Page 2 Long Knife News Issue 5 Commander’s Corner By Col. Philip Battaglia work. our area of operation has improved 4th BCT Commander First, we dramatically; however, the stressors We’ve successfully com - measure our of combat and separation remain the pleted our first 100 days, a key mile - success on same. We continue to conduct com - stone in our deployment cycle. how well the bat missions every day, and we’re During the “First 100 Days” units Iraqi Secu - still deployed and away from our are most vulnerable as troopers get rity Forces families and individual support accustomed to their new operating perform. groups. That is why it’s so impor - environment. We have done very Their suc - tant for each Trooper to develop and cess is our rely on your Team. Talk to your bat - well during this critical period be - Col. Philip Battaglia cause of your professionalism, train - success. You tle buddies, your leaders, the chap - ing and the leadership of the chain should continually ask yourself and lains and the Combat Stress of command. FOBs and each other: “what have I done today professionals about any issue bother - Hunter are up and running, and the to make the ISF more effective?” ing you. It’s OK to seek help and 5-82 FA “Black Dragons” have re - My observations tell me you are talk to someone. Likewise, keep an joined the Long Knife BCT. I am having tremendous positive impacts eye on your buddies and be there for extremely pleased with your contin - partnering with and making them them. Keep the chain of command ued professionalism, warrior ethos better. Continue your efforts and al - informed. and the great work by our non-com - ways look for ways to improve our In conclusion, you are doing missioned officers and the chain of partnership. fantastic work and making a differ - command. Second, maintain and solid - ence in Iraq during our deployment. In this issue, I want to share ify your Team – your squad, platoon Stay focused on the mission, don’t my thoughts on 2 topics of impor - and company. Keep an eye on your get complacent and take care of each tance: ISF partnership and team - battle buddy and fellow Troopers. other. The security situation in Iraq and in Long Knife! First Team! Long Knife News Col. Philip Battaglia ...... 4th BCT Commander From the Cover CSM Edwin Rodriguez ...... 4th BCT CSM Maj. Chad Carroll ...... Public Affairs Officer Sgt. 1st Class Damian Steptore ...... PAO NCOIC Spc. Creighton Holub ...... Photojournalist Pfc. Terence Ewings ...... Editor Pfc. Rebekah Lampman ...... TV Journalist The Long Knife News is an authorized publica - tion for members of the U.S. Army community. Contents of this newspaper are not necessarily the official view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Gov - ernment, Department of Defense, Department of Pfc. Shon Berry guides Pfc. Brandy Cobb as she uses a fork lift to put supplies into a truck. Berry and Cobb are Soldiers in the 27th the Army, or the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Brigade Support Battalion, take supplies to Forward Operating Division. The Long Knife News is pre - Bases Garry Owen and Hunter for the Soldiers who live there. pared by the 4th BCT Public Affairs Office, 1st (Long Knife Photo By Spc. Shannon Black) Cav. Div., located in COB Adder, Iraq. Issue 5 Long Knife News Page 3 Rough Riders deliver no matter the task

Left: 10th Mountain Division Deputy Commanding General of Operations, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Buchanan, talks to Soldiers from the 27th Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, after finishing a combat logisti- cal patrol to Forward Operating Base Hunter in the Maysan province of Iraq. Right: Multi National Force-Iraq Command Sgt. Maj. Marvin Hill presents a coin, awarded for excellence to Soldiers from the 27th BSB, after a combat logistical patrol to Forward Operating Base Hunter in the Maysan province of Iraq. (Long Knife Photos by Pfc. Rebekah Lampman, 4th Brigade Public Affairs, 1st Cavalry Division) By Pfc. Rebekah Lampman pany A., 27th BSB, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 4th BCT PAO Div. "I mean, we're obviously proud 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav., Regt., 4th BCT, COB ADDER, Iraq - The 27th of what we do, and we take great pride 1st Cav. Div., stationed at FOB Brigade Support Battalion, 4th in our jobs. It's just a great feeling to Hunter. “I know they put their lives Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry push out to those Soldiers who need on the line." Division is known as the ‘life support’ it." Miller and his fellow medics of the brigade. Four months into the The Combat Logistical Patrol are using plywood transported to FOB deployment, the 27th BSB continues travels to the remote bases to deliver Hunter by the 27th BSB to build a to log many miles and many hours on bulk containers of food, water and medical station for treating Soldiers on the dusty, sometimes dangerous roads fuel. The Rough Rider Soldiers also the base. to the newly developed Forward Oper - transport containers filled with essen - "I could not be prouder of the ating Bases Garryowen and Hunter. tial equipment for the 2nd Battalion, way our Soldiers have conducted "It's just part of our job as lo - 7th Cavalry at Garryowen, themselves on this deployment thus gisticians to push out to those remote and the 1st Battalion., 9th Cavalry far," said Lt. Col. Mark Simerly, 27th areas and make sure they have every - Regiment at Hunter. BSB commander. "We're just over the thing they need to stay in the fight," "I'm very thankful,” said Pfc. 100 day mark, and our Soldiers have said 2nd Lt. David Jackson, Combat Andrew Miller, a combat medic and been disciplined and are setting the ex - Logistical Patrol commander, Com - native of Orlando, Fl., assigned to ample across the brigade." Page 4 Long Knife News Issue 5 Garry Owen Troopers partner with Iraqi Army during aerial mission

By 1st Lt. Dave Collins partnered with the 38th IA Bde. for the executed,” said Tyler, native 1st 2nd Bn., 7th Cav. Regt last three months, continues to support Lt. Jordan Hill, of 2nd Bn., 7th Cav., AMARAH, Iraq – Soldiers of the the IA units while conducting counter- Regt., 4th BCT., 1st Cav. Div. 38th Iraqi Army Brigade and the 2nd smuggling operations along the Iraq- The combined patrol can - Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Iran border. vassed three different villages where Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry “These guys (38th IA) were the Iraqi and American patrol leaders Division, completed their second com - top-notch; they really had a good un - met with local national officials. The bined tactical air insertion Sept. 28. derstanding of what they wanted to ac - leaders identified ways to work to - “Today was a good complish out here today and just gether to bring greater progress to the operation, and we look for - more isolated areas of the ward to visiting these areas province. again in the future,” said Members of the patrol also Josim Soban, assigned to the handed out fliers promoting the 38th IA Bde. Coalition tips line, which is The 38th IA is fo - used by locals to report smug - cused on reaching the tribal gling and any suspicious activ - villages in some of the more ity. remote areas of the Maysan The partnered units will con - Province. The ability to tinue to operate throughout move by air allows the Sol - First Lieutenant Jordan Hill, of 2nd Bn., 7th Cav. Regt., Maysan as they work in coordi - diers to search areas seldom 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. conducts a pre-mission brief with nation with the provincial gov - patrolled by coalition forces. leaders from the 38th Iraqi Army Brigade at FOB Garry ernment to integrate tribal The battalion, which has Owen Sept. 28. villages.

The 38th IA Bde. and the 2nd Bn., 7th Cav. Regt., 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. completed their second combined tactical air in- sertion in the 4th BCT’s three months of partnership with the Iraqi unit Sept. 28. Long Knife photos by 1st Lt. Dave Collins Issue 5 Long Knife News Page 5

1st Lt. Donald Frisco of 5th Bn., 82nd FA, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div., and a native of Morgantown, W.V., hands out candy to local Iraqi children while returning from a dismounted patrol during Operation Bobby Cox near Joint Base Balad, just north of Baghdad, Sept. 6. (Long Knife Photo by 2nd Lt. Justin Bishop) Black Dragons receive new mission in Iraq By 2nd Lt. Justin Bishop ating environment, just north of Bagh - Div. during Operation Bobby Cox. 5th Bn., 82nd FA dad, Sept. 6. The Long Knife field BALAD, Iraq – In general, field ar - Once the Soldiers were on unit regularly works with the 320th FA tillery units are content with shooting site, they moved from house to house when conducting patrols or other large mortar rounds at indirect enemy in a mix of mounted and dismounted counter insurgency operations near targets to execute mass destruction patrols in search of anything that Balad. when the situation requires. would help further eliminate instabil - This was the first The 5th Battalion, 82nd Field ity in a region. The area, much like all mission for the 5th Bn., 82nd FA Sol - Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Divi - of Iraq, has consistently seen a reduc - diers; leaders conducted an extensive sion, 4th Brigade Combat Team have tion in crime and a gradual decrease in amount of extra planning and training been called upon to do a little more, reports of violence. to ensure the mission was completed and they have gladly accepted. “As an artillery Soldier, I safely and effectively. “I had a lot of fun training for never thought I would have been “In just the few months that and (executing this mission),” said doing air assault raid missions,” added we have been here, I have already seen Pfc. Armond Benoit, of Battery A, 5th Benoit, from Mamou, La. “It was a a difference in the way people in the Bn., 82nd FA, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div. good change of pace from our regular towns and villages act toward us,” said Benoit and the rest of his unit schedule of mounted and dismounted Sgt. James Rein, of Battery A., and conducted Operation Bobby Cox, a patrols in the area.” Glendale, Ariz. native. “They are four-day mission involving an air as - The Long Knife Soldiers much friendlier.” sault within the Joint Base Balad oper - teamed up with Soldiers from 2nd Bn., 320th FA, 1st BCT, 101st Airborne. Black Dragons continued on page 7 Page 6 Long Knife News Issue 5 Long Knife heroes receive awards for valor By Pfc. Terence Ewings at the right time). “It was all about act - combat medics and field surgeon team 4th BCT PAO ing on what you’ve been trained to do that there was a casualty in need of as - COB ADDER, Iraq – One of the first for years." sistance. thoughts that came to Sgt. Steven The recipients of this honor The three non-commissioned Robinson during the rocket attack that received the medals for acts of bravery officers who also received awards ex - struck Forward Operating Base Garry while under imminent enemy threat pressed similar ideas concerning their Owen, in southeastern Iraq, was to en - during combat operations. Lt. Col. involvement that day. sure that his Soldiers were alright. Scott Gerber, Staff Sgt. After ensuring that his troops the Executive Javier Reyes, were geared up and accounted for, the Officer of the It was all about also a member artillery forward observer from Barre, Long Knife of the brigade’s Massachusetts, continued to assist his Brigade, and protective secu - fellow Soldiers of the 4th Brigade three junior acting on what you’ve rity detach - Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. non-commis - ment, from Robinson, a non-commis - sioned officers “been trained to do Phoenix, ex - sioned officer in the Long Knife sacrificed their plained that he Brigade’s Protective Security Detach - own safety to for years. acted on in - ment, was one of four recipients to re - assist their fel - Sgt. Steven Robinson stinct and ceive the Army Commendation Medal low Long 4BCT Protective Security Detachment wanted to do as with “V” device for valor at the 4th Knife Soldiers much as possi - BCT Combat Action Awards Cere - during the attack, which killed one ble to aid the v”ictims. mony at Contingency Operating Base U.S. Soldier and injured two others “I was glad I was able to be Adder Sep. 19. Aug. 19. there to help them out,” said the re - “I wasn’t thinking about being “When there is a guy’s life on cently promoted combat veteran. “It rewarded,” said Robinson, who be - the line you do what needs to be means a lot to be there and that’s what lieves he was simply (at the right place done,” said Gerber, who alerted the Valor continued on page 7

Col. Philip Battaglia awards Sgt. Javier Reyes and Sgt. Nicolas King with an Army Commendation Medal with “V” device for valor at the Combat Action Awards Ceremony on COB Adder Sept. 19. The two combat veterans received the award for assisting their fellow Soldiers in the 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div., during a rocket attack on FOB Garry Owen. (Long Knife photo by Pfc. Terence Ewings) Issue 5 Long Knife News Page 7 Thunder Horse Battalion expands operations in Southern Iraq By Capt. Robin Worch, 2nd Bn., 12th Cav. Regt. COB ADDER, Iraq —The 2nd Bat - talion, , 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, has a mission that stretches across two provinces and 7,200 square kilometers in southern Iraq. Based on the large area of coverage, the Thun - der Horse troops have moved a com - pany-size unit to Joint Security Station Jenkins where the unit is co-located with the 2nd Battalion, 40th Iraqi Army Brigade. By moving the Soldiers from Contingency Operating Base Adder, which is the headquarters for the Long Knife Brigade, the battalion can easily conduct joint patrols with the Iraqi Army in northern Dhi Qar, an area that has not seen Coalition Forces for more Leaders from the 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat than two years. Team, 1st Cavalry Division, discuss future quality of life planning at the remote “Having the Americans here Joint Security Station Jenkins Sept. 24. A company-size element within the will help our patrols and bring more Thunder Horse Battalion recently moved to the security station to live and part - stability to this region,” said Col. Al ner with the 2nd Battalion, 40th Iraqi Army Brigade during counter-insurgency Kareem of the 40th Iraqi Army live in the remote security station. In addition, the brigade is in Brigade. The Long Knife Brigade has the process of resourcing JSS Jenkins Along with the ability to ac - made quality of life a high priority with some of the same amenities the complish the battalion’s huge mission, considering the unit is building two Soldiers were afforded at COB Adder. the 2nd Bn., 12th Cav. Regt., is fo - Forward Operating Bases Garry Owen The project requires support from a cused on providing quality of life re - and Hunter, both near the southeastern number of agencies, to include Navy sources for those Soldiers selected to border of Iraq. Thunder c ontinued on page 11 Valor from page 6 means the most to me, helping Sol - Hills, Texas. “All I really expected sponsible for saving the lives of their diers.” was a thank you, but it’s nice that we fellow Soldiers. “It feels good to be recog - received an award like this.” “There’s no doubt in my mind nized,” said Sgt. Nicolas King, the However modest the recipi - that those three NCOs saved lives that combat medic from North Richland ents of the ARCOM’s are, they are re - day,” said Gerber.

Black Dragons from page 5 As the Soldiers encountered local farmers while in the area. moving through crop fields near the Tigris River, nearly The area surrounding Joint Base Balad historically every Iraqi civilian showed their approval of the U.S. pres - received heavy contact from enemy activity, but there were ence and were eager to provide information about criminals no reports of violence during the operation. Page 8 Long Knife News Issue 5 Issue 5 Long Knife News Page 9

Top left: Long Knife Brigade Soldiers eat dinner under the brigade colors and a 1st Cavalry Division flag during the First Team's 87th birthday celebration at Contingency Operating Base Adder, near Tallil, Iraq, Sept. 13. Above: 1st Lt. Aileen Farrell, a human resources officer assigned to the 4th Special Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, lights a candle in re - membrance of the lives lost Sept. 11, 2001. Soldiers stationed at Contin - gency Operating Base Adder, near Tallil, Iraq, remembered the events of Sept. 11, during a memorial service at the base's Memorial Hall Sept. 11, 2008. Far Left: Command Sgt. Maj. Edwin Rodriguez and Col. Philip Battaglia cut the First Team's 87th birthday cake during the Long Knife Brigade's birthday party for the 1st Cavalry Division at Contingency Operating Base Adder, near Tallil, Iraq, Sept. 13. The 4th Brigade Combat Team is working to stop smug - gling in the southern Iraqi desert border region, much like the First Team's beginnings along the - Mexican border. Left: Sgt. Gregory Calzado, a Long Knife Brigade property book office non - commissioned officer, sings "God Bless America" with the Adder Gospel Choir during a Sept. 11 memorial service for Soldiers stationed at COB Adder at the base's Memorial Hall Sept. 11. (All photos by Spc. Creighton Holub) Page 10 Long Knife News Issue 5 The Romanian “White Sharks” join the Long Knives in Iraq in 1999. During that period, the battal - The White Sharks assumed By Romanian 341st Inf. Bn. ion was nominated to participate in authority from the 151st Bat - COB ADDER, Iraq – The Romanian peace keeping and humanitarian oper - talion Aug. 21. 341st Infantry Battalion has joined the ations. Furthermore, the battalion took “The Black Wolves have set a 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry part in more than fifteen multinational very high standard, one we will main - Division until the combat team com - training events in Romania, Ukraine tain and of course, try to better,” said pletes its 15-month deployment in and Bulgaria. Lt. Col. Vreme, the incoming com - southern Iraq. In 2004, the battalion received mander of the 341st Inf. Bn. “We will The White Sharks, with more orders to support the Kosovo Forces in be great partners and the relations be - than 400 Soldiers, are stationed here in peace keeping missions until the sum - tween us will prove that we are a team Contingency Operating Base Adder to mer of 2005. From 2005 to July 2006, that can accomplish any kind of mis - work with the Coalition Forces and the battalion deployed in countless sion.” Iraqi Security Forces to provide stabil missions, near the Kandahar region of The 341st Inf. Bn. will be operations and support the governance , for Operations Enduring working with the Long Knife Brigade at the local and provincial levels. Freedom, under the command of the in the Dhi Qar province to aid the Iraqi Col. Philip Battaglia, com - International Security Assistance Security Forces and local nationals mander of the 4th BCT, addressed the Forces. there. Romanian leadership. “We are look - ing forward to working with you to continue progress here in Iraq,” he said. “When you come over to my TOC [tactical operations cell], I hope you feel as welcome as we feel today in your area.” The 341st Infantry Battalion, formerly the 1st Infantry Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, reflagged in 1995 as their own independent unit. The history of this unit dates back to and World War II, where the infantry regiment partici - Romanian soldiers from the 151st Infantry Battalion “Black Wolves” partici- pated in multiple battles. pate in the transfer of authority ceremony with the 341st Inf. Bn. “White The 341st Infantry Battalion Sharks” at Contingency Operating Base Adder Aug. 21. also participated in many national and (Long Knife Photo by Maj. Chad Carroll) multinational training events, starting Long Knives Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

Command Sgt. Maj. Edwin Rodriguez gives a speech dur- ing the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at Contin- gency Operating Base Adder’s Warrior Memorial Hall Oct 3.

(Long Knife Photos by Pfc. Rebekah Lampman) Sgt. 1st Class Philip Walls and Staff Sgt. Courtney James play Mexican Bingo at the Hispanic Heritage Month cele- bration at the COB Adder’s Warrior Memorial Hall Oct. 3 . Issue 5 Long Knife News Page 11

Sgt. Darren Hutson, a light wheel mechanic from Salem, Virginia, with the 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt., builds tables for the dining facility at Forward Operation Base Hunter Oct. 2. (Long Knife Photo By Staff Sgt. Mark Schenk) Hunters make life better at newest border base By Staff Sgt. Mark L. Schenk, keeping a guard force defending their grade the squadron’s living and opera - 1st Sqdn., 9th Cav. Regt. new base. The Soldiers also set up tional areas. COB ADDER, Iraq – A handful of their headquarters’ tactical operating The troops have field rations, trucks filled with gear, food and water center along with an aid station on the such as individual meals-ready-to-eat. and approximately 200 troops left For - first day. They also have filtered, bottled water ward Operating Base Garry Owen and Sgt. Maj. Michael Williamson, from the Euphrates River and large re - headed south in mid-August. the squadron’s senior operations non - frigerators to keep their water cooled. The Long Knife Brigade Sol - commissioned officer had initial con - “This is (a better environment) diers from the 1st Squadron, 9th Cav - cerns with basic latrine and showering than I expected,” said Trinidad native, alry Regiment, arrived at an empty facilities available at FOB Hunter. Spc. Yasir Kahn, a medic assigned to airfield prepared to open a new base, Fortunately, the living condi - the squadron headquarters. FOB Hunter. tions have improved significantly The unit is now providing the “It’s hot and the work is hard, since the base was created almost a Soldiers with computers and internet but at least I make a difference here,” month ago. CH-47 Chinook cargo hel - access to communicate with their explained Detroit native, Pfc. Jeffrey icopters come in with mail, water and loved ones back home. Hillman, a combat medic assigned to food every day. The Long Knife Brigade and B Troop. Ground convoys from FOB Headhunter Squadron also have plans The Soldiers began unloading Garry Owen deliver wood and other to build a dining facility and post ex - gear by hand, and erected tents while construction materials to build and up - change at the base.

Thunder from page 7 Engineers, who recently installed air This will allow the Thunder Horse assigned to 2nd Battalion, 12th Cav. conditioners, electricity and plumbing Soldiers the ability to send and receive Regt. “They are looking forward to the at the security station. e-mails with family and friends back ability to communicate with their fam - The next step, and possibly home in the states. ilies even though they are in the mid - most important to the Soldiers, will be “That is what Soldier’s really dle of southern Iraq and living with the the installation of free internet service. want,” said Capt. Matthew Prescott, Iraqi Army.” Continue Living the Legend, see your battalion retention NCO for details Page 12 Long Knife News Issue 5 Supplements and Deployment By Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Caesar garding the supplement, is that the sider the ingredients of this advertised 4th BCT Medical Operations body will only use as much as it can supplement. N.O. supplements typi - COB ADDER, Iraq - “I’m going to metabolize. The remainder is excreted cally contain caffeine, creatine, and use this deployment as an opportunity out of the body and unused. amino acids; all of which may have to get BIG…I’m gonna be working Since creatine retains water contributing common side effects such out, losing weight, and lifting… every - within the body, you must consume diarrhea, weakness, nausea, and even one back home will see a big differ - large amounts of water to avoid being sexual dysfunction. ence when I get back!” dehydrated. This can lead to serious For those looking to lose How many times have you injuries among weight trainers who are weight, Hydroxycut, as well as other heard this before? For many of us, not conscious of their water intake lev - products containing ephedra and caf - this is a common statement heard els. Considering the strenuous envi - feine have been highly advertised. throughout our deployment from ronment we endure during our However, like many supplements, its among the ranks. While most Soldiers deployment, Soldiers should exercise effectiveness has been questionable. will find better fitness by simply con - extreme caution before deciding to use Hydroxycut’s primary weight ducting regular exercise and maintain - these products. -loss ingredients include: garcinia ing a good diet, others cambogia, chromium will try ‘shortcuts’ or polynicotinate, caffeine use methods that will The improper use of these products, and green tea. None of give them an ‘extra’ which have evidence of edge through the use failing to maintain a proper diet, or effectiveness. of supplements. Last but not least is While the use “using supplements as a substitute Caffeine, which is a of supplements, common ingredient in weight loss products for meals can be dangerous. health supplements and found in numerous and vitamins are not Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Caesar products we use. In necessarily harmful, 4th Brigade Combat Team, Medical Operations NCO the improper use of fact, caffeine is found these products, failing to maintain a ” more so in beverages proper diet or using supplements as a Nitric Oxide (N.O.) is among than any other plant and herbal mate - substitute for meals can be dangerous. the latest popular supplements being rial combined. It is found in every - There are a wide variety of used today. N.O. is a free-form gas, thing from sodas, coffee, tea and supplements available with numerous which is also naturally produced chocolate to the very health supple - claims. One popular claim is that the within the body. To produce this gas, ments found on the market today. supplement, referred to as Creatine, the enzymes inside the body break Caffeine is an alkaloid and can help those who want to ‘bulk up’ down an amino acid called Arginin. powerful stimulant to the central nerv - through weight lifting. Creatine, by it - Arginin is commonly found in a nor - ous system. The common use of caf - self, is naturally produced within the mal diet, including a variety of fish feine can be found as desirable by body, and you can easily produce more and shellfish. N.O increases blood many of us, but the excessive use of of it by eating a regular diet. flow and dilates blood vessels, making caffeine can produce extremely unde - Among weight trainers, Crea - it of particular interest among weight sirable effects such as anxiety, nerv - tine is used to increase muscle mass. lifters and body builders. The in - ousness and headaches. This is done simply by retaining water creased blood flow will serve to help With the use of any supple - within the tissues and cells of muscles, muscles become larger when subjected ment, you should exercise extreme thereby giving you a fuller look. How - to stress. caution before taking them. Many ever, with Creatine, once you stop In weight training, N.O. sup - supplements can have serious side ef - using the product, the ‘bulk muscles’ plements increase muscle growth by fects if not used properly. Some of disappear. increasing blood flow to muscle these include: extreme muscle fatigue, Another physiological fact re - groups. However, remember to con - Supplements continued on page 13 Issue 5 Long Knife News Page 13 Married couples find deployment together easier as Rough Rider Soldiers By Spc. Shannon Black Base Adder, and they get to live to - Adder, but to also live with her hus - 27th BSB gether in the same room. band, the supply sergeant from COB ADDER, Iraq - The first time “It’s a morale booster be - Guthrie, Okla. could only attribute it Staff Sgt. Tonga Rose and her hus - cause we’re able to be together, ex - to divine intervention. band, Sgt. First Class Marcus Rose, plained Tonga, from Killeen, Texas. “I know I’m blessed,” said deployed to Iraq in 2003, they were “It’s not a strain on our marriage this Michelle. “I know that it is far and separated by approximately 80 miles. time, and it lessens the stress.” few between that married military Tonga was stationed at Camp Taji; Like the Roses, Staff Sgts. couples get stationed together on a Marcus was near Tikrit. Kelvin and Michelle Windham are deployment--I can’t put a price on This time around, the Roses also residing together during this de - being able to come home every night are both assigned to the 27th Brigade ployment. to my spouse and talk about my day.” Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Com - When asked for her opinion Michelle and her husband are bat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, sta - about the opportunity to not only be fully aware of the dangers they face tioned at Contingency Operating stationed with her husband at COB in combat. Kelvin serves as a gun- truck sergeant on vehicle convoys, which means he frequently provides security for the battalion’s convoy vehicles to and from various loca - tions. “The only worry I have is that we are equally at risk of being injured by incoming rounds,” she said. “I pray every day that the Lord will watch over my husband and Alpha Company Soldiers.” Considering the risks Long Knife Soldiers face during a deploy - ment, the married couples in 27th BSB are happy to have each other just an arm’s length away. “One of the advantages of being in this company is that we can help each other with any issues that may arise in our day-to-day work - load,” said Michelle. “To not have to look in a Staff Sergeants Kelvin and Michelle Windham sit and review documents outside video camera to see his face is, by their living area Sept. 7. The Windham’s are assigned to 27th BSB, 4th BCT, 1st far, the best blessing ever,” she con - Cav. Div. , at COB Adder. cluded. Supplements from page 12 dehydration, kidney and liver failure. As with all over-the- counter The 4th BCT and some subor - Nearly none of the supple - products, to include medicines, sup - dinate units have written policies on ments currently available are regulated plements and even vitamins, read and authorized and unauthorized supple - by the Food and Drug Administration follow all instructions for use. We ments. If you have any doubts about (FDA), and are sold mostly based on strongly recommend that you use only any product you intend to use, consult manufacturer claims and advertising as directed for achieving the maximum your supervisor for a copy of the pol - without actual scientific evidence. results safely icy letter. Page 14 Long Knife News Issue 5 Long Knife Destinations Editorial by ted slots and the percentage of Sol - and relax. And speaking of family, Sgt. 1st Class Damian Steptore diers each unit is required to send per there’s one 27th Brigade Support Bat - 4th BCT PAO NCOIC month. talion Soldier who decided to start his COB ADDER, Iraq — So the biggest “We’re doing all we can to ac - family while on EML. topic this month has been about EML, commodate our Soldiers,” said 1st Sgt. “It was in the plans for a long and I’m not embarrassed to admit that Peter Rocha, the company first ser - time,” said Pfc. Thomas Greene, refer - I’ve never really known exactly what geant for Headquarters and Headquar - ring to his marriage to Danielle the acronym stands for. ters Company, 4th Brigade Combat Lawrence during his EML. "I'm really At first I thought it stood for Team, 1st Cavalry Division, and a na - happy, and can't wait to get back home emergency leave, but then what would tive of Crookston, Minn. to my new wife." the ‘M’ represent? Then someone ex - However, regardless of when Green, from Tonawanda, N.Y., plained to me that EML was the you get to take leave, you are guaran - took the morale in EML to a whole acronym for Environmental Moral teed approximately two weeks of new level, but you might be surprised Leave. That made me wonder, “what ‘leave me alone time’. at some of the vacations many Long does the environment have to do with “I just hung out and visited Knife Soldiers are planning. taking a break, and going on a vaca - with family and friends,” said Pfc. I spoke to one female officer, whom tion?” Walton Rudy, of Co. A., 2nd I’m sure would want to remain anony - But anyhow, I’ve listened to Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 4th mous, that plans to travel throughout Soldiers from all over the brigade dis - Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Europe for 14 days. cuss the ideal time to take EML and Division. “Oh…and I ate out a lot, That sounds exhausting to me, their intended destinations. Some are added the Apple Valley, Calif., native.” b u t here’s what Warrant Officer Grant saying their initially requested date See, that’s what I plan to Weston had to say, “I don’t even plan was changed based on the unit’s allot - do…just want to hang out with family Destinations continued on page 15 From The Pulpit By Chaplain (Maj.) Ray Bennett content has the Do not go back and read negative mes - Long Knife Brigade Chaplain wrong emo - sages into stressful conversations. In - tional connota - stead take time to process the You Talking To Me??? tions. Maybe conversation, looking for the true A 4-year-old son was eating there is unnec - meaning. If you can’t determine the an apple in the back seat of the car, essary anger or true meaning, ask. When your when he asked, "Daddy, why is my even contempt. Spouse, loved ones, and Family mem - apple turning brown?" "Because," his When that bers ask, do not go back and read neg - dad explained, "after you ate the skin happens – like ative messages into it. Realize that off, the meat of the apple came into the little boy in they need clarification and reassurance contact with the air, which caused it to Chaplain (Maj.) the car – we that you love and respect them. oxidize, thus changing the molecular Ray Bennett block out the We all say the wrong thing at structure and turning it into a different real meaning behind what was said. the wrong time. When we understand color." There was a long silence. Then But unlike the boy in the car, we don’t that, we will be more willing to re - the boy asked, "Daddy, are you talking usually ask “Are you talking to me?” ceive feedback to help us correct our to me? We automatically assume the worst – conversations and attitudes. We have many conversations they don’t love me; they don’t respect Paul said in the Letter of Eph - like this one. When we are talking on me; they are trying to tick me of. esians, “Do not let any unwholesome the phone, or chatting on email with Yet most of the time our talk come out of your mouths, but only our Spouse, loved ones, and Family Spouse, loved ones, and Family mem - what is helpful for building others up members we sometimes get a response bers do not intend to send the wrong according to their needs, that it may that makes us say, “Are you talking to message. It is important for both sides benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians me?” Maybe we get overwhelmed of a conversation to assume the best. with too much content. Maybe the 4:29) Issue 5 Long Knife News Page 15 Inside the Long Knife MiTT By Sgt. 1st Class Steven Raposo, Long Knife MiTT AMARAH, Iraq – “You are not 4/1 CAV MiTT unless….” is a phrase used by the 4th Brigade Special Troops Bat - talion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Military Transition Team to describe the unique experi - ences they encounter on a daily basis. This phrase describes the unique moments that often occur dur - ing the close interaction with their Iraqi counterparts. The Long Knife Brigade’s MiTT has the complex task of facili - tating and training an Army division headquarters, while facilitating ongo - ing combat operations. “Although the MiTT team is a small part of our unit, the personnel on Soldiers of the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division Military Transi- tion Team, conduct computer training with the 10th Iraqi Army Division after a the team have a mission that is critical dinner meeting in Al Amarah, Iraq. (Long Knife Photo by Sgt. 1st Class Steven to the security and future of Iraq and Raposo, Long Knife Brigade Military Transition Team) the region,” said Maj. Lou Morales, combat readiness of the unit and pres - Staff Sgt. Heath Ward, a non-commi - the team leader from Harriman, New ent ideas that move the unit forward sioned officer in the 27th Brigade Sup - York. and assist them in accomplishing the port Battalion from Greatbend, The team is composed of 12 missions at hand. On any given day, expressing his feelings on what it’s officers and non-commissioned offi - team members meet with and offer like to work this closely with their cers from various battalions through - suggestions to personnel that are the Iraqi counterparts. “Their values are out the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st decision makers at all levels of the not so much different from ours” Cavalry Division. Each section of the Iraqi government, such as general offi - Whether it’s drinking juice team partners with a staff section of cers, provincial leaders, city officials boxes in an Iraqi general’s office at the 10th Iraqi Army Division Head - and members of the Ministry of De - midnight, or learning to eat new deli - quarters. fense. cacies with your hands after a day of “The team has become a close Working with their Iraqi counterparts fasting, each and every MiTT team knit group in a very short amount of has allowed the team to build unique member has a unique story to tell. time,” said native, Staff and close relationships with the offi - Each of these surprising tales Sgt. Ruben Montoya, a member of the cers and non-commissioned officers of and shared experiences will eventually logistics section from the 27th Brigade the Iraqi Army. The team recently re - aid the MiTT to solidify rapport with Support Battalion. “We wouldn’t nor - turned from an extended mission to a their 10th Iraqi Army counterparts mally work together, and it is a learn - forward operation base where they which will eventually help increase the ing experience to see how each section were the only Coalition personnel liv - capabilities of the Iraqi Army. operates.” ing in an Iraqi Army controlled camp. And you don’t have to be in Daily interaction with the Iraqi Army “I have to keep an open the Long Knife Brigade’s MiTT to un - staff allows the team to assess the minded and positive approach,” said derstand how important that is. Destinations from page 14 to go on EML, said the Long Knife year.” opinion about the topic. I can’t wait to Brigade’s personnel technician. “I I guess this is what makes us hear more about the EML destinations think I’ll save my leave days and my unique individuals because I couldn’t throughout the Long Knife deploy - money and stay here; it’s only one find two people who had the same ment. Page 16 Long Knife News Issue 5 In Memory of Our Fallen Heroes Pfc. Tavarus Danard Setzler, 23, of Jacksonville, Fla., died of wounds sustained when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Majar al Kabir, Iraq, Oct. 2. Setzler joined the military in Nov. 2007, as a combat engineer and was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division since March 2008. He deployed with the 2nd Battal - ion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Di - vision, in June 2008, in support of Op - eration Iraqi Freedom. Setzler’s decorations and awards include a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global - ism Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and a Combat Action Badge.

Sgt. Reuben Marcus Fernan - dez III, 22, of Abilene, Texas, died of wounds sustained when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Majar al Kabir, Iraq, Oct. 11. Fernandez joined the military in Sept. 2004, as an infantryman and was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division since Feb. 2005. He deployed with the 2nd Battal - ion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Di - vision, in June 2008, in support of Op - eration Iraqi Freedom. Fernandez’s decorations and awards include a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Serv - ice Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and a Com - bat Action Badge.