Volume 1, Issue 12 November 30, 2009

Photo by Spc. Anthony Jones, 145th Mobile Public Affairs Det. Second Lieutenant Andrew Murray (left) and Spc. Nathan Mitchell (right), 3rd Plt., Co. C, 52nd Inf. Regt. attached to 5/20th Inf., 3SBCT, 2nd Inf. Div., watch a monitor looking for heat signatures and signs of smuggling across the Iraq - Iran border, Nov. 23. US, Iraqi forces prevent smuggling By Spc. Anthony Jones Company C, 52nd Infantry, attached to observe activity along the border and 145th Mobile Public Affairs Det. 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, radio the Iraqi Border Commandoes if 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, they saw anything. Under a starry night near the Iraq 2nd Infantry Division. “We’re there to “Our original intent was to be with – Iran border a group of Iraqi Bor- observe and interdict that smuggling.” them. However … It was a greater con- der Commandoes lie in wait, silently Before sundown the evening of the cern to them for us to appear that we observing the long open border while 23rd, the U.S. Soldiers met with the were assisting at a traffic control point, U.S. Soldiers provide an over watch executive officer of the 2nd Battalion, and I believe it was a good decision on using advanced thermal cameras, Nov. Quick Reaction Force, Border Com- their part,” said Sgt. 1st Class Jason 23 to 24. mandoes, a special unit funded by the Hughes, platoon sergeant. The focus of their observation; Department of Border Enforcement, to To observe the border and assist the search for smugglers crossing the plan the operation. Border Commandoes the U.S. Soldiers border. During the meeting, the Iraqi officer used two different types of thermal “There is suspected smuggling go- suggested a plan placing his men close imaging systems and individual night ing on across the border,” said 1st Lt. to the border while the U.S. forces vision equipment. Hugh Ra, platoon leader, 3rd Platoon, maintained an over watch position to Using the thermal cameras, Sol- See Smuggling, Page 3 The North Star Page 2 • November 30, 2009 Soldier meets favorite coach on leave By Staff Sgt. Melanie Trollinger 130th Eng. Bde. PAO For one Soldier home on leave from Iraq, the chance to meet his fa- vorite football team’s head coach never crossed his mind. Private first class Sean Hearn, of Pflugerville, Texas, was excited though, when he got the opportunity for an unexpected meeting in Novem- ber. Glad to be home for a few weeks from Iraq, where he is deployed with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 130th Engineer Brigade, the first thing he did was catch the Texas- Central Florida game on T.V. His long-time friend, Longhorns starting fullback Antwaan Cobb, called him after the game. The two friends met up, watched Courtesy photo some football at home and made plans Private First Class Sean Hearn holds Earl Campbell’s original Heisman Trophy during a visit to meet up at the University of Texas with University of Texas Longhorns head coach, Mack Brown. Pfc. Hearn, of Pflugerville, Tex- as, was home on leave from Iraq in November. football stadium later in the week. “We toured the entire 40-acre com- of his office, which the Soldier de- ested in me as I was in him.” plex: the stadium, locker room, film scribed as a small museum filled with At the time of Pfc. Hearn’s visit room, practice facility, everything. My pictures, signed footballs, trophies and home, he said the Longhorns were two friend asked if I wanted to find Coach Longhorns memorabilia. games away from going to the National Mack Brown. He told Pfc. Hearn he understands championships. He wasn’t there, but when his sec- the sacrifices the men and women in Meeting not only the coach, but all retary called him and told him there uniform make and tries to instill in the players as well, Hearn said, was was a Soldier home from Iraq on leave, his football players to be grateful for amazing, especially since Texas foot- he was there within 10 minutes,” Pfc. what they have because he knows the ball is the one thing he looks forward Hearn said. Coach Brown, whom Pfc. sacrifices servicemembers are making to every year. Hearn said spent eight days in Iraq for them. “I can’t even tell you how much this summer meeting servicemembers “The one thing that stands out to meeting [Coach Brown] meant to me. and offering support, talked about me is how much Coach Brown cares That was probably one of the best days Iraq, football and family. They also about Soldiers,” said Pfc. Hearn. of my life,” Pfc. Hearn said. talked about Pfc. Hearn’s younger “He’s a hero to every Texas Long- Private First Class Hearn, an brother, who was killed in Iraq on horns fan,” he added. “But here he is electrician with the 130th Eng. Bde., is Memorial Day in 2007. talking about how much he appreci- currently working with the brigade’s Coach Brown gave Pfc. Hearn a tour ates us. I’d say he was just as inter- Combat Security Team.

We are arguably, in the most trying time contact with our love ones during the holi- of the deployment; the holiday season. day season. Phone calls, letters, e-mail are Family only Normally, families have put away the Hal- all means of effective communication with loween decorations to begin the prepara- our loved ones during the holiday season. phone call, tion for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the Make communication a priority to main- New Year. Often times, we are physically tain existing bonds; strengthen ones that e-mail away absent from family but family is never far require a little TLC and create ones that from our thoughts. They are the reason didn’t exist before. many of us have chosen a life of service to As you communicate with your loved our country. ones, don’t forget to communicate with Holiday Tip from We sacrifice now, so we can have the your fellow Marne teammates. We are all Inspector General opportunity to spend the rest of our lives in this deployment together and together Rock of the Marne! with the ones we love the most. Technol- we will see each other through the holiday ogy provides a myriad of ways to stay in season and every day until we redeploy. The North Star Page 3 • November 30, 2009 Spartans develop relationship with ISF By Pfc. Crystal O’Neal 2HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO After only being on the ground for a week, 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment “Battle Kings”, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Soldiers met their Iraqi counterparts, during a partnership dinner hosted by 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, held at the Forward Ooperating Base Marez, Nov. 20. During the dinner, “The Battle Kings”, who are tasked to replace 3/8 Cav., 3HBCT, 1st Cav. Div., saw firsthand the great working relation- ship between 3/8 Cav. Soldiers and the Iraqi Security Forces. Photo by Pfc. Crystal O’Neal, 2HBCT, 3rd Inf. Div. PAO According to 1/9 FA Battalion Com- U.S. Army Soldiers converse with Iraqi Security Forces during a partnership dinner hosted by mander, Lt. Col. Thomas Williams, 3/8 Cav. Soldiers in which the ISF met 1/9 FA Soldiers Nov. 20, at the dining facility on FOB 2HBCT Soldiers plan to pick up where Marez. 3/8 Cav. Soldiers left off. “When we first got to Iraq, western izing not only the ending of the dinner, “We are definitely going to maintain Mosul was one of the worst areas in but also the beginning of another the relationship that the 3/8 Cavalry Iraq. By being able to all work to- beneficial partnership between U.S. Soldiers have already established with gether as one big team, the violence and ISF. the ISF; we’ll continue to build it up and disarray in Mosul has declined Brigadier General Majid, Mosul and work together to get the job done,” significantly,” said Capt. Frizelle. “We Federal Police Brigade, said that he said Lt. Col. Williams. just wanted to take tonight, over a bite enjoyed working with the 3/8 Cav. Sol- According to Capt. Bryan Friz- of food, to thank our counterparts for diers and looked forward to partnering zelle, Headquarters and Headquarters all their efforts and to introduce them with the 1/9 FA Soldiers. Company commander, 3/8 Cav., work- to the next group of Soldiers they’ll be “We appreciate the sincere efforts ing closely with Iraqi Security Forces working beside.” made by Lieutenant Colonel Brooks made their mission to stabilize and After enjoying dinner and conver- and his Soldiers. We wish them a safe assist northern Iraq much easier to sation, ISF leaders and the U.S. Army trip home to their families,” said Brig. accomplish. came together to cut the cake, symbol- Gen. Majid.

Continued from Smuggling, Page 1 diers watched each system for heat adding 1st Lt. Ra’s comments. “I Interested in green to gold? signatures moving across the desert. think it’s about building a rapport Twenty applicants will be selected When a Soldier saw something on with these gentlemen to see what by Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, commander the screen, he would point it out to they do, how they react and how we of Task Force Marne, to go to Officer others and they would discuss what can help them.” Candidate School. For the next selection it could be. Sergeant 1st Class Hughes said board, all packets must be submitted to No smuggling activity was spot- his unit has shifted from simply G-1 by Feb.12. ted during the night. “There was training with the Border Comman- In order to be selected, a Soldier little foot traffic or vehicles. Which does to working on these overnight must meet all qualifications without a doesn’t disappoint me, our main observation missions. waiver. Applicants must have a 4-year purpose is to be there for our Iraqi “Our mission is to help the Iraqi’s degree from an accredited institution, partners,” said 1st Lt. Ra. “Right to stand on their own two feet, we be an American citizen, possess a secret now it’s important for our counter- are becoming less important to security clearance, be recommended by a parts to know we are here and here them, we are just advisors at this lieutenant colonel or above in their chain to help them. point,” said Sgt. 1st Class Hughes, of command, pass a physical training There is suspected smuggling, but “These are the best guy’s I’ve seen. test, be at least 38 years old. we haven’t seen it and from what They are seventy five percent on For a full list of requirements go to they have told us they haven’t seen their own and the missions are one http://www.army.mil/usapa/epubs/pdf/ it either,” said Sgt. 1st Class Hughes, hundred percent theirs.” r350_51.pdf. The North Star Page 4 • November 30, 2009

Task Force Marne Heroes of the North Specialist Courtney Clark of Jacksonville, N.C., with Company A, Task Force 296, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, serves as her company’s radio telephone operator and repairs and utilities representative and mail orderly. She assists in picking up unit food supplies and mail distribution, positively affecting the morale of the company. In the last two months, she has processed 29 living containers for electrical safety inspection, 19 work orders on fixtures within the units and processed six work orders - including installation of gravel at a helipad and placing pest control devices. She individually ordered more than 160 pieces of supplies for Soldiers assigned to a distant base and developed a tracking system to inform the 1st sergeant and commander of the programs status. Her motivation and dedication are an example for all. Her long-term goal is to retire and have a successful career as an Army Soldier. The Army and Task Force Marne are better for her service and she is a most deserving selection as today’s Task Force Marne Hero of the North.

Specialist Vincent Paul of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, is with 4th Platoon, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st infantry Division. He demonstrated the ability to perform at higher levels of responsibility when he assumed the duties of squad leader while his squad leaders were engaged at the joint Iraqi Army Headquarters. Specialist Paul was called upon to perform the duties as a section sergeant for 10 days while his squad leader was tasked to escort another Soldier out of theater. During this period, Spc. Paul proved himself to be a leader amongst his peers by counseling Soldiers and accomplishing complicated tasks well above his level of responsibility. His chain of command recognized his abilities as a future leader. In view of his sustained level of superior performance, Spc. Paul is a deserving selection as the Task Force Marne Hero of the North

By Pfc. Jesus Aranda

Altered by Sgt. Johnathon Jobson

Dec. 12- COB Speicher at the Main Gym Dec. 13- FOB Warrior at the Warrior Gym The North Star Page 5 • November 30, 2009

Re g i o n a l He a d l i n e s Alligator carried to North trio’s take on the procedural, Georgia by floods which chronicled the workings United Press International of the fictional Hawaiian state GRIFFIN, Ga. - An alligator almost police department led by Steve seven feet long made his way to North McGarrett (Jack Lord). Georgia in floodwaters, a reptile expert The original series, created by said. Leonard Freeman, ran on CBS Jason Clark, who operates Southern from 1968-80. Reptile Refuge in Griffin, Ga., said It became famous for its most of the calls he gets about opening music and for its “Book nuisance alligators in the Atlanta ‘em, Danno” closing line. area are released or escaped pets, The Kurtzman and Orci are Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported. co-writing the story for the “This one, he’s nobody’s pet; he pilot with Lenkov, who will crawled up here,” Clark said. pen the script itself under Clark believes the alligator came from their supervision. All three are the Flint River, which flows south executive producing. through western Georgia. Recent CBS and CBS Studios, which flooding provided a pathway north, he has the rights to “Hawaii said. Five-O,” first took a stab at On Wednesday, the alligator was developing a contemporary take moved to a new home in Pike County, last year with “Criminal Minds” Answers to Friday’s Sudoku a property of more than 100 acres, executive producer/showrunner Ed including a private lake and swamp Bernero. draining into the Flint River. Kurtzman and Orci, co-creators/ executive producers of Fox’s CBS announces updated sophomore drama “Fringe,” know a thing or two about reinvigorating TV “Hawaii Five-0” series: They wrote the J.J. Abrams- Hollywood Reporter directed blockbuster “Star Trek.” CBS has given a pilot commitment Their feature writing credits also to an updated version of the classic include the two “Transformers” movies cop series from feature screenwriters and “Mission: Impossible III.” Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci and Lenkov serves as executive “CSI: NY” executive producer Peter producer/co-showrunner on the CBS Lenkov. crime drama “CSI: NY” alongside Pam There aren’t many details on the Veasey.

THE TASK FORCE MARNE Commanding General - Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo North Star Command Sergeant Major - Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse L. Andrews Jr. The North Star is an authorized publication for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of The North Marne Task Force Marne Public Affairs Staff Bulletin arce Marnee not necessarily TF Marne PAO – Maj. Jeff Allen official views of, or endorsed by, the TF Marne PA NCOIC – Master Sgt. Marcia Triggs U.S. Government, Department of TF Marne Writer- Sgt. Johnathon Jobson Defense, Department of the Army or the 3rd Infantry Division. All Editorial Staff editorial content of The North Marne Managing Editor – Master Sgt. Marcia Triggs Bulletin is prepared, edited, provided Editor/Design – Spc. Daniel Hale and approved by the Task Force Assistant Editor- Spc. Michael Adams Marne Public Affairs Office. 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Stryker Brigade, 25th Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division 2nd Infantry Division 25th Infantry Division 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 130th Engineer Brigade 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division 1st Infantry Division