USF-I Volume 1, Issue 2 February 2010 CHRONICLE Marines Transfer Authority in Love Results from Combat Injury

Iraqi Headquarters Gets New Home Redeploying Soldiers with the 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, USF-I 1st Cavalry Division, file onto a C-17 Globemaster III Jan. 26 at Camp Taji, . More than 3,000 Soldiers left HRONICLE Camp Taji in a 16-day period, marking C the first fixed-wing redeployment The Official Magazine of operation from Camp Taji. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Michael Camacho) United States Forces — Iraq

On the Cover February 2010 Volume 1, Issue 2

USF-I Commander Gen. Raymond Odierno

USF-I Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Charles H. Jacoby, Jr.

Public Affairs Officer Col. John R. Robinson

Public Affairs Sergeant Major Sgt. Maj. Richard Puckett page 4 Editor/Layout and Design Daughters of Iraq doing their part and Ms. Renea L. Everage making a difference Questions, comments and concerns about the USF-I Chronicle can be addressed via email at usfichroniclegroupmailbox@iraq. centcom.mil. Submissions of articles, photos and letters are also welcome. The Chronicle reserves the right to edit for security, accuracy, propriety, clarity and space. Archived issues are available at http://www.dvidshub.net. Electronic versions of current issues can be found at www. usf-i.com.

The USF-I Chronicle is an authorized monthly publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of this monthly publication are not necessarily the official views of or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the Department of Defense. The editorial content of this publication is the responsibility of the Public Affairs Office of the United States Forces-Iraq.

page 6 Soldiers helping Iraqis in need Departments

Feature up Front page 1

Freedom’s Focal Point page 10 Photo Feature page 18 page 18 U.S. Corps of Engineers bringing In Memoriam good things to light page 21 FEATURE UP FRONT

The II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), U.S. Forces – West color guard stands at parade rest just before the beginning of the transfer of authority ceremony in which II MEF yielded command of Al Anbar Province to 1st Armored Division, U.S. Division-Center at Camp Ramadi. The ceremony marked the end of nearly six years of Marine command of coalition forces in Iraq. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kayleigh J. Cannon)

Historic Transfer of Authority Takes Place in Ramadi....

February 2010 1 people who have sacrificed dearly but now emerge as general, said the accomplishments of the Marines in the stronger people.” region will not be in vain. ....as II MEF Marines relinquish As the Marines say their goodbyes to the citizens and “For many of us who have served with you on multiple tribal leaders of Al Anbar, Iraqi soldiers and police tours across Iraq, we’ll never forget your sacrifices and officers in the region will begin working closely with 1st all that you have given on our behalf,” Woolf said. mission to Soldiers of 1st AD Armored Division, under the continued leadership of He emphasized that his division will match Al Anbar’s 1st Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division (Advise and Assist changing environment by assisting the region’s tribal Brigade) who have been operating there for about six sheiks and Iraqi Security Forces to ensure all Iraqis in months. Army leaders with 1st Armd. Div., said they are the region enjoy the security and peace they deserve. eager to build on II MEF’s reputation; Tryon expressed “Today is one of those transition points in the confidence in their ability to do so. evolution of military operations as the 1st AD and “Today’s ceremony is certainly an example of USD-C takes over responsibility for partnering with continued positive change as we transition and Iraqi security forces and the provincial government of Al consolidate U.S. forces under the flag of USD-C,” said Anbar,” said Wolff. “As we move forward, we understand Tryon. “Over the last several years, we have seen a the importance of this year in Iraq, and the USD-C team logical and a desired progression in Anbar, moving from has dedicated ourselves to that mission and the tasks combat operations to counter insurgency operations, ahead.” and now to stability operations.” Tryon praised the efforts of the Iraqis and tribal sheiks in Al Anbar for their courage in standing against tyranny and violence in their streets. “These things have not been accomplished over the course of the past several years because of what U.S. forces have done alone,” said Tryon. “Rather, these achievements are a result of what we have done together in partnership with one Story by Spc. Kayleigh Cannon another and with the leadership of USD-C Public Affairs the Iraqi civil sector. “We see over and again that we are Maj. Gen. Richard T. Tryon (right), commanding general of II Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), U.S. Forces-West, and at our best when we partner together his senior noncommissioned officer in charge, Sgt. Maj. Kip Carpenter (center), case the II MEF’s colors symbolizing the end to achieve our mutual objectives and of their command responsibility in Al Anbar province the ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Daniel Schneider) goals working side-by-side, hand-in- hand,” he said,” “learning from one RAMADI, Iraq – The first major indicator of the (Forward) built upon the developments made during another in accomplishing our mutual responsible drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq occurred two previous Marine Expeditionary Force rotations. mission.” in Ramadi Jan. 23 when II Marine Expeditionary “This is a pivotal moment in the history of Iraq,” said The casing of the II MEF colors Force (Forward) transferred authority of Iraq’s largest Maj. Gen. R.T. Tryon, II MEF (Forward), commanding signified completion of the Marine province to 1st Armored Division. general of U.S. Force-West. Corps mission in Iraq. As the Before the ceremony, 1st Armored Division’s area Marines have been at the heart of almost every major Marine color guard marched their of operations, as U.S. Division-Center, encompassed Iraq campaign period since February 2004, from the colors off the stage, the Army color and its surrounded communities. The historic early battles in an-Najaf and Fallujah, along the western guard replaced them. Maj. Gen. transfer of authority ceremony, held at Camp Ramadi, Euphrates River Valley which extends from Al Qa’im Terry Wolff, 1st Armored Division, extends the division’s reach throughout Al Anbar to Rawah; and continuing with the pivotal Awakening U.S. Division-Center commanding Province; a vast western landscape spanning more than Movement which many historians and diplomatic 53,000 square miles. experts credit as the turning of the tide against al Qaeda The color guard of 1st Armored The ceremony also marks the closure of a nearly six- in Iraq. Division, U.S. Division-Center, stands year U.S. Marines Corps command presence in Iraq and “Since early 2004, the U.S. Marines serving in Al at attention after the division officially assumes responsibility of Al Anbar Province comes at a pivotal time when U.S. forces are transferring Anbar have consistently exemplified their motto, Semper from II Marine Expeditionary Force from combat operations to stability operations. Fi – Always Faithful,” said Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby, (Forward), United States Force-West. The Since its activation as II MEF (Forward) on July 2, deputy commanding general for operations and I Corps transfer of authority ceremony marks the 2008, the Marine division worked with the people of Al commanding general, U.S. Forces-Iraq. “They have end of nearly six years of Marine command Anbar and tribal sheiks to help secure peace and stability been especially faithful to the people of Al Anbar; the of coalition forces in the province. (U.S. for the province and all of Iraq. The efforts of II MEF focal point of their mission in Iraq. Anbaris are resilient Army photo by Spc. Kayleigh J. Cannon) 2 USF-I Chronicle February 2010 3 suicide bombers to a low occurrence. The Soldiers of Company C have An Iraqi woman signs for her monthly been issuing the payments for these payment in Kana-An, Iraq. As a “Daughter women since September 2009, of Iraq,” she receives pay for pulling Daughters of Iraq - making their security at government buildings where she shortly after they arrived in Iraq. performs searches on females. Payments are issued during the first week of every month for work done contribution and making a difference the previous month. “We started off on a rough note,” William, an interpreter for Charlie Company, 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, counts out Nada Abdul’s said 1st Lt. Christopher Maes, Story and photos by the fire support officer for Charlie monthly payment in Kana-An. Abdul received her the payment, equivalent to $250, Pfc. Adrian Muehe for pulling security at government buildings as one of the “Daughters of Iraq.” USD-N Public Affairs Company, 5-20 Inf. “When we came in, they hadn’t been paid in three months.” DIYALA, Iraq – Eleven women With constant visits and good re- lined up to receive their payment for cord keeping, the Soldiers of Com- a month’s work, another month that pany C, along with local government saw them perform a vital job in Iraq. officials, were able to get caught up They are the “Daughters of Iraq.” on payments. Soldiers from Charlie Company, The mayor of Kana-An, Mudiyar 5th Battalion, 20th Infantry Regi- Medhi, played a significant role in ment, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat keeping the records accurate. Team, 2nd Infantry Division, handed “This is one of the most squared- out payments to the “Daughters of away guys I’ve seen,” Maes said, Iraq” at the Kana-An town hall, Jan. as Mayor Medhi sorted through his 7. extensive records. The “Daughters of Iraq” are The partnership is vitally important women who augment the security to this program. With the Mayor’s forces at government buildings and records matching those of Charlie checkpoints to provide another layer Company, running this program is a of safety. smooth, easy process. Women are usually not encouraged Charlie Company Soldiers also to work outside of the home. But, helped with training the DoI In No- but the Soldiers from 5-20th Inf. this program gives women who have vember. They accompanied female would like to make this a permanent lost family to sectarian violence the Soldiers from the 287th Military fixture in Iraq’s society. chance to make a living and help the Police, to teach them proper search- Charlie Company Soldiers will people of Iraq. With the Iraqi Police ing techniques. The DoI learned, in be renegotiating and renewing the and Army being predominantly male, detail, how to search women and contracts for these women. Changes, the “daughters” are called forth to where contraband or SBIEDs may be if any are to be made, will not be perform female searches. hidden. drastic. The “daughters” are doing some- With the pending elections, comes “Some women will have to change thing that was unheard of here six the opportunity for violence. It is the buildings where they pull secu- years ago – empowering women. In vital to ensure these women are fresh rity,” Maes said. “There will be no a changing culture where women and up to speed on what to exactly changes to pay.” now have rights that once seemed look for. With one month’s worth of hard impossible, the example these wom- “We would like to give them work paid for, these brave women en set could one day be the standard. more training before the elections in will go on doing what they do to This DoI program is one of the March, just to give them a refresher make Kanta-An a safer place. reasons Diyala is a safer place today. course,” Maes said. “This program is working really It has proven to be an effective mea- The funding for these payments well,” Maes said. “Since we’ve been An Iraqi boy waits in the mayor’s office sure in preserving the peace in Iraq come from the Commanders Emer- here, there haven’t been any success- at Kana-An while his mother, a “Daughter reducing the stream of recent female gency Response Program, or CERP, ful suicide attacks in the area.” of Iraq,” receives her monthly payment. 4 USF-I Chronicle February 2010 5 PATROL BASE HAMIYAH – One-by-one, they filtered into the Security Through Stability: small room, Jan. 12, filled with hope and carrying sad stories in their Iraqis in Need Given Economic Options hearts. A 20-year-old widow with five Story by Sgt. Ben Hutto children told of how hard it has been USD-S Public Affairs to support her family. Her husband was taken in the middle of the night, three years ago, by “bad men,” she said. His body was found a week later. A 17-year-old boy came in wearing a tattered pink jacket. He said he was forced to drop out of school to support his brother’s children, explaining in a sad voice that his older brother and father were both Sgt. Brian Wilson, from Fort Lewis, Wash., attached to Company B, 2nd Bn., 69th killed by terrorists a few years ago. Armor Regt., congratulates a farmer in Khidr after he signed an economic project The list of the needy went on and contract. The contracts, aimed at helping the needy in northern Babil province, will on that morning. give struggling families a way to support their families without having to turn to Life in Khidr, Iraq, a small village terrorist cells for support. in an area once dubbed the “Triangle of Death” by the American media at Soldier attached to Company B, the three programs are the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom, can be hard. perfect for the people they are helping, because they are The area still doesn’t have a local police force, although a designed to be self-sufficient enterprises that require police station is under construction. very little work on the part of the applicants. The 8th Iraqi Army Division maintains security as best “Honey bees thrive in this area,” said Wilson, a native they can, but a local shaykh says that financial help from of Elk Grove, Calif. “It will really just be a matter of the the Iraqi government is slow in making its way to the widows waiting for them to make honey and draining area. it off. The turkey applicants will receive 30 turkeys that “All farmers in Iraq have a right to go to the will start reproducing a few months after they arrive. government and ask for help,” he said, “but it is never With the feed we will provide for the birds, all the enough for the farmers here, if they get anything at all.” applicants really have to do is feed their animals and So far, the Americans have been key to taking up the wait.” slack, he said. While the cost of starting these projects isn’t that high, “The U.S. forces have been very helpful giving us Wilson said, the benefit of them could potentially be projects,” he said. “If the Americans don’t help us, who enormous. will? I honestly don’t know.” “As long as the applicants are allowed to do what the On Oct. 12, 2009 the Soldiers of Company B, 2nd program is designed for, I think they can all be self- Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment, working out of Patrol sufficient,” he said. “Obviously, not all 70 applicants will Base Hamiyah, were there to provide much-needed help be successful, but even if ten make it, it will have been for the widows and poor of the area. worthwhile.” The battalion brought contracts that will help 70 poor Those ten may not have had much hope outside for the widows and farmers establish turkey farms, beekeeping program, Wilson said. houses and irrigation wells. “These programs are reaching a segment of Iraq that, As the applicants signed their names to the contracts, traditionally, has had very few opportunities to support Staff Sgt. Jon Kirkendall, a squad leader in Company themselves and their families,” he said. B, from Portsmouth, Ohio, said he could finally see a As the applicants filed out of the small room, Wilson glimmer of hope in many of them. and Kirkendall gave each a handshake and wished them As a 2nd Bn., 69th Armor Regt. Soldier looks on, a farmer “These people are exactly who these programs are luck. Wilson told every applicant that they would be from Khidr, Iraq, signs a contract at a local shaykh’s home that will provide his farm with an irrigation well. The 3rd Heavy designed for,” he said. “You can see many of them contacted around the first of next month to begin the Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division civil affairs units are desperate for a way to take care of their families. delivery of their animals and equipment. have been working to provide economic support projects for Hopefully, these projects can help them find a way to “It feels good to help folks,” said Kirkendall. “You just the local widows and poor families in the Northern part of Babil become self-sufficient.” hope that they all find a way to make it last and take care province. According to Sgt. Brian Wilson, a Fort Lewis, Wash., of their families.” 6 USF-I Chronicle February 2010 7 Story by Airman 1st Class Allison M. Boehm Redistribution team Photos by Airman 1st Class Brittany Y. Bateman 332nd AEW Public Affairs has integral role in JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- In less than a year, the United States military is scheduled to execute the responsible drawdown of nearly drawdown order 150,000 troops from Iraq. The troop exodus requires the consignment of cargo, vehicles, supplies and other war-fighting equipment used in deployed locations. Joint Base Balad’s redistribution property assistance team is one of seven in Iraq. They relieve demobilizing units in the local Staff Sgt. Marvin Montenegro, 732nd area of excess theater-provided Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron equipment. In doing so, the RPAT data entry operator, assists a solider with reestablishes accountability, turning in a vehicle to the Redistribution enables asset visibility of the Property Assistance Team at Joint Base received equipment and allocates Balad, Iraq. transportation methods for the flagged provisions. forward movement of all assets into “We take possession of the Afghanistan,” said Marrero. “We equipment that the unit will not help ensure the warfighter gets these be returning with, find disposition assets as soon as possible, and if we for that equipment and ship it to can avoid sending this equipment where it is supposed to be going as on lengthy trips back to the United Tech. Sgt. Michael Marrero, 732nd Expeditionary safely and quickly as possible,” said States then we would like to do so.” Logistics Readiness Squadron lead inspector, verifies Tech. Sgt. Michael Marrero, 732nd Still, Airmen and Soldiers find the serial number on a Defense Advanced Global Expeditionary Logistics Readiness that some equipment must be sent Position System Receiver found in a vehicle during an Squadron lead inspector and RPAT to depots in the United States for inspection at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. yard boss. repair before being sent to the As U.S. servicemembers prepare front line. Inspectors check for to turn over the cleanliness while ensuring vehicles country of Iraq meet the standards required for its to its citizens, set destination, verify serial numbers the equipment and ensure all hazardous material is that is turned removed. in to the RPAT “The inspectors help ensure yard must be that the vehicles are fully mission- shipped out. capable and good to go for The yard, which reassignment to the OEF,” said Staff has been in Sgt. Marvin Montenegro, 732nd operation for the ELRS data entry technician. “The past three years, criteria we check for here helps has shipped ensure future mission success.” thousands JBB’s RPAT yard, which is open of pieces of 24 hours a day, functions as a main Tech. Sgt. Michael Marrero, 732nd Expeditionary Logistics equipment to supplier of war-fighting equipment Spc. Edward Martinez, 249th Quartermaster Company Readiness Squadron lead inspector, examines a Mine many different to OEF, but its mission has helped Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Redistribution Property Assistance Team inspector, bands locations. ensure the presidential mandate of Inspectors check for cleanliness, verify serial numbers and a tri-wall package to be shipped back to the United States ensure all hazardous material is removed. “This is a vital a responsible drawdown of forces at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior stop for the from Iraq. Airman Brittany Y. Bateman) 8 USF-I Chronicle February 2010 9 10 Freedom’s Focal Point W did notcover —andlosthisleftindex fingerinthe his body— mostly placeshisindividual bodyarmor You know, the1151 isonfire,I’mfire,” he said. explosive device. area. Itwastherethathe wasstruckbyanimprovised front ofhim,Brownenteredanenemyengagement As hewenttohelpthemeninM1151 humveesin to directfire,comingatthemfromdifferent directions. began receivingindirectfire,whichquicklychanged security inKandahar, Afghanistan. HeandhisSoldiers was allgoneafterIgotinjured.” down andstartafamily,” Brownsaid.“Ithoughtthat after thatIwouldfindabeautifulwomenandsettle find. discover onepartofhislifehethoughtwouldnever he knowthatwhatwentthrough,infact,helpedhim USF-I Chronicle USF-I Brown suffered third-degree burnsto30 percentof “It wascrazyforaboutthe next15or20minutes. In September2008,Brownwasconductingroute “I hadplansformycareeranddecidedafewyears t Gn Kneh Hunzeker Kenneth Gen. Lt. for theirserviceandsacrifice. and injuries (right), Brown the Amy Capt. wife, his and him thanked about Brown Sam Capt. Forces-Iraq, to States talks United general, commanding planned forhisfuturedisappear. Littledid Afghanistan, hesaweverythinghad hen Capt.SamBrownwasinjuredin

lf) deputy (left), Unique CombatZoneLoveStory Life-Altering InjuryBecomes with herbut she wasallbusiness,”Brown said. make surethey arrived. week to called every him, and shipped to have them arranged to him. She ments with of supple- a multitude him tocarry problem for would bea knew it leave, she valescent take con enough to he waswell ery. When 2008, shebeganworkingwithBrownduringhisrecov gain aftertheirinjuries. cian sinceburnvictimstendtohavefluctuatingweight said. “Myrecoverymaybeuptotwoyearsaway.” one togainmorerangeofmotioninmyhand,”Brown areas thatwerenotburned. body hasbeenaffected becausetheyusedskinfrom his bodywasactuallyburned,about85percentof other areasofhisbody. Hesaidalthough30percentof geries torepairhischarredfleshusingskingraftsfrom from themomenthearrived.Hebeganaseriesofsur home tothe Army BurnCenter. San Antonio; BAMCisalevelItraumacenterand States, wastakentoBrooke Army MedicalCenterin accident. HewasevacuatedandonceintheUnited “When she’d call,Iwouldtrytomake smalltalk Enter former1stLt. Amy Larsen.InNovember During histreatment,Brownwasassignedadieti “I’ve had15surgeries sofarandwillhaveanother The doctorsatthehospitalbegantreatingBrown - - Story andphotosbySgt.LindseyBradford - - another dieticianandthetwocontinuedtheirrelation great time.” said. “We endedupgoingand Ihada okay professionallytodothat,”she first date.Ihadtomakesureitwas tionship, whichwasn’t toofarbehind. the potentialforamoreintimaterela worked inthesameoffice. was inluckbecausethatparticularPA stopping by to say hello to her. Brown to anotherphysician’s assistantabout returned forasurgery thathe talked at astandstill.Itwasn’t untilBrown any sortofrelationshipseemedtobe “crushes” oneachother, developing she said. relationship and thatwasthemostimportant thing,” lot aboutit. We knewGodwouldbethecenterofour Larsen turnedoverBrown’s careto “Sam askedmetoarodeoforour As afriendshipdeveloped,sodid Although bothadmittheyhad USF-I Public Affairs - in September 2008. in September Kandahar,in Afghanistan, device explosive improvised an by struck being after Victory’s Al Faw Palace. He suffered third- degree burns to 30 percent of his body Capt. Sam Brown we talkeda fast, but tain. now acap- Brown, came Amy Larsen be- Amy explained. Brown in May,” we married gaged and we wereen- month later March, one ed datingin ship. “It seems “We start - - stands with his wife, wife isonehe’s alreadyreached. However, thedreamtosettle downwithabeautiful hopes heoncehadforhis careermaynotbepossible. thing positive,”hesaid. and feelproductive.Iwant tohelpothersanddosome around withSoldierslikeIwas,butwanttoget back to Afghanistan. eration ProperExitisabletoreturnwoundedwarriors is also planning to serve as a military mentor when Op the chancetotalktroopsabouthisexperiences. He participated intheprogrambecausehesaidwanted jured whiledeployed. help bringclosuretoservicemembersseriouslyin thanks toOperationProperExit,aprogramdesigned October, butwasreunitedwithherhusbandonDec.28 United StatesbasesinIraq.SheleftSan Antonio in Speicher to serveasa dietician for mostofthe northern called ontodeployContingencyOperatingBase ried sofastunlessyouknowitistrue. Together theywillbuild newdreamsoftheirown. Brown saidhehascome toacceptthatfactthe “I don’t thinkI’llbeputtingmykitonandrunning Even thoughhewasinjuredin Afghanistan, Brown A fewmonthsfollowingthewedding, Amy was Brown addedthathewouldn’t suggestgettingmar Capt. Amy Brown, Jan. 1 inside Camp February 2010 February

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- - - 11 Point Focal Freedom’s 12 Freedom’s Focal Point Brien Vorhees)Brien and addresses many issues facing the extent Wasit this province. to (U.S. Iraq Army in photo completed by Staff first Sgt. the is Baghdad, of University the of members by year a over conducted assessment, The Iraq. Kut, in Assessment Works Public Army Soldiers Below: USF-I Chronicle USF-I .. odes tahd o -0 il Atley atlo, n Iraqi and Battalion, Artillery Field 1-10 to attached Soldiers U.S. joke around at a ceremony to present the findings of a Wasit Province il i Yneha Ia. US Army (U.S. photo by Spc.CanaanRadcliffe) Iraq. Yangeshia, in girls Iraqi young of group a entertains Iraq, Camera Combat Joint to assigned Va., Communications Chief Michael Heckman, Mass from Bristow, Navy U.S. by Pfc. AliHargis) photo Army (U.S. Iraq. Base Marez, near Mosul, Operating Forward on training rescue medical another safety,to during Soldier pull Soldier A Peshmerga and U.S. optl fe a eet ofrne Te oain a efciey obe te ie f Al- of size the doubled effectively has Muthana Military Hospital’s medicallibrary. donation (U.S. Army photoby Spc.DanielSchneider) The conference. the recent to a texts after and hospital journals medical donate to Hospital, Military Al-Muthana of commander Lt. Col. Vincent Barnhart Vincent Col. Lt. , surgeon of U.S. Division—Center, meets with with Division—Center,meets U.S. of surgeon , D. Leistikow) Matthew Class 2nd Specialist photo by Mass Communication Navy (U.S. Kirkuk. of province the one in villages poorest 250 the Adallah, of to distribute from supplies families to and food up Unit teamed Iraqi Response the Emergency of members IR 1-30 and Kirkuk, from Soldiers in Iraq. Response compound Unit Emergency at a drop the during aide on humanitarian their look as families children engages laughing Division, 3rd Infantry Team, Combat Brigade 2nd Infantry, 30th Battalion, 1st Company, and Headquarters Headquarters Kirkuk, Platoon, Army of Smith Brandon U.S. Spc. by Lion portrayed The February 2010 February Col. Amir Col.

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Army photoby Spc.CanaanRadcliffe) (U.S. HMMWVs. on maintenance level operatorperform 4th to how Battalion, on division, Infantry Team,1st Combat Troops Brigade Special Brigade 4-1 Company, soldiers are instructed by U.S. Soldiers assigned to Alpha a HMMW in the compound of Tuz Qada, Iraq. The Iraqi on class maintenance level operator an during Division, the 4th Battalion, 16th Iraqi army Brigade, 4th Iraqi army Iraq,recordto high Iraqireachesup armyfrom soldiers Michael Heckman Chief Communications Mass Navy U.S. 2nd ClassMatthew D. Leistikow) Specialist Communication Mass by photo Navy units to train together both for the upcoming elections. (U.S. brought that together in a unique activity setting to build trust needed an share to in game soccer friendly Dibbis, Iraq. The two units played a soccer game a of halftime during Army Division, Iraqi 49th Armor 1st with struggles Brigade, Artillery Field 1st 3rd Regiment, Battalion, 2nd to assigned Donegan, Kevin Sgt. 1st Army U.S. Below: , from Reading, Penn., of Joint Combat Camera mme o 3d Battalion, 3rd of member a i a am rsln match wrestling arm an in , photo by Sgt. 1stClassKristina Scott) the anniversary of King’s birthday at Camp Liberty. (U.S. Army on conducted Run Jr.,Holiday King 10k Luther Martin the in sports the commemorative T-shirt she earned for participating Division, Infantry 2nd Team, Combat Brigade 4th Squadron, to 45th Military Intelligence Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Cavalry Spc. Christy Willbanks photo by Spc.Gavriel Bar-Tzur) Army’s 88thanniversary. (U.S. Army was heldtocommemorate theIraqi Explosive Joint Security Station Army Sparrowhawk, Iraq. The parade near Army Iraqi the honoring Iraqi parade a during gear the team of Disposal Ordinance member A , a West Plains, Mo., native, assigned demonstrates the EOD the demonstrates Ernest E.SiviaIII) soccer balls to local children. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. and candy out hand to to village the in were Battalion Operations Psychological 16th Qar, the Dhi from Soldiers Batha, Iraq. Al in Soldiers Army U.S. from visit a children Local ly n rn o te aea during camera the of front in play February 20 February

10 15 Point Focal Freedom’s A member of the Iraqi Federal Police holds a suspect during Story and photos by Lopey said the course will make said. “We were a culminating exercise at the Iraqi Federal Police Headquaters in Spc. Amburr Reese the collection of crime scene very pleased Iraqi Federal Baghdad, Iraq. USF-I Public Affairs evidence more efficient among the with the Iraqi Federal Police. progress made “I think this course is huge,” Smith by our students Police Investigate said. “If they don’t understand how and we are to process that crime scene, they are proud of them just going to destroy a lot of their all.” With New Skills evidence.” Lopey Smith went on to add there is a expressed his process to everything and knowing appreciation that process is one of the first steps, of the effort especially for law enforcement. not only from After three weeks of crime scene a civil affairs investigative training, about 120 standpoint, hours, the students were put to the but also the test during a culminating exercise. opportunity to The students provided security, work with the sought suspects and witnesses, Iraqi Federal preserved the crime scene and Police. identified virtually all of the evidence “It was a An officer with the Iraqi Federal Police that had been scattered. They took great team dusts a door handle for fingerprints during a fingerprints, gathered the evidence effort and culminating exercise at the end of a three-week and packaged it. quite frankly course in crime scene investigations. The course “They had a plan, they used their I believe it is was held at the Federal Police Headquaters, plan and then when we threw a twist the way things Baghdad, Iraq. in the scenario they reacted, adapted. should be done They came up with a new plan,” and I am very n an effort to enhance the Iraqi Federal Police’s program was protecting a crime scene, identifying Smith said. happy with the investigative abilities, the 364th Civil Affairs Brigade evidence at a crime scene, collecting evidence and They students also recovered trace results,” he Iled a three-week training course on crime scene marking it properly and fingerprint training. evidence. said. investigation in January at the Iraqi Federal Police “Almost every course that we conducted involved “We had put blood droplets on headquarters in Baghdad. hands-on skills type of validation,” Lopey said. “Most of the floor and they collected cigarette The brigade began planning after being asked to hold it was not classroom; most of it was hands-on practice, butts,” Lopey said. “They basically the class by the Federal Police Transition Team and which reinforces the teaching points.” took every evidentiary piece that we senior ranking officials of the Iraq Federal Police. Lopey said this training was unique because it was placed out before them to challenge “We gathered a uniquely qualified team with which to not just a training effort, it was also a train-the-trainer them.” train the Federal Police in a crime scene management effort. At the end of the class the students course,” said Col. Jon E. Lopey, Mt. Shasta, Calif., 364th “Out of the 32 students, 12 were selected as trainers,” compiled a comprehensive report Civil Affairs Brigade deputy commander. he said. “So we are training trainers and mentors to listing all of the information collected After much coordination, the civil law enforcement go out there and have a positive impact on the [Iraqi] during the training exercise. experts from the brigade, members of Task Force Troy, Federal Police.” Lopey said that what he had found and participants from the U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco and Some of the classes covered during the three- during the evaluation was very Firearms Bureau, began the investigative training in late week course were instructor training, roles and impressive. December 2009. responsibilities in crime scene investigation, robbery “Not only were they enthusiastic, “It started with basically an Army major and a Federal and arson investigations, CSI scene protection and they aggressively pursued all of the Police lieutenant,” said 1st Sgt. William H. Smith, searching techniques. The students also went over tasks we had asked them to do in Vancouver, Wash., Headquarters and Headquarters vehicle searching, criminal law, evidence handling, scene the last three weeks and they put it Company, 364th Civil Affairs Brigade. “It worked from documentation, post-blast investigation, fingerprinting together into one exercises,” Lopey there, going all the way up to the generals.” and death investigation. Partnership played a large part in planning for the The students took a day trip to Victory Base Complex A member of the Iraqi Federal Police courses. where they toured a U.S. forensics lab. collects evidence during a culminating “Every step of the way we have been working with “We wanted them [the students] to make a connection exercise at the end of a three-week training the Iraqis to determine exactly what they want in the between actually gathering the evidence and why it course in crime scene investigation. The classes,” Smith said. is important from a forensics analysis stand point to training focused on protecting a crime The main concentration of the three-week training analyze that evidence,” said Lopey. scene, identifying and collecting evidence and fingerprinting. 16 USF-I Chronicle February 2010 17 Corps of Engineers brings Iraqi Operations Centers Now Story and photo by Under One Roof Staff Sgt. Luke Koladish good things to light USF-I Public Affairs raq’s Minister of Defense Abdul Qadir visited Camp command and control of 10 Iraqi army divisions. Story by Scott Harris Victory, Jan. 3, to join Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby, U.S. Jacoby said he knew before deploying that in order USACE Gulf Region District IForces - Iraq deputy commander for operations and for the U.S. to be successful in their mission they had to I Corps commanding general, and the commander of join closely with their Iraqi brothers in the IGFC to form Iraqi Ground Forces Command, Lt. Gen. Ali Ghaidan lasting relationships. Majid, to celebrate the new IGFC Headquarters facility. “This beautiful facility is a physical example of “With the continued support of the U. S. we were the hard work we have done together to build those able to establish command and control with different relationships and from that partnership,” he said. technologies and communications throughout the Following their remarks, the senior leaders were given command to coordinate with the ministries, the Army, a tour of the Combined Intelligence Center and the Air Force and Navy,” Qadir said. Senior Work Group Center, ending with a briefing in the Qadir cut the ribbon that stretched across the entrance Combined Partnership Operations Center. to the four operational centers composing the IGFC The result of a shared vision between Jacoby and headquarters. The guest made their way first to the Ali, the CPOC made the move to the new facility to IGFC joint operations center for both generals and the accommodate the growing staff and partnership between minister to address U.S. troops, Iraqi military officers U.S. and Iraqi forces. and reporters. “It shows that through this partnership with the IGFC “Since May of 2005 until now, we have achieved and Corps, the staff has grown as an entity. It reflects significantly more than what we had achieved in the the growth of the partnership concept, the requirements past, and we are proud of this,” the minister told those of IGFC, and the growth to support elements across the present. battlefield,” said Col. Kelly C. Heatherman, the U. S. Solar powered street lights recently installed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers illuminate what was once a dark and The IGFC joint operations center, staffed entirely officer in charge of the CPOC. dangerous neighborhood in Fallujah. (Courtesy photo by Gulf Region District) by Iraqi officers since, Jan. 1, has direct or indirect Heatherman called the CPOC the pivot point between with the corps and IGFC to conduct intelligence gathering FALLUJAH, Iraq - More than 35 The project engineer was Nasir to be redistributed to areas of critical and sustainment for both forces kilometers of roadway in Fallujah Elias, an Iraqi civil engineer who need. In an area where hard-wired across the battlefield. and surrounding communities are has worked with the U.S. Army lights may only operate for a couple “We are proud on this special now fully lighted with 1,200 solar- Corps of Engineers for more than of hours, a solar-powered light will day that all the operations centers powered street lights thanks to the three years. He was assisted by Iraqi provide continuous illumination are operating in one place under U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Quality Assurance representatives through the night. one control and command for Region District. Mohammed Kasim Abbas and The final phase of the project [Iraqi army] divisions throughout The third and final phase of the Hussein Al-Jaboree. was completed Dec. 28 at a cost Iraq,” Majid said. project was completed recently by Solar power is widely recognized of $2.9 million and was funded by The Iraqi minister of defense project engineers at the Al-Anbar as a method for reducing the reliance Multinational Forces West - Iraq. charged the IGFC, with the Resident Office based in Ramadi. on carbon-based energy generation The U.S. Army Corps of support of U. S. forces, to remain “The administration of this project and the resulting greenhouse Engineers in Iraq has completed vigilant, to continue to work hard is an excellent example of USACE’s gasses held responsible for global thousands of reconstruction to protect the people of Iraq and commitment to building Iraq’s climate change. Solar power in projects in partnership with the U.S. provide a safe environment for the upcoming elections. technical capacity,” said Maj. Joseph Iraq, however, has a more palpable government and the government Geary, officer in charge of the Al- benefit. Iraq’s degraded power of Iraq. Since 2004, USACE Iraq’s Minister of Defense Abdul Anbar Resident Office. distribution infrastructure causes has completed 5,257 projects Qadir joins Lt. Gen. Charles Iraqi engineers employed frequent and unexpected outages. throughout Iraq, valued at more Jacoby, U.S. Forces - Iraq deputy by Gulf Region District were Unlike Iraq’s electrical power grid, than $9.1 billion, and has more commander for operations and Lt. the key to successful liaisoning the sun is a near constant. than 350 projects ongoing. The Gen. Ali Ghaidan Majid, commander of Iraqi Ground Forces Command, on with local electrical department Additionally, in a country overall reconstruction effort in Iraq a tour of the new IGFC Headquarters representatives and city leaders, with limited power-generation currently provides jobs for more during the grand opening at Camp Geary said. capabilities, solar lights allow energy than 20,000 Iraqis. Victory. 18 USF-I Chronicle February 2010 19 Restoration of Mosque Story and photos by Spc. Shantelle Campbell symbolizes change USD-N Public Affairs

Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby, a United States Forces – Iraq deputy commander, observes the Golden Mosque from a rooftop of a hotel adjacent to the mosque, Jan. 20. The Golden Mosque is currently being rebuilt and restored after it was bombed Feb. 22, 2006. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Shantelle J. Campbell. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Shantelle J. Campbell)

SAMARRA, Iraq – During a recent visit to the ancient the improvements that have been made in the city city of Samarra, Lt. Gen. Charles Jacoby, the United are a result of the citizens rejecting terrorists and the States Corps –Iraq commander, walked along the city’s professionalism of the Iraqi Security Forces. streets with the 4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 1st There is a feeling of peace and security now, as Infantry Division commander, Col. Henry A. Arnold, markets are open and children are playing in the streets. III and the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment “The citizens are calling in reports,” he said during commander, Lt. Col. Eric Timmerman. the interview. “The people have turned against violent As they made their way to the rooftop of a hotel across extremists. from the Golden Mosque, which is currently being “I walk around in ACU’s and a soft cap; no body armor, rebuilt and restored to its original form, one couldn’t no helmet. I walk to the mosque, something I would not help but notice the evident change that has taken place have been able to do in 2006.” in a city that was nearly destroyed by war. There are future plans being made for Samarra like On Feb. 22, 2006, the Al-Askari Mosque, or the removing the protective t-walls surrounding the mosque; Golden Mosque was bombed, setting off a chain of installing a decorative gate that can be opened and sectarian violence in the city. Then, June 13, 2007, closed to pedestrians as security dictates; and installing terrorists attacked the mosque again, destroying two security cameras. minarets and the clock tower. Despite the attacks on this Along the streets, Iraqi civilians stood outside their prominent landmark and sacred mosque, the citizens of shops or paused long enough to gesture or say “hello” to Samarra have made significant progress to restore peace. the commanders as they moved toward their destination. In the past three years, violence has significantly After reaching the rooftop of the hotel, the group walked decreased as Iraqi Security Forces have taken the lead to the side of the roof that faced the ancient mosque to provide security of the city. According to Col. Arnold which was still a sight to see even without the 72,000 during a recent interview with the New York Times, golden plates that once adorned its dome. 20 USF-I Chronicle In Memoriam Names of servicemembers who died between January 1 and January 31, 2010 while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom

Greater love hath no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13

January 1 January 20 Spc. Brushaun X. Anderson, 20 Pfc. Gifford E. Hurt, 19

January 6 January 28 Spc. David A. Croft Jr., 22 Pfc. Scott G. Barnett, 24 Pfc. Michael R. Jarrett, 20

February 2010 21 Mohamad Ibraheem, an engineer for National Chemical Plastic Industry Company, takes Lt. Col. Michael Davey, of Peru, N.Y., the deputy commander of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, on a tour of the facility, showing the operations and improvements being made in the water treatment facility. The facility project is 78-percent complete and is scheduled to be operational soon. (U.S. Army photo by Georges Aboumrad)