The “...From the Ashes...” PHOENIX PATRIOT 2nd. Edition, Volume I Official Publication of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix V Sept. 25, 2006

Photo By 2nd Lieut. Amanda Straub CJTF Phoenix Mourns Three Fallen Brothers Story by Lt. Janette Arencibia who served beside them will The operation’s key tasks include where have established ensure the success of the continued insurance of long term peace and strongholds, our Soldiers face The strength, fortitude, and fi ght for freedom in . growing economic prosperity by increased threat and danger. service of three American Soldiers All three Soldiers recently eradication of insurgent forces Families who have lost a will become part of the Afghan lost their lives while engaging with focused operations in Ghazni Soldier to date can rest assured legacy as Master Sgt. Bernard the enemy in combat as part and Paktika. The efforts to extend that their efforts contributed Deghand, Sgt. 1st Class Michael of Operation Mountain Fury. the capabilities of established directly to the great success of Taua’e Fuga, and Staff Sgt. The operation is intended to governance are parallel to the Operation Enduring Freedom Nathanial Lindsey are honored for push across the East. In areas limit insurgent abilities to where Taliban occupation in bringing prosperity and their contributions to Operation conduct operations and organize exists, coalition forces are peace to Afghanistan. To date, Enduring Freedom. The example continued violence and criminal infi ltrating routes and transition American troops and their they provided for the Afghan activity in the Eastern and areas at the eastern border. families have honored the National Army (ANA) Soldiers Southern regions of Afghanistan. As operations extend to areas lives of 276 service members. Afghan SECFOR INSIDE Interpreters LTG Sticks Learn Eikenberry THIS Together Lifesaving Visits ANA ISSUE Skills

1 On Point w/ the CSM General Guidance

Jungleers, Warriors,

It is with great sadness Last week three great and yet great honor that I Warriors from our task write this column as a trib- force were killed in action ute to our fallen warriors. while engaging the enemy; Over the last two weeks Sgt. 1st Class Mike Fuga, we have had three of our Staff Sgt. Brad Lindsey warriors pay the ultimate and Master Sgt. Bernard sacrifi ce. I could not be Deghand. All three were prouder of the Task Force exceptional Soldiers who in the way that we have volunteered for this mis- honored and respected these great Americans. sion because they felt a personal commitment to defend freedom I was touched beyond belief as I talked to the pallbearers at each and protect their loved ones. Each had a family and didn’t want ramp ceremony. I was moved to tears as our warriors dropped all their children to live under the threat of terrorism. These Soldiers, and their families, sacrifi ced a great deal so they could serve their they were doing to honor the memory of our fallen comrades. nation. They were proud of their service and were role models It should bring into sharp focus the fl eetingness of this life. I for others. Rather than following the path where others had gone, remember talking to Staff Sgt. Lindsey a couple of weeks before they went where there was no path and left a trail of accomplish- he was taken from us. We were sharing our experiences in Iraq, ments for others to follow. in New Orleans, and here in Afghanistan. I was amazed at his These brave men were warriors and were all battle tested. Each commitment to duty, his country, and his family. felt discipline was an essential characteristic to accomplish our Although, I never had the opportunity to meet Master Sgt. De- mission and demonstrated that discipline on a daily basis. As sea- ghand, or Sgt. 1st Class Fuga personally, I am sure of their com- soned veterans they knew how to conduct themselves in combat mitment to those same values and way of life. I have heard sto- and when they came under fi re they protected their fellow war- ries from their peers and comrades and have no doubt that they riors. Their actions saved the lives of others and demonstrated were men of conviction, honor, and values. their professionalism. I ask that you continue to keep them in your thoughts and re- Their fellow Soldiers described them as caring and compas- member that Freedom isn’t Free, and we owe our all to continue sionate but demanding of excellence. They took time to mentor to drive toward completing our mission in their honor. and coach at a very personal level. All three will be remembered for their commitment to the development of the Soldiers and Leaders. They fought alongside ANA Soldiers and wanted to be on the front lines where they could make the most impact. We will miss Sgt. 1st Class Fuga, Staff Sgt. Lindsey and Master Sgt. Deghand and we grieve in their loss, but we also honor their service. Their dedication to the mission, our nation, the citizens Brunk Conley of Afghanistan and the free world, is what set them apart as spe- CSM, USA cial Soldiers and Patriots. They will live forever in our hearts and Command Sergeant Major minds. As we continue this most important of missions let us re- dedicate our efforts in their memory. Douglas A. Pritt Brigadier General, Commanding Fellow Patriots, tactical skills, leadership abilities, and nur- and sacrifi ce to continue the fi ght for a turing experienced logisticians. Still oth- free Afghanistan. If this country is not We are serving in eventful times in a ers of you are working in remote locations free from the rule of terrorists who seek to dangerous place. Some of you encounter with your Afghan National Army (ANA) harm and control Afghans and citizens of danger frequently and eliminate it. Others counterparts to hunt down and purge in- every nation, then none of us can be free. continue the work of building a prosperous surgent threats from this country as part of The stories in The Phoenix Patriot are nation through humanitarian assistance Operation Mountain Fury. told to you by your counterparts deployed projects, medical assistance missions, ed- In the last two weeks we have seen a around the country. Loyally support the ucation facilitation and economic restora- rise in insurgent activity and we all have members of the task force, your military tion. Some of you traverse the hazardous mourned the loss of our fallen comrades. family, and the people of Afghanistan in countryside delivering necessary supplies They worked tirelessly in support of our everything you do. Above all, remember and personnel to sustain the fi ght. Many of operation here because they believed your loved ones back home and all of the you are engaged on a daily basis mentor- whole-heartedly in our mission. Let us all things that make fi ghting to end terrorism ing Soldiers in the ANA, developing their band together in memory of their strength worth the trip. The Phoenix Patriot is the offi cial publication of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix V, authorized under the provisions of AR 360-1. The views and opinions expressed in The Phoenix Patriot are not necessarily those of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, or the departments of the Army, Air Force, or Navy. The Phoenix Patriot is a bi-weekly publication distributed to deployed Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Marines all over Afghanistan with a circulation of 3500. The Phoenix Patriot is happy to publish photos and articles from the fi eld and we encourage readers to submit original material to the CJTFPHX V Public Affairs Offi ce. All contributions, questions, comments and suggestions should be submitted via e-mail to: [email protected]. Editor in Chief/ Writer/ Photographer - Major Arnold V. Strong - Public Affairs Offi cer Managing Editor/ Writer/ Photographer - Second Lieutenant Amanda M. Straub - Content Manager Writer/ Photographer - First Lieutenant Cathrin Y. Fraker - Deputy Public Affairs Offi cer Writer/ Photographer - Sergeant First Class Tom Roberts - Public Affairs NCOIC

The Phoenix Patriot 2 Medics Overcoming Gender Barriers in Afghanistan Story and Photos by very important class because I may Sgt. Margaret C. Nelson be the only one left to help my co- alition friends…my buddies.” The FOB CAMP STONE, Afghani- 21 year-old has been assisting U.S. stan – Sgt. Nova J. Dragoo, 1042nd forces for two years and this is the Medevac, Salem, Ore., says her fi rst opportunity he has had to learn team of female medics is not letting lifesaving skills. gender bar them from accomplish- Another interpreter said that he ing their goals of, “teaching any Af- wanted to, “Serve his country and ghan, or soldier willing to learn.” assist the Afghan National Army’s The two medics are doing just (ANA) efforts to establish peace that by crossing cultural differences and security here.” at FOB (Forward Operating Base) The U.S. medics covered instruc- Camp Stone, about 10 miles south tion on airway clearing and provid- of Herat. They are teaching combat ed demonstration on a mannequin lifesaving skills (CLS) to approxi- followed by a question and answer mately 60 male Afghan translators period. The class was then broken- and civilian contractors not accus- down into groups of eight to 10 for tomed to receiving instruction, guid- Army Sgt. Nova J. Dragoo, Oregon’s “hands-on” exercises on manne- ance, and correction from females. Charlie Medical Company, shows a quins, and each other. “People were skeptical at the be- student where to fi nd a pulse. The enthusiasm and interest ginning about how many Afghans forces is one of the most dangerous amongst the students was evident would show up because of our gen- throughout the lesson with complete der,” Dragoo said. occupations for Afghan nationals participation. The medics monitored “We heard the only reason the to hold as Taliban insurgents target the groups making on-the-spot cor- local nationals where showing up them for assisting coalition forces. rections when necessary. was because we are females,” Sgt. They are also exposed to danger as The interpreters are between the Brooke L. Welborn, Portland, Ore., they accompany troops into combat ages of 18 – 26 which could explain added. and missions around the country the quick acceptance of the medics’ “That’s a plus in my books. If be- translating the languages spoken gender. ing female drew them into the class- here: Dari, and Pashto. They come “Maybe I was feeling funny when room than obviously the informa- from all over Afghanistan. I fi rst saw that it was females teach- “We initially volunteered to teach ing, but they know what they are a fi rst aid class. It was so well re- talking about,” said another Herat ceived that we expanded it into a native. CLS class instead,” Welborn said. *The names and faces of interpreters The seven-week course is held for have been omitted for thier safety. two hours every Friday, typically a day off for Afghans and a “relaxed” day for most Soldiers deployed here. “The interpreters chose to be here on their day off. It was the only time they could commit as a group,” said Dragoo. The course, in its infancy, is the fi rst of its kind at Camp Stone. The attendance initially totaled around 40, and now numbers near 60 with the addition of civilian contractors. “The interpreters are eager to Afghan interpreters check-out one of the learn,” Welborn said. “They know medical “dummies” during a class-break. what we’re teaching is important and they catch on quickly.” tion we’re teaching is keeping them When asked why give up his here,” said Dragoo. Fridays to attend this course espe- An interpreter for the coalition An Afghan student looks over the CLS cially, a Kabul native said, “It is a assessment test. 3 Training and Teamwork Story and Photos by 1st Lieut. Cathrin Fraker

GARDEZ, Afghanistan – “Now this is National Guard duty!” jokes a Soldier from ¬2nd Platoon, Alpha Com- pany. Soldiers from 2nd Platoon are engaged in moving and stacking sand bags around their “B-Huts” adding a level of protection to their sleeping quarters against rocket attacks. Everyone in the platoon takes part, including 2nd Lieut. Jake Howard, the platoon leader from Salem Oregon. “The sandbag detail is a force protection issue that is being addressed by the whole camp,” Howard says. “We will continue the detail once every other week or so until the job is complete.” A job like stacking sandbags can be a little less than good clean fun, but it doesn’t bother these Soldiers. They carry on with their work smiling, laughing and covered in dirt and sand. “We are always cracking jokes and playing games. It makes the time go by faster,” Cpl. Samuel Gates, Klamath Falls, OR, said. Whether the Soldiers are out on patrol or pulling guard duty in a tower, the same positive attitude is present, but a solid team is not built overnight. The Soldiers of 2nd Platoon, like many in the Task Force, have been working together since March at Camp Shelby. The Non-commissioned Offi cer leaders are an essential link to the overall unity of the team. “The squad leaders do a great job with team cohesion. They instill it in every Soldier,” Howard said. Time and training has bonded the platoon establishing a sense of unity and fi erce loyalty. “We are a family, we have our petty arguments from time to time but all of that is put aside when we have a mission,” Howard said.

Teamwork in 2nd Platoon makes tedious tasks bearable.

The Phoenix Patriot 4 Stabilize SECFOR

Sgt. Derryl D. James supervises the training of his close-knit Soldiers.

Story by 1st Lieut. Cathrin Fraker

KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – “We have the best mission in Afghanistan,” Pfc. Jason R. Haataja, of Corvallis, Ore, said. Haataja is a member of 3rd Platoon, Bravo Company, 1-180th Infantry Battalion, Security Force (SECFOR) for the 205th Regional Command Assistance Group (RCAG). This group of Soldiers is tight-knit and has been through a lot together over the last three months. During a recent trip to 3rd Platoon Soldiers put all of their training to work as they came in contact with insurgents on many occasions. “You hear about all of this stuff, you train for it, and you expect it. And then when it happens, it all comes to- gether. You understand why you do the things you have been trained to do,” Spc. Scott J. Delapp, Salem, Ore., said. Training is a high priority for 3rd Platoon. When they are not on a mission, they are training to keep their skills sharp. There is a signifi cant amount of confi dence that comes from being well trained. During 3rd Squad’s fi rst ambush, training became instinct. Sgt. Derryl D. James of Albany, Ore describes the incident. “It is funny, the communication inside the vehicle. I was surprised. I remember thinking, ‘Wow, everyone is so calm.’” James said. “You have to be loud because things are loud outside. But the radio traffi c was calm. The driver maintained a straight line. Everyone’s training just kicked in.” 1st Lieut. Vincent P. Habeck of Beaverton, Ore. ensures his Soldiers are trained and ready. The regimen is strict. “They have weekly required training. Battle drill training is required, PT is required and we throw in additional training.” Habeck said.

5 Sons of Soldiers Story by 2nd Lieut. of the Soviet fall. Now less, he throws it into the happy and free. Jeffrey Fullmer the families of Afghan back of our Ford Ranger The Afghans are re- National Army (ANA) and runs away with glee, building. Hope rings in Two days after I arrived Soldiers reside in the proud to give a Soldier a the air, carried along by in country I hopped into hollowed out rooms. gift. A tear swells in my the laughter of little chil- a Ford Ranger and drove We drive down a dirty eye as I realize he gave dren. All that is needed to the village of Shir- street, marred by pot- all he had to give. now is for the entire Zai. holes. As the burning As I enter Shir-Zai I country do what the I drove by a swimming sun beats upon us we look back to the Afghan families of Shir-Zai did- pool that once heard the pass through a makeshift town, red with the set- rebuild. happy ring of laughter. Afghan town. Children ting sun. Now the pool is dried boldly smile and wave. Although One, then another, and they have up, the voices silenced soon a horde of children little, the by time. Once an oasis rush the vehicle, begging space for the Russian Bear, for water and candy. is their little remains. The road Full of the happy igno- own, no is cluttered with aban- rance of youth, the sad- longer doned Soviet equipment. ness of reality remains riddled A junkyard holds inoper- undiscovered to them. by the able T-34 tanks, a shell One of them boys me a rule of of a once powerful army. red action fi gure, the only the So- In the distance a mas- toy he owns. He motions viets. sive apartment complex that he is giving it to me Children towers above the ground. and I desperately tell him play in Photo by 2nd Lieut. Amanda Straub It has been bombed re- no. That toy means so the streets peatedly, and is largely much more to him than and Sol- Young boys, sons of ANA Soldiers in Shir-Zai, toppled, a glaring symbol attest to the progress thier fathers are making it will to me. Neverthe- diers walk rebuilding Afghanistan. CFC-A Commander Visits Oldest Kandak in Afghanistan Story and Photos by six times a year and the physical fi tness training cycles Maj. Timothy B. Smart every six weeks with a 25 km road march. Majid praised the team of coalition partners and the KUNDUZ, Afghanistan – is home to the oldest Kandak Soldiers in the 1-1-209th Kandak. Saying that with in the Afghan National Army (ANA), 1st Kandak, time and patience, security and stability will reign in 1st Brigade, 209th Corps (1-1-209th Kandak.) The the Northern provinces with the help and mentoring of Kandak Commander, Lt. Col. Majid, briefed Lt. Gen. American menroting and reconstructino teams. Eikenberry, CFC-A Commander, Command Sgt. Maj. Majid did raise two major issues with Shaw: personnel Wood and Maj. Gen Shaw, ANA Ministry of Defense, strength and deployment pay. The Kandak will lose on his concept of operation and mission sets the past 80 Soldiers to retirement in the nest three months and few months. they are already below strength. If they do not recieve Eikenberry and Shaw seemed impressed with the replacements security in the region may suffer. recent success of missions and presence patrols in the Eikenberry praised the kitchen staff and support Northeastern region of Afghanistan. Eikenberry asked platoon leader during his visit saying, “This is the Majid about individual weapons qualifi cations (IWQ), cleanest kitchen I have ever seen in the Afghan physical National Army.” fitness The visit continued with a lunch at the PRT and a training, short presentation by the PRT Commander, COL and the Brandstetter, who delivered a clear overview of the integration uniqueness of the Kunduz PRT and their four pillars. of the “The ANSF partnerships with the PRT play a major coalition role in the success here in the North,” Brandsetter partners. said. The IWQ Brandsetter emphasized that 90 precent of the people in 1st in the region are pro-Western and desire security and Kandak is stability. They support U.S. Operations, in large part, conducted because of the outstanding work of the teams in place Lieut. Gen Eikenberry and Col. Brandsetter discuss the there. multitude of projects and upgrades in 1-1-209th Kandak. The Phoenix Patriot 6 300lbs on the Capt. Jack Gillentine Jr. shares chai tea with the village elders of mat, and knelt Mashkay Kala while discussing thier needs. The Mission of a Lifetime down. The vil- Story by Capt. lage elders Jack Gillentine Jr joined me on the I’ve been on several missions mat sitting cross- where we captured bad guys or legged. weapons, but today was one of the The men began most rewarding missions I’ve been to claim their on in a much more enjoyable sort boys, and they of way. appeared to re- Three weeks ago Staff Sgt. Da- lax a bit. I asked vid Bowman and I went with our Hassan and the Afghan National Army (ANA) others what their weapons company to a little town village needed called Mashkay Kala, about eight to become more km south of Orgun, for a leader’s prosperous. He told me they engagement. needed a demo- It was a new experience. As we craticraticatic schoolschool, that the madrasa waswa celebrity walking down the red car- pulled into the center of the village ok for conservative education, but pet. The teachers made an imagi- several older men came out to in- they wanted to teach children, (girls nary line in the air to keep the stu- vestigate the ruckus. Young boys included) more modern classes. dents back. I was impressed with peered out of colorful doors, from He pointed to several of the men their discipline. behind the men, with wide eyes surrounding me and explained that The headmaster gave a command staring at the strange new people they are teachers. He also asked and they jumped to there feet at with extraordinary vehicles. for pens and paper for the school nearly attention. I was again im- I thought these children must children. pressed. The headmaster asked if I think we look like something from We fi nished our chai and Has- wanted to speak to them. outer space, but then I realized they san walked us back to our vehicles I decided that I should just talk to probably don’t even know about where we donned our space suits them like American children. I told outer space. So I had no perspec- with dark glasses and cranked up them that they should be proud of tive for what these children must our large loud humvees. The chil- the ANA, and that I was honored have thought. dren stood back as I waved good- to be in Afghanistan, and that if I jumped down from the gun bye from behind the Mk-19 in the they studied hard in their new free turret to meet the village elders. I gun turret. country that they could be what- shook hands with the nearest man I returned to Forward Operating ever they wanted to be. and was surprised to hear him re- Base (FOB) Orgun-e and e-mailed We moved back to our vehicles spond in english, “Welcome to my friends and relatives. I described as the ANA began to distribute village, my name is Hassan.” my visit and asked them to send humanitarian assistance items and Hassan led me to a shaded area, pens and paper for the school school supplies. where a couple of the older chil- children. The response was over- Surrounded by children, I thanked dren spread a large colorful bam- whelming. I’ve collected hundreds the headmaster and the elders for boo mat on the ground. I careful- of pens and notebooks, allowing us to visit their village. ly placed a boot carrying half of from the states. Several children chased our con- Bowman, and I re- voy until they could not run any turned today with our farther. ANA counterparts to de- I will not soon forget this experi- liver the school supplies I ence. The look on the children’s received and humitarian faces when the ANA distributed assistance items. We re- material was priceless. cieved a warm welcome I like conducting combat opera- from the same elders we tions and looking for bad guys as talked to before. We talk- much as the next Soldier, and I’m ed about family and the not naïve enough to think that we United States while sip- won over Mashkay Kala today ping chai. with some paper and pens, but it We walked to the school certainly was a step in the right di- Afghan Soldiers from 3-2-203rd Heavy Weapons where teachers and chil- rection. If all of us can make that Company distribute humanitarian assistance items dren were outside wait little difference then the US Army to the children of Mashay Kala. ing for us. I felt like a won’t be here for long.

7 Featured Patriot - MSG Dave Bauer Story by 2nd Lieut. and having fun and forgot to do that.” Bauer is a Senior Non-commis- Amanda Straub sioned Logistician and mentors three Master Sgt. Dave Bauer is an out- Afghan National Army (ANA) logis- standing non-commissioned offi cer ticians for 201st Corps. Bauer says dedicated to the development and it is a great challenge to work with well-being of junior Soldiers in both the newly formed army on logisti- the American and Afghan Armies. cal planning. The ANA is not used to “He is a true patriot and loyal to his long-term logistical thinking when it country, his command and all the Sol- comes to preparing missions. diers he serves with,” Command Sgt. That’s where Bauer comes in. Maj. Robert Roy said. According to Roy, it is Bauer’s ef- Photo by Command Sgt. Maj. Robert Roy According to Roy, Bauer is normal- forts that allow the ETTs and ANA to Master Sgt. Dave Bauer is an expert logisti- ly quiet and hard working, but on a be combat effective. cian, a seasoned veteran, and wise friend. deeper level, he has a vast wealth of “We hear a lot abut supporting he loves getting outside the wire to experience he is willing to share as a ETTs,” Roy said, “but Master Sgt. learn about the people and the coun- master logistician and multiple com- Bauer lives up to the task and even ac- try. bat veteran. companies supply pushes forward.” “I don’t know how you can deter- Bauer began his career as a Marine Bauer works in Lincoln, Nebraska mine what your purpose in Afghani- in Vietnam and now, after 33 years of as a research analyst in his civilian ca- stan is if you don’t know what Af- service, he is fi nishing his career with reer. He says he misses his family and ghanistan is about?” Bauer said. “If Task Force Phoenix here in Afghani- friends and “the celebration of home” we’re going to fi ght for a country, we stan. but he enjoys being here working with should prove that we’re worthy of that “I was going to get out after 20 seasoned professionals and meeting fi ght. It’s hard to do, but be admirable years,” Bauer said, “but I was busy new people in Afghanistan. He says and act admirably.” Sound Off - What’s Great About Your Homestate? “Three things: the Ducks, Thurs- day nights at John Henry’s (it’s 80s “I love the wide open spaces.” night) and Saturday Market.” Staff Sgt. Kristen Jenness Spec. Jeffery Cooke PMO and Effects Cell, SEC FOR 62nd Air Lift Wing Command Post Eugene, OR Durant, OK

“The food; philly “The sun! It’s cheesesteak and warm there even hoagies. I love to in winter. I love eat!” the warm and the beaches, the casual Spec. William Marine island feel. It’s the Electronic Repairman sunshine state!” B Co, 141 LTF Philadelphia, PA Sgt. Jean F. Gali Billeting Operations NCO A Co, 53rd Inf Bde. Clearwater, FL

The Phoenix Patriot 8