Click here to subscribe August 14, 2009 Can you hear me now: IAF makes radio connection with IA

Photo by Spc. Darryl L. Montgomery The Iraqi Air Force on Contingency Operating Base Basra now has an effective means of communication with the Iraqi Army after spending the morning of Aug. 11 confi guring their radios. Now that communication has been established, pilots of Squadron 70, Iraqi Air Force, can be the eye in the sky for Iraqi ground forces. This will allow real time updates of the battlefi eld, route reconnaissance, help pursuing a fl eeing target and help detecting an ambush. By Spc. Darryl L. Montgomery to help them track the objective. eyes in the sky for them.” MND-S “For two months, we have been “Today, since weather didn’t per- COB BASRA – Radioio ccommunica-omm training the Iraqi Air Force to be able mit,” continued Iuliano, a Boise, Idaho tion has been established between the to work with ground forces eff ective- native, “we worked on gett ing their Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Air Force here ly,” said Lt. Col. William Iuliano, 84th comms set up.” aft er a morning of testing the airways EASOS commander. “We have taught Most of the IAF radio devices are not from aircraft to ground vehicles Aug. compatible with the IA’s, said Iuliano. 11. “Just to get them to be able to commu- The morning was spent fi nding a Although the weather prevented the nicate with each other using the different way to get the two services linked so two services from conducting their orig- systems was a huge success ... Now that has they can eff ectively communicate with inal training mission, the day was a big been established, we need to teach the guys each other during operations. success, according to Maj. Lee Dewald, on the ground what airborne eyes can do Aft er an hour confi guring frequen- an air liaison offi cer with the 84th Expe- for them.” cies both communication devices could ditionary Air Support Operation Squad- – Maj. Lee Dewald read, communication had offi cially ron, Multi-National Division – South. Air liaison offi cer, been established between the ground At the start of the day, the plans 84th Expeditionary Air Support Operation Squadron forces and the pilots. were to have the Iraqi Army personnel RADIO train in ground operations while the them how to work with the ground Page 4 air force provided an “eye in the sky” forces by showing them how to be the The Red Bull Report August 14, 2009  Page 2 Respecting our Neighbors’ religious holidays By Chaplain (Lt. Col.) John Morris every installation in Multi-National Di- tion. MND-S Chaplain vision - South. Consequently, each of The second thing we need to know Our Iraqi neighbors are gearinggearing up us will have the opportunity to wish an is Ramadan is a celebration and a time for one of their most sacred holidays, Iraqi “blessed Ramadan” and respect for family and friends. The evenings Ramadan. Ramadan is a Muslim holi- their observance of the holiday. The op- in Ramadan are a time for our Muslim day and is observed by Muslims world- posite is true as well. Each of us has the neighbors to break the fast and cel- wide. This year Ramadan will begin opportunity to be off ensive, disrespect- ebrate meals with family and friends Aug. 22 and run through Sept. 19. In ful and callous toward our Iraqi neigh- while socializing. Many Iraqis will be Iraq, a nation where the vast majority bors. The choice is ours and I am hope- up and out late at night, enjoying fel- of citizens are Muslims, this holiday ful each of us will treat our neighbor lowship with friends of families. will have a pronounced eff ect on day- the way we would like to be treated. As we drive in convoys at night to-day activities for all Iraqis. I believe, with a litt le bit of knowl- around MND-S, we will need to be As guests of the Iraqis, the activities edge, we can be respectful and deepen aware of increased nightt ime traffi c of the month of Ramadan will have an our ties to our neighbors. due to Ramadan and be both alert and impact on us. Consequently, we have The fi rst thing we need to know respectful on the roads. the opportunity to deepen our partner- is that Ramadan is a time of fasting. Finally, we need to know Ramadan ship with our Iraqi allies and neighbors Healthy Muslims will fast from sun-up is a time when Muslims celebrate the by respecting their religious traditions to sun-down. They will abstain from Prophet Mohammed’s reception of the and being sensitive to customs during food and water in order to focus more revelation of the Koran from the Angel the month of Ramadan. intently on their relationship with Al- Gabriel. It is a joyous, sacred and awe- There are Iraqis working on almost lah and to purify themselves spiritually. inspiring holiday. Ramadan is a time to draw As we meet our Iraqi partners and nearer to Allah and to refo- friends we need to be respectful of their cus one’s life on submission beliefs and courteous in our conversa- to the will of Allah. tions about their holiday. We are Amer- As we work with Iraqis icans. We value religious freedom, during Ramadan, we need diversity and tolerance. Let’s bring to be aware they may be the best of our values to Iraq during fasting. This may aff ect Ramadan. Wish your Iraqi neighbor a their energy level, att en- blessed Ramadan. The Golden Rule is dance at work and ability still a great guide for each of us. This to withstand the heat. If we Ramadan: Treat our Iraqi neighbor are planning to eat or drink the way you would want them to treat in front of our Iraqi friends, you. we need to reconsider do- ing so in their presence, out For more from the Chaplains, visit their blog at: of respect for their situa- www.TheRedBulls.org/RedBullChapel

The Red Bull Report is an authorized 34th Inf. Div. PAO: Lt. Col. Kevin Olson 172nd Brigade Combat Team publication for members of MND-S. OIC, Command Information: Maj. Page Baldwin 2nd BCT, 4th Infantry Division NCOIC, Command Information: 1st Sgt. Larry Mears Contents of The Red Bull Report are not 4th BCT, 1st Armored Division NCOIC: Staff Sgt. Dave Lankford necessarily offi cial views of, or endorsed 343rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment Managing Editor: Staff Sgt. Derek Smith 193rd Military Police Battalion by, the U.S. Government, Department of Assignment Editor: Sgt. Debralee P. Crankshaw Defense, Department of the Army or the Special Troops Battalion, 34th Inf. Div. Graphics Designer: Sgt. Eric Jungels Task Force 28 34th Infantry Division. All editorial content Photo Editor: Spc. Tyler Maulding 450th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) of The Red Bull Report is prepared, edited Layout/Design: Spc. Stephanie Cassinos provided and approved by the 34th Infantry Staff Writers: Sgt. Frank Vaughn, Division Public Affairs Offi ce. Sgt. Brandon LeFlore, Spc. Darryl Montgomery, Media Queries please contact 34th Inf. Div. Public Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence Affairs Offi ce at [email protected] The Red Bull Report August 14, 2009  Page 3 PRT in Dhi Qar helps Iraq help itself By Spc. Darryl L. Montgomery MND-S COB BASRA – The Provincialovincial Reconstruction Team is put- ting the specialized training facility in Iraq’s Dhi Qar province to good use by helping Iraq help itself through teaching fun- damental skills to local citizens. These skills include teaching literacy to Iraqi Soldiers so they will be able to read and write their language, certifying English teachers and educating farmers to enhance the local economy through agriculture, according to the Dhi Qar PRT team leader, Anna Prouse. “One of the main goals we have here is to build capacity of the province,” she said. “So, by building this training center, which is built on an Iraqi base, we are helping the province by teaching the locals how to continue to perform tasks that allow them to get the most out of their resources.” In the past year, the PRT has taught students how to pro- duce buff alo milk and how to use everything in the milk so Photo by Spc. Darryl L. Montgomery nothing goes to waste. They are currently teaching their stu- Brig. Gen. Jerry Lang, deputy commanding general of support, Multi-National dents how to process dates from the palm trees fl ourishing Division - South, views a sample of honey and date syrup the school produces. In throughout Iraq to create syrup, much like maple syrup. the past year, the Provincial Reconstruction Team of Dhi Qar has taught students Honey is also produced at the school which, according to of the school how to use their resources to make the products that will one day Prouse, is a surprise to many locals in the area, because they be exported and ultimately lead to economic growth for Iraq. didn’t know bees could survive in the harsh environment of “One day, the electricity went out and instead of going Iraq. home and cooling off ,” said Prouse, “the students stayed in Once students learn how to process these food products, the hot school to continue learning.” the PRT teaches them how to package them so they can even- One area of the school she has seen the most dedication in tually start exporting the products, which will help build the Iraqi economy, she said. PRT The students are dedicated to learning everything they can from the PRT, Prouse said. Page 5 The Red Bull Report August 14, 2009  Page 4 Where did you learn your manners? My nametape still says Lankford. I feet from my command sergeant ma- continued to walk, and that’s when it jor. This will not end well at all. happened; whoever was trying to get The command sergeant major’s eyes my att ention whistled. This will not were burning holes in my face as I be- end well. gan to apologize for ever being born. From my fi rst days in the Army, I He let me go on for a litt le while be- had been taught that you call offi cers fore his face soft ened and he began to sir or ma’am, enlisted by their rank and laugh. Oh no, he’s hysterical, I thought. if you’re not sure you call them Soldier. This is the part where he kills me and This has come in handy a few times dumps my body in the woods. when I couldn’t tell if it was a sir or a Aft er a moment, my would-be killer ma’am. gathered his thoughts. Specialist, he Now, on the EIB lanes a tester de- said, you are exactly right. I know bet- velops the air of a drill sergeant. You ter than to address a Soldier the way I have to. Aft er all, you hold the fate of did and I apologize. No hard feelings? all ranks in the palms of your hands. No hard feelings? Are you kidding? I I abruptly turned on my heels toward feel like someone just backed a tank off the whistler and stormed in his direc- of my chest. That reminds me; there’s tion at the pace of an angry freight something I’ve been forgett ing to do. train. Oh yeah … breathe Dave, breathe. “Do I look like a dog to you? Does In this case, rudeness caused a very my nametape say ‘Old Yeller’? Just who tense situation. It took two people the hell do you think you are?” Who he away from what they were doing for was began to become apparent as I got several minutes and nearly caused a closer. He sure had a lot of stripes and young Soldier a heart att ack. So the By Staff Sgt. Dave Lankford rockers on that collar. Oh well, my EIB next time you want to yell “hey you,” MND-S will protect me. Aft er all, I’m a tester; or say “watch it” rather than “excuse Many years ago, I wawass atea tester on this is my lane. Wait, what’s that in the me,” you should think twice. You may the Expert Infantryman Badge training middle of those stripes and rockers? be standing in the path of a freight lanes. I was on my way home for the Oh boy; this really will not end well. train, or even worse, a command ser- day when I heard someone yell, “hey The freight train slowly turned into geant major. you.” I glanced down at my nametape the litt le engine that could … but didn’t because, well, let’s face it, I was an in- want to. I came to a complete halt, at For more from Staff Sgt. Lankford, visit: fantryman. Nope, not me, I thought. the position of parade rest, only a few www.TheRedBulls.org/Lankford

From Page 1 have been able to give them that by RADIO teaching them how to work togeth- er.” “Just to get them to be able to “Though there have been prob- communicate with each other us- lems in the past with communica- ing the diff erent systems was a huge tion,” said Lt. Col. Adnan Mansour, success,” said Dewald. “Now that chief engineer for Squadron 70 of has been established, we need to the Iraqi Air Force, “they have done teach the guys on the ground what a great job sett ing it up and gett ing it airborne eyes can do for them.” working so communication will be Some of the advantages the eyes eff ective in the future.” in the sky will provide are real time Mansour explained these benefi ts updates of the batt lefi eld, route re- will ultimately help make ground connaissance, assistance in pursu- forces more eff ective in batt le by ing a fl eeing target and helping de- having someone in the sky directing tect an ambush. them away from danger and any “They have gott en to the point other obstacles. where they need a tactical capability now that they are taking over their For all of Spc. Montgomery’s stories, go to: major cities,” said Iuliano, “and we www.TheRedBulls.org/Montgomery The Red Bull Report August 14, 2009  Page 5 From Page 3 PRT is the literacy program, which is designed to teach the Iraqi Soldiers how to read and write Arabic. “They are very enthusiastic about learning,” she said. “They come in early and stay late to talk to the tutors for extra help, all because they want to be able to be in the army and serve their country.” According to Prouse, the Iraqi Army has made it manda- tory for all Soldiers to know how to read and write in order to serve. “Because our program has been so successful, the school will begin expanding and begin medical training starting in October,” she added. “Surgeons and other medical profes- sionals will come in and train the students in that fi eld.” Brig. Gen. Jerry Lang, Multi-National Division - South Photo by Spc. Darryl L. Montgomery deputy commanding general of support, met with the Pro- An Iraqi English teacher takes an evaluation exam at a Provincial Reconstruction vincial Reconstruction Development Committ ee and dis- Team training center in Dhi Qar province Aug. 12 to determine his placement as cussed the success of the school and other projects the PRT is an English teacher. According to the PRT, it is important for Iraqis to know English assisting the local populace with. so they have more options for communication with other countries. “One of the things we are looking for are projects that fall in our projection plan,” said Lang. “(These are) projects that improve central services and create jobs that will continue to help Iraq long aft er we have returned home.” “We are willing to look at anything and help you with it,” he said concerning the projects. “You have our commitment that we will continue to support you and the PRT with these projects.” For all of Spc. Montgomery’s stories, go to: www.TheRedBulls.org/Montgomery The Red Bull Report August 14, 2009  Page 6

Crossword Across 1. Information tion comedy” 50. Bambi was one 5. French for “Friend” 29. Trader 51. Payable 8. Skin irritation 31. Be victorious 52. Famous boxer 12. 1 1 1 1 32. Delete 54. Improvement 13. Palm cockatoo 34. Country 61. Green thing on 15. Cleveland’s state 36. Ancient Peruvian a tree 16. Detergent 38. Get on one’s 63. Short-horned goat 17. Diffi culty knees antelope 18. Cashews and 40. Marcel Marceau 64. Bright thought pecans was one 65. Tropical root 19. A person who 41. Fragrance 66. Part of a joint amuses 43. Amusements 67. Leak slowly 22. Born 45. Louse-to-be 68. Cameo stone 23. Aviary sound 46. Inveigle 69. Representative 24. Frog 48. Heavy fattening (abbrev.) 26. Short for “situa- food 70. Concludes

Down 1. Amount of medi- 20. Competition 42. Fastened cine involving speed 44. Broth 2. Any minute 21. Lion sound 47. Toothpaste brand 3. Nipple 25. Astringent 49. End 4. A characteristic to 26. Subsequently 52. Countertenor be considered 27. A fi re-starting 53. Not fat 5. Operatic solo bomb 55. Swerve 6. Wise men 28. Skin disease 56. Coastal raptor 7. Weightlifters pump 29. Views as 57. Coil this 30. China grass 58. Biblical garden 8. Charged particle 31. Wisconsin (ab- 59. Require 9. Booming brev.) 60. Faucets 10. Mention 33. Ocean 62. A carnivorous 11. A fl exible tube 35. Allow mammal with a 13. Illustrations 37. Initial wager pointed muzzle 14. Mountain crest 39. Disappointment For puzzle solutions visit: www.TheRedBulls.org/puzzlesolutions The Red Bull Report August 14, 2009  Page 7

Around the world in 34 seconds CISHAN, Taiwan - Pressure mounted on Taiwan’s government Aug. 13 to speed up operations to rescue hundreds of residents of remote mountainous villages buried or stranded in the aft ermath of Typhoon Morakot. The offi cial death toll in Taiwan stood at 108 aft er the worst fl oods in decades washed out roads, sent dwellings crashing into rivers and forced authorities to deploy hundreds of helicopters for rescue missions. The storm has badly damaged infrastructure in Taiwan’s south, a stronghold of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party, and will likely worsen already bleak forecasts for third quarter economic contraction. Rescuers found 6,500 villagers who had been stranded near Alishan, a scenic mountain spot, Taiwan’s Central News Agency said. But hundreds remained unaccounted for in remote areas. The military has deployed more than 34,000 personnel and 382 helicopters. NEW YORK - A U.S. federal judge Aug. 11 set a trial date of November 30 for an American student who was the fi rst person extradited to the United States from Britain on terrorism charges. Syed Hashmi, 29, has pleaded not guilty to charges of supporting al Qaida, which include accusations he kept ponchos, raincoats and waterproof socks in his London apartment knowing they would be passed on by a friend for use by al Qaida fi ghters in Af- ghanistan. U.S. District Judge Lorett a Preska granted a request by Hashmi’s lawyers to delay the start of his trial by two months in a hearing held in Manhatt an federal court Aug. 11. The November trial is expected to last up to three weeks. MEXICO CITY - Mexican coach Javier Aguirre showed his relief aft er his team’s 2-1 victory over the United States on Aug. 12 in a critical World Cup qualifi er.”Today is a day to celebrate, drink a few tequilas and then get back to work,” Aguirre said aft er Miguel Sabah’s goal in the 82nd minute gave Mexico the come-from-behind victory. “Everybody will go to bed tonight a bit more relaxed.” The victory - driven by a patient rally - eased the pres- sure on Mexico, which has been struggling in World Cup qualifying. The loss for the United States was almost expected. The United States has played 24 times in Mexico and lost 23. The only tie was a 0-0 draw in 1997. The Mexicans are fourth in CONCACAF qualifying, with only the top three teams automatically advancing. Costa Rica, a 4-0 loser Aug. 12 against Honduras, leads the group with 12 points, followed by the United States and Honduras with 10, and Mexico with nine. The United States should stay on course to qualify if it wins its two remaining home games. JOLIET, Ill. - Drowsy spectators in one suburban Chicago courtroom might want to stifl e their yawns from now on. Clift on Williams, 33, of Richton Park, is facing six months in jail for making what court documents call a yawn-like sound in Will County Judge Daniel Rozak’s court last month. The yawn happened as Williams’ cousin, Jason Mayfi eld, was being sentenced for a drug charge on July 23. Rozak found Williams in contempt of court and sentenced him to six months in jail. However, Rozak could free Williams aft er a status hearing Aug. 13, if Williams apologizes and the judge accepts. By then, Williams will have served 21 days. Witnesses disagree about whether Williams’ yawn was out of line.