DESERTDESERT VVOICEOICE January 11, 2006 Serving the U.S. and Coalition Forces in Knights ride into victory pg. 4 Volume 27, Issue 25 The Desert Voice is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Desert Voice are not necessarily the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or Department of the Army. The editorial DESERT content of this publication is the responsibility of the CONTENTS Coalition Forces Land Component Command Public Affairs Office. This newspaper is published by Al-Qabandi United, a private firm, which is not affiliated with CFLCC. All copy will VOICE be edited. The Desert Voice is produced weekly by the Public Affairs Office. 25

Page 3 Improving the foxhole Command Sgt. Maj. Ashe discusses how CFLCC Commanding General we should be improving ourselves at all Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb times no matter where we are. CFLCC Command Sergeant Major Page 4 Knights beat Dawgs, 46-34 Command Sgt. Maj. Franklin G. The 31st FSB Knights defeat the Marine Ashe Corps Big Dawgs in the double elimina- CFLCC Public Affairs Officer tion Winter Basketball Tournment for the Col. Barrett King championship. CFLCC Public Affairs 4 Page 5 Latvian troops deploy Officer, Forward In preparation for rotation of troops, the Lt. Col. Debbie Haston-Hilger outgoing Latvian troops mentor and train Commander, 11th PAD outgoing troops for their peacekeeping Capt. Chevelle Thomas missions in Iraq. NCOIC, 11th PAD Pages 6&7Villains going home Staff Sgt. Kerensa Hardy Soldiers from Company E, 1st Battalion, Desert Voice Editor 207th Aviation Regiment have flown Sgt. Jonathan M. Stack numerous missions and hours delivering avaition parts on C-23B Sherpa airplanes. Desert Voice Assistant Editor Page 8 Barr performs at Navistar Spc. Robert Adams Niki Barr performs a rock concert for Desert Voice Staff Writers troops at Camp Navistar Thursday as Spc. Janine Coogler part of the Armed Forces Entertainment Spc. Debralee P. Crankshaw tour throughout the Middle East. Spc. Michael R. Noggle 11th PAD Broadcasters Page 9 Dietitian gives advice Spc. Christina Beerman Pfc. Jheridiah Anderson Deployments give servicemembers the opportunity to lead a healthier lifestyle. The EMF Kuwait dietitian gives some advice to help these troops. Editor 6-77 Page 10 Illinois senator visits CFLCC PAO/ Senator Barack Obama spends the first Desert Voice part of his New Year with troops in Camp Arifjan Kuwait. Soldiers were offered the oppro- APO AE 09306 tunity to play basketball with the Senator. [email protected] Page 11 Community Events Find us online at www.dvidshub.net Here are upcoming events: Martin Luther 6 King runs, ultimate frisbee tournament, Texas Hold’em tournaments, basketball leagues, spades tournaments. On the cover Photo by Staff Sgt. LaTorry Sidney Back page EOD needs you Warrick Hightower, Knights’ forward, Courtesy graphic penetrates through the Big Dawgs For more information call EOD on Arifjan defense to score 2-points. 8 at 430-1558 or go to www.bragg.army.mil/EOD.

2 Desert Voice January 11, 2006 Improving the foxhole in 2006 Command Sgt. Maj. things in a positive way. We need to be moti- Schoomaker, Franklin G. Ashe vated while having a positive outlook on Army chief of CFLCC Command Sergeant Major things and remaining dedicated to working as staff, said lead- a team. ers must lead Crossing into the new year is a great There are a million little things you can do the change. accomplishment. It enables people to feel everyday, whether it’s more physical training, Third Army is like they’ve been given a fresh start and a spending more time with your subordinates going to chance for new opportunities or a chance to and getting to know them professionally, become one of pursue old opportunities without making the coaching and mentoring or simply by not the first organi- same mistakes as those made in the past. walking past problems. Whether it’s a little zations to com- As we cross into a new year, it’s tradition thing like picking up trash or a big thing like pletely undergo for people to make resolutions about doing preventing an unsafe act that could get some- transformation things differently than they did in the past, one hurt or worse, we need to be cognizant of in the Army. whether it’s getting into better shape, losing how much of a difference each individual can Moving ahead weight, improving relationships or any num- make by not just letting things slide. with that will Command Sgt. Maj. ber of things. The bottom line is if you get up with a make us more Franklin G. Ashe I use the term “improving the foxhole” caring, proactive, positive attitude you’re not of an asset to the U.S. Army. from time to time but I want everyone to going to be able to go about your day without At this time, I don’t foresee any change in have a grasp on what it means. Soldiers improving your surroundings because you’re the big picture of what we do, which is con- should be improving the foxhole at all times, going to look at things and say “Hey, let’s fix tinuing to provide support as the Coalition anywhere we go, no matter what we’re doing. it.” Forces Land Component Command to the This shouldn’t be just because it’s a new year. Deployments can be a great place for U.S. Central Command in the fight in Iraq As Soldiers, improving the foxhole is a say- Soldiers to improve themselves. During a and . There will be changes as ing to live by. deployment, in most cases, a Soldier is nor- conditions change in Afghanistan and Iraq It comes from a simple idea derived from mally working in his military occupational and we’re able to downsize the amount of a simple scenario. Let’s say you’re out in the specialty or on his warrior tasks. When you Soldiers in those countries depending on con- field and you stop to dig a hasty position for get in the combat zone, you’re doing the job ditions. That will reduce the amount of self-protection. While you’re there, the more you joined the Army to do. By having a things we do here. We’ll still be performing work you do to make it a better fighting posi- chance to focus primarily on your MOS, you many of the same types of missions, just not tion, the better it conceals you and protects gain vast amounts of experience and knowl- quite as much of them. you from enemy attacks. Improving the fox- edge in that particular field faster than you A personal goal for me is to continue to hole means improving your surroundings, could at home station due to fewer distrac- take care of servicemembers, civilians and your workplace, your relationships and your tions. family members. I think our organization has life any way you can. Even though we are deployed, there are a great command climate and it’s very caring I think we should look for ways to other opportunities available to us here that toward all personnel and family members. I improve ourselves each day by learning are also available at home, such as college want everyone in Third U.S. Army/ARCENT something new that will make us better, both classes. You can work toward a degree, or if /CFLCC to continue the outstanding work professionally and personally. you have a degree, you can work toward a we’ve been doing and continue to accomplish Improving the foxhole isn’t just about self higher degree. our missions in the Global War on Terrorism improvement; it could also mean improving You have an opportunity to learn new in the CENTCOM area of responsibility. In your relationship with your family and things here. At the recreation centers, the years past, Third Army has done an out- friends. If you’re a religious person, it could instructions are given on a lot of subjects standing job and we must live up to that lega- equate to furthering your relationship with varying from different kinds of workouts to cy and continue to perform in the exceptional your church and your beliefs. several types of dancing. Local Morale, manner that you all have in this fight. The message I’m trying to get across to Welfare and Recreation trips aren’t just nec- The most important thing leaders do is to everyone is even though the new year is the essarily about going shopping downtown at live up to our stripes or our position every- traditional time for people to make resolu- the mall in Kuwait City. It’s also a chance to day. Our servicemembers expect it and tions and to try to establish some type of new observe and interact with a different culture. deserve it. Another one of my personal goals beginning, you have the opportunity to do Opening our mind and ourselves to other pos- is to do my part to help make life in the that everyday. The great thing about being sibilities makes us better. armed forces better for all the people that alive is you can choose any day of the year Individuals who are not motivated enough work with, near or for me. To all the and start over if you want to. We should all to be self-starters will not be able to reap the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and civil- try to be conscious of that. We would be bet- full benefits of this situation. You should get ians out there who are doing your duty, day ter people for it and the Army would be a up, get out and seek those chances to broaden in and day out, you are making our world a better Army for it. your knowledge. better place to be. Your efforts motivate and The first and most important thing we do In terms of goals, I’d like to see Third impress me and make me proud to serve every day to improve our foxhole is to start Army continue to move forward in its trans- alongside each and every one of you. BE the day with a good attitude and to look at formation this year. Gen. Peter J. SAFE! — THIRD, ALWAYS FIRST.

Desert Voice January 11, 2006 3 Knights joust through Big Dawgs, 46-34 Spc. Marcos Alices Kinch have much of a chance. CFLCC PAO Trailing 21-9, the Big Dawgs turned to their big guy, Jones, The 31st Forward Support once again. He quickly hit two Battalion Knights sought retribu- consecutive layups, helping his tion when they stepped onto the team get within striking range. hardwood floor Jan. 1. They The score was 21-14 at the end defeated the Marine Corps Big of the first half. Dawgs 46-34 for the champi- As the Big Dawgs entered the onship in the double-elimination second half, they forced Winter Basketball Tournament at turnovers and scored two baskets, the Camp Arifjan Zone 1 Fitness closing the gap 21-18. Center. The Big Dawgs’ dream of a After suffering a vicious 48- championship was ruined by the 29 loss Dec. 30 during their first Knights’ defense. The Knights meeting, the Knights battled their quickly put the Big Dawgs in way through the loser’s bracket their place as they went on a 14-5 to the championship game with run with 10 minutes remaining in the odds stacked against them. the game. They beat the Big Dawgs in The Knights took total control back-to-back games. of the second half. It was nothing “We rose to the challenge with more than a showcase of their our backs against the wall,” said abilities. Jereld Griffin, Knights guard. The Knights, a quicker, hun- The Knights hardly looked grier and more energetic team, like the team that lost to the Big gained some revenge and the Dawgs in their first confronta- championship. tion. The Knights dominated both “Throughout the tournament games with their solid defense the Knights played with heart and and fast-paced offense. aggressiveness,” said Richard B. After ending game one strong Adams Jr., Knights head coach. with a 52-41 victory, the Knights The Knights took control of started game two at a high game one from the tip-off by tempo. They quickly took the forcing turnovers and running the lead early with a 7-2 run. fast break to an early 9-4 lead. The Big Dawgs slowed the Samuel Scott and Maul led the game down to their tempo and assault with their shooting abili- used their center David Jones. ties as the defense forced the Big Jones used his size inside the Dawgs to make bad passes and paint and hit back-to-back field off-balance shots. goals. After a strategic timeout made Not to be outdone, forwards by Big Dawgs coach James John “The Dog” Maul and Jones, the Big Dawgs came back Staff Sgt. LaTorry Sidney Joseph Rowser led the Knights to from a 12-point deficit to end the Jerome Lawson, Knights center, rejects a shot put up by John a 13-6 lead by contributing on half at 18-22. Nichols, Big Dawgs’ guard. both ends of the court and hitting As the Big Dawgs entered the and scoring a couple 2-pointers, “The tournament was a perfect shots from all angles mid-way second half with the momentum the Knights increased their lead warm-up for the season,” said through the first half. from the first, Charles Holmes to 35-18. Kevin D. Scott, Morale, Welfare “We played hard but they had launched from downtown, hitting Trailing 39-28, the Big Dawgs and Recreation recreational lead. a deeper bench which was the big two 3-pointers to pull the Big would not lie down and play “It ignites the rivalries among the key in tonight’s games,” said Dawgs within 24-25. The Big dead. Lewis Goram led the pack teams.” James Jones, Big Dawgs coach. Dawgs’ comeback was short- by scoring a layup and a 3-point- The Knights hold a 2-1 record The Knights, with a solid lived as the Knights stretched er that closed the gap to six. It against the Big Dawgs and they defense, extended their lead to their lead out with free throws wasn’t enough. will enter the unit basketball sea- 17-7. Tired and exhausted, the made by Rowser and a massive Rowser put the last nail into son as the odds-on favorite. Big Dawgs played like a team in dunk by Jerome Lawson. the coffin when he hit crucial According to Big Dawgs’ slow motion with passes that With 10 minutes on the clock, free throws down the stretch run Lewis Goram, he is looking for- were split-seconds too late and the Knights did not let up. With and the Knights prevailed with a ward to the next chapter in this off-balance jumpers who didn’t Nokia Carter grabbing rebounds game one victory. growing rivalry. 4 Desert Voice January 11, 2006 Latvian soldiers prepare for exchange of troops Spc. Janine Coogler rotations,” Lapsenbergs explained. “The last CFLCC PAO/11th PAD two months are split into different scenario Did you know? exercises we might encounter on convoy mis- After completing six months in Iraq, more sions or during various training activities Š In the Latvian language the country’s than 100 Latvian troops from 1st Battle with the Iraqis.” name is spelled Latvija. Group, A Company came to Camp Virginia The outgoing troops will mentor the in- Š The name “Latvia” originates from an Jan. 3 to mentor approximately 100 troops coming troops, Lapsenbergs explained. They ancient Baltic (Indo-European) tribe - the from 1st Battle Group, B Company in prepa- will give the incoming troops examples of Latgalians, who formed the ethnic core of ration for the Latvian exchange of troops. what did or did not work when conducting the Latvian people. Through their peacekeeping missions, the various missions in Iraq. Š The landscape of Latvia is marked by Latvian soldiers contribute to the stabilization In addition to humvee training at Virginia, lowland plains and rolling hills. Most of of Iraq by training Iraqi armed forces, con- the Latvian soldiers were issued equipment the countryside is less than 100 meters ducting convoy missions and patrolling their and received shots as preventative measures, above sea level. There are thousands of area of responsibility. Errington said. rivers and lakes in Latvia. Although the Latvian soldiers receive five Because of an agreement between U.S. Š The Latvian language is a Baltic lan- to six months of extensive training in their and Latvian governments, the Latvians guage, which belongs to the Indo- country prior to their deployment, the A Co. received various military-issue equipment. European family of languages. The soldiers will give additional driver’s training They were fitted and measured for boots, Latvian language is considered one of the to the incoming troops. uniforms and flack vest to ensure proper siz- oldest of the Indo-European (European) It’s important that the troops know how to ing, Errington said. languages. It is a non-Slavic and a non- handle the humvees, said Maj. Bradley More than half of B Co. has experience in Germanic language, similar only to Errington, Task Force Gator operations and Iraq, Lapsenbergs said. Lithuanian. executive officer. Because the humvees are He added, a good number of the officers Š The population is more than 22 million. larger vehicles than the Latvians are used to, and a few other soldiers are on their second Š In Latvia, people are mostly Christians. the training is needed as a preventative meas- rotation. The majority of them are Lutherans with ure for accidents. The Latvian soldiers, dedicated to their minorities of Orthodox Christians and In addition to basic maintenance of the peacekeeping mission of training Iraqi forces, Roman Catholics. humvees, the Latvian soldiers will learn how use their skills of mentoring to help assist in Š Latvia is a former republic of the Soviet to maneuver through obstacles and how to the transition of new troops, Lapsenbergs Union. turn the vehicles, said Latvian Capt. Vantse said. Š Latvia is a parliamentary democracy. Lapsenbergs, B Co. commander. “This process helps ease the mind of a few Facts found on www.atlapedia.com, “Each platoon conducts three months of nervous soldiers, and gives leadership an idea www.li.lv and www.infoplease.com. infantry drill exercises, through a series of of the operation procedures.” Kuwait lit up by star Photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mark Getsy Diana DeGarmo, American Idol star, performs for members of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing during the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Holiday tour Jan. 2. Other spe- cial guests included: comedian Reggie McFadden, country music star Michael Peterson, and Medal of Honor recipient Col. Jack Jacobs. The tour, sponsored by the United Service Organizations, visited bases throughout Southwest Asia and Africa.

Desert Voice January 11, 2006 5 Chillin’ Villains fly in sky Alaskan aviation Spc. Michael R. Noggle ing parts to either northern and/or southern CFLCC PAO/11th PAD Iraq. Once the parts are dropped off at their final destination, the plane is reloaded with They are referred to as the “FedEx of the other aviation parts, refueled and recharged to theater,” delivering and receiving aviation fly within 45 minutes. supplies and equipment to bases throughout “We always looked to increase the effi- the Iraq and Kuwait area of operation. ciency of the C-23 movements,” said Chief Company E, 1st Battalion, 207th Warrant Officer Dan Larson, Co. E, 1st Bn., Regiment, from the Alaskan National Guard, 207th Aviation pilot. “We’ll load the air- refer to themselves as the Chillin’ Villains. planes full and look to find loads at every They transported more than 2.5 million stop.” pounds of cargo and more than 3,000 passen- After spending six months in Iraq, moving gers with four C-23B Sherpa airplanes and on several occasions between different air crews. bases, the Alaskan unit was able to find a “If you’ve got something that needs to be home in Kuwait. moved, then you throw it on a Sherpa,” said The design of the C-23B Sherpa was Maj. Darrin Dorn, Co. E, 1st Bn., 207th modified by the Army National Guard to per- Aviation commander. “We get it there and form state side cargo-drop missions. Over get it back in the quickest time.” the last couple years, the Army has activated On a daily basis, the unit is in the air send- units with Sherpa capabilities for the sole

6 Desert Voice January 11, 2006 n unit sets high standards purpose of getting supplies to their destina- engineer. “Guys were sitting around here at a success. tion as quickly as possible. the airport waiting for a ride back to Iraq. We “You’re doing something every day,” he “The light-cargo commuter airliner is had the room and capacity.” said. “When you take pallets of aviation o doing things it was never designed for and Vasofski said he was able to fly a lot of parts up north, hopefully it keeps somebody it’s doing them very well,” Dorn said. “It is passengers during his time in theater, most off the road. Our job is a lot safer than the the only fixed-wing in theater that flies at notably VIPs, government officials and send- guys having to travel on the highway.” low-level heights.” ing a little girl going home to Iraq to be with The unit will be redeploying next month Once the plane is at low level, all eyes are her father. and feel as though they have set the standard up front and out the windows, Vasofski said. “We’ve flown a lot of great missions but for other units to follow in their footsteps, “You ask the pilots and they’ll say it’s that one was my favorite,” Vasofski said. Dorn said. good to have the flight engineers as an extra “We make stuff happen and get the job done.” “We have achieved what we set out to do,” g set of eyes,” he said. “We’re not the ones kicking down the Dorn said. “We worked harder, more effi- As far as passengers, the Chillin Villains doors, marching down the street or fighting ciently, and smarter. We pushed the guys had doubled the number of the previous unit; the ground battle,” said Chief Warrant Officer hard and they’ve done a great job.” however transportation of servicemembers Melvin Rush, Co. E, 1st Bn., 207th Aviation Courtesy photo was shut down due to hazardous conditions operations and safety officer. A C-23B Sherpa airplane from Co. E, 1st Bn., 207th Aviation flies into Iraq to deliver - over the Iraq airways. He added, “We’re supporting the warfight- aviation equipment. The unit transported “Getting the troops back into the warfight er, the guys on the ground. If something more than 2.5 million pounds of cargo and was a huge deal,” said Staff Sgt. Raymond breaks then we need to move it.” more than 3,000 passengers with four C- Vasofski, Co. E, 1st Bn., 207th Aviation flight Vasofski said the mission was routine and 23B Sherpa airplanes and crews.

Desert Voice January 11, 2006 7 Rocker raises Barr at Navistar Spc. Robert Adams to move up to the stage as she said Spc. Alexander Snyder, Arifjan and Navistar, Barr fin- Assistant Editor began playing. Without hesita- Company B, 2nd Battalion, 127th ished up her tour at Camp tion, troops set their near-beers Infantry Regiment, during the Buehring Friday. Her tour with As Niki Barr walked through down and commenced to let concert. “I think the music she Armed Forces Entertainment the cold desert air onto the Camp loose. has written is really good.” began Dec. 16 in , Navistar stage Thursday, the By the second song Soldiers The 22-year-old Rock ‘n Roll taking her to , United quiet and relaxed nature of the were crowd-surfing, jumping up musician from Annapolis, Md., Arab Emirates and troops gave the impression that and down and hitting a beach sang a combination of her own before Kuwait. they were a tough crowd to ball through the air to the highly newly recorded songs as well as Barr has also played for troops please. energized performance put on by some cover songs of Jimi in the past, having done two Positioned 25 feet away in Barr and her band. What looked Handrix and Depeche Mode that other tours in the Far East and lawn chairs, troops greeted her to be just another routine show echoed against the berms of the Europe. with the occasional hoots and turned into a rock concert you small military camp. “This experience has given us hollers. would see in the States. “We have a high-energy show all a new respect for what we The scene didn’t faze Barr “This is the best time I’ve had because you guys are ready to go have back home,” Barr said. who gave the crowd an invitation at Navistar since I’ve been here,” here,” Barr said. “I’m amazed on how troops can During the performance, Barr deal with being deployed… I invited troops on stage to sing don’t know if I could be away with her to the Cheap Trick’s from family for that long.” cover song I Want You to Want Barr said she and the rest of Me. They all knew the tune to her band (Island Styles, lead gui- the 80s hit song and didn’t hesi- tarist, Frank Silver, rhythm gui- tate to sing as loud as they could tarist, Scott Ensign, bassist and while in the spotlight with Barr. Tom Kristich, drummer) have “They do a very good job get- enjoyed hanging out with the ting the crowd involved,” Snyder troops over the holidays. said. “This reminds me of con- Barr said, “Words can’t certs and parties back home.” describe what we’re seeing over After the performance, Barr here.” spent time signing autographs, taking pictures and listening to servicemembers’ stories. “I want to meet as many peo- ple as possible,” Barr said. “It’s interesting to find out why they are serving in the military.” Barr isn’t a stranger to the military. She has an aunt and uncle in the Navy, an aunt in the Air Force and an uncle who Niki Barr and troops sing I Want served in Operation Desert You to Want Me, a hit 80s song Storm. by Cheap Trick on the Navistar After performing at Camp stage Thursday.

Photos by Spc. Robert Adams (Top) Niki Barr sings and plays the guitar during a rock concert performed at Camp Navistar Thursday. Barr has been on tour play- ing for troops in the Middle East since Dec. 16. (Right) Spc. Ryon Freemole, Company E, 2/127th Inf. was one of the many crowd surfers during the concert. 8 Desert Voice January 11, 2006 Bulking up, slimming down Deployment offers healthy choices for healthy living Spc. Debralee P. Crankshaw CFLCC PAO/11th PAD

“He that takes medicine and neglects diet wastes the skill of the physician.” Chinese Proverb Some servicemembers decide to get into better shape while deployed. Some diet, go to the gym and take supplements to achieve this goal. “The best way is to start the habit here,” said Navy Lt. Cmdr. Kim Zuzelski, Expeditionary Medical Facility – Kuwait, Camp Pendleton Detachment, dietitian. She added that diets are not the way to achieve the goal. Making a lifestyle change is the key to producing long-lasting results. Zuzelski says basic nutrition is important anywhere, but a deployment provides a good opportunity. “Starting healthy habits here can benefit the family when the servicemember returns home,” Zuzelski said. She also said eating behaviors are often learned at home. Healthy lifestyles and eat- ing habits can prevent future weight problems for children, which is a significant problem for American kids as well as adults. One common misconception is that people can gain muscle while losing fat, according to Zuzelski. “In order to gain muscle you have to take Courtesy graphic in more calories but to lose weight you have Use the Food Guide Pyramid to help you eat better every day, the dietary guidelines way. to take in less,” Zuzelski said. “You can’t Start with plenty of breads, cereals, rice, pasta, vegetables and fruits then add two to three make something bigger and smaller at the servings from the milk group and two to three servings from the meat group. Each of these same time.” food groups provides some, but not all of the nutrients you need. No one food group is Supplements are abundant but Zuzelski more important than another – for good health you need them all. Go easy on fats, oils and says they are not the best way to go. sweets, the foods in the tip of the pyramid. “A lot of people are taking supplements but natural doesn’t mean safe,” she said. Suggestions she has for those wanting to and aren’t aware of what’s in them,” Zuzelski Supplements can be sold to the public before bulk up include eating four to five smaller said. any side effects are known. The FDA does meals a day, not skipping meals, eating car- “While some are harmless, others can not have the ability to pull a supplement off bohydrates and protein before and after work- have pharmacological results,” she said. the market until it can prove a threat to the ing out and performing exercises correctly. The active ingredients in many supple- health of the public.. The company doesn’t While these are good guidelines, Zuzelski ments can have the same side effects people have a responsibility to make sure the prod- encourages troops to visit her for more indi- get from medications. uct is safe for consumption. vidualized plans. Some ingredients can increase blood pres- Zuzelski said there is an alternative to tak- “It’s hard to make blanket statements sure and cause a dangerous change in heart ing supplements that gives results but ser- about nutrition because people have different rate. They can also interact with other med- vicemembers don’t necessarily have to stop goals,” she said. ications, supplements, or caffeine causing taking them depending on the ingredients. Zuzelski holds a weekly weight-manage- dangerous side effects. “People just need to be educated about ment class and is planning on starting a She went on to explain some supplements what they’re taking,” she said. sports nutrition class in February. aren’t harmless and are not regulated by the She added, “They shouldn’t expect a pill For more information or to make an Food and Drug Administration. to do more for them than a healthy diet and appointment, call the troop medical clinic at “Some supplements say they are natural, exercise program.” 430-1798.

Desert Voice January 11, 2006 9 Illinois senator visits fellow troops Staff Sgt. Kerensa Hardy explained. 11th PAD NCOIC He said this trip gives him a chance to talk directly to the peo- Senator Barack Obama is ple who are on the ground to gain spending the first part of the New their insight and get their input to Year visiting servicemembers in take back to Washington, D.C. the Middle East. The senator also said he thinks The Illinois senator spent this trip will be helpful because it Thursday in Kuwait, the second gives him something to refer stop on his whirlwind tour. back to when he's on the Senate "I've got a lot of troops from floor discussing issues. Illinois … and we wanted to "There is serious debate in come and communicate how Washington (and) throughout the much we appreciate their service country about how we should to the country and the outstand- move forward in Iraq," Obama Staff Sgt. Kerensa Hardy ing work that's being done," said. "But I think it's really Illinois Senator Barack Obama listens to a Soldier voice his con- Obama said, important for the troops to under- cerns Friday during a dinner at Camp Arifjan’s Zone 6 dining facil- He added that he feels it is stand that nobody questions the ity. Flanking the senator are Chief Warrant Officer Bruce Mavis of imperative to see for himself outstanding job that the troops Pleasant Plains, Ill., Lt. Col. Richard Zierath, from Madison, Wis., what's going on in the theater. have been doing and executing." and Spc. Debralee Crankshaw of Belleville, Ill. "As a U.S. senator who's on Obama said he was glad to see dozen Soldiers, playing a 20- Arifjan at a dinner with Soldiers the Foreign Relations Committee, that the morale of servicemem- minute half with each team. from Illinois, where he listened it's also important for me to get bers remains high. He helped Unfortunately, the other team to their concerns and talked with some first-hand knowledge of improve that morale when he always won. them about their families and what's taking place here," he played basketball with about a The senator ended his day at their wellbeing in general. Location not important Military able to vote from anywhere Capt. Lisa Hill-JJohnson election held in November. Command VAO, Capt. Lisa Hill-Johnson. CFLCC Policy & Programs officer Currently both houses are controlled by Once the form is filled out and mailed in, Republicans but with several states in con- this informs the district office that a voter is Voting, a vital asset in the 21st Century, tention, the balance of power may shift. The currently in either another state or in the mili- has never been more endangered, yet neces- first major deadline for voters is Sunday. tary and needs an absentee ballot. sary. Most districts have rewritten the boundaries Don’t be left out. If you desire to vote, More people around the globe are getting which affect where and for whom you vote. remember to contact your unit VAO for the their first opportunity to vote. Americans That, coupled with many people moving, has application, fill it out and mail it as soon as have long had this unique privilege, but created a need for voters to apply for their possible. Make your vote count during the between procedural inertia and voter apathy, registration on a yearly basis. 2006 elections. many voters do not exercise this right. The currently does not have That’s why the military vote is relevant a system for people who move and relies on and necessary. Military members have the voter sentiment and desire to vote each elec- Voting primaries ability to vote no matter where they are serv- tion to maintain their own registration. For The following states have ing in the world. During the presidential military members this is even harder, since upcoming primaries: elections of 2000 and 2004, the military vote they may not know where they will be. So it Š March 7 - Texas was vitally important. It was a major factor is imperative that servicemembers take Š March 21 - Illinois in states like California, Pennsylvania and advantage of their right to vote and the first Š May 2 - Indiana, North Carolina, Florida. step is the application for a voter’s registra- and Ohio The next election is Nov. 7, for the Senate tion card. Š and Congress. The primaries start in March Military members wishing to vote this May 9 - Nebraska and West with elections in Texas March 7 and Illinois year have to fill out the Federal Post Card Virginia March 21. Application and mail it to their respective Š May 16 - Kentucky, Oregon, and The primaries are held in each state so that voting district. The forms can be obtained Pennsylvania voters may vote for the candidate that they through the unit voting-assistance officer or Š May 23 - Arkansas and Idaho want to represent them during the general the Coalition Forces Land Component

10 Desert Voice January 11, 2006 Community happenings for Jan. 11 through Jan. 18

Ali Al Salem For more information call Spearhead/SPOD For information call 442-2005 828-1340 For information call 825-1302 Arifjan Kuwait Naval Base Victory Wednesday Friday Wednesday Spa Day, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., MWR dayroom Men’s over-40 basketball tournament, Spades tournament, 7 p.m., Community Desert Bingo Night, 6 p.m., MFT through Sunday Center Thursday Saturday Thursday Aerobics, 5 a.m., Tent 1-32 Pingpong tournament, 7 p.m., Zone 6 Latin dance class, 7 p.m., Aerobics Room Spa Day, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., MWR dayroom Community Center Friday Bazaar, 9 a.m., MFT Sunday Bingo Night, 7 p.m., Fitness bench area Free-throw and 3-point contest, 3 p.m., MWR Martin Luther King 5-K run/walk, 6 a.m., Saturday courts Zone 6 Fitness Center Yoga class, 6 a.m., Aerobics Room Friday Monday Chess tournament, 7 p.m., Community Center Volleyball tournament, 6 p.m., MWR courts Martin Luther King Day poetry contest, 7 Tae Kwon Do, 6 p.m., Aerobics Room Saturday p.m., Zone 1 Community Center Monday Aerobics, 5 a.m., Tent 1-32 Winter basketball league MLK 5-K run, 6 a.m., West ECP Ultimate frisbee tournament, 6 p.m., MWR Tuesday Tae Kwon Do, 7 p.m., Aerobics Room fields Bingo Night, 7 p.m., Zone 1 Community Tuesday Sunday Center Latin dance class, 7 p.m., Aerobics Room Ultimate frisbee tournament championships, Wednesday Wednesday 3 p.m., MWR fields Texas Hold’em tournament, 7 p.m., Zone 1 Checkers tournament, 7 p.m., Community Spades tournament, 6 p.m., MWR dayroom Community Center Center For more information call Monday For more information call Martin Luther King Free At Last 5-K run, 6 430-1205/1302 839-1063 a.m., gym 1 Army LSA at Ali Al Salem Navistar Tuesday Wednesday Aerobics, 5 a.m., Tent 1-32 For information call 859-1060 Pool tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tent Spa Day, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., MWR dayroom Buehring Cribbage tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tent Fat Pockets 8-ball tournament, 3 p.m., MWR Wednesday Basketball tournament, 8 a.m., basketball dayroom Madden tournament, 3 p.m., Palms courts Wednesday Weekly fun run, 5-K, 5:30 p.m., Hole-n-one Thursday Spa Day, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., MWR dayroom Winter basketball league, through Jan. 31 Pool tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tent Desert Bingo Night, 6 p.m., MFT Thursday Cribbage tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tent For more information call Spades tournament, 2 p.m., MWR Oasis Basketball tournament, 8 a.m., basketball Pingpong tournament, 7 p.m., Recreation courts 823-1033 Center Friday Virginia Friday Pool tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tent Wednesday Bingo Night, 3 p.m., Events tent Cribbage tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tent Poker, 7 p.m., Community Center Rendezvous Club, 9 p.m., Events tent Basketball tournament, 8 a.m., basketball Thursday Saturday courts Pool tournament, 9-ball, 7 p.m., Community Bazaar, 10 a.m., Events tent Monday Center Scavenger Hunt, 3 p.m., MWR stage Bazaar, MWR tent Friday Sunday Foosball tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tent Horseshoes, 4 p.m., Horseshoe pits Bazaar, 10 a.m., Events tent Hearts tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tent Sunday Darts tournament, 3 p.m., Recreation Center Softball tournament, 8 a.m., softball fields Pingpong tournament, 7 p.m., Community Monday Tuesday Center Martin Luther King 5-K run, 6:30 a.m., Hole- Foosball tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tent Monday n-one Hearts tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tent Martin Luther King Jr. Day run, 6 p.m., Spades tournament, 7 p.m., MWR Oasis Softball tournament, 8 a.m., softball fields Dusty Room Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Scrabble tournament, 7 p.m., MWR Oasis Foosball tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tent Spades tournament, 7 p.m., Community Wednesday Hearts tournament, 8 a.m., MWR tent Center Texas Hold’em poker tournament, 3 p.m., Softball tournament, 8 a.m., softball fields Country Night, 8 p.m., Dusty Room MWR Oasis For more information call For more information call Weekly fun run, 7.5-K, 5:30 p.m., Hole-n-one 844-1137 832-1045

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