Phantom News Vol

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Phantom News Vol Phantom News Vol. I, Issue 43 Telling the TF Phantom story October 15, 2007 Celebrating a month of culture Soldiers expand horizons, share Hispanic traditions Story, photos by Army Spc. Kimberly Millett 89th MP Bde. In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Multi-National Force-Iraq, Multi-National Corps-Iraq, the Human Relations Office and the 89th Military Police Brigade sponsored an evening of cultural awareness, demonstrations and ethnic cuisine Oct. 5 in Al Faw Pal- ace. The month, celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, coincides with the anni- versary of independence for five Latin American countries – Costa Rica, Gua- temala, Honduras, El Salvador and Ni- caragua. “During National Hispanic Heri- Soldiers take a break from their meals to try their salsa dancing in the Al Faw tage Month, we recognize Hispanic Palace ballroom during an evening of cultral awareness Oct. 5. Americans for helping to shape our na- to America and are part of the unique Martes, 1st Cavalry Division Band vo- tional character and make our commu- fabric of our country.” calist and San Juan, Puerto Rico, native, nities stronger,” said guest speaker Col. During his presentation, Isaac high- accompanied three pairs of dancers as Miguel Isaac, deputy program director lighted heroes throughout U.S. military they demonstrated meringue, bachata, of the Logistics Civilian Augmenta- history like Hispanic servicemember salsa and tejano dancing. tion Program and native of San Juan, Loretta Janeta Velasquez, a Cuban- Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Fer- Puerto Rico. “The warmth and vitality born woman who masqueraded as a nando Santiago, Navy Expeditionary of the Hispanic culture are great gifts male Confederate Soldier during the Combat Readiness Center personnel Civil War to fight for her country, to specialist, said he found the event in- current heroes like Army Sgt. 1st Class spiring. Gary Villalobos, a Hispanic Soldier “I liked how they explained the his- who earned the Silver Star June 7, 2005, tory of the dances,” said the Los An- for gallantry in combat while outnum- geles native. “I know the dances but a bered by insurgents in Tal Afar, Iraq. lot of people are not familiar with their Army Sgt. Donald Rizzo, a Chico, background.” Calif., native and military policeman Attendees were welcome to try an for Headquarters and Headquarters array of Hispanic food, including faji- Company, 89th MP Brigade, enjoyed tas, enchiladas and quesadillas. the presentation, especially learning “As we speak, thousands of men and about the Hispanic Medal of Honor re- women of Hispanic heritage are plac- cipients. ing their boots on the ground in more “It showed how much Hispanics than 120 countries around the world contribute not just to the Armed Ser- in the war on terrorism,” Isaac said. vices, but to the entire country,” he “They are bringing freedom to people Army Sgt. 1st Class Johanna Wilson, said. in other countries, making major sac- 504th Military Intelligence Brigade In addition to the presentation, those rifices, and risking their lives to bring communications security custodian, in attendance were treated to a musical justice to terrorists and lay a founda- and Army Sgt. 1st Class Edwin Reyes, 3rd Infantry Division EO advisor, dem- performance featuring Hispanic dance tion for a sustainable peace. They join onstrate salsa dancing. and musical styles. Army Sgt. Jesus the proud ranks of past heroes.” 2 October 15, 2007 Commentary Heard on the streets of Victory. If you could change your name, what would it be? “Robert. I “I would not “Isabella. It would have change my shows class preferred to be name because and chic and named after my it’s who I am.” if you call me father.” Bella, it means beautiful.” Army Col. Navy Senior Martin Wilson Army Staff CPO Glenda Plans and Sgt. Jose Avila Atwood Policy MNF-I CG MNF-I SCJS MNC-I Commo ESD NCOIC “My mother “Scott. I want “I like my put Anita my middle first name, and Arlene name to be my I wouldn’t together. Arlene first name.” change it.” was her friend in school. So I wouldn’t change it.” Air Force Navy Chief PO Marine Col. Master Sgt. Arnita Waters Robert Buran Michael McNeil MNF-I SCJS Deputy C-3 MNF-I SCJS Supply NCOIC MNC-I NCOIC Chaplain’s Corner Affections of the Heart quite incongruent to think of someone as having a faith- ful heart, but at the same time having a cheating mind, Army Chaplain Kimon Nicolaides because the heart encompasses the core essence of who we MNC-I Victory Chapel really are in our true identities. Therefore, the mind is but one part of the heart. Jonathan Edwards, an eighteenth century American In defining the biblical meaning of the word heart, we theologian, once said, “True religion resides in the affec- would include the emotions, the mind, the will and the tions of the heart.” conscience. The heart is capable of thinking, knowing, feel- What does that mean? Let us try to understand what he ing, acting and turning, which indicates an act of the will. meant by defining the terms ‘affections’ and ‘heart.’ These The heart is the seat of the emotions, but it is also the two words have completely different meanings from what seat of the mind, as well as the seat of the will, because it culture teaches us. Here, affections are not referring to is the control center for our whole life. It contains our core emotions, nor is the heart merely the seat of the emotions. foundational system of beliefs, commitments and values. In fact, the word ‘heart,’ as it is used in the Bible, means It controls our mind, our will, and our emotions. How our something entirely different from what our contemporary heart is structured and aligned determines not so much society associates with that term. For example, it would be See AFFECTIONS, page 3 Phantom News is an authorized publication for members of MNC-I Commanding General: Lt. Gen. Ray Odierno Phantom News welcomes columns, com- the Department of Defense. Contents of this publication are MNC-I Public Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. James Hutton mentaries, articles and letters from our not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. MNC-I PA Sergeant Major: Sgt. Maj. Eric E. Parris readers. Send submissions or comments Government or the Department of Defense. The editorial con- MNC-I Command Info Chief: Sgt. 1st Class VeShannah J. Lovelace to [email protected]. tent of this publication is the responsibility of the Public Affairs Editor: Cpl. Darhonda Rodela The editorial staff reserves the right to edit Office of Multi-National Corps-Iraq. Staff: Sgt. Abel Trevino, Sgt. D.A. Dickinson, Sgt. Laura M. Bigenho, for security, accuracy, propriety, policy, Spc. Beatrice Florescu, Spc. Stephanie Homan clarity and space. October 15, 2007 3 Bringing Ramadan fellowship to TF 62 troops Medical Bde. hosts breaking-of-the-fast celebration Story, photo by Army Spc. Stephanie Homan MNC-I PAO Task Force 62 Medical Brigade and the Iraqi-American Task Force Bilingual Bicultural Advisors-Subject Matter Ex- perts held a breaking of the fast celebration and feast in cele- bration of Ramadan for TF 62 Soldiers and the Iraqi Ground Forces Command Surgeon’s office on Oct. 4 at Camp Vic- tory. During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk; this includes eating, drinking and sexual inter- course. Fasting is an important part of the convention of Rama- dan, said Karim Al Waeli, TF 62 cultural advisor. He ex- plained how it is a cleansing time of year when he feels in his best physical shape. “It is a vacation for the stomach that helps build stamina because you must continue to work all day without normal nourishment,” he said. “I feel healthier during Ramadan, and it helps support other people around the world in starv- ing countries.” TF 62 commander, Army Col. Patrick Sargent, is all around pleased with the interaction of his unit and IQATF. He said they play an important role to the brigade in many ways and he is grateful for their support. “IQATF is very instrumental to TF 62’s secondary mis- sion, which is helping facilitate and improve Iraqi health Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bryan, Task Force 62 civil military op- erations, listens as Maher Al Shahan and Nahla Yousif, Iraqi care at the provincial level,” he said. “They provide us in- American Task Force Bilingual Bicultural Advisors Subject formation about the needs of local physicians and what the Matter Experts, explain customs of Ramadan and tradition- locals need.” al food that is prepared during the holiday at a social gath- The Iraqi Americans working with TF 62 displayed cus- ering for Ramadan at Camp Victory Oct. 4. The mankla is a tomary Ramadan practice to the Soldiers of the medical bri- traditional Iraqi grill on which meat is prepared. gade, said Army Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bryan, TF 62 Med. Bde. civil outside and interact with the Iraqi people, so members of military operations. the Iraqi American Task Force wanted to bring the traditions The festivities included traditional food, fellowship and of Ramadan to our Soldiers here,” he said. “They wanted to games for the holiday. put on a traditional Iraqi feast to show their support for the “A lot of the Soldiers never have an opportunity to go Soldiers.” AFFECTIONS, from page 2 of worship and he claims exclusive thing in life? What is the most impor- rights on that prerogative. The heart tant thing to you? What really gives our emotions as it does our motives. is actually always on the look out for you meaning and purpose in life? To understand the alignment of our something to worship if it is not fully You will find out where your heart heart, we could test our disposition satisfied with whatever it has already really is once you determine what it under certain conditions.
Recommended publications
  • A Pilot Study of Airborne Hazards and Other Toxic Exposures in Iraq War Veterans
    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Article A Pilot Study of Airborne Hazards and Other Toxic Exposures in Iraq War Veterans Chelsey Poisson 1,2,3 , Sheri Boucher 2,3,4, Domenique Selby 3,5,6, Sylvia P. Ross 2, Charulata Jindal 7, Jimmy T. Efird 8,* and Pollie Bith-Melander 9 1 Emergency Medicine, SMG Norwood Hospital, Norwood (Greater Boston Area), MA 02062, USA; [email protected] 2 School of Nursing, Rhode Island College, Providence, RI 02908, USA; [email protected] (S.B.); [email protected] (S.P.R.) 3 HunterSeven Foundation, Providence, RI 02906, USA; [email protected] 4 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, RI 02905, USA 5 Joint Trauma System, Defense Center of Excellence (CoE), Fort Sam Houston, Houston, TX 02905, USA 6 Emergency Medicine, Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), San Diego, CA 92134, USA 7 Faculty of Science, The University of Newcastle (UoN), Newcastle 2308, Australia; [email protected] 8 Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center, Health Services Research and Development, DVAHCS (Duke University Affiliate), Durham, NC 27705, USA 9 Department of Social Work, California State University, Stanislaus, Stanislaus, CA 95382, USA; [email protected] * Correspondence: Jimmy.efi[email protected]; Tel.: +1-650-248-8282 Received: 16 April 2020; Accepted: 7 May 2020; Published: 9 May 2020 Abstract: During their deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), many Veterans were exposed to a wide array of toxic substances and psychologic stressors, most notably airborne/environmental pollutants from open burn pits. Service members do not deploy whilst unhealthy, but often they return with a multitude of acute and chronic symptoms, some of which only begin to manifest years after their deployment.
    [Show full text]
  • Part I - Electrocution of Staff Sergeant Ryan D
    INSPECTOR GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE 400 ARMY NAW DRIVE ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA 22202·4704 JUL 2 4 2009 MEMORANDUM FOR DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR ACQUISITION AND TECHNOLOGY COMMANDER, U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND COMMANDER, MULTI-NATIONAL FORCES - IRAQ COMMANDER, ARMY SUSTAINMENT COMMAND DIRECTOR, DEFENSE CONTRACT MANAGEMENT AGENCY ARMY ASSISTANT CHIEF OF STAFF FOR INSTALLATION MANAGEMENT SUBJECT: Review ofElectrocution Deaths in Iraq: Part I - Electrocution of Staff Sergeant Ryan D. Maseth, U.S. Army (Report No. IE-2009-006) We are providing this final report for review and COlUlnent. We considered luanagelnent COlnlnents to a draft ofthis repOli in preparing this final report. We requested and received nlanagenlent COlluuents from the COlumander, U.S. Central Conunand; Conl111ander, Multi National Forces - Iraq; C0l11111ander, Multi National Corps - Iraq; Director, Joint Staff; U.S. Anny Assistant Chief of Staff for Installation Managenlellt; and the Director, Defense Contract Managelllent Agency. We also received ll1anagement COl1unents fronl the COlnnlander, Al'111Y Materiel COllll11and, and the COll1l11ander, U.S. Ar1l1Y Crilllinal Investigation Conulland. All COn1l11ents confornled to the requirelllents of DoD Directive 7650.3, "Follow-up on General Accounting Office (GAO), DoD Inspector General (DoD IG), and Internal Audit Reports," June 3,2004. As a result of l11anagelllent COllllnents, we 111ade changes to recoll1111endatiol1s A.l.2, A.4, and B.4. The COllllnander, Multi National Corps - Iraq, disagreed with recol1Ullendation A.l.2. We request that the Comlnander, Multi National Corps - Iraq, reconsider his position and provide additional conllnents to this final report. A response by August 15, 2009, would be appreciated. Please provide COllunents that COnfOl'l11 to the requirelnents ofDoD Directive 7650.3.
    [Show full text]
  • Switching Sides: Political Power, Alignment, and Alliances in Post-Saddam Iraq
    SWITCHING SIDES: POLITICAL POWER, ALIGNMENT, AND ALLIANCES IN POST-SADDAM IRAQ by Diane L. Maye A Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of George Mason University in Partial Fulfillment of The Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Political Science Committee: _________________________________________ Mark N. Katz, Chair _________________________________________ Colin Dueck _________________________________________ T. Aric Thrall _________________________________________ Ming Wan, Program Director _________________________________________ Mark J. Rozell, Dean Date: ____________________________________ Fall Semester 2015 George Mason University Fairfax, VA Switching Sides: Political Power, Alignment, and Alliances in post-Saddam Iraq A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at George Mason University. by Diane L. Maye Master of Arts Naval Postgraduate School, 2006 Bachelor of Science United States Air Force Academy, 2001 Director: Mark N. Katz, Professor School of Policy, Government, and International Affairs Fall Semester 2015 George Mason University Fairfax, VA Copyright 2015 Diane L. Maye All Rights Reserved ii DEDICATION This is dedicated to my wonderful husband, without whose love and support this dissertation would have not been completed. iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to acknowledge those who assisted me throughout my doctoral studies over the years. I would first like to acknowledge my chairman, Dr. Mark N. Katz, for agreeing to serve as my advisor and mentor during this process. Additionally, I would like to thank Dr. Colin Dueck, and Dr. T. Aric Thrall for serving as committee members. A very special thanks to my dear friend Sa’ad Ghaffoori for our countless meetings, emails, and conversations. I would also like to thank Governor Ahmed al Dulaymi, Thamir Hamdani, Waleed Mashhadani, Colonel Dale Kuehl, Colonel William Wyman, Colonel Richard Welch, Colonel Simon Gardner, as well as, Michael Pregent, Michael Sweeney, Paul D.
    [Show full text]
  • IRAQ COUNTRY of ORIGIN INFORMATION (COI) REPORT COI Service
    IRAQ COUNTRY OF ORIGIN INFORMATION (COI) REPORT COI Service 25 March 2011 IRAQ 25 MARCH 2011 Contents Preface Latest News EVENTS IN IRAQ FROM 2 FEBRUARY 2011 TO 24 MARCH 2011 Useful news sources for further information REPORTS ON IRAQ PUBLISHED OR ACCESSED BETWEEN 2 FEBRUARY 2011 AND 24 MARCH 2011 Paragraphs Background Information 1. GEOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................ 1.01 Size and population.............................................................................................. 1.01 Ethnicity and religion........................................................................................... 1.04 Language .............................................................................................................. 1.06 Measurements ...................................................................................................... 1.07 Public holidays ..................................................................................................... 1.08 Maps ...................................................................................................................... 1.09 2. ECONOMY ................................................................................................................ 2.01 Currency................................................................................................................ 2.05 Employment.........................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 1 Balloon Wars: an ISR* Operator's Account of the Wars in Iraq
    Balloon Wars: An ISR* Operator’s Account Of The Wars In Iraq & Afghanistan * Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance by Robert Crimmins Robert Crimmins 5012 Killens Pond Road Felton, Delaware 19943 302-632-4972 www.robcrimmins.com [email protected] © Copyright 2014 Robert A. Crimmins 1 Table of Contents Table of Contents ..................................................................................................................................2 1. Overview ..........................................................................................................................................4 2. About Rob Crimmins ....................................................................................................................5 3. Photos ...............................................................................................................................................7 4. Comparable Works .......................................................................................................................9 5. Marketing ........................................................................................................................................9 6. Promotion .................................................................................................................................... 11 7. Chapter Outline .......................................................................................................................... 11 Book 1 Iraq ......................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Victory Times
    Victory Times Vol. II, Issue 93 gpyy Aug. 22, 2006 49th MP Bde. farewells troops in Rustamiyah Story and photo by Barham. This is unlike any war we have “You guys have done an outstanding Sgt. Joe Battle fought before. job training the Iraqi police and helping MNC-I PAO “This is a war about our way of life,” bring democracy here,” said Barham. he added. “We have to help the Iraqi Command Sgt. Maj. Andres H. Col. Rod J. Barham, commander, 49th people understand that we aren’t going to Roman, command sergeant major, 49th Military Police Brigade, traveled to Al change.” MP Bde., also spoke to the troops and Rustamiyah Saturday to say goodbye to The troops have to help the Iraqis see relayed a little advice for their upcoming some of the troops redeployments. that served in the “Don’t go home and brigade for the past do something stupid,” year. said Roman. “You guys After a year- have made it a year in long tour, Barham this place and it would and the 49th MP be a shame for you to Bde. will be leaving get hurt when you get Iraq within the next home.” month. Before departing, The 49th MP Barham and Roman Bde. is currently KDQGHG FHUWL¿FDWHV RI in control of three participation to every companies of troops Soldier within their three in Al Rustamiya, companies. and Barham wanted “I really appreciate to personally thank your hard work and all of them for the dedication,” said Roman. work they have “Be safe and remember completed in the to keep your head in the past year.
    [Show full text]
  • © Osprey Publishing • IRAQ FULL CIRCLE from Shock and Awe to the Last Combat Patrol
    © Osprey Publishing • www.ospreypublishing.com IRAQ FULL CIRCLE From Shock and Awe to the Last Combat Patrol COL. DARRON L. WRIGHT © Osprey Publishing • www.ospreypublishing.com NOT FOR FAME OR REWARD, NOT FOR PLACE OR FOR RANK, NOT LURED BY AMBITION OR GOADED BY NECESSITY, BUT IN SIMPLE OBEDIENCE TO DUTY AS THEY UNDERSTOOD IT, THESE MEN SUFFERED ALL, SACRIFICED ALL, DARED ALL, AND DIED. —Confederate Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery I dedicate this book first and foremost to my loving wife Wendy and my amazing children Dillon, Chloe, and Kyle, for enduring all the months and years that I was forward deployed doing what I love to do. To my mom, stepfather, brother, sister, and their families, thanks for all your love and support over the years. To all the men and women who wear the uniform both past and present defending democracy abroad and serving as the beacon of freedom for America, you represent less than 1 percent of our nation’s population who have stepped forward to serve a cause greater than yourselves. You all are heroes and deserve the highest regard and praise that our nation can bestow upon you. You are America’s finest. To the brave and courageous soldiers of 1st Battalion –8th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team–4th Infantry Division, 4th Brigade Combat Team–4th Infantry Division, 1st Battalion Airborne–509th Infantry, and the 4th Stryker Brigade Combat Team–2nd Infantry Division, thanks for your service and most of all your sacrifice. You made your mark on this war at different stages and times over the past years, but, most noteworthy, you brought freedom and hope to a country that only knew tyranny and oppression.
    [Show full text]
  • News Release
    NEWS RELEASE Lt. Col. Tim Donovan Public Affairs Officer [email protected] 703-270-1158 November 18, 2009 Coming around the far turn: Across the 32nd Brigade With a little less than two months left in the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team’s mission in Iraq, this is an update on some of our units from their locations around the country over the past month. By Lt. Col. Tim Donovan 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team BAGHDAD — When detainees at Camp Cropper want to get under the skin of guard force soldiers from the 829th Engineer Company, they employ a tactic that would be more at home along the St. Croix River than inside a theater internment facility in Iraq: they needle the Wisconsin Guard troops about Brett Favre‘s success as a Minnesota Viking. It seems the Green Bay Packers logos that sprouted up all over Camp Cropper since May tipped off detainees that Packer fans were in the house. It‘s a small world. The 3,200 men and women of the 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team have accomplished a lot during their time in Iraq so far: big accomplishments like closing the largest detention facility on Earth at Camp Bucca; small accomplishments like winning the flag football championship at Camp Cropper. And wherever they are serving in Iraq, Red Arrow soldiers are making a difference. Here is what some of our units want their Wisconsin hometowns to know about their service in Iraq — the big things, the small things, and all of the individual and organizational accomplishments in between.
    [Show full text]
  • JCISFA-Iraqipolice
    Handling and Releasability Caveats for JCISFA Published Electronic and Print Media The JCISFA designates this document for official use by US government agencies with specific releasability (REL) caveats to participating nations of the NATO Training Mission Iraq (NTM-I) and the Iraqi Police Forces. Certain operating and generating force concepts provided within this document may not be approved or currently in use by US Joint and Service doctrine and or policy. Official, US military/government personnel to include their supporting contractors, as well as current coalition and allied partners may restate, cite, integrate sentences, phrases, paragraphs, and graphics contained within this document for inclusion into their official products or research. However, the integration of JCISFA “US UNCLASSIFIED, FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY [FOUO]” information into official products or research renders them FOUO. As such, originators or official holders of said products and research must maintain and control the information within official channels and may not release said products containing JCISFA FOUO to the public without the expressed written consent of the JCISFA. The JCISFA furnishes this information with the expressed understanding that holders of this information will use it for official defense-related purposes only. All information contained within this document must have the same degree of protection that the United States affords information marked “US UNCLASSIFIED, FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY [FOUO]” in accordance with Joint/Service Regulations, the NATO Codification System (NCS), and coalition agreements. Participating partner nations of NATO and ISAF will not release information within this document to another country or international organization beyond the established coalitions of NATO Training Mission Iraq (NTM-I) and the Iraqi Police Forces without the express written permission from the JCISFA.
    [Show full text]
  • Iraq War 1 Iraq War
    Iraq War 1 Iraq War Further information: 2003 invasion of Iraq and Post-invasion Iraq The Iraq War (or War in Iraq) began on March 20, 2003[1] [2] with the invasion of Iraq by the United States under the administration of President George W. Bush and the United Kingdom under Prime Minister Tony Blair.[3] The war is also referred to as the Occupation of Iraq, the Second Gulf War, or Operation Iraqi Freedom by the US military. Prior to the invasion, the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom asserted that the possibility of Iraq employing weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threatened their security and that of their coalition/regional allies.[4] [5] [6] In 2002, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1441 which called for Iraq to completely cooperate with UN weapon inspectors to verify that it was not in possession of weapons of mass destruction and cruise missiles. The United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) was given access by Iraq under provisions of the UN resolution but found no evidence of weapons of mass destruction. Additional months of inspection to conclusively verify Iraq's compliance with the UN disarmament requirements were not undertaken.[7] [8] [9] [10] Head weapons inspector Hans Blix advised the UN Security Council that while Iraq's cooperation was "active", it was not "unconditional" and not "immediate". Iraq's declarations with regards to weapons of mass destruction could not be verified at the time, but unresolved tasks concerning Iraq's disarmament could be completed in "not years, not weeks, but months".[7] [11] Following the invasion, the U.S.-led Iraq Survey Group concluded that Iraq had ended its nuclear, chemical, and biological programs in 1991 and had no active programs at the time of the invasion but that Iraq intended to resume production once sanctions were lifted.[12] Although some degraded remnants of misplaced or abandoned chemical weapons from before 1991 were found, they were not the weapons which had been the main argument to justify the invasion.[13] Some U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • 107 Soldiers Become US Citizens at Al-Faw Palace Weeks Prior, and I Couldn’T Do It St O R Y a N D Ph O T O S B Y Without the Help of the Profes- Sg T
    The Expeditionary Times Proudly serving the finest Expeditionary service members throughout Iraq Vol. 3 Issue 14 February 24, 2010 http://www.hood.army.mil/13sce/ Pit stop 107 Soldiers become US citizens at Al-Faw Palace weeks prior, and I couldn’t do it STORY AND PHOTO S BY without the help of the profes- SGT . JOHN STI M AC sional (noncommissioned of- EXP E DITIONARY TIM E S STAFF ficers) that I have working with VICTORY BASE COMPLEX, me,” he said. Soldiers travel miles for Iraq – The United Baker said new citizens tell States Forces – him their naturalization cer- students’ smiles Iraq command staff emony marks the best day of held its 16th nat- their life, and he is proud to be a uralization cer- part of that. Page 5 emony Feb. 15, “We had 107 Soldiers that welcoming 107 new U.S. citizens we naturalized today, from 44 in Al-Faw Palace at Victory Base different countries,” he said. Complex, Iraq. “Today, we had 12 Iraqi citi- Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby Jr., zens serving in the Army be- Mud flaps the deputy commanding general come U.S. citizens. I think it for operations with USF-I and adds special meaning for all the a Detroit native, presided over Soldiers to do this in a combat the ceremony and gave a coin to zone.” each Soldier. Pfc. Edilma Martinez, a In his speech, Jacoby said he transportation logistics spe- was proud to go through this cialist with the 612th Move- process with the candidates and ment Control Team, 49th told them they demonstrated Transportation Battalion, 15th their patriotism by serving in the Sustainment Brigade, 13th U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Al-FAW PALACE Victory Base Complex, Baghdad, Iraq
    Al-FAW PALACE Victory Base Complex, Baghdad, Iraq Al-Faw Presidential Palace • Al-Faw is one of 8 presidential palaces used for hunting and recreation by Baathist party members, Saddam Hussein and his family. Both sons, U’day and Qu’say had villas on the artificial lake. There were houseboats to move them around; often they would cruise the lake and take tea at one of the artificial islands. One of the houseboats can be seen, housed in a metal roofed boathouse near LZ Griffin. • The palace was built to commemorate the sacrifices made by the Iraqi Army during the Iran-Iraq War in regaining the Al-Faw peninsula, located in southern Iraq. In February 1986 the Iranian Army successfully launched a 30,000 man amphibious style attack across the Shatt Al-Arab river that captured the area as part of a plan to cut Iraqi oil export. Hussein vowed to retake the Al-Faw peninsula at all costs. It would take the Iraqi Army two years to recapture the lost ground. Mustard gas and other chemical weapons were targeted at approximately 8,000 to 10,000 Iranian troops during this period. Thousands of Iraqi soldiers would die in the Al-Faw Peninsular campaign – a true war for oil. • Visitors walking into the palace are greeted with the words “Peace be to the fighters of the Al-Faw Peninsula.” • The palace is surrounded by a lake and villa complex. The lakes are filled with fish and carp. The rumors that the lake contained bodies of victims of Hussein have not been proven – nor has the lake been drained to find out.
    [Show full text]