New Leadership at Contingency Operating Base Service Members Marez, Iraq

The Expeditionary Times Proudly serving the finest Expeditionary service members throughout Iraq Vol. 3 Issue 21 April 14, 2010 http://www.hood.army.mil/13sce/ Life saver Soldiers celebrate Easter

Soldiers train to save at historic monastery lives in combat St o r y a n d Ph o t o s b y Sgt. William Olivier, a paralegal with Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g Headquarters and Headquarters Page 5 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f Troop, 278th Armored Cavalry Reg- iment, 13th Sustainment Command CONTINGENCY OPERATING (Expeditionary) and a Smyrna, BASE MAREZ, Iraq Tenn., native, holds a candle during Mass April 3 at St. Elijah Monastery – More than 600 New leadership at Contingency Operating Base service members Marez, Iraq. and civilians celebrated Easter “It’s an amazing thing for with weekend them,” he said. services April First Lt. Geoffrey Whitaker, 3 and 4 at St. Elijah Monastery, the garrison chaplain at COB the oldest Christian monastery Marez with the Regimental in Iraq, at Contingency Operat- Fires Squadron, 278th Armored ing Base Marez. Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sustain- A candlelit Mass was held ment Command (Expedition- April 3 and two other services ary), said he was honored to be were held April 4 at the 1,700- part of the services. year-old structure. “To get to celebrate Easter in “This is the second time the oldest Christian monastery we’ve done this,” said Capt. Pat- in Iraq … it’s a once in a lifetime Sustainment battalions rick Van Durme, the battalion opportunity,” said Whitaker, a transfer authority chaplain with 1st Battalion, 19th Murphy, N.C., native. Field Artillery, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Sgt. 1st Class Bobby Brooks, Infantry Division and a Dans- a shop foreman with A Battery, Page 8 ville, N.Y., native. RFS, 278th ACR and a Sevier- Van Durme said turnout for ville, Tenn., native, said it was a the events was large and in- privilege to experience so many cluded civilian workers from cultures coming together in a Tech savvy around the world and from the historic location to celebrate Mosul area, which has the larg- Easter. est Christian population in Iraq. SEE MASS ON PAGE 4 General praises Providers for base closure efforts St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Operating Base Adder, Iraq, as Pf c . Li s a A. Co p e well as preparing Cedar for clo- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f sure. Capt. Valentino Bailey, the CAMP CEDAR II, Iraq – Brig. contracting officer with the 36th Gen. Randal A. Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sus- Dragon, the dep- tainment Command (Expedi- uty commanding tionary) and a Dallas native, said general with 1st Cedar should be closed down by Infantry Divi- the Aug. 21 deadline set by Unit- sion, visited ed States Division – South. New weapon system keeps Camp Cedar Bailey accompanied Dragon II, Iraq, April 3 to observe the during his visit and briefed him Soldiers safer on road Trucks move containerized housing units March 11 from Camp Cedar II, Iraq, to progress that has been made on the status of the Cedar to Ad- Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq, to be used for the new convoy support center under construction at Adder and to start preparing Cedar for base toward transferring convoy sup- der move. Page 16 closure. port operations to Contingency SEE PRAISE ON PAGE 4 PAGE 2 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 14, 2010

Balad Blotter March 25 - April 1 Chaplain’s Corner: overcome FAILURE TO OBEY ORDER : A complainant telephoned the Law Enforcement Desk and reported the subject was passing out and throwing up at the bus stop adjacent to building 7303 and had been transported to the giants, have faith emergency room with a possible drug overdose. A patrol was briefed and dispatched to the ER in the Air Force Theater Hos- By Ca p t . Ma r k D. Ph i ll i p s whelmed with relationship, finance, career, parent- pital. The patrol arrived on the scene and made contact with 278t h ACR Ch a p l a i n ing or decision-making issues. If we are not careful, witness two who said, via Air Force IMT 1168/Statement of then fear oftentimes replaces the courage to move Witness, at roughly 10 a.m., the subject arrived at the ER inco- welve men slowly climbed the forward and overcome. herent and complaining of nausea escorted by the complainant Ttreacherous mountain, determined It is this fear that causes many people to miss the and witness one. The subject was uncooperative and struggled to reach their objective and complete greatest blessings in life. Some experience the fear of with medical personnel when they attempted to remove his shirt and pants. Witness two said he found substances in the their mission. failure, the fear of ridicule or simply the fear of the subject’s uniform pockets and held them until the patrol seized The mission was very simple: reach unknown. them as evidence via Department of the Army Form 4137/Evi- the top of the peak, look into the valley, Notice that Joshua and Caleb exhibited faith in dence/Property Custody Document. The patrol arrived on the and spy on the enemy forces. Afghani- the face of fear. scene at the subject’s living quarters H-7 housing/C-59 and se- stan? Iraq? No, this mission took place almost 3,500 According to Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the as- cured the room. The complainant said, via Air Force IMT 1168/ years ago. Moses had led the Israelites on a long jour- surance of things hoped for, the conviction of things Statement of Complainant, at roughly 9:40 a.m., she arrived at the bus stop to see the subject passing in and out of conscious- ney. not seen.” ness, throwing up and unable to walk. The complainant said, They had finally reached their objective to seize what Militarily, Joshua and Caleb knew the Israelites along with witness one, she transported the subject to the ER God had promised: Canaan, the promised land. could not win the battle, but they also knew that God at roughly 10 a.m. and made contact with witness two. Witness Ten of the 12 spies saw the enemy as "giants" in the was greater than anyone they would face, and they one’s statement corroborates the complainant’s statement. valley and became extremely fearful. Reporting back to chose to put their faith in God. Investigators conducted a three way conference call to gain search authority. Authority was granted. Investigators initiated Moses, the 10 unanimously decided there was no way the Only when our fear is replaced with courage can a search of the subject’s living quarters. The search terminated Israelites could overtake the enemy occupying the val- we make the right decisions in life and expect the best with 27 pieces of evidence obtained from the room. The subject ley. that God has to offer. will remain in the hospital until 8 a.m. April 3 and is unable to However, two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, had a So, how do we obtain the faith we need? Interest- provide a statement. Witness one was instructed to escort the completely different report. ingly, faith is an action word. When we are faced with subject to the LED for questioning upon his release. They declared in Numbers 14:7-9, "The land, which a dilemma, God does not expect us to do nothing but we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good to step forward and trust that he will guide our deci- POSSIBLE IDENTITY THEFT: land. If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this sions that we make. A complainant walked into the Law Enforcement Desk April 1 land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and Faith causes us to reach out beyond our own abili- and reported a possible identity theft. The complainant said, via honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not ties and trust in that which is greater than what we Air Force IMT 1168/Statement of Suspect/Witness/Complainant, March 27, she called her bank (Scotia Bank) in the Virgin Islands fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. have to offer. Faith in God gives us confidence be- to verify a deposit was made. The complainant was asked to give Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is cause we know God cannot fail. her social security number to gain access to her account. The com- with us; do not fear them.” How do we know this? The answers are found in plainant said the banker relayed to her the social security number If the 12 men were there together, how would two God’s Word. belonging to the complainant brought up someone else’s name. men see something different? Clearly, Joshua and Caleb Romans 10:17 declares, “So faith comes from hear- The complainant called her mother in the Virgin Islands to inform her about the situation and spoke to her aunt who works at the knew they were in the center of God's will. If God had led ing and hearing through the word of Christ.” same bank. The complainant said, March 29, her aunt provided them this far, he would surely deliver them in this leg of When you place your faith in God, do not fear the her with information on the person who is using her social secu- their journey. “giants” in your life. God is greater than all of your rity number. Her mom sent her information about what to do as The other 10 spies relied only on their sight with no problems and has a wonderful plan for your success. a victim of identity theft. The complainant was informed to notify faith and that created the doubt and fear. Therefore, as we say in the cavalry, “lean forward the credit bureaus and to make a police report. The complainant So often, we too, in our own lives, encounter "giants" in the saddle” and be courageous for God is your went on Facebook to see if the individual who is using her social had an account. The complainant found the individual on Face- that seem too big for us to conquer. We can become over- strength and power. book, which showed her living in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Air Force Investigations was notified. There are no further investiga- tive leads at this time. To Sgt. 1st Class Fernando Flores: You are a wonderful husband and a wonderful dad. We cannot wait to have you home. We are so proud of NIPR: 443-8602 you. SIPR: 241-1171 Loving you always, Email: [email protected] Your wife Amparo

EXPEDITIONARY TIMES 13th ESC Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz Expeditionary Times is authorized for pub- 13th ESC G2, Security Manager 139th MPAD Production Editor Pfc. Lisa A. Cope lication by the 13th Sustainment Command (318) 433-2155 Staff Sgt. Robert E. Fafoglia [email protected]. (Expeditionary). The contents of the Expedi- [email protected] tionary Times are unofficial and are not to be 13th ESC PAO, Managing Editor Spc. Michael V. Camacho Maj. Raul Marquez, 13th ESC PAO 139th MPAD Layout and Design [email protected] considered the official views of, or endorsed [email protected] Sgt. Jayson A. Hoffman by, the U.S. Government, including the Depart- [email protected] ment of Defense or Operation Iraqi Freedom. 13th ESC PA NCOIC Contributing public affairs offices Expeditionary Times is a command infor- Staff Sgt. Joel F. Gibson, 13th ESC 139th MPAD Photo Editor 15th Sustainment Brigade mation newspaper in accordance with Army [email protected] Sgt. Keith VanKlompenberg 36th Sustainment Brigade Regulation 360-1 and reviewed by the ESC G2 [email protected] for security purposes. 13th ESC Staff Writer 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team Expeditionary Times is published weekly Spc. Naveed Ali Shah, 13th ESC 139th MPAD Copy Editor 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team by the Stars and Stripes central office, with a [email protected] Spc. Brandy Oxford 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment [email protected] circulation of 5,000 papers. 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing 139th MPAD Commander The Public Affairs Office is located on Capt. Brad Sinkler 139th MPAD Staff Writers New Jersey Ave. Building 7508, DSN 318-433- [email protected] Sgt. Ryan Twist 2154. Expeditionary Times, HHC 13th ESC, [email protected] For online publication visit: APO AE 09391. Web site at www.dvidshub.net 139th MPAD First Sergeant www.dvidshub.net 1st Sgt. Aangi Mueller Sgt. John Stimac keyword: Expeditionary Times Contact the Expeditionary Times staff at: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Mission Statement: The Expeditionary Times Staff publishes a weekly newspaper with the primary mission of providing command information to all service members, partners, and Families of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) team and a secondary mission of providing a means for units on Joint Base Balad to disseminate command information to their audiences. April 14, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 3 The Weekly Standard: proper use of government communication systems By Sg t . 1s t Cl a s s Ro b e r t E. Ch r i s t i a n Official use may also include, when privileges during personal time such uses that are incompatible with pub- 13t h ESC In s p ec t o r Ge n e r a l approved by theater commanders, as after duty hours or lunch periods. lic service. morale and welfare, and communica- When communications are permit- DoD employees should use fed- ederal government tions by military personnel and DoD ted, they must not adversely affect eral government communications Fc o m m u n i c a t i o n employees who are deployed for ex- the performance of official duties. systems with the understanding that systems and equipment tended periods away from home on Use of federal government com- such use serves as consent to being such as telephones, fax official business. DoD employee per- munications systems that reflect monitored. This consent also in- machine and Internet sonnel are authorized to use commu- adversely on the DoD or a DoD com- cludes incidental and personal use, systems must be used nication systems in the work place ponent is prohibited and against whether authorized or unauthorized. for official use and authorized purposes when checking in with family mem- regulation. These actions include the Misuse of government resources, only. bers, as well as scheduling doctor, use of pornography, chain letters, such as communication systems, Official use includes emergency com- home or auto repair appointments. unofficial advertising, soliciting or may result in a violation of General munications and Department of Defense The use of these systems must be selling except on authorized bulle- Order One, Article 134, the Uniform communication components determined of reasonable duration and frequen- tin boards, inappropriately handled Code of Military Justice and a host of necessary by the federal government. cy. DoD employees should use these classified information, and other federal regulations.

Joint Base Balad (13th ESC): DSN 433-2125 Adder/Tallil (36th Sust. Bde./256th IBCT): Lt. Col. Reginald Howard (Command Inspector General) Maj. Andrea Shealy - DSN 833-1710 Maj. Christopher Minor (Deputy) Master Sgt. Marta Cruz – DSN 883-1710 Master Sgt. Roy Thacker (NCOIC) Maj. Jamar Gails - DSN 485-7246 Sgt. 1st Class Christian Lee Q-West (15th Sust. Bde.): DSN 827-6115 Lt. Col. Gary Davis Al Asad (96th Sust. Bde.): DSN 440-7049 Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Arce Taji (278th ACR): DSN 834-3079 Master Sgt. Richard Faust Master Sgt. Richard Faust Combat Stress: dealing with redeployment Sexual Assault By Ca p t . Mi k e Kn i g h t include becoming closer with battle not all situations will go exactly how you 1908t h Me d .De t . buddies, finding new hobbies, or being envisioned them. Complicated situa- Response Coordinator changed by the positive and negatives tions rarely do. We would all like to go e like to think that effects of mission requirements. home and pick up where we left off with- Be sexual assault response coor- Wredeploying from For the family that stays behind, out missing a beat, but the fact of the dinator smart: Not stopping when a war zone is a stress- changes could be that the spouse be- matter is, there will be some obstacles to someone is indicating that they free time. comes more independent, takes on a overcome along the way. Having those want you to stop, be it with words, Soldiers have calen- more active parenting role and that chil- obstacles on your radar ahead of time actions or both, is sexual assault. If dars dedicated to the dren adjust to the Soldier being away. will help to lessen the disappointment a person seems hesitant, do not try sole purpose of tracking how many days As the date approaches when the Sol- when those life events happen. to convince himr or her to give in, they have left in country. Ask any Soldier dier and family will reunite, it is very Next, when it comes to children, don’t just stop. Call the Joint Base Balad with a few weeks remaining and he can common for both sides to experience ap- be surprised if they have changed as well. SARC at 443-7272 or contact via probably tell you exactly how many days prehension and worry about how to best Generally, younger children will be ap- pager 443-9001, 159 for help. Army he has left with the ever popular “and a handle the situation. With a little prepa- prehensive and take longer to warm up members should seek assistance wake-up” at the end. ration and advanced planning, however, to your return than older children. Be with their unit victim advocate or So, with all of this excitement to leave the negative impacts of redeploying can patient and take things at their pace. deployed-SARC; you may also call Iraq and return to family and friends, be minimized and family ties can be Finally, if you return home and life 433-7272 or 443-9001, 122/135 for one would think that stress would be the strengthened. isn’t going as planned or problems arise, assistance. farthest thing from anyone’s mind. Past The best advice to give any Soldier re- don’t be afraid to seek out help. There experiences and statistics show us, how- deploying soon is to begin communicat- are many resources available to deal with ever, that the months before and after ing with his or her spouse in the months these issues. Ask your chain of command redeployment can be as mentally taxing and weeks prior to the actual date. Talk or chaplain for more information. as the actual deployment itself. about changes that have occurred on The 1908th Combat Stress Control During the course of the deployment, both sides of the water so there are no Detachment is available to instruct changes occur both for the deployed Sol- surprises. Communication is the key to classes concerning redeployment issues Correction dier and loved ones who remain state- any difficult situation and this is no dif- for units. Call the Patriot Clinic at 318- In the April 7 issue of the Expedi- side. ferent. 433-2402 to schedule a class or for more tionary Times, the article, “US sen- For the Soldier, these changes could The next advice is to anticipate that information ators visit service members” should have said the senators dined in the Tuskegee Room at the Mirage Din- ing Facility and the article titled, “Captain runs 30 miles on 30th birthday,” should have been attrib- uted to Staff Sgt. Rob Strain. The Expeditionary Times regrets these errors. PAGE 4 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 14, 2010 MASS: religious ceremony held at 1,700-year-old Christian structure MASS FROM PAGE 1 secuted since, said Van Durme. Brooks said he was most impressed “If you go back 50 years, you’ll with the group of Ugandan guards find thousands of Christian families who performed a song in their native in Mosul,” he said. “You’ll now find language. maybe 100. You have to wonder what “It’s a blessing to be here and wit- its future will be.” ness this,” he said. Whitaker said the chaplains work Van Durme said the monastery with the Provincial Reconstruction has held great historical relevance Team in Mosul to preserve the mon- throughout the ages. astery and repair structural damage Local tradition suggests the mon- that has occurred in the years since astery was first built in the year 350 the U.S. came to Iraq. A.D. and the existing structure was “The Department of the Army has probably added 1,000 years later, he signed on to do some restoration,” he said. said. “The plan is still ongoing.” In 1743, the monks and orphans at Whitaker said the monastery is the monastery were killed by a Persian open for tours every Friday, for ser- Service members and civilians gather for Easter services April 4, at St. Elijah Monastery leader for refusing to convert to Islam. vice members and civilians interested at Contingency Operating Base Marez, Iraq. Christians in the area have been per- in learning more about its history. PRAISE: general viewed progress on responsible drawdown PRAISE FROM PAGE 1 challenge,” he said. “Hopefully we will “We will follow all the steps that are said. “It is great to have forward-look- “My goal was to talk to him … about be able to execute along the timeline, required, without cutting any corners, ing and forward-leaning Soldiers here, some challenges we have been having, get the fuel farm over here as expect- and make sure that we turn over an en- because what the sustainment brigade where we hope to be in the next 30 days ed in the next three or four weeks and vironmentally sound piece of land back has done under the umbrella of the and what he can do to help facilitate the have personnel follow.” to our Iraqi counterparts,” he said. ESC, is taken on a project … that has process,” he said. Dragon, an Alexandria, Va., native, Dragon said the 36th Sust. Bde. and taken three years to come to fruition. With several units and civilian con- said as the battle space owner, his unit the 13th ESC have reduced the foot- Both those organizations have really tractors working together on this proj- has a responsibility to assist the 13th print at Camp Cedar II and prepared sought to complete this one on their ect, moving Camp Cedar II to COB Ad- ESC and ensure that the area is in the the base for closure. watch. I hold them in high esteem for der has been difficult to coordinate, but proper environmental condition when “I think the Soldiers in the (36th) that, because it (comes) at a critical is now in the final stages, Bailey said. it is turned over to the Iraqi govern- Sust. Bde. are doing a great job, as well juncture to reduce our footprint here “Coordination has definitely been a ment. as the Soldiers from the (13th) ESC,” he in Iraq.”

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SoldiersSt o r y a n d Ph o t o b y train to save lives in combat Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f CONTIGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – During a training exercise, a simu- lated improvised explosive device hit a convoy, forcing Soldiers to use combat life saver skills to react to an extreme situation with casualties, during a CLS course April 1 at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. Soldiers with the 2101st Transporta- tion Company out of Demopolis, Ala., 541st Combat Sustainment Support Bat- talion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) participated in a 40-hour CLS course to become qualified combat life savers for their convoy missions. Sgt. Brian M. Evans, a battalion medical training noncommissioned officer with the Special Troops Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division out of Fort Stewart, Ga., said the course gives Soldiers more hands-on experience. “Basically, we’re giving them a real- life scenario,” he said. “They are a transportation company, so we have them set up as a convoy out here for Sgt. Dustin G. Atkins, a truck driver with the 2101st Transportation Company out of Demopolis, Ala., 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and an Andalusia, Ala., native, checks a casualty during a training exer- their training. They get hit and they’ve cise for the combat life saver course April 1 at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. got to treat and maintain the patients until we get them evacuated.” until a medic arrives or until they can participated in the training had their plete the training regularly, to maintain Evans, a Cincinnati native, said get them to a place that has other medi- skills put to the test. familiarity. the training will help Soldiers when cal assets,” he said. “I think we did a pretty good job “I learned to expect anything that they are off base on convoys traveling Sgt. Jamie L. Thicklin, a transporta- overall,” said Atkins, an Andalusia, could happen and to keep your skills throughout Iraq. tion specialist with the 2101st Trans. Ala., native. “Before I came to this class sharp,” he said. “That way, when some- “We’re providing them CLS training Co., said during the convoy scenario, it probably would’ve been a little bit thing does happen you’ll be ready for it.” so that, should anything bad happen they got a chance to assess casualties harder, but now I have a better mindset Evans said he wants Soldiers to leave out there, they know how to take care of and give them care under fire. of how to control the situation.” the course with the best possible train- themselves, take care of their buddies “The training was very good,” said Thicklin said all Soldiers need to ing. and make sure everybody returns home Thicklin, a Montgomery, Ala., native. take part in the course to help prepare “There’s not too many CLS programs safe and alive,” he said. “It was realistic. When I came out, I them for what could happen during any that implement a validation lane such as The CLS training focuses on prepar- didn’t know what to expect, same as go- convoy mission. we have,” he said. “It’s not a requirement ing Soldiers to treat life-threatening in- ing on a mission. We got out here, we “(We) train as we fight, so when you of the CLS course, but we take it one step juries, said Evans. saw the casualties and the team went to get out on the battlefield it becomes above just to give them that additional “We’re providing them with the basic work.” second nature,” he said. “They need to experience and prepare them better for medical knowledge they need to be able Sgt. Dustin G. Atkins, a truck driver keep on doing this training.” the real-life missions they will be out to treat any type of battlefield wounds, with the 2101st, said the Soldiers who Atkins said all Soldiers should com- on.” PAGE 6 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 14, 2010 Michigan Guardsmen escort Iraqi workers at JBB food and take breaks throughout the St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y day, said Charania, an Alpena, Mich., Sp c . Mi c h a e l V. Ca m a c h o native. Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f For consistency’s sake, Soldiers JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Almost work with the same local nationals every morning, Soldiers on a regular basis to maintain solid, with the 1073rd Main- working relationships with them, he tenance Company out said. of Greenville, Mich., The salary workers earn is enough escort local nation- for them to support their families and als working with the live comfortably, said Charania. Department of Pub- This is a joint effort between the lic Works from the entry gate at Joint 13th ESC out of Fort Hood, Texas, the Base Balad, Iraq, onto the base. 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing and These Soldiers escort roughly 140 Noor Al-Belad Company, a local com- to 160 Iraqis to their worksites to do pany, said Air Force Tech. Sgt. Pat- post beautification, which can range rick Galla, noncommissioned officer from sidewalk sweeping to custodial in charge of Troops to Task, with the upkeep, said 1st Lt. Joey Degram- 332nd Expeditionary Civil Engineer- mont, the force protection platoon ing Squadron, 332nd Expeditionary leader with the 1073rd Maint. Co., Mission Support Group, 332nd AEW. 2nd Squadron, 278th Armored Caval- Spc. Karen Beekman, a Department of Public Works employee escort with the 1073rd The contract between the Air Force ry Regiment, 13th Sustainment Com- Maintenance Company, 2nd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sustain- and the Noor Al-Belad Company has mand (Expeditionary). ment Command (Expeditionary) and a Baldwin, Mich., native, supervises local national been a roughly six-year project, said These jobs give the Iraqis a steady DPW employees April 1 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Galla, a Traverse City, Mich., na- source of income, said Degrammont, tive. The 1073rd Maint. Co. provides a Mio, Mich., native. the local nationals,” he said. “They top priority, he said. strong support for the DPW’s mission Despite the cultural and language have a good time, they’re laughing The Iraqis must be escorted be- on base, he said. differences, the Soldiers and Iraqi and joking.” cause they do not have the proper au- The project’s long-term goal is to workers get along, said Degrammont, Although the partnership between thorization to be left alone, according instill strong work habits and skills exhibiting a strong working relation- service members and Iraqis is solid, to base security measures, said Sgt. in local nationals, to assist them af- ship. Both groups are simply doing a Soldiers always maintain profession- 1st Class Kalvin Charania, the force ter the U.S. military drawdown from job, and they all understand that, he alism and military bearing, said De- protection platoon sergeant with the Iraq, said Galla. said. grammont. This includes situational 1073rd Maint. Co. “The (local nationals) work hard, “There’s a lot of cohesion built up awareness at all times, keeping opera- The Soldiers also take care of the and they do an excellent job on base,” between the American Soldiers and tional and force protection security a Iraqis, ensuring they have water and said Charania. Adder to run final joint distribution center St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y (petroleum, oil, lubricants), four (con- Pf c . Li s a A. Co p e struction materials), six (demand items), Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f seven (major end items, such as Hum- vees, and Mine-Resistant Ambush-Pro- CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE tected vehicles), and nine (repair items) ADDER, Iraq – The Joint classes of supply throughout (United Distribution Center at States Division – South),” he said. Contingency Operating Kee said the JDC at COB Adder will Base Adder, Iraq, dis- be the last functioning JDC in Iraq, tributes supplies and and all of the equipment will funnel Sgt. Joseph P. Franklin, the mid-shift noncommissioned officer in charge with the 40th Quar- equipment coming through Adder and into Kuwait during termaster Company, 732nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 36th Sustainment Bri- into and leaving the the drawdown. gade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a New Orleans native, ground guides Iraq Joint Operations Area. “We have a major retrograde yard a Humvee onto a flatbed trailer to be taken through Kuwait March 31 at Contingency Operating First Lt. Christopher G. Kee, the of- on the south side of COB Adder, and Base Adder, Iraq. ficer in charge of the JDC with the 40th that is where we house the majority of focusing on class seven items. Kee said accountability of incoming Quartermaster Company, 732nd Com- our class seven and class nine items to “The Soldiers are responsible for up- and outgoing equipment is a high prior- bat Sustainment Support Battalion, 36th be retrograded to Kuwait, or to be sent loading and downloading class seven ity for his unit. Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment to Afghanistan,” he said. supplies that come in,” he said. “They “Our goal is maintaining full account- Command (Expeditionary) and an Ur- Sgt. 1st Class Dawadrain Clark, the also store and keep accountability of ability of every piece of commodity that bana, Ill., native, said the JDC handles all noncommissioned officer in charge of those supplies.” comes through the JDC, to ensure that it forms of supplies except food, ammuni- the JDC with the 40th QM Co. out of Clark said the unit has moved more gets … from the sender to the customer, tion and medical supplies. Schoffield Barracks, Hawaii, and an than 65,000 tons of class three, four and and to do that as fast as possible,” he said. “The main mission here at the JDC is Ocala, Fla., native, said 20 Soldiers nine supply, and about 5,000 pieces of “We try to turn items around within 72 to redistribute class two (organizational and 18 KBR, Inc. contractors work in class seven equipment in the last four hours, pushing onward to our next cus- clothing and individual equipment), three the JDC, with the Soldiers primarily months. tomer.” April 14, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 7 Mechanics maintain standard of safety for traveling Soldiers St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y “If you’re smart and you know your Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t vehicle, then it’s not much of a transi- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f tion; it’s pretty much doing your job, just in a convoy or at a motor pool,” he CONTIGENCY OPERATING BASE said. “Maintenance is maintenance, so SPEICHER, Iraq – A as long as you know your job. Operating breakdown off base in a (the wrecker) is a piece of cake.” war zone stops an entire They can also use the wrecker to help convoy, creating an pull motors out of other vehicles at the opportunity for the motor pool, said Hilliman. enemy to attack. “I think it is the best (military ve- Mechanics with hicle) we have,” he said. “It’s got many the 2101st Transportation Company uses and it never seems to break down if out of Demopolis, Ala., 541st Combat you keep up with its preventive mainte- Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th nance checks and services.” Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustain- This is Hilliman’s third deployment ment Command (Expeditionary) ride to Iraq. along with convoys to provide assis- “I’ve got quite a bit of experience as tance if a vehicle breaks down or needs far as being down the road and at the to be towed to another base. motor pool,” he said. “I love the job. I Spc. Andrew R. Hilliman, a me- love it more when we’re outside the chanic with the 2101st Trans. Co., said Sgt. Gregory T. Garrett and Pvt. Jacob F. Ray, mechanics with the 2101st Transportation wire, just makes it a lot more exciting. he works on vehicles at the motor pool Company out of Demopolis, Ala., 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Every day is not the same and you never and drives the wrecker as part of the Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and Montgomery, know what you might (encounter).” unit’s recovery team. Ala., natives, look at the technical manual to determine where to start their preventive Spc. Amy J. Combs, also a mechanic Hilliman, a Prattville, Ala., native, maintenance checks and services on the M915 line haul truck. with the 2101st, said she takes vehicles said his job allows him to work with that are inoperable and does what she units when they do preventive main- nical manuals) and go from there. As when Soldiers do PMCS, they should can to fix them. tenance checks and services on their soon as we get (the parts), we go back check the oil, air, water and belts, and Combs, a Choctaw, Ala., native, said vehicles. If the Soldiers find problems out to the trucks and fix them.” replace any parts that need to be fixed. the mechanics don’t just fix the vehicles with the trucks that require a me- Hilliman said PMCS should be per- “Maintenance means a lot,” said until they are comfortable with them, chanic, Hillman and his unit can assist formed before every mission. When he Tavra, a Birmingham, Ala., native. “A but so the drivers feel safe and confident them. is part of the recovery team, he does (broken) 10 cent part can ground that about operating the vehicle. “We’ll go out with the operators and PMCS on his wrecker each time to make vehicle on the side of the road.” “They used to throw posters up all … help them do their PMCS,” he said. sure it does not break down on a mis- If the mechanics cannot fix a vehicle the time … that said, ‘We work on it as “We fix any on the spot corrections that sion, he said. within a certain amount of time, they though our lives depend on it – theirs we can make. If need be, we come back Sgt. Henry H. Tavra, another me- use the wrecker to tow it to its final des- do.’ I don’t think I quite understood that and order parts, look through the (tech- chanic with the 2101st Trans. Co., said tination, Hilliman said. until I got here,” she said. Q-West inducts new noncommissioned officers St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y An NCO’s focus must be on the ac- These NCOs are St a f f Sg t . Ro b St r a i n complishment of the mission and the ready for that chal- 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s welfare of his or her Soldiers, said lenge, she said. Gaytan, a Los Angeles native. Price told the new CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE “We change our frame of thought NCOs to continue Q-WEST, Iraq – The from worrying about ourselves to improving them- Special Troops Battal- mentoring, training, guiding, leading selves, but remind- ion, 15th Sustainment and taking care of our Soldiers,” she ed them that they Brigade, 13th Sus- said. “We put their needs and welfare are responsible for tainment Command above our own.” their Soldiers now, (Expeditionary) in- The ceremony’s guest speaker was and they must put ducted 48 newly- Master Sgt. Vanessa Price, the food the Soldiers first. promoted noncommissioned officers services NCO in charge with the 15th “Encourage (your from units across Contingency Oper- Sust. Bde. Soldiers) to stay ating Base Q-West, Iraq, into the NCO “There’s nothing like being a part focused and teach Corps during a ceremony March 31 at of a team where everyone relies on them how to make First Sgt. Willie Johnson, the senior noncommissioned officer the Morale, Welfare and Recreation you to accomplish the mission while good decisions,” she with A Company, Special Troops Battalion, 15th Sustainment Bri- center. ensuring the welfare of all Soldiers,” said. gade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a New Or- leans native, leads 48 newly-inducted NCOs in the Charge of the “Being an NCO is more than acquir- she said. The NCOs should Noncommissioned Officer during an induction ceremony March ing a skill, passing boards or complet- As NCOs, the newly inducted Sol- know and live the 31 at Contingency Operating Base Q-West, Iraq. ing courses,” said Sgt. Elizabeth Gay- diers are charged with making deci- Creed of the Non- tan, a personnel NCO with the STB sions that are both legally and morally commissioned Officer and not just provement, said Price. and the ceremony’s narrator. “It is sound while taking care of the mis- memorize it for the promotion board, “Are you ready for this responsibil- the change in mentality about how we sion, the unit and the Soldiers, said she said. No matter how far the NCO ity?” she asked the new NCOs. “Yes, conduct our day-to-day business.” Price, a Shreveport, La., native. goes, there is always room for im- you are.” PAGE 8 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 14, 2010 Sustainment battalions transfer authority St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y St a f f Sg t . Ma t t h e w C. Co o l e y 15t h Su s t . Bd e . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq – The 264th Combat Sustain- ment Support Battal- ion, 15th Sustain- ment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Com- mand (Expedition- ary) transferred authority to the 541st Combat Sustainment Support Battal- ion, 15th Sust. Bde. during a ceremony at the main gym April 1 at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq, signal- ing the end of the 264th’s tour in Iraq. Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, commander of the 13th ESC out of Fort Hood, Texas, and a Mansfield, Ohio, native, was present with the ceremony’s re- viewing officer, Col. Larry Phelps, the 15th Sust. Bde. commander and a Greenville, Ala., native. “Today we are celebrating the next step in operation Provider Horizon, (Brig.) Gen. Wentz’s plan for realign- ment of support across Iraq – a plan that will result in over 13,000 providers returning to their homes and loved ones, and set the conditions for uninterrupted support to Iraq throughout the drawdown of forces in theater,” Phelps said. The 264th CSSB worked for 12 months to provide logistical support to A Soldier salutes the flag during the playing of the national anthem at the transfer of authority ceremony from the 264th Combat troops in their area of responsibility. Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) to the 541st Combat Sus- Phelps said they received and distrib- tainment Support Battalion, 15th Sust. Bde. April 1 at the main gym at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. uted nearly 5 million bottles of water, 65,000 cases of meals, ready-to-eat, native, said he was proud of his Sol- ment. We logisticians love to define 541st and Lt. Col. Paul D. Dismer, the 3,000 cases of halal – fit for use under diers’ accomplishments. ourselves with numbers … but what 541st CSSB commander and a Morgan the rules of Islam – meals, and drove “We hauled, stored and issued over you did here isn’t a story about num- City, La., native. more than 3 million miles in more than 36 million gallons of fuel, filled over bers. It wasn’t a math problem. It was “Lt. Col. Dismer, it has been a plea- 1,200 convoys. 650,000 requests for supplies, re- a human story – a Soldier’s story.” sure to serve with you over the past “They have fixed everything a truck paired over 3,200 vehicles and other Before a transfer of authority is several months,” Elkton said. “I leave driver can break – and that’s every- equipment,” he said. “We oversaw a carried out, the incoming and outgo- Iraq in good conscience knowing that thing,” Phelps said. mortuary; we handled over 10,000 ing units work side by side to ensure you and the 541st staff are well pre- Lt. Col. Steven S. DeBusk, the 264th containers; and we facilitated the turn a smooth transition. Elkton expressed pared to continue to advance the ball CSSB commander and an Elkton, Md., in of millions of dollars of excess equip- his confidence in the abilities of the down the field.” April 14, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 9 PAGE 10 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 14, 2010 Christians come together to celebrate Easter at JBB St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y Of the 12 team members, nine per- Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c formed on Easter, said Wood. Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f “We have a great group of people who love to take forth the word of God JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – More through dance,” she said. than 250 Christian service Lt. Col. Roy T. Walker, head chaplain members and civilians with the 13th Sustainment Command came together for an Eas- (Expeditionary), said they had been ter sunrise service April planning the sunrise service for almost 4 at Holt Memorial three months. Stadium at Joint Base “Our job was to (see) that all the pro- Balad, Iraq. grams were put together, sound sys- The one-hour service featured per- tems were set up, an inclement weather formances by the Provider Chapel band plan (was in place) and advertising was and members of the inspirational praise taken care of,” he said. dance team. Walker, an Elizabethtown, Ky., na- Maj. Camilla Wood, the assistant tive, said the 13th ESC and the 332nd acquisition logistics technician direc- Air Expeditionary Wing came together tor with the 402nd Army Field Support for the event. Brigade and a Huntsville, Ala., native, “The Army took the lead to make said the dance team is part of the Pro- it happen and we worked with the Air vider Chapel dance auxiliary and is used Force and split the duties down the The inspirational praise dance team shares its message with service members and civil- as an outreach program. middle,” he said. ians at the Easter sunrise service April 4 at Holt Memorial Stadium at Joint Base Balad, “Normally we use three weeks re- What made the service special was Iraq. hearsal time for events like these,” she that almost every unit ministry team said. was represented, said Walker. it’s turning this time away from home about being of a certain denomination, Wood said the team considers its “Even though we are thousands of into a time of opportunity.” said Shoemate, it was about coming to- dance more of a ministry than a perfor- miles from home, we all have become Staff Sgt. Samuel I. Shoemate, the gether and praising the risen Savior. mance. part of history,” he said. “Watching the security manager noncommissioned of- “Very rarely do so many believers “We’re actually uplifting the name of sunrise come up in the cradle of civili- ficer in charge with the 13th ESC and a from so many different backgrounds God and helping people understand his zation on Easter is something that you Windsor, Colo., native, said he thought and denominations get to come togeth- word through dance,” she said. will tell your grandchildren about, and the service was powerful. It was not er to worship as one,” he said. Soldiers train to transfer mission St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y idiosyncrasies of the area and mis- Sp c . An i t a Va n d e r Mo l e n sions they would execute. 41s t IBCT Pu b l i c Af f a i r s “We brought the standard (to TF Vol- unteer expectations),” said Pfc. Ronald CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Cain, a driver with the 2/162nd and ADDER, Iraq – The Or- a Medford, Ore., native. “We also ex- egon National Guard’s plained what to expect at (COB) Adder 41st Infantry Brigade and on the road.” Combat Team Soldiers Spc. Mukunda Moss, a gunner with began their deploy- C Company, 2/162nd and a Gladstone, ment overseas in Ku- Ore., native, praised the incoming Sol- wait with training diers. from the outgoing unit in June 2009. “Louisiana has a good group of guys,” At the end of that deployment in he said. “They accepted the training March 2010, the Soldiers returned the with a good attitude. They were willing favor. to learn, even the ones who deployed Task Force Volunteer, 2nd Battal- before.” ion, 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st While in Kuwait, TF Geronimo Sol- IBCT, 13th Sustainment Command diers were able to experience every as- (Expeditionary) drove vehicles to pect of a typical mission. The 10-day Kuwait to assist them in conducting training is the beginning of the relief-in- pre-mission training for the Louisi- place process that must occur before the ana National Guard’s 2nd Squadron, 2/108th can assume their responsibili- 108th Cavalry, 256th IBCT Soldiers, ties. who will use similar vehicles when Soldiers with the Louisiana National Guard’s Task Force Geronimo, 2nd Squadron, 108th Cav- “It’s the first real taste of how TF Vol- they take command of the convoy se- alry, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team arrive at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq, unteer operates,” said Maj. Eric Riley, curity mission conducted by the Vol- March 25. The Soldiers were trained in Kuwait by the Oregon National Guard’s Task Force TF Volunteer operations officer and a Volunteer, 2nd Battalion 162nd Infantry Regiment, 41st IBCT Soldiers. TF Geronimo will take unteers. over the convoy security mission as TF Volunteer heads home. Roseburg, Ore., native. “They experi- The training included a maintain- enced it all, from the briefs to the mis- er’s course for the mechanics and “The counter-(improvised explosive tics, techniques and procedures, pass- sions.” Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected device) training was great.” ing it on to our guys,” said 1st Sgt. Billy As TF Geronimo arrives at COB Ad- vehicle driver’s training. TF Volunteer brought 10 months Myers, a 1st sergeant with the 2/108th der and conducts their training and “The casualty evacuation was more of experience with convoy security to and a Natchitoches, La., native. mentorship, they will continue to ben- realistic than I’ve had,” said Staff Sgt. Kuwait for the TF Geronimo Soldiers. The 2/162nd Soldiers taught the efit from the Volunteers’ experience be- Ronnie Veal, a 2 /108th truck com- “It was good having the actual unit incoming 2/108th Soldiers their du- fore they head out on their own. mander and a Lecompte, La., native. teaching us the most up-to-date tac- ties and responsibilities, as well as the “It was a great hand off,” Myers said. April 14, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 11 Refueling point offers oasis for thirsty birds St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y in front of the helicopters.” St a f f Sg t . Je f f Lo w r y Gould said they take additional Ta s k Fo r c e 38 Pu b l i c Af f a i r s precautions to mitigate risk. “We’re brutally honest with each BAGHDAD, Iraq – Like oases for wea- other out there if somebody is about ry desert travelers, Army to make a mistake,” he said. “We have refueling points in Iraq to be. We’re constantly double check- offer a place for pilots ing each other.” to refuel their thirsty The Riflestock Soldiers refuel he- birds. licopters with the engines on and the The Riflestock re- blades still turning, known as “hot fueling point in Baghdad is manned fueling.” A spark at the wrong time, by nearly a dozen Soldiers from Task mixed with the petroleum could be a Force 38’s E Company, 3rd Battalion, volatile combination. 158th Aviation Regiment. They refuel “We’re huge on safety; a minor helicopters of all shapes and sizes, mistake can have a devastating ef- including CH-47 Chinooks, AH-64 fect,” Gould said. Apaches and UH-60 Black Hawks. The fuelers, each with a specific “If they fly in here, we fill them up,” task, work as a team to mitigate the said Spc. Matt Harvell, an E Co. fueler risks. One Soldier fuels the helicopter, and a Fort Worth, Texas, native. one Soldier mans the fire extinguisher Pfc. Nathan Gould, an E Co. fu- and one Soldier runs the fuel trucks A Task Force 38 fueler with E Company, 3rd Battalion, 158th Aviation Regiment waits for eler and a Lafayette, La., native, said that pump the petroleum. a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter to stop before walking out to refuel the helicopter at the he saw similarities and differences “We need to do it in a timely mat- Riflestock refueling point March 26 in Baghdad. between his team and race car pit ter,” said Gould. “We need to be effi- crews. cient, but we need to be methodical so team’s noncommissioned officer in to the aircraft in a timely manner and “We work together as a team like we don’t make mistakes.” charge, praising his team. refuel them in a timely manner. The they do,” he said. “However, we’re a The fuelers work as a synchronized “I have no problems with them and customers are never waiting on them. lot more safety conscious. They jump unit when it is time to refuel the heli- I’ve had zero complaints, said Smith, I wouldn’t want to work with anybody out in front of cars. We don’t jump out copters, said Sgt. Charles Smith, the a Jacksonville, Fla., native. “They go else. They are the cream of the crop.” Wisconsin Soldiers bring family along for tour in Iraq St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y ployment to be with a family mem- Sg t . Ma t t h e w T. Hi pp ber. 36t h Su s t . Bd e . “I decided to volunteer … and my dad decided to come along be- CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE cause of me,” said Staff Sgt. Nicholas ADDER, Iraq – Leaving Raabe, the HHC motor sergeant and home to serve in Iraq a Tomah, Wis., native. does not always mean Nicholas Raabe’s father, Mas- leaving family behind. ter Sgt. Douglas Raabe, the 732nd Roughly 12 percent CSSB command sergeant major and a of the Soldiers with Tomah, Wis., native, agreed with his the Wisconsin Army son. National Guard’s Headquarters and “If my son didn't deploy, I might Headquarters Company, 732nd Com- not have deployed,” Douglas Raabe bat Sustainment Support Battalion, said. 36th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sus- The members of the 732nd CSSB tainment Command (Expeditionary), will soon make the journey back out of Tomah, Wis., serve with family home to be reunited with the rest of members in Iraq. their families. “Having a close family member Staff Sgt. Moriah Menden, the here with you makes it easier to talk 732nd CSSB dining facility opera- about family issues that may arise tions NCO and a Sparta, Wis., native, and … makes it easier to cope,” said who is deployed with her husband, Sgt. Geoffery Miller, the HHC readi- said she knows she is lucky to have ness noncommissioned officer and an These Soldiers with the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s Headquarters and Headquar- him with her. ters Company, 732nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 36th Sustainment Brigade, Appleton, Wis., native. 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), out of Tomah, Wis., represent the roughly “It has made the deployment so Staff Sgt. Jennifer Baurichter, the 12 percent of the Soldiers in the unit who served with family members in Iraq. much easier for us,” she said. “It has 732nd CSSB personnel NCO and an made our marriage stronger, and if Ellsworth, Wis., native, chose her “Having Christina here is really need someone to talk to, she is always we deploy again, we understand that sister, Sgt. 1st Class Christina Pagen- helpful because one of us is always there. When one of us is super busy, the odds of deploying together are kopf, the 732nd CSSB special projects in contact with the family, so they we help the other out by getting chow very low. For both of us being in the NCO and a Neilsville, Wis., native, as don't worry as much,” she said. “She or doing each other's laundry.” National Guard, we know what to ex- her roommate for the tour, and said knows me the best. When I need my Some current members of the pect for our futures and what a de- her sibling makes life easier. space, she leaves me alone, or when I 732nd CSSB volunteered for this deployment is all about.” PAGE 12 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 14, 2010 Formerly wounded Veterans return

toS t omentor r y a n d Ph o t o b y service members at JBB Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Eight Sol- diers who sustained injuries during previous deployments returned to Joint Base Balad, Iraq, April 9 for Operation Proper Exit V. The Soldiers, some visiting for a second or third time, came to tell the stories behind their injuries and recoveries during a town-hall style meeting at Morale, Welfare and Recreation center east. Retired Sgt. Juan Arrendondo, an infantry noncommissioned officer and a Coachella, Calif., native, said this was his first time back in Iraq since 2005 when he was injured. “It has been very emotional, but very rewarding,” he said. “I came back to give a message that everything we’re doing here is for something good.” Col. Knowles Y. Atchison, the deputy commander with the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and an Ores- ville, Ala., native, said he was deeply honored that the Soldiers came. “You have honored us here today,” he said. “You remind all of us why we’re Soldiers with the Wounded Warrior Program are introduced to service members April 9 during Operation Proper Exit V, at Mo- here. There is nothing more powerful.” rale, Welfare and Recreation center east at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. The visit was part of a week-long tour that is sponsored by the Atchison thanked them for their Troops First Foundation in conjunction with the United Services Organization and United States Forces – Iraq. thoughts and the guidance they shared with the audience. back to Iraq after five years, and was Capt. Ingrid Welsh, the equal oppor- assisted wounded Veterans like himself “Please keep being involved,” he said. surprised by all the progress that has tunity adviser with the 36th Sustain- tremendously, and continues to do so. “You are the firepower where we need it been made. ment Brigade, 13th ESC out of Contin- “My hand cost $25,000,” he said. most – in the ranks of our younger Sol- “As I was flying over Fallujah in the gency Operating Base Adder, Iraq, and “We get to try out all the new toys, as far diers. helicopter and seeing all those buildings a Lampasas, Texas, native, said she was as prosthetics go. If we break it, they give Retired Staff Sgt. Brian Neuman, pre- being erected, it made me feel that we glad she had an opportunity to come to us something better.” viously with B Company, 9th Psycholog- actually accomplished something over JBB to witness the visit because, being a Since being back, Arrendondo said he ical Operations Battalion attached to 1st here,” he said. National Guard Soldier, she may not get has not heard any gunfire or explosions, Marine Division and a Portsmouth, R.I., He and his fellow visitors were sur- this opportunity again. a change from five years ago. native, said he came to Iraq to give back prised by all of the new military equip- “It was interesting for me to see how “I was telling everybody on the way to the service members. ment and technology in Iraq, he said, they coped with losing limbs and the over here that now I finally have the “It was also a chance for me to see and by how much has changed. mental stress they underwent,” she said. chance to walk out of here on my own what Iraq is like now, and see that our Neuman was injured when an explo- “How they overcame all of that with the two feet,” he said. “This will give me a lot sacrifices have paid off,” he said. sively formed projectile struck his Brad- help of other Soldiers and their care pro- of closure.” Neuman said he wanted to use his ex- ley M2A3 Tracked – Armored Fighting viders.” Arrendondo said this event would perience to make the deployment worth vehicle near Fallujah. Welsh said she has followed one of not be possible without the help of the it for service members in Iraq now. His left arm was amputated below the the bills recently passed to help Soldiers Troops First Foundation and the United “If just one private first class that elbow and he sustained shrapnel wounds get prosthetics and the care they need. Services Organization, which founded came here takes something back with to both legs and his right arm. “By listening to them and seeing Operation Proper Exit. them, then my time here was worth it,” Neuman said body armor saved his them, I think they are definitely being “I want to thank them, along with the he said. life, but he was in the hospital for nine helped out,” she said. Army, for helping make this all happen,” Neuman said it was surreal coming months recovering. Arrendondo said the government has he said. Do you have a story idea? Contact us at: [email protected] April 14, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 13 Mayor promotes safety in Mosul St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y COB Marez, said they are preparing for Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g the base to get busier. Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f “This is one of the (bases) that’s going to endure for a short time,” he said. CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE “As we have more people, we’re going MAREZ, Iraq – The Regi- to need to be more safety conscious.” mental Fires Squadron, Stevens, a Sherwood, Tenn., native, 278th Armored Cavalry said they are trying to curb speeding Regiment, 13th Sus- offenses on the base and better enforce tainment Command the visibility of badges on contractors. (Expeditionary) held Safety in containerized housing units a mayor cell meeting has also been an issue, said Capt. Chris- April 5 at Contingency Operating Base topher Tutje, the safety officer for the Marez, Iraq, to discuss current issues RFS and a Nashville, Tenn., native. and future plans for the base and its in- Tutje said they are in the process of habitants. fixing bad wiring and updating plugs in “We’re 30 days on ground today as all living areas. the mayor cell,” said Lt. Col. Warner “We have to err on the side of safety Holt, commander of the RFS, 278th with what we put in our CHUs,” he said. ACR and a Winchester, Tenn., native. “We just don’t want anybody getting “We’re glad to be here.” hurt.” The meeting, which is held monthly, In addition to safety issues, Stevens Maj. Tommie Stevens, the executive officer with the Regimental Fires Squadron, gave military leaders and civilian con- briefed leaders about the need to con- 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), tractors a chance to discuss the services tinue the drawdown process through mayor of Contingency Operating Base Marez, Iraq, and a Sherwood, Tenn., native, they provide on base, but the main fo- Operation Material Advantage. takes questions from military leaders and civilian contractors at the mayor cell meet- cus was on safety, said Holt. “There’s a lot of equipment ly- ing April 4 at COB Marez. “Our field of view is very wide being around that needs to be turned in cause we’re looking at more than 10,000 through the system,” he said. Tutje said collaboration between “Our scope can’t just be unit level,” Soldiers and civilians,” he said. “We’re Stevens said Operation Material Ad- units, and between military and civil- said Tutje. “It’s about building rela- looking at safety across the board.” vantage is a sort of spring cleaning proj- ian workers, is important during any tionships with people and maintaining Maj. Tommie Stevens, the executive ect they conduct with 2nd Brigade, 3rd operation and is one of the reasons they them. You have to have the right people officer for the RFS and the mayor of Infantry Division. hold the mayor cell meetings. to build relationships.” Container manager earns battlefield promotion By 2n d Lt. Ga b r i e l We s t Base Balad Empty Container Collec- charge two months ago, said McDow- officer in charge and a Little Rock, 15t h Su s t . Bd e . tion Point, overseeing not only 12 ci- ell. Ark., native, said the command is fully vilian contractors but also thousands Ryan said his work was challeng- confident that Ryan’s efforts were es- JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – A con- of empty seaworthy containers, which ing. sential to the responsible drawdown tainer manager with the are issued to units and trans-shipped “It has really given me a taste for of U.S. forces from Iraq. 159th Seaport Operations throughout theater, said Capt. Philip what I would like to do as a mobility “Staff Sgt. Ryan is an independent Company, 80th Ordnance McDowell, commander of the 159th warrant officer, and I’m really appre- leader who we can trust to interface Battalion, 15th Sustain- SOC and a Charlottesville, Va., native. ciative of this learning opportunity,” with container managers throughout ment Brigade, 13th “During this deployment, Staff Sgt. he said. theater,” Latch said. Sustainment Com- Ryan was chosen above his peers to Ryan said he was honored that his In his spare time, Ryan works on mand (Expeditionary) manage the Joint Base Balad Empty leaders placed their faith and confi- his bachelor’s degree in business ad- distinguished himself from his peers Container Collection Point, which is dence in him. ministration. and earned a battlefield promotion to co-located with the Central Receiving “I’m eager to accept the challenges “Talk to (him) and you’ll find a staff sergeant March 1 at Joint Base and Shipping Point,” he said. which come with being a staff ser- leader who stays positive regardless of Balad, Iraq. Ryan’s professionalism is unpar- geant,” he said. the weight of his responsibility, who Staff Sgt. Patrick Ryan, a Rapid alleled, and he has flawlessly accom- Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Latch, the has his eye on the next rank already,” City, S.D., native, manages the Joint plished his mission since he took 159th SOC CRSP noncommissioned McDowell said. SHOUT OUT!!!

Contact the Expeditionary Times for more information. E-mail: [email protected] PAGE 14 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 14, 2010 Chaplain ministers after near-death experience St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y ber was more than 60,000. Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o mp e n b e r g “That’s really what this story is Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f about,” he said. Toward the end of 2004, Whitaker CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE said he felt a calling to enter the chap- MAREZ, Iraq – In addi- lain’s corps for the Navy. When he was tion to traditional services, offered a job coaching wrestling at Ten- Army chaplains provide a nessee Temple University, Whitaker sounding board for deal- transferred to the Army Reserves and ing with difficult situa- moved to Tennessee. tions in both their per- He said he felt he owed something to sonal lives and military careers. wrestling, as it had once saved his life. Capt. Geoffrey Whitaker, the garri- As a chaplain, Whitaker has been son chaplain at Contingency Operating able to use his experience as a SEAL Base Marez, Iraq, with the Regimental to reach Soldiers in need, said Cpl. Fires Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Michael Hankins, a chaplain assistant Regiment, 13th Sustainment Command with the RFS, 278th ACR and a Mem- (Expeditionary), has used his own near- phis, Tenn., native. death experience and unlikely recovery “I think his experience in the SEAL to reach out to his Soldiers. team really attracts Soldiers to him,” “I was a SEAL team officer in my for- he said. “Having that experience kind mer life,” he said. of gives him a one-up on other chap- Capt. Geoffrey Whitaker, the garrison chaplain at Contingency Operating Base Marez, Iraq, Whitaker, a Murphy, N.C., native, lains.” with the Regimental Fires Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sustainment said in 2003, during a tour in the Mid- Command (Expeditionary) and a Murphy, N.C., native, leads an Easter service April 4 at St. Hankins said coaching is also a huge dle East, he had a speed rope accident Elijah Monastery at COB Marez. part of Whitaker’s life, and he sees it in and fell from a helicopter, landing on his counseling style. his head. of it to his lifetime of wrestling. for him around the world. “He uses that connection that he His skull was crushed and he was “My doctors said, ‘Next to the hand “I’ve been a part of churches every- would normally have with his wrestlers unconscious for 10 days. Even after life- of God, you need to be thankful for where I’ve lived,” he said. “My friend … to relate to his Soldiers,” he said. saving brain surgery, Whitaker said he those neck muscles,’” he said. network was global.” Even though Whitaker has under- was given a 10 percent chance of sur- Whitaker said he defied the odds After his recovery, Whitaker went gone life-changing events, Hankins viving and an even smaller chance of and made a full recovery, returning back and read all the cards he had re- said he is the same energetic man he recovering. to full duty with the SEALs within 12 ceived in the hospital and did some always was. Whitaker said it was a miracle he did months. He said he owes his recovery math to find out how many people were “He’s still a warrior,” said Hankins, not break his neck, and credited much to the thousands of people praying praying for him. He estimated the num- “but he’s a spiritual warrior now.”

248th Veterinary Services Company’s winning poster for Task Force 1 Medical’s Sexual Assault Awareness Poster Contest. The winning poster’s design team is Chief Warrant Officer 3 Donald Smith, Staff Sgt. Michelle Pinson-Horne, Sgt. Vicki French and Sgt. Tiffany Dardy. April 14, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 15 Force protection uniform postures

U4 PAGE 16 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 14, 2010 New weapon system keeps

SoldiersSt o r y a n d Ph o t o b y with F Company, safer 2/278th ACR out of on road Pf c . Li s a A. Co p e McMinnville, Tenn., and a Franklin, Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f Tenn., native, graduated at the top of the five-day CROWS training course. JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – The Com- Baird said he likes that the CROWS mon Remotely Operated is compatible with four weapons, which Weapon Station helps allows him to choose the weapon that keep Soldiers safe on the is appropriate for each mission. The road by increasing ac- CROWS supports the M-2 .50-caliber curacy and keeping the machine gun, the M-249 Squad Auto- gunner inside of the matic Weapon, the M-240B machine protected vehicle. gun and the MK-19-3 40 mm grenade Capt. Colby P. Tippens, the com- machine gun. mander of F Company, 2nd Squadron, “We like the M-2 on top because it 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, is pretty reliable, same with the 240,” 13th Sustainment Command (Expedi- he said. “You’ve got that accuracy and tionary) and a Cookville, Tenn., native, reliability factor, and that is pretty said he believes his gunners are safer important when you are outside the now that his unit uses the CROWS on wire.” its Humvees. Baird said another feature he appre- “The gunner is way more protect- ciates is surveillance mode, in which ed,” he said. “It is not a (Mine-Resis- the barrel of the weapon elevates and tant Ambush-Protected vehicle), but the cameras can be moved indepen- you do not have a guy who is sitting up dently of the weapon. there behind a couple pieces of rolled “Our mission out there is to win steel and ballistic glass.” hearts and minds,” he said. “(Surveil- Tippens said the three cameras used lance mode) is definitely a good thing by the CROWS helps the accuracy of when you are rolling out there; you do Spc. Christopher D. Baird, a Franklin, Tenn., native, and Spc. Graham T. Binkley, an Ashland his gunners. not want to be flagging people all the City, Tenn., native, both gunners with F Company, 2nd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), attach the M-2 .50-caliber machine “This is a combat multiplier … like time.” gun to the Common Remotely Operated Weapon System before a mission April 7 at Joint having a sniper team,” he said. “This Baird said overall he believes he is Base Balad, Iraq. is an additional tool in our kit that we more effective and secure on the road can pull out and use to help protect when using the CROWS. confinements of your armor, and you fident with our gunnery skills, but this ourselves. This is absolutely an asset.” “It gives you a pretty good sense of can look out pretty far even when it’s weapon system takes all the thinking Spc. Christopher D. Baird, a gunner security,” he said. “You are within the pitch black outside. We are pretty con- out of it.” Iraqi bankers, businessmen meet, discuss best practices By Sp c . Na v e e d Al i Sh a h main operating nesses to use Iraqi banks, and also Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f method, said Capt. move away from using U.S. currency Shaun Miller, a for their transactions. JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – Iraqi joint banking offi- “Here at Balad, we want to get Iraqi bankers and businessmen cer with the 326th business and banks together and build gathered for a conference FMC and Army relationships,” said Miller. “We’ve been March 31 at Joint Base Central Command. moving toward using dinar and using Balad, Iraq, in an effort Using cash as a Iraqi banks. Right now, only about 9 to increase knowledge primary means of percent of Iraqi people use their own and awareness of the conducting trans- banks.” services offered by Iraqi banks. actions has sev- The Department of Defense’s Task The conference was organized by eral drawbacks, he Force for Business and Stability Opera- banking officials with the 326th Finan- said. tions is working with Iraqi contractors cial Management Center, Army Central “Before, a ven- U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Edward Wandrick and vendors to facilitate relationships Command, as well as officials with the dor might be Iraqi banks and businesses gather for a conference March 31 with Iraqi banks. U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the U.S. robbed or killed at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, in an effort to increase knowledge and “We establish banks’ relationships Treasury. and the money awareness of the services offered by Iraqi banks. The conference with Iraqi banks and with internation- “The purpose of today’s event is used for terror- was organized by banking officials with the 326th Financial Man- al banks,” said Firas, a Baghdad native. to bring these banks and businesses ist operations,” agement Center, Army Central Command, as well as officials with “Then we can move to the next level of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the U.S. Treasury. together,” said Maj. Jack Nemceff, a said Firas Obaid, exchanging funds electronically.” contracting officer with the 332nd Air an electronic banking specialist with Miller, a Washington native, said the The ultimate goal for all involved is Expeditionary Wing at JBB. Task Force for Business and Stability use of U.S. currency undermines that to have an integrated and fully func- “We have much to share and learn Operations, out of Baghdad. “We have of the Iraqis and their government. tioning Iraqi financial center, said from each other,” said Nemceff, a Bis- to start step by step, help them under- “People don’t trust the banking sys- Miller. marck, N.D., native. stand the threat situation. The goal tem, so it’s going to be a slow, steady “The benefits are enormous,” he Under the current financial sys- is to have Iraqi banks transfer funds process to rebuild it,” he said. said. “We can provide safety and ac- tem, Iraqi businesses are known to use from dollars to dinars and give it to the The conference’s organizers said countability, and help stabilize the sys- cash, primarily U.S. dollars, as their vendors.” they hoped to encourage Iraqi busi- tem. This is just the start.” April 14, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 17 Rough Terrain Container Handler operators manage container yard St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y the container yard no more than two or Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t three days, he said. Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f “It gets pretty busy, but it can also be laid back,” said Ward. “A few convoys CONTIGENCY OPERATING BASE SPE- come in, download and upload. It can ICHER, Iraq – Some Sol- vary in numbers, from two connexes to diers use video games to 50 or 100 connexes, depending on where pass the time in Iraq, but they’re coming from and where they’re one Soldier said he actu- going.” ally gets to play them at Ward said he learned how to drive the work. Kalmar on the job, after arriving in Iraq. Spc. Christopher A. “I’m getting a lot of experience,” he Ward, a Rough Terrain Container Han- said. “It’s fun; it makes the day go by dler operator with the 611th Seaport Op- faster.” erations Company, said he tries to make Laurey said they sometimes encoun- the deployment as fun as he can, especial- ter oil leaks due to the high heat and the ly when operating the RT-240 Kalmar. constant running of the vehicles, or if the “It’s just like playing a little video game hoses crack. The computer can overheat in there,” said Ward, a Nampa, Idaho, without air conditioning inside the Kal- native. “You’ve got to hook up all the cor- mar, and sand sometimes gets inside the ners.” equipment. Soldiers with the 611th SOC out of Fort Soldiers with the 611th Seaport Operations Company out of Fort Eustis, Va., 541st Combat “We have to keep a watchful eye and Eustis, Va., 541st Combat Sustainment Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command make sure we blow all the equipment out Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Bri- (Expeditionary) operate the RT-240 Kalmar to unload a container from a trailer. with air, (and) try to keep the door closed gade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expe- as much as possible,” he said. ditionary) use the RT-240 Kalmar to move to 50,000 pounds,” he said. “Due to the “When they need it, they will call or Ward said the yard is not entirely flat, containers throughout the container yard conditions that they have been in and send a request in so we can upload it and so they have to drive the Kalmar slowly at Contingency Operating Base Speicher, how long they have been out here, you have it shipped,” he said. and cautiously. He said the drivers have to Iraq. (try to keep the weight) down to 30,000 Ward said he performs preventive keep in mind that the containers may not Sgt. Richard B. Laurey, the noncom- to 35,000 pounds.” maintenance checks and services before, be fully packed and could be unbalanced. missioned officer in charge of the contain- Ward downloads the containers off the during and after he uses the vehicle. “Those are the main things you’ve got er yard with the 611th SOC and a Wash- trailers and puts them into specific lanes Laurey said if the containers are wait- to worry about, potholes and a lot of dif- ington native, said the Kalmars pick up to be shipped out later to their final desti- ing to be picked up by another convoy, ferent variable in weight,” he said. “It’s 20 or 40-foot containers and stack them nation. Some of the containers are empty, they spend roughly five days in the con- time consuming but it’s just something three high. but others are full of units’ equipment and tainer yard. A container that is waiting to that you’ve got to be very careful (with), “The maximum capable weight is up supplies, he said. be picked up by a local unit should sit in because you’re holding about 4 to 8 tons.” Father patches son in ceremony St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y “I haven’t been able to attend all the patch is special. Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c regiment’s subordinate combat patch “It’s kind of an Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f ceremonies, but it was very special for me honor to be able and I wanted to make sure I was here for to receive some- JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq – On April 8, it,” he said. thing like this, a Tennessee father placed a Jeff Holmes said these ceremonies knowing that I’ve combat patch on his son’s typically happen after 30 days into a rota- been here with right shoulder in Iraq, cel- tion. these guys mak- ebrating his son’s service “This is a good chance to commemo- ing a difference,” at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. rate a Soldier’s service in wartime and in he said. Second Squadron, theater,” he said. Hulon Hol- 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 13th Jeff Holmes said many of the Soldiers mes said it was Sustainment Command (Expedition- already have a combat patch from prior an honor to be ary) has been in country for roughly one deployments, but for those who do not, patched by his month, and its patching ceremony was they try to make this a significant event. father. held outside of the squadron’s headquar- “It exhibits a lot of respect from one “I didn’t ex- Col. Jeff H. Holmes, the commander of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, ters building, where Col. Jeff H. Holmes, combat Veteran to the other, and a signifi- pect that this 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Murfreesboro, Tenn., native, places the combat patch on his son, Spc. Hulon Holmes, a gunner the regiment’s commander stationed at cant transition in one’s career to put one would be able to with 3rd Platoon, F Troop, 2nd Squadron, 278th ACR, also a Murfreesboro, Contingency Operating Base Taji, Iraq, on,” he said. happen,” he said. Tenn., native, during a ceremony April 8 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. patched his son, Spc. Hulon Holmes, a Jeff Holmes said it is a rare occurrence “It was nice to gunner with 3rd Platoon, F Troop, 2-278th that a father has a chance to put a combat see him in general, but for him to be able with him, he said, and never pressured ACR and Murfreesboro ,Tenn., native. patch on his son. to put the patch on me, it was a great mo- him to join the military. Jeff Holmes, also a Murfreesboro, “I wanted to seize the moment,” he ment.” “He left that completely up to me,” said Tenn., native, said it was an honor to put said. Hulon Holmes said he is proud to serve Hulon Holmes. “Eventually, it just kind of a combat patch on his son and he was glad This is Hulon Holmes’ first deploy- under his father and could not ask for a got to me. I knew it was something that I he was able to make it for the ceremony. ment, and he said receiving the combat better assignment. His father was patient wanted and needed to do.” PAGE 18 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 14, 2010 Soldiers track trailers at transfer point St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y W.V., native, said they verify the car- Sg t . Ry a n Tw i s t go when it comes in, to maintain ac- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f countability of each piece that passes through the yard. CONTIGENCY OPERATING BASE “(The Savi Signpost system) helps us SPEICHER, Iraq – The out a lot,” said Harris. “Sometimes, we Trailer Transfer Point at get cargo in that we don’t have paper- Contingency Operating work for. We can then check the (radio Base Speicher, Iraq, frequency identification) tags that are opened for business on the cargo to see what TMR it goes March 15. with.” Soldiers there The Savi Signpost system is an in- hold, load and unload trailers as they terrogator system that tracks the RF wait for units to come pick them up or ID tags as they enter and exit the TTP, convoys to transfer them to another des- Ackley said. The 28 systems at Speich- tination, said 1st Lt. Jonathan A. Ackley, er, Joint Base Balad, Victory Base Com- trailer transfer point officer in charge plex and Marez, cost roughly $98,000 with the 611th Seaport Operations Com- total. pany out of Fort Eustis, Va., 541st Com- Harris said the unit also ensures bat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th the trailers are put in the correct area, Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment lined up neatly. Command (Expeditionary) and a Co- The TTP Soldiers verify each outgo- lumbus, Ohio, native. A Soldier with the 611th Seaport Operations Company out of Fort Eustis, Va., 541st Com- ing connex’s information to ensure it is “We manage a little over 200 trailers,” bat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Com- headed to the right place, he said. They said Ackley. “It can be anything from ve- mand (Expeditionary) drives through the Savi Signpost system, which helps Soldiers at then ensure each connex is secured the Trailer Transfer Point keep track of all inbound and outbound trailers April 3 at Contin- hicles, pallets (or) containers.” properly. gency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. Sgt. Jackie D. Womack, the trailer “I really feel like I’m supporting the transfer point noncommissioned offi- “We’re generally pretty busy,” said five items on each – right around rest of the Army out here,” said Har- cer in charge with the 611th SOC, said Womack, an Emerald, Texas, native. 1,700 pieces of equipment in just one ris. “I make sure the units get the stuff around four convoys, inbound and out- “When we did our count for March, month.” they need. We make sure that the trail- bound, come through the yard every day, we had over 350 (transfer movement Spc. Stefan C. Harris, a truck driver ers are fully mission-capable, ready to with an average of 30 pieces per convoy. requests) and an average of about with the 611th SOC and a Clarksburg, go.” Father, son reunite in Iraq By Pf c . Li s a A. Co p e cluding the birth of Hubbard’s son. Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f a n d “We probably stayed up until two Ca p t . Jo n -Ro y Sl o a n o’clock in the morning reminiscing,” 278t h ACR Pu b l i c Af f a i r s said Wise. “He lives in Washington and I live in Tennessee, so I do not CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq – A Tennes- get much of a chance to see him. We see father went the extra wound up talking forever. He has a mile, Feb. 21, to be with baby boy that is just a year old.” his son on his birthday. Wise said he appreciated the effort Capt. Joseph E. Hubbard’s unit made to allow the pair Wise, the person- to spend time together. nel officer with 2nd “The unit was very hospitable and Squadron, 278th accommodating,” he said. “I met his Armored Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sus- commander and his friends. Then I tainment Command (Expeditionary), got to see where he worked, and later convoyed from Joint Base Balad, Iraq, the next morning, we got to visit one to Camp Liberty, Iraq, to be with his of Saddam (Hussein)’s old palaces.” son, Spc. Thomas Hubbard, a light- Hubbard said a desire to emulate wheel vehicle mechanic with the 38th his father was a factor in his decision Engineer Company, 2nd Infantry Di- to join the Army. vision, on Hubbard’s 21st birthday. “I always kind of wanted to follow Hubbard, a Mount Juliet, Tenn., in his footsteps,” he said. “We argued native, had a two-day notice of his fa- about it a little because I wanted to ther’s intended visit and took the day go into the infantry, but he talked me off of work, greeting his father when into doing something that I could use Courtesy photo he arrived at Camp Liberty. when I got out of the Army.” Wise, also a Mount Juliet, Tenn., Both father and son said they were Capt. Joseph E. Wise, the personnel officer with 2nd Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and his son, Spc. Thomas Hub- native, had not seen his son in more thankful for the time together and bard, a light-wheel vehicle mechanic with the 38th Engineer Company, 2nd Infantry Divi- than a year, as Hubbard is now sta- hope to do it again in the future. sion, both Mount Juliet, Tenn., natives, pose in front of one of the Mine-Resistant Ambush- tioned in Fort Lewis, Wash., and said Wise said, “It was one of those days Protected vehicles. Wise rode in to visit his son for his 21st birthday, Feb. 21 at Camp the two had a lot to catch up on, in- I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.” Liberty, Iraq. April 14, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 19

Sudoku Test your The objective is to fill Level: Hard knowledge the 9×9 grid so each 1. Where is the lowest point of the western hemi- column, each row and sphere? each of the nine 3×3 2. Which is the only U.S. state to have been an inde- boxes contains the dig- pendent republic? its from 1 to 9 only one 3. Which state with access to an ocean has the short- time each. est coastline? Last week’s answers 4. Which park in South Dakota has the highest number of bison after Yellowstone?

5. In which state is the Yosemite National Park? 1. Death Valley, Calif. 2. Texas 3. New Hampshire 4. Custer Sate Park 5. California 5. Park Sate Custer 4. Hampshire New 3. Texas 2. Calif. Valley, Death 1.

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Monday 04/19/10 Sunday Night Baseball: New York Mets @ St. Louis Upcoming sports Cardinals, Tape Delayed 3:30 a.m. AFN/sports 2010 NBA Playoffs-First Round: Teams TBD, Live 4 p.m. AFN/sports 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs-First Round: Teams TBD, Live 4 on AFN p.m. AFN/xtra Thursday 04/15/10 Saturday 04/17/10 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs-First Round: Teams TBD, Live 6:30 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs-First Round, Game 1: Teams TBD, Game of the Week: Orlando Predators @ Jacksonville Sharks, p.m. AFN/xtra Tape Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/ sports Tape Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/sports Tuesday 04/20/10 Philadelphia Union @ Toronto FC, Live 4 p.m. AFN/xtra 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs-First Round: Teams TBD, Live 10 Monday Night Baseball: Chicago Cubs @ New York Mets, 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs-First Round, Game 1: Teams TBD, a.m. AFN/prime Atlantic Tape Delayed 12 a.m. AFN/sports Live 7 p.m. AFN/sports 2010 NBA Playoffs-First Round, Game 1: Teams TBD, Live 4 2010 NBA Playoffs-First Round: Teams TBD, Tape Delayed Arizona Diamondbacks @ Los Angeles Dodgers, Live 7 p.m. p.m. AFN/sports 6:30 a.m. AFN/sports AFN/xtra 2010 NBA Playoffs-First Round, Game 1: Teams TBD, Live 7:30 2010 NBA Playoffs-First Round: Teams TBD, Live 5 p.m. p.m. AFN/sports AFN/sports Friday 04/16/10 Sunday 04/18/10 Wednesday 04/21/10 Chicago White Sox @ Toronto Blue Jays, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. Strikeforce Nashville: Dan Henderson vs Jake Shields, Tape 2010 NBA Playoffs-First Round: Teams TBD, Tape Delayed AFN/sports Delayed 1 a.m. AFN/xtra 12 a.m. AFN/sports Houston Astros @ Chicago Cubs, Live 11 a.m. AFN/sports Colorado Rockies @ Atlanta Braves, Tape Delayed 4 a.m. AFN/ Kansas City Royals @ Toronto Blue Jays, Live 9:30 a.m. Tampa Bay Rays @ Boston Red Sox, Live 4 p.m. AFN/xtra sports AFN/sports 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs-First Round: Teams TBD, Live 7 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Samsung Mobile 500, Live 10 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs-First Round: Teams TBD, Live 4 p.m. AFN/ sports a.m. AFN/xtra p.m. AFN/xtra Detroit Tigers @ Seattle Mariners, Live 7 p.m. AFN/xtra AVP Beach Volleyball: Women’s Final (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), 2010 NBA Playoffs-First Round: Teams TBD, Live 7:30 Live 2:30 a.m. AFN/xtra p.m. AFN/sports PAGE 20 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 14, 2010

‘How to Train Your Dragon’ an action- packed, fire-breathing good time By Sg t . Ja y s o n A. Ho f f m a n Viking who doesn’t quite fit in with the Craig Ferguson (“The Late Late work. They gave the characters vari- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f rest of the village no matter how hard he Show with Craig Ferguson”) does ety and quirky charm. tries. During one battle with the drag- great work as the comedic Gobber. He The graphics were stellar. There f you like charming ons, he sneaks away from the black- brings a level of heart to all the Viking were parts in the film where it looked Ihumor and adven- smith shop he works at and captures a machismo in the film. like real life. I won’t say the charac- ture fit for a Viking, Night Fury, the most feared and misun- Baruchel (“She’s Out of My League”) ters looked like real people, they were then “How to Train derstood of all the dragon breeds. makes Hiccup a misunderstood, big- clearly cartoon characters, but they Your Dragon” is the When he goes to give the beast the hearted Viking who just wants to find looked like they could be real objects. flick for you. killing blow, he finds that he can’t harm his place in the village. This is very The settings were great too, but This film proves that Pixar isn’t the the injured creature. Soon, the two be- similar to the role Baruchel played on there were definitely flying scenes and only company producing animated come best friends and they change the the short lived Judd Apatow TV show landscapes that reminded me a lot of films aimed at children and adults entire way of life for both dragons and “Undeclared.” Although not unchart- “Avatar.” However, I don’t think it took alike. the Vikings. ed territory for the actor, it was still anything away from the story. The story is about a Viking village The voice work on the film was great. some solid voice work that made the “How to Train Your Dragon” is not that is constantly attacked by dragons, Gerard Butler (“300”) played Stoick, film. great, like “WALL-E” or “Shrek” were and their way of life is built around bat- the fierce village leader and father of Jonah Hill (“Superbad”), Christo- great, but it is really good, and anyone tling the dragons to feed everyone in Hiccup. His character had battle cries pher Mintz-Plasse (“Role Models”) interested in some cute laughs and the village. reminiscent of his character Leonidas and America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty”) a lot of action involving Vikings and Hiccup (Jay Baruchel) is a young from “300.” also provided great supportive vocal dragons should go a watch this movie. Dead Weather’s sound alive on ‘Horehound’ By Pf c . Br a i n Vo r c e tita hails from Queens of the Stone Age. As a vocalist, Mosshart is a pleasure, The cymbals are often too loud and Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s Co n t r i b u t o r Each member has his or her own original spitting just the right amount of bile into splash instead of crash. band, but they seem to all bring their will- the words. She recalls female rockers of A couple of tracks sound simplistic in he warped blues/rock that supports ingness to rock and a love of Led Zeppelin the past like Joan Jett and Sonic Youth’s their chord progressions. TAllison Mosshart when she says, to the table. Kim Gordon. Mosshart has more atti- Although it features more of Fertita’s “You got my attention, you got it all,” The influence of the mighty, semi- tude than many male rockers. otherworldly showmanship, “3 Birds” is on the opening track to Horehound, “60 nal LZ can be heard throughout “Hore- Lawrence and White’s fat rhythms an inessential instrumental. Feet Tall,” certainly raises the listeners’ hound,” whether it be the slow crawl to give Fertita enough space to wallow in These are minor quibbles, because awareness. the netherworld in “So Far From Your bluesy solos and blast off into cosmic this album takes the classic rock sound Featuring Mosshart on vocals, Jack Weapon,” or the dusty, downtrodden guitar fantasias. It’s Fertita and his of Led Zeppelin and just has fun with Lawrence on bass, guitarist Dean Fer- shuffle of “Will There be Enough Wa- myriad, schizophrenic guitar effects that it. The Dead Weather takes its adopted tita, and Jack White of White Stripes and ter?” really give the album its character. He blues aesthetic and delivers enough sty- Raconteurs fame on drums, The Dead That’s not to say that The Dead Weath- supplies “Rocking Horse” with a slinky, listic differences to keep the sound fresh Weather attacks with thick, bludgeoning, er is a slave to its influences, rather that ‘60s-style lick and feeds “Bone House” for a full album. With fiery hard rock, bottom heavy blues. they use meaty, bluesy rock ‘n’ roll as a with ethereal noodling reminiscent of cool blues, and tough demeanor – and White isn’t the only member with a template and overall aesthetic. This gives Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom frontwoman – The Dead Weather’s hard rock pedigree; Lawrence played the album a discernable cohesion, as do Morello. “Horehound” is a worthy addition to any with him in The Raconteurs, while Fer- the tough, confrontational lyrics. The record isn’t perfect. rock fan’s record collection. Pvt Murphy Sustainer Reel Time Theater Wednesday, April 14 Sunday, April 18 5 p.m. Percy Jackson and the Olym- 2 p.m. TBA pians: The Lightning Thief 5 p.m. TBA 8 p.m. Clash Of The Titans 8 p.m. TBA Thursday, April 15 Monday, April 19 5 p.m. Clash Of The Titans 5 p.m. TBA 8 p.m. Cop Out 8 p.m. TBA Friday, April 16 Tuesday, April 20 2 p.m. TBA 5 p.m. TBA 5 p.m. TBA 8 p.m. TBA 8:30 p.m. TBA Saturday, April 17 Wednesday, April 21 2 p.m. TBA 5 p.m. TBA 5 p.m TBA 8 p.m. TBA 8 p.m. TBA April 14, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 21 Ph o t o s Ar o u n d Sgt. 1st Class John Zanella keeps a watchful eye on the open field March 27 at Al Madinia, Iraq. Zanella is the noncommissioned officer in charge of the Guardians Maneuver Detachment, 17th Fires Brigade. Ir a q U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Adelita Mead Sgt. Army photo by Staff U.S. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jillian Munyon Soldiers with Mortar Platoon, B Troop, 1st Squadron, 4th Cav- alry Regiment, 4th Brigade, 1st Infantry Division cross through a stream to get to Checkpoint 13 March 4 near the Sinjar Sub- District, Iraq. Soldiers check on the progress of the Iraqi Secu- rity Forces at the checkpoint. U.S. Army photo by Spc Anderson Savoy Army photo by Spc U.S.

(Left) Sgt. 1st Class James Young with 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artil- lery, 2nd Infantry Division and a Slater, Mo., native, stands in the rubble foundation of a house March 14 at Khafaja, Iraq. Soldiers from the unit provided security for members from the U.S. Embassy, United Na- tions, Provincial Recon- struction Teams, Inter- national Organization for Migration and the United Nations High Commis- sioner for Refugees to check on the progress of houses built for internal displaced persons.

U.S. Army photo by Spc Anderson Savoy (Above) Members of the United Nations talk to Iraqi leaders in a local town March 14 at Khafaja, Iraq. Soldiers with 1st Battalion, 37th Field Artillery, 2nd Infantry Division provided security for members from the U.S. Embassy, United Nations, Provincial Reconstruction Team, International Orga- nization for Migration, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and United States Agency for International Develop- ment workers to check on the progress of houses built for internally displaced persons.

Staff Sgt. Laurel Holl with 855th Military Police Company, 49th Military Police Brigade walks to the top of a hill March 9 at Sinjar, Iraq. Her team met with the Iraqi Police and locals to discuss the outcome of the elections. U.S. Army photo by Spc. Jillian Munyon PAGE 22 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 14, 2010 Ne w s a r o u n d Ir a q noon of March 24 after firing a handgun at a joint security team of 3rd Brigade, 1st Division Iraqi Army Academy’s first Soldiers and U.S. advisers. Intelligence indicated that Bashar Khalaf Husyan Ali al Jaburi, also known as Dhafir and Abu Huda, was involved in coordinating English language and approving attacks and assassinations, many of which were related to AQI’s extortion operations. class graduates The capture of all six AQI extortion and assassination network leaders in the last two weeks may disrupt BAGHDAD – Iraqi students, 20 officers and one en- AQI operations and prevent future attacks throughout listed, from the Ministry of Interior and the Iraq. This is primarily because the money collected Ministry of Defence, graduated from the from extortion, and the extortion of oil companies in Iraqi International Academy’s first English particular, comprises the bulk of AQI’s income, which course March 25 in Baghdad. is subsequently used to fund the terrorist group’s at- The Iraqi International Academy was developed tacks against the Iraqi people. by the MoD with the vision to create an institution of higher learning for Iraqi government employees. Two Iraqi Instructors from the Defence Language Institute of Iraq taught the English class, and were augmented Army engineers by United States Forces – Iraq advisers who helped enhance the teachers’ techniques, methodology and begin construction pedagogy. Lt. Gen. Husain Duhi, the deputy chief of staff for learning, said in the former regime, after an officer on Mosul Cardiac learned to speak English or used the term “OK,” he would be classified as a member of the “OK group.” This was a deterrent to speaking the English lan- dance with the Security Agreement and in coordina- Care Center guage. tion with the Iraqi government. “For our Army to be successful, it is very important The six captured or killed suspected AQI leaders MOSUL, Iraq – Residents of Nineveh province, Iraq, to make use of positive behavior,” said Duhi. “The only included the overall AQI emir of northern Iraq, the have two choices when seeking medical way to learn from others is to know their language.” economic security emir, the minister of oil, the deputy treatment for serious heart-related disease. The Iraqi government has placed a high priority on minister of oil, the Mosul oil extortion emir, and the Patients needing cardiac care must ei- the success and continuance of the Iraqi International wali of Mosul. Without these individuals in the AQI ther travel to Baghdad or seek treatment in Academy. network, it is expected that AQI’s ability to operate a foreign country. “The Iraqi government’s vision for training is a phe- and restructure will be hindered. However, help is now on the way for those residents nomenal one, and your country will move forward,” The overall AQI emir of northern Iraq was killed with the recent revitalization of the Ibn Sena Cardiac said Maj. Gen. James M. McDonald, assistant deputy March 18 after firing a handgun at a joint security Surgery Center project in Mosul. commanding general with USF-I, advising and train- team composed of 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, Iraqi Iraqi workers are now on site in Mosul to complete ing. Army Soldiers and U.S. advisers. Identified as Kha- a project designed to provide the only fully function- A $30 million project for building a new campus lid Muhammad Hasan Shallub al-Juburi, also known ing cardiac care center in Iraq other than Baghdad. for the Iraqi International Academy is scheduled for as Shaykh Khalid, the suspected overall AQI emir of The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region Dis- completion by September 2011. northern Iraq is responsible for distributing AQI’s fi- trict, is serving as the construction management part- Until then, the English class will continue in a tem- nances collected in that region in addition to playing ner for the $1.4 million project. porary classroom. The curriculum in the new facility an integral role in approving AQI operations and at- The project represents the number one priority for will encompass not only the English language but the tacks. the Nineveh Provincial Government and Ministry of study of strategic thought, security, cadre training and On March 23, a joint security team composed of Health, said Maj. Tong Smith, officer in charge of the all areas of public administration. the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, Iraqi Army and U.S. ad- Mosul Resident Office. Smith said the surgery center “I offer congratulations to the graduates,” said Duhi. visers shot and killed Abu Ahmad Al-Afri, also known has an inauspicious history dating back to 2007 with “And I encourage anyone who finds the opportunity to as Abu Marwa, who was the suspected AQI economic three different attempts made to bring the project study (English) because it is a very important tool.” security emir, after he fired a pistol at the security across the finish line. The first attempt left a com- team. It is believed that al-Afri’s duties in AQI includ- pleted foundation, a solid superstructure and interior ed receiving and accounting for all money collected by duct work for the Iraqi-owned Al Hassan Company to subordinate units of the terrorist group in northern complete the proposed 10-month project. Iraqi Security Iraq. In addition, Al-Afri has a long history of involve- The cardiac center, which is attached to the exist- ment in extortion to fund terrorist activities through- ing Mosul Hospital, was designed by architects from out northern Iraq and had been arrested previously Mosul University. Forces disrupt al- for these activities in 2007. The scope of work for the project includes the con- A separate security operation conducted the morn- struction of four operating theaters with separate an- ing of March 24 by the 9th Iraqi Army and U.S. advis- aesthesia rooms, an intensive care ward, patient recov- Qaeda’s financial, ers netted the arrests of 12 people, including the sus- ery rooms, a nurse’s station, changing rooms, doctor’s pected top three oil-extortion personalities for AQI. offices, teaching rooms and a conference room. The The top three extortion personalities arrested by center will also house a laboratory, designed in accor- extortion networks the 9th Iraqi Army included the suspected minister dance with military medical standards and hospital of oil for AQI, the deputy minister of oil and the oil staff requirements, and a fully functioning pharmacy. BAGHDAD – Recent joint Iraqi-U.S. security opera- extortion emir for Mosul. In addition to managing The construction design includes the installation of tions have resulted in the deaths or arrests of the extortion of oil companies and small businesses a closed circuit television system in the operating the- at least six suspected senior al-Qaeda in Iraq throughout northern Iraq, these three individual are ater allowing doctors the ability to observe live video leaders who contributed to funding the ter- believed to have maintained close associations with feeds from on-going surgeries. The contractor plans rorist group by their involvement in a highly the top leaders of AQI and their couriers. Since at least to install security cameras in the hallways, entrances organized extortion and assassination ring based in 2005, the suspected AQI oil minister is known to have and exits, teaching rooms and nursing station with the Mosul, in northern Iraq. held senior level AQI leadership positions, including capacity to store 48 hours of recorded video feeds. Each joint security operation was conducted pur- emir of Haditha and overall Anbar emir. The center will also have a modern computer net- suant to a warrant issued by an Iraqi judge, in accor- The suspected wali of Mosul was killed the after- work, including a satellite receiver/transmitter and a April 14, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 23 modern telephone and public address system. Knippel said the creation of the districts was a monu- principles from the area's historic past. To protect the cardiac center against fires, a mod- mental task in its own right. "More than 4,000 years ago, just a few miles ern detection system will be installed that includes “The provision of facilities and infrastructure to ensure from here, your ancestors celebrated the comple- smoke detectors, pull stations, enunciators and a the self-sufficiency and security of Iraq’s new democratic tion of the Ziggurat of Ur," said Knippel. “At that central control panel. The fire detection system is de- government and its people framed the parameters of the time, its completion and the city itself represented signed to shutdown the center’s ventilation system if GRS mission,” he said. a time of peace, prosperity and progress. In the a fire is identified. He said for almost six and a half years, GRS tenaciously same way today, the completion of this Location A generator farm will provide uninterrupted elec- labored to provide military, police, judicial, water, power, Command and Training Center represents a step trical power to the hospital during disruptions in the sewer, medical and educational facilities across southern towards peace, prosperity and progress for the national electrical power grid. Iraq to promote self-sufficiency and security. people of Iraq.” A reverse osmosis water filtration system is planned “New Army bases and training camps to care for the The project provides sustainment and life sup- for the operating theater to ensure that an antiseptic Iraqi Army, multiple court houses to process the Rule of port for roughly 2,700 Iraqi Army Soldiers, as well environment is maintained. To guard against water Law, hundreds of water compact units to provide clean as training facilities. shortage problems, contractors will install a reserve drinking water, refurbished power plants to provide "What stands before us today are 48 facilities, water system capable of storing enough water to keep whole cities electricity, complete city sewer systems and 22 barracks to house 2,700 troops complete with the operating room functioning for three full days. treatment plants to remove the breeding ground of dis- showers and latrines," Knippel said. "It also pro- Although the current design plans calls for a single ease, major surgical hospitals including a state-of-the-art vides command and associated support facilities story building, the original foundation will be able to children’s hospital to care for the Iraqi’s sick and scores for the Iraqi Army. There are two dining facilities support future expansion in the form of a second floor of elementary and vocational schools to educate the Iraqi with the capacity to feed 1,000 personnel during to the facility. people – are but a few of the fruits of GRS’s labor that dot a sitting. There are nine administrative buildings The project is scheduled to be completed early the Iraqi landscape,” he said. such as headquarters, medical and classroom and 2011. Knippel also gave credit for GRS’ success to the many 15 other miscellaneous utility buildings and force Funding for the $1.4 million cardiac care center is contractors whose support for security, life support, and protection facilities" provided through the Economic Support Fund. technical services were invaluable to accomplishing the Work on the installation included the repair and The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq has com- mission. upgrade of the existing potable water and waste pleted thousands of reconstruction projects in part- “… It must be specifically noted that it wouldn’t have water treatment systems, an upgrade of the site's nership with the Government of Iraq. Since 2004, been possible without the 130 Iraqi engineers and con- electrical system, construction of new roads and USACE has completed 5,257 projects throughout Iraq struction representatives, almost two thirds of the GRS parking lots and construction of new billets. valued at more than $9.1 billion, and has more than total technical staff, whose contributions alone deserve The contract also called for refurbishing the 250 projects ongoing. The overall reconstruction ef- celebration,” he said. existing medical and dining facility, providing en- fort in Iraq provides jobs for more than 20,000 Iraq- With the inactivation of the Gulf Region South District, hancements at the fire station and constructing is. the Corps of Engineers will have one remaining district new dining facility and latrines. in Iraq to finish the reconstruction mission. The Gulf Re- The $27 million ITAM-Army construction and gion District is headquartered in Baghdad under the com- renovation project was awarded to ALMCO Com- mand of Col. Dionysios Anninos. pany in September 2008 and was completed in 18 Army engineers “The Corps made history while others are writing about months by a team of 800 employees working two it,” said Anninos. “Today is yet another event for others to shifts. mark transition as write about while we collectively shape the future of Iraq. Knippel asked the guests to take a moment to “Just nine months ago, there were three district head- reflect on the significance of the day's events. quarters and a division headquarters in Iraq. Today "I ask all to take a moment and realize that what Gulf Region South there is one district headquarters in Iraq. Despite these stands before you today is more than just some changes, as we execute our responsible drawdown plan, ground with some buildings, in some way it repre- furls flag we continue to deliver quality facilities and services to the sents a modern Ziggurat dedicated to the commit- citizens of Iraq and continue to develop their construction ment and teamwork of many hard working individ- ALI BASE, Iraq – The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, and architecture industry. Today we are coming together, uals," Knippel said.”A monument that we can all Transatlantic Division completed its final trans- sharing together, working together and we will succeed be proud of as it reflects virtues we all hold dear.” formation from three engineer districts in Iraq together.” The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Iraq has to one by casing the Gulf Region South Dis- The GRD is under the command and control of the completed thousands of reconstruction proj- trict’s colors during a discontinuation ceremony newly established Transatlantic Division, out of Win- ects in partnership with the government of Iraq. March 29 in the chapel at Contingency Operating Base chester, Va. The new division unifies all Corps of Engi- Since 2004, USACE has completed 5,257 projects Adder, in Tallil, Iraq. neers programs in the U.S. Central Command operations throughout Iraq valued at more than $9.1 billion, Brig. Gen. Kendall Cox, Transatlantic Division com- area -- 20 countries from Egypt through the Arabian Gulf and has more than 250 projects ongoing. The over- mander and United States Forces – Iraq engineer direc- to Central Asia -- and includes two districts in Afghani- all reconstruction effort in Iraq currently provides tor, said the ceremony marks the conclusion of the mis- stan. jobs for more than 20,000 Iraqis. sion for GRS. In support of the end of reconstruction efforts under “Simply put, it means success, amazing success here combat operations and the beginning of reconstruction in the south, specifically throughout the GRS area of re- under stability operations, the U.S. Army Corps of Engi- sponsibility,” said Cox. “Today’s ceremony marked the neers – Gulf Region South District cased its colors. Suspected high-value conclusion of the mission for the GRS Headquarters but in no way ends their mission in support to the nation of terrorist detained Iraq, the U.S. and Iraqi Security Forces but most impor- tantly for the people of the nine provinces here in south- Army engineers turn CONTINGENCY OPERATING LOCATION WAR- ern Iraq.” RIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq – Iraqi Security Cox told the audience the GRS completed what he over Iraqi Army post in Forces, with assistance from 1st Armored considered to be a monstrous program led by tremen- Division Soldiers, out of Fort Bliss, Texas, dous leaders and accomplished by a superior workforce. conducted a joint operation that resulted The district completed more than 1,300 projects valued ancient Iraqi city in the arrest of five suspected terrorists March 22 at $4 billion in the last six years and April 2 marked an near Kirkuk. additional 116 projects under construction valued at $528 UR, Iraq – With a snip of the ceremonial rib- All of the alleged terrorists captured during the million, with a total of more than $900 million to be com- bon, Dhi Qar's Gov. Aziz Kadum Alwan Al patrol are being detained by ISF. One of the cap- pleted in the next 12 to 15 months. Ogheli and Brig. Gen. Hassen, the Ur lo- tured individuals is suspected of coordinating an Col. Jeffry Knippel, commander of the Gulf Region cation commander, welcomed more than attack on a joint service station and is wanted for South District, said the ceremony also marks a milestone 300 guests to view the $27 million reno- his involvement in an improvised explosive device that signifies success. vation and new construction at Camp Ur Location cell. “GRS was created because of a great need to provide Command and Regional Training Center March 28 Iraqi and U.S. forces conduct joint operations in hope and stability for the Iraqi people, a need so large that near Nasariyah, Iraq. accordance with the Security Agreement and in co- from the US Army Corps of Engineers perspective it was Col. Jeffry Knippel, U.S. Army Corps of Engi- ordination with the Iraqi government to target ter- determined that three engineering districts were needed neers, Gulf Region South District commander, said rorists seeking to disrupt the security and stability to manage its overall execution,” said Knippel. completion of the location command represents of Iraq. PAGE 24 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s April 14, 2010 Phantom Support (Left) Master Sgt. Richard Flores the maintenance control noncommissioned officer with Headquarters Platoon, 1st Maintenance Company, 260th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expedi- tionary) and a Victoria, Texas, native, checks a piece of equipment as a part of a complete inventory for his mainte- U.S. Army photo by 1st Lt. Jennette Lucas U.S. nance shop in preparation for the redeployment of the company and all of its equipment.

U.S. Army photo by Capt. Ralph D. Dempsey (Above) Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jennifer Allen, with the Reset and Redistribution branch of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), and Marques Jones, with the 402nd Army Field Support Brigade, conduct container inspections at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, in support of Operation Clean Sweep. The 13th ESC is conducting Operation Clean Sweep to identify excess material in the Iraq Joint Operations Area to facilitate the responsible drawdown of personnel and equipment from Iraq.

Staff Sgt. John Jarrell, a Cleveland, Ohio native and Pfc. Brent Erick- son, a Woodstock, Va., native, work on Heavy Equipment Transporter trailers. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Rob Strain

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. John Stimac (Above) Color guard members of the 49th Transportation Battalion, 15th Sus- tainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary), out of Fort Hood Texas and the 14th Transportation Battalion, 15th Sust. Bde., 13th ESC, out of Vicenza, Italy, begin to exit the transfer of authority ceremony held at Joint Base Balad, Iraq on April 3 after the 14th Trans. Bn. uncased its’ colors and took over the mission in Iraq.

Soldiers and civilians tour the grounds at the St. Elijah Monastery April 2 at Contin- gency Operating Base Marez, Iraq. Tours are offered every Friday at St. Elijah, the oldest Christian monastery in Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Keith S. VanKlompenberg