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 ofof thetheThe moun AOAOted rifleman/april 2008 The ABOUT THIS Mounted ISSUE

Rifleman As the second edition of the Mounted Rifleman was created and put together, several decisions had to be made about the content of the magazine. One decision made was to include more photographs of Soldiers. While stories about the great job our Soldiers do is important, families and Soldiers also like to see a lot of images of what our fellow Brave Rifles are doing. To that end, each issue will now have a photo spread that will highlight many of events that take place throughout the regiment. My goal is to continue to develop the magazine and ensure that it provides a wide variety of information about the 3d ACR. Published by the The 3d ACR also welcomed the new safety and 3d Armored occupational specialist to the team in March. Peter Higgins Cavalry Regiment is now helping ensure the regiment is in compliance with all Army safety standards and that the Soldiers continue to 72ND Regimental Commander receive the latest safety information to prevent accidents. Col. Michael A. Bills He also has a column in this edition of the Mounted Rifleman and will be one of the regular contributors. XVII Regimental Command The 3d ACR also welcomed the 94th Engineer Sergeant major Battalion, stationed at Fort Leonard wood, Mo., to FOB Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Burns Marez and the team. As we move forward in the deployment, I will continue Public affairs officer Maj. Gary Dangerfield to look at the content of the Mounted Rifleman and make changes as needed to provide as much information as I can public affairs ncoic/EDITOR about the great job the Brave Rifles and our fellow Soldiers Master Sgt. Tim Volkert are doing to help the people of Iraq and protect our country from terrorists. Graphic Illustrator/Design Spc. Matthew Boyd If you have any suggestions or would like to submit The Mounted Rifleman is the official articles or photographs to the Mounted Rifleman, e-mail publication for the Troopers, Noncommis- [email protected] or call the Regimental Public sioned Officers, Officers, family members Affairs Office at VOIP 573-2097 or DSN 849-5270. and friends of the 3d Armored Cavalry - The Editor Regiment. Views expressed herein are those of the authors. The Mounted Riflemanis the primary Command Information tool of the Regi- mental command leadership. Its mission is to foster esprit de corps, enhance mo- rale and keep troopers informed through- out the Regiment.

The mounted rifleman/april 2008  3d Armored Cavalry Regiment Left/Cover: Pfc. Robert Lange from Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, stands atop his humvee during a joint patrol with Fox Troop, in Diyala Province. Units from the Regiment of Mounted Rifleman have been steadily applying pressure on the insurgents in their areas of operation and improving the security situation for the residents.

Cover photo by Patrick Baz FEATURES 4 72nd Colonel of the Regiment 11 Longknife Squadron Col. Michael A. Bills Longknife air support helps ensure continued mission success in Baghdad 6 XVII Command Sgt. Maj. of the Regiment 12 Muleskinner Squadron Command Sgt. Maj. William J. Burns Troopers’ “behind the scenes” support ensures success of regiment, Iraqi army 7 Remington Troop 13 1-8 Infantry Battalion RHHT project enables tankers, Bradley crews to boresight Fighting Eagles continue to increase pressure on on FOB Marez. insurgents, eliminate threats 8 Tiger Squadron 14 4-6 Air Cavalry Change is spreading throughout Tiger Squadron’s area of Pilot heroics show determination of Soldiers in taking the operations fight to the enemy 9 Sabre Squadron 31 Chaplain’s Corner Sabre finds itself serving at pivotal point in war Spring is time for new beginnings

10 Thunder Squadron 35 Fallen Heroes Improving security situation in Mosul is direct result of the Tribute to our Fallen Heroes hard work of all Thunder Squadron Soldiers

 The mounted rifleman/april 2008 A message from the 72nd Colonel of the Regiment

Spc. Matthew Boyd Col. Michael Bills, 72nd Colonel of the Regiment, presents a coin to Staff Sgt. Angel Perez from Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 3d ACR, at Combat Outpost Heider March 14.

reetings from Mosul, Iraq. incredible performance by our support Troopers. It is hard to believe that five months have In Taji, Longknife Squadron recently supported passed since the Regiment deployed to Iraq. the Coalition Forces’ ground efforts over Baghdad GThe extraordinary efforts of every Mounted Rifleman through air and ground integration and interdiction have enabled the Coalition and Iraqi Security Forces of IED emplacers in a recent surge of activity. They to make huge strides in combat, stability, and support fired 88 hellfire missiles and killed 152 insurgents. operations. The have also logged 3,035 AH-64 Apache flight Our units are stretched from the Iranian border hours and 823 UH-60 Black Hawk flight hours in a and Diyala Province to Baghdad, the Syrian border month. These are new records for flight hours over and Ninewah Province, which shows the continued Baghdad. With high number of hours, Longknife’s flexibility and adaptability of this great Regiment. crew chiefs, mechanics and maintenance test pilots I could not be more proud of our Troopers as continue to work hard at sustaining our fleet, despite they continue to exhibit tremendous courage, the incredible number of hours our pilots are flying. professionalism and dedication to duty. In Diyala Province, Sabre Squadron and King I would like to acknowledge our support Troopers, Battery continue to fight with 4/2 SBCT, holding the air and ground mechanics, supply personnel, their ground and keeping the enemy on the run in medics, cooks and communications specialists who some of the heaviest fighting in Iraq. Their area of are working very hard to sustain combat readiness. operations is the largest for a battalion-sized unit in Muleskinner Squadron continues to support country. the Regiment across Ninewah Province, an area During the last two months, Sabre Squadron the size of Connecticut. They have conducted conducted offensive operations into the “Bread 270 Combat Logistic Patrols, provided more than Basket,” breaking the grip of the Shia extremists who 240,000 gallons of fuel, 10,000 gallons of water, have freely operated in the area. King Battery fired provided food service to four remote sites, conducted more than 5,000 rounds in support of the brigade, 2,100 maintenance jobs, treated more than 2,500 killing or causing the insurgents to surrender to personnel at sick call, and visited nine villages where Coalition and Iraqi Forces. they treated 1,600 women and children. This is an In Ninewah Province, Thunder Squadron and

The mounted rifleman/april 2008  1-8 Infantry continue to pursue the enemy with allows the Troopers of the Regiment to focus forward cordon and search operations and patrols that have on the mission at hand. I would like to offer our resulted in the killing or capturing of more than 400 heartfelt thanks for all you are doing. insurgents. Successful reconnaissance has resulted in I would also like to give special thanks to our well over 100 cache finds and route clearance by our rear detachment for the tremendous work they are engineers has cleared more than 4,030 miles of IED- doing for the Regiment. The long hours you spend laden roads throughout Mosul. taking care of our family members, preparing the The effort by the 94th Engineers has been new Soldiers for their deployment, the memorial Herculean. The engineers have built or repaired 20 ceremonies for our fallen Soldiers and those who combat outposts built and positioned 40 checkpoints have been wounded in combat has been phenomenal. throughout the city of Mosul that provide security You are the Army standard in what is expected of a and movement for the Iraqi citizens. rear detachment. Thanks for what you are doing on a Thunder Squadron continues to provide security daily basis. Your work allows the Regiment to focus from Mosul out west to the Syrian border. Maddog on the fight forward. Company is maintaining a presence at FOB Sykes All the accomplishments of the Regiment have and Tal Afar and Eagle Troop is present at COP not been without sacrifice. In the last two months the Heider providing the security in and around the Regiment has lost Sgt. Spates, Staff Sgt. Mackey, Rabyia Point of Entry, which controls traffic from Capt. Mallard, Sgt. Anderson, Spc. Burkett, Sgt. Iraq into Syria. Unruh, Spc. Morris, and Capt. Burgos-Cruz. We will Our aviation support in Ninewah, provided by the not forget our fallen comrades and we will honor 4th Squadron, 6th Cavalry, has been incredible. The them through our actions. Their families will remain squadron has been supporting the fight not just in in our thoughts and prayers. Mosul, but also down south and west with Tiger and The Regiment has become a strong family – a Thunder Squadrons. strong family that is committed to each other. We will During the last nine months they have supported continue to draw strength from each other and look both 4/1 CAV and the Regiment, flying more than after each other. 38,000 hours in their OH-58D Kiowas and more Congratulations to the Regimental team for than 10,000 hours in their UH-60 Black Hawks. The winning the Deployment Excellence Award for the Redcatcher crews have taken the fight to the enemy Army. It was a tremendous effort by all, especially in support of both the Coalition and Iraqi Security the movement teams from each Squadron. Forces. It has been a tremendous performance by a great team. Brave Rifles! In south Ninewah Province, Tiger Squadron Michael A. Bills has successfully killed or captured a number of 72nd Colonel of the Regiment insurgents, financiers, and weapons runners and found several cache sites, all of which had been supporting the fight in Mosul. Tiger Squadron’s efforts to establish the “Sons of Iraq,” which are armed civilians under military control, have been a huge success in maintaining the peace and keeping the number of attacks on Iraqi civilians at a minimum. Tiger successfully conducted it first economic summit with the local Sheiks and government officials, looking at the way ahead to improve conditions for the Iraqi people in the Ninewah and Sulidan provinces. A lot of the Regimental success here in Iraq Spc. Matthew Boyd comes from the sacrifice our families make in the From left, Capt. William Bowers, Lightning Troop rear. The wives, husbands, families, and friends of commander, 3rd Squadron, 3d ACR, speaks with our Troopers are actively involved in their FRGs, Col. Michael Bills, 72nd Colonel of the Regiment, communities, raising their families and providing during battlefield circualtion at Combat Outpost great support for their deployed loved one. This Hotel in Mosul, April 9.  The mounted rifleman/april 2008 A message from the XVII CSM of the Regiment e have moved past the first 100 days As we move forward into the spring and summer, of the deployment. the weather will become a major factor in our This was the time period most mission planning. It is critical that leaders ensure Wdangerous and critical to Soldiers during a every Trooper is getting enough food and water. deployment. Underestimating the heat can be just as deadly as the It is also during this time that Soldiers develop enemy. the habits they will use for the remainder of the Iraq is a dangerous place and our Soldiers are deployment. Leaders performing as true must remain focused professionals. As I travel on providing purpose, throughout the battle direction, and motivation space (from Diyala to to our Troopers to ensure Salidin), I see Troopers that complacency and doing great things! The bad habits do not become Troopers of the 3d ACR a part of their daily are once again adding routines. to the legacy of the This discipline is Regiment of the Mounted paying dividends as Rifleman. There is no Soldiers continue to doubt that Mosul and perform their missions Ninewah Province are and combat tasks crucial in this fight to successfully. the insurgents. They The Troopers of continually try to this Regiment and its Master Sgt. Tim Volkert terrorize the people and attached units have Command Sgt. Maj. William Burns, XVIIth Command drive a wedge between been taking the fight Sergeant Major of the Regiment, tours one of the COPS the population and the to the enemy daily and in Mosul during a recent battlefield circulation. sovereign government we dominate every of Iraq. As the ISF engagement. As our Troopers and their brothers continues to improve, and we continue to separate/ in the Iraqi Security Forces continue to capture or remove the enemy from the population, things will kill the enemy and find their weapons caches, we continue to get better here. improve the security of the areas we operate in and The enemy, to date, has been effectively disrupted in time, we will drive the terrorists out of these areas and as long as we remain focused and stay on him, completely. we will continue to be successful. Rule #1: while While we watch our successes and the in contact maintain violence of action and Pile On. improvements in Ninewah, it is important that we Remember, discipline will win the day! continue to maintain our edge. That means that The same holds true for our families back leaders keep an eye out for the signs of complacency. home. Our Family Readiness Groups are strong. Continue to keep your Soldiers sharp by conducting Through our various town hall meetings and other training when you have the opportunity and always correspondence, we stay up to date with any issues ensure the Soldiers are properly prepared for their that your/our families have and work through any missions. Equipment checks and maintenance are a issues that arise. daily task that involves everyone. The 3d ACR team is strong and WILL DEFEAT Soldiers must continue to look out for one another. THIS INSURGENCY. If you notice Troopers taking shortcuts, stop them. Shortcuts and poor attention to detail could lead to Brave Rifles! death or serious injury. The XVIIth

The mounted rifleman/april 2008  REMINGTON Headquarters Troop, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment

Maj. Justin Jocuns Bradley on to a boresight panel, Lastly, and most notably, our Remington Troop Commander resulting in accurately-delivered previous first sergeant, 1st Sgt. direct fire. The ability to hit what Wright, Maj. Jonathan Larsen, n the previous edition of the you are aiming at has always been Maj. Michael Garlington, Sgt Mounted Rifleman, it was important for a tanker or Bradley 1st Class Elke Drozd, and established that the Regimen- crew, but it is particularly critical Staff Sgt. Amy Buck, all from Ital Headquarters and Headquarters in and urban environment in a RHHT, with some help from the Troop was uncommon in the realm counterinsurgency fight where Maintenance Troop and Chief of headquarters troops because mitigating unnecessary damage is Warrant Officer Richard Stewart of its additional focus on Warrior key. from RSS, collaborated to recover Skills training. The cherry on the top of this a forgotten-about, non-mission The troop continued to build accomplishment is the fact that capable tank at COB Speicher. on this reputation through minor the boresight panel was recovered The group all did more than construction projects and support from the FOB Marez dump and their share of work to return the to the subordinate squadrons and restored to a serviceable condition tank, nicknamed Frankentank, to infantry battalion. by Remington Troopers. The only a fully mission capable status and Remington Troop supports the additional cost to the government deliver it to the 1st Battalion, 8th war effort on a daily basis through was a few gallons of paint and Infantry Regiment, so it could the constant reception, refinement, some brushes. proudly return to service and the and distribution of information Along the same lines as the fight against the insurgency in and resources to the subordinate boresight panel, a plumb and sync Mosul. Though used, Frankentank units. ramp was also constructed near the arrived as good as new, with the While this is and always will range. Plumb and sync is another crew served weapons mounted, be the troop’s primary mission, common task for a tank crew radios installed, complete BII, RHHT has worked to support where, after boresighting, the crew topped off fuel tanks, and a full, the war fighter by coordinating of a tank will back the tank on to ready rack. the construction of a boresight a ramp creating a plane where the One of RHHT’s mission panel, a plumb and sync ramp, and point of view of all three sights essential tasks is to provide the recovery and delivery of an on a tank are aligned, resulting in support. That mission normally Abrams main battle tank. still further accuracy and the best takes the form of a digitally Located just above Marez performance from the fire control connected Tactical Operations Range on Forward Operating Base system. Center, properly maintained Marez, is the black and white Based on the suggestion of vehicles, and healthy Soldiers. panel, erected in support of the then, RHHT first sergeant, 1st Sgt. Remington Troopers take their local tankers and scouts. Stephen Wright, KBR contractors mission seriously and are willing Boresighting is conducted on constructed the ramp while to go the extra mile to ensure the a daily basis and the reason it is grading land to harvest rocks for regiment has what it needs to be so important is because the act of other construction. successful. boresighting matches the lay of This level of coordination From mission analysis and the main gun on to the fire control is common place in a cavalry operations order production to system and optics of the tank or organization, and in similar gunnery and tank maintenance, Bradley. fashion to the boresight panel, was Remington aims to please no While boresighting can be done completed at no additional cost matter the task. on buildings or other vehicles; the to the government and without preferred method is to manually a tedious work order request Brave Rifles! lay the main gun of a tank or process. Remington 6

 The mounted rifleman/FEBRUARY 2008 TIGER 1st Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment

Lt. Col. Thomas Dorame gathering throughout the Za’ab Troopers from every MOS and Tiger Squadron Commander and forging a way ahead together. every rank are upholding Tiger Through cooperation with local standards, and our leaders are s Tiger Squadron reaches leadership, the security situation applying their expertise. another milestone, the continues to improve. Tiger is achieving results, first 100 days in theatre, King Battery has greatly and as with the seasons, Aour families at home can rest as- contributed to the fight in their change is spreading. From our sured that their Soldiers continue piece of the Diyala Province. security initiatives, to economic to perform admirably across the Though King continues to serve development; from capturing Ninewah Province. detached from our squadron, their the division’s number five high The theme for spring here in the performance has been nothing but value target (HVI) in Ninewah land of Tiger, is “change.” Dragon exemplary. Province; to jump starting the first has returned to the river valley, Our artillerymen have fired Civil Service Corps in laying the shaking the dust from their boots more than 4,000 rounds in support groundwork on a new road in Tal after having exceeded expectations of missions in the province, Abtha, change is helping to spread with their performance. Having and continue to excel in their security and prosperity. managed to break the standing embassage, representing Tiger in Tiger Squadron – your regimental record in finding the Diyala. Troopers, have been the catalyst. largest enemy weapons cache to The heart of spring is almost date in Ninewah, Dragon will have upon us, and I couldn’t be more Tiger Strong! time to rest their weary horses pleased with our squadron. Tiger 6 before saddling up and joining Bandit Troop on the eastern bank of the Tigris. While Dragon was roaming the squadron’s “old haunts,” the remainder of Tiger Squadron has been busy passing our message of reconciliation. As springtime is synonymous with life and rebirth, the people of the Za’ab likewise have been offered a new beginning, a chance to take part in their country’s rebirth. Through the hard work and determination of our Soldiers, old enemies have come forward to make peace with the coalition and the Iraqi government, to change their ways, and take part in a new Spc. Eric A. Rutherford Iraq. Lt. Col. Thomas Dorame, commander, 1st Squadron, 3d Armored Tiger has also instituted change Cavalry Regiment, and Command Sgt. Maj. Jonathan Hunt, 1st Sqdrn. in the ISF community. Leadership command sergeant major, exit a ferry on the Tigris River near Al in the Iraqi army, Iraqi Police, Hichel, Iraq. The Tiger leadership conducted a battlefield circulation and the Sons of Iraq have been to visit Troopers throughout their AO.

The mounted rifleman/april 2008  SABRE 2nd Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment

Lt. Col. Paul Calvert In Fox’s AO, their work to build local relationships Sabre Squadron Commander paid big dividends as three local citizens (including two newly-enrolled Sons of Iraq) led Fox directly to write these words on the fifth anniversary of Op- an AQI meeting house. The fleeing extremists made eration Iraqi Freedom. the mistake of directly engaging Fox’s Bradleys. As we pause for a moment and reflect on not In the ensuing fire fight, Fox Troopers killed six Ijust where we are but where we’ve been throughout AQI, including one of the primary AQI leaders in this conflict, the story of the war in Iraq cannot be the region. They detained another high value target told without Sabre Squadron. From the al Anbar and inflicted a major defeat on AQI in AO Fox. This Province in OIF I to the streets of Tal Afar in OIF III, victory continues to pay dividends as further citizen Sabre has consistently been in the middle of that fight tips led to the arrests of more than a dozen suspected and can look back with pride at the key role it has AQI in the days following the raid. played for our regiment and nation. At the same time our Troopers engage in sustained But that was then. Now we, along with the entire combat operations, they have also made significant regiment, find ourselves once again in a key place humanitarian contributions. We’ve seen a new health at a key time. As the pundits say the focus of the clinic open, cleaned up villages, opened a new soccer fight for Iraq has shifted from Baghdad to the city field, and conducted humanitarian and medical of Mosul and to Diyala Province, the regiment finds engagements. In the coming days and weeks, we itself in both places. As our brothers to the north expect to further improve the lives of ordinary Iraqis. work heroically to clean AQI out of its last major With every new contract, with every new health urban stronghold, Sabre Squadron leads the fight clinic, and with every food distribution, we draw a in an Area of Operations that encompasses the vast further contrast with a tyrannical enemy that seeks majority of Diyala Province. In fact, our AO has only to steal, kill, and destroy. recently been expanded to encompass even more of That enemy is still out there. Since my last the province. report, we have lost five Troopers and one American Fox Troop, Grim Troop, and Lion Battery civilian interpreter. Capt. Torre Mallard, Sgt. Phillip (with invaluable support from HHT) range far and Anderson, Sgt. Corey Spates, Sgt. Gregory Unruh, wide each day, bringing a coalition presence to Spc. Donald Burkett, and Mr. Albert Haroutounian communities that haven’t seen American Soldiers for have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country they years. From tiny farming villages in the north and loved and voluntarily chose to serve in a time of war. south of our AO to the more urban areas of Balad We mourn their loss. They were our brothers in arms Ruz, our Troopers are providing a daily presence that and our friends. We grieve for their families and not only disrupts AQI, it also provides much needed ask that you remember them in your thoughts and humanitarian relief. In the process, our Troopers prayers. We are inspired by the example they set, are building relationships with Kurds, Sunnis, and and we honor them by facing the enemy each day and Shiites. by serving the way they served — with courage and In Grim’s AO, Grim Troopers have spent weeks at integrity. a time in the field working closely with ISF clearing The command sergeant major and I remain proud AQI from their former safe havens. Grim’s work does of the young Troopers of Sabre Squadron. Each of not merely involve quick clearing actions, but instead these men has sacrificed much to serve. Our nation includes a long and patient program of holding and owes them and their families a debt that cannot be building. Grim has stayed to help ISF construct new repaid. Five years after the launch of Operation Iraqi patrol bases and has worked hand in hand with IP Freedom, Sabre Squadron serves now as it did then, and IA units that will remain and provide permanent located at the pivot point of a war upholding the security. honor of a regiment that has served our nation long They have done all this against determined and well. opposition, but Grim has not been deterred by its frequent enemy contact and is making a difference in Sabre Ready! the western and southern portion of AO Sabre. Sabre 6  The mounted rifleman/april 2008 THUNDER 3rd Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment

Lt. Col. Keith Barclay pace our squadron has been able Staff Sgt. Bryant Mackey was Thunder Squadron to maintain during these past five killed Feb. 20 by an enemy Rocket Commander months. Our, tankers, scouts, Propelled Grenade during combat engineers, artillerymen, and operations along the Tal Afar riends, families, and mem- mortarmen partnered with Iraqi Highway in Mosul. During his bers of the Thunder Team, army and Iraqi Police, constantly memorial ceremony we celebrated It is with great pleasure patrol cities like Mosul, Tal Afar, his life and mourned his loss. Staff Fwe report that the squadron Rabiyiah and Muhailabiyah Sgt. Mackey was an outstanding continues to perform magnificently in order to bring security to noncommissioned officer whose in the conduct of its mission. the people of Iraq. It is also performance and sense of duty Security throughout our Area of impressive because it is reflective deserves emulation. Please Operations is steadily improving of the terrific maintenance being keep the Mackey family in your every day. This improving security performed by our mechanics and prayers. is a direct result of the hard work vehicle crewmen. We also want to extend my and diligence of our entire team. In an armored cavalry deepest appreciation to Capt. The command sergeant major and squadron, mechanics are members Jon Elliot, the Thunder Rear I could not be prouder. of the unsung hero club. They Detachment Commander, Sgt. 1st During the past two months usually only receive attention Class Thomas Proffitt, the Thunder the squadron, with the help of the when there are more vehicles Rear Detachment first sergeant, 94th Engineer Battalion, MiTTs, broken than mission capable, Ms. Jolie May, the Thunder and the Iraqi army and police, but this month we want all the FRSA, Maura Kilbride, Karen has completed the construction of mechanics to know that we have Wicker, Alicia Turner, Roxanne another round of Combat Outposts been watching their work and Gast, Wendy Wade, Nancy Norris, (COPs) and Traffic Control Points are grateful for literally keeping Jennifer Alicea, Renee Chitwood, (TCPs). These COPs and TCPs the squadron running at an Kelly Stanfield, and to all the FRG are essential to improving the unprecedented rate; keep up the leaders and points of contact. It is squadron’s control of AO Thunder great work! your selfless work away from the and have instantaneously limited Sadly, we had to say goodbye to field of battle that truly sustains the enemy’s freedom of maneuver. another member of the squadron. the squadron’s ability to fight. We It must be noted, however, all rest well at night knowing that that these COPs and TCPs do not you are there to take care of our simply materialize on their own. families, our wounded Troopers, It takes a lot of hard work from and the families of our fallen the staff and leaders at all levels to comrades. Thank you for what you accomplish these Herculean tasks. do every day! We would especially like to thank In closing, Command Sgt. the engineers of the 94th Eng. Maj. Leandre and I just want to Bn. for their professionalism and reiterate how proud we are of this untiring work. We could not have team. The progress we make every done this without them and look day is real and measurable. Your Capt. Richard Ybarra forward to working with them in efforts are making Iraq a better Sgt. Amaury Lantigua and Sgt. the months ahead. 1st Class John Guy of Heavy place. Stay disciplined and stay March marked the squadron Co., carefully close a popcorn focused. Keep up the fight! surpassing its 3,500th combat cart’s door after discovering four patrol. This is impressive because anti-armor IEDs in the al-Rissala THUNDER! it demonstrates the incredible Market, Mosul, Iraq, March 9. Thunder 6

The mounted rifleman/april 2008 10 LONGKNIFE 4th Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment

Lt. Col. Todd Royar try and melt back in to the population as it now is an Longknife Squadron Commander unfair fight. However, unlike our normal relationship with the regiment’s three ground squadrons and or the average Trooper in Longknife, the the RSS, the squadron supports 30 battalion-sized deployment is different than it is for the maneuver units in Baghdad. Troopers in the other squadrons. Air-ground integration remains the cornerstone FAs a squadron we do not own ground, we are not of our operations. We want units to know that if directly responsible for helping to restore essential they need help, we are there for them. So on a daily services such as electricity and we do not conduct basis we receive radio calls from elements on the patrols on the ground where we have the opportunity ground to either ask for help or just to ensure they to interact with the local populace. have communications with us. It is a reciprocal All of those tasks are being remarkably done by relationship. We want them to succeed and they our sister squadrons. So it raises the question of appreciate the assistance. Just last night one of the how do we, as an aviation squadron, define success BCT commanders went out of his way to stop by and because we cannot use the same metrics. personally say thank you to a team that supported In short, we in Longknife measure our success by one of his units earlier in the week. And that’s where what we contribute to the success of the units that our heroes come in. we support. The six brigade combat teams that we The vast majority of Longknife is made up support within Multi-National Division-Baghdad are of maintainers and support personnel. It is these primarily responsible for achieving and sustaining Troopers who maintain the helicopters, fuel and arm security in and around Baghdad. them, and maintain the ground support equipment At the end of the day, it is the security that we help that makes it happen. They are the ones that generate to provide that will give the Iraqi people a chance the combat power that enables us as a unit to fly and to succeed. The pilots and crew members of the support Soldiers on the ground. squadron are the ones who assist in providing that While the vast majority of those Troopers will security. They do that by: conducting reconnaissance never leave the FOB, they are the critical piece that to find IED emplacers, responding to troops that are enables us to always have aircraft providing security in contact and transporting Soldiers and VIPs via to both the Coalition Forces and Iraqi populace. Black Hawks as a safer means of travel. By all accounts, Baghdad is safer today than it As you might imagine, when a team of Apaches was several months ago. The markets are open and arrives on the scene, insurgents generally decide to flourishing, the electricity and sanitation systems are becoming more reliable, and the local populace is starting to trust their police and army. We measure our success not by how many insurgents we engage, but how quiet it is on the streets.

Longknife 6

The Longknife Soldiers provide air support to 30 battalion-sized maneuver units in Baghdad with its Apache and Black Hawk 1st Lt. Joseph Johnson helicopters. 11 The mounted rifleman/april 2008 MULESKINNER Support Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment

Lt. Col. Steven Cook nonlife-threatening injuries, which and help ensure detainees have the Muleskinner Squadron allows them the get faster care, correct documentation to ensure Commander and back into the fight sooner. they are successfully prosecuted in Also, it is a great opportunity for the Iraqi judicial system. uring the past month, our medics to hone their skills. It Bullwhip welcomed a new our Troopers contin- is a win-win situation for both the commander, Capt. Catie Boylston, ued to make a positive Iraqi soldiers and our medics. formerly the S6, and 1st Sgt. Gus Dimpact on the regiment’s mission In the future we will start focus Johns, formerly of MMC. They here in Iraq. Since our time here, on training to improve the quality did not have to travel far and will Packhorse Troop has conducted of the Iraqi medics, so they can continue to work with the staff to more than 200 Combat Logistics treat on-site or at their FOBs and provide the overall command and Patrols, driving more than 3,000 not rely on us for medical care. control for all the squadron does, miles throughout Ninewah Prov- The main focus of our efforts so and that is definitely a full-time ince. far has been with maintenance, not job. Additionally, we have cooks We have delivered critical only for our own equipment, but out at some of the remote sites supplies to keep the regiment also for the Iraqi army. providing first class food service moving. We also delivered Blacksmith Troop continues support, and that support does not important force protection to lead the way in keeping the go unnoticed by the units. material, such as concrete barriers squadron’s equipment on the road As I visit these sites, I am (called T-walls) to some of the and mission ready, as well as always receiving compliments more volatile parts of the city, providing immediate repairs to the on what a great job our cooks are providing for the increased various units operating through doing, as well as how much of security with the establishment our Area of Operations (AO) that a morale boost it is having good Combat Outposts (COPs) and do not have any support. Not only meals with which to start and end Traffic Control Points (TCPs). does Blacksmith fix our stuff, they the day. These TCPs and COPs are are also out there training the Iraqi The strategic impact our placed where Iraqi Security Forces mechanics on proper maintenance Troopers make will never make (ISF) and Coalition Forces (CF) procedures so the Iraqis can keep the headlines. You can take can operate to rapidly interdict their units rolling. comfort in the fact knowing that and capture insurgents trying to The more capable and self your Troopers are there behind spread IEDs and commit violent reliant the Iraqi army is, the less the scenes making daily impacts acts against the citizens of Mosul, they rely on us, which will lead with the Iraqi Security Forces, as well as the ISF and CF. Our to the goal of turning all security improving their ability so we can Troopers have executed their responsibility back over to the transition the CF out and turn over missions flawlessly in support of Iraqis. the job to the Iraqis. It is still too the overall regimental operations. Our Chemdawgs are another early to tell how soon that will We welcomed Capt. Shanna group of quiet heroes in support be, but know that we are getting Summy as the new Medical Troop of our mission here. They have after it and the Iraqis improve on a commander. Scalpel Troop has processed more than 100 detainees daily basis toward that end. provided immediate trauma care that have been captured by ISF Again, I thank you all for your to wounded Iraqi soldiers that are or CF and have done so while continued support and dedication based next to our FOB. maintaining high standards of to your Troopers. They are truly The Iraqi army has limited conduct, treating all detainees, making a difference and you can medical capability so their only regardless of how bad of a terrorist be proud of them. alternative is to go to a local they are, with dignity and respect. civilian hospital for treatment or to Chemdawgs continue to set the Brave Rifles! us. They choose us for most of the standard for detainee operations Muleskinner 6

The mounted rifleman/april 2008 12 1-8 Infantry Regt. 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division

Lt. Col. Christopher Johnson mission. The ultimate success past few months. Make sure you 1-8 Inf. Regt. Commander of these missions has led to the are also preparing for the warmer steady loss of the insurgent’s weather; stay hydrated and make s the temperature be- freedom of movement as well as sure your equipment in prepared gins to increase in Iraq, severely disrupting their plans for hot temperatures. so to is the pressure and attacks against Iraqi Security Finally, we work with our A Forces and Coalition Forces. weapons and sensitive items every the Fighting Eagles and Iraqi Continue to focus on the basics. day; make sure you are doing good Security Forces are applying on TLPs and PCC/PCIs are critical Green2 checks on every mission the insurgents operating in east for every mission. Debriefs so that we maintain accountability. Mosul. are also critical to our fight for I can’t stress enough how noble a In order to successfully intelligence. cause in which the Soldiers of the accomplish the mission, the We have hit the four Fighting Eagles are involved. insurgency must be eradicated. month mark and have a better The people of Mosul are living Gaining the support of the understanding of our battles pace. in fear of the brutality brought on population while conducting I ask you to continually assess by these insurgent groups who are effective raids and patrols will your foxhole and see how we can all willing to slay the fathers and inevitably lead to the ruin of the improve our efforts. Constantly sons of Iraq in order to rule them. insurgency. assess your force protection and The Fighting Eagles have With the insurgents removed, stay vigilant. Also, look at ways been doing an amazing job stability will follow. With stability, that we can more effectively in eliminating this threat and the people of Mosul will be able target the enemy … maintain the continually bringing stability to practice the freedoms that pressure and momentum you have to Mosul. The signs of this every human being has the right successfully developed during the accomplishment are already to enjoy. You have made a huge becoming apparent with the difference in a remarkably short decrease in attacks on Coalition time, establishing and improving Forces and the improved Combat Outposts (COPS) and effectiveness of our Iraqi partners. checkpoints that have significantly Your courage and bravery hindered enemy freedom of confronting these challenges has movement. been exemplary and I am proud to Through the establishment serve with you. of COP Rock, COP Knight, and Family and friends back home several joint operated checkpoints are also proud of your efforts as with the IP and the IA, coupled you bring stability to this fledgling with joint raids and patrols, you democracy while at the same have impacted the network and time protecting our nation from eroded resources finding multiple extremists. Continue your great weapons/HME caches, roadside interaction with the population IEDs and VBIEDs, and the Capt. Richard Ybarra (day job) and getting after the detainment of key terrorists. Sgt. 1st Class Bradley Wilson of enemy (night job). Weare, N.H., assigned to Company Working closely with MiTT Keep up the great work and D, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry and PTT elements and other units Regiment, scans rooftops while continue to look out for one in the regiment has also been pulling security during a patrol another. a crucial to our success as we in the al-Kadra neighborhood of work together to accomplish our Mosul, Iraq, March 15. Fighting Eagles, Strike Fear! 13 The mounted rifleman/april 2008 4-6 Air Cav Sqdrn. 4th Squadron, 6th United States Cavalry

Lt. Col. T.J. Jamison between the pilot’s feet. Another to crash. But the motor kept 4-6 Air Cav Commander slammed into a seat. Another going! The fight was far from bullet popped a rotor. And one over. The enemy might have shot bullet tore through the belly of the Sickler and Di Giorgio’s Kiowa ecently Task Force helicopter, severing a wrist-thick into submission, but there were Redcatcher welcomed skein of wires. The last thing a lot more Kiowas on the runaway that Rembedded journalist of pilots hear before they die is the were gassed-up, armed, and only Michael Yon to visit the squad- “Caution, Warning, and Advisory needed pilots. ron in Mosul. System.” Bob Sickler and Pete Di He witnessed first-hand the Di Giorgio and Sickler heard Giorgio’s bullet-riddled Kiowa heroic deeds performed daily by it start blaring, reporting system made it to base, and no sooner did the dedicated air crew members failures. Electrical systems failed. skids touch tarmac, than Sickler of A Troop, call sign: Thug, who Weapons failed. Engine pressure popped out of his harness and continue to make mission every gauges failed. Radios failed, ran to another Kiowa and got the day and save lives. internal and external. rotors going while Di Giorgio shut In his article he talks about the The Kiowa was descending down his broken bird. superior flying prowess of Capt. and there wasn’t much distance Daily fights continued. Bullets Peter Di Giorgio and his copilot between them and the ground. snapping by or into helicopters, gunner 1st Lt. Robert Sickler on There is a latch on the seat- pilots killing bad guys on average Dec. 30, 2007, which led to them harnesses to lock when a crash is about one per day. The pilots earning the coveted Distinguished imminent. Di Giorgio and Sickler reminded me of the circus where Flying Cross award this March. locked for crash. They were going the man throws knives at someone Below is an abridged excerpt from down into extremely hostile who stands there smiling like that article: territory, and the only immediate everything’s perfectly normal, as backup was another Kiowa. if in their spare time, they have the Guitar Heroes Unlike the old Pintos, Kiowas habit of standing around throwing Michael Yon, Online Magazine have air bags. The men prepared knives by each other’s heads. – michaelyon-online. com I am proud of Predator was the actions of Capt. still watching when Di Giorgio and 1st [Capt.] Di Giorgio Lt. Sickler, both of and [1st Lt.] Sickler whom represent for got a radio call to kill me the real danger them. “Roger,” diving our Soldiers face in low, firing the .50- against an aggressive caliber, which stopped enemy every day. (possibly because of My aviators, crew the bullets hitting the chiefs, and Soldiers helicopter) and Di face a determined Giorgio banked hard enemy and continue left. to bring the fight and Bullets ripped Sgt. 1st Class Mark Flores. win! through the cockpit. Capt. Peter Di Giorgio receives the Distinguished Flying One bullet punched Cross from Col. Jessie O. Farrington and Lt. Col. T.J. Fighting Sixth! through the pedals Jamison (left) at an awards ceremony March 2. “Redcatcher!”

The mounted rifleman/april 2008 14 ISF improves conditions in northern Iraq Spc. John Crosby Feltey cited a relationship make it without the Iraqi Security 115th MPAD between coalition and Iraqi Forces,” Feltey said. “These guys Security Forces in which the Iraqis are true patriots. They’re coming MOSUL, Iraq— U.S. develop their own leads, plan out and accomplishing these commanders in northern Iraq are their own raids against insurgents, things at great risk to themselves praising the work of Iraqi Security and call on coalition troops for and their families.” Forces, which, they say, has led to support. In Kirkuk, the Iraqi Security improving security conditions in “The more we work with them Forces have made even greater Mosul, Kirkuk and other areas. the more trust and confidence they progress. Since September 2007, “Although there’s still a lot develop that we’ll be there to help the Kirkuk Police Academy has of work to be done, we are them,” Feltey said. graduated nearly 2,500 police confident in the capabilities of Troop commanders from 3rd officers, bringing their numbers to the Iraqi Security Forces, and Sqdrn., 3d ACR, agreed with the nearly 8,000 in the area. their development, to maintain assessment. They said that much “The rate of terrorist activity in the lead in establishing security of regiment’s work in Mosul 2007 has dropped by 65 percent in Ninewah Province,” said Maj. so far has consisted in building compared to 2006,” said Gen. Gary Dangerfield, spokesman combat outposts and police Jamal Thaker Baker, Kirkuk for the 3d Armored Cavalry checkpoints at strategic locations provincial director of police, at a Regiment, whose area of and intersections in Mosul to recent graduation ceremony. “It’s operations include Mosul, as well assist the Iraqis in their efforts. because of the joint work of the as the entire Ninewah Province. The combined effort has led to Iraqi Security Forces. The people Since taking over the battle a lowered number of IED’s in of Kirkuk are beginning to trust space Dec. 11, 2007, 3d ACR Mosul in recent weeks, as well as the police. When there is trust, troops have conducted more than the resurgence of pedestrians and there is communication.” 3,500 joint patrols with the Iraqi businesses in once desolate areas. The 2nd Brigade of the 4th Police and Iraqi Army, captured “I think what we’re seeing is Iraqi Army Division in Kirkuk or killed more than 300 insurgents the start of the local economy was also one of the first Iraqi army and discovered and disarmed more coming back,” said Capt. units to conduct a joint mission than 300 improvised explosive Peter Norris, commander of with the Iraqi air force, integrating devices, Dangerfield said. Headquarters and Headquarters ground troops with Iraqi air force Many of the raids and the tips Troop, 3rd Sqdrn., 3d ACR. surveillance assets. that prompted them have been “We would not be able to “The highly effective Kirkuk initiated by the Iraqis. police forces have “They’re doing the sole responsibility for heavy lifting. They law and order within rarely request that Kirkuk city,” said Maj. we do the actions Sean Wilson, public on the objective affairs officer for the 1st because they’re doing brigade, 10th Mountain it themselves,” said Division, which oversees Maj. Thomas Feltey, Kirkuk. “Only on very executive officer for rare occasions have 3rd Squadron, 3d ACR. coalition forces been On Feb. 13, the Iraqi asked to lend assistance. Army, acting on a tip This has allowed our from the Iraqi Police, partnered Iraqi army Spc. John Crosby detained 21 insurgents forces to concentrate Iraqi army soldiers dig for weapons caches as a Soldier during a raid in Mosul from Lightning Troop, 3rd Squadron, 3d Armored their efforts in the while coalition troops Cavalry Regiment, uses a metal detector to search for troubled remote areas of provided security. possible caches in Mosul, Iraq, in February. the province.” 15 The mounted rifleman/april 2008 Tiger sinks its teeth into Ninewah Squadron stops insurgents, weapons from getting to Mosul Spc. Eric A. Rutherford working in the Vermont sized area of the Ninewah 115th MPAD Province for almost four months now, and in that time have seen a lot of progress. AL QAYYARAH, Iraq – Iraq’s second largest city, “We have taken our number one high value target, Mosul, with nearly 2 million people has been called and a couple other guys on our list,” said Dooley the last terrorist stronghold in Iraq. Combating the “They are senior leaders that have influence on insurgents in the city is a constant operation, which is foreign fighters and flow of weapons into Mosul.” handled by 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment. Tiger has also captured almost 50 caches of When the fighting in the city takes its toll on weapons, ammunition and bombs and bomb the insurgents, or they need to rest and re-supply, making material, said Dooley, which has forced the they run to the outlying rural areas of the Ninewah insurgents to move. Province to bed down. Of the 40 or so suspected insurgents Tiger has It is in these outlying areas that “Tiger,” 1st captured, less than 10 have been released. This is Squadron, 3d ACR, takes the fight to the insurgents due to Tiger making sure they have solid intelligence on the run from the city, and works to keep the influx and enough evidence to put the insurgents away for a of fighters and supplies from making it back into long time, said Dooley. Mosul. While the main focus for Tiger Squadron in this “Our mission is to disrupt foreign fighter flow largely rural area is combating the insurgency to help from the south and west areas of Mosul as safe keep the peace in Mosul, they are also putting an havens and support zones,” said Maj. Matthew emphasis on helping rebuild the villages and towns Dooley, Tiger Squadron’s executive officer. “They that have lived under the shadow of terror for years. come south and use these areas to bed down and to To accomplish this, Tiger’s Soldiers perform gather and rest before going back into Mosul to cause missions such as presence patrols, logistical convoys, trouble.” bridge security, kinetic operations and working with Tiger and its roughly 800 Soldiers have been locals to meet the needs of the local population.

Photos by Spc. Eric A. Rutherford Lubbock, Texas native Sgt. Adam Lofton steadies a spotting scope over the shoulder of Pvt. Chris Meyers, as they scan for threats during a reconciliation program event in Al Hichel, Iraq, March 10. Meyers, of Modesto, Calif., and Lofton are cavalry scouts for Bandit Troop, 1st Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment.

The mounted rifleman/april 2008 16 and get out there,” said Dooley. “We get out there into combat outposts among the population. It puts a constant presence. They see us there every day. The longer you are there, the better it gets, the more you get. The more it builds. You get to a point where there is a continuous information flow, and we are getting to that point now.” One of the things Tiger has learned being with the Iraqis every day is that the security issues they face are directly connected to the local economies. “Part of the security issue is the high unemployment rate,” said Dooley “There is a Walkerton, Ind., native Pfc. Jeffrey Roberts finishes disconnect between local governments and their checking a barn for a suspected insurgent, while needs and the time it takes the Iraqi government to Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Marrero of Puerto Rico provides respond. If you don’t do something about that, the security in a village near Al Hichel, Iraq, March 21. insurgency finds a way to exploit that by paying Roberts is a cavalry scout, and Marrero is the scout people to do things that they might not normally do, platoon sergeant. Both Soldiers are with Bandit but because they need money, they go out and do it.” Troop, 1st Sqdrn., 3d ACR. Finding an economic answer to their immediate “We are continuing to put pressure on all fronts, needs is part of the security rather than just kinetic directly attacking insurgents in their safe havens,” action, said Dooley, who believes the way forward said Lt. Col. Thomas Dorame, Tiger’s commander. is to help them stand up, improve their economy and “We are out providing security for the people with their governments. the Iraqi army and Iraqi Police and partnering with For the 3d ACR, there are two fights, said Dorame. the local community and government to help develop The fight in Mosul, which is urban street to street essential services and economic progress. All of those fighting, and Tiger’s fight in the areas outside the city things have a multiplying effect on each other, and where the enemy would prefer to hide out. continue to push this mission in the right direction.” “This fight out here is really a true That progress is working, but it is a slow, hard counterinsurgency fight,” said Dorame. “It is our process, said Dorame, who added that each time ability to get in there and partner with the local police Tiger takes down a cache or a high value target, and army to collect information from the local people it adds to the progress they are making. And that to find them and get them out of there. It is working progress is made by partnering with the IA and IP extremely well.” in the province. Tiger works with one brigade-sized Tiger has been working hard in the province since and four battalion-sized IA elements, and around December to deny the insurgency from threatening 2,000 IPs. the people and keep the insurgents from moving “I would love to see more IA and IP throughout freely in and out of the city. A diverse mission, said the area,” said Dorame. “That would be a tremendous Dorame, which his Soldiers are doing remarkably success here.” well at accomplishing. The IA and IP in the area have the fundamental “The area that Tiger Squadron fights in is different skills, but they still need continued support to in dynamics because it doesn’t have the sectarian develop, said Dorame. Tiger is working side by side issues or a large population center,” said Dorame. with the IA and IP, including training at the Iraqi non- “This area is an area where the insurgents have tried commissioned officer academy, now in its third class to fight the U.S. forces in the population centers, of about 30 IA soldiers. The squadron is making sure and use these areas to control and dominate for use to allow the Iraqis to take the lead in their area. as safe havens. Although it is less intense at times “Truly part of the success is from the IA and and less dynamic, it is a very complicated problem IP,” said Dorame. “We have been very clear with and it takes the true Soldier-statesmen mentality of them that we are the supporting role and this is their partnering with the community to provide for the mission that we support.” local people, but at the same time staying vigilant in The success Tiger is seeing is due to being tracking down the insurgencies. You have to win in proactive when it comes to securing their area. both areas simultaneously if you are going to solve “You have to get off the forward operating base the problem in Iraq.” 17 The mounted rifleman/april 2008 Beyond the call of duty Soldier makes helping Iraqi family her personal mission

Master Sgt. Tim Volkert determined to do something. 3d ACR Public Affairs Office “That didn’t sit well because I felt like I was doing absolutely nothing for wo mothers, one Iraqi and them,” said Stoner, a nurse with the 86th one American, stood looking Combat Support Hospital. “I had to tell at one another at an entrance her we didn’t have the medicine to make T the boy’s legs work.” gate at Forward Operating Base Although she had to turn the family Marez, Iraq. One was crying, looking away, she knew there had to be a way for help and the other on the verge of to help. Stoner, who also had a son who tears because she could not provide was seriously injured in an accident, assistance. knew how this mother felt and was That could have been the end of the determined to do something. encounter, a brief snapshot of the sadness The family, which lives nearby FOB of war, but Staff Sgt. Julie Stoner Marez, was in the midst of a tragedy. couldn’t get the image of that mother Their 16-month-old son Mohammed was and family out of her thoughts. She knew paralyzed after a bullet struck his upper the family needed help and she was body and exited through his leg. They

Photos by Master Sgt. Tim Volkert Staff Sgt. Julie Stoner, a nurse with the 86th Combat Support Hospital at Forward Operating Base Marez, Iraq, puts Mohammed, 16 months old, in his new wheelchair while his mother, Nadia (center), sister, Demuh, 14 (center left), and others look on. Stoner, from Bowling Green, Ohio and current resident of Clarksville, Tenn., found a wheelchair for the boy who was paralyzed after being struck by a stray bullet in November, 2007. The mounted rifleman/april 2008 18 do not know how it happened, to a claims office and, refusing he knew this story would end up only that the mother, Nadia, was to stop looking for help, showed with a happy ending. holding her son by the front door back up at the gate. “Sometimes you know of their home Nov. 4, when the “I termed it, a mother’s something’s got to be done,” stray bullet changed their lives. persistence to take care of her Balboa said. “Most of us just Since then, multiple trips child,” Stoner said. turn a blind eye. It’s people to hospitals in the city and After arriving at the gate to see like Sergeant Stoner who make surrounding areas turned up the family, Stoner was upset to that small difference in these fruitless. Desperate for help, they hear that the family had left only people’s eyes.” showed up at the pedestrian gate a few minutes before her arrival. About a week later, March 1, on the Logistical Support Area She convinced the gate personnel these two women again stood Diamondback side of the base to run after the family. Again, facing each other. At this meeting Feb. 20 to see if the Coalition persistence won out and the guard however, tears were replaced Forces could help. The family with smiles and the meeting had been told the Americans was joyous – a happy had medicine that could help moment that arose out of her son walk again. tragedy. While the Coalition Mohammed slept in the Forces could not provide the arms of his sister and his follow-on care needed by the father stood nearby. All knew family, Stoner, from Bowling the wheelchair was more Green, Ohio, and current than just assistance for an resident of Clarksville, injured child, it was a sign of Tenn., remembered seeing hope for one woman and her a story on the news about son – a fitting ending to this an organization that donates chance encounter between an wheelchairs to injured Iraqi American mother and Soldier children. She decided to send and an Iraqi mother. an e-mail. While the wheelchair By the next morning, not won’t help the boy walk only did she get a response again, Stoner knows it will from the organization, but she improve their quality of life, was promised a wheelchair. and knowing they have hope Stoner, determined to see and are moving forward this through, began the next makes her efforts worthwhile. chapter in this story and Stoner explains to Nadia (right) how to “It’s knowing that you began her search to find this make adjusts to the wheelchair to make it can do something. You just family. more comfortable for her son. have to find the way. There’s “All I had was the father’s always something that you full name and the boy’s full returned with the family. can do,” Stoner said. name,” she said. Stoner told the mother she felt For Nadia and her family, Finding the family would be a bad that she couldn’t do anything the smiles were a sign of their challenge. She said she went back medically for her son, but that she gratitude to Stoner and the to the pedestrian gate and asked all was able to get a wheelchair if others who showed compassion the interpreters if they knew the they wanted it. and caring for them in their family or where they lived. “She said yes and she kept time of need. She also tried to locate them saying ‘I thank God for you. I kept “We don’t know how to express through military channels. praying to God that something out feelings,” Nadia said through Stoner’s motherly determination, would happen and I knew you an interpreter after receiving the like Nadia’s, was not going to let were a mother,’” Stoner said. wheelchair. “We are so thankful. her give up hope. And then, only a Sergeant Marcelo Balboa, a The Americans are so caring. We few days later, the call came in. coworker and friend of Stoner found out that the Americans are a Stoner said the mother had been who went with her to the gate, said lot more caring.” 19 The mounted rifleman/april 2008 Brave Rifles in action

Spc. Kieran Cuddihy

Master Sgt. Tim Volkert Top, A Soldier from Heavy Company, 3rd Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, keeps a watchful eye out for insurgents while on a mission in February. Sgt. Patrick Lair Above, Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, MNC-I commander, Sgt. Angela Mathern and her bomb- re-enlisted six Soldiers from the 3d ACR during a ceremony at sniffing dog Vinny, both of the 501st FOB Marez Feb. 28. Military Police Detachment, based out of Fort Lewis, Wash., inspect a cargo truck in downtown Mosul Feb. 14. The mounted rifleman/april 2008 20 Brave Rifles in action

Spc. Eric A. Rutherford Above, Mechanics with Bandit Troop, 1st Sqdrn., 3d ACR, use the crane on an M88 Hercules heavy recovery vehicle to remove the engine from an M1 Abrams tank on Combat Outpost Nepsa, Al Hichel, Iraq, March 19.

Left, Spc. Christopher Kell, a crew chief in Tomahawk Troop, 4th Sqdrn., 3d ACR, checks the tail rotor on an AH-64D Spc. Kieran Cuddihy Sgt. Brandon Little Apache.

Below, Sgt. Robert Riley and Spc. Mario Villareal from HHT, 2nd Sqdrn., 3d ACR, provide security amidst the rubble of a village in the Diyala Province. Many village buildings were destroyed during Iraq’s war with Iran.

SPC Kieran Cuddihy Soldiers from 1st Bde., 8th Inf. Regt., patrol through a Mosul neighborhood during Operation Eagle Harvest II in February. The Operation was designed to clear a sector of eastern Mosul of insurgents and to initiate a permanent stronghold of the area. Courtesy Photo 21 The mounted rifleman/april 2008 Fighting Eagles bring security to east Mosul

Photos by Capt. Richard Ybarra Sgt. Jawaski Wilson of Villeplatte, La., assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, crosses a footpath outside of Combat Outpost Knight prior to a patrol into the al-Kadra neighborhood in Mosul, Iraq, March 15.

Capt. Richard Ybarra Spc. Jamel Staton of Brooklyn, New York, also 115th MPAD assigned to Co. D, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Regt. This requires frequent patrols that originate from MOSUL, Iraq – Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 8th COP Knight. The COP is a small fortified base that Infantry Regiment, are working the latest phase of allows Soldiers to stay close to the surrounding the fight against al-Qaeda in Iraq by living among neighborhoods and act as a quick response force for Iraqi citizens at Combat Outpost Knight in eastern the citizens if needed. Mosul and gaining their trust by constant patrolling The 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Regt. Soldiers based out of and interaction. Fort Carson, Colo., rotate into COP Knight every “We conduct atmospherics gathering, talk to the four days. While at the COP, Soldiers complete local populace and see what their needs are, what required duties that vary between those designed their security level is,” said 1st Lt. Larry Gwinn, of to ensure the functioning of the COP to guard duty. Richmond, W. Va., a platoon leader with Company Invariably there is a fair amount of downtime for D, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Regt. “We are working toward the Soldiers on their rotation. next phase of operations where we bring projects into Soldiers fill the downtime by working out, the local community and help legitimize the local watching movies or playing portable computer government.” games. Card games are a particular favorite of the Gwinn also said that sanitation workers had Soldiers for chewing up excess time on the COP. A already been hired through the local government game or two of Chinese poker can often be found and were making a difference in the community. In going on at any time during the day. addition, he noted several other contracts were in the “When we are not on a mission we don’t like to bidding process for community improvements. talk about a mission. We talk about things that get “It’s about hearts and minds. We check and see our minds off of it or play cards … watch a movie or how many schools are around, doctors, retired Iraqi have a fire and have a little small talk about times at army, people that want to help us help them,” said home,” said Staton. The mounted rifleman/april 2008 22 The rhythm of COP life goes on relentlessly for the Soldiers as they move from patrols to the COP and back to patrols. Breaking the cycle only on the end of the fourth day when they return to Forward Operating Base Marez, the main coalition base in Mosul. A return to the FOB does not mean a break from missions for the Soldier’s from 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Regt. It merely changes their location for a different, but still busy schedule. The fight against AQI does not take four-day breaks or any time off for that matter. “We pull PMCS (Preventive Pvt. 1st Class Andrew Barger of Celina, Ohio, assigned to Co. D, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Regt., fills his tray with food as his fellow Maintenance Checks and Services) on all platoon members move through the line at COP Knight after our vehicles; tanks, MRAPs and humvees, a mission into the al-Kadra neighborhood of Mosul, Iraq, get those fueled up and greased down, March 14. order parts if we need to,” said Staton. “We also run missions from FOB Marez, pretty rough, as far as the optempo goes. The Soldiers usually just into a different sector.” were getting pretty strung-out,” said Gwinn. “Now A grueling cycle such as this could have an affect that there is more of a pattern to our schedules, the on the morale of even the best units. To the contrary, guys are more in-tune with what is going on. Now this cycle was just what the unit needed according to that we can give them some predictability, they can Gwinn. make adjustments to their personal schedules.” The 1st. Bn., 8th Inf. Regt., conducting operations Staton said he and his fellow platoon members in Mosul for a little more than two months, is now could accomplish whatever was required, regardless hitting a stride. Gwinn stated that his Soldiers have of the condition or mission. adapted well and are in a rhythm. “We are always going to make do … we are “At first, before we had the actual cycle, it was Soldiers first and foremost,” he said.

Above, 1st Lt. Larry Gwinn of Richmond, West Va., assigned to Co. D, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Regt., meets with a resident of the al-Kadra neighborhood of Mosul to assess the security situation, March 15.

Left, Spc. Cong Ly of West Covina, Calif., assigned to Co. D, 1st Bn., 8th Inf. Regt., pulls security while his platoon leader meets with local citizens during a mission in the al-Kadra neighborhood of Mosul, Iraq, March 15. 23 The mounted rifleman/april 2008 Wheelbarrows to wheelchairs Community doctors, Iraqi army, and U.S. Army medical professionals team up to provide care for local village Spc. Eric A. Rutherford cross-training with Iraqi medical Maj. James Montgomery, team 115th MPAD providers and IA medics in the leader of the 1-3-3 MiTT. town of roughly 6,000 residents. “Six months ago, if I had BULAYJ, Iraq – In Iraq’s rural Poor weather conditions didn’t approached the MiTT and told western Ninewah Province, where stop the more than 200 people them I wanted to do a MedCAP in the average household income is who came to the clinic to receive Bulayj, they would have laughed around $45 a month and terrorists care, most of whom were women at me,” said Adam of the planning still operate, health care is not the and children. stages of the program. “This is a primary concern of most citizens. Several families brought good example of the evolution of a Iraqi health care is certainly disabled family members to the town that is changing and starting a concern of the Soldiers of 4th clinic, literally in wheelbarrows, to trust us and to stand up for Squadron, 6th U.S. Air Cavalry. hoping to receive one of the six themselves.” In an effort to help the Iraqis wheelchairs that were given out on One of the objectives during become more concerned with their a first-come, first-served basis. this MedCAP was to put the IA own health and to earn the trust “Our primary objectives were out front in providing security of Soldiers and the Iraqi army to work with the local nationals for the town, so the medics and working in the area, 4th Sqdrn., and the IA to further legitimize doctors could treat the patients in a 6th Air Cav. medics teamed up the role of the IA in security and secure area. with the Iraqi army’s 1st Battalion, medical expertise in that village,” “There was a huge emphasis 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division and said Capt. David Adam of Seattle, on letting the IA do security, and the Military Transition Team to the flight surgeon for 4th Sqdrn., that allowed us to provide medical conduct Operation Band-Aid 2. 6th Air Cav. care,” said Adam. “The IA were This is the second time the team The program, known as the the MVPs there. This time, to has worked in the area, providing Medical Civil Action Program, take it one step further, we did the acute care to local Iraqis and was put together by Adam and cross-training piece with the local docs.” During the event, the air cavalry medics had the opportunity to work not just with local Iraqi doctors, but their IA medic counterparts as well. “Iraqi doctors aren’t too different from working with American doctors,” said Spc. Kevin Malott of Cincinnati. “They are very knowledgeable and willing to learn. They aren’t where American doctors are because of the inability to go to school, but they are

Spc. Eric A. Rutherford good doctors. They have Cincinnati native Spc. Kevin Malott shows Iraqi doctors a pulse medical knowledge; they just monitoring device during a Medical Civil Action Program in Bulayj, Iraq, don’t have the tools.” Feb. 25. Malott is a medic for 4th Squadron, 6th Air Cavalry Regiment. Malott, a medic with 4th The MedCAP provided medical care for more than 200 residents. Sqdrn., 6th Air Cav., also said the MedCAP went quite well. The mounted rifleman/april 2008 24 They even had some of the same patients from the first MedCAP two months ago. The focus of the event wasn’t just to give Iraqis medicine and send them on their way, Malott and the medics focused on health care education with the people they treated. Malott said he was able to provide a lot of education to the patients, not just to educate the people on how to use the medicine they were receiving, but to give them more of a hands-on approach Seattle native Capt. David Adam looks at a young Iraqi girl’s eye to their medical care. during the MedCAP event. Adam is the flight surgeon for 4th Sqdrn., 6th Air Cav. There were challenges at the event. The two biggest challenges vitamins to every child they saw. said Montgomery, a Philadelphia were the language barrier and “There is a lot of malnutrition native. We were able to show the cultural differences. Malott said in children,” said Malott. “I saw a IA how this is done so they can all of his conversations had to go five year old that was the size of take it from here. MedCAPs.” through an interpreter, so some a one year old back in the states. All of the pediatric medications important information may have Their food isn’t fortified with provided for the MedCAP were been lost in translation. Iraqi vitamins like in the states – they donated by people in the U.S. culture also has strict separation can’t drink their own water, so Adam said the items for children, of the sexes, which can provide there is a lot of malnutrition in including toys, school supplies another barrier to health care. Iraq.” and shoes were all donated by “Another challenge is the Both Deck and Malott agree people he has never met. The customs here,” said Malott. “I am that working on a program like other medications came from the not allowed to talk to women. A this makes them better people. MiTT specifically for MedCAP woman brought her child in, and I “I don’t know if it makes me programs. wasn’t allowed to look the woman a better medic, but it makes me a “Iraqis are no different than in the eyes when I was talking to better person,” Malott said. “Every Americans, they want stability,” her about her child’s needs.” day I see American Soldiers, they said Adam. “We want the piece To overcome this, they brought are men and women between the of mind that our children can a female medic with them to ages of 18 and 40. Out there, I walk the streets without bad guys see all the female patients. saw kids and the elderly. We don’t hurting them. Iraqis want the same Spc. Rachel Deck of Carlsbad, get to see kids and the elderly thing.” Calif., is a medic for Med Troop, here. I saw what poverty does to a All of the teams involved Regimental Support Squadron, 3d people. Since going out there the agree that this was a successful Armored Cavalry Regiment. first time, I have seen pride come mission. They were able to treat “It went really well, I was back into these people, a sense patients and continue to earn the really excited to be a part of it,” of pride in ‘This is my country. trust of the Iraqi people. A trust, Deck said. “It was a challenge not …Now it is like, ‘I kicked these said Montgomery, that pays huge being able to help everyone. We guys off my land and got hurt in dividends when an Iraqi civilian were there to treat acute problems, the process,’ and they want to get picks up the phone to call about but (some), we couldn’t help. We fixed from that.” illegal activity in their area. could write them referrals, but This is the last MedCAP the “It was a successful MedCAP,” some things we couldn’t help.” air cavalry Soldiers will provide said Adam. “We are gaining trust One of the common problems in Bulayj, setting the stage for the and I think we are doing some in Iraq is malnutrition in children. local doctors and IA to work with pretty good health care. I am To help combat this, medics the people in the area. proud of my medics, they did a handed out chewable multi- “Bulayj is a work in progress,” great job.” 25 The mounted rifleman/april 2008 Soldiers trade humvees for MRAPs Spc. Eric A. Rutherford 115th MPAD

MOSUL, Iraq – Soldiers ignored the light rain that pattered on them in the motor pool as they carefully and eagerly inspected their new vehicles as an M1114 up-armored humvee sat empty and dirty on the sidelines – already forgotten by the men who used the vehicle just days ago. Soldiers of 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment received some of their first Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles on Forward Operating Base Marez, Feb. 15. “We have been waiting a long time to get these,” said 1st Lt. Jeffrey Boch. “They are brand new and we will be taking care of them. We are looking forward to running in them and seeing what they can do.” Boch, a platoon leader for Supply and Transport Platoon, Regimental Support Squadron, 3d ACR, said the vehicle will put fewer Soldiers’ lives at risk, by allowing them to take fewer vehicles onto the battlefield because of their larger troop capacity. The MRAP weighs three times as much as the Master Sgt. Tim Volkert

Spc. Eric A. Rutherford Above, An older M1114 up-armored humvee waits to be turned in as it sits in front of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles that replaced it on Forward Operating Base Marez, Iraq, in February. Soldiers of 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment will be receiving about 300 of the new MRAPs by mid-May.

Top, Sgt. 1st Class Rolly Azurin (left) and Spc. Emanuel Walker, look over the engine of their new MRAP. Both Soldiers are from Headquarter and Headquarters Troop, 1st Squadron, 3d ACR. The mounted rifleman/april 2008 26 M1114 humvee, holds more personnel, has more power, can travel farther and has more armor. The MRAP also has a V-shaped hull for blast deflection. “It is pretty common knowledge that the biggest threat our Soldiers face over here is the improvised explosive device,” said Maj. Parker Frawley, 3d ACR regimental plans officer. “They are the biggest casualty-causers on the battlefield, so there was a push to get the MRAP fielded to all the units across Iraq and Afghanistan.” The push began in May 2007, when the Secretary of Defense established the MRAP program as the highest priority to DoD acquisition, prompting accelerated development and fielding of the new system. The program was designed to get the MRAP to units with the highest operational tempo. “As the threat situation in other areas of the country has decreased, it has maintained fairly steady or increased a little in Mosul,” said Frawley. “There has been a renewed thrust to get us the new MRAP a little more quickly.” After the week-long training course, 3d ACR Spc. Eric A. Rutherford troops took delivery of 40 MRAPs. Soon, they will Soldiers from 2nd Platoon, Supply and Transportation get 50 more. By mid-May the final number should be Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, 3d Armored around 300 vehicles, said Frawley. Cavalry Regiment, perform casualty evacuation The basic platform of the new MRAP features drills from their new MRAP vehicle on FOB Marez, Iraq, Feb 21. upgraded fire suppression systems, basic light packages, and communication equipment. As each The mission wasn’t without a few problems, but unit uses the vehicle for different missions they may on this mission, the MRAP was the solution to the need to modify the vehicle as they see fit, much like problems. During the patrol, a recovery vehicle went they did with humvees. down with a broken throttle cable. To remove it from “No one like the American Soldier is quite as the road where it was susceptible to ambush, S&T adept at putting some innovative thought into how Soldiers quickly hooked the recovery vehicle to their best to use these vehicles, from putting light bars on MRAP and towed it out of harm’s way. them to how to route them because of power lines “There are a few minor adjustments we need in the city,” said Frawley. “We are talking about to make, but it went pretty well,” said Spc. Trevor potentially using them as ambulances. There is a lot Owen, a driver of the new MRAP with S&T Troop. of innovation going on with the vehicle to see what “You can see more. I couldn’t see out the passenger we can do with it to use it.” side of the humvee, but now I can see higher through Soldiers from S&T Troop, RSS, 3d ACR, have the windshield, all around, visibility is just better. We already made some improvements, such as modifying are making adjustments as we go.” the MRAP with gunner restraint systems. S&T Troop Owen said he believes the MRAP is going to completed their first combat mission with the MRAP save lives with its advanced armor system and better Feb. 21. visibility. In situations where the Soldiers would have Another MRAP driver in the troop is Pfc. Daisha used the M1114 to provide gun-truck security for a McGruter, who said that Soldiers will better be able Combat Logistical Patrol, they rolled the MRAP to to perform missions from this vehicle. The added remote areas of Iraq’s Ninewah Province to deliver protection will allow the Soldiers to worry less about food and supplies to small outposts that don’t have a their personal safety and more about the mission at continuous supply chain. hand, she said. Boch said the MRAP’s ability to handle the For the 3d ACR, the MRAP is proving itself to be adverse conditions of Iraq is going to make it easier the answer to the humvee’s shortcomings and as an for his Soldiers to complete their mission safely. asset to Soldiers on Iraqi roads. 27 The mounted rifleman/april 2008 Muleskinners help Iraqi army vehicle maintenance shops become self-sustaining Spc. John Crosby and Iraqi names for parts. Basically figuring out how 115th MPAD to work their own system.” Coalition Forces are training the Iraqi army to MOSUL, Iraq – Coalition Forces and Iraqi army properly utilize their three levels of maintenance soldiers are working side by side across northern Iraq shops, said Chief Warrant Officer James Rathburn, 3d to increase the productivity of vehicle maintenance ACR regimental maintenance officer. When a vehicle shops. breaks down or requires maintenance, the unit level, In a war fought almost entirely from forward or level one shop, assesses the problem. If needed, operating bases and combat outposts, transportation the unit can utilize their division’s MTR, level two is one of the keys to success. Troop transport, shop, to fix problems the individual units aren’t medical evacuation, logistical support and combat equipped to fix. Finally, if further expertise and parts operations are dependent on mobility. Without a are needed to make the vehicle serviceable, the level reliable system in place to fix and maintain the Iraqi three shop at the corps level is the answer. army’s vehicles, mission failure would be inevitable. Developing the standard operating procedure Keeping an entire army’s vehicle fleet in good was easier said than done. It required trust and working order requires a smooth system to be communication between the Iraqi army units and in place. Proper channels need to be created for Coalition Forces. Training and planning was required logistical support, individual soldier training and on all levels, from mechanic and soldier level, up the standards of procedure at the soldier level for ranks to the commanders, in order to expedite the operating on the variety of IA vehicles in their process. inventory. “We’re starting to get the whole division online The Iraqi army, the Military Transition Teams with bringing their vehicles in to the Second MTR (MiTT) and the Regimental Support Squadron and we’re making this place a heck of a lot better,” (RSS), 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, headquartered said Kaye. “I am proud to be a part of this. We’re in Mosul, are working together to create these making history.” building blocks to ensure a functional, self-reliant The progress required Coalition Forces mechanics transportation corps in the Iraqi army. to work and train side by side with the IA in the level “When we started, the Second (Motor Transport two maintenance shops. Regiment) operational readiness level was at forty “They don’t have (Military Occupational two percent,” said 2nd MTR MiTT Executive Officer Specialty) schools in the Iraqi army yet so we are Capt. Michael Kaye. “Within six months we got trying to train their soldiers to become proficient in these guys up to an eighty two percent operational their jobs,” said RSS Commander Lt. Col. Steven readiness level, using the Iraqi system of doing things Cook.

Chief Warrant Officer James Rathburn, the regimental maintenance officer, with Regimental Support Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, helps inspect an Iraqi army vehicle at the Regional Support Unit maintenance shop in al- Kisik, Iraq, Feb. 28. The 3d ACR is working with the IA transportation corps to help them become self-sustaining with their maintenance operations. (Photo by Spc. John Crosby).

The mounted rifleman/april 2008 28 The idea is that training one Iraqi mechanic, “Whenever we need help, or if there is something making him proficient in his trade, is a combat we don’t understand, the Americans help us,” Sgt. multiplier and allows the trained soldier to pass his Kahs al-Mustaf, a mechanic with the 2nd MTR, 2nd knowledge to his entire squad. IA Div., said through an interpreter. “We learn from Since November 2007, two RSS mechanics work each other. We are brothers.” with the MiTT and Iraqi mechanics for two weeks Working together began to show results. each month in al-Kindi, home to the 2nd MTR. “We went from being the worst MTR in Iraq to “We give them on-the-job training, working setting the standard for others to follow,” said Kaye. on five-tons, humvees, wreckers, Iraqi vehicles “Coalition Forces have increased our and MiTT vehicles,” said Sgt. Rodney Crom of effectiveness eighty percent to get to this level of Maintenance Troop, RSS, 3d ACR. “A lot of them maintenance,” said Col. Fareed Ibraheem Fatah, are knowledgeable, but some don’t know that much. 2nd MTR commander, 2nd IA Div., operating in We work to develop them. northeastern Iraq. “Fixing Our issue right now is broken vehicles, ordering getting them to train each We learn from each parts and organizing the other.” “ warehouse, it all comes As well as an other. We are brothers. back to the Americans. opportunity for the ” They help us make our mechanics to learn their -- Sgt. Kahs al-Mustaf jobs easier.” trade from one another, Still there is always the time they spend together helps them gain a better room for improvement. understanding of their counterpart’s cultures. “We need more vehicle parts,” said Freed. “Not “We learn some of their language, their greetings having needed parts on hand makes the process of and their manners,” said Spc. Douglas Cranford, fixing our vehicles slower. The Americans help us Maintenance Troop, RSS, 3d ACR. “These guys are with this.” out here on their own. We help them do their job and In the last few years of Operation Iraqi Freedom, step in when necessary to train them. These guys a slow transition of power has taken place. The IA work really hard. They care about what they do.” has control over all levels of supply for itself except Still, it can be difficult to accomplish everyone’s spare parts. goals in a joint culture work environment when there “Hopefully in the next couple of months that will is a language barrier. To combat this, Soldiers are change,” said Cook. “The MiTT is on the ground creating ways to identify vehicle parts so there is no every single day trying to find answers to these confusion between the Iraqis and Americans. Parts problems.” are given names and translated using interpreters who With the progress made with the 2nd MTR at work with the mechanics on a daily basis. Keeping al-Kindi, 3d ACR is expanding its focus to the 3rd these names for parts eliminates confusion created by MTR, 3rd IA Div., and the level three corps shop at slang in both languages and different understandings al-Kisik, in northeastern Iraq. of how an engine works. “We are trying to improve upon our systems,” said “Sometimes we disagree on how to fix certain Capt. Todd Daniels, MiTT 3rd MTR executive officer problems,” said Cranford. “For example, many times and security advisor. “We are doing a lot of training. the Iraqis will think engine problems require a whole We’re synchronizing the Iraqi army divisions here new engine. But we show them that maybe it only in MND-North, getting everyone on the same page needs oil, or a new part. It’s a learning process.” of music as far as having a process or a system in Both Iraqi and CF mechanics working together at place. We need to work together to figure out what al-Kindi realize that despite disagreements among processes need to be in place for us to all achieve our professionals of different cultures, there is a bigger goal.” mission to be accomplished. More improvements are expected as Coalition “I think stabilizing their motor transport regiment Forces Soldiers, mechanics, MiTTs and commanders is by far the best thing that could happen to the work with the Iraqi army transportation corps. country,” said Crom. “The technology is already “The heavy lifters of the whole operation with the here. Everyone just needs to learn how to use it.” MTR are the MiTT team here,” said Cook. “They are The Iraqis work to gain the knowledge their identifying the problems and we are trying to provide counterparts have to offer. solutions every day.” 29 The mounted rifleman/april 2008 ollowing to join the military, his father and grandfather also influenced another family member to enlist. amily “My brother, Derek, joined the Army the exact same day I did, and we even shipped off to basic training the same day,” he said. Enlisting in the military, during ootsteps this time of civil unrest throughout the world, Forit knew his first Sgt. Brandon Little thousands of Soldiers who joined deployment would happen soon, Task Force XII Public Affairs a military deeply entrenched in he said. Iraq and Afghanistan. “When I found out I was FCAMP TAJI, Iraq – When “My family really influenced coming to Iraq, I was really Christopher J. Forit Jr. decided my decision to join the Army,” excited,” he said. “My family and to follow in the footsteps of his said Forit, a food service my fiancé, Chong Lee, were all father and grandfather, more than specialist in Renegade Troop, 4th very sad I was leaving but they’re two years ago, he started a voyage Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry all proud and supportive of what that would lead him halfway Regiment. “My grandfather was I’m doing.” around the world. an infantryman in the Korean War, Since his deployment to Iraq, It all began with a trip to the and my dad was the in the Army Forit has been performing various recruiter’s office. Forit, a native of for a while; he was stationed in jobs in the ‘Command Sgt. Maj. Fresno, Calif., chose to continue Italy for a few years.” Cooke’ dining facility. his family’s tradition of military In addition to helping this “He’s a good Soldier,” said Sgt. service by becoming one of the 23-year-old make the decision 1st Class Christopher Williams, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the dining facility. “I really think he has a bright future in the military.” Forit says he plans on staying in the military for a long time to earn a college degree and hopefully retire as a first sergeant. Many years from now, after he has retired, Forit may one day be able to share his experiences in the military with his children and grandchildren. “I think when I look back on my service (many years from now) I know I’ll be proud of what we accomplished,” he said. Sgt. Brandon Little “Sometimes I wish I could do Pvt. Christopher Forit Jr. (left), a food service specialist with Renegade more, but just being in Iraq makes Troop, 4th Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, is the third me feel like at least I’m doing my generation from his family to serve in the military. part.”

The mounted rifleman/april 2008 30 Chaplain’s Corner Spring is a time for new beginnings Chaplain (Maj.) Larry Holland the support and encouragement ordinary “I am fine, how are you?” Regimental Chaplain that they are ready and willing type of letter. Share your heart by to provide to you. If you do not writing down all your thoughts, attend a chapel on post or a local hopes and dreams, and fears alike reetings to all of our church, our rear detachment and with the ones you love. 3d ACR family and installation chaplains are there for Remember how you felt when Gfriends, wherever you you. you first fell in love with them and may be. Our Family Readiness Groups what type of letter you would have We celebrated Holy Week and are also there to help you with written then? Easter here in Iraq with several many issues. Even if you are not Reaffirm your love and Protestant and Catholic services located at Fort Hood, they want commitment to one another that began on Palm Sunday and to keep in touch with you. Make through such letters, tapes, or even continued with Maundy Thursday, sure the FRG has your contact videos. Good Friday, Saturday Vigil/ information so they can keep you We can renew other Mass, and Easter Sunday Sunrise informed of important news about relationships as well. How many Services. the Regiment. family and friends do you have All were well supported with Also, make sure you have your that you have not been in contact record attendance. It is good to FRG’s information so you can with for a long time? know that although we are far reach them when needed. Your Look up that family member from home, family, and friends, rear detachment command can (perhaps an aunt, uncle or cousin) our chapel programs here provide provide all the information. or that old friend with whom you us with a community of faith that As I reflect on this early Easter have allowed time and distance provides tremendous support and season (the earliest Easter in 92 to grow between. Letting them encouragement. years), I am reminded of all the know you are thinking about With the addition of new units promises of new beginnings that them can open the door to a here at Forward Operating Base we celebrate. Spring has arrived whole new world of support and Marez and Logistical Support and with it, the renewal of faith encouragement. Area Diamondback, we now that fresh starts are possible in As we seek new and fresh starts have a team of nine chaplains every aspect of our lives. in any area of our lives, I would and chaplain assistants providing I am not just talking about like to remind you of God’s love religious support. “New Year’s Resolutions” that we for all of us. It is a love that is We are also blessed with a might have made a few months always there, new and fresh every tremendous number of talented lay ago and that many of us have day. leaders in all of our congregations. already forgotten. I am talking The Bible speaks of that I ask that you continue to pray about real new starts. love in an unexpected place. It for us as we minister to the needs What is there in your life is in the Old Testament book of more than 9,000 Soldiers and that you would like to renew? of Lamentations, a book of civilians. Relationships are one of the first “Laments” or cries of sadness. I pray that all of you who are things that come to mind. Even Lamentations 3:22 says, “Because separated from your loved ones during times of separation we can of the Lord’s great love we are not during this deployment have a work on keeping our love and consumed, for His compassions “Family of Faith” that you can commitments new and fresh. never fail, they are new every turn to for support as well. I know When is the last time you morning, great is thy faithfulness.” that as you hold down the home sat down and wrote a real May you claim that powerful front, there are many things you “love letter” to your spouse or love anew in your life and share it face daily that can be challenging. significant other? Why not do it with others today. Do not hesitate to turn to the today? God bless you all and keep you many people around you for I am not just talking about the always. 31 The mounted rifleman/april 2008 Family Readiness FRGs activities keep families busy Dana Allison highlight of the party was an appearance from the 3d ACR FRSA Easter Bunny graciously played by the Sabre rear detachment first sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Lowe. Sabre 3d ACR families having been keeping busy back is also holding a monthly consolidated FRG meeting. at Fort Hood. The regiment’s Family Readiness Their consolidated squadron meetings will be held Groups have been full of activities during the last few the first Tuesday of each month. They are currently months. planning a squadron skating party in April. Remington Troop Thunder Squadron Remington Troop’s February meeting had the Thunder Sqdrn. FRGs have had a lot going families making Valentines to send over to their on recently. The squadron had a few FRG leader Soldiers. RHHT also had a change of leaders at the movements as well. Nancy Norris moved from end of February. Erikka Simmering and Marina Killer Troop over to Havoc (HHT) passing the Killer Wright passed the torch to Dominique Buehler and Troop FRG reins to Jennifer Harper and Hannah Tiffany Jocuns. On behalf of the Remington FRG, Winczewski. Thunder’s Troop FRGs have been busy we would like to say thank you Erikka and Marina planning activities for families. Lightning Troop for all of your dedication and hard work. Dominique made their monthly meeting more fun adding some and Tiffany are already hard at work and have begun pizza at CiCi’s Pizza. Ghostrider Company (66 MI) is planning great events. They have a T-shirt design planning a bake sale at the Clear Creek PX in April to contest going on and are planning an April social raise money. Ironhawk held an Easter party for their event at the Austin School of Massage in Killeen to families. Thunder is also trying out a consolidated help Remington Family members relax. squadron level FRG meeting. They are holding their Tiger Squadron first squadron wide FRG meeting April 21. The last few months have been very eventful Longknife Squadron for Tiger Sqdrn. Tiger started holding a monthly Longknife Squadron’s FRGs have been active consolidated squadron FRG meeting that was a with regular meetings and social events ranging hit. Their squadron FRG meetings are held the first from parent and child workshops about dealing with Thursday of the month. In February they had a Tiger deployment with the MFLCs, to bowling and “get Family Social at Chuck E. Cheese. The squadron also away” days such as March’s Massage Day hosted by offers a Bible study and prayer group twice a month. Tomahawk Troop. At the end of March Longknife Roughrider Troop (HHT) had a pizza party and held their quarterly squadron level FRG meeting. volunteer recognition event. Dragon Co. held a bake During the meeting they recognized all the sale at the PX to raise money for their company. wonderful volunteers within the squadron and This past weekend Tiger Sqdrn. participated in presented a 30 minute video that the Troopers a meeting via video teleconference with their FRG compiled of “Life at Taji” to share with the families leaders, POCs, and their command teams forward. and friends of Longknife Sqdrn. They are currently working on a plan for a squadron Longknife would also like to extend volunteer recognition event in the coming months. congratulations to the following volunteers, Norma Tiger would also like to congratulate Christine Hernandez, Renegade Troop FRG leader, who Durand for being named the Volunteer of Merit for was awarded September’s Fort Hood Volunteer of December 2007. the Month and Volunteer of the Quarter. Megan Sabre Squadron Goode, Headhunter Troop FRG leader, awarded Things in Sabre Sqdrn. have been action packed. October’s Fort Hood Volunteer of the Month. Katha In February Sabre had a squadron bowling event. Crawford, Squadron FRG Fund Custodian, awarded Many of the troops in Sabre have also been holding November’s Fort Hood Volunteer of Merit. Erin their own “Social Nights” once a month. Fox Troop Corrigan, Tomahawk Troop FRG leader, awarded had an arts and crafts day at Apache Arts and Crafts February’s Fort Hood Volunteer of Merit. Thank you Center on post. Sapper (43 CEC) and Heavy Co. ladies for all you do. each held bowling nights for their groups in March. The squadron also held a successful Easter party. The See “FRG,” Page 33.

The mounted rifleman/april 2008 32 Safety Spot Start preparing for summer heat now Peter Higgins the snakes and scorpions have Safety and Occupational powerful venom. Specialist If you think you were bit by any creature, seek medical aid would like to take a moment immediately. Many of these to introduce myself. I am animals also carry a host of I the regiment’s new safety diseases to include the bird flu and and occupational specialist. My rabies. Again, leave all animals role is to work directly with the alone. If you see them around the commander and staff to work work and living areas, contact the on issues concerning non-com- KBR vector control office to take bat safety issues such as acci- Peter Higgins, 3d ACR Safety and care of the problem. dent prevention. Occupational Specialist One last issue I would like to The most pressing issue we will address is dietary supplements. Be all be facing here in Iraq is the greatly increase your chance of careful using these products. Make danger of heat injuries. Everyone dehydration in the hot summer sure you read the warning labels. should begin changing their months. Start developing your Most of them, such as fat burners, drinking habits to increase water water routines now. require you to significantly intake now. Another issue is going to be the increase your water intake. Many We are all familiar with the increase in critters coming around. others can have severe toxic types of heat injuries and the This includes spiders, snakes, reactions when coupled with high warning signs, and we all know birds, cats and scorpions. heat and low water consumption that eating right and drinking If you see these animals, The results can be deadly. the proper amount of water leave them alone. Do not try to I am proud to be here with the will greatly reduce this threat. make them pets, play with them Brave Rifles in Iraq, and hope to Rip Its, sodas and coffee will or aggravate them. Many of see you all return home safely.

“FRG,” from Page 32 congratulations to a few outstanding volunteers. The regiment is pleased to announce that Richenda Muleskinner Squadron Burnett from Bullwhip Troop (HHT), Muleskinner Muleskinner Sqdrn. began a squadron level Sqdrn. is the 3d ACR Volunteer of the Year. Richenda program called “All A Kid Needs.” They take was chosen as the regiment’s Volunteer of the Year donations of new and gently used children’s items from a pool of numerous nominees. and redistribute them to other families who are We would also like to announce the 3d ACR able to use them. In March the squadron also held a volunteers selected as the regiment’s Volunteers of consolidated squadron FRG meeting with a telephone Merit, they include: Sonia Mejia from Dragon Co., conference with the Muleskinner Sqdrn. commander Tiger Sqdrn., Machelle Crow from Eagle Troop, and command sergeant major who both answered Sabre Sqdrn., Karen Wicker from Ghostrider Co. questions asked by family members. (66 MI), Thunder Sqdrn., Norma Hernandez from The squadron’s families also worked on Valentine Renegade Troop, Longknife Sqdrn., and Monica banners and blankets that were sent forward to Bates from Blacksmith Troop (MNT), Muleskinner their Soldiers. In March a few helpful male family Sqdrn. members held a “How To” class on simple car and It’s hard work being a military family especially lawn mower maintenance for the FRG. The FRGs are during deployments and these ladies have gone above currently planning a squadron volunteer recognition and beyond. Congratulations to these wonderful event for April. women, and a sincere thank to all of our wonderful 3d ACR family members. Thank you for everything Lastly, the regiment would like to extend special you do supporting your Soldiers and each other. 33 The mounted rifleman/april 2008 RETention BULLETIN America’s best and brightest continue to re-enlist, serve their country during war Master Sgt. Robert Sluss NCOIC, 3d ACR Retention Office

Greetings from Mosul. Since my last article in the Mounted Rifleman, more than 211 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment Soldiers have decided to re- enlist and continue their service to the regiment and the Army. I would like to thank each one of them and their families for choosing to continue to serve during this critical point in time. Today less than one percent of our population serves their nation, so the decision of each young man and woman to join the Army is imperative Master Sgt. Tim Volkert to our success. For a Soldier to Pfc. Cory Stargardt, PSD, Regimental Headquarters and continue serving is a testament to Headquarters Troop, 3d ACR, re-enlists at FOB Marez, Iraq, Mar. them being the best and brightest we 14. Capt. Shawn Monien administered the oath. have to offer as a country. With the help of Master Sgt. Jones, the regimental EO Adviser, we are now able to offer Soldiers the ability to retake the ASVAB to open more career opportunities, as well as the Defense Language Aptitude Battery and the AFAST test for Soldiers who are thinking about becoming Aviation Warrant Officers. Thank you again for your decision to re-enlist and continue to serve our great nation.

Master Sgt. Roy Taylor Pfc. Steve Hill (right), of HHT, Thunder Squadron, 3d ACR, poses with Capt. Thomas Garner, after Hill’s re-enlistment ceremony March 23 at FOB Marez, Iraq. STAY CAV, STAY ARMY! The mounted rifleman/april 2008 34 Remembering those who have fallen

SGT Corey Spates SSG Bryant Mackey CPT Torre Mallard Grim Troop, 2/3 ACR Lightning Troop, Fox Troop, 2/3 ACR Feb. 10, 2008 3/3 ACR March 10, 2008 Feb. 20, 2008

SGT Phillip Anderson SPC Donald Burkett SGT Gregory Unruh Fox Troop, 2/3 ACR Fox Troop, 2/3 ACR Fox Troop, 2/3 ACR March 10, 2008 March 10, 2008 March 19, 2008

SPC Matthew Morris CPT Ulises Burgos-Cruz Lion Battery, 2/3 ACR, MiTT 0511 attached to April 6, 2008 2/3 ACR April 6, 2008

35 The mounted rifleman/april 2008 “Brave Rifles! Veterans! You have been baptized in fire and blood and have come out steel!”