The Expeditionary Times Proudly serving the finest Expeditionary service members throughout Iraq Vol. 3 Issue 5 December 23, 2009 http://www.hood.army.mil/13sce/ K-9 promotion Congressmen bring taste of home to troops

St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y Q-West military dog fetch- Sp c . Na v e e d Al i Sh a h Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f es noncommissioned JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – officer corps induction Holiday celebrations generally include family and friends, Page 9 but for troops in Iraq, homesick- ness can put a damper on the joy. Safety check So, like a big family, the Sol- diers with the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) gath- ered around the authentic Mis- sissippi gumbo brought by five of their congressional representa- tives Dec. 14 here at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, to enjoy a little taste of home for the holidays. The congressmen shipped 1,400 pounds of shrimp and 150 gallons of authentic Mississippi gumbo mix for the troops to en- joy during their visit, said Chief Mississippi support Rep. Gene Taylor, a Democrat representing Mississippi’s 4th District, talks about the situation in Iraq with Col. Warrant Officer 4 Mark Sutton, a Gary Toney, the chief of staff with the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and Command Sgt. Maj. food services technician with the troops provide convoy Mark D. Joseph, the senior noncommissioned officer with the 13th ESC, Dec. 14 during a visit to Joint Base 13th ESC. Balad, Iraq. Five congressmen, from Mississippi, Minnesota, Iowa, Florida and Kentucky, brought gumbo, security served lunch and visited with their constituents. SEE GUMBO ON PAGE 4 Page 12-13

Jingle Bells Al Warka bank opens at JBB St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y ad to open another branch.” native. “The process has taken for Iraq to begin replacing Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t Wentz said the bank open- almost two years.” American currency with Iraqi Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f ing is an important symbol for Said Saleh Mohammed, money. the independence and sover- the regional manager of Al Mohammed also said he JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – eignty of Iraq, as well as the Warka Bank for the Salah ad likes the ATM, as it allows Contractors and growth and stability of the in- Din province, said through an them easier access to their Iraqi entrepre- stitution. interpreter if contractors or money. The debit card the bank neurs at Joint The Al Warka Bank is one Iraqi entrepreneurs open an provides can be used through- Base Balad, Iraq of the largest financial institu- account at this branch, it is out Iraq and helps business gained access tions in Iraq, with 120 branch- just like opening an account at because the Iraqi Bazaar will to the Al War- es and 350 ATMs located any other branch in Iraq. start accepting them as well, ka Bank, following the open- throughout the country, said “We are so glad to open he said. ing of a branch Dec. 17 at the Maj. David M. Foster, the offi- another branch here at JBB, Foster said the banks are Iraqi Free Zone here. cer in charge of the Iraq-Based because we are going to have fee-based, offering services “The importance of today Industrial Zone, with the 13th all the contractors and local such as foreign currency ex- can’t be understated,” said ESC. nationals invest at the bank change, money wiring, let- Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, com- The bank is considered by to make it easy for them,” he ters of credit, electronic funds manding general of the 13th the Central Bank of Iraq to be said. transfers, and savings and Sustainment Command (Ex- the first private bank in Iraq Mohammed, who works at checking accounts. ‘Combat Carolers’ bring peditionary) out of Fort Hood, and was established in 1999, the Iraqi Bazaar and prefers He said the bank will pro- Texas. “This is the first Iraqi he said. to go by his first name, said vide services to Iraqis who holiday cheer to JBB bank to be opened on an Amer- “It feels real good to finally through an interpreter he is work at JBB who may not have ican base. We’re thrilled that get the bank done,” said Fos- happy about the bank open- access to them in their local Page 14 they’ve chosen Joint Base Bal- ter, a Newport Beach, Calif., ing because it is a good way SEE BANK ON PAGE 5 PAGE 2 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 23, 2009 Balad Blotter December 10 - December 15 Mental Health: what do

HOUSEBREAKING: A victim radioed the Law Enforcement Desk via call box nine and reported a larceny had occurred at the location. A patrol was briefed and dispatched to scene and made contact with the vic- you want from me? tim. The patrol verified damage to the room before escorting the victim to the Law Enforcement Desk to complete an Air Force By Ca p t . St e v e Br a s i n g t o n reason $1,000 is missing from our joint checking IMT 1168/Statement of Suspect/Witness/Complainant. The Co m b a t St r e s s Co n t r o l Ps y c h i a t r i s t account?” patrol remained at the location for crime scene integrity. The Get the facts straights. Take your time. Do not victim said via AF IMT 1168 that, Dec. 12 at 11 a.m., he departed atisfying relationships requires his living quarters and secured his room. The victim said he re- jump to conclusions. When you assume the worst, turned Dec. 13 at 2 a.m. and noticed damage to his room and Ssound communication skills. you damage trust. Challenge your assumptions and property missing. The victim valued property loss at $4,524. Let us run through a quick check. readily admit your errors. For example, “I admit, The victim was issued a Department of Defense Form 2701/Vic- When you talk to your significant oth- when I saw $1,000 missing from our account, I as- tim Witness Assistance Program pamphlet. er, does the tone of your voice soften sumed you spent it, dear.” You could follow with, “I PROVOKING SPEECH, GESTURES ASSAULT: or harden? After you end the conversa- made a mistake; I should recognize how hard you’re A complainant and witness entered the Law Enforcement Desk tion, is your frustration level higher or lower? working to meet our financial goals.” and reported an assault had occurred at a location. The com- Combat Stress offers a class on effective communica- Third, don’t stop yet. Admitting you were wrong plainant said, via Air Force IMT 1168, he was en route to the tion. Follow along as I review the critical principles of was a strong step in the direction of healing a rift. dining facility when he cut through the M pod of H-1, because it was a shorter distance. As he and the witness walked through effective communication. Now, try these three powerful words: “You were the housing area, the subject confronted him and proceeded First, be clear about what you want. Use “I state- right.” For advanced work combine the two: “I was to push him backward. The complainant said he tried to walk ments.” Instead of saying, “Shut up and listen to me,” wrong, you are right.” around the subject to avoid confrontation, but the subject kept say, “When I’m interrupted, it feels like what I’m saying I know for some of you, these words are as hard walking in front of him and continuously pushed him. The com- plainant further said he felt threatened when the subject said isn’t important” or “When I’m not allowed to finish, I to say as “I love you.” Three little words can change “I have something for you. Come on walk through here and see get the idea my opinion doesn’t matter.” By using these hearts. Let us practice the technique during our dai- what happens.” The witness’ statement corroborated with the I statements, the risk of moving the conversation into ly conversations so, when the time comes for con- complainant’s statement with the exception of the fact the sub- an argument drops because you refrain from placing versation with our loved ones, it rings true. Try this ject pushed the complainant on the ground close to a T-wall. The subject was read his Article 31 rights via AF IMT 1168 and blame. one. “You know Joe, I need to admit, you were right declined to make a statement without a lawyer present. The These I statements allow you to seek clarification the other day you said, ‘so and so;’ I made a mis- subject was released to a supervisor via Department of Defense without raising defenses. You are simply stating your take.” Check it out. See what happens to your com- Form 2708. feelings, not building a case against an opponent. munication patterns. INDECENT ACT: Stating your viewpoint can actually help the other Good communication decreases day to day stress. A complainant telephoned the Law Enforcement Desk and re- person see the situation from your vantage point. Is this Communication is part of a strong foundation for ported an indecent act had occurred at the location. The victim not what we want? We want the other person to under- enjoying positive relationships. No matter who you said via Air Force IMT 1168 she was preparing to enter the show- stand us. We want the other person to appreciate what are, you can always improve the effectiveness of er when she heard someone enter the facility. She looked and it is like for us. noticed it was a male. A few seconds later, the subject opened your communication. the curtain that separates the showers from the sinks and looked Sometimes we expect the person we love to just For more advanced training and discussion, see in. She said he left the shower area and lingered around the sink know. Most of the time, he or she will not know unless your Combat Stress Control Prevention Team. area and then finally left the facility. The witness statement cor- we tell him or her. So, check your unrealistic expecta- Our prevention team offers other classes for your roborated with victim’s statement. The subject was located at tions. If you are separated by thousands of miles, invest the Green Bean in the passenger terminal. A patrol initiated benefit. We offer skill building in the following areas: transport of the subject to Bldg. 7168/Eagles Nest for further time and energy into understanding the situation. Working as a Team, Sleep Hygiene, Stress Manage- questioning. The subject was advised of his rights IAW Article Second, seek understanding. Repeat back what you ment, Anger Management and Suicide Awareness. 31/UCMJ via AF Form 1168. Subject acknowledged his rights, think you have heard. For instance, use a calm tone to Our goal is to prevent psychological problems and declined legal counsel and accomplished a written statement. ask, “If I understand you correctly, $1,000 was moved The subject said he accidently entered the female latrine, when to increase your resiliency. I hope you stop by to see a female told him he was in the wrong shower, he departed the out of checking into a certificate of deposit; is that the us soon. facility. Because the subject was transient, with no military unit located at JBB, he was released on his own recog- nizance.

NIPR: 443-8602 SIPR: 241-1171 Email: [email protected]

EXPEDITIONARY TIMES 13th ESC Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz Expeditionary Times is authorized for pub- 13th ESC G2, Security Manager 139th MPAD Production Editor Pfc. Lisa A. Cope lication by the 13th Sustainment Command (318)433-2155 Staff Sgt. Robert E. Fafoglia [email protected]. (Expeditionary). The contents of the Expedi- [email protected] tionary Times are unofficial and are not to be 13th ESC PAO, Managing Editor Spc. Michael V. Camacho Maj. Raul Marquez, 13th ESC PAO 139th MPAD Layout and Design [email protected] considered the official views of, or endorsed [email protected] Sgt. Jayson A. Hoffman by, the U.S. Government, including the Depart- [email protected] ment of Defense or Operation Iraqi Freedom. 13th ESC PA NCOIC Contributing public affairs offices Expeditionary Times is a command infor- Staff Sgt. Joel F. Gibson, 13th ESC 139th MPAD Photo Editor 15th Sustainment Brigade mation newspaper in accordance with Army [email protected] Sgt. Keith VanKlompenberg 36th Sustainment Brigade Regulation 360-1 and reviewed by the ESC G2 [email protected] for security purposes. 13th ESC Staff Writer 90th Sustainment Brigade Expeditionary Times is published weekly Spc. Naveed Ali Shah, 13th ESC 139th MPAD Copy Editor 96th Sustainment Brigade by the Stars and Stripes central office, with a [email protected] Spc. Brandy Oxford 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team [email protected] circulation of 5,000 papers. 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team 139th MPAD Commander 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing The Public Affairs Office is located on Capt. Brad Sinkler 139th MPAD Staff Writers New Jersey Ave. Building 7508, DSN 318-433- [email protected] Sgt. Ryan Twist 194th Engineer Brigade 2154. Expeditionary Times, HHC 13th ESC, [email protected] APO AE 09391. Web site at www.dvidshub.net 139th MPAD First Sergeant For online publication visit: 1st Sgt. Aangi Mueller Spc. John Stimac www.dvidshub.net Contact the Expeditionary Times staff at: [email protected] [email protected] keyword: Expeditionary Times [email protected] Mission Statement: The Expeditionary Times Staff publishes a weekly newspaper with the primary mission of providing command information to all service members, partners, and Families of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) team and a secondary mission of providing a means for units on Joint Base Balad to disseminate command information to their audiences. December 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 3 The Weekly Standard: Sexual Assault Corrections Response Coordinator The Expeditionary Times regrets these Army language policy errors: From the Joint Base Balad Sexual By Lt. Co l . Ky l e D. Pe t e r s o n understood by everyone who has an of- Assault Response Coordinator Team: In the Dec. 16 edition of the Expe- 13t h ESC De t a i l e d In s p ec t o r Ge n e r a l ficial need to know their content and, Consent is a choice in which an indi- therefore, must normally be in Eng- ditionary Times, the cutline with the vidual agrees by free will to engage in he Army gains lish. photo in the story “Course teaches sexual acts. The fact that a person is in Tstrength and a de- However, commanders may not quick reaction to attacks” should have a relationship or was in a relationship sirable skill set from require Soldiers to use English un- said, “Master Sgt. Floyd Pringle, non- does not mean the person automati- Soldiers who are multi- less such use is clearly necessary and commissioned officer in charge of cally consents to sexual activity. Your lingual. proper for the performance of military support operations with Headquar- JBB SARC team is available 24 hours Soldiers who are functions. Accordingly, commanders ters and Headquarters Company, a day, seven days a week. Call the JBB proficient in more than one language may not require the use of English for 751st Combat Sustainment Support sexual assault response coordinator posses a valuable skill especially when personal communications that are un- Battalion, 96th Sustainment Brigade, at 443-7272 or contact via pager 443- used appropriately. related to military functions.” 13th Sustainment Command (Expedi- 9001, 159 for help. Army members The Army trains linguists and pro- The Army language policy provides tionary), and a Columbia, S.C., native, should seek assistance with their unit vides incentives for Soldiers in certain guidance and establishes English as gives the thumbs up to indicate he victim advocate or deployed-SARC; specialties to attain proficiency in dif- the operational language. It does not has properly sealed his mask during you may also call 433-7272 or 443- ferent languages. cover politeness or courtesy. chemical, biological, radiological and 9001, 122/135 for assistance. The Army provides guidance on the In general most people want to un- nuclear training.” use of language in Army Regulation derstand one another. Ensuring those 600-20 para 4-13 and the Army lan- around us can understand and partici- In the Dec. 16 edition of the Ex- guage policy states: pate in our conversations will help to peditionary Times, the story “Course “English is the operational language avoid confusion and misunderstand- teaches quick reaction to attacks” of the Army. Soldiers must maintain ing. should have said, “Capt. Misty Aycock, sufficient proficiency in English to No matter the language, good taste the administrative personnel officer perform their military duties. Their and decorum should always be encour- with the 751st CSSB and a Columbia, operational communications must be aged. S.C., native, said she found the train- ing informative.”

Joint Base Balad: DSN 433-2125 Taji (96th SB/ 155 BCT): Lt. Col. Reginald Howard DSN 834-3079 (Command Inspector General) Lt. Col. Timothy Norton/ Interested in Maj. Scott Peters (Deputy) Lt. Col. Paul Bird Master Sgt. Roy Thacker (NCOIC) Adder/Tallil (36th SB/ 41 BCT): Sgt. 1st Class Danilo Egudin DSN 833-1710 a movie? Sgt. 1st Class Javier Cruz Lt. Col. Melanie Meier/ Q-West (15th SB): Maj. Jeffrey Copek DSN 827-6115 Al Asad (96th SB): Check the movie Lt. Col. Kyle Peterson DSN 440-7049 Sgt. 1st Class Tamera Wynn schedule on Page 20 Chaplain’s Corner: serving God, country with little actions

By Ca p t . Ul i s e s e Ma t a a f a unit filter needs to be cleaned every so Spiritual resiliency is the ability of lowship that enable them to break loose 13t h ESC Op e r a t i o n s Ch a p l a i n often. the Soldier to bounce back from trau- from the trap of the emotional pain they I learned it in the hard way after the matic events such as losing a battle bud- have been through. omeone once said AC unit stops working for a week from dy, death of the loved one, divorcing a The other secret of spiritual resiliency Syou never trip over dust build up on the coolant veins. The spouse, losing body mobility or capabil- is to be honest with little actions. Honesty mountains; it is the housing contractor that came to fix the ity, and financial loss. Those examples in little actions means doing right when pebbles that cause us to AC unit pointed out that the filter needs could destroy Soldiers’ inner strength to no one is looking. stumble in life. to be cleaned once or twice a week in or- thrive spiritually, emotionally, mentally, The privilege of becoming a Soldier in Luke 16:10-12: “If der to keep the AC unit working all the and socially. the U.S. Army is the opportunity to learn you are faithful in little things, you will time. The secret of spiritual resiliency is to live out the core values of the military be faithful in large ones. But if you are Keeping the living quarter clean may to be faithful with little actions such as life. dishonest in little things, you won’t be seem less important in comparison with prayer, devotion, fellowship, meditation, The core Army values are loyalty, duty, honest with greater responsibilities. And the tactical sophisticated combat life of self-reflection and praises. These little respect, selfless service, honor, integrity if you are untrustworthy about worldly service members and civilian contrac- actions are required elements to spiritual and personal courage. wealth, who will trust you with the true tors. resiliency. This is the bedrock of the Soldier’s riches of heaven? And if you are not faith- However, little actions such as chang- Soldiers who faithfully pray, make spiritual resiliency. The text above points ful with other people’s things, why should ing the AC filter, sweeping the floor, time for devotions through reading in- out that if you are faithful in little actions, you be trusted with things of your own?” dusting the furniture and covering the spiring materials, meditating on moral you will be faithful in large ones. But if One of the unavoidable living realities bedding with the poncho liner bring du- principles, that the Army values uphold, you are dishonest in little actions, you for being an occupant of a JBB contain- rability and sustainability to the physical in the light of their faith tradition are won’t be honest with greater responsibili- erize housing unit is the accumulation of health and the emotional wellbeing of the proven to be far more resilient, thriving ties. dust everywhere within a day or two all military personnel to endure lengthy de- through a traumatic event they have been Little actions such as being loyal to over inside the living quarter. The bed- ployment at JBB. through. your family, being respectful to all peo- ding needs to cover with the poncho lin- Just as it is true that little actions are On many occasions after consoling ple, staying humble and remaining hon- er. The computer, TV, desk and furniture important for the physical wellbeing of Soldiers who had being through traumat- est in your tasks will make you a strong, that have gotten dirty need to be dusted the Soldiers, it is also true for spiritual ic events, many of them testified about determined and resilient Soldier in serv- more frequently. The air conditioning resiliency. the power of prayer, mediation and fel- ing God and country. PAGE 4 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 23, 2009 ‘Operation Gumbo Drop,’ holiday gift to service members GUMBO FROM PAGE 1 The visit, dubbed “Operation Gumbo Drop,” had its inception during the 1991 Persian Gulf War, when elements of the Mississippi National Guard were de- ployed to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Rep. Gene Taylor, a Democrat representing Mississippi’s 4th District, said the idea came about in an unorthodox manner. “The first time we did it … it was ele- ments of this unit and a lot of the spouses showed up at one of my town meetings shortly after the war ended,” said Tay- lor, a 20-year veteran of the U.S. House of Representatives. “I made some dumb bet, ‘Alright look, they’re going to be home by the 4th of July. If they’re not home by the 4th of July, I’ll bring them some shrimp.’ Unfortunately, they were not home by the 4th of July.” He brought the shrimp to the Soldiers in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, a port city where the unit was processing equip- ment, he said. Since then, the congressmen continue to bring seafood to troops serving in Bos- nia, Kuwait and Iraq several times annu- ally. “It’s great – for some of these troops, this is the third or fourth time I’ve met them on a deployment,” said Taylor, who is also a member of the House Armed Rep. Gene Taylor, a Democrat representing Mississippi’s 4th District, talks about the mission in Iraq with Lt. Col. Services Committee. “I’m over here to Jeffrey Van, commander of 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment, 155th Brigade Combat Team with the Mississippi say ‘Thank you’ to them.” National Guard, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and Lt. Col. Garry Bush, commander of 2nd Battalion, Rep. Erik Paulsen, a Republican from 402nd Army Field Support Brigade, during a Dec. 14 visit to Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Five congressmen visited the Minnesota’s 3rd District; Rep. Bruce Bra- base, roughly 50 miles north of Baghdad, to speak to their constituents and lift morale during the holiday season. ley, a Democrat from Iowa’s 1st District; Rep. Brett Guthrie, a Democrat from gressman,” said Boleware. “He was very was badly injured by the first IED that manded by Lt. Col. Phillip Stewart. The Kentucky’s 2nd District; and Rep. Alan personable – it wasn’t intimidating talk- I had heard of,” he said. “I came back 362nd ERS provides eyes and ears for Grayson, Democrat from Florida’s 8th ing to him. He just kind of came off as a around Christmas time of ‘03 and mem- troops on the ground via real-time, full- District, all served lunch to service mem- regular guy.” bers of that same unit had gone with motion video and recently reached a bers in the dining facility and visited with A few Soldiers talked politics with what they called ‘hillbilly armor,’ which milestone 1,000 combat sorties. their constituents while they ate. their congressmen, including Spc. Mar- was the homemade stuff.” The congressmen also visited the Air The Soldiers with the 1st Battalion, lin S. Muller, also an infantryman with After seeing the damage wrought by Force Theater Hospital here at JBB. 155th Infantry Regiment, with the Mis- the 155th. the sub-par armor, Taylor said he and his They met with the hospital staff, took sissippi National Guard’s 155th Heavy “Even though our political views dif- fellow congressmen on the House Armed a tour and visited Hero’s Highway, the Brigade Combat Team, 13th ESC, took fered, it’s always good for morale to see Services Committee worked hard to pro- path from the emergency room to the the opportunity to speak with their con- your politicians are thinking about you vide up-armored vehicles for Soldiers in helicopter landing pad. An American flag gressmen about issues that concerned as well as making the trip over here to see Iraq and Afghanistan. covers the ceiling of the Hero’s Highway, them. you,” said Muller. “In spring of ’05, a young man from through which wounded warriors are “I think it’s always good when your The congressmen said they learn a lot this unit had lost both legs and his gun- brought to the hospital or sent on to Ger- elected representative can come and visit from their visits to Iraq and Afghanistan, ner had been beat up very badly from an many. you, especially in war zone,” said Pfc. while helping service members through underbody explosion, which led me to At the end of the visit, the representa- Wesley Boleware, an infantryman with their experiences here. Taylor said he start searching for something better than tives signed the wall of the 332nd Con- 1st Bn., 155th Inf. Regt., 155th BCT, 13th realized the need for improved armor on that, which led to us to the mine-resistant tingency Aeromedical Staging Facility, as ESC. Humvees following an improvised ex- vehicle,” he said. do all VIPs who visit Balad. Soldiers said the politicians put them plosive device attack after a September During their stop at Balad, the con- Taylor said, “I just want to thank them at ease. 2003 visit to Iraq. gressmen visited the 362nd Expedition- for what they’re doing and most of all “It’s my first time talking to a con- “We had a young man from home that ary Reconnaissance Squadron, com- want everyone to come home safely.”

All of us here at Fort Hood want to send our love and thanks to all the brave Soldiers serving our nation. The fighters and the fallen are forever in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for being so strong out there. Also, a personal shout out to my husband from his wife and son: Spc. Naveed Ali Shah, we love you very much and we miss you. We are so proud of you! Hamesha. Keep up the amazing work everyone! Love, The Ali Shahs December 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 5 First Iraqi bank on American base opens BANK FROM PAGE 1 communities, and will give them the opportunity to learn how to use the banking services Al Warka provides. Said Saleh Mohammed said the Iraqi bank will also help the local economy by providing jobs. Bank administrators plan to open another bank in Tikrit, Said Saleh Mohammed said. The process should go smoother this time, using JBB as a model, he said. “We would like to thank everyone that helped open this bank, especial- ly the Iraqi-Based Industrial Zone,” said Said Saleh Mohammed. “Hope- fully, we’re going to be able to help the Iraqis and the Americans.” Foster said he was excited to watch the new business open. “It has been a long journey to be here today,” he said. “We’ve had to overcome numerous obstacles. With the help of various Army, Air Force, Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, commanding general of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) out of Fort Hood, Tex- and state department organizations, as, Brig. Gen. Craig A. Franklin, commanding general of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing, and Said Saleh Mohammed, we were able to overcome those ob- the regional manager of Al Warka Bank for the Salah ad Din province, cut the ribbons during the opening ceremony of the stacles.” Al Warka Bank Dec. 17 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. PAGE 6 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 23, 2009 Communication Soldiers aid in transportation mission St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y “We are very essential,” Ramirez 2n d Lt. Ni c h o l a s A. Sw a b said. “No matter where the Army has 96t h Su s t . Bd e . people, they will always need communi- cation. You need personnel, equipment AL ASAD, Iraq – There are only two and communication to win a war and it communications and makes me feel very proud to be a part of signal operators within that. Without us, the mission cannot be the 47th Transportation accomplished.” Company – a switch- Monroe and Ramirez not only bring ing systems network tactical and technical knowledge that operator and a signal aids in the completion of the company’s support specialist mission, they work to bring security – which keeps them busy meeting the and peace-of-mind as well. company’s day-to-day and mission es- “I’m sure it’s a bad feeling being out- sential communication needs. side the gate and having a broken ra- Spc. Nicholas Monroe, the switching dio,” Monroe said. “That’s why it makes systems network operator and a Virgin- me happy to go out and check the radi- ia Beach, Va., native, and Sgt. Alfredo os and communication before they roll Ramirez, the signal support specialist out. I’m sure it makes the people on the and a Lajas, Puerto Rico native, keep convoy feel more confident.” the Soldiers with the 47th Trans. Co., These two put in twelve-hour work 751st Combat Sustainment Support days and must be on call at a moment’s Battalion, 96th Sustainment Brigade, notice. 13th Sustainment Command (Expedi- “When one convoy is on the road, tionary) talking. there is always another one we have “Every day we make sure our con- to help get prepared,” said Ramirez. “I voys have good communication, and would really like to go out on the mis- at the same time we take care of the sions to see the fruits of my labor, but responsibilities of being specialists in the work needed before a convoy rolls the (Counter Radio Electronic Warfare) out really keeps us here at the compa- systems,” Ramirez said. ny.” In addition to working with radio Both Monroe and Ramirez said the Spc. Nicholas Monroe, a switching systems network operator with the 47th Trans- portation Company, 751st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 96th Sustainment communications, Monroe and Ramirez long days are hard, but it helps knowing Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Virginia Beach, Va., na- ensure proper operations of movement they bring peace to a nation and pro- tive, inspects a connection port on a movement tracking system transceiver. Monroe tracking systems and communication tect the people of Iraq and the United is one of two communications and signal specialists who aid in the company’s mis- security. States. sion to conduct logistical convoys. Soldiers train with heavy equipment transport systems in Iraq By 1s t Lt. Ke v i n Ge r t z ing vehicles to staging areas to be relo- Iraq, maneuvering various types of backing the systems straight down the 96t h Su s t . Bd e . cated to other areas of operation, said loads and equipment,” Hannah said. road. Maj. Ralph Arrington, commander of “Every type of vehicle gets tied down Hannah said the operators learn CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – The behemoth the 296th and a Brookhaven, Miss., in a specific way by the operators and the difference between driving a HET heavy equipment trans- native. affects the operation of the HET sys- system with independently turning port systems creak and First Lt. James Posey, the officer in tem.” wheels, called bogies, compared to a squeal as Soldiers move charge of the 296th HET training pro- Hannah said he also ensures that normal trailer with static axles and large vehicles and gram and a Hattiesburg, Miss., native, the 296th’s HET operators know how wheels. heavy loads through coordinates with other units at Camp each type of vehicle affects their driv- “A HET drives more like a car than the 296th Transpor- Liberty to involve different vehicles in ing. a regular trailer,” he said. tation Company’s the training. “The M1A1 Abrams tanks give the The width of a HET trailer can training lanes. “Other units offer support for the HET trailers a lower center of gravity cause issues, as operators drive down Staff Sgt. Kenneth Hannah, the HET operators by providing opportu- but create large blind spots that the some of the narrow roads and check- noncommissioned officer in charge of nities to practice winching and tying- operators must learn to compensate points throughout Iraq, he said. the HET training lanes and a Jackson- down vehicles such as Mine-Resistant for,” he said. “MRAP vehicles raise Hannah reinforces slow and cau- ville, Fla., native, observes, instructs Ambush-Protected and Stryker vehi- the center of gravity of the trailers, tious around turns and through check- and executes training for equipment cles,” said Posey. causing the operators to be more cau- points, regardless of tight schedules. operators with 296th Trans. Co., an Hannah watches closely as the op- tious when driving around corners, or “It is important that HET opera- Army Reserve unit stationed at Camp erators use chains and other tools to on uneven roadways.” tors transport equipment safely and Liberty, Iraq. secure vehicles on the HET trailers. Training takes place day and night, quickly,” said Lt. Col. Robert Dixon, HET operators travel throughout “Using different vehicles and load and scenarios can differ greatly. Some the commander for the 260th CSSB Iraq to assist operations in support of configurations in training provides nights the operators practice a ser- and a Frankfort, Ind. native. the upcoming responsible drawdown the operators much needed experi- pentine weave through cones and bar- “Slow is smooth and smooth is of U.S. forces and equipment, by mov- ence for when they travel throughout riers, and other nights they practice fast,” he said. December 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 7 Fallen postal employees honored at new JBB east side post office St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Lt. Col. Tracy Williams, the human Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t resources operations branch officer Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f in charge with the 90th Sustainment Brigade out of Little Rock, Ark., 13th JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Seven ESC, said she is happy to see the new Soldiers and two civil- facility finished. ians were honored for “I’m just so glad it’s over with be- their vital roles in post- cause it has taken so long,” said Wil- al operations during a liams, a Groveport, Ohio, native. dedication ceremony “They spent (more than) $600,000 Dec. 17 for the new on this facility. You don’t want it to facility at the east just sit.” side post office at Joint Base Balad, The facility is larger than the pre- Iraq. vious building, allowing Soldiers Capt. David W. Laes, commander to wait inside instead of out in the of the 847th Human Resources Com- weather, said Williams. She said the pany out of Fort Snelling, Okla., with extra space also accommodates more the 90th Sustainment Brigade, 13th workers to increase efficiency. Sustainment Command (Expedition- Laes said they now have more table ary), said the Soldiers and civilians room for mandatory customs inspec- who voluntarily give their time in tions. The new inspection tables have support of Operation Iraqi Freedom bins attached to them, which makes are proud American citizens. the area more customer friendly, he Laes, a St. Paul, Minn., native, said said. the Soldiers’ and civilians’ brave and Williams said she liked both fa- vital tasks create a stable and secure cilities and considered the mission a environment for communities world- success. wide. “I would love to come here in an- At JBB, those tasks sometimes in- other year or so from now and see volve placing themselves in harm’s how it has progressed,” she said. “The way by conducting missions that old facility had a very home feeling.” range from route clearance and re- Wiley L. Fletcher, a KBR, Inc. em- connaissance to postal operations ployee and the project manager for and logistical support convoys, he the postal mission in Iraq, said the said. project went well under the circum- “Since the beginning of operations Capt. David W. Laes, commander of the 847th Human Resources Company out of Fort stances. in Iraq, there have been numerous Snelling, Okla., with the 90th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expe- “It’s been really extreme at times,” casualties,” said Laes. “We honor our ditionary), shakes hands with Wiley L. Fletcher, a KBR Inc. employee and the project said Fletcher, a Rosepine, La., na- manager for the postal mission in Iraq, at the dedication ceremony of the new east side fallen daily by continuing to serve tive. “I had no idea that there were post office Dec. 17 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Laes, a St. Paul, Minn., native, gave Fletcher, and conduct our mission with integ- a Rosepine, La., native, the dedication plaque, which honors nine fallen postal workers. so many rules and regulations. We’ve rity, bravery and honor. The postal done great with it. We’re proud of it personnel at Joint Base Balad are kept in touch with friends and family Spc. Charles Lamb, 23, 1544th Trans. and we’re motivated to work here. dedicating the newly built post office back home. He said postal operations Co., Illinois Army National Guard, We know the personnel that come on east Balad to our fallen postal he- are a vital link for communication Casey, Ill., Sept. 5, 2004; Sgt. Shawna through here will be well served by roes that gave their lives in support of and high morale for service members Morrison, 26, 1544th Trans. Co., Illi- this facility.” the United States of America.” at contingency operating locations nois Army National Guard, Paris, Ill., Fletcher said the old post office set Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, com- throughout the country. Sept. 5, 2004; Sgt. Jessica Cawvey, a record, with more than 18 million manding general of the 13th ESC out “Every unit in theater plays an 21, 1544th Trans. Co., Illinois Army pounds of mail coming in and out of of Fort Hood, Texas, said he was hon- enormous role in making sure that National Guard, Normal, Ill., Oct. 6, Iraq in December of 2007. ored to be at the dedication. our mission is accomplished,” he said. 2004; Pfc. Isaiah Hunt, 20, 497th “We move anywhere from eight “I think it’s fitting and appropri- “As postal workers, we take pride in Transportation Company, 1st Corps, (million) to 18 million pounds a ate that the plaque down in (Camp) supporting every (service member) Fort Lewis, Wash., Green Bay, Wis., month,” he said. Liberty got moved up here and rec- and civilian. By dedicating this post Nov. 15, 2004; Sgt. Rocky Payne, Laes reminded everyone present at ognizes the nine fallen postal workers office to our fallen postal comrades, 26, 497th Trans. Co., 1st Corps, Fort the ceremony what the building, and that paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said their dedication to service will always Lewis, Wash., Howell, Utah, Mar. the plaque, symbolized. Wentz. “It really represents the post- be remembered.” 16, 2005; Fred Bryant, 39, KBR Inc., “(Americans) have given their al community and the folks that have On the plaque are: Spc. Darryl Jacksonville, Fla., Aug. 5, 2003. lives in sacrifice for something that been dedicated to providing mail Dent, 21, 547th Transportation Com- “There are lots of lives, not one life they believe will bring a better, more services to Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, pany, Washington, Aug. 26, 2003; is more important than the other one, promising future for our children, Marines and civilians in this theater Vernon Gaston, 45, KBR Inc., Lam- those just happen to be the ones we grandchildren, and generations to for a long time.” pasas, Texas, Sept. 3, 2003; Spc. Jer- picked,” said Laes. “The (plaque) we come,” he said. “We come together in Laes said the nine deceased per- emy Ridlen, 23, 1544th Transporta- have here is a reproduction of the one the most difficult of times to help one formed postal missions across Iraq tion Company, Illinois Army National in (Camp Liberty, Baghdad) to honor another, whether in financial crisis, to ensure Warfighters and civilians Guard, Moroa, Ill., May 23, 2004; the Soldiers.” natural disaster or armed conflict.”

TELL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS HOW MUCH YOU MISS THEM E-mail: [email protected] PAGE 8 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 23, 2009 ‘White Bird’ operations transport troops, VIPs St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Battalion, 52nd Aviation Regiment out St a f f Sg t . Je f f Lo w r y of Stuttgart Army Airfield, Germany, Ta s k Fo r ce 38 Pu b l i c Af f a i r s and a Rapid City, S.D., native, said there are benefits to flying, as opposed JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The D to other modes of transportation, such Company, 6th Battalion, as Humvees. 52nd Aviation Regiment “The airplanes are faster,” he said. White Birds ferry VIP pas- “It's expeditious for (the passengers), sengers, including Gen. and it's a lot safer than ground trans- Raymond T. Odierno, portation. It almost eliminates the risk Multinational Force – of ambushes and (improvised explosive Iraq commander, and make sure they devices).” get where they need to go in Iraq. Lynch agreed. “Basically, what we do here is sup- “We can do it rapidly and safely – port Gen. Odierno, the generals who transport them to the location where support him and the VIPs who come in they need to go – and that gives them country,” said Capt. John MacHarrie, more time with their Soldiers,” he said. the company commander, a pilot with MacHarrie said, aside from generals, D Co. and a Melbourne, Fla., native. the white bird pilots fly ambassadors The white birds earned their nick- and foreign heads of state. In Novem- name because of the white planes they ber, they flew California Gov. Arnold fly. Schwarzenegger around Iraq. Chief Warrant Officer Keith Lynch, a “It was interesting to meet somebody pilot with D Company out of U.S. Army famous like that,” said Sichterman. Garrison Wiesbaden, Germany, and a Yet Lynch said the pilots were not Winder, Ga., native, said high-priority fazed by VIPs or generals, such as Gen. passengers visit Iraq for delegations, George W. Casey Jr., the Army chief of meetings and troop interaction. staff, who was once a passenger. "We get these guys out there for ex- “It was like a normal flight,” he said. U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Keith Lynch, a pilot with D Company, 6th Bat- posure to their troops,” Lynch said. “We give them the respect they deserve talion, 52nd Aviation Regiment, checks the landing gear on a Task Force 38 jet Chief Warrant Officer William Sich- and let them do what they need to do.” plane Nov. 25. Lynch and his unit are out of U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, terman, a pilot with F Company, 6th Germany. Service members urged not to use space heaters By Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o “The amount of amperage Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f and current required to oper- ate the space heater is very JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Multi- high,” he said. “The electrical National Forces – Iraq wiring isn’t designed for that and Joint Base Balad, type of draw – it just overheats Iraq, policy prohibits the and causes a fire. The electri- use of personal space cal system here is not up to heaters in workplace American standards. Any time or living areas, ac- there’s a large demand put on cording to JBB safety personnel. it, it can cause heating prob- Service members prone to cold- lems and fires.” weather injuries may be authorized A containerized housing unit to use space heaters with a medical can go up in flames within five memorandum, said Staff Sgt. Robert minutes, said Jenkins. The fire Young, a noncommissioned officer can then spread to other hous- in charge of safety with the 13th Sus- ing units around it, endanger- tainment Command (Expeditionary) ing the lives of service mem- and an Orlando, Fla., native. When bers and civilian contractors in a heater is authorized, it must have a that area, he said. four-foot area of clearance around it, Jenkins said the fire-safety he said. policies are put in place be- The climate in Iraq rarely justifies cause of events that have oc- the use of a space heater, and it is far curred. easier to dress appropriately for cold- He said anyone found us- Courtesy photo weather conditions, said Young. ing a space heater will receive All living quarters and most work Charred debris is all that remains of a containerized housing unit at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, a violation notice for having a after a fire destroyed the room. The JBB Fire Department works to identify fire hazards in places are equipped with a heating fire hazard, said Jenkins. If the work and living areas, which often include overloaded power sources. and air conditioning unit, said Sgt. problem goes unchecked and Chester Jenkins, a fire inspector at space heaters, he said. Living quarters It is critical that even pre-installed an incident occurs, the violators or the JBB Fire Department, with the and workplaces can be cramped with units are maintained and function their superiors may be held respon- 63rd Ordnance Company, 80th Ord- gear, equipment and personal items, properly, he said. sible, said Jenkins. nance Battalion, 90th Sustainment leaving little space for the occupants, Jenkins said the use of unauthor- “All our policies here are to keep Brigade, 13th ESC and a Queensbury, let alone a space heater, Jenkins said. ized electronics and devices can cause the population at JBB safe,” he said. N.Y., native. “There’s a very high probability electrical fires and circuit shorts. He “Anything we put out is something The living conditions of deployed that something will come in contact said the last reported space heater-re- that happened in the past, and we service members are a major factor with that space heater and cause a lated fire was caused by outlets over- have learned from it and put in policy in the risks associated with the use of fire,” he said. heating. so it never happens again.” December 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 9 Q-West military dog fetches induction into noncommissioned officer corps St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y NCO, during the cer- Sg t . Ma t t h e w C. Co o l e y emony. “It is a change in 15t h Su s t . Bd e . the mentality of how we conduct our day-to-day CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- business.” TION Q-WEST, Iraq – Al- Prisoners of war and though eat, sleep and fetch Soldiers missing in ac- are the maximum require- tion were also honored ments for most dogs, Rex at the ceremony with a is no normal German Fallen Soldier’s Table, a Shepherd. small empty dining table Sgt. 1st Class Rex, a set for one. patrol explosive detector dog with the Master Sgt. Terry Mo- 178th Military Police Detachment, was ten, the 15th STB train- inducted into the corps of noncom- ing and schools NCO missioned officers by the 15th Special in charge and a Dallas Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment Bri- native, was the guest gade, 13th Sustainment Command (Ex- speaker. First Sgt. Willie peditionary) during a ceremony Dec. 12 Johnson, with A Com- at the Morale,Welfare and Recreation pany, 15th STB, and 1st tent at Contingency Operating Location Sgt. Jeanette Short, with Q-West, Iraq. Headquarters and Head- The ceremony for newly promoted quarters Company, 15th NCOs inducted 32 Soldiers and Airmen, STB, administered the in addition to Rex, the highest ranking Sgt. 1st Class Rex, a patrol explosive detector dog with the 178th Military Police Detachment, oath of the United States NCO participating in the ceremony. rests at the feet of Staff Sgt. Cully Parr, a military police dog handler with the 178th MP Det. Army noncommissioned Military working dogs are given a and a McBride, Mich., native, at a Dec. 12 ceremony during which Rex was inducted into the officer and the charge of rank one higher than their handlers, so corps of noncommissioned officers at the Morale Welfare and Recreation tent at Contingency the noncommissioned it is normal to have canine NCOs but Operating Location Q-West, Iraq. officer respectively. very rare to have one officially inducted Although Rex could into the corps, said Staff Sgt. Cully Parr, Parr said the duo paired up in July af- was good for the other Soldiers’ morale, not take the oath, he barked excitedly Rex’s military police dog handler with ter Rex, a two-year-old, finished the mil- and showed that military working dogs after the ceremony. the 178th MP Det. and a McBride, Mich., itary’s canine version of basic training at are Soldiers, too. He also enjoys taking “He is also a Soldier,” said Parr. native Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. Rex to such events “It’s probably the first time they’ve The Army tries to pair working dogs and because it serves as ever done this for dogs,” he said. handlers who have similar personalities a recruitment tool because it aids in for the program, he their teamwork, said. he said. “People just light “He doesn’t up when they see work without me him,” he said. – I don’t work After the cer- without him,” he emony, dozens of said. “He’s like Soldiers took pic- any other Sol- tures with Rex. Parr dier.” cautioned that not Rex’s primary all military working job, explosives dogs are as well so- detection, is only cialized as Rex, and awarded to dogs said to ask permis- that meet strict sion from handlers requirements de- before petting a termined by thor- working dog. ough testing. All of the NCOs Parr said he inducted into the began his career corps were present- as an Army dog ed with a certificate handler in late and presented by 2005 because he name to the audi- enjoys working ence as they stood, with dogs and one by one, under believes he can crossed sabers. use the skills in “Being an NCO a civilian career is more than ac- Command Sgt. Maj. Nathaniel Bartee, the 15th Sustainment someday. quiring skills, pass- Brigade’s senior noncommissioned officer, shakes the paw Sgt. 1st Class Rex, a patrol explosive detector dog with the “It’s one of the ing boards or com- of Sgt. 1st Class Rex, a patrol explosive detector dog with 178th Military Police Detachment, is presented as a new member best jobs in the pleting courses.” the 178th Military Police Detachment, at a Dec. 12 ceremony in the corps of noncommissioned officers at an NCO induction Army,” he said. said Sgt. Elizabeth in which Rex was inducted into the corps of noncommis- ceremony Dec. 12 at the Morale Welfare and Recreation tent at Parr said hav- Whitehead, the sioned officers at the Morale Welfare and Recreation tent at Contingency Operating Location Q-West, Iraq. ing Rex inducted 15th STB personnel Contingency Operating Location Q-West, Iraq. PAGE 10 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 23, 2009 Oasis International Waters facilities hydrate Iraq St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Pf c . Li s a A. Co p e Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- TION ADDER, Iraq – The Oasis International Wa- ters water purification facility at Contingency Operating Location Adder, Iraq, is one of six such facilities providing clean drinking water to ser- vice members, civilians and contrac- tors working throughout the country. Each facility is tasked with sup- plying a specific region of Iraq with drinking water, at the rate of four bot- tles per person per day, said Maj. Jer- ald Dougherty, the officer in charge of subsistence with the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). The num- ber rises to six bottles per person per day in July and August, when the tem- perature typically gets the warmest. The Oasis facility at Adder is con- tractually permitted to produce up to 17,500 cases, or 210,000 bottles, James G. Lalonde, the site manager for the Oasis International Waters water purification facility at Contingency Op- per day, but follows the direction of erating Location Adder, Iraq, and a Clio, Mich., native, demonstrates the system used to purify water Nov. 11 in the Dougherty, an Ellensburg, Wash., Oasis facility at COL Adder. native, to determine the production amount necessary to sustain opera- we are ordering water for … 270,000 any system used in the United States, in Iraq is tested on site, at its destina- tions in Iraq. (people).” and is comparable to the system used tion and in the dining facilities where Dougherty said the 13th ESC re- The Adder facility is responsible by Aquafina. it is served. Samples are also sent to be ceives a daily headcount of person- for providing water to all of the bases “We supply a very high-quality tested in the United States. nel at each base, which helps estimate south of Baghdad, said Dougherty. product,” he said. “We are held to the “It’s tested a lot, so if there (are) monthly production needs. James G. Lalonde, the site man- same standards as purified water in any problems we would know about it “Bottled water is the one thing that ager for the Adder facility and a Clio, the states.” pretty quickly, but we have had zero is- everybody has access to, so it’s a pret- Mich., native, said the site’s purifica- For quality assurance, the water sues here,” said Lalonde. “I am pretty ty big number,” he said. “Right now tion system is equal to or better than processed at any of the six facilities proud of the product that we make.”

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St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y icher, COL Marez, Joint Base Balad and COL Som- “We had a lot of vehicles breaking down on missions Ca p t . Mu r r a y Sh u g a r s merall, he said. and I was green then. I didn’t know my job well. In 2/198t h Co m b i n e d Ar m s When they arrived, the Mississippians had a sig- the past few months, I have improved a lot and I am nificant learning curve and mindset adjustment, said more confident than ever.” Barrere. Dean said every convoy mission includes a recov- CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q-WEST, “These are support Soldiers, not combat arms, and ery team, operating the heavy expanded mobility Iraq – Mississippi Army National Guard we turned them into convoy security Soldiers, which tactical truck. When a vehicle goes down, Dean said members conducted a convoy security is more like an infantry or military police type job,” the recovery team has about 15 minutes to assess a mission Nov. 31 to Dec. 1 from Contin- he said. “They are cooks, mechanics, fuelers, supply situation and decide whether to fix or tow that ve- gency Operating Location Q-West, specialists and such. They’re not used to this life, but hicle. Iraq, to Contingency Operating Loca- they’ve done a great job.” “When a vehicle goes down, the whole convoy is tion Sykes, Iraq. Spc. James B. Mangum, a gunner and a Magee, vulnerable and me and my mechanic are exposed,” Members of 1st Platoon, A Company, 106th Bri- Miss., native, said he has adapted to the new mission he said. “We’ve got to get that vehicle recovered and gade Support Battalion out of Magee, Miss., with 2nd well. that’s the worst place in the world to be when you’ve Battalion, 198th Combined Arms out of Senatobia, “We replaced an infantry unit,” he said. “I’m not got no time. Miss., escorted civilian tractor-trailers on a mission infantry. I was trained as a ‘92 Fox,’ a petroleum sup- “... A recovery crew has to use teamwork. If we de- distinguished because it was uneventful. ply specialist, a fueler, but I’ve never done that job. … cide to tow the vehicle, we have to divide the tasks. “This convoy escort mission had no hostile con- I don’t mind at all. I enjoy being a gunner a lot better While my mechanic is hooking up a tow bar, I’m tact and no vehicle issues, no break downs, flat tires than fueling.” dropping a drive shaft and, if there’s another me- or accidents – the first mission I’ve seen with no Spc. Latonya Warren, a gun truck driver and an chanic, he will be caging the brakes, which is how to issues,” said 2nd Lt. John A. Barrere, convoy com- Indianola, Miss., native, said she had to do some ad- unlock the brakes.” mander from D’Iberville, Miss. “The Soldiers did an justing as well. Dean said operator maintenance was the key fac- outstanding job of maintaining security and posi- “I was trained as a cook, not as a gun truck driver,” tor in decreasing the number of breakdowns since tive control of the civilian cargo trucks. The convoy said Warren. “Driving was a whole lot different than the unit arrived in Iraq. If truck crews do their pre- was tight and smooth – the best I’ve been on, and cooking in the dining facility. At first I was nervous, ventative maintenance checks and services, he said it shows how much these Soldiers have adapted and but now I feel fine with driving. When a mission is they can avoid issues on the road. grown over the last months.” complete and everyone makes it home safe, it gives In spite of the learning curve, Dean and his fellow Since arriving in Iraq, the 1st Platoon Soldiers of you outstanding satisfaction.” Soldiers adapted well to the convoy security mission, Convoy Escort Team 2 executed 34 missions for a Spc. Jason E. Dean, a wrecker operator fulfill- said Barrere. total of 68 convoy pushes, logging more than 3,500 ing the duties of his military occupational specialty “I’m very impressed with how far these Soldiers miles along the highways of northern Iraq, said Bar- training, said he faced challenges. have come since we mobilized,” he said. “They are rere. Besides COL Sykes, CET 2 has visited COL Spe- “When we first got to Iraq, it was difficult,” said doing outstanding. They hold their own with any Dean, a Brooklyn, Miss., native. combat arms unit doing this mission, and the proof is in the number of missions we are running. If we Latonya Warren, a gun truck weren’t performing, we would have fewer missions. driver and an Indianola, Miss., Many of these Soldiers prefer being on a convoy es- native, inspects the engine of cort team to their initial support training.” her Mine-Resistant Ambush- Sgt. Anthony Weghorst, lead scout truck com- Protected vehicle Dec. 1 in the mander and a Puckett, Miss., native, said the most Convoy Support Center at Con- exciting and exhausting experiences of his life hap- tingency Operating Location pened during convoy missions. Sykes, Iraq, before a mission. “I’m more nervous standing in the Convoy Readi- Warren belongs to 1st Platoon, ness Center briefing everyone on battle drills than A Company, 106th Brigade Sup- I am in my vehicle on a mission,” he said. “I know port Battalion out of Magee, what I’m doing on a mission.” Miss., with 2nd Battalion, 198th Dean said he spends as much time as he can on Combined Arms out of Senato- the road as part of a recovery crew. bia, Miss. “I love being on missions, especially during the

Members of 1st Platoon, A Company, 106th Bri- gade Support Battalion out of Magee, Miss., with 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms out of Senatobia, Miss., perform pre-mission inspections on their ve- hicles Dec. 1 at the Con- voy Support Center of Contingency Operating Location Sykes, Iraq. Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 13 Mississippi support troops provide convoy security holidays for the distraction,” he said. “For some, liv- mounted with roller equipment designed to mini- ing on the road is not the thing, but I volunteer to go mize the impact of improvised explosives devices. out. Time goes by quicker and it gives you a sense Attached to the front of his truck, the self-protection Hometown, family of accomplishment. You feel like you’re doing some- adaptive roller kit is designed to absorb the damage thing worthwhile.” of IEDs and shield the vehicle and crew. Sgt. Ricky L. Drummonds, a gunner and a Prent- Barnes said he had a great sense of satisfaction ties bond convoy iss, Miss., native, said the missions offer opportuni- mastering the SPARK system. ties for personal development. “I like driving the scout truck because not too “I want to see Iraq and this is the best way,” he many people can handle the SPARKs, especially this escort company said. “Plus, you find out a lot about yourself on these one, which is longer (and) has more segments,” he missions, your weaknesses and strengths. You turn said. “To be able to drive a piece of equipment that CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION Q- your weaknesses into your strengths.” not everybody can drive, that’s pretty cool. With no WEST, Iraq – A company of support In the lead scout crew, Barnes drives a gun truck accidents, that’s motivating.” Soldiers tasked with convoy security, used its Mississippi roots to jump the (Left) Seen through the rear door learning curve of an unfamiliar mis- of a Mine-Resistant Ambush-Pro- sion in Iraq. tected vehicle, Spc. Christopher Mississippi Army National Guard Shaw, a gunner and a Taylors- members with A Company, 106th Brigade Support ville, Miss., native, waits in the Battalion out of Magee, Miss., with 2nd Battalion, Convoy Readiness Center yard 198th Combined Arms out of Senatobia, Miss., Nov. 31 at Contingency Operat- stationed at Contingency Operating Q-West, Iraq, ing Location Q-West, Iraq, before escort convoys throughout the country, providing a convoy security mission to security and assistance with a cohesiveness born Contingency Operating Location of hometown ties. Sykes, Iraq. Spc. Keenan Barnes, a scout driver and a New Hebron, Miss., native said the troops’ close ties and support system helped them adapt to their missions. These A Co. Soldiers grew up in the same communities, attended the same schools and churches, and some belong to the same fam- ily, said Barnes. “I’m related to 10 people in the company,” he said. “This is my first deployment, and to be over (Below) Standing in his gun here with family is a lot of support. When I come truck turret, Spc. Marcus D. back from a mission, my cousins will stop by to see Glass, a gunner and a Ma- that I’m OK. We’ll talk about the mission, all of us gee, Miss., native, performs a together like that. And I do the same thing when function check on his M240B they come back from missions, go and see how it machine gun in the Convoy went. That’s a pretty good feeling.” Support Center yard Dec. 1 at Spc. Christopher Shaw, a scout gunner and a Contingency Operating Loca- Taylorsville, Miss., native, said sharing a lengthy tion Sykes, Iraq. past with fellow Soldiers is comforting. “We share a lot in common,” he said. “You can relate to people who knew you way before you joined the Guard. You can talk about things that happened five years ago and people know.” Shaw said Soldiers from other units no- tice the difference. “The California Guard unit we replaced, they noticed that we were different,” he said. “They said, ‘You all are so close. We aren’t that close.’ ‘That’s because a lot of people are kin to each other, a lot of cousins, even a couple brothers, and most of us grew up together, graduated the same schools.’” Shaw said his unit received great support from its rural Mississippi communities. “We were talking to those guys from California and we asked them what kind of celebrations their hometowns had for them when they left,” he said. “They said, ‘Our hometowns didn’t even notice when we left.’ We told them it was crazy, the support we got when we left. The whole town turned out to say goodbye. Really, that meant a lot to me. I’ll never forget it as long as I live.” Spc. James B. Mangum, a gunner and a Magee, Miss., native, said the hometown support raised his spirits and reaffirmed his love for rural life. “It’s good for morale, the hometown sup- port,” said Mangum. “That’s why I’m glad I come from a small town.” PAGE 14 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 23, 2009 ‘Combat Carolers’ bring holiday cheer to JBB St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sp c . Li s a A. Co p e Capt. Brandy C. Brown, chaplain with the 332nd Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f Expeditionary Security Forces Group and a Mont- gomery, Ala., native, put together a singing group JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Service members got called the Combat Carolers, to improve morale and into the holiday spirit Dec. 15 by sing- spread holiday cheer at JBB. ing Christmas carols and ceremonially The group sang at the tree lighting and plans to lighting the Christmas tree on Sapper continue caroling every night at the JBB United Circle at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Services Organizations and the intensive care ward Brig. Gen. Craig A. Franklin, in the Air Force Theater Hospital, said Brown. commander of the 332nd Air Expe- Chief Warrant Officer 4 Paul Orthel, the 13th ditionary Wing, presided over the tree lighting and Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) supply quoted President Barack Obama, from his speech branch technician and a Titonka, Iowa, native, during the national tree lighting Dec. 3 in Wash- sings at Gilbert Memorial Chapel at JBB, as well as ington. with the Combat Carolers. He said caroling brings a “‘The Christmas story is a Christian one, but little bit of home to Iraq, as service members gather its lesson is universal,’” he quoted. “‘It represents and sing together. a tradition that we celebrate as a country, a tradi- “It is a great thing that we are able to do this,” he tion that has come to represent more than any one said. “It was well arranged, considering the circum- holiday or religion, but a season of brotherhood and stances.” generosity to our fellow citizens.’” Brown said the military family cohesiveness is Franklin expressed the importance of the mili- essential to high morale, especially during the holi- tary family during the holiday season and com- day season. mended the service members stationed at JBB for “When you cannot be with the ones you love, their part in the mission in Iraq. when you cannot be with your friends and family “Although we cannot be with our families dur- Capt. Brandy C. Brown, chaplain with the 332nd back home and the military and the deployed en- Expeditionary Security Forces Group and a Mont- ing this season, I cannot think of any other place I vironment is all you have, then you have to make gomery, Ala., native, and her Combat Carolers sing would rather be than with this family,” he said. “(It to best of the situation,” she said. “Who you have Christmas carols before the Christmas tree light- is) my privilege to serve with each and every one of around you becomes your family. (During) the holi- ing ceremony Dec. 15 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. you, our fellow Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Ma- days it is very vital to keep your spirits up and to rines. It is an elite group that is here, that has the Iraqi people have a representative government that keep your holiday fervor bright. ... That is all we honor and the privilege to serve our nation and also hears their voice and gives them the rights that we need to do, embrace each other for the holidays and to serve the nation of Iraq, as we strive to help the so much enjoy.” become each others’ family while we are here.” Stateside support groups send Christmas trees to JBB troops St o r y a n d Ph o t o Il l u s t r a t i o n b y are deployed to Kuwait, Iraq and Af- online and have it shipped here in a Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o ghanistan, he said. few days, said Jones, an Indianapolis Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f “Our mission is to improve the mo- native. But it would not have that au- rale of our troops,” said Krutchkoff, a thentic pine tree feel, nor would it ful- JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The spirit Fair Lawn, N.J., native. fill the spirit of the season many ser- of the season has not been The group works heavily with DHL vice members grew up with, he said. forgotten at Joint Base and more than 15 other sponsors and The organization also donated me- Balad, Iraq. local organizations in the New Jersey norahs for Jewish service members, The 332nd Expedi- and New York area. DHL’s ‘Trees for which will be given to the chapel to be tionary Force Support Troops’ program has shipped trees to distributed, he said. Squadron is scheduled Iraq and Afghanistan since early in “To have real trees with the smell of to receive 80 Christmas trees from Operation Iraqi Freedom and has been pine and things of that nature, it sym- Dees’ Nursery and Florist in Ocean a huge morale booster for deployed bolizes one of the attributes of Christ- Side, N.Y., said Capt. Katie Garski, service members, he said mas,” said Jones. “It’s like a hallmark, community service flight commander This is the fourth year DHL and the it’s the same thing as snow. To have with the 332nd EFSS. The trees, which Adopt a Soldier Platoon have worked real trees with the associated deco- were delayed in transport from Dees’ together to send Christmas trees to rations will be a tremendous morale Maine nursery, will be distributed to units deployed in the Middle East, he booster.” Army and Air Force units at JBB, she said. First Lt. Herbert Karg, executive said. Groups and organizations back officer with the 716th Quartermaster The nursery and the Adopt a Sol- home will always try to find a way to Company, 80th Ordnance Battalion, dier Platoon, Inc., an organization help those who are deployed, Garsky 90th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sus- dedicated to the morale and welfare said. tainment Command (Expeditionary), of deployed service members, worked “They wanted to support those that said the 716th is slated to receive four in conjunction with DHL Express to are serving overseas during the Christ- Christmas trees. donate the trees to troops in Iraq, she mas time,” said Garski, a Fargo, N.D., “It’s Iraq, we don’t get snow here said. native. “It gives people a touch of and the unit comes from the north Alan Krutchkoff, president and home.” eastern part of the United States,” said An Army patrol cap hangs on a small founder of the Adopt a Soldier Platoon, The trees will be passed to units at Karg, an Oil City, Penn., native. Christmas tree adorning a desk at Inc., a nonprofit organization out of JBB who request them on a first come Serving their country overseas is no Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The 332nd Ex- New Jersey, said they have facilitated first served basis, said Senior Master simple task, said Krutchkoff. peditionary Force Support Squadron events for deployed service members Sgt. Michael Jones, superintendent “We love our troops and feel it’s our is scheduled to receive 80 Christmas since April 2003. of community flight services with the civic duty to support them and let them trees from Dees’ Nursery and Florist in Ocean Side, N.Y., which will be dis- The organization supports all mili- 332nd EFSS. know America cares about them,” he tributed to Army and Air Force units tary branches and components that It is relatively easy to get a fake tree said. at JBB. December 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 15 Memorial provides recreation for deployed troops By Sp c . Be t h Go r e n c Sid Burgoon, Task Force 38 project River Place trailers will benefit the peo- Force 38 chief paralegal and an In- Ta s k Fo r c e 38 Pu b l i c Af f a i r s manager. ple who will use it once it opens, and dianapolis resident, said Burgoon, “The Air Force owns it,” said Barlow, the project provided personal gain for Leuthold and Bradbury’s dedication to JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Service a Shelbyville, Ind., native. “Sgt. Brad- him. providing a comfortable place to relax members stationed at Joint bury has been coordinating it, and Sgt. “It feels like I accomplished some- and mingle was admirable. She said Base Balad, Iraq, worked Burgoon has handmade most of the in- thing,” he said. “I feel good about doing she plans to follow their example by not together to provide a sanc- terior.” something for the good of everybody. only using Red River Place, but by also tuary and memorialize Barlow said the hard work and do- It’s probably one of the things I will re- helping run it. Soldiers who lost their nated time and supplies give Red River member most about this deployment.” “I will use it when it opens, and I plan lives. Place all the conveniences people need Master Sgt. Wayne Leuthold, Task to volunteer to help run it because it’s Red River Place was dedicated to to relax or spend time together. Force 38 liaison for the corps air op- a good cause and has a good mission,” seven B Company, 2nd Battalion, 149th “It’s a good opportunity,” he said. erations in Baghdad, shared Burgoon’s she said. Aviation Regiment Soldiers who lost “It’s something good for our Soldiers, sentiment about improving Red River Futrell said she is optimistic Red their lives in a September 2007 CH-47 and it’s a nice lounge and hang-out Place. River Place will further assist task force Chinook crash, and was named after area.” “We put a lot of hours into it, but it unity because the service members are the aircraft’s call sign: Red River. Airmen and task force Soldiers reno- was an enjoyable project and I loved spread out between missions and work Maj. Robb Barlow, Task Force 38 vated the Red River Place trailers to doing it,” he said. shifts. chaplain, said two trailers were trans- create the lounge feel, by installing a Leuthold said the shared knowledge “It will hopefully be a spot where formed into a recreational area through custom-made hardwood floor, leather of carpentry and assets of the TF 38 troops can come together and socialize, a joint service effort between Airmen couches, computer and telephone sta- wood shop enabled he and his fellow since we seldom see each other while and Soldiers as a gift for everyone at tions, and a reading center. Soldiers to create a lasting gift to JBB. we are working,” she said. JBB. Barlow recognized two Task Force “It’s a little bit like home,” said Bur- “It’s something we can leave behind Red River Place is next to Freedom 38 Soldiers for their work on the proj- goon, a Prior Lake, Minn., native. “It’s that all service members can enjoy,” he Chapel on JBB’s west side. The facility ect: Staff Sgt. Jesse Bradbury, Task got that nostalgia.” said. is scheduled to be fully operational by Force 38 chaplain assistant, and Sgt. Burgoon said renovating the Red Master Sgt. Benita Futrell, Task mid-December. Soldiers spread holiday cheer with Santa

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y “There’s not a lot of health Sp c . Be t h Go r e n c and beauty aids here,” said Ta s k Fo r c e 38 Pu b l i c Af f a i r s Wootten. “They wanted to make sure every female (Soldier) had JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq something to make them feel – Dressed in Army com- ladylike.” bat uniforms, red and To ensure the cheer-spread- white hats, elf ears, red ers were festive while passing elf shoes with bells, and out presents, Spc. Shannon sunglasses, two Task Statzer, a TF 38 headquarters Force 38 Soldiers ac- and command staff assistant, companied the cotton-ball bearded, made Wootten’s beard and the sunglass-wearing “Santa Wootten,” as elves’ ears, nametags and jin- they walked from office to office distrib- gling shoes. uting holiday cheer Dec. 4 at Joint Base “I thought it would be hilari- Balad, Iraq. ous to see Spc. Wells and Spc. Indiana National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Brooksher dressed up as elves,” Jason Wootten, TF 38 plans noncom- said Statzer, a Cicero, Ind., na- missioned officer in charge, received tive. “It helped the guys get into gifts for each Task Force 38 Soldier from the holiday spirit and into what his family and friends in Indiana. He they were doing, and it also then recruited Spc. Joshua Brooksher, a helped me get more into the task force plans specialist, and Spc. Scott holiday spirit.” Wells, a task force intelligence analyst, to Statzer said while the attire Indiana Army National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Jason Wootten, Task Force 38 plans non- act as elves and help pass out the gifts. was fun and uplifting, the three commissioned officer in charge, hands a miniature stocking and Christmas treeto “I love doing stuff like that,” said costumed Soldiers reinforced Command Sgt. Maj. John Watson, with TF 38, Dec. 4 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Wootten and his elves distributed presents to task force Soldiers to boost morale during the Wootten. “It made things more joyous. more serious ideas of camara- holiday season. Even though we are all adults and un- derie, support and family to- derstand the real meaning behind the getherness. minded them that people still care.” for task force Soldiers. The Task Force holidays, it was like a little part of home “The closer the holidays get, the Wells said helping raise Soldiers’ spir- 38 medical section hosted a Hallow- out here with Santa and the elves pass- more I have noticed my fellow Soldiers its during the holidays while away from een costume party at the troop medical ing out presents.” becoming sad that they won't be with their families was gratifying. clinic. The dining facility staff celebrated Wootten’s wife, her friend, mother their families,” said Statzer. “I think “It gave me the best feeling I’ve had Thanksgiving with elaborate decora- and grandmother sent miniature Christ- this brought smiles and laughs to the since I’ve been here,” he said. tions, festive costumes and a Thanksgiv- mas trees and patriotically-decorated unit. Soldiers might not be with their Soldiers who received the gifts said ing Day feast. miniature stockings filled with candy for loved ones back home, but now they they were also grateful for the camara- Brooksher, a Muncie, Ind., native, every Soldier in the unit. can see that they have a family here derie and holiday spirit. said celebrating the holidays was a mo- “They heard me talk about past de- that cares about them too.” “I was presently surprised,” said Maj. rale booster, and every holiday is a time ployments where Soldiers didn’t receive Wells, a Shelbyville, Ind., native, Dwight Mood, TF 38 information officer to have fun. any gifts or packages for the holidays,” said dressing up as “Holly,” the elf, to and a South Bend, Ind., native. “It’s the “We are doing the best we can to said Wootten of his family. “They want- pass out presents to Soldiers was a fun little things that add to esprit de corps, spread holiday cheer to Task Force 38 ed to make sure every headquarters Sol- and rewarding experience. and that was one of them. Also, having Soldiers,” said Brooksher, also known dier got a tree and stocking.” “It was exciting and a change of a Christmas tree on your desk makes it as “Noel,” the elf. “I hope we continue Female Soldiers also received a gift pace,” he said. “It was good to see feel more like the holidays.” to pull shenanigans and have fun with set of body wash, lotion and lip gloss a smile on everyone’s faces. People Celebrating holidays during the de- every holiday (during) the rest of our de- along with their trees and stockings. weren’t expecting it and I think we re- ployment was a common morale booster ployment to keep morale up here.” PAGE 16 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 23, 2009 Soldier turned missionary evangelizes in Ukraine By Sg t . Ke v i n Ca r p e n t e r effectively and Valladaresflores enjoyed 96t h Su s t . Bd e . his stay in the pastor’s home, he said. “He turned out to be a really awesome CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Instead of letting chef,” said Valladaresflores. “Every- the Army fly him home to thing he cooked was natural, homemade friends and family on leave, meals. I could tell the difference between a Rochester, Wash., Soldier food I’m used to eating in the dining fa- spent his two weeks as a cilities and his way of cooking. It was a Christian missionary in world of a difference.” Ukraine. While at Novay Chass, Valladaresflores Spc. Aralem Valladaresflores is de- said he worked in an after-school pro- ployed with the 1161st Transportation gram with the orphaned and foster chil- Company, 541st Combat Sustainment dren of Berdychiv. Support Battalion, 96th Sustainment Most families in the area live on less Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command than $120 per month, he said. (Expeditionary) out of Ephrata, Wash., Valladaresflores said he taught the in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. children stories from the Bible, including Valladaresflores’ heard of evangelical those of Johah, David and Goliath, and missions to Russia and Ukraine through Jesus’ miracle healing, and then he had friends, he said. His newest mission them act out the parts. took him to Berdychiv, a small city in Their enthusiasm was infectious, he Courtesy photo Ukraine. said. Spc. Aralem Valladaresflores, a heavy wheeled vehicle operator with the 1161st Trans- “My friends had told me about going “I love the energy the children have, portation Company, 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 96th Sustainment on missions there and explained to me a especially the children who have grown Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Rochester, Wash., native, talks to children during a mission trip to Berdychiv, Ukraine, while on leave from his lot of the needs, especially with the or- up not having all that we have,” he said. deployment at Camp Taji, Iraq. phaned kids,” he said. “That’s something “There’s something special about that.” that I’ve done before.” Valladaresflores said he attributes his had been raised by his grandparents, he volunteer on their leave and after they He said he worried that communica- involvement in mission work to a spiri- said. return home from their deployments. tion would pose a problem, as his Rus- tual awakening that occurred when he “I found this thing that brought me There will always be opportunities in sian-Ukrainian vocabulary was very lim- was younger. such great joy and I wanted to be able to faith-based or non-profit organizations ited. “When I was 16, I was questioning a go out and share it,” he said. around the world.” “The challenge was the language, be- lot of things and questioning my pur- First Lt. Anthony Latham, platoon Valladaresflores said he hopes to con- cause I didn’t know how I was going to pose,” he said. “I had a miraculous ex- leader with the 1161st Task Force and a tinue his mission work with a full-time handle that,” said Valladaresflores. “It perience. It’s hard to put into words how Spokane, Wash., native said leave offers traveling ministry. He said he found the was like a crash course to me. I didn’t I experienced that. It felt like somebody Soldiers opportunities they look forward trip to Ukraine a refreshing and challeng- have a translator all the time, so that flashed this light into my mind and I to, and their choice of leave location says ing change from his work in Iraq and was made it more challenging.” could understand things I could never a lot about them. happy to be able to help those in need. Valladaresflores said he was a guest understand before. It was a total change “In the case of Spc. Valladaresflores, “The compassion of this small town of Pastor Leonid Zhuchkov and spent of heart.” it speaks volumes that he would volun- and the adorable children have once his time working at Zhuchkov’s church, Following this, Valladaresflores be- teer his time and energy helping those again engraved in my mind a most hon- Novay Chass. Despite the language bar- gan traveling on mission trips, serving in need,” said Latham. “I hope Soldiers orable and delightful end to my evangeli- rier, the two learned to communicate in Mexico and Guatemala, where he … feel inspired (by Valladaresflores) to cal mission,” he said. December 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 17 Force protection uniform postures IBA Kevlar Uniform Conduct PT

Accessible Accessible DCU/ACU/ No U1 within 10 within 10 service restrictions. minutes. minutes. equivalent. PT uniform allowed for PT or off duty and can be worn in DFAC/PX.

Worn when Worn when DCU/ACU/ Restriction: PT outdoors for outdoors for service only in U2 specified time specified time equivalent. PT hardened or event. or event. uniform facilities. Can allowed for PT run with IBA only and and Kevlar. cannot be worn in DFAC/PX.

Worn outside Worn outside Same as U2. Restriction: PT hardened hardened DCU/ACU/ only in U3 facility. facility. service hardened equivalent. PT facilities. Can uniform run with IBA allowed for PT and Kevlar. only and cannot be worn in DFAC/PX.

Worn. Worn. Same as U3, Not authorized. but with U4 ballistic goggles and combat earplugs. PAGE 18 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 23, 2009 Postcards from family, friends at home lift Soldier’s spirits Do you St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c have a Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – An officer with the 13th Sustainment Command (Expedition- story ary) has wallpapered his office with more than 200 postcards from family and friends in idea? the United States. Maj. Patrick L. Rowe, the Iraqi Se- curity Forces transition team chief with the 13th ESC and a Philpot, Ky., native, said the collection started in re- sponse to regular mobilization updates he sent home upon arriving at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. “I started to receive postcards from my brother and wife,” he said. “I had Contact a big blank wall behind me and I just started hanging them up there.” Rowe’s brother, a truck driver, sends him postcards from throughout us at: the U.S., he said. Maj. Patrick L. Rowe, Iraqi Security Forces transition team chief with the 13th Sustain- “I thought I’d get a handful from ment Command (Expeditionary) and Philpot, Ky., native, sits next to the postcard collec- my wife and kids, but not all this,” he tion sent to him from family and friends during his deployment to Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Rowe has received more than 200 postcards, roughly three to four a week. said. “It’s good to think that people are remembering you when they’re doing said the growing collection helps keep Rowe said he is happy to have the expeditionarytimes@ regular, mundane activities.” Rowe’s morale up. visual reminders of his country’s beau- Maj. Jose L. Flores, the ISF opera- “It started out with around 10 to 20, ty. iraq.centcom.mil tions plans officer in charge with the and now you can see how far it went,” “Now I have a little bit of America 13th ESC and Brooklyn, N.Y., native, he said. on my wall,” he said. Mississippi Guardsman receives impact award St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y company commander, had high Ca p t . Mu r r a y Sh u g a r s praise for McNealy. 2/198t h Co m b i n e d Ar m s “Sgt. McNealy has proven him- self as the single finest truck com- CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- mander in the company,” said TION Q-WEST, Iraq — A Mississippi Mallard, a Bay City, Texas, native. Army National Guards- “He has served outstandingly as an man received an Army assistant convoy commander and Achievement Medal dur- rear security truck commander, ing a ceremony in the performing his duties with exper- Convoy Readiness tise in over 50 missions.” Center Dec. 11 at In addition to performing above Contingency Oper- expectations, McNealy also distin- ating Location Q-West, Iraq. guished himself for his willingness Sgt. Bradly S. McNealy, a gun truck to make personal sacrifices, said commander with C Company, 2nd Bat- Mallard. talion, 198th Combined Arms out of “He was so dedicated to the Oxford, Miss., and an Indianola, Miss., mission and his fellow Soldiers native, received the impact award for that he opted not to take rest and outstanding performance, presented by relaxation leave, to stay,” said Mal- Lt. Col. Kerry Goodman, commander lard. “He has directly contributed of 2/198th CAB out of Senatobia, Miss. to good order through his model of “It’s always good to recognize out- integrity in off-duty conduct, and standing service,” said Goodman, a his personal courage in routinely Quitman, Miss., native. “When a Sol- volunteering for the most danger- dier deserves recognition, I have the ous positions in his convoys.” Lt. Col. Kerry Goodman (left), commander of 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms out of privilege of giving an impact award to McNealy said he was surprised Senatobia, Miss., and a Meridian, Miss., native, poses with Sgt. Bradly S. McNealy, a gun acknowledge that Soldier’s significant by the recognition. truck commander with C Company, 2/198th CAB out of Oxford, Miss., and an Indianola, impact on the mission. “I didn’t see this coming,” he Miss., native, after a ceremony at the Convoy Readiness Center Dec. 11 at Contingen- Sgt. McNealy has raised the level of said. “It’s my job and I like doing cy Operating Location Q-West, Iraq, in which McNealy received an Army Achievement performance of those around him, and what I’m doing. I do the best I can Award. Goodman bestowed the award to McNealy for outstanding performance. Soldiers like him are the backbone of and I try to help the younger Sol- his fellow platoon members. everybody knows what they’re doing. our mission.” diers as much as possible.” “It’s a team effort, really,” he said. I feel safe serving here with these Sol- Capt. Jeff Mallard, Jr., McNealy’s McNealy also shared the credit with “We’ve all learned this mission and diers.” December 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 19

Sudoku Test your The objective is to fill Level: Hard knowledge the 9×9 grid so each 1. What Bill Murray “Ghostbusters” term did Per- column, each row and 7 2 8 5 4 1 sian Gulf warriors use to describe being hit by each of the nine 3×3 4 9 chemical weapons? boxes contains the dig- 2. What country left the League of Nations in 1933? its from 1 to 9 only one 1 5 3. What president’s mug graces a $100,000 bill? 4. What U.S. president installed solar panels on the time each. 1 2 3 5 Last week’s answers White House roof? 9 3 2 7 6 8 5 4 1 3 7 8 5. Who did Abraham Lincoln promote to major gen- 1 5 7 4 3 2 6 8 9 eral of volunteers after he captured Fort Henry 6 8 4 9 5 1 3 7 2 5 2 4 6 and Fort Donelson? 8 1 9 5 2 7 4 3 6 2 7 3 8 4 6 1 9 5 6 3 5 4 6 1 9 3 7 2 8 7 2 5 3 1 9 8 6 4 8 7 3 6 1 2 8 4 9 5 7

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

Monday 12/28/09 Nashville Predators @ Chicago Blackhawks, Live 3 a.m. Upcoming sports AFN/prime atlantic Sunday Night Football: Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Redskins, Live 4:15 a.m. AFN/sports on AFN 2009 Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl: Kentucky vs. Thursday 12/24/09 Saturday 12/26/09 Clemson, Live 4:30 a.m. AFN/xtra Houston Rockets @ Orlando Magic, Live 3 a.m. AFN/xtra NBA Christmas Special: Cleveland Cavaliers @ Los Angeles Tuesday 12/29/09 2009 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl: Utah Lakers, Live 1 a.m. AFN/sports 2009 AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl: Texas A&M vs. vs. California, Live 4 a.m. AFN/sports Friday Night Football: San Diego Chargers @ Tennessee Titans, Georgia, Live 1 a.m. AFN/sports Cleveland Cavaliers @ Sacramento Kings, Live 6 a.m. AFN/ Live 3:30 a.m. AFN/sports NHL on VERSUS: Detroit Red Wings @ Columbus Blue xtra NBA Friday: Los Angeles Clippers @ Phoenix Suns, Live 4 Jackets, Live 3 a.m. AFN/xtra a.m. AFN/sports Monday Night Football: Minnesota Vikings @ Chicago Friday 12/25/09 Sunday 12/27/09 Bears, Live 4:30 a.m. AFN/sports UFC: Best of 2009, Tape Delayed 3 a.m. AFN/xtra 2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl: Pittsburgh vs. North Carolina, Boston Celtics @ Golden State Warriors, Live 6:30 a.m. AFN/ 2009 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl: Nevada vs. SMU, Live 4 a.m. Live 12:30 a.m. AFN/sports xtra AFN/sports New Jersey Devils @ Washington Capitals, Live 3 a.m. AFN/ MLB Network Special: 2009 National League Plays of the Year, prime atlantic Wednesday 12/30/09 Live 8 a.m. AFN/xtra Washington Wizards @ Minnesota Timberwolves, Live 4 a.m. 2009 EagleBank Bowl: Army/UCLA vs. Temple, Live 12:30 REAL Sports with Bryant Gumbel * TV’s Most Honored Sports AFN/xtra a.m. AFN/sports Magazine, Tape Delayed 6 p.m. AFN/sports 2009 Emerald Bowl: Boston College vs. USC, Live 4 a.m. AFN/ NHL on VERSUS: Chicago Blackhawks @ Dallas Stars, Live NBA Christmas Special: Boston Celtics @ Orlando Magic, Live sports 4 a.m. AFN/xtra 10:30 p.m. AFN/ sports Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers, Live 6:30 a.m. AFN/xtra PAGE 20 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 23, 2009

Wolfmother changes lineup, little else By Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o mp e n b e r g “Joker and The Thief,” was featured in doubt some of these new songs will ap- is just derivative of the old rock legends Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f several videogames as well, including pear on the next incarnation of Guitar from the ‘60s and ‘70s, and it probably Rock Band. Hero or Rock Band. They probably al- is, but honestly, who isn’t borrowing t’s hard to forget Between the 2005 debut release ready have. from Hendrix and Led Zeppelin these IWolfmother’s self- and 2009’s “Cosmic Egg,” the band I’m starting to think he’s actually days? He is doing a good job achieving titled debut album. has gone through a complete lineup writing songs specifically for the video these classic sounds, but his modern- Even if you never change, leaving singer and guitarist games. Whatever pays the bills, I guess. ization of those sounds seems ripped listened to the band Andrew Stockdale as the only original Maybe that’s why the original band off to me. on purpose, I’m fairly member. members quit. There is one standout track for me on certain you heard the infectious single, The rest of the band is unoriginal I Maybe I’m way off base, but to me it this album. “White Feather” is catchy “Woman” a thousand times. The song guess. At least that’s what it sounds like sounds like a guy trying to take the gui- and classic sounding, like the band is was featured on the video game Guitar to me. tar sound of the heavier White Stripes doing what comes natural to it. Hero II and numerous commercials. It Stockdale is a talented musician and songs and combine it with the arena- The album is completely listenable was a catchy song that suffered from comes up with some cool guitar riffs, sized superstar rock we have started to and I don’t hate it, but it’s definitely an media overkill. but nothing here is as catchy or inter- hear from Kings of Leon lately. example of a band failing to follow up a The second single from that album, esting as those first singles. I have no Others will claim Stockdale’s sound great debut. King delivers a mammoth hit … it’s good, too By St a f f Sg t . Ro b e r t E. Fa f o g l i a “The Stand”). However, it is arguably acting as a liaison between the town seemed exceptionally topical, as if they Expeditionary Ti m e s St a f f one of his best. What it requires from and the outside world. were created merely to be killed off the reader is simple: a little time to pick This does not sit well with the pow- during the first few chapters. n grade school, when up momentum. ers that be in Chester’s Mill, namely What King does well here – what II had the attention Like so many of King’s tales, “Under Second Selectman Jim Rennie, father he always does well – is examine hu- span of a gnat, I be- the Dome” is set in Maine, in a small to the boy who assaulted Barbie. man interaction and the way we treat lieved books should town populated by small-town people. Jim Rennie has his own plans for the one other when we think no one is grab me by the ears Dale “Barbie” Barbara, a former town, plans he intends to make a real- looking. The sides are clearly defined and pull me in violent- Army lieutenant, decides it is time to ity with the dome’s help. Sides are cho- for us: good on one side, evil on the ly, where I would stay locked in a full leave the town of Chester’s Mill after sen and the two men square off, with other. What is even more interesting nelson until the very last page. being attacked and savagely beaten by the town and its residents trapped in is the gray in the middle, all the minor This lasted until a wise English a group of thugs led by Junior Rennie. the middle. characters. Here is a town we know, or teacher taught me a lasting lesson. Before he can thumb a ride across True to King’s form, insanity en- thought we knew, now watch it destroy He said, “Not every book starts with the town line, however, an invisible sues. itself. a bang. Some require commitment. barrier slams down around Chester’s The first few chapters tend to drag a Whether you’re a fan of Stephen But if you take the time, you will never Mill. No one knows where it came from bit as King takes the time to introduce King or you’re just looking to prop up come away worse for the experience.” or why it is there. All that is certain his characters. This is where patience that coffee table in your living room, Stephen King’s latest creation, “Un- is that no one can get in or out of the comes in, as there are a lot of them, do yourself a favor and pick up “Under der the Dome,” could not have proved trapped town. They are cut off, alone. but that’s to be expected in a book this the Dome.” It will entertain you, it will that old man any righter. The U.S. military responds immedi- size. scare you and, just maybe, it will make While monstrous, at more than ately, “tapping” Barbie via cell phone. The characters could use more you think. 1,000 pages, it is not the longest book He has been promoted and charged fleshing out, as many lacked the back- Just make sure you don’t have any King has written (that honor belongs to with taking control of the situation, story we find in other King tales. Some plans for a week or two. Pvt Murphy Sustainer Reel Time Theater Wednesday, Dec. 23 Sunday, Dec. 27 5 p.m. A Christmas Carol 2 p.m. Did You Hear About The 8 p.m. The Box Morgans? 5 p.m. The Fourth Kind

8 p.m. Avatar

Thursday, Dec. 24 Monday, Dec. 28 5 p.m. The Princess And The Frog 5 p.m. Amelia 8 p.m. Invictus 8 p.m. Did You Hear About The Morgans? Friday, Dec. 25 Tuesday, Dec. 29 2 p.m. The Fourth Kind 5 p.m. The Men Who Stare At 5 p.m. Avatar Goats 8:30 p.m. Did You Hear About The 8 p.m. Amelia Morgans?

Saturday, Dec. 26 Wednesday, Dec. 30 2 p.m. Avatar 5 p.m. Avatar 5 p.m Did You Hear About The 8 p.m. The Men Who Stare At Morgans? Goats 8 p.m. The Men Who Stare At Goats

December 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 21 Ph o t o s Ar o u n d Ir a q U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ernest E. Sivia III U.S.

U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew D. Leistikow Lt. Col. Terry Cook, battalion commander of 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regi- ment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, applauds Maj. Gen. Turhan Abdurahman Mustafa, deputy chief, Kirkuk Provincial Police, after his speech at the wall dedication ceremony Dec. 9 at the Provincial Police Headquarters in Kirkuk, Iraq. The wall is in honor of the U.S. service members who served in Kirkuk and gave their lives to help the Iraqi Police make the city more secure.

Iraqi fishermen bring in their catch from the marshes in the early morning Dec. 4 near Joint Security Station Um Sa’ah, May- san, Iraq. The fishermen spend all night on their boats catching fish to sell at the local markets as their primary source of in- come.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anderson Savoy Peshmerga Soldiers shoot at a target while be- ing trained in a reflexive fire drill by U.S. Soldiers assigned to G Battery, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Calvary Division Oct. 13 in Qarahangeer, Kirkuk, Iraq.

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brien Vorhees An Iraqi Army Soldier assigned to the 47th Iraqi A medic with the 32nd Iraqi Army Brigade prepares to give Army Brigade counts out money during a Sons another Soldier an injection prior to a mass casualty exer- of Iraq payment mission with U.S. Soldiers as- cise conducted Nov. 17 in Kut, Iraq. The exercise was con- signed to 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 2nd Bri- ducted to test the readiness of medics with the Iraqi Army gade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Oct. after months of training. 22, in Multaqa, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Canaan Radcliffe PAGE 22 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 23, 2009 Ne w s a r o u n d Ir a q have been raised,” said Mustafa. As the U.S. mission in Iraq winds down, the Iraqi Human Rights Day police officers are taking on the responsibility for pro- focuses on Iraqi fessionalizing their forces. individual struggles Five suspected

BAGHDAD – The Ministry of Interior inspector gen- eral – human rights office sponsored a con- terrorists arrested ference marking the 61st International Hu- man Rights Day at Ishtar-Sheraton Hotel near Joint Base Balad in Baghdad. Speakers repeatedly expressed condolences to CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION SPEICH- more than 200 attendees for the victims and the ER, Iraq – Five suspected terrorists were families of those lost during the Dec. 8 bombings in arrested by Iraqi Security Forces after an in- Baghdad. direct fire attack Dec. 8 at Joint Base Balad, The representative for the Counsel of Representa- Iraq. tives said, “Their rights as humans and as Iraqi’s were AH-64 Apache helicopters responding to the mid- erased. It is now time for everyone to recognize the morning attack observed five individuals burying importance of human rights.” an improvised launch-rail system at the point of The awareness raising event was designed to fos- origin of the attack. U.S. forces on the ground tered inter-agency cooperation and to encourage indi- questioned and held the individuals until members viduals to become involved in the human rights strug- of the Ishaki Iraqi police arrived. The Ishaki police gle as well as to fight against discrimination in Iraq. arrested the individuals on charges of suspected ter- Maj. Gen. Richard Rowe noted the inspector gen- rorism. eral’s progress and committed to assist in any endeav- Iraqi Warrant “What we’ve seen recently is irreconcilable crimi- or that ensures the protection of the human rights of nals using these rail systems to launch rockets at the the Iraqi people. base,” said Lt. Col. Patrick Cooley, Task Force Marne After highlighting the accomplishments related to Service Team chief of operations. “The rockets are wildly inaccu- the Human Rights Directorate, speakers noted the en- rate, so it’s a matter of safety for the people who live during nature of the need to end human rights abuses, near the base. It’s good to see the IPs stopping these promising to persevere in the face of adversity. graduates course guys.” Attendees later watched by a short play and poetry Another aspect to recovering this rail system is the dedicated to the story of the fight for human dignity. effect it will have on future attacks. on conflict stress “By taking this rail out of the enemy’s hands, it will degrade his ability to launch future attacks, and it lets BAGHDAD – Six members of the Iraqi Ministry of them know we are aggressively pursuing them with Counter Explosives Interior’s Warrant Service Team gradu- all available means,” said Col. Jeff Finley, Task Force ated from the Psychology and Physiology of Marne effects coordinator. Directorate opens Deadly Conflict in Police Actions class Dec. There were no casualties or damage to equipment 3 in Baghdad. from the attack. Iraqi Security Forces have the lead in The class introduced the work of David Gross- the investigation. new school man from his book, “On Combat, the Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace.” BAGHDAD – The Iraqi General Counter Explosives The students learned about a universal human phobia Directorate conducted the grand opening of – human aggression. The class taught how the body Taji Medical Wing a new $23 million facility Dec. 5 in al-Muth- reacts to conflict through the sympathetic and para- ana, Iraq. sympathetic nervous systems. conducts first basic Roughly 150 new explosive ordnance dis- Students learned how leaders should apply tech- posal teams are expected to train at the school in com- niques to their training to help manage stress in high- ing months. risk situations. medic training Iraqi Maj. Gen. Jehad, GCED director, hosted the The course included training on recognizing what ceremony and grand opening. He addressed the visit- condition of stress police officers may face during TAJI, Iraq – For the first time students from the Min- ing dignitaries. critical missions and how to mitigate the high stress istries of Defence and Interior attended and “When a citizen finds a bomb, they call on us,” Je- they may experience when involved in a dangerous graduated from the combined basic medic had said. “It is our job to defuse the bombs and to keep and unpredictable situation. course Dec. 5 at Taji, Iraq. the public safe. This school will allow us to teach more The focus on tactical breathing was emphasized Of the 23 students who completed the EOD officers how to do their job correctly.” as an important part of this training. With tactical course, 14 were MoD, eight were MoI and one was The school facility includes classrooms for instruc- breathing techniques, police officers can lower their from the Iraqi border police. Throughout the 45-day tion, an IED display area, training areas and living anxiety and stress during live combat operations. course, the students learned the skills needed to pro- quarters. “I challenge each of you trainers to set your stan- vide basic medical care on the battlefield. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Richard Rowe, director of the dards high in your organization,” said U.S. Marine The graduation marked the latest coordinated ef- Iraq Training Advisory Mission, spoke to the crowd at Col. Darrell Halse, Iraqi Training Advisory Mission – fort between MoI and MoD to share the Iraqi Army the graduation ceremony. MOI Rule of Law director, during the graduation cer- training facilities and medical resources. “The capability that this school brings to the GCED emony. “You are ready to take missions on your own The course is the precursor to the first train-the- will ensure that Iraq can reverse the trend of the enemy and I am confident you will build on these basics to trainer class of the year. success with IEDs,” Rowe said. reach the highest levels.” “The short term goal of integrating the class is to The buildings are located on the federal police com- Team leader for the Warrant Services Team, Iraqi share resources, which also serves to open lines of pound in the al-Muthana district of Baghdad. After the Police Capt. Mustafa stressed the importance of the communication between the two ministries,” said contract for training the Iraqi EOD teams is complete, training of his team members. U.S. Army Capt. Arthur Arieno, Iraq Training and the federal police will have full use of the facility. “After attending training like this, our standards Advising Mission – Army medical adviser. “In the December 23, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 23

long term, the Iraqi Police will be better able to apply to the 10th Iraqi Army Division. provide state-of-the-art lighting, water, electrical and their recently acquired basic medical skills to better Brig. Gen. Hameed, Memona location com- fuel services for the new vessels. respond to terrorist attacks and save lives of innocent mander, said, “I appreciate your support talking to "New utility services will be added to the pier facility Iraqis.” the USG contingency there. Our soldiers desperate- including fuel, electrical and water. A new operational Students learned basic first aid, litter carrying ly needed the facility and U.S. Forces made it pos- fuel storage facility will be constructed to store 300,000 techniques and clinical skills all within the context of sible.” liters of ship fuel. Shore tie electrical service will be avail- a wartime scenario. Sudani and roughly 250 Iraqi Army Soldiers and able for berthed vessels, as well as potable water. A se- “These skills are so important because these are local dignitaries toured the base, which will provide curity fence and concrete road will be constructed along the same people who will become the first responders all the logistical support for Memona and the sur- the face of the pier and down the existing seawall for se- when there is a (vehicle-born improvised explosive rounding area in the Maysan province. curity and to allow access for service vehicles.” devise) attack like the ones we witnessed Dec. 8,” said “The province borders Iran and is critical for Pelant said there are two aspects of the project that he Arieno. future security and stability of Iraq,” Maj. Justin is particularly proud to point out. Wellen, ITAM adviser. “First: we are very proud of our safety record,” Pelant Established there is a fuel facility with the capaci- said. “We’ve gone 427 days without a lost time accident. Ministry of Defence ty to store 1.5 million liters of bulk fuel, three vehicle Considering the complexity of the project, I think that is maintenance facilities, a bakery, an ice house and an admirable achievement. five warehouses that, when they are fully operation- “The second is Larry Wilson the genius behind the Human Rights al, will play a critical support role for the security program. We’ve taken a number of our better Iraqi forces on the border of Iran. welders and are working to get them American Welding Directorate celebrates Iraqi Army Location Command’s mission is to Society certified. We also have John Houser, a retired support the 10th Iraqi Army Division and all region- construction technologies teacher, mentoring a group al IA units with fuel, basic vehicle maintenance and of Iraqi construction workers in carpentry and concrete four years of progress bakery products. It also provides storage and con- techniques like we do in the states.” ducts distribution operations to area units. Pelant went on to explain that, according to the terms BAGHDAD – The Iraqi Ministry of Defence Human “All life support for 1,000 Soldiers to include of the contract, 25 percent of their workforce must be Rights Directorate celebrated its fourth an- lodging, medical, dining facility, water and pow- Iraqi. niversary under its current leadership this er stations is contained at the new facility,” said “We have superseded that with a total of 60 percent week by taking stock of the progress it has Wellen. of the workforce being Iraqi,” Pelant said. “The more made. ITAM-Army partnered with the Iraqi Army Gen- than 200 Iraqis working for us are completely integrat- Iman Naji, MoD human rights director and her eral Depot Command to ensure the division was ed in all of the work that has taken place and we are very deputy, Iraqi Brig. Gen. Ahmed, have applied the fully and properly resourced. proud of them.” MoD directives regarding human rights mandated “This enables the Location Command to seam- As Iraq strives to build a secure, stable and self-gov- by the Iraqi Constitution said U.S. Navy Capt. Gregg lessly support the outlying units,” said Wellen. erning nation, the USACE has completed hundreds of Pelowski, senior adviser with Multi-National Security Maysan Province Gov. Muhammad Shia Al Su- projects in the transportation and communication sec- Transition Command – Iraq. dani cut the ceremonial ribbon at the opening of the tor. Since 2004, the USACE has completed eight port MoD’s efforts in preventing detainee maltreat- Memona Location Command. projects throughout Iraq. ment, women’s progress and missing persons were highlighted during the internationally observed Hu- man Rights Day Dec 10. “The MoD is building the foundation on which fu- US Army engineers to Iraqis donate tools to ture success will rest,” said Pelowski. The Human Rights Directorate recently completed deliver Iraqi Navy ship detainee vocational 50 inspections of MoD detention centers throughout Iraq. Notably the number of MoD detainees has de- berthing facility programs creased 75 percent since the beginning of the year. There are about 660 detainees as of Dec. 13. UM QSAR, Iraq – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Detainees will soon begin using brand “These facilities have made improvements in docu- embarking on its first foreign military sales new tools donated Dec. 7 for the carpentry class mentation and record keeping on detainees, availabil- project with Iraq. at the Taji Theater Internment Facility here. ity of medical service for inmates, and allowing family The construction of the $53 million Umm The tools, donated by the Sunni Endow- visits,” said Pelowski. “This is all in keeping with the Qasr pier and seawall project, to provide a ment, an organization focusing on Sunni prime ministerial and international standards.” state-of-the-art berthing facility for the Iraqi Navy in mosques and religious issues, will be used by detainees The directorate also runs a missing person’s hotline Basra Province, began in October 2008. participating in the vocational education program at the that is tracking 2,000 missing persons. Citizens can Jim Hynum, a construction representative with the facility. match missing family members with those in the data USACE Gulf Region South Basra area office, said the The voluntary program teaches detainees of all faiths base or report human rights violations. state-of-the-art facility will serve the Iraqi Navy for years a variety of marketable skills designed to help them find The MoD human rights program has attracted in- to come. jobs after their release. Levels, tape measures, sledge ternational attention from such organizations as the “The pier and seawall project will provide a state-of- hammers, hacksaws and screwdrivers are among the United Nations and the International Committee of the-art berthing facility for the Iraqi Navy and support items donated. the Red Cross. patrol vessels charged with securing the vital port infra- “We donated the tools as a gesture of peace, rebuild- “While much work is yet to be done, the program structure and seaways in Iraq’s territorial waters,” Hy- ing and reintegrating the detainees into productive Iraq is on firm ground and one of which the minister of num said. “The project is incorporating the latest marine citizens,” said Shaykh Mahmoud Ali Al-Falahi, president defence should be proud,” said Pelowski. technology to support the fleet, charged with protecting of the Sunni Endowment. Iraq’s oil infrastructure which is critical to the nation’s Lt. Col. Richard Johnson, 211th Military Police Bat- economic growth and development.” talion commander, said, “The new tools will increase de- Iraqi Army base provides The project was awarded to CCI, an Alaska-based tainee interest and participation as they will be more con- company, who partnered with PolyEarth Construction fident of our commitment to the program and feel better International and PND Engineers, U.S.-based compa- about the quality of their work.” support for everything nies, to provide the construction using open cell tech- There is a lot of interest in vocational education among nology. detainees, he said, specifically in carpentry, masonry, from food to fuel “These companies have a significant history of build- heating, ventilation and air conditioning and agriculture. ing similar work in both the northwestern United States As a class, the detainees are building a jungle gym. The MEMONA – A ceremonial ribbon cutting in May- and international locations,” Hynum said. detainees also spend time on individual projects, includ- san province Dec. 10 commemorated the “The project includes about 370 meters of Open- ing benches, tables and chairs. official opening of the Iraqi Army Location Cell ® sheetpile,” said Sam Pelant, a representative with The VOTECH programs and detainee education pro- Command. PolyEarth. “The award winning Open-Cell ® sheetpile grams are a part of the ongoing reintegration efforts pro- Maysan Province Gov. Muhammad Shia system, designed by PND engineers, includes a sheet- vided in U.S. run detention facilities. These facilities and Al Sudani, attended the opening of the new $35 mil- pile seawall pier and a floating pier which will provide the reintegration capacity are designed to be transferred lion Iraqi Army logistics base that will act as a ser- additional berths to support new ships ordered by the when the facility is turned over to the Government of vice and supply hub for everything from food to fuel Iraqi Navy. Both the sheetpile pier and floating pier will Iraq. PAGE 24 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s December 23, 2009 Phantom Support U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anita VanderMolen

Maj. Gen. Raymond F. Rees, Oregon National U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew C. Cooley Guard’s adjutant general, visited Soldiers and the Spc. Richard Muniz, a personal security de- command staff of the 41st tachment gunner with 15th Sustainment Bri- Infantry Brigade Combat gade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expedi- Team Nov. 26 and Nov. tionary) and a Killeen, Texas, native, watches 27 in Iraq. Maj. Gen. Rees the area during a mission to the Al Qayyarah traveled through Iraq on water pump Dec. 1 in Al Qayyarah, Iraq. a 2-day tour. He received mission updates from the commanders. He was given a tour of the vehicles used on the convoy se- curity missions by A Company 1st Bat- U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Lisa A . Cope talion, 186th Infan- A village in Southern Iraq Dec. 9, photographed from a UH-60 Blackhawk. try Regiment, Task Force Guardian, at Camp Adder, Iraq.

A 15th Sustain- ment Brigade, 13th Sustain- ment Command U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Fern Freeman (Expeditionary), Cpl. Jody Tyson, a truck driv- personal security er with the 296th Transporta- detachment Mine- tion Co., 260th Combat Sus- Resistant Am- tainment Support Battalion, bush Protected 96th Sustainment Brigade, vehicle is staged 13th Sustainment Command for a morning (Expeditionary), and a of mission Nov. 26 at Eclectic, Ala., native, inserts a Contingency Op- nasopharyngeal tube into the erating Location nose of a mannequin during Diamondback, the combat lifesaver course. Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew C. Cooley