Established in 1917 to honor those who serve

Vol. 1, No. 16 MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – BAGHDAD “steadfast and loyal” august 20, 2006

Artillerymen use firepower Pace visits Camp Liberty Soldiers launch to protect Soldiers, General assures troops Operation River Harvest Marines in Fallujah they have support to rid area of terrorists

Page 7 Page 11 Page 12 ECURING AGHDAD SMND-B launches Operation Together Forward in southernB Baghdad to root out terrorists, restore peace Story and photo by Spc. Rodney Foliente 4th Inf. Div. PAO BAGHDAD — raqi policemen and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers continued Operation Together Forward in southern Baghdad Aug. 7. Policemen from the 2nd National Police Division and Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry IRegiment, attached to MND-B’s 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, kicked off the operation with a cordon and search mission. “The overall goal is to promote security and bring stability throughout the greater Baghdad area,” said Capt. Paul Olsen, com- mander, Company A, 2nd Bn., 506th Inf. Regt. “We will accom- plish this by interdicting, or disrupting, (terrorist) activities and disrupting death-squad operations and movement.” He added that essential services, in conjunction with combat operations, are also crucial to stability in the region and that MND-B and the government of Iraq will continue to provide and expand those services for the people of Iraq. Operation Together Forward is a combined collaboration of Iraqi Security Forces and MND-B. Working with the NPs has a two-fold effect, said Olsen, who hails from Leesburg, Fla. Running combined operations allows MND-B Soldiers to continue to teach ISF and help them to become more adept in their future role of assuming security for all of Iraq. “It also provides a clear message to insurgents that they cannot drive a wedge between Iraqi and American Forces because we are committed to doing this together,” said Olsen. Ahmed, a member of the 2nd Battalion, 6th Brigade, 2nd NP Div., said he enjoys working with American Soldiers and is confi- dent that together they will accomplish their mission. “We are here to catch bad guys, stop (their) intimidation and bring peace (to) Baghdad,” he said. During the search of an apartment building, a family offered their hospitality to the combined patrol of NPs and Co. A Soldiers. After serving chai tea and food, the family stated that they were happy that the This Week Iraqis and Americans were patrolling and searching the Cartoon Corner .... 22 area and for the sense of Faces & Places ...... 24 security that came with the MWR Calendars ... 17 trained professionals being Religious Services .. 20 BAGHDAD – Capt. Paul Olsen, commander, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th there. Sports Round Up ... 23 Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, attached to Multi-National Division – Baghdad, along Citizens like these may with an interpreter and an Iraqi National Policeman, review scores of false identification cards found see security, pg. 3 hidden during a cordon and search mission in Baghdad Aug. 7. Page 2 The Ivy Leaf august 20, 2006 NEWS FROM THE FRONT

MND-B Soldiers detain five magazines of ammunition key Mahmudiyah and two hand grenades. The Soldiers detained one sus- terrorist group leader pected terrorist in connection with the weapons seizure. CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – A (Courtesy of 2nd BCT PAO, patrol from 1st Battalion, 502nd 4th Inf. Div.) Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Soldiers kill terrorist Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, detained a digging IED position key terrorist cell leader while BAGHDAD – Multi-National conducting a cordon and search Division – Baghdad Soldiers southwest of Baghdad at approx- engaged and killed a terrorist sus- imately 10:20 a.m. Aug. 10. pected of implanting an impro- Soldiers of Company D cap- vised-explosive device on the tured Abu Nur, a terrorist direct- side of a road north of Baghdad ly linked to the July 17 attack on Aug.1 night. a local market in Mahmudiyah. Soldiers from Company A, 7th The attack resulted in 40 local Squadron, 10th Cavalry national deaths and 70 more Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat wounded. Team, 4th Infantry Division, spot- “Our Soldiers are simply awe- ted the suspect digging a hole some. This is the third top mem- after curfew on the side of a road ber of this violent and elusive where IEDs are frequently terrorist cell we have detained in placed. recent weeks,” said Col. Todd Upon identifying the Soldiers, Ebel, commander, 2nd Bde., the man fled into a nearby tree 101st Abn. Div. “In continuing line, and the Soldiers decided to our work with the Iraqi Security wait for the man to return. When Forces, we will aggressively the Soldiers noticed the man exploit all information found that return to the road to continue dig- will likely lead to more members ging, the suspect again saw the of this cell being captured.” convoy and attempted to flee but (Courtesy of 2nd BCT PAO, was immediately engaged by the 101st Abn. Div.) Soldiers. (Courtesy of MND – B PAO) IA, MND-B Soldiers seize weapons, detain IA soldiers find muni- suspected terrorist tions, detain terrorist FOB KALSU, Iraq – Iraqi BAGHDAD – Iraqi Army sol- army and Multi-National diers found a bag of munitions Division – Baghdad Soldiers while conducting a patrol in west seized weapons and detained a Baghdad early the morning of suspected terrorist at a checkpoint July 27. Soldiers of 2nd Aug. 4 in Iskandariyah. Battalion, 1st Brigade, 6th Iraqi Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, Army Division, found the bag 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army containing five 82mm mortar Division, along with Soldiers rounds. The munitions were Photo by U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Richard Rose from Company B, 2nd Battalion, turned into an Explosive Warrior in the grass 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Ordnance Disposal team to be LUTIFIYAH, Iraq – A Soldier from the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Brigade Combat Team, 4th destroyed. Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), waits in the tall grass after making a report Infantry Division, were manning In a separate incident IA sol- to headquarters during Operation Babylon on Aug. 16. Soldiers from Military Transition Team a checkpoint when a group of 20 diers arrested four terrorists 1, 1st Battalion, 4th Brigade, 6th Iraqi army, and various companies of 1-502 Inf. Regt., took part buses approached. involved in a drive by shooting at in the combined operation. A search of the buses uncov- approximately 4 a.m. Thursday in ered weapons, to include 13 AK- northeast Baghdad. The terrorists 47 rifles, 36 AK-47 magazines of were arrested after exchanging ammunition, two RPK machine small-arms fire with an Iraqi Correction: In the July 23 issue, the JAG column “what Soldiers need to know about guns, four 9mm pistols with six civilian in his home. One terrorist divorce” was incorrectly attributed to Capt. Monica Restrepo. The column was written by magazines of ammunition, a .45- was seriously wounded. Capt. Terra Melson, legal assistance attorney. caliber pistol, a sniper rifle with (Courtesy of MND – B PAO)

Public Affairs Supervisor: Contributing Units tute endorsement by the Department of the 1st BCT, 4th Inf. Div. Army, the 4th Infantry Division, or The Ivy Master Sgt. Eric Lobsinger 2nd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. Leaf of the products and services adver- 2nd BCT, 101st Airborne Div. tised. All editorial content of The Ivy Leaf Editor 2nd BCT, 1st Armored Div. is prepared, edited, provided and Sgt. 1st Class Mary Mott 3rd Heavy BCT, 4th Inf. Div. approved by the Multi-National Division 4th BCT, 4th Inf. Div. – Multi-National Division – Baghdad Layout and Design 4th BCT, 101st Airborne Div. Baghdad Public Affairs Office. Sgt. Kristin Kemplin Combat Aviation Bde., 4th Inf. Div. Public Affairs Office Fires Bde., 4th Inf. Div. Do you have a story to share? Photo Editor 16th Engineer Bde. The Ivy Leaf welcomes columns, commen- Spc. Rodney Foliente Sustainment Bde., 4th Inf. Div. taries, articles, letters and photos from Commanding General: The Ivy Leaf is an authorized publication readers. Submissions should be sent to the Maj. Gen. J.D. Thurman Staff Writers for members of the U.S. Army. Contents of Editor at [email protected]. and Staff Sgt. Kevin Lovel The Ivy Leaf are not necessarily official include author’s name, rank, unit and con- Spc. C. Terrell Turner Division Command Sergeant Major: Spc. Karl Johnson views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. tact information. The Ivy Leaf reserves the Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Riling Government, Department of the Army, or right to edit submissions selected for the the 4th Infantry Division. The Ivy Leaf has paper. For further information on dead- a circulation of 10,000. The appearance of lines, questions, comments or a request to Public Affairs Officer: The Ivy Leaf is produced by the 363rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, advertising in this publication, including be on our distribution list, email the Editor Lt. Col. Jonathan Withington United States Army Reserve inserts or supplements, does not consti- or call VoIP 242-4464 or DSN (318) 847-1913. august 20, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 3 MND-B Soldiers, Iraqi police conduct patrols in Baghdad neighborhood Story and photo by Spc. Jason Dangel 4th BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div. BAGHDAD – he clamor and the hustle of a Baghdad market is common throughout the city as hundreds of citizens crowd the local Tstreets to purchase necessities for their homes. The thriving venues of vendors are comparable to a super market, with consumers waiting in line to purchase an array of commodities from fresh produce to clothing to electronics. In a small market in the Doura neigh- borhood of southern Baghdad, things are no different, but according to 2nd Lt. Terry Gambrel, platoon leader, Company A, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, Iraqi police are focused on improving the security situation. The Soldiers of the 2nd Bn., 506th Inf. Reg., currently attached to the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, have patrolled Doura aggressively for months. Working with Iraqi Police at their side every step of the way, the Soldiers hope to restore peace to the neighborhood, said Gambrel, a native of Mobile, Ala. He said the police officers from the Doura Police Station are fast becoming Photo by Staff Sgt. Brent Williams, 4th BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div. more proficient and capable of fighting BAGHDAD – An Iraqi police officer from the Doura police station in southern Baghdad patrols the Doura market during a com- their enemies due to the extensive training bined patrol with Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, Multi-National Division – Baghdad July 25. and combined operations conducted daily this also means attacks on the IP will mounting his humvee just outside the the streets, we try to get information about between Coalition and Iraqi Security increase as well, said Spc. Dana Estacio, market July 25. “Most of them come out the terrorists; but most of the time, the Forces. One of the ways Gambrel and his an infantryman with Co. A, 2nd Bn., a here and want to work. They want to do conversation twists back about the water Soldiers are helping to improve the Doura native of Susanville, Calif. their jobs.” and electricity problems they are having,” Police, he said, is integrating them into “There have been many times when we “We find a lot of (improvised-explo- Dawson said. civil military operations, which means are out on patrol with the police when sive devices) and get into a lot of fire- The citizens of the neighborhood wait conducting more combined patrols and they have been attacked. Sometimes only fights. It’s just a rough neck of the until they are alone with the Soldiers to eventually getting the police to the point a couple blocks away from us,” said woods,” Dawson said. report violence, explained Dawson. In where they are operating independently. Estacio while walking between vendors Dawson explained the ability to gain most cases, it is too late to locate the indi- Conducting raids, running checkpoints inside the Doura Market. actionable intelligence on terrorists oper- viduals responsible for the crimes. and securing the area from terrorists are The best way to learn is from experi- ating in the neighborhood is hard to come As the people of the neighborhood all ways the police will achieve public ence, said Estacio. by as most of the people fear that their become confident in the police force, confidence as they continue to work with Even though the terrorists are increas- families will be in danger if they talk to Dawson said he expects the citizens will the 2nd Bn. Soldiers, said Gambrel. ing attacks against the Doura Police, they the Soldiers and Iraqi Police, who patrol start reporting transgressions to the Doura An increased presence on the streets still want to do their jobs. “They do pretty the neighborhood market daily. police so they can deal with the problems will help provide additional security, but well when they’re out here,” he said, dis- “Usually when we talk to the people on independently.

security, BAGHDAD – As a Continued from pg. 1 combined patrol makes its way to help decide the future of the city – and the future another building, of the country. Capt. Paul Olsen What happens in Baghdad will affect the out- (right), commander, Company A, 2nd come of the whole nation, said Olsen. Battalion, 506th “Baghdad is the center of gravity (for Iraq). Infantry Regiment, Whoever wins the fight for Baghdad will deter- 4th Brigade Combat mine the future of Iraq,” he said. Team, 101st ISF and Coalition Forces will continue to take a Airborne Division, strong stand and fight for the future of Iraq and the attached to Multi- Iraqi people, added 2nd Lt. Jack Irby, fires officer, National Division – Co. A. It will be a long and hard fight, but they Baghdad, instructs will keep fighting until the mission is accom- Spc. Chad McDonald, radio, plished. telephone operator, The search yielded three detainees, an AK-47 Company A, to pass and two handguns with ammunition, a mortar, anti- on orders to the rest Coalition Forces and anti-Iraqi government propa- of Co. A during a ganda pamphlets and more than 60 identification cordon and search cards and papers that could potentially be used as mission in southern fake IDs. Photo by Spc. Rodney Foliente, 4th Inf. Div. PAO Baghdad Aug. 7. Page 4 The Ivy Leaf august 20, 2006 Adjutant General, Command Sgt. Maj. visit deployed Ohio National Guard Soldiers

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Solders from the 5th Engineer Battalion, 16th Engineer Brigade, Multi-National Division – Baghdad , discuss engineer route clearance missions and equipment with Maj. Gen. Gregory Wayt, adjutant general, Ohio National Guard. Wayt joined Command Sgt. Maj. William Gilliam in visiting the battalion July 27 as part of a four-day command visit to Ohio Soldiers and units deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While deployed, the 5th Eng. Bn. falls under the command and control of the 16th Engineer Brigade, an Ohio Army National Guard unit currently mobilized and based here. The Ohio leaders also traveled to several other locations throughout Iraq where they learned about the Ohio units’ missions, inquired about their Soldiers’ welfare and shared their appreciation and pride in the deployed Soldiers’ professionalism and performance. Story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Tracy Ballog construction materials yard and transload site. “A lot of the soldiers appreciated the compliments 16th Eng. Bde. PAO The visit also included several Iraqi army training and pride expressed to us regarding our performance CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq — sites where Ohio Soldiers serve as instructors and advi- while on active duty from our higher headquarters,” said hio National Guard Soldiers mobilized in sors, helping the IA soldiers gain the skills and experi- Capt. José Saniel-Banrey, a native of Hilliard, Ohio, and support of Operation Iraqi Freedom shared ence necessary to help aid in their country’s safety and commander for Headquarters and Headquarters their deployment experiences with senior security. Company, 16th Engineer Brigade, Multi-National leaders from the Ohio National Guard during “I was impressed by the professionalism and dedica- Division – Baghdad. Oa four-day command visit here which began July 25. tion of our Soldiers and with their great accomplish- The command visit was a great opportunity for our Maj. Gen. Gregory Wayt, adjutant general, Ohio ments,” said Wayt. “There has been a remarkable change Soldiers to reconnect with the Ohio National Guard.” National Guard, and Command Sgt. Maj. William in Iraq since my last visits, and the improvements have “We are confident that Maj. Gen. Wayt and Gilliam spent time with their state’s deployed Soldiers at greatly benefited our Soldiers and their quality of life.” Command Sgt. Maj. Gilliam will do a great job telling locations throughout Iraq, visiting Soldiers from the A meeting with Gen. George Casey Multi-National everyone back home the many stories that make up 641st Quartermaster Detachment in Balad, the 16th Forces-Iraq’s commanding general, was also part of the Ohio’s chapter of the Operation Iraqi Freedom story, and Engineer Brigade and 174th Air Defense Artillery Ohio National Guard leaders’ visit. They discussed issues we were also grateful to hear what’s going on in Ohio Battalion in Baghdad. relative to the deployment of reserve component units. with regard to the transformation process and information “Every where I go, I have heard nothing but kudos Gilliam took advantage of the visit by informing his about how that will affect us upon re-deployment,” he and compliments about the work our Ohio Guard soldiers Soldiers about a transformation currently taking place in added. are doing in Iraq,” said Wayt, while speaking to his the Ohio National Guard. Saniel-Banrey’s positive assessment of the command Soldiers. “The transformation will mean a lot of changes,” said visit was shared by several of his fellow Soldiers. “The combination of your military and civilian skills Gilliam. “Some Soldiers may have to change Military “It meant a lot to us that Maj. Gen. Wayt and has made a significant difference during your deploy- Occupational Specialties and some may need to change Command Sgt. Maj. Gilliam would fly so far with just a ment, and from the bottom of my heart, I am immensely units, but the changes will make us a better, stronger small rucksack worth of stuff, just to spend a few hours proud of your efforts,” he said organization, and we’ll ensure you have a position when with their Ohio Soldiers, said Turner. During their visit, the Ohio National Guard leaders you return home.” “Our Soldiers are making a great contribution to the made a special point to visit Soldiers where they work. Overall, the deployed Ohio Soldiers were thrilled to global war on terrorism, and I appreciate their sacrifices Wayt and Gilliam toured a canal site where the 641st be able to share their deployment experiences and were and the sacrifices of their families and employers,” said Quartermaster Det. performs a vital water purification proud the leaders went to such great lengths to visit them, Wayt. “Our Soldiers are the best I have had the opportu- mission, participated in an improvised-explosive device said Sgt. 1st Class Scott Turner, acting 1st Sgt., 641st nity to serve with and their accomplishments are reflec- training lane demonstration and toured the engineers’ Quartermaster Det. tive.” august 20, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 5 Joint planning commission watches Mahmudiyah leadership take charge Story by 1st Lt. Brett Matzenbacher ing on more responsibilities every day” said Schmidt. more and more of these responsibilities over to our Iraqi 2nd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. “One of the most critical developments to come about counterparts in the ministries,” he said. CAMP STRIKER, Iraq – since the Mayor’s arrival is the formation of the “Our primary focus has shifted from that of actual umerous improvements have been made for Mahmudiyah Joint Planning Commission,” said Maj. project management, to more of a mentoring role as the the people of South Baghdad in the ten Eric McFadden, CMO projects officer, 2nd BCT, 101st local government members take on these tasks and begin months that the Soldiers of Multi-National Abn. Div. to move forward on their own” said McFadden. Division – Baghdad’s 2nd Brigade Combat “This planning commission is a collaborative effort Modest though this accomplishment may seem, NTeam, 101st Airborne Division, have been on the ground. composed of members from the Qa’da council, the McFadden sees the JPC as one of the “capstone achieve- Nearly every water treatment plant throughout the mayor and Coalition Forces,” he said. “The intent of this ments of the deployment for the brigade’s Projects Mahmudiyah Qa’da (county) has been renovated, two meeting is to establish project dialogue and mutual Team.” new plants have been constructed, several health clinics understanding in order to coach, teach, and mentor the “The brigade inherited an area where security had have been reconstructed and nearly half a dozen sewage Qa’da council to facilitate their assumption of responsi- deteriorated to the point that there was no functioning pumping stations have been completely overhauled. bility for project management.” government and absolutely no system in place to provide The most powerful example of change and progress to Previously, even with some notable exceptions, proj- essential services to the citizens of south Baghdad,” he take place during 2nd BCTs deployment is the maturation ects to improve the infrastructure in southern Baghdad said. of the local Iraqi government. “For half of our time here, had been handled almost exclusively by Coalition Forces, “With improved local security we’ve been able to there was essentially no central government to speak of,” with minimal cooperation or coordination with the corre- assemble the key local leaders of the outlying towns and said Maj. Paul Schmidt, civil military operations officer, sponding Iraqi ministry. the Qa’da Mayor and begin a process that will develop 2nd BCT, 101st Abn. Div. “Independent ministries exist- “We identified needs, developed the projects to meet into a self-sustained government,” said McFadden. “The ed, but as there was no central guiding force, their effec- these needs, were responsible for the contracting, and goal all along was to hand over control to the Iraqis, both tiveness was very limited.” managed the project from start to finish” said 1st Lt. militarily and in governance. The steps currently being However, with the introduction of Muayid Fadil Charles Claypool, project purchasing officer, 2nd BCT, taken in the JPC meetings are bringing us much closer to Husayn Habib as the new Qa’da Mayor, the “local coun- 101st Abn. Div. realizing this goal and they illustrate how far we have cils and ministries are really following his lead and tak- “Now, in venues such as the JPC, we are handing come in south Baghdad.”

Youth center opens, rebuilding efforts continue in Tarmiya Story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Brent Hunt 1st BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div. CAMP TAJI, Iraq – The grand opening of the Tarmiya Education and Youth Center was held Aug. 1 in Tarmiya, north of Baghdad, to the elation of hundreds of local children who now have a place to play sports, read and paint. The renovated complex is equipped with two full-size international basketball courts, a sand volleyball court, two soccer fields, an art studio, a library, a theater for plays and a place to practice martial arts for those who inspire to be like Chuck Norris. “This is one of the most successful projects we’ve had in Tarmiya,” said Capt. John Bennett, team leader of Civil Affairs team 4, Company C, 414th Civil Affairs Battalion, attached to the 1st Special Troops Bn., 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “This (the youth center) will help keep the children off the streets. It’s long overdue.” The center is a $200,000 refurbishing project that took about 120 days to com- plete. The walls, bathrooms and floors CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Iraqi youths from Tarmiya play basketball at the $200,000 refurbished Education and Youth Center, which throughout the complex have been com- held its grand opening Aug. 1 north of Baghdad. In addition to the basketball courts, the center is equipped with two soccer pletely up-graded with a fresh coat of fields, a theater, an art studio and a room to practice martial arts. paint, sparkling tile and new fixtures. throughout the city. states, and this is a good start for the kids team, the Rockets, during the grand open- Rooms throughout the center have been In addition to the youth center, in this community and for their future. ing. “I like playing with my friends set up specifically for functions children improvements can be seen everywhere, “The kids have really been excited against other teams, and I think we have are interested in, from painting a picture such as the medical center, the town hall, about this place opening up. Kids really the best team in Tarmiya.” to portraying their favorite character in the a girl’s school, many of the roads running love soccer in this part of the world, and Not only do the children of Tarmiya theater. In addition, the exterior of the throughout the city, and a $2.4 million this gives them a place to play.” seem happy with the youth center’s open- center is surrounded by concrete walls, pipeline project, which will bring fresh The youth center will also provide an ing, leaders in the community said they making it safer for the children who visit. water to Tarmiya later this year. organized league where children can com- are optimistic about what the center The project is part of a massive The youth center provides the children pete against each other in basketball, soc- means to the community. rebuilding effort taking place in the city, of the community a place to go. cer and other sports. Many of the children “This project was made possible by the which used to be a hot bed for terrorists. “We noticed, when we first got here, already had their uniforms on and were people of Tarmiya and the Americans,” In March, the 9th Iraqi Army Division and there were a lot of kids on the street,” said playing together within minutes of the said Sheik Said, the leader of the Tarmiya the 1st BCT set up a cordon around Spc. Carlos Matos, a member of the 414th center’s opening. city council. Tarmiya and separated the citizens from CA team that oversaw the quality of the “I’ve been looking forward to this “This center will not only help the the terrorists, thus making it difficult for work being performed on the project from place opening,” said Attiya, 15, who was community, but it will be very beneficial the terrorists to disrupt improvements the beginning. “It’s like a YMCA in the playing basketball at the center with his to the children as well.” Page 6 The Ivy Leaf august 20, 2006 Fuel specialists surpass 1,000 tests Mobile lab keeps top-of-the-line fuel in Combat Aviation Brigade helicopters Story and photo by assigned to Company A, 404th Aviation um laboratory specialist, who works at the mission. The petroleum laboratory section Spc. Creighton Holub Support Battalion, Combat Aviation Camp Taji Forward Arming and Refueling runs a battery of tests on the fuel to Combat Aviation Bde. PAO, 4th Inf. Div. Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, are solely Point. Soldiers like McGee spent nine ensure that the quality is good enough to CAMP TAJI, Iraq – responsible for ensuring the fuel delivered weeks of training at Fort Lee, Va., learn- sustain the aviation mission. ot just any fuel can go into the from fuel trucks to the Combat Aviation ing how to conduct laboratory tests on Besides the required quality level, the multi-million dollar military Brigade’s helicopters is of the highest petroleum, oil and lubricant products. JP-8 fuel used by the brigade’s helicopters aircraft that are vital instru- quality, purity and durability. “Otherwise it can clog up the fuel lines is the same type used by all military ments in providing protection The Taji-based unit reached a mile- and cause the aircraft to go down.” humvees and other ground vehicles. Nto support Multi-National Division – stone July 6, when it tested its 1,000th The Combat Aviation Brigade has Although the fuel is the same, the Baghdad ground troops – only the best fuel sample. pumped more than 1.5 million gallons of inherent dangers of flight require stricter fuel will do. “It’s real important that the fuel is fuel into its helicopters since taking over tolerance levels than the standard for The petroleum laboratory specialists clean,” said Spc. Sonia McGee, a petrole- the Multi-National Division – Baghdad ground vehicles. “You can’t put any grade of fuel in hel- icopters the way you can with a humvee,” said Sgt. Jake Bluefort, another petroleum laboratory specialist assigned to Co. A, 404th ASB. “The humvees’ fuel has a specification they have to meet, but the helicopters’ fuel specification is a lot stricter.” The fuel testers use a small mobile petroleum laboratory that is capable of accommodating three Soldiers at a time. Bluefort explained that the lab has the capabilities to test three types of jet fuel, in addition to Mogas, a fuel similar to that used by civilian automobiles, and Avgas, a fuel used in some of the brigade’s special vehicles. The petroleum specialists run a battery of tests on the one-gallon fuel samples. These tests include checking monthly fil- ter effectiveness, flashpoint, distillation, freezing point, boiling point, corrosion, electrical conductivity, gravity, contamina- tion and visual appearances. Conducting the entire series of tests takes close to four hours, and the section averages five to six tests daily. The tested fuels, oils and lubri- cants are properly disposed of at the FARP’s hazardous materials storage area so they can’t harm the environment. Despite all the testing, McGee said her shop rarely receives a fuel sample that fails. She pointed out that the fuel special- ists only know where the fuel samples CAMP TAJI, Iraq – Sgt. Norbey Moreno, a petroleum laboratory specialist from Dallas, assigned to Company A, 404th Aviation came from, not where the samples are Support Battalion, Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, gets acetone from an explosion-proof refrigerator to run a going or the type of equipment it will be test on a sample in the mobile petroleum laboratory at the Camp Taji forward arming and refueling point July 14. The fuel test- used in. The fuel that meets the aviation ing specialists perform a battery of tests to make sure the fuel used in the brigade’s aircraft meets the quality standards. The standards could be used in ground vehi- helicopters require stricter quality tolerances in fuel than ground vehicles require. cles due to the universal nature of JP-8.

4th BCT Soldiers find large cache, detain four terrorists during Operation Guinness Story by Maj. James Lowe surrounding the house pointed out by a tip. gence that led us to the site. A Battery, led operations officer, who provided battalion- 4th BCT PAO, 101st Abn. Div. Four individuals were in the residence and by Capt. (Michael) Stewart, executed the level coordination at the site of the opera- BAGHDAD – were detained. mission flawlessly with assistance from the tion. “After detailed rehearsals, the battery oldiers of Battery A, 4th Battalion, The Soldiers searched the house and EOD team,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Milton, commander maintained momentum 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th found 130 anti-per- commander, 4-320th through precise command and control of Brigade Combat Team, 101st sonnel mines, one FA Regt. his assets,” Coyne added. Airborne Division, seized a large anti-tank mine rigged “Our Soldiers are simply Pivotal to the oper- “We have rehearsed and executed raids Scache of explosives and captured four ter- as an improvised- the best in the profession, ation was the blending like this many times, and we were able to rorists in Adhamiyah in a predawn raid explosive device, one and we can do this anytime, of various skill sets to enter and search the target house quickly Aug. 3. stick of rocket-pro- bring the right forces and smoothly,” said Capt. Michael Stewart, Operation Guinness, a battalion-level pelled grenade pro- anywhere.” to the battle. commander, Battery A. “Our Soldiers are operation that was part of Operation pellant, an RPG Capt. Michael Stewart “Operation simply the best in the profession, and we Together Forward, a Multi-National launcher, 25 rounds Commander, Battery A, 4th Battalion, Guinness was an can do this anytime, anywhere,” said Division – Baghdad initiative, concentrat- of .50-caliber ammu- 320th Field Artillery Regiment, excellent example of Stewart. ing on disrupting murders, kidnappings nition and various 4th Brigade Combat Team, intelligence driven Neither the suspected terrorists nor any 4th Infantry Division and bombings in Baghdad. other bomb making operations that inte- Coalition Soldiers were injured during the The suspects detained are believed to materials. A U.S. grated all available operation. An investigation into this inci- have launched bombing attacks against Navy Explosive assets. Our leaders dent by Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces Coalition Forces and Iraqi Security Forces. Ordnance Disposal team secured the integrated military working dogs, human continues. At approximately 3 a.m., Battery A explosives. intelligence teams, attack air, combat cam- “This mission was a victory for our unit Soldiers cordoned off the neighborhood “We received some very specific intelli- era and EOD,” said Maj. Bruce Coyne, and the people of Iraq,” said Coyne. august 20, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 7 ‘Renegades’ target terror Fires Brigades’ Deep Strike Soldiers use artillery muscle to keep enemy in check in Fallujah Story by Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Malec Fires Bde. PAO, 4th Inf. Div. CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – s the warm desert sun rises on another day at Camp Fallujah, the Soldiers of Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery ARegiment, Fires Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, maintain a quiet vigilance. Known as the “Renegades,” the Soldiers occupy a small corner on the des- olate, dusty camp once home to Sadam Hussein’s forces. The artillerymen of Battery A stand ready to lend their lethal firepower to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, deployed from Camp Pendleton, Calif., whose members patrol the harsh streets of Fallujah and Rhamadi seven days a week. The artillery weapon of choice is the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System, which is capable of delivering precise artillery strikes on enemy forces who desire to hinder the rebuilding of Iraq. Once they receive the order to fire a mission, they have little time to react, said Sgt. Nathan Lenahan, MLRS section chief, Battery A, 2-20 FA. “We will hear a loud beeping sound, and then the gunner announces that it’s a fire mission. We then throw all our gear on, get into our truck, and get out to our firing point as fast as possible,” said the Photo by Staff Sgt. James MacKillop, Btry. A, 2-20 FA Regt., Fires Bde., 4th Inf. Div. Virginia Beach, Va. Native who joined the CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Soldiers from Battery A, 2nd Battalion, 20th Field Artillery Regiment, Fires Brigade, 4th Infantry Army in 2002. Division, send a rocket downrange using the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System at Camp Fallujah. The Renegades use the Sgt. Frank Hernandez, MLRS gunner, system’s precision artillery firepower to support troops operating on the ground in the cities of Fallujah and Ramadi. Btry. A., 2-20 FA, said he hopes to keep “Because of our mission, we hardly Besides knowing they are performing tinued Lenahan, who eagerly awaits to be forces outside the wire protected and serv- have any downtime,” said Staff Sgt. their wartime mission, communication reunited with his wife, daughter and son. iced with quick and accurate artillery Stanley Weeks, launcher section chief, with loved ones back on the home front Spc. Denize Chagolla, driver, Btry. A, strikes when they need them. Battery A, 2-20 FA, who keeps his helps keep their heads in the game. 2-20 FA, said he hopes the Iraqis will “In my mind, what spells success is Soldiers motivated by reminding them “My family keeps me focused out soon be able to effectively run their coun- that all our missions are direct hits and that they are saving lives while taking out here,” said Lenahan. try. He said that he is also counting down that we take out the enemy when called to the enemy. “The fact that I can communicate with the days until he is reunited with his wife do so – making sure they don’t harm any- “Knowing that Soldiers and Marines them through email and phone calls really and two daughters but appreciates the body else,” continued the San Antonio out there appreciate the job that we do, helps me keep my head in the game closeness between his fellow Renegades. native. that pretty much keeps us intact,” beamed because I have two guys that I need to “We try to train on each other’s jobs, Most days are fairly calm for the the Queens, N.Y., native. take home to their families as well,” con- and we try to understand each other bet- Soldiers. The constant hum of power gen- ter,” said Chagolla, who hails from erators slices through the dusty wind, fur- Lamar, Iowa, the ice cream capital of the ther exasperating temperatures that can world. climb higher than 120 degrees. The To date, the Renegades have fired Soldiers stay busy keeping basic combat more than thirty successful strike missions skills sharp, cleaning weapons and prac- while at Camp Fallujah as they continue ticing combat lifesaving techniques. to blaze the trail for MLRS units in com- The Soldiers moved to Fallujah from bat. Camp Wolf in April. While at Camp “People are beginning to believe that Wolf, they not only stood ready to provide the MLRS has a place in combat,” said precision artillery strikes to coalition Paddock. “We were originally thought not forces, the Soldiers also performed pres- to have a place at first, but I think we ence patrols, base security and even their have shown that we do have a future out own cooking. Once at Camp Fallujah, here and a future on the war on terrorism they realized they had their work cut out and modern warfare.” for them amongst the myriad of barracks 1st Lt. Gregory Hayes, battery opera- in serious need of care. tions officer and executive officer, said he The Soldiers made quick work of fix- felt it was his duty to serve his country ing up their new home by sprucing up the and left his lucrative job as a chemical grounds for a football and soccer field, engineer in Hingham, Mass., to join the installing air conditioners in their living Army in 2003. quarters and getting internet connectivity Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Malec, Fires Bde. PAO, 4th Inf. Div. “Mission success to me would mean in their make-shift Morale, Welfare and CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq – Staff Sgt. Edgar Zataran, Guided Multiple Launch Rocket that we don’t have to shoot anymore,” System crew chief, ground guides his crew into their parking spot July 28 where Recreation Room. they stand ready to provide artillery support to coalition members operating outside said Hayes. “That means that the Iraqi The Renegades also share a tight bond, the wire twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Since their move to Camp Government is on its own and the Iraqi which they say makes living in close Fallujah from Camp Wolf in April, the Renegades have provided support to mem- army is taking control of its own country; quarters twenty-four hours a day, seven bers of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, based out of Camp Pendleton, Calif., if they don’t need us anymore, than that’s days a week bearable. with more than thirty successful fire missions. success for me.” Page 8 The Ivy Leaf august 20, 2006 Medical platoon keeps vigilant watch Story and photo by Spc. Lee Elder 133rd MPAD, 3rd HBCT, 4th Inf. Div. BALAD, Iraq – Soldiers of the Task Force Pacesetter Medical Platoon show a lot of heart as they manage the day-to-day task of taking care of more than 600 Soldiers here while remaining vigilant. The bulk of the platoon has only two or three years in the Army and they lack the manpower many of their counterpart units across northern Iraq. Yet, they find a way to get the job done and protect the lives of fellow members of 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. The team has not lost any Soldiers during more than eight months in this contentious area. “We have a small section, but everybody does his part,” said Sgt. Justin Folts, a Billings, Mont., native, who serves as the platoon’s treatment noncommissioned officer-in-charge. “We have a lot of good people with good ideas.” The medics’ tasks include daily sick call hours, riding as medical support on combat patrols, training the task force’s combat lifesavers and the constant task of being prepared for casualties from indirect fire. Logistical Support Anaconda, where the platoon is based, is a con- stant target for insurgent mortar attacks. Folts, 23, works hard to ensure the nine medics in the platoon are trained for whatever mission comes their way. “They are very high speed,” Folts said. “It’s very, very rare that you find no ‘problem children’ and a group where everybody works together. They are very smart and motivated. That’s the number one key – motivation.” That motivation starts at the top, Folts said. He praised BALAD, Iraq — Medic Spc. Joseph Garrison (right) gives oxygen to a mock patient during medical training Aug the platoon’s physician assistant, Capt. Paul Ruchalski 4. Also shown is Spc. Kyle Climo. Both are members of the Task Force Pacesetter’s medical platoon from 3rd Jr., as “a professional, a trainer and a leader without Battalion, 29th Field Artillery, 3rd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. peer.” “When you do encounter a situation and your nerves Soldiers’ first aid equipment is up to speed.” “He’s the best I’ve ever worked with,” Folts said. are all shattered and everything is in chaos, you have to Koerner, a 20-year-old Mesquite, Texas, native, said Sgt. 1st Class Brian Delaney and 2nd Lt. Casey be able to react without having to think,” Folts said. “It the battalion’s preparedness has paid off during the sum- Russell serve as the platoon sergeant and platoon leader all comes naturally. It’s something everybody should do mer months. With temperatures often more than 120 respectively. Both credit the Soldiers for being a group continuously.” degrees, the task force has been spared most major heat- that rises to every challenge without complaint. On a recent “typical” day for the medics, they went related injuries, he said. “They have a crazy schedule,” said Delaney, who hails straight from sick call to full battle rattle. This was fol- “We are keeping the Soldiers well educated on hot from Commerce City, Colo. “They are always having to lowed by training on treating a casualty on the battlefield weather and everybody is staying well hydrated and well cover down because there is nobody there to replace and then evacuating the wounded Soldier on a makeshift nourished,” Koerner observed. “The task force has come them.” ambulance. up with several plans whenever we get into the higher Russell, a New Kingston, N.Y., native, said many By late morning, the temperatures were already blaz- temperatures during the day. We try to work with the infantry medical platoons may have as many as 40 per- ing. This is not an unlikely battlefield scenario for north- patrol leaders to make sure the Soldiers aren’t over- sonnel to man them. However, since the 3-29 is a field ern Iraq. “We try to make it fun,” Folts said of the con- worked during the day.” artillery unit, it doesn’t have as many medics allotted to stant, on-going training scenarios played out by the The medics have dealt with a variety of ailments dur- them even though the unit has a daily patrol mission in medics. “It’s not a real high-stress thing. There’s not ing their tour here. At first, the major concern was upper and around the LSA Anaconda. somebody yelling in their face.” respiratory infections, later many Soldiers battled gastritis “We’re always switching medics around to cover what “We practice on a regular basis what the basic scenar- as they acclimated to a different diet. Strep throat has is most important,” Russell said. ios are, and that’s where the critiquing comes in. It’s a also been another health challenge. “Strep throat puts you “Their flexibility allows them to cover so many mis- matter of confidence building.” out for a while,” Koerner said. “You’re down and you sions with such few bodies,” Delaney added. The medics also function as trainers. They must have a fever and you’re losing fluids.” “We do alright,” Delaney continued. “Our guys are ensure the task force’s combat lifesavers are certified to Koerner exudes a quiet confidence that typifies the young, but they have a pretty mature outlook and realize perform medical tasks and that their equipment and sup- members of the hard-working, dedicated platoon. He said the importance of what they are doing.” plies are current and functional. the medics believe in their mission, in their leadership Although sick calls and missions outside the wire keep “We have to refresh the whole battalion, and I have to and in themselves. the platoon’s Soldiers hopping, there is always time for coordinate with the first sergeants to get all the classes “We are fully functional,” Koerner said with pride. training. This is crucial due to the constant indirect fire together,” noted Spc. Brian Koerner, the platoon’s treat- “We can treat everything that comes up in here. We’re threat. ment team leader. “I have to make sure all of the definitely more than ready.”

Airmen, MND-B Soldiers work together to keep Baghdad roads safe from IEDs Story by Capt. Dave Wright port officer, 8th Sqdn., 10th Cav. Regt. “Their training Force and Army team concluded the mission and 11th Exp. Air Spt. Ops. Sqdn. PAO and understanding of Army maneuver assets allows them returned to base without incident. BAGHDAD – United States Air Force joint terminal to integrate into the units with ease.” The JTAC airmen, who are a sort of hybrid Air Force attack controllers and Multi-National Division – Baghdad Under the cover of darkness, the small team, including element, spend their careers working and living on Army Soldiers from 8th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th the two JTAC airmen, manned an observation point and posts. When they go to war, they deploy with Soldiers Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, teamed up set up surveillance on a stretch of road that had been tar- and work air power into the Army scheme of maneuvers. July 29 to help prevent the placement of improvised- geted by IEDs in the past. The JTAC airmen maintained During the maneuver, Air Force and Army elements explosive devices in Baghdad. constant communication with Air Force aircraft flying worked together and ensured the stretch of Baghdad road The JTAC airmen’s responsibility to the mission overhead that served as the team’s eyes in the sky. The was safe for civilian and military traffic. required them to maintain communication with aircraft aircraft kept the team informed on what was going on in “The capabilities of the JTAC provide great situational observing the operation from above, which allowed the areas just beyond the team’s line of sight and brought awareness within the tactical operations center, but Soldiers to complete their mission with confidence. 500-pound precision guided bombs as insurance that they through multiple operations, they are best utilized in the “The TACP is an asset regarded at the highest levels would make it through the engagement. field with leaders on the ground making decisions,” said within a maneuver unit,” said J.D. Lauramore, fire sup- After nearly six hours in their positions, the joint Air Lauramore. august 20, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 9 IA, MND-B Soldiers capture high-value terrorist in east Baghdad cordon, search Story by Maj. James Lowe ing on disrupting murders, kidnappings Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, captured Capt. Will Arnold, commander, Troop B, 4th BCT PAO, 101st Abn. Div. and bombings in Baghdad. another individual July 25. 1-61 Cav. FOB RUSTAMIYAH, Iraq – The suspect taken into custody is “In a thorough search of a building with “This was a combined operation with ulti-National Division – believed to lead criminal elements, which a lot of people in it, the attention to detail 1st Bn., 2nd Bde., 6th IAD soldiers, Baghdad Soldiers of 1st have conducted deadly road side bombings at the Soldier level accounts for this cap- together with (MND-B),” said Winski. Squadron, 61st Cavalry against Coalition and Iraqi Security ture. The Soldiers knew who they were All the pieces came together from the Regiment, and 4th Battalion, Forces, as well as sectarian murders and looking for and methodically found him,” 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion pro- 320thM Field Artillery Regiment, 4th kidnappings that resulted in murder. He is said Lt. Col. Brian Winski, commander, 1- viding quality military intelligence and Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne believed to act as a financier, planner and 61 Cav., who was present at the site for the then to the intelligence officer, Capt. Jason Division, along with elements of the 2nd director of those criminal activities in east operation. Lucero, and his guys cross-referencing the Brigade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, captured Baghdad. During the search, 1-61 Cav. Soldiers situation on the ground to that data, said east Baghdad’s third highest “most want- In a combined mid-morning cordon and were attacked by sniper fire but sustained Winski. ed” terrorist in Adhamiyah during a preci- search operation, Soldiers from Troop B, no injuries. Neither the suspected terrorist nor any sion operation July 29. 1-61 Cav. discovered the individual at a “The key to success was all of the jun- Coalition or Iraqi Soldiers were injured The actions were part of Operation hospital complex in Adhamiyah. This ior officers and noncommissioned officers during this operation. Together Forward, a Multi-National marks the second high-value capture for who were able to make good decisions The incident is currently under investi- Division – Baghdad operation, concentrat- the brigade in the past week as 3rd based on the intent of the operation,” added gation by Iraqi authorities.

10th Cavalry Regiment takes on security mission in Al Jihad Story and photo by Spc. Jason Dangel 4th BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div. BAGHDAD – In what was perhaps a sobering start of their mission in the Jihad neighborhood in western Baghdad, the Soldiers of Troop B, 8th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, began their operations in the area where earlier that day local residents had witnessed the killing of at least 40 Sunni Iraqis July 9 in a series of violent attacks. Earlier that day a group of terrorists set up makeshift checkpoints, stopped cars and buses to check each person’s identifi- cation and murdered them in the streets. That afternoon, 1st Lt. Frank Toomey, platoon leader, and the Soldiers of Troop B, began security operations in Al Jihad and have since been working hard with the Iraqi Security Forces to defend the area. The 23 year-old platoon leader from Waldwick, N.J., and his team of Soldiers, assumed responsibility of Al-Jihad three weeks ago as the 10th Mountain Division’s 1st Brigade Combat Team began redeploying to Fort Drum, N.Y., after completing their yearlong tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. “In this area of operations, my unit’s primary mission is to support the ISF BAGHDAD – Spc. Charles Johnson, cavalry scout, Troop B, 8th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, while they take control of the situation,” 4th Infantry Division, patrols the streets of Al Jihad, a neighborhood in western Baghdad July 20. Toomey explained. “So far it’s been a scout Soldiers remain the same. patrolled the neighborhood streets, said increasingly targeted Iraqi National Police slow process, but it is one that is moving The Iraqi National Police is gradually Pvt. Loudon Garvey, a 1st Platoon cavalry working checkpoints in the area. forward.” stepping up its security operations in the scout and humvee driver from Nashville, “We’ve seen a lot of attacks focusing The platoon leader said his Soldiers area, and U.S. Soldiers will continue to Tenn. “Most of the people generally seem specifically on ISF patrols and check- have made a smooth transition from con- support Iraq in its efforts to restore peace happy when they see us – especially the points,” Toomey explained. “In response ducting infrastructure assessments and to Jihad, Toomey explained. kids, that’s the biggest thing for me,” to that, we have picked up patrols in the atmospherics with local Iraqi citizens into “Right now, we are encouraging the Garvey said. neighborhood, adding a security presence a role supporting Iraqi Security Forces Iraqi National Police to put in more check Despite all the smiles and waves the 24 hours-a-day,” he added. operating in south and central Baghdad. points while we provide tactical over Soldiers receive, Garvey said he and his Despite the scouts’ rigorous patrol “Success in Jihad falls upon the ability watch for the checkpoints to help elimi- fellow Soldiers are well aware of the dan- schedule everyday, the Soldiers feel they of the ISF,” Toomey said. “They have to nate the violence in the neighborhood,” he gers lurking in the streets of Jihad. There are already making an impact in Al Jihad. take the lead, and we’re pushing them to said. is never a time when the Soldiers of 8th “It gets hard out here sometimes,” said take that lead. We’re giving them the ball Toomey expects the Iraqi National Sqdn, 10th Cav., are not on the streets of Spc. Charles Johnson, a cavalry scout and blocking for them; they just have to Police to take a lead role in defeating the Jihad rooting out terrorists and providing from Grayson, Ky., during a joint patrol run with it.” terrorists in Jihad. security for the Iraqi people and ISF. with the Iraqi National Police, “but it feels Even though the troop’s mission has At first glance, the residents seemed to Attacks on the Soldiers, said Toomey, good to know I’m contributing to the mis- changed, attitudes among the cavalry welcome the Soldiers as they routinely have decreased as the terrorists have sion and helping these guys out.” Page 10 The Ivy Leaf august 20, 2006 Operation River Falcon 2nd BCT Soldiers search for terrorists, remind Salifiyah townspeople they are not forgotten Story and photos by Cpl. Michael Molinaro 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div. FOB KALSU, Iraq – oldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, conducted Operation SRiver Falcon July 25-27 in and around the town of Sayifiyah. “The goal was to set conditions in the area in support of future projects and more kinetic operations,” said Capt. Colin Brooks, commander, Company B, 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. Regt. Sayifiyah had once been a “French Riviera”-type region for Sunnis, who were given preferential treatment under the Sadam regime, Brooks said. Located southeast of Baghdad on the Tigris River, the small area, which is full of date palm groves and plush two-story waterfront houses, had become a sanctu- ary for terrorists. Some difficult regions to the northwest caused security force leadership to shift their focus to those areas, leaving the rela- tively peaceful town of Sayifiyah unguarded, said 1st Lt. Leon Satchell, pla- toon leader, Co. B. Soldiers departed here July 25 and rode into town in the pre-dawn hours inside humvees and Bradley Fighting Vehicles in search of terrorists residing in town. Five men, all of whom were on a suspect list, FOB KALSU, Iraq – Soldiers from Company B, 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry were detained during the initial cordon Division, inspect the aftermath of a controlled detonation July 27 in the Abasha Farms section of Sayifiyah. Soldiers from 2nd and search mission. Bn., 8th Inf. Regt., conducted Operation River Falcon July 25-27 in an effort to disrupt a terrorist safe haven. Soldiers found an “We sent a strong message that the area enormous cache and numerous vehicles suspected of being used for transporting weapons and bombs. is no longer a place where the enemy can gency,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ken Hignight, Division – Baghdad Soldiers or Iraqi my son to Baghdad to live with other fam- move freely,” said Brooks, a native of platoon sergeant with Co. B, 2nd Bn., 8th Security Forces if terrorist activity was ily members because it got too hot here. I Cleveland. “They will think twice about Inf. Regt., a native of Moline, Ill. “The occurring in the area. can’t work because none of my tools work conducting (terrorist) operations in cache was the biggest we have found Locals discussed the lack of power without power.” Sayifiyah.” since we got to Iraq.” their town had experienced for the past At first, the people seemed unsure of Soldiers continued searching houses Soldiers set out on the final day of the four to six months. The power line had why Soldiers were in town all of a sudden and introducing themselves to many operation to meet the residents and been severed by terrorists in Baghdad. and weren’t convinced they wanted to weary and mystified residents, who were explain to them they were in town to get Without power, the water purification communicate with anyone, said Satchell, a unsure of the Soldiers’ reasons for coming rid of the terrorists. They handed out plant shut down, and many were unable to resident of Rialto, Calif.. “They soon real- into town. The Soldiers set up a temporary humanitarian aid bags, food, a variety of work without electricity. ized we were here for their well-being and operating base on the outskirts of town. helpful items and TIPS cards so the resi- “Without electricity, we have nothing,” opened up to us,” he added. “Once we Soldiers continued patrolling the dents could inform Multi-National said a resident mechanic. “I had to send start producing, they’ll start telling us who streets, looking for anything out of the the enemy is.” ordinary. One platoon was tasked with Soldiers could see the perception of the combing a thick date palm grove in the locals change in just three days, Brooks Abasha Farms section of town that drew commented. the suspicions of many. The suspicions “We neutralized (roadside bombs), turned out to be valid as Soldiers exploited weapons caches, detained unearthed an enormous cache that will known terrorists and engaged with the affect enemy logistics, both in the short- local leaders,” he said. “We also identified term and long-term scheme of things, several in-roads to help the town and its Brooks said. Multiple vehicles suspected people, such as projects and future raids of being used to transport weapons and to root out any remaining insurgency. car-bomb attacks were also found. “Until a few days ago, the terrorists One man was detained after Soldiers were winning in this town. That is no witnessed him attempting to emplace a longer the case.” roadside bomb in front of a traveling com- Another unit will assume Sayifiyah as bat patrol. The detainee was caught with its area of operations as 2nd Bn., 8th Inf. detonation chord, an ignition battery and Regt., continues its counter-insurgency admitted to his crime on tape. campaign in the Babil province. Soldiers discovered numerous defen- The Soldiers witnessed a community sive roadside bombs in front of known that doesn’t want terrorists in their town, safe houses. The bombs were large and Hignight said. buried underneath the concrete road. An “Seeing the Soldiers ride in here was Explosive Ordnance Disposal team con- FOB KALSU, Iraq – Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade like having all of our wishes come true,” ducted a controlled detonation of the Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, unearthed a weapons cache July 26 in said Abdul, a lifelong resident of bombs. Sayifiyah. Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers conducted Operation River Sayifiyah. “That is the first sign of hope “We definitely disrupted the insur- Falcon to disrupt the terrorist stranglehold on the town. this year.” august 20, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 11 Gen. Pace visits Baghdad Story and photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mary Mott, 363rd MPAD CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – roops serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom were provided a rare opportunity Aug. 12 to meet and talk with Gen. Peter Pace, the sixteenth Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. TWhile at Camp Liberty, Pace entertained questions from Soldiers of Multi-National Division – Baghdad and the 4th Infantry Division. “We came a long way to do one very special thing, and that is to say thank you to you for what you are doing over here. We are so proud of what you do,” said Pace to the room of approximately 50 service members. “Sometimes when you are serving overseas and you watch some of the things on television, you could get to the point where you ask yourself ‘do we still have the support of the American people?’ and the answer is absolutely,” he declared. Comparing the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan with his own experiences as a young lieutenant in Vietnam, Pace said “there is a very distinct difference between what is happening right now and what happened during Vietnam with regard to the Armed Forces of the United States. In Vietnam it seemed to me … that our country CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Gen. Peter Pace (far left), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, visits troops here Saturday. was not able to distinguish between the war and the war- Pace serves as principal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of Defense and the National Security rior. Council. Prior to becoming Chairman, he served as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from Oct. 1, 2001 “That is no longer true in my opinion,” continued to Aug. 12, 2005. Next to Pace is Maj. Gen. James D. Thurman, Multi-National Division – Baghdad and 4th Infantry Pace. “Even those at home who have concerns about the Division commanding general, and Sgt. Maj. Terry Grezlik, G3 administration. war are supportive of you as individuals and your dedica- “What you are doing here today, and what you have brigades deployed continuously. tion to keeping them safe, and they understand that and been doing here since you got here and will continue to “The good news is that the Army has recognized the appreciate that. People come up to me all of the time … do, is you are protecting our country and you are helping need to change the number of brigades,” Pace said. “We and stop me and say thank you – not to me as an individ- the Iraqi people have a life similar to the life you had liv- started on that and are building.” ual but because they recognize me and ask me to pass on ing in a free country – with choices that they never had In addition, he told Soldiers currently serving in OIF to you their appreciation. So, my thanks come not only before.” that there is “every reason to believe that the Iraqi army from me personally but, more importantly, from so many Sgt. Matthew Edmonds, a paralegal noncommissioned and Iraqi police, over the time that you are gone (from of your fellow citizens who truly understand and appreci- officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, Fires here), will become stronger and have taken over much ate what you are doing. There is zero doubt in my mind Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., asked about the troop rotation more of their country, and therefore the need for U.S. and that what you are doing is important to our nation.” plan, saying that he expected only to be home for other Coalition Forces will be down.” Pace pointed out that the 5th anniversary of the approximately 18 months before returning to either Iraq Pace also assured those present, in answer to another attacks on our country in New York, in Washington, or Afghanistan and questioned “when do you see that this question, that the military is actively pursuing the need D.C., and in the skies over Pennsylvania, is coming up deployment tempo is going to slow down, realistically?” for enhancement, replacement and bettering of all types soon. .Pace told Edmonds and his fellow active-duty of equipment, both personal and combat-related. This “The number of individual service men and women Soldiers that the Army in 2001 had 33 active brigades includes vehicles, which are proven life-savers. who have sacrificed their lives to defend our nation in the and is growing to 42, with 37 in place now. When all 42 “I think the Army especially has done a great job of five years since we were attacked is approaching the are on line, Pace said, it will enable the Army to have 14 providing protection for the Soldiers,” said Pace. He also number of our fellow citizens who were murdered that brigades active at all times, making rotations for active pointed out that there is undeniably “a lag-time between day,” he pointed out. duty Soldiers approximately “one year out and two back identifying and buying new equipment.” Pace said it was erroneous to believe that if the United (home).” Pace, who was sworn in on Sept. 30, serves as princi- States “simply leaves Afghanistan and leaves Iraq, this He also pointed out that the National Guard is build- pal military advisor to the President, the Secretary of war would stop.” The wars in the two countries started ing up 28 fully equipped combat brigades and, like the Defense and the National Security Council. Prior to before US involvement, he said, “and if we leave before active duty brigades, once their goal is reached, rotations becoming Chairman, he served as Vice Chairman of the the job is done, it will simply follow us home – and we will slow to approximately one year deployed and five Joint Chiefs of Staff from Oct. 1, 2001 to Aug. 12, 2005. are not going to let that happen. years home for Guard Soldiers with four or five Guard Pace is the first Marine to serve as Chairman. 2nd BCT, 1st Amor Div. arrives in Baghdad; brigade to support MND-B operations to enhance security Story courtesy of 2nd BCT PAO close relationship with the Iraqi army and deployed to Kuwait in November. Since 2nd BCT Soldiers arriving in Baghdad 1st Arm. Div. the Iraqi police. then, two task forces, originally assigned to have been in the area for less than a month CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – “Our Soldiers are well trained, disci- the 2nd BCT, moved to support operations and are getting accustomed to their new oldiers of 2nd Brigade Combat plined and prepared for operations in in Ramadi and a task force moved to surroundings. Team, 1st Armored Division, Baghdad. We have transitioned from Baghdad earlier this year. “Living conditions here are excellent. attached to Multi-National Division Kuwait to Iraq safely and are now focused “The 2nd BCT underwent an extensive All of us have a positive attitude, and we’re – Baghdad, arrived in Baghdad dur- on our mission to enhance the Iraqi train-up in Kuwait and back at our home looking forward to doing whatever needs Sing the last week of July in support of Security Forces, ensure the safety of the station. We have made adjustments to to be done to complete this mission in a Operation Together Forward. Iraqi people, and facilitate the success of enemy tactics and continue to do so. Our timely manner. I have confidence in the The 2nd BCT, based out of Baumholder, Iraq’s unity government,” said Col. Robert Soldiers are motivated and great chain of command and in the equipment Germany, served as the theater reserve at Scurlock, commander, 2nd BCT. Americans and are ready to do their part of available to us – I’m ready to go,” said Spc. Camp Buehring, Kuwait, for eight months The possibility of movement into Iraqi the mission with drive and determination,” Evan Morris of Headquarters and prior to moving into Iraq. combat areas has been an integral part of said Sgt. Maj. Tyrone Barlow, operations, Headquarters Company, 40th Engineer The brigade will focus on building a the training cycle since the brigade 2nd BCT. Battalion, 2nd BCT, 1st Arm. Div. Page 12 The Ivy Leaf august 20, 2006

ARAB JABUR, Iraq – Iraq army soldiers and Soldiers from Multi-National Division – Baghdad's Troop B, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infant their search through the surrounding farmland. E RE TAKING THE FIGHT T ‘W ’ Story and 363rd MPA ARAB n an e reduc device for ter DivisionI – Cavalry R alongside Brigade, 6 mounted c in support “This i out here (A Rice, scou The So targets to rorist susp dents with small-arm “The m pected terr ting anyon toon’s earl Intellig been invol emplaced Arab Jabu The Ira these type we have re culture, ca interpret th ARAB JABUR, Iraq – A concrete staircase casts shadows on the walls of what is left of a house destroyed by terrorist activity here July 23. Iraqi army soldiers and Soldiers Rice sa from Multi-National Division – Baghdad's Troop B, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, discovered command-wired the local r improvised-explosive devices, freshly dug mortar pits and other bomb-making remnants during a search of the house and yard. in the area august 20, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 13

nfantry Division, conduct a dismounted patrol through the streets of Arab Jabur before continuing TO THESE GUYS y and photos by Staff Sgt. Kevin Lovel “You have to expose yourself long-term in order’ d MPAD for the residents to feel comfortable providing infor- RAB JABUR, Iraq – mation,” said Rice. ABOVE: ARAB JABUR, Iraq – An Iraqi army soldier jumps off of a propane tank n an effort to provide safety for local residents, “This area is important for a lot of reasons,” con- after checking it for command-detonation wires and improvised-explosive reduce the number of improvised-explosive tinued Rice. device-making materials July 23. devices and deny safe havens and supply routes Terrorists have been using routes along the Tigris BELOW: ARAB JABUR, Iraq – A local resident expresses his desire for a safe for terrorists, Soldiers from Multi-National River in towns such as Arab Jabur to bring supplies community, electricity and water during a humanitarian aid visit from Soldiers sion – Baghdad’s Troop B, 1st Squadron, 10th and bomb-making materials into Baghdad, said Rice. from Multi-National Division – Baghdad's Troop B, 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry lry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, working Several Soldiers from Troop B commented on Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, July 23. MND-B gside Iraqi soldiers from 5th Battalion, 4th their mission. Soldiers conducted these types of missions in addition to cordon and knock ade, 6th Iraqi Army Division, conducted dis- “I thought it went all right,” said Pfc. Luis Garcia, missions in order to help the law-abiding members of the community. nted cordon and knock missions here July 23-26 cavalry scout, Troop B, 1-10 Cav. Regt., who hails pport of Operation River Falcon. from Carteret, N.J. “We did a dismounted patrol and This is the first time we’ve had a lot of troopers pulled security. We started off going by routes, stop- ere (Arab Jabur) in force,” said 1st Lt. Patrick ping to look inside houses. We detained a suspect. scout platoon leader, Troop B, 1-10 Cav. Regt. “One of the biggest challenges on these types of he Soldiers worked their way from one set of missions is the heat,” said Garcia, referring to the ts to another in an effort to rid the region of ter- 120-degree heat which made proper hydration t suspects who have endangered the area’s resi- before, during and after the mission of utmost impor- with multiple improvised-explosive devices, tance. l-arms fire and mortar attacks, added Rice. “(The mission) was a success,” said Squires, who The mission went pretty well. We detained a sus- hails from Minneapolis. “We’re out here taking the d terrorist without coming under contact or get- fight to these guys. That’s what I signed up for.” anyone hurt,” said Rice, commenting on his pla- Despite their frequent, tough missions, the cama- s early-morning to midday mission July 25 raderie and morale of the Soldiers from Troop B is ntelligence reports indicated that the suspect had high. “Pretty much everyone here is like family, not involved in a network that manufactured and co-workers,” said Spc. Eric Mauro, cavalry scout, aced IEDs in the roads and farmland around Troop B, whose hometown is Concord, N.H. Mauro Jabur, said Rice. served as the radio transmitter operator during this he Iraqi army has been an able team player in mission. types of missions, said Rice. “The biggest help “The majority of us have worked together for a ave received from the IA is that they know the year and a half. We’re able to talk to each other and re, can tell if someone is lying, and they can vent about things that are happening professionally pret the emotions,” said Rice. and personally,” said Mauro. ice said the biggest key to gaining the trust of Rice said he was very pleased with the Soldiers’ ocal residents is providing a continued presence performance during the mission. “Thanks to them, I e area. have the easiest job in the Army,” said Rice. Page 14 The Ivy Leaf august 20, 2006

100,000 to benefit from completion of road project TARMIYA, Iraq – Construction is complete on a $421,000 road improvement project in Tarmiya Baghdad governorate. The project employed an average of 12 Iraqi workers for 1.5 months, who cleared four kilometers of road from surface trash and debris; graded the founda- tion; laid gravel; and wet the expedi- ent material and compact. These road improvements benefit potentially 100,000 local people of Tarmiya by providing easier flow of traffic and less congestion. In the total Reconstruction Program, there are 106 Village Road projects, with 85 completed, or 80 percent. Construction complete on 2 healthcare centers, 30 to be turned over to Ministry of Health Construction is complete on two Primary Healthcare Centers in the Baghdad governorate. The $613,000 Kadamiyah Clinic has the capacity to service 150 patients daily, while the CAMP TAJI, Iraq – A local woman sews a dress together at the grand opening of the Women's Center in Assyria Village Aug. 2. $653,000 Istiqlal Clinic can accom- The $230,000 center was built to encourage female business opportunities. modate the approximate 15,000 fam- ilies in that surrounding community. Both facilities are essential to Assyria Women’s Center opens relieving the overburdened outpatient care at existing hospitals. Story and photo by Norris Jones hoods can make the trip to Assyria Village to utilize the facility Both facilities are two-story, 1,155 Gulf Region Central District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and better their lives. square-meter facilities with space and BAGHDAD – Sheik O’rhaman Hama Rahman, Chairman of Council member Gulbahar Khudar Kader said the first goal capability for medical and dental the Hamamiea Council, officiated at the official opening of the was having local women begin sewing uniforms for area school examination, treatment and x-ray, as Assyria Women’s Center located near Camp Taji Aug. 2. children. The council invited local merchant Hadi Hamad to well as space for immunizations, lab- The new $230,000 Commander’s Emergency Response attend the Aug. 2 ceremony since he will be helping to market oratory, pharmacy and public educa- Program-funded facility is 400-square-meters and includes 12 that apparel. tion. sewing machines and 12 computers to encourage female business Note: For additional information contact Norris Jones, Public These are the first two of 30 pri- opportunities. This center is designed not only to benefit the Affairs Specialist at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf mary healthcare center projects in the 4,600 residents of Assyria Village, but women in the surrounding Region Central District, at (540) 542-2644. For more information Baghdad governorate to be turned area as well. Sheik Rahman said he was optimistic that the secu- on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq, visit over to the Ministry of Health rity situation would improve so that women in other neighbor- www.grd.usace.army.mil.

Out with the old, in with the new A 13-story 1,600- ton rectangular concrete stairwell, the last remnant of the old Al Mamoon Exchange and Telecommunication Center located in Baghdad, was removed Aug. 5 to make room for a new state-of-the-art seven-story telecommunica- tions building to be erected on the 70- by 135-meter site.

Photo by Norris Jones Gulf Region Central District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers august 20, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 15 Field artillery regiment completes several construction, beautification projects in July Story by Sgt. Tanasha Stachelclzyk 4th BCT PAO, 101st Abn. Div. FOB LOYALTY, Iraq – ulti-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers from 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th BrigadeM Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, completed several beautification and improvements projects in Zafaraniya and the area outside of FOB Loyalty were throughout the month of July. The projects included five play- grounds, two soccer fields, a soccer park and a sewing co-op. “I have the best job. I get to interact with local leaders and people in these neighborhoods,” said Capt. Shelia Matthews, civil military operations officer and command emergency response pro- gram coordinator, 4th Bn., 320th FA Regt. “I have seen such an improvement with the Neighborhood Advisory Council members. I participate in weekly meetings with local leaders to discuss long-term and short-term projects. In the beginning we would have to provide the agenda for Photo courtesy of 4-320th FA Regt., 4th BCT, 101st Abn. Div. these meetings, now they already have an ZAFARANIYA, Iraq – Capt. Shelia Matthews, civil military operations officer, 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, 4th agenda waiting,” said Capt. Raymond Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad, cuts the ribbon at the sewing co-op open- Johnson, commander, Battery A, 4th Bn., ing in July. 320th FA Regt. sive project, but probably the most benefi- watch set up. They inform us if there has completed, he was home on leave. Together they have cleaned up these cial of them all. The items provided for been anything suspicious going on,” said He said he believes that when he and areas dramatically but they still need our the project included five sewing machines Walters. his Soldiers go through the neighborhood, help, said Johnson. and materials. The Soldiers and Walters had wanted the children now have a better under- Johnson’s interaction with the leaders One of the Sindabold NAC members, a to do something nice for the children in standing of why he and his Soldiers are takes place at the weekly meetings, but woman, opened up her home to the the neighborhood. They had noticed an there. his battery spends the majority of its time women so they could come there and area that had been a soccer field but it was “Many people in this area are just patrolling the neighborhoods and interact- work using the equipment without having not level so every time it rained, it would above middle class,” he said. “It looks ing with the local people. When they are to pay. This enabled them to sew, make flood and the children would have to wait like prior to the war they were doing okay out, the Soldiers not only ask security items and sell them, which provided them weeks before they could play, said for themselves, and during the war, you questions but also questions pertaining to an opportunity to earn an income for Walters. could tell they lost stuff, but they take the beautification of their neighborhoods. themselves and their family. “We didn’t know how projects worked, care of what they have. They are really In these meetings the council members Not only are projects being brought up so we were going to get together and good about trash and keeping the area propose projects after the meetings, by battery commanders but also by the donate money so we could have one clean.” Johnson said he would go to Matthews, Soldiers themselves. built,” said Walters. “I know we are trying to win the hearts who would decide if we were able to do Staff Sgt. Christian Walters, QRF pla- When he approached Matthews, he and minds of the people, but I think the them. toon sergeant, Company G, who spends a said she told the Soldiers they didn’t have adults are set in their ways and beliefs. The difference between the soccer field lot of time in the neighborhood outside of to pay for anything. He said he gave her The children are the future,” he added. and soccer park was not only the size but the FOB, said the local residents are very the coordinates to the area, and with that 4th BCT has spent approximately $2 that the soccer park comes with changing receptive to him and his Soldiers. information, the local contractors began million on projects since coming to east rooms and bleachers, said Matthews. “We patrol the area frequently, and the project. Although he would have liked Baghdad and will continue to help in the The sewing co-op was the least expen- they have something like a neighborhood to have been present when the project was building of a new and improved city.

Iraqi army engineers conduct weapons training for U.S. Army partners Story by Sgt. 1st Class Tracy Ballog Russian-made AK-47s, RPK light machineguns, BKC construction and asphalt equipment operator with 16th Engineer Brigade PAO medium machineguns and were provided insight into Headquarters Support Company, 62nd Eng. Bn. CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Multi-National Division – each weapon’s operational capabilities. “Being able to understand how the weapons function Baghdad’s 16th Engineer Brigade Soldiers often function The weapons familiarization is a key element to both will help us develop better techniques, tactics and proce- as instructors and advisors for the 6th Iraqi Army organizations’ ability to conduct successful joint engineer dures to protect ourselves. For example, if we take fire Division engineers as part of their many in-theater engi- missions, said Maj. David Smith, operations officer, 16th while out on a mission, knowing the range and capability neer assignments. Eng. Bde. of the rounds coming at us will help us determine Recently however, the Soldiers took advantage of an “As we move together outside and back into the wire, whether to return fire or not.” opportunity to reverse roles and became the students dur- it’s critical from a safety and security standpoint for each Sgt. Willie Curry, a platoon Sgt. assigned to the HSC, ing weapons familiarization classes taught by the IA sol- of our Soldiers, and specifically our truck commanders, said he felt the training was indicative of the progress diers. to understand each IA weapon’s capability, how they being made with the Iraqi army. Nearly 80 Soldiers participated in four classes as part function and how to correctly clear each one.” “Participating in this training lets me know that of the 16th Eng. Bde.’s on-going Shadow Program, The students also had the opportunity to inquire about change is definitely taking place and reinforces to me which is a training partnership between the two engineer common malfunctions and under what conditions each that we’re moving closer to the ultimate objective of the units designed to further integrate the IA engineers while weapon performs best. Iraqi army taking the lead, said Curry. paving the way for future joint missions. “The weapons training was really good, and in addi- “We’re so used to being the subject matter experts on Engineers from 6th IAD and Explosive Ordnance tion to helping us on joint missions, I think it will also everything that it was nice to be able to have the IAs Disposal instructors taught the students how to assemble, help us react better outside the wire as the insurgents also reach a point where they’re training us and sharing their disassemble, and safely load and clear the Iraqi army’s have these weapons,” said Staff Sgt. Reginald Scott, a knowledge.” Page 16 The Ivy Leaf august 20, 2006

Apaches, MEDEVAC complete mission under enemy fire Story by scene. As the lead Apache crew began ized they were under fire, they departed the the damaged wingman returned to the loca- Sgt. 1st Class Reginald Rogers clearing the landing zone, it was immedi- area and headed to an area southwest of the tion to continue the escort mission. Combat Avn. Bde. PAO, 4th Inf. Div. ately attacked by small-arms fire from a LZ to assess the damage to the aircraft However, as it was returning, the Apache CAMP TAJI, Iraq – field near the landing zone. while the team’s other Apache remained on team received a call from the ground hree of the Combat Aviation “We were just about parallel with the site to provide aerial security. Soldiers assigned to the 2nd Brigade Brigade’s aircraft came under LZ and I heard one round impact the air- At that time, said Marion, the wing Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, enemy fire in the midst of a med- craft, but I couldn’t tell what side it was Apache, piloted by Chief Warrant Officers Multi-National Division – Baghdad, ical evacuation mission Aug. 2 in on,” explained 1st Lt. John Marion, who 2 Isaac Sauer and Joel Coleman, was still explained that they were now under fire. Tsouthwest Baghdad. served as the air mission commander. “We able to observe and secure the LZ. They They added that the MEDEVAC flight was An AH-64D Longbow Apache and a advised our wing that ensured that the MEDE- also taking fire. HH-60 MEDEVAC helicopter were we had just taken a VAC was able to land “When we came back, Dustoff was tak- attacked by terrorists using small-arms and round or two. It ended “As the MEDEVAC took without further incident. ing off and the ground guys said ‘hey, the RPG fire but were able to complete their up being two, but we “They also kept an Blackhawk is taking fire too – RPG and MEDEVAC mission and landed safely at didn’t know about the off, things really started eye on us as we got away everything,’” Vaughn explained. “As the an MND-B Forward Operating Base fol- second until we checked heating up.” from the area,” said MEDEVAC took off, things really just lowing the attack. the aircraft.” Chief Warrant Officer 2 Marion. started heating up.” At approximately 4:35 p.m. Aug. 2, the Vaughn then notified Gregory Vaughn After ensuring that The Apache team arrived on site and CAB Tactical Operations Center received a the other members of the Company B, 1st Battalion, the MEDEVAC aircraft was notified by the ground unit that the call for a MEDEVAC mission. As MEDE- team. 4th Aviation Remiment, landed safely, Sauer and small-arms fire was coming from a nearby VAC crews prepared to launch from FOB “We actually felt the Combat Aviation Brigade, Coleman departed the house. Falcon to an area southwest of the city, a hit,” said Chief Warrant 4th Infantry Division location to re-join Vaughn said the ground troops popped team of Longbow Apaches, which was ini- Officer 2 Gregory Marion and Vaughn. smoke in the direction of where the fire tially en route to a troops-in-contact call, Vaughn who, along with Back at the LZ, the was coming from and directed the Apaches was redirected to escort the MEDEVAC the rest of the team, is assigned to MEDEVAC crew had loaded the patient to the gunmen just north of the smoke. aircraft into a hot landing zone. Company B, 1st Battalion, 4th Aviation and was preparing to take off when it too They located the house and were given The Apache team, which is assigned to Regiment. came under fire and was hit at least once by clearance to fire on the target. the CAB’s 1st Battalion, 4th Aviation “I called up to (the second Apache) and small-arms fire. Despite being hit and still Meanwhile, the CAB TOC received a Regiment, linked up with the MEDEVAC said, ‘hey, we’ve been hit.’ The MEDE- taking fire, the aircraft took off successful- transmission that the MEDEVAC aircraft crew at FOB Falcon at approximately 4:45 VAC landed, and we kind of took off to the ly and headed toward the 10th Combat had landed safely at the 10th CSH. p.m. and proceeded to the area near Sadr south to see what was going on. Our origi- Support Hospital in Baghdad without fur- The Apache team engaged the target City. nal call was ‘we had to take it back.’” ther incident. and ground troops ensured they focused on Ten minutes later, they arrived on the Marion said after he and Vaughn real- About four minutes had elapsed before the correct target. august 20, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 17 Soldiers share tips on staying in shape during deployment Story by Sgt. 1st Class Jerry Malec utes flat to 14 minutes, 10 seconds. native, who has incorporated light Electronic Warfare Composite Squadron Fires Bde. PAO, 4th Inf. Div. Walck said he is motivated to “get in weightlifting into her routine. One, Baghdad, and is assigned as the CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – the best shape of his life” during this “I enjoy working out. It is actually my electronic warfare officer for Fires Bde., ow that the 4th Infantry deployment. “All this (exercise) helps relax phase and getaway moment,” added said he also stays in shape by walking to Division has eight months of keep the weight off I would be gaining Sgt. 1st Class Adam Scarr, intelligence most places in the camp rather than taking its yearlong deployment to from all the food we have to choose from noncommissioned officer-in-charge, Fires a ride. Iraq under its belt, Soldiers here,” he noted. Bde., who calls Edmonds, Wash., home. The hard part is running because he Nwith the Fires Brigade, 4th Inf. Div., con- Enlisting the help of those in her sec- “I feel I’m keeping my body and mind in doesn’t have a standard daily schedule, tinue to hold true to their commitment to tion to motivate her through physical con- shape so I will have energy to focus on said Moats, who has family in both stay in strong physical condition. ditioning sessions has helped said Sgt. 1st our mission here,” said Scarr. Providence, R.I., and Colorado Springs, Despite long hours, varying dining Class Shauna Patterson, human resources “The trick (for me) is to always do the Colo. schedules and missions that can crop up noncommissioned officer-in-charge, Fires push-ups and sit-ups as soon as I roll out “My goal is to get my abs into shape any time of the day or night, the Soldiers Bde. of bed,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Mike Moats, before I go home,” laughed Moats. “My have devised their own methods to ensure “It makes it a lot easier if you have who serves with the Joint Counter Radio wife asked for ‘six pack abs,’ and I’m they get that needed power workout. company,” said Patterson, a Decatur, Ga., Controlled Improvise Explosive Device going to try and give that to her.” “I run three times a week,” said 1st Lt. Amber Spain, executive officer, 324th Network Signal Company, Fires Bde. “On the days I don’t run, I work out at the gym.” “The equipment the military issues weighs a lot, which makes it even more important that I stay physically fit to per- form my duties as a Soldier,” continued Spain. The Severn, Md., native, said working out helps her deal with the stress of serving in a combat environment. Capt. Jared Sutton, assistant operations officer, Fires Bde., said he plans his day to try and fit in a visit to the gym during lunch or dinner hours when the workload is typically less demanding. “It’s hot here, and the better in shape you are, the better you can deal with it,” said Sutton, who hails from the cooler cli- mate of Sparta, Wis. “Your sleep and meal schedule is all dependent on what mission is going on, and being in shape helps you deal with those stressors.” Doing wind sprints on Tuesdays and hill work on Thursdays to stay in shape works best for Sgt. 1st Class James Walck, medical plans non commissioned officer, Fires Bde., who said he tops it off with a long run on Saturdays.

“On the other days, I work my chest, Photo by Spc. Allison Churchill, Fires Bde. PAO, 4th Inf. Div. shoulders, arms and legs,” said Walck, CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – Sgt. 1st Class James Walck, medical plans non-commissioned officer, grades Maj. Clarence White, S-6 who hails from Painesville, Ohio, and officer in charge, both of Fires Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, as he cranks out sit-ups. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Mike Moats, electronic credits his workouts for bringing down warfare officer assigned to Fires Bde., based with the Joint Counter Radio Controlled Improvise Explosive Device Electronic the time on his two-mile run from 15 min- Warfare Composite Squadron One, Baghdad, holds White’s feet during an Army Physical Fitness Test here in June.

Camp Slayer August Division MWR Calendar Babylon Movie SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT Theater 20 21 22 23 24 Softball 25 26 5K Run Check-in @ Capt.’s Mtg. is open! 5:15 a.m. 4 on 4 @ 6 p.m. Closest to the Pin Texas Hold’em Night Volleyball Night Karaoke Night Salsa Night R&B Night Softball Tourney @ 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. @ 8 p.m. @ 7 p.m. @ 8 p.m. @ 8 p.m. @ 8 p.m. (TBA) Stop by the Camp Slayer MWR for weekly 27 28 29 30 31 Volleyball Night movie listings. @ 8 p.m. Closest to the Pin Chess Tourney Pool Tourney Karaoke Night Salsa Night @ 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. @ 8 p.m. @ 8 p.m. @ 8 p.m. @ 8 p.m. Page 18 The Ivy Leaf august 20, 2006 GUIDANCE ‘Broke-back’ medicine fights lower back pain ow back pain will temporarily sideline about four out of five Americans at Lleast once in their working lifetimes and is the leading cause of disability for 20 to 45 year olds. It is second only to the common cold as a cause of missed work days. By Lt. Col. Mitch Soldiers deployed in sup- port of Operation Iraqi Meyers, Preventive Freedom are at especially medicine officer, high risk for back injuries 4th Inf. Div. due to combat related trauma, motor vehicle accidents, falls, lifting heavy loads, prolonged walking or standing in full body armor, beds or cots with poor back support and high levels of stress. A study conducted last year at two military pain clin- ics showed that over one-half of the Soldiers evacuated to the clinics from Iraq were suffering from LBP. The percentage was actually three times higher than for those evacuated for treatment of pain resulting from battle injuries. For about 90 percent of adults, LBP episodes are acute, meaning the pain lasts less than six weeks. If it persists for more than 12 weeks, it is considered chronic. Most LBP cases will resolve by themselves within a few weeks whether or not they receive any type of medical treatment. If left untreated however, some episodes may persist for several months or years and contribute to chronic disability. It is for these cases that prevention, medical evaluation and aggressive early treatment is especially important. Diagnosis of LBP: A skilled healthcare provider can usually diagnose the type of LBP just from a good med- ical history and physical examination. Special imaging studies such as X-rays, computed tomography (usually called a CT or CAT scan) and magnetic resonance imag- ing (commonly known as an MRI) generally are not needed for evaluating acute LBP, unless the pain was caused by trauma or to rule out unusual or potentially dangerous causes of back pain like cancer, bone disease or severely compressed nerves. The primary cause of most acute LBP cases is over- exertion leading to sprains and strains of the muscles and ligaments supporting the lower back. The pain usually occurs within one day after injury, is felt on both sides of Photo by Sgt. Kristin Kemplin, 363rd MPAD the back near the beltline, and is relieved by lying down CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq -- Litter carriers clockwise from the left: Staff Sgt. Juan Garza, squad leader; Sgt. Lorrianne at rest. The muscles in the lower back may feel very Pozas, orderly room noncommissioned officer; and Sgt. Timothy Gammey, unscheduled maintenance noncom- tense and tender when touched due to muscle spasms that missioned officer-in-charge, all of support platoon, Special Troops Battalion, Headquarters and Headquarters help to splint our backs and prevent us from making sud- Company, 4th Infantry Division, prepare a litter carry to transport a casualty. Soldiers are at high risk for back den moves that could cause further injury. injuries. Far less common causes of acute LBP are slipped or Some people seem to benefit best from a “fire and ice” least twice as likely to get LPB as non-smokers and ruptured inter-vertebral disks, and other conditions that approach by alternating the use of heating pads with cold recover much more slowly. Some companies now may put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves leaving the packs or ice massages over the lower back. require smokers to pay more for healthcare insurance spine. These conditions usually have an atypical presen- Other interventions include spinal manipulation, phys- since they are so much more likely to call in sick from tation, such as a sharp or burning pain radiating down the ical therapy, and Yoga breathing and relaxation exercises work. back of one leg to below the knee, muscle weakness, loss to help reduce stress levels that contribute to pain percep- People with recurrent LBP may benefit from attending of reflexes and sensation, and loss of bowel or bladder tion. Surgery is seldom necessary for acute LBP. “Back School.” Back schools are educational programs control. Prevention of LBP: Excluding trauma, most cases of that teach useful skills such as good body mechanics for Treatment of LBP: Since most cases of acute LBP LBP are largely avoidable. The best way to prevent LBP lifting, sleeping only on firm mattresses, and sleeping on will heal without any interventions, tincture of time and is to stay in good physical condition from regular exer- your side. patience are the primary treatments. To alleviate discom- cise. Aerobic exercise not only helps to stretch and Patient education is especially important for people fort over the counter medications such as Tylenol or strengthen the core muscles of the body, but helps to suffering from recurrent or chronic LBP. For more infor- Ibuprofen are useful, as is a day or two of rest. More reduce psychological stress, a very important contributor mation on LBP management consider visiting the website than a couple days of rest can be counterproductive, and to LBP. Aerobic exercise also helps to prevent obesity, for the Merck Manual Home Edition at several studies show the importance of performing gentle another significant contributor in sedentary people. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/index.html, or read stretches and light exercises such as walking to help Low impact aerobics such as bicycling and elliptical “Managing Low Back Pain.” It can be downloaded at: relieve LBP. training are best when recovering from LBP. http://www.va.gov/portland/Education/PatientEd/Docume Ice packs or heating pads can provide much relief. A Yoga can teach people to relax their back muscles nts/Pain/Managing_Low_Back_Pain.pdf. “Back Pain recent study at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine indi- while stretching, while breathing exercises and medita- Remedies For Dummies” is also a good reference and cates that using heat wraps eight hours a day for at least tion lower stress levels and promote overall relaxation. It goes into much more detail on diagnostic and therapeutic three days can significantly reduce pain and disability. may also help with smoking cessation. Smokers are at techniques, and the role of stress in LBP. august 20, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 19 Culture Experts erhaps the most impor- Mahdi’s father, the Eleventh Imam, died in 874, and people do not perceive him. In fact, some have claimed tant doctrinal difference since that day his son Muhammad is believed to have (to the great anger and dismay of others) to know the between Sunnis and become the Imam appointed by God to lead the faithful. Mahdi personally. As of this writing there are stories cir- Shiites in Iraq is that The most popular account of Muhammad al-Mahdi in culating in the media that a certain Shiite cleric was PIraq’s Shiites, known as Ja`fari Shiite literature relates to his father’s funeral. It is report- asked his sister’s hand in marriage by none other than the (or Twelver) Shiites, believe in ed that as the funeral prayer was about to begin, Mahdi himself during their Tuesday get-together for tea! twelve infallible divinely-appoint- Muhammad al-Mahdi’s uncle, Whether the cleric made ed religious leaders and guides Ja`far Bin-`Ali approached to these claims or whether they known as the Imams. Possibly the lead the prayers. However, were maliciously attributed to most defining belief of the Ja`fari By Jake Lester, Muhammad al-Mahdi com- him, the reports caused quite sub-sect is their belief that Imam manded, “move aside, uncle; The thousand- an uproar among the more Muhammad Bin-Hassan Bin-`Ali, Senior cultural only an Imam can lead the mainstream Iraqi Shiites. the Twelfth Imam, is the ultimate and political funeral prayer of an Imam.” Because of the belief that the savior of humankind, known as advisor Ja`far reportedly moved aside, year Imam Mahdi walks among us, mes- the Mahdi. and the five-year-old child led sages are publicly posted to Imam Muhammad al-Mahdi was born in Iraq in 868. the funeral prayer for his the Mahdi in the form of His mother, Narjis, is believed to have been a Byzantine father. It is reported that it was during this very day that signs, banners, and in the news media, in the belief that princess. His father, Imam Hasan Bin-`Ali al-Askari, was Muhammad al-Mahdi disappeared and went into the first the Mahdi reads them. the Eleventh Shiite Imam. If this is true, the Twelfth of his two occultations. Shiites believe that the Mahdi went into occultation Imam is half European. It is believed that the Mahdi went into two separate for many reasons. Among the most important is the belief Because Shiites believe that the Mahdi did not die, he occultations. The first, known as the Minor Occultation, that the world needs a certain amount of preparation has no Mausoleum, but he does have a shrine near the took place from 873 to 939. The second is the Major before it is ready for the return of the Mahdi, and that the shrine of his father and grandfather, in Samarra’. The Occultation, which began in 939 and is believed will con- world is not quite wicked enough to require his return. golden dome in Samarra’, which was destroyed on Feb. tinue until a time decided by God. At that point, the According to Shiite beliefs, there will come a point when 22, covered the grave of his father. Commemoration of occultation will end and the Mahdi will reappear to bring all ideologies and doctrines will fail. It will then become his birthday is usually celebrated at the other shrines in absolute justice to the world. clear that no one is capable of establishing justice in the Iraq, especially at the shrine of Husayn in Karbala. The occultation does not mean that the Mahdi was world except God’s vice regent, the Mahdi. Many Shiites believe that God concealed the Twelfth taken elsewhere. On the contrary, it is believed that the Until that time, Shiites believe the Mahdi walks Imam from humankind early in his life. Muhammad al- Mahdi is living a normal, if very long, life but that (most) among us, unperceived.

Deployed Soldiers test Body Ventilation System to reduce heat-related injuries Story and photo courtesy of the evaporation rate. can be attached in a variety of positions to Mark Waits, an M1114 gunner with the Army News Service The BVS has two main components – meet the Soldier’s need and comfort. The 3rd Battalion, 29th Field Artillery FORT BELVOIR, Va.. – The Army’s a Ventilation Unit and an Air Distribution filtered blower system fits neatly into a Regiment. “I don’t feel as fatigued after a Rapid Equipping Force delivered 500 Garment that looks like a vest. The VU, pouch and is similar to a fanny pack. mission in the BVS.” Body Ventilation Systems to heat-stressed or blower, is a battery powered fan that “It definitely keeps me cool,” said Sgt. The BVS operates approximately eight Soldiers in Iraq and Kuwait in July. hours with commercial lithium recharge- The portable, lightweight ventilation sys- able batteries, with a recharge time of four tem will help reduce heat-related injuries to five hours. Filters are the system’s pri- and will undergo one of year assessments mary maintenance. by such Soldiers as drivers, military “When GlobalSecure approached us police and machine gunners. Another with their quick, simple and reliable BVS 1,700 vests will be shipped and issued to design, I knew we could work with and Soldiers in similar units and duty posi- count on the REF to get it to Soldiers,” tions in upcoming months. said Col. Richard Hansen, director, project “The BVS project is another example manager, Soldier Warrior. of how the Army culture is changing in GlobalSecure was selected among order to provide warfighter solutions in a other vendors for its overall quality and timely manner,” said Col. Gregory Tubbs, product design, service, timeliness and REF director. “It also provides another price. example of how much good can be The Rapid Equipping Force is commit- accomplished when Army organizations ted to working with industry and govern- like PEO Soldier and the Rapid Equipping mental partners such as Soldier Warrior to Force team to help the warfighter.” develop versatile equipment that protects The BVS weighs less than five pounds Soldiers and ensures their survivability and can be worn under body armor. Air and lethality. circulates inside the vest to increase the A Soldier tests the new Body Ventilation System. The system, which includes a bat- “If the warfighters need it, then I won’t Soldier’s comfort and performance in hot- tery-powered fan, is worn under body armor and is designed to increase the evapo- rest until I explore every option to meet dry climates by significantly increasing ration rate of sweat and keep Soldiers comfortable while working in hot climates. those needs,” said Tubbs.

230th Finance Battalion “Always There and Ready” Changes to CFLCC check cashing and casual payment policies Maj. Desmond Raphael month in Casual Payments. However, only $200.00 cash EagleCash SVC. Executive officer, will be given to the individual and the remainder will be The CFLCC policy change only affects the locations 230th Finance Battalion placed on their EagleCash SVC. that currently have the Eagle Cash SVC. ffective Aug. 15, individuals deployed to loca- Example: A contractor cashes a personal check for Individuals are encouraged to visit their local finance tions that possess the EagleCash Stored Value $250 at the local finance office. He or she will receive office and sign up for the Eagle Cash SVC, there are no Card will have new limits placed on the amount $200 in U.S. currency and the balance of $50 on his or fees or interest incurred for using this card and once of U.S. cash they can receive from check cash- her EagleCash SVC. Likewise, a service member value is stored on the card, it can be used at the post Eing and casual payments. receives a casual payment for $350 at the local finance exchange, the post office, and at most of the local ven- The policy continues to allow deployed personnel to office. The service member will receive $200 in U.S. dors located throughout Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and obtain $300 per week in check cashing, and $350 per cash and must add the remaining $150 onto his or her Afghanistan. Page 20 The Ivy Leaf august 20, 2006 GUIDANCE RELIGIOUS SERVICES, AA MEETINGS, Chaplain’s Corner AND MANDATORY R&R BRIEFINGS Look for recent VICTORY CHAPEL SER- VICES, BLDG 31 Value of Humanity changes to Sunday Joshua Chamberlain, commander of the 20th and frailties of worship services. 7 a.m. and 8:45 a.m. worship services. Traditional Protestant Worship Maine at Gettysburg during the Civil War, was a humanity, 10:30 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass man of brilliance. Gifted in seven languages, his looked at war? DIVISION CHAPEL noon Gospel Protestant Service intellectual and artistic prowess also included Obviously he Sunday 2 p.m. Mormon Worship writing, teaching and music. Before his commis- was overcome Chaplain (Maj.) 9 a.m. Contemp. Protestant Worship 4 p.m. Episcopal/Lutheran sion, this noted religious scholar served on the by grief and Richard Koyama 10:30 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass Worship faculty at a small college in Maine. he prayed to 1 p.m. Episcopal Worship Service Deputy division chaplain, 6 p.m. Contemporary Protestant Chamberlain felt a call to serve in the military God for 3 p.m. Gospel Worship Service and left school in 1863, receiving an appointment strength to 4th Inf. Div. 8 p.m. Collective Protestant Worship Monday Monday 10 a.m. SGM’s Meeting with the newly formed regiment. He later gained continue the fight. 6 p.m. EML Chaplain's Briefing 1:30 p.m. Protestant Gospel fame and was awarded the Medal of Honor for The Bible addresses the dignity and value of Tuesday Prayer Meeting his actions at Little Round Top during the humanity. God did create us equal. Despite our 7 p.m. Bible Study 3 p.m. R&R -- Reunion and Gettysburg campaign. personality differences and behavior patterns, he Wednesday Suicide Intervention Briefs The epic movie, “Gettysburg,” portrayed Col. designed us in his image. We are a mirrored 6 p.m. EML Chaplain's Brief 7 p.m. Gospel Protestant Bible Chamberlain as a man who believed strongly in reflection of him. We are of great value in our 7 p.m. Bible Study Study the total value and dignity of each individual. He relationship with God. 8 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous Tuesday understood that all people were equal in the sight God desires that we each approach him per- Thursday 7 p.m. Gospel Choir Rehearsal of God. He affirmed that each person should sonally. He is a personal God and we cannot 7:30 p.m. Gospel Choir Rehearsal Wednesday Friday 9:30 a.m. R&R -- Reunion and have every chance to succeed, regardless of race, afford to be without this intimacy. He continues 6 p.m. EML Chaplain's Briefing Suicide Intervention Briefs color or creed. In real life, Chamberlain main- to care, leading us through green pastures and 7 p.m. Bible Study 7 p.m. Korean Bible Study tained this regard for humanity. still waters (Psalm 23). As we meditate in prayer, Saturday 8:30 p.m. Protestant Music Tragedy struck at Gettysburg. Both north and as we worship him with song (Psalm 100), as we 8 p.m. Contemporary Protestant Rehearsal south suffered tremendous loss, and many of drink upon his Word (John 4), God embraces us. Praise Band Rehearsal Thursday those who survived wept unashamed. With bod- We walk now with God, thanking him for our 6 p.m. Roman Catholic Music ies littered over the battlefield, I wonder how Col. values and for having our unique relationships CAMP VICTORY CHAPEL, Rehearsal Chamberlain, sensitive as he was to the strengths with peers, families and friends. BLDG 2 6:45 p.m. Men’s ‘Purity’ Bible Sunday Study 9 a.m. Orthodox Liturgy Friday Monday 1 p.m. Jumu’ah (Islamic Prayer) 4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass 5 p.m. Prayer Gathering Service 7 p.m. Alcoholics Anonymous 6:30 p.m. Contemporary Worship Tuesday Music Rehearsal 4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mas 8:30 p.m. Protestant Music Wednesday Rehearsal 4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass Saturday 7 p.m. Men’s Gospel Fellowship 9 a.m. Seventh-Day Adventist Thursday Music Practice 4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass 11 a.m. Seventh Day Adventist 7 p.m. Spanish Bible Study 3 p.m. R&R -- Reunion and Friday Suicide Intervention Briefs 4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass 4 p.m. Gospel Choir Rehearsal 6:30 p.m. Shabbat Service 7 p.m. Roman Catholic Music 8 p.m. Women’s Gospel Bible Study Rehearsal Saturday 8 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass 5 p.m. Orthodox Vespers 11 a.m. Seventh Day Adventist ENGINEER CHAPEL Sunday CAMP STRIKER CHAPEL 8 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass Sunday 10 a.m. Traditional Protestant 9 a.m. Catholic Mass 11:30 a.m. Lutheran Worship 10 a.m. Contemporary Protestant 1 p.m. Latter Day Saints 10:30 a.m. Protestant (Pad 6, Tent 4 p.m. Gospel Service 410) 7 p.m. Traditional Protestant 11:15 a.m. Traditional Protestant Monday 4:30 p.m. Protestant 7 p.m. Catholic Thel. Education 6 p.m. LDS Tuesday 7 p.m. Praise Service (Gospel) 7 p.m. Bible Study 7:30 p.m. Praise and Testimony (Pad Wednesday 6, Tent 410) 7 p.m. LDS Bible Study Monday Thursday 9 a.m. Catholic Mass 7 p.m. Bible Study Wednesday Friday 9 a.m. Catholic Mass 7 p.m. Gospel Bible Study 6 p.m. LDS Bible Study 7 p.m. Prayer/Bible Study WARRIOR CHAPEL 7:30 p.m. Prayer/Bible Study (Pad 6, Sunday Tent 410) 10:30 a.m. Contemporary Thursday Protestant 5 p.m. Purpose Driven Life 12:30 p.m. Gospel Protestant 7 p.m. Praise Choir Practice 4 p.m. Roman Catholic Mass Friday 5 p.m. Latter Day Saints 9 a.m. Catholic Mass 7 p.m. Non Denominational 11:15 a.m. Catholic Mass (TOC Christian Conference room) Wednesday Saturday 7 p.m. Gospel Prayer 6:45 p.m. Catholic Mass (Pad 6, Thursday Tent 410) 7 p.m. General Protestant Daily 6:30 a.m. TOC Prayer Service Friday (TOC Conference room) 6:30 p.m. Wicca Circle Meeting august 20, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 21 GUIDANCE JAG Corps selects Army officers to become lawyers Stpry by Capt. Michael Jones The FLEP is a great deal, but unfortu- thorough. This is particularly important any of the various sections within a JAG Judge Advocate, chief of client services, nately, it is not widely known. The pro- because typically the LSAT, which is a Office, including Operational Law, Multi-National Corps - Iraq gram provides officers with a unique non-waiverable requirement, is only Military Justice, Administrative Law, Every year, the Judge Advocate opportunity to go to law school and enter administered three times a year. Client Services, Foreign Claims and Fiscal General’s Corps selects approximately 15 the challenging and exciting branch of the Applications must be received prior to Law. active-duty Army officers to attend law Judge Advocate General’s Corps. November 1 for each year, and the selec- “The mission of the JAG Corps is chal- school. Selection for the FLEP is competitive. tion board meets in the second week of lenging and complex. The JAG Corps Following graduation from law school Applicants must have less than six years of December. needs individuals who can quickly think and successful completion of a state bar active federal service, score high on the If selected, the officer must gain admis- through difficult problems, apply the examination, these officers become U.S. Law School Admissions Test and have an sion to a state-supported law school that appropriate law, and come up with realistic Army Judge Advocates. excellent grade point average from their will grant the member in-state tuition rates. solutions for commanders to implement. The selected officers are allowed to undergraduate school. The average GPA Many state universities will grant in-state It’s a very challenging work environment, attend a state-supported law school with all for last year’s selected candidates was 3.51 tuition to FLEP officers even if they don’t particularly now with sustained deploy- tuition costs paid for by the Army. While on a 4.0 scale, and the average LSAT score reside in that state. The officer then attends ments in support of the global war on ter- attending school, the selected officers was 159 (which is in the 79th percentile). law school during the fall and spring while rorism. Most people don’t realize how remain on active duty and continue to Applicants must also have strong letters of performing on-the-job training at an Army legally-intensive the sustained counterin- receive full pay and benefits. recommendation and an interview with a installation during the summer months. surgency fight is. Judge Advocates with The program is known as the Funded Staff Judge Advocate. They should also Upon graduation from law school and operational experience are essential at all Legal Education Program. FLEP officers have outstanding Officer Evaluation successful completion of a state bar exam, levels of the fight,” said Miller. are crucial to the success of the JAG Reports and strong support from their the FLEP officer attends the Judge The author of this article is a former Corps’ mission because they provide a chains of command. Advocate Officer Basic Course and begins field artillery battery commander and new degree of military skill and experience that Applicants with broad experience, more service in the Judge Advocate General’s FLEP officer who recently graduated from allows them to better understand the needs evaluated time and leadership experience Corps. Florida State University. of the other branches of the Army. Many tend to be more successful in the selection “New FLEP officers are assigned to a Qualified applicants who are interested FLEP officers are former platoon leaders process. variety of interesting legal positions,” said in getting more information about the and company-level commanders, which The application process can take be Col. Mickey Miller, Multi-National Corps- FLEP may contact the MNC-I Client gives them a unique perspective on provid- lengthy. Therefore, interested officers Iraq Staff Judge Advocate. Services Office located in Bldg. 133 on ing legal support to military operations. should start the process early and be very “FLEP officers are expected to serve in Camp Victory, or call DSN 822-2864. Page 22 The Ivy Leaf august 20, 2006 ENTERTAINMENT cartoon corner august 20, 2006 The Ivy Leaf page 23 SPORTS Sports Roundup with guest sports commentator Spc. Karl Johnson 363rd MPAD

The Bowl Championship Series ‘experiment’ goes on … and on ...

ell, fellow football fans, seven years, the way in which the top abundance of oft-used that having bowl games is one of we’ve made it through the two teams are selected be basically arguments, but usually those things. off-season and now stand at unchanged. The BCS did, however, always comes back However, I also feel that Wthe doorstep of another glo- add a fifth BCS bowl game designed to their main every college football fan, no rious college football season. The to give smaller conference teams a bet- two. matter if you’re the beginning of this year’s season marks ter chance at a big bowl. But for all 1. A diehard, “paint yourself the eighth year of the Bowl intents and purposes, the system of playoff team colors fan” or the Championship Series “experiment.” picking a champion will remain the would “take a nap during I put the word “experiment” in same. decide the game and wake quotation marks because since the The BCS will be riding last year’s the up for the final two 1999 season, the BCS has changed the success, hoping that once more the minutes fan,” you format in which the top two teams are unpredictable twists and turns of the should get to see selected every single year. From argu- gridiron can produce two teams to ing strength of schedule and the use of emerge as being very clearly numbers independent polls to the use of com- one and two. History, puter rankings, the BCS has changed however, is not on their … uhhh … modified … errr … side. altered … ahhh yes … tweaked its sys- There are basically two tem in a desperate effort to build a sides to the debate over flawless championship system. the BCS system – those This is, of course, not really possi- who think it’s not perfect ble. but is still the best system However, it was a mere seven for Division 1A college months ago that the BCS committee football and those who exhaled a collective sigh of relief after frankly think it stinks and watching arguably one of the best would like to see a playoff bowl games in history. The often system put into place. ridiculed BCS had managed to accom- Whichever side you sit on, there is the best teams plish what they had not been able to a good argument to be made. play each other pull off in previ- The pro-BCS for the champi- ous years – name- camp can always best onship – year ly, put the two “ ... Every college football fall back on the team after year. best teams in the fan, no matter if you’re the two main ideas in a I think the right country up put forth by the head-to- answer is to add a against each other diehard,“paint yourself team committee, name- head limited playoff role without a signifi- colors fan” or the “take a nap ly. match-up on into the existing BCS cant amount of during the game and wake 1. The BCS the field system. This could be debate about who up for the final two minutes boosts the impor- instead of on a accomplished by simply those two teams fan,” you should get to see tance of the regu- computer. adding an additional game at should be! lar season thereby 2. A playoff system the end of the BCS games and The committee the best teams play giving college would eliminate, or at least then having the winners from the top members wasted eachother for the football a playoff reduce, the doubt and controversy four teams play each other for the no time patting championship ... ” intensity all sea- that today dominates the end of most title. each one other on son. football seasons. I believe the answer Each side would concede something the back and 2. The BCS to the BCS debate lies somewhere in to the other, while maintaining their claimed the BCS to be a success. This maintains the tradition of bowl games the middle. principle arguments. I believe this will was more evident in their actions, or which have stood as a college football I, for one, am a true believer in the be the BCS that we see in the future. should I say inactions, than their team’s measuring stick for nearly a tradition of sports and of the sanctity For certain, there is one thing that words. century. of sports heritage. Some things just is clear. No matter which side of the This season, for the first time in The pro-playoff camp also has an shouldn’t be changed and I believe BCS debate you are on, it’s good to Page 24 The Ivy Leaf august 20, 2006 FACES AND PLACES

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Mary Mott, 363rd MPAD CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – The sun rises over Z Lake at Camp Liberty early in the morning Aug. 8. Soldiers living here experience the tremendous beauty of Iraq as well as the constant turmoil.

Photo by Maj. Anna Friederich, 2nd BCT PAO, 4th Inf. Div. FOB KALSU, Iraq – Mr. Allen Graves, manager, Kalsu Dining Facility, Kellog, Brown and Root, congratulates Sgt. 1st Class Ronald King, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Special Troops Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, July 28 for being the one millionth customer at the DFAC since 2nd BCT’s deployment to Iraq in December. The Kalsu DFAC serves approximately 2,400 personnel per meal with 120 foreign nationals, eight KBR personnel and 21 2nd BCT Soldiers on hand responsible for the food preparation, safety and quality assurance. Since December, the DFAC has served approximately 89,100 dozen eggs, 48,510 lbs of T-bone steak, 10,560 lbs of lobster tails, 11,880 lbs of crab legs, 42,740 cases of non-alcoholic beer, 41,481 bottles of Gatorade, 4,917 cases of cereal, 138,270 lbs of chicken wings, 66,000 lbs of fresh apples and 8,613 gallons of Baskin Robbins ice cream.

Photo by MC1 Keith W. DeVinney, Combat Camera BAGHDAD – 1st Lt Amos Bock of 4th Battalion, 320th Field Artillery, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, stands guard in the stairway of an apart- ment building in east Baghdad early the morning of Aug. 3. The Soldiers raided the building after receiving information about an explosives cache inside. During the raid, they discovered 139 anti-personnel land mines, a bag of small- arms ammunition, an anti-tank mine and various bomb-making materials.