great morale ty of all three meeting each booster for the Soldier. other in Kuwait. Pena added the elder Gillens “It would have been a nice can relay back to his wife and Sgt. 1st Class Donald Sparks family reunion, but it didn’t family members back home Sgt. 1st Class Stanley Gillens, right, enjoys time with his son Pfc. Kelton Gillens, in Kelton’s tent at happen,” Gillens said. that the “little man is doing Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The elder Gillens, assigned to the 412th Replacement Company, deployed The opportunity to see his fine.” “And that’s one less thing at to Kuwait in December 2004 four months prior to his son’s arrival in late March with the 3rd Armored son Kelton as a Soldier for the Cavalry Regiment. first time meant a great deal for home for his family to worry the senior non commissioned about,” Pena said. “When you regrettable if they didn’t get to deal with now that I’ve seen my own relative visiting the tent. officer. The day prior to seeing see those combinations like see one another. father. I’m alright now, I’m “I saw the smile on his face his ‘baby boy,’ Gillens reflected that, it’s awesome. That’s spe- Gillens said he was extreme- alright.” when he saw his dad and I think on Easter Sundays past with his cial. Without a question the ly glad his chain of command The elder Gillens’ presence it’s a good morale boost not family in South Carolina and chain of command here would arranged the meeting between also impacted some of his son’s only for him, but for all of us,” contemplated about what make that happen. him and his father. fellow troopers. Members of said Pvt. Jose Guerrero, also of advice he’d give his son during “It gives that Soldier a sense “This means a lot to me and his platoon shook hands and E Troop. “In our platoon, if one their reunion. that (his) Troop is looking out it lets me know my leadership exchanged pleasantries and Soldier is feeling down, then “I just want to make sure he for (him)”, Pena said. really cares about the Soldiers kudos about Gillens to his everyone is down. If one is remembers all the things and Pena added that if something in my unit,” Gillens said. “It father. Also, the Soldiers shared happy, then all are happy. We’re values he was taught growing awful happened, it would be makes being over here easier to the experience as if it was their all happy right now.” Challengers keep vital supplies rolling along Spc. Ben Brody ern Baghdad with speed and efficien- ule,” said Sgt. Angela Wharton, A sive family,” said Staff Sgt. David 2nd BCT PAO cy. Company, 26th FSB, petroleum sup- “Bones” Logan, HHC, 26th FSB The unit did just that when con- ply non commissioned officer. team chief. “It’s a high-stress envi- CAMP RUSTIMIYA, Iraq – voying a logistics package to Soldiers “We’re always on the move,” ronment, so you’ve got to know when Throughout history, armies have won at Butler Range March 24. Wharton said. it’s okay to joke around and when it’s and lost battles based on how well In addition to 26th’s fuel tanker, Butler Range is a somewhat time to put your game face on. You their supply chains functioned. the convoy included 18-wheelers remote installation in the desert east always have to expect the unexpected Today, Soldiers of 26th Forward from Kellogg, Brown and Root carry- of Baghdad, and the 40-mile drive here.” Support Battalion, based at Camp ing food, mail and a forklift. makes preparation especially crucial, Logan said the days are flying by, Rustimiya, push essential supplies “We go out whenever Soldiers according to Sgt. 1st Class Courtney and that he gets a sense of satisfac- out to Spartan Soldiers all over east- need supplies – there’s no set sched- Henry of Headquarters and tion from working in Iraq. Headquarters Company, 26th FSB, “We’re so busy, always driving security platoon. somewhere, that the days go by pret- Henry conducted a detailed brief- ty fast,” he said. “The best feeling is ing before departing, and made sure when you see some little Iraqi kid everyone knew the plan for dealing smile and wave at you. It really hum- with vehicle breakdowns, accidents, bles you, because there’s so much we insurgent attacks and other scenarios. take for granted that they don’t “It’s a lot of responsibility going have.” out with the KBR drivers because After helping guide the KBR rigs into they don’t have the training we do, so Butler’s dusty parking lot, Pfc. Nathan our eyes have to be wide open,” Hadd, an HHC, 26th FSB, driver, said Henry said. “You’ve got to always be his company is a strong mix of talents. looking at your surroundings and “Everyone brings something differ- making sure everyone’s on the same ent to the table in HHC,” Hadd said. sheet of music when you’re traveling “We’ve got great mechanics, medics, along the convoy route.” drivers, fuelers – it’s a solid team. Once at Butler, Wharton and Spc. “Driving the big trucks through the Markeith Sams, also of A Co., refilled traffic in Baghdad is a huge responsi- one of Butler’s fuel tanks from the bility,” he added. “You’ve got to be tanker they had driven. Sams said he respectful of civilians while keeping regularly makes trips to the range. yourself safe – otherwise you might Soldiers from 26th’s security pla- make a new enemy.” toon characterize the unit as being Given the 26th’s teamwork and close-knit. They depend on a wide competence, the thousands of Spartan Spc. Ben Brody array of skills for success. Soldiers who depend on them for crit- Pfc. Nathan Hadd, HHC, 26th FSB, driver, lines up Kellogg, Brown and Root trucks “There’s a great deal of cama- ical supplies should have nothing to to be unloaded at Butler Range March 24. The trucks carried food, water and mail. raderie in the unit – it’s a tight, cohe- worry about. The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 Page 9 3rd ACR uncases its colors in Iraq Sgt. 1st Class Donald H.R. McMaster, regiment sion or placing a yellow rib- Sparks commander, explained the bon on your bumper,” 3rd ACR PAO unit’s mission in support of McMaster said. “You can tell OIF 3. them you were here on the McMaster paraphrased a ground fighting the war on CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – quote from the 28th com- terror.” Nearly one year after ending mander of the regiment, Gen. The Regiment of Mounted its tour of duty during George S. Patton, to symbol- Riflemen was organized by Operation Iraqi Freedom 1, ize the importance of the reg- Congress May 19, 1846 and the 3rd Armored Cavalry iment’s role in fighting the brought into existence a new Regiment unfurled its colors war on terrorism. organization in the American on Iraqi soil once again April “Many years from now Army: a regiment of riflemen 13. when your grandchildren ask mounted and equipped with Donning their traditional you what did you do or where Model 1841 percussion rifles Stetson hats and spurs, more were you during the global to provide longer range and than 200 Troopers of the war on terrorism, you’ll be more firepower than the Army’s first-ever cavalry able to tell them you were not smoothbore weapons of the regiment stood in line as Col. at home watching it on televi- infantry and dragoons.

Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Donald Sparks From left to right, 3rd Armored Cavalry Troopers, Staff Sgt. Morgan Byington, Staff Sgt. Matthew Hodges and Sgt. 1st Class Jose Colon, stand in formation donning their traditional 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment troopers salute the Regiment’s colors during the uncasing ceremo- Stetsons for the ceremony at Camp Striker, Iraq April 13. ny. The Regiment returned to Iraq nearly one year later after serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom 1. Flight medic recognized with Purple Heart

Spc. Brian P. Henretta stay away from work for a month.” Avn. Bde. PAO While Hildebrandt remains humble about his actions that day, others have nothing but praise for his bravery. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – A Soldier whose pri- “I’m extremely proud of Sgt. Hildebrandt. mary mission is to aid the wounded was him- He took a risk that others only think about, self awarded with the Purple Heart April 8 at and despite injuries, continued to do what he the Taji Airfield for injuries he received while was trained to do,” Granger said. saving lives. The Purple Heart award was created by Sgt. George W. Hildebrandt, a flight medic George Washington in 1782 for “any singu- from 50th Medical Company (air ambulance), larly meritorious action,” and it’s first three 101st Airborne recipients were all ser- Division, was given the geants. medal by Brigadier Granger said that Gen. Elder Granger, Hildebrandt’s actions commanding general of “I’m extremely proud of Sgt. on Feb. 21 carried on the 44th Medical Hildebrandt. He took a risk that that tradition, Command, XVIII “Hildebrandt is an Airborne Corps. others only think about, and example of a proud Hildebrandt, a native despite injuries, continued to patriot and is a great of Hesperia, Calif., was non commissioned given the award for do what he was trained to do.” officer just like the wounds sustained during first three men who a mission where he was Brig. Gen. Elder Granger were awarded this responding to a medical Commanding General medal,” Granger said. evacuation request after 44th Medical Command, XVIII Airborne Corps Flight Platoon Soldiers were hit by an Leader Capt. Heath D. improvised explosive Holt, who was the device in downtown Baghdad Feb. 21. Black Hawk pilot Hildebrandt crewed with His MEDEVAC crew arrived on the scene and that day, also praised his actions not just from began evacuating and treating the injured. While that day, but every day. carrying a Soldier he placed on a stretcher, a sec- “No one embodies the work ethic of ond IED exploded in his area, knocking Medical Company more than Sgt. Hildebrandt down. He picked himself up from Hildebrandt. He is a great medic, and nobody the ground and, although disoriented, continued has made more sacrifices for our unit during to the helicopter, which was also damaged in the the years I’ve known him,” Holt said. “He’s blast. It was then when he noticed his own the first person I’d pick to be on my crew, and wounds, which included shrapnel in his legs, not just because of this Purple Heart. I would back, spine and neck. have said that a year ago, the day he was Spc. Brian Hennretta Despite his own injuries, Hildebrandt con- injured or still today.” Sgt. George W. Hildebrandt, a flight medic with the 50th Medical tinued treating the other casualties during the Just as medics are trained to do with their Company (Air Ambulance), 101st Airborne Division, receives a flight to the hospital. injured Soldiers, Hildebrandt, who has a wife Purple Heart from Brigadier Gen. Elder Granger, commanding “I didn’t do anything that any of our other and five children, was certain to relay calm- general of the 44th Medical Command, XVIII Airborne Corps. medics wouldn’t have done,” Hildebrandt ing reassurances from the hospital that he Hildebrandt earned the award from wounds received while pro- said. “I’m just happy to be doing a job I love. would be just fine and back in the business of viding medical treatment to Soldiers injured during an IED The worst part of this all was that I had to helping others once again. explosion in Baghdad. Page 10 The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 HHaannddlliinngg HHaaiiffaa SSttrreeeett Iraqi battalion battles insurgents Spc. Matthew McLaughlin 2/10 Inf. PAO FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAWK, Iraq —“So this is the dangerous Haifa Street,” Capt. Mike Campbell said in a sarcastic tone as he patrolled the quiet Baghdad road on March 27. Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Iraqi Army Brigade and American advisors like Campbell from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division strolled down the infamous street with cautious confidence. “Since 2/1 IA came here, they saturated the area with patrols,” the Celina, Tenn. Native, later said. “They are totally denying the enemy an area to operate.” This serene Easter Sunday is a far cry from February, when Haifa St. was a hotbed of insurgent activities known as “Death Street” and “Purple Heart Boulevard” to media outlets. Saddam Hussein once used housing along Photos by Spc. Matthew McLaughlin Haifa St. for Saudi and A Soldier from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Iraqi Army Brigade pulls security after an improvised explosive device detonated during a patrol. Palestinian refugees as well One civilian was killed in the attack. as Baathist loyal to Hussein. Combating the insurgency dismounting often, which sions and negotiations with new area of operations. Many Hussein loyalists used meant several weeks of distanced them from peaceful local sheiks, led to local sup- “At first we went out on the area for operations, pay- intense fighting between the Haifa St. residents, an IA non port of 2-1 IA efforts. Tips almost every platoon patrol,” ing poor Iraqis to attack 2-1 IA and anti-Iraqi forces. commissioned officer said. from Haifa St. residents led he said. “We no longer cover Coalition Forces, said a pla- Lt. Col. Mark Kneram, 2nd “We’re different. We to capturing several insur- down on all patrols. They toon sergeant with 2/1 IA. BCT officer in charge of IA chase them when they fire at gents, some on Iraqi Ministry operate on their own. This “People on Haifa St. are support and training, said 2-1 us,” he said. “We conduct of Defense and Army most unit is standing on its own peaceful, but people come IA Soldiers met the insur- dismounted and mounted wanted lists, Kneram said. two feet.” from other places and they gents head on. patrols even after midnight.” One Iraqi Soldier said 2-1 IA The area once known as the don’t care about what the “The first three weeks we “We were able to put a lot receives five to 10 tips daily. most dangerous street in people want,” he said. had multiple attacks,” the of boots on the ground,” “They saw my battalion Baghdad is in relative peace. Suicide attacks, most New Castle, Penn. native Kneram said. “They showed walk Haifa St.,” one IA offi- Soldiers from 2-1 IA are said notably one that killed 50 said. “We had mortars, IEDs, the enemy that these guys cer said. “They saw us, with they are optimistic but prepared Iraqis last September, and people throwing hand mean business. They helped the help of the U.S., fix to bring the fight to the enemy, mortar fire directed at the grenades from buildings … to turn the tide. We’re having power problems. … When said a Soldier from 2-1. For Green Zone from Haifa St. We had every expectation a great synergy on Haifa St. “ people saw this good treat- now, Soldiers and citizens can prompted Coalition Forces to that we were in for a hard The Iraqi Soldiers continued ment, they told us where the breathe a sigh of relief. take action. The 1st fight.” to gain respect by maintaining a bad guys were.” “Now they can go shop- Battalion, 1st Iraqi Army Eventually 2-1 IA Soldiers constant threat to insurgents Although 2nd BCT advi- ping because they see the Brigade was sent in to handle successfully hampered the and constant support to Haifa sors take great pride in their Iraqi Army and Coalition the insurgency. The insur- insurgency. Many insurgents St. residents, said a plans offi- contributions to 2-1 IA’s Forces there,” the Soldier gency still persisted, howev- were detained, fled the area or cer with 2-1 IA. accomplishments, Kneram said. “We destroyed the ter- er, and 2-1 IA joined the willingly stopped fighting. The “When we came to Haifa said the Iraqi battalion is rorists and we will continue fight. successful operations estab- St., we gave strong treatment holding their own on their to destroy them.” “It was hell,” said Col. lished the 2-1 IA as a legitimate to bad people and caring Mohammad Faik Rauf al- military unit to Haifa St. resi- treatment to the good peo- Samarai, 2-1 IA’s command- dents, Kneram said. ple,” he said. er. “No one could open their American and Iraqi “They didn’t treat every- shops, no one could leave Soldiers alike credit much of one like terrorists,” Kneram their house, no one could go the success on Haifa St. to 2- said. “They showed military to school. Many people were 1 IA Soldiers constant dis- force, but also a willingness killed. When my (Soldiers) mounting and walking the to work with the people.” got to Haifa St., we took care streets. Previous units drove The military support, com- of the problem.” through the street without bined with civil affairs mis-

An Iraqi Army Soldier pulls security during a patrol around Baghdad. Soldiers from 2-1 IA are respon- A Soldier from the 2nd Battalion, 1st Iraqi Army Brigade pulls sible for Haifa St., an infamous road in Baghdad that has remained relatively silent for more than a security from a turret while fellow IA soldiers conduct cordon month. searches in Baghdad. The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 Page 11 ‘Shavnabada’ Bn. provides Baghdad security Capt. Stephen L. Gifford Soviet Union in 1991. It saw combat a year 4th BCT later, conducting an amphibious assault from the Black Sea in northwest Georgia. In 2003, BAGHDAD, Iraq – The 4th Brigade the battalion received advanced training and Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division has wel- equipment from the U.S. Marine Corps. comed a new infantry battalion to its ranks. More than 90 percent of the Soldiers cur- And, just like most of the units in the Fort rently serving in Iraq are veterans of fighting Stewart-based division, the Soldiers of this a guerilla insurgency in the South Ossettia battalion are from Georgia. region of the country in October 2004. However, most of these Soldiers don’t Col. Edward Cardon, commander of the speak English. 4th BCT, looks forward to working with the The 13th Infantry Battalion, from the Georgian soldiers joining the Vanguard country of Georgia, a former Soviet Republic Brigade’s mission. located on the Black Sea between Turkey and “The Shavnabada battalion has a vital role Russia, joins the 4th BCT in the war against to play in the security of Baghdad and Iraq, terrorism. and I am confident in their abilities,” he said. The 550-Soldier battalion will be responsi- “The 13th Infantry makes a welcome addition ble for security at two of the most important to the Vanguard team.” sites in Baghdad – the al-Rasheed Hotel and He also said he’s especially pleased that the Iraqi Convention Center, the home to the Shengalia has chosen to allow its Soldiers to newly-elected Iraqi National Assembly. The wear the 3rd Inf. Div. patch as the unit’s com- battalion will also provide security for United bat patch for this deployment. Nations convoys in Baghdad. Georgian soldiers wear their unit patch on “We look forward to helping the people of their left shoulder, as well as combat patches Iraq launch their own democracy,” said Capt. and a subdued Georgian flag. They wear George Shengalia, the 13th Battalion com- American-style desert combat uniforms with mander. He pointed out that Georgia is a new flak vests and load-carrying combat equip- democracy, and said he understands the need ment. On their kevlars, all Soldiers wear a for security during this transition. seven-pointed star, a common Georgian sym- The 13th is called the “Shavnabada” bat- bol. talion, named for a type of cloak worn by Most of the soldiers in the 13th Bn. speak medieval warriors. The most famous shavn- both Georgian and Russian. Most also under- abada was worn by the patron saint of stand a few words of English and can read Georgia, Saint George. The battalion’s crest English letters and numbers. All important Pfc. Dan Balda includes the word “Shavnabada” in Georgian, checkpoints and Georgian missions include Two Georgian Soldiers from the 13th Infantry Battalion the battalion’s symbol, the Griffin, and the interpreters. (Shavnabada) stand guard outside the al-Rasheed Hotel. The 550- number 13. Other coalition countries supporting the soldier battalion deployed to Iraq in March and has the important The Shavnabada battalion was established Multi-National Division-Baghdad include security mission of the al-Rasheed Hotel and the Iraqi Convention with the independence of Georgia from the Estonia and Macedonia. Center. 256 BCT driven to save Soldiers Confidence course on track for drivers’ safety Spc. Chris Foster 256th BCT PAO CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - The 256th Brigade Combat Team broke ground with the help of two D7 dozers and a Volvo front loader for the first ever Driver's Confidence Course in North Liberty, Iraq, on April 4. 256th BCT has lost three Soldiers as a result of vehi- cle accidents on dangerous terrain conditions since being deployed. Most roads in and around Baghdad are narrow, raised roads, bordered by canals or ditches that can have five to 10 feet of mud and water. Those con- ditions make the roads just as dangerous as terrorist activities. The 256th BCT Commander, Brig. Gen. John Basilica Jr., said he felt the best way to prevent these types of accidents was to provide a realistic and chal- lenging driving confidence course on which Soldiers will be able to train. To that end, the operations com- mand sergeant major and the unit's master drivers, worked with the brigade safety officer to develop the first enduring driver's training course on Camp Liberty. The training course, which consists of both class- room instruction and practical exercises, allows drivers the opportunity to test the limitations of their equip- ment and skills in a controlled environment. Sgt. 1st Class Donald Boutte from Lafayette, La., with Headquarters Company, 256th BCT, and the non Photos by Spc. Chris Foster commissioned officer in charge of the project, said the Above: Staff Sgt. Terry Readoux, course will provide driving scenarios as close to real- from Lafayette, La, with world challenges as possible. Headquarters 1088th Engineer The driver's training course is designed to provide Battalion, of the 256th Brigade Tiger Brigade Soldiers with a challenging, realistic Combat Team, clears the area in training experience that closely mirrors the environ- a Volvo front loader for the new ment in which we fight, said Maj. Kenneth Copple, the Driver Confidence Courses at 256th's safety officer. Camp Liberty, Iraq. "The BCT Master Drivers designed this driver's training course to combine classroom instruction and Left: Sgt. 1st Class Donald practical, hands-on training by replicating raised canal Boutte from Lafayette, La with roads, serpentine barricades and narrow lanes drivers must negotiate," said Copple. "The course is a great Headquarters Co. 256th BCT, tool to prepare newly arriving replacements as well as makes sure that the dozers keep providing sustainment training, both day and night for grade during the first phase of our experienced drivers." the construction. This Driver's Confidence Course will be beneficial to experienced and inexperienced drivers alike. Though the focus of the course is to improve a Soldier's driving skills, the secondary effect is the pre- vention of accidents caused by careless mistakes made in combat. "The sooner we get the course, the sooner we can have Soldiers honing their driving skills before they get out the wire," Boutte said. Use of the course, designed for day training and night training with night-vision goggles, may be sched- uled by a unit's master driver. In addition to being licensed on military tactical vehicles, one other prereq- uisite to training is attending a safety briefing prior to driving on the course, Boutte noted. Page 12 The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 Air Assault battalion makes 3rd Inf. Div. history

Spc. Brian Henretta selves capable of executing air onds of their objective times,” said Thompson, C Company, 4/3 AHB 3rd Avn. Bde. PAO assault missions during two rotations Chief Warrant Officer Jeff Gregg, battal- first sergeant. “They conducted them- through the Joint Readiness Training ion standardization officer. “The crew selves as professionals and veterans. Center at Fort Polk, La. chiefs performed magnificently in I am very proud of their many accom- CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The 3rd A Co., 4/3 AHB conducted the assisting both Soldiers and pilots. It was plishments.” Infantry Division has fought in the- division’s first air assault three days a superb effort by everyone in the battal- The 4/3 AHB has proven it can aters all over the globe, engaging after the brigade’s transition of ion.” take on new challenges. The addition enemies with infantry, armor, authority. They inserted nearly 40 “When critical operations are hap- of its air assault capabilities will be artillery, aviation and just about Soldiers from the 1st Cavalry pening, it’s easy to spot veteran an invaluable tool for mission suc- every other possible type of asset Division who conducted foot patrols Soldiers,” said 1st Sgt. Jeff cess in the Baghdad region. during its history. However, until to seek and destroy improvised recently the Rock of the Marne explosive devices. Division has never had air assault These missions have continued capabilities. since, allowing Soldiers to success- That changed May 15, 2004 when fully identify IEDs and preventing the 101st Infantry Division’s 9th them from being placed by terrorists, Battalion, 101st Aviation Regiment, Matthew said. equipped with their Blackhawks, These successful missions demon- became the 4th Battalion, 3rd strated the unique capability that 4/3 Aviation Assault Helicopter brings to the division. Regiment and was assigned to the 3rd One of the battalion’s next air Inf. Div. assaults was a joint nighttime attack The move to integrate an air with Marines from 2nd Battalion, assault battalion with the aviation 24th Marine Regiment. Despite poor brigade has been a challenge. For the weather, the Marines were inserted Soldiers who made it happen, the end into their target area with precision result has been a tremendous success, timing. There they detained more as was demonstrated recently when than 50 suspected anti-Iraqi forces. the battalion conducted the first air “The success of this mission assault operation in division history. allowed coalition forces to establish a The battalion left Fort Campbell, presence in what was a hostile area,” Ky. to train with 3rd Inf. Div. Matthew said. Soldiers at Fort Stewart, Hunter The largest air assault mission to Army Airfield and Fort Benning, Ga. date occurred last month, when 4/3 The training taught Soldiers from AHB delivered nearly 350 Soldiers, a various backgrounds such as armor, group made up of two Cavalry troops cavalry and infantry; many of whom of 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry had never set foot in a helicopter, Regiment and two companies of the how to conduct an air assault, said 3rd Battalion, 325th Parachute Maj. Joe Matthew, 4/3 AHB execu- Infantry Regiment from the 82nd tive officer. Airborne Division, to a hostile South It wasn’t always an easy process; Baghdad neighborhood to restore even learning the basics of entering coalition control, Matthew said. and exiting the Black Hawk took Supporting them were armor and days and nights of practice. attack helicopter assets, along with “You could see a look of both Iraqi Army Soldiers. apprehension and excitement on their The careful planning and flawless faces as they were going through execution of this mission made it a cold-load drills,” said Spc. Ronnie resounding success as the first battalion- Wilson, a crew chief with A sized air assault in 3rd Inf. Div. history. Company, 4/3 AHB. “But it was fun While this may be a normal event to see their excitement after their first for some Soldiers of 4/3 AHB, plan- ride.” ners of the mission were proud of Matthew said that while Soldiers how well everything went consider- were adjusting to learning new ing the complexities involved in exe- assault methods, their leaders took cuting a mission of such magnitude classes including planning and com- for the very first time. mand and control of air assault oper- “It never dawned on us that we would ations. be doing something for the first time. Spc. Brian Henretta Before deploying to Iraq in We were doing what we were trained to A Blackhawk helicopter from Black Heart Element, B Company, 4/3 AHB, departs a January, the division proved them- do, and each serial was within 30 sec- forward operating base near Baghdad on its way to an air assault mission . Airfield expansion underway at Camp Taji a project of this caliber doesn’t Spc. Derek Del Rosario come without a lot of work and 3rd Avn. Bde. PAO planning. We are cutting 40,000 linear The Camp Taji airfield is feet of rebar (metal rods) a lined with Chinooks, day,” said Wahlers. “We have Blackhawks and Apaches, and to be precise down to the tenth- soon there will be even more inch in making the ground or area for these aircraft due to an else helicopters will be landing on-going project designed to in valleys of water.” expand the airfield. The airmen are working dili- The project, which began gently to finish the project. Feb. 9, is designed to expand They are working close to 13 the airfield by approximately hours a day with approximately 600,000 square feet and is slat- 95 airmen working on any ed to finish early this month. given day, said Wahlers. Nine Air Force engineering “It can be extremely units were brought in to help exhausting,” Wahlers said. work on the project. “We went a solid month before “The airfield needs to be we got our first break. We extended because our brigade is rotate our people in order to so much larger in terms of num- give everyone a break now and ber of aircrafts than the previ- then.” ous unit here,” said Command Despite strenuous hours of Sgt. Maj. Richard Stidley, work, the airmen remain in Aviation Brigade. “Successive high spirits in order to finish the aviation brigades that come in project. to occupy Taji Airfield will be “There is very high morale the same size as ours.” within the units,” said Wahlers. The project will create more “Retention of highly qualified space for aircraft to park, and troops is contingent to and according to Air Force Master reflected in the individuals out- Sgt. Patrick M. Wahlers of the put and recognition on a daily 200th Expeditionary Red Horse basis.” An airman’s effort Squadron and NCOIC of the reflects his job, and they are expansion project, the added putting out a great effort to space will allow for more complete the project, he added. Spc. Derek Del Rosario hangars to be emplaced. Their efforts will be of great From left to right, Air Force Staff Sgt. Andy J. Hikes, 201st Expeditionary Red Horse Squadron, Once complete, the airfield benefit to the aviation brigade Senior Airman Thomas N. Davidson and Staff Sgt. Robert A. Skomrock, both of 200th ERHS, lay con- will be capable of handling and the Army, and in the future crete as part of the expansion of Camp Taji airfield. approximately 120 aircraft, but for the Iraqi Armed Forces. The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 Page 13

HONOR, continued from page 1 dom and protect the American people.” school. When he joined the Army, he was a typical Bush described the action in which Smith died Bush said Smith’s story was that of “a boy trans- young American. He liked sports, he liked fast while manning a .50-caliber machinegun defend- formed into a man and a leader.” cars, and he liked to stay out late with his friends ing his troops in a compound near the Baghdad “His friends and family will tell you that he — pursuits that occasionally earned him what the Airport. joined the Army in 1989, after finishing high Army calls ‘extra duty.’ — Scrubbing floors.” “Sergeant Smith’s leadership saved the men in The president said Smith underwent two life- the courtyard, and he prevented an enemy attack on changing experiences. the aid station just up the road,” the president said. Bush said the first experience was meeting his “Sergeant Smith continued to fire until he took a wife Birgit while he was stationed in Germany. fatal round to the head. His actions in that court- “Second great change in Paul’s life would come yard saved the lives of more than 100 American when he shipped off to Saudi Arabia to fight in the soldiers.” first Gulf War. There the young combat engineer “Like every one of the men and women in uni- learned that his training had a purpose and could form who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, save lives on the battlefield. Paul returned from Sergeant Paul Smith was a volunteer. We thank his that war determined that other Soldiers would ben- family for the father, husband and son and brother efit from the lessons he had learned.” who can never be replaced,” the president said. “Paul earned his sergeant’s stripes and became “We recall with appreciation the fellow soldiers known as a stickler for detail. Sergeant Smith’s whose lives he saved, and the many more he seriousness wasn’t always appreciated by the inspired,” Bush said. “And we express our grati- greener troops under his direction,” Bush said. tude for a new generation of Americans, every bit “Those greener troops oftentimes found them- as selfless and dedicated to liberty as any that has selves to do tasks over and over again, until they gone on before — a dedication exemplified by the got it right. Specialist Michael Seaman, who is sacrifice and valor of Sergeant First Class Paul Ray with us today, says, ‘He was hard in training Smith.” Staff Sgt. Reeba Critser because he knew we had to be hard in battle.’ The president also thanked the living Medal of President George W. Bush presented Sgt. 1st Class Specialist Seaman will also tell you that he and Honor recipients who attended the ceremony: John Paul Ray Smith’s family the Medal of Honor for others are alive today because of Sergeant Smith’s Baker, Barney Barnum, Bernie Fisher, Al Rascon Smith’s actions in Iraq. discipline” and Brian Thacker.

SOLDIER, continued from page 1 positions. At 7:36 p.m., an Air Force dive Staff Sgt. Daniel Vallenavedo, of A of humor. “I am convinced that the fire he team found Richardson with an Co,1/41st Inf., thought back to his “We not only lost a great Soldier, provided saved the lives of his squad empty magazine and no rounds left in first encounter with Richardson. but an unforgettable friend,” and saved the Soldiers he loved as the chamber. To his dying breath, it “The first time that I saw him he Vallenavedo said. brothers,” said Quintas. appeared that he fought to keep him- was a private, but I knew that he’d be “Richardson’s actions helped save The volume of enemy fire caused self and his a leader someday,” the lives of his squad,” said Col. Richardson and two other members Soldiers Vallenavedo David Bishop, commander of 3rd of the squad to seek a covered firing alive. said. Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored position in the CiCi Bar Canal. The “His He also Division. “He lived the ‘Warrior steep banks of the concrete canal pounding of “Richardson’s actions helped recalled how Ethos’ and valiantly died in the serv- caused them to lose their footing and the enemy save the lives of his squad. comfortable ice of his country.” slide into the water. As the bat- with his M- Richardson was Quintas vowed that Task Force 2- tle ensued, the three Soldiers were 203 and M-4 He lived the ‘Warrior Ethos’ with a weapon. 70 would carry on Richardson’s fight, swept away by the strong current. on that day and valliantly died in the Vallenavedo said saying, “We will move toward the Sgt. Cory Scott, the squad leader, helped to that he handled it sound of the guns as we always noticed the Soldiers struggling to stay save the lives service of his country.” so well that it have.” afloat. He used belts and a radio of all the guys seemed like they How the Soldiers and command team antenna to retrieve two of his com- he was out Col. David Bishop were made for felt about the fallen warrior was best rades from the murky waters. with,” said 3rd BCT each other. summed up by Quintas when he said, Richardson continued to protect Sgt. Howard “On the day “My thoughts of him always come with his Soldiers by laying suppressive Midgely. commander that Richardson a deep feeling of pride for having him as fire, as the squad’s attempts to extract At the gave his life for a member of our team.” the other two Soldiers were success- memorial service Richardson was his country, he did it with brass at his Midgley vowed to keep his ful. Richardson’s rescue was not. remembered as a man who lived the feet, protecting his fellow Soldiers,” friend’s memory alive. He told The squad consolidated after the way of the warrior. Vallenavedo said. Richardson to relax now that he is battle and a search for Richardson “Dean was never a man of many Richardson is sorely missed by the among the fallen heroes of the past. was immediately conducted by Scott words … but these words he lived by: Soldiers of Task Force 2-70. He will “Walk the streets of heaven, you and his troops. Richardson could not duty, honor, loyalty, and profession- be remembered for his physical and have done your time in hell,” said be found. alism,” Quintas said. mental toughness as well as his sense Midgley.

VISIT, continued from page 1 Rumsfeld was going to be bonuses was just too much to egy for U.S. troops. central importance to this construction projects and (here), but everyone laughed pass up. Rumsfeld replied, “There region,” Rumsfeld said. Civil Military operations. when we said it,” Niusula The defense secretary was is not an exit strategy out of “The role you are playing is a The defense secretary’s part- said. “I thought it was a joke, also introduced to several Iraq, there is a victory strate- critically important role in ing words, delivered sternly, but then he walked in.” members of the Iraqi Security gy.” the global war on terror.” received cheers and applause. Niusula’s unique experi- Forces who fight alongside While honoring the Rumsfeld continued to say “If you see that the great ence is one he’ll never forget U.S. troops against anti-Iraqi Soldiers for their outstanding that the challenges of the sweep of human history is for and will undoubtedly talk forces. deeds, the Secretary of Global War on Terrorism are freedom, you can know in about for years to come. Rumsfeld stated in his Defense reinforced the somewhat different from your heart and every part of “It makes you feel impor- remarks that Iraqi forces importance of the mission those of previous wars. your being that we and you tant,” he said. “I got to meet must develop the capabilities ahead. While Soldiers must suc- are on the side of freedom, the Secretary of Defense, I and confidence to provide the “You are engaged every ceed in combat, victory also and God bless you for it,” got to shake his hand.” Iraqi people the security they day in a country that is of depends on the success of Rumsfeld said. The Soldiers were not the deserve and build a demo- only ones who received cratic and representative sys- deserving awards and items tem. He emphasized that of importance. Coalition Forces will contin- Spc. Anthony Dowden of ue working with the Iraqi 2nd Brigade Combat Team forces, helping to train and presented Rumsfeld with the equip them. protection plate from his After the ceremonies, body armor that absorbed a Rumsfeld fielded questions sniper’s bullet. and addressed concerns from After the awards ceremo- his international audience of ny, Rumsfeld helped Webster civilians and military person- administer the oath of reen- nel. listment to 100 Soldiers. One Soldier questioned “Dogface” Soldiers from whether Iraq was going to 3rd Inf. Div. raised their right turn into another extended hands and swore to support conflict. Rumsfeld and defend the Constitution reiterated that as soon as the of the United States of Iraqi Security Forces were America against all enemies, fully capable, the United foreign and domestic. States would start reducing Reenlisting in a time of its number of military troops. war can be a defining Rumsfeld also said that as moment in a Soldiers’ career. the political, economic and For many, it signifies their security capabilities continue willingness to sacrifice and to improve in Iraq, the their dedication to their com- responsibilities of the U.S. rades and to their country. and the Coalition would Staff Sgt. Ken Walker For others who were some- decline. With the 3rd Infantry Division’s mascot, “Rocky the Bulldog,” proudly displayed in the background, what undecided, the recent Another Soldier asked Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld answers questions from Task Force Baghdad Soldiers at the increase for reenlistment Rumsfeld about an exit strat- Rock of the Marne Sports Oasis dining facility April 12. Page 14 The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 3rd ACR scout awarded for spotting IED Sgt. 1st Class Donald from entering the road. Security Detachment. “There Sparks After the 3rd ACR convoy is nothing you can say about 3rd ACR PAO was relieved by another unit, what he’d done except it was the IED was later detonated good soldiering. It was an remotely. There was no dam- outstanding effort and he CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – age to any vehicles or person- wasn’t afraid to speak up.” The role of the cavalry scout nel. Marjerrison was the vehi- is to be the commander’s eyes For his quick decision cle commander of Gaymon’s and ears on the battlefield and making and possibly saving vehicle. He mentioned scouts in the case of Iraq – the high- lives, Gaymon was awarded are trained to recognize com- ways and roads. an impact Army bat vehicles as a threat, but Performing his wartime Commendation Medal by the IEDs pose a total different mission in an unfamiliar envi- Col. H.R. McMaster, com- threat the scouts have to be ronment, Pvt. Martin mander, 3rd ACR. McMaster ready to combat. Gaymon, cavalry scout, 3rd praised the 19-year-old “It just goes to show the Armored Cavalry Regiment, Brooklyn, New York native training and his actions have used his eyes to spot an for his attention to detail and paid off so far,” Marjerrison improvised explosive device his performance as a cavalry added. “Gunners aren’t just April 9, while traveling along scout. scanning for people, (but) Route Tampa in Baghdad. “I don’t think what I did also for IEDs.” Gaymon, sitting in the was heroic,” Gaymon said. “I He said Gaymon’s role as a gunner’s seat of his Humvee, was just doing what I’ve been gunner is one normally per- spotted the IED after three trained to do. You know, I formed by a more senior previous vehicles in his con- was just doing my job.” trooper. voy drove past the device. Gaymon specifically “He’s filling a sergeant’s “I screamed to my driver, attributed his ability to spot position and he’s only a pri- ‘whoa, whoa, whoa. I think I the IED to the continuous vate,” Marjerrison said. “He’s see an IED, I think I see an training he receives daily and doing the job of someone a IED,’” Gaymon said. the trust delegated to the few ranks ahead of him.” Gaymon’s intuition was troopers from the non com- Slapping Gaymon on the correct as there was a green missioned officers. shoulder prior to the award Sgt. 1st Class Donald Sparks box with red wires placed off “If you don’t speak up ceremony, his platoon ser- Pvt. Martin Gaymon, cavalry scout, 3rd Armored Cavalry the road scantily concealed when you see something, you geant Staff Sgt. Matthew Regiment, performs a preventive maintenance check on his 50- under sand bags. The convoy just killed somebody,” said Hodges proudly exclaimed, caliber machine gun prior to a convoy mission. The 19-year-old proceeded to block off the Staff Sgt. Jeffery Marjerrison, “You might have saved some- Brooklyn, N.Y. native saw an improvised explosive device on area to prevent other vehicles section sergeant, Personal body’s life today.” Route Tampa during a convoy before it could cause damage. Army, Marines working together for Iraqi freedom Spc. Erin Robicheaux Brigade Combat Team. Lt. Col. David Furness, from canals,” Furness said. “If it “When you’re episodically 256th BCT PAO Johnson from New Orleans, Columbus, Ohio, is command- looked like a good hiding place, in and out, it’s hard for the La., is the deputy brigade com- er of 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, we searched it.” Iraqis to get to know you, but MAHMUDIYAH, Iraq—A mander for the 256th, and 15th Marine Expeditionary As a result of their persist- when you stick around for a lit- rare venture between the Army claimed the experience of Unit (SOC). His unit was ence, the 15th MEU uncovered tle while, they’ll start to trust and Marines Corps gave anti- working with the Marines was brought in to clear an area that a number of weapon caches, you and eventually they’ll tell coalition forces a reason to a textbook case of how a joint lacked forces for quite some including sites for rocket-pro- you where to find these guys,” complain. Soldiers of the 256th force operation should run. time. They conducted opera- pelled grenades, improvised he said. Brigade Combat Team and “The Marines came in here tions in a rural area that was explosive devices, and mortar Based largely on intelligence Marines of the 15th Marine straight off of a ship, they inte- made of small villages and no rounds. A dismounted patrol given to them from the locals, Expeditionary Unit (Special grated their staff in our opera- urbanization. It was a perfect discovered two IEDs made of the Marines detained approxi- Operations Capable), worked tions center and we’ve been a place for insurgents to hide aviation ordinance. A 500 mately 43 insurgents, many of together to bring down the Iraqi team since day one,” he said. weapons and ammunition. pound Russian aviation bomb them high-value targets. They insurgency. “There would have been no dif- From the word go, the Marines daisy chained to a 155 went after three terrorist cells “Unless an insurgent is will- ference if we were working set out rid the area of as many Howitzer round was discovered and in the end, disrupted them. ing to be a suicide bomber, they with an Army unit, and it usual- anti-coalition forces as they before it detonated. Some of the leadership was don’t want to come here, the ly doesn’t happen that way. If could. Furness gave much of the captured by the Marines, military presence is too high, we would run joint operations “We conducted several credit of the successful mis- including a few high financiers. and it’s growing.” said Col. again this would be a model for search and attack missions, sions to the Iraqi people them- Johnson believed that the Ronnie D. Johnson, 256th it.” searched homes, culverts, and selves. When the Marines combination of local intelli- arrived in the Mahmudiyah gence and the good working area, the local populace was relationship between the two overwhelmingly cooperative military services are what made and showed signs they were for a very successful operation. happy the 15th MEU was there. “The Marines are able to “These insurgents are taking sustain themselves in a field advantage of the lawlessness in environment for a significant the area and they’re preying on amount of time before they start these people,” Furness said. running into problems,” The locals were so grateful Johnson said, “we were able to for the Marines that they told provide them with logistical them where to find weapon support, such as ammunition caches and anti-coalition and 84 up-armored vehicles.” forces. Furness’ Marines dis- The 256th BCT provided the covered a huge explosives Marines with the intelligence cache that was used to make they needed to find the insur- IEDs, because of a local gents, but Johnson claimed that woman’s assistance. She, along the significant contribution was with the rest of the community, the information provided by the seemed tired of the insurgency, local people. It was a sign that according to Furness. the Iraqis were approaching “The insurgents take their their breaking point and willing money, their cars, their furni- to do what they could to get rid ture, everything they can from of the insurgents who were ter- the innocent people in the area, rorizing them. and the residents are getting “They’re beginning to trust Sgt. Thomas Benoit sick of it,” Furness said. the American and Iraqi mili- Marines of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) patrol the streets around He claimed that having a taries, and once they do, they’ll Mahmudiyah, Iraq. Their mission was to clear the area of weapons caches, improvised explosive constant presence in the area is tell us which doors to knock devices, and anything that could be used against coalition forces. key. on,” Johnson said.

Do YOU know any Soldiers who stand out among their peers? Do you or any of your battle buddies have a special skill, hobby or story to share? If so, contact The Marne Express. We want to tell the 3rd Infantry Division all about you! e-mail [email protected] The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 Page 15 Iraqi commander brings hope to Iraq

Spc. Matthew McLaughlin “I told Saddam I need to quit. I told Street” to media outlets. Penn. native said. “He cares about 2/10 Inf. PAO him that I’ve gone crazy and I can’t “It was hell,” Mohammad said. his soldiers and they know that.” work. He said if I can’t work I’ll go “No one could open shops, no one Mohammad’s success and high pro- FORWARD OPERATING BASE back to jail. I said ‘okay, I’ll go back to could leave their house, no one could file has come at a price, however. He is HAWK, Iraq - When Coalition work,’” Mohammad said and laughed. go to school. Many people were under constant threat from insurgent Forces rebuilt the Iraqi Army, they After Coalition Forces defeated killed.” attacks. Mohammad claims he escaped needed someone who would walk Hussein’s Army, Mohammad joined the Mohammad combated the insurgents 42 assassination attempts. He joked that down the most dangerous street in Iraqi National Guard. He joined as a by saturating the streets with dismount- if cats have nine lives, he must have at Baghdad without fear; someone who captain for operations and in less than a ed soldiers and working with the com- least 43. would ignore religious differences year worked his way to colonel. After munity to uncover insurgent operations. His family is also subjected to for the greater good; someone who several unsuc- After several weeks attacks. His cousin was reportedly kid- told Saddam Hussein where to go. cessful battal- of intense fight- napped by insurgents and Mohammad They needed a leader and found an ion command- ing, 2-1 IA signif- had to restrain himself from retaliation. outspoken warrior. ers,“When my 303rd go to Haifa icantly reduced Even his mother was attacked and Col. Mohammad Faik Rauf al- Mohammad insurgent activi- threatened. His wife and children must Samarai, 2nd Battalion, 1st Iraqi Army became com- St., they take care of the ties, a feat no pre- take tremendous precautions to ensure Brigade commander, is a stark contrast mander of the problem. They (have) cap- vious unit could their safety. to the image of a ruthless Iraqi Army 303rd ING, accomplish. “It is hard for them,” he said. “We commander. Known to all as “Colonel now known as tured many terrorists and “When my continue with our lives. It is worth it Mohammad,” his graying hair and the 2-1 IA. worked very hard. ” 303rd go to Haifa if it gives my son a future, En shaa wrinkles around his eyes and mouth Under St., they take care Allah,” or God willing. from years of laughter mask a hard- Mohammad’s of the problem,” Despite the attacks and threats, ened warrior’s heart. He experienced leadership, the Col. Mohammad Faik Rauf alSamarai Mohammad Mohammad continues to make both national and personal struggles 2-1 IA flour- 2/1 IA commander boasted. “They strides with 2-1 IA so his family and yet manages to laugh in the face of ished, said captured many nation will someday be safe. His strife. Staff Sgt. terrorists and frank candor of Iraq’s future is uncer- Mohammad served as an air defense Kiplangat D. Marisin, an IA advisor worked very hard. They cleaned the tain, at times pessimistic, comparing officer in Hussein’s regime. He boast- from the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, roads, cleaned up the trash and helped it to a train riding through a tunnel ed that he excelled beyond officers that 10th Mountain Division. people.” with no end in sight. He may sound outranked him and was a valued asset “He is the type of leader they need- Mohammad led the pack of moti- cynical, but Iraqis and Americans to the Army. He received 14 medals ed to get things done,” the South vated soldiers on the front line. He alike said his presence is a ray of from Saddam, awards he now gives as Bend, Ind. native said. “He’s com- gained great respect from U.S. and hope that may some day guide Iraq gifts to American allies. As proud as passionate to the Iraqi people, but if Iraqi Soldiers by leading from the through the tunnel. he is of his accomplishments, he spoke you’re bad …” front and willingly putting himself in with equal pride of his imprisonment A major contribution to danger’s way. Mohammad made his after an alleged argument with Mohammad’s success was his per- presence felt to Haifa St. residents, Hussein, the tyrant known for execut- sonal selections of 2-1 IA leadership. introducing himself to everyone he ing dissenters. Mohammad, a Sunni Muslim, is in could, said Capt. Mike Campbell, an “I told Saddam I don’t care about charge of an overwhelmingly Shia IA advisor from Celina, Tenn. him, I care about God,” Mohammad battalion. He ignored religious and “Mohammad will walk the streets recalled of the comment that sent him political affiliations and selected offi- and talk to people,” he said. away for eight months and 11 days, a cers and non-commissioned officers “Someone will waive at him and he number Mohammad kept track of by for promotion based on performance, will go and talk to them. Twenty feet marking every day on the wall of his said Capt. Christopher G. Johnson, a later he’s talking to someone else.” cell in between beatings from the 2-1 IA advisor from Kent, Ohio. His willingness to face danger as prison guards. “He operates no differently with well as his loyalty to his troops is “Every day they beat me,” he said Sunnis, Shias and Christians,” he matched by the soldier’s loyalty to as if reading the memories from a said. “They are all soldiers first.” Mohammad and their fearlessness in book, apparently devoid of hatred. Mohammad and his 2-1 IA soldiers battle. His soldiers don’t run from a Eventually Hussein released faced a major challenge in February fight and their courage is a reflection Spc. Matthew McLaughlin Mohammad and reinstated him as an when they assumed responsibility of their leader, said Lt. Col. Mark Col. Mohammad Faik Rauf al-Samarai, officer. Mohammad no longer over part of Haifa St., a notoriously Kneram, officer in charge of 2nd 2nd Battalion, 1st Iraqi Army Brigade wished to serve and said he told dangerous road in Baghdad. Violent BCT advisors. commander is in charge of a section of Hussein had had gone mad and could hostilities towards Coalition Forces “They respond to the fact he leads Haifa St., formely a insurgent hot spot not perform his duties. earned the street the title “Death from the front,” the New Castle, in Baghdad. Preventive medicine Soldiers squash mosquito threat Spc. Brian Schroeder Artillery Regiment, Hill conducted a brigade. They observe and document prevented,” she said. “The Soldiers 2/10 Inf. PAO follow-up base camp assessment of the possible occupational and health understand we are here to help them the compound. While she was threats the brigade encounters live safely and healthy.” CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – “There inspecting the outer area of the through health surveillance, medical Another of the team’s stops was at are thousands of them!” exclaimed Gator’s operations center she noticed threat analysis, assessing the air and a base camp near Saddam Tower, a 2nd Lt. Dawn Hill, 2nd Brigade the mosquito larvae in a pool of water quality, field hygiene and sani- 674-foot space needle that served as a Combat Team, 10th Mountain water. tation where every Soldier in the restaurant during the Saddam Division environmental officer, as Hill, a native of Bath, N.Y., is part brigade operates. Hussein regime. Hill examined sev- she fished out thousands of squirm- of the 2nd BCT “Commandos” pre- “Most people don’t even know we eral aspects of the camp, such as the ing mosquito larvae from a pool of ventive medicine team, who work exist until there is a problem,” said work-out area, kitchen area and liv- water. “This is really disgusting.” closely with the brigade preventive Pfc. Suri Morales-Jones, 210th ing quarters that Soldiers from B At Camp Gator, home of A medicine officer to help combat dis- Forward Support Battalion, 2nd BCT Battery, 2nd Battalion, 15th Field Company, 2nd Battalion, 15th Field eases and non-battle injuries for the preventive medicine specialist and a Artillery Regiment call home. Laurel, Md., native. “When people Though a few minor problems don’t hear about us, it means we are were noticed on her first visit, Hill doing our job.” said the A Battery Soldiers have made Once Cpt. James Birk, A Battery, improvements on all of the problems 2-15 FAR executive officer and offi- she pointed out on her first visit. cer in-charge of FOB Gator received “When Soldiers are in the field word of the mosquito infestation he they do not have time to think about gathered a group of Soldiers and things like having adequate living began fixing the problem. He noticed space or using hand sanitizer before a leaky pipe, which was feeding they eat,” Hill said. “(Our job) is water to the existing pool. He and his about educating the Soldiers so they Soldiers jumped on the opportunity understand why we recommend cer- to mend the pipe and fill in the pud- tain countermeasures.” dle with dirt. Sgt. 1st Class Michael Carlin, B Hill and Morales-Jones then Battery, 2-15 FAR platoon sergeant sprayed insecticide around the out- said he appreciates the work the pre- side of the operations center to limit ventive medicine team does for the the Soldiers’ exposure to the bugs and welfare of his Soldiers. He said to prevent the spread of being in a different environment had Leishamaniasis, a parasitic disease made him realize how careful the transmitted through the bite of sand Soldiers must be to maintain a flies. healthy living environment. Hill said the majority of the “This is a dangerous place and Soldiers are receptive to the sugges- they are helping us out a lot,” Carlin tions or countermeasures she recom- said. “There is so much going on out Spc. Brian Schroeder mends. “Most of our work is done to here we are not used to back in the 2nd Lt. Dawn Hill, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division environmen- prevent Soldiers from missing days States. The changes they are making tal officer and a native of Bath, N.Y., displays mosquito larvae she fished out of a of work because of something they are always good because they are pool of water at a forward operating base in western Baghdad. were exposed to that could have been here to improve our quality of life.” Page 16 The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 Iraqi, American Soldiers form friendships Spc. Matthew McLaughlin friends, said Staff Sgt. Joseph T. tions were supported by translators because they’ll give it to me.” 2/10 Inf. PAO Myer an IA trainer from Jackson, Mo. and the few Iraqi Soldiers who spoke Concern for their friends also “When we started working togeth- English. Both sides exchanged sto- made it harder when Iraqi Soldiers CAMP LIBERTY, Baghdad - If an er, they were apprehensive,” he said. ries, jokes and meals, Marisin said. died, however. The 2nd BCT Iraqi battalion and American Soldiers “But over time we called each other “I showed them family pictures, Soldiers felt their comrades’ pain and met on a street in Baghdad less than ‘akhuyas,’” meaning brothers in they showed me theirs,” he said. “We gained a greater respect for their three years ago, blood would have Arabic. hang out in the barracks with them struggles, Barker said. soaked the streets. War cries were Both sides got a crash course in and get to know them. We had some “These guys go through more sac- replaced with a jubilant reunion, trust and friendship after their first real deep conversations about how rifices than U.S. Soldiers,” he said. however, when Iraqi soldiers bumped firefight together. The Iraqis saw the they felt about us, our culture, our “We’re here for a year, but they have into their American trainers on sepa- Americans were highly proficient in families and things they’ve been to go home at night.” rate patrols and embraced each other battle and the Americans were through under Saddam Hussein.” One Iraqi’s death in particular hit like longtime friends one February impressed with the Iraqis’ willing- The Soldiers also experienced Soldiers from both sides particularly evening. ness to stand Iraqi generosity hard, Barker said. A greatly respected Soldiers from the 2nd Brigade by them and in the form of Iraqi lieutenant that quickly befriend- Combat Team, 10th Mountain fight, said gift-giving. ed the Americans was captured by Division military transition team and Staff Sgt. The 2-1 IA insurgents and decapitated. Barker 2nd Battalion, 1st Iraqi Army Brigade Kiplangat D. “We’ve been in so many fire- Soldiers were somberly recalled the last conversa- shared battles, meals, tragedies and Marisin, an IA always willing tion he had with his friend. triumphs together. As the 2nd BCT trainer from fights with them. You have to to give what lit- “The night before he died, he was Soldiers near the end of their tour, South Bend, tle they had to going home and he said good night,” they reflected on their time spent Ind. be able to trust the guy next their allies. he said. “I told him to be careful with their friends from what they “We’ve to you ... The company I’m One Soldier walking the streets after dark.” consider the best battalion in the Iraqi been in so particularly The Iraqi and American Soldiers Army. many fire- with will do just about any- close to were devastated by their loss. The Before they became friends, how- fights with thing for me.” Marisin’s heart trainers attended the lieutenant’s ever, both sides needed to gain each them,” he said. gave him a gift memorial, complete with traditional other’s trust. “You have to for his wife rifle fire honoring the deceased, Staff Sgt. Stephen Barker, an IA be able to trust Staff Sgt. Kiplangat D. Marisin when Marisin alongside their 2-1 IA counterparts. trainer from Mesa, Az., said he was the guy next to IA trainer went on leave. “They had one of the biggest apprehensive towards his new you. … The “This guy funerals for him,” Barker said. “You trainees at first. He didn’t know if company I’m never asked me would have thought World War III they were trustworthy or reliable in with will do just about anything for for anything,” he said. “When I went broke out with how many rounds they battle. But he said he was slowly and me.” on leave, he gave me jewelry for my shot off for him.” continually impressed with their hos- Marisin said the Iraqi Soldiers also wife.” Soldiers from 2nd BCT are nearing pitality and integrity. began to open up when they realized Marisin was grateful for his the end of their deployment and “My opinions were mixed on them the trainers were sincere in their friend’s heartfelt present and wanted while they are looking forward to when I first came here,” Barker, an efforts to assist the Iraqi Army. to return the favor. When he going home, they all said they don’t engineer from the 58th Combat “They saw we really cared about returned, Marisin gave the Iraqi look forward to leaving their com- Engineer Company, Fort Irwin, them,” he said. Soldier a number of gifts, including a rades. Unfortunately very few Iraqi Calif., said. “But now I’ll stand next “I think a lot of our friendship leather jacket. Soldiers have email accounts, or to them and fight any day.” came when they realized we’re here “He just about cried he was so home addresses for that matter, so The Iraqi Soldier also had to learn to help,” Barker added. happy,” he recalled. communications will likely end in to trust and rely upon a new group of The awkward phase finally ended The Iraqi Soldiers generosity knew Iraq. For now, however, the American Soldiers to train them. The and Soldiers from both sides became no bounds, so much so that some American Soldiers said they will 2-1 IA Soldiers already established familiar with each other, calling each Soldiers avoided situations that could value their friendship for a lifetime. close bonds with their prior trainers other by name or simply “akhuya.” lead to a new gift, Meyer said. “I’m gonna miss these guys,” from the 1st Cavalry Division. Like Their alliance that was once built on “They will show up with stuff to Marisin said. “I feel like we accom- a new kid in the neighborhood, the obligation now had established a spe- give to my family,” he said. “I never plished something with the Iraqi Iraqis were reluctant to make new cial camaraderie. Their communica- say ‘that’s nice, what is that?’ Army.” ‘Baghdad tips hotline:’ a valuable tool against insurgent activity Spc. Ricardo Branch to 400 calls a day that result in: rescu- 3rd Inf. Div. PAO ing kidnapped people, catching mak- ers of improvised explosive devices Leads that are from an information and identifying and destroying vehi- hotline prove one thing to the insur- cle borne improvised explosive gents fighting coalition forces in Iraq devices before their intended pur- — the people have broken their pose. silence and are no longer tolerant of “We had one call from an Iraqi the violence endangering their neigh- woman that was ransomed back to borhoods. her family,” Craig said. The baghdad tips hotline, a phone At the time of her kidnapping, she number to report insurgent activity, is was able to identify things around one of the ways available to Iraqi her, which led to her showing the locals to help stop insurgent activity. location of her kidnappers. he said. Many people see insurgent activity Not just limited to a phone hotline, going on in their areas and don’t the Baghdad tips hotline is also avail- know what to do, said Sgt. Maj. Jerry able on the internet at www.bagh- Craig, 3rd Inf. Div. provost marshall [email protected]. office. The hotline was created to It’s advertised through the media, help people call in reports. on billboards, and key chains to help end the insurgent violence going on. activity, said Maj. Andrew Sullivan, As part of a campaign to crack get the message out there, Craig said. When people use the Baghdad tips 3rd Inf. Div. PMO. This gives them a down on insurgent activity, the Local nationals and people in Iraq are hotline, they help provide valuable voice in ending the violence and Baghdad tips hotline generates close encouraged to use the hotline to help intelligence that can stop insurgent helping their country.

Courtesy photo Thanks to the efforts of security forces from the Iraqi Army, FreedomFreedom ofof assemblyassembly ...... thousands of Shi’a followers of the radi- cal cleric Muqtada al- Sadr filled Firdos Square where U.S. troops toppled a stat- ue of Saddam Hussein two years ago. The march, which began in Sadr City, was a peacful one. The crowd, esti- mated at 15,000, at times chanted, “God Bless the Iraqi Army and Police. The will protect the Iraqi future.” The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 Page 17

DDeelliivveerriinngg jjooyy ttoo cchhiillddrreenn

Spc. Erin Robicheaux 2nd Lt. Shaun Joyce from Albany, N.Y. of E Troop, 101st Cavalry attached to 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, of the 256th Brigade Combat Team, hands out activ- ity books to a large gathering of local residents. The books were donated through www.childrenofbaghdad.com, by people from the United States. Soldiers from E Trp/101 and 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery, of the 256th BCT distributed the items to the overzealous crowd. Iraqi Army, U.S. Soldiers take terrorists off streets “These guys are trying to kill even one of the infamous criminals. and they know the culture. They are our Spc. Emily J. Wilsoncroft Americans, Iraqi Soldiers and Iraqi “Even if we just save one person intelligence on the ground and they are 3rd Inf. Div. PAO Police,” added Pfc. Richard Kasserman, from an IED, I’ll feel it was a success,” definitely important … I enjoy working a C Co., 3/7 tank loader from Aiken, he said. “We’ll be taking a lot of money with them.” FOB FALCON, Iraq – Iraqi Army S.C. “It’s best to get ‘em off the streets out of a lot of terrorists’ hands.” “The IA’s integrity and values have Soldiers teamed up with elements of 4th as soon as possible.” The operation’s success far exceeded changed since the last time we were Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry “As soon as possible” was 3 a.m. that, though. At last count, the U.S. and over here,” said 1st Sgt. Darren Division for Operation Vanguard Monday, when the Soldiers began to IA Soldiers had apprehended 67 of the Woodland, the C Co., 3/7 first sergeant Tempest, an early-morning raid on the move among the dimly-lit and nearly suspected terrorists making it one of the from Fayetteville, N.C. “It used to be, Baghdad neighborhood of al-Dora April silent rows of houses, taking care to stop largest such operations conducted by they saw something they wanted and 11. only at those homes identified in the Task Force Baghdad since taking over took it. Now, they see there’s a right Their mission? intelligence they had been given. from the 1st Cavalry Division in way to do things, and that you have to Hunt down nearly 90 known terrorist Upon entering the residences, they February. treat people the way you want to be ringleaders – anti-Iraqi forces whose searched for evidence of the hunted per- “There are now criminals who are off treated.” charges include donating money and son, and if there was none, questioned the street for the time being,” said Capt. Of the hundreds of U.S. and Iraqi supplies for the building of improvised the occupants to glean any available Raymond Hill, 1st Battalion, 184th Soldiers who took part in the raid, none explosive devices – and bring them back information. Infantry Regiment battalion information were hurt during the mission – a goal to Forward Operating Base Falcon to be “So-and-so just moved away from operations officer. “It went well … (the shared by everyone. detained and questioned. here,” some would say, or, “I don’t Soldiers) have been trained to do this “Ultimately, we want to bring all our The raid stood out as the first to name know where so-and-so could be.” and I know they executed the missions guys home and accomplish the mis- such a high number of targets as its goal. Even though some teams weren’t well.” sion,” Woodland said. “We’re going in to get these high-pri- able to locate their assigned targets, IA elements who accompanied the Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Tucker, third ority targets, and we’re trying to hit nearly half of the suspected terrorists Vanguard Soldiers played a crucial role platoon, C Co., 3/7’s platoon sergeant, everyone at once,” said Sgt. 1st Class accompanied the Soldiers back to in the operation, according to 1st Lt. agreed. Stephon Garrett, a platoon sergeant with Falcon by sunrise. Bryan Bonnema, the platoon leader of “If I got all my guys with me, safe C Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Returning empty-handed, Garrett, 3rd Platoon, C Co., 3/7. and sound, that’s the biggest reward,” Regiment. “If we get them, it’ll be like from Talladega, Ala., said he would “They are a great asset,” the Clifton, Tucker said. “If we get the bad guys, finding the Holy Grail.” have been happy with the capture of Va., native said. “They know the area that’s good, too.” Missing the mom in your life? Now you can tell her how much you care. Beginning April 6, Stars and Stripes – the only daily publication serving the U.S. military – will be accept- ing FREE Mother’s Day messages online! Whether “Mom” is deployed, back home waiting for her Soldier’s return, or in the next room helping the kids with their homework, she still deserves some special words of appreciation on Mother’s Day, and this year you can give her those words with the click of a mouse. Send your message to www.stripes.com any time from April 6 to 27 at 5 p.m. (EST), and show that special woman how much she means to you! Page 18 The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 Iraqi Soldiers prepare for medical emergencies in battle Spc. Erin Robicheaux are learning more advanced ways to 256th BCT PAO treat wounds and illnesses. “There has been a vast improvement CAMP JUSTICE, Iraq – Soldiers of since this training began,” Williams the 1st Iraqi Army Brigade received said. “Their skills have increased due to training on basic first aid and personal the training and they are willing to soak field hygiene April 12, preparing them up all the information that we can throw to handle medical emergencies in a war out to them.” zone. The medical training involved many “The purpose is to increase education hours of classroom instruction given by of the Iraqi Army medical sections and Williams and Fuoud. to clarify the existing knowledge,” said After the Iraqi Soldiers passed their Lt. Col. Fuoud, 1st IA Bde. surgeon. oral exams, Williams gave them a He said the Iraqi medical personnel hands-on test to evaluate how well they are well-educated, but most have only would perform under pressure. The hospital experience rather than formal Soldiers were required to perform CPR training. His vision is for them to be on a mannequin as well as apply field medically proficient on the battlefield. dressings to a bleeding wound. He hopes to improve the training pro- All Soldiers passed with flying colors gram with the help of the U.S. Army. and received certificates of achieve- “We are in need of a sophisticated ment. They agreed that the classes program, one that will educate the would benefit Soldiers in future combat Soldiers in all positions,” Fuoud said. situations. Battalions were tasked to send five Surprisingly, a brother joined his sis- medics to the training. After they pass ter into the ranks of the Iraqi Army, even all of the requirements, they will go though it was not his intention at the back to train their own Soldiers. beginning of the day. Fuoud said that until now the medical Together, they attended a recruiting education was primitive, drive. The brother was there only as a “Each Soldier should know how to spectator to cheer on his sister, who is a use a battlefield dressing, how to con- 2nd Lt. duct personal hygiene in the field, and However, once he saw how the med- how to maintain medical operations in ical operations ran, he was hooked. that type of environment,” he said. “I feel confident that if I had to use Fuoud also said there needed to be a my medical training I could perform my wider range of instruction topics and duties as an effective combat medic,” more staff members. said the lieutenant. “The more medical personnel you Her brother said he is grateful for the have, the better,” Fuoud said. additional training. He said Soldiers need to be prepared “It has increased my skills of first aid for anything by learning the fundamen- and made life in combat easier,” he said. tals of first aid. In this program they are taught the necessary skills to effectively Fuoud said the training was one more stabilize an injured Soldier for medical step toward independence and he felt evacuation. that it will only get better. Master Sgt. Tony Williams, from “We’re making progress and I think New Orleans, La., who is with the 3rd with time it will grow,” said Fuoud. Spc. Erin Robicheaux Infantry Division surgeon’s office, said “It’s slow right now, but the goal is to A 2nd Lt. in the 1st Iraqi Army Brigade takes the hands-on portion of her first-aid the Soldiers followed the ways of have medical support for the entire Iraqi exam April 12. Soldiers of the brigade participated in a course to polish their med- Saddam’s regime in the past, but now Army.” ical skills, in order to make them more effective medics on the battlefield. Concerned Taji worker ensures that captured Maupin is not forgotten Spc. Derek Del Rosario everyone’s thoughts stands out. Iraq on April 9th is admirable 3rd Avn. Bde. PAO To commemorate the one- because these flags were flown year anniversary of Maupin’s over the same place where he CAMP TAJI, Iraq – “We will capture, this dedicated woman first went missing,” Vickers not rest until we come to clo- had several flags flown in said. “I am very appreciative, sure and recover your son.” Maupin’s honor. and I’m sure the Maupin fami- These words of encourage- Meet Gloria P. Vickers, a ly appreciates what the Army is ment were given by Gen. Peter coordinator with Morale, doing.” J. Schoomaker, Army Chief of Welfare, and Recreation. Vickers displayed the flags Staff, to Keith and Carolyn She worked with 2nd on a table at the MWR building Maupin, the parents of newly Battalion, 3rd Aviation so that Soldiers could sign them promoted Sgt. Matt Maupin, Regiment (General Support), to and give words of encourage- the only Soldier listed as cap- have flags flown over Baghdad ment to Maupin’s parents. Courtesy photo tured in Iraq. exactly one year after Maupin’s On the walls she posted arti- Left to Right: 2nd Bn. 3rd Avn. Regt. members Pfc. Sonny Maupin, an Army Reserve capture. On board was the cles and pictures of Maupin for Westerman, 1st Lt. Josh Powers and Lt. Col. Rob Bannon hold the Soldier from the 724th symbolic black and white MIA- Soldiers to view. Vickers also POW MIA flag and and the Ohio state flag signed by Soldiers in a Transportation Company was POW flag as well as a few Ohio wears a pin with Maupin’s pic- captured April 9, 2004 during state flags (Maupin’s home ture on it so she can inform show of solidarity to Soldier Sgt. Matt Maupin at Taji April 9. Operation Iraqi Freedom 2. state) signed by Camp Taji people about his situation. on your pin?’ It’s good to side of my job because it is Among the thousands of Soldiers. These flags will be “I want to keep his name spread the word about Soldiers something I am personally Soldiers and contractors at given to the Maupin family and alive and let people know about who we are still looking for.” committed to do,” she said. Camp Taji, one woman’s com- his unit. him,” she said. “People will Vickers’ interest in support- She also went to the Pentagon mitment to keep Maupin in “Having the flags flown over sometimes ask me, ‘who is that ing MIA troops began in high to see an exhibit for POWs school during the Vietnam War. named “I will leave no man When Maupin was captured, behind,” which featured Vickers followed the case Maupin as part of the memorial intensely. exhibit. “I have a son Matt’s age,” Vickers, whose daughter, Vickers said. “I knew in my Emily, is in the Air Force, will heart I wanted to help people continue to support the troops remember Matt. I started by from her position. She started writing letters and cards to sup- working at Camp Taji last port groups. Eventually I start- September, but she would have ed sending things to his moth- easily volunteered to be there. er.” “I made a commitment and I Through e-mails and phone knew I wanted to do everything calls Vickers formed a relation- I could for Matt and his fami- ship with Maupin’s parents. ly,” Vickers said. “I just want Spc. Derek Del Rosario Even during her leave, she people to know that Matt’s fel- Gloria P. Vickers, MWR Coordinator at Camp Taji, shows support for Sgt. Matt Maupin by setting up found time to meet the Maupin low Soldiers have not forgotten a wall devoted to him and unofficially naming the building "Matt's Place." Vickers initiated getting family in Ohio. him and won’t leave him flags flown over Iraq on April 9 in commemoration for the one-year anniversary of Maupin's capture. “I don’t mind doing this out- behind.” Leave no Sgt. Matthew Maupin “I will not leave a fallen comrade” These well known words from the Warrior Ethos ring true for Sgt. Matt Maupin. Soldier Maupin is an Army Reserve Soldier from the 724th Transportation Company who was captured April 9, 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom 1. Sgt. Maupin – we are still looking for you and we will find you. You have not been for- behind gotten. Spc. Maupin was promoted to sergeant on April 1. The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 Page 19 Medics bring aid to Haifa Street Pfc. Dan Balda “Combat is one thing, but the peo- 4th BCT PAO ple understand that if we provide them with some humanity, we can Haifa Street has had a lot of nick- show them that we care for them. names, Grenade Alley and Purple Even in a place as poor as this, that’s Heart Row among those that can been infamous for the violence, we actually show up in print. are out of here trying to help them Soldiers and medics assigned to and hopefully they see this as we are 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd trying to better them as a society try- Infantry Division sought to change ing to reestablish them as a collective that when they set up a Medical group.” Civilian Action Program April 2. 1st Sgt. Bobby Breeden, 4th BCT Sgt. 1st Class James Braet, a motor Headquarters and Headquarters platoon sergeant with headquarters and Company first sergeant came to the headquarters company, 4th Battalion, MEDCAP to help provide security 64th Armored had come into contact but ended up watching the doctors with a lot of the residents during patrols help the people. The Midwest City, in the area. Okla., native thought there were “They had a lot of standing water other positives to draw from this that was stagnant,” the Moline, Ill., experience than the medical aspect. native said. We went into some of the “This kind of stuff here hopefully homes and there was six inches of slows down some of the combat that water on the ground. A lot of the kids we are seeing,” Breeden said. had skin diseases on their face. Capt. “Hopefully the people become more Raymond Brovant, 4th BCT brigade trusting of us and be more likely to surgeon, had the idea for a MEDCAP work with us.” and I told him I knew of an area that The Iraqi civilians who were pres- could really use the help.” ent not only saw the American The medics brought everything Soldiers helping, they also saw the from the stuff for basic coughs, colds, Iraqi Army taking part in bringing Pfc. Dan Balda congestion to wound management. relief to those who needed it. CAMP PROSPERITY, Iraq -- 1st Sgt. Bobby Breeden, 4th BCT HHC first sergeant, Typically the amount of supplies “I think this is great because it greets a young Iraqi girl. He said helping the children is what the MEDCAP is all would be enough to run a troop med- helps the IA establish repore with about. He said he loves seeing the kids smile. ical clinic for two or three weeks. The their own people because there are said. “Being a father, this means a lot kids he decided to tell us where the medics treated approximately 60 mixed emotions with the IA and their to me. You always see your kids in weapons were. This is the kind of patients in the two hours they were own people,” Braet said. “They are each of the little kids out here, that’s stuff that’s going to win the war.” set up, Brovant said. starting to win the people over as one of the reasons why I think a lot of Brovant had one patient in particular “We treated everything from peo- well. The people we talk to own the us want to help.” that really stuck in his mind. ple who brought us their MRI’s for streets say that the IA is great, they During Braet’s unit many patrols on “There was a little girl, about two terminal cancer, traumatic brain make them feel safe. Two months ago and around Haifa Street, he has seen the years old, with big blue eyes. She was injuries, sores, colds runny noses, they weren’t even able to open up attitudes of the residents become more very scared, but the more I spent time counseling on basic nutrition and their shops, now all the shops are positive and more productive. with her, the more comfortable she dental care,” Brovant, a native of open.” “I fill my pocket with candy every- got with me,” Brovant said. “I taught Livermore, Calif., said. “It ran the All the people involved agreed that day to hand out to the kids, some- her how to give a high-five, to slip whole gamut of things you see in the the children who live in the area were times we hand out stuffed animals,” me some skin. I was very happy with states but usually people are so poor one of the main reasons they were out Braet said. “Just from handing out that. Even across cultural and lan- they are unable to get the treatment there. book bags the other day we got a guage barriers, there can still be that they need.” “I love seeing the kids leave here huge tip on a weapons cache in the common ground that exists with Brovant believes this is one of the with a smile, being able to help them area. The guy said that because we healthcare. It was a very rewarding main reasons why he came to Iraq. is what this is all about,” Breeden had been handing out things for the trip out here.” The Local Beat: Task Force Liberty News Briefs Coalition Forces tour used by Coalition Forces in Diyala ues to show great determination in and local artists displayed their cre- Province. One of the suspects training. ative abilities April 13 at the Diyar school, check on repairs tested positive for explosives on Bakr Art Show in Sulaymaniyah his hand, and both men possessed Province. The artwork on display Al Qaeda propaganda. The arrests 27 detained following raid in followed themes about the former BUHRIZ, Iraq – A Task Force were made by Soldiers of the regime, as well as looking to the 1st Battalion, 10th Field Artillery 204th Battalion, Iraqi Army, and Katoon future. A dance recital in full cere- Regiment, civil affairs team visit- Task Force Liberty’s 2nd monial dress also took place at the ed the Buhriz All Girls Primary Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment. KATOON, Iraq – Twenty-seven school. School April 13 in Diyala people were detained following a Province. The visit was to check raid by the 32nd Brigade, Iraqi on progress of repairs being made Iraqi Army Battalion suc- Army and Iraqi Police Services in Construction projects ongo- to the school. The headmaster led cessful in staff and company Katoon and Mufrek April 14 in the team on a tour of the school training Diyala Province. More than half ing at schools in Jadidah showing off the remodeling, of the detainees tested positive for which includes a new paint job, SAMARRA, Iraq – The Iraqi explosives following a wipe test. JADIDAH, Iraq – The schools electrical wiring, a new roof and Army demonstrated its growth In addition to the suspects, the in Jadidah in Diyala Province fall windows. during staff and company training raid netted more than 60 AK-47s, short compared to some of the April 11 at a Coalition Forces base three machine guns, a mortar newer schools being built in Iraq, near Samarra. The primary staff sight, one rocket-propelled but that is about to change. The of the 202nd Battalion, Iraqi grenade and various electronic commander of Task Force IA and Coalition Forces Army, underwent an introduction equipment. This was the third raid Liberty’s A Company, 2nd work to limit attacks and implementation to troop lead- involving the 32nd Brigade and Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, ing procedures, while the the police. recently toured the school and ver- MUKHISA, Iraq – A joint raid Headquarters, Headquarters ified that it requires classroom and on the towns of Mukhisa and Abu Company, along with 3rd recreational improvements, as Kamah led to the detention of Company, conducted individual Iraqi Media Network dedicat- well as bathroom facilities. The many suspected terrorists April 12 movement techniques. Training ed to informing the public assessment report was presented in Diyala Province. The raid events like this are held to to TF Liberty civil affairs person- involved the 205th Iraqi Army improve readiness of the Iraqi nel. Bidding on the Jadidah Battalion setting up checkpoints in Army. KIRKUK, IRAQ – The Iraqi School System reconstruction the area, while Soldiers from 1st Media Network is doing its share project is ongoing. Battalion 30th Infantry Regiment, to inform the population in and conducted air assault operations. Realistic training around Kirkuk with a daily live improves Iraqi Army interview program. A city council Soldiers visit orphans and Joint raids are demonstrating the member and an Emergency teamwork between the Iraqi and distribute needed items Coalition Soldiers. AD DULUIYAH, Iraq – Using Services Unit representative a recently built training facility, talked about the selection of a Company A, 203rd Battalion, governor and other key leadership KIRKUK, IRAQ – 116th positions that will have a positive Suspects arrested while set- Iraqi Army, conducted room- Brigade Combat Team Soldiers clearing training. The Soldiers effect on security in the region. visited the Tesin Orphanage in ting up an IED used mock houses, which were Kirkuk to distribute clothes, toys, built by 1st Battalion, 15th school supplies and candy to the BAQUBAH, Iraq – Two sus- Infantry Regiment, engineers, to School hosts art show children. The orphanage operates pected terrorists were detained provide realism for the training with limited resources so dona- while trying to set up an impro- April 12 in Salah Ad Din DIYAR BAKR, IRAQ – Students tions are greatly appreciated by vised explosive devise on a road Province. The Iraqi Army contin- the staff. Page 20 Faces & Places The Marne Express, April 24, 2005

Sgt. 1st Class Peter Chadwick 1st Lt. Flo Lliso, a pharmacist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Division Support Battalion, purchases a few “goodies” the Camp Taji post exchange.

Photos by Sgt. 1st Class Peter Chadwick (above) and Sgt. 1st Class Brenda Benner (right) Above: Sgt. 1st Class David J. Priese, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, has his flat-top spruced up at the Camp Taji barber- shop. Right: Pfc. Latoya Thompson, a supply clerk from Special Troops Battaion, 3rd Infantry Division, helps keep track of millions of dollars worth of equipment

Spc. Matthew Wester Spc. Tyrell J. Tompkins, a light-wheeled vehicle mechanic with 64th Military Police Company, 720th Military Police Battalion, repairs a humvee at a Camp Taji main- tance facility. Do you have a creative idea for something new in the Marne Express? Do you have a funny or awesome photo you want to show people? If so contact our editor: [email protected] Submissions are always welcome and valued! The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 Guidance Page 21 $$HHOOWW MMEE TTHHEE MMOONNEEYY :: FFiinnaannccee kknnoowwlleeddggee Finance warriors available to help Soldiers Sgt. 1st Class Charles military pay non commis- have your pay actions Housing or want to enroll in are over – battalion and com- Fowler sioned officer and one mili- processed right there in your the Thrift Savings Plan, it’s pany level commanders can 3rd SSB Finance Section tary pay specialist who are all area? as simple as paying easily contact their finance school trained and highly Our finance teams your finance team a teams for these vital docu- motivated. can perform most of visit. ments. The 3rd Infantry Division It is a tremendous advan- the same services that Remember, in The 3rd Inf. Div. BCT and is extremely fortunate to tage for deployed Soldiers to are available at the order to cash a brigade S1s have done an have finance teams embed- have these finance teams main office with check or receive excellent job of supporting ded within the S1 sections of conveniently co-located the exception of Casual Pay, you our finance teams and we the Brigade Combat Teams within their BCT and disbursing funds. still must go to appreciate their efforts. With and brigades. The 3rd brigades. If you have a pay the main finance this joint cooperation there Finance Company has taken The role of the BCT and inquiry, need a office. are no limits to what we can twelve of its finest finance brigade finance teams has Leave and Earnings During the month of April, accomplish for our Soldiers. specialists and attached them become increasingly vital to Statement, want to submit an the finance teams are receiving The 3rd Finance Co. con- to other units in order to pro- Soldiers since the entire divi- allotment form or require any additional training that will tinues to pursue innovative vide Soldiers within all levels sion is dispersed throughout type of customer service, just enable them to print their BCT ways to improve our finance of the division the personal- the area of responsibility and go to your BCT or brigade and brigade LESs and Unit support to you, our Soldiers! ized finance support they operating 24/7. finance team. Finance Commanders Reports If you have any sugges- deserve.. Why go to the main Also, if you were recently from their S1 sections. tions or recommendations on BCT finance teams consist finance office when you can married and need to update The days of waiting on the how we may improve our of two finance Soldiers, one take your pay inquiries and your Basic Allowance for division distribution system services, please let us know. Soldiers’ incident reports are vital for foreign claims processing Capt. Christopher Glascott and told what type of proof he will at a claim, it will try and match the inci- In review, the foreign claims pro- OSJA need in support of his claim. dent described in the claim with a gram is used to compensate Iraqis who Common types of proof include hospi- Significant Activity or SPOT report. are injured, outside of combat, by our The Foreign Claims program is one tal records, receipts, photographs or As a result, it is important that you negligent or wrongful acts. It is a part of the many tools that Task Force sworn statements. Once the claimant take the time to complete incident of the “hearts and minds” campaign Baghdad is using to promote positive has gathered enough information, he reports and notify the legal office of that involves each and every Soldier. relations with Iraqi nationals. A law submits the claim for investigation and potential claims. Legal teams will also Your contributions to the process can passed by Congress, known as the review. The claim then makes its way look at where the incident occurred go a long way toward convincing the Foreign Claims Act, permits an Iraqi to the nearest brigade legal office and determine which unit operates in Iraqi people that we are here to support who feels that he has been unjustly where the Judge Advocate and parale- that area. This is when the claims card their transition to a democratic society. harmed by U.S. Forces to file a claim gals work together to investigate the is so useful. The card, if properly On a slightly different topic, and and request compensation for injury or claim and determine if it should be filled out, allows the legal team to while I still have your attention, I would property damage. This article is approved. quickly identify which unit was like to remind commanders that a per- intended to give you an overview of Some claims, such as those arising involved in order to get Soldiers’ sonnel inventory form is available in the the process and explain your role. out of a combat operation or submitted descriptions of the event. If you are claims folder on the tactical web. An Iraqi who wishes to submit a by people supporting the insurgency contacted by someone in the legal Having your units complete this form claim can go to the Iraqi Assistance are automatically denied. For other office regarding a claim investigation, will be very helpful to a Soldier who Center at the Baghdad Convention types of claims, the legal team do not hesitate to provide all the infor- might need to file a personnel claim in Center, Forward Operating Bases St. attempts to verify the information sub- mation you can. the future. Michaels and Hawk, or one of the mitted by the claimant. The investigation is limited to deter- For more information contact the General Information Centers located All Soldiers, no matter their rank or mining whether or not the claim claims office at VOIP 242-4568 or throughout the Baghdad area. unit, play a critical role in the verifica- should be approved; it is not concerned DSN 318-847-2190 or email at He is given a claims form to fill out tion process. When the legal team looks with punishing the Soldier. [email protected]. HHee’’ss bbaacckk ...... Division Chapel Services Camp Liberty

Friday Protestant 7 p.m. Jewish Service 10:30 a.m.: Roman Catholic Mass Saturday 1 p.m.: Lutheran 10 p.m.: Seventh Day 3 p.m.: Gospel Adventist Protestant 5 p.m.: Christian Non- instrumental Sunday 8 p.m.: Collective 9 a.m.: Contemporary Protestant Spc. Ricardo Branch Rocky, beloved mascot of the 3rd Infantry Division, makes a sweet appear- ance in the sports oasis dining facility at Camp Liberty.

In Memory of our fallen Soldiers...

Cpl. William D. Richardson, 1/41 Inf. Spc. Glenn J. Watkins, 1/184 Inf. Sgt. Javier J. Garcia, 1/64 Armor Spc. Manny Lopez III, 3/7 Inf.

Although you are our fallen, you’ll never be forgotten. We will continue the fight... Page 22 Guidance The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 DDEESSEERRTT JJUUSSTTIICCEE Chaplain’s Corner Don’t let legal issues ruin your vacation Religion from a younger generation The following was written by 8-year-old hard work like walking on water and per- Capt. Uma Nagaraj ticipation in civil matters such Danny Dutton of Chula Vista, Calif., for his forming miracles and trying to teach the peo- OSJA as debt collection and divorce third grade homework assignment of explain- ple who didn’t want to learn about God. They by allowing you to request a ing God. finally got tired of him preaching to them and Your Environmental Moral stay of proceedings. In order Editor’s note: The following is published they crucified Him. But He was good and Leave should be a time to relax to take advantage of this pro- in its original, unedited version to preserve its kind, like his father, and he told His Father and enjoy yourself. You want tection, you should have your unique form. that they didn’t know what they were doing to return to your mission safe- commander write a letter to the God, by an 8 year old and to forgive them and God said O.K. ly and with less stress than court requesting the stay of One of God’s main jobs is making people. His dad (God) appreciated everything that before. proceedings. He makes them to replace the ones that die, he had done and all his Hard work on earth so The Marne Legal (4) EML is not the time to get so there will be enough people to take care of he told him he didn’t have to go out on the Assistance Office has a few a divorce. In Georgia and things on earth. He doesn’t make grownups, road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So he tips to assist you in reaching most states, the person filing just babies. I think because they are smaller did And now he helps His Dad out by lis- that goal: for the divorce must make a and easier to make, that way he tening to prayers and seeing things which (1) Driving must be done personal appearance in court. doesn’t have to take up his valuable are important for God to take care legally. Many people will want Generally, courts do not accept time teaching them to talk of and which ones he can take care to drive their vehicles when a power of attorney for this and walk. He can just leave of himself without having to bother they return. Remember that purpose. If you and your that to mothers and fathers. God. Like a secretary, only more your car must be spouse agree God’s second most impor- important. You can pray any- insured and regis- to terms, your tant job is listening to time you want and they are tered and you must spouse can file prayers. An awful sure to help you because they possess a valid dri- for the divorce with- lot of this goes on, got it worked out so one of them ver’s license. If out the need for you to make since some people, is on duty all the time. you have let any an appearance. The spouse like preachers and You should always go to church of these lapse must obtain your permission to things, pray at times on Sunday because it makes while you were deployed, you do this. beside bedtime. God God happy, and if there’s any- will want to take steps to cor- (5) During EML you might doesn’t have time to lis- body you want to make happy, rect this before you get behind be able to finalize your citizen- ten to the radio or TV it’s God. Don’t skip church or the wheel. If you do not and ship. If you plan to do this you because of this. Because do something you think will be you are pulled over you can be should have only the last two he hears everything, there more fun like going to the cited for a misdemeanor. steps of the process remaining; must be a terrible lot of beach. This is wrong. And (2) Stay out of criminal the interview and the taking of noise in his ears, unless he besides the sun doesn’t come out until trouble. DO NOT DRINK the oath of citizenship. You are has thought of a way to turn it noon anyway. AND DRIVE. The Service responsible for making sure off. If you don’t believe in God, besides Member’s Civil Relief Act that your packet is up to date. God sees everything and hears every- being an atheist, you will be very lonely, does not protect you from You can check this on-line at thing and is everywhere which keeps Him because your parents can’t go everywhere prosecution from ANY crimi- the USCIS website. The Legal pretty busy. So you shouldn’t go wasting his with you, like to camp, but God can. It is nal matter. However, being Assistance Office can contact time by going over your mom and dad’s head good to know He’s around you when you’re charged with a crime does not USCIS on your behalf to deter- asking for something they said you couldn’t scared, in the dark or when you can’t swim automatically make you non- mine whether they can com- have. and you get thrown into real deep water by deployable. Whether it be a plete these final two tasks while Atheists are people who don’t believe in big kids. But...you shouldn’t just always minor traffic violation or you are on leave. We God. I don’t think there are any in Chula think of what God can do for you. I figure something more serious, you need several weeks of lead time Vista. At least there aren’t any who come to God put me here and he can take me back are required to take care of the in order to do this. our church. anytime he pleases. And...that’s why I believe matter or a warrant will be These are just a few tips to Jesus is God’s Son. He used to do all the in God. issued for your arrest. make your EML go smoothly. (3) Most court cases cannot If you have any legal issues be resolved in two weeks. The while you are home, please Service Member’s Civil Relief contact Legal Assistance at Ft. Rhythm of the Marne Act does protect you from par- Stewart at ( ) 767-8809. With the 3rd Infantry Division firmly in Contact Information authority of Task Force Baghdad, the 3rd Inf. Div. band, the "Rhythm of the Marne", SFC Chapman, Operations Supervisor: Marne Tax Center Hours is operational and available to provide musi- DSN: (318) 847 2337 cal and ceremonial support throughout the NIPR: [email protected] Monday through Saturday division's footprint, including all assigned and attached units. SSG Powell, Operations NCOIC 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The band is capable of providing several DSN: (318) 847 2338 diverse musical ensembles to include cere- NIPR: [email protected] Camp Liberty monial band, stage band, latin band, jazz combo, rock combo, R&B combo, trombone CW3 Catchings, Commander: Legal Services Center quartet, brass quintet, solo piano and cere- DSN: (318) 847 2307 Building C25 monial bugler. The unit also encompasses Cell: 0790 193 2101 the Division Color Guard. NIPR: [email protected]

Marne Medical Mentor ... a prescription for good health from your Docs in the Rock Combat application tourniquet: a valuable tool for saving lives Master Sgt. Tony Williams new additions to our efforts in pre- ty with bleeding that can not be con- Step 3. Twist the rod until the read Division Surgeon’s office serving lives is the Combat trolled by elevation, trauma dressing bleeding has stopped Application Tourniquet (CAT). or pressure dressing the CAT maybe Step 4. Lock the rod in the clip and Health care on the battlefield is an The CAT is a life saving device the answer to saving their life. All use the little Velcro strip to secure the ever changing occupation. Medical used to stop massive bleeding of the Soldiers should have a CAT on them rod before movement. Bleeding is personnel, as well as Soldiers, now extremities. at all times. Here are the quick and now controlled. have better equipment than ever and The best part about the CAT is it’s easy steps to use the CAT. And finally, document the tourni- have been trained to use it in their very simple to use and applies in just Step 1. Insert the wounded arm or quet with time and location then battle to help save lives. seconds. leg through the big loop evacuate the casualty as soon as pos- One of the simple but amazing When you are faced with a casual- Step 2. Pull the big Velcro band tight. sible. The seven 1 2 3 steps to put on a tourniquet

4567 The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 Page 23 NFL player, trooper reunited through USO

Sgt. 1st Class Donald “We were pretty tough against Sparks each other back in the day at 3rd ACR PAO Rice. It’s amazing to see him out here and I’m proud of him.” The last time Clemente “We used to talk trash to Torres embraced Larry Izzo in each other on whose high uniform, he was wearing the school was better,” Torres said. blue and white colors of Rice “It’s been 10 years since we’ve University as members of the last saw each other. I can’t Owls football team following believe that I’d run into him all their historic victory over the the way over here in Kuwait. University of Texas in 1994. This is such a small world.” Fast forward 11 years and Torres, who joined the Army Torres embraced his old team- in 2003 as an Apache Longbow mate once again, this time Helicopter Armament and wearing Army tan as a trooper Electrical Avionic Systems assigned to 4th Squadron, 3rd Repairer, mentioned he kept Armored Cavalry Regiment track of Izzo’s professional while deployed to Camp career and he cheers for him Buehring, Kuwait. every time he plays. “I was so excited,” Torres “This event makes me feel said. “I used to go against him very proud,” Torres said. “It in every practice and put him lets us Soldiers know that on his back.” people in America are still Izzo, now a linebacker with supporting us and they know the three-time Super Bowl-win- we’re out here. Those guys ning New England Patriots, vis- (Izzo and Dunn) make big ited the camp along with bucks and could have been Atlanta Falcons running back training for the next season, Warrick Dunn as part of the but instead they’re here.” USO and NFL Salute the The USO and NFL Salute the Troops Tour allows current Troops Tour (Persian Gulf Sgt. 1st Class Donald Sparks region), March 31. football stars an opportunity to head to the Persian Gulf to pro- Spc. Clemente Torres, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, holds up the Super Bowl rings of his former During the autograph ses- college football teammate, Larry Izzo, at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. Izzo, now a linebacker for the New sion Torres surprised Izzo and vide a morale boost to troops they both rekindled their mem- stationed in the region and to England Patriots, was touring the Persian Gulf region when the two reunited. ories from the gridiron in ‘meet and greet’ troops and par- Tillman. A former player with visited 8,500 crew members Germany in May 2004. Houston. Torres played tight ticipate in the opening of The the Arizona Cardinals and an aboard the USS Carl Vinson at “It means a lot to me to per- end for Rice after playing high Pat Tillman USO Center in Army Ranger, Tillman was Pearl Harbor. The ship left the sonally come here and say school ball at Houston Afghanistan. killed during combat operations next day to participate in ‘thank you’ to men and women MacArthur, while Izzo starred The NFL donated $250,000 in Afghanistan in 2004. Operation Enduring Freedom. serving in uniform,” Dunn said. at McCullough. to the USO for the construction This is both players second Dunn joined NFL “We are proud of you and we “He still looks good,” Izzo of the new center, located at stint visiting servicemembers Commissioner Paul Tagliabue support you. And we are said of his former teammate. Bagram Air Base near Kabul, to overseas. While at the 2002 Pro and other NFL players on a extremely grateful for the sacri- be named in honor of Pat Bowl (his second of three), Izzo four-day trip to visit troops in fices that you make every day.”

1st Sgt. Anna M. Wagner Officers and enlisted members from the 92nd II wwiillll ddeeffeenndd tthhee ...... Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy), gath- ered at the Al Faw Palace, Camp Victory to administer the Oath of Re-enlistment to 25 of their Soldiers. The goal is to re-enlist 92 Soldiers within 92 days. The idea originated with Lt. Col. Keith A. Landry, com- mander, 92nd ECB (H), based out of Fort Stewart, Georgia. "When you have 25 (Soldiers) re-enlist in a combat zone, when they choose to stay in the uniform, just think about what that means," Landry said.

Cartoon Corner

The Marne Express is looking for artists for a bi-weekly comic strip! Contact [email protected]. Page 24 Entertainment The Marne Express, April 24, 2005 In the Movies ‘Pacifier’: Diesel “cleans the house” while battling evildoers Spc. Ricardo Branch Well, on to the plot: youngest girl Lulu (Morgan 3rd Inf. Div. PAO It’s the story of Wolfe York), who’s having problems (played by Diesel) working on with her Girl Scouts, how to Navy Seal Shane Wolfe, an an assignment to protect the fight. The two teens are another elite member of the world’s kids of a recently killed scien- hand full with problems at fiercest and most highly trained tist, who’s got a secret experi- school (learning to drive and force thought he was prepared ment hidden in the house. school bullies to name a few) to take on any duty no matter Moving into the house to that give the Seal another chal- how dangerous or impossible ... prevent anyone else from lenge aside from house snoop- until he tried baby-sitting. recovering the potentially ing and kid watching. In this heartwarming family deadly item, Diesel becomes Also along for the ride is action-comedy, Vin Diesel baby sitter and teacher to a Lauren Graham, who plays the plays the role of the tough guy horde of annoyingly ram- high school’s principal and who has to take care of kids. bunctious kids. Diesel’s love interest. She has a Courtesy photo So, relaxing in my trailer, I That’s basically the extent small role but helps in the end Vin Diesel (center) surrounded by four of the kids that co-star with was already judging this film of the story (it’s rather sim- when Diesel confronts the him in the heartwarming family action-comedy “The Pacifier.” prior to seeing it. ple) so anyone can follow “evil-doers.” this one fills the void with funny movie that I’d consider a I mean Diesel, a guy who and understand it. The one If you’ve seen the movie numerous funny moments of decent time killer (provided displays less emotion than a thing that will make you sit “Kindergarten Cop,” you can putting Diesel in awkward you can get the time to see it) rock, in a comedy? down and watch this movie probably guess the ending to situations that make you feel for anyone wanting to watch This movie was undoubtly are the funny situations that this movie, it’s that pre- sorry for the big guy (I had to Diesel out of his normal ele- going to be a waste of an action the kids get Diesel into -- dictable. change a diaper once and was ment in a good film. hero’s talents however, I was they’re really hilarious. Unlike other “tough guy nearly sick). Well unless I get fired from wrong. Diesel has to teach the has to protect kids” movies, All in all, I think this is a this job, see ya’ in two weeks! The Book Nook ‘Hymn Before Battle’: a sci-fi page-turner at its best Spc. Jennifer Fitts ion, opens “Hymn Before Battle,” at a weaponry and technology and let the while, dealing with their families, 100th MPAD sedate pace, then roars quickly into humans do the fighting, while enjoying friends and an unappreciative public those tremendous odds and over- the rising profit margin.) who are all confused and a bit resentful. “The earth is full of anger, whelming enemies, some of which are The bad guys, who’ve managed to Then, the “fun” starts. There are The seas are dark with wrath, supposed to be on our side. (They’re trash quite a few worlds in the galactic huge battles on far-flung planets, with The Nations in their harness just sneakier about it than the invaders, federation, are heading for Earth, intent ordinary people doing some pretty Go up against our path: and are charging a higher interest rate.) on farming the planet for food and raw extraordinary things, a steep learning Ere yet we loose the legions— As the book begins in the not so dis- materials. (Unlike bad sci-fi B-movies, curve and a few great characters. Ere yet we draw the blade, tant past, Mike O’Neal is humming they’re not too interested in the The majority of this story is black Jehovah of the Thunders, along at his job, bored by another day women, being that they’re crocodilian and white, where good and evil are Lord God of Battles, aid!” of computer programming, when a for- centaurs who, as far as anyone’s been concrete, separate and easily obvious. “Hymn Before Action”, Rudyard, mer Army boss requests his help on a able to figure out, eat their own hatch- Ringo does an incredibly good job of Kipling hush-hush conference at a military lings, but I’m getting off track here.) showing military humor, determina- think tank. It’s all downhill, uphill, Okay, now that they’ve got an idea tion, and the fact that Joes will always With the opening stanza of one of sideways and backwards from there. of what’s heading toward them, O’Neal complain about something, even while my favorite Kipling poems, John Ringo The conference is hush-hush and the other main characters busy doing an outstanding job. sets the stage for a titanic struggle in his because aliens are on the way. A lot of themselves with deciding just how to As science-fiction goes, “Hymn book, “Hymn Before Battle.” them. meet the enemy. They work out a mul- Before Battle” is a page-turner, Although I’m new to John Ringo, There are the “good” guys, a group titude of minor details, like who’s pay- although fans of softer sci-fi may not I’ve been a science-fiction fan since of several species in a galactic federa- ing for what, who’s in charge of what, appreciate it as much as we hard-core before high school, with a keen interest tion, with technology that is mind- and finally extrapolate when exactly space opera fans. in what’s commonly known as “space blowing, but the inability to use it they anticipate the Posleen’s (the bad For us, this book is satisfyingly opera.” Grand epics spanning huge dis- offensively. Literally. guys) arrival. detail oriented, grandly scaled and tances, tremendous odds, or over- Some of the aliens are cowards, who Oh yeah, and they get to develop human enough to keep the pages turn- whelming enemies, all dressed up in commit suicide after pulling the trigger new technology, like armored combat ing. high-tech gadgets, and weird aliens. once. Others just can’t see getting their suits, rejuvenation bugs and personal The Kipling poem scattered Ringo, traditional space opera fash- hands dirty. (They’d rather supply the data assistants on steroids. All the throughout the saga doesn’t hurt either. Crossword: common high school knowledge Across: 1400s to 1500s 9. Sally Ride flew into et from the sun 14. Another name for 17. State directly west space aboard this 11. U.S. president your collar bone 2. The currency of of New Hampshire shuttle who lost all his teeth 16. A grouping of Turkey 10. The seventh plan- by the age of 57 snakes 3. Longest moutain range above sea level 1 6. German composer of the Messiah Down: 2 3 4 8. Longest river in 1. President Grant’s 5 South America first name 12. Earth’s single con- 4. Also known as the 6 7 tinent 200 million “Sagebrush State” years ago 5. The liquid compo- 8 13. Goddess of wis- nent of blood 9 10 dom 7. U.S. president who 15. Italian art style of had 15 children 11 Last issue’s solution: April 10, 2005 12 13 L I T S O S W I M 14 E D E N E N L I V E A L A N M T O N E D E S E R T I O N P D 15 O R E E F A W E A S S A I L G A S H H O T L O O A L A F I X P L U G 16 P E N P A L A L I D R E R A W E D U S T D E V I L W I T N O R I T E P A C T T O A B E T 17 A C H Y O N E M S