The “...From the Ashes...” PHOENIX PATRIOT 4th. Edition, Volume I Official Publication of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix V Oct. 23, 2006

Photo By Lt. Janette Arencibia Guard Chief Visits Troops, Promotes Son In Combat Story by Sgt. 1st Class exceptional work providing his proud father could pin with key leaders. Hudson Tom Roberts support to the warfi ght in the rank of “Major” on and Conley discussed enlisted an austere environment.” his son in a combat zone. Soldier’s issues and concerns. The Chief of the National The next day Blum traveled Maj. Gen. Munir Mangal, Blum presented his command Guard Bureau, Lt. Gen. H to Jalalabad where Embedded commander of the ANA’s coin to service members Steven Blum, visited troops in Training Teams (ETT) provide 201st Corps, briefed Blum on exhibiting excellence in their Afghanistan during his latest mentorship and assistance to the current warfi ght situation efforts to train and mentor the trip overseas. Blum and his the Afghan National Army and the status of his forces. ANA. He seemed truly pleased new Cmd. Sgt. Maj., David Ray (ANA). At this stop Blum met Blum also visited Camp Hudson, met with many Soldiers his son, Captain Mark Blum, a Phoenix in Kabul where Task with the progress in Afghanistan. in Kandahar, who appreciated a mentor with the 201st Regional Force Phoenix Commander, Blum will continue visiting visit from the command group. Command Assistance Group. Brig. Gen. Douglas Pritt, and National Guard Soldiers at the Blum addressed the Soldiers Capt Blum postponed his Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Brunk Conley, frontlines of the Global War On saying, “You’re all doing promotion fi ve months so hosted face-to-face briefi ngs Terrorism in the coming days. Afghan Ghost Stories INSIDE Firefi ghters Medic of Save DFAC THIS Teaches By Afghanistan pg. 3 Example pg. 6 ISSUE pg. 4

1 On Point w/ the CSM General Guidance

Jungleers, Warriors, Task Force Phoenix is The Search for Excel- at the leading edge of sig- lence. nifi cant changes taking place in Afghanistan. We are expanding our rela- Webster defi nes excel- tionship with ISAF and lence as the quality of be- assisting in the training of ing excellent, and excel- the Afghan Police organi- lent is defi ned as superior. zations. Our mission set is We are seeing superior expanding along with the work, attitudes, and per- Afghan National Army formance demonstrated by and we are all being asked to do more. all the warriors of Task Force Phoenix. Together we can accom- The training Kandaks at KMTC are being increased in size from plish great things, but it takes quality work from each individual 700 to 1600 with no increase in staff. Our logistical personnel are for our collective group to achieve excellence as a team. supporting the standup of the Police logistical system in addition to the work they already do for the Army logisticians. The list of Each and every mission that we are tasked with is important. mission changes, adjustments and expansions goes on every day From training the ANA, to making sure the maintenance on our and I am sure this will continue throughout our deployment. Dukes and Acorns is done properly. Without our mechanics keep- Change in Afghanistan is inevitable, and in fact is welcome. ing things running we don’t move. Without our SECFOR watch- In the best selling book, “Who Moved My Cheese” the author, ing our back we can’t work with relative security. Without the Dr. Johnson, provides some advice we should all understand and company level ETT out there laying it on the line every day, we embrace: can’t accomplish our mission. Every one of us has a job to do Change Happens – They keep moving the cheese. and every job is important. If we all think that our job is the most Anticipate Change – Get ready for the cheese to move. important job and must be done in the most excellent fashion, our Monitor Change – Smell the cheese often so you know when it is getting old. collective mission cannot help but be accomplished. Adapt to Change Quickly – The quicker you let go of old When we look back on this mission in a year, fi ve years, twenty cheese, the sooner you can enjoy new cheese. years, our wish is for each of you to be able to look back and say, Change – Move with the cheese. “I made a difference, I gave my best, and I helped my nation and Enjoy Change – Savor the adventure and enjoy the taste of new a new nation achieve and maintain freedom.” The last thing we cheese. Be Ready to change quickly and enjoy it again and again. hope for any of our warriors is for them to look back and say, “If Accept the Fact – They keep moving the cheese. I had only tried a little harder or given a little bit more.” Our fi ve pillars of success include leadership and creativity. Both Don’t settle for less; don’t rationalize why substandard is OK, of these attributes tie in perfectly with the change advice from Dr. and never, ever, ever quit reaching for your best. When we all do Johnson. We need to be the leaders of change and use our creativ- that, there are no limits to what we may accomplish. ity to develop innovative solutions to facilitate the changes we are creating in the Afghan National Army and Police. I am proud of each and every one of you and thank my lucky This deployment and mission really are unique adventures that stars to be part of such a professional and caring group of war- will be the highlight of our Military careers. I encourage you to riors. enjoy the experience and embrace the changes taking place.

Brunk Conley CSM, USA Douglas A. Pritt Command Sergeant Major Brigadier General, Commanding Fellow Patriots and Warriors, economy for the future. tion and representatives of a vastly dif- It may not come as quickly as we ex- ferent concept of individual rights and What is success and how do we mea- pect. Afghans have had their country responsibilities. sure it here in Afghanistan? decimated by nearly thirty years of war Have patience and faith in our mis- and it takes time to recover from the sion, and each other, and take a moment I would ask you all to remember that total devastation of governmental and to refl ect on your personal contribution each and everyday we do our part to economic ruin. However, we can all to our success. A handshake and shared assist the goals of mentoring, support- take an individual and personal step in ing our Embedded Training Teams, and the right direction each and every day. smile may not seem like much today but striving for stability here in Afghani- I challenge every Warrior to take a over time a spark can be kindled, a life stan. We must not lose sight of the “Big personal interest in effecting change. can be changed and Afghanistan will be Picture,” to provide an environment Whether dealing with Soldiers from the reborn for the future. Don’t lose site of where Afghans can have the opportu- Afghan National Army or Interpreters the vision but strive to do your best for nity to defend their country, educate or village elders and teachers, remem- Afghanistan and future generations of their children, and start to grow a new ber we are all ambassadors of our na- mankind. Success starts with you. The Phoenix Patriot is the offi cial publication of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix V, authorized under the provisions of AR 360-1. The views and opinions expressed in The Phoenix Patriot are not necessarily those of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, or the departments of the Army, Air Force, or Navy. The Phoenix Patriot is a bi-weekly publication distributed to deployed Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines all over Afghanistan with a circulation of 3500. The Phoenix Patriot is happy to publish photos and articles from the fi eld and we encourage readers to submit original material to the CJTFPHX V Public Affairs Offi ce. All contributions, questions, comments and suggestions should be submitted via e-mail to: [email protected]. Editor in Chief/ Writer/ Photographer - Second Lieutenant Amanda M. Straub - Content Manager Writer/ Photographer - First Lieutenant Cathrin Y. Fraker - Public Affairs Offi cer Writer/ Photographer - Sergeant First Class Tom Roberts - Public Affairs NCOIC Writer/ Photographer - Lieutenant Janette M. Arencibia - Marketing Offi cer

The Phoenix Patriot 2 Camp Phoenix Fire Department - Volunteers Are Smoking Story and Photos by The CPFD is responsible for protect- has been a 1st. Lt Cathrin Fraker ing all of Camp Phoenix, a 20-acre fa- volunteer cility. CPFD’s members have a wide fi refi ghter in By the time the “Big Voice” called for variety of training and experience from rural Oregon all fi re personnel to report to the north new volunteers to experienced fi re- for over 20 side of the dining facility (DFAC) the fi ghting veterans. CPFD draws on the years. Lutz, fi rst responders from Camp Phoenix civilian skill sets of the Soldiers and of Kenosha, Fire Department (CPFD) were already Sailors who proudly volunteer for this Wis., is the on the scene. additional duty. Deputy Fire Just after 1 a.m. a fryer in the kitchen Morris of Gastonia, N.C., is the Fire Chief and re- caught fi re. Personnel from Kellogg Chief and was a Kansas City Firefi ght- ceived exten- Brown & Root (KBR) kitchen staff at- er for nearly eight years before he pur- sive fi refi ght- tempted to put the fi re out with an ex- sued a career as a Physician’s Assistant. ing training tinguisher, but the fryer was too hot and Hanson, of Oklahoma City, Okla., uses through the the grease continued to ignite. A Sol- experience gained as a training offi cer Navy. He dier saw the smoke and radioed Sgt. 1st for the Oklahoma City Fire Department was a captain Class Melvin Hanson, Camp Phoenix to develop training scenarios for the and training Major Joseph Morris, Fire Training Offi cer. volunteer members of CPFD. Surette, offi cer for Gastonia, N.C., instructs Sgt. the Fire Marshall from Keizer, Ore., East Moline, Prickett and other fi refi ghters Hanson, along with Maj. Joseph Mor- during an August Battle Drill. ris, Chief Warrant Offi cer Illinois, Fire Matthew Lutz and Staff Department. Sgt. Robert Surette were CPFD trains the 14 volunteers ap- the fi rst fi refi ghters to ar- proximately four times a month through rive on the scene. The fi rst classroom instruction and battle drills. step was to smother the fi re Much of the equipment they use comes in order to keep it from re- from fi restations in Oregon that donate igniting. the equipment. CPFD has also ordered The fi refi ghters used a $82,000 worth of additional equip- garden hose to cool the sides of the fryer until they ment ranging from ladders and rescue were able empty it and take equipment to foam and nozzles. it outside. Once the fi re was These Warriors volunteer to train and out, the doors of the DFAC respond to fi re calls in addition to their were opened to assist ven- CPFD fi refi ghters remove a fryer from the dining facility of regular duties. Their dedication helps tilation. Camp Phoenix after it caught fi re the night of Sept. 9. ensure the safety of Camp Phoenix. ANA Officers Make Army Better With Technology Story and Photo by dents were seated in front and echoed the feelings edges your desire to use Cmdr. Chad Snee, 205th of the Dell computers that of his Soldiers. Murad ex- technology to do your jobs were used to train them. plained that it was a big step better, which will help you RCAG PAO Each Soldier sounded off for the ANA to move from become better leaders. Take KANDAHAR – Twenty- smartly when he was called recordkeeping using pens those certifi cates back to one Soldiers from the 205th forward to receive his course and paper, which he says your homes and display Corps of the Afghan Nation- completion certifi cate. He is very ineffi cient, to using them with pride.” al Army (ANA) completed then thanked the presenting computers. After decades of war and a course on basic computer instructor for the certifi cate “Computers will make our upheaval, the ANA offi cer skills and usage at Camp and turned around to show jobs easier,” he continued. Corps steadily marches to- Shir Zai on Oct. 4. the audience the evidence “We can then teach others ward a better future. The graduation ceremony of his hard work. the skills we have was the third for ANA Sol- Several students, motivat- learned.” diers and approximately 60 ed by their experience in the “The certifi cate students have completed the course, proudly and robust- you received is a course so far. ly proclaimed, “I will spend great milestone in Capt. Sham Sudeem, au- my life in the service of Af- your offi cer corps,” tomation offi cer for the ghanistan!” The conviction Canadian Maj. ANA 205th Corps, coordi- and pride in their voices in- John Blythe, Com- nates the courses and works spired all in attendance. manding Offi cer of closely with the Canadians The Executive Offi cer of the Multinational to provide instructors. the ANA 205th Corps, BG Brigade, said. “It is When the graduation cer- Khwaja Murad, attended not just a piece of the graduation ceremony paper, it acknowl- Graduates of the 205th Basic Computer emony began, all of the stu- Course, proud of their accomplishments.

3 Afghan Medic - Patriotic Example To All my country. Afghanistan has never killed and seriously injured ANA had anything as strong as the ANA. Soldiers. The two separate incidents We have a new government and I occurred within two hours of each have lots of hope,” Younis said. other. He explains how he worked The all-volunteer ANA has been alongside U. S. medics saving four in existence for approximately fi ve of the seven Soldiers involved in the years and is being mentored and as- fi rst explosion, and four of the six sisted by the United States and its Soldiers in the second. coalition partners. “Those were some of the worst “I was sent here to train ANA med- scenes I have been to. And then an- ics,” said U.S. Navy Chief Petty Of- other one went off killing more,” he fi cer Victor Quiniano, an Embedded said. “I tried everything I knew to Trainer at Camp Victory’s Medical save my countrymen at both scenes, Clinic. “Younis has seen more com- but some died at the scene because bat and saved more lives in the last their injuries were bad. We tried.” two years than I have in a career that Younis will not soon forget those Photo By Sgt. Margaret C. Nelson spans 21 years. I’m humbled.” he lost. The suffering is captured ANA combat medic Mohammad Younis Younis displayed the traits of forever in his photos although he demonstrates how to suits up for a medi- cal qualifi cation course. a care-giver early. He was nick- does not need the reminder of what named, “Hamkar” (Pashto for me- those injuries were as he describes diator or person who likes to help) in detail the carnage that the IEDs Story By Sgt. Margaret C. Nelson by his friends growing up. infl icted. As he describes the scene, Part One of a Two-Part Story He went into the HERAT, Afghanistan – The fu- health care profes- ture of Afghanistan and its Army sion after drop- is the “responsibility of the Afghan ping out of school people,” said Afghanistan National in the 10th grade Army (ANA) combat medic Mo- to help his family. hammad Younis. Younis continued Younis is a combat medic serv- his education in ing in the 203rd Corps at Forward Pakistan obtaining Operating Base (FOB) Camp Vic- certifi cation as a tory located 10 miles southeast of community health Herat. He has been an ANA Soldier care worker. He for two years. was earning the U. S. equivalent of $300 In a metal warehouse you’ll fi nd Photo Courtesy of Mohammed Younis Younis carrying out his commit- a month, a good Younis cares for a fellow Soldier at the scene of an IED attack. ment by volunteering to instruct salary in Afghani- Younis keeps these photos in a treasured photo album. his fellow Soldiers. His students stan, before join- include peers changing career paths ing the ANA. he looks off into the distance, his and future medics fresh from Kabul Younis took a sizeable pay cut voice wavers, and his eyes become Military Training Center (KMTC). when he quit his job as a health-care moist. He looks defeated refl ecting The 24-year old is a survivor specialist to join the ANA. As a sec- on that moment in time. who has already witnessed a life- ond-year Soldier he earns approxi- “I did everything I knew to do, but time of violence. He was born dur- mately $100 U.S. each month. those injuries…,” Younis said ing the Soviet occupation, endured “The pay was not important to Then the moment passes and he the hardships of civil war as a tod- me. Afghanistan is changing for the continues explaining the album’s dler, and as an adolescent suffered better with its fi rst strong Army. I contents, the credentials he has through the tyrannical reign of the wanted to be a part of that,” Younis earned during his career. He con- Taliban. said. “I like the respect and honor of fi des that the decision to reenlist His past drives his need to partici- being a Soldier in the ANA.” this year will depend on a promo- pate in his country’s future. A sense Younis displays a photo album tion and the raise that comes with it of patriotic duty prompted this for- that holds images of loved ones and because he plans to marry. mer poet and community health key events that have occurred dur- “It would be a shame if the ANA worker to join the ANA as a combat ing his Army career. He shows the lost him. He’s invaluable. His vision, medic. images of a mission where two im- his contributions,” Quiniano said. “I’ve always had the need to serve provised explosive devices (IEDs) “He would leave a huge void.”

The Phoenix Patriot 4 Command Sergeant Major Visits Injured Soldiers Story By Lt. Janette Arencibia Photos By 1st Lt. Timothy Merritt KABUL, Afghanistan – At least once a week Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Safi Roshan visits with Soldiers at Ka- bul Military Hospital to share a little of his day and personally thank each Soldier for his service. These visits provide an opportunity for Soldiers to express their progress and con- cerns with the Sergeant Major who shares this information with his Chief of Staff. Some of the issues that Roshan is reviewing with the Chief of Staff include the types of duties Soldiers are assigned once they return to their units. Rather than being sent Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Roshan Safi shakes the hand of fellow Afghan Soldier Nazaromha Amad, a home, injured Soldiers may be as- patient at Kabul Hospital. Amad was injured during combat operations in the Kunar region. signed new tasks or light duty so ing Afghanistan against insurgents. want to go back to the fi ght for my they may continue to serve their ANA Soldiers have a passion for country. I will fi ght until they kill country. Roshan and the Chief of completing their treatment and re- me,” Raiz said. Staff are also reviewing options for turning to the fi ght. Mohanna Raiz, Soldiers receive treatment rang- instituting disability benefi ts. from 3rd battalion, 2nd Brigade, ing from acute emergency care to Most of the Soldiers Roshan visits 203 Corps, is one of these brave physical therapy followed by or- are in the orthopedic ward and have Soldiers. thopedic treatment. The continuity suffered from injuries as a result “I am the only son of my father of care ranges from a few days to of gunshot wounds while defend- and I have a son of my own, but I several months depending on the injury. Dr. Abbas Mangul is head of the Emergency Room and works alongside at least fi ve other physi- cians and several nurses and techni- cians. These medical professionals diligently seek the most appropriate course of treatment for Soldiers in order to get them back to their units when possible. The patients in the orthopedic ward are thankful for the time that Roshan visits with them and they express their hope to see representa- tives from their own units. Although they suffer from broken bones and wounds that require healing and therapy, their spirits are not broken. This is the message they convey to Roshan, knowing that he will return Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Roshan Safi visits with an ANA Soldier receiving treatment at Kabul Hospital for injuries received in battle. Roshan visits the Soldiers at least once a week. to see them again. 5 Ghost Stories Story By 2nd Lt. Amanda Straub the deer again peacefully grazing. The hunter raised Photos By 1st Lt. Cathrin Fraker his rifl e once again to take aim and saw the man’s gro- tesque face looking at him. The hunter pulled the trig- In Muslim culture, Ghosts are called Djinn (pro- ger, but instead of falling, the man in the fi eld angrily nounced “Gin”). One Djinn is called a Djinni, but started toward him. The hunter dropped his rifl e and these supernatural beings have more in common with saw the magnifi cent deer lying harmless in the fi eld, western ghosts than they do with the wish-granter in but he ran in terror leaving the prize for someone else. Aladdin. Muslims, including Afghans, believe that Djinn are In a land of confl ict like Afghanistan, it is natural a race of beings who live apart from the human world, that many Djinn stories revolve around the decades of but they may accidentally or purposefully interact with war and strife in the country. Good Djinn often share humans from time to time. Djinn have the power to do their warrior spirit with worthy Soldiers and thwart the both good and evil and can be mischievous or helpful. plans of the enemy. During the fi ght of the Mujahadeen There is a whole chapter on Djinn in the Holy Quran. against the Soviet Occupation a group of weary Free- They are usually invisible to people, but can take on dom Fighters took refuge in a mosque and fell asleep. different shapes or temporarily appear visible. Some- A Djinn came to one of the sleeping Soldiers in a times the way to see a Djinn is by using a vision en- dream and warned him that the Russians were coming. hancing device like a telescope or binoculars. The Soldier woke abruptly and roused his companions One story tells of a hunter who saw an extremely just in time to see Russians surrounding the mosque large deer grazing at a distance. When he raised his and preparing to attack. The Mujahadeen rallied to- rifl e and looked through his scope he saw a man stand- gether and successfully defended themselves and the ing in the fi eld. He quickly lowered his rifl e and saw Mosque.

The Phoenix Patriot 6 of Afghanistan

Afghan Soldiers are not the only Soldiers who en- playing a joke, but no one else had even heard it. counter Djinn. You never know, you may have the op- The next night the same two paratroopers were back portunity to see a Djinni while serving in Afghanistan in the haunted tower, on edge, when they said the tem- like some of our American counterparts say they have perature suddenly dropped a few degrees and they felt done at FOB Salerno. The story goes that a few years something moving behind them. They heard a sound back two Marines were pulling guard duty in a tower like someone stepping on the trap door that leads to the overlooking a cemetery when they saw a little girl and tower. The two men spent the rest of the night huddled a goat pass by the base. When they took off their night together with the radio in a corner of the tower try- vision goggles, she disappeared. When they put their ing not to move. Soldiers from another tower called goggles back on the girl reappeared on the tower bal- over the radio and said they could see a three-foot form cony. The horrifi ed Marines ran from the tower and walking around the tower and waving. The frightened refused to return to their post despite threats of punish- Soldiers made it through the shift without any other ment. In some versions of the story, the two men are problems. crying. One of the troopers said he felt that the ghost was Last year two paratroopers guarding the same tower a good ghost, and it was just having fun. If you fi nd said they heard a shrill, painful laugh coming over the yourself in Salerno, be sure to say, “Hi,” to the Djinni radio. They said it sounded just like a little girl. They of the cemetery tower, but don’t try sticking her in a called around to the other towers to see if someone was bottle. 7 ANA Beats Multi-National Competition In Germany Story by Lt. Janette Arencibia especially regarding communication. diers. Photo by Senior Airman Ashley Difalco Another area for improvement is the In resounding agreement, each Sol- opportunity for increased cooperation dier declared his allegiance to Af- KABUL, Afghanistan – In Afghan from the Afghan embassy. Increased ghanistan, and his readiness to defend ceremonial tradition, a Quran read- coordination would allow more sol- her. ing preceded congratulatory remarks diers to be educated regarding their This was the fi rst time for many of made during the very fi rst homecom- skills and abilities. the Soldiers to leave Afghanistan. Af- ing ceremony for Afghan National “If the training continues, it will be ghan leaders and American mentors Army (ANA) Soldiers who complet- very benefi cial,” said Maj. Gen. Man- hope that there will be more opportu- ed training in Germany. Training last- gal, 201st Corps Commander. nities like this in the future. ed three weeks from Sept. 9 through The ANA came in fi rst place among “I am sure Sept. 20, 2006, and ranked the ANA other participating countries based on that if the Soldiers in fi rst place among other a point system used to determine skill [Afghan] participants in the exercise. and ability. govern- The training included infantry and “It is required that we improve our ment takes artillery skills taught by professionals experience,” Mangal said. “We are an care of the from other nations. Soldiers felt the Army that defends democracy, human ANA, they training provided hands on experi- rights, and defends our country.” will con- ence, one of the best types of learning As certifi cates were distributed to tinue to and skills application. each of the thirty-seven graduating improve,” Although this training was the fi rst Soldiers, they shouted “Juwan,” (pro- Mangal of its kind for the ANA, they did very nounced “Jwinn”) meaning thank you said. “We well. ANA Soldiers had an opportuni- and long life, in Dari. are very ty to refi ne their newly acquired skills “These certifi cates are proof of your grateful to before competing against other nations skills and abilities and over the years the United that pass, you will want to keep this States.” participating in exercises. There are “Juwan!” an Afghan Soldier some areas for improvement though, with you,” Mangal reminded the Sol- shouts at his homecoming. ETTs Visit Panjishir Valley Story by 1st Lt. Cathrin Fraker “The future of Afghanistan relies in the ability of the young people to receive a good education,” said Bahlol. Members of Headquarters Security and Support On Sept. 9, Afghan and American Soldiers loaded Command (HSSC) Embedded Training Team (ETT) school supplies onto donkeys and led them down a recently visited Panjshir Valley with Brig. Gen. Raziiq, cliff, across the river to a remote elementary school, Afghan Commander of the Security Brigade. During Dasta Riwaf, unreachable by vehicle. Raziiq’s ANA their visit, the ETTs met with the provincial governor, Soldiers distributed school supplies donated by Putnam delivered school supplies, and attended a ceremony Investments, an American company. School offi cials celebrating the contributions of Ahmed Shah Massoud. were very thankful for the supplies, since they do not Col. David Wellington, a member of the N.H. National receive any type of funding or support for the little Guard and former Commander of HSSC, and Raziiq school. conducted a key leader engagement with Haji Bahlol, On Sept. 10, Raziiq and the HSSC mentors attended Panjishir Provincial Governor, to discuss recent economic a ceremony honoring the contributions of Ahmed Shah improvements in the province as well as village elder Massoud at his tomb in the Panjier Valley. Massoud is concerns about education and the ability of children to considered a National Hero among many Afghans. He attend primary and secondary schools. was a military leader who played a key roll in pushing the Soviet army out of Afghanistan. During the rise of the Taliban, Massoud became the military leader of the Northern Alliance, who opposed the Taliban. He was assassinated during a suicide attack on Sept. 9, 2001, two days before the deadly attacks in the United States. Dignitaries at the event included Massoud’s brother who is the fi rst vice president of Afghanistan, the U.S. Ambassador, and Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Freakley. Vice President Massoud emphasized the need of Afghan people to take responsibility for their safety and to assist the Afghanistan Security Forces in defeating Anti- Government Elements. Ordinarily, the HSSC ETTs work in the offi ces of the Ministry of Defense. They were moved by the remarks at Massoud’s Ceremony and were thankful for the This donkey is hauling school supplies to a remote village opportunity to attend and help a wider circle of people. with the ETTs of HSSC, who normally work at MOD. The Phoenix Patriot 8 Declining Artillery Story By Capt. Benjamin Tupper, 203rd RCAG ETT

Afghanistan – We began the day with a mission brief before accompanying a unit of Afghan National Army (ANA) Soldiers on a patrol through one of our most contested areas. Enemy contact was likely, but the Af- ghan Soldiers were excited to take the fi ght to the Tal- iban. Even the lowest ranking Afghan Soldiers had a high degree of patriotism and commitment to defeating the Taliban and bringing peace to Afghanistan. They all volunteered to serve their country and the dangers of combat didn’t cool their enthusiasm. About an hour into our patrol the Taliban ambushed us in a village of simple mud compounds. Photo By Maj. Arnold Strong We found ourselves pinned down and taking fi re from An Afghan Soldier watches for enemy and prepares for combat. all sides. We effectively returned fi re and kept the en- emy from advancing on our position. We were holding I was forced to make a diffi cult deci- our own but decided to call in reinforcements in an at- sion - one that pitted the lives and safety of my Afghan tempt to surround the enemy. Given the distance and and U.S. Soldiers against those of innocent civilians. terrain our reinforcements had to travel, it could have My decision was made for me when I remembered a been hours before we saw them. Time became another moment from another engagement with the enemy. enemy we had to manage. Taliban fi ghters had occupied a family compound and While maneuvering my forces during the engagement fi red at us from over the mud walls with AK 47’s and I received word from my higher that they had artillery Rocket Propelled Grenades. We returned heavy fi re on lined up and ready to use. All I had to do was adjust it the compound and the enemy fl ed. accordingly onto the enemy positions. While this would Within minutes an elderly woman came running out have worked well, my concern was that the compounds of the compound. She was racked with fear, her face occupied by the Taliban were civilian. The chance of covered in tears and sweat. She was waving pictures killing innocent Afghans who happened to be holed up in her hands. I approached her with my interpreter and inside was high. she wasted no time in showing me pictures of her son, I’ve been invited for Chai on many occasions into a member of the Afghan National Army. She was proud similar compounds and they are normally fi lled with of him and had let him join the Army to fi ght the Taliban dozens of children, elderly people, and women during knowing the dangers it brought with it. She wanted us the day. I fi gured that for every Taliban the artillery hit to know, even at risk to her safety, that she had not al- we would also hit a high number of innocent people lowed the Taliban to enter her compound, but they had trapped in the crossfi re. done so at gunpoint with threats to her and her family. Her fear, her bravery, her need tell me about her support of the Afghan Government, cemented in me a desire to do everything I could to protect her and people like her, in combat. Even if it meant assuming additional dangers on my part. With this image fresh in my head, I declined the artil- lery. I was willing to accept the greater risk to myself and my brave Afghan and U.S. Soldiers. We volunteered to be combatants in this cause. The families within the compounds did not. While this meant another hour of tough combat against a well defended enemy, we persevered and managed to drive off the enemy with no loss of life to our forc- es. When all was said and done, we left the battlefi eld knowing we had taken the higher ground and done what Photo By 2nd Lt. Amanda Straub was right and fair for the people of this village. It’s what This young girl peers from the doorway of a typical Afghan Compound. our U.S. and Afghan National Army Soldiers do. 9 Featured Patriot - Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Hanson Story by 2nd Lt. Amanda Straub them are young and have yet to expe- rience the reality of dealing fi rst hand Photo by 1st Lt. Cathrin Fraker with the dead or severely injured, or For some, retirement means slowing the confusion and demands of getting down and enjoying the long deserved control of emergency or combat situ- rest and break from the demands of a ations.” career. After retiring from the Oklaho- Hanson is a survivor of the trauma of ma City Fire Department after 22 years, the A.P. Murrah Bombing, otherwise Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Hanson contin- known as the Oklahoma City Bomb- ues to serve his country as a member of ing. Hanson was a fi refi ghter called the Oklahoma Army National Guard. to deal with the results of the horrifi c Sgt. 1st Class Hanson joined the Army tragedy and suffered from post-trau- in 1974 to be a fi refi ghter and served matic stress disorder as a result. He is on active duty for 3 years. After a 16 passionate about preparing and pro- year break in military service, Hanson, tecting (as much as humanly possible) Sgt. 1st Class Melvin Hanson serves CJTF a native of Oklahoma City, joined the the medics under his command for the PHX as a medic, Platoon Sergeant and Oklahoma National Guard. worst-case scenario they may be called Training Offi cer for the fi re department. Hanson is extremely proud to contrib- to deal with in a combat zone. out, the Muslim extremists would re- ute to Task Force Phoenix’s mission of “They will all come back home dif- establish themselves and strike out at rebuilding Afghanistan and establish- ferent men,” Hanson said, “hopefully every nation that doesn’t follow their ing stable security forces to protect the better men, but all will be changed. version of Islam. I hope to show the people here. One of my main goals is to ensure that people that we are friends, not an oc- “This country, and it’s people, have what happened to me does not hap- cupation force, and we are here for the been devastated by so many years of pen to them, or if it does, that it will long haul.” war,” Hanson said, “it will take as be identifi ed [and treated] as early as Despite Hanson’s many duties and many years to repair the damage.” possible.” busy schedule, he can’t seem to get As a medic and a platoon sergeant, Hanson misses his wife Carol, and the fi re out of his blood. Hanson vol- Hanson cares for his Soldiers like a their three children very much, but he unteered for additional duty with the father and prepares them for the worst understands the importance of stabi- Camp Phoenix Fire Department and parts of combat duty as a medic: treat- lizing Afghanistan and the need for a serves as the training offi cer ensuring ing the wounded. long-term presence here. that the other CPFD volunteers are “I am very proud to be working with “We are doing the right thing by be- ready to protect their fellow Warriors these men,” Hanson said. “Most of ing here,” Hanson said. “If we pull from fi re threats. Sound Off - What Do You Like About Halloween?

“Spending time “I like going to “I enjoy getting to “I enjoy taking my “ I enjoy helping with my son and costume parties and be someone else for kids out.” my kids make their eating most of his getting candy.” a little while and costumes.” candy.” pretend to be some- Spc. Shane Spc. Javier thing that I really Bohnenkemp Staff Sgt. Sgt. James Schrack Hernandez could never be, like HHC, 41st Michael Galletly Charlie Co. l/180th Alpha Co. 141 a red-eyed, long- Pendleton, OR Charlie Co. 1/180th Oklahoma City, Fresno, CA tongued, pointed- Oklahoma City, OK eared troll.” OK

2nd. Lt. Michael S. Palmer, S6, 141 LTF Monmouth, OR

The Phoenix Patriot 10