The Expeditionary Times Proudly serving the finest Expeditionary service members throughout Iraq Vol. 3 Issue 25 May 12, 2010 http://www.hood.army.mil/13sce/ Trevino RFS escorts casualties to Turkish aircraft St o r y a n d p h o t o s “This is a sign of interna- b y Sg t . Ch a d Me n e g a y tional support for Iraq,” said Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f Michael H. Corbin, the deputy assistant secretary for the U.S. MOSUL INTERNATION- Department of State. AL AIRPORT, “This is one of the most dif- Iraq– Military ficult parts of Iraq, and we’re police in Chevrolet very pleased to see the support Trailblazers and and cooperation that brings the Humvees rolled Turkish cargo aircraft here for into Mosul In- medical evacuation,” he said. ternational Airport, escorting Corbin, who flew in from Country singer waves of casualty filled ambu- Washington D.C., and other se- Rick Trevino lances, Wednesday just outside nior officials visited the airport of Contingency Operating Base to express condolences, praise entertains Soldiers Marez, Iraq. the Iraqi-Turkish cooperation Members of the force protec- for the humanitarian assistance Page 7 tion team with the Regimental and condemn the violence. Fires Squadron, 278th Armored Two bombs blasted Christian Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sus- students and other civilians as a tainment Command (Expe- bus traveling to the University ditionary) out of Winchester, of Mosul, and escorted by the Bedford Boys Tenn., and Soldiers with Alpha Iraqi Army, left a security check- Company, 2-3 Brigade Troops point. Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat The explosion caused many Team, 3rd Infantry Division, led serious injuries, including lost 25 Iraqi and Turkish casualties limbs, facial wounds, neurologi- of a May 2 roadside bombing cal damage and shoulder inju- incident through checkpoints to ries. a Turkish military cargo aircraft “We condemn all violence at Mosul International Airport. here,” said W. Patrick Murphy, The Turkish Consulate agreed team leader for the Provincial to medivac victims for advanced Reconstruction Team in Ninawa medical treatment at an undis- Province, Iraq. “The targeting Virginia’s ‘Bedford closed location in Turkey, said of minorities and Christians in Maj. Austin Maxwell, the base particular is unacceptable. We Boys’ carry history defense operations center of- are coordinating with Iraqi au- into deployment ficer in charge for COB Marez, thorities to improve security, so A Turkish medical worker aids victims of a May 2 roadside bomb in a with the RFS and a Murfrees- that all citizens here, including Page 10 Turkish military C-130 Wednesday at the Mosul International Airport. boro, Tenn., native. SEE RFS ON PAGE 14

Pre-WLC Kalsu in early stages of operation as logistical hub St o r y a n d p h o t o been redirected from COL Sca- b y Sg t . Ki m b e r l y Jo h n s o n nia as the U.S. prepares to facili- Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f tate the upcoming responsible drawdown from Iraq, which re- CONTIGENCY OPERATING quires equipment to be shipped LOCATION KAL- out of theater permanently. SU, Iraq– The Con- The preparation of COL Kal- voy Support Center su as a transportation hub has and Central Receiv- taken months of planning and ing and Shipping numerous hours of troop con- Point at Contingency Operating struction to get the camp where Location Kalsu, Iraq received it is today, said Maj. Stephen its first logistical convoy May 1 E. Miller, the brigade engineer as part of the responsible draw- with 3rd Brigade, 3rd Infantry down of troops and equipment Division out of Fort Benning, from Iraq. Ga., and a native of Columbus, Soldiers, honors After successfully complet- Ga. fallen comrade ing a rehearsal of operations for Miller has overseen the entire the CSC and CRSP March 15, transition of COL Kalsu into a A convoy enters Contingency Operating Location Kalsu, Iraq May 4. COL Kalsu is in the early stages hub, he said. COL Kalsu is being established to facilitate the upcoming responsible Page 11 of convoy operations that have SEE KALSU ON PAGE 14 drawdown of COL Scania, the current logistical hub in theater. PAGE 2 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s May 12, 2010 Where do you read your Expeditionary Times? Eggs, carrots and coffee Lt. Co l . Ga r r y W. Lo s e y ing submitted to the high temperature of the water. 13t h ESC De p u t y Co m m a n d Ch a p l a i n Son we either become hardened, softened or give the For distribution, best we have in us during challenging times.” ne day a young man approached Let us remember the eggs, carrots and coffee not Ohis father in a very bad humor. as a menu for us to prepare, but as how important contact the 13th Complaining and throwing every- our attitude is in the midst of challenges. Many times thing he could find to the floor, he in life we are going to be put under the heat of water ESC PAO at Joint shouted, ”I’m tired of fighting with and we cannot avoid that reality. But we can decide situations that seem, the more I try to fix them, the how we are going to come out of that experience. more complicated they get. How can I handle this In the face of the adversity, many people become Base Balad, Iraq dad?“ so hardened by a spirit of criticism that they have lit- The wise father asked his son to put three pots tle compassion. Others began with firm convictions with water on the stove to boil, and then put an egg and beliefs, but lose their strength and any problem Joint Base Balad : in one, a carrot into the other, and in the last one, can destroy them. Finally, there are those that before add a little amount of coffee. the pressure builds up they decide to give the best 318-483-4603 The son got angrier and asked, “What does this they have in them. They do not allow the pain, the have to do with my question?” challenges, and the frustrations to tear them apart. “Just do it,” the father responded boldly. John Lubbock said it very well, “Most of us can, Grumbling, the son walked towards the stove and as we choose, make of this world either a palace or COB Adder: started the experiment. As the minutes ran by he got a prison.” more and more irritated and asked, “How much lon- There is a time when we must firmly choose the 318-833-1002 ger dad?” course we will follow, or the relentless drift of events “Just a few more minutes, son.” The father re- will make the decision for us. One of the most valu- plied. able lessons we can get from our deployment is the Finally the old man granted him permission to freedom of choice. You are the creator and selector of COB Taji: turn off the stove and come look into to each of the your thoughts. You can change them at will. No one pots. “Son, tell me what you see?,” he said. can have control of your thoughts without your con- 318-834-1281 “The same things I put in it, an egg, a carrot and sent. So choose to avoid thoughts that weaken you, coffee,” the son responded. and you will know true wisdom. It is your choice! To which the father replied, “Take them out of the It is your God-given inheritance; it is your corner pot and now what do you see.” of freedom that no one can take away. COB Q-West: “The same father, what’s the point,” the son asked. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, “Do you see any change,” the father responded. 16: “Now we have this treasure in clay jars that this 318-827-6101 “Well yes, the egg is hard, the carrot has softened extraordinary power may be from God and not from and coffee smells good,” he said. us. We are pressured in every way but not crushed; The father explained, “Exactly, we all are put un- we are perplexed but not in despair; we are struck der the boiling waters of life but not all react in the down but not destroyed. Therefore we do not give Al Asad Air Base: same way. Some, like the egg became hardened and up; even though our outer person is being destroyed, bitter, whereas others, like the carrot give in to pres- our inner person is being renewed day by day.” 318-440-4103 sure and stop fighting. Now the moment in which How are you going to react today, as an egg, car- the coffee releases its best aroma is when it is be- rot or coffee?

COB Speicher: Telling the Providers Story from all across Iraq 318-849-2501 Tune In To Now airing on the Pentagon Channel Or log on to e-mail: every Thursday at 0830 IZ www.dvidshub.net [email protected] every Saturday at 1430 IZ keyword: Balad and Beyond

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 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Expeditionary Times is published weekly Spc. Naveed Ali Shah, 13th ESC 139th MPAD Copy Editor 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment by the Stars and Stripes central office, with a [email protected] Sgt. Brandy Oxford 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing [email protected] circulation of 5,000 papers. 139th MPAD Commander The Public Affairs Office is located on Capt. Brad Sinkler 139th MPAD Staff Writers For online publication visit: New Jersey Ave. Building 7508, DSN 318-433- [email protected] Sgt. Ryan Twist 2154. Expeditionary Times, HHC 13th ESC, www.dvidshub.net [email protected] keyword: Expeditionary Times APO AE 09391. Web site at www.dvidshub.net 139th MPAD First Sergeant 1st Sgt. Aangi Mueller Sgt. John Stimac 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. May 12, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 3 The Weekly Standard: CAB award approval By Sg t . 1s t Cl a ss Al e x a n d e r Q. Ar c e award are not restricted by an indi- are met. Awards to other U.S. armed cident, DD 214 if applicable and any 13t h ESC Ass i s t a n t In s p ec t o r vidual’s branch or military occupa- forces must be submitted to their re- other supporting documents deemed Ge n e r a l tional specialty. Assignment to a com- spective services for approval prior necessary. For more specific eligibili- bat arms unit or performing offensive to awarding the CAB to meet their ty requirements and approval author- he Army chief of combat operations is not required to awards policies. ity for the CAB, see Army regulation Tstaff, then Gen. qualify for the CAB. However, it is not All requests for the CAB are sub- 600-8-22, Chapter 8 and U.S. Forces Peter J. Schoomaker, intended to award all Soldiers who mitted on a Department of the Army – Iraq wartime awards policy. approved the creation serve in a combat zone or imminent Form 4187 and must include deploy- Although complaints regarding of the combat action danger area. ment, assignment, attachment, or op- awards are usually not appropriate badge May 2, 2005 to The CAB may be awarded to mem- erational control orders, enlisted or for inspector general, the office may provide special recognition to Sol- bers of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Marine officer records brief or DA Form 2-1, provide assistance regarding an award diers who personally engaged, or are Corps or Soldiers of a foreign service chain of command endorsement us- issue after the Soldier has given his engaged by the enemy. as well, but only if assigned to a U.S. ing DA Form 4187-1-R and a one-page chain of command a chance to solve The requirements for receiving the Army unit and all basic requirements narrative describing the qualifying in- the issue.

Joint Base Balad (13th ESC): DSN 433-2125 Taji (278th ACR): DSN 834-3079 Adder/Tallil (36th Sust. Bde./256th IBCT): Lt. Col. Reginald Howard (Command Inspector General) Master Sgt. Richard Faust Maj. Andrea Shealy - DSN 833-1710 Maj. Christopher Minor (Deputy) Master Sgt. Marta Cruz – DSN 883-1710 Master Sgt. Roy Thacker (NCOIC) Q-West (15th Sust. Bde.): DSN 827-6115 Maj. Jamar Gailes - DSN 485-7246 Lt. Col. Gary Davis Sgt. 1st Class Christian Lee Combat Stress: Surviving distance relationships By Ca p t . Mi k e Kn i g h t deployment, but flourish and become cess wisely and productively to examine of those moments. By letting small is- 1908t h Med . De t . better because of it. the relationship and learn more about sues fester under the surface, animos- One of the most important things to each other. Life continues for both par- ity and jealousy may begin to emerge. ny type of long remember about maintaining any im- ties while the Soldier is deployed so it is It is important to not let little obstacles Adistance re- portant relationship is to keep commu- crucial to keep communicating so that turn into barriers that prevent growth. lationship can be nicating. It is easy to let the miles that you are both working toward the same When issues do arise, confront them stressful. Maintain- separate us become factors that limit goal. with open and honest discussion, which ing that relation- our ability to communicate effectively. Another thing to remember about will allow the relationship to grow and ship while deployed It is also easy to become complacent in long distance relationships is that there become stronger. and dealing with the a relationship and assume that the oth- are going to be up’s and down’s along Just because we are physically sepa- everyday stressors we encounter only er person knows what we are thinking. the way. Knowing that there are go- rated from the people we love, does not adds to the difficulty. With increases in technology, it has ing to be rough patches ahead of time mean that we have to be emotionally Similar to the way in which a soldier never been easier for a deployed Soldier can lessen the impact when they actu- separated as well. If you know that you must physically prepare for the stres- to stay in touch with loved ones back ally occur. Expect some “give and take,” struggle with stress related to relation- sors of combat, they must emotionally home. Instant messaging, cell phones such as which family to visit during the ship issues, try one of the 1908th Com- prepare for the separation that deploy- and video conferences have made holidays or where to go for vacation. bat Stress Control’s classes at the Pa- ment brings with it. It is important to their way to the battlefield, allowing Let’s face it; even the best relation- triot Clinic. Classes are offered Monday remember the small things we some- soldiers to stay current with even the ships have troubled times, but the dif- through Saturday at different times. times take for granted to ensure that most mundane details of life at home. ference in a healthy relationship is Call the Patriot Clinic at 318-433-2402 relationships can, not only survive the It is important to use the increased ac- that both sides become closer because to find out when a class is available. Ohio public affairs takes over Expeditionary Times

By St a f f Sg t . Ra n d a l l Ca r e y us up for success. The staff of The Ex- We’re eager to get out in the field to continuing or pursuing a rewarding 196t h MPAD peditionary Times set the bar high and meet you and learn your missions. You opportunity as a unit public affairs rep- we intend to honor their efforts by pro- make history every day and we want the resentative. UPARs comprise a signifi- The 196th Mobile Public Affairs De- ducing work to the same standard. world to know it. If you have any story cant and necessary role within the pub- tachment out of Columbus, Ohio, has The 13th Sustainment Command ideas feel free to contact the PAO with lic affairs mission. And who better to arrived at Joint Base Balad, Iraq and (Expeditionary) is responsible for an in- your lead at [email protected]. tell the Soldier’s story than the Soldiers found a home at the public affairs of- tegral part of the US. Forces–Iraq mis- If you have contributed to The Ex- themselves? fice. sion. The Soldiers with the 13th ESC peditionary Times in the past and wish We look forward to proudly serving The 139th MPAD out of Springfield, deserve to be recognized for the work to continue, or if you are interested in the finest expeditionary service mem- Ill., provided the 196th with an in-depth they do in facilitating that mission. It is doing so, let us and your chain of com- bers throughout Iraq during our time and informative indoctrination, setting our honor to tell your story. mand know that you’re interested in here. Do you have a story idea? Contact us at: [email protected]. PAGE 4 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s May 12, 2010 Joint service members provide logistical support on JBB St o r y a n d p h o t o By with a lot of different organizations on Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c JBB,” Davis said. “We work with 90 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f KBR, Inc. personnel and with Airmen at the 332nd (Expeditionary Logistics JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq– Air- Readiness Squadron).” men assigned to the The first priority is moving passen- 56th Movement Control gers and cargo, but they also have a Team, 14th Transpor- team that runs the C-23 Sherpa fixed- tation Battalion, 13th wing aircraft terminal on base, he said. Sustainment Com- “The C-23 moves passengers and mand (Expedition- time-sensitive, mission-critical cargo ary) get a taste of that must go out within 48 hours,” Da- what it is like being vis said. “We have to ensure the cargo deployed as an Army asset at Joint is air worthy and ready to ship.” Base Balad, Iraq. High priority items— blood , criti- The team’s mission is to move pas- cal Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protect- sengers and cargo within the U.S. Cen- ed vehicle parts that can’t get out on tral Command theater of operations. fixed wing and must go out within 48 Capt. Luke B. Davis, commander of hours— are shipped from this terminal, the 56th MCT and an Anchorage, Alas- said Senior Airmen Matthew R. Bate, a ka, native, said the unit is composed of Sherpa operations specialist with Sher- 21 Airmen who are tasked by the Army pa operations for the 56th MCT and a to work under their command for the Tooele, Utah native. deployment. “Sometimes a mission could stop if Senior Airmen Matthew R. Bate (left), a Sherpa aircraft operations specialist with the “These Airmen come in and fill a po- they don’t get a certain part or item, so 56th Movement Control Team, 14th Transportation Battalion, 13th Sustainment Com- sition that is owned by the Army and it’s our job to get those parts out on the mand (Expeditionary) and a Tooele, Utah native, and Airman 1st Class Brett Lambert, work side by side with them,” Davis Sherpa as soon as possible,” Bate said. a Sherpa operations specialist with the 56th MCT and a San Jose, Calif., native, move said. Bate was stationed at Camp Bucca cargo to a pallet that will be loaded on a C-23 Sherpa April 28 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. Passenger movement has declined until it closed and he was selected to but the team expects a significant come to JBB to do air operations, he to expect.” portunity to see how our sister service amount of cargo to go back to the Unit- said. This has been a great experience for does business,” Davis said. ed States, and to be redirected to Af- “Working with the Army was a pretty him, he said. “This instills a one team, one fight ghanistan and other areas in Iraq. eas y transition,” Bate said. “I’ve been “I feel it has been an honor to work mentality amongst Soldiers and Air- “We have to work hand in hand stationed at JBB before so I knew what with the Army and has been a great op- men that work together,” Davis said. Tennessee flood affects deployed Guardsmen St o r y By Cumberland River nearly 12 feet above without fresh water and food for a short pecially from our churches. I have re- Sg t . Da v i d A. Sc o t t flood stage, caused major damage to period of time has been difficult.” ceived help from my church in cleaning Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f the region’s infrastructure, destroyed “My command has been really sup- out my home.” millions in personal property, and portive. I have been offered emergency Officials in the state of Tennessee ex- CONTINGENCY OPERATING created severe disruptions to life and leave, although I have not taken it. Our pect the death toll from the flood to rise BASE TAJI, Iraq– commerce in Tennessee. The storm has mission here must get accomplished as floodwaters recede. In the aftermath Members of the 278th become a source of concern with Ten- first. I will however, probably seek early of the flood, President Barack Obama Armored Cavalry nessee National Guard members de- release from theater once our mission declared the four flood-ravaged middle Regiment, 13th Sus- ployed thousands of miles away from here is complete. Back home, I have Tennessee counties a federal disaster tainment Command home. received a lot of help from our Family area on Tuesday, May 4. (Expeditionary) One Soldier directly affected is Capt. readiness group. They have been help- ”A lot of people I know were affected reported prop- Jonathan Johnson, an electronic war- ing my wife,” Johnson said. by the flood. I just lost two close friends erty losses re- fare officer with Headquarters and The flooding of Tennessee is some- of mine who were swept away,” said sulting from a Headquarters Troop, 278th ACR and a what of a role reversal for several Ten- Maj. Matthew Smith, an operations thunderstorm that dropped more than Nashville, Tenn., native. nessee National Guard members who officer with Headquarters and Head- 13 inches of rain on Tennessee, includ- “My house was completely flooded,” recall being part of the disaster relief quarters Troop of the 278th ACR and a ing the city of Nashville. he said. “My wife Sheila sent me an e- efforts for Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Brentwood, Tenn., native. The mission of the 278th ACR in mail with photos from her cell phone. “I have been on the relief side of hur- “I saw pictures of the devastation in Iraq is to provide and maintain security They had just taken the carpet out of ricanes, including Hurricane Katrina,” The Daily Tennessean online and saw in its areas of operation to ensure the my house when she took those pictures. Johnson said. “I have never been the pictures of my neighborhood. I spoke freedom of movement and continuity of The loss of property has not been too victim until now. We are depending on with my wife, her Family and friends. I operations. difficult. Knowing that both my wife friends to take care of my family. My have mixed emotions. Half my brain is The storm, raising the level of the and one year old son Eli have been community has been very helpful, es- here and half of it is at home.” ON THE http://www.hood.army.mil/13sce/ WEB May 12, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 5 Calvary Soldiers doll up Marez for transition St o r y a n d p h o t o By said. “If a Soldier is an electrician, he’ll Sg t . Ch a d Me n e g a y check up on the electric work around Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f the base,” The labor force does upgrades on CONTINGENCY OPERATING buildings, electric work, rooftop re- BASE MAREZ, Iraq– pair, painting, plumbing, carpentry and As the U.S. military works landscaping. to draw down its pres- “You name it, they do it,” said Sgt. ence in Iraq responsi- Maj. Lasonjia Stewart, operations ser- bly, Army personnel geant major for the 26th Brigade Sup- work alongside Iraqi port Battalion out of Fort Stewart, Ga., and foreign national and a Charleston, Miss., native. skilled-laborers to clean up, secure and “Yesterday a shower head had fell beautify Contingency Operating Base off,” Stewart said. “Water was on the Marez, Iraq. floor. A Soldier went over and reported “It’s a relief to know that the site is it and they were out within the next 15 being given back,” said 1st Lt. George minutes to fix it. They’re speedy and Hatch, the Logistics Civilian Augmen- quick,” Stewart said. tation Program project manager and The 278th RFS responds to work or- deputy mayor for the Regimental Fires ders with a high rate of customer satis- Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry faction, according to Sgt. Jodi Frame, a Regiment, 13th Sustainment Command meteorologist and utilities noncommis- (Expeditionary), and a Chattanooga, sioned officer with Headquarters and Tenn., native. Headquarters Troop out of Winchester, Haseddin Kapar, an Iraqi mason with the Department of Public Works, repairs a con- “The main thing is to give back to Tenn., and a Shelbyville, Tenn., native. crete wall May 4 at Contingency Operating Base Marez, Iraq. The Regimental Fires the Iraqis something that’s better than All of the base’s foreign and local Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sustainment Command (Expedi- the way it was before or at least, in our nationals are proud, efficient workers tionary) works alongside and oversees contractors and subcontractors like DPW to opinion, better than when we took it who have no problem working with and improve conditions at COB Marez. over,” Hatch said. providing the needs of U.S. Soldiers, The RFS, out of Winchester, Tenn., Frame said. pairs and secure the base, but also to Iraqi control. oversees and manages a contracted and The work force also provides secu- give the Iraqis a cleaner environment, One COB construction project that subcontracted work force of hundreds rity for U.S. personnel, by erecting and Hatch said. many Soldiers pointed to as a symbol of of local national and foreign national repairing concrete barriers and Hercu- COB Marez has a 36-ton incinerator progress is the new, multimillion dol- workers, coordinating with them and les Engineering Solutions Consortium that can burn up to 80 percent of the lar, air traffic control tower. The tower checking their production. (HESCO) barriers, which are prefabri- trash produced. was built for the purpose of being used “Soldiers’ skills are utilized to over- cated steel boxes filled with dirt. The RFS will continue to improve by Mosul’s international airport in the see and inspect contract work,” Hatch There’s a push not only to make re- the location for the future transition to future. Soldiers’ workload increased at Liberty’s central receiving, shipping point St o r y a n d p h o t o By (Expeditionary), and a Ponce, “If it doesn’t get to them, then for a while.” the radio frequency identifica- Sg t . Ry a n L. Tw i s t Puerto Rico, native. “Even more the customer doesn’t get all their When a vehicle first comes tion tags to verify the cargo, he Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f so with the drawdown, we see a equipment and supplies they through the gate, they use the said. huge difference in the volume of need to finish a mission. It’s a database to provide a transfer Empty containers, which are CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq– The vehicles coming in and out.” lot of attention to detail, but my movement request for all items repaired or serviced to be used flow of con- Roughly 60 vehicles pass guys are very thorough at their that are to be downloaded at the by units when they redeploy, do tainers, mili- through on an average day, he job. They know what they are CRSP. The Soldiers at each point not need a TMR, he said. tary vehicles said. doing. They have been doing it check the request and inspect “Then units can come get and pallets “(This includes) Mine-Resis- them and pack them up to ship full of cargo tant Ambush-Protected vehicles, equipment and supplies home,” that come tanks, Humvees, light medium Bailey said. “On average we have through the tactical vehicles, civilian (and) 300 containers a day.” Central Receiving and Shipping non-tactical vehicles,” Gonzales Spc. Christopher A. Kimber- Point at Camp Liberty, Iraq, has said. lin, a cargo specialist at the CRSP increased due to the upcoming Anything with an engine that with the 169th SOC and a Lough- responsible drawdown of U.S. comes through the point is load- man, Fla., native, said his crew troops and equipment. ed and unloaded, and sent to its works with cargo that is consid- Soldiers with the 169th Sea- correct destination, he said. ered rolling stock -containers or port Operations Company It is vital for the Soldiers in any equipment with wheels or (SOC) and KBR, Inc. contrac- the CRSP yard to focus on their containers. tors and out of Fort Eustis, Va., mission to make sure all items “It varies depending on when work together at three points in that come through the yard get the convoys come in, but we move the CRSP yard, in addition to an to the correct destination, said about 100 pieces a day,” Kimber- administrative section, to speed Sgt. Andrew D. Bailey, a contain- lin said. “The (mission) has been the process along. er manager noncommissioned picking up. We’ve been getting “We have been busy since officer-in-charge of the empty a heavier flow of cargo coming we’ve got here,” said Pfc. Con- container collection point at the Spc. Christopher A. Kimberlin, a cargo specialist with the 169th through the CRSP yard.” rado Gonzalez, a cargo specialist CRSP with the 169th SOC, and a Seaport Operations Company out of Fort Eustis, Va., 260th Combat The volume of cargo moving Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th with the 169th SOC., 260th Com- Long Island, N.Y., native. Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a Loughman, Fla., na- through the CRSP yard varies bat Sustainment Support Battal- “We have to make sure the tive, reads the radio frequency identification tag out loud to his depending on when convoys ar- ion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, containers go to all the right cus- partner April 16 at the Central Receiving and Shipping Point at rive, but it has increased with the 13th Sustainment Command tomers in theater,” Bailey said. Camp Liberty, Iraq. mission. PAGE 6 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s May 12, 2010 May 12, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 7 Country singer Rick Trevino entertains Soldiers St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y to come out here where a lot of the Texas troops are.” Sg t . 1s t Cl a ss Ta d Br o w n i n g After a few e-mails and phone calls, Cox said the 36t h Su s t . Bd e Pu b l i c Af f a i r s Pentagon called and told them some folks at Tax Masters and some of their employees deployed with CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, the 36th Sust. Bde. over in Iraq would like Trevino to Iraq– Texas country music artist Rick come over and do a tour, and he agreed, “We’re in.” Trevino and his band performed for “Rick's people wanted to do it, they were jumping Soldiers here April 25 as part of a four- up and down to do this so we put it all together with day tour through Southern Iraq. MWR and the next thing you know, we are on an air- Trevino, an Austin,Texas area na- plane to Kuwait,” Cox said. tive, was excited about performing Staff Sgt. Patricia Gutierrez, the MWR representa- for the troops, he said. He won a tive for Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Grammy in 1998 for Best Mexican-American Music 3rd Battallion, 141st Infantry Regiment on COB Adder Performance with Los Super Seven for the group’s and an Austin, Texas resident, said she loved the con- self-titled debut album. cert and that the crowd seemed to enjoy it as well. “We're really excited about the opportunity to come “I loved the concert, I love Rick Trevino and I really and to be a part of what's going on right now with the enjoyed it, Gutierrerez said. “He is a really down-to- war and just to be able to support and to contribute earth guy. The Soldiers all got up and started clapping the troops,” Trevino said. “Even if it is one night. It and he got a standing ovation.” helps the troop morale and I'm just happy to be a part Staff Sgt. Bedalina Rosario, an Austin resident and of that.” a 36th Sustainment Brigade fragmentary order man- The tour, a combined effort of Tax Masters out of ager, said it was nice to see Trevino and hear some of Houston, Armed Forces Entertainment, Morale Wel- his new songs and also the old ones. fare and Recreation and Maj. Fred Hackett, an attor- “It brought back memories from home. At the very ney with the 36th Sustainment Brigade and Houston end he sang an old song that originated from the late native started before Hackett’s deployment last sum- Freddy Fender,” Rosario said. “It just brought home a mer. little bit closer to me here in Iraq.” Tax Masters CEO Patrick Cox, a resident of Hous- Rosario said she really enjoyed Trevino’s singing ton, said he and Hackett were talking about what they and grew up listening to him. Rick Trevino, a country music artist and Austin, Texas, could do for the troops here in Iraq to boost morale. After the concert, Trevino met with Soldiers and native, entertains Soldiers April 25 at Contingency Oper- “We got to talking and he asked if I was going to signed autographs with his band and talked to them ating Base Adder, Iraq. come visit him in Iraq this year so I said ‘sure, why about their experiences. not?’ Never actually thinking that it was ever actually “We talked a little about where we both live and ence, I wouldn't trade it for anything.” going to happen,” Cox said. “He (Hackett) said maybe where we come from and I mentioned to him that it Trevino toured five locations during his tour to we can sponsor a band or something.” was good to hear the music from the past, right here Southern Iraq as well as a tour of the Ziggurat of Ur, Between Cox and Hackett, Cox said they started in the middle of Iraq, Rosario said. “It couldn't have near COB Adder. looking for a Texas band. Because they were both Ag- come at a better time, a good ol’ slice of home. He Trevino said he thinks a lot of people take for grant- gies and they knew that Trevino was an Aggie as well, agreed and he was really supportive and appreciates ed what the U.S. Soldiers are doing right now for our they both agreed that it was a perfect opportunity. what we do as Soldiers.” freedom and is impressed with the work the Soldiers Trevino said they were up to coming over here a Cox said he thought the concert was great and that are doing here. few years ago, but due to other bookings, it just didn’t it is amazing to watch the Soldiers. “The troops are so impressive and to be able to see it work out because they were already on tour. “They really seem to be enjoying it and having a first hand really gives you a chance to, number one, say “Ever since then, I have been waiting for the op- good time and kind of forget for a moment that they 'thank you' and number two, you go back to the states portunity to come back,” Trevino said. “I've always are away from their Families and home,” Cox said. and you realize what you've seen and you don't take it wanted to come out and do this, especially to be able “It's a real rewarding thing, it's been a great experi- for granted, especially your freedoms,” Trevino said. Provider company touts Sergeant Audie Murphy Members

St o r y b y charge with the 159th SOC and a Little Rock, Ark., Members of the SAMC in the 159th SOC are tasked Sp c . Am y L. Ba r b e r native; and Staff Sgt. Carmelita A. Latch, the orderly with special duties such as graduation speeches, VIP 256t h IBCT room noncommissioned officer in charge with the escorts, ushers, volunteer activities and leading study 159th SOC and a Ancon, Panama, native, are all mem- groups for club aspirants. Joint Base Balad, Iraq– Noncommissioned of- bers of the Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. The SAMC members from the 159th SOC served ficers are the backbone of the Army. The The Sergeant Audie Murphy Award is given to the as ushers for the 13th ESC Veterans Day observance 159th Seaport Operations Company, noncommissioned officers who most accurately dis- ceremony last fall. The members received commen- 13th Combat Sustainment Support Bat- play all the inherent qualities and characteristics of dations from several senior leaders on Joint Base talion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Murphy, himself. Balad. Sustainment Command (Expedition- Murphy was known to have consistently demon- Thompson holds weekly study groups for all of ary) is fortunate to have four that ex- strated the highest quality of leadership, profession- Joint Base Balad for Soldiers from all components of emplify that responsibility and rep- alism and regard for the welfare of his Soldiers. These the U.S. Army. resent the pinnacle of leadership. qualities still make up the basic requirements for eli- “The 159th Seaport Operations Company is proud First Sergeant Charlie E. McKenzie, an Atlanta, gibility to receive the award. of its (Sergeant) Audie Murphy Award recipients. Ga., native with the 159th SOC, Sgt. 1st Class Fred- Other requirements include serving in a Forces They continue to set the standard for other units and erick Thompson, the headquarters platoon sergeant Command or Training and Doctrine Command unit noncommissioned officers to follow. We as a compa- with the 159th SOC and a Youngstown, Ohio, native; in the active Army, Army Reserve or Army National ny would not be who we are today without the support Sgt. 1st Class Stephen W. Latch, the central receiv- Guard unit and holding the rank of corporal through of these fine NCOs,” said Capt. Philip McDowell, com- ing and shipping point noncommissioned officer in sergeant first class. mander of the 159th SOC. SHOUT OUT!!! Contact the Expeditionary Times for more information. E-mail: [email protected] PAGE 8 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s May 12, 2010 30-year Veteran continues to serve as inspector general St o r y a n d p h o t o b y mand can fix it,” Davis said. St a f f Sg t . Ro b St r a i n Once the issue is brought to the IG, Davis will find 15t h s u s t . b de . Pu b l i c Af f a i r s the facts of the issue and give a recommendation based on regulatory guidance to the chain of command to fix CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Q-WEST, the issue, he said. Iraq– An Army Reserve Veteran of “We’re fair and factual,” Davis said. “We find the more than 30 years continue to serve facts.” in Iraq as one of the 13th Sustainment Davis said the IG cannot tell the chain of command Command (Expeditionary)’s inspec- what to do, but can only suggest courses of action tor general. based on the applicable regulations and policies. Lt. Col. Gary Davis, the 15th The IG also serves as an adviser to command teams Sustainment Brigade’s IG and a on the base, Davis said. Pensacola, Fla., native, at Contin- For example, commanders can bring potential poli- gency Operating Base Q-West, Iraq, said he has taken cies and actions by his office for review. The IG will care of Soldiers since he was a private 30 years ago. ensure that they are compliant with regulations and Back home, Davis serves as a full-time reserve in- higher headquarters’ policies and make recommenda- spector general at Fort Snelling, Minn. tions to the commander, Davis said. While deployed, Davis carries out a three-fold mis- The IG, however, does not deal with legal issues or sion for the ESC’s commanding general: assist Sol- advice, Davis said. Those seeking legal advice should diers with issues, teach and train Soldiers and conduct see the judge advocate general, he said. inspections and investigations for the command. Col. Larry Phelps, the commander of the 15th Sus- “I serve as the eyes, ears and voice of the CG wher- tainment Brigade and a Greenville, Ala., native, said ever I go,” Davis said. having the IG at Q-West is a blessing. The IG also serves as an outlet for Soldiers to bring The IG gets a much better view of what is happen- issues they believe are not being addressed through ing on the ground by being with the Soldiers, so he can their chain of command, he said. better relate to their needs, Phelps said. Although the IG is there to assist Soldiers with is- More importantly, the command can reach out and Lt. Col. Gary Davis an Army Reserve Veteran of more than 30 years and a Pensacola, Fla., native, continues to serve sues, those Soldiers should always give their chain of lean on the expertise of the IG, without having to make in Iraq as the 15th Sustainment Brigade’s inspector gen- command the opportunity to address the issue before a phone call to a different location, Phelps said. eral. While deployed, Davis assists Soldiers with issues, bringing it to an IG, Davis said. “At the end of the day, it makes it a lot easier know- teaches and trains Soldiers and conducts inspections and “Ninety-eight percent of the time, the chain of com- ing he is physically here with us,” Phelps said. investigations for the command. Civilian contractors receive Defense of Freedom Medal St o r y a n d p h o t o b y said. Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g Wentz said the day’s ceremony was a bittersweet Ex p ed i t i o n a r y Ti m es St a f f time, because, like the Purple Heart, the Defense of Freedom Medal is one earned through great physical JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq– Three KBR, Inc. em- sacrifice. ployees received the Secretary of De- “It’s a medal a commander never wishes to pres- fense Medal for Defense of Freedom in ent,” Wentz said. a ceremony May 1 at Joint Base Balad, Doug Horn, the vice president of operations for Iraq. KBR and a Houston native, made his keynote address The Defense of Freedom Medal via live video feed from Baghdad due to logistical con- is the civilian equivalent of the straints that prevented him from attending the cer- military’s Purple Heart Medal. It emony. is awarded to civilian employees Stephens was also in Baghdad and witnessed the working in support of the Department of Defense who ceremony via video. are injured or fatally wounded by hostile fire while in “An employee once told me he felt it to be a high the line of duty. Defense of Freedom Medal recipients Robert Martin Jr. (left), calling to come to Iraq,” Stephens said. “Since he was Robert Martin Jr., a heavy truck driver with KBR’s a heavy truck driver with Iraq’s Theater Transportation Mis- unable to join the military, he wanted to make a mean- Iraq Theater Transportation Mission and a Lindale, sion, KBR, Inc. and a Lindale, Texas, native, and Lawrence ingful contribution to the war on terror by offering his Texas, native, sustained a gunshot wound while driv- Reynolds, a heavy truck driver with Iraq’s TTM and a Tulsa, skills as only he can do and by assisting other KBR ing in a flatbed convoy mission Dec. 5, 2005. Okla., native, pose with Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, command- employees to make life easier for Soldiers in Iraq. … Lawrence Reynolds, a heavy truck driver with ing general of the 13th Sustainment Command (Expedition- You see, that’s what a hero is, an everyday person.” KBR’s Iraq’s TTM and a Tulsa, Okla., native, received ary) and a Mansfield, Ohio, native, after receiving their med- Stephens said civilian contractors are now an in- shrapnel wounds and later had a cardiac episode as als in a ceremony May 1 at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. tegral and permanent part of battlefield logistics and a result of an improvised explosive device detonation support in Iraq and Afghanistan. on his convoy June 6, 2006. in Iraq. Stephens said it is a harsh reality that contractors Lemmis Stephens Jr., a tank driver and fuel techni- “Brave civilian men and women put their life on the are put in danger on a daily basis, but the injuries and cian with KBR and a Houston native, sustained bilat- line every day,” said Brig. Gen. Paul L. Wentz, com- lives lost have not been in vain. eral eye injuries when an incoming round exploded manding general of the 13th Sustainment Command “I am truly humbled by and I am also proud of the 70 feet from his bus, sending shrapnel through his (Expeditionary) and a Mansfield, Ohio, native. role you are all playing in support of the U.S. military windshield. Civilian contractors have made and continue to and ultimately in the support of the people in Iraq,” All three contractors have since returned to work make key contributions to the success of Iraq, Wentz he said. May 12, 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 May 12, 2010 Virginia’s ‘Bedford Boys’ carry history into deployment

Courtesy photo provided by Tom Graves, Jr, of Central Virginia Images Photography Virginia Army National Guardsmen with A Company, 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) pose outside their armory in Bedford, Va., Jan. 5 before departing for Camp Shelby, Miss., for their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the Louisiana Army National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).

St o r y b y into federal service as part of the 29th The Soldiers with A Co. arrived at unit,” said Capt. Miguel Lickliter, com- 2n d Lt. An g e l a K. Fr y Infantry Regiment,” said 1st Sgt. Kevin Contingency Operating Base Adder, mander of A Co. and a Bedford, Va., na- 256t h IBCT Stewart, a Quitman, La. native with A Co. Iraq, with the Louisiana Army National tive. “The Soldiers who came before us “However, it was the morning of June 6, Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat showed all of us the values of self-sacri- CONTINGENCY OPERATING 1944, as part of the Allied invasion that Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Ex- fice, loyalty and duty. Their commitment BASE ADDER, Iraq– the unit first saw action.” peditionary). to the mission and each other serves as a More than 65 years after Stewart, a Veteran of Operation En- “I was excited when I found out that shining example for all Soldiers to emu- A Company, 1st Battalion, during Freedom and former active com- we were deploying with a brigade from late.” 116th Infantry Regiment ponent Soldier, told the story of the 30 Louisiana,” he said. “I was born in the Lickliter said his Soldiers take the sacri- left its indelible mark on Bedford, Va., Soldiers who were the Hodge Clinic, in Hodge, La., and I re- fices of the unit’s past Soldiers seriously. history in Normandy, its first infantrymen to hit the beaches of member the National Guard armory in “We are proud of our history, and we Soldiers deployed in support of Opera- Normandy. On that one day, more than Jonesboro across the street from the old remain dedicated and steadfast to honor tion Iraqi Freedom. 2,500 U.S. service members lost their Wal-Mart.” our past brothers-in-arms,” he said. “It To history buffs, A Co. is referred to lives, he said. The deployment with the Louisiana gives us a lot of pride to be able to fly our as the “Bedford Boys” because of the Vir- “Bedford is claimed to have lost more Army National Guard’s Tiger Brigade colors as we serve our country.” ginia National Guard unit’s sacrifices on men per capita on D-Day than any other marks the first time that A Co., 1st Bn., Stewart said with this deployment, the the beaches of Normandy with the 29th town in the country,” Stewart said. “To 116th Inf. Regt. will deploy under its 1st Bn., 116th Inf. Regt.’s primary mis- Infantry Regiment. honor the memories of these men, Con- own colors since the days of the Bedford sion will be to provide convoy security in “The history of this company goes gress placed the National D-Day Memo- Boys. support of the drawdown of troops from back to February 1941, when it was called rial in Bedford.” “It is truly an honor to serve in this Iraq. May 12, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 11 Pre-Warrior Leader Course develops Soldiers, honors fallen comrade St o r y a n d p h o t o b y Sg t . Ke i t h S. Va n Kl o m p e n b e r g Ex p ed i t i o n a r y Ti m es St a f f

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq– A group of noncommis- sioned officers with the 260th Com- bat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Command (Expedi- tionary) put their experience and expertise to use, training the future leaders in their bat- talion. Since arriving in Iraq, more than 300 Soldiers have completed the Staff Sgt. Wil- liam J. Beardsley Jr. Pre-Warrior Leader Course. The course is named after a 260th Soldier who was killed during the battalion’s 2005 deployment. “It’s not just named after (Beardsley) because he was killed,” said Sgt. Bernard Villa, a personal se- curity detachment team leader and Pre-WLC cadre member with the 260th CSSB. “He was the epitome of an NCO.” Villa, an Oxnard, Calif., native, said Beardsley was killed when an improvised explosive device detonat- ed on his convoy. Beardsley, as he did every time, rode in the lead gun truck, Villa said. “He was always leading from the front,” Villa said. The eight-day WLC preparation course aims to honor Beardsley’s leadership by training junior en- listed Soldiers in accordance with the standard set Soldiers with the 260th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment by the WLC course at Fort Stewart, Ga., Villa said. Command (Expeditionary) study land navigation as part of the Staff Sgt. William J. Beardsley Jr. Pre-Warrior Villa said the cadre designed the course to help Leader Course, a 260th CSSB program that prepares Soldiers to attend WLC. Soldiers with the 260th CSSB excel when they attend free time to teach classes on leading physical train- attended. WLC while also focusing heavily on mission-essen- ing, counseling, radio communications, basic battle “I just thought it was a program for people who tial skills they can use during their deployment, such drills and squad leader techniques. didn’t have anything to do,” he said. as first aid. At the end of the course, students participate in a After a couple of days, Roloson said his attitude “We make sure they know how to communicate one-day situational training exercise that puts them a changed and he found the course extremely benefi- and how to save a life,” Villa said. real-life scenario to test their new leadership skills. cial. He said the same change occurs in Soldiers ev- Sgt. Joshua Taylor, an operations NCO with the “We see how they are going to perform under ery cycle. 169th Seaport Operations Company, 260th CSSB pressure,” said Taylor, a Greenfield, Ohio, native. “Ninety percent of those who didn’t want to go and a Pre-WLC cadre member, said senior NCOs The 217th Military Police Company, 49th Military through are glad they did,” Roloson said. “It’s ben- from units throughout the battalion volunteer their Police Brigade assists with the course by allowing eficial for anyone.” the cadre to use its criminal justice center, a building Roloson was selected as the distinguished honor used to train the Iraqi Army in military operations in graduate of his cycle and was asked to come back as urban terrain. a full-time cadre member. He said the new job has In exchange for their assistance, Villa said they helped him hone his skills as an NCO even more than keep two or three of each cycle’s 20 slots open for the course itself. Soldiers with the 217th. “It’s not just beneficial for me to become a leader, “The 217th has been a godsend,” Villa said. “They but seeing future leaders develop is a reward,” he are always willing to help.” said. Taylor said he and his fellow cadre members en- Villa said the battalion has offered the course for joy seeing the change Soldiers undergo during such years now, both in garrison and in theater, and he a short period. has seen firsthand the benefit it has on Soldiers. “The first couple of days are tough for them,” he “It gives them a step ahead of the rest of the said. “By the end of the week, they do a great job. crowd,” he said. They know we’re here to make them a better Soldier Villa said Soldiers who attend the course are gen- and NCO.” erally, at a minimum, on the commandant’s list at Soldiers with the 260th Combat Sustainment Support Sgt. John Roloson, a supply clerk with the 445th WLC. Often, his students make distinguished honor Battalion, 15th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment Transportation Company, 260th CSSB, said he was graduate, he said. Command (Expeditionary) prepare to clear a room dur- a Pre-WLC student before coming back as a cadre The 260th Combat Sustainment Support Battal- ing the situational training exercise at the Staff Sgt. William J. Beardsley Jr. Pre-Warrior Leader Course, an member. ionis scheduled to transfer authority to the 373rd eight-day course at Camp Liberty, Iraq, that prepares Roloson, a Marion, Iowa, native, said he was un- CSSB at the end of April and will continue the pro- Soldiers for WLC. sure about what to expect from the course before he gram throughout its deployment, said Villa.

TELL YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS HOW MUCH YOU MISS THEM e-mail: [email protected] PAGE 12 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s May 12, 2010 Deployed Louisiana Soldiers receive ‘saintsational’ visit St o r y a n d p h o t o b y ing workout. Sg t . Tr es a Al l e m a n g “Everyone was so supportive of each a n d Sp c . Am y Ba r b e r other,” Thomas said. “They were con- 13t h Ex p ed i t i o n a r y Su s t a i n m e n t stantly encouraging each other, and Co m m a n d checking on each other during the run. If one person would have stopped, ev- CAMP VICTORY, Iraq– The New eryone would have. We all started and Orleans Saints’ cheer- ended the run together, and that was leading and dance team, great.” the Saintsations, special Along with conducting physical guests of Operation training with the Soldiers, Buxton and Catch Fish, provided Thomas toured Iraq, visiting as many a taste of home to the service members as time would allow. Louisiana National This was both dancers’ first trip to Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Com- Iraq. They expressed their appreciation bat Team, 13th Sustainment Command for deployed Soldiers and the sacrifices (Expeditionary) April 27 at Victory they make. Base Complex, Iraq. “This tour was a huge learning expe- Erin Buxton, a Houma, La., native, rience for me,” Buxton said. “I have a and Jennifer Thomas, a Slidell, La., newfound love and respect for people in native, dancers with the Saintsations, the military. I feel like I just got here, dressed in Army physical fitness uni- New Orleans Saints’ cheerleaders and dancers, Jennifer Thomas and Erin Buxton (left), and I’m not ready to leave.” forms and exercised with Soldiers, begin a two-mile run April 27 with Soldiers from Louisiana’s 256th Infantry Brigade Com- Thomas said she was inspired and bat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) at Camp Victory, Iraq. doing push-ups, crunches and flut- humbled by her visit with the Soldiers. ter kicks. Buxton and Thomas, joined tabase processor with the 256th IBCT how genuine they were about bringing “This has been a life-changing expe- by Soldiers wtih the 256th, ended the and a Hineston, La., native. up the morale.” rience,” Thomas said. “Everyone kept morning with a two-mile run. “They had no issues hitting the dirt After incorporating themselves into thanking us for coming, but we don’t de- “They were very energetic and ex- like the rest of us,” she said. “In fact, I one of the morning exercise routines, serve the ‘thank you.’ These guys do. Ev- cited about doing PT with the troops,” think they handled it better than some Buxton and Thomas spoke of the cama- ery time I heard it, I wanted to say it back said Sgt. Rebecca A. Farmer, a fuel da- of the Soldiers did. It was good to see raderie of the group during their morn- a million times more.” Tennessee Guardsmen fly flags for service members There is not a lot of work to it, but it St o r y a n d p h o t o b y Sg t . Jo h n St i m a c does take a lot of coordination with all of Ex p ed i t i o n a r y Ti m es St a f f the people who request to have their flag flown, Hayes said. CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE “Since so many people enjoy flying MAREZ, Iraq– In keep- flags for Family and friends we’re going to ing with the tradition of keep on doing it until we leave,” he said. the unit they replaced, This is a great opportunity for Soldiers members of the Regi- and civilians on base to have a personal mental Fires Squad- message placed on a certificate and a ron, 278th Armored flag raised and flown in their honor said Cavalry Regiment, Lt. Col. Warner Holt, commander of the 13th Sustainment RFS, 278th ACR and a Winchester, Tenn., Command (Expeditionary) fly American native. flags for service members and civilians “We just thought it was the right thing on a daily basis at the RFS headquarters to do,” he said. “This tradition has been building at Contingency Operating Base going on for a while and we wanted to Marez, Iraq. provide that service to the base popula- Spc. Bryan L. Hayes, a paralegal spe- tion.” cialist with the RFS, 278th ACR and a Spc. Amanda M. Huggins, safety spe- Grainger County, Tenn., native, said they cialist with the RFS, 278th ACR and a carry on the tradition as a morale boost- Shelbyville, Tenn., native, said she has Spc. Bryan L. Hayes,(left) a paralegal specialist with the Regimental Fires Squadron, er and to honor the people who support had four flags flown since she has been at 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) and a them. COB Marez and plans to fly a few more. Grainger County, Tenn., native, and Staff Sgt. Richard D. Oliver, a supply sergeant with “It’s a good way to say thank you,” said “There is a family that has been help- the RFS, 278th ACR and a Winchester, Tenn., native, prepare to raise the American flag Hayes. ing me out back home in Tennessee and I April 17 at Contingency Operating Base Marez, Iraq. Sevice members and civilians may request to have an American flag they purchased flown for the day and receive a They average anywhere from four to 10 had the flag flown for them and I’m going certificate with a message they can send to Family and friends. flag raisings a day and the process is very to present it to them when I get back,” she simple, he said. said. “It’s my way of saying thank you.” “It’s a great service,” Huggins said. One COB construction project that “They fill out a flag request form, give Huggins said she had a flag sent to a “It’s easy to get done and it’s a fast turn- many Soldiers pointed to as a symbol of me a date and I fly it on that day,” Hayes close friend back home and she received around.” progress is the new, multimillion dollar, said. “They are able to put a message in a call from a woman and said, in tears, “It’s an honor to have your flag flown air traffic control tower. The tower was the certificates that we make after the flag it was one of the greatest honors she has in Iraq, it is special to me and special to built for the purpose of being used by Mo- has been flown.” ever had. the people that receive it,” she said. sul’s international airport in the future. May 12, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 13 Virginia’s adjutant general visits deployed Troops in Iraq St o r y a n d p h o t o b y Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). 1s t Lt. Pa t r i c k Wi ls o n “The Soldiers from Virginia and 256t h IBCT Louisiana are making history,” New- man said. “The type of missions they CONTINGENCY OPERATING are conducting will go on for years. As BASE ADDER, Iraq– people sit home with their Families, Although the Virginia watching ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ these adjutant general’s visit boys and girls from Virginia and Loui- to Contingency Oper- siana are giving their time, sucking the ating Base Adder, sand, to get the job done." Iraq, was delayed In addition to lunch and dinner with by 10 hours due to Soldiers with the Headquarters and a late spring sand- Headquarters Company, A Company storm, he arrived and B Company, Newman also visited April 8 to visit Adder-based Soldiers with Soldiers as they prepared for their and discuss their mission. early evening convoy from Adder. Maj. Gen. Robert Newman, Jr., the The general discussed updates about Virginia adjutant general and a Rich- dangerous routes and where other con- mond, Va., native, began his visit with a voys have been hit with either small- lunch with his Soldiers at the Coalition arms fire or roadside bombs. South dining facility. Although the lowest amount of vio- “We came all this way to see our Sol- lence since the war began has been Maj. Gen. Robert Newman, Jr., (left) Virginia National Guard adjutant general and a Rich- diers from Virginia and wish them well reported by United States Forces-Iraq mond, Va., native, and Command Sgt. Maj. Carl Holcomb, state command sergeant major as they begin their work here,” Newman this quarter, the Soldiers still take every and a Mechanicsville, Va., native, walk with the curator of the Ziggurat of Ur and Soldiers said to leaders with 1st Battalion, 116th precaution when they head out on the with 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment April 8 near Contingency Operating Base Ad- Infantry Regiment, out of Lynchburg, road. Each Soldier wears his improved der, Iraq. The state command element flew in to visit with the Soldiers who are deployed Va. outer tactical vest and a protective hel- in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the Louisiana National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary). The Virginia National Guard com- met on missions off base. mander was joined on his trip by Com- “The 1st Battalion was called up on which was first built in the 21st Cen- Overlord in honor of the battalion’s his- mand Sgt. Maj. Carl Holcomb, state very short notice for this mission,” Hol- tury, B.C. The site is believed to be the toric connection to the D-Day landing at command sergeant major and a Me- comb said. “These Soldiers have been birthplace of Old Testament prophet Normandy, France, also includes the 1st chanicsville, Va., native. working hard to learn an entirely new Abraham. Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment Roughly 400 Soldiers with 1st Bn., platform … and to repair them as well. During the visit, Lt. Col. E. Scott from New Orleans. 116th Inf. Regt. are based at COB Ad- This is no easy job for an infantry bat- Smith, commander of 1st Bn., 116th Inf. "As I sat and watched the ceremony, der to conduct convoy escort missions talion more accustomed to walking ev- Regt. and a Lynchburg, Va., native, as- I felt pride as I saw the Virginia flag fly- to set the conditions for the responsible erywhere.” sumed operational control of the con- ing in the formation,” said Newman. drawdown of U.S. troops and equip- After Newman and Holcomb visited voy escort mission from the Oregon “The 1st Battalion, 116th Inf. Regt. will ment from Iraq, while deployed with the convoy escort teams and inspected National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 186th forever be linked with the troops from the Louisiana National Guard’s 256th the mission preparations, they traveled Infantry Regiment. Louisiana, and together you will ac- Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th by convoy to the nearby Ziggurat of Ur, The new operation, named Task Force complish great things." An eye on the road, a hand on the wheel St o r y a n d Ph o t o b y icher. Ca p t . Ke v i n D. Le v e sq u e Seven thousand miles from home, a 287t h RFS road trip on spring break, or summer drive on a Tennessee country road are CONTINGENCY OPERATING far away from this place in the desert. LOCATION MAREZ, However, such reflections are near in Iraq– It’s night time on the minds of a few on the team once COL Marez and a Convoy they stop to rest up for the return trip. Security Team of B Bat- During a trip to the to the post exchange tery, Regimental Fires (PX), Spc. David Baker from Memphis, Squadron, 278th Ar- Tenn., opens up about his life experi- mored Calvary Regi- ences and how they helped him become ment are suited up and a better Soldier. After losing a close doing their last minute Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected (MRAP) vehicles lined up at the ready for Soldiers friend in a car accident, he realized equipment checks in preparation for with “B” Battery, Regimental Fires Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 13th that he needed to reexamine his life tonight’s mission to COB Speicher. Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) before leaving on a convoy security mission. and what he wanted out of it. Baker’s 1st Lt. Charles Christopher Huff- friend, Kylen Bares from Memphis, stetler, from Memphis, Tenn. does the The Mine-Resistant Ambush-Pro- throughout the night’s journey. “Hey do was almost 26 years old when a drunk pre-mission brief. A last-minute intel tected (MRAP) vehicle offers a lot in you see that,” says Sgt. Morton. “Yeah I driver hit and killed him. An engineer dump reveals what every member al- the way of protection but it is not the got it,” says Sgt. Quinn as he swings his from Vanderbilt, Bares had a promis- ready knows and despite the increase in most comfortable ride in the Army. But M2 .50 CAL machine gun 90 degrees ing future which was snuffed out in an attacks that took the lives of two Solders comfort is soon forgotten when you are to cover the area of interest. A parked instant. Baker struggled to make sense just days earlier, the look of determina- looking behind every check point, piece car, an area usually well-lit but not to- of his friend’s death and found mean- tion is well fixed on their faces. Above of trash, and bridge for signs of an en- night, or a group on a hill overlooking ing through the Army core values and the sound of the engines you can hear emy placed improvised explosive de- our convoy; all are things that can keep his faith. laughter, view a last minute impromptu vice (IED). The gunner Sgt. William R. the team on their toes. After about six “I dealt with it with a little bit of alco- group huddle followed by a prayer, and Quinn and the truck commander (TC), hours of hyper vigilance, the team es- hol but then took a step back and took then everyone mounts up and heads Sgt. Carl Morton, both from Memphis, corts the flock of tractor trailers safely out. Tenn., are in constant communication behind the protected walls of COB Spe- SEE ROAD ON PAGE 14 PAGE 14 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s May 12, 2010

RFS FROM PAGE 1 won’t let the terrorists win.” The PRT helped facilitate the Turk- ish-Iraqi agreement to further treat the wounded in Turkey. PRTs are civilian-military elements that assist provincial and local govern- ments to govern successfully and pro- vide necessary services. “In the past, we’ve had a much more prominent role, but now the Turks and Iraqis know how to work together,” Murphy said. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Chad Menegay COB Marez military police, who also An injured victim of a May 2 roadside bomb coordinated with the PRT to get the vic- outside of Mosul awaits transport to Turkey via tims in the air, stood by at the airport C-130 in the back of an ambulance at the Mosul while Turkish doctors pre-treated the International Airport Wednesday. wounded and Turkish Soldiers loaded Christians and minorities can conduct them into their aircraft. Master Sgt. Ernest Calvert III of Regimental Fires Squadron, 278th Armored Cavalry their lives. These are, for the most part, “It was very important to me that we Regiment, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) out of Winchester, Tenn., talks young students going to the university got them in there, while maintaining through the plan Wednesday with his force protection troops prior to escorting casual- trying to improve their lives. We just security,” Maxwell said. ties to the Mosul International Airport, Iraq.

KALSU FROM PAGE 1 Miller said. “There are ongoing projects ground already instead of ordering N.Y. “We make sure all the equipment in the works, such as control buildings more and spending more money. Right moving down from the north gets to “There were a total of about 14 to 16 for the movement control teams, in- now, we have about $1.2 million in di- Kuwait and eventually back to the Unit- different projects to get the overall ca- terrogation buildings, a maintenance rect savings, because we didn’t buy any ed States.” pacity of Kalsu up to where it needed building and rapid scanning x-ray ma- additional building materials. We’ve The 80th MCT is in charge of supply- to be as a hub,” Miller said. “The goal chines to monitor all items shipped into reused them, identified them or pulled ing the convoys with food, water, sports of my commander was to build enough the camp,” he said. them from somewhere else so they drinks and whatever else is needed for capacity into the plan to facilitate the One of the greatest challenges of cre- weren’t an additional cost to a project,” life sustainment during their convoy theater logistics as well as our area sup- ating the hub at Kalsu has been mov- Miller said. missions, Patterson said. port mission. We actually made it much ing trucks over the culvert at the new Relocating concrete walls from According to Patterson, the MCT larger than the original requirement ECP. Currently there is a prefabricated Contingency Operating Site Hunter, has dual roles. First, is life sustainment was.” bridge installed and the engineers are Iraq, saved the government more than of convoy troops. The second is to as- “Each piece of a CSC is essential for looking for a more permanent solution $480,000. Another $260,000 was sist and advise what is needed for their a successful hub,” he said. to the problem, while maintaining the saved by redirecting a contract for con- team to be effective in the movement First, the engineers planned the integrity of the existing water flow in crete walls from COL Scania to COL of equipment during the responsible CRSP yard, which is a storage area of the culvert, Miller said. Kalsu, Miller said. drawdown. about 14 acres, capable of holding 800 It is the main water supply for the The entire operation of COL Kalsu is There is a responsibility to get ready, 40-foot containers, costing more than surrounding land and cutting the cul- to support the area of operations in all get communications and buildings es- $240,000, Miller said. vert off is not an option. They have to capacities. tablished and get the movement control The next project was the convoy stag- find a way to work around it, he said. “Our mission and operation here teams into a comfortable battle rhythm, ing lanes, where the trucks are parked The engineers at Kalsu do not only is to support movement of troops and so when something bigger comes while the unit prepares for rest of the have the physical challenges of the land equipment for the (upcoming respon- through COL Kalsu, they have the abil- mission. There are 23 staging lanes, to deal with, but also the challenge of sible drawdown in) Iraq,” said Sgt. 1st ity to improvise, adapt and overcome, comprising 18 acres, capable of hold- trying to create the hub with as little fi- Class Justin J. Patterson, senior non- Patterson said. ing 550 trucks and costing more than nancial waste as possible, Miller said. commissioned officer-in-charge with “When the time comes, it won’t be $230,000, he said. “That’s one thing we’ve tried to do the 80th Movement Control Team, 14th a question of them stepping up to the “An additional entry control point through all this, while doing all these Transportation Battalion (Movement plate. They’re already on the plate,” needed to be built in order to keep traf- projects, trying to figure out how we Control), 13th Sustainment Command Patterson said. fic on the existing highway flowing,” can maximize the use of what’s on the (Expeditionary) and a native of Catskill,

ROAD FROM PAGE 13 whether it is the place of the crime, the bombed structure is a reminder of a leadership role by concentrating on sports under the old regime and what Family and friends and making sure is known is that athletes were routinely that everyone else was taken care of …I tortured for mistakes during competi- was more concerned with making sure tion, some even murdered. Almost a that everyone else was in a good state decade later, the Olympic team thrives of mind…” Baker said. “About a month and has its eyes on the World Cup. after is when I let my guard down and After another huddle and last min- broke down myself. It was a hard situ- ute prayer, we mount up for the return ation but it was one of those things that trip “home.” When asked if there is any God put in my path and something that fear, Baker’s honesty prevails. I had to go through.” “There is fear…Yeah I would like to Baker and others on his team feel come home in one piece…but you can’t they are making a difference, like twen- let fear rule you… You have more ap- ty-one year old Pfc. Terrance Price from preciation for the little things like tak- Memphis, Tenn. “I actually do feel like ing a breath of fresh air. You don’t I am making a difference… people were worry about it because it’s one of the getting hurt and now there are fewer things that God put in my path because casualties,” he said. he knows I can handle it,” he says. A reminder of those more fearful As Operation Iraqi Freedom winds times is right across the street on COB down, the men and woman of B Battery Speicher in a soccer stadium where are handling it, finding meaning in the members of the Iraqi Soccer team were monotony, and hope for even a greater rumored to be murdered. Regardless Iraqi future.

Contact the Expeditionary Times for more information. E-mail: [email protected] May 12, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 15 PAGE 16 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s May 12, 2010 Maintenance company Men’s conference works to help strengthens team, bodies Soldiers keep Families strong St o r y a n d p h o t o b y native, attended the conference. Pf c . Li s a A. Co p e Klepps said the conference was Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f inspirational. “The conference was very up- JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq– A lifting,” Klepps said. “It helped to chaplain with the 118th see that we can fall to deception, M u l t i - F u n c t i o n a l taught us how to overcome that Medical Battalion and to put our wives first.” hosted the Men’s Klepps said he enjoys having Conference 2010 this type of spiritual support while Time to Break deployed. Loose II April 29- “(It) helps (a Soldier) to real- Teams of Soldiers with the 546th Maintenance Com- 30 at Provider Chapel at Joint Base ize that he is not here alone, that pany, 732nd Combat Sustainment Support Battal- Balad, Iraq. God is with him at all times, that ion, 36th Sustainment Brigade, 13th Sustainment The conference was designed to no matter where we are at, that Command (Expeditionary) perform squats with Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicle tires enrich and strengthen Family life God is here even in Iraq,” Klepps during a fitness and team-building exercise April for deployed service members— said. “We are all one in the family 12 at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. with advice on handling spiritual of God, we are all brothers in the and emotional interference that Lord.” St o r y a n d p h o t o b y could cause problems in relation- Finn said providing good spiri- 1s t Lt Wa i Wa h Ell i s o n ships, said Lt. Col. James H. Finn, tual leadership to deployed Sol- 36t h Su s t a i n m e n t Br i g a d e the chaplain with the 118th Multi- diers allows them to connect bet- Functional Med. Bn., 1st Medical ter with their Families at home. Maj. Steve Martin (right), the liason CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE AD- Brigade, and the main speaker for “Without these things, a lot of officer for the 278th Armored Cav- DER, Iraq– Soldiers with the 546th the conference. times, it does not give the Soldiers alry Regiment and a Lenoir City, Maintenance Company, 732nd “My presentation tonight was and civilians, and Ugandan Sol- Tenn, native greets fellow Soldier at the Men’s Conference April 29 at Pro- Combat Sustainment Support Bat- primarily on Family,” he said. diers, a point of contact with spiri- vider Chapel. talion, 36th Sustainment Brigade, “Breaking loose with Family and all tual advice and spirit resilience 13th Sustainment Command the things that keep a Family from which allows Soldiers first to have Another men’s conference is (Expeditionary) held a team- being successful and getting on the the right relationship with their planned for May 8, said Finn, with building exercise April 12 here. right track … and how we break Families back home,” Finn said. a morning meeting from 9 a.m. to “This was a chance for our Soldiers to do some- loose from those things and get on “If they do not have access to the noon and an afternoon meeting thing outside the norm for physical training and with life and have a good relation- programs and to the leadership, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. an opportunity to build camaraderie,” said 1st ship with our Family members.” then they cannot get the counsel- Finn said these specialized pro- Sgt. Tony Stephens, a Raleigh, N.C., native with Staff Sgt. Bruce E. Klepps, a cook ing they need (for) some of the grams are available to men, wom- the 546th Maint. Co. with G Company, 2nd Squadron, situations, issues and frustrations, en, married and single Soldiers. The course consisted of five stations, each in- 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and hindrances that can actually Soldiers looking for more infor- volving the movement or use of a Mine-Resistant 13th Sustainment Command (Ex- destroy marriages taken care of mation on these types of services Ambush-Protected vehicle tire. First, the teams peditionary) and a Dayton, Tenn., and resolved.” should contact their unit chaplain. rolled a tire from the starting line to the second station, where they performed 10 squats with the tire. At the next station, the Soldiers flipped the tire, end over end, 100 feet. At station four, each team dragged the tire 100 feet back to station three, before rolling it back to the starting line. The exercise was an enjoyable way to vary the usual routine of physical training, and it brought the unit closer, said Spc. Jessica Rivera, an or- derly room clerk with the 546th Maint. Co. and a South Bend, Ind., native. “The fact that the Soldiers were able to negoti- ate the course in minimal time showed me that our Soldiers work together,” Stephens said. May 12, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 17 Personal Communication a priority for deployed Soldiers St o r y b y There was so much mail that the driver just started the interaction between Soldiers and loved ones back Sp c . Am y L. Ba r b e r calling out names,” Datrice said. home. 256t h IBCT Because of his previous experience with receiving “I use Skype because when I connect with another mail, Datrice decided to become officially trained in person online, I can see video, speak and type with CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq– Soldiers with the Louisi- handling military mail at the Camp Liberty Joint Mili- them at the same time,” said Spc. Lester P. Brous- ana National Guard’s 256th Infantry Bri- tary Mail Terminal, he said. sard, a logistics specialist with HHC, 256th IBCT and gade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Datrice is now responsible for performing mail du- a Lafayette, La., native. Command (Expeditionary) understand ties for the 256th headquarters and four other units. Skype is easy and convenient to use; providing the that staying in touch with Family and Each afternoon, he drives 40 minutes to the mail additional benefit of being able to visually interact friends at home is a priority for de- terminal, waits his turn in line, loads the packages with friends and Family, said Spc. Amber M. Short, ployed Soldiers. and letters, and makes the return trip to hold mail call a human resource specialist with Headquarters and One Soldier made that mission his twice a day. Headquarters Co., 256th IBCT and a Lafayette, La., personal responsibility. Spc. Corey A. Aguillard, a facilities engineer with native. “Receiving personal mail is the biggest morale HHC., 256th IBCT and a Lake Charles, La., native, The morale of deployed Soldiers is one of the main booster for deployed Soldiers,” said Spc. Cory T. Da- said he was exceptionally appreciative for Datrice’s concerns for the company, said Capt. Daniel Fritts, trice, a mail clerk with Headquarters and Headquar- efforts in delivering two large parcels of mail to him. commander of HHC, 256th IBCT and a Baton Rouge, ters Company, 256th IBCT and an Opelousas, La., na- Mail may be a critical means of communication La., native. tive. across the miles, but it is not the principal method of “Communication back home is extremely impor- Mail traditionally has not always been so easily communication from Baghdad to home. Some Soldiers tant, not just for Soldiers, but also for those friends obtainable to service members overseas. As a result, opt for obtaining a cell phone, but most choose to use and Family members in Louisiana,” Fritts said. “It is receiving mail was an event worthy of excitement, he Internet services from their personal residences. one of the biggest morale boosters for deployed Sol- said. E-mail, Facebook and Skype are among the most diers. It helps take the edge off the stresses of deploy- “It was like children flocking to the ice cream truck. popular conduits of online communication increasing ment and helps the time go by much faster.” Louisiana National Guard’s Tiger Brigade holds combat patch ceremony St o r y b y the Peninsula Campaign in 1862,” Mehl explained. La., continued this ritual by walking through the 256 Sp c . Am y L. Ba r b e r “Union Army General Philip Kearny adopted a red IBCT Soldier formations applying the fleur-de-lis Bri- 256t h IBCT diamond to be worn on the kepi hat of Soldiers in his gade insignia onto their troops’ right shoulders. command for identification.” “I consider it a privilege to participate in this time- CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq- Headquarters and Head- “What grew from this were the corps badges, which honored tradition and to see the smiles on the faces quarters Company, 256th Infantry Bri- by the end of the war, every corps had their own dis- of both our combat Veterans and ‘first-timers’ alike,” gade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment tinctive unit insignia,” he continued. Ball said. “Earning a combat patch is a milestone in Command (Expeditionary), conducted The corps badges became standard during the any Soldier’s career and it validates the many years of its former wartime service shoulder Spanish-American War of 1898. During World War training and hard work our Soldiers go through.” sleeve insignia ceremony at Camp I, the shoulder sleeve insignia, still in use today, was Today, deployed Soldiers of all Army components Liberty, Iraq, on May 3. adopted. may permanently wear former wartime service shoul- Also known as the combat patch ceremony, it sym- “The 81st Division adopted the Wildcat patch, der sleeve insignias of the unit with which they de- bolizes a rite of passage, capturing a Soldier’s partcip- which the unit wore in France during their service in ployed. itation with a particular unit during wartime. World War I,” the 22-year Veteran said. “Geneneral The SSI for former wartime service, we can trace to “Wearing the 256th patch has always meant a great John J. “Black Jack” Pershing determined that, al- an incident at the end of WWII when some Soldiers deal to me,” said HHC Commander Capt. Daniel H. though there were some leaders who frowned upon of the highly-decorated 3rd Infantry Division were Fritts, of Prairieville, La. “I proudly wear it as my the distinguishing insignia, it created unit cohesion transferred to another division. combat patch and it pleases me that I am a piece of and esprit de corps among the fighting divisions. He “The 3rd ID, which was the only U.S. Army division the great history of this brigade.” then ordered that each division create their own unit- to fight the Germans in 10 different campaigns, was According to 256th Brigade Historian Maj. Thomas specific patch.” told to remove their famous ‘Rock of the Marne’ patch Mehl of Big Rapids, Mich., the wear of distinctive unit More than a century later, while deployed in sup- from their left shoulder. Needless to say, in the effort insignia in the U.S. Army dates back to the Civil War. port of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Tiger Brigade Com- to maintain their history, the Soldiers were allowed “The first known use of a distinguishing unit in- mander Col. Jonathan T. Ball and Command Sgt. to rotate the patch to the right shoulder and wear the signia in the U.S. Army was in the Civil War during Maj. Kenneth R. Wagner, both residents of Pineville, current unit of assignment on the left.” Tennessee Guardsmen take part in Iraq drawdown St o r y b y of troops, said Lt. Col. Jimmie L. Cole Jr., commander the United States and Iraq, U.S. forces, to include 1st 1s t Lt. De s i Re a L. Ni c e l y of 1st Sqdn., 278th ACR and a Mount Juliett, Tenn., Sqdn., 278th ACR, are now transitioning from their 256t h IBCT native. missions to an advisory and training role. This delib- “The drawdown is multifaceted,” said Staff Sgt. erate and responsible drawdown is the result of Iraqi CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE Q-WEST, Roger Tapp, supply noncommissioned officer with 1st Security Forces leading the way for security in Iraq, Iraq– Soldiers with B Troop, 1st Squad- Sqdn., 278th ACR and a Stantonville, Tenn., native. Cole said. ron, 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, “Supply staff will take a big part in this. We have “Since we got here, I realized it’s not so much 13th Sustainment Command (Expe- already begun to get rid of excess equipment and about the fighting anymore,” said Pfc. Brian L. Har- ditionary) out of Clarksville, Tenn., move it to other locations. That is where the convoys lin, a radio transmission operator for B Troop and a started their deployment in Febru- come into play; we are able to capitalize on the mis- Clarksville, Tenn., native. “We are here rebuilding ary when they began convoy opera- sions they are already running by putting our excess their country and getting them ready to run their own tions based here. equipment on board.” world.” Their mission- to provide security assets for sus- Besides escorting vehicles from Q-West to Contin- Despite the drawdown being complex and lengthy, tainment operations throughout northern Iraq by gency Operating Base Marez, Iraq, B Troop is play- the 1/278th ACR is more than equipped and capable moving supplies, equipment and vehicles- has be- ing a part in the logistical aspect of the drawdown. for its mission, and will play a big role in the larger come increasingly demanding during the drawdown In cooperation with the Security Agreement between picture, said Cole. PAGE 18 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s May 12, 2010

May 12, 2010 EXPEDITIONARY TIMES PAGE 20 FITNESS CORNER Hungry or Just Dehydrated?

o you think suffering through a growling stomach is the answer to losing Dweight? Wrong! Most hunger is actually caused by dehydration. Instead of reaching for a bag a pretzels to satisfy your hunger, fill up your water bottle and drink water first, wait 20 minutes then reassess your hunger level. Water not only satisfies hunger pains but also aids in the transportation and absorption of nutrients. According to the information provided by the Wyoming Valley Health Care Sys- tem: ‡ SHUFHQWRI$PHULFDQVDUHGHK\GUDWHG ‡ /DFNRIZDWHULVWKH1RWULJJHURIGD\WLPHIDWLJXH Jack Knife ‡ 2QHJODVVRIZDWHUFDQGLPLQLVK Lie face-up with your feet six inches off the ground, arms down at your sides and midnight hunger pains almost 100 lift your head off the ground. Bend your knees into your chest and lift your upper percent body into your chest, balancing on your butt. Slowly extend your legs out while ‡ $QDYHUDJHDGXOWORVHVHLJKWWR keeping your feet off the ground, and lower your upper body back onto the ground. cups of water throughout the course Perform 20 repetitions, three sets. of the day with normal activity; combine exercise and the amount Advanced: Keep arms above your head in the air, while keeping your biceps increases significantly near your ears. ‡ $ PHUH  SHUFHQW GURS LQ ERG\ water loss can cause dizziness, trou- ble focusing on a computer screen or reading Here are a few tips to increase your water intake: ‡ $/:$<6KDYHDERWWOHRIZDWHUERWWOHRUFDPHOEDFNZLWK\RX(9(5<:+(5( you go. ‡ 3ODLQZDWHUWRRERULQJ"7U\DGGLQJLQ3URSHO&U\VWDO/LJKWRU*DWRUDGHWR your bottle of water for flavor. It enables you to enjoy flavor without the extra calories. ‡ 0DNHLWDFRPSHWLWLRQ&KDOOHQJH\RXEDWWOHEXGG\WRVHHZKRFDQFRQVXPH the most water throughout the day. ‡ 6HW\RXUDODUP8VHLWDVDUHPLQGHUWRGULQNDJODVVRIZDWHU(DFKKRXURQ the hour drink eight ounces of water. Jumping Lunges Start in a lunge position with your right leg forward, knee over your ankle, hands on hips. Sink deeper into lunge, then leap up, switching legs mid-air and landing softly in the lunge position with your left leg forward. Keep your shoulders in line apt. Sarah Baumgardner is a graduate of Ohio Univer- with your hips. Repeat on opposite side for one rep. Perform 15 reps, three sets. Csity in Athens, Ohio, where she majored in exercise Advanced: Speed up the jumps, don’t pause in between lunges. Aim to jump as high as possible. physiology. She is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as a Health Fitness Specialist (HFS). She has worked as a personal trainer and nutritional consultant, training a wide range of demographics. She brings enthusi- asm and motivation to inspiring, coaching and increasing Soldiers’ fitness levels. Army photo by Sgt. Eunice Alicea Valentin

Walking Pushups Begin in the front leaning rest position. Execute a pushup. While in the front lean- ing rest position simultaneously walk your left hand and right foot forward six inches, then align with the opposite hand and foot together. Execute a pushup. Repeat 15 reps, three sets.

Advanced: Instead of walking your hands and feet in the front leaning rest po- sition. Walk your hands and feet forward while in the lowered pushup position. Perform 10 reps, three sets. May 12, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 19 Sudoku Test your knowledge The objective is to fill Level: Hard the 9×9 grid so each 1. What is Goldie Hawn’s real name? column, each row and 2. What was the name of the rocket that was launched each of the nine 3×3 containing Star Trek’s Gene Roddenberry’s ashes? boxes contains the dig- 3. Janet Leigh played one of the most horrific scenes its from 1 to 9 only one where in a motel? time each. 4. How many years after “Terminator” was “Termina- tor 2” released? Last week’s answers 5. Who was Elwood’s brother in “The Blues Broth- ers”? 6. Which plant was Uma Thurman named after in “Batman & Robin”? 7. Which star of “Shallow Hal”split with fiancé Brad

Pitt in 1997? 1. Goldie Hawn 2. Pegasus 3. Shower 4. Seven 5. Jake 6. Ivy 7. Gwyneth Paltrow Gwyneth 7. Ivy 6. Jake 5. Seven 4. Shower 3. Pegasus 2. Hawn Goldie 1.

JB BALAD ACTIVITIES INDOOR a.m., p.m. CC Cross Fit: Hold’em: Ping-pong Friday- 7 p.m. POOL 5-6 p.m Caribbean Monday- Mon., Fri.,- 2 tourney: Aerobics: Swim Lessons: Edge Weapons Night: Saturday- p.m., Tuesday- 8 Monday, Mon., Wed.,- 6 & Stick Fight- Friday- 8 p.m. 10:30 p.m 8:30 p.m. p.m. Wednesday, p.m. ing Combative Chess & Domi- Cross Fit: 8-ball tourney: Foosball Friday- 7 p.m. Tue., Thu., Training: noes Tourney: Mon., Wed., Tuesday- 2 tourney: Body by Sat.,- Tue., Thur., Friday- 8 p.m. Fri.,- 5:45 a.m., Tuesday- 8 Midgett Toning 6:30 p.m. Sat.,- Salsa Class: a.m., 7 a.m., 3 8:30 p.m. p.m. Class: AquaTraining: 8-10 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 p.m., Ping-pong Jam Session: Tue., Thu., - 7 Tue.,Thu.,- p.m. 6 p.m. tourney: Tuesday- 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m., 8:30 EAST REC- Poker: Tue., Thu.,- 7 Tuesday- 8:30 p.m Dodge ball p.m. REATION Saturday- 7:30 a.m., p.m. 8-ball tourney: Game: CENTER p.m. 3 p.m. Spades: Wednesday- 8 Tuesday- 7:30 EAST FIT- 4-ball tourney: Sunday- 5:45 Wednesday- 2 p.m p.m. NESS Sunday- 8 p.m H6 FITNESS a.m., a.m., Guitar Lessons: Furman’s CENTER 8-ball tourney: CENTER 7 a.m., 3 p.m. 8:30 p.m. Thursday- 7:30 Martial Arts: Open Court Monday- 8 p.m Spin: P90x: Salsa: p.m Mon., Wed., Volleyball: Karaoke: Sunday- 9 a.m. Monday- Sat- Wednesday- Game tourney: Sun.,- 1 p.m. Sunday- 6 p.m. Monday- 8 Mon., Wed., urday- 4:30 8:30 p.m. Thursday- 1 Gaston’s Self- Aerobics: p.m. Fri.,- 2 a.m., 8 a.m., 4 p.m., 9-ball: p.m, 8 p.m. Defense Class: Mon., Wed., Swing Class: a.m. 2 p.m., 7 10 p.m. Thursday- 2 Enlisted Poker: Fri., Sat.- 7 Fri.- Tuesday- 8 p.m., 12 a.m. a.m., Friday- 1 p.m., p.m. 5:30-6:30 a.m. p.m. 9 p.m. Soccer: 8:30 p.m. 8 p.m. Open court Yoga Class: Table Tennis: Tue., Thu., Tue., Thu.,- 8 Karaoke: Officer Poker: basketball: Mon., Fri.- 6-7 Tuesday- 8 -5:45 a.m., p.m. Thursday- 8:30 Saturday- 1 Thursday- 7 a.m. p.m. 9 a.m., 8:30 Yoga: p.m. p.m., 8 p.m. p.m. Step Aerobics: Plastic Models p.m. Wednesday- 8 Dominos: Squat Compe- Open court Mon., Wed., Club: Saturday- 9 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 tition: soccer: Fri.- Wednesday 7 a.m., 7 p.m. MACP Level p.m. Saturday- 8 Mon., Wed., - 7 5:30 p.m. p.m. Boxing: 1: Darts: p.m. p.m. Conditioning 9-ball tourney: Sunday- 4 p.m. Friday- 8 p.m. Saturday- 8:30 Zingano Training Class: Wednesday- 8 Tue., Thu.,- 2 5 on 5 Basket- p.m. WEST FIT- Brazilian Jui Mon., Wed., p.m. p.m. ball: WEST REC- NESS Jitsu: Fri.- 7:15- Dungeons & Boot Camp: Saturday- 8 REATION CENTER Tue., Thu.,- 8 p.m. Dragons: Sunday- 8:45 p.m. CENTER 3 on 3 basket- 8:30 p.m. Brazilian Jui- Thursday- 7:30 a.m Green Bean ball Jitsu: p.m. Tue.,Thu.,- 7 H6 RECRE- Karaoke: tourney: CIRCUIT Mon., Wed., Poetry Night: p.m. ATION Sun., Wed., Saturday- 7:30 GYM Fri.- Thursday-8 Power Abs: CENTER 7:30pm p.m. Floor hockey: 8-9 p.m. p.m. Mon., Tue., Bingo: 9-ball tourney: 6 on 6 vol- Mon., Wed., Abs-Aerobics: 6-ball tourney: Thu., - 8 p.m. Sunday- 8 p.m. Monday- 8 leyball Fri.,– Tue., Thu., 6-7 Thursday- 8 Friday- 9 p.m. Texas p.m. tourney: 8-10 p.m

:30 Monday 05/17/10 Rolex Sports Car Series: Porsche 250, Tape Delayed 12 a.m. Upcoming sports AFN Xtra NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series: Atlanta Finals, Live 7 a.m. AFN Xtra on AFN Monday Night Baseball: Boston Red Sox @ New York Thursday 05/13/10 Saturday 05/15/10 Yankees, Live 4 p.m. AFN Xtra Wednesday Night Baseball: Teams TBD, 12 a.m. AFN Sports NBA Game of the Week: Utah Blaze @ Milwaukee Iron, Tape 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs-Conference Finals, Game: Teams 2010 NBA Playoffs: Teams TBD, Live 6:30 a.m. AFN Sports Delayed 12 a.m. AFN Sports TBD, Live 4:30 p.m. AFN Sports MLB Houston Astros @ St. Louis Cardinals, Live 6:30 p.m. MLB Houston Astros @ San Francisco Giants, Live 1 a.m. AFN MLB Seattle Mariners @ Oakland Athletics, Live 7 p.m. AFN AFN Sports Prime Freedom Xtra 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs - Western Conference Quarterfinals, FOX Saturday Baseball: Seattle Mariners @ Tampa Bay Rays, Tuesday 05/18/10 Game 4: San Jose Sharks @ Colorado Avalanch (JIP), Live 4 p.m. Live 1 p.m. AFN Prime Atlantic MLB Milwaukee Brewers @ Cincinnati Reds Tape Delayed, AFN Xtra Horse Racing 135th Preakness Stakes, Live 1:30 p.m. AFN 12 a.m. AFN Sports Sports MLB Chicago White Sox @ Detroit Tigers, Live 10 a.m. AFN Friday 05/14/10 Sunday 05/16/10 Sports 2010 NBA Playoffs: Teams TBD, Live 6:30 a.m. AFN Sports NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Autism Speaks 400, Live 10 a.m. 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs-Conference Finals, Game: Teams MLB Pittsburgh Pirates @ Chicago Cubs, Live 11:00 a.m. AFN AFN Xtra TBD, Live 4:30 p.m. AFN Xtra Sports 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs-Conference Finals: Live 1:00 a.m. 2010 NBA Playoffs- Conference Finals: Teams TBD, Live 5:30 MLB Seattle Mariners @ Tampa Bay Rays, Live Live 4 p.m. AFN Prime Atlantic p.m. AFN Sports AFN Xtra 2010 NBA Playoffs: Teams TBD, Live 12:30 a.m. AFN Sports MLB Los Angeles Dodgers @ San Diego Padres, Live 7 p.m. Sunday Night Baseball: Philadelphia Phillies @ Milwaukee Wednesday 05/19/10 AFN Xtra Brewers, Live 5 p.m. AFN Xtra MLB Detroit Tigers @ Oakland Athletics, Live 7 p.m. AFN MLB Houston Astros @ San Francisco Giants, Live 7 p.m. AFN PGA Tour Valero Texas Open: Final Round, Tape Delayed 11 p.m. AFN Xtra Prime Atlantic Sports PAGE 20 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s May 12, 2010

‘The Losers’ reminiscent awesome ‘80s action movies By Sg t . Ja y s o n A. Ho ff m a n convinced, by a woman named Aisha with each other. Their chemistry was a great reactions to the situations around Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f (Zoe Saldana), to take their lives back constant source of tension in the mov- him. by going on a suicide mission to take ie. My main gripe about the movie was The Losers” is what out Max and prove their innocence in Pooch (Columbus Short) and Jensen its weak conclusion. The whole movie “would have hap- the process. She promised to fund their (Chris Evans) provided comedic relief, was over the top, but when my own pened if Sam Peckinpah mission, but in the end her motives for both full of charm and great one-liners. imagination starts asking if events had directed “The Wild helping The Losers comes into ques- Evans (“Push”) really steals the movie. are possible, I know a line has been Bunch” in the 1980s. It tion. I greatly look forward to seeing him as crossed. This movie knew what it was was loud, fast, funny The camera work is really what made Captain America because, although he trying to be, but the ending started to and, minus the movie’s weak ending, this film pop. There was great use of wasn’t the leading man, he has a great enter the realm of “Charlie’s Angels: a solid start to the summer movie sea- slow motion during the action and even command of the screen. Full Throttle.” son. during a PG-13 sex scene. The action Aisha and Max were also terrific. Sal- The movie also kept going during the “The Losers,” which is based on the was over the top, which usually turns dana brought a lot of toughness to the credits, and I failed to get out of the the- Vertigo comic series, is about an elite me off, but this was over the top with screen in addition to giving the movie ater to avoid the cutesy extended end- special forces unit, The Losers, that is flair and vigor because of the camera some sex appeal. Patric was a great bad ing that was completely unnecessary. betrayed by a mysterious man named work. guy. He was just mean and he gave Ev- So, I hated the ending, but overall Max (Jason Patric), who is the head The cast was solid all around. Clay ans a run for his money in the show- I liked the movie. It had flare and it is of an unnamed organization within (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) and Roque (Id- stealing department. He had hilarious definitely worth checking out this sum- the U.S. government. The Losers are ris Elba) had great tough guy banter conversations with his henchmen and mer. “Neverwhere” sucker punched me with awesomeness By St a ff Sg t . Jo e l F. Gi bs o n Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s St a f f just mean Gaiman has a way of paint- his desk and he just ran with it, and he his arms. His employer hires a replace- ing a portrait with words that doesn’t has a fiancé who loves everything about ment for him and his landlord rents out don’t think there’s sledgehammer the reader into a bore- him, as long as he’s willing to change his apartment to new tenants…while he Ianything better, dom-induced coma, but gives the per- completely. is using his own toilet. when it comes to read- fect amount of detail to let the reader’s Change, Richard does. One night, He follows Door into London Below, ing that is, than start- imagination run wild. while on a date with his fiancé, dinner a region that coexists with the real Lon- ing a book with posi- The story begins with a Scot leaving with her socialite news mogul boss, the don, but only for those who fall through tively no expectations, home for London, not having read the couple stumbles across a bedraggled, the cracks. or even prior knowledge of the author’s back cover, inside jacket, or online re- bloodied girl unwilling to go the hos- Once in London Below, Richard work, and being summarily blown away views I thought to myself, “Self, do you pital. Richard, as a Good Samaritan, Mayhew starts a dark and twisted ad- by a great story, spectacularly written. really want to read a U.K.-based com- cares for her, and in the process loses venture that would make Lewis Carroll Before receiving “Neverwhere,” by ing of age story?” To which my self re- his engagement and his life. proud. Neil Gaiman, in a care package last sponded, “Seriously did you just refer He didn’t die, I mean that would be a Between huge beasts, telekinetic week, I had no exposure to the writer. I to yourself in the 4th person?” pretty lame story, killing the protagonist bodyguards, rodent munching assassins started to read the book, because I liter- Anyway, the fish out of water, com- around page 80 or so. By lost his life, I in bowler hats, royalty whose domains ally had nothing else to read. I was im- ing of age bit, is just a setup for a bigger mean, his association with the girl, ap- extend no further than subway stations, mediately taken in by well-developed fish out of water fantasy novel. propriately named Door, causes him to and talking rats, the imaginative tale is characters and a ridiculously well-de- The protagonist, Richard Mayhew, fall through the cracks of London. as original as it is engrossing. tailed tapestry of a background. seems lost in the real world. He has a Richard is immediately forgotten by “Neverwhere” is an incredibly enter- When I say ridiculously well-de- job wherein he misses deadlines. He friends, relatives, and anyone he runs taining read with one flaw that’s great tailed, I don’t mean like Tolkien who collects decorative troll dolls for his into anywhere. Cabbies see him long for books to have. When you get to the takes 14 pages to describe a rock in a desk (remember those, children of the enough to swerve, but not stop, and the end it comes too quickly, and you’ll field the travelers may be going near, I 90s?) because someone once left one on door on subway trains try to take off wish there was more.

Pvt Murphy’s law Sustainer Reel Time Theater Wednesday, May 12 Sunday, May 16 5 p.m. Repo Men 2 p.m. Iron Man 2 8 p.m. Alice In Wonderland 5 p.m. Hot Tub Time Machine 8 p.m. Diary Of A Wimpy Kid Thursday, May 13 Monday, May 17 5 p.m. A Nightmare On Elm Street 5 p.m. How To Train Your Dragon (1st Run) 8 p.m. Iron Man 2 8 p.m. The Bounty Hunter Friday, May 14 Tuesday, May 18 2 p.m. Hot Tub Time Machine 5 p.m. Iron Man 2 5 p.m. How To Train Your Dragon 8 p.m. How To Train Your Dragon 8:30 p.m. Iron Man 2 (1st Run)

Saturday, May 15 Wednesday, May 19 2 p.m. How To Train Your Dragon 5 p.m. Repo Men 5 p.m Iron Man 2 (1st Run) 8 p.m. Alice In Woland 8 p.m. Hot Tub Time Machine May 12, 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 Ir a q

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Landon Stephenson Soldiers from B Company, 7th Cavalry, 2nd Squadron, walk through a palm grove during a cache sweep April 14 near Mahmudiyah, Iraq. The Soldiers were there in support of the Iraqi Army’s 17th Division.

U.S. Army photo by Spc. Landon Stephenson Army Staff Sgt. William Morton, 212th Military Police Detachment, has his K-9 partner, Xanny, search a pile of concrete rubble during a cache sweep April 14 near Mahmudiyah, Iraq. Morton and Xanny work together in an effort to support the Iraqi Army’s 17th Division.

U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Eileen Kelly Fors Soldiers from Apache and Headquarters Companies, 1st Battalion, 23rd Infantry Division, maintain security inside the gate of the newly refurbished Dojima Pri- mary School while eager students wait to see their new classrooms April 20, in the Diyala Province, Iraq. Apache Company spent 12 days clearing, cleaning, paint- U.S. Army photo by Spc. Landon Stephenson ing, and repairing the dilapidated compound. Dojima Primary School is the third U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Adelita Mead U.S. Soldiers from Bravo Company, 7th school refurbished under 1-23’s Extreme School Make-Over initiative. An Iraqi man takes a moment to read the Cavalry, 2nd Squadron, break ground af- hand bill given to him April 28 in Basra, Iraq. ter an Iraq Army Soldier gets a high read- Soldiers from the 318th Psychological Opera- ing on his metal detector during a cache tions Company gathered atmospherics on sweep April 14 near Mahmudiyah, Iraq. the area and handed out information cards to The U.S. Soldiers were there to assist the the locals. Iraqi Army with the sweep as well as pro- vide advice.

The Al Shakamra tribe lives peace- fully April 26 near the marsh waters on the outskirts of Basra, in a small village of Al Kuthra, Iraq. The villagers spoke to U.S. Soldiers of the 318th Psy- chological Opera- tions Company, attached to the U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Eileen Kelly Fors 17th Fires Brigade Dojima Primary School students sit on the schoolyard wall waiting to return while members of to their newly refurbished classrooms, in the Diyala Province, Iraq, April 20. the Guardians Ma- Soldiers from Apache and Headquarters Companies 1st Battalion, 23rd In- neuver Element fantry Division spent 12 days clearing, cleaning, painting, and repairing the provided security. dilapidated building. Dojima Primary School is the third school refurbished under 1-23’s Extreme School Make-Over initiative. U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Adelita Mead PAGE 22 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s May 12, 2010 Ne w s a r o u n d Ir a q Black Lions return Iraqi Traffic Police base to Government students graduate, of Iraq become instructors BALAD, Iraq–U.S. forces handed over Contingency BAGHDAD–Fifteen Iraqi Traffic Police students Operating Location Paliwoda, in Balad, to finished an advanced instructor development course the Iraqi government during a ceremony April 29 at the Baghdad Traffic Police Headquarters April 25. building. During the signing ceremony, Lt. Col. The three-week course was developed and ap- Eric Timmerman, commander of 1st Battalion, 28th proved by the Technical Qualification Institute, a part Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Brigade Combat of the Ministry of Interior, Iraq Training and Adviso- Team, 1st Infantry Division, out of Fort Riley, Kan., ry Mission personnel and international police adviser signed Paliwoda over to Samir Al-Hadad, the receiv- trainers. ership secretariat for the Government of Iraq. The program of instruction focused on “(The return of the base) continues to show the training analysis and worked toward the progress that our Iraqi counterparts have made, not development and briefing of training plans. only in word but also in deed,” Timmerman said. “It Upon completion of the training, students shows that they are in charge of their own security. returned to their stations qualified to plan It’s a good day, and it’s an opportunity for them to and conduct MoI approved training. set their own course and do what they need to do to to 1988. It is now home to the 407th AEG, the U.S. The course was hands on, but it also included class- secure their country in order for them to be prosper- Army's Contingency Operating Base Adder and the room and performance-based training. Each student ous and free.” Iraqi Air Force’s Squadron 7. was required to write a complete training plan and Timmerman said it is a bit of a sad day too, because brief it to the instructor and fellow students. many lives were lost in the area, Timmerman said. Guest speakers for the graduation event were Lt. Gen. This is the fifth base the Black Lions battalion has Joint Security Station Ja’far al-Khafaji with the Traffic Police and MoI and returned to the GoI. Brig. Gen. Donald Currier, commander of the 49th “I guess I share in their emotion of happiness and Military Police Brigade. their emotion of being fully responsible for their secu- Cleary transferred to rity,” said Timmerman. “We’ll remain good partners and friends.” Iraqi Army Brigade Combat Team BAGHDAD–Soldiers with D Company, 4th Battal- US Air Force units ion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade cont inues advise Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, transfer authority transferred Joint Security Station Cleary to Iraq–The 3rd Brigade Combat members of 4th Battalion, 34th Brigade, 9th Team, 4th Infantry Division officially ALI BASE, Iraq—The 332nd Air Expeditionary Iraqi Army Division during a ceremony April accepted the advise-and-assist mis- Wing transferred authority to the 321st Air Expedi- 30 in Baghdad. sion in Dhi Qar, Maysan and Muth- tionary Wing during a ceremony April 24 at Ali Base, As the U.S. draws down forces in Iraq in accordance anna provinces from 4th Brigade realigning the 407th Air Expeditionary with the Security Agreement, joint security station fa- Combat Team, 1st Armored Division Group. cilities are being transferred to Iraqi Security Forces in a Transfer of Authority ceremony Maj. Gen. Joseph Reynes Jr., director of or Government of Iraq ministries. JSS Cleary is the May 2nd at COB Adder, Iraq. Air Component Coordination Element U.S. fourth base to be transferred to ISF within 2nd BCT’s During the ceremony, Col. James E. Rainey, bri- Forces–Iraq, presided over the ceremony. Brig. Gen. area of responsibility. gade commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Miles S. Craig A. Franklin, commander of the 332nd AEW, re- “(The) 4/34 IA Bn. is fully ... capable of securing Wilson uncased the 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. colors for linquished command of the 407th AEG to Brig. Gen. the people of Iraq as they have for the past seven the first time since early March. Scott M. Hanson, commander of the 321st AEW. months,” said Capt. Raymond Windmiller, com- During the ceremony Col. Rainey addressed near- “Although our overall footprint in Iraq will become mander of D Co. ly 200 U.S. Soldiers and Iraqi Security Forces and smaller, our current partnership with the Iraqi Air D Co. has worked with 4th Bn, 34th Bde. conduct- pledged to build upon the success of 4th BCT, 1st AD. Force will become more robust in the role of advis- ing partnered training, patrols and humanitarian as- “To our partners, friends and brothers here today, I ing, assisting and training, all the while continuing sistance missions in the Mada’in district. promise you that the Soldiers of the Iron Brigade will our operational mission,” Reynes said. “This partner- “We benefitted a lot from training programs they continue to work hard on advising and assisting our ship will help establish the foundation for our lasting did for us like the medics and ranges for (rifles),” said great partners in the Iraqi Security Forces as they pro- relationships with the Iraqi people as we enter a new Staff Col. Sabah Hussan Said, commander of 4th Bn., vide security for the people,” he said. dawn in our strategic partnership.” 34th Bde. “These are all things they offered to us, The 3rd BCT, 4th Inf. Div. is beginning its fourth Under the banner of the 321st AEW, the 407th AEG not because they had to, but out of partnership and tour in Iraq since 2003. They are returning to Iraq will take on a new role as part of the Iraq Training and friendship to us.” just 13 months after a successful 15-month deploy- Advisory Mission–Air Force. The 407th AEG will now The ceremony took place at JSS Cleary with IA of- ment in eastern Baghdad. contribute to the mission of training and advising the ficers, Soldiers and shaykhs participating. The brigade’s mission will be to advise and assist Iraqi Air Force to advance the foundational airpower “The future is evident to us now that 4/34 really the Iraqi Security Forces as they work toward a safer, capabilities of Iraqi Airmen. represents the most capable part of the Iraqi govern- secure and sovereign Iraq. The brigade will also work Built in the 1970s, Ali Base served as the busiest ment in the Mada’in,” said Lt. Col. Richard Greene, closely with the Provincial Reconstruction Teams as military airfield during the Iran-Iraq war, from 1980 commander of 4th Bn., 31st Inf. Regt. they provide assistance to provincial governments. Do you have a story idea? Contact us at: [email protected] May 12, 2010 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s PAGE 23

tween both countries,” said John Johns, director of Iraqi Security Forces Ready First brigade strategic logistics for U.S. Forces–Iraq, Deputy Com- manding General for Advising and Training. Johns recognized the accomplishments of the stu- arrest 4 suspected to advise, assist dents and the faculty. al-Qaeda members Iraqis US ambassador BAGHDAD–Iraqi Security Forces arrested four sus- CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE SPEICHER, Iraq– pected al-Qaeda associates during a joint se- As part of the process of transitioning to sta- curity operation April 30 near Tikrit. bility operations in United States Division visits Balad ISF and U.S. advisers searched buildings – North, 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, for a suspected AQI leader who allegedly fa- 1st Armored Division Ready First was re- leadership cilitated roadside bomb and vehicle-borne designated to an Advise and As,sist Brigade May 1. improvised explosive device attacks in the Sulayman An AAB is essentially a U.S. Army brigade combat JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq–One year after being Bak area. team with a modified organization to conduct stabil- appointed to the position of United States Information and evidence, including bomb-mak- ity operations. An AAB has additional senior leaders ambassador to Iraq, Ambassador Christo- ing materials, gathered at the scene led Iraqi forces experienced in staff processes and able to execute pher Hill visited Joint Base Balad April 23. to identify and arrest four suspected criminal associ- distributed command and control, who are specially The ambassador made the trip to visit ates. trained for an advisory role with a foreign force. with base leadership to better understand the work Iraqi and U.S. forces conduct joint operations in At Contingency Operating Base Speicher, the AAB that Balad's provincial reconstruction team does to accordance with the Security Agreement and in co- will advise, assist and train Iraqi Security Forces, prepare Iraq for its future. ordination with the Iraqi government to target ter- both military and police, as well as support Provin- "One cannot imagine our presence in this country rorists seeking to disrupt the security and stability of cial Reconstruction Team operations. The brigade is without Joint Base Balad," Hill said. "This is abso- Iraq. already manned with 17 additional field grade offi- lutely a key node for a lot of issues in Iraq." cers who serve in the unit’s nine Stability-Transition While visiting with base leaders, the ambassador Teams. These officers were trained in the specialized discussed the programs and missions civilians and mission essential tasks, such as cultural and language service members perform every day. 3 suspected al-Qaeda training, required of most S-TT members. "There is no doubt that Balad will remain robust Ready First came to Iraq with much of the AAB ca- until the last moments of the drawdown," Hill said. members arrested in Mosul pabilities and structure already in place. The equip- "Balad represents the civilian military operation we ment requirements are similar for a brigade combat have going on in Iraq. If we succeed in Iraq, and I do BAGHDAD–Iraqi Security Forces arrested three team and an AAB. The biggest differences between believe we will, it will be because U.S. civilians and suspected members of al-Qaeda in Iraq during a joint the two organizations are additional S-TT personnel U.S. military members came together to make one security operation May 1 in Mosul. and a reorganization of the unit’s assigned Soldiers team and one mission." ISF and U.S. advisers searched a building for a stability operations mission versus a combat As one of the largest bases in Iraq, Balad and its for a suspected AQI member believed to be mission. PRT will play a key role in the country's future. Dur- linked to terrorist attacks against Iraqi civil- While the Ready First brigade meets the descrip- ing his visit, the ambassador saw the team's work ians and security forces in Mosul. tion of an AAB now, in the next three months it will firsthand as he met with Iraqi community leaders. Information and evidence gathered at the scene led continue to refine its unit structure and reconfigure "The ambassador's visit was great," said Ben Flu- Iraqi forces to identify and arrest three criminal as- for stability operations by sending some units home hart, PRT team lead. "It gave him the opportunity to sociates of the suspect in question. and reorganizing other units that are already in see firsthand what we are doing to prepare for the Iraqi and U.S. forces conduct joint operations in Kirkuk province to execute this mission. eventual handover of this base to the Iraqis. At the accordance with the Security Agreement and in coor- This will make the second AAB in USD-N, an area same time, it gave the Iraqi leaders, with whom he dination with the Iraqi government to target terrorists that covers the seven northernmost provinces in Iraq, met, the chance to hear a perspective on their country seeking to disrupt the security and stability of Iraq. with Kirkuk province being the home of Ready First. from our senior diplomat." As the drawdown is underway, the PRT works around the clock to prepare Iraq for its post-draw- Suspected al- Iraqi students down future. "This is a country with enormous potential," Hill said. "(Through) the outreach that the base does Qaeda member, 8 graduate leadership, through the provincial reconstruction team, we can see a much better future for this country." associates arrested partnership courses The hope is that Iraq's future involves a long- standing relationship with the United States. "Good BAGHDAD– Students from two courses in the Min- neighbor programs like Iraqi Kids Day, Iraqi fire- in Baghdad istry of Defense Training and Developing fighter training and offering continuing education for Center graduated April 28 in Baghdad. the Iraqi medical health professionals not only bet- BAGHDAD– raqi Security Forces arrested a suspect- The Commanders Development Course ters the country today but leaves the possibility of a ed al-Qaeda in Iraq member and eight suspected AQI had 38 graduates and the Partnership better tomorrow. associates during joint security operations April 26 in Course had 25 graduates, all senior Iraqi leaders rep- "We want to have a long-term relationship with Baghdad and Baqubah. resenting both the MoD and the Ministry of Interior. Iraq," Hill said. "It's not easy. There is an economic ISF and U.S. advisers searched buildings “We must proactively pursue professional devel- dimension, a political dimension and also a human for a suspected AQI member who is an al- opment in order to defeat our enemies,” said Iraqi dimension. These kinds of outreach programs where leged improvised explosive device facilitator Army Lt. Gen. Hussein Dohi, deputy chief of staff for you bring in kids on to the base – for many kids it is responsible for IED attacks in the greater Baghdad training. a very exciting moment in their lives– the y will re- area. The partnership course focused on cultural value member Americans from these engagements." Information and evidence gathered at the scene sharing and developing strategies for problem solv- The base's engagements with local Iraqis bring to in Baghdad led Iraqi forces to identify and arrest the ing. In the commander’s course, the graduates were light the importance of each individual U.S. civilian warranted individual and eight suspected associates. taught the leadership elements important to the se- and service member serving in Iraq, he said. Iraqi and U.S. forces conduct joint operations in ac- curity ministries. "It puts a lot of pressure on Americans," Hill said. cordance with the Security Agreement and in coordi- “Although the courses have a slightly different fo- "One Iraqi's experience with the entire United States nation with the Iraqi government to target terrorists cus, it shows the collaboration between the United of America is based on one meeting with one U.S. (ci- seeking to disrupt the security and stability of Iraq. States and Iraq in teaching and sharing values be- vilian) or service member." 1. Power strips are free of debris and clothing. Check CHUsdays 4. Smoke detector is operational. 2. Electrical devices not in use are unplugged. Each Tuesday check the 5. Fire extinguisher is serviceable (in the green). 3. Power strips and outlets are not overloaded. foll0wing in your CHU 6. Room is neat and orderly. PAGE 24 Ex p e d i t i o n a r y Ti m e s May 12, 2010 Phantom Support Spc. Robert L. Walker, Vidalia, La., resident, stares down the barrel of a M-240 Bravo in a tower as he scans the perimeter of the Vic- tory Base Complex for suspicious activity around the entry control point. Walker, origi- nally part of the 1086th Transportation Com- pany, volunteered to deploy with the Tiger Brigade’s 199th Brigade Support Battalion, 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang L. Tresa Army photo by Sgt. U.S. Sustainment Command (Expeditionary).

U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Lisa A. Cope Everything Skit, the H-6 praise dance team, perform a interpretive dance where- in a woman finds her way back to Jesus, during the Men’s Conference April 29 at Provider Chapel at Joint Base Balad, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang

U.S. Army photo by U.S. Photo by Spc. Amy L. Barber (Above) Louisiana National Guard Soldiers with the 256th Infantry Brigade Com- bat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) enjoy a day of fishing with Operation Catch Fish, III, hosted by Joe Mercurio, Sheli Sanders, Mary Del- gado and Gary Hain with special guests New Orleans Saints cheerleaders, the Saintsations. OCF came to Victory Base Complex in Baghdad, Iraq on April 28th, to entertain and boost the morale of Troops in theatre in support of Op- eration Iraqi Freedom. Tiger Brigade Soldier Sgt. 1st Class Jason M. Mendel, noncommissioned officer in charge of an entry control point, from Abbeville, New Orleans Saints cheerleaders and dancers, Jennifer Thomas and Erin Buxton, join Sol- La., tries to relax with his cigar while reeling in his catch of lake debris. diers with Louisiana’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) April 27 for physical training at Camp Victory, Iraq.

U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Kimberly Johnson Spc. Chad Watson, Headquarters Headquarters Detachment, 14th Transportation Battalion (Movement Control) out of Vicenza, Italy, and a Lenoir, N.C., native, gives a speech after receiving his promotion before the combat patch ceremony for the unit May 3 at the unit headquarters building.