Desert Voice Magazine Serving U.S. and Coalition Forces in

DVAugust 29, 2007 Locked on Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility

As the Commanding program in place and that DV Contents General of Third it is being executed. This Army, I have many program is not meant to Page 3 responsibilities, none inconvenience you; it is in As Ramadan approaches, more important than place to save your life and U.S. servicemembers and ci- ensuring Servicemembers safeguard the equipment vilians must adhere to laws. are as safe as possible you need to get your job as they carry out their done! missions. I must also We need your help Page 4 ensure that our to ensure these The Camp Arifjan-based Joint Servicemembers Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb fire prevention Mobile Training Team wraps work in places Third Army Commanding General programs are in up its year-long deployment. that are as safe place and are being as they can be. We face many hazards conducted. You can help in several Page 8 as we go about our daily business, but ways. facing a fire where we live or work is Participate in scheduled fire drills; LNOs step up to help guide probably one of the most frightening don’t ignore them or take the attitude servicemembers to where and dangerous. they aren’t important. Historically, they are going. Recently we’ve had a rash of tent the more we train, the faster and more fires that have cost us over $500,000 automatic our responses become. Page 10 in lost property, to include Soldiers’ This quick response during a real fire Father-son duo deploy and personal gear. While we have been could very well save your life one day. work together at Camp extremely fortunate these fires have not Also, make sure you know where the killed or injured anyone, the impact on emergency exits are and how to use Arifjan. our mission has been enormous since available fire extinguishers, and activate we lost essential equipment that must fire alarms. If a fire does occur, this On the cover now be replaced. That means time and knowledge will save precious time, A sniper from 3rd Squadron, money which could have been spent equipment, facilities and maybe lives. 2nd Stryker Regiment, on operations must now be spent on You can also help prevent fires by based out of Germany, looks replacing what was lost. practicing fire-safe habits. Your fire down the scope of his sniper Commanders throughout Third Army prevention program personnel can help rifle at a training facility near have an obligation to train and inform you identify risks. By doing such things Camp Buehring, Aug. 21. For the personnel in the identification and as smoking only in designated smoking full story turn to page 6. elimination of fire hazards, enforce fire areas, not overloading electrical circuits, Photo by Pfc. Christopher T. Grammer prevention regulations, and ensure the and turning off electrical appliances availability and usage of fire protection when not in use, you greatly reduce the facilities and activities. All of us must risk of a fire. recognize, support, and emphasize fire We must continually be on guard Contact us prevention at all levels. against fires and work hard at Comments, questions, suggestions Each building and work section is preventing them. By practicing fire story ideas? Call the Desert Voice editor at 430-6334 or e-mail at required to have an appointed building prevention, we protect our equipment, [email protected]. coordinator who is responsible for and more importantly, our people. ensuring there is a fire prevention Patton’s own!

Volume 29, Issue 13 Third Army Commanding General 50th Public Affairs Detachment Commander The Desert Voice is an authorized publication for Lt. Gen. R. Steven Whitcomb Capt. Jeffrey Pray members of the Department of Defense. Contents Third Army Command Sgt. Maj. 50th Public Affairs Detachment NCOIC of the Desert Voice are not necessarily the official Command Sgt. Maj. Franklin G. Ashe Sgt. Jacob McDonald views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or Third Army Public Affairs Officer Desert Voice Editor Department of the Army. The editorial content of Spc. Giancarlo Casem this publication is the responsibility of the Third Col. Thomas Nickerson Army Public Affairs Office. This newspaper is Third Army Dep. PAO (FWD) Desert Voice Staff Writers DV published by Al-Qabandi United, a firm, Lt. Col. James A. Sams Spc. Jennifer McFadden Desert Voice which is not affiliated with Third U.S.Army. All Spc. Wes D. Landrum Magazine copy will be edited. The Desert Voice is produced Pfc. Christopher T. Grammer weekly by the 50th Public Affairs Detachment. Find us online at www.arcent.army.mil.

2 Desert Voice August 29, 2007 Holy month of Ramadan brings joy, happiness, rules

Story by fasting are the sick, pregnant women, said. Spc. Giancarlo Casem children and those traveling. Malki said it is important for Desert Voice editor “It is an actual breaking of the law in Americans in Muslim countries to know Kuwait,” Malki said. “In some countries about Ramadan. The month of September marks the it is frowned upon, here in Kuwait, it’s the “It is important first of all because end of summer and the start of fall, it also law. The sentence is usually one month of the law, we don’t want them jailed, marks the beginning of Ramadan. jail time, or until October 13.” stopped or shamed in public in Kuwait, Ramadan is the holiest month in the Malki said there are myths about the last thing we need is an international Islamic faith. This year, it starts Sep. Ramadan that many Americans do not incident,” he said. “The main reason is out 12 and ends Oct. 13. During this holy understand. of respect for this culture. The Kuwaiti month, there are special laws that all U.S. “They just think Muslims just starve people have hosted us for many years servicemembers, civilians and contractors themselves they might even laugh, but I after their liberation, and most of them must adhere to when they are in the think most Christians can understand, just are thankful for it. We have to respect the Third Army/U.S. Army Central area of like when they go through Lent,” Malki country’s people by following their (laws), responsibility. said. “Most people just don’t really know just like you would expect anyone coming This is the time that millions of about it that much.” to the U.S. to follow your own country’s Muslims believe the Holy Quran was He also said it is rude to offer food to (laws).” brought to the people, said Talal Malki, someone who is fasting. Out of respect, For Sabih, it all comes down to respect. Host Nation Relations, cultural awareness servicemembers and civilian contractors “If you respect others,” Sabih said. trainer. should also try to cover up tattoos, Malki “They will respect you.” “Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar,” Malki said. “In this month we believe the Holy Quran came down to people.” I Want You During this month Muslims begin fasting from dawn to sunset. They also visit each other for dinner and give gifts to each other, Malki said. “The purpose is to have closeness to -Don’t Eat -Don’t Chew God and to get a feeling of what the poor and hungry people go through,” he said. -Don’t Drink Gum “It also shows God your willingness to -Don’t Smoke let go of the basic needs of our bodies. By controlling our bodies, it strengthens the mind over body.” During this time, Muslims must adhere to laws and edicts set forth by religious leaders and the Quran, “(Muslims) cannot eat, drink, smoke chew in public, even servicemen and women outside the U.S. camps,” he said. “You have to follow the rules, if you’re inside your own home or inside the camp or embassy, then it is no problem.” If a Muslim breaks these rules his fasting maybe voided, said Sgt. Maj. Sabih al Shannari, liaison To Be Considerate non-commissioned officer for Camp Remember, Ramadan is from Sep. 12 to Oct. 13. Arifjan, ASG-Kuwait. From sunrise to sunset, obey the law! “You have to be aware about all the rules of Ramadan to do it the When you are off-post, including inside vehicles, correct way,” Sabih said. “If you break remember these laws. These laws apply to all U.S. something, your fast will be spoiled.” servicemembers, contractors and civilians.

Sabih said the only ones exempt from Kuwait

August 29, 2007 Desert Voice 3 Joint Mobile Training Team trained so others may live

Courtesy photo Spc. Annetta Radka, Spc. Melanie Norton and Sgt David J. Schwartz (from left to right), all from 557th Med. Co., conduct Vehicle Extraction Training with the Kuwaiti National Guard, June 2007. Medics wrap-up memorable year

Story by encouraged the team to branch out Sgt. David J. Schwartz and train at other locations, their CLS 557th Medical Company program would not have been as suc- cessful. To save lives, ambulances and The team has trained more than medical personnel are always ready. 1,100 servicemembers throughout However, saving a life may require the Third Army/U.S. Army Central quick and immediate action by the area of responsibility. They have also nearest personnel. trained servicemembers from other This is where the Joint Mobile nations such as Kuwait and Japan. Training Team comes in. “The most special moment of the Assigned to the 557th Medical tour came in July when we graduated Company Ground Ambulance, the our 1000th student,” Norton said. “It Bahrainian Soldiers conduct a “Care Under Fire” demonstration during the Tactical Combat Cas- ualty Care Information Exchange in Bahrain, Feb. 2007. JMTT began conducting Combat was one of the more moving experi- Lifesaver Training at Camp Arifjan in ences of the year.” rial. The Kuwaiti National Guard October 2006. The JMTT was assigned to Ba- translated her booklet and published Specialists Melanie Norton and An- sic First Responder Training at the it. The booklet is now used as a First netta Radka, 557th Med. Co., began request of the Kuwait National Guard. Responder Training Guide by the to revamp the CLS program to im- During this training, the team learned guardsmen. plement their experiences from their to overcome barriers and bridge gaps Aside from training in Kuwait, the previous combat tours. between the U.S. and Kuwaiti medics. team has also trained servicemembers “This gave the CLS students a real- “I realized that the Kuwaiti Nation- in other countries in the Third Army/ world angle on the training,” Norton al Guardsmen required more hands on U.S. Army Central area of responsi- said. “They benefited deeply from the training and less slide show,” Radka bility. experience.” said. In November, 2006 the JMTT Norton said that without the sup- As a result, during her own time, conducted a mission to Bahrain to

Kuwait port of their chain of command, who she worked to streamline the mate- conduct an information exchange with

4 Desert Voice August 29, 2007 Joint Mobile Training Team trained so others may live

Photo by Spc. Giancarlo Casem Spc. Melanie Norton, of Mobile, Ala., explains proper I.V. inserting procedures to servicemembers during a CLS refresher course at Camp Arifjan, Aug. 10.

Courtesy photo Bahrainian Soldiers conduct a “Care Under Fire” demonstration during the Tactical Combat Cas- ualty Care Information Exchange in Bahrain, Feb. 2007. the Bahraini military. The informa- tion exchange culminated in a live demonstration of the Bahraini Combat Medics in action in front of a review stand of senior leaders and delegates. The demonstration included a simu- lated attack while the medics cared for the wounded under fire. Even though CLS is an Army specific program, the JMTT opened Photo courtesy it up for all branches of service and Sgt. David J. Schwartz (right) instructs Staff Sgt. Kennji Tomiyama of the Japan Air even department of defense civilians, Self Defense Force how to properly roll a casualty to conduct patient assessment

Norton said. at Life Support Area, Kuwait, May 2007. Kuwait

August 29, 2007 Desert Voice 5 A sniper from 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, aims at target at a training facility near Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. 21. The 3-2 SCR used Third Army/U.S. Army Central training facilities in Kuwait before heading to Iraq.

A shooter and a spotter of a three-man sniper team with 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, zero a sniper rifle at a training facility near Camp Buehring, Kuwait ,Aug. 21.

Camp Buehring

6 Desert Voice August 29, 2007 Snipers zer in on skills

Story and photos by including the 50-caliber Barrett Sniper touches them, Schwendeman said. Pfc. Christopher T. Grammer System the 3-2 SCR’s snipers are “One shot one kill is a myth,” said Desert Voice staff writer divided into three man teams including Schwendeman. “Everybody misses a shooter, spotter and a radio telephone once. The best way to get good at The loud crack of rounds heading operator. The snipers of the 3-2 SCR shooting is to find what works for you.” downrange and directions yelled from train the way they fight, without The 3-2 SCR is a very experienced spotters to adjust fire were heard as the headgear to weigh down on their necks unit with more than 75 percent of its 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry and mess up their aim, said Staff Sgt. Soldiers having been deployed to Iraq, Regiment’s sniper teams zeroed their Daniel Schwendeman, noncommis- Clark said. weapons at a training facility near sioned officer-in-charge of the 3-2 SCR Snipers are pulled from within an Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. 21. sniper team. infantry unit as some of the best marks- The 3-2 SCR used Third Army/U.S. The shooter gets the target in his men among their peers. Once sniper Army Central’s various ranges in sites and fires the weapon as the spotter qualified they can count themselves Kuwait including the Military Opera- watches downrange for the impact. The among the best marksman in the Army, tions in Urban Terrain facilities and the spotter observes where the round hit able to eliminate an enemy thousands Engagement Skills Trainer 2000, to and provides the proper corrections to of meters away, Clark said. prepare for operations in Iraq. the shooter. The shooter then adjusts Morale is high and the Soldiers of “A sniper can engage precisely and the weapon to compensate for the wind the 3-2 SCR appear trained up and hit precisely,” said Command Sgt. Maj. and distance. Using data on previous ready to head into Iraq, Clark said. Everett O. Clark, 3rd Sqdn., 2nd SCR engagements the snipers are able to “I love what I do,” Schwendeman command sergeant major. switch out firers without re-zeroing the said. “I think it’s the best job in the Armed with an array of sniper rifles weapons each time another set of hands Army.”

A sniper from 3rd Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment, zeros his M-4 at a training facility near Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. 21. Camp Buehring

August 29, 2007 Desert Voice 7 To ensure Soldiers get to their destinations step up LNOs Story and photos by and back. Las Dulce and his LNO team getting to their units.” Spc. Wes Landrum traveled to Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. Staff Sergeant Daniel Jolley, LNO for Desert Voice staff writer 12, to meet up with the latest 4-2 SBCT the 25th Infantry Division, said his job is Soldiers going to Iraq. Without the LNO, difficult yet rewarding. He said the Sol- Sergeant 1st Class Ramil Las Dulce, a the Soldiers are lost, Las Dulce said. diers become his top priority until they liaison noncommissioned officer with 4th “We coordinate everything the Sol- board the plane and go north. Brigade Stryker Brigade Combat Team, diers will do that week,” he said. “We “You have to devote a lot of time 2nd Infantry Division, stepped up to the make sure their classes are set. We make making sure (the Soldiers) are well cared formation and addressed the group of sure the ranges are ready for them to for,” Jolley said. “They depend on you to Soldiers standing before him. go on. We do a lot of behind-the-scenes get them through that week of training so “This week, it is my job to make sure planning to help the Soldiers in their they can continue the mission.” you get the necessary training that will journey to Iraq.” Las Dulce said his typical week starts allow you to travel north,” he told the for- Las Dulce said if the LNOs weren’t on when he picks up the Soldiers at Camp mation. “If you do what you’re supposed the ground with the Soldiers every step Buehring. to, you will fly at the end of the week.” of the way, they would not know what to He greets them and then takes them The job of an LNO is to train the do or where to go. He said they would be to the Personnel Support Battalion. Soldiers to standard, receive mandatory unsure as to what steps they should take There, they watch the welcome video training , and resolve all combat equip- to get up north. and get the first in a series of briefings ment issues so they are focused and ready “They would take unnecessary classes on the policies here in Kuwait. After the to accomplish the mission in Iraq. LNOs and take part in ranges that aren’t part briefings, it’s chow and then some much help conduct the Third Army/U.S. Army of the guidelines the brigade has up for needed down time. Central’s logistical support mission by them,” Las Dulce said. “If that were to “After the initial briefings, I usually ensuring servicemembers get up to Iraq happen, it would set them back weeks give them 24 hours to recuperate,” Las Dulce said. “They’ve had a long flight and probably haven’t slept. This time gives them a chance to acclimate to the climate.” While the group is resting, Las Dulce attends a training meeting to set up his Soldier’s training needs. At the meeting, he coordinates the classes that are needed and the various ranges his group will fire on. Las Dulce said it’s important to have someone present to confirm the training is set. “Sometimes, the instructors cancel classes or ranges,” he said. “If you don’t go to the training meeting you’re setting up your Soldiers for failure.” The next two days vary from either the classroom portion of the training or the weapon familiarization. Either way, that Sgt. 1st Class Ramil Las Dulce, 4-2 SBCT LNO, tells his Soldiers the itinerary for the training gets done, Las Dulce said.

Camp Buehring next few days during the first day of mandatory training at Camp Buehring. At that point, the Soldier’s mandatory

8 Desert Voice August 29, 2007 Soldiers from 4-2 SBCT get familiar with their weapons during a firing exercise at training facility near Camp Buehring, Kuwait, Aug. 15.

Soldiers from 4-2 SBCT unload their gear at Camp Buehring Aug. 13. The Soldiers began a week of training in preparation for duty in Iraq. training is done, Las Dulce said. Next Soldiers over to the officer-in-charge and Las Dulce said he averages around 100 comes movement to the Area Support the noncommissioned officer-in-charge at personnel coming through every month. Group – Kuwait Life Support Area. The that point and let them run the show.” Jolley said he could be pushing through Soldiers board buses and are transported However, their job is not over. Rede- Soldiers up to 30 days from redeploying to the LSA to go through the Rapid Field- ployment is next. back to the . ing Initiative. “Depending on the circumstances, we Las Dulce said the best part about of At RFI, the Soldiers are issued their could have a brigade on their way back his job when he sees the Soldiers board combat gear if they don’t already have it. to the U.S. in a matter of weeks,” Jolley the plane bound for Iraq confident that While the Soldiers go through RFI, Las said. “Once one brigade is done, another they are ready to do the job. Dulce said he coordinates flight times one comes down from the north and we “I wish I could be there with them,” and informs the group leaders what time start the process all over again.” Las Dulce said. “They’re doing a job they need to have their Soldiers ready for Jolley said he averages between 200 that is the greatest job in the world. I’m transport. and 300 Soldiers coming through for just doing my best to make sure they are “After RFI and flight coordination, my refresher training before pushing onward taken care of prior to leaving for com-

job is done,” Las Dulce said. “I turn the into the 25th ID’s area of operations. bat.” Camp Buehring

August 29, 2007 Desert Voice 9 Father, son roll into 1113th family

Story and photos by Sgt. Eddie Siguenza 1113th Trans. Co. Public Affairs

For nearly two months, Sgt. David Thresher debated with his son about mili- tary priorities. Will there be a time when he has to make the choice of being a father first or being a Soldier … what would he do? It was the same for Pfc. Christopher Thresher; a Soldier or a son, what will come first? The Threshers, natives of Carl Junction, Mo., are newcomers to the 1113th Trans- Sgt. David Thresher, left, and Pfc. Christopher Thresher are a father son who, in late portation Company, a California Army July, joined the 1113th Transportation Company’s family at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. The 1113th TC is California National Guard unit out of San Jose, Calif. National Guard unit out of San Jose, Calif. The 1113th works under the 1st Sustain- Sgt. Thresher, his father. mom and Sgt. Thresher’s former spouse, ment Command (Theater) which supports But rather than correct the problem, is doubly proud of her family serving a Third Army/U.S. Army Central here in Sgt. Thresher accepted the orders. notable cause. Kuwait. “Those orders were for him. But when “She’s twice as worried,” said Sgt. The Threshers talked about responsi- I got them, I was glad because I wanted Thresher. “She gave me that extra respon- bilities in Kuwait, where the father-son to keep him from going,” Sgt. Thresher sibility of making sure Chris gets home duo are stationed. said. “He’s my son.” safely.” They discussed possible situations in The elder Thresher wanted to deploy The Threshers see their Kuwait con- Iraq, where the truck drivers will drive to instead of his son to keep him safe. nection as a blessing. Pfc. Thresher’s and from while on a year-long deploy- “I’m the one who volunteered, but presence does away with a lot of the ment. Their talk then returned to their, they picked him, not me,” Pfc. Thresher homesickness. Sgt Thresher said. home, where the rest of the family resides. said. “This is something that I wanted to “We’ll meet up sometimes, grab a piz- “The bottom line is you’ve got to be a do. Just me. This was my opportunity. I za. To me it’s more like a dad thing. I’m Soldier first,” Sgt. Thresher said. “Some felt like he was stepping into something proud of him,” Sgt. Thresher said. “I’m how you always seem to find the right that’s mine. But as time went on, I got just not going to admit it to his face.” thing to do at the right time, even if it is a used to the fact that he’s going.” “This is something we can do together tough decision.” Both Threshers later contacted their for all the times he’s been away,” Pfc. “I’ll always be worried about him, unit commander, who then served up Thresher said. “Who knows? I may look wondering if he’s taking care of himself. orders for Pfc. Thresher. By mid-July the back and say, ‘This is the best time we’ve He’ll be doing the same thing,” said Pfc. pair was en route to their mobilization ever had together.’” Thresher. “But he’s right. Here, you’ve got station and finally landed in Kuwait two However, there are disadvantages of to be a Soldier first. Even though he’s my weeks later. having father and son in the same unit. dad, he’s still wearing the same uniform as Within the 1113th TC, the pair is in “I know I’ll be worried about him do- everyone in the U.S. Army.” separate platoons. ing some of these things. I’ll be wonder- They will still be father and son, but The separation heals the healthy ing if he’s taking care of himself out on during this deployment, they will be broth- competitiveness between father and the road. He’ll be doing the same thing,” ers among their unit’s family. son. During weapons qualification, Sgt. Pfc. Thresher said. The Threshers were originally assigned Thresher shot a near-perfect 38 of 40 “With me here, he doesn’t just have to the Missouri Army National Guard. targets, but Pfc. Thresher shot 39, earning to worry about himself. He has to worry Their journey to Kuwait began last year the family’s bragging rights. about me,” added Sgt. Thresher. “With when Pfc. Thresher ran an Internet search “He hasn’t let me live that down yet,” me going out, I know he’ll be asking for a deploying transportation company Sgt. Thresher said. himself how he can help keep me safe and found one. “I don’t think I will,” Pfc. Thresher when he’s not there.” In April, Pfc. Thresher received orders said. Whatever outcome, the Threshers con- which required him to attend Soldier The usual referee of their jousting firmed this: here, there or anywhere, the Readiness Processing in preparation for resides thousands of miles away back in family that plays together stays together,

Campr Arifjan deployment. However, the orders were for Missouri. Julie Parker, Pfc. Thresher’s even thousands of miles from home.

10 Desert Voice August 29, 2007 Just One Question...

“If you could make one change to improve the working and living conditions in Kuwait, what would it be?”

“More days off for supply. Right now, we work six days with one day off. Sometimes we work all seven days.”

Petty Officer 2nd Class Colleen Miller Portland, Ore. Invntory manager Naval Logistics Safety Tip: “Improve communication be- Speed Kills tween officer and enlisted.”

The National Highway Traffic Safe- ty Administration reports that 31% (15,580) of all fatal motor vehicle Spc. Giovanni Stanziale accidents last year (50,258) in the Johnson, R.I. Signal specialist United States were the result of ex- 385th Signal Company cessive speed.

20% of the fatalities and injuries in the Global War on Terror- “More MWR shows here. I ism occur from preventable accidents, and not as a result of missed the comedy show enemy action. because I was working.”

Poor decisions and complacency are the Petty Officer 2nds Class Darryl Smith root cause of most accidents. Jackson, Mich. SPOD Security 142nd Security Detachment

Why I Petty Officer 1st Class Brian Bolden Electronics Technician serve: 142nd Security Detachment

The Chicago native explains why he chose to join the military.

“Initially, it was an access for going to school. Maturing in the service, it All in a day’s work has become a job.

Photo by Master Sgt. Michele Hammonds If I don’t serve Pfc. Sarah Wheatley, a driver with 640th Sustainment Brigade, 1st and someone else Sustainment Command (Theater), checks for oil leaks at Camp Vir- doesn’t serve, who ginia, Kuwait, July 30. She is part of the Third Army/U.S. Army Central will?” in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Kuwait

August 29, 2007 Desert Voice 11 What’s happening around Kuwait ...

Sustaining the mission Slackers serve it up

Photo by Master Sgt. Michele Hammonds Spc. Micah Mead, 640th Sustainment Brigade, re- Photo by Spc. Giancarlo Casem places the ball joint on a at Camp Virginia, Christopher Johnson (right) from Team Slacker, blocks a spike by a player from Kuwait, July 30. Meade, of Winton, Calif., is a track the Marine Central Command (Fwd) team during the Camp Arifjan unit level volley- vehicle mechanic with from the 640th Sustainment ball championship tournament, Aug. 22. After the game, the Slackers were crowned Brigade, 1st Sustainment Command (Theater) and champions. Both teams went to play in the ASG-Kuwait tournament Saturday and supports Third Army/U.S. Army Central in support of Sunday where the Slackers finished in second place and the MARCENT took third. Operation Iraqi Freedom. First place went to the Air Force team from ‘The Rock’ at Life Support Area, Kuwait.