October 28, 2009

www.dvidshub.net (search phrase: Expeditionary Times) Vol. 2 Issue 43 Retrograde Combatives level two classes at JBB St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Sp c . Jo h n St i m a c Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Service members on Joint Base Bal- ad, Iraq, may soon be able to learn attack skills ranging from punching to placing opponents into submission. Level two combatives class- es, which are tentatively sched- uled to begin in December at JBB at the East Gym, teach Normandy cleans up combatants intermediate at- tacking and defensive tech- niques, said Spc. Nigel Davis, Page 9 noncommissioned officer in charge of the combatives pro- Air Force Senior Airman Catherine West, with the 532nd Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron and a Lumber- ton, N.C., native, explains each step of her takedown techniques to the instructor during the level one combatives gram, with the 80th Ordnance class. This procedure is mandatory to pass the class Battalion. Look out below Davis, a Brooklyn, N.Y., na- week classes that start Nov. 9. certified can also be a puncher to be as flexible as possible.” tive, said the goal of the train- Level two classes build on in the level one combatives Davis said the training ing in level one and two com- the skills learned in level one, class, and is allowed to be an consists of a basic format of batives is not to learn to fight, teaching more intermediate assistant instructor,” he said. ground-fighting techniques but teach service members to defense and attack positions, Level one is a 40-hour and stand-up fighting. protect themselves and their said Davis. course, completed in a five- “We’ve also changed the battle buddies. “Level two gives more op- day period and the level two outlook on mentally training “This is not a school where tions on how to get out of course is 80 hours, or two the Soldiers as well,” he said. we train fighters,” said Davis. situations and how to remain weeks, said Davis. “The students watch videos of Level one combatives class- calm when put in stressful sit- “We also understand that live professional bouts and see es have been at JBB for roughly uations under close combat,” some personnel are not able how level one techniques are a year – the November sched- he said. to train the full five days, so being used and standardized ule for the Army combatives Davis said level two also some people can do half days,” in their matches.” level one training certification teaches officiating in a mixed he said. “If possible we try to Standardized physical train- classes was released Oct. 21 martial arts match. accommodate the participants ing does not properly prepare and will consist of three, one “Anyone who is level two around their schedules and try 37th Eng. Bn. performs SEE CLASS ON PAGE 4 St. Michael’s Jump Page 12-13 Mississippi Guardsmen ramp up excess equipment turn in at Q-West Family ties St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Contingency Operating Loca- Iraq,” said Goodman, a native The battalion also staffs the Ca p t . Mu r r a y Sh u g a r s tion Q-West, Iraq. of Meridian, Miss. “We’re turn- base defense operations center 2/198t h CAB Lt. Col. Kerry Goodman, the ing in over seven years’ worth and the mayor cell that over- commander of 2nd Battalion, of accumulated equipment and sees basic life-support needs. CONTINGENCY OPERAT- 198th Combined Arms out of vehicles, which the Army can Additionally, the Mississippi- ING LOCATION Senatobia, Miss., inspected redistribute where it’s needed ans provide three convoy secu- Q-WEST, Iraq — four company areas, including most, such as in Afghanistan.” rity companies, said Goodman. In preparation for motor pools and maintenance The excess turn in is an These convoy security com- the drawdown of shops, scattered across the added duty for a busy battal- panies will become much U.S. forces and base. ion. The 2/198th CAB provides busier as the transportation Fathers, sons equipment from “We have to get all non- Q-West with a force protection of equipment and supplies in- deploy together Iraq, the commander of a Mis- mission-essential equipment company that runs the main en- creases during the drawdown, sissippi Army National Guard off our property books to sup- try control point, fields a quick so it is important for the Mis- battalion conducted an excess port a responsible drawdown reaction force and secures off- sissippians to turn in their own Page 15 property inspection Oct. 11 at of personnel and equipment in post missions, said Goodman. SEE EXCESS ON PAGE 4 PAGE 2 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s October 28, 2009 Balad Blotter JBB platelets travel to Afghanistan

September 30 - October 6 St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Ai r Fo r c e Se n i o r Ai r m a n An d r i a J. Al l m o n d SEIZED PROPERTY/CONTRABAND: 332n d AEW Pu b l i c Af f a i r s A complainant telephoned the law enforcement desk and reported a third country national with JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq –In support of Opera- contraband that consisted of a black thumb tion Enduring Freedom, the Air Force drive. The complainant detained the subject Theater Hospital platelet apheresis lab and transported him to the law enforcement at Joint Base Balad began dispatching desk. The subject was later released to his su- blood platelets to Afghanistan Oct. pervisor. 14. The AFTH has functioned as SEIZED PROPERTY/CONTRABAND: the sole platelet provider in Iraq. Now, it is the first A complainant notified Defender Control of a in-theater medical facility to send platelets col- third country national with cell phone contra- lected in one operational area to another, said Lt. band at complainant’s location. Patrols arrived Col. Thomas Jordan, 332nd Expeditionary Medical on scene and made contact with the witness. Group apheresis chief. Army Sgt. Jason Westlund, C Company, 7th Battalion, The witness stated via statement of witness “When I first arrived, I noticed there was a need 158th Aviation flight medic with the Oregon National form she was searching a vehicle at her loca- (for platelets) in Afghanistan,” said Jordan, who is Guard, places a package of blood platelets into a UH-60 tion when she discovered property in the driv- deployed here from Carswell Air Force Base, Texas. Black Hawk helicopter for transfer to another contin- gency operating location Oct. 19. The Air Force Theater er’s side door. The patrol seized property via “Sometimes we collect more platelets then we need Hospital collects the blood component for use in medi- Department of Defense form 4137. The patrol to meet the demand in Iraq. Right now we’re at 56 cal facilities throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. transported the subject to the law enforcement to 62 units a week. Since some of those units don’t desk for questioning. HST arrived on scene and get applied – and inevitably must be destroyed if conducted a non custodial interview with sub- not used within their shelf life – we wanted to fig- “Right from the beginning, we noticed that even if ject. The subject said he found property while ure out a place we could utilize the excess.” we got the platelets there, the medical facility in Af- cleaning a warehouse. The subject said he Master Sgt. Philip Monk, platelet apheresis lab- ghanistan wouldn’t be able to sustain them because made three calls to his father and then placed oratory flight chief, said while injuries requiring they didn’t have an incubator,” Jordan said. “I looked the cell phone in the vehicle where it was found platelet transfusions have decreased in Iraq, there around here and found that we had an (extra) one. So, by the witness. The subject refused to make a is still a need for the condensed clotting agent in we figured out a way to get it to Kandahar. They vali- written statement. Afghanistan. dated the effectiveness of that instrument and then “Our sole purpose here is to provide platelets put it into use.” PATROL RESPONSE/FOUND PROPER- where they’re needed,” said Monk, the senior NCO, The process has been a joint effort between the Air TY: deployed from Andrews AFB, Md. “So, we targeted Force, Army and Navy. While the platelets are collect- A complainant telephoned the law enforcement (Afghanistan), and we weren’t gonna be stopped. ed by the Air Force, the Navy runs the Kandahar hos- desk and reported finding property at location We made sure we got them there.” pital and the Army handles the weekly shipments. with no known owner in the area. A patrol was Jordan and his team ran into a series of chal- Army Sgt. Jason Westlund, a C Company, 7th Bat- briefed and dispatched. The patrol arrived on lenges getting the platelets to the OEF theater, he talion, 158th Aviation flight medic who helps trans- the scene and made contact with the complain- said. port the boxes of blood products, was excited about ant who stated via a statement of complainant “(Platelets) don’t like to be above 73 degrees the new mission. form that he was told that property was left Fahrenheit or they die off,” he said. “So we have “We’re here to support Warfighters on the front behind at the individual drop-off point at his to keep them at a certain temperature for the en- lines,” said the Oregon National Guardsman. “And location. The complainant further said he im- tire life of the platelet. This proved to be a difficulty the thought that we may be a part of the process that mediately contacted the KBR inc. security who during flight. saves someone’s life makes me feel very good about informed him to contact the provost marshall’s “We found a way to combat this by using a spe- what we’re doing here.” office. The owner arrived on scene and claimed cial cooler called a ‘Golden-Hour Box.’ It (main- Staff Sgt. Michael Hebron, 332nd EMDG NCO in property. tains) the correct temperature throughout the charge, shared similar sentiments. flight, which is about four to six hours.” “This is a proud moment for us here,” he said. “We The blood products, which he describes as “per- know for a fact that platelets save lives because we’ve NIPR: 443-8602 snickety,” depend on special appliances to maintain seen it here in Iraq. So, to put it simply, they should SIPR: 241-1171 them once they arrive at the Role 3 Multinational have the same effect in Afghanistan, where they are Email: [email protected] Hospital in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Initially, that seeing more combat-related injuries now. Every plate- equipment was not on hand there, he said. let is valuable. Every one of them can save a life.”

EXPEDITIONARY TIMES 13th ESC Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz Expeditionary Times is authorized for pub- 13th ESC G2, Security Manager 139th MPAD Production Editor Spc. Lisa A. Cope lication by the 13th Sustainment Command Lt. Col. Angelo Williams, 13th ESC Staff Sgt. Robert E. Fafoglia [email protected]. (Expeditionary). The contents of the Expedi- [email protected] [email protected] tionary Times are unofficial and are not to be Spc. Michael V. Camacho considered the official views of, or endorsed 13th ESC PAO, Managing Editor 139th MPAD Layout and Design [email protected] Maj. Raul Marquez, 13th ESC PAO Sgt. Jayson A. Hoffman by, the U.S. Government, including the Depart- [email protected] [email protected] ment of Defense or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Contributing Public Affairs Offices Expeditionary Times is a command informa- 13th ESC PA NCOIC 139th MPAD Photo Editor 15th Sustainment Brigade tion newspaper in accordance with Army Staff Sgt. Joel F. Gibson, 13th ESC Sgt. Keith VanKlompenberg 36th Sustainment Brigade Regulation 360-1 and reviewed by the ESC G2 [email protected] [email protected] 90th Sustainment Brigade for security purposes. 96th Sustainment Brigade Expeditionary Times is published weekly by 13th ESC Staff Writer 139th MPAD Copy Editor the Stars and Stripes central office, with a cir- Spc. Naveed Ali Shah, 13th ESC Spc. Brandy Oxford 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team culation of 3,000 papers. [email protected] [email protected] 155th Heavy Brigade Combat Team The Public Affairs Office is located on New 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing 139th MPAD Commander 139th MPAD Staff Writers 194th Engineer Brigade Jersey Ave. Building 7508, DSN 318-433-2154. Capt. Brad Sinkler Sgt. Ryan Twist Expeditionary Times, HHC 13th ESC, APO [email protected] [email protected] AE 09391. Web site at www.dvidshub.net For online publication visit: 139th MPAD First Sergeant Spc. John Stimac www.dvidshub.net Contact the Expeditionary Times staff at: 1st Sgt. Aangi Mueller [email protected] keyword: Expeditionary Times [email protected] [email protected] Mission Statement: The Expeditionary Times staff publishes a weekly newspaper with the primary mission of providing command information to all service members, partners and Families of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) team, with a secondary mission of providing a means for units at Joint Base Balad to disseminate command information to their audiences. October 28, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 3 Mental health: Yes, there might be a test By Ca p t . St e v e Br a s i n g t o n He or she feels entitled to escape given a guarantee the event is drug free. Soldiers for drugs after they return from Co m ba t St r e s s Co n t r o l Ps y c h i a t r i s t stress. The Soldier has earned the oppor- The U.S. Department of Defense leave. Following leave, do not be sur- tunity to forget about combat for a little Health Related Behavior Survey covered prised when you return to Iraq if you are ome Soldiers will while. 25 years of self-reports gathered from asked to give a urine sample. Stake mid-deployment Planning to relax is one thing, getting 1980 to 2005. The authors of this report Your TRICARE Management Activity leave during the holi- totally wasted is another. If wasted or ex- concluded drug use by service members supports you and your family by promot- days. tremely intoxicated, the Soldier is tem- was a fraction of drug use by the civilian ing a drug free community. Specifically, Celebrations are wait- porarily defenseless and incapacitated. population. Red Ribbon Week promotes drug free ing. Parties are antici- In the process of getting trashed, the However, cigarette smoking and communities and alerts us to the dangers pated. On my walks around base, I hear off-duty dismount may encounter drug heavy drinking by military respondents of unhealthy lifestyles. Soldiers talking about having a good time use in the environment. Those brown- exceeded rates for the civilian popula- The theme for Red Ribbon Week 2009 when they go home for a couple of weeks. ies could very well have marijuana baked tion. is “Drug free is the key.” Red Ribbon Anticipating good times to come is a right in the recipe. That hookah pipe may I contend that if the two populations Week is the nation’s oldest and largest healthy way to maintain morale. have more than tobacco burning in it. mix together, both heavy drinking and drug prevention program, reaching mil- However, when someone talks about The vapors of the crack pipe can be in- drugs will be present. lions of Americans during the last week holiday cheer, he or she might mean haled as secondary smoke with drug us- This 25-year survey noted that the of October every year. The Defense of De- free-flowing alcoholic refreshment. It is ers exhaling right into your face. two drugs most commonly discovered partment’s 2009 Red Ribbon Week ob- not unusual for me to learn a Soldier is You want go to the party to see your by drug testing were marijuana and co- servation is set for Oct. 23 through Oct. already planning to get drunk, before the friends. Chances are, you will not know caine. 31. May you pass the test, Red Ribbon Soldier arrives home. everyone at the gathering, nor will you be Commanders are beginning to test Week or on any day of the year.

Sexual Assault The Weekly Standard Response Coordinator By Ma s t e r Sg t . Ro y Th a c k e r Jr. ation they believe warrants corrective takes on the appearance of punish- From the Joint Base Balad sexual 13t h ESC As s i s t a n t In s p ec t o r Ge n e r a l training, and not every situation does, ment, i.e. extra-duty, restriction, is not assault response coordinator team: standard rule may include the follow- corrective training. Protect yourself from acquaintance y now, leaders are ing: sexual assault; know your intentions aware noncommis- • The training, instruction or cor- B Joint Base Balad: DSN 433-2125 and limitations and communicate sioned officer authority rection given to a Soldier to correct de- them clearly. You have the right is derived from the com- ficiencies must be directly related to the Lt. Col. Reginald Howard (Command Inspector General) to say “no” to any unwanted sexual mander’s authority ac- deficiency. contact. If you say “no,” say it like Maj. Scott Peters (Deputy) cording to Army Regu- • It must be oriented to improv- you mean it. Back up your words lation 600-20 Army Command Policy, ing the Soldier’s performance in his or Master Sgt. Roy Thacker (NCOIC) with your body language. Call the paragraph 2-1b and that the commander her problem area. Sgt. 1st Class Danilo Egudin JBB SARC at 443-7272 or contact may hold Soldiers and leaders account- • Corrective measures may be Sgt. 1st Class Javier Cruz via pager 443-9001, 159 for help. able when that authority is abused or taken after normal duty hours but en- Army members should seek assis- misused. The commander has a variety sure the timing does not supersede a Q-West (15th SB): tance with their unit victim advocate of tools to address violations of regula- higher commander’s policy for duty DSN 827-6115 or deployed-SARC; you may also call tion, policy or procedure, the least of day. Lt. Col. Kyle Peterson 433-7272 or 443-9001, 122/135 for which may include counseling and/or • Corrective training should con- Taji (96th SB/ 155 BCT): assistance. associated corrective training. tinue only until the training deficiency is DSN 834-3079 AR 600-20 (para 2-18c (3)) states, overcome. Lt. Col. Timothy Norton/ “NCOs are assistants to commanders in If a Soldier fails the Army physical Lt. Col. Paul Bird administering minor nonpunitive cor- fitness test push-up event, a reasonable Interested in a rective actions.” The same paragraph number of repetitions of the push-up in Adder/Tallil (36th SB/ 41 BCT): states non-punitive measures, correc- a period of time may be warranted, but DSN 833-1710 movie? tive actions, are not considered nonju- abdominal or cardiovascular exercises Lt. Col. Melanie Meier/ dicial punishment. Corrective measures may not. Stripping and mopping the Maj. Jeffrey Copek Check the movie schedule should assume the nature of training or barracks or orderly room floors would Al Asad (96th SB): instruction and should not be used as not be an appropriate measure for a Sol- DSN 440-7049 on Page 20 punishment. dier failing to appear for duty. Any act Sgt. 1st Class Tamera Wynn When a leader is faced with a situ- that demeans, i.e. hazing, or otherwise Chaplain’s corner: compliments appreciated

By Lt. Co l . Wi ll i e Ai ls t o c k ing ministry that, for every negative work with more gusto and enthusiasm lie Shedd has likened our need for af- 13t h ESC De p u t y Co m m a n d Ch a p l a i n word spoken, it takes up to 20 posi- when they are complimented and feel firmation to a tire with a slow leak, tive statements to overcome that one appreciated. which, though pumped up at night, must make a con- negative statement. I know some are thinking, it’s their must be blown up again the next day. I fession. I have the Indeed, we all know the tongue is job, that’s what they get paid for, it’s His point is that yesterdays compli- tendency to be nega- sharper than any double-edged sword. their duty. All of those things are true, ments don’t suffice for today. We all tive if I am not careful. We all know the power of words. but we are talking about people, not have an ongoing need for affirmation, Why is it so easy for Let me ask you this question, how machines. and initial compliments need to be us to find the bad in long has it been since you have re- None of us would consider not do- followed up with reminders. people, places and things rather than ceived a compliment from anyone? ing preventive maintenance on our I think we can all learn from the the good? How long has it been since you have vehicles. If we don’t change the oil, words of G.B. Stern who said, “Silent What I am most concerned about given a compliment to anyone? keep air in the tires and fuel in the gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.” today is how we treat our fellow Sol- Mark Twain said long ago, “I can tank how long will it run? I’m sure The truth is kindness is a lan- diers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines – live for two months on a good compli- you would agree, people have far more guage everyone understands. Go out people in general. ment.” value than vehicles. and make someone’s day, pay them a I learned long ago in my counsel- What I have discovered is people Former minister and author Char- compliment. PAGE 4 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s October 28, 2009 Guardsmen inspect excess property

EXCESS FROM PAGE 1 with us. So we were just waiting for battalion to pull the trigger and inspect excess property as soon as possible, us.” said Goodman. Capt. Jeremy A. Allen, commander Moreover, Goodman said he in- of B Company, 2/198th, out of Green- spected his companies to place com- wood, Miss., said the excess equip- mand emphasis on their responsibili- ment turn-in and inspection changed ties for the drawdown. He said many his perspective on the mission. of the veterans of a previous, 2005 “This inspection made us focus on deployment to Iraq needed to read- what we need to keep for the mission just their thinking to current realities and what we can do without,” he said. here. “The more we can do with less, the “This inspection was partly to help better we can help the bigger mission. change their mentality,” he said. “Dur- We’re doing a sustainment mission for ing the last deployment, companies the short term, but the long-term mis- had trouble getting vehicle parts and sion in Iraq is the drawdown.” equipment, so they got in the habit of Allen, a Memphis, Tenn., native, hording. There is no longer a shortage; said preparing for the drawdown has parts and supplies go through the sys- even influenced changes in how he or- tem in a timely manner.” ganizes his company’s tasks. Goodman did an initial walk- “Preparing for the drawdown, we through with the commanders two streamline the company mission, de- weeks before the inspection, during creasing the number of troops neces- which he issued his guidance – com- sary,” said Allen. “For example, we cut Sgt. 1st Class Randolph Dover (left), a motor sergeant from Sardis, Miss., and pany areas needed to meet Army sani- the company headquarters section by 1st Sgt. John L. Beasley (middle), a Henando, Miss., native, both with A Com- tation standards and all excess prop- nearly 50 percent, and we moved those pany, 2nd Battalion, 198th Combined Arms out of Hernando, Miss., consult with erty had to be identified, he said. Soldiers to the convoy security and Lt. Col. Kerry Goodman, commander of the 2/198th CAB out of Senatobia, Miss., “The companies spent every spare maintenance platoons. That allows and a Meridian, Miss., native, during an excess inventory inspection Oct. 11. The hour since then preparing,” said Good- us to add truck teams to handle more inspection was in preparation for the drawdown of U.S. forces and equipment man. “There’s been great improvement. security missions, because we expect from Iraq. The companies have identified 100 the number of missions to increase as percent of the excess vehicles and 90 bases across Iraq begin to turn in vehi- Mallard praised the effort of his Sol- spent on this project, but the work percent of equipment that they need to cles and equipment for redistribution diers in preparing for the inspection. we have already done will set us up turn in. The first turn in of more than to Afghanistan and other key battle- “Soldiers like to stay engaged, and for success when the order comes to $3.7 million worth of excess vehicles fronts.” this has kept them busy for the last begin drawing down large numbers of and equipment starts immediately.” Capt. Jeff Mallard, Jr., commander two weeks,” said Mallard. “I am proud forces in Iraq,” said Hollingsworth, a Capt. Drew Clark, commander of A of C Company, 2/198th CAB, out of of my Soldiers and all the hard work native of Florence, Miss. “It also helps Company, 2/198th CAB, out of Her- Oxford, Miss., said his convoy security they have put in. The credit for the create a safe work place by eliminat- nando, Miss., said his force protection company will see an increased opera- drawdown rests on the backs of the ing clutter.” company was well prepared for the in- tions tempo in the coming months, as young Soldiers. This is hard work and The excess equipment drawdown spection. they begin to haul equipment out of they are making it happen.” shifts focus from core missions, but “We drafted a plan, and the platoon Iraq. Capt. Bradley S. Hollingsworth, Goodman said he believes it is a high sergeants and motor sergeant began “We anticipate playing a significant commander of A Company, 106th priority. implementing that plan weeks ago,” role in providing security to convoys Brigade Support Battalion, headquar- “The sooner the battalion com- said Clark, a Madison, Miss., native. during the drawdown,” said Mallard, a tered in Magee, Miss., said he sees a pletes its own excess equipment turn- “The Soldiers worked hard, and we Bay City, Texas, native. “Therefore, we lot of work ahead but feels confident in,” said Goodman, “the sooner it can had extra time to get ready. In fact, are doing all we can to minimize our that his company is prepared to meet focus on securing the convoys that when the colonel did his initial walk- property now in order to stay focused the challenge. transport excess property out of Iraq through, he didn’t have many issues on our mission ahead.” “There will be many more hours to our brothers in Afghanistan.” Level two combatives classes to swing into JBB CLASS FROM PAGE 1 you for that type of situation.” to have the Soldiers think while being service member to be certified as a The class does not focus only on attacked.” level two combatant. Soldiers for combatives training, said fighting techniques, however. Pfc. Jaime J. Velez, a light wheeled Davis, who is level three certified, Davis. “Level one is set up as a crawl, mechanic for the 514th Maintenance said the level two combatives class is Spc. Eric S. Borror, an ammuni- walk, run phase,” said Davis. “We go Company out of Fort Drum, N.Y., only tentatively scheduled for Decem- tions specialist with the 80th Ord. through everything step by step, and said the only experience he had in ber due to mission time constraints. Bn. and a primary instructor for the the students have lots of time to re- combatives before taking the course Chief Warrant Officer 2 Richard JBB combatives program, said the PT view their techniques before being was what he received in basic train- Mantooth, who is level four certified, workout they have created is gaunt- tested on the last day of class.” ing. Velez, a Jayuya, Puerto Rico, just arrived at JBB and will be able let-style cardio training. To graduate, the students must native and the lightweight winner of to validate the level two classes, said “We PT two of the five days of the perform their techniques and teach the 80th Ord. Bn. combatives tour- Davis. course for about an hour and a half,” them back to the instructor. They nament last month, said the class has Davis said Mantooth’s missions said Borror. “The training consists of must also develop a thorough knowl- helped him. take priority over combatives for the a lot of variations of cardio exercises, edge of the history of Army combat- “I’ve learned the proper mechan- time being, but the level two classes working upper body muscle groups ives, said Davis. ics and how to execute moves prop- will begin once he is settled in. and your core.” The final test is participation in, erly, as well as the history behind Borror, a Milford, Ill. native, said Davis said learning combatives and completion of, the clinch drill, it,” he said. “It is a great experience. he really enjoys teaching the classes. helps prepare Soldiers for combat. he said. We have great instructors and we’ve “It’s not only a great self-confi- “Having this knowledge could help “The clinch drill exercise con- learned a lot this week.” dence builder for the students, but in a close combat situation,” he said. sists of four, one-minute rounds and According to the Fort Benning also it is self-satisfying knowing that “Think about the possibility of what (combatants) will have to achieve Web site on combatives classes, a I’m teaching a skill set that Soldiers would happen if there was a weapons one of three clinch moves on the level three or four certified instruc- will incorporate on the battlefield,” malfunction. These classes prepare puncher,” said Davis. “It’s developed tor needs to validate the class for any he said. October 28, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 5 Soldiers provide safety through Access Control

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y cation based on Multi National Force- A potential employee gets his iris Sp c . An i t a Va n d e r Mo l e n Iraq guidelines. scanned with the Tactical Biometrics 41s t IBCT “We make sure the employer has Collection System. The system is used the best interests of the U.S. Gov- for background checks on individuals BAGHDAD – The 41st Infantry Brigade ernment and military in mind,” said wanting access to VBC and other ar- Combat Team base defense Maj. Michael Becker, AC officer and a eas in Iraq. It also provides a base for operations center’s Access Lafayette, Ore., native. future identification. Iris scanning is Control ensures the safety When the application is approved, one of the final steps in the process of of the people at Victory the sponsor makes an appointment issuing badges to potential workers on Base Complex, Iraq, on for the prospective employee to be fin- Victory Base Complex. a daily basis. gerprinted and have an iris scan and Sponsors bring local and third an ID photograph through the Tactical daily on average, said Becker. country nationals who want to work Biometrics Collection-Iraq system. “The VBC site is the largest transit on VBC to Access Control for process- “The system will check background site in Iraq for movement of equip- ing. information,” said Spc. Beverly Sun- ment, personnel and contractors,” “The first step is verifying that they dell, an AC human resource specialist Lawson said. “About 30,000 Local are not a threat to the base,” said Maj. and a Salem, Ore., native. “We do this National and Third Country National Matthew Lawson, BDOC AC officer in for security reasons to make sure each employees are badged through this of- charge and a Salem, Ore., native. “This person is a safe individual.” VBC and when,” said Col. Eric Bush, fice.” is the most critical part of what we do The whole process, controlled by the BDOC unit commander and a Prin- With people coming to VBC from all here.” about a dozen Soldiers, takes roughly eville, Ore., native. “This small group over the world, Becker does not take The process begins by verifying five to seven business days to com- of skilled Soldiers ensures the safety of his job lightly. the application, doing an initial back- plete, Lawson said. 63,000 people.” “We are not here to make friends, ground check and screening the appli- “The Soldiers ensure who gets on The site processes 150 applications but to do the right thing,” said Becker. Wagonmasters receive combat patch

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Lt. Col. Paula Lodi, commander of the 15th Sg t . Ma t t h e w C. Co o l e y Special Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Brigade and a Franklin, Mass., native, uses a cavalry saber to cut a cake with the oldest CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- Wagonmaster, Master Sgt. Stanley Dyches, TION Q-WEST, Iraq – Sol- the brigade surgeon noncommissioned of- diers with the 15th Special ficer and a Copperas Cove, Texas, native, and the youngest, Pfc. Monique Carr, a Troops Battalion, 15th 15th STB cook, during a patching ceremo- Sustainment Brigade ny Oct. 15 at the Morale Welfare and Rec- received their com- reation building at Contingency Operating bat patches, formally Location Q-West, Iraq. known as shoulder sleeve insignia - former wartime service, Pierce, who is on his first deployment, in a ceremony Oct. 15 at the Morale Wel- said the deployment met his expectations fare and Recreation building at Contin- thus far. gency Operating Location Q-West, Iraq. “There (are) a lot of activities at the The patch, which may be permanently MWR (and) good food,” he said. worn on the right sleeve of most Army The 15th Sustainment Brigade arrived uniforms, shows the Soldier wearing it in Iraq roughly one month ago. The bri- deployed to a combat zone with that spe- gade is responsible for logistical support cific unit. to all of Multinational Division – North, During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Paula including the movement of thousands of Lodi, the battalion commander, and recent trip to another base where she saw just couldn’t wait to wear it,” Lodi said to troops and tons of equipment as the U.S. Command Sgt. Maj. Clarence Miller, the an NCO wearing a Wagonmaster combat the Soldiers. “If you aren’t proud to be military reduces its presence in Iraq. battalion’s senior noncommissioned of- patch that was twice as large as normal. part of a team that others want to join, you “On the left (sleeve) it is temporary – ficer put patches on the company com- “I asked the sergeant where he got don’t appreciate what we are all about.” the unit we happened to be assigned to at manders, who repeated the cycle with the patch and he proudly told me he and Pvt. Nichlas Pierce, a radio maintainer a particular moment in time …” Lodi said. their first sergeants and Soldiers. some others paid out of pocket to have the operator and San Diego native, said he is “… but Soldiers, today you are branded a During her remarks, Lodi recounted a (local) shop make our patch because they honored to wear the patch. Wagonmaster forever.”

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-Photos are organized by the date of the event PAGE 6 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s October 28, 2009 US forces, Iraqi Federal Police Corrections provide support to Balad school In the Oct. 21st edition of the Ex- peditionary Times, the story titled Baquba area. This partnership mis- ed out, Capt. Timothy Behnke, the St o r y b y “After 15 months, 724th slated to sion allowed the IFPs to interact with JTF-Eagle chaplain, of Wales, Wis., 2n d Lt. Jo y c e M. Ev a n s go home” should have read “After the local population and contribute to thanked the school administrator for 37t h En g . Bn. 15 months, 70th slated to go home” their community. the opportunity to meet the children, and the first sentence should have BAQUBA, Iraq – A humanitarian as- Man ben Zaid Elementary School teachers and staff. said the 70th Transportation Com- sistance mission by Iraqi was the first stop, followed by a visit Behnke said the education of chil- pany passed its mission to the Federal Police, the 6123 to Talabar Elementary, where roughly dren “is one of the hardest but most 724th Transportation Company... Federal Police Training 100 children awaited the arrival of the important jobs.” In the story “AMC command- Team and Combined humanitarian group with an air of an- Teachers and students expressed er visits JBB,” the photo cutline Joint Task Force-Ea- ticipation and excitement. gratitude for the school supplies they should have read, “Gen. Arthur J. gle gave Iraqi school- Col. Jabar, an IFP officer, spoke to received, and the IFPs were enthusias- Lichte, commander of Air Mobil- children basic sup- the children and told them why Coali- tic about the opportunity to distribute ity Command, talks with Airmen plies for the new school year Oct. 12 at tion forces were there. them to the children. of the 777th Expeditionary Airlift Man ben Ziad Elementary School. After meeting the IFPs, the children “It is a good, personal and humbling Squadron here. Lichte visited JBB The 37th Engineer Battalion-JTF returned to their separate classrooms experience to provide much needed as part of a tour throughout South- Eagle, out of Fort Bragg, N.C., joined to peek through windows as the IFPs school supplies for Iraqi children,” west Asia to observe air mobility the 6123 FPTT, out of Fort Riley, Kan., proceeded to hand out the school sup- said Capt. Ismael Flecha, of Fair Lawn capabilities and missions.” and their IFP counterparts to address plies. N.J., the physician’s assistant for JTF- the needs of schoolchildren in the Once the last backpack was hand- Eagle. Noncommissioned officer training in Iraq helps Soldiers improve leadership

St o r y a n d p h o t o b y a Portland, Ore., native. “I was a little Sp c . Co r y E. Gr o g a n nervous at first because the course was 41s t IBCT very challenging and in-depth, but it has been a very rewarding experi- AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – Members ence.” of the 41st Infantry Bri- Archuleta said he was pleased to gade Combat Team took take the class in Iraq also, for personal a step forward in their reasons. Now he will not have to leave military career dur- his newborn baby to take the course ing a graduation cer- when he gets home, he said. emony from Basic The Soldiers are already in lead- Noncommissioned ership positions on the deployment Officer Course Oct. 1 at Al Asad Air and are excited to put what they have Base, Iraq. learned to work, while it is still fresh in The Oregon Guard members were their mind, said Sgt. William Bentley, a part of the last BNCOC class in Iraq, in Beaverton, Ore., native. which 28 Soldiers learned skills they Greer said taking the class while on will immediately put to use on their de- deployment was a perfect way to go. ployment said Sgt. Rueben Archuleta, “Everything was very fluid – we a Portland, Ore., native. Noncommissioned officers from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team pose with came off convoys and went straight to BNCOC is designed for Soldiers who the brigade flag and the Oregon state flag after graduating from the Basic Noncom- the classroom and we will be able to want to advance their military careers missioned Officer Course Oct. 1 at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. go right back out as better leaders,” he through promotion and increased lead- said. ership responsibilities, said 13th Sus- get home. Archuleta said they took the accel- Staff Sgt. Peter Bannister, from tainment Command (Expeditionary) “It is great that command allows erated course in a video teleconference Gresham, Ore., said this was the last Command Sgt. Maj. Mark D. Joseph. Soldiers to do this because these Sol- format via Web camera, with four class BNCOC class as the Army transitions to Joseph said taking the course in Iraq diers are able to improve themselves locations ranging from Hawaii to Iraq. the Advanced Warrior Leader course. was a great opportunity for the Soldiers on deployment and go back to the fight “This is like BNCOC on hyperdrive,” “I am proud to be a part of this be- because they will not have to separate continuing to use the skills they have said Sgt. Kristine Greer, a supply and cause now I can set a better example from their families to do so when they learned here,” said Joseph. project noncommissioned officer and for other Soldiers,” he said.

TELL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS HOW MUCH YOU MISS THEM

E-mail: [email protected] October 28, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 7 Service members build history with Bataan Memorial Park St o r y b y the simple act of putting a park together Sg t . Ry a n L .Tw i s t here brought them peace. Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f “I wanted a place for the Soldiers of this battalion to congregate and main- CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- tain their sense of community while TION, MAREZ, MOSUL, here in Iraq,” said Nava, a Belin, N.M., Iraq – The Bataan Me- native. “The previously insignificant morial Park is scheduled patch of dirt and gravel under a couple to officially open Oct. of eucalyptus trees in Mosul, Iraq, will 30, in a dedication become that place.” ceremony at Contin- Aguillera, a Tucumcari, N.M., native, gency Operating Lo- said the future of the park includes a game cation Marez, Mosul, Iraq. room with card and board game tables, “The Bataan Memorial Park is be- a barbecue area with a table and deck, a ing named for the Soldiers of the 515th volleyball court, two horseshoe pits and a Coast Artillery, New Mexico National miniature putt-putt golf course. Guard, that fought in the Philippines Padilla said the Soldiers’ jobs in com- in World War II,” said Lt. Col. Kenneth bat environments are stressful, creating a Nava, the 515th Combat Sustainment need for recreation. This area will provide Support Battalion commander. “My Soldiers with a way to escape from the unit, the 515th CSSB, carries on the daily grind of work, he said. U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Dan Lograsso name and legacy of these men.” Nava proposed the recreation area and Staff Sgt. Migeul Padilla, the maintenance noncommissioned officer with the 515th Staff Sgt. Miguel Padilla, the main- Soldiers began work Sept. 21. Combat Sustainment Support Battalion out of Rio Grande, N.M., and a Rio Rancho, tenance noncommissioned officer with Aguillera said the Soldiers work hard, N.M., native, uses a saw to cut wood for the Bataan Memorial Park deck at Contin- the 515th CSSB out of Rio Grande, picking up new skills and using them to gency Operating Location, Marez, Mosul, Iraq. The park is scheduled to be dedi- N.M., said the Soldiers here represent further the project. cated Oct. 30 in recognition of the Soldiers of the 515th Coast Artillery with the New past Soldiers of the 515th, leaving their He said Padilla gave them a foundation Mexico National Guard who fought during World War II. families and jobs, just like those of past of wood-working skills. Aguillera said he wars. relies on Padilla for direction because Pa- Getting his hands dirty makes the job get.” Padilla, a Rio Rancho, N.M., native, dilla brought civilian construction experi- fun and easy, he said. Padilla said the Soldiers enjoy the work said the 515th’s previous Soldiers came ence with him. Pfc. Mark A. Credle, a truck driver and spending time with each other. They together as one unit, combining their Padilla said he is a superintendent of with the 733rd Transportation Company joke and hang out together, forgetting skills and backgrounds to accomplish a construction company in New Mexico, out of Reading, Pa., and a Bayboro, N.C., work outside the wire, he said. their mission. Now they work together, which made him a perfect candidate for native, said the units’ good NCOs handle Credle said teamwork has been vital not just on the mission, but on creating the job. However, his work here differs the carpentry work well. to the Soldiers in this particular mission. a recreation space for themselves and greatly from his work at home, he said. “I do carpentry work at home, but He himself has learned how to present his those to come. “(At home) I have guys working for me nothing professional,” said Credle. “Right opinions and ask for help, he said. Sgt. 1st Class Tino C. Aguillera, a fuel and I’m not doing the work myself,” said now, I’m just learning a little more. The “I’m just trying to do anything I can to operations assistant with the 515th, said Padilla. more practice you have, the better you help out,” said Credle. 167th transfers authority of Convoy Support Center Scania

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Lt. Col. Lisa Scheiferstein, incoming Sg t . 1s t Cl a ss Ta d Br o w n i n g commander with the 389th Combat 36t h Su s t . Bd e . Service Support Battalion, salutes Col. Sean Ryan, 36th Sustainment Brigade CONVOY SUPPORT CENTER SCANIA, commander, as she assumes responsi- Iraq – Soldiers and local bility from the 167th CSSB in a transfer Iraqis gathered amid a of authority ceremony Oct. 5 at Convoy backdrop of Mine-Resis- Support Center Scania, Iraq. tant Ambush-Protected vehicles, in a ceremo- started roughly seven months ago and ny for the 167th Com- originally it was scheduled to be in Tal- bat Service Support lil. Due to mission changes, the Soldiers Battalion as they transferred authority shifted their training to provide support to the 389th Combat Service Support to contracting officers and their repre- Battalion Oct. 8 at Convoy Support Cen- sentatives. ter Scania, Iraq. Schieferstein said she recognizes the “Scania is the only existing convoy important role the 167th played at Sca- support center in central Iraq,” said out- support to command and control of se- continue the support the 167th started. nia and expects the 389th to continue to going commander, Lt. Col. Gavin Heater curity forces, said Heater. “Take the baton and build upon the improve during its tour. of the 167th. “It supports all of the con- “The challenges for the 389th CSSB foundation that Task Force Granite has “We expect to continue making some voys pushing up from Kuwait and all of will be to keep up with the tempo as the created,” Ryan said. “I challenge you to of the improvements that the 167th the convoys pushing down from north responsible drawdown of forces takes stay focused, never waive standards and CSSB started,” she said. “As the Army of Baghdad, and handles about 600,000 place, as the throughput increases, to remain flexible in this ever-changing draws down, there is a lot of equipment vehicles a year.” continue to sustain the services for the environment, as we continue to execute that needs to be moved, footprints that The 167th CSSB came to Scania to customers,” he said. the responsible drawdown of Soldiers need to be shrunk. If you walk around take control of operations as the garri- During the ceremony, Col. Sean Ryan, and equipment.” Scania you can tell that the 167th CSSB son and mayor’s cell, only two months commander of the 36th Sustainment Lt. Col. Lisa Schieferstein, command- has made really great strides. We will after being re-assigned from providing Brigade, challenged the 389th CSSB to er of the 389th, said the unit’s train up continue to keep that progress going.” PAGE 8 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s October 28, 2009 Transportation Soldier teaches life-saving techniques to comrades

St o r y b y thing different and something more 2n d Lt. Ni c h o l a s A. Sw a b challenging … it is definitely more re- 47t h Tr a n s . Co. warding,” he said. Staff Sgt. James Dunn, a human AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – Sgt. Craig resource specialist and platoon ser- Martin, a health care geant with the 47th Trans. Co.’s specialist with the 47th headquarters section and a Katy, Transportation Com- Texas, native, praised Martin’s pro- pany, taught his unit active approach to medical care and how to render medi- advancing himself as a Soldier. cal aid and save “Since Martin has come to the unit, lives. he has grown by leaps and bounds to Soldiers with the 47th Transpor- bring himself up to speed on Army tation Company, 751st Combat Sus- regulations and the Army way of do- tainment Support Battalion, 96th ing things,” Dunn said. “He has taken Sustainment Brigade, out of Ft. Bliss, the initiative to go to the Troop Med- Texas, now know more than the fun- ical Clinic and learn more about his damental aspects of shooting, mov- career field.” ing and communicating in a combat Martin said he had recently been zone. presented with the 10th Sustainment Martin, a Missoula, Mont., native, Brigade’s Muleskinner of the Week is one of three health care specialists award and recognized by Lt. Col. the company relies on to help take Jody L. Dew, commander of the 751st care of the medical needs and combat Combat Sustainment Support Battal- readiness of its Soldiers while they ion, for his efforts as the senior com- are deployed in support of Operation bat life saver training instructor. Iraqi Freedom. “He’s a really knowledgeable As the company’s chief health care NCO,” she said. specialist, Martin faces the challenges Martin’s willingness to pass his of tracking the medical readiness and knowledge on has been instrumen- daily medical needs of all 153 of the tal in the battalion goal of reaching 47th’s Soldiers, according to the op- 100 percent of Soldiers trained and erations section. proficient in combat life saving pro- As a former cryptographic mainte- cedures, said Dunn. nance technician with 11 years in the “Everybody has a purpose and ev-

Navy, Martin said he welcomed the ery job is equally important,” Martin U.S. Army photo by Capt. Jennifer A. McIntyre change in career fields and took in- said. “From driving a truck … to pos- Sgt. Craig Martin, a health care specialist with the 47th Transportation Company, stant ownership of his position within sibly saving somebody’s life, every- 751st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 96th Sustainment Brigade and a Mis- the company. body has a role and everybody plays soula, Mont., native, conducts combat life saver training at the Troop Medical Clinic. “I decided I wanted to do some- a part, no matter what it is.” Martin has used his skills in an effort to CLS qualify 100 percent of the 751st CSSB. Combat sustainment support battalions transfer authority St o r y a n d p h o t o b y Lt. Col. Paul Dismer, com- of the 541st and a Morgan City, Pf c . Mi c h a e l Sy n e r mander of the 541st Combat La., native. Sustainment Support Battalion 10t h Su s t . Bd e . The 541st Pacesetters are and a Morgan City, La., native, scheduled to remain in country CAMP TAJI, Iraq – A Fort Ri- uncases the battalion’s colors until August 2010. ley, Kan., combat with Command Sgt. Maj. Ian “To the Soldiers now under sustainment sup- Griffin, a Pittsburg, Texas, the care of the 541st CSSB, wel- port battalion is native, and the unit’s senior come to the Pacesetter Battal- enlisted adviser, as part of the wrapping up its ion,” said Dismer. “Our motto unit’s transfer of authority cer- ON mission as an is ‘Set the Pace,’ and that is what emony Oct. 3 at Camp Taji, Iraq. Irvine, Calif., we do. I already know from ob- THE CSSB steps ceremony is the final step, and serving you in action that you in to take control of the con- a symbol of the actual chang- are highly capable of continu- tinuous effort to build Iraqi ing of unit authority. ing the legacy left by our prede- http://www.hood.army.mil/13sce/ WEB civil capacity and assist in the “It is an honor and privi- cessors, and I look forward to drawdown of U.S. forces and lege to be standing here today our challenges ahead.” equipment from Iraq. Brigade, officially handed con- tainment Brigade, during a taking over the mission from The 419th has already begun Soldiers with the 419th trol of their mission over to ceremony Oct. 3 at Camp Taji, 419th Combat Sustainment their redeployment process and Combat Sustainment Support the 541st Combat Sustainment Iraq. Support Battalion,” said Lt. is scheduled to return to Cali- Battalion, 10th Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sus- The transfer of authority Col. Paul Dismer, commander fornia by the end of October. October 28, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 9 Operation Clean Sweep to come to Normandy

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y what assets they need here is going to allow the 90th Sustain- Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o and what assets they have ment Brigade to pull all that cargo Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f here.” from these smaller (COLs) into (Joint Simons said units fall Base Balad) where we can organize it CONTINGENCY OPERATING LO- onto equipment or assets all.” CATION NORMANDY, left from previous units, Simons said sustainment TMRs Iraq – A reconnaissance and those items may no allow the MRTs to continue moving team for Operation Clean longer be of use. The retrograde assets until they are all Sweep visited Con- MRTs coordinate with removed from the base, as they re- tingency Operating units to relocate almost quire much less paperwork and allow Location Normandy all types of excess assets for more time-efficient movement of Oct. 18 to assess the taking up needed space, the retrograde materials. movement of retrograde materials including scrap metal and JBB serves as a central logistics throughout Iraq. equipment parts, said Si- hub for the smaller surrounding The 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry mons. Trash is excluded, COLs, said Simons. Once sorted, ret- Regiment took control of COL Nor- he said. rograde material is either redistrib- mandy Sept. 9. Since then, Soldiers Once retrograde mate- uted in Iraq, pushed to Afghanistan in the unit work to identify excess rials are identified, sus- or sent to Kuwait, he said. assets in preparation for the mo- tainment transportation The MRTs are a proactive step in bile redistribution teams supporting movement requests are the responsible withdrawal of U.S. the responsible withdrawal of U.S. used to relocate them, said military forces in Iraq, said Sgt. 1st troops and equipment from Iraq. 1st Lt. Randell Krug, chief Class Vernon Bigham, COL Norman- “The mobile redistribution team movement supervisor with dy mayor with the 2/3 Inf. Reg. goes out and collects up all excess as- the 858th Movement Con- Bigham, a Littlestown, Penn., na- sets and returns them into the supply trol Team. tive, said COL Normandy will be system,” said Capt. Daniel Simons, “There’s so much cargo handed over to Iraqi Security Forces support operations planning officer and supplies at these dif- when U.S. forces pull out. with the 80th Ordnance Battalion. ferent places that they “We want to turn over working, “We came out here to get a pic- can’t sort through it all Capt. Leonard Joyner, logistics officer with functional (COLs) to the Iraqis; the ture of how big the mission is,” said there,” said Krug, a Bad the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment and a MRT is a big step,” said Bigham. Simons, a Missoula, Mont., native. Axe, Mich., native. “So Muleshoe, Texas, native, surveys a holding area “They got here early, they did an as- “For instance, how many contain- they’re going to put it on a for retrograde materials Oct. 18 at Contingency sessment and we’re going to push out ers of retrograde (assets) to expect, sustainment TMR, which Operating Location Normandy, Iraq. 90 percent of our excess now.” 165th Medical Detachment puts mission into focus

St o r y a n d Ph o t o Il l u s t r a t i o n input into the spectacle request trans- b y Sg t . Ja y s o n A. Ho ff m a n mission system, said Ha. Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f The SRTS then inputs the prescrip- tion into the Eyewear Replacement in JOINT BASE BALAD Iraq – The 165th Theater (G-Eyes) program, which is an Medical Detachment offers online site where service members can a variety of optometry and order their prescription glasses, he said. optical services six days a The Web site can be found at https:// week at Joint Base Balad, g-eyes.amedd.army.mil/. and Camp Taji, Iraq. Service members should seek an eye The Phipps Troop exam if they suffer from headaches or Medical Center optom- eye strain, frequently change glasses for etry office at JBB and the location at different uses, suffer from variations in Camp Taji, by the south dining facility, visual acuity or have suffered trauma on are open from 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. – closed or near the eyes, said Col. Rick Wahl, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. for lunch – Mon- command surgeon for the 13th Sustain- day through Friday, and Saturday from 9 ment Command (Expeditionary) and a.m. to 12 p.m. a Fountain, Colo., native. Any abrupt These locations offer spectacle order- changes in vision, such as blind spots, ing and adjusting, optical fabrication, “We have mobile equipment and fly two locations process roughly 40 to 50 straight lines appearing wavy, tunnel vi- physicals, routine care, and acute and out for two to four-day missions,” said service members a day, he said. sion or loss of ability to see dim lights, emergency eye care support, said Capt. Ha, a Queens, N.Y., native. “Most mis- The three-man teams still have to should indicate the need for an exam, he Jin Ha, team chief for the 165th Med. sions will support 100 to 300 Soldiers, so maintain regular administrative duties, said. Det. out of Fort Bragg, N.C. they don’t have to convoy through dan- and tend to get backlogged, so service “An incorrect prescription could The unit also conducts missions to gerous terrain to see us.” members should make early visits, said cause blurred vision and headaches smaller contingency operating locations He said the unit is small, with one op- Ha. or eyestrain from overuse of muscles, that do not have eye care support, he tometry officer, one medic and one opti- After the 165th makes a pair of glasses which change the refractive power of the said. cal fabricator at each location. The unit’s for a service member, the prescription is lens in the eye,” he said. Check out the 96th Sust. Bde. online See the website at: www.96thsbde.com PAGE 10 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s October 28, 2009 Safety officer discusses housing safety

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y sign of trouble and needs to be reported Sg t . Ma t t h e w C. Co o l e y to the chain of command or mayor cell, 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Sullivan said. Petrovic also said Soldiers some- times disable their smoke detectors CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- during sandstorms and then neglect TION Q-WEST, Iraq - Con- to turn them back on. The smoke de- tainerized housing units tectors’ sensors may also become dirty are roughly half the size of from sand, he said, and the dust needs a standard trailer home to be blown out of the detectors’ vents and, with up to two Sol- from time to time. diers sharing the quar- Empty or inoperable fire extinguish- ters, safety issues can ers can be another problem. The fire de- arise. partment here will also exchange them “I understand that the Soldiers in one for one, said Petrovic. the CHUs try to make them a little bit Petrovic said Q-West experienced an of home, but they have to have a good average of two CHU fires a month until balance,” Dave Sullivan, the 15th Sus- recently, when the fire department and tainment Brigade safety officer, said. other safety officials stepped up their “(Soldiers) have to ask themselves, is safety-education efforts. this right?” Although Sullivan and Petrovic Sullivan said his biggest concern is A Q-West fire department truck waits for a fire emergency at Contingency Op- agreed fires are the biggest safety con- fire. erating Location Q-West, Iraq. cern in the CHUs, Sullivan noted some “If the guy in CHU A’s CHU catches other considerations. fire, it’s likely yours will go up too,” he a waste,” he said. “Don’t daisy chain,” said Sullivan, Non-tactical vehicles are a danger said. “It’s a matter of minutes in fires in Power strips have a maximum referring to the practice of using mul- to Soldiers in the CHU areas and are the CHUs.” amount of power they are rated to tiple extension cords or plugging one therefore not authorized, even for load- Faulty or overloaded power strips are handle listed somewhere on them, said power strip into another. ing and unloading, he said. Also, he said the main causes of CHU fires, Sullivan Petrovic. The amount of power a de- Candles, coffee pots, and hot plates it is a Soldier’s responsibility to bury the said. Only power strips with the CE, UL, vice uses is also listed on the device, he are among the list of fire hazards not al- cables running between their CHUs, for or GS stamps are safe for use, he said. said. lowed in CHUs, he said. safety and the cable’s protection. To help fix this issue, the Q-West fire Sullivan urged Soldiers to do the “Americans like to grill … but not in “If you see something doesn’t look department and Task Force Safe will math and make sure the sum of pow- the CHUs,” Sullivan said. right, report it,” Sullivan said. “We need freely exchange Soldier’s non-approved er being used by the devices plugged Morale fires are also permitted, but to take care of each other. We all come power strips, one for one, no questions into a strip is less than the maximum only with a burn permit from the fire home together.” asked, at the fire station here, said John amount for which that strip is rated. department, he said. In case of an emergency on Q-West, Petrovic, the Q-West fire chief. Petrovic said to plug microwaves Another, possibly less noticeable fire call 911 on a secure Internet protocol “I don’t want to see any military … or and refrigerators directly into the wall risk, is faulty wiring and light ballasts, routed network, non-secure Internet anybody getting injured from a self-in- and never into a power strip together, he said. If florescent lights do not turn protocol routed network, or contractors’ flicted wound from stupid stuff – that’s as they are high-powered appliances. on immediately or flicker, it could be a voice over Internet protocol phones. US Army Materiel Command Band rocks Q-West twice to Iraq and once St o r y b y director of Morale, Welfare to Afghanistan, said Ca p t . Mu r r a y Sh u g a r s and Recreation and a Flor- the band has had a 2/98t h CAB ence, Miss., native.. Sgt. Elizabeth Whitehead, great tour so far. CONTINGENCY OPERAT- personnel clerk with Head- “Everyone has been ING LOCATION quarters and Headquarters great,” said Smith, a Q-WEST, Iraq — Company, Special Troops Geneva, Ill., native. The U.S. Army Battalion, 15th Sustainment “The only issue we’ve Materiel Com- Brigade, out of Fort Hood, had is the inconsis- mand Band, Texas, said she enjoyed the tency of voltage in out of Ab- show. the power grid. We’ve erdeen Prov- “The show was great,” said blown three circuits ing Grounds, Md., performed the Los Angeles native. “They and popped one gen- Oct. 17 at Contingency Oper- had a large variety of music, erator.” ating Location Q-West, Iraq. and they made me feel like I Spc. Natanal Afa- Raw Materiel, the AMC’s was somewhere else.” nador, piano and 9-member rock ensemble, Staff Sgt. Jennifer G. Hut- saxophone player, on jammed to a range of popular ton, a supply noncommis- his first overseas de- tunes in a headline show at sioned officer in the same ployment, praised the U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Rob Strain the Morale, Welfare and Rec- unit, echoed Whitehead’s support the band has The Army Materiel Command Band, Raw Materiel, rocks the Morale, reation indoor theater and feeling of being transported received. Welfare and Recreation theater Oct. 17 at Contingency Operating Lo- performed two encore per- by the music. “All the places we cation Q-West, Iraq. The band performed popular and classic rock formances in the main dining “They had a lot of energy, have been have been songs for the Soldiers in attendance. facility Oct. 18 and Oct. 19. and they took my mind off very organized and The band is in the midst of being away from home,” said have taken good care of us,” distraction,” said Afanador. “This is the kind of qual- a 40-day tour that includes Hutton, an Anchorage, Alas- said Afanador, a San Juan, “They are doing important ity show that Soldiers enjoy,” stops at Joint Base Balad, Vic- ka, native. “I appreciate them Puerto Rico, native. work in helping to rebuild a said Herd. “The band was tory Base Complex in Bagh- taking the time to come put He said he believes their government.” outstanding, and they really dad, Contingency Operating on a show for us.” music helps improve troop Herd said the band volun- lifted our spirits … They are Location Falcon, COL Meade, Staff Sgt. Benjamin G. morale. teered to perform two extra a class act all the way, and we COL Carver, Talil, Mosul and Smith, bass player and opera- “Our purpose is to support shows when its outbound are grateful that Raw Mate- Kuwait, said Maj. John Herd, tions NCO, who has deployed the troops, give them a little flight was delayed. riel visited Q-West.” October 28, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 11 Commanders pass company flag in Iraq

St o r y a n d p h o t o b y Oborski has served as the 887th ESC While the 326th Eng. Bn. was deployed 1s t Lt. Me g h a n E. Ke e f e company commander since February to Iraq this past year, Caukin served as 37t h En g . Bn. 2008. the rear detachment commander. “Capt. Oborski led by example and “It’s an honor to take command of AL BAKIR AIRFIELD, Iraq – The com- knew each and every Soldier,” said the Empire after Capt. Oborski served mander of the 37th Engi- Capt. Nick Barry, executive officer and with great distinction and set these fine neer Battalion-Joint Task a Granby, Mass., native. “You could al- Soldiers up for success for this deploy- Force Eagle, out of Fort ways count on him to know the answer ment,” said Caukin, during his remarks Bragg, N.C., passed the to any technical question, making him to his Soldiers. 887th Engineer Support a huge asset to the company not just for Caukin has served four combat tours, Company flag to its in- leadership, but also engineering opera- including one as a military transition coming commander in tions.” team leader in which he trained and a ceremony Oct. 10 at Al Bakir Airfield. Oborski deployed previously with worked with an Iraq Army unit. This is Capt. Carl Oborski, a Clarksville, the 326th Engineer Battalion, out of a task the 37th Eng. Bn. performs every Tenn., native, passed the flag to Capt. Fort Campbell, Ky., and the 1st Engi- day during engineer operations. Patrick Caukin, a Murfeesboro, Tenn., neer Battalion out of Fort Riley, Kan. Caukin’s familiarity with Iraqi cul- native, to represent the transfer of the “Five hundred and ninety days, al- ture will come into play as the company company to Caukin’s command in Iraq. most 20 months have passed since I as- mentors and transitions with the 5th Lt. Col. Paul Huszar, 37th Eng. sumed the guideon of the 887th Engi- Iraqi Army Field Engineer Regiment. Bn.-JTF Eagle battalion commander, Capt. Patrick Caukin gives his incom- neer Support Company,” said Oborski “Capt. Patrick Caukin assumes com- praised Oborski, the outgoing com- ing remarks to the Soldiers of the 887th during his farewell remarks. “In that mand of the Empire at a very dynamic mander, during his remarks to the Em- Engineer Support Company Change of time I have witnessed some truly spec- and exciting time in Iraq,” said Huszar. pire Soldiers. Command Ceremony. tacular events and had the privilege to “As the security situation continues to “It was not easy as they completed be involved in one of the most impres- improve daily and the capacity of our their transformation and really regen- and train up for this current deploy- sive unit transformations within the Iraqi counterparts grows, our mission erated combat power from a previous ment,” Huzar said. “(Oborski) led from engineer regiment.” has rightly changed to focusing on civil Operation Iraqi Freedom deployment the front, established and maintained As the Empire loses one officer, they support and capacity development by, – all without a true battalion headquar- high standards, and challenged the Em- gain another. with and through our Iraqi counter- ters for the majority of their preparation pire from day one of his command.” Caukin is no stranger to the Empire. parts and the Iraqi government.” 506th Soldiers shine at boards St o r y a n d p h o t o By Smith said Vargas shows poise and execution far Sg t . Ry a n L. Tw i s t above her rank. He said she was selected for the Sol- Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f dier of the month and he could tell from the start she would do very well. CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION MAREZ, Drummond, the night-shift operations noncom- MOSUL, Iraq – Soldiers with the 506th missioned officer with the 506th and an Orlando, Quartermaster Company out of Fort Fla., native, said the boards were similar but, unlike Lee, Va., performed well at the Soldier the promotion board, the Soldier and NCO of the of the month and promotion boards quarter boards included weapons testing. at Contingency Operating Location “I didn’t have adequate time to prepare, but I just Marez, Mosul, Iraq. went to the promotion board so it was pretty easy,” First Sgt. Joseph T. Walden, a said Drummond, who was promoted Oct. 1 and went Hammond, Ind., native, with the 506th QM Co., to the board Oct. 8. “I felt great. I liked to win.” said the Soldiers were chosen to participate in the The vital knowledge Soldiers will take with them boards based on their efforts throughout the quar- is the ability to mentor other Soldiers, said Smith. ter. As Drummond prepared others for boards, she ab- “My Soldiers have performed admirably,” said sorbed the information, he said. She mentored other Walden. “(The Soldiers) performed their job at peak Soldiers to be successful NCOs while they watched performance and above the standard.” Drummond, a successful NCO, he said. As leadership watches Soldiers train and study “It’s a residual effect,” said Smith. “It just com- daily in preparation for their respective board, it pounds the ability to make a better Soldier, make a becomes evident when they are ready, said Capt. better leader, make a better company.” Dwight O. Smith, commander of the 506th QM Co. Drummond said it is important to stay connected “Sgt. (Therica T.) Drummond was definitely cho- to Soldiers in order to keep their respect. She said sen because of her efforts to assist other people for she helps them with the study group because she preparing for the board, promotion and Soldier of wants to see them succeed, to get to where she is. the month,” said Smith, a San Francisco native. “They have to be dedicated,” she said. “It’s hard “Spc. (Stephanie) Vargas, she has just done an out- to show up sometimes because you have other obli- standing job during this entire deployment.” gations. You have to put those on the side to further Vargas, an operations clerk with the 506th and a your career.” Manhattan, N.Y., native, said she prepared with an Vargas said her dedication gained her experience Spc. Stephanie Vargas, an operations clerk with the Army study guide and practiced regular board ques- that will help with future boards, including the NCO 506th Quartermaster Company out of Fort Lee, Va., and tions. Weapons were the most interesting event, she board. She said she and Drummond helped each a Manhattan, N.Y., native, practices disassembling the said. other out a lot. M249 Squad Automatic Weapon in preparation for the Other Soldiers helped her prepare by asking her “I believe these Soldiers won because they were brigade Soldier of the quarter board. questions, giving her scenarios and testing her while the best prepared,” said Walden. “They studied she was at work, said Vargas. long, hard hours. They’re continuing to study for the and for their overall effort toward mission success, “We had to come to study group every day,” she brigade board and I have no doubt in my mind that said Smith. said. “We had to study all day, during the day.” they are going to win.” “It was an honor to get coined by the battalion Vargas said she was grateful for her NCOs’ will- Lt. Col. Kenneth A. Nova, commander of the commander of the 515th CSSB,” said Vargas. “I felt ingness to mentor and guide her in the correct di- 515th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, gave great about myself because I never thought I could rection. She was also thankful for their faith in her coins to Drummond and Vargas for winning NCO of do that, but you can do anything once you set your capacity to become a great leader, she said. the quarter and Soldier of the quarter, respectively, mind to it.” PAGE 12 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s October 28, 2009 37th Eng. Bn. takes leap of faith at St. Michael’s Jump

St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y chard, a Spokane, Wash., native. “(The St. Michael’s Jump) brought a lot of Sg t . Ja y s o n A. Ho ff m a n Initially, Soldiers received the mission statement motivation to the unit,” said Sgt. 1st Class Cedric Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f in a manifest brief, he said. Mize, a heavy-construction equipment operator Soldiers practiced rigging their equipment for supervisor for B Company, 37th Eng. Bn. and an JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The 37th Engineer Bat- a drop at the rigging exercise station and the jump Akron, Ohio, native. “I’m a non-airborne personnel talion held a St. Michael’s Jump operation masters checked to make sure it was done properly, and in my platoon I have quite a few airborne per- Oct. 18 at the outdoor pool at Joint Base said Pritchard. sonnel, so it brought a lot of experience for me to Balad, Iraq. Another station trained troopers on proper air- learn what the airborne Soldiers that I coach, teach “The St. Michael’s Jump is an air- craft exiting and landing procedures during sus- and mentor do.” borne operation that’s traditionally tained airborne training, he said. “There’s a special kinship that an airborne battal- sponsored by a chaplain,” said Capt. Paratroopers practiced preparing to execute the ion has,” said Behnke. “We bring a lot of pride and Timothy Behnke, battalion chaplain with the 37th airborne operation during the mock door training, history with us.” Eng. Bn. out of Fort Bragg, N.C. “St. Michael is the which covers all actions taken before the jump and Behnke said Air Force Brig. Gen. Craig A. Frank- patron saint of the paratrooper and the reason why is emergency procedures. Ultimately, it is the big re- lin, the JBB commander, was supportive of the that St. Michael is the angel that leads God’s armies, hearsal before the actual jump, said Pritchard. event, as were the outdoor pool staff and dining fa- the army of angels, against the forces of evil.” The last station was the parachute landing fall, cilities workers who provided lifeguard support, as The unit command decided to bring a spiritual where troopers practiced their parachute landing, well as food and drinks for the event. fitness event to the troops to boost morale because he said. For training they just jumped into the pool, Behnke said other units planning events like this the unit is roughly one-third of the way through its he said. need to “think big and be creative.” deployment, said Behnke, a Wales, Wis., native. After all stations were completed, the final stage “So many units get stuck in a rut and get compla- St. Michael’s Jump is an annual event at Fort of the event was an airborne-style leap from the cent, and these kinds of events help break up com- Bragg, N.C., so this reminds the Soldiers of the high-dive platform at the outdoor pool, said Prit- placency,” he said. “We need to never neglect the training they do at home, said Capt. John D. Prit- chard. Soldiers as a whole. Soldiers are our most important chard, assistant operations officer for the 37th, who Non-airborne qualified service members took asset. We have physical fitness, mental fitness, spir- assisted Behnke with the set up of the event. part in the event as well, said Behnke. It was a way itual fitness, social fitness. That’s one of the things Soldiers reported to five training stations before to tighten the unit bond and convince more Soldiers we want to do here; is value the Soldier as a holistic taking the big jump off of the high dive, said Prit- to become airborne qualified, he said. individual.”

Capt. John D. Pritchard, the assistant operations officer for the 37th Engineer Battalion and a Spokane, Wash., native, conducts the mani- fest brief for the St. Michael’s Jump Oct. 18 at the outdoor pool at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. St. Michael is the patron saint of paratroopers. Sgt. Daryl Malisiak, team leader, and Sgt. 1st Class Peter Strassels, platoon sergeant, both with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 37th Engineer Battalion, review the equipment rigging for the St. Michael’s Jump Oct. 18 at the outdoor pool at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The St. Michael’s Jump is an annual event at Fort Bragg, N.C., the 37th’s home station. October 28, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 13 37th Eng. Bn. takes leap of faith at St. Michael’s Jump

Soldiers taking part in the St. Michael’s Jump, conduct parachute landing fall training Oct. 18 at the outdoor pool at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

Spc. Jessica Deeter, vertical construction crewmember with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 37th Engineer Battalion, enters the water on her final jump during the St. Michael’s Jump Oct. 18 at the outdoor pool at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Everyone who completed the jump received a certificate of completion.

Sgt. Jedan Rivera, armorer with Headquar- ters and Headquarters Company, 37th Engineer Battalion, shakes hands with Capt. Timothy Behnke, the battalion chaplain for the 37th and a Wales, Wis., native, and receives a certificate of completion for the St. Michael’s Jump Oct. 18 at the outdoor pool at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The event is traditionally sponsored by the unit chaplain.

Sgt. Daryl Malisiak, team leader, and Sgt. 1st Class Peter Strassels, platoon sergeant, both with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 37th Engineer Battalion, review the equipment rigging for the St. Michael’s Jump Oct. 18 at the outdoor pool at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The St. Michael’s Jump is an annual event at Fort Bragg, N.C., the 37th’s home station. PAGE 14 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s October 28, 2009 A Battery celebrates 77th annual dinner in Iraq

St o r y a n d p h o t o b y readiness noncommissioned officer Sp c . Co r y E. Gr o g a n and a Vancouver, Wash., native, said 41s t IBCT the evening allows people to share past AL ASAD AIR BASE, Iraq – The 2nd experiences and give updates on cur- Battalion, 218th Field Ar- rent events. He started his military tillery’s A Battery, with career with A Btry. and it has been an the 41st Infantry Brigade honor to be a part of it since then, he Combat Team, celebrat- said. ed a 77-year-old tradi- “This deployment is an experience tion Oct. 3 at Al Asad we hope to be able to share,” said Ev- Air Base, Iraq. ans. “We are running out of guys who The unit took time to honor its his- have actually deployed and we want to tory by preparing a video and having carry on our tradition.” a dinner the same day as the 77th an- Sgt. 1st Class Richard Parker, a con- nual A Battery Association Dinner in voy commander, platoon sergeant and Oregon. a Battleground, Wash., native, said it A Btry. was formed in 1866 and is is an honor to be associated with the the oldest continuous artillery element heritage of A Btry. west of the Mississippi river, said A “When you’re at the armory, you Btry. Commander Cpt. Eric Brenner, a see the pictures and hear the stories,” Portland, Ore., native. Parker said. “Then you go on deploy- “When I went to my first dinner in A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery has a formation upon arrival at Al Asad ment and know someday you will be 1997, I wasn’t sure what to expect,” Air Base, Iraq. the one in the story. We are proud to be Brenner said. “There were Soldiers here fulfilling our obligations and glad who had been coming to the dinner for II and the Korean War. Seeing those artifacts was an amazing experience.” that we can still honor Alpha Battery 50 years, who joined during World War people and all the articles, history and Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Evans, A Btry. while we are here.” 159th Seaport Operations Co. affixes combat patches

history of the 7th Sust. Bde. tive, said receiving a combat St o r y a n d p h o t o patch and its symbolism. patch is a special time for a b y Sp c . Jo h n St i m a c According to the unit’s Web Soldier. Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f site, the seven rays issuing “It’s giving honor to those JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq from the center of the shield that served before me, pres- – Soldiers with refer to the receiving and dis- ently, and for those who will the 159th Sea- persal of personnel and cargo. serve in a combat zone af- port Operations A rook – resembling the chess ter me,” said Raiford, who is Company out piece that represents a cas- on his second deployment to of Fort Story, tle – affixed in the middle of Iraq. “I’m just doing what the Va., took part the patch, got its name from nation calls for me to do and I in a combat patch ceremony a Persian word meaning Sol- want to do it honorably.” Oct. 19 at Joint Base Balad, dier, according to the site. All Pfc. Lee Dear, an opera- Iraq. this represents the personnel tions specialist with the 159th Capt. Philip M. McDowell, and equipment transferred SO Co., said it was an honor to commander of the 159th SO from one mode of transporta- be patched, because not many Co. and a Charlottesville, Va., tion to another by the organi- people get to serve their coun- native, said his Soldiers have zation, said the Web site. try in a combat environment. been in Iraq for 83 days and he The patch was authorized “Deploying with this unit thought it was better to wait to for wear by personnel of the has been a great opportunity affix the 7th Sustainment Bri- 7th Transportation Group for me,” said Dear, a Chatta- Sgt. 1st Class Freddie Raiford, platoon sergeant with the 159th Sea- gade combat patches. March 1, 1984, the site said. It nooga, Tenn., native. “We have port Operations Company and a Miami native, affixes the 7th Sus- “We wanted to have the Sol- was re-designated for the 7th great leadership here and I’ve tainment Brigade combat patch on Spc. Roger Martinez, a motor diers get used to the mission Sustainment Brigade, with learned a lot from them not transport operator and a San Antonio native, in a ceremony Oct. 19 first and earn their patch,” the description and symbol- only about my job, but about at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. said McDowell. “We feel the ism updated Oct. 17, 2006, being a leader.” less service and a reminder ed to leave its mark on JBB. Soldiers are now ready and according to the Web site. In a speech at the end of the that they are forever members “We want everyone to know it is a good time for them to Sgt. 1st Class Freddie Rai- ceremony, McDowell told the of the 7th Sust. Bde. and the that ‘Warrior Pride’ is stand- wear their patches.” ford, platoon sergeant for the 148 assembled Soldiers that Warrior Pride team. ing tall and ready to serve,” Attendees were given a brief 159th SO Co. and a Miami na- the patch is a symbol of self- Raiford said his unit want- said Raiford. SHOUT OUT!!!

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E-mail: [email protected] October 28, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 15 Transportation Soldiers bring Cajun flavor to Iraq

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Fontenot, 40, said he likes to look Sp c . Li s a A. Co p e after the younger Soldiers in his unit Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f and cooking home-style allows him to make their deployment easier in a CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- way. TION SPEICHER, Iraq – “It does bring a taste of home here,” Home-cooked meals are said Fontenot. “I see it not so much in a comfort unavailable my eyes, but in the troop’s eyes.” to Soldiers while de- Fontenot is not alone in his desire ployed, but the mem- to bring a taste of Louisiana to Iraq. bers of the 1083rd Sgt. Alphonso D. Henderson, also Transportation Com- a heavy equipment truck driver for pany out of Minden, La., brought Cajun the1083rd, said he likes being called cooking with them to Iraq. “The Cook.” Roughly 60 of the 184 Soldiers in the Henderson, a Farmerville, La., na- 1083rd Trans. Co. come from a Cajun tive, said he barbecues for the unit af- background, said 1st Sgt. John A. Salas, ter every mission. with the 1083rd and a Monroe, La., na- “I love to cook,” he said. “They say tive. they like my barbecue and I like to “I always thought it was best for the barbecue. I could do this seven days a unit if we broke bread together,” said week if they would let me.” Salas. “It is a physical sign that I am Henderson said barbecuing is a going to feed you; I am going to take family tradition for him – his father care of you; I am going to nourish you taught him how when he was 13 years whether it be leadership-wise, mentor- old. ship-wise, or Family wise.” Barbecuing makes him feel more at Having meals together improves unit home in Iraq, he said. Spc. David T. Fontenot, a heavy equipment truck driver for the 1083rd Transporta- cohesion and allows the command staff tion Company out of Minden, La., and an Opelousas, La., native, cooks chicken “It makes me feel like I am sitting in to bond with their troops, said Salas. and sausage gumbo for his fellow Soldiers Oct. 18, at Contingency Operating Lo- my front yard, but without my grass,” “It gives myself and the commander cation Speicher, Iraq. said Henderson. an opportunity to let what hair we do He said the key to good barbecue is not have down, and to sit down with Iraq, for his unit. started teaching him to cook when he time and practices. troops and just be Family,” he said. Fontenot, an Opelousas, La., native, was 13 years old, and he is now teaching “It takes the right amount of time,” Spc. David T. Fontenot, a heavy said he got most of the ingredients for his son, who is 19. said Henderson. “Anybody can season equipment truck driver for the 1083rd the gumbo from the chow hall, but had Although his mother taught him to meat, but you got to know what you’re out of Minden, La., said he makes to get the roux sent to him from home. cook, Fontenot said his grandmother doing. To get the flavor out of it, it himself feel more at home by cooking Roux is a flour and oil mixture that was his mentor. takes time.” gumbo, a traditional Cajun food, in an makes the basis of gumbo, he said. “I really enjoy seeing people enjoy Henderson then smiled and patted improvised kitchen he made at Con- Cooking is a big deal in the Cajun my food,” he said. “My grandmother his stomach. tingency Operating Location Speicher, culture, Fontenot said. His mother was the same way.” “That is a full resume,” he said. Father, son pairs deployed together

St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y parts of the base and work different having someone from home Sp c . Li s a A. Co p e shifts, they find time to spend together. to talk to. Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f “By the time I get off work, it is time “I can talk to him on the for him to get up and go to work,” said same level as everyone else, CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCA- Norman Meyers. “I come over and we but then again we can talk TION SPEICHER, Iraq – eat chow, sit around, talk for a little about family stuff,” said Family is never too far bit, and visit with the people he works Duane Lester, also a Hicko- away at Contingency Op- with.” ry Flat, Miss., native. erating Location Speich- Michael Myers, a Centralia, Ill., na- The elder Lester said he er, Iraq, where not one, tive, said having his father here with had previously served in but two father and son him makes him feel more at home in the Marine Corps as an air teams are stationed Iraq. frame mechanic, but was on together. “Honestly, sometimes I forget we are a break in service when his When Spc. Michael R. Myers, a UH- deployed,” he said. son joined. He thought he 60 Black Hawk helicopter repairer for Spc. Brandon M. Lester, a cavalry was too old to re-enlist, but D Company, 225th Aviation Regiment scout for B Troop, 1st Battalion, 98th he and his son spoke to the out of Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, mo- Cavalry Regiment out of Booneville, recruiter the same day and bilized to go to Iraq, his father, Staff Sgt. Miss., and his father Sgt. Duane A. Les- enlisted together, he said. Norman G. Myers, a truck driver for the ter, a truck commander for the same Duane Lester said he 724th Transportation Company out of unit, are in the same platoon and go out never gets nervous about Bartonville, Ill., said he decided to vol- on missions together. his son going on missions unteer to join him. Brandon Lester, a Hickory Flat, Miss., because they always go to- While this is Michael Myers’ first native, said having his father here gives gether. deployment, Norman Myers is on his him someone to talk with about home “He is usually in the ve- fourth deployment in his 27-year Army and conduct physical training with. hicle right behind my ve- Staff Sgt. Norman G. Myers, a truck driver with the career. “(It’s) pretty neat – I get to have fam- hicle, so I know where he 724th Transportation Company out of Bartonville, Ill., asks his son, Spc. Michael R. Myers, a UH-60 “I found the 724th and joined them ily here,” said Brandon Lester. “Last is all the time,” said Duane Black Hawk helicopter repairer with D Company, so I could come over here with him,” night I went running with the man … I Lester. “We all have good 225th Aviation Regiment out of Schofield Barracks, said Norman Myers, a Centralia, Ill., have someone I can talk to that kind of radio communication … Hawaii, a question about the UH-60 his son works native. can relate.” We’ve got a good group we on. The Myers men are Centralia, Ill., natives. Although the pair live on different Both father and son said they enjoy are with.” PAGE 16 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s October 28, 2009 October 28, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 17 How to deal with a workforce bully

. How do we coach a bul- • Assessment. When working with or con- c) Group intervention. Finally, as is often the case Qly senior manager? One fronting a bully, to help with your objectivity – and with an alcoholic member of a family – and I certain- of our senior managers is a not let his personality or actions overly trigger your ly would want to rule out alcohol or substance abuse very smart man who over the hot buttons – it’s good to keep in mind that the bully as a contributing factor in this manager’s bullying – years has contributed a lot to was often bullied or abused as a child. So, bullying there may need to be a group intervention before this the growth of our firm. He is, often evolved as a self-protective defense mechanism. senior manager opens up to the above approaches. however, a bully – and fully Unfortunately, bullying behavior works – pushing Such an intervention might include you, the CEO, aware of it. He understands people around, getting your way, having people back and any colleagues that this bully sees as near equals how being unable to control off or avoid you, etc. – especially when not confront- and, perhaps, even people whom he has particularly his emotions and bad behav- ed. As you note, this senior manager likes being “king aggrieved, professionally or personally. During one iors hurts his colleagues, as of the firm.” group intervention, I recall a bully not believing “The Stress Doc” well as his friends and fam- his actions were so disruptive until a team member Mark Gorkin ily, yet he is not to willing I also don’t quite buy his fear of “losing face” with col- broke down in tears discussing her state of near ter- to change for fear of “losing leagues. This assumes he has some genuine concern ror. I had to meet separately with this team member face” with colleagues. He is considered the “king of about his relationship with colleagues or friends, etc. and fortify her confidence before she would confront the firm” and no one seems willing to try and coach I suspect he has bought into his own self-centered im- the aggressor. It’s usually wise to have a professional him. age, that is, “the king” doesn’t make changes for any- consultant facilitate this group intervention. one. Perhaps on some level he is afraid of not having A. All too often the head/s of a company pass the the capacity to mature and grow personally or pro- I hope the above assessment and intervention strat- buck to human resources when they don’t want to fessionally; a deeper sense of inadequacy may be re- egies help you feel empowered and goal-directed. tangle with the big buck, that is, the high performing vealed. In example, the true demon, his shadow pain This is a challenging undertaking; don’t be afraid to workplace bully. So this intervention will require a and rage – the Intimate FOE: Fear of Exposure. make clear to upper management that an outside ex- two-pronged approach: engaging the conflict-averse pert likely will be needed to get this process moving. company head and engaging this dysfunctional, ag- • Intervention. I believe a good cop/bad cop Ultimately, getting this bully under control will be gressive senior manager. approach may be necessary: good business for the firm and will help one and all … Practice Safe Stress! 1) Engaging the company head: Before confronting a) Stroke the ego and reframe the behavior. While de- the bully, you must make sure the chief executive tailing examples of his bullying behavior – and not just officer, is willing to back your intervention on mul- physical threats as smart bullies often engage in intellec- Mark Gorkin, LICSW, “The Stress Doc” tiple levels – strategically, legally (for example, once, tual intimidation, hostile or condescending putdowns, ™, is an acclaimed keynote and kickoff speaker, as an organizational development consultant, I was etc. – certainly acknowledge his positive contributions training/OD & team building consultant, psycho- threatened by an outside attorney, hired by a bullying to the firm. You understand his being a naturally ag- therapist and “Motivational Humorist.” He is the department head, when the latter’s intimidating be- gressive, head of the pack, alpha male, if you will. He author “Practice Safe Stress: Healing and Laugh- havior was not getting me to back off) and even secu- may not believe he can channel his aggression without ing in the Face of Stress, Burnout & Depression” rity-wise, that is, having a plan to escort the bully from stifling himself. However, he needs to learn to be domi- and “The Four Faces of Anger: Transforming An- the premises if hazardous or violent behavior appears nant without being domineering, as ultimately he puts ger, Rage, and Conflict into Inspiring Attitude & imminent. If you have any doubts about your CEO’s his own status/career and the company’s legal and op- Behavior.” A kickoff speaker for Estrin Legal Ed- support, I would not meet with the bully unless the erational standing in jeopardy. And does he really feel ucation Conferences, the Doc is America Online’s CEO is present. At some point, if necessary, I might proud of himself when he pushes around people not his online psychohumorist ™ and pioneer of a USA invite someone from the legal department to be part equal in size, synapses or status – like assistants, his Today Online “HotSite” – http://www.stressdoc. of the intervention team. Finally, while this bully children, etc? com – recognized as a workplace resource by Na- manager has “contributed to the growth of the firm,” tional Public Radio. For more info on the Doc’s have you and the CEO done an analysis of how many b) Provide learning options. For this individual, change speaking and training programs and products, of the firm staff have left the company because of this won’t happen from one constructive confrontation, from email [email protected] or call 301-875-2567. individual or are functioning at less than full capacity reading a self-help book or even from typical manage- because of chronic angst? The use of the word firm ment methods. As most organizations don’t like to part makes me wonder if we aren’t talking about an attor- with talented rainmakers – or touchdown makers; think ney. Alas, it is not uncommon for an aggressive, Type how some obnoxious prima donna athletes are coddled This issue of the Expeditionary Times contains A senior attorney whose adversarial nature reaps suc- – I would first offer him personal, confidential offsite a reader submitted article written by Mark Gor- cess in the courtroom to become a destructive virus in executive coaching/anger management for two to three kin, also known as “The Stress Doc.” Mr. Gorkin’s the boardroom and throughout the office. months at the firm’s expense. If this is turned down, views are not necessarily those of the Department I would mandate him working with an anger manage- of Defense and the inclusion of his submission is 2) Engaging the bully: Let me again take two ap- ment consultant, either offsite or in the work environ- not meant in any way as an endorsement of his ser- proaches: assessment and intervention. ment. vices. Are you ready for some football? 10 3 0 4 0 50 Looking for 20 second2 0 Football shout outs - and a singer to perform the National Anthem. Think you have what it takes? Run this hot route idea through your chain of command and have them contact 1st Sgt. Aangi Mueller.

POC: 1SG Aangi Mueller Email: [email protected] Phone: 483-4601

10 2 0 3 0 4 0 50 PAGE 18 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s October 28, 2009 Newly opened Iraqi cigar shop at Q-West St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y accessories like hand-carved sioned officer in charge of the Ca p t . Mu r r a y Sh u g a r s pipes, leather pipe cases, glass mayor cell help desk and na- 2/198 CAB hookahs and lighters. tive of Cockrum, Miss., said the Ahmed Abbas of Mosul said store offers Soldiers a unique CONTINGENCY OPERAT- he opened the store because way to relax. ING LOCATION he supports the U.S. forces in “I’m glad the store opened Q-WEST, Iraq — Iraq. because sharing quality cigars An Iraqi-owned “We are happy that the is a great way for Soldiers to and operated American military is here be- kick back and relax at the end cigar shop cause life is better now than of the day,” said Douglas. “I’ve celebrated its before,” said Abbas through an been smoking cigars for nine grand open- interpreter. “We want to show years, but I have never had a ing Oct. 14 our appreciation by offering Cuban cigar to put in my hu- at Contingency Operating Lo- quality tobacco products at midor. I am looking forward to cation Q-West, Iraq. reasonable prices.” smoking a real Cuban cigar.” Costing the owner more than Abbas said he has worked at Encouraging Iraqi com- $40,000 in renovations and Q-West for seven years, first as merce is an important part of merchandise, the Abbas Cigar an independent general con- Lt. Col. William B. Smith, Jr. (left), Q-West Mayor, 2nd Battalion, the strategic effort here, said Club represents a continued tractor and then as a contrac- 198th Combined Arms, and a Hattiesburg, Miss., native, and Col. Lt. Col. William B. Smith, Jr., Iraqi investment in this remote tor for a Turkish-owned retail Larry Phelps, commander of the 15th Sustainment Brigade, exam- the Q-West mayor and a Hat- logistics base in Northern Iraq, center. ine cigars during the grand opening of the Abbas Cigar Club Oct. tiesburg, Miss., native. 14. An Iraqi-owned and operated store that sells a range of tobacco said Capt. Allen Legere, officer Legere, a Gulfport, Miss., “Supporting local business products and accessories, the store cost more than $40,000 and in charge of the IBIZ retail sec- native, said the opening of the represents a continued Iraqi investment in this remote logistics is important, and it becomes tion, with 2nd Battalion, 198th business is good for U.S. forc- base in Northern Iraq. more important as our mis- Combined Arms, Mississippi es. sion transitions,” said Smith. Army National Guard, out of “Soldiers have told me that West’s Department of Public tobacco products and acces- “When multi-national forces Senatobia, Miss. they wanted to shop at a store Works and a Grenada, Miss., sories. return COL Q-West to the “In an effort to strengthen offering luxury tobacco prod- native, said he was pleased “I bought a cigarette holder Iraqi military, we will leave the local economy by sup- ucts,” said Legere. “Mr. Abbas with the store. with the two-headed Byzantine them a better base than when porting stability through com- has been easy to work with and “I was first to buy a Cu- eagle on the lid,” said Capt. we arrived, one with a military merce, the Iraqi-Based Indus- has complied with all levels of ban cigar on the grand open- Correy K. Elder, the officer and economic infrastructure trial Zone retail section assisted Q-West policy and procedures ing,” said Ware. “Next time I in charge of the Department able to help support a sov- Iraqi National, Ahmed Abbas, that demonstrate his willing- shop here, I might get one of of Public Works and a Jack- ereign, self-reliant Iraq. One with the opening of the Abbas ness to operate with Coalition these pipes. I give this store a son, Miss., native. “I think it’s way to define our level of suc- Cigar Club,” said Legere. forces here in Iraq.” thumbs up for the quality of pretty good to give a variety of cess in Iraq is by how well we Located on Eigth Street The first customer in line their products, especially for a products to the Soldiers, give have nurtured Iraq’s develop- near the Troya Shopping Mall, to purchase a cigar, Staff Sgt. cigar smoker.” the guys more options.” ing economic capacity, for this the store sells cigars and other Tony T. Ware, the noncommis- One shopper was less inter- Shopper Staff Sgt. Anthony will significantly improve the tobacco products as well as sioned-officer in charge of Q- ested in cigars than in other M. Douglas, the non-commis- country’s long-term stability.” Brothers bond together in Iraq St o r y b y “I’ve been a private for Sgt. Do you Sp c . Co r y E. Gr o g a n Stocker for 21 years,” he said. “It 41s t IBCT Pu b l i c Af f a i r s will be fine.” Andrew Stocker said the pair have a AL ASAD, Iraq – Staff Sgt. An- have proven their ability to work drew Stocker and together both at home and in Spc. Janathan Iraq. story idea? Stocker, West “I think I expect even more of Linn, Ore., na- him because I know what he is tives, are capable of,” he said. brothers Andrew Stocker re-enlisted serving in to come on the deployment with Iraq from his brother. the Oregon National Guard’s 41st “I feel better being here with Infantry Brigade Combat Team. him,” he said. “I wasn’t going to The brothers said they are U.S. Army photo by Spc. Anita VanderMolen U.S. Army photo by Spc. Cory Grogan let him come over here by him- proud to serve together and have Spc. Janathan Stocker Staff Sgt. Andrew Stocker self.” used their military service, as Jonathan Stocker said he well as this year’s deployment, to Jonathan Stocker said he re- do this as a civilian.’ As we likes being in the Guard because strengthen their bond. members his brother’s first de- were coming home, he said, ‘I’m he has experienced a lot of self- Contact Jonathan Stocker, Andrew ployment. thinking I want to join.’ I pulled improvement and feels he is Stocker’s younger brother, said, “It was pretty scary,” Jona- the car over on I-5 and said ‘I growing as a person every day. “Seeing my brother live the Army than Stocker said. “We didn’t don’t think that is a good idea.’” Both men said they agree it is values before I joined was mo- talk for a while, and I wished we After that, however, Andrew nice to have family around on a us at: tivating because those are the had spent more time together.” Stocker supported his brother’s deployment because it does not same values I wanted in my life.” Andrew Stocker said he re- decision and asked to have him seem as though they are so far This is Andrew Stocker’s sec- members when his brother told brought into his squad when from home. expeditionarytimes@ ond deployment. During his first him he wanted to join the Na- Jonathon Stocker graduated “Some things are different,” in 2005, he said he experienced tional Guard. from basic training. When Jona- said Andrew Stocker. “I call him iraq.centcom.mil difficult situations ranging from “I invited him to come do a than Stocker accepted, his com- Spc. Stocker on the phone, but heavy combat to not knowing live-fire exercise with us,” An- mander asked him if he was sure it is great because we are closer many people in his unit at the be- drew Stocker said. “I said ‘Hey he wanted to be a private under now and get to see each other ginning of the deployment. come fire a cannon; you can’t his brother’s command. more often.” October 28, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 19

Sudoku Test your The objective is to fill Level: Hard knowledge the 9×9 grid so each 1. What famous document begins: “When in the column, each row and 7 1 6 4 course of human events...”? each of the nine 3×3 2 6 2. Who said: “I’m the president of the United States boxes contains the dig- and I’m not going to eat any more broccoli”? its from 1 to 9 only one 3 7 1 3. What congressional award was Dr. Mary Edwards Walker the first woman to receive? time each. 8 3 5 Last week’s answers 4. Who was the first U.S. president to adopt the in- 2 4 9 8 6 1 7 5 3 6 4 8 3 7 2 formal version of his first name? 6 5 3 2 7 9 8 4 1 5. What Texan ended up with one delegate after 8 1 7 4 3 5 6 2 9 5 4 3 spending $12 million of his own money running 9 3 4 1 8 2 5 6 7 for president in 1980? 7 2 1 6 5 4 9 3 8 3 2 5 5 6 8 7 9 3 2 1 4 1 9 5 3 2 8 4 7 6 4 9 3 8 6 5 4 7 1 9 2

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

Sunday 11/01/09 2009 World Series - Game 3: Teams TBD, Live 4 a.m. AFN/ Upcoming sports sports ESPN College Football Primetime: Teams TBD, Tape Delayed 11 a.m. AFN/sports on AFN IBF Bantamweight Championship: Joseph Agbeko vs Yonnhy Wednesday 10/28/09 Friday 10/30/09 Perez, Tape Delayed 2 p.m. AFN/xtra NBA Opening Night on AFN: Boston Celtics @ Cleveland College Football Primetime: North Carolina @ Virginia Tech, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Amp Energy 500, Live 9 p.m. Cavaliers, Live 2:30 a.m. AFN/sports Live 2:30 a.m. AFN/xtra AFN/xtra College Football Primetime: East Carolina @ Memphis, Live 2009 World Series - Game 2: Teams TBD, Live 3 a.m. AFN/ 3 a.m. AFN/xtra sports Monday 11/02/09 NBA Opening Night on AFN: Los Angeles Clippers @ Los NBA on TNT: Denver Nuggets @ Portland Trail Blazers, Live 2009 World Series - Game 4: Teams TBD, Live 4 a.m. AFN/ Angeles Lakers, 5:30 a.m. AFN/sports 5:30 a.m. AFN/xtra sports Thursday 10/29/09 Saturday 10/31/09 College Football Primetime: Marshall @ UCF, Live 4:15 a.m. NBA Wednesday: New Orleans Hornets @ San Antonio Spurs, Live College Football Primetime: West Virginia @ South Florida, AFN/prime atlantic 3 a.m. AFN/xtra Live 3 a.m. AFN/xtra NBA on NBATV: New Orleans Hornets @ Boston Celtics, 2009 World Series - Game 1: Teams TBD, Live 3 a.m. AFN/sports NBA Friday: Chicago Bulls @ Boston Celtics, Live 3 a.m. Tape Delayed 10:30 a.m. AFN/sports NBA Wednesday: Utah Jazz @ Denver Nuggets, Live 5:30 a.m. AFN/sports AFN/xtra NBA Friday: Dallas Mavericks @ Los Angeles Lakers, LIVE Tuesday 11/03/09 2009 World Series - Game 1: Teams TBD, Tape Delayed 8 p.a. AFN/ 5:30 A.M. AFN/sports World Series, Game 5 (If Necessary): Teams TBD, Live 4 sports College Football Gameday (Location TBD), Live 6 p.m. AFN/ a.m. AFN/sports sports Monday Night Football: Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints, Live 4:30 a.m. AFN/xtra NBA New Jersey Nets @ Charlotte Bobcats, Tape Delayed 11 a.m. AFN/sports PAGE 20 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s October 28, 2009

‘Zombieland,’ a bloody good time By Sg t . Ja y s o n A. Ho ff m a n ily, when he runs into Tallahassee new “Dawn of the Dead.” nitely the guy you want on your side Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f (Woody Harrelson), a Southerner Eisenberg (“Adventureland”) of the zombie apocalypse. with a penchant for killing zombies. played the loveable loser who he typi- The story was good but predictable f you’re looking for The two men, who are opposites in cally portrays, but with more humor at times. Even with all of its predict- Ilaughs, guts, guns every way, set out on their adventure and eventually more bravado than his ability, it was hilarious. The things and a little Bill Mur- through Zombieland when they run characters usually have. you want to see happen do, but they ray, then this is the into Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Stone (“Superbad”) and Breslin happen better on film than you can movie for you. The Rock (Abigail Breslin). The four have (”Little Miss Sunshine”) played two imagine in your head. The film also movie may be predict- a troubled relationship built com- tough talking sisters and they pull it has several jump-out-of-your-seat able, but the outcome still keeps the pletely on the mistrust of one anoth- off. Breslin gives her character the moments. When a movie is this fun- audience laughing and jumping out of er, but they work together to survive right amount of naiveté and tough- ny, suspenseful moments catch you their seats. Zombieland. ness for a 12-year-old in Zombieland, by surprise. Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) is a This movie, very much in the like- and Stone gives off a Sarah Connor- This movie was just plain fun. It nervous wreck of a man, managing ness of “Shaun of the Dead,” was not esque (“Terminator”) sex appeal. has people laughing, jumping and to survive in Zombieland, a zombie- in any way a parody of zombie movies, Harrelson’s (“Cheers”) Tallahassee hoping the nerdy guy gets the tough conquered America, because of the but was instead a humorous homage is the man. He’s tough, but has heart. babe. If you like a good zombie flick list of rules he religiously abides by. to the gory classics, even incorporat- As Columbus said in the movie, “he and Woody Harrelson at the top of He’s attempting to make his way back ing the speed zombies from modern makes killing zombies look like an art his game, then “Zombieland” is sure to Columbus, Ohio, to see his fam- classics like “28 Days Later” and the form.” Harrelson is funny and defi- to make you laugh your guts out. Pick it up at the PX: Mason Jennings, ‘Blood of Man’ By Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g said Mason Jennings. I immediately Field,” is probably my favorite of the I didn’t really leave room here, but Ex pe d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f looked into him and realized he was bunch. In the electric folk anti-war I would be remiss if I didn’t mention even better than Jack Johnson. I have anthem, Jennings suggests the presi- the album closer and title track. It has he new Mason been a big fan ever since. dent deploy with his Soldiers. a really great build-up that instead of TJennings album, Jennings is known for his storytell- After “The Field,” the album goes bringing the listener back down to “Blood of Man,” is ing folk style and simple production back to the familiar with a couple of Earth after a fantastic 40-minute lis- one of the rare pieces values. Most of his albums are acous- soft, yet dark, acoustic jams before ten, lets them know that his best work of gold sitting in the tic based with very few vocal effects. reaching the climax of the unexpected is yet to come. masses of mediocrity He often records his guitar and vocals with “Ain’t No Friend Of Mine,” which His experimentation with darker in the full-price CD section at the PX. simultaneously in the studio in the has the feel of a Dan Auerbach song. rock sounds is a welcome change on I say full price because, more often same manner as Bob Dylan. Lyrically it’s much more repetitive this album. I’d say it comes the clos- than not, the best albums are hidden “Blood of Man” is somewhat of than most Jennings songs, which are est to the energy of a live Mason Jen- in ones or twos in the bargain bin. a different beast. The album opens prose-like stories most likely sculpted nings show in which his acoustic bal- I discovered Mason Jennings in up with a dark rock song, “City of by pen before guitar. lads are broken up by covers of Rage 2001 while I was in the midst of a Ghosts,” which features electric gui- The album’s first single, “Sunlight,” Against The Machine. Jack Johnson phase. I was just learn- tar. If it weren’t for his very distinct is next and sounds like old Jennings I think this is an album that will ing guitar and Johnson’s simple voice, one might not think it was the though it’s played on electric guitar. only get better with time and de- acoustic jams appealed to me. I read same man. It’s sort of the relaxing beach song serves the attention of anyone who an interview that asked what Johnson Electric guitar pushes the next cou- you would expect from Johnson, but actively listens to their music rather was listening to at the time and he ple songs as well. Track three, “The with Jennings’ touch. than playing it in the background.

Officer Space Sustainer Reel Time Theater Wednesday, Oct. 28 Sunday, Nov. 1 5 p.m. Extract 2 p.m. The Stepfather 8 p.m. Funny People 5 p.m. Sorority Row 8 p.m. Whiteout

Thursday, Oct. 29 Monday, Nov. 2 5 p.m. Inglorious Basterds 5 p.m. Sorority Row 8 p.m. Extract 8 p.m. The Stepfather

Friday, Oct. 30 Tuesday, Nov. 3 2 p.m. Sorority Row 5 p.m. Whiteout 5 p.m. The Stepfather 8 p.. Sorority Row 8:30 p.m. The Stepfather

Saturday, Oct. 31 Wednesday, Nov. 4 2 p.m. Whiteout 5 p.m. Gamer 5 p.m. The Stepfather 8 p.m.Inglourious Basterds 8 p.m. Sorority Row October 28, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 21

Ph o t o s Ar oU.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Luke P. Thelen u n d r a q U.S.I Army 1st Lt. William Sharp (right), Military Police Pla - toon Leader, from Headquarters and Headquarters Com - pany, 4th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, discusses routes with Iraqi soldiers prior to a joint cordon and search mission with Iraqi soldiers from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Companies, 3rd Battalion, 16th Brigade, 4th Iraqi Army Division, on the Zan- jaliyah Peninsula, near Tuz, Iraq, Oct. 14, 2009.

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Brien Vorhees A mortar round lies ready for soldiers of the Iraqi Army’s 8th Division, during a training exercise Oct. 15 at Karbala, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Tyrone Clakely The operation is the first live-fire, combined weapons training Iraqi Soldiers with the 37th exercise for the Iraqi Army since the Iran-Iraq War. Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army, plan a mission while U.S. Soldiers with B Company, 1st Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, out of Fort Hood, Texas, observe and advise during a practical train- ing exercise Oct. 15 at Camp Taji, in central Iraq.

An Iraqi soldier, assigned to the 39th Iraqi Army 10th Divi- sion, tries on an explosives ordinance disposal suit dur- ing the Muthanna Enabler Demonstrations on Joint Se- curity Station Soto, Oct. 14 in Muthanna, Iraq. The dem- onstrations provided Iraqi

Soldiers and Iraqi Police with U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chrissy Best information about supportive services the U.S. military can Iraqi Costal Border Guards participate in a practical exercise to demonstrate skills provide during Iraqi-led mis- they learned throughout the two week Riverine Waternorne Basic course, Oct. 6 in sions. Umm Qasr, Iraq. U.S. Sailors assigned to Riverine Squadron 2, teach the Iraqi CBG the basics of navigation, technical procedures and the overall workings of their U.S. Army photo by Spc. Ernest E. Sivia III boats. PAGE 22 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s October 28, 2009 Ne w s a r o u n d Ir a q “At this stage, learning how to train is as important US forces transfer as what you train,” said Command Sgt. Major Jeffery Hof, 2nd BCT, 1st Cav. Div. “If you compare the se- curity forces back in 2003 to where they are now, it’s last security station night and day. This kind of training is the cornerstone of a good training program.” in west Mosul Policing skills training subjects include carrying a weapon properly, assembling weapons, patrolling MOSUL, Iraq — U.S. forces officially transferred techniques and operating checkpoints. In order to Joint Security Station Rabiyah to the Gov- help this training run effectively, U.S. Soldiers and ernment of Iraq and Iraqi Security Forces IPA observe it and give tips to the training officer. Oct. 7 in west Mosul. “We want to help them learn community polic- Lt. Col. Phil Brooks, commander of the ing,” said Jon Still, a retired police officer from Eerie, 3rd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Heavy Bri- Penn., who works as an IPA. gade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Sameer Al Still said a big part of community policing involves Haddad, the receivership secretariat of Iraq, Maj. respecting human rights. Gen. Mohammed Sabry, commanding general of the “We are attempting to get the IP to gain the re- 3rd Federal Police Division, and other distinguished spect of the community,” he said. guests attended the ceremony. Still said he hopes to teach the officers how to ef- “Today marks an important milestone for the Sol- fectively work a crime site, how to present evidence diers who stand before you and the people of western and how to properly handle prisoners. Mosul,” said Brooks during his speech at the ceremo- “We want to train the IP so they can secure ny. their own country,” said Still. Joint Security Station Rabiyah was the last secu- Even though the station has only had the train- rity station occupied by U.S. forces in west Mosul. ing officer for two months, its U.S. partners said The USF and FP stationed there were responsible for they have already noticed a change. securing the neighborhoods of Al Aruba, Al Magrab, arrested four individuals suspected of conducting “There was a pretty distinct difference,” said 2nd Al Rissala and Al Jededa. attacks against security forces. Lt. Jaciel Guerrero, a platoon leader for 2nd BCT who “Due to the hard work and sacrifice of the 3rd Fed- In Baghdad, the security team searched for a works with the ERU. eral Police Division and the Iraqi Police of the Ris- suspected Kata’ib Hizballah terrorist group mem- He said proper wear of uniform and care of weap- sala District, security continues to improve everyday ber and arrested one individual without incident. ons have both improved significantly. in these neighborhoods,” said Brooks. “They are the Southeast of Kirkuk, Iraqi Police, with U.S. Because of the effectiveness of the new training of- true heroes of Mosul.” advisers, searched for an individual suspected to ficer, the station is also planning to assign a noncom- ISF expressed their gratitude for the continued have direct links to al-Qaeda in Iraq and Islamic missioned officer to act as assistant trainer. support from USF in their constant fight against in- State of Iraq members. “I am going to have a sergeant assist me soon in or- surgents in Mosul. They arrested two suspects during the search der to be able to conduct more training,” said Hassan. “We thank our friends, the U.S. forces in Mosul,” of several buildings. “I will begin training the NCOs; the NCOs will begin said Sabry. “We thank them for their support to help The 3rd Federal Police Brigade, with U.S. forc- training the regular shurta (policemen).” the (3rd Federal Police) division to succeed to clear es advisers, arrested one individual in eastern Mo- Guerrero said his Soldiers and the IPA will continue the area from terrorists.” sul during a search for an ISI member suspected to work with the ERU station to help it develop train- After Brooks and Al Haddad signed Rabiyah over of involvement with an oil extortion network and ing and to act as assistant trainers when needed. to the GoI, both were presented gifts of gratitude from extortion-related assassinations within the city. “They are realizing that training is a good invest- Sabry. During the search of a building, the security ment,” said Guerrero. “We celebrate the handing over of the last base from team apprehended an individual who was arrest- the U.S. on the west side of Mosul, and it’s something ed after questioning. to be proud of, as Iraqis,” said Mohammed. “We now New Nato Training control 100 percent of the west side.” Training plays bigger Mission-Iraq commander Iraqi Security Forces role for Kirkuk hosts open house search for suspected emergency responders BAGHDAD – The new commanding general for NATO Training Mission-Iraq, U.S. Army Lt. Gen. terrorists, arrest 6 CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION WAR- Michael D. Barbero, hosted an open house RIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq – Training is an in- at the new headquarters Oct. 10 atContin- BAGHDAD – Iraqi Security Forces arrested six tegral part of the partnership between the gency Operating Location Union III. suspects during a two-day operation in U.S. military and the emergency response Ambassador Martin Howard, assistant secretary search of individuals suspected of stag- unit in Kirkuk city, Iraq, but with the recent general of operations for NATO, and Iraqi Minister of ing attacks against security forces and addition of a training officer, the ERU has Defence Abdul Qader later dedicated a plaque on the civilians in Iraq. shown U.S. partners it is capable of conducting its new headquarters building that commemorates five Oct. 12, Iraqi Army Soldiers, with U.S. forces own training. years of the NATO training mission in Iraq. advisers, conducted a security operation in North- To help the training officer Lt. Hassan, Soldiers Other dignitaries included various Iraqi and U.S. west Baghdad that netted two arrests. from 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, general officers, as well as ambassadors and diplo- The subject of the search was a suspected Jaysh and one international police adviser traveled to the matic representatives. al-Mahdi member accused of planning and con- ERU station Oct. 5 to assess the training. “As most of you know, NTM-I has been in Iraq since ducting improvised explosive devise attacks. Now that this station has a training officer, the ERU 2004, delivering training, mentoring and advice in a During the search, the security team appre- trains every day before manning checkpoints, Hassan number of areas, from support at the strategic level hended and arrested two other individuals sus- said. in the Op Centers, the officer training and education, pected to be associates of the Jaysh al-Mahdi net- Hassan said he trains his policemen in one sub- down to individual training within the Federal Po- work. ject, such as marching and physical conditioning, for lice,” Barbero said. “Without the support, willingness During Oct. 13 security operations in Baghdad, a week until all of the officers have had a chance to and friendship of our Iraqi colleagues, and the man- Kirkuk and Mosul, ISF, with U.S. forces advisers, learn. ning and expertise provided by the NATO nations, we October 28, 2009 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 23

would not be where we are today.” procedures developed using lessons learned during Another goal of this group is to provide psycho- The NTM-I commanding general discussed how combat operations. logical and social support to victims of crime, serious the Iraqi military’s officer education and training The Iraqi Army Bomb Disposal School Comman- incidents and terrorism. The biggest goal is to open have been reinforced, both in support to the colleges dant, Iraqi Army Col. Jasim Mohammed Singy, high- communication channels between the police and the in Baghdad and to the Officer Academy at Ar Rusti- lighted the importance of the partnership between community to increase the confidence and positive in- mayah. Iraq and the United States. He said the partnership teraction between the two. “The Carabinieri training of the Federal Police between the Bomb Disposal School, Multi-National “Police should be more open and available to let continues to develop and we look forward to con- Security Transition Command-Iraq and Combined people know that they are working for the benefit of tinuing this partnership beyond February 2010,” he Joint Task Force-Troy has greatly contributed to the all civilians,” said Dr. Abdul Salim, dean of the School said. “We are also looking to the expansion of the success of the students and the success of the Bomb of Journalism at Baghdad University. “Community mission to include having another NATO partner Disposal School. police should be careful and be responsible in their ac- train Border Police forces. All of these actions go to The graduates join the more than 1,500 students tions and it is very important for public affairs to get strengthen the bond between Iraq and NATO.” trained. the information out about the activities of the civilian Barbero said in the next two years, NTM-I needs police.” to ensure it has developed a sustainable education U.S. Army Col. John Maietta addressed the crowd and training platform for Iraq to take forward. Iraqi Army engineering and praised the community policemen. “I look to you all, both Iraqis and NATO person- “I’ve seen polling data showing public confidence in nel, to ensure that we do as much as is feasibly pos- Iraq’s police is up,” he said. “Why is this? It is because sible in this timeframe,” he said. “The success of school begins of the more professional way that all police, including this period will determine the long-term relation the civilian police, work to solve cases using evidence between Iraq and NATO.” fielding training and upholding the rule of law in Iraq. Barbero praised Howard, calling the NATO am- “Your work helps police officers do a better job. bassador’s part in the past months “instrumental in You help to solve minor disputes before they lead to shaping and forging the agreements between Iraq TAJI, Iraq – The Electrical and Mechanical En- violence. You promote honesty and ethics and pro- and NATO.” gineering School began its unit set field- vide social support to victims of crimes, especially the Following additional remarks by Howard, the ing training when 124 soldiers from the women and elderly.” dignitaries toured the new NTM-I headquarters 1st Iraqi Army Division’s Field Workshop Brig. Gen. Alaa Al-Taie, general director of public building and then Howard and Abdul Qader held a Unit arrived here at the Training Center relations at MoI, said they must close the gap between joint press conference for news media representa- early in October. the police and the people. He said they can do this by tives covering the event. USF is a concentrated field exercise that focuses reporting crimes to police officers and building ties NTM-I has being training, mentoring and advis- on new equipment training, basic individual re- with the community. He said the police need a new ing officers in the Iraqi Security Forces since 2004, fresher skills and mission-specific collective skills image. to assist the Government of Iraq in resuming its training. This is the first time the EME School has Iraqi media attended the event and conducted sev- place in the international community and improving conducted unit set fielding in its 50 years of exis- eral interviews with the speakers. the security of Iraqi people with democratic security tence. forces. The EME USF training will include classroom NTM-I mentors and supports the INDU, INDC instruction and practical exercises on advanced ve- Joint forces discuss and the Defence Strategic Studies Institute. Other hicle repair, weapons repair, welding, and damaged cooperation projects for NATO in Iraq are out of vehicle recovery. In addition, students will also learn country training courses for Iraqi nationals at NATO to operate the Iraqi Army Maintenance Program, military ethics schools as well as National Police training led by the Iraqi Army’s computer-based system for order- Italian Carabinieri and at Ar Rustamiyah the Iraqi ing and tracking repair and replacement parts. BAGHDAD – Iraqi and U.S. Forces hosted their first Military Academy along with the Joint Staff College The graduation ceremony is planned for Oct. 29. commander’s conference Oct. 13 here to dis- and Command College. Upon graduation, the unit will return to Fallujah, cuss military ethics. NTM–I officers also provide mentoring and ad- Iraq, to establish a fully functional maintenance The purpose of the professional confer- vice to the Prime Minister’s National Operations facility that will provide repair service on an array ence was to highlight the Iraqi and U.S com- Centre, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior Command of vehicles and equipment for the Iraq Army’s First mitment to building professional and ethical capaci- Centre and the Iraqi Ministry of Defence Joint Op- Division in keeping with the EME School’s commit- ties throughout the Ministry of Defence. erations Centre. ment to preparing the nation’s mechanics. The conference was attended by senior Iraqi Army, Navy and Air Force officials, civilians, Iraqi govern- ment employees, political leaders and other represen- Community policing tatives from the Ministry of Defence, as well as select Iraqi Army Bomb members of the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq, responsible for training and advising conference highlights the Ministry of Defence on military values principles Disposal School and leadership development. successes “Soldiers have to do the right thing even when no one is looking,” said U.S Army Brig. Gen. James Mc- graduates 34 BAGHDAD – More than 250 community policemen Donald, deputy commanding general with MNSTC-I. attended a conference Oct. 14 here to high- “All armies must make ethics and professionalism a BESMAYA, Iraq – Thirty-four students graduated light successes and present concerns. priority.” from the Iraqi Army Bomb Disposal School The conference was hosted by the Bagh- McDonald said he was proud of the way Iraq has Level III Training Course Oct. 11 at the Bes- dad Provincial Police Headquarters in close demonstrated its commitment to military ethics and maya Combat Training Center. cooperation with the Public Affairs Directorate of the professional development. He said the Iraqi Army has Students completed more than 377 hours Ministry of Interior. done a great job ensuring ethics and values are taught of classroom and practical exercise training through- According to the MoI PAD, the community police, at every level in the military. out a 12-week period. or civilian police service, is a mediator between se- Speakers at the conference highlighted Iraq’s com- The training courses at the Iraqi Army Bomb Dis- curity institutions, like police stations, and organiza- mitment to military ethics and professionalism. The posal School parallel the International Mine Action tions of leaders of the communities. Its mission is to common theme was that all members of the military Standards levels of certification I through IV. communicate and interact to achieve participation must internalize certain core values such as loyalty to The Level III course material included: interna- between police and the community in making secu- country, selfless service, honor and duty, and putting tional humanitarian demining; electric explosive ini- rity responsibilities more visible. the needs of country before their own. tiation procedures; ordnance identification; battle- The goals of the community policing organization Several senior Iraqi military officials echoed the field area clearance; booby-trap mitigation; explosive include promoting the principles of citizenship, de- conference’s themes of leading by example and set- storage and safety; protective works; electric demoli- mocracy, civil peace and human rights in Iraq under ting conditions where subordinates are not placed into tion operations; and vehicle search and clearance op- the rule of law. They also aim to strengthen aware- ethical dilemmas. Iraqi senior leaders attended the erations. ness of human and national values of unity, coexis- conference to share and discover methods that lead- Classroom instruction was reinforced by Iraqi-led tence and tolerance, along with fighting racism, dis- ers must employ to build effective staff and teams. practical exercises including tactics, techniques and crimination and destructive values. The event was open to the media. PAGE 24 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s October 28, 2009 Phantom

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Rob Strain Support The first group of runners take off on the first leg of the 10-Mile Relay Oct. 17 at Contingency Operating Loca- tion Q-West, Iraq. The 10-mile run was broken up into three 3.3-mile laps, and each member of a three-person team ran one lap.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Digno Martinez

Lt. Col. Paul Dismer, a Morgan City, La., native and commander of the 541st Combat Sustainment Sup- port Battalion, and Command Sgt. Maj. Ian Griffin, the senior adviser to the 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion and a Pittsburg, Texas, native, uncase the battalion colors during the transfer of authority ceremony to signify the change in author- ity from the 419th CSSB to the 541st CSSB.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. John Stimac Iraqi Army Lt. Col. Rafed Mohsen Edan, the IA brigade civil affairs officer, asks an Iraqi child how she is doing in school. The IA has been an integral part in the success of Operation Back to School, which so far has helped 81 girls and 130 boys receive much needed materials for their school in an impoverished neighborhood.

Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, command- ing general of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expedi- tionary), poses for a photo with Cpl. Erika Hutchinson, an ad- ministrative assistant with headquarters and headquarters U.S. Army photo by US Army photo by Spc. Michael Camacho company, 13th ESC, Staff Sgt. Charles Robinson, noncommissioned officer in after administering charge of the medic team with the 547th Transportation the oath of enlistment Company and a Washington native, checks his bag for the during a ceremony proper medicine to alleviate the aches and pains of employ- ees of the Department of Public Works. Robinson’s team Oct. 16 at Joint Base of medics provides first aid treatment and basic health as- Balad, Iraq. sessments for DPW employees prior to their work day at Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

U.S. Army photo by US Army photo by Spc. Naveed Ali Shah