in the Vol. II, Issue 4 ZONE September 2009

1 in the ZONE September 2009 —Table of Contents— in the 3 From the Top 5 Farewell Baghdad E.R. Troops render a final salute to Ibn Sina Hospital ZONE 6 Opening new doors NATO mission has new home 7 Monday Morning Football Wisconsin troops cheer for the Packers 8 Baghdad Yacht Club Soldiers take remote controlled boats for a spin

10 A learning opportunity An Iraqi General shares personal insights with JASG troops 11 A doctor treating different breeds Vet clinic keeps working dogs mission-ready 13 The changing face of the IZ Produced by the Joint Area Turning FOB Blackhawk over to Iraq Support Group-Central Public 14 Chaplain’s word Affairs Office New strength 15 JAG brief Family support JASG-C Commander: 16 Outside the zone: Camp Bucca Col. Steven Bensend 18 Know where to go: Life on the FOBs JASG-C CSM: Command Sgt. Maj. Edgar Hansen 19 Around the zone

20 End zone The last page JASG-C Public Affairs Officer: Lt. Col. Tim Donovan

In The Zone editor: Sgt. Michelle Gonzalez

JASG-C Public Affairs Staff: Capt. Joy LeMay Sgt. Frank Merola Spc. Tyler Lasure

In The Zone is published monthly as an electronic news magazine under provisions of AR 360-1, para 3-6 by the Command Director- Sgt. Carl Seim retrieves his boat from one of Prosperity’s lakes ate’s (JASG-C) Command for all after competing against two other members of Prosperity’s military personnel serving in the Baghdad Yacht Club. Photo by Spc. Tyler Lasure Operation Iraqi Freedom Interna- tional Zone. The views and opin- ions expressed herein are not nec- On the Cover: essarily those of the Department of Color guard soldiers from the 10th Combat Support Hospital rehearse Defense, the U.S. Army, Air Force, retreat for a ceremony held Sept. 3 marking the end of U.S. forces Navy or the Marine Corps, or the providing medical services at Ibn Sina Hospital. Photo by Sgt. Michelle National Guard Bureau. Gonzalez

2 in the ZONE September 2009 From the Top

JASG-C Commander

Over the past few months, I more are scheduled in the com- have confirmed that change is ing weeks and months. In order constant in the IZ. Each new to turn properties over, we must day brings with it changes and either consolidate or reduce challenges. I expect that trend operations. will continue through my tenure On Sept. 30, we turned over here. FOB Blackhawk to the GOI and It is crucial that each of us on Oct. 1 we will turn over Ibn embrace change and support Sina Hospital. The level III Col. Steven Bensend the strategic objectives of our hospital that resided at Ibn Sina Commander Commander in Chief. We must has relocated to VBC without Joint Area Support Group—Central continue to support efforts work- a reduction in medical support ing toward a stable and function- provided. A level II facility is are vitally important to security ing Iraqi government that is able located at FOB Prosperity to operations. The 93rd MPs will to provide security, economic handle all immediate medical continue to maintain soldiers on opportunity and freedom for the needs. each entry control point to aid in people of Iraq. FOB Blackhawk operations issue resolution as convoys and Our Iraqi partners continue to have also transitioned to other personnel move in and out of the increase their ownership of the properties. We will maintain IZ. security of Iraq. Timelines are in the current conference center on The JASG-C Joint Defense place to support the transition of Blackhawk until a new facility Operations Center (JDOC) is the U.S. forces and reduce the U.S. is prepared sometime in early key contact location for any and footprint. 2010. every incident in the IZ. The As easy as that sounds, it is Security continues to be one of JDOC has immediate contact a most difficult task. It takes the JASG-C’s primary missions. with the 93rd MP Battalion, IZ cooperation and teamwork at 1-7 Field Artillery Battalion police, KBR Fire, Embassy RSO, every level. It involves give and recently conducted transfer of Triple Canopy, and the Iraqi 56th take between commands and authority with the 93rd MP bat- Brigade. In fact, most of these directorates. It takes compre- talion from Fort Bliss, Texas. elements have representatives hensive planning, leadership and I would like to thank Lt. Col. that sit in the operations center. initiative. Bailes and the 1-7 FA Battalion Please ensure all personnel Our part in the transition is to for their hard work over the past have the JDOC contact informa- consolidate the U.S. footprint in several months and also welcome tion. The phone number for the IZ. We began this process in Lt. Col. Tom Byrd and the 93rd JASG-C JDOC battle captain is earnest on 1 January following MP Battalion to the IZ. Conduct- DSN 239-1915 and SVOIP 243- the signing of the Security Agree- ing the IZ mission with the 93rd 1391. ment. Since that date, JASG-C are the 551st MP Company, 571st Thank you for your continued turned over several properties to MPs and the 301st Chemical cooperation and effort to keep the Government of Iraq receiv- Company. the IZ secure and take care of ership directorate and several Our security force soldiers each other.

3 in the ZONE September 2009 JASG-C Command Sergeant Major

Time continues to move on, the being a few years later. I received a seasons are changing and fall is desk, a lamp and a carpet, but the upon us. On the night of the 19th, pay stayed the same. There were we got our first rain since May beer machines in the day room and and the trees on Prosperity and four German Marks to the dollar. across the IZ are green again. Well, That was a long time ago. almost–it takes a long time to wash During the early years of the Command Sgt. Maj. Edgar J. Hansen off five months of dust storms. all-volunteer force there was still Command Sergeant Major Another sign of autumn, if you limited opportunity for female sol- Joint Area Support Group—Central run outside, the flies are enjoying diers. Over the next few years, the the cooler weather too, along with Army did a number of RIFs (reduc- room for wasted effort. It is crucial harassing my morning runs. Flies tions in force) and in 1976, while I that we bring the right people to are a sure sign fall is here. Next was stationed in Korea, there began the right mission, whether they are thing you know, it will be snowing– a large influx of female soldiers into Army, Air Force, Navy or Marines, wait, not here–that will be back the support battalions. The same whether they are officer or NCO, home in Wisconsin! However, it trend continued when I returned to whether they are men or women. will get cold here and the nights Fort Polk. It is not just limited to our will get below freezing. Do not ship I left the active Army in 1980 military services; civilians of the all your cold weather gear home and joined the Wisconsin National Department of State, the Depart- yet, you will need it. Guard in 1990. One of the first ment of Defense all play an integral I have been writing these pieces things I noticed after joining the part in accomplishing our mission. for the last four months and I al- Guard was the number of female In addition, there are the civilian ways end each with “One team, one officers and mid- to senior-grade contractors all providing support. fight!” For me, these are not just NCOs. That trend has continued So here we are in the IZ, the words, but a way to soldier by. Over over the last 19 years. Women now JASG-C consists of National Guard many years, I have seen the mean- make up 14 percent of the active Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and ing evolve. While the team has Army, 19 percent of the National civilian enablers. We work closely become smaller in numbers, it has Guard, and about 20 percent across with MNF-I, MNC-I, MNSTC-I, become more diverse and dynamic. all services. I think those numbers DOS, US Embassy Baghdad, DOD, We now use human assets from all will only rise over the coming years contractors of all sorts, the list goes services to accomplish the mission, and I think if you look at key staff on, but the mission is the same, the truly, “One team, one fight.” positions that percentage is much transfer of the International Zone This has taken on enormous higher. and all of Iraq back to the GOI. importance during this war and es- My point is the makeup of the Moreover, the mission is getting pecially now working within a Joint Army and all services has changed done and it is getting done because Force here in the IZ. This month I dramatically over the last 40 years we all are here with the same basic would like to talk about how we got and now better reflects our nation; intent, to serve our nation, to here and why it is a good thing! while not perfect, I think we have defend it. In 1969 when I arrived in created opportunity for talented In closing, I ask, do not forget Vietnam, it was a much different people. However, another essen- why we are here. We are not here Army than today. It was a newly tial change has also taken place to defend our turf, or an acronym integrated Army, but a draft Army since the Gulf War and that is joint that defines it, we are here to serve, similar to the one of World War operations. to defend the nation as “one team, II. There were few female soldiers While the makeup of the force is one fight!” in the Army or in any of the other important, as important, is how we services. During 1971 when I was use it. With a smaller, smarter, bet- To all of our partners across the serving in West Germany, Congress ter-educated and better-equipped IZ, stay safe! voted to end the draft and the Vol- force, it is imperative that we use unteer Army (VOLAR) came into it effectively, jointly. There is no

4 in the ZONE September 2009 Farewell Baghdad E.R.

By Sgt. Michelle Gonzalez The hallways of Ibn Soldiers from Sina—once bustling with the 10th Combat patients, doctors and nurs- Support Hospital es—now buzzed with service render final members carrying, pushing honors during a or pulling equipment carts. retreat ceremony Sept. 3 marking Specialty medical services the final chapter transitioned to other loca- for the support tions in Iraq over the past hospital before three months in preparation transferring to for the property’s turnover Sather Air Base on Victory Base Oct. 1. Complex. Photo The turnover took an- by Sgt. Michelle other step forward when Gonzalez service members from the 10th Combat Support Hospi- tal stood in formation at Ibn Sina Hospital Sept. 3 for a ceremony symbolizing the end of U.S. forces providing medical services at the facility. The retreat ceremony was the final chapter of the support hospital before transferring to Sather Air Base on Victory Base Complex. “I have to admit there are a lot of memories here,” said Col. Rafael De Jesus, commander for Medical Task Force 10. The hospital opened its doors in 1964 to provide health care to the Iraqi people, regardless of finan- cial status. When Saddam Hussein seized control of the hospital in 1974, Ibn Sina was transformed from a hospital for all to a medical facility for Saddam’s family and Ba’ath party elite—until Coalition Forces took over in April 2003. Over the course of six years, rotations of nurses and doctors from seven different combat support hospitals returned Ibn Sina to the high-quality medical care it was founded to provide by caring for U.S. and Coalition Forces, civilians, and enemy combatants. “This place has symbolized hope, symbolized compassion and care by the providers. It’s really the first step where our warriors start their healing,” Abdul Razak Ra’ad Mutter al Jabouri learns how to said De Jesus. walk with a prosthetic leg March 15, 2008. Abdul lost The facility will be turned over to Iraq’s Ministry his right arm and leg when an improvised explosive device exploded Nov. 18, 2007. Courtesy photo 2nd of Health—starting another chapter in Ibn Sina’s Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs history.

5 in the ZONE September 2009 Opening new doors NATO mission has new home NATO Training Mission—Iraq soldiers stand in formation in preparation for the opening ceremony of NTMI’s new headquarters building located on FOB Union III. Photos by Sgt. Michelle Gonzalez

By Spc. Tyler Lasure A small building in the International Zone has a big impact on NATO Training Mission—Iraq. The 13 country force now has a new home on Forward Operating Base Union III and has returned its former headquarters building to the government of Iraq. “The significance of this opening is that the Iraqi government asked us to give the cultural center where we were previously located back to the people of Iraq,” said Adm. Mark Fitzgerald, the commander of Allied Joint Forces Command Naples. “We gladly agreed to that request because it showed an improvement in the security situation and another step in the progress of Iraq.” NTMI is a non-combat force whose mission is to assist the government of Iraq in establishing an effective and enduring security sector. NTMI accomplishes this by training, advising, and mentoring Iraqi security and police forces. “So you can see, while this building is relatively small, the impact has been rather large,” Fitzgerald said. “Whether it’s training the army, both the cadets and staff courses at Ar Rustamiyah, training the Iraqi National Police Force, and doing command and control training for the government, NATO’s impact and partnership with Iraq has been superb.” “We are happy to be here.” NTMI has been assisting the Iraqi government Adm. Mark Fitzgerald, commander of Allied Joint Forces Command Naples, addresses troops assigned to NATO since 2004 and has trained more than 4,500 Iraqi Training Mission—Iraq during an opening ceremony held security and police forces personnel. Sept. 13 at Forward Operating Base Union III. The cer- NTMI opened its new headquarters building at a emony marked the opening of NTMI’s new headquarters ceremony Sept. 13. building.

6 in the ZONE September 2009 Monday Morning Football Wisconsin troops cheer for the Packers

By Spc. Tyler Lasure With 3,200-plus Wisconsin National Guard troops in Iraq, including approximately 140 in the JASG-C, there was a lot of interest here in the Green Bay Packers regular season opener against their rival the Chicago Bears. The trouble is, these cheeseheads are 6,282 miles and eight time zones away from the Frozen Tundra. But in Baghdad, about 30 troops got up before dawn to watch the game, which was broadcast live on the Armed 32nd Brigade soldiers celebrate a Packers touchdown from 6,282 miles away from Forces Network beginning at Wisconsin. The season opener was broadcast Sept. 14 on the Armed Forces Network 3:15 a.m. Baghdad time. beginning at 3:15 a.m. Baghdad time. Photos by Spc. Tyler Lasure These soldiers tried to recreate the feel of a football Sunday in Wisconsin somewhere else,” said Sgt. Dwayne Booth, a sup- by having plenty of hot dogs and non-alcoholic port operations clerk with the JASG-C. beer on hand. Many The Packers defeated the Bears 21-15. Game day soldiers also wore activities – not just jerseys over their PT for NFL games but uniforms to show also the MLB World support for their Series, NCAA football favorite players. Not and basketball, and one Favre jersey the NFL playoffs – was spotted. are scheduled for The soldiers future games and all watched the game FOB Prosperity resi- in the Garden State dents are welcome to Cinema in Al Salam attend. Palace, but the If a unit wishes to atmosphere was schedule a specific just as energetic as event they should Lambeau Field in contact the MWR Green Bay. staff located in the Wisconsin soldiers gather at Prosperity’s Garden State Cinema to “For about three watch the Green Bay Packers season opener against the Chicago Prosperity Gym to hours we were Bears. make arrangements.

7 in the ZONE September 2009 Baghdad Yacht Club Soldiers take remote controlled boats for a spin

By Spc. Tyler Lasure Boats skipping across the water and boat engines humming are unusual sights and sounds in the middle of a desert. But not at Forward Operating Base Prosperity in Baghdad. Remote controlled boats can sometimes be seen racing around the pond behind the FOB Prosperity chapel. For three members of the Joint Area Support Group, finding their remote control sealegs is a great way to unwind and find camaraderie. It all began when Sgt. Carl Seim, a chaplain’s Lt. Col. Douglas Fleishfresser (left), Sgt. Carl Seim (center), and Chief Warrant Officer assistant with the JASG-C, Craig Krenz (right), hold up their remote controlled boats. The group gets together to received a remote relax by racing the boats on the pond behind Prosperity’s Chapel. Photos by Spc. Tyler Lasure controlled boat as a birthday present. who works in the JASG-C resource Seim said he enjoys the novelty Seim told Lt. Col. Douglas management section, into their of desert boating and the looks Fleishfresser, Chaplain, JASG-C, boating club. The three desert people give him when they see about the gift, so the chaplain sailors get together about every the boats on the pond. “You get got one too. “I saw the water and other week, depending on work your boat out there and you will thought it would be a great stress schedules, to take their boats for see people on the other side of the reliever,” Fleishfresser said. a spin. With the temperatures pond scratching their heads going Fleishfresser and Seim recruited dropping they may be out on the ‘What the heck are these guys Chief Warrant Officer Craig Krenz, pond more often. doing? We’re out in the middle

8 in the ZONE September 2009 Baghdad Yacht Club Soldiers take remote controlled boats for a spin

Chief Warrant Officer Craig Krenz and Sgt. Carl Seim watch their boats zip along the pond on FOB Prosperity.

of a war zone and they’re driving boats around on Saddam’s pond!’” While the boating experience is relaxing, there is definitely competition between the mariners. “My boat is still bigger than Seim’s,” Fleishfresser boasts. Chief Warrant Officer Craig Krenz inspects “It’s a fast boat; it might be the bow of his boat after smaller than Chappy’s, but crashing against a wall it’s faster,” Seim counters. during a race against Many of the stories these members of the mini- desert sailors tell involve yacht club. laughs and crashes. There is a saying among the remote- hope to expand membership in Still, they hope to see new faces control captains, “There are two their mini-yacht club. They advise around the pond, and Seim wants types of boaters: those that have doing research before making a a new challenger. crashed their boats, and those that purchase, since there are many “If anybody thinks that they can will.” types and styles. Boats cost beat me in the water, come and try Fleishfresser, Krenz, and Seim between $35 and $400, Seim said. it,” Seim dares.

9 in the ZONE September 2009 A learning opportunity

insights with JASG troops

By Spc. Tyler Lasure Members of the Joint Area Support Group–Central gained cultural insight from Iraqi Army Brig. Gen. Thamer Wazni during a presentation at Forward Operating Base Prosperity’s Garden State Cinema Sept. 26. The presentation, sponsored by the Morale, Welfare and Recreation committee, featured Wazni’s personal insights on a wide range of topics including his involvement in Operation Desert Storm, the trade embargo placed on Iraq, what military life was like under Saddam Hussein’s regime, and the future of Iraq after coalition forces withdraw. Soldiers from the Joint Area Support Group listen to Brig. Gen. Thamer Wazni as Wazni was a fighter pilot and he speaks about his experiences in the Iraqi military and the future of Iraq. Wazni, formerly a flight instructor and fighter pilot for the Iraqi Air Force, is the director of flight instructor under Saddam planning and follow-through for the Iraqi military. Photos by Spc. Tyler Lasure Hussein, and fought in the Iran–Iraq war and Operation Phelps saw an opportunity to learn. Desert Storm. He is currently the opportunity for an “We do ourselves director of planning and follow- MWR event that an injustice if we through for the Iraqi military; his focused on learning, don’t try to learn current duties include inspecting rather than usual about the place we’re units throughout Iraq in support lighter fare. at,” Phelps said. of the Office of General Military Phelps’s aim Phelps and the Inspection. was to have an MWR committee The event was coordinated by experienced and hope to have more Master Sgt. Andrew Phelps, the knowledgeable speakers in the noncommissioned officer in charge Iraqi speak candidly future and that more of accounting for the JASG-C about current soldiers will benefit Resource Management section. operations. from Iraqi viewpoints Phelps met Wazni by chance and Phelps believes many soldiers don’t the two began talking about their these discussions understand. military experiences. The two can help soldiers Brig. Gen. Thamer Wazni “I want to take speaks about his 30 years in were on opposite sides during better understand the Iraqi military. Wazni spoke more from this Operation Desert Storm and found the social and at a presentation held by the deployment than a it interesting that they were now cultural climates Morale, Welfare and Recreation paycheck, dust, and working toward a shared goal: a in Iraq. He also committee at the Garden State a thinner hairline,” better future for Iraq. sees this as a great Cinema Sept. 26. Phelps said.

10 in the ZONE September 2009 A learning opportunity A doctor treating different breeds Vet clinic keeps working dogs mission-ready

By Spc. Tyler Lasure Maj. Kathryn Belill inspects the stitches on a patient’s stomach, rubbing his belly and reassuring him everything will be okay. She pats the patient on the head and says “Good boy.” It seems like unorthodox bedside manner for a doctor, but for Belill and other soldiers at the International Zone Veterinarian Clinic, it keeps their patients calm and happy. The IZVC on Forward Operating Base Prosperity provides comprehensive care for approximately 400 working dogs in the IZ and outlying areas. The clinic performs routine checkups, gives vaccinations, takes X-rays, and provides emergency care. All of these services contribute to the safety of soldiers in the IZ. They keep working dogs that sniff for explosives and other security risks mission-ready. “Being here in Iraq our goal is to help the people of Iraq and the country,” said Belill, the officer in charge of the clinic. Maj. Kathryn Belill, the officer in charge of the IZ Veterinarian Clinic, “Working with the dogs and inspects the stitches on Bady, a Department of State working dog, having so many in this area while his handler Mark Jones, keeps him calm. The IZVC is responsible and seeing what they do (is for all working dogs on Forward Operating Base Prosperity as well as satisfying). What the dogs do is the outlying areas. Photos by Spc. Tyler Lasure

11 in the ZONE September 2009 Maj. Kathryn Belill listens to the heartbeat of Kiki, a Department of State working dog, during a visit to the IZ Veterinarian Clinic. Belill and her staff are responsible for the comprehensive care of all U.S. working dogs in the area.

really important, whether their of food at a time. jobs is inspecting cars or sniffing “It’s rewarding to know bombs, it’s all important.” that we are the first people to For one veterinarian check the food before it gets technician, it is also good to see on the soldiers’ plates,” said the way humans react to their Spc. Robin Babakhani, a food work. inspector with the clinic. “If “It’s so rewarding seeing it weren’t for us you all would handlers when you do your job,” be eating MREs.” said Pvt. Katrina Jenkins. No matter what these Belill also enjoys the effects soldiers are doing they will her work has on the human work their tails off to provide handlers, “That is one thing residents of the IZ with two people tend to forget, all of essentials of life, food and those animals are attached to a security. person,” she said. “A common question I get The clinic is not just from people is ‘What would responsible for the working a vet possibly do in Iraq?’” dogs; soldiers there also inspect Belill said. “We do a lot and food shipments. The clinic’s what we do is important. You food inspectors ensure that all of want to eat when you are on the food received meets military deployment, just supporting standards and that it is stored James West, a dog handler with the Depart- the dogs that add to the properly. On average they ment of State, holds his partner Kiki during a safety, vet services have an inspect about $1 million worth checkup at the IZ Veterinarian Clinic. important role in the Army.”

12 in the ZONE September 2009 The changing face of the IZ Turning FOB Blackhawk over to Iraq

By Capt. Joy LeMay The face of the International Zone changed once again, after the U.S. military turned over 17.1 acres of property known as Forward Operating Base Blackhawk to the government of Iraq at a small informal ceremony Sept. 30. The heart of the property is a six-story, steel and concrete, German-engineered structure, known as Believers Palace. The $66 million structure was built to conceal Saddam Hussein’s bunkers which extend to three- stories below. It was heavily damaged during the opening Iraqi soldiers witness Col. Martin Seifer, the JASG’s director of installations and night of the U.S.-led offensive in head of the IZ transition team, return Believer’s Palace to Mr. Sameer Al-Haddad, March 2003. the Secretariat of the Committee for Receiving Real Properties and Camps Office of the Prime Minister, at an event held Sept. 30. Photos by Spc. Tyler Lasure Since then, the property housed U.S. military personnel and contractors. At one time, 700 personnel lived on the FOB. Beginning in July, residents the Blackhawk Conference Center until a new transferred to other bases in the IZ in preparation conference center is completed on Union III in for the Blackhawk turnover. early 2010. “This has been one of our most complicated Included in the property turnover was turnovers to date,” said Col. Martin Seifer, the equipment valued at $750,000, including JASG’s director of installations and head of the IZ containerized housing units, air conditioners, transition team. “One part of the FOB has already water pumps, and water tanks. been turned over to an Iraq construction company, The FOB Blackhawk turnover to the government another part is going to be going to the Counter of Iraq is the 32nd property that the U.S. military Terrorism Command, and a sliver of it is going to has turned over since the Jan. 1 security agreement stay until spring.” took effect. Ten more properties are scheduled to The U.S. military plans to continue using be turned over this year.

13 in the ZONE September 2009 Chaplain’s word New strength Chap. (Lt. Col.) Douglas H. Fleischfresser JASG-C Chaplain

There are had pushed myself so hard – I own (lasts for a little longer), times when I broke. I felt foolish because but eventually we realize that feel like I am I could barely lift my head making our lives more and more completely enough to see who was walking busy, and relying on oneself, worn out and toward me. isn’t the answer! absolutely I returned to my CHU that When we slow down and seek stressed. It’s evening (Tuesday), feeling our Designer’s will, He restores never from a completely drained. And that’s our strength and allows us to single source or when it happened – when I was understand how foolish our cause, but rather from all of it! completely and utterly weakest attempts at solving difficult I have tried things here in – I found strength I needed. problems can be, without His Iraq that I probably wouldn’t “But those who wait on the Lord guidance and counsel. have tried back home to shall renew their strength; they God’s promise to Isaiah is a compensate for the “battle shall mount up with wings like promise to us as well. Waiting rhythm.” Last week we received eagles; they shall run and not be for God may mean we have to in one of our care packages weary; they shall walk and not give up some of the activities we a bunch of small bottles of faint” (Isaiah 40:31).I was so have allowed to overcome our “5-hour energy.” On the bottle it busy doing, I had forgotten the lives. We may need in fact, to claimed, “Hours of energy now Lord’s promise. actually schedule time with God – No crash later”, “Sugar free”, He desires to renew our and just listen to Him speak “Only 4 calories”, “Feel it in strength and enable us to live to us in His Word – waiting in minutes” and finally “Lasts for the abundant life He provides silence. hours”. So I tried it. for us, but we have to be willing Waiting on the Lord means What I received was not to “wait”. The problem is . . . He has the opportunity to the results I was hoping for. I we don’t enjoy waiting. We are show us that when He calls us could barely drink the stuff, it harried by all the commitments He gives us the tools to carry left an awful after taste and the we make and the many out our vocational calling as a only rush I felt wasn’t energy! responsibilities that call out to soldier. I know the battle rhythm will us. Let’s be honest, many in our It doesn’t matter if our job slow and rest will come, but world, especially on the military here in Iraq is: a TIF guard, in what until then? If an energy side, are judged by what we can security, project management in drink doesn’t do it, what will accomplish in a day. Who renew my strength; physical, has time to “wait?” emotional, mental and spiritual? Part of God’s restorative I got my answer the next process is to slow us down day after pushing my body to and make us listen to Him. its limits in a workout. I had As we wait on Him, God done so many push-ups and will remind us that we do lifting that I strained my upper need Him! We can try back and neck to the point that and deny it (that works for when I woke up the next day, I awhile), we can pretend couldn’t even turn my neck. I we are strong on our

14 in the ZONE September 2009 Chaplain’s word continued

the IZ or on the FOB, overseeing placards for vehicles, Safety “Come to me, all who labor and movement of vehicles or air Officer or NCO, food delivery are heavy laden, and I will give assets, overseeing all the and consumption, or providing you rest. Take my yoke upon soldiers in the brigade, your Religious Support. God you, and learn from me, for I am battalion or those in your promises He will provide the gentle and lowly in heart, and section as NCO or OIC leader; strength we need to carry out you will find rest for your souls. making sure the pay is getting His calling in our life. For my yoke is easy, and my into the account, mail is getting Don’t forget the wonderful burden is light” (Matthew 11:28- through, providing badges or invitation we have been given: 30).”

JAG brief Family Support Maj. David E. Hickethier JASG-C Command Judge Advocate

The JASG-C required by regulation to pay Failing to financially support Legal Office court-ordered financial support. family members, to comply with often receives If no court order exists, the orders for support, and/or falling inquiries amount may be set in a written into arrears subjects soldiers to about family support agreement. If neither possible punishment under the and child exists, the support amount is UCMJ, adverse administrative support established by regulation. action, and/or other adverse obligations. Without a court order or action authorized by State and The Army’s written support agreement, AR Federal law. policy and the responsibilities 608-99 requires a soldier to Family and child support and procedures related to family pay support of an amount equal matters are complicated and and child support are set forth in to his/her Basic Allowing for depend on the facts specific AR 608-99. Housing at the non-locality rate to each situation. Soldiers Soldiers are required to (BAH II). This rate may be more may contact a legal assistance provide adequate and continuous or less than the BAH amount the attorney to discuss family support to their family members. soldier receives. In addition, support issues. For most soldiers, this is not whether a soldier actually The Command Judge Advocate an issue. However, a soldier’s receives BAH does not alter Web site contains family support support obligation can change either the support amount or the reference materials: https:// and become more complicated soldier’s support obligation. mnfi.intranet.iraq.centcom.mil/ in situations such as separation, Support amounts are subject sites/JASG/Command/CJA/ divorce, or having a child outside to modification based on changes default.aspx. of marriage. in circumstances. However, In such situations, a state regulation and state law limit the JASG Legal office: court may determine and order factors that may be considered Maj. David E. Hickethier the financial support amount and the appropriate authority Maj. Christopher Hartley a solider is required to pay for to modify the support amount a Capt. David James his/her family. Soldiers are also soldier pays. Staff Sgt. David Sisco

15 in the ZONE September 2009 outside the zone

Editor’s note This month, Outside the Zone takes you to Camp Bucca, 340 miles Camp Bucca southeast of Baghdad, where Wisconsin Guardsmen transfer de- tainees from one base to another.

By Spc. Tyler Lasure Moving several hundred detainees across Iraq is a daunting task, but for two Wisconsin Army National Guard companies it’s just another day. The two companies, Janesville’s Company A, 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, and Fond du Lac’s Company C, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry, stationed at Camp Bucca, in southern Iraq, are responsible for transferring detainees from Bucca to theater internment facilities further north. These movements are part of the consolidation of TIFs and the eventual turnover of operations Sgt. Joseph Vanbuskirk, a guard with Company A, 132nd Brigade Support Battal- to the government of Iraq. Once ion, and a native of Glenbeulah, Wis., keeps an eye on detainees while they are prepared for transfer. Photos by Spc. Tyler Lasure detainees are transferred they either continue serving their footprint in the southeastern detainees, making sure everything sentences or are released. area of Iraq,” said Capt. Anthony goes smoothly: processing “It’s basically transferring Klemme, Green Bay, commander paperwork, feeding detainees, the detainees from one base of Company C, 2-127 Infantry, and escorting them to latrines, making to another, so it [reduces] the a truck commander on the transfer sure they have plenty of water missions. “The number of while they wait in the desert heat, detainees in Iraq has dropped and quelling any problems that from an all-time high in the may arise. 20,000 range down to less The soldiers make sure the than 12,000.” detainees are under control and The days are long and that they are treated with respect, require a lot of work for both said Staff Sgt. Anthony Masseur, companies. Alpha 132 assists Beloit. “They follow the three C’s: in out-processing detainees care, custody, and control.” and getting them to the Charlie Company supports the transport, while Charlie 127 mission after the detainees are provides security for convoys. finally loaded onto buses at the end Spc. Andrew Alexander, Fond du Lac, scans Starting early in the of the day. the roads from the gunner’s turret of a Mine morning, troops from Alpha The desert sun is already setting Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle. Company watch over the when soldiers perform the last

16 in the ZONE September 2009 Sgt. Brad Smith, Portage, supervises the movement of detainees at the theater internment facility on Camp Bucca. The detainees are transferred to other TIFs in Iraq where they will either continue serving their sentence or be released.

pre-combat checks on their Mine- once we’re done with this mission As soldiers from these two Resistant Ambush-Protected we will pick up other missions Wisconsin units drive on with their vehicles. They shovel down a meal, and help out with the other mission they know they are helping load their weapons and roll out. companies.” the Iraqi people. It is going to be a long night, and Handling and guarding Spc. Andrew Alexander, Fond everything needs to go right. detainees is an important mission. du Lac, a gunner on one of Charlie Charlie Company provides “It is a very high profile mission, Company’s MRAPs, is looking security for the convoy from Bucca you get all the glory when good beyond his time here. “I find it to a military flight line. Attacks on things are said, but when we screw rewarding that after we leave this the convoy aren’t the only thing up its coming from high levels too,” country the people will have a these soldiers need to prepare for; Klemme said. sense of freedom.” should a disturbance occur on a busload of detainees, the soldiers would be required to restore order. The soldiers pull security until the plane reaches its destination safely. While they wait, soldiers stretch their legs, read, or take in the quiet of the desert night. This is an opportunity to get a little peace and quiet in a hectic environment. As the sun rises over the desert the next morning, the soldiers return to camp and begin preparing for their next mission. With the number of detainees held at Bucca dropping and transfers from Bucca happening often, these soldiers are essentially working themselves out of a job. Klemme sees other opportunities Sgt. 1st Class Jason Janecek (left), Ashland, 1st Lt. Jacob Heinitz, West Allis (center), and Capt. Anthony Klemme (right), Green Bay, prepare for the convoy to for his company after all the the flight line. Company C, 2-127, is responsible for convoy security during the detainees are transferred, “I think transfer of detainees from Camp Bucca.

17 in the ZONE September 2009 Know where to go Life on the FOBs

Common Access Cards meals a day with Grab-n-go options be- HRSC Policy 07-26. tween meal hours. Meal hours are: FOB Prosperity: Located at the west The IZ Common Access Card (CAC) Breakfast: 0600 to 0830 entrance of the Palace. The hours are office is in Room 110 on the first floor of Grab-n-go: 0830 to 1100 0900 to 1700 daily. the Palace (Bldg. 100) at FOB Prosperity, Lunch: 1130 to 1330 FOB Union III: A mailbox is located in Monday through Saturday from 0800 to Grab-n-go: 1330 to 1700 front of Bldg. 6. The post office is located 1700. For questions, call DSN 312-239- Dinner: 1730 to 2000 in Bldg. 5. The hours are 0800 to 1730 1765 or e-mail: [email protected] Grab-n-go: 2000 to 2230 daily. com.mil Midnight Meal: 2230 to 0100 Grab-n-go: 0100 to 0530 Laundry TMC The Union III DFAC across from the Since dirty laundry is serious busi- Bldg. 1 parking lot offers four meals a ness, the FOBs have a seven-day-a- Those eligible for care at Troop Medi- day. Meal hours are: week laundry service that at a maximum cal Clinics include Breakfast: 0530 to 0800 takes three days to complete. Individuals active-duty U.S. Lunch: 1130 to 1330 using the service can only have 20 piec- and Coalition Dinner: 1730 to 2000 es of laundry in each bag. Blankets and Forces, retired Midnight meal: 2330 to 0100 comforters must be separated from cloth- U.S. military and ing or uniform items. Department of FOB Prosperity: 0700 to 2000 daily Defense federal Gym/ MWR FOB Union III: 0700 to 1900 daily government em- The Prosperity gym is ployees. located on the first floor of Routine im- the Palace and is open 24 munizations and hours a day, seven days a Post Deployment week. Health Assessments are available for indi- The MWR center, in rooms 122, 125 viduals during sick-call hours. For groups and 127, are also open 24/7 and offer a of 10 or more and immunizations call the large-screen television, DVDs, books, TMC to schedule an appointment. boardgames, and other fun activities. Ortiz Consolidated Medical Clinic is The Union III gym is located in Bldg. 5 located in Bldg. 87, behind the fuel point. and is open 24 hours a day, seven days Sick-call hours for walk-ins are Monday a week. Finance through Friday from 0800 to 1000 and The MWR center, next to the gym, is Finance operations include check 1300 to 1500. Medical staff is present also open 24/7 and offers a large-screen cashing, Eagle Cash Card transactions, 24/7 in case of emergency. The clinic is television, DVDs, books, boardgames, military pay issues, collection and review closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Ser- XBox, and other fun activities. of travel vouchers and other military pay- vices now available include primary care, related documents, and more. dental, combat stress control, laboratory, Eagle Cash Card (ECC) applications radiology and pharmacy. are available. The service member must The Union III TMC relocated to the Post office provide a current bank statement or LES west side of Bldg. 5. Sick-call hours for Free mail, limited to 13 ounces, still to verify bank routing and account num- walk-ins are Monday through Friday from exists for the letter home. If you are mail- bers. As a reminder, you can load up to 0800 to 1045 and 1300 to 1500, 0800 to ing pictures, a small souvenir in an en- $350 per day to your card. You can get 1045 Saturdays. velope or packages, then you must go to cash back up to $200 per month. Checks Audiology services are now located at the post office. Packages will be inspect- can also be cashed for up to $200 per Phipps TMC in Balad; optometry and der- ed and limited to three items per visit. A month. matology are located at Camp Liberty’s military ID card is required for the trans- Prosperity finance operations are in Witmer TMC. action. Civilians need two forms of identi- Room 108 on the first floor of the Palace. fication to conduct postal transactions. Hours are from 0900 to 1600 Saturday Items forbidden to be shipped include through Thursday. Dining facility weapons items, drugs, alcohol, and per- Union III finance operations are in The Prosperity dining facility across ishable material. For a complete list of Bldg. 6, A-Wing, room 2A from 0900 to from the Palace (Bldg. 100) offers four items, consult CENTCOM AR 25-200 or 1600 Saturday through Thursday.

18 in the ZONE September 2009 Soldiers assigned to the Joint Area Support Group—Central Air Force Maj. Frank Vassar receives an award from Air Force qualify at Prosperity’s shooting range during a Soldier of the Maj. Gen. Joseph Reynes Jr. Sept. 24. The monthly Air Force Month board held Sept. 18. Photo by Capt. Joy LeMay award program identifies outstanding airmen and recognizes those who have made a significant impact to their unit of assignment. Photo by Spc. Tyler Lasure

Soldiers assigned to the 1-7 Field Artillery Battalion case the colors during a transfer of authority ceremony held Sept. 12. The 93rd MP Battalion from Fort Bliss, Texas replaced JASG-C soldiers explore Believer’s Palace on FOB Blackhawk the 1-7 FA. Sept. 15 before turning the property over to the government of Iraq Sept. 30. Photo by Spc. Tyler Lasure

Upcoming event

Oct. 10: Race for the Cure 5k run/walk. Registration begins at 5:30 a.m. in front of FOB Prosperity’s Palace and the event begins at 6:00 a.m. The first 150 finishers receive a free T-shirt.

19 in the ZONE September 2009 A view of FOB Prosperity at night. Photo by Sgt. Michelle Gonzalez

20 in the ZONE September 2009